Night After Night

Night after Night is the 2^nd book in The Reliance Group series by Janelle Denison. From the author’s website. ~

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS…

The son of a con-artist, Sean O’Brien learned the hard way that living by your own rules comes with a price. After a brief time behind bars, Sean is now ready to live an honest life, and pay for his past mistakes. But even his gorgeous face and seductive charms can’t make up for his prison record…until a member of The Reliance Group sees Sean’s potential for good and gives him a job at the Onyx Casino.

WILL KEEP THEM COMING BACK FOR MORE…

Zoe Russo has met all types of men on the Vegas strip. But when Sean pays a visit to her casino boutique, she knows he’s in luck. They share an immediate, irresistible attraction, and for the first time in her life she’s found a man she thinks she can trust. But when Zoe stumbles onto the truth about Sean and his reasons for pursuing her, she can’t help but question his feelings for her. Is he for real, or has she been a fool for love? Until now, nothing has prepared her for the thrill, and risk, of gambling on love.

I've been a fan of Janelle Denison since I read one of her first Wilde books and was so excited when she announced her new series, The Reliance Group. I loved Into the Night, the first book in the series, and was very excited when Janelle was offering up ARCs of Night After Night one day on twitter. Of course I begged for one and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this story early.

As much as I loved the first book, Night After Night is even better. We saw a bit of Sean in Into the Night and I was drawn to his character, so I was really happy to see Night After Night was his book. Being not only the son of a con-artist, but a con-artist himself for a while, Sean is probably one of the best at working undercover…that is until he has to work undercover to help find the man who helped send his father to prison. He can handle finding Mr. Russo, but he doesn’t expect to be attracted to Zoe the minute he sees her. Keeping himself at a distance is pretty much impossible from day one.

Zoe must decide if she can forgive Sean when she finds out he was undercover and using her to find her father before he can tell her. Although she still has trust issues with Sean, Zoe does call Sean for help when she is in trouble. The attraction is very strong between Zoe and Sean, and they are explosive together once they finally give in to their attraction for one another. Zoe and Sean find they are also a really great team as they work together to find Zoe’s father. Sean even learns more about what happened between their fathers all those years ago.

There is also a secondary romance in this book  between Zoe’s best friend Jessica Morgan and her high school sweetheart Noah Young, who just happens to run Taboo, the night club at The Onyx and works with Sean.  Noah and Jessica are still in love today as much as they were when they were in high school. A trauma from Jessica’s past is what has been keeping them apart for years. I loved watching Jessica and Noah find one another again. There romance was every bit as fun and sexy as Sean’s and Zoe’s.

Night After Night is one of my favorite romantic suspense books I’ve read this year. I really like the members of The Reliance Group and am hoping we will get more books in this series in the future. Night After Night release date is October 4, 2011, and I’ll be buying my copy that day for my keeper shelf.

Dare Me

Dare Me is the latest novella release from Julie Leto, which was originally published in 2005 under the title Dare to Desire. From the author’s website.~

When faced with a choice between saving the world and reclaiming your one true love…why not take both?

Secret agent Macy Rush is on a mission: find the counter-code that will thwart an impending terrorist attack. But her operation goes from bad to worse when she discovers the New Orleans mansion she must search is now owned by rival spy Dante Burke—the man who betrayed her in the most intimate and destructive way.

As lead agent for The Arm, an elite, black-ops division of the CIA, Dante has already searched the house from top to bottom. Though he’s come up empty, Macy insists on checking for herself. Dante agrees—for a price. During the day, he’ll help her try to save the world. But at night, she will be his.

Dare Me is a fast-paced fun and sexy novella. I loved that Macy is such a strong and smart woman.  Although Dante appears to be pretty devious, I still found him to be super sexy in that secret agent/007 kind of way. Macy is forced to work with Dante again to try and save the world. She is allowed full access to search their current location during the day for a price…she will be his each and every night.

After so many years, Dante is full of surprises. Macy doesn’t know what to expect as Dante slowly seduces her. In fact, the slow seduction was hotter than if they had just jumped back into bed. Of course, saving the world must still be their priority no matter how much they want one another, and Macy must decide if she can trust Dante again after all these years. They ended their relationship based on a pretty big misunderstanding. Dante will have to be totally honest with Macy to keep them on the path to reconciliation.

I really loved Dare Me. It moved really fast and was full of smart characters. Dante and Macy are good together as agents and as a couple. Would love to see more stories from some of the secondary characters in the future.

New York to Dallas

New York to Dallas is the latest book in JD Robb’s best selling In Death series. From the inside cover flap.~

JD Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way back to the city that gave her her name-and take you deeper into the mid of Eve Dallas than ever before.

It was one of Eve Dallas’s earliest takedowns, back in her uniform days. A monster named Isaac McQueen had been abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. Thanks to Eve, he wound up where he belonged, removed from civilized society in Rikers. But he’s not behind bars anymore.

After his escape, McQueen has two things in mind. One is to take up where he left off, preying on the young and innocent-when necessary, with the help of a female partner, all too willing to be manipulated and to aid and abet his crimes. His other goal: to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago, now a high-profile lieutenant in the NYPSD and married to one of the city’s richest men.

Commanding Eve’s attention with a chilling and brazen crime, McQueen sets off the chase-forcing Eve down a road marked with blood and tears, a road that eventually leads southwest to Dallas, Texas, the home Eve fled long ago. And each new twist brings her closer to the harrowing memory of when she wasn’t a hardened detective but a vulnerable girl just like McQueen’s innocent prey. As her husband, Roarke, tries to rescue her from the nightmares that claw at her mind, and her partner, Peabody, doggedly works to support her, Eve must confront-and call upon-the darkest parts of her own soul in order to survive.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the In Death series is one of my most favorite series ever! There have been a few of the books that I didn’t love, but overall I love the series. There have been a couple of books in the series that never really connected for me. That being said, New York to Dallas was a winner to me. I felt like Robb went back to her old school ways with this book.

Eve Dallas is forced to re-visit her past in New York to Dallas, and there is nothing her husband Roarke can do to protect her this time. I really think NYTD was the most intense book in this series to date. Eve is taken back to her very first takedown from when she was in uniform. The McQueen takedown is the one that got her started on the path to detective. Now McQueen has escaped from prison and he wants Eve to be his grand prize. Of course, first he must start up his collection of young girls, and he once again has an older woman to help him kidnap those young girls.

With Eve’s past, I knew going back to Dallas would make for a very emotional journey. Being in Dallas again always brings back memories for Eve, and it doesn’t help that McQueen kidnaps and rapes young girls. There is huge revelation for Eve while she is in Dallas. I totally saw it coming, but it still was extremely emotional to read. Luckily, Roarke knows his wife and has Dr. Mira come to Dallas to help Eve through this latest ordeal.  We didn’t get to see Peabody and Feeny as much with this book, but they were still in the background through much of the book. I liked many of the cops Eve worked with in Dallas, but was very happy once the case was over and they were heading back to New York.

I was very scared that by changing the book name from an “In Death” book to New York to Dallas might mean the end of the series. I’m really glad to say this isn’t the end of the series. Was a great next book in the series and probably one of the most emotional books I’ve read in this series.  Next up in the series is “Chaos in Death” novella set to be released in October.

Bad Boys Do

Bad Boys Do is the 2^nd book in The Donovan Brothers Brewery series by Victoria Dahl. From the author’s website.~

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. That’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. And with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble – in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan – may be too tempting to avoid.

 Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. But it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong.

I requested Bad Boys Do from NetGalley and was so excited when I received notification I was approved for an ARC. We first met Jamie and the rest of the Donovan clan in Good Girls Don’t. Jamie intrigued me from the first, but couldn’t really say why until I read his story.

I loved Olivia from the first minute we met her. I could so totally relate to her as I admit I’m a total geek and saw a little of myself in her. I’ve never been really comfortable around guys, especially guys as sexy as Jamie. I loved that Olivia was ready to do pretty much anything and everything to turn her life from safe to fun. Which of course is where Jamie comes in to the picture. Jamie is all about the fun. In fact, his own family still treats him like he is still an irresponsible kid for the most part. I hate to use the phrase they completed each other, but they really did. Jamie brought out the fun in Olivia and that helped her to be more confident in herself. Olivia helped Jamie with getting organized in business which allowed him to finally stand up for himself with his family. Olivia and Jamie are attracted to one another from their first meeting. They were so hot together and I was cheering them on from the first.

I also really loved the friendship between Olivia and Gwen. It was nice to see women who work together become friends, even when the women are so different from one another. Loved that Olivia and Gwen talked about men just like my friends and I talk about men.

Now, I’ve never been a fan of how Eric treats Jamie. I don’t care if you are the oldest sibling, you eventually have to see your younger sibs as adults. Jamie isn’t without fault in this situation. He has allowed Eric to continue to treat him as the kid brother. Jamie is the middle child in the family, and the second son. As the middle child, I understand being in the shadow of an older sibling. However, at some point you have to let the birth order thing go and move on. In fact, once Jamie finally stands up for himself, I think his family, especially Eric, finally saw him for who he really is.

I’m a big fan of Victoria Dahl and really enjoyed Bad Boys Do. I’ll buy my keeper shelf copy on the release date, which is 9/29/11.

Storm's Heart

Storm’s Heart is the second book in The Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. From the back cover.~

He’s a Wyr warrior, and god of storms. She’s the heir to the Dark Fae thrown. But desire will bring both to their knees in this all-new Novel of the Elder Races.

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle “Tricks” Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle’s death, there are those who don’t want to see her ascend to the thrown…

Able to wield thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr’s best weapons. And he’s the one sent to protect Tricks when she’s almost assassinated in Chicago.

Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them-a passion that will shake the very foundations of all the worlds…

Dragon Bound is the first book in this series and it is still one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I’d even go as far as to say it’s my favorite paranormal romance I’ve read this year. So Storm’s Heart already had a great deal to live up to for me. That being said, I loved Tricks from the time we got to spend with her in Dragon Bound and was really excited to get her book.

I really liked Storm’s Heart. We learn Tricks’ real name is Naniane Lorelle, but no matter how often others call her Naniane, I still think of her as Tricks, and love learning more about her. Also, from the very beginning, it is obvious Tiago will do everything within his power to keep Tricks safe. Tiago proves he is capable of protecting Tricks from the multiple attempts on her life in Chicago. Yes, he does make a few mistakes along the way, but he doesn’t give up. We get to spend more time with some of the Wyr sentinels, meet many new faces of the Dark Fae, and even spend time with Vampyre Queen Carling. There are more battles and action packed scenes in this book, and at times the action had me on the edge of my seat.

I think Tiago and Tricks are so perfect for one another. Bother are such strong individuals and when they finally give in to their feelings for one another, it’s explosive. In fact, Tiago and Tricks were down-right HOT together. I did figure out who was behind all the attempts on Tricks’ life before it was revealed and really hated that a couple of new characters were killed in the final battle. However, I really liked everything else about this book and can’t wait to read Serpent’s Kiss, the 3^rd book in The Elder Races series, which is scheduled for release on October 4, 2011. Now, I’ll buy my copy for my keeper shelf on that day, but I get to read it early thanks to a friend who has loaned me her early copy.

Weight Watchers Update

Sorry I haven't posted any updates on my Weight Watchers journey in the last few weeks. I've had some ups and downs, but am happy to say I've lost a total of 10 pounds as of today. The heat has been an issue for my running, but now that we are starting to get a taste of fall temps, I'll be better about getting outside to run/walk. I have used my elliptical some, but found I don't really like it as much as I like running/walking outside.

I've been pretty happy with my food choices over the past few weeks. Luckily, I love some veggies and can always go to those for meals when I feel like I've fallen off the healthy food wagon. I have picked up dinner a few time over the last few weeks rather than fixing my fresh veggies, but have decided to put a stop to that until after my Vegas trip. I need to get back to my training and I'm not doing that if I'm eating the wrong food.

I'm going to run/walk a 5k while in Vegas with my friends. Two of they will have rock star times, and my goal is to run at least half of the total race. I'm still hoping to run the entire 5k at the end of October on my 40th birthday, so figure this will help to get me going.

Hunted by the Others

Hunted by the Others is the first book in the H & W Investigations series by Jess Haines. From the author’s website.~

They are the Others—the vampires, mages, and werewolves once thought to exist only in our imaginations. Now they’re stepping out of the shadows, and nothing in our world will ever be the same again…

In a Town Like This, Being A P.I. Can Be Murder 

Shiarra Waynest’s detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm—if it doesn’t kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York’s most powerful vampires.

As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend—a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing—and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren’t always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil—whether she likes it or not…

I downloaded Hunted by the Others when it was free on Amazon back in January. I had seen many people talking about the series and moved it up in my ever-growing TBR pile when I was contacted about posting a review on my blog (I don’t know if it happens to anyone else, but I seem to lose books on my ever-growing TBR list of ebooks).

For me, Hunted by the Others moved a little slow at first. However, once it picked up, I was hooked and really enjoyed the story. I’m a pretty big fan of paranormal romances/urban fantasy books and I love the combo of vampires, magic and werewolves.

Shi and her best friend Sara run and own H&W Investigations. Unknown to Shia, Sara has been feeding her money into the business to keep it going. The contract Shia takes with The Circle could turn their business around and finally get them into the black. However, when an offers seems too good to be true, it probably is, especially when you aren’t given all the facts up front. Said contract brings Shia directly in contact with super powerful and sexy vamp Alec Royce, who has the item The Circle wants. Ws also meet The White Hats, who as a group are trying to rid the world of all supernaturals. Add in Shia’s ex-boyfriend Chaz, who didn’t let her know he was a werewolf until he shifted in her living room and Arnold, a super geeky mage, and we have our cast of main characters.

Now I have to admit, vampires are probably my favorite of the supernatural elements. Probably because they were the first group I read about when I first tried paranormal romances (thank you JR Ward). So, I really loved Alec Royce from the very beginning, and think there is so much more to his character than what we were shown in the first book. I seem to have a thing for the bad-boy vamps, or at least those vamps that seem like bad boys. ;) I have to say Jess builds a great cast of characters and I can honestly say I loved something about each of them, but Shia, Sara, and Royce are my favorites.

I love the action and felt the storyline was strong through the entire book. I was sent a copy of Taken by the Others, the 2^nd book in the H&W series from the author and hope to get my post on it up soon. Also, thanks to Borders going out of business (makes me very sad, but I still bought tons of books), I was able to get a great deal on Deceived by the Others and add it to my ever growing TBR list. 

Jess is currently on deadline, but I will be hosting her on my blog later this year. 

Envy Book Signing with JR Ward

***SPOILERS BELOW***SPOILERS BELOW***

Anyone who has stopped by my blog knows I love JR Ward’s books. I also really love going to see JR at her book signings. Haven’t missed but 1 (Covet) in the last 3-4 years. I went to the book signing with one person who had never read Ward and one person who is pretty new to Ward. This book signing took place in Cincinnati, Ohio at one of the B&N stores, and I wondered if Ward would censor herself any. That question was answered when she dropped the F-bomb within about 2 minutes of talking to the crowd…LOL. Now usually I go to the book signings with my cousins and one takes notes while I record the chat (audio only), but I was on my own with the note taking this time, but know I didn’t miss anything major. FYI, this post is full of spoilers about the Fallen Angel series. In fact, this was the first time I was at a Ward book signing without finishing the book and the first question is a spoiler. Read only if you don’t mind spoilers. 

***YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED***

Did Devina cheat with Eddie? She did not cheat this time.

Is there a return of Eddie? Hope yes.

Do you have authors or other inspiration for writing? Wrath was the first word out of her mouth. Then said no other authors inspire her. She is a writer and must write each and every day.

What will Mary & Rhage’s child be? A girl. Can’t you just see when she starts dating and Daddy’s dragon tries to eat her dates.

How many BDB books will you write? Will write as many books as her readers will continue to buy.

There will be an awesome new male introduced in Lover Reborn named “Asail” (not sure of spelling, but probably needs an “h” put in it somewhere).

Muhrder will get his own book (she has said this before at other book signings)

She has written Mary & Rhage’s novella, but still needs to write Beth & Wrath’s. Can’t finish until she finishes Tohr’s book. No date yet for the novellas to be published.

Is Wrath white or African American? 1^st he isn’t a human, nor is he or any of the brothers pasty-ass white boys. They are tanned skinned, so not white or black (I picture Latin-American coloring based on her statement).

Will Butch & V ever be together? Who says they haven’t already been together and we don’t know about it (she even laughed and said this will show up on the internet).

TEAM QHUAY!!!

She said it needs to be next after Tohr’s book. 2 things have to happen in Tohr’s book to set it up – Team Qhuay won’t be happy with one of the things that happens. Both must happen for their book to be ready. FYI, this is the first time she called it a book rather than a novella. Not sure if that means we get an actual book, but kind of makes me wonder…

Will we see more cross-over between BDB/Angel series? They will be in Caldwell from now on, so very possible to see cameos from each series.

What is dog? Answer to dog is in dog.

Zsadist is her favorite character.

Will Jim get a happy ending? Yes he will.

Score is tied 1-1 after Crave. How did Jim lose? He tried to help the wrong guy.

When will Nalla find out about Zsadist’s history and what will be her reaction? She will read about it. This will throw Z back into the world of the Mistress again. Will always worry about how Nalla sees him now. Also how any male she would mate with would see him. Never gave a total answer about Nalla’s reaction, but seemed like it wouldn’t be good.

Will Trez & iAm get their own books? Also asked about future threesomes. Yes they will get books. We have not met iAm’s mate yet. Would not comment on future threesomes. We will see more of Trez & iAm in future books.

Tohr’s new mate is No’ One. Very long book and will be broken up into 4 sections – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Tohr is not ready for a new mate yet, so takes some time for him to be ready for a new mate. ***Will need lots of Kleenex for this book***

Lassiter will be seen a lot in Tohr’s book.

Payne & Manny’s book and Tohr’s book were happening at the same time. There was much overlapping in action that occurred, so Payne & Manny’s book focused mostly on them. Tohr’s book will have more focus on the brothers. Will see more of the brothers together in Tohr’s book. Tohr is the last original brother.

How did you pick a dragon for Rhage? When she first saw Rhage he took off his shirt & she saw the dragon tattoo moving on his back.

Devina & Adrian thing – She is a parasite and she is in Adrian. Must keep reading to find out if she get Adrian.

Will Layla ever have sex? (she actually dropped the microphone with this question) Yes and you won’t like who it is with (my guess is Qhuinn).

Who is next for Fallen Angel series? You will know at the end of Envy.

Will we see more of Scribe Virgin? Lash? We will see more of the Scribe Virgin. She hates Lash with a passion and he is such a shit. Answer to Lash was at the end of Lover Mine.

What would it take to have the BDB to move to movie/mini-series (HBO)? Has to be the right situation.  Her concern and focus will always be the books.

What will happen with Sissy? Jim will save her.

Brothers will start training again. Must have families return to Caldwell first.

Will we see more of the Sympaths in the future? Most likely will help with battle between Wrath & Xcore & his band of bastards.

Wrath will never get his eyesight back. (she has said this at many book signings)

Lassiter & the Brothers hate each other. Lassiter is a dick. However, we will see another side of Lassiter in Tohr’s book.

How did she pick Brother’s music? JR listens to rap & hip/hop.

Was questioned about Jane forgiving V so quickly in Lover Unleashed. Jane knew who/what V was when she decided to be with him. In fact, she was pretty defensive of Jane’s choice. Jane knew V was a Dom and had to accept him for who he is from the very beginning.

What is her favorite book? One she is currently writing.

Will we see Qhuinn’s brother again? Yes and she said the line “might be a Lessor” a couple of times.

No’One’s name will be revealed in Tohr’s book.

Asked if No’One is Throe’s sister? No answer given, but seemed like a yes based on body language.

What about the Omega? He has been very quiet in the books, but not quiet for what is going on. I’m guessing we will see more of him in Tohr’s book.

Tohr’s book will be at least 700 pages. She is about half way through it now.

Question about Qhuinn’s piercings. He took them out while he is working to redefine himself. Some piercings have not been taken out. Others will return once he leaves his unhappy place

.

Would we ever get a prequel for Darius? Most likely no since there is no happy ending.

Does Layla losing her virginity have anything to do with Qhuinn’s vision? Big no answer, but again I will guess yes based on body language.

I did my best to get all the major questions put out there for everyone. If anyone has any other questions, post in the comments and I'll see if I have any other notes. I was told by one of her entourage that they would be back in Radcliff for a book signing in the future. Loved going to B&N with friends, but missed seeing all my Radcliff friends at the signing.

Additional information from the signing http://obscuredvixen.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/jr-ward-book-signing-recap/.

Welcome Carly Phillips

To celebrate the 9/6/11 release of Serendipity, I was lucky enough to get Carly to answer a few questions about the series.

I love the town of Serendipity. Is it based on a real town?

CP: Serendipity is a figment of my imagination except that I live in a town that is the same forty minutes outside of New York City.  Like most of my books that are set in fictional north east towns, there are elements that are drawn from places I’ve been or things I’ve seen or experienced.

Do you feel like each of the books in the series can be viewed as stand-alone books or do they need to be read in order?

CP: The romance in each of the books can be viewed as stand alone.  The conflict and the  brothers pasts carry over from book to book but I do my best to give an overview in each story without  boring the reader who has already read and experienced the information in prior books.  I always recommend readers start with the first book and go in order but if a reader happens to pick up a later book in the series I am sure they can keep up!

I love each of the Barron brothers. Do you have a favorite?

CP: Really? You want me to answer that? Each brother owns a piece of my heart.  Seriously.  Though currently as I’m writing him, Dare is pretty darn special.  Then again, so was Ethan, as was Nash …

Do you see any of the secondary characters from Serendipity getting their own book in the future?

CP: Absolutely! I hope to continue in Serendipity and go forward with characters readers have met and already come to know.  No specific plans yet but I hope to have a more definitive answer in the Fall.

Will Tess play a role in both Nash’s and Dare’s stories?

CP: Tess will most certainly play a role in each subsequent brother’s book.  Nash and Tess have a lot of work to do in forging a relationship and with Ethan and Faith on their honeymoon as book 2 starts, Kelly is in charge.  Which means if Nash wants to spend time with his new sister, he has to also go through Kelly to do it.  As for Dare’s story, Tess isn’t as prominent in the beginning although we do see her but by the end, she plays a pivotal role in helping Dare get over his past.

What is up next for you after Destiny (Nash’s book) and Karma (Dare’s book)?

CP: I’m honestly not 100% sure! Karma is due September 1 just a week before Serendipity is released, so I’m sure there will be serious conversations right after I hand in the story.  I’d always like to hear what readers would most want to see next, whose story they want, etc.  So feel free to let me know!

Carly Phillips is the New York Times Bestselling author of over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and plotlines that today’s readers identify with and enjoy.  Carly is a stay at home mom of 2 daughters (now almost old enough to read her books!), one soft coated wheaten terrier and a brand new Havanese puppy.  She’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.  More information on Carly can be found at www.carlyphillips.com.  Around the web you can also find Carly at:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Blog: www.plotmonkeys.com 

Serendipity

I was lucky enough to read and ARC from NetGalley (thanks Carly) of Serendipity. From the author’s website.~

New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents the first in a delightful new series about a quaint upstate New York town where love, fate and fortune are intertwined …

Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.

Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.

Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …

Carly Phillips gives her readers another winner with Serendipity. I fell for Ethan from the start. He is a bit of a smart ass, but really has a heart of gold. He still carries guilt for mistakes he made as a teenager, especially how it affected his brothers Nash and Dare. When half-sister Tess is dropped at his house, Ethan has yet another person to feel guilty about.

Faith has never really had control of her life. She went from her parent's house pretty much to her husband's house, and has decided to finally step out of her shell and take control of her own life. Of course she meets Ethan again pretty much the first day she comes home to Serendipity. There is still something there between them that hasn’t gone away since high school.  When Ethan hires her to help decorate her childhood home, the sexual tension continues to build. Not even the arrival of Ethan’s half sister can put a complete damper on their attraction.

Carly also gives us some amazing supporting characters with this new series. Ethan’s brothers Nash and Dare are pretty much butt heads to Ethan when he first comes back. Both thaw a bit towards him as the book progresses, Dare more so than Nash. Really just makes me want to know more about each of these men.  Can’t wait to see what happens to Faith’s best friend Kate, her friends April and Lissa, and her ex-boyfriend Nick in future books.

The town of Serendipity kind of reminds me of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River. As I met each new character, I couldn’t wait to read his or her story. The actual release date for Serendipity is Tuesday, September 6, 2011. I suggest everyone run to their nearest bookstore or favorite on-line retailer and get your copy on Tuesday! The next book in the Serendipity series is Destiny and it is currently set for release in January  2012.