The Reader’s Corner: February 2018
Love is in the air! Well, that’s usually the case are here when it comes to books, but maybe even more so this month with Valentine’s Day right around the corner this February. Take a look at the new releases I’ll be reading this along with the publishers’ description.
Click the image to purchase the book.
Her Unexpected Valentine (Bare Sophistication) by Sherelle Green – February 1, 2018
His rules of engagement
Miami’s steamy fashion and beauty scene is finally taking notice of Nicole LeBlanc. She’s just landed a coveted gig as lead makeup artist and hairstylist on a series of Valentine’s Day commercials being shot in Hollywood. And once she locks eyes with the seriously sexy creative director, she’s certain he could fulfill her own secret romantic fantasies. Too bad Kendrick Burrstone doesn’t do relationships, despite their over-the-top chemistry.
After being burned by love, Kendrick lives by two unbreakable rules: dodge Cupid’s arrow and never mix business with pleasure. But both on and off the set, Nicole’s fiery touch is tempting Kendrick to take another chance. Until a vindictive ex and a nasty extortion plot ignite a media frenzy that could end his rising career…and cost him the heart of the sweetest and most passionate woman he’s ever met.
Be My Forever Bride (The Kingsleys of Texas) by Martha Kennerson – February 1, 2018
He vowed to love and cherish her…
It was like something out of a fairy tale: being swept off her feet, then eloping with her one true love, Houston oil tycoon Brice Kingsley. Then a devastating diagnosis and a threat from her past forced Brooke Smith Kingsley to leave the man she loved. Now she has a chance to make things right, but only if she can keep her secret—and her distance—from her irresistible husband.
Though he couldn’t accept Brooke’s reasons for running away, Brice never gave up on her or their marriage. And with the beautiful tax attorney back in his life, reigniting passion stronger than before, he can’t bear to let her go ever again. Even as a revenge-seeking blackmailer schemes to bring down the Kingsley empire, Brice will fight for their future—a love that’s for now and forever.
On-Air Passion (The Clarks of Atlanta) by Lindsay Evans – February 1, 2018
Game on, Cupid
Basketball star Ahmed Clark’s wealth made him a target for money-grabbing groupies. He’s since left sports behind to become an Atlanta radio-show host—who is famously cynical about romance. But from the moment gorgeous, upbeat Elle Marshall goes on air to promote her business of creating perfect dates for couples, it’s a whole new ball game. And for the first time, he’s caught off guard.
Idealistic Elle believes in love, even if she has yet to experience it. She and Ahmed clash and sizzle over the airwaves—even more so when the station arranges a media-friendly Valentine’s date for them in response to irrefutable excitement from his audience. Elle’s passionate response to Ahmed’s touch spurs powerful mutual desire, until past hurt puts him on the defensive. Bringing his heart in play is the riskiest move Ahmed’s ever made, but it’s the only way to earn a shot at her love…
A Taste of Desire (Deliciously Dechamps) by Chloe Blake – February 1, 2018
Savor the seduction
The lush mountains of Brazil provide a stunning location for a business trip—or a wild, unexpected romance. International real estate agent Nicole Parks isn’t expecting the latter, but she’s quickly falling under the spell of incredibly handsome French vintner Destin Dechamps. The man is as delicious as the fine blends he creates. Yet he’s out to sabotage the deal that will guarantee her a promotion and the adoption she’s been longing for.
Destin lost both his wife and his career when his family winery burned down. Gradually he’s found meaning in a new plan—defy his father, keep the land and rebuild. He can’t afford to fantasize about a gorgeous Realtor who’s been hired to interrupt his scheme—even unknowingly. When a rainstorm traps them together, attraction spills over into intoxicating pleasure. With both their dreams in the balance, is there room for a sweet, intense fling to deepen into love?
Love Notes (Equilibrium Book 1) by Christina C. Jones – February 1, 2018
Love that says something, instead of just looking like it.
Love you can always trust to feel like home.
For both of them, it’s something that has always been just outside of their peripheral, something to be observed rather than experienced. A depth of feeling reserved for people who were “into” that, those with a different outlook, those more… deserving.
Until their paths cross.
Lines are crossed.
And maybe the stars are crossed too, because the connection and chemistry are so off the charts that they can’t stay away from each other, can’t avoid it… even if they think they should.
An American Marriage: A Novel by Tayari Jones – February 6, 2018
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.
This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward–with hope and pain–into the future.
The Follow 2: Blocked (The Follow Series) by Eliza David -February 16, 2018
“They say walking away from the one you love is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do…”
King Smith is blocked.
The R&B superstar’s latest project is producing the soundtrack for the book-to-film, Everything in the Stars. When the crooner hits a writer’s block, he links up with his former songwriting partner (and former lover) songstress Silk Matthews for inspiration. Soon, the two rekindle their creative spark and the sensual memories of their romance resurface.
Social media exec Shauna McIntyre supports her boyfriend King, but struggles with his reunion with Silk. King’s late nights at the studio with the sexy siren begin to take a toll on her. When tensions reach a fever pitch, Shauna finds comfort in an unlikely source: Everything in the Stars novelist Jake Vasquez.
This anticipated sequel to The Follow finds a love affair in peril. Will a shot at a hit song destroy King and Shauna’s love, forcing them to find solace in the arms of new (and old) loves?
BONUS CONTENT: The first chapter of the spin-off novella, The Lamar St. Jon Experience, is included.
A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole – February 27, 2018
From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .
Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.
Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.
The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?
Best Laid Plans (Madaris Family Saga) by Brenda Jackson – February 27, 2018
Love wasn’t supposed to be a part of the deal…
Even a famed matchmaker like Nolan Madaris’s great-grandmother can’t get it right every time. Nolan, the notorious fun-loving ladies’ man, could never connect with someone as straitlaced as tech whiz Ivy Chapman. Yet the scheme Ivy proposes is tempting—they can pretend to be a couple, just long enough to satisfy their families.
But someone forgot to clue in their hearts
What happens, though, when Ivy’s plan to get her relatives off her back has an unexpected side effect: getting her into Nolan’s bed? Houston’s number one womanizer may have found the only one who can truly satisfy him, body and soul. But with a man from Ivy’s past determined to be part of her future, both she and Nolan will have to decide what’s fake, what’s real and what’s worth fighting for…
Natalya is the author of All The Things I Never Said, a soul-stirring collection of short stories, prose and love letters for the soulful wanderers, the brokenhearted and the hopeless romantics.
You can follow her rantings and occasional sparks of brilliance on Twitter @NatalyaMuncuff.
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