Greetings, fair book friends and fiends! Alisha here, filling in for Anna this week. Now, it’s the last week of of the month, which can mean only thing: lots of awesome book releases, maybe even too many to name! But here are some of the BLIers’ top must-have picks for the week. Don’t mind our ogling, this week. There are some real winners in this bunch–check out what we can’t wait to get our hands on, from new Sci Fi series to paranormal romance dating services, down-home contemporaries to darkly humorous tales of death.

Ready? Here we go!

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Alisha: Perdition by Ann Aguirre

Dred Chronicles, #1

The prison ship Perdition, a floating city where the Conglomerate’s most dangerous criminals are confined for life, orbits endlessly around a barren asteroid.

Life inside is even more bleak. Hailed as the Dread Queen, inmate Dresdemona “Dred” Devos controls one of Perdition’s six territories, bordered on both sides by would-be kings eager to challenge her claim. Keeping them at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a steady influx of new recruits to replace the fallen. Survival is a constant battle, and death is the only escape.

Of the newest convicts, only one is worth Dred’s attention. The mercenary Jael, with his deadly gaze and attitude, may be the most dangerous criminal onboard. His combat skill could give her the edge she needs, if he doesn’t betray her first. Unfortunately, that’s what he does best. Winning Jael’s allegiance will be a challenge, but failure could be worse than death…

Could I be more excited about this new (spinoff) series from Ann Aguirre? I doubt it–the woman is a Sci Fi tour de force, and if she writes it, I want to read it.

. . .

Stella and Alisha: The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love by Erin Quinn

Beyond, #1

She cheated death…
All Roxanne Love has ever wanted is to be normal—marriage, kids, the life of June Cleaver. She tries to fit in but can’t conceal her ability to defy death–not from the world, not from the darkest creatures of the Beyond and not from the Reaper determined to destroy her. Now Roxanne is on the run, her only ally a compelling, dangerous detective with secrets of his own. Against her will, she’s drawn to his quiet strength and heated touch. But can she trust him with the truth?

…until she felt death’s kiss.
Incognito as guilt-ridden cop, Santo Castillo, the Reaper’s plan is simple: get close to Roxanne, uncover the secret of her immortality and cut it at the source. Yet with this borrowed body come emotions the Reaper hadn’t expected. Now nothing is clear but his conflicted desire to protect the woman he came to kill. As destiny forces them to face an enemy hell-bent on using Roxanne to wipe out all of mankind, she and Santo must choose between love….and salvation.

Alisha: Let’s forget for a moment that the title alone begs for exploration (intriguing, much?). The premise to this book sounds different; mysterious in the right way, but with a promise of being just the kind of PNR fare we all love.

Stella: I agree with Alisha, this one sounds promising and really intriguing! Would love to read it! 😀

. . .

Stella: The Trouble With Being a Duke by Sophie Barnes

Kingsborough Ball, #1

Sometimes happily ever after…
Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over…until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

…needs a little bit of help.
Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she’s found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she’s waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets…for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do…

So far I enjoyed Sophie Barnes’ previous books, they were always light-hearted fun stories, the kind of novels that make you smile and feel giggly. Sometimes those are just the kind of escapism I need.

. . .

Marlene: Alisha–about those Sunday Cravings, can I have one of each?

I’ll second Stella’s Sophie Barnes pick! And…

Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Parable, Montana, #5

Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn’t enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She’s over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head-over-boot-heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He’s come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist….

Zane didn’t come to Parable for love-but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy’s mind. Problem is, Brylee’s not convinced he’s here to stay. Good thing he’s determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she’s meant to be his bride.

The second book in the Parable series (Big Sky Mountain) we saw one groom leave a very disgruntled bride at the altar. That was his story. Big Sky Wedding is finally that bride’s story. And it’s about time!

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Cast in Sorrow by Michelle Sagara

Chronicles of Elantra #9

THE END OF HER JOURNEY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING…

The Barrani would be happy to see her die. So Kaylin Neya is a bit surprised by her safe arrival in the West March. Especially when enemies new and old surround her and those she would call friends are equally dangerous…

And then the real trouble starts. Kaylin’s assignment is to be a “harmoniste”-one who helps tell the truth behind a Barrani Recitation. But in a land where words are more effective than weapons, Kaylin’s duties are deadly. With the wrong phrase she could tear a people further asunder. And with the right ones…well, then she might be able to heal a blight on a race.

If only she understood the story…

Marlene: This is an awesome series if you love either urban fantasy or epic fantasy, especially if you like your heroines of the snarky persuasion. Kayline Neya alway punches above her weight. Always has, always will. Cast in Sorrow picks up in the middle of the journey begun in Cast in Peril, but this series has been marvelous from the beginning. I’ve been waiting a year for this!

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Immortally Ever After by Angie Fox

Monster M*A*S*H, #3

In The Heat Of Battle
The hard-won cease-fire between the battling immortals doesn’t last long. In the blink of an eye, human surgeon Dr. Petra Robichaud is back on the frontlines, and starring in yet another of the oracle’s prophesies. As the only healer who can talk to the dead, Petra doesn’t have much choice about her role—even when her breathtaking ex-lover shows up at exactly the wrong time…

Two Hearts Fight To Survive
Petra may have moved on when Commander Galen left her, but she never forgot him—and the passionate moments they shared. Seeing him again is a distraction she really doesn’t need with both armies honing new weapons, and wounded all over her M*A*S*H unit. But how can she resist him? It’s now or never for the demi-god Galen to become Petra’s mate…but with the fate of humanity at stake, will their desire be worth the cost?

Marlene: The first book (Immortally Yours) had both the heart and the snark of M*A*S*H along with a heartbreaking and yummy romance. And gods, monsters and mythic heroes. Oh MY! The second book (Immortally Embraced) did not live up to the first, but I have hopes that the third will end the series on a high note.

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Must Love Fangs by Jessica Sims

Midnight Liaisons, #3

Marie Bellavance has known for years that she’s going to die of the same incurable disease her mother did. That’s why she never dated and doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her. But now, as an employee of the paranormal dating agency Midnight Liaisons, she has a chance: if she can find someone to turn her into a supernatural creature, she’ll be cured!

Flirty were-cougar Joshua Russell has wanted standoffish Marie for his own, but she’s been off limits as a human. When he catches her sneaking away from a vampire date gone wrong, he steps in and offers his own services. As a vampire bodyguard, he’s able to tell her which men will be the perfect ones to date. But he’s secretly got a better plan in mind: if she wants to date the supernatural, a handsome were-cougar would be the best choice of all.

Marlene: Just the concept of a paranormal dating service is too funny for words. This entire series, starting with Beauty Dates the Beast, has been terrific fun and every story has also contained a sweet (and hot) romance. I just discovered there are a couple of novellas I missed and I’m off to buy them.

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The Hero by Robyn Carr
Thunder Point #3

In The Heat Of Battle
The hard-won cease-fire between the battling immortals doesn’t last long. In the blink of an eye, human surgeon Dr. Petra Robichaud is back on the frontlines, and starring in yet another of the oracle’s prophesies. As the only healer who can talk to the dead, Petra doesn’t have much choice about her role—even when her breathtaking ex-lover shows up at exactly the wrong time…

Two Hearts Fight To Survive
Petra may have moved on when Commander Galen left her, but she never forgot him—and the passionate moments they shared. Seeing him again is a distraction she really doesn’t need with both armies honing new weapons, and wounded all over her M*A*S*H unit. But how can she resist him? It’s now or never for the demi-god Galen to become Petra’s mate…but with the fate of humanity at stake, will their desire be worth the cost?

Marlene: The romance in some of the Thunder Point books has been understated, but I’m just plain in love with the damn town. If you love small town romance, you really can’t go wrong with this series! I love this place and I can’t wait to go back.

And in addition to all the romances coming out this week, two of my favorite mystery series will also have new titles this week! How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny, the 9th book in her award winning series about Chief Inspector Gamache, and A Question of Honor by Charles Todd, the 5th story about World War I nurse Bess Crawford. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you might enjoy the Crawford series.

. . .

What about YOUR Sunday Cravings? Which books that are published this week have you already pre-ordered?

About Alisha

Alisha, the bespectacled and ever nerdy California girl, simply won't leave home without a book in hand. She loves language learnin' and is working toward becoming a bonafide grammar ninja. On any given day you'll find her haunting local libraries or baking scores of cupcakes and sweet treats.

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