Spring is in the air

Once Spring arrives, the mood in the air changes. You see more smiling faces and hear more laughter. The library offers multiple kinds of books to keep you in good spirits. Whether you are looking for true stories, fictional adventures, or just plain, old romance, then the library is the place to be-either in person or digitally.

Some great reads for true story lovers are:

Oogy: the Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin--a tale about a puppy that endured so much and the family who loved him unconditionally.

The Secret History of Jane Eyre by John Pfordresher--follows how the author Charlotte Bronte wrote her classic novel and concealed that fact from her closest friends so as not to reveal her own personal struggles.

We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson--inspires women to use practical, spiritual, and psychological tools to create a more fulfilling life.










For you fiction lovers:

We were the lucky ones by Georgia Hunter--a novel based on a true story of a Jewish family in Poland that were scattered throughout the world by WWII and their quest to find each other.

All Grown Up by Jamie Attenberg--is about an alcoholic designer that hides her unhappiness and anxiety from her family and friends until a newborn's illness forces them to re-evaluate their lives.

The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova--follows an American tourist in Bulgaria and her efforts to return a mysterious package to the family she shared a cab with.










And finally, for those of you who feel romance in the air:

The Undateable by Sarah Title--is a fun tale about an "undateable" librarian who agrees to let a reporter find her "perfect match".

Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shavis--follows a guy unwilling to commit to his girl but who sabotages her dates with others.

Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh--is about a woman who leaves London to teach at an orphanage and the artist who awakens something new in her.











So open your mind and try a different genre this Spring. You never know, you might like it.

Great "New Adult" Fiction Novels

If you enjoy reading new adult (NA) fiction you have to try these novels. New Adult fiction features protagonists who are between the ages of 18 and 30. The novels explore young adults firsts which may include moving out, going to college, their first romance or joining the military. No matter which situation is being explored there is usually a romance tied in.

Note some NA fiction novels are very explicit. Not all NA novels are filled with sexually explicit scenes but several are. I encourage readers to think of New Adult Fiction as adult novels with strong crossover appeal for older young adults. 

NA Fantasy

Cursed by Jennifer Armentrout
This is a paranormal mystery, romance and suspense filled New Adult fiction novel. Ember Williams has the touch of death. After her father is killed in a car accident her sister, Olivia brings Ember back to life. When life begins to spin out of control Olivia and Ember are coerced into moving to a new town, new school and new home. 

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Mare Barrow is a commoner until she finds latent magic within her. It leads her into the dangerous territory--the King's Palace. Here she must learn to trust a prince, but which one will she choose.

Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Magic, adventure mystery, and romance combine in this epic debut in which a young princess must reclaim her dead mother's throne, learn to be a ruler and defeat the Red Queen, a powerful and malevolent sorceress who is determined to destroy her.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sara Maas
When Huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature demands retribution. He takes Feyre to Faery where she learns her abductor is one of the ancient fae. As her hostility transforms to caring Feyre finds an ancient evil shadow, and if she cannot stop it Tamlin, her abductor and his world are doomed forever. 

NA Romance

Confess by Colleen Hoover
Auburn Reed fell in love at 15. Her boyfriend died after a long illness and his family sent her away not believing she truly loved him. However she has living proof of their love and she'll do anything to hold onto it.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
This is a refreshing, romantic hilarious story of unexpected love. Hannah needs to make her crush jealous. Garrett needs to raise his GPA. He gets a tutor and she gets a date, until an unexpected kiss makes Garrett think of forever. Now he has to convince Hannah. 

Deep by Kylie Scott
Readers who enjoy whirlwind romances with plenty of sex and laugh out loud humor will love this contemporary romance.

Capture by Rachel Van Dyken
Losing your ability to speak at seventeen is not fair.  Dani's new normal is being a mute, who lives on the inside and is unable to actually communicate verbally with others.  After the accident she also lost all her high school friends. Life is good just lonely, until Lincoln Green hires her. He's gorgeous, completely unavailable and unobtainable. But that doesn't stop her from wondering...if things were different..would he want her?

If you would like to find more NA fiction novels visit Washington-Centerville Public Library and check out our New Adult Fiction Booklist.

Best 2015 Romance Fiction Award Finalists

You may wonder what is so fantastic about finalists for the RITA Awards. Let me begin by telling you that the Romance Writers of America (RWA) is the trade association for aspiring and published romance fiction authors. They choose amazing fiction romance novels and their award, The RITA, is the highest award of distinction in romance fiction. If you enjoy romance novels and are looking for a great book, try one of these novels! I have highlighted a few finalists for the RITA Awards below.  

If you would like a complete listing of finalists click here. The RITA Award winners will be announced July 25, 2015 in New York. Here's to a great story with a wonderful feel good ending.

Best First Book
The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander
For Such A Time by Kate Breslin
Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev
To Scotland with Love by Patience Griffin
Mind Sweeper by AE Jones

Contemporary Romance Long
Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan 
To Scotland with Love by Patience Griffin
It's In His Kiss by Jill Shavis
Somebody Like You byBeth Vogt
The Sweetest September by Liz Talley

Inspirational Romance Finalists
Huckleberry Summer by Jennifer Beckstrand
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
Deceived by Irene Hannon
Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie
The Widow's Suitor by Rose Ross Zediker

Historical Romance Fiction
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
In Bed With a Rogue by Samantha Grace
Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee

Romantic Suspense Fiction
You're Not Safe by Mary Burton
Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane
Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy
Grave Danger by Katy Lee
Concealed in Death by J D Robb

Discover the Romance of the American West

According to Stuart Rosebrook of "True West Magazine", "the definition of the Old West is changing and moving further and further into the 20th century.  The three genres that are growing every year in Westerns are Mystery, Romance, and Frontier, all of which are pushing their heroes and heroines well into the 21st century."

Try some great romantic Western novels:

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson--leaving an abusive husband, Amanda and her six-year-old daughter move to Mystic Creek, Oregon to make a fresh start.

Painted Horses by Malcolm Brooks--a young woman's quest to tame a wild landscape in the 1950's American West.

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble--during the recently-ended Civil War, Sarah discovers her betrothed has been keeping a devastating secret.

A Bride for Noah by Lori Copeland--it's 1851 and Evie is penniless and heartbroken so she travels west to start a new life.

Texas True by Janet Dailey--widowed Natalie never forgot the cowboy who got away.  But battle-scarred Beau is back.  Can they forget the past and love again?

A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick--three spirited women: a freed slave, a settler's wife, and a Kalapuya Indian travel the dangerous Oregon Trail.

Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller--first in this series about men and women of small-town but big-sky Montana.

Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson--adventure and romance in early Seattle, Washington.

Fifty Shades of Grey Read-a-Likes

Read-a-like is library speak for a book or series that shares a commonality with another book that may appeal to the same reader. The book may have a similar tone, setting, characterization style or similar plot. A good read-a-like connects the elements a reader enjoys in a story with a new author or different book. For instance if you enjoy reading books written by  Robyn Carr, books which are compelling and have a heart-warming romance you will probably enjoy books by Merline Lovelace. If you enjoy light, breezy and upbeat romance novels that delve into adult human emotions and have a touch of sexuality you will likely enjoy novels by Susan Mallery or Jennifer Crusie. Although these novels often touch on serious subjects they possess a positive heart-warming feel.  

If you are like the myriad of readers who have enjoyed the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, here is a list of novels that have become quite popular since the interest in scandalous and titillating novels has grown. 

Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks
Police officer Gray Montgomery is searching for his partners killer. He finds a link between the killer and Faith, a beautiful stranger and decides if he has to get close to her to catch the killer, he will. 

Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Another beautiful and conflicted couple deal with their past history of sexual abuse as they strive toward 'normalcy'. "Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each others most private wounds and... desires."

Pleasure by Eric Jerome Dickey
Nia Simone Bijou 'has it all except the one thing which will give her the control she craves and the power she deserves: absolute, uninhibited sexual satisfaction.'

Never Too Much by Lori Foster
This contemporary erotic romance is smart playful and extremely sexy. Ben Baldwin sets his sites on Sierra Murphy when she pulls up to his restaurant. She rebuffs his advances and the chase is on, but Ben never expects he will fall in love.


A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton
Meet Merry Gentry paranormal P.I. and Fae Princess. Enter a dazzling world full of danger, mystery and magic, when the Dark Queen sends her Darkness to bring Meredith back to the Fae.

Dangerous Pleasure by Lora Leigh
Abram el Hamid Mustafa has always appreciated Paige Galbraithe. She has been a constant source of comfort to him in his dark world. When his father kidnaps Paige, Abram must find the courage to save her as their secret dangerous desire pulls them together, while other forces try to tear them apart.

Never the Face by Ariel Sands 
The heroine in this story remains nameless throughout the book, but she is dissatisfied with love, bored with sex; in her experience all lovers are predictably dull,... until she rekindles a relationship with her old flame. 

Westerns Are Not Dead--Part 2

Last time we highlighted some western novels including award-winners, historical novels, and a few other different types.


We want to again point out that the western is nowhere near dead and authors continue to create new and diverse stories for every type of reader.


So, try one of the following and saddle up with a great book!


James Carlos Blake--Country of Bad Wolves (Mystery/Crime)


Thomas Cobb--With Blood in Their Eyes (Mystery/Crime)


Sandra Dallas--Fallen Women (Romance)




Rob DeBorde--Portlandtown: a Tale of the Oregon Wyldes (Zombies)




Loren D. Estleman--The Adventures of Johnny Vermillion (Mystery/Crime)




Jo Goodman--The Last Renegade (Romance)




Anne Hillerman--Spider Woman's Daughter (Award-Winning Mystery)




Diana Palmer--Protector (Romance)




Cherie Priest--Dreadnought (Steampunk)


Mike Resnick--The Buntline Special (Weird West)


Michael P. Spradlin--Blood Riders (Western horror)


Let us know what you think!  What's your favorite western story?

Best Romances You Didn't Know You Loved

The reality is you may already read alternate reality romance novels--but are unaware this is a sub genre of romance you thoroughly enjoy.  You may ask yourself how is this possible, but let me drop a few names and let's see if you are an alternate reality romance reader. Do you enjoy books by Nora Roberts, JD Robb, Jayne Castle, Susan Krinard, Kresley Cole, Heather Graham, Jude Deveraux, Kay Hooper, Sherrilyn Kenyon or Debbie Macomber? If you answered, "Yes."  than chances are you enjoy alternate reality romances.

Simply put, alternate reality romance novels include novels that have a touch of the supernatural, fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, time travel, magic, ghosts, angels, shape shifters, vampires and many others. This genre is a huge compilation of romance novels that don't really fit into one of the mainstream genres (like contemporary, historical or suspense fiction).

If you are looking for a good romance and enjoy fantasy novels try...

Fantasy Romance

The Lost Continent Series by Catherine Asaro
This engaging romantic fantasy series is set in the magical world of Aronsdale and the surrounding kingdoms. If you enjoy fantasy novels or romance this series will be one you enjoy.

The Forest Lord by Susan Krinard 
A historical fantasy series that is set during the 19th century. The story revolves around the Fane and his relationship with humans and his ancient race.

Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms  series by Mercedes Lackey
In a world where everyone has a prescribed role, the Tradition attempts to keep everyone on track. This is a funny light-hearted, magical series that incorporates a version of the fair folk.

Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts
When the evil vampire queen turns Cian into a vampire and his brother is unable to save him. The 12th century sorcerer Hoyt Mac Cionaoith is charged by the goddess Morrigan to gather the circle of six from different times and places to defeat the evil queen's plot to rid the world of humans.

Futuristic Romance-
If you enjoy science fiction novels you may enjoy a futuristic romance novel.

After Dark (Ghost Hunter Series) by Jayne Castle
Harmony was settled by explorers from Earth who were cut off when the energy curtain suddenly closed. In this land of dangerous intrigue, locating hidden  ruins and intriguing alien plant life can bring the finder riches and power.  Para-archeologist Lydia Smith is one of the best at her job. Hired by Emmett London to find a missing family heirloom what she finds are dead bodies, ghosts, dangerous illusion traps and a few romantic sparks. 

HeartMate (Celta's HeartMate Series) by Robin D. Owens
Winner of the Rita award this novel tells the story of Rand T'Ash as he rebuilds his family's empire, restores his house to power and searches for his HeartMate. Once he finds her he must convince her that she is destined to be with him.

In Death Series by J.D. Robb
Although this series holds more mystery and suspense than romance, this series will keep you turning pages as you strive alongside Lt. Eve Dallas to solve murders that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Her team of detectives and her handsome love interest round out these stories with humor and passion.

Paranormal Romance-if you enjoy things supernatural or events that are unexplained by natural causes chances are you will like paranormal romances. The setting can be historical or contemporary.

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals after Dark Series) by Kresley Cole
Lachlan the leader of a werewolf clan searches for his mate. He finds her in a surprising place. Emmaline is half vampire, half Valkyrie searching for answers she stumbles upon Lachlan and he takes her to his Scottish castle. Can they overcome their past and find the strength to fight an ancient foe.

Forever (Forever Trilogy) by Jude Deveraux
A psychic heroine and a man delving into the mysteries of his past find love, separation and sinister danger. This trilogy features the Montgomery clan.

Dark Prince Series by Christine Feehan
The Carpathians find new hope when their leader discovers that his life mate is a telepathic American woman visiting their remote mountain region. This sensual and absorbing story of an independent beauty who tames a terrifying but smitten beast, while his people face annihilation from vampire hunters, hidden enemies, and their own failure to procreate will keep you turning pages.

Haunted by Heather Graham
The highly skeptical owner of a pre-Revolutionary Era estate that is said to be haunted calls in an investigation firm noted for its work with the supernatural, and is both irritated and attracted to the lovely psychic investigator who discovers not all the threats are from the dead.

Stealing Shadows (Shadows Trilogy) by Kay Hooper
Psychic Cassie Neill finds she cannot escape her destiny. She can enter a madman's mind as he plans a crime. She can't change what he does but she can alert the police. When the police won't listen she asks Judge Ben Ryan to intervene. When her claims that a murder is about to take place prove true, the town sheriff grudgingly accepts her help to stop a serial killer.

Night Pleasures (Dark Hunter Series) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Dark-Hunters are ancient warriors who have sworn to protect mankind. The fate of the world is in their hands. Kyrian of Thrace is solitude and darkness. He is the ruler of the night. Yet Kyrian has just woken up handcuffed to his worst nightmare: an accountant. Worse, she's being hunted by one of the most lethal vampires out there. And if Amanda Devereaux goes down, then he does too.

A Season of Angels (Christmas Angel Series) by Debbie Macomber
These Christmas fantasies feature the loving, yet crazy antics of Shirley, Goodness and Mercy the prayer ambassadors. These angels set out to answer prayers but always add their own twist to the answers.  Beautiful, funny and warm hearted stories that are sure to please.

Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney
Love and magic prove to be comfortable bedfellows in this enchanting mid-18th-century romance. Gwynne Owen thinks she is giftless until a kiss from Duncan Macrae proves her wrong.

Blue Dahlia (In the Garden Trilogy) by Nora Roberts
Stella Rothchild moves to southern Tennessee, hoping to put her husband's tragic death behind her and build a new life for her two little boys. When she gets a position as manager of Harper Gardens she is confronted not just by the landscape architect but also a ghost who is not happy to have her around. 

Rainbow Rowell: An Author as Awesome as Her Name

Back in August of 2013 I wrote a review of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. All said and done, it is still one of my favorite books of 2013. Rowell was new to the YA scene and still fairly new to the literary realm as a novelist. Her debut novel, Attachments, is an adult novel that was released in 2011. After finally reading Attachments, I can easily say that I will devour anything Rainbow Rowell writes.

Rowell was slightly ahead of the curve with Attachments, a book that combines emails into the storyline. Mixed media/format books are somewhat of a current trend. The chapters alternate between the narrative and email correspondence between two friends who work at a newspaper. Lincoln, a gentle giant hired for internet security, is required to screen emails that get trapped in the internet filter and send out warnings to email policy violators. The problem is, he feels it is slightly unethical and it only manages to fill a fraction of his time. Even though Lincoln knows it is wrong, he manages to get overly involved in the email correspondence of Beth and Jennifer. Their emails continue to get flagged by the filtering software, but Lincoln is in too deep before he realizes it is too late to send a warning.

What can you do when you start to fall in love with the person writing the offending emails that you are secretly reading? That is a tough question, but Rowell lets Lincoln lead us through that sticky situation. The character development of Attachments is great. The reader is given Lincoln’s back story of heartache and personal growth, but just enough is omitted to make it feel very real—like you are living Lincoln’s memories, imperfect but significant. The other character, such as Jennifer and Beth, take shape through Lincoln’s eyes until the moment they step out of the emails and onto the page.

Overall, a fun and easy read. This would be a great book for relaxing, a trip, or the beach—just fun and engaging. Landline, Rainbow Rowell’s fourth book, is due on shelves in July.

The Don Tillman Project

Australian author Graeme Simsion's debut novel, The Rosie Project, is an absolute gem. Where else can you find a well-written story packed with romance, questionable paternity, Asperger's Syndrome, lobster death, and a $1200 scarf? 
The narrator, Don Tillman, is a professor of genetics and a social pariah. To friends and family (as well as readers), Don exhibits textbook signs of Asperger's Syndrome. There is no question that Don is  incredibly intelligent, but he cannot conduct himself in simple social settings and he lives by an incredibly strict routine of exercise, repetitive meals, and easily predicted outcomes. For Don to function, he creates a strict schedule for all daily events computed down to the minute to maximize his time and create a safety net. Don is also repulsed by physical contact with other humans. All of this aside, Don decides it is time for him to find a wife. Don is aware of his inability to fit in socially, so he creates a 16 page questionnaire for all of his potential mates. He doesn't want to risk wasting time with unqualified women...until he meets Rosie Jarman. Rosie doesn't meet a single qualification on Don's list, but he decides to  put The Wife Project, as Don dubs the search, on hold until he helps Rosie locate her biological father through the magic of DNA. The journey begins with a man, a woman, and several DNA swabs.
Simsion won The Victorian Premier's Unpublished Manuscript Award in 2012 for The Rosie Project. The award was created by the Victorian Government, a state in southeast Australia, with the aim of raising the profile of contemporary creative writing and Australia's publishing industry. Simsion is a worthy recipient for his blend of humor, matter-of-fact handling of neurologically different people, and his ability to demonstrate the common needs, insecurities, and concerns we all share. 

Christmas Treasures

Are you looking for a good book to read this Christmas? As the weather gets colder it is the perfect time to stay inside and relax with a great book.   Remember not all holiday stories are sweet, some can be scary or mysterious and others hilarious. So as you prepare for the festivities take time to sit back, relax and enjoy a great Christmas story. 

New Romantic Fiction Novels
Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
Dogs of Christmas by  W. Bruce Cameron
Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson
Catered Christmas Cookie Exchange: A Mystery with Recipes By Isis Crawford
Merry Christmas Cowboy by Janet Dailey
Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann H. Gabhart
Starry Night a Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
Christmas Carol Murder by Leslie Meier
Christmas Hope: A Novel by Anne Perry
Songs of Christmas by Katherine Spencer
Nantucket Christmas: A Novel by Nancy Thayer
Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs
Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Funny Holiday Christmas Tales
On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts This entertaining novel is about women who are tired of doing all the work for the holidays. They go on strike which forces their husbands to do the party planning and decorating.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham A hilarious story of a family that decides to forego the craziness of the holiday season.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris This is a wonderful collection of hilarious Christmas essays, which includes his popular of account of working as an elf at Macy's.

An Idiot Girl's Christmas: True Tales from the Top of the Naughty List by Laurie Notaro If the season has you stressed give this light hearted story a try.

 Christmas Classics
These are a few of my favorites, which my children and I read every year. Do you have others that you read?

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd
The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs  I included this one because although it is not a classic, the story's message is beautiful. My family reads it every year. I hope yours will find it wonderful, too.

More Christmas Novels
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
The Shepherd, The Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
This Year It Will Be Different by Maeve Binchy
Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark
Sweet Revenge by Diane Mott Davidson
Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber
Simple Gifts by Judith McNaught
The Spy Who Came For Christmas by David Morrell
Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson
A Christmas Visitor by Anne Perry
Silver Bells: A Holiday Tale by Luanne Rice
The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon
Once Upon a Christmas by Lauraine Snelling
Family Games by Jean Stubbs
Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

If you have a favorite Christmas story that your family reads every year tell me about. Perhaps it will start a new family tradition for me or someone else.

Best Romance Novels of 2013

Romance Writers of America announced the winners for the 2013 RITA^® on July 20. The RITA—the highest award of distinction in romance fiction—recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. Listed below are the RITA winners, but there are more great romance novels that were finalists. If you like romance this is a no miss list.


Best First Book Winner
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
A Spellbinding and chilling gothic suspenseful romance novel that will entrance you from the beginning.

Contemporary Single Title  Romance Winner
The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
An emotional story about love romance and fighting for what matters the most.

Historical Romance Winner
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
A brilliantly crafted and deliciously seductive romance novel.

Inspirational Romance Winner
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
A captivating and heart wrenching romance filled suspense novel that will keep you turning pages.

Long Contemporary Series Romance Winner
A Gift for All Seasons by Karen Templeton
A wonderful holiday read!

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
A ghost story, a romance and chilling suspense that will keep you turning pages.

Paranormal Romance Winner
Shadow's Claim by Kresley Cole
A fast paced love story, filled with one man's desire to win and protect his true love.
Romance Novella Winner
Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
A short story filled with passion, pirates and secrets.

Romantic Suspense Winner
Scorched by Laura Griffin
A sizzling suspense novel filled with a steamy love story.

Short Contemporary Romance Winner
A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan
A pleasant read for a cold winter night.

Young Adult Romance Winner
The Farm by Emily McKay
An intense, gritty and suspenseful read.

If You Liked Fifty Shades of Grey, Try These...

I have received many requests for titles that are as 'hot' as the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy. These novels sizzle with romance and are full of passion, but the writing in my opinion is better than Fifty Shades of Grey. My advice: read and enjoy!

After the Night by Linda Howard
Faith Devlin wanted to hate Gray Rouillard--not feel drawn to him. For Rouillard, the thought of Faith in a swirl of tangled sheets beneath him was unthinkable--because he planned to use all his power to ruin her. But uncovering old secrets and new desires is something they can only do together.

When he was Wicked By Julia Quinn
A Well written romance novel that leads away from the typical romance story. Initially the main character, Francesca Bridgerton is madly in love with her husband, who is not the hero of the story. The hero, Michael Stirling is in love with Francesca from the beginning. The story develops as death comes to the Bridgerton household. Michael has been waiting for years for Penelope and when they finally get together, it is worth the wait.

Bared to you by Sylvia Day
If you enjoyed the Fifty Shades trilogy you will enjoy this novel. Day is a brilliant writer and her novel is charged with electricity. Meet Gideon Cross multimillionaire, who is damaged. In walks Eva who is drawn to Gideon, although they are mirror opposites that are drawn together.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Brilliantly written with an abundance of intrigue and of course, passion.
Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he's determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached. But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won't be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to her very soul.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

This is a beautifully written novel that will warm your heart, while it is breaking. Prepare for a roller coaster ride as Abby the "Good Girl" meets Travis the one night stand. This is a passionate love story filled with wit and plenty of sizzle. Abby is determined to remain innocent. Travis is determined to have her. When he makes Abby a bet, he anticipates an easy win. He has no idea it's anyone's game.    

Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn
What happens when your husband and your best friend's fiancee, have an affair? Why of course you get even.  Kelsey is shattered by her husband's betrayal and Evan, Kelsey's best friend, has an extra ticket to paradise. He vows to take Kelsey with him and make her realize she is the one for him.  

Double Time (Sinners on Tour, #5) by Olivia Cunning
This is an e-book, no cover to give you away. This is a hot read! There's snappy dialogue, scorching hot love scenes, rock stars and real life drama.

And the RITA goes too. . .

This year the RITA awards were awarded on July 28th  in Anaheim California. A RITA Award of Excellence Winner is an award that recognizes outstanding published romance novels and novellas. The winners are voted the best of the best by their peers within the Romance Writers of America.

Here are the winners of the 2012 RITA Awards.

2012 RITA Winner for Paranormal Romance
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Is an outstanding blend of urban fantasy and romantic suspense. Harrison uses excellent storytelling and creates amazing characters you will love. 

2012 RITA Winner for Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
A tale of strong willed women, family loyalty and choices that lead to strong emotional responses.

2012 RITA Winner for Best First Book
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
This is an action packed sensuous read and a spell binding 'who dun it' mystery.

2012 RITA Winner for Historical Romance
The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
This is a novel that is destined to be savored and is truly a classic romance.

2012 RITA Winner for Inspirational Romance
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller
An exquisite old world novel that transports you back to the days when men were made of iron and a woman has to be strong to survive.

2012 RITA Winner for Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
Soldier's Last Stand by Cindy Dees
If you enjoy action, adventure and romance this book is for you!

2012 RITA Winner for Regency Historical Romance
A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
A delightful historical novel with an excellent storyline. Readers are sure to fall in love with the battle of the sexes and the excellent writing style of this author.

2012 RITA Winner for Young Adult Romance
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
A young adult dystopian novel. A strong female lead born in the darkness and of course her male counterpart born in the light. If you enjoyed Hunger Games give this one a try.

2012 RITA Winner for Contemporary Series Romance
Doukakis's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan
This is a spicy romance filled with clashes of wits that lead to smoldering romance.

2012 RITA Winner for Romantic Suspense
New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
J D Robb presents a new and intense case for Eve Dallas, which takes her back to the streets of her childhood.  Nightmares abound and only with the love and support of her husband Roarke can she survive.

World Cup Caliber Authors from the United States

This week we are celebrating the runners-up of the Women's World Cup by highlighting writers from the United States.  Since there is not enough time or space to cover all of the states, we are choosing the states from where most of the ladies on the team hail:  New Jersey and California.

From suspense and thriller novelists Mary Higgins Clark and Harlan Coben to award-winning children's author Sharon Creech, New Jersey is birthplace and home to many talented writers.

Edna Buchanan--this Paterson, NJ, mystery author and journalist won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for reporting.

Janet Evanovich--this NY Times best-selling author is most well known for her wacky Stephanie Plum mysteries set in Trenton.

Laura Anne Gilman--this New Jersey born science fiction, supernatural romance, and fantasy novelist was nominated for 2009 Nebula Award.

Belva Plain--this novelist lived in Millburn and died in 2010 at the age of 95. At the time of her death there were over 30 million copies of her books in print.

Philip Roth--this Newark literary novelist has won two National Book Awards, three Pen/Faulkner Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize.

California is full of great writers including science fiction and fantasy greats Kage Baker and Greg Bear and 2-time Nebula Award winner Catherine Asaro. Try one of these other gifted authors from the Golden State.

Nevada Barr--this writer grew up in Johnstonville and writes mysteries starring Anna Pigeon, a female law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service.

James Ellroy--this Los Angeles native wrote gritty crime novels including L. A. Confidential and The Black Dahlia.

Shirley Jackson--this queen of psychological horror was a San Francisco native and wrote the short story "The Lottery" and the novel The Haunting of Hill House.

Maxine Hong Kingston--this Chinese-American writer and professor from Stockton won the National Book Award in 1981 for China Men.

John Steinbeck--born in Salinas, this author penned the Pulitzer Prize winning The Grapes of Wrath, the often filmed East of Eden, the tragic novella Of Mice and Men, and many other classics.  He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.