A Selection of Books from my ‘To Read Pile’

Like all other avid readers I have oodles of books on my ‘to read pile.’ I have winkled out just some of them to share them with you.  I hope to read some of them over the coming months, now the temperature has dropped and the nights are longer.

Of course I’m always pleased to consider any requests for reviews in addition to the books on this list, as this is a great way to find out about new authors and genres!

As the list is a bit of a smorgasbord I’ve put the books into a number of categories. Click on the book title to take you to the Goodreads or Smashwords link. Also look out for our update post later this week in which we list the books that we plan to review in the next few weeks.

Tina 🙂

Contemporary

Wild Water, by Jan Ruth –  WINNER of the Cornerstones Literary Consultancy ‘Most Popular Book’ Competition 2011. Also listed in the 2013 eFestival of Words Award Nominations. The story of forty-something estate agent Jack, stressed out by life and the feeling that he and his wife are growing apart. What happens when he discovers that she is having an affair and is pregnant? At the same time he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna…….

Captured. My Sworn Enemy, My Secret Lover, books 1 and 2, by Eve Rabi – Sargent Megan Saunders is captured by Islamic militants, held as a slave and forced to deliver inflammatory speeches against the US. During an escape attempt she is raped. Her rapist Reed, insists she proceeds with the pregnancy. Megan is already married and due to her inflammatory speeches, she is now regarded as a terrorist. She finds herself drawn to Reed and before long they enter into a relationship which is far beyond sexual and which has massive repercussions.

Historical

Love’s Revenge, by Monica Burns – When Quentin Blackwell, Earl of Devlyn, discovered the woman he loved was carrying another man’s child, he refused to marry her. In retaliation her father ruined Devlyn. When Sophie Hamilton, the man’s eldest daughter, makes him an offer, he seizes the chance for vengeance. Yet this could cost him what he wants the most, Sophie’s love. On the shelf at forty-one, Sophie accepts her fate until she impulsively makes a rash proposal to escape a life of servitude and right a wrong at the same time. She never expected Devlyn to accept her rash proposal and to fall in love with a younger man. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult situations, and explicit language.

Disciplining the Duchess, by Annabel Joseph – The bookish Harmony Barrett has repelled every gentleman of consequence and caused a debacle so horrifying that her waltzing privileges are revoked. Through a vexing series of events, the Duke of Courtland finds himself shackled to Miss Barrett. But all is not lost. The duke harbors a not-so-secret affinity for spanking and discipline and his new wife is ever in need of it. Will the mismatched couple find happiness? Or will the duke be forever be Disciplining the Duchess? An adult read.

Daughter of the Sky, by Michelle Deiner – The sole survivor of a shipwreck, 15 year-old Elizabeth Jones is taken in by the Zulus. Six years later, she becomes useful as a spy to find out why the Victorian Empire appears about to attack. Her disguise as a soldier is uncovered by Captain Jack Burdell, who believes her tale of searching for a missing brother and he shields her. But as they explore their mutual attraction, the armies move closer and Elizabeth is torn between the guilt of betrayal and her loyalty to her Zulu family. When the battle commences she and Jack are caught in the crossfire.

Ragnar The Murderer (Ragnar the Dane #1), Lily Byrne – In East Anglia under the Danelaw, half breed Dane, Ragnar, tries to fit in but feels like an outcast. When he meets the English Aelfwyn they begin a passionate affair, but she is promised to another and forbidden to consort with Danes. When her betrothed is murdered, Ragnar is the obvious suspect. Is he guilty or just a pawn?

Fantasy

Taken to the Ebon Court, Elena Han – When a half-demon general conquers Irizel’s homeland, he claims her, drawn by her beauty and bloodline. Upon discovering she’s a healer, he forces her to accompany him to the Ebon Court–a nest of political intrigue and carnal decadence–so that she might heal his hybrid infertility, demanding that she must bear his child… An erotic dark fantasy romance. Adult read.

The Ritual (Theft and Sorcery #1), by Erica Dakin – For Chiarin, a young half-elf thief, life is about survival as she is considered an outcast and every day could bring her death. She meets a master thief Zashter, who unexpectedly takes her on as his pupil, and draws her into a dangerous adventure gathering powerful magical items for a sinister employer. What purpose these items will serve Chiarin does not know, but it soon becomes apparent that Zashter should not be trusted. Yet amutual attraction grows and there is no going back…..

Rowena through the Wall, by Melodie Campbell –  Rowena falls through her classroom wall and lands in an alternate world. Her adventures include being kidnapped, gathering unwanted husbands and falling for the wrong brother. Can she return through the wall?  Warning:  This book is not a ‘sweet’ romance – it is a sexy, funny, rollicking adventure with a spunky heroine and the medieval ‘men’ of her dreams!

Sci-Fi

Promises to Keep (Gaian Stories #1) , by Janet Miller- In the future, with Earth near barren and men willing to commit to marriage almost non-existent, a group of young women leave to find husbands in the Outer Colonies. En route they’re hijacked by men from a rebel planet called Gaia.  Gaian men can only make love to a woman they match and Dr. Sarah Johnson is the match for the most hated Gaian of all, General Garran Doranth…….

Historical Western

Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe, Lisa Day – In 1859 Calico Benson, a gentle bred woman wanting the security of marriage and family, answered an ad in the “Matrimonial News,” where men were advertising for wives. Along with five other women, she sets out on the Santa Fe Trail hoping to find love. Instead they found a hellish nightmare journey. Will their dreams be fulfilled or lost?

.