Romance fans will be sad to see some popular series wrapping up, including Stephanie Laurens’s Adventurers Quartet and Debbie Macomber’s Rose Harbor series. But there’s plenty of new excitement on the horizon, including a novel linking Tessa Dare’s two popular Regency series, and a series launch from fan-favorite Regency author Mary Balogh.
Top 10
Do You Want to Start a Scandal
Tessa Dare. Avon, Sept. 27
Dare makes her long-awaited return to Spindle Cove with a new novel combining her two bestselling series.
First Star I See Tonight
Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Morrow, Aug. 23
Detective Piper Dove is determined to protect Chicago Stars quarterback Cooper Graham, whether he wants her to or not.
Flying Without a Net
E.M. Ben Shaul. Interlude, Nov. 17
A secular Israeli software engineer working in Boston falls in love with a gay Orthodox Jew who is also a sign language interpreter.
Her Darkest Nightmare
Brenda Novak. St. Martin’s, Aug. 30
Dr. Evelyn Talbot survived an attack by a serial killer and now runs a psychiatric prison. With the help of a handsome Alaska state trooper, she faces down a terrifying new threat.
In the Barren Ground
Loreth Anne White. Amazon/Montlake Romance, Aug. 16
In this exhilarating contemporary thriller with a dusting of romance, a young constable in the Mounties fights for her place and hunts a brutal killer.
Looking for Group
Alexis Hall. Riptide, Aug. 29
Kit is everything that casual gamer Drew is looking for in a girlfriend—except that outside of their online role-playing game, Kit’s a guy, and a total nerd.
Lord of the Privateers
Stephanie Laurens. Mira, Dec. 27
Laurens concludes her acclaimed Adventurers’ Quartet with a passionate Regency-era drama played out on the high seas, in the sweltering heat of tropical jungles, and in the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair.
Race the Darkness
Abbie Roads. Sourcebooks Casablanca, Oct. 4
Xander Stone uses his thought-hearing ability to solve crimes, but nothing prepares him for a voice that leads him to a woman with whom he shares a mystical bond.
Someone to Love
Mary Balogh. Signet, Nov. 1
Bestselling Regency romance author Balogh launches a series with the death of an earl and a scandalous secret.
Sweet Tomorrows
Debbie Macomber. Ballantine, Aug. 2
The much-anticipated conclusion to Macomber’s Rose Harbor series brings long-delayed love to fruition for one couple and a new start for another.
Romance & Erotica Listings
Allen & Unwin
McKellan’s Run by Nicole Hurley-Moore (Nov. 1, trade paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-76029-260-7). Fate has brought Violet and her daughter, Holly, back to the house Violet grew up in. As soon as Violet runs into James “Mac” McKellan, she wonders if she should run all the way back to the city. Can she trust him, can she trust herself, or will she be burned again?
Amazon/Montlake Romance
In the Barren Ground by Loreth Anne White (Aug. 16, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-1-5039-3623-2). In this exhilarating contemporary thriller with a dusting of romance, a young constable in the Mounties fights for her place and soon finds herself hunting a brutal killer in a tiny town in Canada’s frozen Northwest Territories.
Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske (Sept. 6, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-1-5039-3777-2). Talented chef Meg Delaney hasn’t spoken to her cheating ex-fiancé, Matt Midland, for two years. Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.
Atria
The Altogether Unexpected Disappearance of Atticus Craftsman: A Novel by Mamen Sánchez (Aug. 9, hardcover, $24, ISBN 978-1-5011-1885-2) follows an uptight Englishman who is sent to Madrid to close a literary magazine and the five fiery, close-knit Spanish women who must devise a plan in order to keep the jobs they love. This humorous caper includes linguistic mishaps, literary intrigue, a clash of cultures, and an unexpected romance.
Austin Macauley
Camellia in the Tea by Avril Flower (Oct. 31, hardcover, $21.95, ISBN 978-1-78554-517-7). Jurang Kumar, a new assistant at a tea garden, was not prepared for life in Assam. His life changes when he begins to fall in love with Kasayla, a beauty from a plant-picking gang. Political and environmental concerns form the backdrop of this emotional cross-caste romance.
Avon
Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare (Sept. 27, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-06-234904-0). New York Times bestseller Dare makes her long-awaited return to Spindle Cove with a new novel combining her two bestselling series. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Frost Line by Linda Howard and Linda Jones (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-06-242198-2). Lenna is Strength, a manifestation of the tarot card, and powerful beyond reckoning. But when she’s pulled into the human realm, everything is thrown into chaos. Caine’s duty is simple: return her or eliminate her. Instead, he’s drawn into Lenna’s dangerous rescue mission and blindsided by his growing feelings. 500,000-copy announced first printing.
While the Duke Was Sleeping: The Rogue Files by Sophie Jordan (Oct. 25, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-06-222254-1). A shop clerk and a duke’s wealthy half-brother butt heads and win each other’s hearts in this historical romance series launch featuring characters from Jordan’s Debutante Files. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Ballantine
Sweet Tomorrows: A Rose Harbor Novel by Debbie Macomber (Aug. 2, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-0-5533-9183-1). The much anticipated conclusion to Macomber’s Rose Harbor series, set in the picturesque town of Cedar Cove, Wash., brings long-delayed love to fruition for one couple and a new start for another.
Tailored for Trouble: A Romantic Comedy by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (Aug. 9, trade paper, $16, ISBN 978-1-101-96722-5). In this sexy and sassy contemporary romance series launch, the unlikeliest of couples is brought together with just a little help from a cafe proprietor who’s secretly a matchmaker extraordinaire.
Bantam
Coming Clean: Monkey Business Trio by C.L. Parker (Sept. 20, trade paper, $16, ISBN 978-1-101-88298-6). The intense competitive rivalry that began between sports agents Shaw Matthews and Cassidy Whalen and quickly transformed into a game of seduction comes to a close in this emotional and fiery conclusion to the Monkey Business trilogy.
Bold Strokes
Camp Rewind by Meghan O’Brien (Oct. 18, trade paper, $16.95, ISBN 978-1-62639-793-4). Alice Wu is at Camp Rewind, trying to overcome the social anxiety she’s battled since childhood. Rosa Salazar hopes camp will be an escape from the anonymous trolls who are threatening her over her feminist critique of a popular video game. Rosa and Alice’s unlikely friendship swiftly becomes something more.
First Position by Melissa Brayden (Aug. 16, trade paper, $16.95, ISBN 978-1-62639-602-9). Anastasia Mikhelson is the rising star of the New York City Ballet. She’s sacrificed creature comforts, a social life, and her own physical well-being. When she’s forced to work with upstart prodigy Natalie Frederico, sparks begin to fly onstage and off.
Lysistrata Cove by Dena Hankins (Sept. 13, trade paper, $16.95, ISBN 978-1-62639-821-4). Jack Azevedo, captain of a charter sailboat in the Caribbean, finds a mysterious uncharted island inhabited by Eve La Sirena, a superstar with an illicit plan to restore creative freedom to musicians worldwide. Jack’s arrival exposes her island retreat and jeopardizes years of work, but his sweet generosity whets her cruel appetites.
BookShots
Dazzling: The Diamond Trilogy, Part 1 by Elizabeth Hayley (Sept. 6, trade paper, $4.99, ISBN 978-0-316-27643-6). Siobhan came to New York determined to become a successful artist. To pay her bills in the meantime, she’s the hostess at the Stone Room, a bar for the beautiful and the billionaires. She’s fine with being on her own—until tech billionaire Derick takes her breath away. 300,000-copy announced first printing.
Central Avenue
Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe by Abbie Williams (Nov. 1, trade paper, $13.95, ISBN 978-1-77168-105-6). Struggling with the reality of single motherhood, the last thing Joelle Davis expects is romance with gorgeous, passionate Blythe Tilson, a summer employee at her family’s cafe. Does she dare to consider loving someone again, or will she be struck by the curse that keeps Davis women from finding love?
Flirt
Addicted to You by Renita Pizzitola (Nov. 1, e-book, $2.99, ISBN 978-1-101-96843-7) is the sweet and sizzling story of two friends who each want more—and the love triangle that’s holding them back.
Grand Central/Forever
Furious Rush by S.C. Stephens (Aug. 23, trade paper, $12.99, ISBN 978-1-4555-8889-3). Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father’s talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team’s newest rider, Hayden Hayes—or to fall for him. 50,000-copy announced first printing.
The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas (Sept. 6, trade paper, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4555-6819-2). After fighting hard to be independent and happy, Camille Logan finds her life threatened as a result of her father’s ruthless business dealings. Ex-SAS sniper Jake Sharp agrees to be her bodyguard, and his duty to protect her soon goes deeper than a well-paid job. 50,000-copy announced first printing.
HarperCollins UK
Who’s That Girl? by Mhairi McFarlane (Sept. 6, trade paper, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-00-818479-7). Dodging a workplace scandal, Edie takes an extended sabbatical while she ghostwrites an autobiography for sexy actor Elliot. As she moves back in with her widowed father and judgmental sister, she relives the stress of her teen years, including trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. 400,000-copy announced first printing.
HQN
Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-373-78969-6). Drake Carson is the quintessential cowboy, but managing the wild stallions on his property is wearing him down. Luce Hale is researching how wild horses interact with ranch animals and with ranchers. Luce and Drake are at odds from the very beginning, but when Drake believes Luce is in danger, that changes everything for both of them. 600,000-copy announced first printing.
Sunset in Central Park by Sarah Morgan (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-373-78923-8). Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt Walker—but that’s strictly platonic. Can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset? 100,000-copy announced first printing.
Under Pressure by Lori Foster (Jan. 31, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-373-78993-1). Leese Phelps’s road hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s brought him to the perfect job—working for the elite Body Armor security agency. And what his newest assignment lacks in size, she makes up for with fire and backbone. 325,000-copy announced first printing.
Infinite Words
The Plan: A Novel by Kelly Bennett Seiler (Sept. 20, trade paper, $16, ISBN 978-1-59309-670-0) is a dynamic and heartwarming love story between a woman who is left alone after the deaths of her husband and children and a trilateral amputee who’s a motivational speaker on the other side of the globe.
Interlude
Flying Without a Net by E.M. Ben Shaul (Nov. 17, trade paper, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-945053-11-5). A secular Israeli software engineer working in Boston falls in love with a gay Orthodox Jew and sign-language interpreter. Will they be able to start a life together despite religious ideology that conflicts with the relationship they are trying to build?
Idlewild by Jude Sierra (Oct. 6, trade paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-945053-07-8). Set against the backdrop of Detroit’s revival, this is a love story between a widower who tries to revive the gastro pub he started with his late husband, and the premed college graduate he hires to help him.
Luchador by Erin Finnegan (Nov. 3, trade paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-941530-97-9). A young exótico wrestler in Mexico City’s professional lucha libre circuit charts a course to balance ambition, sexuality, and faith.
Kensington
The Coldwater Warm Hearts Club by Lexi Eddings (Sept. 27, trade paper, $9.95, ISBN 978-1-4967-0403-0). Lacy Evans had everything she wanted; then her boyfriend ran off with her receptionist and her clients’ money. Now she’s back in her Oklahoma hometown, feeling miserable. Jacob Tyler comes back from Afghanistan short part of a leg and some peace of mind, but he’s counting his blessings, and Lacy could be one of them.
Kensington/Dafina
Body and Soul by Jade Williams (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-75821-454-6). With a bad breakup behind her and a milestone birthday ahead of her, love has become a four-letter word to music magazine director Carol Shaw. When she becomes a judge on a top reality TV talent search, she’s surrounded by competing hotties—and her sexy, tempting ex is one of her fellow judges.
Perfect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello (Oct. 25, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-4967-0432-0). World famous MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Phuket, Thailand. Thanks to his twin brother, a renowned pro trainer in Colorado, Zachary is primed and ready for his next title bout—but his toughest match may be with the sports journalist assigned to write an exposé on him.
Kensington/Zebra
My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly (Aug. 30, mass market, $5.99, ISBN 978-1-4201-4109-2) introduces the Improper Princesses—three young women descended from royalty, each bound for her own thrilling adventure.
Wind River Wrangler by Lindsay McKenna (Oct. 25, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-4201-4174-0). Shiloh Gallagher likes gray-eyed cowboy Roan Taggart’s dry humor—and the Special Forces background that lends him a stoic, powerful presence. She came to wide-open Wyoming to flee a threat that’s left her unable to write her novels. Roan helps her let down her guard, but danger has followed her west.
Kensington/Zebra Shout
Strawberry Wine by Darly Jamison (Jan. 31, mass market, $4.99, ISBN 978-1-4201-4164-1). Addison Monroe was 18 when she fell for Jake Grady, a college student working on her family’s farm for the summer. Ten years later, Addy is engaged to a doctor and working in Atlanta as a physician’s assistant. Life feels full and satisfying. But on a return visit to Lakeside, Addy crosses paths with Jake again.
Loveswept
Destined for a King: The Bastard Brotherhood by Ashlyn Macnamara (Sept. 6, e-book, $3.99, ISBN 978-1-101-96787-4) introduces the strapping, audacious outlaws of the Bastard Brotherhood in an enchanting Regency-era tale of forbidden love between supposedly sworn enemies.
Hard to Hold: A Hard to Play Novel by Katie Rose (Sept. 13, e-book, $3.99, ISBN 978-1-101-96877-2) introduces a team of New Jersey soccer stars who score on and off the pitch.
Lyrical
Lord of the Runes by Sabrina Jarema (Oct. 11, e-book, $3.99, ISBN 978-1-60183-880-3). As outsiders threaten Viking Eirik Ivarson’s homeland and all he holds dear, he vows to maintain his focus and avenge the jarl’s death. Asa Sigrundsdottir, a spirited shieldmaiden, is wary of the golden-haired warrior discovered half-frozen in a storm. Despite the shadows in her past, he chooses her to help him on his journey, but soon their bond is tested.
To Kiss a Thief by Susanna Craig (Aug. 16, e-book, $2.99, ISBN 978-1-60183-615-1). Sarah Pevensey had hoped her arranged marriage to St. John Sutliffe, Viscount Fairfax, could become a romance. But then she’s accused of being a jewel thief, and flees to a small fishing village to rebuild her life. Three years later, St. John finds Sarah and is determined to make her pay for her crimes. But the woman he finds is far from what he expected.
Mira
Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper (Nov. 29, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-7783-1952-8). Forensic psychologist Claire Britten has spent a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder. After attorney Nick Markwood’s latest case is overthrown by Claire’s expert testimony, he recruits her for his passion project—investigating mysterious deaths. 175,000-copy announced first printing.
Lord of the Privateers by Stephanie Laurens (Dec. 27, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-7783-1973-3). Laurens concludes her acclaimed Adventurers’ Quartet, a passionate Regency-era drama played out on the high seas, in the sweltering heat of tropical jungles, and in the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair.
Morrow
First Star I See Tonight: A Novel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Aug. 23, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-240561-6). Piper Dove wants to become the best detective in the city of Chicago. She starts by trailing former Chicago Stars quarterback Cooper Graham; when he spots her, she claims to be an obsessive fan. Coop’s life might be in danger, and Piper’s determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not. 200,000-copy announced first printing.
Honor: The Breaking Point by Jay Crownover (Oct. 18, trade paper, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-062435-56-9) introduces Crownover’s most complicated hero yet, in the first book in a romantic suspense series. 50,000-copy announced first printing.
First Step Forward by Liora Blake (Nov. 29, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-501155-11-6). Pro-football player Cooper Lowry is off the field and into some trouble—in the form of a very alluring, very free-spirited apple orchard owner named Whitney Reed—in the first installment in Blake’s Grand Valley series, set in smalltown Colorado.
Revell
Where Two Hearts Meet: A Novel by Liz Johnson (Oct. 18, trade paper, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8007-2450-4). Bed-and-breakfast chef Caden Holt needs to persuade Adam Jacobs to write a glowing article about the Red Door Inn. But he’s not the secret travel reviewer she believes him to be.
Riptide
Far from Home: A Belladonna Ink Novel by Lorelie Brown (Aug. 1, trade paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-62649-452-7). Pari has money, but needs a green card. American citizen Rachel is drowning in debt. When Rachel makes the off-the-cuff suggestion of getting married, Pari shocks her by taking her up on it—even though they both know Rachel’s straight. Can their friendship survive turning into marriage?
Looking for Group by Alexis Hall (Aug. 29, trade paper, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-62649-446-6). Kit is sweet and clever and funny and a damn good gamer. She’s everything that Drew is looking for in a girlfriend—except that outside of the online role-playing game where they met, Kit’s a guy. But they can work that out. What may really drive them apart is that Drew sees the game as a hobby, and Kit’s entire life is online.
Shadow Mountain
The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott by Josi S. Kilpack (Jan. 3, trade paper, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-62972-226-9). Brokenhearted by his beloved’s engagement to another man, 19-year-old Walter takes refuge in the lake country of Scotland. There he meets Charlotte, a 26-year-old Frenchwoman who believes she will never find love. Despite their age difference, the two become cautious friends, and Charlotte’s quiet disposition and keen mind intrigue Walter. Though wary of risking his heart a second time, he finds himself falling deeply in love. 17,000-copy announced first printing.
Signet
Someone to Love: A Westcott Novel by Mary Balogh (Nov. 1, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-0-451-47779-8). Bestselling Regency romance author Balogh launches a series with the death of an earl and a scandalous secret. Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage. When she discovers the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and she has inherited his fortune, she becomes very close with the new earl’s guardian.
Sourcebooks Casablanca
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet (Aug. 2, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-4926-2601-5). Catalia Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny, and she battles her captor at every turn.
Race the Darkness by Abbie Roads (Oct. 4, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-4926-3917-6). Xander Stone uses his thought-hearing ability to solve cases for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, but nothing prepares him for a voice that leads him to a woman with whom he has a deep and immutable bond. He will do anything to save her from a cult bent on fulfilling a terrifying prophecy.
To Love a Texas Ranger by Linda Broday (Oct. 4, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-4926-3017-3). Swept into a desperate battle to save Sierra, a woman on the run from a ruthless band of outlaws, Texas Ranger Sam must put everything on the line to avoid failure.
St. Martin’s
Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-250-07656-4). Dr. Evelyn Talbot survived an attack by a serial killer and now runs a psychiatric prison in Alaska. When a body is found, everyone is quick to point fingers at Evelyn’s patients, but she isn’t willing to let her life’s work be destroyed over false allegations. With the help of a handsome Alaska State Trooper, she starts piecing together possibilities.
Hero in the Highlands by Suzanne Enoch (Oct. 4, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-250-09541-1). Gabriel Forrester is a hardened army major and abysmally bad at finding joy in anything. When he unexpectedly inherits a dukedom and a huge estate in Scotland, Gabriel dutifully checks in on his new holdings. The biggest surprise he faces is the woman overseeing the estate, who slowly begins to awaken his senses to life and love.
She’s Got a Way: An Echo Lake Novel by Maggie McGinnis (Aug. 30, mass market, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-250-06909-2). Four mischievous girls from Briarwood Academy are sent to a remote campground in Vermont for the summer. Teacher Gabriela O’Brien agrees to be their chaperone. Luke Magellan spent years at Camp Echo helping needy, troubled boys. He scorns the spoiled rich girls and their uptight den mother—until he sees how much she cares about her students.
St. Martin’s Griffin
Hard Rules: A Dirty Money Novel by Lisa Renee Jones (Aug. 9, trade paper, $14.99, ISBN 978-1-250-08382-1). Shane Brandon is ready to take his family’s shady business dealings legitimate. He falls hard for Emily Stevens, seeing her as a force for good, and begins to trust her—but she has a secret that could destroy them both.
Totally Bound
Bind by Sierra Cartwright (Sept. 28, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-1-7865-1854-5). Faced with the potentially overwhelming loss of her family’s fortune, Lara Bertrand turns to the one man who can help her, the gorgeous and powerful Connor Donovan. Connor is willing to help her out—for a price. He not only wants her hand in marriage, but also her total submissive surrender.
