h, summer. For many of us, it’s a time for indulging in the three R’s—Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation. Whether we’re pursuing those three R’s at our favorite vacation destination or in the comfort of our own homes, one
of the best ways to unwind is by kicking back and reading a good book. Now,
what constitutes a good book? Well, if you ask 10 different readers that
question, you
’ll likely get 10 different answers. However, according to a recent article in
the
New York Times, the sale of romance novels is growing by leaps and bounds, which means a lot
of Americans are choosing romances.
That statistic begs another question: Why the sudden increase in the sale of
romance novels? Senior buyer for romance fiction at Borders Publishing Group
Susan Grimshaw thinks she knows the answer.
“Romance books are wonderful because they offer readers a form of escapism, and
for this reason these titles are always a popular choice, but during turbulent
economic times they tend to become even more popular,
” says Grimshaw.
She may be on to something here. After all, when a reader chooses a romance
novel, she (or he, because a growing number of those new readers are male) know
that they will always get an uplifting,
“feel good” ending, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want something to make them feel good these days? What’s more, romance fiction comes in a variety of different flavors.
“The Romance category encompasses a number of sub-genres, including Paranormal
Romance, Contemporary, Historical, Suspense and Futuristic, which draws even
more readers to the category. It really offers something for a variety of
reading tastes.
”
After reviewing some of the summer’s hottest new romance reads, you’ll probably agree. There really is a little something for everyone in romance
fiction.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, consider local author T.J. Bennet’s The Promise, available at online retailers.
Book Title: The Promise
Author: T.J. Bennett
Publisher: Medallion Press
Blurb: Set in 1525 Pavia (Italy), The Promise tells an intimate love story played out on the canvas of history. A mercenary
must overcome his wounded heart and convince an unwilling widow to marry him in
order to keep a promise to a dying friend. A curse on every man who loves her
forces the Spanish beauty to rebuff him, but their passion for one another is
stronger than the mysterious misfortune that plagues any with the courage to
defy the curse. As war draws near and danger surrounds them, will they tempt
fate to love one another in the face of certain death?
If paranormal stories are more your thing, consider the latest Warriors of
Poseidon offering from
USA-Today bestselling author Alyssa Day, available in June wherever paperbacks are sold.
Book Title: Atlantis Unleashed
Author: Alyssa Day
Publisher: Berkley
Blurb: Poseidon’s warriors have learned that the battle to protect humanity produces unexpected
enemies and even more unexpected alliances. When a group of human scientists
join with the vampires in their plan to enthrall and enslave humanity, only an
emotionless Atlantean with a deadly attraction to a human woman can stop them.
Of course, for some readers, there’s nothing quite like a good thriller. Two-time Rita nominee Colleen Thompson’s Beneath Bone Lake, available this June wherever paperbacks are sold, will likely keep you on the
edge of your seat.
Book Title: Beneath Bone Lake
Author: Colleen Thompson
Publisher: Dorchester LoveSpell
Blurb: Returning from Iraq to her lakeside East Texas home, Ruby Monroe finds
her 4-year-old daughter and sister missing and her house occupied by armed drug
dealers. With local law enforcement suspect and suspicion growing that she
’s brought home danger from the war zone, Ruby has no one to turn to for help
finding her missing family
—except a handsome convicted hacker she has every reason not to trust and a
secret that lies deep
…
After a good scare, it’s time for a few good laughs. Houston-area author Christie Craig is building a
well-deserved reputation for both her sizzling love scenes and her
laugh-out-loud humor. Her latest book,
Gotcha!, available this June wherever paperbacks are sold and praised by Publisher
Weekly, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Book Title: Gotcha!
Author: Christie Craig
Publisher: Dorchester LoveSpell
Blurb: Pizza delivery girl Macy Tucker knows she cannot depend on a man and that’s why dating is off the menu. But when crazy circumstances force her to work
with detective Jake Baldwin, Macy wonders if she shouldn
’t expand the menu selection to include one sexy detective.
Of course, if you prefer your books in electronic format, consider the latest
offering from Houston-area author Teri Thackston, available for download from
Cerridwen Press (
www.Cerridwen.com).
Book Title: To The Rescue
Author: Teri Thackston
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Blurb: Threats from an escaped murderer send novelist Amy Bartlett into the
protective custody
—and sexy arms—of Deputy Marshal Jacob Kissman. Seducing a witness is against the rules, but
Jacob falls hard for Amy. And he knows she won
’t be a witness forever. But Amy is wary of being caught up in a female rescue
fantasy. Safeguarding her at his secluded family ranch, can Jacob make her his
before the killer closes in?
So, there you have it: five hot new releases just in time for summer.
Happy Reading!l
