Book of the Month Poll August 2020
IT IS THAT TIME AGAIN! Welcome to our Book of the Month Poll for August 2020!
Here are your voter chosen top two from each week in no particular order. Please vote for your favorites and you can vote for as many as you want, but as with our Book of the Week Poll you only get one visit, so make it count!
Remember, the top two go through to the Book of the Year Poll!
POLL SCHEDULE:
This poll will remain open until at least 6PM, Amsterdam time next Friday. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules…
After Felix (Close Proximity #3) by Lily Morton
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: After Felix
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
SERIES: Close Proximity
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 274 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2020
BLURB:
Sometimes the best love stories come in two parts.
When Felix met handsome journalist Max Travers, it was lust at first sight. It was just his luck that he then had to develop a terrible case of feelings and got his heart broken. However, two and a half years later, he’s over all of that. His job is going well, he has good friends, and he doesn’t lack for male company. Which, of course, is when Max has to come bursting back into his life.
Felix Jackson will always be the one who got away to Max. He’s spent their time apart regretting his actions and hoping for a second chance. When an accident lands him in Felix’s less than tender care, Max is determined to grab this opportunity. The only problem is that Felix is equally determined that he doesn’t.
From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and two very stubborn men.
Waking Bel (Lords of Discord #3) by Jocelynn Drake
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Waking Bel
SERIES: Lords of Discord #3
AUTHOR: Jocelynn Drake
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2020
LENGTH: 380 pages
BLURB:
Beltran Varik believes in science.
It holds all the answers he seeks.
Except for one.
How in the world did he end up falling in love with two werewolves?
Of course, there was no way science could account for the beauty, warmth, and mind-blowing sexiness of Wyatt and River.
The two shifters are outcasts from their own kind and must seek the protection of a vampire.
Bel might take them in out of a need to keep them safe, but his feelings for them grow into something so much deeper.
Unfortunately, Bel might have to choose between his wolves and his family as a fight brews with the local werewolf pack and the Variks face a darker threat from the Ministry.
Wild Warrior (Weavers Circle #2) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Wild Warrior
SERIES: Weavers Circle #2
AUTHOR: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2020
LENGTH: 353 pages
BLURB:
Baer Manning
What happens when Baer spills his big secret about monsters and magic to a total stranger?
Chaos.
In Baer’s defense, he really thought Wiley was a lost brother.
This case of mistaken identity forces the cute artist to stay at the plantation house for his own protection while they search for a way to take down a witch.
Wiley Stuart
He never should have gotten in Baer’s Jeep.
But in Wiley’s defense, Baer is really sexy. And funny. And so sweet. And did he mention sexy?
All his life he’d dreamed of superheroes and a life of action. He just never expected to find himself swept up into a world filled with monsters and goddesses.
Wiley will do anything to stay with this magical band of brothers and help them with their fight. He just wished he could be Baer’s soul mate.
Blood Kiss (My Vampire and I #10) by JP Bowie
Reviewed by Kimberley
TITLE: Blood Kiss
SERIES: My Vampire and I # 10
AUTHOR(S): JP Bowie
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2020
LENGTH: 106 pages
BLURB:
What’s a guy to do when the right man for him is…a vampire?
Years ago, Daniel Farrow, then only eighteen years old, had a crush on his bright-eyed, blond-haired co-worker Roger Folsom, but Roger disappeared without a trace. Daniel’s never forgotten Roger and is delighted when he’s given a chance to meet him again.
Although the reunion is a little strained, Daniel is introduced to handsome Leon de Castillo, a man with whom he feels an instant, if slightly mystifying, bond, which only intensifies the more time he spends with the older, elegant Leon.
After spending the night with Leon, Daniel is accosted by a neighbor, Morris, who warns Daniel that Leon is not what he appears to be. Daniel ignores his creepy neighbor, but when Leon’s unbelievable secret is revealed, Daniel sees his future with Leon crumble to dust.
Because a relationship between a human and an immortal could never work, could it?
NautiCal (Forever Wilde #8) by Lucy Lennox
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Nautical
SERIES: A Forever Wilde Novel #8
AUTHOR: Lucy Lennox
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 286 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 17, 2020
BLURB:
I didn’t mean to stow away on the yacht, I swear.
My first mistake was going home with the jerk at the bar, but in my defense, Prescott said he owned the Worthington—ninety feet of sleek, yachty perfection—and if I could get the chief mate’s job, I’d have an excuse to stay on board and keep avoiding my family and my future.
How was I supposed to know he was the owner’s cheating, gold-digging almost brother-in-law, or that I’d end up stuffed in a closet when the ship left the harbor?
When the real owner finds me and offers me a different job—being his fake boyfriend on a cruise through the British Virgin Islands to tempt Prescott to reveal his cheating ways—that’s when I make my second mistake: I agree.
Turns out, Jonathan Worthington isn’t just a billionaire, he’s funny and generous and a little bit of a control freak. He’s also six feet of sleek, gorgeous silver fox perfection, and suddenly, it’s not just his yacht I’m lusting over.
Worth thinks I’m way too young and flighty for anything more serious than spending the week in his bed… but if you believe we won’t fall in love before the cruise is over, I have a yacht in the Caribbean to sell you.
‘Nother Sip of Gin: A Sinners Gin Collection (Sinners Gin #7) by Rhys Ford
Reviewed by Cindy
TITLE: ‘Nother Sip of Gin: A Sinners Gin Collection
SERIES: Sinner Series #7
AUTHOR: Rhys Ford
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 207 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2020
BLURB:
For Crossroads Gin rock stars Miki, Damien, Rafe, and Forest, life is a Möbius strip of music, mayhem, and murder. Through it all, the sweet, hot moments between tours with lovers, friends, and family keep them sane, healthy, and happy. This Sinners collection features short stories spanning the entire series, from before the first note to after the lights go out.
Just Friends (Never Just Friends #1) by Saxon James
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Just Friends
AUTHOR: Saxon James
SERIES: Never Just Friends #1
PUBLISHER: May Books
LENGTH: 259 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2020
BLURB:
Roo
Five years ago, I walked away from Sunbury, Oregon, and left my best friend behind. The move was supposed to get my life on track. I even had a list.
Life changing epilepsy surgery. Check.
See the world. Check
Get over my straight best friend … Not exactly.
No matter where I go or who I meet, I can’t let Tanner go. I’m back to tell him how I feel. To get the closure I need once and for all. Only now I’m here and falling for him all over again, it’s getting harder to say the words.
Because once I have my closure, I’ll be gone. And this time it will be for good.
Tanner
When my best friend, Roo, left for Australia, it was the worst day of my life. I thought we’d have each other always. But Roo needed the surgery so I let him go, thinking he’d come straight back.
Five years is a long time.
Now he’s here, all I want is to hold on tight. I need to show him what he means to me. The problem is, I’m not exactly sure what that is. My draw to him has always been confusing and different—everyone in town says so. But I struggle to understand it. All I know is I won’t survive him leaving again. And I’ll do anything to make him stay.
Just Friends is a best friends-to-lovers romance with an oblivious MC, only one bed, and terrible kangaroo jokes.
Tracefinder: Choices (Tracefinder #3) by Kaje Harper
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: Tracefinder: Choices
SERIES: Tracefinder #3
AUTHOR: Kaje Harper
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 429 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2020
BLURB:
An ex-cop and a psychic on the mend find their safe haven threatened by vandalism, arson, and the shadow of their dangerous past.
After overusing his Talent till he almost died, Brian wants nothing more than a quiet job on the farm, with Nick to come home to. He’s trying to start a new life, despite bad dreams he can’t shake, vandalism close to home, and his sister’s problematic baby on the way.
Nick gave up the police force and moved to North Carolina to be with Brian, and he doesn’t regret it. But he’s at loose ends, with no real work, the lurking specter of Brian’s brother Damon hanging around, and a worry in the pit of his stomach that Damon’s old enemies might still be after Brian. Nick’s keeping his eyes open and his gun loaded.
Wood (A True Lover’s Story #2) by A.E. Via
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Wood
SERIES: A True Lover’s Story #2
AUTHOR: A.E. Via
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2020
LENGTH: 362 pages
BLURB:
This isn’t a romance about billionaires, movie stars, or models. This is a story of two ordinary, working-class men, dealing with life’s real problems, and trying to find love along the way.
It’s been a long seventeen years but Herschel Wood Jr. is finally a free man and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old cellmate, Bishop Stockley, who promised him a place to stay and some help getting back on his feet. Wood had a good life once upon time when he’d owned one of the most successful tattoo shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – until a fatal accident that was his fault cost him everything.
Now at forty-six years old, all Wood wants is to work in another shop on the beach and find a mature, easygoing man to settle down with. But when he gets to his new place and finds he has to share the small trailer with Bishop’s childhood friend, he wasn’t expecting a sexy, smart-mouthed brat that enjoys pushing a man to his limits.
Wood pressed in so tight until there was only air and misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me you annoying, immature little shit… now you’ve got one.”
Trent Armstrong has never been considered a catch. He’s a twenty-nine year old laborer, an ex-con, and not the easiest person to get along with. Everyone he’s ever cared for has walked out of his life without a backward glance, so he’s used to the loneliness. His foul mouth and quick temper are a great defense mechanism and a good way to keep unwanted people away.
From the moment the tattooed, silver-haired man walked into the house there had been nothing but tension, side-eyeing, and sparks between them. Trent has always held back a side of himself that he’s nervous to explore, and without warning Wood’s voice, his maturity, that maddening scent, and even his damaged past all trigger feelings that Trent thought he’d buried long ago.
Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood whispered. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”
The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) by Susi Hawke
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: The Reluctant Alpha
SERIES: West Coast Wolves #1
AUTHOR: Susi Hawke
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 204 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 30, 2020
BLURB:
“As much as I felt bad for this Elisha person—God, my heart was breaking for the young man and all he’d been through—I was also angry. I’d left that pack in my rearview ten years ago for a good reason.”
Matthias Longclaw is happy living his life on the back of his beloved Harley with his five best friends and brothers-in-arms at his side. The West Coast Wolves are a rare pack of alphas, made up of unwanted orphans and second-born sons. The packs they were born to may not have wanted them, but they’ve built a solid family of their own. They help where they can, doing random acts of kindness and expecting nothing in return, just helping to build a world they want to live in.
Then Matt gets a call from an old childhood buddy. He’s being called back—begged to return—to reclaim his birthright and save a life in the process. The problem is… to do it, he will have to take a mate. And if he refuses? The omega will die.
Torn between his duty to help others and his resentment of his old pack, Matt never expects for Elisha Whitetail to tilt his world and change everything. Can Matt and Elisha rebuild a broken pack while tending to a new love and a growing family while dealing with outside threats from neighboring packs?
They’re wolves. Strong, proud, and willing to do what it takes when their community needs them… whatever it takes.
This is the first in a new mpreg series about finding joy in a hard world, building family, and discovering that life can surprise a person when they least expect it. Although this world has harsher themes than my previous books, it still has the same heart you’d expect. Plus a dose of my irreverent humor and all the naughty, knotty heat that comes with true mates. It wouldn’t be a Susi Hawke book without it. Be sure to read the author’s note at the beginning for possible trigger warnings.
Saving The Senator’s Son (Hart Security #1) by Jacki James
Reviewed by Kimberley
TITLE: Saving the Senator’s Son
SERIES: Hart Security # 1
AUTHOR: Jacki James
PUBLISHER: Self Published
RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2020
LENGTH: 251 pages
BLURB:
When the son of a right-wing politician falls for the man hired to protect him, he’ll have to choose between being true to his family or true to himself…
Blond hair, blue eyes, and a winning smile. Trey Coben is the perfect, All-American boy. He’s been raised to follow the rules and present the perfect public image. Too bad everything about him is a lie.
Secrets will only stay buried for so long, and Trey’s are about to surface.
When ominous letters start to arrive, the Senator hires Roman Barnes to keep Trey safe. Nothing is going to derail his bid for re-election, not even threats to his son’s life.
As the chemistry between Trey and his sexy bodyguard begins to ignite, Trey is faced with a choice: He can pretend to be the son his father wants, or he can take a chance at love.
With their hearts and their lives on the line, will their love survive, or will it all go up in flames?