Currently, there are two books I’m greatly anticipating reading in the coming months. As in bug the publicist so she knows how much I want–no need to read these books.
The first book, which is the second book in Sherry Thomas’s FitzHugh Trilogy, is titled, RAVISHING THE HEIRESS. I was immediately turned onto this book when I read the first book, BEGUILING THE BEAUTY. This story of Millicent and Fitz completely intrigued me. She was married to him at the age of 16–an arranged marriage he greatly resented. He was 19 and desperately in love with Isabelle at the time he unexpectedly inherited an earldom. But duty calls because of the crushing 80,000 pound debt he also inherited. When we meet them in BEGUILING THE BEAUTY they’ve been married for 8 years and they have this warm friendship. But here’s the thing, they haven’t consummated their marriage and made a pledge before their wedding, they would do so in 8 years time and ONLY to beget an heir. He in the meanwhile is NOT celibate. And get this, they chat about the women he sleeps with. It’s like their roommates and not husband and wife.
Millicent, on the other hand, is totally in love with her husband but never says a word to him about that. She doesn’t want to ruin the friendship they have. And she’d rather that than nothing. So she lives a life of unrequited love. Well in a month the time will arrive for them to consummate the marriage and get her good and pregnant. However, here’s the catch, the love of his life, who married a year after he did, is now widowed and has returned to London with her children. He’s found a house for her and is eager to see her the moment she’s back. As you can see this is a book that will be fraught with emotion. I for one canNOT wait to journey with Millicent and Fitz on their road to their HEA. Sherry as a wonderful excerpt (three great scenes) up on her website. The writing is–as in all her books–top notch superb! To me it’s a writer’s dream to read books written so well. Sometimes I just read her for that.
Also in BEGUILING THE BEAUTY we meet Hastings and Helena. OMG can I say how I utterly fell for Hastings. I mean just tumbled fathoms deep in love with this charming utterly witty and beguiling man. Some of the scenes between them were the best in the book. The tension, chemistry and animosity (on Helena’s part) between them had me riveted and dying to get my hands on this book well before its October 3rd release.
What’s the deal with Hastings and Helena? Well Hastings is the best friend of Helena’s twin brother, Fitz (of RAVISHING THE HEIRESS). He has had a thing for Helena since he was a teenager. She wants nothing to do with him. When he discovers she’s on the verge of ruination, he informs her brother. She thinks he’s a double crossing, double dealing rat who will sleep with anything in skirts. He’s never tried to court her because of his pride–fear of being rejected. But he does infuriate her like no other.
Here’s a small sample of a conversation between them from BEGUILING THE BEAUTY:
“All the same,” she said, giving him her falsest smile, “you duplicitous pig.”
“Admit it–you enjoyed the kiss.”
“I would rather eat a live snail than endure anything of the sort again.”
“Ooh,” he murmured, his eyes alight with speculation. “With or without its shell?”
She flicked a dismissive finger. “Save what you think of as your wit for a more gullible woman. What do you want from me, Hastings?”
“I’ve never wanted anything from you, Miss Fitzhugh–I’ve only wished to be of service.”
She snorted, this from the little snot who used to try to maneuver her into cupboards and steal kisses.
“Seeing as it was I who introduced Andrew Martin to you,” he continued, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward your welfare. At the risk of damaging my health, I have decided to offer to see to your needs.”
She’d been refraining from the moment he arrived, but she could no longer: Her eyes rolled of their own accord. “Your altruism astounds, Hastings. I am shocked you haven’t been canonized yet.”
“I quite share your opinion, my dear Miss Fitzhugh.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “An unmarried woman passionate enough to flout all rules and into a man’s bed? Your needs just might cripple me.”
LOVE THIS SCENE!!! Hastings is so my kind of hero. As I said, canNOT WAIT for Hastings and Helena’s story in TEMPTING THE BRIDE!!
What about you? What are your most anticipated books in 2012? Comment and enter to win any mass market digital book from Amazon!
Well my first on is An Heir of Deception, of course and my second on is out already, but i have been hearing great things about it. Fifty Shades Of Grey by E L James. Thanks for the giveaway!
Very excited for Sherry Thomas’s trilogy!
Also looking forward to Cecilia Grant’s second book, A Gentleman Undone and to Elise Rome’s The Sinning Hour.
I cannot wait for the 2nd book in Lorraine Heath’s The Lost Lords of Pembrook series to come out. which is a long way away in October. There are so many others that I am ready to read as well!
The Sherry Thomas books sound wonderful, I’ve wrote them down so I can read them!
I adore Sherry Thomas so I guess the ones you highlighted here are high on my list! Thanks for the heads up 🙂
I cannot wait for the next Karin Slaughter book, “Criminal” (coming out in June, I believe). I am also eagerly anticipating Kristan Higgins book, “Somebody to Love” and Rachel Gibson’s “Rescue Me”. And I am very happy to finally have in my hands the new Jennifer Ashley book, “The Duke’s Perfect Wife”. It arrived two days ago and I am hoping to find time to read it over the holiday weekend.
Marriage of Mercy (Harlequin Historical) by Carla Kelly (May 22, 2012)
All of Sherry Thomas’ books are must reads for me, especially since there were none last year. Aside from them, I’m dying for Gunmetal Magic, by Ilona Andrews but it won’t be out until August.
Well, I haven’t read Sherry Thomas, but I’m completely turned on to her now!! Beverly, I am waiting patiently for An Heir of Deception, so that is my first. I know it’s going to be filled with so much emotion, that’s going to leap off the pages. I can’t wait. My second; is not a romance novel, but a biography. I guess at this point I must confess something to you all……. I am a Duranie; yes a lover of all things Duran Duran. I’ve been hooked on them since the tender age of 12 and have no desire to be cured of this obsession. I am looking forward to the biography of the one and only Bass God, John Taylor. In The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, & Duran Duran is scheduled for release in September. Until I can read all about JT’s amazing cheekbones, I’ll be spending my time in the world of historical romance.
Can’t wait to read, Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas. Really enjoy the new Friday Harbor series. Also, The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Sherry Thomas is one of my favorite authors. Laughed heartily through His at Night and am always looking forward to her next release. I am currently anxiously awaiting my copy of Gini Koch’s Alien Diplomacy.
I’m looking most forward to reading Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh, her writing is so awesome!
The book I am looking forward to the most is Heir of Deception. Love Beverley’s books! After reading about Sherry Thomas, I am also looking forward to reading her books. They sound delicious.
I am also a big fan of Sherry Thomas. She is an awesome writer. Love Kaki Warner’s book too.
I am anxiously waiting for Mortal Ties by Eileen Wilks – it’s a paranormal romance but I just love this series.
Love, love, love Sherry Thomas novels and can’t wait for these. Also high on my 2012 TBR list:
Heir of Deception (of course!,) Thief of Shadows (Elizabeth Hoyt,) A Night Like This (Julia Quinn,) Scandal Wears Satin (Loretta Chase,) A Notorious Countess Confesses (Julie Anne Long,) Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet (Darynda Jones,) Archangel’s Storm (Nalini Singh,) Dream Lake (Lisa Kleypas,) and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (Sarah MacLean.)
I am really looking forward to TART by Lauren Dane. It is the spinoff series with characters that were introduced in Lauren’s Brown Siblings series.
wow… I’ve been waiting for Sherry Thomas’ books too. Ravishing The Heiress sounds like its going to be one of those lump in the throat, emotional reads.
There are so many books I’m anxious for… including An Heir of Deception.
There is Thief of Shadows (Hoyt), A Notorious Countess Confesses (Long), One Good Earl Deserves A Lover (Macclean), oh my the list goes on and on and one and on lol
I’m looking forward to Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase.
I’m looking forward to An Heir of Deception.
I have soooooooooo many for 2012 I am in Alt! Yours, of course, as well as:
Jennifer Ashley The Duke’s Perfect Wife
Sherry Thomas Ravishing the Heiress and Tempting the Bride
Courtney Milan The Duchess Affair, The Governess Affair, The Heiress Effect
Emma Wildes Ruined By Moonlight, The Third Duke’s Charm, Lord of Darkness
Nora Roberts The Last Boyfriend, The Witness,
Stefanie Sloane The Saint Who Stole My Heart
Grace Burrowes Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal
Julia Quinn A Night Like This
Loretta Chase Satin Wears Scandal
Whoo Whee! Good times ahead 🙂
I’m a fan of Sherry Thomas, so I’m looking forward to her trilogy.
I can’t wait for Loretta Chase’s “Scandal Wears Satin” and Rachel Gibson’s “Rescue Me.”
I am, of course, looking forward to An Heir, but also to Julia Quinn, Grace Burrowes, and my absolute favorite author, Elizabeth Hoyt! But I have such a long wish list and TBR list, it’s ridiculous! 🙂
looking forward to Elizabeth Hoyt’s next book this summer, can’t come soon enough
I am really anticipating the Sherry Thomas trilogy as well, ever since she announced that she was working on a trilogy a year or two ago. I am especially looking forward to Ravishing the Heiress, ever since I read the excerpt. Just in that excerpt alone there was so much emotion and angst, and I know Thomas can write that like no other.
I’m looking forward to Rachel Gibson’s book Rescue Me, Williow Springs by Toni Blake, The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips & One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean. Lots of good books coming up!
I’m eagerly waiting on G.A. Aiken, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Nalini Singh. The anticipation, it kills!
Wow, Beguiling the Beauty sounds like a different kind of romance. The fact that they live like roommates and talk about the women he beds, sounds difficult. But you really loved it huh? Ok I guess I should give it a try.
(no need to enter me, I prefer print books. Just having fun commenting, thanks)
I’m looking forward to Elizabeth Hoyt’s Thief of Shadows, Lisa Kleypas’ Dream Lake, Nalini Singh’s Tangle of Need & Archangel’s Storm, Ilona Andrews’ Gunmetal Magic, and Karen Marie Moning’s Iced.
My list is long, like everyone else. Includes The Last Boyfriend and The Witness by Nora Roberts, Delusion in Death by JD Robb, Against the Sun by Kat Martin, Snatched by Karin Slaughter and so on~~
Oh, I need to get all three of those books, I love Sherry Thomas. My most anticipated books are: Karen Hawkins’ The Taming of a Scottish Princess, Julia Quinn’s A Night Like This, Zoe Archer’s Skies of Fire, Meljean Brook’s Riveted, Kristen Callihan’s Moonglow, and Ann Aguirre’s Devil’s Punch.
I’ve always wanted to read one of Sherry Thomas’ books and guess this is the time to start thanks to your review. I can’t wait for so many authors’ books to come out, of course I can’t wait for your book to come and then there’s: Julia Quinn, Caroline Linden, Elise Rome, Madeline Hunter, Sarah MacLean, Loretta Chase, Heather Snow, oh my gosh I have so many….I just can’t wait .
I cannot wait for Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews, and Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione.
I haven’t read any of Sherry Thomas’ books but these both sound delicious!
I’m looking forward to:
A WEEK TO BE WICKED- Tessa Dare
A Most Dangerous Profession-Karen Hawkins
About That Night -Julie James
Your book sounds fabulous too Bev!
I am looking forward to Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson, The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley, and Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones.
I am looking forward to Julie James’ About That Night. I have heard so much good chatter about this book! But there are really so many books coming out soon that it’s gonna be tough to get through them all.
I love Sherry Thomas books! I’m looking forward to Deception by Kris Kennedy, The Saint by Monica McCarty and A Week To Be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
I loved Heather Snow’s Sweet Enemy. So, I’m really looking forward to her next one that’s out in August.
I have not yet read Sherry Thomas and it seems I am really missing something. Since I have absolutely not patience when it somes for the next in a series to come out, I will wait until all are published, then have a marathon read.
Right now, instead of looking for new releases, I would dearly love to make a dent in my TBR mountain. I honestly don’t know where to start. They are all good.
I’m really looking forward to Julia Quinn’s second edition in her Smythe-Smith Quartet series. ‘A Night Like This’ will be out in June and stars Daniel Smythe-Smith and Anne Wynter.
Love Sherry Thomas and have been anxious for a new book by her.
Others high on my wishlist:
When Maidens Mourn by CS Harris, Thief of Shadows (Elizabeth Hoyt,) A Night Like This (Julia Quinn,) Scandal Wears Satin (Loretta Chase,) A Notorious Countess Confesses (Julie Anne Long,) Tangle of Need and Archangel’s Storm (Nalini Singh) and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (Sarah MacLean, and more
Some of my TBR’s have already released: Lover Reborn, The Saint, The Wolf Who Loved Me, and About That Night. I’m really looking forward to: Heir of Deception and Charolette Featherstones’s new one. thanks!
I’ve actually gotten to read two of my most anticipated reads so far this year. The first was Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton, and the second and most recent was A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare (which I just absolutely loved). Based on some of these other comments it appears I need to be updating my list!