With the holidays now weeks behind us, we move into the winter lull. Even the publishing industry tends to go quiet for a little while. However, there are authors who power through to bring readers an awesome pick-me-up with their new releases. And that's just what some of DVE's fabulous authors have done, so if you're feeling the post-holiday blues (or just need a new read!), check these out:
Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope (Earthsinger, Book 1)
This is the first book in an exciting and unique new YA fantasy series by debut author L. Penelope. With its release only a couple of days ago (1/13/15), it's already getting some lovely reviews from readers and bloggers alike, as well as sitting pretty in the top 75 on Amazon's Kindle Historical Fantasy list. Like many who have reviewed it on Goodreads, I can't wait to get started on the second book with this clever and distinctive new voice in fantasy fiction!
Orphaned and alone, Jasminda is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where she is feared for both the shade of her skin and her magical abilities. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive – an injured spy who steals her heart.
Jack’s mission behind enemy lines nearly cost him his life but he is saved by the healing power of a mysterious young woman. Together they embark on a perilous journey straight into the heart of a centuries-old conflict.
Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation.
The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war.
Never Trust a Shadow by Clare Haltom (Ninja's Guide, Book 2)
Somehow this one released back in early December (12/9/14) and snuck under my DVE-publication radar. It is definitely not one to miss, though! This fun, fresh YA series about a teenage ninja in middle-of-nowhere America is sure to please. You'll be laughing out loud, gasping at the twists and turns, and maybe even tearing up a little on occasion. Reading the first book in the series, Just Call Me Ninja, is a great way to start, but it's certainly not required if you'd rather just jump right into Never Trust a Shadow.
Callista Trent is so done being a ninja. In her first month, she almost got caught with a stolen government laptop, nearly started a war, and barely avoided a nice, long stay in federal prison.
Yet leaving the ninjas isn’t as easy as she thought, not when they may be the only people who know how to keep her family safe. She plans to retrieve that information, and then it’s so long, ninjas. But when it becomes clear that the ninjas are nowhere near done with her family, she has no choice but to accept a new, secret mission—one much more dangerous than her first.
As she struggles to separate truth from deception—including her own—new friendships are tested and love begins to simmer, bringing with it complications she never thought she’d have to face. Now Callista must decide where her true loyalties lie—with the friends she’s come to trust or with the family that might be hiding secrets of its own.
Delirium by Erin Kellison (Revelers, Book 6)
This is the sixth installment in the tried-and-true paranormal romance series "Revelers" by New York Times bestselling author Erin Kellison. While the first five books don't necessarily have to be read in order, this one is the first book in the series that doesn't stand alone. Which means there's more awesome word count to really dive into the story! If you haven't read any other books in the series, add Delirium to your TBR pile and go pick up one of the earlier novellas. Book 1 is Darkness Falls and Book 2 is Lay Me Down, both of which pubbed before little ole me got involved with Book 3, Darksider.
As the new Darkside Division head, Marshal Harlen Fawkes has a target on his back, and the Oneiros are taking their best shot. To complicate matters, a mercenary has been hired to infiltrate Maze City, jeopardizing the one safe place left in the dreamwaters. Harlen’s allies are divided while covering different fronts, but that means their collective strength is divided, too.
Summoning her courage, Sera must face the harsh Scrape winds to add her strength to Harlen’s fight. But nothing can combat the forces rising in the deep as they finally make their move. Danger comes from all sides at once, leaving Harlen no choice but to use the woman he loves as a proxy to penetrate the Black Market. And yet doing so leaves them utterly vulnerable, adrift in the sands, as nightmares descend.
Delirium is the sixth installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well.
Circus of the Damned by Cornelia Grey (Deal with the Devil, Book 2)
There's not much to say about this incredible and haunting story by Cornelia Grey that the starred Publishers Weekly review doesn't point out:
"[M]agnificent... The romance between Gilbert and Jesse is erotic, touching, and believable, and the rest of the circus is drawn with a deft touch that elevates it above the clichés of its subgenre. There are no easy answers for these characters, and their journey is gripping from beginning to end."
Just go read Circus of the Damned and enjoy.
Magician Gilbert Blake has spent his entire life conning drunkards in the seediest pubs in the darkest towns, careful to hide the true depths of his power. But when he spends a little too much time in Shadowsea and the infamous slumlord Count Reuben gets wind of his abilities, hiding within the Circus of the Damned may be Gilbert’s only chance at survival.
But there’s more to the Circus than meets the eye. Every time a performer dies, a new one must take his place, or the entire circus suffers the consequences. And while the handsome ringmaster Jesse isn’t one to coerce unwilling performers into giving up their souls to the devil, a recent death in their ranks makes Gilbert exactly what they need.
Yet the longer Gilbert stays with the Circus, the more danger he seems to bring them. Being with Jesse is more than Gilbert could have hoped for, but as Count Reuben’s men continue to search for Gilbert and the Circus loses another performer, they all face running out of time long before the Devil claims his due.
Winter Heat by Larissa Emerald
If you're looking for a fun and surprising contemporary romance read, award-winning author Larissa Emerald's new serial is the way to go. A story told in three parts, Winter Heat, is perfect for sitting by the fire with some hot cocoa. You can purchase each section individually or get them all in one fell swoop (my recommendation--you will definitely want to know what comes next!).
When Kelsey Moore is summoned back home to Breckenridge to care for her ill father, the goal-oriented artist is determined to make it back to her big city plans. While transforming the family ski resort into a beguiling lover’s retreat theme, she falls under the enticing spell herself, revisiting some of her secret desires. At the same time strange accidents occur at the resort.
All Denver’s newest movie producer/entrepreneur Jared Michaels wants to do is discover the truth behind his sister’s skiing accident at the evocative little chalet then head home to seek justice. He never expected to join forces with the gifted painter, or help her fulfill her secret fantasies.
French Kissed by Chanel Cleeton (International School, Book 3)
If your contemporary romance itch needs even more scratching, move across the Atlantic to Chanel Cleeton's French Kissed. This third and last book in her New Adult series, The International School, can stand alone and is another great choice to brighten up those winter blues. It can't hurt to read them all, though. 😉 London's calling!
On the surface, Fleur Marceaux has it all. If only the facade matched reality. With one year left at the International School in London, Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and she can’t stop thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all that pales compared to the blackmailer determined to destroy her.
There’s a social hierarchy at the International School and Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching Fleur break his friend’s heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble, despite the crush he’s had on her since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a project, Max learns there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just might be worth the wild ride.
The more time they spend together, the further Max falls. And when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable to resist Max, who she had thought was all wrong for her but might be the only thing that’s right. But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed?