Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday July 8, 2025

 

These are the books I'm most anticipating for this week:

Only Between Us (Oakwood Bay #2) by Ellie K. Wilde

Do you like Tessa Bailey? Abby Jimenez? Christina Lauren? Well you need to dive into Wilde's books. I adored the first one in this series and got a chance to read this one early (took me less than 24 hours). Check out my thoughts HERE.

The Woman In Suite 11 (The Woman In Cabin 10 #2) by Ruth Ware

Ware is queen of twisty tales that keep you guessing throughout the story. This one is no exception. I am reading an early copy and loving it. Hoping to have my review up by Thursday!

Rose In Chains (Evermore #1) by Julie Soto

This one is my most anticipated book of 2025. I was fortunate to get not only a Kindle copy but audio, too! I loved both. This is the next hot romantasy in my opinion. Check out my review HERE.

Surge (The Taking #0.5) by Melissa West

 
I read this series so long ago. I was surprised to see a novella being released. Now I will be re-reading the entire series to see how this fits!

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair

I loved St. Clair's Hades and Persephone series and really want to read her others. This one is intriguing and I'm interested to see where it goes. I've requested it on Libby on audio but there is a wait. So we shall see when I get to it.

Where You're Planted by Melanie Sweeney

When I read Take Me Home by this author, I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. So when I saw she had a new book coming, you bet I requested. I was excited to be approved and tore through this one in a day. You can see my heartfelt thoughts HERE.

What are you most anticipating this week?

Blog Tour: No Falling Allowed (No Kissing Allowed #2) by Melissa West @MB_West

No Falling Allowed

by Melissa West
Publication Date: July, 2016
Genres: Adult, Entangled Embrace, New Adult, Romance

My life just went South…

Twenty-four hours. That’s how long it took my life to flip upside down.

Wake up in bed alone after the best night of my life? Check.

Get fired instead of the promised promotion? Check.

Wealthy parents cut me off when I refuse to follow their path for my life? Check.

Now I’m in Cricket Creek, SC—a place where no New Yorker belongs—disowned and broke, with a new job that I can’t mess up. Oh yeah, and staring at my one-night stand, who happens to be the complete opposite of my type.

Southern.

Cocky.

Bartender.

Noah Hunter never should have made it back to my apartment in NYC, and I definitely shouldn’t be in his small town. But fate had another plan. Or a horrible sense of humor.

Who knew Mr. Wrong could feel so right…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29L5SfH
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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29Ppwp8
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/29XhZEe
B&N: http://bit.ly/2a6wGq0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/29YoBRM
iBooks: http://apple.co/29McLu4

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Entangled for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I really am such a fan of Melissa West. I truly have not read anything from her that I haven't liked. So, of course, this book was no exception. I love how she paints her characters. I love how each and every one of them has such a great personality, how they grow and change and become better for their experiences. It's such a satisfying experience to read one of her stories!

Grace, a totally relatable character. Ok, so I'm not wealthy like she is but I can totally understand her need and want to be independent of her family. To make a name for herself without having to link to her father, a billionaire who only seems to want to control her and her choices in life. It's nice to see that her family's money does not bind her. She's willing to branch out on her own, no matter how "poor" it makes her, and seek the career path that will make her happy. This is a great role model for women everywhere. It's a testament to women that you really can do what you want to do and be independent! Grace is spunky and has much more self-confidence than I think she even realizes!

Noah, well, his loyalty to his family is what got me. Right from the start I could feel his bond to his brother and the fact that there was nothing that could come in the way of that. That he would do absolutely anything in his power to make sure Jonah lived a good life and was taken care of. I did feel badly that Noah carried such a burden on his shoulders. That he felt like he couldn't let others help him out. But it was certainly a testament to the amazing man he is.

Certainly these two are mismatched: the bartender and the rich socialite. But their relationship really does work. Of course it starts off with a bang, the chemistry between the two palpable from the first page they meet. But, as with so many love stories, neither of them really feel they deserve the other. They flit about, ignoring the elephant in the middle of the room that is their budding relationship, and make like neither wants to have anything to do with the other. Of course this never works for anyone, does it?

As with all her other books, West has great pacing. I wasn't bored and waiting for things to happen. Well, maybe I was waiting for the main characters to come to their senses but I expected that. I loved how she introduced the supporting characters, as well. The book had emotional depth that I wasn't actually expecting. I thought it would be so much more flighty with the story line. But it really wasn't, which was such a great surprise!

If you're looking for a love story that has strongly motivated main characters who know exactly what they want, then you'll enjoy this second installment in West's No Kissing Allowed series. And no need to read the first book in the series, this can definitely stand on its own.

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance,all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn’t like kissing?. She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter @MB_West.

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Blog Tour: Silent Hearts (Hamilton Stables #3) by Melissa West @TastyBookTours @MB_West

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SILENT HEARTS

Hamilton Stables #3

Melissa West

Released May 10th, 2016

Lyrical Shine

The Hamilton brothers have horse racing in their blood, and their sprawling Kentucky farm is the family’s pride and joy. But they’ve got plenty of passion to spare…

Nick Hamilton has always known he’d take the reins of the family business when his father died, but that doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes. Especially with his two siblings tempted by a shrewd offer from a huge corporation to buy Hamilton Industries. Needing advice, Nick turns to his sensible childhood friend, Becca Stark—and finds her suddenly grown-up beauty ignites brand-new confusion, and crystal clear desire…

Becca has loved Nick for as far back as she can remember, but she decided long ago that telling him would be a mistake. Stubborn, strong Nick doesn’t see her as anything but the tomboy she used to be—or does he? As she helps him untangle his feelings about the ranch’s future, the familiar bond between them heats into an explosive attraction—and the kind of love that just might take the lead…

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Excerpt:

Becca closed the freezer and then, missing its wonder, she fanned herself with her tank top. “It’s time I reconsider a move up north, but then snow and driving in snow.”

“Yeah, that’d be pretty dangerous with your track record.”

She continued to fan herself. “What? It was one mailbox, not the whole street.”

“Two mailboxes.”

“All right, fine. Two. But I bought them replacements.” She grabbed a flyer from her stack of mail, folded it in half, and used it as a makeshift fan. “Ahhh.”

“What are you, menopausal or something?”

She pointed at him. “Watch your mouth, boy.” He laughed, the sound so glorious she almost closed her eyes again so she could bask in it, but then that would be all sorts of awkward, and Becca tried to maintain her cool around her best friend. Even if right now she was anything but cool in every sense of the word.

“Now spill it.”

Becca pulled out a bottle of water and leaned a hip against the counter.

“You could at least drink with me.”

“It's five thirty. I like to keep my alcoholic tendencies for nighttime hours.”

“It's P.M. That stands for nighttime.”

“Wow. Is that what that Ivy League education of yours taught you? 'Cause you might want to ask for a refund. At least a partial, right? Because night starts with an N, not a P, and time starts with a T, not an M. And, in fact, P.M. stands for post meridiem, so you can send me that money they give you for the refund.”

“All right.” Nick pulled out his wallet, counted out several bills, and tossed them onto the counter. “Now go turn on the damn A/C. It's hot in here.”

With a loud, long, and drawn-out sigh, Becca pushed the money back toward him. “You know I'm not taking that.”

“Well, I'm not taking it back, so take it or burn it.” He shrugged. “It's nothing to me.”

“See that right there? That's why you can't get a solid date. No girl wants a guy who burns money. I mean seriously. Not only is that six shades of insane, but hello, fire hazard, right?”

He cracked a smile and she grinned back, lost in those amazing blue eyes, crystal clear even through his glasses. Years and years around him and she still couldn't pinpoint the exact shade. They were sky blue with flecks of navy and turquoise. They were perfect...he was perfect.

And now she'd drifted into lala land again.

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and teen sci-fi romance, all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives outside of Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction. 

For sneak peeks at upcoming works, prizes, and more, join Mel's Madhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MelsMadhouse

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ARC Review: Wild Hearts (Hamilton Stables #2) by Melissa West @MB_West @lyricalpress

In the lush heart of Kentucky, horse racing is king, and the Hamilton family is royalty, born to produce champions. Maybe that’s because they understand wildness better than most…

Charming, reckless, and restless, youngest brother Alex Hamilton has a reputation for sweet talking his way into any woman’s arms—and failing at anything to do with the family business. So when he commits to managing their new breeding operation, it’s under one condition: he’ll focus on work and nothing else—no distractions, no fun…no women. But just when Alex has promised to keep his hands to himself, sweet, sexy Kate Littleton gallops away with his heart…

Kate knows Alex isn’t the long-term type—he proved that in a lot of delicious ways when they first met more than a year ago. But seeing him blazing with new dedication to Hamilton Stables, she can’t deny that he’s miles ahead of any other man who interests her. The attraction between them is electric right out of the gate, but it will take an unexpected loss to put them back in the race and headed for a passionate future together…

This book is a standalone novel in a series of standalones.

Title: Wild Hearts (Hamilton Stables #2)
Author: Melissa West
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Expected Publication Date: February 16, 2016

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank the author, Melissa West, and Lyrical for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I really enjoyed Melissa's first book in this series. I am not a Southern girl. On the contrary, I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, so I'm about as city as it gets. But there is something about the South and how things work that are so different it is totally intriguing. That's how I felt when I read this book. Like I just had to know more: more about the South, more about horses, more about everything. And the picture West paints of the stables and the land and the horses did just that for me.

I also love a good book where attraction might start things off, but then things grow into this complicated and amazing relationship. That's what West did here. She took two people who absolutely  had the chemistry to go at it and she made them back up a bit and slowly come together. It was like watching a flower grow, only not quite that slow! LOL!

Kate was one spunky and independent girl. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to do what she needs to get it. If that means keeping away from things she knows are not good for her she darn well will do it. But there's something about Alex Hamilton that pulls her in. And while she wants to try and stomp out the fire that seems to burn whenever she around him, it's almost impossible for her to do so. But she's not dumb with her heart. She keeps it closed because she doesn't want it hurt. Yet, miraculously, Alex is somehow able to crack it open bit by bit and inch his way in.  And Kate can see a side of him no one else seems to see: a dedicated and hard working man who wants to succeed.

I was so glad to see this book was about Alex. I really enjoyed meeting him in Racing Hearts. There's always something about the youngest brother that gets to me. I want to know their story and how it will end. Especially when they are the reckless type who really want to turn things around. And being that he's had his fair share of mess ups, I loved seeing him come into his own and take charge of his future. Of course, he has some rocky patches and a tragedy that slow him down. But he overcomes and is able to prove he is the right man for the job.

West's descriptions really bring me into the countryside of Kentucky. I may be a city girl, but I spent quite a few years in the country of Ohio, so it was nice to have that picture in my mind once again. And her way of approaching the complications of love in this book are fantastic. There's such a push and pull between the characters who know what they want but are just a tad bit weary about going and getting it.

Overall, this is a quick romantic read that pitches in just a little bit of heartbreak so the characters can see what they truly have in front of them. I love West's writing and will read anything she choose to put on paper. If you're a fan of sassy and fun romance, then you'll love this series.



Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance,all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing?. She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. 


Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter @MB_West.

Blog Tour: Your B&B or Mine? by Melissa West @MB_West @entangledpub

Your B&B or Mine? by Melissa West

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication: November 9th, 2015 by Entangled Publishing

All's fair in love and war, especially in the Deep South...

Savannah Hale never planned to come back to Maple Cove, Georgia. Her hometown has too many painful memories, especially of her high school sweetheart, who was killed during combat. And yet here she is…broken-hearted from her mother's death and left to deal with the Hale family legacy—Maple Cove's landmark bed and breakfast. In need of repairs and near foreclosure, she’s hanging on to the B&B by a thread.

And the man out to buy it is the man she's never been able to forgive…or forget.

Former soldier Logan Park is haunted by memories of his own. Some are of his best friend. Other are filled with longing for the girl he could never have. Now Savannah is back, and their attraction can’t be denied. But Logan has already sacrificed everything to atone for his sins, and there’s no way he’ll let himself fall for a girl who might never love again. 

Purchase

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Brooke's Review:

I'd like to thank Entangled Bliss for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I will be the first to say I don't read a lot of adult books. But I'm in love with the romance genre. Throw in second chance romance and my heart goes pitter patter! Melissa West has quickly become one of my favorite and go to authors. Whether she's writing romance or YA science fiction, she pulls me in and I can't seem to let go!

Savannah is probably one of my favorite female characters in a romance. Why, you ask? Because she is no nonsense strong. And she doesn't falter when she knows what she needs to do for her life to go a certain way. But when a kink is thrown in, she does get a little agitated and out of sorts, which I also love. Because there is no person that doesn't have their moments of self doubt! Savannah is real and that's what makes me love her the most!

Then there's Logan. Oh boy. Talk about swoon worthy leading man. Logan is not only a former soldier, be still my heart, but he's also someone Savannah had grown very close to after the death of her high-school sweetheart. And Logan can't forget this connection. But he also can't forget that his best friend died fighting for our country, and he feels somewhat responsible for that.

I love the conflict between Savannah and Logan. As much as they want to stay apart, and be enemies, they just can't seem to do it. There's too many thing that were left unsaid when Logan abruptly left for his tour of duty just as they were getting as close as they could get. And now, he's working for the company that wants to take away Savannah's family's bed and breakfast, and she'll do whatever it takes to make that not happen.

But this book isn't just about romance, though that is a huge part of the plot. It's about mending broken hearts and broken friendships. It's about coming home and realizing what you left behind means more to you than you could ever have imagined. Both characters have their demons and fight to keep them at bay. But doing so only draws them closer together. Ultimately, they must both face those demons to truly see what they want and need in their lives.

As with all her books, West makes such an impact with her writing. She never fails to grab you and make you want to hold on for the ride. She continues to be an author I will always read, no matter what she chooses to right. Fans of small town romance will really love this sweet and sassy story of a small town girl and boy who return to each other and find just what they need in the least expected of places.

About the Author

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and teen sci-fi romance, all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

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ARC Review: Racing Hearts (Hamilton Stables #1) by Melissa West @MB_West @lyricalpress

In the lush heart of Kentucky, the Hamiltons are racing royalty. To win takes heart and soul—and to love takes the wild spirit of the land itself…

The oldest of three headstrong brothers, Trip Hamilton is considered the best horse trainer in the world. He is focused on winning and nothing more, until a stubborn, sexy rider thunders back into his life, breaking his resolve—along with several of his rules—and taking his heart right out of the gate…

Emery Carlisle has a point to prove. She’ll be the first woman to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby, if only Trip will agree to hire her so she can ride again. It’s supposed to be strictly business, but as the race approaches, and their undeniable chemistry builds, Trip and Emery may be headed for the greatest win of all—as long as the losses of the past don’t gain on them… 

Title: Racing Hearts (Hamilton Stables #1)
Author: Melissa West
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Publication Date: October 27, 2016

Brook's Review:

I want to thank Lyrical Shine for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I don't usually read books marked as adult, but I love Melissa West, so reading anything she writes is a must. And I was not disappointed in this book in the least. To say it gave me to feels is an understatement. I laughed, I cried, and my heart soared at the wonderful story West has penned.

Emery lost everything two years ago when she had a terrible riding accident. Since then, she hasn't been able to get back in the groove. It doesn't help that her father has become overprotective and won't let her ride the horses at their stable. So she takes matters into her own hands and turns to the one person she truly thinks can help, her long lost love Trip. He's the best trainer and she needs him to prove she can get up and ride again.

I love Emery. She's spunky; feisy, even. And of course she's got her eyes set on a prize she wants to win. When she puts her mind to it, things can't stop her. Of course things can get complicated, because what would life be without that. She doesn't expect to lose her head and her heart to the one man she's always loved but could never have. She also doesn't expect to be so forgiving of his transgression. And yet, Emery is s softy, and lets him into her life, knowing full well her heart (and spirit) just might get crushed. And, even though she doesn't feel she deserves him, she still wants him all the same. I love how she has all these conflicting emotions and you watch her grow as they war in her heart.

Trip, well, he's another story. He doesn't want to let Emery in. He walked away years ago, but not for reasons Emery even knows. And he's never gotten over her, but can't bring himself to let her see that because it will put his family business in jeopardy. His heart wars throughout this entire book. Jumping from needing her, wanting her, to convincing himself they need to remain professional and he must stay away. But the heart wants what it wants.

What I love about this book is that it's definitely a romance, but there's also a great underlying story of redemption and ultimate sacrifice. I love that we watch as Emery wars with being able to ride, with being able become her own person outside of who her father has shaped. And Trip certainly comes into his own in this book. Proving he has the skill to train one of the best jockey's of all time. And yet, the story doesn't delve deeply into the training and al the intricacies to confuse you. It touches much of the surface and gets across the point that you must overcome your fears to move on and shape your life the way you want it.

Overall the book has tension and romance and action scenes. But it also has scenes of tenderness that had my heart cinches up and tears rolling from my eyes. Especially the racing scenes (and I don't even know anything about horse racing). But my heart knows sports and I think every athlete understands what happens when you conquer your fear and go for it all. Any fan of romances with sports as the background will truly enjoy West's story! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series!

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance,
all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing?. She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. 


Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter @MB_West.

Blog Tour: No Kissing Allowed by Melissa West @MB_West

No Kissing Allowed

by Melissa West

Release Date: 07/28/15

Entangled Embrace

New Adult

Summary from Goodreads:

Armed with her besties, an embarrassing number of shots, and her list of 10 Wild Things To Do Before Adulthood, recent grad Cameron Lawson is partying it up before she starts her dream job at New York's biggest ad agency. Her last task?  Hook up with a random guy. And while it's so not her style, the super-sexy guy sitting next to her is definitely game. No names. No details.

At least, that was the plan.

On her first day of work, Cameron discovers her hook-up is none other than Aidan Truitt—her new boss's boss. Talk about failing the “no fraternizing with coworkers” policy on an epic level. Especially when Aidan makes it clear their one night was only the beginning. Falling for him could cost her everything, but sometimes the only way to get what you want is by breaking a few rules...

Buy Links:

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Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Entangled Embrace for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I love a good forbidden romance book. Throw in some great banter, tense moments, and characters that want  you to root for them and you have a great story. Melissa West knows how to toss in all these elements and more.

Cameron, new college graduate about to start her first real job as an adult, is no bones about what she wants out of life. She's smart and driven and wants to succeed  more than anything; to prove herself worthy of the job she has secured. And she knows she can because she's good at what she does. I love a girl who isn't scared to voice this. She's a strong heroine and doesn't make me want to smack her upside the head because all she can think about is the guy. I love that West made this book more about Cameron's strengths than about how weak she might be. That's not to say she doesn't let her heart and her body be a bit traitorous to her, after all, she is a women with needs.

Aiden, oh Aiden. Strong, gorgeous, and no bones about needing what he needs. And what he needs is Cameron. But his reputation as a playboy follows him and this puts a bad taste in people's mouths. But more than anything, he doesn't want to be anything like his father. So he does everything in his power to do things exactly the opposite of what his father would do, including keeping away from any type of committed relationship. Of course he finds himself attracted to Cameron, and falling for her more than he would ever like.

I love the chemistry between these two characters. They try so hard to maintain a professional working relationship, but their attraction is always simmering right below the surface, ready to erupt like an active volcano. It's fantastic to watch the progression of the relationship in this way. And West does this without having to have the two characters jump into bed to have sex every chance they get. 

I love that Cameron isn't really willing to give up her need to have marriage and a family. Even though there are a few times in the book she seems to forgive Aiden his non-committed ways, in the long run she doesn't give up on what she needs. This only makes Aiden work harder to realize what he will lose if he doesn't change his own ways.

This book is the perfect summer beach read. Or even a great winter read under a warm blanket with a hot cup of cocoa! Actually, it's just a great, fun read. West really knows how to keep you enthralled with her characters and her story. She's created an angst free, fun, flirty and heart warming romance that will have you cheering for a happy ending!

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and teen sci-fi romance, all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction. Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter @MB_West.

Author Links:

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