Reading Now: | Listening To: | Reading Next: |
Read an interview with creators | Read an excerpt from Episode 1 | Enter giveaway
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
I recently listened to The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena and it was awesome. The story follows a couple who goes next door to a dinner party, leaving their 6-month-old daughter at home, while checking on her every half hour. Both couples drink heavily and the night gets out of hand in more ways that one, and when the parents return home, the front door is open and their baby is gone. From there, the story unravels as we learn secrets about each person connected to the case, and about what really happened that night, even as detectives try to find who has the baby. It’s a riveting, domestic thriller with shocking twists and unrelenting tension. You won’t be able to stop turning the pages to see what happened and who has that baby girl. So good, a top 5-star VBB pick for thriller lovers!
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
New standalone romantic comedy! Start reading now >
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Neighbors by Stylo Fantôme (Available Now) – 99¢
Things a good neighbor can do for you:
1. Give you a cup of sugar
2. Let you borrow his lawnmower
3. Water your plants while you’re on vacation
4. Make your eyes roll back in your head
Katya Tocci has never paid much attention to who lives next door – her career always kept her too busy. She’s a good girl, working her way to becoming the most sought after cake designer in all of San Francisco.
But even a good girl’s gotta cut loose once in a while, right? So one fake dating profile later, and she’s ready to tarnish her squeaky clean image. Little does she know, her fun time is closer to home than she ever imagined.
Throw in a neighbor who wants to corrupt her, and another who just wants to own her, and her entire world is flipped upside down.
Who knew neighbors could be so helpful?
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
12 Steps to Mr. Right by Cindi Madsen (Available Now)
12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble
1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
The Goal by Elle Kennedy (Available Now)
She’s good at achieving her goals…
College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.
But the game just got a whole lot more complicated
Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Depths of Salvation by Molly E. Lee (Available Now) – 99¢
Top Romance Recommendation
Sadie Jenkins’ most recent site of preservation is a sunken WWII cargo ship off the coast of the Bahamas. When a giant corporation threatens to blow it up to make way for an underwater gas pipeline, Sadie is forced to prove to the Head of Government the importance and value of her site. And when assistance comes from a bad-boy welder who works for the corporation, she ends up battling not only the people trying to demolish her site, but her heart as well—because its latched on to the one man who can save her ship or destroy it.
Connell Murphey is the best underwater welder this side of the Atlantic and thrives when the stakes are highest. When Slade Industries offers him a dangerous gig with a big pay off, he can’t wait to sign on. When a local marine preservationist gives Slade trouble—her site’s protection would cost him millions to go around it instead of through it—Slade offers Connell the deal of a lifetime: twelve million has his name on it if he gets close to Sadie and testifies to the Head of Government that her site isn’t worth saving. Should be easy money.
That is, until he meets Sadie. She’s a force to be reckoned with and the only woman who has ever been able to not only keep pace with him on a dive but completely surpass him on every level. She’s smart, sexy, and their chemistry is off the charts. The more he gets to know her, the harder he falls but he’s already in too deep with the deal he made with Slade.
When the time comes, will he be able to turn down the money and choose the girl of his dreams, or will too many lies kill his only chance at forever?
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge (Sep 27)
Sabriel meets Romeo and Juliet in this stunning and atmospheric novel from the author of Cruel Beautyand Crimson Bound.
When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.
The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou, share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on the Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.
Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding the Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.
Mahyanai Runajo only wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.
Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . .
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Like A River Glorious by Rae Carson (Sep 27) – Read my review
Top Fantasy/Adventure Recommendation
The sequel to the New York Times–bestselling and National Book Award longlisted Walk on Earth a Stranger.
After her harrowing journey west to California, Lee Westfall has finally found a new home—one rich in gold, thanks to her magical power, a power that seems to be changing every day. But this home is rich in other ways, too: with friends who are searching for a place to be themselves, just as she is, and with love. Jefferson—her longtime best friend—hasn’t stopped trying to win her heart. And Lee is more and more tempted to say yes.
But her uncle Hiram hasn’t given up his quest to get Lee and her power under his control. When she’s kidnapped and taken to him, Lee sees firsthand the depths of her uncle’s villainy. Yet Lee’s magic is growing. Gold no longer simply sings to her, it listens. It obeys her call. Is it enough to destroy her uncle once and for all?
Rae Carson, acclaimed author of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series, takes us deep into the gold fields as she continues this sweeping saga of magic and history, and an unforgettable heroine who must come into her own. Like a River Glorious is the second book in the Gold Seer trilogy.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Sep 27) – Read my review
Top Fantasy/Adventure Recommendation
The highly anticipated sequel to the thrilling #1 New York Times-bestselling Six of Crows.
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets—a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti (Sep 27)
Zoe Whittaker is living a charmed life. She is the beautiful young wife to handsome, charming Wall Street tycoon Henry Whittaker. She is a member of Manhattan’s social elite. She is on the board of one of the city’s most prestigious philanthropic organizations. She has a perfect Tribeca penthouse in the city and a gorgeous lake house in the country. The finest wine, the most up-to-date fashion, and the most luxurious vacations are all at her fingertips.
What no one knows is that five years ago, Zoe’s life was in danger. Back then, Zoe wasn’t Zoe at all. Now her secrets are coming back to haunt her.
As the past and present collide, Zoe must decide who she can trust before she—whoever she is—vanishes completely.
A “dark, twisty, edge-of-your-seat suspense” (Karen Robards), The Vanishing Year combines the classic sophistication of Ruth Rendell and A.S.A. Harrison with the thoroughly modern flair of Jessica Knoll. Told from the point-of-view of a heroine who is as relatable as she is enigmatic, The Vanishing Year is an unforgettable new novel by a rising star of the genre.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Transfer by Aly Martinez (Sep 27)
Recommended Romance Duet
I fell in love with a man who didn’t exist.
What started out as romance ended in hell.
His words turned to razor blades.
His kisses converted to fists.
His embrace became my cage.
His body transformed into a weapon, stealing parts of me until ultimately….
I broke.
I hated him.
My sole job in life became to protect our daughter.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever escape the prison he’d skillfully crafted from my fears.
Until the day our savior arrived.
This is the story of how I escaped the man who thought he owned me.
The transfer of my life and my family.
This is book 2 of a duet and should not be read as a standalone.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Outsider by Olivia Cunning (Sep 27)
Reagan Elliot should be living her dream…
She’s touring with Exodus End as their new rhythm guitarist and gaining more notoriety and fame than she ever imagined possible.
She’s earned the devoted love of not only one, but two spectacular men. Her committed threesome with sexy guitarist Trey Mills and her hunky bodyguard Ethan Conner is stable, loving, deep, and satisfying for all involved.
But sometimes the world sees things differently and is determined to destroy what it doesn’t understand.
Can Reagan’s relationship with Trey and Ethan survive the cruel backlash of the media, her family, and a bigoted public? Or will the talented musician lose everything she holds dear in the face of her own burgeoning doubts?
Outsider is the second book in the Exodus End World Tour series. It’s also the sequel to Double Time, the fifth book in the Sinners on Tour series.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Rising Storm Season 2 (8 books) by various (Sep 27)
Storm, Texas.
Where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…
Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.
But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.
From Episode 1: Against the Wind:
Secrets, Sex and Scandals …
Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.
As Tate Johnson works to find a balance between his ambitions for political office and the fallout of his brother’s betrayal, Zeke is confronted with his brother Chase’s return home. And while Bryce and Tara Douglas try to hold onto their marriage, Kristin continues to entice Travis into breaking his vows…
Reading Order:
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Silver by K.A. Linde (Sep 29)
Stacia Palmer had one goal in life—to become an NFL quarterback’s wife.
For the past three years, she’s seduced her way through the university’s football line-up. But when she finally has a quarterback fresh off the draft, Stacia experiences a shocking change of heart. One that sends her back to the place she never thought she’d return to.
Vegas.
Once there, she finds that no one believes her. Least of all Pace Larson, her sexy on-again off-again ex who has never quite gotten over her leaving him for someone else. Of course, he’s now the starting quarterback and determined to claim her as his prize.
But can Stacia give him a second chance when he’s toyed with her emotions into the fourth quarter? Or will they run out of time?
SILVER is the last book in All That Glitters series, a five-book series. Each full length novel follows a new couple.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
(Click images to purchase – you will not be charged until book is released.
Stars indicate books I’ve already read and loved.)
★ Visit THIS PAGE for the full list of upcoming releases ★
Current sales list for Amazon U.S. Click on image to purchase; click here to search my reviews.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Eight novellas from eight bestselling authors for 99¢!
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | Subscribe by Email
Follow me on Snapchat: vilmasbookblog
On Instagram
vilmairisblog
💻: marketing director at @dell
☁️: books + beauty + style + life
🍬: Sugar Rush charms - 🎄 Drop 11/9 @ 9am CST
👇🏻: Read my blog + shop my IG + charms