April 2024 Wrap-Up
Worthy of Fate
A.N. Caudle
The Gem
Marked by the Gods, Kya is forced to partake in a Trial for a chance to be deemed Worthy. If she succeeds, she’ll be gifted great powers. If she fails, she could lose her life or worse. But that’s only the start of her worries. Now, the same plague that took her home is spreading and threatening the fate of the realm. Can Kya survive the Trial of the Gods and gain the needed power to rid the world of the growing threat before it’s too late? Or will she be drawn to what awaits her in the shadows?
The Shadow
Ryker has waited a long time for her-his mate. Now he’s found her. He plans to claim what is rightfully his, but dark forces threaten to destroy his Nation should he embrace the bond he so desperately desires. Unable to escape the drive to be near her, he waits for his precious gem, lingering in her shadow.
Worthy of Fate is the first book in a new adult, dark fantasy romance series with an intriguing magic system, dark forces, Spirits, and forbidden fated mates.
Last Night
Luanne Rice
A fierce blizzard is burying the eastern seaboard, but on the icy Rhode Island shore renowned artist Maddie Morrison finds warm sanctuary from a contentious divorce at the legendary Ocean House. Hours later, her body is found buried under a blanket of snow and her little daughter, CeCe, has disappeared without a trace.
For Detective Conor Reid; his brother, Tom, a coast guard commander; and Maddie’s grieving sister, Hadley, the posh hotel becomes ground zero for an investigation. Trapped by the blizzard, they must hunker down and determine who in the young mother’s life could have possibly wanted her dead. There are stories of a twisted romantic past. Of old jealousies and resentments that still cut to the bone. And a history of greed, rage, and revenge that created the perfect storm for murder. A storm that has just begun.
Bride of the Shadow King
Sylvia Mercedes
For fans of The Bridge Kingdom and A Deal with the Elf King, this arranged marriage romance about a human princess forced to wed a dark and desperate Shadow King is sure to entice!
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.
Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.
When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.
Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.
So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?
Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). The first book in a new fantasy romance series, this sweeping tale of love and betrayal is perfect for readers looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.
Vow of the Shadow King
Sylvia Mercedes
A treacherous bride. A heartbroken groom. Is their marriage over before it’s begun?
Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.
But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.
With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?
When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.
Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?
Book two of this epic romantasy trilogy, Vow of the Shadow King will sweep you away in a tale of betrayal, heartbreak, and forbidden love. Perfect for readers looking for their ideal “book husband” and a slow-burn romance ready to ignite!
Heart of the Shadow King
Sylvia Mercedes
A KING DESPERATE TO SAVE HIS BRIDE.
A QUEEN DISCOVERING THE DARK POTENTIAL OF HER POWER.
After nearly losing one another in a savage attack on the city, Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar fully committed to their marriage. But the situation in the Under Realm remains dire. With the world poised on the brink of collapse, Vor struggles to protect his kingdom. Though Faraine longs to support him as queen, she fights the weakness in her body at every turn . . . not to mention the strange changes warping her gods-gift.
When war drags them apart, Vor and Faraine face the consequences of their choices. How can Vor lead those who have lost faith in him? Torn between honor and desire, he must decide where his heart truly lies: with his kingdom or his queen.
Meanwhile, as Faraine explores the new dimensions of her power, she starts to believe the coming cataclysm may be prevented. But in doing so, will she unleash a darkness in herself far more disastrous?
Breathtaking stakes. Ultimate reveals. This is the epic finale you’ve been waiting for!
Let Heart of the Shadow King keep you swooning into the small hours of the night with all the heartbreak, heat, and hard-won happily-ever-afters.
The Duke and I
Julia Quinn
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable…but not too amiable.
Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honestfor that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.
Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.
The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia Quinn
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…
—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814
But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…
Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Julia Quinn
Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend’s brother for…well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret…and fears she doesn’t know him at all.
Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone’s preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can’t seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same – especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide…is she his biggest threat – or his promise of a happy ending?
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Agatha Christie
The tale unfolds as Captain Hastings, injured in the First World War, receives an invitation from his old friend John Cavendish to spend his sick leave at the enchanting Styles Court in England. Amidst the serene surroundings, Hastings encounters John’s stepmother, Mrs. Inglethorp, and her recently wedded husband, Alfred, setting the stage for a seemingly idyllic respite.
However, a disquieting realization dawns upon Hastings as he senses an underlying unease within the tranquil estate. The tranquility shatters when Mrs. Inglethorp is discovered poisoned, casting suspicion upon the family members, prompting the need for a thorough investigation.
In a twist of fate, another old friend, the renowned detective Hercule Poirot, is called upon to unravel the web of secrets and deceit surrounding the mysterious poisoning at Styles Court and the classic whodunnit ensues.
Off-Limits Cowboy
Kristine W. Joy
He’s a grumpy cowboy and a single dad. He’s also my overprotective brother’s best friend… and when I agreed to stay at his ranch, falling for him was never in the plan.
While standing in the barn, I feel myself drawing closer to him, willingly closing what little space is between us.
The chemistry is palpable. Sparks are exploding.
My brother is going to kill us.
But I can’t bring myself to pull away.
Seeing him, I’ve managed to forget the heartbreak from my divorce.
In my head, I know pursuing anything beyond a friendship with him is asking for trouble.
I came here to get back on my feet…
But in my heart, I secretly hope he sweeps me off ‘em.
Off-Limits Cowboy is a sweet and swoony contemporary western romance, with some elements of suspense. It’s the first standalone story in a small-town romcom series following the Brothers of Lucky Seven Ranch.
Accidentally My Cowboy
Kristine W. Joy
She’s a city slicker from Los Angeles. I’m a cowboy from Texas. She definitely wants me, she just doesn’t know it yet.
She walked straight out of my dreams and into this tiny town.
I swept her off her feet on the dance floor.
She gave me the best kiss I’ve ever had.
It was all going so well … until it wasn’t.
Like a real life Cinderella, she ran off without giving me her number.
Dumbfounded, I assumed I’d never see her again.
Until she walked right into our barn the next morning.
Turns out, she’s the wedding planner for my brother’s upcoming nuptials.
And I’m the best man. Which means we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of each other.
Surely, I can win over her heart.
Ladies love country boys, right?
Accidentally My Cowboy is a sweet, small-town, opposites attract romantic comedy with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed. It’s the second standalone love story in the Brothers of Lucky Seven Ranch Series.
Meeting at the Altar
Kristine W. Joy
I signed up to marry a stranger on reality TV. Turns out, the bride is someone I know. And I’m pretty sure she still hates me for what happened between us in high school…
I knew the terms: marry a stranger on the spot, handpicked by “experts” just for me.
But that’s not what’s happening.
My bride is no stranger. And she’s wearing a black dress reminiscent of the one she wore the last time we spoke … at prom.
Surely she’s gotten over what happened at prom by now.
Except … it only takes me about five minutes to realize she hasn’t. And now, I’m married to the one woman I did wrong in my life.
But she still trembles at my touch.
Either this is about to be the biggest mistake of my life, or the greatest second chance in history.
And all of America gets to watch it…
Meeting at the Altar is a sweet, small-town, second chance, marriage of convenience RomCom full of sizzling chemistry while keeping the bedroom door closed. It’s the third standalone story in Kristine W. Joy’s series following the Brothers of Lucky Seven Ranch.
Fake Fiancé at First Sight
Kristine W. Joy
I can’t believe I’m at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée.
My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans.”
But I’m the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother’s vow renewal.
Because the only people I’m interested in “winning over” are my small-town family.
There’s just something about this woman that makes me want to be on my best behavior.
I’m becoming more and more drawn to her with every touch.
Suddenly, nothing about our arrangement feels fake.
But I’m not convinced she’ll ever see me as anything more than a lie.
I’m not sure I’m even good enough for her … but everything in me wants to be the man she deserves.
Now it’s no longer just about winning over my family’s heart, but winning over hers. Fake Fiancé at First Sight is a small-town, fake fiancé, celebrity rockstar romantic comedy full of sizzling chemistry while keeping the bedroom door closed. It’s the fourth and final standalone story in Kristine W. Joy’s sweet romcom series following the Brothers of Lucky Seven Ranch.
A Duke for Miss Daisy
Maggie Dallen & Katherine Ann Madison
Daisy’s met the duke of her dreams…or is he her worst nightmare?
Daisy is a wallflower. Or at least, she was. But this season her prospects are brighter and, much to her mother’s delight, she may just make a match. When the duke she once adored from a distance arrives at the house party she’s attending with her friends, she knows for certain her luck has changed. Until she meets him.
Rude, grim, and not at all the knight in shining armor she believed him to be as a child, the now-widowed Duke of Dolan treats her boorishly bad. This isn’t the love at first sight she’d been dreaming of. In fact, it’s a whole lot like disdain. If it were not for the way he held her in his arms, she might just be fooled into thinking he’s not the man for her at all. Luckily for him, his kisses speak louder than his growls.
Captured by the Earl
Melanie Rose Clarke
As a member of the Distinguished Ladies of Purpose, Lady Emma Sinclair strives to help those less fortunate, even as others disregard her ideas as fanciful nonsense. That is, until she accidentally starts a rumor she is betrothed to Philip Fitzgerald, the powerful but absent Earl of Peyton. As society celebrates her victory in capturing the elusive lord, she enjoys new influence. Everything goes perfectly, until…
The earl returns.
Philip is shocked to arrive home to an unexpected betrothal. He doesn’t know Lady Emma’s motives or goals, yet the intelligent lady intrigues him. He will continue the ruse, chasing her secrets, even as he continues his own clandestine work. He saves people while in disguise, setting London aflame.
As everyone guesses the identity of the mysterious masked rescuer, Emma and Philip delve closer and closer to the truth, and each other.
When secrets are revealed, will a pretend betrothal become real?
The Untamed Duke
Melanie Rose Clarke
When a Scottish duke targets her brother, Sophia will do anything to protect her family, including kidnapping the powerful lord. What happens when the duke kidnaps her instead?
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. If he won’t abandon his revenge, she’ll take matters into her own hands.
Perhaps a little kidnapping is in order.
Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Only something lovely, vibrant and entirely delectable stops him.
Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her. Yet how can he forgo his revenge? He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
Perhaps it’s time for a little kidnapping of his own.
What an earl Wants
Shirley Karr
What’s a lord to do?
Benjamin, Earl of Sinclair, is living in chaos. So many of his well-trained servants are pairing up and running off to be wed that his friends begin calling him The Matchmaking Earl. Fortunately, his talented new secretary, J. Quincy, begins setting the household to rights. But imagine Sinclair’s surprise when he discovers the “J” stands for Josephine. His favorite employee is a lady in disguise!
Jo desperately needs this position, and never actually lied about her gender … though she didn’t expect Sinclair to figure out her secret so soon. If the ton finds out, the scandal could be devastating. She’s only going to stay long enough to earn sufficient money to move her ailing sister away from London. Can she succeed before word gets out and scandal brings them both down? And after working so closely with the handsome, charming Sinclair, can she leave with her heart intact … even if the earl now wants Jo as a match for himself?
Now it’s your turn!
Share your April reads and let’s discuss — what were your favorite reads from the past month? Or is there a book you’re looking forward to this month? Any new discoveries or treasured rereads? We’d love to see your recommendations and thoughts!
