We’ve now been in 2017 a little over a week and it looks like my reading list is not going to decrease any time soon. Right now I have 5 romance novels in my immediate reading list and I’m in the middle of 4 of them. So, here’s a quick peek at some of the reviews to come:

1) Grind by Edward Vukovic

Ziva’s love of coffee is double-edged. Throughout her life, she gives her talent freely to those desperate for a glimpse into destiny’s promise. Predicting the future with chilling accuracy, she understands the cost and has sworn never to divine her own truth. Having fled the economic aftershocks of the Balkan war, she struggles adjusting to her new life and clings to the remnants of her past, until she meets Isaac. Against her better judgement, Ziva ‘reads’ for herself and what she sees will change her life irrevocably.

Told from the perspective of multiple characters, Grind follows the plight of Ziva, an ordinary immigrant with an extraordinary gift, and highlights the impact we have on each other through the interconnectedness of chance encounters.

Buy it at your local independent bookstore now.

When Edward Vukovic approached me about reading and reviewing his novel, I almost said no. I haven’t been able fulfill review requests on a regular basis for a long time now. But he offered me a print copy of the book, and how can I say no to a print copy? So now I’m about halfway through, and enjoying the book. It’s not my usual read, but it’s great all the same.

2) In Debt to the Enemy Lord by Nicole Locke

Anwen, bastard of Brynmor, has fought hard to find her place in the world. But she’s forced to rethink everything when she’s saved from death by her enemy Teague, Lord of Gwalchdu. Instead of releasing her, he holds her captive… 

Teague trusts no one. So, with ominous messages threatening his life, he must keep Anwen under his watch, no matter how much her presence drives him wild. And when passionate arguments turn to passionate encounters, Teague must believe that the strength of their bond will conquer all!

This book is pure guilty pleasure. It was an impulse buy, thanks to its pretty cover, my love of historicals, and me actually opening an email from Harlequin. It’s very excellent so far well above Harlequin’s normal standards. The review from this one won’t be for awhile because, like I said, this book is pure guilty pleasure and it will be awhile before I can have a pure joy read.

3) The Remnants by W.P. Osborn

Danny Pulbrook is a handsome and rebellious young man. Born the bastard son of a minor royal and orphaned at birth he is determined to find a new life far beyond his “pre-ordained oblivion”. His only way out – a forced enlistment into the army brings him to an inevitable confrontation with his own demons in the cauldron of the first world war.

Rose Quayle is a beautiful and confident hazel-eyed housemaid who, like her mother and her mother’s mother is employed in service at Meaford House – an expansive vice-regal estate near Tunbridge Wells. Like Danny she longs for a life beyond the tyranny of the rigid class system that defines her humble destiny.

Their chance meeting becomes the catalyst that changes both of their lives forever.

This is another paid honest review book. It’s not bad so far. It’s kind of a memoir, kind of fiction, and so far it’s very interesting. I’ll have a review for this book up soon.

4) Bascomville by Mark A. Calde

Welcome to Bascomville, the singular domain of Max Bascom, the universe he has spun for himself from the raw materials of his surroundings.

This is Max’s journey from friend to lover.  From seducer to seduced.  From firstborn to prodigal. From betrayer to betrayed.
And finally, from child to man.

This was another review request that I almost turned down. Except Mark offered me a print signed copy. I have yet to start this book, but I’m looking forward to reading it.

5) Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke

Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery “Fox” Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.

Get it free on Smashwords now.

I’m actually re-reading this book. It’s a free book that I’ll be including in my upcoming ebook, Lover’s Quarrel’s Ultimate Reading List of Free Romance Novels, which is a list of free full-length novels that I’ve rated 4 stars or higher. It’s as good a book as I remember, and I’m happy to re-read it, and excited to include it in Ultimate Reading List, which will be a free ebook for everyone who subscribes to my newsletter. 

What are some books that you’re kicking off the new year with? Leave in the comments below.