Free/Bargain Romances in June 2013

[laurla]

Originally Posted by Blossom

Not all NA is about coming of age. I have read a few that read like contemporary romance but the couple was just younger. Not all NA is angsty either. There are a some out there that are lighthearted or full of suspense. It really be refreshing for the most part. It's not confined by the strict rules of mainstream romance. Because it's new it's not formulated yet though there are some who try to copycat other NA plots most of it is fresh and outside the box.

Then I wouldn't call it NA, I'd call it a contemp. But that's just my opinion, FWIW (which usually isn't much )

To be honest, when the label first started being used, I agreed with you - it's just a way to tell you the couple is younger. But then it seemed all the books started morphing into a certain kind story about these young people and I've seen it discussed in many places as being focused on coming of age - which I would agree isn't always angsty - mine certainly wasn't. My college and early 20s were fairly angst free... went to school, got a broken heart, met my husband, got married, got a job...but I get that doesn't make a compelling story, huh?

Anyway, if you could give me an example of an NA where one or both of the H/h don't have a hidden past (dealing with sexual or other abuse), one or both aren't in college, the male isn't some sort of campus hero/horndog while she is repressed/sheltered etc., I'd be glad to read it. The horndog vs sheltered is a common romance trope but it's the coupled with the secret pasts that I don't like. Can't explain why, just isn't for me....

[laurla]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I just finished The Sweethearts' Knitting Club by Lori Wilde. I loved it! (4 and half stars.) So I'm off to buy the second one.

I'm getting ready to start the 3rd book of the Jubilee series... such very good books - very emotionally satisfying. They are by far better than most of her previous stuff I've read. I almost didn't notice that the sex scenes are less than explicit... done in almost all romantic and emotional terms, not explicit at all. But like I said, so emotionally satisfying I almost didn't notice, esp in the second one until...(true spoiler, key plot point hidden)

Spoiler:

Annie lost her virginity and all the text said was 'He was part of her and she was a virgin no more.'

A bit of a let down, but as I said, the rest of the book was so good and satisfying, I found I didn't care.

I shall be reading book 3 today. Not prepared to spend $$ for the Knitting Club, so may go try and find some of her other backlist I don't have.. maybe use that 48 hour Kobo coupon

[apesmom]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I just finished The Sweethearts' Knitting Club by Lori Wilde. I loved it! (4 and half stars.) So I'm off to buy the second one.

That's good to hear. I have 1, 3 & 4, all of which I grabbed for $0.99 or less when HC had them on sale. I need to watch for #2 to go on sale! I hope I didn't miss it.

[Blue2u]

Originally Posted by Loosheesh

I just completed the Psy-Changeling series. And I want more. More! For the past two and a half weeks my head and heart has been in this world and it will take some doing to shake both loose. I think I need to go immerse myself in a few innocuous Harlequin Presents romance (which I have sorely neglected so far this year) to get down from my current high.

Ugh, you guys are killing me here! I want to read this series now, my library is poop so I'm outta luck unless a bundle or big sale comes on somewhere!

ETA: looks like there may be a bundle coming out at Amazon so I'll cross my fingers.

[TallMomof2]

I'm on Book 7 and I'm really enjoying the series. At first I didn't think I'd care for this book but it's grown on me. I'm really fascinated by the world building. I'd love to see other books written in this world but in the past.

[apesmom]

Originally Posted by Loosheesh

I just completed the Psy-Changeling series. And I want more. More! For the past two and a half weeks my head and heart has been in this world and it will take some doing to shake both loose. I think I need to go immerse myself in a few innocuous Harlequin Presents romance (which I have sorely neglected so far this year) to get down from my current high.

The Guild Hunter series may hold you over for awhile. Same awesome writing but a completely different world packed full of paranormal politics.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by laurla

I'm getting ready to start the 3rd book of the Jubilee series... such very good books - very emotionally satisfying. They are by far better than most of her previous stuff I've read. I almost didn't notice that the sex scenes are less than explicit... done in almost all romantic and emotional terms, not explicit at all. But like I said, so emotionally satisfying I almost didn't notice, esp in the second one until...(true spoiler, key plot point hidden) A bit of a let down, but as I said, the rest of the book was so good and satisfying, I found I didn't care.

I shall be reading book 3 today. Not prepared to spend $$ for the Knitting Club, so may go try and find some of her other backlist I don't have.. maybe use that 48 hour Kobo coupon

I totally loves how she does that! It's old school. It focuses on your emotions instead of your physical responses. This is why I prefer older romances because the plot and characterization is the main focus and the sex is written in a way it feels part of the emotional journey instead of just Insert A into Slot B type of scenes. One thing I miss about the newer romances is the sexual tension between the h/h. It's my favorite part of the a couple's journey. Most newer books don't know how to built that up, it's all about Instant love, sex and no more chase. The chase is the best part!

On the Twilight, Texas series. See if your library has it. my library has all but book two that one I bought. I'm gonna hold off on Book 3 of the Jubilee series. It's a Christmas book. So I am saving it and the Cookie club one for my Holiday readings later this year.

One thing I love about Ms Wilde Texas books are the in depth characterization that she does. I must find more writers who have that skill. Any recommendations?

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by apesmom

That's good to hear. I have 1, 3 & 4, all of which I grabbed for $0.99 or less when HC had them on sale. I need to watch for #2 to go on sale! I hope I didn't miss it.

I really enjoyed book one. It wasn't as good as her Jubilee books but I expected that. She was still finding her place in small town romance. It was a page turner for me. I couldn't put it down once I got a free moment.

She has a Anthology coming out in November that will have all the Christmas Cookie Club novellas and a bonus novella that includes the couple from the first book's Christmas. There is also another Christmas Cookie novella coming in December.

[Atunah]

Eugenia Riley has one of her older time travel thingies on sale
for .99 cents.
I have not read her yet.
http://www.amazon.com/TIMESWEPT-BRID.../dp/B005GFI2W2

Here is a repeat freebie from Barbara Samuel

http://www.amazon.com/A-Bed-of-Spice.../dp/B0040GJI4Y

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I am only starting on the 2nd of the Psy series, so I still have a few to go. I am always so behind in all the series I started. Like everything is series now.

I just finished Tangled by Emma Chase, I think you guys talked about that one here too. I totally loved it. Probably the best book I read this year.

I would like to find some sports romance that is about Tennis. I have read some with football players and baseball, but I just don't like those type of sports at all, so it was difficult to care much for me. But I am a total tennis nut. Watching that is, not playing . Its the only sport I watch and love.

[Blue2u]

Originally Posted by Atunah

I am only starting on the 2nd of the Psy series, so I still have a few to go. I am always so behind in all the series I started. Like everything is series now.

ack, another one tormenting me! But thanks to apesmom for posting above and reminding that I have GuildHunters to tide me over, which I need to start!

I just finished Tangled by Emma Chase, I think you guys talked about that one here too. I totally loved it. Probably the best book I read this year.

Another ACK from me, this one is still tempting me SO much. I keep waiting for Kobo to get it on their site so at least I can coupon it. I'm dying to read it.

[Blossom]

Free @ Amazon

The Fire Opal by Connie Flynn

Colby's Child by Patricia Watters

Indies:

Hate Me (Undeniable love Series #1) by Leen Elle
New Adult Contemporary Romance

Tudor Rose (The Tudor Dynasty Series) by Jamie Salisbury
(Rockstar book)

Irish Moon (Moon Magick Series) by Amber Scott

Love Never Lies by Rachel Donnelly

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by Atunah

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I am only starting on the 2nd of the Psy series, so I still have a few to go. I am always so behind in all the series I started. Like everything is series now.

I know I saw some tennis books a few months backs.

The second was pretty good but I had to stop for a break. There are very few series I can read one after another. I think 3 books is my limit if it's good but I usually get burn out after two. I just read two modern westerns so I need something else. Right now just trying to finish the two books I have been reading for months until I find something else interesting to read.

[Atunah]

Originally Posted by Blossom

The second was pretty good but I had to stop for a break. There are very few series I can read one after another. I think 3 books is my limit if it's good but I usually get burn out after two. I just read two modern westerns so I need something else. Right now just trying to finish the two books I have been reading for months until I find something else interesting to read.

I think that is why I am so behind all these series. I read one and then I have to go on to something else. I don't want to burn out. The only series I had to inhale all that there was, were the Fever series by Moning and the Chicago vampires by Chloe Neill.
I was barking at my cat and my husband when I was reading the Fever series. Don't talk to me, don't look at me. I might have growled.

That happens very very rarely though to me. I have to switch it up. Not just with series, but with romance subgenres. I go from historical, to paranormal, to some contempo and back to historical. And I mix in some urban fantasy.

I am though quickly falling out of love with NA. When I read Easy and Slammed I was so exited. And now I can't find anything that isn't annoying emo whining to me. And many that I read are really just contemporary romance to me. I do think there has been a lot of jumping on the bandwagon.
And I also come across a lot that isn't even edited before its thrown out there.
Rule was one of those. And I read the suppose edited version. It was insulting.

But I really have to recommend Tangled. Its like a grown up contempo and it was so surprising to me. Refreshing.

Blue2u said:

Another ACK from me, this one is still tempting me SO much. I keep waiting for Kobo to get it on their site so at least I can coupon it. I'm dying to read it.

Well good thing about books is they don't go bad. Unlike that chicken salad in my fridge.
So even if you read it later, it still going to be the same book.

[library addict]

Originally Posted by Atunah

I would like to find some sports romance that is about Tennis. I have read some with football players and baseball, but I just don't like those type of sports at all, so it was difficult to care much for me. But I am a total tennis nut. Watching that is, not playing . Its the only sport I watch and love.

I'm a big tennis fan, too. My favorite player is Roger Federer.

The only tennis romance I've read is The Thrill of Victory by Erin St Claire (aka Sandra Brown). I read it when it came out in 1989 and can't honestly remember much about it

There's also Nora Roberts' Opposites Attract but that's one of her books I haven't read yet.

AAR is currently updating their sports romances special titles listings, so maybe we'll get some more current ones.

[Loosheesh]

Originally Posted by Blue2u

Ugh, you guys are killing me here! I want to read this series now, my library is poop so I'm outta luck unless a bundle or big sale comes on somewhere!

ETA: looks like there may be a bundle coming out at Amazon so I'll cross my fingers.

I went looking and came across these:

(a) For the US: books 1-5 and books 6-10; both bundles are $39.99 and are from Penguin so not couponable
(b) Non-US: books 1-10; it's from Orion and it looks couponable ($74.39; list price $103.83)

With a good coupon (80% or 90%), I'd definitely buy the second bundle, so it's now on my wishlist.

Originally Posted by apesmom

The Guild Hunter series may hold you over for awhile. Same awesome writing but a completely different world packed full of paranormal politics.

I'm very leery of UF with angels/demons so I'd have to first overcome this mental roadblock before I could even think of giving this series a try.


I've given it some thought and I think I'm going to start a Susanna Kearsley book next. I'll go with The Rose Garden, based on apesmom's reading order rec. Wish me luck!