Romance

It's approaching that time of year when marriage and weddings take center stage. Despite recent statistics heralding August as the most popular period for Americans to tie the knot (National Vital Statistics Reports, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 20), June is still the month that most often conjures up visions of starry-eyed couples pledging their undying love and promising to live "happily ever after." Writers and publishers, of course, are well aware of this fascination with all things matrimonial and, like retail marketers, are taking advantage of the trend. Whether the focus of the entire story, a grand culmination, or simply an adjunct, weddings have a place in the plots of a number of upcoming releases. Here's our invitation to you.

Throwing up every time you think of marrying your fiancé should be a clue that maybe you shouldn't go through with it, but Katie Ray is having a hard time calling off the engagement. After all, she and Joe are perfect for each other, aren't they? Things change drastically, however, when the wedding planner is murdered, and Katie ends up locked in a room for hours with a sexy PI who was hired to trace some disappearing brides. At the same time, her best friend and Joe meet for the first time and are attracted to each other. Although the plot is threaded with sassy humor, a lighthearted touch, and misaligned lovers hinting strongly of Shakespeare, a deranged psychopath, a trail of murdered brides, and threats of real danger keep the story on the suspenseful side. Craig's (Divorced, Desperate and Delicious) lively story puts a new spin on weddings and will appeal to those who like their lethal tales with a little humor on the side.

Although this riveting thriller begins peacefully enough at a Lake Tahoe wedding, things quickly spin out of control when investigative reporter Dylan Sanders is lured into the forest and drugged by Erica Layton, one of his former informants. When he wakes the next morning, Erica is gone, and Dylan is a murder suspect. With the support of psychic Catherine Hilliard, he tries to make sense of it all. Yet, when Catherine is linked to him as an accomplice, the two begin to realize that they are being targeted by a clever villain they now must unmask if they want to stay alive. Chilling, suspenseful, and slightly paranormal, this tense adventure continues the story begun in Silent Run. Freethy, a best-selling author increasingly noted for her fast-paced, creative tales of romantic suspense, lives in the San Francisco area.

When a wild night of champagne and jackpots in Vegas results in marriage to sexy playboy Tony McCaffrey, brainy and normally sane accountant Heather Montgomery is appalled that she could have done something so "unplanned." Of course, Tony is equally stunned and anxious to undo the deed; unfortunately, Heather's marriage-obsessed family is thrilled about it, which makes things a bit more difficult. A very short-term marriage followed by a divorce seems to be the solution—until love works its magic. Opposites do attract in this fast-paced, diverting romantic comedy with more than its share of lively fun. Graves (Hot Wheels and High Heels) lives in Richardson, TX.

When cautious risk analyst Fern Chambers accepts a dare from her free-spirited roommate to say "yes" to every question she is asked for a week in return for a large donation to her favorite charity, Fern ends up not only bungee jumping for the cause but spending several days with wealthy Josh Adams on a charity treasure hunt, with unexpectedly romantic results. Taking a chance on love, with all the risks involved, is at the heart of this charming romance, which, true to form, ends with a most romantic wedding. Second in Harper's "A Bride for All Seasons" quartet, this romance celebrates the summer season. The author (English Lord, Ordinary Lady) lives in London.

The flavor of the Old West, wild and nostalgic, permeates the novellas in this diverse trio by some of the genre's favorite authors. A Southern miss comes to the wilds of Montana thinking she is about to be married, only to discover it was a ploy by her "fiancé's" parents to get their son married in Hart's heartwarming "Rocky Mountain Bride." A young woman hoping to find romance with one man at the annual Spring Fever Ball ends up in a compromising situation and is forced to wed another in Kate Bridges's tale of the Klondike Gold Rush, "Shotgun Vows." A widowed school teacher and a successful rancher who'd antagonized each other as children are reunited when she returns to Texas to teach in Charlene Sands's lively "Springville Wife." Varied settings and situations add interest to this enjoyable collection.

A floral designer for Wedding Belles and a researcher out to measure true love reconnect after years apart and find unexpected love in this funny, sassy story that launches Harlequin's "Wedding Planner" miniseries in fine style. The reemergence of the heroine's ex-husband stirs the pot briefly, but this tale of rekindled love is right on target; a delightful start to this uplifting, marriage-oriented series. Jump's (Really Something) romances are noted for their humor and delicious food; she lives in Fort Wayne, IN.

Having gotten dumped by his fiancée shortly after his brother's wedding, Ralphie Chickalini wishes he were more upset. In truth, his larger pain stems from the recent death of his father, his sole surviving parent and longtime housemate. For someone who doesn't like change, Ralphie sees his whole life changing. Commitment-averse reluctant psychic Daria Marshall isn't interested in anything long-term with Ralphie—she's leaving for Phoenix in two days—but Ralphie's dead father keeps hanging around where Daria can see him. Is he trying to tell her something that will affect Ralphie's and Daria's future? Markham (Love, Suburban Style) doesn't play this one predictably, adding a few twists and sweet turns until our lovers realize home is truly where your heart is. Markham is a pseudonym for suspense novelist Wendy Corsi Staub.

In danger after the death of her mother, Contessina Petra Maria d'Averio dons a nun's habit and is on her way to England in search of her natural father when her swearing catches the attention of Robin Fitzvitry, the Earl of Huntersdown. Robin suggests that he see her safely to England, and Petra accepts, never thinking that they will fall in love along the way or that Robin will end up in danger because of her. Well-matched, charming protagonists banter beautifully as they play a game of double deception. This cleverly plotted story rewards readers with a captivating blend of thrilling adventure, steamy sensuality, and gratifying emotion, as well as a surprise link to some of Beverley's earlier titles. Another flawless Georgian gem. Beverley (Lady Beware) lives in Canada.

This lively story takes a racetrack-raised automotive-engine expert with a lot to achieve and no desire to talk to the press, pairs her with a risk-taking, mountain-climbing sports journalist who will do anything for a story, and lets the sparks and passions accelerate. Conflicting goals and dreams keep the tension high. Although a final change of heart seems a little too speedy, it's a satisfying resolution, and fans will cheer as Rachel and Payton finally commit. Rich with family interactions and chock-full of racing detail, this sweet romance adds another spoke to Harlequin's popular "NASCAR" lineup, reprising characters in Marisa Carroll's Forbidden Attraction and leaving a few tantalizing loose ends that are sure to be resolved in a future release. Brenna lives in Plymouth, MN.

With her reputation destroyed by the "lying" paintbrush of a rejected suitor, wealthy Nora Thorngoode has no choice but to agree to marry enigmatic nobleman Grayson Lowell, a man in need of funds to save his young nephew's estate—and a man who is also suspected of killing his brother. Determined to make the best of things, the couple heads for Blackheath Grange, only to find a mystery that is deeper, more complex, and possibly more sinister than either had imagined. Set along the Cornish coast, in a marvelous mansion full of secret passageways and hidden rooms, this wonderfully moody and atmospheric tale, with its brooding hero, troubled young child, unquiet spirits, and unfriendly housekeeper, has many of the accoutrements of the classic Gothic of the Sixties. In fact, except for the ramped up sensuality (those Gothics were generally sweet), it is reminiscent of early Victoria Holt. Although rarely generating true fear or terror, the book is Gothic to the core, and the solid writing, riveting opening, and clever plot twists recommend this worthy debut. First of a projected series. Chase lives in Coral Springs, FL.

Spy, secret agent, and "retrieval expert" for the Crown, nobly born James Cordier is the best in the business, so getting some politically crucial letters from Francesca Bonnard, the most notorious courtesan in Europe, should be a simple task. But James hadn't counted on Francesca's being wary, smart, and incredibly desirable—or on his reaction to her. He also hadn't counted on someone wanting her dead. As oftentimes with author Mary Balogh, Chase does an exceptional job of turning a ruined woman into a believable heroine of surpassing quality and strength, making her sympathetic and giving her a worthy hero. Fascinating, compelling, and filled with unforgettable characters, this second volume in the "Fallen Woman" series is not to be missed. Chase (Not Quite a Lady), an exceptionally gifted historical romance writer, lives in Massachusetts.

Once again the infamous (and former courtesan) Lady Sophia Dalby puts her considerable matchmaking talents to work when she comes to the aid of young Louisa Kirkland, who wants to retrieve her family's pearls and win the heart of the man who has them. But the man of her dreams is not the one for her, as Sophia has a much more suitable match in mind. All it takes is a wager to set things in motion—and let the fun begin. Clever, smart, fresh, and passionate, this lively romp is the latest addition to Dain's courtesan series (The Courtesan's Daughter); readers will find it as delightfully entertaining as the last. Dain lives in North Carolina.

Thrown together when they meet over a bloody corpse while hunting for the same elusive artifact, psychic crystal worker Leona Hewitt and powerful mesmerist Thaddeus Ware become uneasy, though mutually attracted, allies in their quest to retrieve the legendary aurora stone and keep it out of the dangerous hands of the Third Circle. A paranormal serial killer with deadly good looks and a ruthless, power-obsessed nobleman add to their troubles as Leona and Thaddeus struggle to complete their quest, reconcile their feelings, and stay alive. Before the end of the tale, bodies litter the streets, sinister secrets are revealed, and Leona's abilities are tested as never before. Fourth in the century-spanning "Arcane Society" novels written alternately as Quick and Jayne Ann Krentz depending on the time period, this fast-paced story resolves itself quite satisfactorily while adding to the ongoing story of the society and leaving the door open for the next installment. Quick (The River Knows) lives in the Seattle area.

Poignant, heartwarming, and satisfying, this trio of novellas highlights the different faces of motherhood and is a tribute to mothers everywhere. When Dani Delgado volunteers her nonexistent Mommy to help with the Mother's Day Picnic, she hires Kelly Rosholt to play the role and ends up with a new stepmother in Handeland's "Mommy for Rent." A teenager takes a hand in ensuring her single dad's romantic happiness with a widowed restaurant owner in Rebecca Winters's "Along Came a Daughter." A childless teacher learns, almost too late, that there is more to being a mom than just having a baby in Anna DeStefano's "Baby Steps." A well-written, enjoyable anthology.

Classic Beverley: The Fortune Hunter (1991), in which a stunningly beautiful young woman must marry money to save her siblings from poverty, and the RITA Award®-winning Deirdre and Don Juan (1993), the story of an embittered widower in search of a plain wife who won't attract male attention, have been reprinted in this marriage-focused collection. Essential for libraries serving Regency fans.

Brimming with audacious humor, delicious sensuality, and beautifully developed characters, this touching, multilayered story also has an emotional depth that readers will savor. Fans (and libraries) who missed out on the hardcover edition of Phillips's 2007 award-winning best seller and Quill nominee will want to add this paperback version to their collections. One of the author's "Chicago Stars" titles. (LJ 2/15/07)

Rancher Margaret Clemens decides to take a chance on marriage to cowboy Matt Eilers, despite what anyone else says, in Always Dakota (2001), the rerelease of the third volume in Macomber's popular series set in Buffalo Valley, ND. Recommended for libraries with a strong Macomber readership that need to replenish their collections.

In Someday Soon (1995), a grieving widow meets a professional mercenary, and they both learn they need to reassess their priorities in order to accept love.