New Babies

It's almost ironic that my last post was about addictions: I came home today with four new purchases from Borders. To be fair, I had a $10 off $30+ coupon and five Border's Bucks, which seemed like a deal just too good to pass up. I ended up choosing a dozen romances then staring at them all for twenty minutes trying to decide which ones I was actually going to buy. I splurged on some YA romances as well. I don't read YA too often, but as I was browsing through the shelf I realized I was in the mood for something light and fun. I'm hoping to get a review up in the next day or two, but in the meantime, here's what I got today:


Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side was something I saw on Anna's Book Blog a while ago. YA fiction seems to be drowning in vampires/werewolves/paranormal (and the never ending gossip girl) so I wouldn't have picked this one up except for already having read a review.

Summary:
The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

After reading the first page or two, it seems like what Twilight would have been if it hadn't taken itself too seriously.


I read a review for this (possibly years ago) on Dear Author. It reminds me of the sort of books I read and loved as a pre-teen. I was into anything historical (and still am). It's a bit of a walk down memory lane, fuzzy feelings included.

Summary:
After the Russian revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination. Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties—not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée...


Forbidden love. Childhood friends turned more. Undeniable passion. Yup, sounds up my lane. But really I got it because of that sticker on the front: $4.99. Take that Subway!

Summary:
Millicent “Missy” Armstrong is entering her fourth London Season, but not for lack of suitors. Since her debut three years ago, Missy has received twenty marriage proposals. But she is interested in only one man—her brother’s best friend, James Rutherford. As a child, Missy looked up to James. As a grown up, her admiration has blossomed into the longings of a beautiful, sensuous woman—and she won’t rest until James admits his love—and desire—for her…

James Rutherford rues the day he let his physical weaknesses get the better of him by kissing Missy. His best friend has made it clear that Missy is off limits, and though he’s avoided her for three years, he hasn’t forgotten the feel of her soft lips pressed against his—and it seems neither has she. For no matter how much James tries to discourage Missy, he keeps winding up in her arms, sharing heated caresses that promise the most delirious pleasure...


This was an unexpected pick. I haven't read anything from this author before or read any reviews. I liked the title, the cover and the summary, so I took the risk and got it.

Summary:
Nell Anslowe and Julian, Earl of Wyndham, are an unlikely couple in every respect. Injured in a riding accident ten years ago, Nell was left with a fiance who abandoned their engagement, a slight limp, terrifying nightmares, and the firm belief that she will never marry. The abrupt end of Julian's unhappy marriage formed his resolve to remain a bachelor until the end of his days. But as Julian chases down his reckless stepsister, he seeks shelter from a summer storm in a cottage - and finds it occupied by Nell, who has escaped from a fortune-seeking libertine bent on carrying her off to Gretna Green. Discovered together by Nell's family, the couple's hasty wedding is the only way to save Nell from scandal - but the polite union each of them expects blossoms into something much more powerful...