Spring has sprung and May is bursting into beautiful bloom with great books from some your favorite authors. Pick a bunch of your favorites this month from Catherine Anderson, Elizabeth Lowell, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Amanda Quick, Anya Bast, Marie Ferrarella, Cheyenne McCray, Diana Palmer, Bertrice Small, Mariah Stewart, Susan Wiggs, Sylvia Day, Marcia King-Gamble, Lynn Kurland and Karen Rose.

Read more about the April releases ....

Berkley/Signet Mysteries

Time flies when you're having fun! May is here and we are ready with some fantastic new mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime and Obsidian:

Our first offering is STRIP FOR MURDER by bestselling author Max Allan Collins, the follow up to last year's A KILLING IN COMICS.

Glamorous Maggie Starr is America's most famous ex-striptease artist. The diva continues "stripping" through her late husband's newspaper syndicate—distributing comic strips—with stepson Jack Starr, her V.P. and chief troubleshooter. And when they're not in the funny pages, they're making headlines as sleuths...

Next we are pleased to bring you the paperback release of TUMBLING BLOCKS by bestselling author and Agatha Award winner, Earlene Fowler.

San Celina's most exclusive society suddenly has an opening. And Benni Harper has been tapped—not to join, but to investigate. The upper crust, female-only "49 Club" is restricted to exactly that many members, and one must die before another joins. When the latest socialite de-pledges in her sleep, Benni's boss, Constance Sinclair, wants answers —and naturally, it's landed on Benni's to-do list.

Our next May offering is the national bestseller FREE FIRE, A Joe Pickett Novel, by C.J. Box. We are also pleased to bring you the start of a great new series. HOOKED ON MURDER: A Crochet Mystery by Betty Hechtman. No good deed goes unpunished. That's what Molly Pink is learning. An event manager at the bookstore Shedd & Royal, Molly finds a bag of crochet hooks left behind by Ellen Sheridan, the leader of the store's crochet group. In a gesture of goodwill, Molly stops by Ellen's house to return the hooks. She is greeted by an open door—and when she walks through it she nearly stumbles over Ellen's dead body.

Up next is the second Clay and Crime Mystery, THE CRACKED POT by Melissa Glazer.

Carolyn Emerson owner of FIRE AT WILL, a paint-your-own-pottery studio in Maple Ridge, VT, would like nothing better than to spend her days painting clay pieces and her nights with her husband, Bill, but trouble keeps getting her all fired up.

Our next great May book is PERFECT POISON, our fourth Peggy Lee Garden Mystery by Joyce and Jim Lavene.

Meet Peggy Lee, whose life—if possible—has gotten busier than ever. To ease the pressure she's cut down her teaching schedule and taken on work as a contract forensic botanist for the Charlotte Police. Of course she's still running her store, the Potting Shed and though the summer heat is stifling business, death is in full bloom....

And from Alice Kimberly this month, THE GHOST AND THE FEMME FATALE, the fourth fantastic Haunted Bookshop Mystery. After nearly a decade, Cranberry Street's old Movie Town Theater is finally restored to its former glory. The grand opening "Noir Weekend" is the biggest event Quindicott, Rhode Island, has seen in years. Dozens of old films are scheduled for screening, along with a roster of special guests and lectures. No sooner do the festivities begin, however, than special guests start dropping—from decidedly unnatural causes—and Penelope Thornton-McClure wants to know why "Noir Week" has taken a genuinely dark turn.

We are pleased to bring you POINTE AND SHOOT: A Jenny T. Partridge Mystery, the third in this fun series by Natalie M. Roberts.

Now, here are some wonderful mysteries from Obsidian:

Our lead title this month is the seventh mystery in the acclaimed Dead-End Job Mystery series by Elaine Viets: CLUBBED TO DEATH.

With a resumé that includes attempted assault and alimony evasion, Helen Hawthorne has no choice but to take on a series of dead-end jobs to make ends meet. A week after beginning in the complaint department at the exclusive Superior Club, Helen learns that Rob, her philandering ex-husband, and his new wife, Marcella, have just arrived. That's Marcella, the infamous Black Widow whose six husbands have all turned up dead. And just like clockwork, Rob is soon reported missing...and Helen becomes a suspect!

And we are tying in this exciting release with the paperback release of MURDER WITH RESERVATIONS, the sixth book in the series, now available in paperback. In this delightful book, Helen takes a job at the Full Moon Hotel as a hotel attendant, and soon learns that Rob, her philandering ex-husband, is headed her way to collect his money. In the midst of this dilemma, Helen hears that a bank robber has hidden a big loot of money somewhere in the hotel. The search is on among everybody at the Full Moon to find it, and that's when people start turning up dead.

There's a change of tone with our next release for May: CRIMINAL MINDS: KILLER PROFILE by Max Allan Collins is the second tie-in novel to the incredibly popular CBS network crime drama. CRIMINAL MINDS revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again.

Finally, we are excited to bring you the next mystery from Selma Eichler, MURDER CAN CRASH YOUR PARTY, featuring New York's favorite full-figured private eye. When Desiree is enlisted as a guest speaker at a mystery writers' convention, she's a big hit with her audience. And one listener in particular is a special fan. Romance writer Belle Simone, a well-known eccentric, pulls her aside to make a truly bizarre proposition: If Desiree reads Belle's unpublished novel, and can solve the mystery between the covers, Belle will pay her $25,000. A tantalizing story and a big pay-out: how can she possibly refuse?

We know you'll love all of these great new May mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime and Obsidian. June will bring more of the same so remember to come on back for more fabulous mystery fun!

http://berkleysignetmysteries.com

Berkley Jove Authors

After all those April showers, May is blooming with fantastic and exciting books romance readers won't want to miss!

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Nora Roberts, brings us book two of the Sign of Seven trilogy, THE HOLLOW. The thrilling story continues of a town plagued by evil—and the three men and three women brought together by fate to fight it.

What would you do if you met an angel? Erin McCarthy's newest novel FALLEN tells the story of the angel Gabriel, sent to watch over the decadent city of New Orleans in the 1880s. After giving in to the pleasures of absinthe, he is punished for the murder of his mistress Anne, which he can't be sure he didn't do. His penance is to be forever denied love, and any pleasure he knows with a woman will cause her to endure the depths of despair. In present day New Orleans forensic scientist Sara hopes to unlock the mystery when she meets Gabriel. She also happens to be Anne's great-great granddaughter. Can the desire burning between them turn into their salvation—or lead them both to destruction? To find out more, read Erin's letter to readers here.

Rebecca York is back with her latest book, GHOST MOON. The hero is another one of the Marshall men. The only problem is that one of his cousins killed him seventy-five years ago. He was doomed to a shadow existence until he met Quinn, a remarkable woman with the courage to bring him back to life.

Follow the tune of the HIGHLAND ROGUE, a new time-travel romance by Tess Malloy. In 1771, a masked bandit called the Piper is seeking vengeance for his people. Quinn MacIntyre leaves his victims with empty pockets and a haunting tune from his pipes that once brought great joy. When a flame-haired minx stumbles across his path he faces a new challenge: Letting go of the past to embrace the future. In the present day Scottish Highlands, an aspiring archaeologist on vacation, Maggie discovers a tri-spiral carving in an ancient cairn, unwittingly setting in motion it's dormant magic. Sent tumbling back in time 300 years, Maggie finds a Scottish hero out of her wildest fantasies. The only problems are: She's trapped in 18th century Scotland and the man she's fallen for is an outlaw—the Highland Rogue. For more, read Tess's letter to readers.

Annette Blair is back with the second installment of the sexy Triplet Witch Trilogy, GONE WITH THE WITCH. Storm hears the psychic sounds of a baby crying in Aidan's presence. Abducting him is the only was to follow the sound and find the child. Her scheme includes his luxury motor coach...and a few pairs of fuzzy purple handcuffs!

Do you know THE COURTESAN'S SECRET? The latest from Claudia Dain, Lady Louisa secures Sophia, a former courtesan, to help her snag Lord Dutton as a husband, and she's hoping no one will find out. Sophia's hoping Louisa won't mind when she picks a different man to be the target...Read our interview with Claudia to find out more.

You won't want to miss the sexy new novel, WARRIOR RISING, from New York Times bestselling author P.C. Cast. Three goddesses decide it's time to end the Trojan War by distracting Achilles, the Greek champion whose powers make him invincible. And what better distraction than a beautiful Trojan princess and her handmaiden (whose souls just happen to belong to two fiery 21st century women)! To find out more, read our interview with P.C. Cast here.

Kathryn Shay's latest novel is TAKING THE HEAT, book three of The O'Neils. Liam O'Neil is trying to raise two troubled kids, work full-time, all while thinking about starting to date again. Sophie Taylor is a female in the FDNY, dedicated to her job. After lots of fun and flirtation they become involved, knowing it's doomed from the start. Or is it? Read Kathy's letter to readers to find out more.

The mass market reprint of Robin D. Owens' recent title will make your HEART DANCE. DuFleur is a scientist experimenting with time, and nothing, not even a HeartMate, will get in her way. After Saille has sent his HeartGift out into the world it finds DuFleur, and she wants nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, her body can't help but submit to the passion he stirs in her. When a scandal threatens Saille's position as head of the family, will DuFleur stand by his side?

From Jean Johnson the Sons of Destiny series continues with the third sizzling romantic fantasy THE MASTER, now in mass market paperback. Dominor, the third-born brother is taken captive by slavers and sold to a lovely mage who promises freedom. Dominor wonders if she is his own Prophesied Disaster, his fore-told wife-to-be, and he's determined to take possession of the woman who just might be his destiny.

Everyone who loves Jane Austen's PERSUASION shouldn't miss this fabulous retelling of the classic tale—from Captain Wentworth's point of view: CAPTAIN WENTWORTH'S DIARY, by Amanda Grange. In 1806, the Napoleonic wars are ravaging Europe. Frederick Wentworth has just been left behind by the love of his life, Anne, after her grandmother persuades her a navy man isn't good for her. Eight years later, Wentworth has a successful career and is ready to marry anyone with a little beauty. That is, until he sees Anne again. Can there be a happy outcome for them this time around, or have they lost their chance at love forever?

Tate Hallaway is ROMANCING THE DEAD! Third in the Garnet Lacey series, she's got to find her missing fiancé, who may have been kidnapped...or perhaps run away with the leggy blonde from the coven. And she needs help from her future step-son, the same one who sold her to Vatican witch hunters for a pimped-out Jag! Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, is that a crazy killer on her tail?

The hottest new title from Berkley Jam is HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS! Maryrose Wood tells the story of Morgan, a half goddess who is not adjusting well to life in dullsville Connecticut. When her boyfriend, Colin, shows up from Ireland he's in a yawn-inducing enchantment that has him dancing with faeries all night long. Curing Colin of his enchantment and trying to evade the wrath of a ticked off faery queen while getting ready for the junior prom means Morgan will have to keep her half goddess wits about her at all times—even when shopping at the mall with her BFF!

Discover what you crave in THE ART OF DESIRE by Cherie Feather. Mandy Cooper has always been obsessed with 19th century artist Catherine Burke and the artist's erotically charged affair with Atacar, her American Indian lover. Mandy herself is having a heated affair with the perilously handsome Jared Cabrillo, who, unbeknownst to her, is the great-great nephew of Atacar. Jared knows precisely what it takes to move a woman and uses his consuming passion to seduce Mandy. He is in possession of Catherine's journal detailing her affair with Atacar. The secrets contained within it's pages can bring Mandy and Jared together, or just as surely destroy them both—desire by shocking desire.

You won't want to sleep through Kathleen Dante's satisfyingly sexy novel, DREAMWALKER. Damon Venizelos, a Dreamwalker, has been trained by the government to infiltrate his enemies dreams. When he's not on the job he uses his talent for the much more enjoyable task of seducing women in their dreams. Aurora diScipio is a master thief who can shapeshift into any form, making it easy to get what she wants. When Damon is summoned to find a missing bomb, they need a qualified thief. Damon is only too happy to track down Aurora, especially if she's the sensual beauty he remembers. She keeps slipping out of his net, in her dreams and in reality. Soon both predator and prey crave a real-life connection — drawing them closer to something hotter than their wildest dreams.

LITTLE PINK SLIPS is now in trade paperback for the first time! Sally Koslow brings us the story of Magnolia Gold, editor-in-chief of Lady magazine, forced to watch as her beloved fashion mag is turned into a rag. But she's not ready to pack up her Manolos just yet!

http://www.berkleyjoveauthors.com

Signet/NAL Authors

Check out these wonderful books from Signet and NAL in May! PLAYING WITH FIRE from Katie MacAlister. Silver Dragons Book 1. Gabriel Tauhou, the leader of the silver dragons, can't take his eyes off May Northcott. Not even when May, who has the unique talent of being able to hide in the shadows, has slipped from everyone else's sight. May, however, has little time for Gabriel—not when she's hiding from the Otherworld law, hunting down a blackmailer, and trying to avoid a demon lord's demands. But her ability to withstand Gabriel's fire marks her as his mate, and he has no intention of letting her disappear into the darkness she seems to prefer. Then May is ordered to steal one of Gabriel's treasures—an immensely important relic of all dragonkin—and he must decide which to protect: his love or his dragons. And don't miss the reissue of COMANCHE MOON from Catherine Anderson. Orphaned after her parents were killed by Comanches, Loretta Simpson still lives in terror that the warriors will return—her fear so powerful, she is no longer able to speak a word. Hunter of the Wolf believes that Loretta is a woman of ancient prophecy whom he must honor. But Loretta can only see him as the enemy who has kidnapped her, and she refuses to succumb to his control—or his touch. Despite the hatred between their peoples, Loretta and Hunter gradually find their enmity changing to respect and care. In the midst of such conflict, it will take all the force of their love to find a safe haven.

From Accent: UNDER DARKNESS from Savannah Russe. To capture evil, a vampire must go undetected, undercover, and always... UNDER DARKNESS. The Darkwing Chronicles, Book Five. And LOVE AND BIOLOGY AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE from Jennie Shortridge . "An accomplished and superior novelist" (Statesman Journal) delivers a bittersweet book about a woman's midlife crisis that asks: How does a good girl know when to finally let herself be bad?

Signet Eclipse offers up some lucious treats in May. DARK OBSESSION from Allison Chase . They say that spirits haunt Blackheath Moor. They wed in haste—Nora Thorngoode, to save her ruined reputation, and Grayson Lowell, to rescue his estate from foreclosure for unpaid debts. Each resents the necessity to exchange vows that will bind them for all time, and yet from the first, passion flames between them... quickly engulfing them in a sensual obsession. Next, BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO from Michele Bardsley. When you're immortal, being a mom won't kill you—it will only make you stronger. Broken Heart, Oklahoma, Book 3. And finally from Signet Eclipse Trade, MASTER from Colette Gale. HE WANTS ONLY TO MASTER HER.... In Unmasqued, Colette Gale lead readers through a labyrinth of dark, extravagant eroticism [Pam Rosenthal, author of THE SLIGHTEST PROVOCATION] in her lush re-telling of Phantom of the Opera. An erotic novel of the Count of Monte Cristo.

And in NAL Trade paperback from NAL: SUCH A PRETTY FAT by Jen Lancaster, One Narcissist's Quest To Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big, Or Why Pie is Not The Answer. and QUENTINS from Maeve Binchy Every table at Quentins restaurant in Dublin has a thousand stories to tell. The staff and customers all have tales of their own and the restaurant itself has had times when it looked set for success and others when it seemed doomed to failure. Presiding over it all are Patrick and Brenda Brennan, who have made Quentins such a legend—but even their lives are not as they seem. Now Ella Brady wants to make a documentary about Quentins but as she uncovers more of what has gone on, she is forced to confront a devastating dilemma in her own life...

Finally Mystery fans, we have you covered!Our lead mystery title this month is the seventh mystery in the acclaimed Dead-End Job Mystery series by Elaine Viets: CLUBBED TO DEATH. With a resumé that includes attempted assault and alimony evasion, Helen Hawthorne has no choice but to take on a series of dead-end jobs to make ends meet. A week after beginning in the complaint department at the exclusive Superior Club, Helen learns that Rob, her philandering ex-husband, and his new wife, Marcella, have just arrived. That's Marcella, the infamous Black Widow whose six husbands have all turned up dead. And just like clockwork, Rob is soon reported missing...and Helen becomes a suspect!

And we are tying in this exciting release with the paperback release of MURDER WITH RESERVATIONS, the sixth book in the series, now available in paperback. In this delightful book, Helen takes a job at the Full Moon Hotel as a hotel attendant, and soon learns that Rob, her philandering ex-husband, is headed her way to collect his money. In the midst of this dilemma, Helen hears that a bank robber has hidden a big loot of money somewhere in the hotel. The search is on among everybody at the Full Moon to find it, and that's when people start turning up dead.

Finally, we are excited to bring you the next mystery from Selma Eichler, MURDER CAN CRASH YOUR PARTY, featuring New York's favorite full-figured private eye. When Desiree is enlisted as a guest speaker at a mystery writers' convention, she's a big hit with her audience. And one listener in particular is a special fan. Romance writer Belle Simone, a well-known eccentric, pulls her aside to make a truly bizarre proposition: If Desiree reads Belle's unpublished novel, and can solve the mystery between the covers, Belle will pay her $25,000. A tantalizing story and a big pay-out: how can she possibly refuse?

http://NALauthors.com/

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