One of the best feelings as a reader is when you love a book and then realize there are another four in the series. Romancelandia Twitter tells me that we call this a "series glom,"  and I'm happy to report that I'm coming off of a great one. Sarina Bowen's fifth True North novel, Speakeasy, comes out today, May 29, so let's talk about the first four, shall we?

Here's what you can expect from the series as a whole:

• Excellent writing, with real, thoroughly developed characters
• Plots that are just out-there enough to hook you, but still completely plausible
• Holy hotness, the sex

The thing I love most about Lucy Parker’s books is that the protagonists are overtly kind to each other. This seems like it would be fairly common in romance, but I always struggle to find these books that hit just the right note. And Parker is almost guaranteed to give me characters who are gentle and kind to each other and behave like adults. All of which MAKING UP provides.

Is there anything worse than a reading slump?  Because, that, my friends is exactly where I’m living these days.  If it weren’t for revisiting some old favorites on audio I’d literally be getting nothing read.  But one thing sure to cheer me up? Browsing for books. Even if, you know, I’m not reading them.  May is kind of quiet when it comes to not-your-usual historicals, but there’s potential all the same.

You'd think that since CINNAMON BLADE: KNIFE IN SHINING ARMOR is only 80 pages, this would be a short review. You'd be right. Reader, I adored this book. 

Time for more Sci-Fi Romance Best Bets!

You know when you expect one thing from a book and you get something else? That was me and THE HENCHMEN OF ZENDA. The biggest misunderstanding we had was that I thought it would be a romance, but it was more of a suspense/adventure story with some romantic elements. And it's weird to review a book that is not a book I would normally read.

May mini-reviews, activate! A bunch of DNFs this month, plus a contemporary Suzanne loved.

The third installment in Lisa Berne's debut historical trilogy, THE BRIDE TAKES A GROOM, is a character-driven romance that reminded me of the first two in the series. Before I get into the review, it's worth noting that I thought this was a trilogy when I reviewed the second one for Heroes & Heartbreakers, but it's been extended and we'll be sticking with the Penhallows for a while longer it seems.