Compared to recent weeks, today's list of new releases seems relatively short, but you can take our word for it --- there's plenty of action, drama, romance and adventure packed into these six titles, which include new installments of the Vampire Kisses, Gallagher Girls and Ranger's Apprentice series, not to mention Melissa de la Cruz's juicy THE GIRL STAYS IN THE PICTURE, the sweet PUCKER UP by Ronda Stapleton, and the followup to Sarah Rees Brennan's fantastical DEVIL'S LEXICON.
New Releases for May 18th
Hardcover
LOVE BITES: Vampire Kisses, Book 7 by Ellen Schreiber (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins)
As a mortal girl dating a vampire, Raven knows that love isn't always easy. Now that Alexander's parents have returned to Romania, Raven and her dreamy vampire boyfriend are happy to resume their cryptic romance.
But soon another visitor comes knocking: Sebastian, Alexander's best friend, arrives for a stay at the mansion. At first Raven is wary, then thrilled --- this is the perfect chance to learn more about her darkly handsome boyfriend and his past. Raven has been wondering whether Alexander will ever bite her and make their love immortal, and Sebastian could be her guide to the love habits of Alexander and his kind. But when Sebastian falls for a particular Dullsvillian, will another mortal beat Raven to the bite?
With suspense, danger, and a fabulous vampire party, this seventh book in the bestselling Vampire Kisses series continues the exciting nocturnal romance of Raven and Alexander.
THE DEMON’S COVENANT: Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (Margaret K. McElderry)
THE DEMON’S COVENANT is the sequel to THE DEMON’S LEXICON. Mae was always in control, but suddenly everyone she trusted is lying--and in danger.
THE KINGS OF CLONMEL: Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 8 by John Flanagan (Philomel)
Mankind puts its faith in many things --- gods, kings, money --- anything for protection from the world’s many dangers. When a cult springs up in neighboring Clonmel, promising to quell the recent attacks by lawless marauders, people flock from all over to offer gold in exchange for protection. But this particular group, with which Halt is all too familiar, has a less than charitable agenda. Secrets will be unveiled and battles fought to the death as Will and Horace help Halt in ridding the land of a dangerous enemy.
The worldwide phenomenon is back with a gripping new adventure. Yet for these Rangers, the peril is only beginning . . .
Paperback
DON’T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER by Ally Carter (Disney – Hyperion)
When Cammie Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she’s in for an exciting end to her summer. After all, she’s there to watch Macey’s father accept the nomination for vice president. But when you go to the world’s best school (for spies), “exciting” and “deadly” are never far apart. The girls find themselves trapped in a kidnappers’ plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.
As her junior year begins, Cammie can’t shake the memory of what happened in Boston. Even the Gallagher Academy feels different now; secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every corner. Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey’s private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth….
PUCKER UP by Rhonda Stapleton (Simon Pulse)
In this irresistably romantic trilogy, Felicity discovers that she's no ordinary teen matchmaker...she's a cupid!
Felicity can't believe her luck. Her longtime crush is now officially her boyfriend, and just in time for prom. Felicity isn't just smitten with Derek, she's head-over-heels in love. So when she learns that her boss at Cupid's Hollow used cupid magic to make Derek fall for her, Felicity is devastated. What will happen when the magic wears off?
Felicity has only two weeks to win Derek's heart for real --- no matter what it takes!
GIRL STAYS IN THE PICTURE by Melissa de la Cruz (Simon & Schuster)
“Entourage” meets “The Hills” meets Perez Hilton in this novel, now in paperback!
Devon --- one name only, please --- is the latest and jail-bait-est pop star to hit number one on the Billboard chart, and she's making her big-screen debut in Juicy. But after her stint in rehab, the studio isn't so sure she's their girl anymore. If they cut any more of her lines, she'll be a silent film actress! Can Devon regain her star status? She needs to watch her back and make sure that flash doesn't catch her causing a scene, and we don't mean the kind you can yell "Cut!" after.
Livia has lost the weight and gained the attitude in the Hollywood party scene. Her dad's an Oscar-winning producer, and with a hot Beverly Hills boyfriend on her arm as well as her photos all over the pages of Gosizzle.com, Livia looks like she has a perfect life. But looks can be perfectly deceiving....
And there's fresh-faced Casey, who left a job bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly to play personal assistant to her best friend...and Devon's rival. She's got the biggest crush on the biggest star of the film -- a hot Brit known for loving and leaving. Will Casey stay true to herself while trying to find a place in his universe?
Stars. They're just like us. But what does that mean for the rest of us? Stay tuned, people.
