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Hotlists 2008
Crime Fiction - embedded
Seeing Stars
Lists of (mostly) hardcover books which received at least one starred review (indicating a work of unusual merit) from the following review sources: Booklist , Publisher's Weekly (PW), Kirkus and Library Journal (LJ).
The review journal assigns the star.
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Stellar All Stars
The Fault Tree by Louise Ure
Judas Horse by April Smith
The Importance of Music to Girls by Lavinia Greenlaw
Bonk by Mary Roach
A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam
Overbooked specializes in providing timely information about fiction (all genres) and readable nonfiction. Overbooked has been online since 1994. Overbooked is a work in progress . . .
Overbooked is the winner of the 2008 Louis Shores - Greenwood Publishing Award: to recognize excellence in book reviewing and other media for libraries. The award recipient is selected for significant achievement related to a reviewing process that helps librarians make selection decisions.
Starred Reviews
Romance Stars 2005
June 18, 2008
Annotations are from Advance, the Ingram Book Magazine - unless otherwise noted.
2005
- The Spy's Kiss
Author: Abrams, Nita
Publisher: Zebra $ 5.99 ISBN: 0821778536 Date: 2005
Booklist
A quick-witted woman surrenders to a handsome aristocrat's charms, unaware that he's on a top-secret mission--and he's not the man he claims to be. This is the fourth title in a series by a talented newcomer.
Updated 3.10.05 - Rosie Dunne
Author: Ahern, Cecelia
Publisher: Hyperion $ 22.95 ISBN: 140130091x Date: 2005LJ
The gifted author of the widely acclaimed, bestselling PS, I Love You has written a delightfully enchanting new novel about what happens when two people who are meant to be together just can't seem to get it right.
Suggested Reading: Adult Books for Teens
Updated 1.23.05 - The Secret Life of Mrs. Claus
Author: Alexander, Carly
Publisher: Strapless $ 12.95 ISBN: 0758209258 Date: 2005LJ
For three very different women trying to get what they want, it's a Christmas where miracles happen; love is magical; and changing their lives is as close as changing their outfits--or their Mrs. Claus costume.
Suggested Reading: Christmas
Updated 10.24.05 - Skintight
Author: Anderson, Susan
Publisher: Mira $ 6.99 (paper) ISBN: 0778322009 Date: 2005PW
Jax Gallagher arrives in Las Vegas to retrieve a valuable autographed baseball in the possession of his estranged father's young widow. Only, showgirl Treena McCall isn't the gold-digger Jax was expecting.
Updated 6.6.05 - This Rake of Mine
Author: Boyle, Elizabeth
Publisher: Avon $ 5.99 ISBN: 0060783990 Date: 2005Booklist
Lord Jack Tremont, who inadvertently ruined Miss Miranda Mabberly's reputation years earlier with a kiss, now stumbles back into her life to reawaken a most improper desire.
Updated 9.23.05 - Someone Like You
Author: Bretton, Barbara
Publisher: Berkely $ 7.99 (paper) ISBN: 0425203883 Date: 2005Booklist
"A master at touching readers' hearts" ("USA Today"), Bretton explores the emotional journey of two sisters and the healing truth of an unforgettable family legacy when an unexpected reunion inspires a better understanding of secrets and sacrifices.
Updated 7.11.05 - The King's Mistress
Author: Brisbin, Terri
Publisher: Harlequin $ 5.50 ISBN: 0373293356 Date: 2004Booklist
Updated 11.2.04 - My Surrender
Author: Brockaway, Connie
Publisher: Pocket $6.99 (paper) ISBN: 0743463242 Date: 2005Booklist
From one of the most highly acclaimed historical romance authors comes the third and final novel in the passionate Rose Hunters trilogy, featuring three sexy, adventurous Scotsmen.
Updated 4.22.05 - Hot Target
Author: Brockmann, Suzanne
Publisher: Ballantine $ 19.95 ISBN: 0345467930 Date: 2005LJ
From the "New York Times" bestselling author of Gone Too Far and Flashpoint comes an exciting new high stakes thriller of unrelenting action and intense emotion, featuring a Mission Impossible-style black ops team called "Troubleshooters."
Updated 1.23.05 - One Little Sin
Author: Carlyle, Liz
Publisher: Pocket Star $ 6.99 ISBN: 0743496108 Date: 2005Booklist
"USA Today" bestselling author Liz Carlyle returns to Regency London with the story of an incorrigible rake, changed by new responsibilities and an irresistible love.
Updated 9.23.05 - A Lady's Guide to Rakes
Author: Caskie, Kathryn
Publisher: Warner $ 6.50 ISBN: 0446616095 Date: 2005Booklist
Having had her heart broken by a "reformed rake," Meredith Merriweather intends to tempt Alexander Lamont, London's most notorious rake, and document the results for a cautionary guidebook. But Meredith doesn't count on Alexander falling for her.
Updated 9.23.05 - Flirting With Danger
Author: Enoch, Suzanne
Publisher: Avon $ 6.99 ISBN: 0060593636 Date: 2005PW
While robbing the Palm Beach mansion of millionaire playboy Richard Addison, beautiful thief extraordinaire Samantha Jellicoe is thrown into the arms of her victim by a mysterious explosion.
Updated 1.19.05 - Full Bloom
Author: Evanovich, Janet & Charlotte Hughes
Publisher: St Martins $ 7.99 (paper) ISBN: 0312934300 Date: 2005Booklist
The temperature is on "sizzle" again in Beaumont, South Carolina, and the peach trees are bursting into full bloom in this fifth book in the mega-bestselling Full series from the bestselling team of Evanovich and Hughes.
Suggested Reading: Adult Books for Teens
Updated 3.25.05 - To Tempt a Texan
Author: Gentry, Georgina
Publisher: Zebra $ 5.99 ISBN: 082177705x Date: 2005Booklist
In this lighthearted romp of a romance set in 1889 Oklahoma, a prim and proper lady and a charming rogue stake a claim for the same piece of property, and lose their hearts in the process.
Updated 2.7.05 - The Trouble with Valentine's Day
Author: Gibson, Rachel
Publisher: Avon $ 6.99 ISBN: 0060009268 Date: 2005Booklist
The RITA Award-winning author delivers a delightful Valentine's Day present. Dumped by her boyfriend and stressed by her job, Kate Hamilton escapes to tiny Gospel, Idaho. Soon, town gossips whisper about her run-ins with a hunky former athlete.
Updated 1.18.05 - A Season to be Sinful
Author: Goodman, Jo
Publisher: Kensington $ 6.50 ISBN: 0821777750 Date: 2005LJ
From the "USA Today" bestselling author of Beyond a Wicked Kiss comes a sweeping new tale of courage, desire, and dangerous secrets, featuring an intrepid beauty who discovers that love and trust are two sides of the same coin.
Updated 9.17.05 - Much Ado About You
Author: James, Eloisa
Publisher: Avon $ 6.99 ISBN: 0060732067 Date: 2005Booklist
This new Regency romance series introduces four orphaned sisters, wards of an earl, who attempt--not very successfully--to avoid scandal. In this first title, elder sister Tess arranges matches for her three sisters, but things go unexpectedly awry.
Updated 12.6.04 - Kiss Me, Annabel
Author: James, Eloisa
Publisher: Avon $ 6.99 ISBN: 0060732105 Date: 2005PW
The "New York Times" bestselling author of Much Ado About You continues her Regency series featuring four orphaned sisters. Annabel Essex needs a husband and must resist her attraction for the impoverished--yet sensual--Scottish Earl of Ardmore.
Updated 10.11.05 - The Moon Witch
Author: Jones, Linda Winstead
Publisher: Berkley $ 6.99 (paper) ISBN: 0425201295 Date: 2005Booklist
In this second novel of the fanciful Sisters of the Sun trilogy, middle Fyne sister Juliet is kidnapped by the Emperor's men--only to be rescued by a man whose animal instincts tell him he's found the only woman to call his own.
Updated 5.9.05 - The Music of the Night
Author: Joyce, Lydia
Publisher: Signet $ 6.9 ISBN: 0451217063 Date: 2005Booklist
Sarah Connolly leaves London to help an old friend in Venice. There, she discovers dark secrets and the mysterious Sebastian Grimsthorpe, once carefree, now bent on exacting revenge on the man who nearly destroyed him.
Updated 11.2.05 - Seize the Night
Author: Kenyon, Sherrilyn
Publisher: St Martins $ 6.99 ISBN: 0312992432 Date: 2005Booklist
The sixth novel in the "New York Times" bestselling author's mesmerizing paranormal series features Valerius, the Roman Dark-Hunter. Val teams up with human Tabitha Devereaux--the twin sister of the wife of his mortal enemy--who infuriates him as much as she beguiles him.
Updated 1.18.05 - The Book of the Seven Delights
Author: Krahn, Bettina
Publisher: Jove $ 7.99 (paper) ISBN: 0515139726 Date: 2005Booklist
Abigail Merchant travels to Casablanca to search for the remnants of the Great Library of Alexandria. There, her quest becomes entangled with the fate of a handsome ex-legionnaire, Apollo Smith.
Updated 7.11.05 - Heartbreak Hotel
Author: Landis, Jill Marie
Publisher: Ballantine $ 23.95 ISBN: 0345453301 Date: 2005Booklist
The third book in the beloved Twilight Cove trilogy proves that at Heartbreak Hotel, unexpected love can make even the most disillusioned hearts believe.
Updated 4.7.05 - Desperate Tigress
Author: Lee, Jade
Publisher: Dorchester $ 6.99 (paper0 ISBN: 0842955058 Date: 2005Booklist
Shi Po is a great tigress in the ancient sensual practices of Taoism, but still the greatest ecstasy eludes her. Will love finally help her find it?
Updated 10.11.05 - The Pregnancy Test
Author: McCarthy, Erin
Publisher: Brava $ 14 ISBN: 0758208472 Date: 2005Booklist
Updated 9.23.05 - Sexy Lexy
Author: Moore, Kate
Publisher: Love Spell $ 6.99 ISBN: 0505526239 Date: 2005LJ
After writing a self-help book encouraging fitness through sex, Lexy Clark escapes to a small California town where she discovers no one can entirely avoid the past. And if everyone could meet a man like Sam Worth, they may not want to.
Updated 4.19.05 - Lord Will and Her Grace
Author: Nash, Sophia
Publisher: Signet $ 4.99 ISBN: 0451214730 Date: 2005Booklist
Fleeing from an imminent marriage, Lord Will finds refuge by the sea, as far away from London scandal as he can get. But he soon crosses paths with a pretty outcast who may just be the solution to his problems.
Updated 3.25.05 - The Bettin' Kind
Author: Parra, Nancy J.
Publisher: Avalon $ 21.95 ISBN: 0803497369 Date: 2005Booklist
Updated 10.11.05 - Match Me If You Can
Author: Phillips, Susan Elizabeth
Publisher: Morrow $ 24.95 ISBN: 0060734558 Date: 2005Booklist
The beloved "New York Times" bestselling author of Ain't She Sweet is back with a delightful new novel. A matchmaking business owner needs a major client. She targets the best--and most ruthless--sports agent in Chicago. She'll do whatever it takes to find a woman for him--no matter who that woman turns out to be.
Updated 5.20.05 - Josie Day Is Coming Home
Author: Plumley, Lisa
Publisher: Zebra $ 6.50 (paper) ISBN: 0821776967 Date: 2005Booklist
Vegas showgirl Josie Day saves the life of a wealthy casino owner, who rewards her with a "spare" estate in Arizona--ironically located in Josie's hometown. Josie plans to sell it and open a dance school. But she must first handle the caretaker, local bad boy Luke Donovan.
Suggested Reading: Adult Books for Teens
Updated 3.10.05 - Stolen Magic
Author: Putney, Mary Jo
Publisher: Del Rey $ 23.95 ISBN: 0345476891 Date: 2005Booklist
Entwining fantasy with historical romance, Stolen Magic introduces Simon Malmain, Earl of Falconer, who continues the story line begun in A Kiss of Fate.
Suggested Reading: Adult Books for Teens
Updated 5.9.05 - Summer's Child
Author: Rice, Luanne
Publisher: Bantam $ 7.50 (paper) ISBN: 0553587625 Date: 2005PW
From the celebrated "New York Times" bestselling author of Beach Girls comes this powerful novel of a mystery, a love affair, and a bond that cannot be broken set in a seaside town where miracles are made.
Updated 5.23.05 - Black Rose
Author: Roberts, Nora
Publisher: Jove $ 7.99 ISBN: 0515138657 Date: 2005PW
The #1 "New York Times" bestselling author presents the second novel of her In the Garden trilogy, as three women discover secrets from the past contained within their historic home.
Updated 5.16.05 - Blue Smoke
Author: Roberts, Nora
Publisher: Putnam $ 25.95 ISBN: 0399153063 Date: 2005KirkusLJ
The blaze that night at her family's pizzeria changed young Reena Hale's life. Now as a fire investigator, she tries desperately to trace the origins of the taunting phone calls she's receiving, the fires, and the hatred aimed in her direction. In doing so, she will step into the worst inferno she has ever faced.
Suggested Reading: On Fire
Updated 8.25.05 - Someone to Believe in
Author: Shay, Kathryn
Publisher: Berkley $ 7.99 ISBN: 0425205304 Date: 2005Booklist
Award-winning author Kathryn Shay delighted readers with her firefighter trilogy. Now she continues to light up the pages with the story of a man and a woman on opposite sides of the political fence, but the same side of desire.
Updated 9.17.05 - Black Ice
Author: Stuart, Anne
Publisher: Mira $ 6.99 ISBN: 0778321711 Date: 2005PW
American Chloe Underwood is translating for entrepreneurs at their conference outside Paris. But the meeting is in fact a cover-up for a group of terrorists. When she's threatened, Chloe is taken to Paris by undercover operative Bastien Toussaint. During a freak snowstorm, the chase is on.
Updated 3.28.05 - Fade the Heat
Author: Thompson, Colleen
Publisher: Love Spell $ 6.99 ISBN: 0505526484 Date: 2005PW
As a female firefighter battles personal demons and a serial arsonist, will a doctor from her past be able to help her heal and find peace?
Updated 9.26.05 - Table for Five
Author: Wiggs, Susan
Publisher: Mira $ 19.95 ISBN: 0778321673 Date: 2005Booklist
Before an estranged couple is killed in an unthinkable tragedy, they designate two guardians for their children--a man and a woman who are essentially strangers and who have nothing in common except their compassion for the couple's three orphaned children.
Suggested Reading: Adult Books for Teens
Updated 5.9.05
Hotlists
African American Fiction | Christian Fiction
2008 Excel Files: (download - print, sort, etc.)
Crime Fiction | Fiction | African American Fiction | Christian Fiction | Nonfiction Notables
Stars
Fiction: Jan-June | July-Dec Crime Fiction: Jan-June | July-Dec
Speculative Fiction Romance Historical Nonfiction | YA
Hotlists
Hotlists: Fiction | Crime Fiction
Genre Hotlists: Christian Fiction | African American Fiction
Stars
Fiction: Jan-June | July-Dec Crime Fiction: Jan-June | July-Dec
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