New Releases from Lori Benton and Kait Nolan

new book by Kait Nolan and a new book by Lori Benton!

The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

"For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy--exile to the Colony of North Carolina--he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves--and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life."

Can't wait to read this!

What I Like About You by Kait Nolan

"A horse-whispering loner
After years as an Army Ranger, Sebastian Donnelly is content to be left alone with his horses. He's better with them than with...people. But that changes when his boss's little sister shows up. There's something about her, a vulnerability that tugs at his need to rescue. And a sexy, vivacious charm that ignites an attraction he ought to ignore.

A soon-to-be lawyer
Desperate for a break before her last semester of law school, Laurel Maxwell is excited to see her brother marry the woman he loves. Logan and Athena, their happiness, the life they're building at the farm all serve as a reminder that she's barreling toward a future she's no longer sure she wants. One her overbearing father insists is the only path she's meant for.

Who's rescuing who?
When Laurel is offered the chance to stay on the farm and dogsit while the happy couple honeymoons, she jumps at the chance to get out her life and into Sebastian's strong arms. He wants to help her make her decision, a choice with haunting echoes of his own past. But is there any path that leads to a forever where a brilliant lawyer and reclusive horse trainer could build a life together?"

The best part of this book -- besides getting to "attend" Athena and Logan's wedding! -- was the instant attraction between Sebastian and Laurel, and the way they fit together like two neighbouring puzzle pieces. He matches her needs, and she matches his, and each support the strengths of the other. I knew there'd be a happily ever after, but I was really worried for them -- and for her safety -- when events conspired to drive them apart. Even in the last chapter, there's a moment of tension, when she finally comes clean about the actions she's taken to support their future life together. I was holding my breath, waiting for the resolution!


As for my own writing and my ROW80 goals... I managed to complete my scene for the July writing exercise on thelitforum! I'll share my snip next week.

Which new releases are you celebrating?