10 Anticipated Books in 2010

It's been so much fun over to be here the last few days. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday, and peaceful New Year. Vacations have started for all of us here at chez Renee, and I'm really hoping I'll be getting some good reading in.
I've been in such a state of anticipation for Dark Tide, Adrien English Mysteries book 5,which will be out on Tuesday, Dec. 22 (the day after my birthday!) I've been re-reading the entire series to get ready for its release, and loving every minute of it. However, even though that has been my high point for book releases this month, there are also lots of books to be released in 2010 that I'm really excited about.

Here are 10 that I'm looking forward to:

1. late January/early February 2010: In and Out (Men of Smithfield series, book 4) by LB Gregg (Aspen Mountain Press)

This is (possibly?) the final book in the Smithfield series. It's been such a fun series, and I've really enjoyed how it's evolved. The guys in Smithfield are all smart and funny, though my heart will always belong to David (Happy Ending).

2. February 2, 2010: Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter series, book 2) by Nalini Singh. Scroll down linked page for an excerpt.

When I read book 1 in the series, Angels' Blood, I was blown away by the completely original world building and the compelling characters. I'm really looking forward to seeing where she's going to take Elena and Raphael in Archangel's Kiss, especially after the events of book 1.


3. March 23, 2010: Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

The Thrillionth Page was one of the first blogs that I stalked, um I mean, followed. Carolyn's sometimes off-kilter sense of humor is one I enjoy immensely, and she's become a person I go to when I get my own crazy book connections. I can't wait for her first book, which sounds like it will be a fun ride.

4. March 30, 2010: Changeless (The Parasol Protectorate, book 2) by Gail Carriger.

   This new series was such a breath of fresh air. I love the uf/steampunk sensibility and the sense of humor I found in book 1, Soulless. Weres, vamps, and dirigibles. Gotta love it! Hoping for more fun in book 2.
   

5. March 30, 2010: Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson series, book 5) by Patricia Briggs

I've been reading this series since book 1, Moon Called, was released, and have eagerly anticipated each subsequent release. This series continues to be one of my favorites, mostly because Patricia Briggs has been so true to her characters and really allowed them to grow.

6. Summer 2010: Married by Morning (Hathaways series, book 4) by Lisa Kleypas

This is the series that brought me back to reading historicals after more than 10 years. Beatrix's story should be lots of fun, and I'm sure I'll enjoy catching up with the Hathaways.


7. June 8, 2010: Dragonsoul (Havemercy series, book 3) by Jaida Jones & Danielle Bennett

This series was an unexpected find for me, and as much as I enjoyed book 1, Havemercy, book 2, Shadow Dragon was even better. It's hard not to have even higher hopes for Dragonsoul.

8. June 22, 2010: Last Night’s Scandal by Loretta Chase

After reading Lord of Soundrels earlier this year, Loretta Chase has become an auto-buy for me. I love her smart, convention-thwarting stories.

9. Fall 2010: Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, book 2) by Maggie Stiefvater

In a year of a lot of great YA reading, book 1, Shiver was a standout. I'm really curious to see where Maggie Stiefvater is going to take Grace and the wolves of Mercy Falls in Linger.


10. October 2010: Bespelling Jane (An anthology of four paranormal tales based on Jane Austen novels, including novellas by Colleen Gleason & Mary Balogh.)

Do I even need to explain why I can't wait to read this one? Seriously, I'm not a big fan of Austen pastiche, but I'm confident that writers Colleen Gleason and Mary Balogh will make this book something to watch out for.

It was so hard to limit myself to 10 books for this post. There really are a TON of cool upcoming releases.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?