Book Bits: Gena Showalter, Donna Grant, Nicole Peeler, Vivi Andrews, Group Read & More

I’m on the road again this week. Work has me spending a few days in New York City, and so far it’s treating me well. It’d be better with the husband, but still one of the cooler places to visit. My airplane read this time was Riveted by Meljean Brook. Yes, I will review it. Yes, I love getting wrapped up in the steampunk world and the romance. The humor of reading about airships while on an airplane is not lost on me.

However, if you’ve been reading our October group read, Stray, there are some great discussion topics over at our Goodreads group. Hint hint. In that same vein, leave your suggestions for the November group read in the comments below. Poll will be up next week.

Gena Showalter Cover Reveal
Remember how delicious the cover for Gena Showalter’s Wicked Nights was? (Click over to the review. I’ll wait.) Well, Harlequin is keeping the sexy cranked up for the second book in the Angels of the Dark series Beauty Awakened. It’s not slated for release until March 2013, but here’s the official gist:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with another captivating Angels of the Dark tale, as a tormented warrior is brought to his knees by the most delicate of humans….

His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance against the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be eternally damned.

Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo’s deliverance…and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola’s life-even if he has to sacrifice his own….

Avon Social Reader
Have issues with ebook files using DRM? Love using Facebook to share what you’re reading? Need more excerpts in your life? BAM! This week Avon introduced their new Facebook App the Avon Social Reader. There are a selection of great Avon titles already in the program. You’ll be able to read excerpts from the books, share which ones you’re reading with your friends and then buy DRM-free digital copies of the full books.

The application definitely has potential. I’m mostly excited about the chance to encourage others to give an excerpt a read via the app, but the DRM-free goodness is surely a lure for many of you. Right now there are books by Pamela Palmer, Christine Feehan, Jeaniene Frost, Karina Cooper, Zoe Archer and others available and Avon plans to add new titles monthly.

Three Chapters of Goodness from Donna Grant
Donna Grant’s Midnight’s Seduction will hit bookstores on Oct. 30, but if you want a taste of it now, I can help you out. Heroes & Heartbreakers posted the first three chapters of the new Dark Warrior novel. There’s a giveaway to boot!

Free Vivi Andrews Read
Not sure how long the deal will last, but for now Vivi Andrews’ The Ghost Exterminator is free in digital formats. It’s the second in her Karmic Consultants series, but the books can be read in any order. So, snag it while it’s free.

Ready for more Jane True?
Nicole Peeler has shared the cover art for the sixth Jane True novel, Tempest Reborn. We have to wait until May 2013 for the book to be released, but let’s just enjoy Jane + dragons for now.