Each month, we ask our bloggers to share the best thing they’ve read (or things, plural, if our bloggers declare a tie ’cause they just can’t choose). It doesn’t have to be a new book, as evidenced below; just something that made the month sparkle a bit more.

Without further ado, here’s the installment for April 2013 (and if you’ve missed any, be sure to check out past recs via the related posts section at the bottom of the post):

Jamie Brenner

The Island by Elin Hilderbrand — This seemingly simple story of a cancelled wedding and two sisters, their mother, and their aunt spending a month on a rustic island off the coast of Nantucket kept me surprised all the way through. Elin Hilderbrand has a way of taking your expectations about where a story is going and completely subverting it. The Island had me turning the pages so fast I almost gave myself a headache. On top of an incredible sense of place (I could feel the and in my shoes and see the ocean,  the characters are intensely real. And it was drama, drama, drama.  I loved it and felt that bittersweet sadness when it ended.

[The rest of the recs...]

It's been a carefully guarded secret as to just who the hero is for Nalini Singh's Heart of Obsidian, coming out June 4th.

But today there's been a reveal from an early Goodreads reader—click through to her review, and then click again to reveal the spoiler at the bottom of her review.

Don't say we didn't warn you that you will get SPOILED (if you click...).

Today we've got not one but TWO new covers to show you, the next two books in Jami Davenport's Seattle Lumberjacks series. The first is Backfield in Motion, out in August. Here's the blurb:

All you'll ever be is a pretty face...

Star running back Bruce “Bruiser” Mackey has heard those words his entire life, especially after his twin brother’s tragic accident. He might use his surfer-boy good looks to land lucrative endorsements for his secret charity, but he hates books being judged by their covers. Which is why it’s wrong that his friend MacKenzie Hernandez is intent on giving herself a makeover.

Sure, Mac and her father have been reeling financially since her brother disappeared three years ago, and Lumberjacks management gives an annual scholarship that might get her life back on track, but he can’t imagine anyone smarter, sexier, or more beautiful than Mac already is. He can’t keep his hands off her—and the more they spend time together, the less he wants to. She’s perfect as is. One way or another, he’ll make sure the team’s tomboy greenskeeper gets a full ride. And between the two of them, they can learn to accept what’s behind them and look downfield to a future full of win.

And the second in the series, out in December 2013, is Time of Possession:

[+ another hot cover...]

The folks behind The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are at it again. Remember the summer miniseries they promised during their Kickstarter campaign? It’s here!

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished work Sanditon has Gigi Darcy taking the Pemberley Digital app on the road to the town of Sanditon. Remember that Domino app that Gigi and Darcy used to track down George Wickham? It’s back and the townspeople—with Gigi’s ever-adorable help—are using this “life revealing” app to tell the stories of their town. She’s only posted the first episode “Home Away from Home,” and already it’s clear this is going to be a different kind of show.

Right from the introduction of the first Sanditon residents there is a conflict. Mayor Tom Parker has plans for big changes in little Sanditon. Using the town as the site for Domino’s beta testing is only part of his plan; Sanditon Scoops owner Clara Breton wants people to remember all the good things about Sanditon. Clara has no plans to turn her ice cream shop—which has free sprinkles night!—into a juice bar or whatever to get on board with Tom’s plan to turn Sanditon into a health mecca. Clara is sweet and devoted to her town. Tom is hilariously internet-savvy deficient and self-righteous. His sci-fi reference making assistant is the charmingly awkward Edward Denham. Do I see a ship on the horizon? With this fandom, I doubt it will be a question for long.

[Can Sanditon fill the LBD-shaped hole in our hearts?...]

Jill Shalvis
It Had to Be You
Grand Central / May 28, 2013 / $8.00 print, $5.99 digital

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

It Had to Be You is the seventh book in Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series, and it's is just as strong as the first six. One of the tricks to keeping an ongoing series fresh is creating characters whom people like and with whom they can identify. Ms. Shalvis has a gift for writing down-to-earth yet quirky heroines and swoonworthy, honorable heroes.

[Perfect combination!...]

This post contains SPOILERS for all aired episodes of Scandal, including last night's Season 2 finale, episode 2.22, “White Hats Back On.”

(Need a refresher? Check out Kwana's recaps of episode 2.12, episode 2.13, episode 2.14, episode 2.15, episode 2.16, episode 2.17, episode 2.18, episode 2.19, episode 20, and episode 21.)

*****SPOILERS*****

Hey, Gladiators, are you with me? Sure you are! Bleary-eyed, certainly, but you’re here. Cheers to you! You went to Shondaland, you rode all the rides, and you made it out to tell the story. Today’s season finale recap is going to come at you a little fast, but like Quinn, you’re no longer a wide-eyed virgin, so I’m thinking you can handle it. You’ve proven you like to play it a little fast and loose, so let’s go.

The show opened up where we left off last week with the Gladiators coming to terms with Billy Chambers being the mole and a quickie recap of the life and times of good 'ol Billy. Sort of like a video Holiday update, but more entertaining with murder and mayhem. “If you want someone killed right, you’ve got to kill them yourself,” Huck says.

[Annnnnd Huck gets the side-eye...]

With Star Trek: Into Darkness opening today in the United States, it's a good time to recall that the original series was actually controversial in its time, featuring the first ever interracial kiss on television.

Romance has blazed many trails, hasn't it?

Do you have plans to see Star Trek: Into Darkness?

Once upon a time, there was a Big Bad Wolf. He ate grandma, remember? Terrorized poor old Red right out of her hood?

Then he got all smexied up, became either a were or a shapeshifter (because they’re different, you know—it’s that whole moon thing), and turned into a romantic hero. Big alpha males who change into a beast to defeat the bad guys and a cuddly puppy when confronted with the right woman. What’s not to love?

The first non-horror shifter I remember reading was Laurell K. Hamilton’s Richard in the Anita Blake series. Richard Zeeman was handsome, tortured, and total hotness on two legs or four…well, until he got whiny and annoying. But he had a good run of books before that happened.

Since then, werewolves have remained at the head of the were-critter/shapeshifter pack as the alphas of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but they’ve gradually had to learn to share the spotlight with some other shifters. Some are equally sexy. (I mean, who doesn’t love a big old were-tiger? Was I the only one shouting for Sookie to stick with Quinn? I think not.) Others are, well, downright bizarre.

[Do you have a favorite type of shifter?...]

We're delighted to show you the trailer for Toni Aleo's new Nashville Assassins series, including Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

Empty Net was just released, and Blue Lines will be out in August.

It’s that time of year again, when the major TV networks unveil their fall schedules and we get a little glimpse of what we might be obsessing about at the water cooler from September to May. Here’s a look at the schedule and, more importantly, new shows that The CW announced at its Upfronts presentations in New York City today:

The CW's Fall 2013 Schedule (all times ET)

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. — Hart of Dixie
9-10 p.m. — Beauty & the Beast

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. — The Originals (DRAMA) – The Vampire Diaries’ first family head on down to New Orleans to stir up trouble. All your favorites, Klaus, Elijah, etc., will be there, and facing off with the sexy King of the city (and Klaus’ former protégé) Marcel (The Game’s Charles Michael Davis). Oh, and did we mention that undead Klaus is gonna be a daddy?
Ship Watch: Klaus/Hayley?

9-10 p.m. —  Supernatural

[What else is new to the schedule?...]

Get a sneak peek of Donna Grant’s Midnight's Kiss (available June 4, 2013), with an exclusive excerpt—and comment to help unlock a longer excerpt! 

Then, enter for a chance to win a whole set of Dark Warriors books along with a special tote bag and water bottle!*

Click here to read the excerpt! (Comment to unlock more!)

Click here to enter for a chance to win a Dark Warriors prize pack!*

DEEPER THAN DESIRE

Dr. Veronica Reid is a world-renowned archeologist whose Druid abilities help her to unearth ancient magical items. The arrival of the all-too-attractive and charismatic Arran MacCarrick puts her on the defensive when he begins to question how she really finds her artifacts…until an unknown foe attacks and Ronnie discovers that Arran has a secret as great as her own. Together, they unleash an all-consuming passion that won't be denied...

STRONGER THAN FATE

Immortal Warrior Arran is on a mission to find the spell to bind the god within him. But one look at the impossibly beautiful Ronnie and he knows there is more to her than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Arran must reveal who he is to keep Ronnie from his nemesis. Now he is left with no choice but to fight—or fall—for the woman he loves...

[About the other books...]

Terri Osburn
Meant to Be
Montlake/ May 21, 2013 / $10.36 print, $3.99 digital

Sometimes the next best thing is what you’ve been looking for all along…

Beth Chandler has spent her whole life pleasing others. She went to law school to make her grandparents happy. She agreed to marry her workaholic boyfriend, Lucas, to make him happy. And, despite her fear of boats, she took a ferry to see Lucas’s parents just to make them happy.

While suffering through a panic attack on the ferry, Beth meets a tall, sexy stranger who talks her down from her fear—and makes her heart flutter in the process. Soon, she has a new reason to panic: her gorgeous, blue-eyed rescuer is Lucas’s brother, Joe. But could she ever leave her fiancé for his own brother…even if Lucas is more focused on making partner than on making their relationship work…and even if Joe turns out to be everything she never knew she wanted?

Filled with excitement and delight, Meant to Be is the story of a young woman torn between urban pressures and small-town pleasures.

I am not a fan of love triangles, but, as with most romance tropes that I insist I don’t like, the right author can prove me wrong. Terri Osburn is the right author in this case. And she proves me wrong using siblings in the triangle, something that usually makes me toss a book immediately. The reasons I loved this book, triangle included, are threefold.

[Exhibit One...]

In need of some sexy reading material to fill your e-reader? I’m here for you. Each month I will bring you an assortment of erotic pleasure reads to tempt your palate—and your credit card....

May brings us a delectable assortment of hot erotic pleasures that will leave you wanting more.

The Tied Man by Tabitha McGowen

Lilith Bresson, an independent, successful young artist, is forced to travel from her home in Spain to the wild borderlands of northern England, to repay her feckless father’s latest debt by painting a portrait of the enigmatic Lady Blaine Albermarle.

On her first night at Albermarle Hall she meets Finn Strachan, Blaine’s “companion,” a cultured and hauntingly beautiful young man who seems to have it all. But Lilith has an artist’s eye, and a gift for seeing what lies beneath the skin. She soon discovers that Blaine is more gaoler than lover, and if the price is right, depravity has no limits.

As the weeks pass, Lilith finds that she too is drawn into the malign web that her patron has spun, yet against the odds she forges a strong friendship with the damaged, dysfunctional Finn. In a dark, modern twist to an age-old story, Lilith Bresson proves that sometimes it’s the princess who needs to become the rescuer.

Please note that this storyline contains depictions of drug abuse, violence and non-consensual sexual activity.

An unconventional love story that will force you through the wringer over and over until the end, leaving you stunned and drained from the emotional onslaught it subjects you to.

[What else is new in May?...]

When you're reading, do you ever deliberately throw yourself a curveball? That is, challenge yourself to read in a romantic subgenre you normally avoid?

For example, say you're primarily a paranormal romance fan; have you ever made yourself pick up a contemporary set in a small town? A historical fan trying what has been buzzing in New Adult? An erotica reader looking for some romantic suspense?

Do you challenge yourself for the sake of  a reading challenge, or stick to the romantic subgenre that works best for you?

It’s that time of year again, when the major TV networks unveil their fall schedules and we get a little glimpse of what we might be obsessing about at the water cooler from September to May. Here’s a look at the schedule and, more importantly, new shows that CBS announced at its Upfronts presentations in New York City today (the CW will present tomorrow):

CBS's Fall 2013 Schedule (all times ET)

SUNDAY

8-9 p.m. — The Amazing Race 

9-10 p.m. — The Good Wife
10-11 p.m.— The Mentalist

MONDAY
8-8:30 p.m. — How I Met Your Mother
8:30-9 p.m. — We Are Men (COMEDY) –Left at the altar, a betrayed bridegroom (Paranormal Activity 3’s Chris Smith) moves into an apartment complex and gets advice from three older but-not-so-much wiser dudes  played by Jerry O'Connell (The Defenders), Kal Penn (House), and Tony Shalhoub (Monk).
9-9:30 p.m. — 2 Broke Girls
9:30-10 p.m. —  Mom (COMEDY) –The return of West Wing alums to TV continues! A newly sober single mom (Anna Faris) moves in with her own mother (Allison Janney) to get her life back together. With these two funny ladies on board, this might be the best of the surprisingly large bunch of sitcoms this season where adult kids move in with their parents (or vice versa).

[Clearly comedy is king on Mondays!...]

Everyone here at Heroes and Heartbreakers has at least experienced the vampire sensation that is Lestat. You might even say that some of us are some pretty major fans. So when we saw this news break that Tom Hiddleston would be playing a love lorn, muscian vampire in the upcomming Cannes film Only Lovers Left Alive we were a bit exicted.

From the looks of these two clips it looks like we may be finally getting more of what we love. Of course we are all also excited for any excuse to have more Tom Hiddleston in our lives, at least until Thor: The Dark World comes out. What do you think?

In less than a month, our favorite dysfunctional couple makes their return. Entwined with You, the third book of Sylvia Day's Crossfire series, will be released on June 4th. Entwined with You is highly anticipated in that the ending of Reflected in You left us reeling. As we patiently wait for release date to get here, I’ve been thinking about what I want to see happen with Gideon and Eva. I love them because they are so dysfunctional but I also hate the dysfunction—if that makes any sense.

Now that the Crossfire series will consist of 5 books instead of 3, what do we want to see/not see in the next 3 books?

• Co-dependency—Gideon is SO dependent on Eva for everything. He wants to be with her 24/7 and she allows this. There are times where Eva puts her foot down and tells Gideon to go away, but she inevitably gives in. Their relationship is already unhealthy with both of them having abuse issues so adding clinginess isn’t going to make it any healthier.

[What do YOU want for Gideon/Eva in future?...]

Even though I am neither a chef nor a foodie, books where the hero or heroine can cook great food have always grab my attention. While I do like the nurturing aspect of assembling tantalizing food, that is not the biggest pull. The greatest appeal is the its creative aspect. Most of us can follow directions and cook, but taking basic, raw ingredients and making something tempting and luscious from taste and imagination—well, that's a special talent.

This fascination has no limits, pulling me from romantic suspense books like Angel Falls by Nora Roberts to How to Bake a Perfect Life, a women’s fiction book by Barbara O’Neal, to small town romance books like Home Town Girl and Almost Home, by Mariah Stewart to chick lit stories such as Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella and Meet Me at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan.

But even more appealing is when the author incorporates symbolism or magic in the story along with the food preparation, bringing two of my favorite plot devices together.

[Two great tastes that, well you get the idea...]

Earlier, we reported on the casting for Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series being turned into film (and Chelsea Mueller assured us “it's going to be okay.”)

In addition to the three leads—Rose, Lissa, and Dimitri—the producers have announced more cast members, including the parts of Mia, Mason, Jesse, and Karp. Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) has already been cast as Kirova.

Here's Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters' description:

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school–it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's–the very place where they're most in danger. Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever.

Mia will be played by Sami Gayle (Blue Bloods), Cameron Monaghan (Shameless) will be Mason Ashford, Ashley Charles is Jesse Zeklos and Claire Foy (White Heat) will play Karp.

Interestingly, the producers have decided not to feature Eddie Castillo in this film, since it's only later in the series that Eddie's actions and role become important. The producers commented, “Basically, it is difficult to find a charismatic, high-caliber actor to play an unfortunately but necessarily reduced role. We all felt it best for the first film and the Eddie Castile character himself to wait for Frostbite, where Eddie's role is more full-bodied so we could find a more special actor. Apologies for any pain this decision may cause…”

Filming begins in two weeks, with a scheduled release date of on Feb. 14, 2014.

Vampire books have ensnared readers for years. Sometimes we think they’re sexy, other times we think they’re scary, but the creature of the night mythos follows a familiar trope.

If you think you might be burned out on vampires, maybe it’s time to try a vampire book done in a fresh way. Authors are changing the game with vampires, modifying the worlds they live in, the ways they can be killed and how they interact with their own kind.

What if vampires thought humans were extinct?

Andrew Fukuda plays with this idea in his book The Hunt. In his world, the few remaining humans have to pretend to be vampires. They go to school and work with vampires and force themselves to fake it. They hide all emotions, conceal goosebumps, never laugh and even fake the vampires’ reaction to something humorous—scratching at their wrist.

[Just be careful how hard you scratch...]