The Gin Lovers by Jamie Brenner

It's 1925 and Charlotte Delacorte is content to be the socialite wife of William.  However, the arrival of her sister-in-law Mae soon rocks her world.  While trying to tame flapper Mae, Charlotte ends up falling for the lifestyle and bootlegger Jake.  Charlotte quickly yearns to break free of her old life and find herself but she soon discovers a shocking secret that threatens her entire family and her future.

"The Gin Lovers," was originally written as six part e-serial.  This soapy delight has now been bound up into one volume.  It's clear that Ms. Brenner did a lot of research for "The Gin Lovers."  The author's attention to detail is remarkable.  The vivid descriptions of the various speakeasies, high society homes, gorgeous clothes, and great jazz music pull you right into the Prohibition era New York City.  The wide cast of characters from conflicted Charlotte, to wild-child Mae, to the dastardly William, and the charming Jake are full of depth and feeling.  I also loved the mentions of real life celebrities (or soon to be celebrities) of the era such as Louis Armstrong and Cole Porter.  Who wouldn't want to risk arrest to drop into that speakeasy?!

If you'd like to learn more about Jamie Brenner and enter to win a copy of "The Gin Lovers," then head on over to my best-friends blog, Chicks Dig Books where she is hosting a Giveaway plus an interview with Ms. Brenner! Or, pick up "The Gin Lovers," at your local bookstore.

Please be advised that I received no financial compensation, or gin for this review.  I received a complimentary copy of "The Gin Lovers," from Ms. Brenner's signing at Book Expo America.

Laydown Lowdown

Valentine's Day is just two days away if you haven't gotten your sweet heart something special or splurged a little on yourself, you better get to it.  Perhaps, some of today's new releases will be just the thing to melt your loved one's heart.

Ironically, there are only two new releases in Romance today, "The Gin Lovers," by Jamie Brenner, and "Daybreak," by Shelley Shepard Gray.

If your love story is out of this world and you favor Sci-Fi/Fantasy instead, check out "Farside," by Ben Bova, "The Daylight War," by Peter Brett, or "The Best of All Possible Worlds," by Karen Lord.

If your crush is a secret and you'd like to keep it mysterious, perhaps you'll want to sweep through the Mystery section.  You'll find "A Medal for Murder," by Frances Brody, "Ghostman," by Roger Hobbs, "Guilt," by Jonathan Kellerman, and "Airtight," by David Rosenfelt.

Meanwhile time is running for short for Rhine to find love and her missing brother in "Sever," the conclusion to Lauren DeStefano's "Chemical Garden" trilogy.  Other new releases in Young Adult include "Dance of Shadows," by Yelena Black, "The Whole Stupid Way We Are," by N. Griffin, and "Arcadia Burns," by Kai Meyer.

Are any of these books on your "to-read" list?  Share with us and also tell us how you will be celebrating Valentine's Day.  Remember the day is all about sharing the love, it doesn't have to be with a traditional sweetheart.  Take a moment to tell your best friend, co-worker, or favorite blogger that they're terrific!  Happy Reading and Happy Valentine's Day.