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The Story Behind Her Cherry by Penelope Bloom

By Penelope Bloom

Her Cherry is my newest novel and the second installment in my admittedly bizarre erotic food-themed series. A little over a month ago, I lost my mind and released a romance book with nothing but some words and a banana on a stark-white background for my cover. It was also a little over a month ago when I learned that I wasn't the only person with a ridiculous sense of humor, because His Banana became my bestselling novel ever.

Aside from the crazy cover, His Banana was a firm step in the rom-com direction for me. Anyone who knows me in real life would probably tell you that I'm an absolute goof and always trying (sometimes failing) to make people laugh. Since I started writing, it was actually frustrating and a little strange that it felt so hard to transfer that side of my personality into my books. It just never felt like it meshed, so I held it back. With His Banana, I finally found a way to do it. I still held some back, but I let some silliness seep into the book, because I thought with a cover like that, this book had at least better make you laugh.

Again, crazily enough, readers surprised me and actually thought it was funny. Usually, I'm the biggest fan of my own jokes, so I wasn't sure how they'd go over with my readers. And in the true spirit of, "you asked for it," I wrote another book in the same spirit that just went live a couple days ago. Her Cherry is the story of William (Bruce's twin brother from His Banana).

I always try to set out a goal for myself before I start a book, and for Her Cherry, my goal was to really identify what people were enjoying so much in His Banana and then ratchet it up as much as I could. I also had another goal, which was the one I focused on for His Banana as well: don't lose the story for the sake of the humor. I know I've never personally been a huge fan of romantic comedy in general because so many books and movies completely neglect the story and characters. It's just about contrived, crazy situations that make for easy laughs. The jury is still out on whether I succeeded in avoiding the same pitfall, but I know I tried my hardest to make sure all the characters are people you really can relate to, but also people who will have you laughing out loud.

I hope you'll give the book a shot, and if you're a fan of this series, I currently have at least two more planned, so keep an eye out for those erotic food items in your local romance section!

Penelope Bloom is the author of the new book Her Cherry

Connect with Penelope:
Author Page

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The Buzziest Books of August | 2018

The Buzziest Books of August | 2018

August was an amazing time to be a reader with so many new releases from bestselling authors! There were a plethora of page-turning novels that captivated us from cover to cover this month. If you want to catch up on the books everyone was talking about, here are our choices for the buzziest books of August! Happy reading!



Meet Me at the Museum

by Anne Youngson

Release Date: August 7, 2018

NPR called Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson "The charmer of the summer." this novel tells the story of Professor Anders Larsen, a man that has lost his wife and hopes for the future. Meanwhile, on an isolated English farm, Tina Hopgood is trapped in a life she doesn't remember choosing. Both believe their love stories are over. Then they are brought together with a shared fascination with the Tollund Man, start writing letters to one another.

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Texas Ranger

by James Patterson

Release Date: August 13, 2018

Rory Yates' discipline and law-enforcement skills have carried him far across the ranchlands and cities of his home state. He went from local highway patrolman to the rank of Texas Ranger. Arriving in his hometown, Rory finds a horrifying crime scene and a scathing accusation... he is named as a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife.

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Dopesick

by Beth Macy

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Beth Macy's Dopesick is the only book to fully chart the devastating opioid crisis in America. She takes readers into the epicenter of the twenty-plus year struggle with addiction. From small communities in Central Appalachia to wealthy suburbs; disparate cities to farm towns. She illustrates how this national crisis has persisted for so long and became so firmly entrenched.

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A Pilgrimage to Death

by Alexa Padgett

Release Date: August 14, 2018

When Cici Gurule finds the dead body of a parishioner, she’s horrified to discover the victim shares the same stab wounds that ended her twin sister’s life a year earlier. The progressive reverend will stop at nothing to protect her flock, so she joins forces with her detective friend and loyal pair of Great Pyrenees to hunt down the killer.

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A Kiss to Tell

by W. Winters

Release Date: August 12, 2018

I knew he was forbidden from just a single glance. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that. He was a boy I should have been afraid of, and definitely not someone I should have wanted. From the first time I saw him, Sebastian had a stare that pinned me in place. All these years later, it still hasn’t softened.

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Losing the Field

by Abbi Glines

Release Date: August 21, 2018

The fourth book in the popular Field Party series by New York Times Bestselling Author Abbi Glines... Tallulah Liddell has always been defined by her appearance. Overweight and insecure, she never wants to draw attention to herself and usually flies under the radar. The only boy that ever noticed her was her longtime crush, Nash Lee. But when he laughs at a joke aimed at her, her love fades. Now she is determined to lose weight and no longer be the object of ridicule.

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Drip Drop Dead

by Willow Rose

Release Date: July 30, 2018

Finally, things are starting to go well for Emma Frost. She has a sweet boyfriend, finished a new book, and her daughter Maya is doing well in high school. Even Victor is thriving and playing with his best friend, the strange girl who fell from the sky. But then a woman is found murdered in her bed with no obvious signs of being killed.

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Heir of Ra

by M. Sasinowski

Release Date: August 12, 2018

An excavation of the Hall of Records beneath the Sphinx has unleashed an ancient disease leaving Alyssa's father fighting for his life. She now has to race to find a cure and stumbles onto an impossible artifact that has the power to change history... or destroy their future. Now, with the help of Oxford student Paul Matthews, she must evade ruthless adversaries that are determined to harness the power of the artifact.

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Bestsellers Now in Paperback | August 2018

Take a look at this month’s selection of bestsellers now in paperback! August had a great selection of bestselling books to check out from thrilling mysteries to enthralling literary reads, and insightful biographies. Pick up these latest paperback books by bestselling authors Paula Hawkins, Dean Koontz, Stuart Woods, Jonathan Dee, Diana Gabaldon, Seanan McGuire, and many more!


Mystery, Thriller & Suspense


Literary Fiction


Fantasy & Science Fiction


Young Adult


Biography & Memoir

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Our Audiobook Playlist For August | 2018

Our Audiobook Playlist For August | 2018

We wanted to share with you some of our favorite audiobooks we’ve been listening to in August. Our playlist includes a little something for everyone, from mystery, literary fiction, memoir, science fiction, and romance. Grab your headphones and happy listening!



Unbreak My Heart

by Lauren Blakely

Release Date: August 13, 2018

We can't resist a second-chance romance and Lauren Blakely's latest was the perfect audiobook to fall for this month... They broke each other's hearts but he never stopped loving her. Time and distance ripped them apart when she moved halfway around the world but now she's back.

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Okay Fine Whatever

by Courtenay Hameister

Release Date: July 31, 2018

Okay Fine Whatever is a story about a chronically anxious woman and her year-long quest to conquer her fears. For most of her life, Courtenay Hameister lived in near-constant fear. But then in her mid-forties, she decided to fight back and spend a year doing things that scared her.

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Finding Pegasus

by John Pearce

Release Date: August 15, 2018

We love The Eddie Grant mystery series by John Pearce, so the third book, Finding Pegasus, was a must-listen... A bomb has shattered the midnight silence. Mark and Kate only had seconds to escape before their sailboat turned into a flaming hell. Meanwhile, a wrecking crew breaks into their shop to steal a crucial tool. A tool the CIA needs to prevent a neo-Nazi takeover in Eastern Europe.

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Where the Crowdads Sing

by Delia Owens

Release Date: August 14, 2018

The new release audiobook from Delia Owens is described as a "mystery wrapped in gorgeous, lyrical prose"... Rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove for years. In late 1969, when Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals all suspect her, Mya Clark. But she's not what they think. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand.

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Feared

by Lisa Scottoline

Release Date: August 14, 2018

In book 6 of the Rosato & DiNunzio series by Lisa Scottoline, find out what happens when we are tempted to give in to our own inner darkness... Three men are suing the law firm for reverse sex discrimination, the plaintiff's lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who is determined to not only win but destroy the firm. It soon becomes clear that he will do anything, even after the case turns deadly.

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Rogue Protocol

by Martha Wells

Release Date: August 7, 2018

If you're looking for a new science fiction audiobook, the third book in the popular Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells is a must. It stars a humanlike android who keeps getting sucked back into adventures. But it just wants to be left alone, away from humanity.

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New Romance Books to Read | August 21

Have you finished your romance reading list and looking for something new? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors N.E. Henderson, Melody Anne, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Jennifer Ashley, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | August 21

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Karin Slaughter, Julia Keller, William Kent Krueger, Steve Hamilton, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | August 21

In need of some new books to read in literary fiction? This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Frances de Pontes Peebles, Stephen Markley, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | August 21

Are you eager to explore new worlds and go on exciting adventures? This week’s selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Fantasy fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Robert Jackson Bennett, Jason Hamilton, and more. If Science Fiction is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Mary Robinette Kowal, Colin McMahon, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | August 21

Can’t get enough young adult fiction? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your to-be-read pile. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Abbi Glines, Elly Blake, Lana Popovic, Rachael Lucas, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | August 21

On the lookout for some new biography and memoir books to add to your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new novels from Doug Pederson, Matthew Cutter, Claire Tomalin, Kate Harris, and more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!



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