The Romanorum

Book Review: A Dark and Brooding Gentleman by Margaret McPhee

2012-01-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

A Dark and Brooding Gentleman by Margaret McPhee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

QUICK TAKE

If you enjoy historicals with a dark, brooding hero that stands and looks out the window over the Scottish misty moors holding a glass of brandy or riding his black stallion recklessly over said misty moors, then this book is for you!

Sebastian Hunter is very much like the brooding heroes in Jane Eyre and Rebecca, he has a secret and a prickly relationship with his mother who seemingly dislikes him intensely.

Phoebe Allardyce arrives at Blackloch Hall (love that name) as a companion to Sebastian's mother. She attracts his attention immediately and his suspicion. Phoebe it seems, is up to no good.
I found her likeable enough and her reasons for lurking about Blackloch are sound. The relationship and attraction works and Sebastian is suitably brooding and interesting. However, by the last third of the book, it got bogged down in too much secondary plotting and the 'secret' when revealed lacks real impact. Other than that, the characters are strong. Personally I would have preferred the focus stay on the couple until the end, but oh well. I enjoyed this read and I LOVE the cover! He is even holding a snifter of brandy~

I also recommend the first book in this duet 'Gentlemen of Disrepute'~UNMASKING THE DUKE'S MISTRESS.

POSTED AT GOODREADS

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW: My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

2012-01-19T16:54:00.000-06:00

Avon Romance Dec 27 2011

384 Pages By Gaelen Foley

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

The Inferno Club: To London Society, they’re notorious for their scandalous pursuits. In private, these warriors would risk their lives for king and country.
His brother warriors fear the Earl of Westwood has turned traitor, but Emily Harper knows this is impossible for the man she has loved since childhood . . . as impossible as a marriage between them could ever be—she, the gamekeeper’s daughter and he, a bold and adventurous nobleman.

Driven by hatred and revenge, Westwood is playing a deadly game of deception, bent on destroying the enemy’s dark conspiracy from the inside, and he’s furious when Emily plunges herself into danger for his sake. Forced into close quarters, their long-suppressed desire explodes into all-consuming passion.

Emily knows her love can save him . . . but Westwood is a man who doesn’t want to be saved.
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This is one of those books that does not really stand alone, it is intricately plotted and if you wish to get the full impact of the narrative, reading the previous books might be needed. However, if you do enjoy a little action mixed in with your historical read, then this book passes muster and then some.

My Ruthless Prince is book 4 in the Inferno Club series. Drake the hero is the Earl of Westwood and labeled a traitor and on the run. His tortured self was seen in previous books, of which I had read a couple and I was anxious for Drake's story.

There is a lot to like in this novel, romance, spies, adventure and a few twists and turns. In fact there are so many obstacles you wonder how the hero and heroine can possibly overcome them all? Drake is so damaged, he has endured physical and psychological torture in his captivity. Who had Drake captive? An evil Promethean group who seemingly 'turns' Drake to their side, or have they? Great suspense with regard to that plot point.

Emily Harper has loved Drake for as long as she can remember. Emily was the daughter of the gamekeeper that looked after Drake's family estate, they formed a bond through childhood that grew to so much more as they aged. With her expert skills, Emily tracks down Drake and is determined to rescue him. A little far fetched for the era but just go with it. Emily is plucky and brave but also filled with passion and compassion when it comes to Drake. Their love story is achingly tender, the longing well played out.

I am usually not into Historical romance adventures very much, I feel all the subplots and secondary characters take away from the romance and attention from the hero and heroine. In this novel however, it all clicks. Very enjoyable, high spirited read.

4 out of 5

BOOK REVIEW: How The Marquess Was Won By Julie Anne Long

2012-01-12T12:47:00.000-06:00

Avon Romance December 27, 2011

384 pages By Julie Anne Long

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

The Scandal Sheets call him Lord Ice.
Ruthless, cold, precise, Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden, tolerates only the finest— in clothes, in horseflesh, in mistresses. And now he’s found the perfect bride, the one whose dowry will restore his family’s shattered legacy and bring him peace at last: the exquisite heiress Lisbeth Redmond.

She's about to play with fire...

But one unforgettable encounter with Lisbeth’s paid companion, Phoebe Vale, and the Marquess is undone. This quiet girl with the wicked smile and a wit to match is the first person to see through the icy facade to the fiery man beneath. But their irresistible attraction is a torment as sweet as it is dangerous, for surrendering to their desire could mean losing everything else they ever wanted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was highly anticipating this book after I was blown away from Long's previous release, 'What I Did For a Duke'. I knew this book probably wouldn't live up to it and it didn't. Regardless, it was a solid read.

Julian Spenser, the Marquess Dryden is known far and wide as Lord Ice. He is cold and calculating in all thing including beautiful women and horse flesh.
He is also the subject of entertainment for the heroine, Phoebe Vale. Phoebe leads a quiet life as a governess/teacher/companion. She wiles away her nights reading of the exploits of the ton and more specifically Lord Ice.
They meet in a shop and the attraction is instantaneous, though Julian is pursuing a more suitable bride, Lisbeth Redmond.
One thing I do enjoy in Julie Anne Long's historicals is the dry wit and sizzling attraction between the hero and heroine. It is certainly evident here. Also her characters actually talk and have conversations which is refreshing.
Julian has many fascinating layers and as each are revealed, the reader and the heroine Phoebe fall a little more in love with him. He was a pretty good hero, gorgeous, fashionable but underneath capable of passion and tenderness.
I will agree with a few other reviewers that the first half of the book was stronger than the last half. The ending was not very satisfying to me. What I did enjoy was the focus was kept on the couple, their attraction and interaction was entertaining and even heartwarming.
The conflict on why Julian couldn't offer marriage seemed thin to me and the ending over the top, but otherwise the romance and the heat was pretty much spot-on.
Also by the end of the book Phoebe was starting to get on my nerves with her incessant chatter. I know some found it charming and I did at first but by the end, I was a little tired of the heroine.
How the Marquess Was Won is a solid read, but not one of my favorites in the PennyRoyal Green Series.

3.5 out of 5

BOOK REVIEW: Sex, Lies and Mistletoe By Tawny Weber

2012-01-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

Harlequin Blaze November 15, 2011

224 pages By Tawny Weber

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Undercover DEA agent Caleb Black is home for the holidays—possibly to bust his own father. But maybe Caleb's con-man dad isn't the one running drugs through the small town of Black Oak. Maybe it's the green-eyed goddess who runs the New Age shop and has Caleb under her sultry spell.Pandora Easton saved the family store with two words: sex sells. And her delectable aphrodisiacs really work, as she's proven with notorious bad boy Caleb again and again and again.
Little does she guess that, in the end, her most potent potion will be the truth….
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I have read a few of Tawny Weber's Blaze books, they always deliver light. frothy and sexy fun and Sex, Lies and Mistletoe is no different.

Caleb Black is a burnt-out DEA agent who has seen and done plenty. When he hears from his FBI buddy that a new drug has cropped up in his hometown of Black Oaks and the prine suspect is Caleb's estranged father, Tobias, Caleb in none too happy. Caleb decides to take the time off his boss has been nagging him to go on, and while he is at it also check out what is going on in Black Oaks. Nose around without drawing suspension.

Pandora Easton is back in her hometown of Black Oaks after her life just collapsed in pieces courtesy of her scamming boyfriend who not also stole from her but mired her in his illegal internet scheme. Pandora is licking her wounds after also losing her job in the process. She takes a job in her family's generations old store, Moonspun Dreams. Business is not great so Pandora comes up with an idea, 'sex sells'. She opens the Moonspun Cafe and offers delicate and delectable foodstuffs containing aphrodisiacs. It certainly stirs up the gray-hairs in town and soon her business is a success.

When Caleb walks into Pandora's shop, she is sure he is a walking aphrodisiac as she has an immediate reaction and vice versa. Little does Pandora know she is on Caleb's radar-for the possible drugs activity in town.

Before you know it, Caleb and Pandora are sharing a piece of seven layer foreplay cake and they are off and running. Is the hot sex they shared because of the cake, or is there more going on here?
While I found this story sweet and sexy in its way, it lacked any real emotional depth between the hero and heroine. For a burnt out DEA agent, I didn't get any sense Caleb was tortured or had that many internal conflicts. However that said, Caleb is imminently likeable and charming in his standoffish way.
Subplots abound with a 'dipwad' sheriff who is sniffing around Pandora in a sexual way and who Caleb knew from school as the arrogant quarterback. Also I did like the scenes between Caleb and his father, is Tobias behind the rash of drugs flowing through Black Oaks?
The Christmas backdrop is not really relevant to the story, but adds to the family theme of the book.
All in all, this was a good read, it delivers a solid sexy story.

3.5 out of 5 heat level 4 (Posted at The Season)

BOOK REVIEW: Within the Flames By Marjorie M. Liu

2011-12-19T11:55:00.000-06:00

Avon Romance Nov 29 2011

384 pages By Marjorie M. Liu

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Joining the Dirk & Steele Agency turned Eddie’s life around. A pyrokinetic and former car thief, he cannot refuse an assignment to cross the continent in order to rescue an extraordinary woman in peril . . . even though he fears losing control of the destructive power of flame at his fingertips.

The last of her shape-shifting kind, Lyssa hides in the abandoned tunnels beneath Manhattan, seeking refuge from those who murdered her family a decade ago and would now destroy her as well. Like Eddie, fire is her weapon, her destiny . . . and her curse. Yet she wants nothing to do with this mesmerizing stranger who seeks her trust while inflaming her passion. For beneath Lyssa’s extraordinary beauty are dangerous secrets . . . and even darker, nearly irresistible urges. But she has won the heart of a fearless protector . . . and all the demons in the world will not make him back down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a new to me author, never read a Marjorie M. Liu book before. I cringed slightly when I saw this was part of a long series, would I be lost? I mean this is book #11!

The consensus is yes, I felt a bit lost. There was not glossary included in the netgalley to refer to, so I did lose my way in a few spots.

Eddie certainly is a tortured hero, a man with a muddled and nightmarish past. Eddie is a Pyrokinetic who lives in constant fear he will lose control of the fire that resides within. He has already toasted a few people in his past. His assignment as given to him from the Dirk and Steele Agency is to protect a woman in New York City, and good luck finding her in a city with eight million people. How quirky is fate that Eddie does see her on the street, even though the only picture he had is when she was a girl. The woman in question is Lyssa.

Lyssa lives below the city with a ragtag bunch of homeless people in some abandoned tunnels. She has been on the run for ten years, since her parents were killed and she was next on the hit list. Lyssa is very rare, the last of her kind, a shape-shifting dragon. Well, at least her and Eddie have fire in common.

Considering Lyssa and Eddie have flame and fire as part of their very nature and physical make-up, I found the two did not generate much heat. I found the book very talky with chapters whizzing by of Eddie and Lyssa sharing and comparing horrible childhood memories and not much else.

However I found the secondary characters fascinating, the gargoyle Lannes and his mate Lethes for example. The adventure itself was exciting as Lyssa is being hunted by the Cruor Venator and her little coven of witches. It is certainly bloody and the action was kept at a fast pace which made the book entertaining enough. The couple is tragic, both don't want to kill but fate has other plans. There are a few twists and turns along the way. Is Lyssa all that she seems, or is there more beneath? Same question with Eddie. They are soul mates but just don't know it yet.

Good, solid read, I just wish the love scenes had more depth.

2.75 out of 4

BOOK REVIEW: Brazen by Margo Maguire

2011-12-06T10:05:00.001-06:00

Avon Romance December 11 2011

384 pages By Margo Maguire

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

She will give him what he desires. But first, a small favor . . .
Lady Christina Fairhaven is devoted to her adoptive family—and most protective of her wayward brother.
So when battle-scarred and world-weary Captain Gavin Briggs arrives at her cottage bearing shocking news—that she is the granddaughter of an aged, bad-tempered duke— Christina is stunned . . . temporarily.

She will not meet the duke who abandoned her when she was a child; Gavin will not receive his significant—and much needed—reward. However, should the good Captain agree to help her locate and rescue her endangered sibling, then perhaps . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the second book in the two book miniseries about a aging Duke's 'lost' granddaughters, the first book was 'Seducing the Governess', which I did enjoy. It is in that book we are first introduced to Captain Gavin Briggs. I was intrigued by him then and was looking forward to his story.

Gavin is the epitome of a Regency hero, tall, handsome, capable in bed and out of it. Hiring himself out as an investigator, he is on the hunt for missing heiresses. Gavin needs the money and soon tracks down Lady Christina.
I will say right up front I didn't care for Lady Christina. To me she was a selfish, scheming minx. She is being blackmailed. Her brother is not really dead and she is also trying to hide information that could damage her family. She bats her eyes at Gavin and he soon agrees to assist her, in exchange for coming with him to her grandfather when it is all over.

So why didn't I care for Christina? She was too high in the in-step, and the trend of these fiery, outspoken historical heroines is starting to get on my nerves. Can't there be a happy balance of accurate demureness with a sprinkle of independence and outspokenness? Also, Christina took every opportunity to let Gavin know she was far above him. As with some other reviewers, it rankled.

Gavin on the other hand, is wonderful and the reason I gave this a higher rating than I was originally going to give it. He is so capable, rugged, honorable and sizzling hot. I loved his protective devotion to his sister.
The passion between the H/H worked, I just wish Gavin had been given a more worthy candidate for his affections and passions.

The action was solid and came to a satisfactory ending with a few twists and turns along the way. As for Christina, while I empathized somewhat with her horrid marriage and other aspects of her back story, she just didn't do it for me on any level. As for Gavin, Captain Briggs can swoop in and rescue me anytime, great hero!

3.25 out of 4

BOOK REVIEW: Unmasking the Duke's Mistress By Margaret McPhee

2011-12-02T16:21:00.000-06:00

Harlequin Historical November 15, 2011

288 pages By Margaret McPhee

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

With trembling hands Arabella dons the mask of Miss Noir for her first night at Mrs. Silver's House of Pleasures. Thinking of her young son, she prepares to smile prettily at the next gentleman who enters….
Dominic Furneaux, Duke of Arlesford, is stunned to see that the woman who shattered his heart has fallen so low. He offers her a way out—by making her his mistress!
The temptation to reacquaint herself with Dominic's body is hard for Arabella to resist, but Dominic needs only to look into the Furneaux-blue eyes of her son to uncover Arabella's deepest secret…
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I utterly adored this book! For a Harlequin historical, this story sizzled. A true erotic romance in every sense of the word, but not full blown erotica if you catch my meaning.

Dominic Furneaux, the Duke of Arlesford is your typical aristocratic rake in his late twenties who indulges in drink and gambling and women. His dealings with women had been discrete, but he soon find himself accompanying his friends to a brothel. The women are paraded out for the men to select, they wear feathered masks and go by the french names of colors. Miss Noir catches Dominic's interest.
The mysterious Miss Noir reminds him of a long ago lost love, a love that left him angry and broken-hearted. As painful as those memories are, the pain in his groin is greater. He must have her.
Miss Noir insists on keeping on her face mask. That is fine with Dominic, he can pretend this whore is Arabella Stokes, the woman who left his heart shattered.
After a searing bout of sex, Dominic stands to dress and sees Miss Noir has turned her away from him. He sees a familiar birthmark on her lower back. No. It can't be. Arabella.

Arabella Stokes is a penniless widow with a small boy and a mother depending on her for survival. It is these desperate straits that cause her too seek employment at Mrs. Silver's House of Pleasure. Arabella was stunned when she saw Dominic enter the room on her first night. Hate and lust intermingled with other emotions. This heartless man abandoned her six years ago. He now stands before her and makes her a shocking offer, become his mistress.

Dominic and Arabella are wonderful characters. Arabella is proud, but she must protect her mother and son. Becoming Dominic's mistress would ensure they would not starve in some hovel. She has no other choice. The various layers of emotions in play here is great. So much perceived hurt and anger, yet they cannot deny the desire that still exists between them.

Arabella takes Dominic up on his offer. She hides her son and mother when Dominic comes to call. The awkwardness of their emotions and the situation itself is well done. Each thinks the other to blame for their situation. When the two finally speak in depth, it is revealed what really happened to drive them apart. The last third of the book is not as strong as the first two thirds. When the book focuses exclusively on Arabella and Dominic, the story crackles. However it gets bogged down in a subplot on blackmail and other outside forces which I believe lessens the intimate impact of the two main characters. It also kept me from giving it a perfect score.

That aside, this was a great read. Sizzling hot for a Harlequin, deeply felt emotions and memorable characters all came together to pack a solid erotic romance punch.

3.75 out of 4

Heat level Sizzling!

Book Review: A Vampire For Christmas-anthology

2011-11-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

HQN Books Oct 18 2011

384 pages   By Michelle Hauf, Caridad Pineiro, Alexis Morgan and Laurie London

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK

All they want for Christmas is you…It's the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.
And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.
Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there's no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can't wait for an invitation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found this anthology of sexy vampire stories to be a bit of a mixed bag. Let's face it, vampires and Christmas do not exactly go together. But the concept works. Sentiment and emotion can grip the hardest, coldest people at Christmas, even cool, detached Vampires.

Enchanted by the Blood-Laurie London

This is a short story to follow a full length novel in her 'Sweetblood' series. I haven't read it, but this short story flowed well enough that you do not have to read the previous novels. Trace was a fine vamp hero, it seems he and the heroine Charlotte have met before. Over a year ago they were deeply involved and deeply in love, only Trace had to wipe her memories because she saw too much at a party. Now? The spark is still there, Charlotte is confused, she feels as if she has known Trace from somewhere. Trace knows he needs to walk away, but how can he? A deeply felt love story with Christmas as an incidental backdrop, but all the elements work here.

4 out of 5     heat: 3

Monsters Don't Do Christmas-Michelle Hauf

I have enjoyed Michelle Hauf's novels in the past, however this story did not do it for me on any level.
Daniel Harrison is the hero. He is a newly made vampire turned the previous Christmas who is struggling with his new-life state. While being swarmed by some werewolves he is rescued by a woman. Olivia Adorata. She accepts what he is and invites him to her apartment and even bakes cookies. Oh, and she is a rising pop star. This couple did not click for me, nor did their romance. Even the backwash of Christmas sentiment which I am usually a sucker for, didn't work in this story for me either.

2 out of 5     Heat rating 3

When Herald Angels Sing By Caridad Pineiro

If you want a vampire story soaked in Christmas sentiment, than this short story is for you. First off, love the story was set in the 1930's, how refreshing. Damien was a fine hero. Turned into a vamp by his enemy back in the 1820's, it seems he has had a guardian angel looking over him since that time. Angelina has appeared in his life in various forms throughout his existence. Damien is given a trip though his past (in a Dickensian way, of course) and we see Damien was a cold bastard through the years, especially with his dealings with Angelina. Not exactly a cuddly Christmas hero, but ultimately he sees the errors of ways and realizes his love for Angelina. Lots of emotion and heavenly intervention, but this story is touching and has a solid Christmas spirit.

3.5 out of 5      heat 3

All I Want For Christmas by Alexis Morgan

I really enjoyed this one. Eagan McHale is a vampire policeman working undercover in a seedy neighborhood where teenagers are showing up dead from blood loss. In the center of this is a diner run by the heroine, Della Breit. Della is almost too good to be true, giving out hot chocolate and pie to down on your luck patrons. She is being held up by a couple of hoodies when Eagan steps in to save the day. She assumes Eagan is one of these down on your luck types and soon he is exchanging small jobs for a few meals all the while staking the place out. Great character development, Eagan the world weary cop/vampire has done and seen plenty, Della's generous heart and loving spirit touches him deeply. Also some great secondary characters for a short story. How they ultimately get together has been done many times in Vampire stories, just go with it. Heartwarming romance with Christmas a major player in this entertaining tale.

5 out of 5    heat 3

TOTAL RATING FOR BOOK: 3.5 out of 5

*Reviewed for The Season

BOOK REVIEW: A Regency Christmas Carol by Christine Merrill

2011-11-10T14:56:00.000-06:00

Harlequin Historical Christine Merrill

October 18 2011 288 pages

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Born into poverty, Joseph Stratford's clever mind has made him a rich mill owner, but he has earned himself a wicked reputation among the villagers of Fiddleton. Only firebrand Barbara Lampett can see beyond the cold heart of this gentleman in disguise.
When visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present and future Joseph is brought down to earth with three thumps! But as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, has Joseph left it too late to claim the beautiful Barbara and enjoy learning the most delicious Christmas lesson of all?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a delightful mix of Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol' and Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South' all rolled into one wonderful fantasy/holiday read.

Picture Richard Armitage from the BBC series of North and South (2004) and you have the hero Joseph Stratford. He makes quite an entrance at a gathering of some of the villagers who are grumbling about the mill that is about to open. A mill owned and operated by Joseph. One of his more vocal critics is Bernard Lampett, who holds protests in the village square voicing his concerns over the new mill. His daughter Barbara is in the square as she worries over her father who has 'episodes' of confusion.

It is here Barbara gets her first glimpse of Joseph Stratford. He is commanding, handsome and arrogant. So much so Barbara speaks out and accuses him of having clockworks instead of a heart. Joseph is a Regency Scrooge, out for profit not caring the affects on his fellow man or any carnage he leaves in his wake. While is he intrigued and attracted to the lovely Barbara, he is determined to plow ahead with his scheme of marrying the prominent daughter Anne Clairemont to achieve his goals.

Joseph is visited by the ghost of his father who warns of impending visits from three other spirits. Joseph is more interested in buying and selling, not the craft or the workers.His father explains while Joseph has invented a new loom for weaving, he has lost sight of a more meaningful future. Joseph scoffs this visit as a nightmare of epic proportions.

Barbara is a lovely heroine. She is not afraid to stand up for what she thinks and speaks her mind and voice her feelings. Joseph finds this very appealing as his possible future bride-to-be Anna is too quiet and pliable. As they run into each other a few more times, the attraction is obvious between Barbara and Joseph. He begins to scheme on how he can use Barbara to silence her outspoken father, and set her up as his mistress as well.

The story kicks into 'Scrooge' gear when between the flirtations with Barbara he is indeed visited from three spirits. The first is from his past, the second the present, the third, his future. I found the future visit particularly poignant. Christine Merrill hits all the right notes emotionally and dramatically with this bleak vision of Joseph's future, of which I will give nothing away.

In between his visits from the present and the future, Barbara attends Joseph's big Christmas house party, where he pulls out all the stops to ensnare and impress rich investors from London. Joseph is drawn to Barbara and pays a late night visit to her room where passion ignites and Barbara tells him she loves him. She believes under all that cold business like demeanor is a decent, loving man. Is she correct in her assumption?

You can guess the ending, and it parallels Dicken's tale wonderfully. Heartwarming and bursting with holiday good cheer with a crackling romance thrown in for good measure, you will thoroughly enjoy 'A Regency Christmas Carol'.

3.5 out of 4

Book Review: What A Duke Wants by Lavinia Kent

2011-11-04T17:47:00.000-05:00

Avon Romance Sept 27, 2011

384 pages Lavinia Kent

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

What woman would refuse a Duke’s kiss?

Running from a dark secret past, Isabella Masters craves peace and stability, a life far from the prying eyes of society.
She does not dream of landing a lord.

But in the arms of a stranger with magnificent eyes, she loses herself in one breath-stealing kiss— only to discover she has been misled by a reluctant Duke.

Angered but enthralled, she dares not submit . . . though her passionate heart begs her to. He cannot wed her . . . but he must not lose her.

Only one possibility remains— one too scandalous to consider . . . yet too tempting to resist.
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First, I have to mention the cover, Nathan Kamp is aging nicely. What a sexy, sly look and it fits the hero of this book perfectly. Mark Smythe, Duke of Strattington is a reluctant duke, not at all comfortable with the strictures of a dukedom. One night at an inn, he overhears a woman talking about 'who covers a cock.'. A wonderful way to begin this story. Mark is of course, intrigued and when the young lady in question begins to bad mouth 'the duke' Mark pretends to be an employee. I was immediately caught up in this story and I did not read the previous books and found this very much a 'stand alone'.

The heroine, Isabella Masters, or 'Smith' as she is posing herself off as, is not a governess/nursemaid but your standard lady of the ton on the run for some perceived shameful and scandalous wrong. This has been used many times before, but hasn't everything?

Mark carries a lot of baggage, he isn't keen on being a Duke and makes a lot of decisions in this story that are questionable. Once the cat is out of the bag about his Dukedom, he coolly offers Isabella the position of mistress, which I suppose in a historical romance is a step up from a governess. Isabella is suitably appalled, but a small part of her wants to be in Mark's bed, and his bed would be a perfect place to hide from society and the law.

Mark is an amazing mix of an alpha and beta hero, at times it doesn't quite work, but for the most part I found his Jekyll and Hyde Duke endearing. Plus, Mark is sexy hot! The love scenes sizzle.

Isabella, while thoroughly enjoying the sizzling hot Duke in the bed chamber, her inner conflict on being a mistress and being on the run was well portrayed. The conflict in this story was real and palatable.
I won't give away the ending, it had a real fairy tale feel to it. This was a fine read, and even though the characters do questionable things along the way, they certainly redeemed themselves at the end.

3.50 stars out of 4

Book Review: Ecstasy Untamed By Pamela Palmer

2011-10-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

Avon Romance Pamela Palmer

Oct 25 2011 384 pages

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .
Shattered by recent nightmarish events, Hawke feels his bond with his animal spirit weakening—and once it breaks, he’s finished. The arrival of Faith sends his life spinning even further out of control, for although she delights him and enflames his deepest primal passions, she’s promised to Maxim, the newest Feral Warrior.
Faith is drawn to Hawke from the start, but Maxim holds her in his thrall and has secretly bent her to his malevolent will. Though gravely damaged, Hawke is the only one who can end Faith’s slavery and protect the Feral Warriors from Maxim’s evil designs. But first they both must embrace the wild . . . and surrender body and soul to a forbidden, all-consuming ecstasy.
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I will admit I have read all the feral warriors books in Pamela Palmer's exciting paranormal series and I will also admit the last book in the series, Hunger Untamed left me lukewarm. So I came into Ecstasy Untamed with my expectations lower than usual.

Ecstasy focuses on Hawke, a character that always interested me all the way along in this series. He is recently rescued from a hellish prison with Tighe. Whereas Tighe had his bond with his mate to see him through, Hawke is not so lucky. He always had a prickly relationship with his inner animal spirit ( a Hawk, natch) and this nightmarish event just further strains the bond.

I like the subplot of when Tighe and Hawke are released, the animal spirits of long dead feral warriors are also released and looking for worthy hosts. YAY! More Feral Warriors! This series could go on forever at this rate. But the people showing up at the Feral compound are a little worrying to the other warriors. Something is not quite right.

Maxium is a case in point. He shows up all arrogance and attitude with a woman in tow, Faith, who he claims will be his mate. Hawke is none to thrilled to hear this news as he feels a pull/attraction toward Faith. Hawke is not alone in this feeling, Faith feels it as well. But isn't she destined to be Maxium's?

This is one of those books that you really need to read the previous books in the series to get a firm grip on the plot. Pamela quickly explains various back story plots, but it is not enough I feel for a new reader to get a grasp on all the intricate plots and characters.

The conflict and the romance is well done this time around, Hawke is wonderful. His inner struggle with his animal spirit makes him tortured and appealing, and Faith is the female counterpart to that. As with the other Feral books, the romance is tied up in a nice neat package, but cliffhangers abound. I know some readers don't like it, but here it works. Also the interaction between the Feral Warriors fuels these books. They are more than brothers. There is an unbreakable bond between men when they go into battle together and Pamela really drives that point home with her warriors. They fight and love fiercely which makes them so damned sexy.

I read a netgalley of this, but I will be sure to get the paperback to add to my collection. I really had no objections to the book except the ending, I sort of guessed what was going to happen, I would have liked to have been a little more surprised. Regardless, Ecstasy Untamed was a solid, very enjoyable paranormal read with sexy leads and fantastic characters backing them up. Can I say 'ouch' with what happened to Jag? *tease*

3.75 stars out of 4 for the Book

And YAY! Paul Marron on the cover! He's a perfect Hawke! Paul was also on Desire Untamed cover as Lyon.

BOOK REVIEW: Snowflakes and Stetsons Harlequin Christmas Anthology

2011-10-26T15:43:00.001-05:00

Harlequin Historical October 1 2011

288 pages by Jillian Hart, Carol Finch, Cheryl St. John

The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by Jillian Hart

Wrongly imprisoned, Caleb McGraw is finally free—but the bitterness he holds still makes him feel trapped. Until he sees the beautiful Caroline holding a little boy with eyes just like his own. Discovering his long-lost son is just the start of Caleb's Christmas miracles!

Christmas at Cahill Crossing by Carol Finch

One Christmas night, outcast Lucas Burnett finds a silver-haired angel buried in the snow. But Rosalie Greer is no pale spirit—she's a fiery, independent woman, as wild as the mustangs Lucas breeds. Can she be the one to finally thaw Lucas's frozen heart?

A Magical Gift at Christmas by Cheryl St.John

Meredith has always dreamed of a grand life but, stranded on a train in heavy snowfall with two young stowaways, she unexpectedly finds she has everything she needs with just one strong man to protect her….
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If you are looking for sizzling hot Cowboys in a Christmas setting, then this book may not be for you. Don't expect shots of shirtless, muscled cowboys on the cover or hot love scenes.(except in one story) The cowboys in these stories generate a different kind of heat of the heartwarming variety. The homey, sweet cover conveys the tone of the stories in this anthology.

THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: by Jillian Hart

Jillian Hart crafts a heart warming tale of forgiveness and redemption in this short story. Caleb McGraw fits the role of weary loner returning to town after a long absence. He looks up the woman he was involved with before he was hauled off to prison (for a crime he didn't commit) and discovers she is dead and left a son. Seeking out the kindly widow Caroline Dreyer that took in the boy, Caleb stumbles into a horse robbery in progress and thwarts it ably. Caroline is grateful and Caleb becomes a Shane-like hero to Thomas. One look at Thomas and Caleb knows he is his son. The rest of the story is heartwarming and I will admit to getting a lump in my throat at the loneliness and longing of Caleb. The story is sweet and the emotion real, all ends on a happy Christmas note.

3.5 out of 5 Heat Level 1

CHRISTMAS AT CAHILL CROSSING: by Carol Finch

This short story is the only one in the trilogy with any kind of love scene and Carol Finch certainly delivers. Lucas Burnett is a mixed bag of a cowboy, his Indian/White/Mexican heritage makes him an outcast and a loner. Imagine his surprise to find a woman caught in a blizzard, a very beautiful woman, Rosalie Greer. Rosalie awakens to find a 6'3 golden skinned handsome hunk as her rescuer. The attraction between the two is immediate and incendiary, but the obstacles seem insurmountable as Rosalie is from a well to-do rich family and Lucas is hardly husband material, at least in his mind. A cute Christmas sub-plot rounds out this solid short story, the hero and heroine generated lots of heat and you are pulling for them all the way.

3.5 out of 5 Heat Level 3

A MAGICAL GIFT AT CHRISTMAS by Cheryl St. John

I kept thinking of a young, good looking John Wayne while reading this short story. U.S. Marshal Jonah Cavanaugh is on a train guarding a gold shipment. Under threat of attack, he separates a few of the cars from the rest of train, he finds a woman the sole occupant of the private car. Meredith Abbott is a rich beauty, daughter to a railway magnate. Jonah did not count on having a woman in this mess. Throw a couple of children stowaways into the mix and Jonah has his work cut out for him. The four share some heartwarming moments alone in the luxury car while a storm swirls outside, making their own Christmas. However when the Bloom gang shows up to rob the gold, all hell break loose. Cheryl describes the action scenes wonderfully. What does Meredith do, return to her stuffy fiance, or take life by the horns and chose the loner hunk of Marshal? Is there any doubt?

3 out of 5 Heat Level 1

FOR ENTIRE BOOK 3.5 of out 5 HEAT LEVEL 2

*as posted at THE SEASON website*

BOOK REVIEW: In Total Surrender By Anne Mallory

2011-10-24T16:58:00.006-05:00

Avon Romance September 27, 2011

384 pages By Anne Mallory

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Andreas Merrick is the king of London’s dark underworld, having amassed unimaginable wealth and power . . . and a fierce reputation that leaves even the bravest men quaking in their boots. Yet one person is maddeningly unintimidated by his fearsome presence: the persistent Miss Phoebe Pace.
And one kiss always leads to another . . .

Equal parts honey and steel, Phoebe will stop at nothing to find her missing brother and save her family. Though associating with Andreas means peril and scandal, she never expects to experience a passion so intense that it threatens to consume her. But enigmatic Andreas is no ordinary man to love. He brings dangers from all sides— without and within—while tempting her beyond her wildest dreams . . .

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Here is another Anne Mallory novel I am torn by. Her previous book I gave 2.75 out of 4 (One Night is Never Enough) I give this one a slightly higher rating.

There is no denying Anne Mallory is a skilled writer. But I find her plotting murky and confusing at times, and it carries over into this book. What I did like (but some reviewers didn't) was the POV was kept solidly on Andreas the first 100 pages of the book. I understand why, she wants to keep us in the dark as to the heroine's motives. I think it works from a storytelling aspect.

The hero is Andreas Merrick, he is a criminal underworld figure who oozes danger and menace. He is also an embittered and snarly man in spite of his astounding looks, people scurry away from his overbearing presence. While in his POV, we get a glimpse of Andreas' inner thoughts, torturous as some of them are. If you like a brooding hero, then Andreas will appeal.

He is being pursued almost to the point of annoyance by the heroine Phoebe who has some convoluted, confusing reason to enlist Andreas help and ask for his protection. This is my main criticism of this book and the previous one, a weak heroine. I found Phoebe a bit of a pain, she is like Martha Stewart on crack. She bustles about making cookies and rolls, cleaning dirty alleys, you are almost waiting for cartoon birds to land on her hands. I found no depth to her character. However, their bantering was well done, humorous at times, but there was a decided lack of heat to the sex scenes, which disappointed me. I was waiting for Andreas the virile, damaged man to really break out, he never achieved my hopes in the sex department.

That being said the book was very readable, I love Anne Mallory's style of writing, it is witty and intelligent and I did find Andreas fascinating. But the murky subplots and Phoebe's Snow White personality did not do a thing for me. A satisfactory read that could have been so much more.

3 out of 4 stars for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Norse King's Daughter By Sandra Hill

2011-10-19T10:37:00.002-05:00

Avon Books September 27 2011

384 pages by Sandra Hill

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Princess Scorned!

Princess Drifa can certainly see why Sidroc Guntersson is a living legend— on battlefield and in bedchamber both. But the King of Stoneheim’s willful daughter pitches a royal fit when she learns of the true reason for the virile Viking’s passionate attentions. A third-born son with no hope of inheriting the family jarldom, scheming Sidroc must marry and is interested in Drifa only for her father’s land and money. The barbarian is lucky she just cracks him on his fool head with a pottery pitcher!

Five years later, Drifa needs Sidroc’s protection— in Byzantium, no less!—though revenge holds more appeal for this man she left for dead. ’Tis a pity two such perfect enemies match each other so well, passion for passion. So much so that the bold Viking berserker is soon thinking marriage again . . . only this time it will be on his terms!

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I have read a few Sandra Hill's before and enjoyed them for their lighthearted humor and hot love scenes. There is certainly that here with 'The Norse King's Daughter", in fact, I had to fan myself a few times, wow, this read like a steamy erotica. I was pleasantly surprised.

Love the cover, captures Sidroc and Drifa perfectly. A brief courtship is what Sidroc Guntersson has planned, he thoroughly enchants the Norse King's daughter Drifa with his desirous kisses and experienced hands. He has marriage on his mind, a quick marriage. Drifa is suitably thrilled and looking forward to it until she overhears Sidroc confide to his friend he truly covets Drifa's father's land and money, the bedsport will be a bonus.

Drifa seethes over this development, and perhaps is hurt as well. She had hoped the handsome, virile Viking was interested in her, not her dowry. She wants to be loved for the woman she is. Next time she sees Sidroc, she lets him have it with a pottery pitcher putting him in a temporary coma.

Five years pass, (yes this shift in the story was a little jarring) and life has moved on for both of them. In a sub-plot, Sidroc was married before his courtship of Drifa, the widower also needed a mother for his baby daughter, something he neglected to mention. Through a twist in fate, Drifa winds up with the baby, adopting the child to protect it. It is one of those plot devices you just accept and move on. In that five years, Sidoc has been off fighting in full Viking mode, Drifa did try to find him to tell him she had his daughter. In all these five years, Sidroc believed the baby was dead.

Passion and irritation spark as the two meet at the court in Byzantium. Drifa is now thirty years of age and past her prime as bride material. She has lived a quiet life raising her daughter Runa and tending to her garden. Sidroc is your stereotypical Viking warrior, massive and muscular in all the right places, fierce and brave, stubborn and sexy to a fault. While Sidroc had a certain barbaric appeal, I felt we never got a glimpse at his deeper feelings and motivations. I suppose one could argue he is a medieval Viking, he is what he is.

There is a lot of verbal sparring that amused me, Sandra Hill does have a way with humor. Just at the point when all this arguing was starting to annoy me, Drifa decides out of the blue she is tired of being a virgin and why not give in to the heat that still exists between her and Sidroc?

Sidroc has learned a lot of sexual treats and tricks in his many travels around the world, and he has every intention of showing Drifa everything. Sidroc gets out the medieval sex toys and oils and takes Drifa on a journey she will not soon forget. Neither will you.

There are conflict and subplots concerning their stay in Byzantium, but the book works best when it stays focused on this seemingly mis-matched couple. Their banter can be amusing and the physical aspect is off the charts. I just wished there was a little more depth to Sidroc. When Sidroc does find out Runa is his long believed dead daughter, the resolution felt rushed.

Nonetheless, this was a good read, it kept me entertained and certainly had me dropping my jaw over Sidroc's sexual prowess. I want me a Viking!

3 out 0f 4 stars

Heat level: *scorch*

BOOK REVIEW: Unclaimed By Courtney Milan

2011-10-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

HQN Historical September 20 2011

432 Pages By Courtney Milan

Her only hope for survival…Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he's known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check...until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he's waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she loves…
But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to be free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark's enemies make her an offer she can't refuse: seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she's sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs…and the love she knows is impossible.

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I read and enjoyed the first book of the Turner series and was looking forward to Sir Mark Turner's story. Courtney Milan did not disappoint. A Chaste virgin as the hero? What an interesting twist to the historical hero mode. But do not suffer from any delusions that Sir Mark is an unfeeling, cold paragon of virtuousness. Mark feels things very deeply and is not afraid to verbally voice his desires. Yow, what a combination. He also has a droll sense of humor.

“Sir Mark Turner,” he said. “I speak with the tongues of a thousand angels. Butterflies follow me wherever I go. Birds sing when I take a breath.”

Sir Mark Turner literally wrote the book on chastity. It is a runaway best seller and has elevated Mark on a pedestal, adored and admired by people every where. Young men have formed groups, have secret signals and handshakes much to Mark's chagrin. As Courtney draws the parallel in her introduction, Mark is like a modern day rock star. Mark has had enough of the foolish idolity and hastens an escape to a small town from his childhood.

Little does he know that hot on his heels is Jessica Farleigh. A penniless courtesan, she has taken a bet to ensure she can escape her wretched life at last. All she has to do is seduce the paragon of chastity, and snare his ring as proof. The roles are reversed here, Jessica is the cold, female rake, years of seduction experience at the ready, while Mark the hero is the inexperienced virgin. I felt sympathy for Jessica, her loveless past has hardened her to any emotion at all. Until she meets Mark Turner.

The interaction between Mark and Jessica are fantastic. Their pasts are slowly revealed as the book moves along giving a deeper understanding to their actions and reactions. The tried and true seduction tricks do not work with Mark, it is only when Jessica lowers her guard showing the damaged and vulnerable woman underneath is Mark truly enchanted.

The book stays tightly focused on Mark and Jessica and I loved that. The layers are slowly peeled away, and their complicated relationship grows deeper. Mark is wonderful, he conveys so much passion and desire in a mere touch or in words spoken. I defy you not to melt. You also feel sympathy for Jessica and wonder how can she go through with this wretched scheme?

I will not give anything away. The ending worked. It was a truly satisfying conclusion. Since I came to care so much for Jessica and Mark, I was truly riveted to find out how it all was resolved. 'Unclaimed' makes me anxious to read brother Smite's story.

Unclaimed is a sensual treat with well developed and fascinating characters. Courtney Milan has a way with words, and through this tapestry weaves a truly engrossing romance.

3.75 STARS OUT OF 4 FOR THE BOOK

BOOK REVIEW: Making a Splash by Joanne Rock

2011-10-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Blaze Aug 23 2011

224 pages By Joanne Rock

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Jack Murphy’s Law: When things go wrong, get it on…
Alicia LeBlanc is ready for a new life. Tonight, she’ll be on a catamaran and on her way to running a B and B in Maine. But when the catamaran reaches open sea, she thinks she must be dreaming—because Jack Murphy has just slipped into her bed, and is picking up where he left off five years ago.…
It was an honest mistake, really. Navy Lieutenant Jack Murphy simply got into the wrong bed. Now that they’re on the open water, Jack and Alicia have endless opportunities to explore the carnal side of seafaring…and work out all that unresolved sexual tension, completely and thoroughly! But once they hit land, will their hot, steamy chemistry dry up?

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Making A Splash from Joanne Rock is a breezy, easy summer read. Perfect for a long afternoon at the beach.
Jack Murphy comes from a testosterone laden family with six strapping brothers and an prominent father. Rich and handsome as are all the brothers, Jack is home after a four year stint in the Navy. Jack is having a few regrets, the big one, how he turned his back on Alicia LeBlanc when he enlisted.

Alicia has moved on with her life after Jack, she's been dating and now is eager to start her own business in Bar Harbour Maine. A bed and breakfast venture that has her excited and eager. Jack's brother Keith offers to take her up the coast to Maine in his catamaran. The two brothers work out a sly bet and Jack, also a capable seaman, takes Keith's place on the boat.
By the time Alicia awakens, not only is she at sea, but finds the man of her heated dreams, in her bed. Jack was really here. And she is not happy about it.

Jack and Alicia had an intense college romance that seemed to scare them both with the intensity. Both turned away for different reasons, Jack more than anybody. He had his reasons for enlisting which are revealed later in the story. But Alicia though it was all about her, him wanting to get away from her.

Past bitterness comes to the surface, but so does the intense desire. Jack and Alicia were interesting characters if not a touch self-absorbed. But I chalk that up to their youth. They are bother older now, life knocking them around the last four years. Can they forgive the hurt, and give in to the desire?

They certainly give in to the desire part, some heated scenes between the two as only a Blaze can deliver. That desire has them both examining deeper feelings. When they both finally get around to talking, it is revealed why Jack suddenly enlisted. Turns out, it was not such a sudden decision.

As a Blaze romance goes, this is a fine read. The characters engaging, the sex hot, the 'at sea' scenes very real. I could almost feel the sea breeze on my face.

3 out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Gold Rush Groom By Jenna Kernan

2011-10-03T10:08:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Historical Aug 23 2011

288 pages by Jenna Kernan

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

A search for gold…Jack Snow has learned the hard way that the only person he can rely on is himself. With his family fortune gone, he'll don his best jacket and reel out the charm to bag himself an heiress bride!

…could lead to something more precious

The last person with whom he expects to travel across the Yukon is an outspoken, impoverished daughter of an Irish immigrant. Their social standing is miles apart. But Lily Shanahan proves resourceful and dauntless in the face of raging rivers and icy mountain passes, and Jack is forced to admit her passion for life is enough to tempt him from his course...

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Jenna Kernan offers up another rousing western historical romance adventure in 'Gold Rush Groom.'

Lily Shanahan is a real pistol and she wears one on her hip. Lily wants adventure more than anything, and the perfect place is the Yukon during the gold rush. Earning money anyway she can. she provides hauling services in Dyea Alaska. Lily is immediately struck breathless when a tall, handsome Jack Snow steps off the boat from Seattle.

Jack Snow looks every inch the greenhorn. Lily needs a partner for the periolous trip to the Yukon and tall strapping Jack could fit the role. With her Newfoundland mix dog Nala, she offers Jack an offer he can't refuse.
Jack in his gentleman finery and his New England accent is also eager to make his fortune. Jack is very young only twenty and handsome as sin, Lily is certainly affected. She is twenty years of age as well.
Jack is trying to restore his family's fortune that his father lost. Lily is the daughter of an impoverished Irish immigrant. They are from totally different worlds, but decide to partner up for the dangerous journey to Dawson.
The attraction between them is immediate, especially when Lily catches Jack shirtless, washing up. With just a slight touch, the flame is ignited. However attraction takes a back seat while the pair start out on their journey.

The journey is great, I felt I was right along with them. Lily makes biscuits and sells coffe for extra money on the way. Night after night of sharing the same tent is taking its toll, the attraction is getting harder to ignore.
Jenna certainly did her research, great detail throughout the book. Jack and Lily give in to their passion during the journey which complicates things. The trip through the rapids was exciting and by the time the couple reach Dawson you are solidly behind them and hoping for a happy ending. Jack and Lily are such opposites but endearingly appealing,

Once they reach Dawson Jack becomes involved in an invention of his own making and how to sell it. Lily takes a job singing and life moves on. Not for long, a whole new set of adventures crop up drawing in Jack and Lily and drawing them back to each other. Jack is a fine hero, he maybe a young gentleman who went to Princeton, but he is more than up to every adventure that comes his way. Lily is a more than a match for Jack, she may come across as crusty on the outside, but inside is a soft heart. Great characters.

A solid romance/adventure, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

3.25 out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante by Bronwyn Scott

2011-09-20T13:20:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Historical Aug 23 2011

288 pages by Bronwyn Scott

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Just another dull debutante? From boxing at Jackson’s to dancing starry-eyed society belles around London’s ballrooms, Beldon Stratten is the perfect English gentleman. And he’s looking for a perfectly bland, respectable wife. Appearances can be deceiving… Exotic Lilya Stefanov is anything but bland. Beldon is intrigued to see the ragamuffin girl he once knew has matured into an elegant lady, poised and polite! But beneath the mysterious beauty’s evening gowns and polished etiquette lies a dangerous secret – and a scandalous sensuality…
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An interesting adventure historical romance from Bronwyn Scott. The hero and heroine were extremely appealing with vast layers to their characters.

Beldon Stratten Baron Penedennys, at first blush is the epitome of the very proper English gentleman. He is attending balls to find himself a very staid and proper English young lady to take as a bride. Being extremely handsome in both face and form, he shouldn't have any difficulty attaining this goal. However, his attention is drawn to the complete opposite of staid, Lilya Stefanov. He is drawn to her by seeing her back, which was exposed in a rather daring gown. I love how Beldon seduced her in his mind. Imagine his shock in finding out the woman with the glorious back is none other than Lilya, his friend Valerian's ward. She had grown up into a stunning creature. Unfortunately, Lilya does not meet his criteria, she would not integrate into English society. Also he had to marry for money, of which Lilya had none, except from Valerian's dowry and Beldon could not take money from his friend.

Lilya is not immune to Beldon's rapt attention, she also is intrigued. Beldon emanates an aura of power, but also controlled reserve. Lilya senses passions lurk behind the impenetrable fortress he has up. From a simple touch and a sizzling dance, Lilya is attracted, but decides Beldon is not for her. He is too dangerous. Dangerous to her plans. Lilya is not your normal debutante. She is the keeper of a secret. In her possession is a diamond, which could turn the fate of nations.

A stunningly executed set up to a rousing adventure read. Even though Beldon and Lilya dismiss each other as potential marital material, it seems fate has other designs. Another suitor appears on the scene, Christoph Agyros. Is he interested in Lilya's beauty or what she may have in her possession?

There is an intriguing back story of Lilya's tragic past in Negush, Greece. All involving the secret diamond. When Beldon discovers Agyros intentions are not honorable and entirely mercenary, Beldon offers for Lilya's hand in marriage. He feels it is the only way he can protect her. Lilya soon gets past her annoyance, as the cool and reserved Beldon is a smoldering cauldron of desire underneath. Agyros was a fine villain.

Both the hero and heroine were interesting with many fascinating layers. Beldon especially was well done. His calm reserve masks a passionate, capable hero. The love scenes snapped and crackled. The plot richly dense and well plotted. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A sizzling romance wrapped in a rousing adventure.

3.75 out of 4 stars for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Seduction of Scandal by Cathy Maxwell

2011-09-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Avon Romance Sept 1 2011

384 pages By Cathy Maxwell

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

It’s never wise to blackmail a highwayman.

Lady Corinne, rebellious daughter of the duke of Banfield, refuses to marry Lord Freddie Sherwin. Yes, he’s the catch of the Season and the man her father chose for her. He’s also the most despicable male of her acquaintance. With her wedding only weeks away, she flees and finds herself a prisoner of the notorious Thorn!

Who says the devil isn’t a woman?

The rich and powerful tremble at the highwayman’s name, while England’s villagers rejoice in his bold exploits. His identity is a secret; his life a mystery— until Lady Corinne tumbles into his arms. If the Thorn wants her silence, he must hide her until her wedding day passes. It’s a devil’s bargain and one that can only lead to a hangman’s noose.

Corinne believes it the perfect plan—until her highwayman reveals a passionate lover’s heart, and she realizes that in the seduction of scandal, she may have found the hero she’s been waiting for her whole life.
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I adored this book! It had humor, romance and adventure all in an enchanting mix as only Cathy Maxwell can do. This is the fifth and final book in Cathy's 'Scandals and Seduction' series.

This book is another one for me where I preferred the hero over the heroine. Lady Corrine is very spunky. I hate spunk. Well, to a point. Corinne is the daughter to a Duke and is furious she is being made to marry the rakish Lord Freddie Sherwin. Her self-absorbed parents will not listen to her prognostications of impending disaster. There is a giggle worthy scene on how she finds Freddie and a maid.
Corinne hatches a scheme of escape and hides in a carriage that is suddenly held up by the notorious highwayman Thorn. A melee ensues and Corinne finds herself shot in the shoulder. What can the highwayman do but take the injured lady?

I am not sure I should be giving Thorn's identity away, so I don't think I will. But Thorn is an amazing mix of a dashing Robin Hood who is not only handsome but very honorable. He has his reasons for taking to the footpaths. Thorn also struggles to hide his Thorn identity from his real life one. Corinne recovers quite quickly and manages to become a 'thorn' in Thorn's side. But beneath their verbal sparing is a red hot attraction. Corrine has a reputation in society, she is called 'The Unattainable', Thorn can readily see why. 'The lure of a siren mixed with the scorn of a harpy.' I love Thorn's description of her, it pretty much sums her up. But Corrine isn't all bad, she find Thorn very attractive and he is physically and otherwise. An honorable outlaw. Very appealing. The model on the cover of the book fits his physical description to a tee.

The hero and heroine keep the book moving along and there are secondary characters aplenty to keep the plot humming. I also enjoyed the few unexpected twists and turns and the genuinely heartfelt moments in this story. I grew to like Corrine more as the story progressed. Spunk certainly came in handy for getting Thorn's attention. He thought himself far beneath her. Corinne sets him straight. 'I think I might be in love' she tells him flat out.

This all builds to a rousing adventurous climax and the loose ends are tied up nicely. Thorn is adorable, heroic and honorable, a fantastic hero who feels things deeply not only for 'his Cory' but the people in the village. A wonderful emotional read.

3.5 out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Temptation of a Highland Scondrel by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

2011-09-10T12:36:00.000-05:00

The second book in the Highland Warriors trilogy…
Three proud warriors locked in a struggle for victory.
Three beguiling women united in their vow to restore peace.

Despite an official peace, old conflicts smolder in the Glen of Many Legends. Kendrew Mackintosh, Chieftain of his clan, is famed as both a bold and hot-blooded warrior and a sensual lover. He has no intention of settling down . . . until he kisses a forbidden beauty whose passion matches his own.

Highborn and gently raised, Lady Isobel Cameron has long harbored a secret fascination for the fearless, charismatic Mackintosh—even though her brother is his sworn enemy. When destiny draws them together for one night, she can’t resist him. But what begins as a flirtation soon becomes a fight for survival. A deadly new threat has come to the glen, and Kendrew and Isobel must learn to trust and protect one another—or pay the ultimate price.

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This is the first book I have read by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. I read this from Netgalley, but imagine my glee to win both books in this series since then. I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series, 'Sins of the Highland Devil'.

Kendrew was everything you could want in a Highlander hero, big, braw, bold, handsome and walking sex in a kilt.
Isobel Cameron has had her eyes firmly fixed on Kendrew for sometime although he barely gives her notice. Isobel is determined for all that to change at a Mackintosh clan gathering renowned for its debauchery. That doesn't stop Isobel, especially after she sees in all his pagan glory. Kendrew's fires are stoked and he and Isobel are soon having hot sex against a rock.
Imagine Kendrew's horror when he finds out not only is the temptress a virgin but the sister of a rival. He pushes her away.
I liked that Isobel refused to give up, she stubbornly plunges forward to win the stubborn heart of this highlander. Kendrew is wild and dangerous but like all rugged highlanders underneath beats the heart of a honorable man who is devoted to his family and clan.

While this intriguing relationship moves forward with fits and starts, there is an underlying force that threatens the happiness of the couple and their safety. I found it a bit jarring to have such paranormal aspects to the story, I think I would have benefited from reading the first book before this one. However, I soon got into the flow of things and found the mischievous ghost amusing and I am a sucker for dragons anyway.

All in all an entertaining read, very different from most Highlander books I have read, but in a good way.

3.25 out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: In The Arms fo a Marquess by Katherine Ashe

2011-09-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Avon Romance Sept 1 2011

284 pages By Katherine Ashe

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

She’d never forgotten him . . .

Miss Octavia Pierce is witty, well-off . . . and shockingly unwed. Still, she is far too successful in society to remain on the shelf forever, and her family has hopes that Octavia will finally make the perfect match. What they don’t know is that, years earlier, Octavia was scandalously tempted by the one man capable of sweeping her off her feet— the man now known as the Marquess of DoreÉ.

A third son, never meant to inherit, Lord Ben DoreÉ has abandoned his past and grown accustomed to his illustrious new position of wealth and power. But he has never forgotten Octavia, and now she desperately needs his help in a most dangerous, clandestine matter. Although she claims she has put the memories of the passion they shared behind her, Ben is determined to once again have her in his arms—and in his bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the third book in the 'Rogues of the Sea' series, I haven't read the other books in the series.

I found myself immersed in this book when I started out, the chemistry between the two was sizzling. It is too bad the plot got in the way. I am not one of those people that despair over a heavily plotted romance novel, I embrace it. Here however, it bogged down the story so much I skimmed through the last part of the book, my eyes glazing over.

Octavia Pierce was raised in India and it is here she meets the hero when barely out of their teens, Ben Doree, a half-Indian, half British stunning specimen of virile, youthful manhood. Ben soon proves that by rescuing 'Tavy' from some market thugs and the spark between them is lit. Tavy's aunt and uncle soon come between the young couple and pull them part.

Flash ahead seven years and the couple meet up again in Britain. Ben is now a Marquess thanks to the untimely death of his father and older brother. As I stated above, the attraction and love scenes are well done, I was really pulling for the couple. But the misunderstandings from seven years ago are still there and that is just exacerbated by the dense, complicated plot the couple are soon pulled into. Also the conflict of the couple is thin to be carried over from their youth and still be an obstacle seven years later. It is one of those stories 'if only they would talk to each other.' I can live with that, usually it makes a good conflict in a story but here I did not quite buy it.

Sorry if I do not go into the plot here, to me it is even too confusing to explain. The book is well written and I know some reviewers question some of the historical accuracies. Historical hiccups in a romance novel do not distract me, I tend to let it go. I do despair however when a book starts quite promising with an intriguing hero and heroine and premise, then goes off the cliff .

I did not dislike it totally, it is just another current Avon release I have found to be satisfactory enough read but soon forgot after I had finished.

2.5 out of 4 stars for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Braddock Boys: Travis By Kimberly Raye

2011-09-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Blaze July 19 2011

448 Pages By Kimberly Raye

He's dying to taste her…

Lean, mean Travis Braddock is not your typical cowboy—he's a brooding vampire searching for the killer who cost him his family, his future, his life. The last thing he needs is a woman he can't resist. Then he met her…

Wedding planner Holly Simms is the perfect girl for a vampire on the move. Especially since she's trying to ditch her "good–girl–lookin'–to–get–hitched" image. So Holly and Travis strike up a bargain— wickedly hot sex…with no strings attached! But nothing prepared Travis for the possibility that there's room for a love life in the afterlife…

If you love cowboys and vampires, then Kimberly Raye's 'Love at First Bite' series is for you. This is also a 10th Anniversary collector's edition with a bonus story (which I did not include in this review) The Pleasure Principle.

Travis is one of the sexy Braddock Boys, Civil War era soldiers/cowboys brothers.The boys became vampires after one fateful and tragic night one hundred and fifty years ago. By the time Travis and his three brothers rode into the ranch, it was aflame, killing their nephew, mother and six ranch hands. They also thought Rose, older brother Colton's wife perished in the fire. Evidence now points that Rose was behind this carnage. The brothers are attacked and left for dead, but a vampire comes across them, turning them all into vampires, along with Rose apparently, who promptly disappears.

The brothers have carried a grunge against each other all these years, each blaming the other for the tragedy. When Travis hears there might be a lead on Rose's whereabouts, he show up to brother Cody's wedding in Skull Creek.Travis' life is filled with the thoughts of revenge.

Enter the sassy wedding planner, Holly Simms. This occupation seems to be the current one for heroines in Blaze books lately. Regardless, Holly has her hands full with various problems at Cody's wedding, like missing champagne. But nothing prepares her for the tall dark, handsome and brooding Travis Braddock.

Travis is a 'take you against the wall' kind of guy, and his attraction to Holly (and vice-versa) is immediate and potent. A sexy encounter in a storage closet at the wedding just fuels the fire. By his own description, Travis is a hard-ass. And he pretty much remains one to the end of the book. Whether he is dealing with his brothers, or his attraction for Holly.

Travis is only in town for a brief stop, and Holly doesn't want any long term relationship. Or so she tells herself. The rest of the book is these two fighting the pull between them. Holly's sassy, elder, gum snapping bingo playing Aunt Tootie was amusing.

Travis seems to be some vampire horse-whisperer, so it helps bridge some of those divides with his cowboy/vampire brothers to an extent. And Holly seemed to accept the purple glowing eyes and fangs aspect of Travis fairly easily. Maybe too easily.

There is no resolution to the past tragedy, no doubt being carried over further in the series. Also I found the ending abrupt.

However, if you are looking for any deep, emotional depth, you won't find much here. This is a Blaze after all, enjoy it for what it is, a sexy entertaining read.

3 out of 4 stars for the book

ANNOUCEMENT!!

2011-09-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here, stunned and floored and extremely pleased and happy.

Within a 24 hour period, I was offered two contracts for two different stories from two different publishers. Needlessly to say, I happily accepted both.

First contract is for a Christmas short called 'CHRISTMAS MEMORIES' with Silver Publishing.

Part of Silver's '25 Days of Christmas'. Anthology. It is around 8000 words and it is a sweet and very sexy tale. With some humor thrown in of course.

I have never written a short story before, how do you cram all the elements of an effective narrative into less than 10,000 words? But I LOVE Christmas and found once I started writing, it all fell into place.

Have no idea if this is the cover for the stories, dang I hope so, he looks like how I describe my hero. Tentative release date is December 18th.

The second contract offer is from Evernight Publishing, who published my debut, TIMELESS HEART.

This contract is for a novella of around 28,000 it is a paranormal called BLACK LUST. It is the first novella of what I hope will be a trilogy and maybe beyond.

I had such a smooth and stress-free experience with Evernight the first time around, so I am really looking forward to working with them again.

Tentative release date is also sometime in December.

Looks like I will be having a very busy fall but I am relishing this. I also want to start writing a sequel to Timeless Heart, already have it plotted out so lots on my plate.

Thanks to everyone that supported me on this journey. It's not over yet.

X-posted at my author site

BOOK REVIEW: The Amorous Education Of Celia Seaton by Miranda Neville

2011-08-30T12:20:00.000-05:00

Avon Historical July 26 2011 384 pages By Miranda Neville

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Being kidnapped is teaching Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life: Lesson one: Never disrobe in front of a gentleman . . . unless his request comes at gunpoint.

Lesson two: If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

Lesson three: If presented with an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

Lesson four: Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed. And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, the real thing is even better. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Loved Miranda'a previous book, 'The Dangerous Viscount' Review HERE, so I was really looking forward to this book. It did not quite live up to my high expectations. Maybe it was the book opened on a kidnapping. Or perhaps the heroine did not appeal and the hero left me cool.

It starts off amusing enough, poor Celia has not had a good stay in England at all. Her past is muddied with bad luck and now she just lost her job as a governess and is now kidnapped. Perhaps her luck has begun to change as she is left with a half-naked, unconscious Tarquin Compton, the stuffy obnoxious fop who insulted her publicly ruining her chances at marriage. (a lame reason to be sure) Now she can get her revenge on the uppity leader of London society. He awakens with amnesia and Celia spins a banbury tale of them being betrothed. Oh goodie, another heroine who lies and schemes and dupes the hero. Their road trip reminded me of the movie "The Sure Thing' with John Cusack where the H/H snipe and pick away at each other, trying to ignore the attraction between them. It got tedious for me very fast.

You may think after all that I disliked the book, I didn't. I so admire and love Miranda's witty writing and her ability to weave plots. Ultimately this is about fitting in society and fitting in with another person. Both characters have a life journey and learn lessons along the way to the point they acknowledge the love that has grown between them. I liked that. Tarquin for all his shallowness is rather appealing and adorable deep down, I liked that too. So this book was a bit of a roller coaster for me and I think I was expecting to be blown out of the water like I was with 'The Dangerous Viscount'. I wasn't.
I was at first thrilled to see an appearance from Sebastian from "Viscount', however I don't remember him being quite that bumbling, maybe it is just me. I was a little disappointed at his scenes.

Regardless, there is enough to recommend, and this a was solid, satisfactory read.

2.75 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Bed and the Bachelor By Tracy Anne Warren

2011-08-30T11:47:00.001-05:00

Avon Romance July 26, 2011

384 pages By Tracy Anne Warren

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Everyone knows the Byron brothers are "mad, bad, and dangerous." But the devilishly desirable fourth son, Drake, is too scholarly to misbehave . . . or is he?

Lord Drake Byron has no time in his busy life to worry about taking a wife.He is more interested in the unbreakable code he has developed to defeat Napoleon's forces. Little does he know that the irresistibly lovely new housekeeper he'shired is really a French secret agent.

Sebastianne Dumont is not at all who she seems to be. Forced to spy to save her family, she embarks on a mission that takes an even more dangerous turn when she falls in love with the surprisingly tempting man she must ultimately betray. And if she succeeds in her mission,will she also break Lord Drake's heart,while leaving her own behind?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not that fond of the book title. Wouldn't "The Thorough Seduction Of Lord Drake' been better? The cover shot is great, but no. I don't like the title.
But not liking the title was not enough to stop me from liking the book itself and I did. It was an oaky read.
I find, hunky, handsome egghead nebbishs sexy to the extreme, I know, I married one! Of course this inventor/scientist is built, handsome and knows his way around a bedroom, maybe too much like an alpha hero but I found him appealing nonetheless. I have not read any of the previous books in this series.

I seem to be reading a few books lately of a lady coming into a man's home as a servant/employee, but she has other motives for being there. Such is the case with Sebastiannne Dumont who puts on a great English accent for her role as housekeeper to Lord Drake Byron. She is there to spy and obtain cypher codes to aid the French in their war. The story more or less takes place in Drake's townhouse and it was a tad confining plot wise. When a heroine is duping the hero, she better have a dang good reason and Sebastianne has one, protecting her father and brother. Regardless she is a liar and seemed to me Drake was willing to overlook a lot in this regard.

The plot moves along fine enough, there are some aspects of the story that have you rolling your eyes, but I found the romance believable enough (though they seemed to fall in love very quickly) and the love scenes smoldered. Don't want to give away too much of the plot.

It is one of those books you read and say, "Yeah, that was all right" but a few weeks later, struggle to remember the plot. A satisfactory enough read.

2.75 out of 4 stars for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore

2011-08-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

Grand Central Publishing August 2011

By Jennifer Haymore

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been reading a fair amount of romances lately with eye-rolling plots, and this new book by Jennifer Haymore is no different. Luckily, I am willing to suspend my belief when reading and I would suggest you do the same and just go with this one.

The death of Serena's twin made me snigger, not sure that was the effect Jennifer Haymore was going for. Six years later and Serena has assumed her late twin Meg's identity and will even be marrying Meg's long time fiance William Langley, anything to ensure her other sisters future. Serena wonders if Jonathan Dane is still in London. The man she lost her innocence to and was promptly thrown aside by six years ago. At first, I wasn't sure if Serena was extremely naive or stupid, or both.

Cut to Jonathan Dane, in the past six years he has wallowed in the debauched life of a dissolute rake, not caring about anything. Turns out he is good friends with Langley and when he hears Meg(Serena) is on her way to London, the memories come flooding back. He actually loved Serena and was devastated by news of her death six years ago. He blamed himself, the way he treated her.

Since Captain Langley is Jonathan's friend, he immediately comes face to face with Serena. She can't believe it, the very young man she remembered has filled out nicely, even more handsome than she remembered and he inherited his father's title, Dane is now the Earl of Stratford.

Jonathan on his part, is suspicious right from the start, her mannerisms remind him of Serena. Must be his fevered imagination. Serena goes through with the staid courtship with the Captain while lusting after Dane. Serena just was not an interesting heroine to me. She is living a lie, at the behest of her parents and duping Langley. But then, is Langley what he seems?

A sub plot with Serena's younger sister Phoebe and an officer friend of Langley's was vaguely interesting.
And Dane had many interesting layers as the book progressed. I think what made me curl my lip while I read was Serena's stubborn willfulness in holding Dane's rake past against him. Hello? It's the past? He thought you were dead? However, Dane is not completely blameless, he gave the young Serena the cut direct after their night of passion six years ago under pressure from his family. He was very young and impressionable but Serena is not ready to forgive this either.

There are intermittent flashbacks, to flesh out exactly what happened between Serena and Dane. Youthful errors causing years of heartbreak. Maybe it was just me, but I was not emotionally involved with any of the characters. It was well written, but the plot did not grab me as some of Jennifer Haymore's previous books. It was a satisfactory read, I didn't dislike it, just didn't blow me out of the water.

2.75 stars out of 4

BOOK REVIEW: Seduced By Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

2011-07-22T11:15:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Historical July 26, 2011

286 pages by Michelle Willingham

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED

Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people. The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.

The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes... This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, Can't say I enjoyed this book as much as the previous one in this series. The hero and heroine are married in this story, their distant cool marriage was touched on in the previous book. It didn't grab me then, it really didn't grab me much here.

Alex MacKinloch is the brother who was left behind during a war raid, and he assumed the mantle of chief, and all the responsibilities that come with it. Alex is certainly the embodiment of the Highland Warrior. Ruling over his clan yet he can't seem to communicate with his wife.

It is one of those stories that if the couple would just talk to each other, everything would be smoothed out. But misunderstandings abide. I can go with that if the characters and plot are riveting enough to keep interest going. But I found the heroine Laren not at all likeable. She never wanted to be the Chief's wife, but fate had other plans when Alex father was killed and his brothers taken captive.
Alex and Laren suffer a tragedy of their own, which I am sure is the reason Laren withdraws from life and the comfort of her husband. Instead, she hides in a cave and takes up a trade of glass blowing, which seems to take up all her time and passion to the exclusion of everything else.

It was refreshing to read a romance about a married couple and Alex is a fine hero indeed, it was the heroine who dragged the book down a bit for me. I didn't connect with her at all. She was lackluster and mired in grief. She wouldn't even look Alex in the eye when they spoke. It became tedious.
However, once the couple began to communicate verbally and physically, the book picked up a bit. Michelle has a real feel for Irish and Scottish clan life. The book open and closes with some rousing action scenes, which I do love in my Highland reads.
All in all, an okay read. Guess I was expecting more.

Looking forward to Cullen's story~

2.75 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Notorious By Nicola Cornick

2011-07-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

HQN Historical July 19, 2011

284 Pages by Nicola Cornick

When the ton’s most notorious heartbreaker…

Dangerously seductive and sinfully beautiful, Susanna Burney is society’s most sought after matchbreaker. Paid by wealthy parents to part unsuitable couples, she’s never yet failed to accomplish her mission of diverting a groom-to-be. Until her final assignment brings her face-to-face with the man who’d once taught her an intimate lesson in heartache....

Meets London's most disreputable rake...

James Devlin has everything he's always wanted: a title, a rich fiancée and a place in society. But the woman who's just met his eyes across a crowded ballroom threatens it all. Not because she'd once claimed his heart, or that every sinuous swirl of her ball gown takes his breath away. But because the secrets she carries could cost him everything. To put the past to rest once and for all, Dev just might have to play Susanna at her own wicked game...

Let the seduction begin!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another solid, sensual and emotional read from Nicola Cornick. This is book 4 in her 'Scandalous Women of the Ton' series. This is something I have not read before, the heroine is a 'heartbreaker for hire'. Susanna Burney does what she must to make her way in the world. Hired by the elite of the ton, she uses her feminine wiles and stunning looks to lure the pampered sons of the elite away from inappropriate women. Women of questionable background and low birth to be more specific. Susanna managed to do quite well in her chosen field, keeping her emotions far removed from her task.

All that changed when she saw James Devlin at a ball. All James wanted was wealth, title, a place in society. Considering he and his sister Chessie are penniless Irish orphans he managed to achieve some of the goals. But now Chessie is all but engaged to a Marquess, and James has been engaged for over two years to the Earl of Brooke's daughter, Emma. James also managed the title, However, he and his sister are indeed penniless, everything is riding on their possible marriage alliances. James has jumped through hoops to stay in Emma's good favor, including giving up his roving eye/

James is shocked when Susanna walks into the ball on the arm of Fitzwilliam Alton, Chessie's possible suitor. She was hired by the Duke and Duchess of Alton to detach Fitz from the unsuitable Chessie. James does not know this, he only sees his childhood sweetheart, his former wife. They had run off together when they were 18 and 17 respectively. Now ten years later, the hurt floods back for both of them. Susanna is also passing herself as a widow, Lady Carew. A lot of heated exchanges between the two at various events is exchanged, but there is no denying the attraction is still there.

There are extenuating circumstances to the sudden split and annulment of James and Susanna ten years ago. The layers are slowly peeled back and the heartbreaking reasons revealed. Bitter heartbreak has damaged both these people and you wonder if they will ever find their way back to each other. More is revealed, of which I will not give away.

There is a fine line between anger and arousal, so it is inevitable that Susanna and James cross that line. Constant bickering can become tedious when reading a romance, but Nicola Cornick doesn't cross the line here, the emotion, angst and feelings are raw and real.

A subplot concerning Chessie and her secret amour was interesting enough, if not a touch creepy. You will see what I mean. Hence the title, 'Notorious.'

I found Susanna too stubborn for words, I rolled my eyes near the end of the book. I did love James. He had been through so much, including a stint as a Naval hero, then home to indulge in being a full-blown rake. Then his two year celibate engagement to the empty-headed Emma. Yes, things no doubt could have been resolved if the hero and heroine had just talked, but misunderstandings are a big part of this plot. While that can be frustrating, it works here.

It is quite a bumpy ride to get to the HEA, and well worth it. An emotional, sensual read that will grab you and not let go.

3.75 stars of out 4

BOOK REVIEW: Burn The Night by Jocelynn Drake

2011-07-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

Harper Voyager June 28 2011

432 pages By Jocelynn Drake

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

The Great Awakening approaches . . .

After eons in exile, the naturi have broken their chains and now roam the Earth bent on revenge. It is the sworn duty of Mira, the Fire Starter, to protect the nightwalker race—though even she may be powerless to withstand the horrific onslaught. As Mira and her brave lover, the vampire slayer Danaus, stand ready to do battle, thousands of winged shapeshifters darken the skies. The war of ultimate extermination has begun, and the battleground is Mira's home turf.

The humans don't yet recognize the doom descending upon them. And the nightwalkers will surely perish unless they unite with outcast naturi who claim to want peace. But these unexpected "allies" are the same demons who have long worked for Mira's destruction—and in these darkest of days the lines between friend and foe will blur treacherously before the bloody end of all things.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will confess right up front I am not fond of first-person narrative, but I put my prejudice behind me and plowed forward. Also have not read a Urban Fantasy before, or any books by Jocelynn Drake. To say I was lost and not in a good way is an understatement. This is one book of a multi-book series and I was coming in blind. Also the book at the beginning bounces back and forth between two female characters, Nyx and Mira which just stoked my confusion more. This is not a stand-alone book, I assure you. I wish my ARC had a glossary, it would have helped.

It is to Jocelynn Drake's writing and storytelling skills that after a shaky start, I found myself well immersed in this clever world she created. Switching to Nyx's point of view ran smoother for me once I realized who was who. Nyx is out recruiting to back her sister Cynnia as Queen, as war seems imminent, Mira finds herself drawn into this conflict.

There are all sorts of creatures in this world who hold various meetings that are held in dark woods between the factions where unholy alliances are formed in order to fight the naturi, who are out to destroy and take over the earth. After all these meetings, the book kicks into high gear. Essentially, this is a battle for power,

Mira is involved with a sexy vampire Danaus, and their heated encounters are hot and steamy. I am partial to sexy vampires anyway, and Danaus fills that role in spades. I thought there wasn't much sex in Urban Fantasy, if this the exception, than it worked.
There were other characters that intrigued me as well, (Like Rowe and Barrett) so much so I will be going back to check out the other books in this series.I especially loved the Werewolves.

Mira was a fine heroine, tragedy in her past, determined and intelligent, brave and can hold her own in a fight. The firewalker angle is a great touch as well. Considering her father is some Satan type entity, she manages to be compassionate in her way and loyal to her friends and loved ones. I really liked her.

Since this is the last book in the series, I can't really give too much away, but it seems things are wrapped up nicely, it was a great ride. And for someone who was thrown into the deep end of pool, not knowing what was going on or who all the factions/characters were, I managed to tread in the water adequately and enjoyed the experience while I did.

I am sure those readers who have been following this series will be best pleased with this conclusion.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess By Christine Merrill

2011-07-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

Harlequin Historical July 1 2011

288 pages By Christine Merrill

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

THE DARK LORD’S ULTIMATE TEMPTATION…

Daphne Collingham is masquerading as a governess in Lord Timothy Colton’s home—determined to discover if he is responsible for her beloved cousin’s death. She’s prepared to uncover secrets and scandal, but the biggest revelation is the way she feels under the lord’s dark gaze....
Lord Colton is suspicious of the alluring new governess—and with the furor surrounding him he must control his passion. But a man has his limits, and the delectable Miss Collingham is pure temptation....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will admit up front, I love the governess romance angle, innocent miss coming into the home of a tortured or scarred hero, who has closed off his heart. it has been done many times and I never get tired of it. Jane Eyre never gets old in my book.

Daphne Collingham is pretending to be a governess in Lord Timothy Colton's home, because of her cousin's mysterious death, at the supposed hands of the evil Lord. Daphne is determined to get at the bottom of it.
First, she was a beloved cousin, yet Daphne never visited her cousin's home? Never met her husband, Lord Colton? The explanation seemed a little thin, but I am willing to go with it.
Being a pampered Miss of the ton, what does Daphne know about being a governess, to three children no less. Her interaction with the three children is engrossing, they are as eccentric as their standoffish father. The youngest hardly speaks, and is obsessed with drawing graphic pictures of her mother dead, at the bottom of the stairs.

This convinces Daphne all the more that Timothy Colton is the murderer of her cousin. But what disturbs her is just being in this brooding Lord's presence sets her blood afire.

Timothy Colton is brooding indeed, and no wonder, his marriage was a shipwreck. He withdraws emotionally, scarred really, as his wife, Daphne's 'beloved' cousin, was a wanton. There is even some question to his youngest daughter's parentage. He is immediately taken with Daphne's beauty, lust at first sight. It's been a long, long time since he has been with a woman. Daphne may be innocent, but she saw the seductive gaze in Lord Colton's eyes.

Daphne's fresh and honest approach endears her to the children, shades of Maria from 'The Sound of Music', for it also endears her to Timothy as well. There is a touching reconclination between the drifted apart father and childen, all thanks to Daphne.

While Timothy is grateful, he suspects the governess may not be what she seems, her lack in certain knowledge and geography mistakes has him doubting her education, and her persona. Timothy finds some serenity and calm from his tortured thoughts by spending hours in his greenhouse. I found this a nice twist. He cut and arranged flowers and left them in Daphne's room, each flower having a special meaning.
How can a man, so gentle with his children, his plants, be a murderer? His gentle kiss in the greenhouse soon turns into a wild, uncontrollable passion and a heated, secret affair. After finding incriminating letters in her cousin Clare's room, she begins to wonder, was Timothy behind the murder?

This was eminently readable, all the characters well drawn with astonishing depth, even the children and neighbors, the Duke and Duchess of Bellston, who have a role to play in the culminating drama. Daphne's father showing and spilling the beans on her real identity doesn't help matters. There is an emotional finish, twists and turns as the so-called 'murder' is resolved satisfactorily.
Also love the cover, just how I pictured Timothy, though the look is a bit too sly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, layers of emotion, romance and suspense, all working in tandem to make for a great read.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Silk Is For Seduction By Loretta Chase

2011-07-09T01:04:00.000-05:00

Avon Historicals June 28, 2011

384 pages By Loretta Chase

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it . . .
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.
The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . . and a blazing scandal.
And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk . . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I adored this book, it could be called 'The Duke and The Dressmaker." Utterly charming and seductive, the characters sparkle.

The handsome Duke of Clevedon is on an extended visit to Paris, over three years to be exact. He has an impending marriage in his future, something he doesn't seem to anxious to finalize.

Marcelline Noirot is an over ambitious dressmaker, she has heard the whispers of the Duke's coming nuptials to Lady Clara Fairfax. Her scheming brain begins to turn, as Clara is a rather dowdy specimen of the ton, fashion wise. Why not go to Paris and worm her way into the Duke's good graces, a perfect solution for securing the business of his future duchess.

Things are off to a good start as Clevedon notices the stark and potent beauty of Noirot at an Opera, just as she planned. He cannot tear his eyes away. He immediately introduces himself and the sexy banter and sizzling attraction is off to a heated start. Clevedon is struck with lust at the luscious Noirot, so much so, he follows her back to England.

Loretta Chase immerses us fully into the world of dressmaking, I was thoroughly enchanted. Marcelline and her sisters were very strong characters and I look forward to the other dressmaker's stories. Really, a dressmaker is not the type of woman for a Duke, but Clevedon finds he cannot stay away. Imagine his shock when he finds out Noirot is not only a widow, but has a little girl, Lucy. He becomes enamored not only of Noirot, but her darling daughter, who reciprocates in kind. Lucy sits at the window waiting for 'her Duke' to arrive. It was a heart warming subplot to see Clevedon succumb to the little girl's charms.

Clevedon tries to stay away from Noriot but fate takes a hand and he is pulled into her life, much to the detriment of Noirot's business and personal reputation. Also, he is under an obligation of sorts to Lady Clara. Duty insists he marry her. He is torn. He is genuinely fond of Lady Clara, doesn't want to hurt her. I loved his inner conflict. Clevedon is not really the rake he is reputed to be. He was a wonderful hero, passionate, caring and sexy as hell.

Marcelline Noirot was a fascinating heroine, strong, passionate, intelligent, not intimidated by the Duke and his overpowering aura and presence. She also had a few secrets of her own that may threaten to keep her and the Duke apart.
A stunning narrative, everything clicked, the interesting backdrop of a seamstress/dressmaker's life in Regency London, the sexy and spirited banter between Noirot and Clevedon, and the passion and ultimately the love. Romantic and lush, I heartily recommend Silk for Seduction.

3.75 stars out of 4

EVERNIGHT'S SIZZLING SUMMER BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY

2011-07-05T12:37:00.001-05:00

Join the Authors of Evernight Publishing as we turn up the heat on summer.

Have your bikini ready, the perfect spot pool side,but wait nothing to read? We can remedy that. your chance to win is only a click of your mouse away. Starting Tuesday July 5th and going through to Friday July 8th Evernight's Author Blog Hop Giveaway is loaded with prizes sure to keep the sizzle going long after summer is gone.

Here is the list of the prizes you can win!

Shannan Albright - 1st prize: PDF of Dark Passion Rising PLUS $15.00 Amazon Gift Card 2nd prize: PDF of 'Twas A Dark and Delicious Christmas

Karyn Gerrard - PDF of Timeless Heart

Carolyn Rosewood- PDF of Hunted -Due for release in July

L Saint James- PDFof Master of Mine

D.F.Krieger-PDF of Sail My Oceans

Angelina Rain- PDF of Master Mine

Kelly Yerkle- PDF Timless

Emma Shortt- PDF of The Kiss or The Valentine's Fae (your choice)

Stacey Espino - Any 2 books from her backlist

Pepper Anthony - PDF Naked Treats

Claire Matthews - PDF Intimate Friends - Due to release in August

Alexandra O'Hurley- PDF The Lottery.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy- PDF's Love Tattoo AND Love Scars

Delilah Hunt- PDF Riding the Storm

Fionn Jameson - 3 PDF's of Blood Wish and 2 PDF winners for her Blood Martyr Series 1-5
Avril Ashton - PDF Make Me Sweat

Just Released / Coming Soon!

Emma Shortt- Paying her Debt

Stacey Espino- Freya's Mates

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy - Love Scars

Carolyn Rosewood - Hunted

Alexandra O'Hurley- Night of the Dragon

Be sure to Follow these talented authors for the latest on release dates.

Sounds great doesn't it? All you have to do is follow the author's blog, comment with your email, and click the link to go on to the next blog, so easy and look at what you can win!

CLICK HERE to begin the hop! Open to all and runs until July 8th, have fun!

Bookworm2bookworm Review of TIMELESS HEART

2011-06-30T22:24:00.002-05:00

Great review for Timeless Heart at bookworm2bookworm 5/5 stars!

Click HERE

Thanks Melaine, for reading, reviewing and taking the time to write up a review!

Also, Timeless Heart rec'd 5/5 stars at The TBR Pile

Click HERE

And again, thanks Barbara at Happily Forever After for the 4 star review last month. Click HERE

Always pleased to hear from people that they enjoyed the novella. Thanks to those who sent messages on Facebook or Goodreads.

HAPPY CANADA DAY~

BOOK REVIEW: How to Seduce A Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling

2011-06-28T15:13:00.001-05:00

Forever June 28 2011

448 pages By Vicky Dreiling

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Miss Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother's best friend-for whom she's long nursed a secret tendre-agreed to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué waltz. But when the music stopped and the expectant ton waited for Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, to claim her as his own, he made his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does what any self-respecting, recently discarded young miss with a wicked sense of humor would do. She secretly pens a lady's guide to enticing unrepentant rakes . . . and it becomes the hottest scandal sheet in London.

Every honorable rake knows that friends' sisters are forbidden. But suddenly Julienne has a spark of mischief in her eyes that Hawk can't resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of kissing her senseless. He's always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will be honest and admit I am not a real fan of the light-hearted Regency romp that is stuffed to the gills with an over abundant use of dialogue. So after the first few chapters, I figured I was in for a tough read, just my personal preference in a historical setting, nothing against Vicky's writing.

I am so glad I kept reading. There is so much more depth and emotional layers to this story than the witty repartee that is sprinkled liberally throughout the book.

Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, is placed in charged of the guardianship of Miss Julianne Gatewick (sister to Tristan, hero of Vicki's debut, 'How To Marry A Duke.') Really? I know Tristan and Hawk are friends, but to place a notorious rake in change of his innocent, virginal sister? Just go with it. How else are they going to be thrown together so much. It makes for some very interesting confrontations and interactions, so in that way, it works well.

Hawk breezes through life, devil may care, indulging in all matters of pleasure, foregoing responsibility at every turn. He is rather fond of his 'Julie-girl', but drat her, when did she grow up into such a luscious, glorious young woman?

Julianne is an fine heroine, she has carried a tendre for Hawk since she was a child, and impetuously proposed to him when she was nine. Her feelings had not wavered in all that time. She is given a golden opportunity here with Hawk acting as her guardian, she will get him to notice her at last!
It seems to working, a sizzling waltz that has the ton agog, Hawk announces publicly he thinks of Julianne as a sister only.
Julianne is heartbroken, but, she emerges vowing to get Hawk to notice her. She pens a brochure, a subplot that held some amusement. She is also surrounded by the 'cubs' as Hawk calls them, five young men vying for her attention, much to Hawk's consternation.

Back to Hawk, it was a delight watching him struggle with the growing attraction and lust he is feeling toward Julianne. Vicky deftly builds the sexual tension between these two. But when Hawk's past is slowly revealed, I was utterly engrossed. Layer by layer is revealed, and I won't give anything away, but, I think I fell a little in love with Hawk myself. He is so much deeper than the outward, witty facade he shows the world. Julianne knows this. She knows just how to handle him, their scenes were touching, and heart wrenching, especially when he takes her on a tour of his past.

After seducing Julianne quite thoroughly, he proposes marriage. Of course, she wants to hear those 3 magic words, of which Hawk is totally clueless. It takes his Aunt Hester (a delightful secondary character) to give him the figurative kick in the breeches. Lovely happy ending.

How to Seduce a Scoundrel had it all, the light hearted witty moments, interspersed with raw emotion and deep feeling. And a glorious hero. Hawk was wonderful.I highly recommend~

3.75 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Claimed By The High Land Warrior By Michelle Willingham

2011-06-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

Harlequin Historical May 2011

286 pages By Michelle Willingham

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Bram MacKinloch has spent seven long, torturous years in captivity with only three things to keep him alive—pure brute strength, a thirst for revenge and the memory of his pretty wife's face.

Shock is only one of the emotions coursing through Nairna's body when she sees Bram again. His scars tell of suffering, the hunger in his eyes speak of a burning desire so raw it could consume them both. But a lot has changed since they ~so innocently wed….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I enjoyed this story of love lost, and found. I adored Michelle's Irish Warrior MacEgan series, and was looking forward to her switching the backdrop to Highland Scotland.

This is a fine beginning. The hero Bram MacKinloch escapes prison, after seven long years of torture and brutal treatment. He was but a fresh faced lad of seventeen when captured, and newly wed. So newly wed he didn't even have a chance to consummate his marriage to the equally young Nairna. What a bummer.

But what must be an absolute downer to Bram is to find his wife, thinking him dead. remarried, and has a daughter. She is however, now a widow.

Bram is the tortured hero here, literally. He finds it hard to vocalize anything, let alone his emotions. So Nairna has her work cut out for her. Michelle thoroughly delves into what Bram is suffering, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The poor man has been put through hell. Watching them have to fall in love all over again, after so much had changed, was very moving.
Nairna was a fine heroine, strong, loving and very patient.

A lot of secondary characters and adventures, some of it unresolved, as there are a few more books in this series. I am interested in brother Callum, as he was captured the same time as Bram, and seems in worse shape. Younger brother Alex had to take over as Chieftain in Bram's absence, and his marriage is not the best.
Stir into this mix guilt, as Bram's father was killed in the battle that saw Bram and Callum be taken prisoner, and you have almost insurmountable odds of Bram ever leading some sort of life.

Enjoyable read, lots of deeply felt emotion and turmoil, and well drawn secondary characters that show promise for the continuing series.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

NOTE: I started reading the next book from netgalley 'Seduced by Her Highland Warrior' and I am not enjoying this one quite as much. Brother Alex and his marriage is not making for compelling reading, we will see how it all shakes out~

BOOK REVIEW: Waking Up With The Duke Lorraine Heath

2011-06-16T12:47:00.001-05:00

Avon June 28 2011

384 pages by Lorraine Heath

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers . . .
Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.
Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . .
Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is one of the most romantic, heartbreaking, gloriously unabashed romance books I have read so far this year, right up there with Julie Ann Long and Anna Campbell's recent releases.

Read the back blurb and you swear it is a scene out of the "Big Chill' where a woman lends her spouse to help out a dear friend who desperately wants a baby. Turn that on it's ear here and you have the wheelchair ridden Lord Walfort who has a request for his cousin and close friend, give my wife a baby.

Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, who is called Ainsley all through the book, is the cousin and close friend and hero of this romance tale. He is suitably appalled at the suggestion, for a myriad of reasons. One is he has a secret tendre for the Marchioness, Lady Jane Seymour. Plus he feels guilty over is friend's current health state, as the two of them were drunkenly racing when the accident occurred.

Lady Jane should be up for sainthood. Not only does she lose her baby in the shocked aftermath of her husband's accident which leaves him paralyzed from the waist down, but she lovingly cares for him. Walfort does not give his wife any affection at all, no kisses, no embraces, he remains distant, but seems to care for her in his weird way. Jane misses the closeness they once had, so when this proposal is made to her from her husband, she is shocked and angry. She hates Ainsley, he is responsible for her heartbreak and tragedy.

Walfort plays on both Jane and Ainsley's guilt until finally they agree to this impossible scheme. Really, you do have to suspend your belief here, and just go with it. They both sequester themselves away for a month at Ainsley's country cottage. Jane has convinced herself she can go through with this, stay detached, after all, Ainsley is a known rake of some reputation in the bedroom, it will mean nothing to him as well! Right.

Their month together was intense, hot, steamy, romantic and ultimately heartbreaking. Ainsley, it turns out, is a caring, passionate man, not the cold rake she imagined him to be. Jane aches for a man's touch after three years of neglect, and Ainsley gets past her defenses on all levels. When they parted after the month alone together, I teared up.

I won't give away what happens, it is a bumpy road to their happily ever after, I had doubts about how it could be achieved, but Lorraine Heath pulls it off. Walfort it seems, had his own agenda, which does not exactly endear him.
The emotion in this is raw and real, and I think I fell a little in love with Ainsley myself. Fantastic hero. Lush and romantic on all levels, I highly recommend!

4 out of 4 stars for the book

Should mention I went to our tiny library to see if it had any Heath books, there were a few, I just finished 'Just Wicked Enough'(2007) Fantastic, loved the hero Micheal, The Marquess of Falconbridge, he is strong and vulnerable all at once. 3.75 out of 4 stars for that one!

Also check out this review from Barbara at Happily Forever After, she loved it as much as I did click HERE

BOOK REVIEW: One Ilicit Night By Sophia James

2011-06-13T16:08:00.004-05:00

Harlequin Historical May 2011

286 pages By Sophia James

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

After one uncharacteristically wicked night, the once-reckless Eleanor Bracewell-Lowen now leads a safe and prudent life.

On his return to London's high society, Lord Cristo Wellingham looks different from the man she knew so briefly in Paris, but he is still as magnetic….

In his cold amber eyes Eleanor detects something she has seen mirrored in her own—longing. His touch invites passion, but this is a man who could destroy her good name with just one glance….

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I read one review that complained of the cliches, well, I hate to break it to you, but that is the romance genre. Sometimes the cliches can be overlooked because the characters carry you above the obvious. It does here in this installment of the Wellinghams from Sophia James. Just barely.

I read 'From High Seas to Society' Brother Asher's story, and "One Unashamed night" brother Taris' story (see review HERE) This is younger brother Cristo, the golden god.

Cristo Wellingham has been in Paris for years, (he is only half-brothers to the others) not only claiming his french title, but working for the Foreign Office. One night, he is gifted with a naked whore by a crooked police prefect. She is very drunk, and very beautiful. Cristo has been celibate for longer than he cares to remember, so why not?
Imagine his shock when he finds this so-called whore is a virgin. After a wild illicit night of hot sex, he bundles her up and sends her on her way.

Cut to five years later, We see Eleanor is married to a much older man who is gravelly ill. She has been living a peaceful and it seems, a celibate life with her husband. There is affection between them, but no love. So what was she doing in Paris anyway, and how did she wind up In Cristo's bed?

Cristo is wondering that same thing. He arrives back in England, he is finished with his life in Paris and his work with the Foreign Office. He is carrying around a lot of baggage, with regards to his emotions and family ties.
He is shocked when he sees the woman from that magical sex fueled night in Paris. Eleanor is shocked as well, she faints dead at his feet.
Yes, there is the standard cliches, the daughter that is not her elderly husband's, but the spitting image of the beautiful, blond Cristo. Blackmail, intrigue, and the connection with Eleanor's brother, which is tied to Cristo's exile.
The couple themselves, do smoulder. But some of the subplots were a little hard to swallow. But Sophia James is such a lush, capable and intelligent writer, it overcomes some of the lapses in narrative. Neither character is perfect, at times Cristo seems petulant and spoiled, and Eleanor stubborn and prideful.
But all in all, a very satisfying read. Just enough deep emotion for me to enjoy.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: The model is blond and beautiful and Cristo all over, love the look on his face as well, and where his hand is placed, LOL! Love that! Good cover, fits the characters and the story.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: The Gamekeeper's Lady By Ann Lethbridge

2011-06-07T09:03:00.003-05:00

Harlequin Historial May 2011

288 pages by Ann Lethbridge

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Frederica Bracewell grew up under a cloud of shame. As an illegitimate child, she was treated by her uncle like a servant. It wasn't until she encountered the new gamekeeper that shy, innocent Frederica started to feel like a true lady….

Lord Robert Mountford had been banished by his family. After a debauched existence, he reveled in the simplicity of a gamekeeper's lifestyle. Until temptation struck! Frederica's plain appearance and stuttering speech were a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she might just be his undoing…and unmasking!

This is one of three Harlequin Historicals I got in a recent order and I was pleased with all three of them. I will be giving brief reviews on all three.

I have always been fascinated by the idea of a member of the ton in 'disguise' as someone far beneath him. This is the first book in Ann's 'Rakes in Disguise' series.

Lord Robert Mountford is a devil may care rake of the first order, dallying with widows, married ladies, gambling, everything that is required for the dissipated life of a rake. He goes a step too far and finds himself shunned by his peers and kicked to the cobblestone walk by his imperial father. His older twin brother offers to help monetary wise, but proud Robert will have none of it.

Cut to three years later, and Robert has been working hard these last years, trying to save enough money to pay back his debts. He secures the job of assistant gamekeeper at the Wynchwood Estate. It is here he comes across Frederica Bracewell, niece of the owner. She is treated more as a servant than a beloved member of the family, because she has a cloud of shame over her head, she was illegitimate. Frederica is no raving beauty, and she stutters, but the beyond handsome Robert sees something in her that appeals to him greatly.

Federica is like no lady Robert has ever met, she draws, quite well in fact, and after seeing Robert shirtless, asks if he will pose for her. One thing leads to another and sparks ignite between the two. When the story stayed focused and Robert and Frederica in that small gamekeeper's cottage, I was enchanted. Wonderful couple, so much to overcome. And the love scenes sizzled.

But I found the conflict near the end of the book that took place at a masked ball somewhat convoluted
and predictable, but it did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the read.

Well written, well developed characters, the heat between the hero and heroine was sensual and lush, and the story worked best when it stayed focused on the two in that small little cottage.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Attractive cover, but I would have preferred to see Robert in his gamekeeper's outfit, carrying a brace of rabbits and a gun, wind tossed hair, open shirt, you get the picture!
You could have Frederica sitting on a rock sketching...dang, I should be doing covers!

2.75 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: The Sins of Viscount Sutherland by Samantha James

2011-06-01T10:07:00.003-05:00

Avon Historical May 31 2011

384 pages by Samantha James

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

He is reckless, bold, dangerous . . .
Men envy him, women desire him . . .
And one woman wants her revenge.

Claire Ashcroft has good reason to despise Viscount Grayson Sutherland. A wildly unpredictable man with a frightening reputation, Sutherland is responsible for a death that deeply pains her. She'd kill him if she could. Instead, she'll employ her feminine wiles to make him pay. And once he's deeply, irreversibly in love with her, she'll shatter his vulnerable heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is book that clearly ran out of steam for me. I loved how it started, Viscount Sutherland is a detached, carefree rake who lives for his own pleasures. It is obvious this man is hiding some past hurt that shaped his now debauched behavior. That is certainly proven in the prologue when out hero is involved in a dawn duel with some young cub, where he drunkenly does not care if he lives or dies.

Cut to a year later, and Claire Ashcroft is out for revenge. She spots her prey, the beyond handsome, built like a Greek God Viscount Grayson Sutherland at a ball. Here is the man who killed her brother. Her hare-brained scheme is to seduce the rake, make him fall in love with her, then toss him aside. Right. She did not count on lusting after the man, and he in turn, reciprocates. Claire pretends to be a widow, giving a different name.

Claire is surprised to see Grayson comes from a loving family, he is solicitous and respectful of his mother, shows his affection readily. Perhaps he is not the monster she imagines. However, she plunges forward with her scheme. This familial side of Grayson made him endearing, more appealing as a hero. Grayson is the only reason I finished the book.

Claire on the other hand, is a lying, scheming cow, and I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever on any level. Grayson winds up bedding Claire, and soon discovers she is not a widow. Of course she finds herself pregnant, and they are forced into a marriage of convenience. This is where the book travels downhill for me.
It seemed the pregnancy would never end, Claire spent it wringing her hands, crying and yelling at Grayson he was not to take her baby. Huh? It went on and on and on, the fighting, the arguing, her moods. They argue, Gray leaves, he comes back, they fight, he leaves, comes back. It got very tedious. The conflict didn't work for me, just annoyed me. "Go back to London, dear husband, better yet, go to hell." Yeah, yeah. When he was gone, she 'missed him dreadfully.' *rolls eyes*

It is too bad, for Gray was a good hero, handsome, tortured, with a dark secret and tortured past. Claire finding out about his tortured past causes more arguments. And still, she was pregnant.
By the time I got to the end of the book and Claire finally delivers a child, it was anti-climatic.

Other events and conflicts crop up along the way, and there are a couple of passionate moments between the couple, but all the fighting and her moods just didn't cut it for me.

It was an okay read, I am just disappointed it started out so well then managed to come off the rails for me.

2.5 stars out of 4

BOOK REVIEW: The Vampire Nacise By Colleen Gleason

2011-05-26T11:26:00.004-05:00

Mira (Harlequin) May 24 2011

384 pages by Colleen Gleason

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.Her first searing encounter with Giordan seals their fierce connection for their eternal lives. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.
Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong— nor do they forgive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book was so different in tone and narrative from Voss and Dimitri, it kind of threw me for a bit. But I soon got into the flow and time line of the story.

Probably my only complaint is the book stays exclusively in Narcis POV, which is correct, the book is titled with her name. I prefer the hero POV I admit, and was dying to know more of Giordan Cale's thoughts. Or of Chas, the vampire hunter.
Talk about your tragic hero, my gut clenched for Cale. It is hard to review without giving away too much of the plot, only Giordan sacrifices all, debases himself, all in the name of love. Tragic on so many levels.

This is not a light-hearted read, dark and disturbing in a lot of respects. Narcise is kept captive by the villain of this trilogy, her vampire brother Cezar Moldavi. a skinny, lisping, dangerous vampire who both loathes and adores his sister. He fights her in sword duels against opponents for his entertainment, if she loses, she is dragged off and sexually abused. Some heavy stuff in this. No wonder Narcise is damaged, closed off. She is also very dangerous.

Enter Giordan Cale. Handsome, passionate, and he falls for Narcise immediately, as she is quite beautiful. The way he approaches and ultimately woos this broken woman is wonderful. Narcise lets down her guard, and begins to feel. She has fallen in love with Cale. Now, how to get her away from the iron grip of her sick brother?

Cale enters into a bargain, and the whole thing blows apart. Narcise rejects Cale, misunderstandings abound, so much for love.

Ten years pass, and we find out how she met Chas Woodmore the dark, desirous human vampire hunter who ultimately rescues her from her brother. They enter into a physical relationship as shown in the previous books. The heat level was certainly ramped up in this book from the previous ones, fine with me! Chas is appealing on a lot of levels as well.
Cale and Narcise meet up again, and it is not pretty. She still carries her loathing over his supposed betrayal. A lot of tensions in this love triangle with a lot of messed up people.
An ultimate showdown is brewing between the Dracule and Moldavi, and it takes some twists you can't even imagine.
I am still scratching my head over the ending, I found it muddled, either that or I am thick. But ultimately this is about the sacrifice one makes for the one they love, and forgiveness. A searing, emotionally raw conclusion to this trilogy, I recommend all three books heartily!

3.5 out of 4 stars for the book

REVIEW, GUEST BLOG, GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

Just want to let you know I am guest blogging at 'LOVIN' ME SOME ROMANCE', talking about the appeal of Time Travel. Leave a comment to be entered in a draw to win a free PDF copy of TIMELESS HEART♥ Contest open until May 26 Midnight Pacific Time.

Click HERE to drop by! Thanks VampFanGirl for the opportunity to showcase my debut effort!

Barbara at Happily Forever After took my debut ebook to review. Looks like we were both chewing our nails, Barb gives honest, in depth reviews, and that is what I wanted for my debut effort. Like the name of her blog, it all turned out Happily Forever After~ Barbara liked it! (whew!)

CLICK HERE TO READ REVIEW~

Timeless Heart was very well written, witty, sexy and romantic. The love scenes were fantastic, both from the emotional aspect as well as the...er...physical, especially considering you're tossing a historical gent in bed with a modern woman who knows exactly what she wants ;) He was in for the time of his life, I'll tell you that.

I adored both the hero and heroine and was left very pleased with the conclusion. 4 out of 5 stars!

I am on cloud nine! Thanks Barbara for doing this!

BOOK REVIEW: The Guardian By Margaret Mallory

2011-05-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Forever (Grand Central) May 1 2011

400 pages By Margaret Mallory

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK I

Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.

As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.
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There has been a lot of glowing reviews for this book, and when that happens, I am dying to read it myself and form my own opinions. I will admit up front to a fondness in anything with a hunk in a kilt grasping a huge sword on the cover.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I was swept away into this Highland realm. In the prologue, we are introduced to four brawny, bonnie boys, Ian, Connor, Alex and Duncan.

The Guardian is about Ian. Tall. dark and sinfully handsome, with that whole dark-hair-blue eyes thing, he is a young warrior who is friends with the 13 year old gangly hellion, Sileas. Caught together alone, innocent as it may be, Ian is forced into marriage with this child. He is suitably appalled and angered, and first chance he gets, he is off to fight in France, and is gone five long years.

When he comes home at last, imagine his surprise to see Sileas is now 18, and beautiful, a woman grown. In those 5 years, Sileas has lived with Ian's family and have grown very close to them. All Ian's family are well defined and interesting characters. Really liked his younger brother Niall, almost wish he would get a book of his own.

Though it is difficult, Sileas is determined not to fall for Ian's obvious charms, how dare he leave her, without a word in 5 years? Ian isn't exactly husband material here, there are times you want to kick him in the sporran.
But that is part of the charm of the narrative, watching him struggle with his feelings, his desire. Sileas doesn't make it easy, she is strong willed and determined, before she succumbs to Ian, she wants to hear those three little words. The relationship between was very real, lots of emotion. Wrap all this up in a well written and descriptive story, and you have a great Highland read.
Why didn't I give it 4 stars? I found I wasn't fully engaged in all the clan intrigues and battles, a lot of the adventure subplots were telegraphed a little too neatly, but to me, it is the relationship between Ian and Sileas that makes the book shine!
Lush and passionate, you will be swept away into the Highlands with this great read!

3.75 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Oh lord, my knees went weak when I saw this cover, everything I love, dark ahir, blue eyes, kilt. Big sword.

3.75 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Forever Vampire by Michele Hauf

2011-05-15T13:22:00.000-05:00

HQN Books April 19 2011

384 pages by Michele Hauf

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Vail the Unwanted is a pure-blooded vampire. But raised by Faery, he has neither home nor peace, and when his aid is sought in the recovery of a priceless diamond gown, his price is information. Specifically the whereabouts of his accursed father. His goal is revenge, and the supernaturally sexy Lyric, the icy blond vampiress with whom he must work, is a distraction he can't afford.

Outwardly as cold as the diamond dress in which she was kidnapped, Lyric has her own secrets. Desperate to break free from her criminal family, she aligns herself with the brooding Vail. Together they seek justice while each secretly works for freedom and a fresh start. For Lyric that means holding herself apart, even from the smoldering blue-eyed Vail. For Vail, it means a battle to the death for revenge—and for a temptress he can't deny.
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I will admit, it took me a while to get into this story, I was so taken with the previous book, Seducing theVampire, that I think my expectations were a little too high.

Vail is a pure-blood vampire, son of the heroine from Seducing The Vampire, but a slight twist, he was raised as a faery. For some reason I did not warm to either Vail or the heroine, the vampiress Lyric. The whole plot of the stealing a fae gown of some magical worth was weak. Lyric is also on the run from her vampire Soprano-type family.

Lyric is a typical paranormal heroine, tough, no-one-messes-with-me-or-I'll-kick-their-ass sort. Frankly, I am getting tired of these alpha females in paranormals, but I suppose they have to be to stand toe to toe with the hero.
Vail is commissioned by his step-father and Uncle Rhys (hero from previous book) To find the gown which was stolen from Rhys vault by Lyric's brother. Vail is one messed up and confused guy, and no wonder. He feels he doesn't fit anywhere, and with a mother who is insane and an evil vampire father he never met (Rhys brother) and a sucky childhood, who wouldn't be? But for some reason I really felt no empathy for him, he seemed too detached and cool, and the whole Goth persona didn't appeal to me.
Also his use of sex-as-torture was way squeeky and did not appeal on any level. Because I was not emotionally invested in either the hero and heroine the many sex scenes left me cold. They didn't seem to pack any emotional heat, and because of that I really could not immerse myself fully in this roller coaster ride.

I am all for tortured heroes with issues and layers, especially if they ooze the bad-boy persona and wear skin tight leather, but Vail's many, many problems were hard for me to wrap my head around. There are some good action and adventure moments including scenes in the Seelie courts, it was overall a satisfactory read.
I didn't dislike this book, it just didn't live up to my probably way-too-high expectations.

2.75 out of 4 stars for the book

RELEASE WEEK AND GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-14T12:12:00.002-05:00

Thanks to blogger's major hiccup, I was delayed from announcing this.

I am hosting a giveaway at my alter blog ego, a little interview, and all you have to do is leave a comment (or become a follower for extra chances to win!) to be entered to win a free PDF copy of TIMELESS HEART which was released by Evernight Publishing May 11.

Drop by and say hello, if you like, tell me time travel movie, book, etc you enjoy.

I have a few blog appearances lined up, the ones I am really looking forward to is 'Lovin' Me Some Romance' On May 23
and Romance Bandits on June 10th.

Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

BOOK REVIEW: The Vampire Dimitri By Colleen Gleason

2011-05-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Mira Editions by Colleen Gleason
April 19 2011
384 pages

Regency London loves a Society wedding –

Even if there are vampires on the guest list.

Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale, should be delighted that the headstrong Maia Woodmore is getting married. His mortal ward and houseguest has annoyed – and bewitched – the Dracule nobleman too long, and denying his animal cravings grows more excruciating by the day.

Miss Woodmore's family has a rather...complicated history with the immortals and she herself possesses a keen sensibility far beyond mere women's intuition. Marriage will give her safety, respectability, and everything else a proper young lady could wish for. Everything, that is, except for passion.

In the looming battle between Dracule factions, all pretenses will shatter as Maia and Dimitri come together in an unholy union of danger, desperation, and fiercest desire.

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We met Dimitri in great detail on book one of this trilogy, The Vampire Voss, and I was taken with the reticent, cool and detached vampire then. So I was delighted Dimitri gets his own story here.
Colleen Gleason does not disappoint. Her regency vampire world is so lush and true to the period, it fairly takes your breath away.

The narrative is unique, it relives some scenes from the first book, but from a different perspective and point of view. I thought it might prove to be ultimately distracting, but it wasn't. Dimitri is guardian to the vampire hunter Charles Woodmore's 2 sisters, Maia and Angelica. While Angelica is caught up in an adventure with Voss, that leaves Maia to torment Dimitri. She is to be married, much to Dimitri's relief. She both enchants and stirs his annoyance and desire both at the same time.

Dimitri is a vampire who denies his animal blood lust, and as a result is in constant pain trying to fight his inner beast. He doesn't really care for being a vampire, and is looking for a way to break his bond with Lucifer.
He is at heart, a gentleman, it is a constant struggle to maintain that facade. Especially with Maia sitting his desire and passion. Who doesn't love the tortured man? I certainly do, and Dimitri is all that.

I loved the interaction and conversation and desire between these two. Maia can be annoying, but it is more out of protection to her family. The couple are soon caught up into the war brewing between factions within the vampire world. The love scenes are amped up from the first book. I have been reading a lot of hot carriage scenes lately in romance novels, and this one is no exception. *sizzle*

A lot of adventure at the end and it took a twist I did not expect. I don't want to give anything away. The characters are engaging, their love story crackles with passion and life. We get some story on Narcise, of which the final book in the trilogy is about. Looking forward to reading it next!

3.5 stars of of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Oooo, I love this cover. Great poses, colors and Dimitri with his sexy lace cuffs and haunting eyes.

3.5 stars of out 4 for the cover

SORRY ABOUT THAT!

2011-05-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

I seem to be having a hell of a time posting blogs lately. I was typing away on my lap top working on a book review and I must have hit the wrong key because it posted!! I saved it as a draft again right away, but of course it is in google reader. You can see it is unfinished. Please ignore. It was a rough draft and will no doubt change. 'The Sins of Viscount Sutherland'

Also, got word my ebook novella from Evernight Publishing will be released on its website May 11, with other outlets to follow soon after that. How cool~

Next review to be posted will be "The Vampire Dimitri" Still playing catch up~

BOOk REVIEW: Midnight's Wild Passion By Anna Campbell

2011-05-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

London’s most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge… The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas’s vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe’s unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…
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Anna Campbell offers us again, a lush, intimate, seductive read. I am in awe of they way she keeps the focus tight on the hero and heroine, almost achingly so. Nothing else really exists in this world, but the two main characters.

Nicholas Challoner, Marquess of Ranelaw is another flawed, tortured hero that Anna does very well indeed. A blond Adonis, he strides into ballrooms, breaking hearts in his wake, but this particular night, he has a certain goal in mind, revenge. His beloved half-sister was ruined by Godfrey Demarest, so Nicholas is determined to ruin the innocent young daughter of Demarest. However, Cassandra is guarded most virulently by her companion, Miss Antonia Smith. Ranelaw is an unabashed rake, who revels in his dissolute reputation.

What surprises Ranelaw, is this homely miss stands up to him, defiant, her eyes snapping with passion. And he finds himself reacting, in the most basest way. On closer observation, Miss Smith is not as homely or as old as Ranelaw originally thought, stoking his interest even more, diverting him from his goal of ruination.

What can I say about Ranelaw? While he belongs in the annals of the Anna Campbell 'Tortured Hero' Hall of fame, he isn't so much as tortured as extremely...lonely. Heartbreakingly so. And all it took was a tender kiss by the river with Antonia to open the floodgates of emotion and longing, as much as he tries to deny it. Ranelaw is a passionate man, raw and rapscallion in his thoughts, imaging all the debauched acts he will partake with the luscious Antonia. Passion is the theme of this book, and it practically brings Ranelaw to his knees, so in this way, he really is tortured.

And Antonia cannot deny the longing she feels for this dissipated rake. For 10 years she has acted as companion to her cousin, hiding her shameful past, a past that threatens to reemerge.

As with Anna's other books, I prefer her heroes over the heroines. Antonia comes across at times as unsympathetic, but I am sure that is because of her past with another rake, and knowing Ranelaw has her innocent cousin in his sights, though unaware of the reason. I did not dislike Antonia, in fact, I came to feel sympathy for her, she is damaged herself inside.

Their first heated encounter at midnight in a darkened greenhouse sizzles and crackles as do all Anna's love scenes. So intimate the encounter, you feel you are watching them through the windows, such is Anna's gift for putting the reader right into the heart of the couple's journey.

But it is Ranelaw's journey that is the most compelling and touching. To see this cold rake succumb to tenderness and love, and to have romantic notions flood him (he compares one wild passionate night with Antonia as wandering among the stars)
Frankly, Antonia is a trial. A frustrating woman on a lot of levels. How she could just leave Ranelaw after such a night of 'wild passion' is jaw dropping. They would have to peel me off the man with pliers. But leave, she does. And Ranelaw's reaction is heartbreaking.
In Antonia's mind, once a rake, always a rake, and the past has proven that point, as the rake that caused her to go into hiding ten years before, reemerges at last.

Tossed aside, Ranelaw returns to his original plan of ruining Cassandra Demarest, and the consequences of that open a chasm between Ranelaw and Antonia in a most dramatic fashion. A near fatal incident cannot have the couple deny their feelings any longer. It is quite the emotional journey the pair take, fraught with passion, and more. And you will be with them all the way.

Intimate, sensual story with a hero that will take your breath away. How can Antonia deny such a man? Ultimately,she can't, and neither will you.

4 out of 4 stars

MONDAY MAN CANDY: Game of Thrones

2011-05-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

Just watched the first two episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones and I am hooked. I haven't read the books they are based on, but it seems I have a soft spot for medieval/fantasy thanks to LOTR. I also see Starz in the US has a rendering of Camelot on right now. I will be checking that out as well.

Above is Sean Bean. I love this guy, have for years, and I usually don't go for blonds. Granted, he is looking every inch his 52 years, but he is still damned sexy and can wield a huge honking sword. Playing Ned Stark, the patriarch of the Starks of Winterfell.

Speaking of blonds, this guy appeals. He looks like Denis Leary's cousin. He is actually a Danish actor
named Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. He plays Jaime Lannister. Yow. Bad boy in spades.

Above is a young cutie, Kit Harington playing Ned Starks's illegitimate son, Jon Snow. Should make the young hearts twitter, Okay, this old one too. Why not?

All right, I confess, this is the guy that had my jaw dropping. Jason Momoa playing the barbarian leader Khal. A man of few words. Tall, built and just they way I like it. Raw and sexy, LOL! He is part Hawaiian, and will be playing Conan the Barbarian in an upcoming movie, Perfect casting. Apparently he was also in Baywatch and Stargate Atlantis, I never watched those. Below is Jason in his Khal get up.

Lord almighty. He certainly has a presence. And I am an unabashed admirer of guys that are built. 6'4 of tightly packed muscle. Meh. It's a hobby.

This has already been renewed for a second season (!) so more to come. Someone on twitter who read the books told me not to get to attached to any of the characters, Oh oh. This looks great, and not just the man candy above, but a lush, stark look and great acting. With a compelling story. What more can you ask for? Also this is HBO, so lots of violence, sex etc.

Recommend!

BOOK REVIEW: Eleven Scandals To Start to Win a Duke's Heart By Sarah Maclean

2011-04-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Avon Historial
April 26 2011 Sarah MacLean
384 pages

She lives for passion.

Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society's rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London's most practiced gossips . . . and precisely the kind of woman The Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.

He swears by reputation.

Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening—risking everything he holds dear—he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety. She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.

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I was very impressed with Sarah Maclean's debut, 'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake'. Haven't read the second title in the trilogy, though I am sure I will very soon. Sarah made quite a splash with her debut, in visiting various romance blogs, it was praised to the skies. I bought it and enjoyed it. Sarah has an gift at story telling, great characters and sizzling love scenes.

It continues here with Eleven Scandals. However, where some may find Julianna charming, at times she had my eyes rolling. However, it was a minor point, as she fairly sparkled with vivacity and a solid personality. Which made her the perfect heroine for the cool, detached and often arrogant Simon Pearson, the Duke of Leighton.

Juliana Fiori knows of scandal, it has followed her all her life, add her penchant for getting into trouble and you can see where she would infuriate Simon to no end. In Nine, he was certainly attracted to her, but by this book he had distanced himself from Juliana. A woman born into scandal was not the woman for him. She is too bold, brash. He soon finds himself in her company, constantly. And his inner struggles to fight the attraction he has for Juliana was well done.

Both characters are not perfect, I liked that. Nor were they predictable. Such depth to both of them, that you are with them all the way through the tumultuous relationship that turns very passionate. Simon is not as cold and proper as you may think. I love it when the cool, detached man is actually a sizzling cauldron of desire underneath. Only Juliana brings this out in him.

He in turn, brings out the best in Juliana, her growth in this story was beguiling. My only real complaint was Juliana's trouble making was starting to wear a little thin, as was Simon's stubborn resolve to stay proper, staid and removed. But it all worked out in the end. It is a credit to Sarah MacLean's gift with characters and writing that I easily overlooked any slight annoyance with the characters and let myself get caught up in their story. She slowly peels back the many layers to both Juliana and Simon which made for a very enjoyable read. I am more determined now to read the second book in this trilogy.

3.75 out of 4 stars

BOOK REVIEW: My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley

2011-04-23T00:44:00.001-05:00

Avon Romance March 29, 2011

by Gaelen Foley 400 pages

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .

Once, she had vowed to marry the Earl of Falconridge. Now, she vows to forget him. After he abandoned her for a life shrouded in secrets, Mara, Lady Pierson, has succeeded in keeping him away, until he appears in London unexpectedly, making her fall in love all over again.
Forced back into Mara's life by duty, the earl quickly stays for love. He has never forgotten this passionate beauty and never meant to break her heart. But their new found happiness is endangered—because the Inferno Club demands much of its members, and his vital mission is exposing a deadly plot that could threaten their very lives . . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In reading historicals, I am not usually real big on the perilous adventures of the hero/heroine as such. But can I say I was thoroughly caught up is this rousing, charming tale of intrigue.

The Earl of Falconbridge, Jordan Lennox, is the irresistible earl of the title. And oh yeah, he was certainly all that and more. Jordan is every inch a Regency James Bond, in looks, carriage and countenance. Recruited into the Inferno Club at a very young age, Jordan receives intensive training that would make MacGuyver jealous. Centuries old secret society to fight evil, and promote chivalry, Jordan is determined not to become bitter, cynical and cold as the older agents.

Cut to 12 years later at Christie's Auction Rooms in London. The heroine is Lady Mara Pierson, widow. Her friend Delilah has informed her she is being watched quite intensely by a very handsome man. But Mara is not interested. She is trying to secure a painting as a gift for the Prince Regent, a particular friend. Plus, she is enjoying her independence and has no use for men at the moment, even though the ton thinks her true friendship with the Regent is much more. her life is full, especially with her toddler son, Thomas.

Imagine her surprise when she finds out the handsome man is none other than Jordan Lennox, bringing up harsh memories of pain and anguish of her youth. And heartbreak. She thought Jordan was her true love, until he left her without a word, 12 years before.

In essence, Jordan has become that hardened, cynical aloof man he swore he wouldn't be. Twelve years of being a spy out of the country can do that to you. Seeing Mara again has rocked his world, though he does not show it. Their meeting is frosty and full of disdain. But the spark still remains. Mara is not aware Jordan is a spy, she believes he has been off living a decadent life of a rich aristocrat regardless of his talk of working for the Foreign Office.
Suddenly they are thrown together at dinner parties, as it is said, there is a fine line between love and hate. Jordan carries his own hurt, Mara did not wait for him, she went off and married Lord Pierson. breaking his heart, though he would never admit it to himself. Jordan was at the auction house as he is in the middle of a mission. A mission Mara soon finds herself wrapped up in.
There are a couple of flashbacks which fleshes out their past a little more, and some subplots concerning other members of the Inferno Club that are quite riveting. The villain, Bloodwell, is almost like the Bond nemesis, Dr. No. Slick, intelligent and deadly.

Jordan soon hears the gossip about Mara and the Prince regent. After he rescues her from an unruly mob of Corn Law protesters, the couple actually begin to talk, and clear the air on some matters. And Jordan for all his outward cool, inside he still loves Mara deeply, even asks to be let back into her life, in whatever capacity she deems fit. Even to be her pretend paramour to lessen the gossip about her and the Prince.

Pretend does not last long, especially when they kiss, all the passion comes roaring back. And yow for that encounter in the carriage *sizzle* Ultimately it is about love lost and found again, trust and forgiveness.
Jordan is a great hero, cool as Bond, but like Bond, when he falls, he falls hard. He tries to keep Mara safe and away from his intrigues, but it is to no avail. She is in it up to her neck. An exciting finish and great set up for the next book.

3.5 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Great cover, could pass for Mara and Jordan.

3 out of 4 stars for the cover

COVER GOODNESS~Paul Marron

2011-04-21T11:40:00.002-05:00

This is from a release for June 11 2011, hardcover. I usually do not buy hardcover books, but for this I might make an exception! How do I know this is cover model Paul Marron? I know every inch of his...skin...Okay. I really don't. But I recognize that back and well shaped rear, and his face is turned just enough to convince me. If I am wrong, someone let me know, but I think I am right.

And there is something about a man in uniform, with a huge sword no less, this pose is fantastic! Kudos to the photographer! Love the wind blowing the curtains as well.

Just for comparison's sake, let;s have a look at Paul, front on.

Oh hell yeah...it's him! *snort* have a great Easter weekend~

Next review is My Irresistible Earl By Gaelen Foley, in a day or so.

*thanks to Bev from The Season for posting this cover on twitter, made my day!

Yay! Another cover with Paul Marron! Love a man who can grip his sword! Highlander alert! I also recommend Paula's books, great reads!

BOOK REVIEW: It Happened One Season- Anthology

2011-04-20T10:11:00.001-05:00

***So sorry I am behind in my reviews! I was away (back now!) then the shocking news I will be published (doing edits!) I will try and get caught up! ******

Avon Romance March 29, 2011

Anthology by Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Assesandro, Candice Hern

432 pages

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

We asked our readers what story they would most like to see from four bestselling authors. They responded . . .
A handsome hero returns from war, battle-scarred and world-weary. But family duty calls and he must find a bride.
A young lady facing yet another season without a suitor never expects to find herself the object of his affections.
It Happened One Season
Four amazing talents

Stephanie Laurens
Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro and Candice Hern

have come together to create one of the most unforgettable events of the year. The results are spectacular—each story is as unique as a lover's first kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I usually like anthologies as a whole, but for some reason this pack of stories left me rather flaccid in the enthused department.

To be honest, I flipped though The Stephanie Laurens short, the characters and plot did nothing for me. The Seduction of Sebastian Traynor was...not very interesting. I found it very talky and the adventure did not draw my interest. Neither did the hero and heroine. Just one of those things, it didn't grab me at all. I think the less said the better, I don't like bashing stories very much.

Only Love by Mary Balogh was pleasant, she is one of my favorite writers, however I found it distracting to the extreme at the constant use of italicized words. But past that nit-picky complaint, this was a lovely little romance. Cleo Pritchard has been a widow for five years, not really a great beauty, she has no illusions she will ever attract a man. Her late husband was 23 years her senior and a Colonel besides.

Jack Gilchrist is an ex-soldier, who has been living the last five years as a virtual hermit. He is summoned out of his seclusion by his older brother and ordered to find and wife and beget a heir. Immediately. Attending a ball, he sees a familiar face, Cleo Pritchard. During their brief acquaintance Major Jack Gilchrist shared something with Cleo, a rather passionate kiss while serving in the Peninsula. She had lost weight since he had seen her last. They strike up a pleasant acquaintance at the ball. Jack soon realizes Cleo would do as a wife as any other. This slow burn romance builds at a satisfactory pace, and always steeped in the era as only Mary Balogh can do. Hero and heroine are likable, the romance tender and hot all at the same time. Well done.

Third Story is Hope Springs Eternal by Jackie D'Alessandro was pleasant enough, Captain Alec Trentwell decides to assist the scandal ridden sister of one of his late comrade in arms. How will this proud woman take assistance? Alec hires her to paint a portrait of his family. Guilt hangs like a thick fog over this couple, as Alec feels responsible for Penelope Markham's brother's death.

There was enough heat between the couple to keep my interest, and Alec was a fine hero. Penelope however, was a stubborn minx and to me a bit annoying, but overall this was a fine read.

The last story is Fate Strikes a Bargain By Candice Hern. It was by far the most charming. Nathaniel Beckwith is a soldier who is damaged more on the inside than out. He meets the heroine, Phillipa Reynolds as they hide from society at a ball. Both are crippled in their ways. Nat emotionally, Phillipa physically, she is lame due to a twisted hip. Both began talking, very frankly and honestly. Fantastic by play between the hero and heroine as the decide to enter into a marriage of convenience. I loved Nat's bold, up-front way of speaking, and so did Phillipa. Their perfunctory courting turns into something far more deeper than either anticipated. I enjoyed this couple the best. It was real, hot and beguiling.

This book was a result of a contest where the winner picked the intricate narrative for the stories. I think it was too restricting and hampered some of the storytelling, but all in all this was a satisfactory read.

2.75 out of 4 stars

BOOK REVIEW: The Vampire Voss By Colleen Gleason

2011-04-09T10:16:00.001-05:00

Mira Paranormal Mar 22 2011

384 pages by Colleen Gleason

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Voss, also known as Viscount Dewhurst, relishes the sensual pleasures immortality affords. A member of the Dracule—a cabal of powerful, secretive noblemen marked with a talisman that reveals their bartered souls—the mercenary Voss has remained carefully neutral…until Angelica.Angelica Woodmore possesses the Sight, an ability invaluable to both sides of a looming war among the Dracule. Her very scent envelops Voss in a scarlet fog of hunger—for her body and her blood. But he is utterly unprepared for the new desire that overcomes him—to protect her.
Now Voss must battle his very nature to be with Angelica…but this vampire never backs down from a fight.

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I have often lamented about the lack of paranormal/historicals to read, so I was eager to dive into this Regency vampire saga. Colleen Gleason does not disappoint. The men are part of a secret society called the Dracule, men who have bartered their souls to Lucifer for an immortal life. They all bare a mark, a talisman, to show their alliance with Lucifer.

Voss, who has taken on the persona of Viscount Dewhurst, is a stunning specimen of dangerous regency sensuality, he lives the life of a dissipated rake to the fullest, gaming, women, drinking (and not just spirits) for as the title says, Voss is a vampire. Gleason sets up her mythology wonderfully, and populates her tale with some stunning secondary characters and plots.You are thrown right into this world and right into the action.

One secondary character which caught my attention (and will be features in her April release, The Vampire Dimitri) was Lord Covingdale, a cold and controlled man who is utterly fascinating. He is given the inauspicious deed of acting as guardian to the Woodmore sisters, sisters of the Vampire hunter Chas Woodmore. Chas it seems, has run off and eloped with the vampire sister of their enemy Cezar Moldavi.

The heroine of this tale is Angelica Woodmore, who has a 'gift' of being able to tell how someone's death will occur. For Voss, the wheels start turning, he can use this young lady to gain some information he can sell to the highest bidder. Perhaps because of her gift, his vampire enthralling technique does not work, so he will have to go about seducing her the old fashioned way. He almost succeeds, as he is handsome and charming to the extreme, and Angelica is certainly attracted to him.

Voss is certainly tortured as all good paranormal heroes are, he finds it hard to control himself around Angelica, he wants her blood as much as he wants her body. Plus this protective instinct she is bringing out in him is most disturbing. An exciting attack by Moldavi and his minions causes Voss to kidnap Angelica for her own protection. Now alone, he cannot fight his need, and he bites her. Ouch.
To say that puts a crimp in their burgeoning relationship is an understatement.

Angelica pushes Voss away, she is frightened by him and attracted to him all at the same time. She holds up well during all these attacks, and threats and being bitten fairly well. A strong lady. I felt her gift was not fully explored, but it is not essential to me as part of her character. Her sister Maia spends most of this book being a thorn in Covingdale's side. Interesting to see how this all plays out in the next book.

Voss for his part, after having a taste, he wants more, oh so much more. He finds it hard to stay away. There is a surprising lack of sex scenes in this book, it is more of a sensual read, and it works. One of the best scenes in the book is Voss climbing through Angelica's bedroom window.
There is a lot more to Voss than the debauched rake he outwardly projects, in fact, most of the book focuses on his POV or Dimitri/Covingdale, and I liked that, personally.

A few jarring moments, like an abrupt shift to Chas and his runaway vampire bride, but, in the end, the interlude was fascinating.The book is well written, steeped in the era. And was interesting to me enough to forgo a few bumps in the narrative.

Lots of action, richly drawn characters, because this is a trilogy, nothing is really resolved with the enemy Moldavi. The fact Voss and Angelica can overcome the chasm between them makes this a very satisfying Regency romance with enough paranormal action and elements to flesh it out nicely.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

OFFICIAL BLURB FOR TIMELESS HEART!

2011-04-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

YAY!! Got the official blurb for my debut with Evernight Publishing

click HERE to read at my author blog.

Cheers!

BOOK REVIEW: The Shy Duchess By Amanda McCabe

2011-03-31T08:24:00.001-05:00

Harlequin Historical Feb 15 2011

266 pages By Amanda McCabe

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

With her golden hair and dazzling emerald eyes, Lady Emily Carroll should have her pick of suitors. Instead, her crippling shyness has earned her the nickname "Ice Princess."
Nicholas, Duke of Manning, isn't looking for a bride, but he won't pass up a stolen kiss at a masked ball.
With her blushes hidden, Emily lets her inhibitions go. Only to find herself betrothed! Now it's her wedding night, and her new husband seems determined to thaw his Ice Princess and reveal her every secret….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was a leisurely, inoffensive read, much like the shy duchess herself. Emily hides among potted palms at social events, such is her painful shyness. Even though she is beautiful and her parents have pinned their hopes on her marrying well, most of the eligible men call her 'The Ice Princess', Emily overhears just such talk from a couple of gentlemen, and in fleeing the scene in mortification, falls against a well muscled chest.

It is Nicholas, Duke of Manning. He is every inch the proper Duke, in looks and bearing. They had met before at a house party (part of the Anthology The Diamonds of Welbourne') They have an enlightening conversation. Nicholas cannot forget her. Perhaps, she would make him a good Duchess, she is well mannered and well born. But did he want an ice princess in his bed?

Nicholas is a fine hero, upstanding, a true gentleman, and one with a secret. He has been lonely a long time, and the more he comes across Emily, the more he senses a simmering passion under the ice princess facade.

Nothing really earth shattering happens in this book, it is focused almost exclusively on Emily and Nicholas, and their sweet but short courtship was endearing. But I felt it lacked a real narrative heat, no real tension in the plot. An over zealous suitor of Emily posts a touch of menace, but hardly merits a raised eyebrow. Also Emily herself is keeping a secret, but again, it is not enough to cause any great shock.

However, once Emily becomes the duchess, things heat up between her and Nicholas. She discovers Nicholas' secret, and it has her doubting they could ever be truly happy, despite how well matched they are in the bedroom.

A satisfactory read, I found the hero and heroine well thought out and their love story sweet with a nice balance of heat to keep things from getting too dull. However, I wished there was more going on here to create a little tension.

2.75 out of 4 for the book

COVER ART ARRIVED!

2011-03-28T14:58:00.002-05:00

I am in full 'Squeeeee' mode, as my cover art arrived by email from Evernight Publishing for my Debut ebook release, tentatively May 2011.

Click HERE to see! Let me know what you think!

BOOK REVIEW: A Silken Thread by Brenda Jackson

2011-03-24T09:23:00.001-05:00

Harlequin Kimani March 2011

368 pages by Brenda Jackson

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

For Erica Sanders, finding a soul mate was the easy part. Brian Lawson is the man she wants, and everyone agrees they’re the ideal couple. Almost everyone. The one exception is Erica’s mother, Karen, who prefers her daughter marry another man. Karen even hires a private detective to investigate Brian, but the truth he uncovers is the last thing she expected—a devastating betrayal that rips both families apart.

Convinced that her relationship can’t be salvaged, Erica ends her engagement. Yet she has lingering doubts over her decision, especially once Brian’s attractive single neighbor starts pursuing him. A chance meeting proves that the passion between Brian and Erica hasn’t dimmed—but neither has the determination of others to keep them apart, or the shocking lengths Karen will go to in order to undermine her daughter’s relationship.

As secrets old and new are revealed, Erica and Brian find themselves caught between the bonds of the past and an uncertain future, each making painful discoveries about who to believe and trust. Masterfully told and laced with the sensuality and drama that Brenda Jackson does best, this is an unforgettable story of relationships at their most complex, and how hard it can be to choose between living separate lives—or holding fast when love hangs by a silken thread…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have never read Brenda Jackson before, though I certainly have seen her books on the shelves, so this was a real treat for me.

This lush read was very much like a 21st century version of Peyton Place. A small town in Ohio, steep in tradition and bloodlines, and the people that populate it have been there generations, the roots run deep. Status is everything, especially for Karen Saunders.
Her daughter Erica is going against her expressed wishes of marrying into the other prominent family in Hattersville, the Hayes'. Erica is in love with Brian Lawson, and is engaged to the successful lawyer. Not good enough for Karen. She wants her daughter to marry Griffin Hayes.

Karen is a status seeking, well dressed Cruella Da Ville. Cold, unfeeling and manipulative, Karen makes for one hell of a villianess here. Her oppressive presence is felt by all, and she never misses an opportunity to manipulate her family and others like puppets.

Opportunity knocks when she finds out her husband Wilson is having an affair with Brian's widowed mother, Rita. Never mind her marriage with Wilson has been a cold, barren wasteland for decades, that she kicked him out of her bed ages ago. And that Wilson had been lonely all this time, never knowing what love was like. Just shy of his 60th birthday, he finds it with Rita.

How wonderful to read of a late middle-aged romance here, it was well done on all levels. Karen plays the victim card to the hilt, using fainting and a weak heart to manipulate her daughter into postponing her wedding. The ripple effects of her lies and meddling fuel the plot, the characters held together by that 'silken thread'.

Her daughter Erica is easily fooled, as are the other women in this story, that is only my real beef with this. The women bought the lies, which to me made them seem weak. Karen steps up her lies and interferences with the help of a toadie cousin. Lives are blown apart as that silken thread snaps, and it takes the men in this story, to set things right. Big revelations and deeply hidden secrets are exposed at the end of the book.

A little over the top in some places, some of Karen's antics are beyond the pale, but nonetheless entertaining. The romances of the various couples sizzled, and was very real. This was a juicy, romantic soap opera read. Peyton Place for the 21st century.

3.25 out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Laird Of Darkness By Nicole North

2011-03-23T08:27:00.001-05:00

Carina Press Erotica/Historical

27,000 words March 21 2011 By Nicole North

BLURB FOR EBOOK:

Half-Fae Laird Duncan MacDougall is cursed. His nights are haunted by Otherworld creatures sent to kill him. The only way to stop them is to possess the magic bow currently in the hands of his enemy half brother, Kinnon MacClaren. In desperation, Duncan plans to take MacClaren's bride-to-be hostage and exchange her for the bow.

Lady Alana Forbes has never met her intended, but she hopes he is handsome—and a good lover, for Alana is no innocent virgin. On her way to Castle Claren, Alana and her escorts are intercepted, and she is kidnapped by a man with extraordinary abilities—and every attribute she longs for in a mate.

Duncan didn't expect the woman he thought of as a mere pawn to be so beautiful, and so arousing. Alana is drawn to him as well—but Duncan still needs the bow, and Alana is betrothed to another. How far will Alana go to save the life of the man she's come to love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another fine read from Carina Press. Duncan MacDougall is a Highland Laird with a kick, he is half Fae, and while that gives him some other worldly powers, he is also cursed to be haunted and attacked by Otherworld creatures during the dark of night. What a total bummer. Doesn't seem to interfere with his extreme prowess in bed however, luckily for the heroine.

Lady Alana Forbes is on her way to marry a man she has never met, common back in medieval times. On her way there, she has the misfortune (or turns out, fortune) to come across Duncan MacDougall. As soon as he finds out she is going to marry Kinnon MacClaren, his half-brother and mortal enemy, Duncan hatches a cunning plan. For Duncan desires and desperately needs Kinnon's magical bow and quiver, the only thing that will keep the Otherworld creatures at bay.
Stopping by a loch, Alana hopes her unseen husband is handsome and kind, and good in bed. Almost as if she conjured up such a man, Duncan appears, and promptly saves her life from some wayward kelpies by using his fae magic. Alana is very impressed by the physical specimen in front of her, and she gets an eyeful.
As soon as Duncan ascertains who she is and where she is heading, he abducts her and takes her back to his castle.
As filled with fury as Alana is to be bartered for the quiver and bow, she cannot deny Duncan is very appealing, seeing he is nude a lot of the time in order to shift into invisibility. And Duncan certainly cannot hide his interest. Torn between scratching his eyes out or jumping his bones, Alana finds it difficult to keep her hands to herself. A few innocent touches explodes into passion, and the two are soon tumbling in Duncan's bed.

The love scenes are sizzling hot, and both find they are feeling more than desire. Especially when Duncan reveals his past, and the creatures that haunt him. Alana is none to pleased to find out her husband to be is also half-fae. But regardless for her concerns over the fae blood, Duncan has touched her heart.

Kinnon hears from his escaped men that Alana is indeed a beauty, be damned if he will let Duncan have her. Things move at a brisk pace to the conclusion, the narrative moving along to the end with a few surprising twists and turns along the way. Duncan was a wonderful hero. Tender, loving and passionate, and ultimately honorable. Sexy as all get out. A lot of the story is from his POV, which I loved.

Is Kinnon quite the villain Duncan believes him to be and vise versa? If you love a little magical fantasy mixed in with your Highlander romantic/erotic adventure, this very good and highly readable novella is right up your alley.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Cover model Jimmy Thomas in full Highlander Laird mode. *sizzle* Love the castle and overcast skies in the background

3.5 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: The Widowed Bride by Elizabeth Lane

2011-03-17T09:26:00.002-05:00

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Ruby Denby Rumford endured her monstrous
husband’s abuse until death—by self-defense—did them part. Now she and her daughters seek a new beginning in Dutchman’s Creek, Colorado, but will her dark past stay buried?

With an obligation to uphold the laws of
prohibition and an undercover persona in place, U.S. Deputy Marshal Ethan Beaudry comes to town ready to end a shady bootlegging ring. He doesn’t expect to find beautiful, mysterious Ruby involved—or be forced to choose between duty to the law and this forbidden passion.

How wonderfully refreshing to have a historical take place in the early 1920's. The place is Dutchman's Creek, Colorado, a small dusty town surrounded by the Rockies. And can I say I love the cover, exactly how the heroine and hero are described, and the clothes are the right era, perfect.

Ruby Rumford is new to town, she has bought a dilapidated boarding house, with dreams of fixing it up and living there with her two young daughters, while renting out the upstairs rooms to boarders. Ruby is a widow, of a supposed, prominent Springfield, Missouri businessman, imagine her surprise to find out there was no money left. So she moved to this Colorado town to be near her brother.
In waging war with dust and overlarge spiders, Ruby screams for help when she finds herself hanging on to a chandelier for dear life.

Enter the hero, Ethan Beaudry. As he helps Ruby from her precarious position, she is lowered down Ethan's lanky, muscular 6'2 frame, igniting sparks for the both of them the whole way.
I really liked these two right out of the gate. And they don't waste anytime exploring that passion.
Ethan is really a US marshal, undercover and investigating bootleg whiskey smuggling, as this is the early 20's and the beginning of Prohibition.
Ethan has a tragic back story of his own, it fuels his passion for justice, but also makes him reticent to enter into anything long term with Ruby, especially when he hears she has two small daughters. Ethan is a fine hero, upstanding, tall and handsome, and tortured. And a honorable lawman to boot. I loved him.

Ruby has her own tragic back-story, that has made her leery of men, and trust. Her first husband was an abusive thug. But how can she resist Ethan? She gives it a try, but he really is hard to resist.

A lot of interesting, well fleshed out secondary characters populate the small town, and their plots are tightly woven with Ruby and Ethan's. Lots of action and suspense in this as well. A stash of illegal whiskey is found in a hidden cache in the boarding house basement, who in the town is involved in this conspiracy?

I was rooting for Ethan and Ruby all the way. They sizzled, and even though outside forces try and keep them apart for one reason or another, it was an exciting ride to get to there happy ever after.
Rich, steeped in history, a tender but sizzling romance between two damaged people caught up in a rousing prohibition adventure.

RATING: 3.5 out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Another great job by Harlequin, period dress circa 1920's Bang-on. And Hero and Heroine are exactly as described in book. Great, intimate pose as well.

3.5 out of 4 for the cover

A Couple Of Announcements~

2011-03-13T21:41:00.001-05:00

Hi! I have an Announcement~ Click www.karyngerrard.com to read what has happened. I think it is way cool~

This will take you to my author website/blog. It is a work in progress.

Also, will be away visiting family and friends until April 16, but I do have a few book reviews completed in the draft folder. Will post some when I can get near my parents computer through the next month~

Take care all~

BOOK REVIEW: A Creed In Stone Creek by Linda Lael MIller

2011-03-09T11:27:00.001-06:00

HQN Books Feb 22 2011

384 pages By Linda Lael Miller

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him.

But when Steven takes on the pro bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel—beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O’Ballivan. It’ll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man’s heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he’s truly found home.

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I will admit right up front, I read two out of the three McKettrick books that were released last year, and I was not all that enthralled with them. So my expectations were low coming into this book.

Happily, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it is because the hero is a Creed. Now the Montana Creed trilogy from 2009, I enjoyed.

Steven Creed is a new guardian/father of his friend's orphaned son Matt, a precocious 5 year old that talks and acts like he is 10. Steven throws over the big city life and a prominent law firm to move to small town Stone Creek. Not in town 24 hours and Steven locks gazes with Melissa O'Ballivan, the town D.A. Steven will be hanging out his shingle to be the lawyer in town. You just know there is going to be some case arise that will cause these two to face off over a case, like Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in those old movies.

The attraction between them is instant, although neither will admit to it, even to themselves. But what melted my heart right from the beginning was Steven and his interaction with Matt. He is patient and loving with the boy, and tears up when the child tentatively calls him 'dad'.
Melissa as well, is charmed by Matt. But this reminds her too much of a previous relationship with a man and his young children. She does not want to get hurt here. I am usually not that big on kids/babies in romance novels, but it works here.

Both Steven and Melissa find themselves on the parade committee, and in each others company constantly. They fight the attraction for all of five days, Melissa finds herself going to Steven's for dinner. The attraction between these two was well done I thought.

But what I like about this book and a few others of Linda Lael Miller's, is the homey, real way she portrays her characters, particularly the secondary ones. The conversation in particular seem real to life.There are some colorful characters inhabiting Stone Creek, and I enjoyed them all. The sweet romance between the sheriff Tom Parker and the Diner owner Tess was my favorite subplot. Steven's hunky, sad-eyed cousin Brody also shows up out of the blue. I assume he will be getting his own book.

But this idyllic small town life is rattled when during a dance, a nearby gas station is robbed at gunpoint, and the alleged culprit is a young man fresh out of prison. A young man Melissa prosecuted. Steven steps forward to be his lawyer. Hence the clash of wills.

Melissa has a real commitment problem, I found it hard to totally grasp her reasons for pushing Steven away, to me, he seemed damned near perfect. It takes a life or death situation to rattle both these people, and finally wonder, if love and a future together is possible.

At the end of the book, Brody's identical twin Conner makes an appearance, and the two men face off like 'stags in rutting season.' I love Linda's turn of phrase. The reason for this conflict was not revealed and will no doubt be addressed in June 2011 release, "Creed's Honor".

This was a fine read, with that easy going charm and small town reality Linda seems to thrive at.
Steven Creed really sold this read for me, an old-fashioned man of honor, and that is sexy as all get out.

3.25 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Love that pose on a cowboy, okay, any hunky man. But fits Steven Creed to a tee. Nice background as well.

3.25 out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

2011-03-06T12:28:00.001-06:00

HQN Romance March 2011

382 pages By Delilah Marvelle

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

SCANDAL WAS THE LAST THING ON THEIR MINDS...

If there is anything Tristan Adam Hargrove, fourth Marquis of Moreland, has learned to avoid, it's scandal. For the dark and dashing lord is an honorable gentleman who would never seduce a woman for his own gain.

When a raven-haired beauty arrives as his new neighbor, he knows better than to succumb to the desire he feels. He knows little about her -- only that she is high born, a protege of the Crown and completely unsuitable for the base passions he hides from the world. If only he had never glimpsed the vulnerable beauty one fateful night. If only her lips were not so ravishingly red. If only it were not already too late to save her and himself from the untamed passion he is about to unleash in the name of love.

A little red book by an Unknown Author.
Three unlikely couples...and scandal galore!
Look for the rest of the Scandal Series!

ARE YOU READY TO BE SCANDALIZED?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of the three books in this scandal series, I enjoyed this the most. Delilah Marvelle gives us another romantic, sensual pot boiler that is over the top in drama and tortured, damaged characters.

Tristan Adam Hargrove, the Marquis of Moreland leads a very ordered life, the very outward picture of respectability. So he is quite shaken when on his way home, a woman calls out to him from a window above, trying to engage him in conversation.

The woman turns out to be rather forward, suggesting a possible marriage while she scandalously hangs the the window revealing quite the lush body. Moreland is intrigued enough to meet this beauty the following day.

Like all of Marvelle's heroes, Moreland is far from perfect, he has a certain proclivity that may raise an eyebrow, he likes a little pain with his nightcap, preferably of the self-inflicted cutting variety. I also liked his prickly relationship with his grandmother, a formidable woman indeed. Moreland also possesses a rye, sly sense of humor, and in this strange mix is also incredibly sexy.

But it is the budding relationship between Moreland and the woman in the window, the Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska, exile from Poleland, that fuels this story. She is indeed a beauty, but also crippled, missing a leg from a tragic accident. The English king wants her married to a titled Englishman, Zosia has her eye firmly fixed on Moreland. He is quite the stunning specimen, but she is also fascinated with his brutal honesty. He tells Zosia right up front about his certain proclivity, and instead of running screaming from him, she is curious, inquisitive. I like Zosia is so forward, something Moreland needs in his life. She is a very strong heroine, maybe overshadowing Moreland at times.

Zosia's family tree is truly muddled, in fact, my mind started to wander with all the various layers of her family and the reasons why the Russians are looking for her. Her back-story was fascinating enough, but at the end of the book the explanation of the history of Russia and Poland's tangled history went on a bit too long, though I did find it interesting enough. I agree with some other reviewers that the ending seemed a bit rushed.

This is a complicated read, with complicated characters, but I liked that aspect. Well written and plotted. Also liked the rough draft manuscripts at the beginning of each chapter, penned none other than Moreland himself, the anonymous author of that 'little red book of scandal.'
Sensual and raw in its emotions, Each book of this series was different, unique and very readable. I enjoyed this book the most of the three in the series. I think it was Moreland. Loved him, flaws and all.

RATING: 3.5 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Another lush, colorful cover, and very much how I would picture Moreland and Zosia. For some reason, I adore those lace cuffs on my Regency Rakes!

3 out of 4 stars for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: One Night Is Never Enough by Anne Mallory

2011-02-28T10:48:00.004-06:00

Avon Historical Feb 22 2011

384 pages By Anne Mallory

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

From the first glimpse he knew he must have her — even if only for a single night . . .

Powerful, ruthless, seductive—the lord of London’s underworld—Roman Merrick gets anything he wants . . . and he burns for Charlotte Chatsworth, a polished jewel in the glittering ton. So he engages her debt-ridden gambler father in a game of chance, wagering ten thousand pounds against one night with the man’s exquisite daughter. And Roman Merrick never loses.

But one night is never enough . . .

Charlotte is devastated to learn that her reprobate father has lost her in a card game to the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With the threat of ruin behind every corner, Charlotte embarks upon a perilous path with the man she cannot forget. But in truth, it’s Roman who has everything to lose—for a game undertaken for pleasure alone soon has him gambling his heart. And love and passion unleashed could bring his great, dark empire tumbling down . . .
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The characters in this book were a real puzzle to me. And frustrating. But they were fascinating enough for me to keep reading.

Charlotte is the epitome of the perfect lady of the ton, proper, upstanding and beautiful. Her father dangles her before society, hoping to ensnare a titled bachelor for her to marry. Charlotte's father is a degenerate gambler. So much so, he enters into a a high stakes wager, 10,000 against one night with his jewel of a daughter.

The man who instigated the bet? Roman Merrick, ruthless, dangerous, almost like a Golden God Regency Tony Soprano. Only way better looking. He runs the London underworld with his equally stunning dark haired brother, Andreas. Roman is a walking innuendo, he flirts and snarls with the predatory skill of a jungle cat. Needless to say, he wins the bet.

Charlotte is whisked away to Roman's lair, and after a sensually charged chess game, He promptly falls asleep, not what the innocent Charlotte expected.

For Charlotte has seen Roman before, on a shopping expedition with her maid to a ribbon shop, she witnessed Roman and his brother 'collecting' money owed by the shop owner. Charlotte is immediately struck by all the golden male beauty offset by his feral smile and brutish ways. And Roman is brutish, he is 'shaking down' the owner, this guy is a thug.
Thug or no, his cultured voice sends chills down Charlotte's spine. And now, she must assist her father and keep his end of the bet.

Roman is a little hard to pin down, personality wise. There is no doubt he is dangerous, you have to be to be part of the underworld. He mockingly says to his brother in the shop upon seeing Charlotte, 'brother, I have fallen in love.' I think Roman did, though he did not realize it. He is so cool and detached you wonder if any passion burns in the man. But he finds Charlotte enchanting during their chess game, she does not shrink from answering him back, nor intimidated by his innuendos and warm, passionate touches. After she leaves, Roman decides, one night is not enough, it is never enough. And next they see each other at a social event, he slips a note into her hands that says simply, 'soon'.

This book was very well written, almost poetic in its flow. But I felt somewhat detached from the hero and heroine for some reason. It's hard to know if Roman is simply playing a seduction game here or if he is truly smitten with Charlotte, but perhaps that is the whole point. For I don't think Roman himself knew.
Charlotte succumbs to the game, for she longs to be free from the constraints of society, and her father. She leaves her bedroom window open at Roman's request, and hence begins the torrid affair. It is far beyond what either imagined. Although some of Roman's blunt talk is supposed to be sensual, it comes off as dumb as his request that she suck him...dumb. Yeah. *cringe*

There are many outside forces that culminate to tear this couple apart, but if I was puzzled and felt detached from them through part of the book, by the end, I admit I got caught up in this passionate, intimate love story.
Roman comes alive finally, ( to me, anyway) vulnerable, and heart breathtakingly honest. Charlotte becomes stronger, freer for loving Roman.

Ultimately, I found this an enjoyable enough read, peeling back the layers of passion. I just wish we were able to be party to Roman's inner thoughts more, he had potential to be a great hero.He ultimately emerges as average or very slightly above hero, too bad. As it was, he redeems himself to me at the end, but only a little.

2.75 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Yow, Roman is a golden god, this guy has brown hair. Major flaw there, but the pose and colors are nice.

2 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Taming The VIP Playboy by Katherine Garbera

2011-02-25T17:46:00.010-06:00

Sillouette Desire Feb 2011

192 pages By Katherine Garbera

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

The sultry heat. The pulsing music. How could millionaire club owner Nate Stern have resisted taking Jen Miller into his arms? Though everyone in Miami considered him a playboy, Nate never flirted with his employees. Yet something about Jen had him changing his mind.
Sleeping with her VIP boss was risky, but the businessman's charms had Jen throwing caution to the wind. Still, she'd been hurt before. Knowing Nate must play the role of Casanova for the press had her guarding her heart. But when Nate held her close, Jen couldn't resist the flames…no matter what.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was a pleasant enough romance read, taking place with the hot salsa beat of a popular Miami night club. I can't say the whole 'Dancing with the Stars' type backdrop appealed to me much, but I went with the story, nonetheless.

Nate Stern has it going on, rich, ex-Yankees ball player, gorgeous, co-owns and runs one of Miami's premiere dance clubs, where all the celebrities should be seen. And it is Nate's job to make sure they are. He plays the game to the hilt, a different lovely lady on his arm every night. Makes the papers, all for the sole purpose of promoting his club that he and his two brothers own. And maybe, a little promotion for himself, why not?

Enter Jen Miller, newly hired Salsa teacher at the club, she has Nate rethinking his 'never flirt with the employees' rule. There is something about her. Both are attracted to the other, and they decide a little fling won't hurt their working relationship, only after a passionate night, Nate is not in any hurry to let Jen leave his side. They wind up spending the day on his yacht, and Nate finds himself more drawn to Jen, and drawn into her life, as much as he tries to fight it.

Jen is no-nonsense. She lives with her sister and nephew, trying to get back on her feet after her dream of competitive dancing was side-lined for a reason Jen is reluctant to talk about. The more Jen and Nate spend together, the more they both open up, share. And while Jen loves the time Nate spends with her 7 year old nephew Riley, deep down Jen knows Nate is not the forever type. Too bad, because he is fun, sexy and caring.

Some obstacles pop up, like Nate continuing to be photographed with stunning women. He no sooner explains it is part of the job when Jen's former dance partner shows up, with a little blackmail on his mind.

By this point in the book my mind was beginning to wander, not that Nate and Jen were not interesting as a hero and heroine, but the whole dancing backdrop and subplots with the ex-partner were not very compelling to me.

I liked Jen, she comes clean with her feelings first. Nate is starting to have doubts, he has real commitment issues, can he and Jen find the happiness neither seems to think they deserve?

This was a satisfactory romance read, the hero and heroine were interesting enough to keep me reading, but I was not drawn in too much to the story itself. Nor did I find the subplot of Jen's dance competition banishment, or her slimey ex-partner all that compelling. But, if you like Dancing With the Stars, you may enjoy the dancing aspect more than I did.

2.75 Stars our of 4 for the book.

KOVER KUDOS: Oooo. I think both models are a little long in the tooth to be portraying Nate and Jen. I can't recall Nate ever wearing a tux, I could be wrong.

2.5 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Seducing The Governess by Margo Maguire

2011-02-22T13:26:00.001-06:00

Avon Historical Feb 22 2011

384 pages By Margo Maguire

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

A proper governess should never...

Assist a handsome stranger, along on an unfamiliar road...unless the rake happens to be her new employer.

Take a position in a crumbling manor...especially if the household staff has been replaced by unruly former soldiers.

Allow her young charge entree to her heart...for once done, it will be impossible to maintain proper distance.

Permit her charge's uncle a breathtaking kiss under a star-lit sky...henceforth she will most certainly lose composure whenever he is near.

And above all, she should never, ever fall completely, irreversibly in love with her employer...for nothing good can possibly come of it.

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THIS REVIEW IS ALSO FOUND AT THE SEASON Click HERE

Margo Maguire has written a wonderful tale that is small parts Jane Eyre, and Beauty and the Beast all mixed together to make a delectable read.

Mercy Franklin is on her way to the Ashby estate to care for the new Earl of Ashby's young, recently orphaned niece. Mercy herself just lost her parents, who, she shockingly finds out, were not her parents at all. Near destitute, Mercy has no choice but to seek employment. While waiting for the mail coach, Mercy is almost run down in the street by a bunch of ragtag looking soldiers. Behind them, is a horseman, who has to draw up quick to avoid her, and falls from his horse. Shades of Jane Eyre. The man is large, imposing, and badly scarred on one side of his face. He is also quite rude. But Mercy finds herself giving it right back to this imperious looking man.

Imagine her surprise when she is brought in to meet the master, Nash Farris, The Earl of Ashby, and he turns out to be the man on the road. The estate is in deplorable condition, as Nash has been away at war, only returning home because of the untimely, and ultimately suspicious deaths of his two older brothers within a year of each other.

Nash is a wonderful hero. Still trying to come to terms with his war injuries, the loss of both his older brothers is also hard to bear. And what does he do with his 8 year old niece, a withdrawn, quiet child? Then there is that governess, who sparked his desire out on the road with her pert comebacks. Now, she was under his roof. Close.
I also like that Nash brought a lot of his ex-soldiers with him and put them to work at the estate so they would have a roof over their heads. The man is compassionate, and turns out, very passionate, an honorable man.

Mercy was very likable. The compassion she feels for charge, Emmaline, is palatable and real. And that compassion extends to Nash, his scars do not put her off in any way, a fact Nash find astounding. Watching the two of them try and fight the physical pull between them makes for a great read. Mercy had a stern upbringing in a vicar's home, and she is determined that Emmeline is not subjected to such an environment. However hang-ups linger, Nash has ignited such desire in her, it can only be sinful, she surmises, her father's teachings ringing in her ears.

A sub-plot concerning an ailing Earl who hires a solider, Colonel Briggs to try and find his two granddaughters, who were orphaned out as toddlers is interlaced through the book. I wonder who one of the granddaughters is?

Regardless, Nash realizes he must find some heiress if he is to ever get Ashby Hall back to its former glory. How convenient one of his neighbors has a marriageable, pretty daughter. Too bad this young lady, Helene Carew, who can barely look Nash in the face, does nothing for him at all. Not like Mercy.

I started to suspect who might be behind the possible murders of Nash's brothers, but not the reason. The ending was well played out, and the plot points satisfactorily addressed. But enough is left open for another book easily.

The yearning and heartbreak felt by the hero and heroine is well done, and a lot of the secondary characters add to this story nicely. A fully realized love story filled with real emotion, and two lonely people torn between desire and duty.

I recommend this book very much.

3.5 STARS OUT OF 4 FOR THE BOOK

KOVER KUDOS: Lush, colorful, and romantic. The hero's face is partly hidden, so you could surmise that is the scarred part. Nicely done~

3 out of 4 stars for the Cover

BOOK REVIEW: Healing Hearts By Taryn Kincaid

2011-02-21T11:43:00.001-06:00

Carina Press Feb 28, 2011

23,800 words by Taryn Kincaid

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As a girl, Emma Whiteside asked Adam Caldwell, Viscount Riverton, to wait for her to be of marriageable age. Now, twelve years later, Emma hates Adam as much as she once loved him, holding the former army major responsible for the death of her brother on the battlefield.
Adam already blames himself for the loss of the men under his command. But the fiery young woman Emma's become sparks his arousal, as well as emotions Adam thought long dead. The passion between them makes him want to reclaim the man he was before the war.
Though she tries to hold on to her hatred, Emma's longing for Adam is undeniable, especially after the two share a smoldering kiss. Still, Adam is certain no woman would want a man so damaged. Can Emma prove him wrong?

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I have been enjoying the ebooks I have been reviewing, more than I thought I would, this story is no exception. They say there is a fine line between love and hate, never so much so than in this story. Emma Whiteside's feelings are are storm tossed as the gale that blows all around her, as she watches Viscount Riverton slowly make his way toward her, his gait impeded from a war injury. A war that claimed Emma's beloved twin brother Michael, a death Emma lays squarely on the viscount's broad shoulders.

Adam Caldwell, despite his injuries, is still a fine figure of a man, a man Emma has been in love with since she was a child, and asked Adam to wait for her, until she grew up. Adam considers himself a broken, damaged man, but a man none the less, and he is affected by Emma. As they stand arguing in the wind, Adam is overcome with pain from his injury, but also lust for the lush, defiant young woman in front of him.

Emma is not exactly immune to Adam, especially when he purrs in a husky voice "There are many ways for a woman to ease a man's pain."
After a heated, passionate kiss, Adam realizes he wants more than a sexual romp. He wanted to find himself again, and soften Emma's heart.
The story stays tight and intimate on the couple, no one intrudes except some foul cretin looking to use Emma as his mistress to pay her drunken father's debts. Adam makes short order of him, and in the interim, proposes marriage.
Considering this story takes place in such a short period of time, the warring emotions certainly are a little jarring, Emma soon realizes that Adam has gone through his own hell in the war, a man scarred inside and out.
A satisfying read, with a few little twists, and a very good heat level to the love scenes. Ultimately, this is a story of love, long earned, lost, and returned. And the power of forgiveness when two hearts beat as one.

3.25 stars out of 4 for the ebook

KOVER KUDOS: Nice couple shot, just as they are described in the story.The stormy, cloudy background speaks to their relationship and the emotions.

3 out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: What I Did For A Duke By Julie Anne Long

2011-02-17T09:38:00.004-06:00

Avon Historical Feb 22 2011

384 pages By Julie Anne Long

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

For years, he's been an object of fear, fascination . . . and fantasy. But of all the wicked rumors that shadow the formidable Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, the ton knows one thing for certain: only fools dare cross him. And when Ian Eversea does just that, Moncrieffe knows the perfect revenge: he'll seduce Ian's innocent sister, Genevieve—the only Eversea as yet untouched by scandal. First he'll capture her heart . . . and then he'll break it.

But everything about Genevieve is unexpected: the passion simmering beneath her cool control, the sharp wit tempered by gentleness . . . And though Genevieve has heard the whispers about the duke's dark past, and knows she trifles with him at her peril, one incendiary kiss tempts her deeper into a world of extraordinary sensuality. Until Genevieve is faced with a fateful choice . . . is there anything she won't do for a duke?

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I had seen such great reviews for this book, I scurried over to Netgalley to request it for myself for reading and reviewing. Since I only had until February 22, I thought I could read if over a few nights. Well, I started in the afternoon, and hours later, I was still reading it. I could not tear myself away from my laptop. I called out for hubby to get his own supper. Yes, the book deserves the gushing accolades that have been generously poured over it.

So enchanted with the writing, I called hubby in to read a few passages aloud to him. He listened, agreed it was well written, then sniffed, 'men do not think that way.' Well, of course not, why else do we (women) read romances??

Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge is no man in the flush of youth. He is in fact almost forty, with grey at his dark haired temples, very tall, whip cord tight with sinewy muscle, and not classically handsome. His wry, cynical sense of humor and look at life will grab you right from the start, especially when he catches his fiance naked in bed with the much younger Ian Evansea. His handling of this situation was fantastic, and I fell for Alex right off.

But no man likes to be cuckolded, especially not a Duke, so Alex has a little revenge in mind for Ian Eversea.
Showing up at the Evansea's for an extended house party, Alex decides seducing and ruining one of Ian's unmarried sisters will be just the proper amount of revenge. He sets his sights on Genvieve, not as pretty as sister Olivia, but as he engages her in conversation, he finds, he is quite intrigued.

Genevieve can barely tolerate this much older Duke, she is too busy watching her oldest and dearest friends, Harry Osbourne and Millicent Blenkenship. Harry has confided he intends to propose to Millicent. Genevieve is crushed, as she is secretly in love with Harry, and has been for years.

Slowly, expertly and with a great amount of finesse, the Duke manages to interest Genevieve in return, their conversations sparkle and are full of life. And Alex is unflinching honest in his growing interest in her. She soon catches on to his scheme, and he readily admits at first, he did have sinister plans for her seduction. Now, he wants her...for reasons other than revenge.

The writing in this crackles, I found myself smiling or laughing in more than one place, I was thoroughly entertained. And for once, the heroine did not get on my nerves in one form or another. Genevieve is forthright, honest, smart and caring. And more than a match for the older, imperious Duke, in all ways. Her unwavering love for Harry was a little puzzling, much as Scarlett O'Hara's was for Ashley Wilkes. But made for a great conflict throughout the story.

Alex is a revelation. His sardonic look on life is enthralling, and try not to melt as he seductively compares a kiss to the slash of saber. He tells Genevieve in raw, unfiltered language just want he wants, then goes about showing her. Both realize there is more going on here than lust, though neither will admit it. Alex has love and lost before, though that does not seem to factor into his actions here, which I found refreshing. Usually heroes in this situation are guarded, tortured, closed off, not Alex. At least, he wasn't to a point. He is a fantastic hero. Sexy, sensual, a bit dangerous, and ultimately, gentle, caring and loving.

I also liked the secondary characters, even poor hapless Harry, and Genvieve's rakish brother, Ian.

A truly romantic read, crisply and intelligently written, infused with enough heat to set the page ablaze, and the Duke will melt your heart, a marvelous hero on so many levels.

4 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS:

Very lush, great colors, even the length of the hair is right, with a little gray at the temples for the hero.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Married: The Virgin Widow by Deborah Hale

2011-02-14T13:20:00.001-06:00

Harliquin Historical 288 pages

Feb 1 2011 By Deborah Hale

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Innocent on her wedding night Her hands bound by blackmail and duty, Laura Penrose was forced to marry her sweetheart’s ruthless uncle. Ford Barrett, Lord Kingsfold, has returned from the East Indies. The woman who betrayed him has a debt to pay

– Laura owes him a wedding…and a wedding night! But the sweet widow sacrificed herself once out of duty – she won’t be taken again for revenge. But this new, dark, dangerous Ford discards her pleas… Can she tell him she never wronged him, before he discovers her more innocent secret? Gentlemen of Fortune Three men with money, power and success… Looking to share life with the right woman -

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Deborah Hale has fashioned a romance full of regret, guilt, and anger in this first book of the Gentlemen Of Fortune Trilogy.

Ford Barrett returns home after seven years away in the East Indies to find he not only has inherited from his dead cousin Cyrus, but also his need for revenge is as strong as it ever was. Old cousin Cyrus has left a young widow, Laura Penrose, a young lady Ford was in love with and wanted to marry. But she threw him over for the rich and titled older man. His desire for her has also not abated one bit during all this time. He is anxious to put his plan in place of marrying her, bedding her, then tossing her aside. Rather cold-blooded to say the least, but in Ford's mind, he was wronged greatly.

But when Ford returns home after several months travel, he finds Laura and her sisters and her ailing mother living in reduced circumstances, the estate in a run down condition. As he awaits her arrival in the parlor, his insides are boiling with a mixture of fury and lust. Laura no sooner walks into the room and comments on his making a fortune in the East Indies and they are off and running, arguing and sniping at each other. For Laura was under the impression Ford abandoned her seven years ago to chase his fortune. Ford thinks she threw him over for his rich and titled much older cousin, both could not be more wrong.

Seeing an opportunity ripe for the picking in Laura's financial woes, Ford coldly proposes marriage, so she and her family can stay on at the estate. Laura feels she has no choice, where would she and her family go? Ford assures her he is quite cured of all that love nonsense. What their marriage lacks in love, they can make up in physical desire, he also states he wants a heir. Ford came across as quite a cool customer, but his hurt runs deep. And so do his passions. With any alpha hero, he is not above barking orders and sneering, nor to bursting into Laura's bedchamber because he can't control those raging passions. But despite all this, Ford is not without a heart, he shows a respectful compassion for Laura's ailing mother.

Laura, despite coming from a loveless, wretched first marriage, shows amazing strength when dealing with Ford and his demanding ways. This very easily could have deteriorated into a nasty mess, but Ford and Laura are compelling as characters, it kept me interested. As the many layers of misunderstandings begin to be peeled away, the long delayed romance between this couple begins to blossom at last. And I am giving nothing away by stating Ford was shocked to find out his widowed bride, was in fact, a virgin. Laura really did suffer at the hands of Cyrus, who took his impotence out on her in many ways.

There are some subplots, of Laura's sister Belinda's courtship and a family tragedy that tie in with the hero and heroine's on-going woes. But a secret threatens to shake the tenuous foundation of this new marriage, can Ford and Laura ever learn to trust each other, and love each other enough to admit it?

An enjoyable read, two deeply hurt people, for different reasons, learn to love and trust all over again. Heart-warming romantic ending.

3 out of 4 stars for the book

And waves to Deborah Hale, she is from my native province of Nova Scotia in Canada, so it was a real treat to read and review her book~

BOOK REVIEW: Wild Card by Rhonda Nelson

2011-02-07T13:01:00.003-06:00

Harlequin Blaze Jan 18 2011

224 pages by Rhonda Nelson

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Former ranger Seth McCutcheon is a man of his word. Leave the military at the request of his dying mother? Check. Join the super-elite Ranger Security? Definitely. Provide a security detail at a high-society wedding? Hell, why not?
Go undercover as the wedding planner's boyfriend? Uhh, well….
But once Seth sets eyes on sexy Penelope Hart, he knows he's a goner. If Penelope wants a fake fling, he's her man. Especially if it comes with all the sensual benefits.
But they can't spend all their time in bed, as much as they'd like to. Somebody is threatening to sabotage the ceremony. If Seth doesn't discover the culprit, Penelope's business will be ruined.
Seth is going to need all the luck he can get if he's going to save the day and get the girl. Then again, they don't call him Wild Card for nothing….

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Rhonda Nelson has again come up with an amazing hero that will melt and sizzle your heart all at the same time.

Seth McCutcheon had me in the first chapter. A big, strapping , tough Army man, who sits with his dying mother tenderly seeing to her needs. Their relationship was touching, warm and really caused me to choke over with emotion. Their gentle chiding was more of close, dear friends, than mother and son. Her deathbed wish is that after his rotation is done, that Seth leave the army. His mother wants him safe. To live a full life. Be there for his sister and her son. Seth promises her, even though the army is his whole life. They play a hand of poker over it, and mom won, on a wild card.

Seven months later, and Seth keeps his promise, gets out of the Army and takes a job at Ranger Security. His first assignment? Go undercover as a wedding planner's boyfriend, to look after security issues at a star football player's upcoming nuptials.

Enter the wedding planner, Penelope Hart. Just the sort of perky, organized woman that annoys Seth to no end. Penelope is so organized, she made up an entire history of their faux relationship and pertinent facts Seth should know like how she takes her coffee, the fact she doesn't like sweet potatoes, and how they supposedly met.
Already their styles clash, Seth thinks Penelope is a control freak, she thinks Seth isn't enough of one. But both, are immediately attracted to the other, and not just physically. I loved the give and take and the entertaining banter between these two as they are forced to spend time in each others company while the undercover is going on.

This seemingly harmless undercover takes a dark turn, from a shredded wedding dress to crosses and double crosses with people you would not suspect. What a wedding.

Penelope is a great match for Seth, she willingly can stand toe to toe with him. However while she more than embraces the lust she feels for Seth, those deeper, intense feelings have her running scared. She never exceeded her three month rule with any man, could Seth be the one to inspire her to try something with more permanence?

And Seth is still heartbroken over his mother' death, can he risk his heart for a woman? Can any relationship last, seeing his father and his brother-in-law both abandoned his mother and sister?
These two come with a lot of baggage , both from broken homes, cynical about love and marriage, but is what they are feeling worth taking a risk? Seth and Penelope were a sweet couple, their banter delicious, the heat real and sizzling. A great read.

3.5 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Seth all the way, and love the wicked grin and the beach backdrop.

3 out of 4 stars for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon A Scandal By Delilah Marvelle

2011-02-03T15:15:00.001-06:00

HQN Romance Feb 2011

384 pages By Delilah Marvelle

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SHE WAS ABOUT TO FALL FOR THE ONLY MAN SHE WOULD EVER LOVE...FOR THE SECOND TIME.

Lady Victoria Jane Emerson left behind her girlish notions of romance when Jonathan deserted her without a backward glance. Now the time has come when she must finally choose a husband, and she has vowed to marry someone who will never break her heart.

Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home, free from all his family's debts. Only to discover that by some miracle he has been chosen to vie for the hand of his beloved Victoria. To convince his only love to once again believe in the magic of love and the promise of desire will be his greatest challenge yet.

A little red book by an unknown author.
Three unlikely couples...and scandal galore.
Look for the rest of the Scandal series!

ARE YOU READY TO BE SCANDALIZED?
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This is the second book in Delilah Marvelle's trilogy, but it not a sequel nor are the characters really tied together. But they are tied to together by a little red book about scandal.
Again, Delilah offers over the top drama and emotions and a severely flawed/damaged hero and a stubborn heroine.

We first meet Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Lord Remington at the age of 19, his eye and interest firmly fixed on the beautiful 17 year old Lady Victoria Jane Emmerson. Jonathan has dreamy, in the clouds notions on romance, it is on such an aching innocent and pure level, it will steal your heart. Their brief courtship is tender, sweet and filled with promise. A passionate kiss is exchanged along with Jonathan giving Victoria his late mother's ring, and the fervent wish that she not betroth herself to anyone until he returns. Jonathan is off to Venice to see his sister and his step-mother settled. In the interim, Jonathan and Victoria exchange some touching letters, until one arrives saying due to bad investments, Jonathan is now ruined. After a brief absence of no letters at all, Jonathan writes a terse missive breaking it off with Victoria for good.

Five years pass. They have not been good ones for Victoria. She has become bitter about men and love, vowing never to feel again after being tossed aside by Jonathan. Also, her father is not well. And he leaves a bizarre request. He has arranged for 3 men to vie for her hand in marriage, and it must be done before her syphilitic father dies, it is all tied in with the inheritance. Imagine Victoria's horror when she finds that Jonathan is one of the three!

Again, this is one strange read, but entirely riveting. Such flawed characters, and somewhat uneven. The villain of this piece, the Italian Marchese Jonathan is forced to work for to pay off his debts, is strange and hard to grasp. What exactly Jonathan had to do, I won't give away.

It is a very bumpy and bittersweet ride to get to the ending. Victoria was a border line shrew, but, she had her reasons in a lot of ways. Jonathan is damaged inside from his experiences, you wonder if this mess can ever be overcome. It is drama with a capital D in this book, but it keeps you reading.

One of Victoria's suitors is Marquis Moreland, and the third book in this scandal series is about him. I can't wait, he comes across here in his brief scenes as cold and passionate all at once.

3 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: I love the pose, and the colors, also look as the hero and heroine are described.

3 out of 4 stars for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Unveiled By Courtney Milan

2011-01-30T14:00:00.004-06:00

HQN books Jan 2011

384 pages By Courtney Milan

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

He was her bitterest enemy….

sh Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family, and at last the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom, and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But when he arrives, he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance

And her dearest love

ady Margaret knows she should despise the man who’s stolen her fortune and her father’s legacy—the man she—s been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

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I have read Courtney Milan's debut book and her short story in a Christmas Anthology, and I was suitably impressed. Perhaps not as enamored as some, but impressed, nonetheless.

I enjoyed this book as well as her other titles I have read. I adore her writing style. Courtney has an innate knack for creating astounding characters, her heroes, in particular.

Ash Turner is another wonderfully complicated, sexy hero. Revenge fuels his life, his emotions. And as he strides into Parford Manor, the dukedom he will soon inherit, his penetrating gaze scans down the long line of servants, and rests on a 'tempting beauty'.

Margaret Lowell, the current duke's long-suffering nurse, is actually the ailing duke's daughter. Thanks to Ash's revenge, he revealed the current duke to be a bigamist, so the 3 children from his first marriage were rendered 'bastards' in the eyes of the law. Of which Margaret is one. Ash does not know this, of course.

Ash, for all his outward swagger, and ravishing masculine presence, is actually quite vulnerable inside. And very kind and loving. His sacrifice for his younger brothers in the past and even in the present, is heart breaking and gut wrenching at the same time. But his attraction to the nurse, Margaret is real and immediate. They make a connection, so much so, he reveals his darkest, deepest secret to her, a secret no one knows about, not even his brothers.

He also reveals his upbringing, the reason for his name, from his religious zealot of a mother. Ash has not had it easy. As they grow closer, Margaret is torn, should she tell Ash she really is the Duke's daughter, not his servant?

I found Margaret's two brothers, Edmund and Richard, loathsome and selfish. They don't deserve her. It is them who left Margaret behind with the apoplectic snarly Duke, and told her to spy on Ash. Will she write her brothers and tell them of Ash's dark secret?

Ash's two brothers, who I assume will get their own stories, are a little off-putting as well. Mark is some chastity nut, (even penning a book about it) no doubt a hold over from the religious zealot mother. And Smite is a strange, standoffish sort. But, they piqued my interest. I can see where their stories would be very interesting indeed.

There are a lot of twist and turns, and court fights, and arguments and such before we get to the end of the book. The resolution to the whole "dukedom" issue was resolved adequately.

But what made this a fascinating read was the relationship between Ash and Margaret. Not only sexy and passionate, (that encounter in the tight closet, yow) but nurturing and sweet and loving. They made a great hero and heroine. Both vulnerable, but also strong, and both needing so much, that only the other can give.

3 1/2 stars out of 4 for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Lush blue colors, and the male model looks as Ash is described. Margaret as well. Lovely

3 1/2 stars our of 4 for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Against The Wind by Kat Martin

2011-01-24T18:55:00.002-06:00

Mira Romance 400 pages

December 28 2010 By Kat Martin

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Unable to resist trouble the "no account Raines boy",

Jackson Raines finds himself entangled with the high school beauty who humiliated him so many years ago. Enemies of her dead husband bring trouble. And despite their history, Jackson is the one man who can save her and her daughter Secrets don’t stay buried long in cattle country.

Sarah Allen,the beautiful girl who humiliated Jackson Raines in high school, is back in town. Not so long ago, she couldn’t wait to leave Wind Canyon, Wyoming, in her dust. But recently widowed, she has nowhere else to go and finds herself on Jackson’s ranch. Despite everything, Jackson is reluctant to get rid of her. He can’t resist trouble, and Sarah brings her own special kind.

Enemies of her dead husband show up on the ranch making threats, thinking she has something they’re owed. They’re not taking no for an answer, but what they will take is the one thing she has left—her daughter—and Jackson may be the only hope she has of getting little Holly home alive
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This is the first book of a trilogy, of three cowboy brothers, The Raines. This book focuses on older brother Jackson.
Imagine Jackson's surprise when a small cottage on his large ranch is rented to none other than Sarah Allen, the beautiful girl from high school that broke his heart. She is now a widow, and has a young daughter in tow, and finds herself in reduced financial circumstances. As tempted as Jackson is to drop kick her to the road, he doesn't, because Sarah has ripped open the fence around his heart. Or maybe it is the scab off his wound. Or both. But, Jackson is ultimately kind hearted, and finds himself assisting her in getting furniture and such.

I liked Jackson. Who wouldn't like a tall, lean in musculature, extremely handsome, perpetually aroused, sexy cowboy? But a part of him is still bitter by what he conceives as the harsh treatment he received from the social climbing Sarah years ago. Her choice in husband more than proves that. Sarah's dead husband, Andrew Hollister was rich, good-looking, and it turns out, a scumbag. He often laid his hands on Sarah, and not in a good way. He kept a mistress, and when he was found dead, it was revealed he was deep in debt. The cars and fur coats were taken away and sold, and Sarah and her daughter Holly were left with next to nothing.

Sarah is a curious mix of victim and strength. While I admire her trying to start over by returning to her hometown, taking a job at a small town newspaper, she leans on Jackson for support quite a bit. Still the woman who needs a protector. But, Jackson IS hard to resist.
Andrew Hollister's business partner Kozak turns out to be a sleazy character, harassing Sarah for the whereabouts of a disc containing information Hollister was blackmailing him with. Also to add to Sarah's woes, the IRS and FBI are on her tail, regarding her husband.

I found this part of the book rather staid, even as Sarah's and Jackson's relationship heats up, my mind started to wander as Sarah's problems mounted. A detective from L.A. shows up in her home town in Wyoming, saying he believes Sarah killed Andrew Hollister herself, and he aims to prove it.
Jackson's friend Jimmy Threebears summed up Sarah nicely "A beautiful woman, but she's trouble. It seems to follow her around like a bad smell." I couldn't have said it better. Jackson, really deserves better here.
Just when you think Sarah's troubles maybe lessening, more guys show up in town. Her dead husband must have been a real piece of work. Jackson goes into protect mode, and Sarah while she accepts his help, tries to deny her feelings. Thanks to her husband, she may never be able to trust a man again.

I could not relate to Sarah at all. Not sure why, I can understand her being messed up after her terrible marriage, but she seemed to vacillate between that strength and victim persona constantly. I couldn't figure her out.
And I found the suspense mediocre. And repetitive, as more scumbag associates of Hollister surface. It all comes to a head when Holly is taken, and Sarah can only turn to one man, Jackson.
Jackson is the reason I kept reading. He really is one sexy hero. Utterly appealing. I just wish he had better circumstances to work with here. Jackson goes into 'old west justice' mode with his friend Jimmy and brothers Dev and Gabe backing him up.
The book concludes with the revelation of who really killed Hollister, and the loose ends tied up in a bow.
This was an okay read, satisfactory on the whole, but while the plot and characters soon faded from my memory, Jackson didn't. He is the reason I gave this book the mark I did. Jackson blew everything else out of the water. He can rescue me anytime.

Sorry, I had the wrong rating was on this book ( I did have 2.5)...should be

2.75 stars out of 4

BOOK REVIEW: Almost An Outlaw by Patricia Preston

2011-01-16T11:51:00.003-06:00

Carina Press ebook Historical

Jan 10 2011 by Patricia Preston

22,500 words

BLURB FOR EBOOK:

Rancher Austin Cade rides into Liberty looking for his old comrades, the James-Younger gang. He needs their help tracking down the horse thief who's stolen his prized mare. In town, the former gunfighter is reunited with Darcy, the first girl he ever kissed—and never forgot.

Young widow Darcy Branson owns a shop full of fashionable ladies' attire, but continues to wear mourning black so she won't forget her role in her husband's death. Austin stirs a passion inside her that has long been dormant, but can Darcy learn to believe in Austin—and love—enough to let go of her tragic past?

Time is rapidly running out... As a cousin to Jesse James, Darcy has attracted unwanted attention, thanks to her rumored association with the gang. Soon Austin and Darcy are faced with confronting not only their growing desire, but danger in the form of a deadly bounty hunter.

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This is an extremely entertaining slice of the old west, with some romance sprinkled in for good measure.

Austin Cade is a well to do rancher, hot on the trail of the man who stole his prize horse, he tracks him to Liberty, Missouri. An ex-guerrilla commander from the Civil War, Austin decides to look up his old comrades, The James and Younger boys.

He strides into a dress shop belonging to Darcy Branson, a young lady he long ago gave her first kiss to, and his. Darcy is now a widow, and just as surprised to find Austin standing before her, for she never forgot that kiss, either.

For a short story their is enough meaty plot to sustain a 300 page book, and this story doesn't suffer for it. The townspeople are all interesting, there is a subplot with a murdered prostitute that is riveting. The murderer is some cold blooded bible quoting nutbag. Also the hunt for Austin's prize quarter horse leads to a surprising conclusion.

But what is at the heart of this is the quiet, unassuming romance between Austin and Darcy. Austin, who has seen so much, experienced war and death, Darcy, who carries heart break and betrayal with her, can she ever love and trust again?

I felt like I were watching one of those really well made western movies, such was the descriptive writing and characterization. It played like a movie in my head. A true western feel, and a very good read.

3.5 stars out of 4 for the Ebook

KOVER KUDOS: exactly how Austin is described in the ebook.
2.5 out of 4 stars for the ebook cover

BOOK REVIEW: Prelude To A Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

2011-01-12T20:33:00.004-06:00

HQN Historical Jan 2011

384 pages by Delilah Marvelle

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Lady Justine is willing to trade her good name, her reputation and her place in London's gossip-hungry ton to secure her father's release from prison. But when the notorious Duke of Bradford counters her offer with a proposal of marriage, the stakes grow higher still. For while the smoldering lord is famous for his conquests, the man is oblivious to both her devotion and her charms. And Justine is soon afraid she has wagered all for naught….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sex addict?? In a historical? In the 1820's? I couldn't resist checking this book out, I have never read this author before.

Radcliffe is one of the most frustrating and fascinating heroes I have read in some time. Secluded away for months, due to a nasty scar down the side of his face, received in some scandalous situation, Radcliffe nonetheless receives letters from Lady Justine Fedora Palmer, she continues to write even though he never responds.
Out of the blue, he finally does respond, proposing marriage. He will assist in getting her father released from prison for his research and printings about animal and human sexuality. He will not see her until the day of the wedding.

Just how bad is this scar? Justine cannot stay away, and she find Radcliffe's problem is some perceived notion that he is some sex addict. I say perceived, because by the time I finished the book I wondered if he really did have this problem or was it part of all his other various hang-ups and issues. Radcliffe is messed up, no mistake. And not in a good way. He came across as petulant and spoiled a lot of the time. And yes, randy as all get out. There are a few disturbing revelations about Radcliffe that did not endear him to me.

Talk about a marriage getting off to a rocky start. The bulk of the book is these two people trying to find some kind of calm, common ground on which to build their marriage. Outside forces like Carlton, Radcliffe's scumbag brother and Carlton's pregnant mistress add to the whole distasteful aspect of the book.

But then, there were some poignant moments between Radcliffe and Justine. And times I did feel sorry for Radcliffe and his carriage load full of issues.
I felt the sex addict issue was not reasonably explained or really concluded satisfactorily. Maybe Radcliffe just likes sex. His addition seemed to come and go for no reason.

Justine deserves a medal for her patience and compassion. But, ultimately, it runs out, not that I blame her. She goes off to Africa with her parents, (with Radcliffe's blessing) and waits. She wants him to make the grand gesture of following her across half a continent and finally admit he loves her. Justine was likable enough as a heroine, a little prudish at times, but Radcliffe soon cured her of that.

This was a roller coaster of a read, some of the drama is way over the top, as is some of the emotions.
I wouldn't go as far to say I disliked Radcliffe, at times, I felt quite sorry for him. And, yes, he was a walking sex bomb. But outside of that, he was too messed up for me to fully embrace him as a great hero. Too bad.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, some funny moments, some poignant, and some that kind of made me go 'ick'. Quite a mixture, actually. A different subject for a historical, just not as fully explored as I would have liked.

2 3/4 out of 4 stars for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Love the peach type colors on the cover. And the models fit the descriptions of the main characters.

3 out of 4 stars for the cover

NOTE: I am reading and reviewing the next two books in this trilogy~

BOOK REVIEW: Jump Start By Lisa Renee Jones

2011-01-11T08:41:00.001-06:00

Harlequin Blaze January 2011

224 pages By Lisa Renee Jones

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Make-up sex or breakup sex? Maybe a little of both…

A battlefield moment of clarity leads Sergeant Bobby Evans back to the Texas town he fled long ago. His new mission—winning back the woman he wants, by any naughty means necessary.

Jennifer Jones spent seven years aching with the memory of Bobby’s blistering kisses—and his sudden, silent departure. Now he’s back, looking to pick up where they left off—naked and voracious. But Jen won’t get burned again, no matter how hot Bobby turned out. Two torrid weeks, then she’ll give him his marching orders…or not!

Texas Hotzone—Where the big boys play

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I do like Harlequin Blaze. What I like about this line, it is more or less wide open, the stories can be light, funny, a little silly, or be dark, with crime and suspense thrown in the mix. But the main thrust of the books (no pun intended) is hot, wild sex. And there is certainly lots of hot wild sex in this book. As the blurb so succinctly states, this couple cannot decide if they are having make-up or break up sex.

Bobby Evans is 6'3 inches of hot, sexy U.S. Grade Army Special Forces, a man who lives for danger. In the middle of a rescue of a fellow sky diver, he sees the love the man possesses for his fiance. A woman he is scared to death he will never see again. Her name is Jennifer, which tears the scab off Bobby's memories. He also was involved with a girl named Jennifer...once. Seven years ago.

But he walked away from her and what they had and joined the army, never looking back. He is going back to his home town for a wedding of mutual friends, can he and Jennifer get past the hurt, maybe start again?

Bobby for all his bravado and virile presence, seems to have some issues, daddy issues being the paramount reason for his walking away from Jennifer Jones. He's a whole lot of 'messed up' when he shows up at the local watering hole turning Jennifer's world into a tizzy.

Jennifer was hurt bad when Bobby walked away, but she picked herself up, got a veterinary degree and opened her own Animal clinic. She had moved on with her life, or so she thought until Bobby walked into the bar. He still affects her, and after the initial shock and anger wear off, Jennifer decides that a two week fling while Bobby is in town maybe just the ticket to forever banish him from her thoughts and her battered heart. For this time, it will be she who says good-bye.

I have to say, these two were quite self-absorbed. But both also were hurting here big time. Stir in an adventurous subplot at an airfield that has Jennifer and Bobby well involved, and the trials and tribulations of their mutual friends rocky road to that wedding, and you wonder if they will ever get their HEA.

It takes Bobby confronting his past, and the friend's wedding to get these two people to give their love a chance.

This certainly wasn't a dull read, it had its fair share of adventure and angst. But something about this couple left me cold. I wasn't emotionally invested. They seemed detached through the story, but as I think about it, it fits with their characters, and the wounds they have endured.

But I certainly was emotionally invested in the ending. I got to admit, I got caught up in the romantic crescendo. It was timeless and classic. A hot, sexy read wrapped in a vintage romance.

3 out of 4 stars for the book

BOOK WINNING AT BLOGS: The good, the bad, and the ugly~

2011-01-10T11:20:00.007-06:00

I have been blogging/visiting some romance blogs for well over a year now, and like a lot of people, I leave comments to enter a draw for a free book.

I have been lucky, I have won quite a few.
And I have received most of the books I have won.

But not all.

There are a few I won 2-3 months ago, that I still have not received. I figure, give the writer over a month to send it. I know how real life, deadlines, etc. can throw one for a loop. Sometimes, an email can slip through the cracks, be lost in that swirl of spam.

So I wait 5 weeks, and resent the email. One lady did answer, apologizing profusely, she had forgotten. I received an airmail envelope with not only one of her books, but two, and some nice little extras like bookmarks and post it notes. Will I be inclined to buy this author's books in future? You bet. Going that extra step means a lot.

The other two I had won? It has been over two months, and neither author have answered my emails. No communication at all. And yet, they are still blogging away. Still giving away books. I am too polite to 'out' them. But, they are both now on my 'do not buy' list. And I am not inclined to particpate in any blog they may do in future.

Isn't creating goodwill all part of the romance game? Not answering emails or sending free books you claim to be offering is so not cool.

I just won a book from an author. She not only announced it at the blog, but sent me an email to boot. The she sent me another one to say it had been shipped. How hard was that? I really appreciated it, and makes me more inclined to buy this author's books in future.

Getting books directly from the publisher? Not keen on it. The 4 times I have won and was told the books would be coming directly from the publisher, only received two. 50% average. Does not make me inclined to enter any giveaways in future that ship from the publisher. Not really. And you can't blame the blog hosts, they have no control over it.

Another time I won a book? It was 3 months, and still nothing. So I contacted the blog host. She sent me back an email saying the author was too busy meeting a deadline to be shipping a book.
Well pardon me! Why did you blog then, and offer a free book if you are so busy? I eventually got it, 5 months later.

I know what you are thinking. The books are free, what in heck are you complaining about?

Basically, I just believe, if you are going to visit blogs, offer books, you should follow through in a timely manner. At least acknowledge you got the email. Any email.

And guess what, my time is precious to me as well. I don't like having to send out emails asking where is the book, makes me feel greedy, grasping, like some Dickens character.

And I should also point out that I HAVE received the majority of books I have won, and quickly. But it is always a few bad apples that spoil the bushel.~

BOOK REVIEW: Wedding Of The Season by Laura Lee Guhrke

2011-01-04T13:48:00.001-06:00

Avon Romance 384 Pages

Dec 28 2010 By Laura Lee Guhrke

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Abandoned at the altar . . .

Lady Beatrix Danbury had always known she would marry William Mallory. She'd loved him forever and she'd never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together or his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter . . . and left two weeks before their wedding.

Return of the duke . . .

Will has no illusions that Beatrix would welcome him back with open arms, but six years did not dim his love or desire for her. The only problem is, she's about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable . . . the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was in a real conundrum over the characters in this novel.

The book begins around 1902, the hero, the Duke of Sunderland is returning to England after a six year absence. We learn the duke, William Mallory, has been in Egypt part of an archeological dig to find King Tut.
And six years ago, he left the heroine, Lady Beatrix Danbury at the altar as such. He chose Egypt and adventure over her. At least, that is how Beatrix sees it.
They meet on the road, Will on horseback, Beatrix in a Daimler Auto. The vehicle startles the horse, and Will is tossed on the ground.
Will sees their breakup in a different light. In his mind, Beatrix chose her father and comfort over him. Will is arrogant in their conversation, so much so, if it were me in the car, I would have backed up over his leg for good measure. Beatrix leaves him on the road with his injured leg, good for her.

Beatrix was devastated with Will's choice six years ago, she was an emotional mess for over five of those years. Now engaged to the Duke of Trathern, Will's return is messing up her plans, and her emotions.
I have to admit, Will was hard to like. Singular in his purpose, he has already blown through his inheritance on the excavations in Egypt. He comes across as a selfish, willful and thoughtless man. I didn't hold much hope for him. He is home to find a new sponsor, and more money. And to irritate Trix at every turn. Arguing is apparently something they have always done since they were children, part of the attraction I suppose. But I personally lose patience with constant sniping between the hero and heroine in any story, and I was starting to lose patience here.

The more I read, however, the more I got caught up in the dynamics of the couple. Will's needling and sarcasm is really to hide his broken heart. Trix also is hiding her hurt, while it is obvious they are still attracted to each other, something between them has been irrevocably smashed, trust. Trust is really at the heart of this story.

I found I got annoyed at both Beatrix and Will either separately or at the same time. Both are stubborn and determined to stand fast in their conviction that the other person, is wrong.
But, I kept reading. It is credit to Laura Lee Guhrke storytelling talent that I actually began to care what happened to this couple. And wonder, how they will ever bridge the yawning chasm in front of them?

Some genuine tender moments between the two, and a big romantic ending that is timeless in its execution. I also warmed up to Will, once he spoke to his heart. How could Beatrix resist? I couldn't. A wonderfully frustrating read, but the romance is heartfelt and real.

3 out of 4 Stars for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Seducing The Vampire By Michelle Hauf

2010-12-30T18:51:00.002-06:00

MY TOP READ FOR DECEMBER
(of the books I read for review)
Also posted at THE SEASON

HQN Paranormal Jan 1 2011

384 pages by Michelle Hauf

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

He was mesmerizing, a vampire like none other...but the fire between Viviane LaMourette and Rhys Hawkes would begin a centuries-long clash between two powerful vampire brothers.

In Marie Antoinette's Paris, the beautiful vampire Viviane seeks a male patron who will allow her to live on her own terms. Courted by two feuding brothers, Viviane succumbs to the handsome rebel, Rhys. She's unaware that Rhys has other, darker, motives. He seeks vengeance against his brother, Constantine—by stealing Viviane and tainting her with his blood.

But just as Rhys is realizing the depth of his love for Viviane, his brother takes his revenge.

Two centuries later, Rhys hears the urban legend of the Vampire Snow White, imprisoned deep in the tunnels under Paris. He must find her and set her free, but will he be able to save her from the evil still intent on destroying them?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michelle Hauf has crafted quite the paranormal world that stretches across her Harlequin Nocturne and HQN lines. But it is not a continuing saga, so the books stand on their own. It is a
fascinating mix of vampires, magic, werewolves with angels and demons thrown in. A real paranormal buffet.

Seducing The Vampire was a fantastic, riveting read. The book begins in 1785 Paris, Michelle immerses us into the decadent reality of the era. We first meet the heroine, Vivane La Mourette, a pure-blood vampiress, in the middle of a random wolf attack on her carriage. She is more than able to handle herself. She impressed me right out of the gate. Tough, cool, unflappable.
Until a few weeks later at a ball, she meets the hero, Rhys Hawkes. Not so unflappable after that meeting.

What can I say about Rhys? To die for. Totally. He strides into the ballroom, all virile masculinity, no powdered wigs or lace on this man. Vivane is immediately struck with him, and vice versa.
Vivane is in need of a new patron, a male vampire who acts as a food source, and protector, as hers has been brutally killed, along with his wife.
One man who is eager to have Vivane for his own is Constantine De Salignac. And he will stop at nothing to possess her. Constantine not only wants to be her new patron, but also make her his wife. Constantine longs for children to carry on his line. Love does not really factor into his decision.

Neither Constantine nor Vivane counted on Rhys Hawkes. A curious mix of a man, half werewolf and half vampire, not really accepted by either faction. And it turns out, Constantine's half brother. Rhys is affected by Vivane, he wants her. And though she fights it, Vivane wants Rhys.

The story deftly moves back and forth between 1785 and the present. We see Rhys in the present, world weary and alone. What happened to Vivane?
In a bar one night, he hears an urban legend, of a female vampire in a glass coffin deep in the catacombs of Paris. A vampire Snow White. Could this be his lost love of over two hundred years? He is desperate to find out.

Rhys is a romantic at heart, reading poetry to Vivane, but when the full moon strikes, fighting his inner beast. The constant inner conflict he suffers with his vampire and werewolf blood makes for a great tortured soul. He is honorable, loyal and sexy as hell.

Vivane is of the vampire aristocracy, one does not dally with a half-breed. But as the handsome and dangerous Pureblood Constantine may be the better choice for a patron, Vivane cannot stay away from Rhys.
Utterly tragic love story, wrapped in paranormal fairy tale myth with a sprinkle of adventure and suspense. This book had it all as far as I was concerned. I was following Rhys and Vivane's tragic romance through 1785 Paris with bated breath.

And also I was right there with Rhys as he searches the labyrinth of tunnels in present day Paris for the slim hope Vivane survived a tragic event from 1785. Could she be this mythical Vampiric Snow White?

Both hero and heroine were well developed, fascinating and made a great paranormal, romantic couple.
There are a lot of twists and turns to make their ride toward a happy ending bumpy to the extreme. But it is an exciting read.
And they do not emerge from this without scars, of which I will give nothing away. I won't even say who the next book is about as that also may give too much away.

A rich, fully realized paranormal with all the tragic elements of a classic romance, you will not be disappointed.

3 and 3/4 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: Impoverished Miss, Convenient Bride By Michelle Styles

2010-12-26T18:28:00.003-06:00

Harlequin Historical Jan 2011

By Michelle Styles 282 pages

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

His unexpected bride… Wealthy landowner Simon Clare shuns Northumbrian society. With his son gravely ill, the last thing Simon needs is an interfering woman assuming command of his household and nursing young Robert – no matter how sensuous her figure, or how tempting her luscious lips.

Phoebe Benedict knows what it is to struggle, and finds herself drawn to the badly scarred recluse. Despite his tough exterior, she knows that Simon is a father who yearns for his son to recover – and a man who misses the tender embrace of a woman…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book by Michelle Styles is a sequel to last month's A Question Of Impropriety, this book focuses on Simon Clare, brother of the heroine Diana Clare of Impropriety.

Simon, thanks to an accident in the previous book, is now scarred and wearing an eye patch, and leaning heavily on a cane. A snappish, reclusive widower, Simon finds it hard to cope with a gravely ill 10 year old son, especially now his sister is married and moved away.

I was rubbing my hands together in anticipation, a 'beauty and the beast' scenario, I love those. And Michelle Styles did not disappoint.

Since Diana cannot fulfill Simon's demand for help, she sends along her husband Brett's cousin, Phoebe Benedict. She is indeed, an 'Impoverished Miss'. Phoebe finds the household is floundering, along with Simon and his son Robert. Phoebe immediately takes charge of nursing Robert, and shows no compunction to standing up to the gruff, standoffish Simon. I liked Phoebe right away, she hasn't had it easy since her father died, responsible for her step-brothers, dealing with dwindling funds and possible ruin. Phoebe takes this position in the Clare home to ensure Brett's assistance in getting one of her step-brothers a good commission in the army. Self-sacrificing, generous and willing to go toe-to-toe with Simon, Phoebe made a great heroine. An angel of mercy with a spine of steel.

Simon has not had it easy as well. A man of secrets and doubts, a man obsessed with machinery, (which caused his accident) forgetting perhaps how to deal with people. And women, specifically.
For all his infirmities, Simon just oozes virile masculinity, and affects Phoebe right away.
Any scenario where a woman comes into a man's home as a governess or nurse, begs comparison to the classic Jane Eyre, and there are a few elements of that here.

While Simon does not have an insane wife in the attic, there are questions surrounding his first marriage. His reluctance to speak of her, or let her name be mentioned around Robert piques Phoebe's curiosity. Phoebe of course, assumes it is because Simon still loves the woman, and cannot bear to speak of her because of his heartbreak. Not so.
During one of these toe-to-toe encounters, Simon can not longer fight the attraction he feels toward the voluptuous, outspoken Phoebe, he grabs her and kisses her quite thoroughly.

Now he has done it. Since he is at his core, a gentleman, Simon makes Phoebe an offer to make her a 'convenient wife.' She has already proven she can run his home, deal with his unruly son.
And the physical attraction, is just icing on the cake.

Simon is a great, tortured hero. His past heartbreak and disappointment, and his accident all add to the 'beast' aspect of the story and his character. And the fact that underneath all those tortured, fascinating layers is a stunning, passionate man rounds him out nicely.

After the quickie marriage, Simon is quite attentive in bed, but remote and distant otherwise. He still spends most of his time with engines.

As a ball approaches, Phoebe is near giddy at the prospect of having Simon to herself for a few hours. But fate intervenes and there is a serious accident at Simon's colliery, and Simon must be part of the dangerous rescue.
An exciting ending concludes the book, with Diana and Brett from 'Impropriety' making an appearance.
A richly satisfactory happily ever after for this 'beauty and the beast' couple. Deeply felt, romantic read, I heartily recommend both "Impoverished Miss' and "Impropriety."

3 and 3/4 stars out of 4 for the book

BOOK REVIEW: The Admiral's Penniless Bride By Carla Kelly

2010-12-21T11:20:00.000-06:00

Harlequin Historical Jan 1 2011

288 pages by Carla Kelly

BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

Sally Paul is down to her last penny. As she spends it on a cup of tea—to stave off being at the mercy of the workhouse—the last thing she expects is an offer of marriage…from a complete stranger!

Admiral Sir Charles Bright's seafaring days are over—and according to society, that must mean he's in need of a wife! Discovering Sally's in need of a home, he offers a solution…. They marry in haste—but will they enjoy their wedding night at leisure?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I adore the couple of books I have read of Carla Kelly's. This book ranks right up there as one of her best. Carla's specialty is the Napoleonic era, and be it solider or sailor, her heroes are amazing.
Admiral Sir Charles Bright is no exception. A mature man of 45 and recently retired from his Majesty's Navy, he sits in a tea shop waiting for his bride of convenience, a captain's spinster sister. A few hours creep by, and Charles waxes philosophical about his carriage and countenance. He is a pleasant enough looking chap, with broad shoulders, no girth to speak of. A little gray at his temples, but he still had a full head of hair! Why didn't the woman show up? Maybe it is the fact he has a hook for a hand. And he went to all the trouble of putting the silver hook on!
I loved Charles right away after reading that. Fantastic. While he muses silently, he notices a woman sitting across the way, lingering over a cup of tea. She looks stricken, and Charles cannot help himself, he must assist her.

Enter the penniless bride. Sally Paul is a widow, no spring chicken herself at 32. Charles soon surmises she is in dire straits, and since he has been stood up by his bride, he proposes Sally step into the breech as it were.
Sally has no money, no family, appalled at first by the bold proposal, she looks at the Admiral. It is either him...or the workhouse.
She chooses the Admiral.

The rest of the book is engaging, as we watch as this lonely pair find themselves falling in love, though neither realize it at first. After all, this is to be a marriage of convenience.
Charles is at times, thoughtful, pensive and he can put his "Admiral Face" on, chilling one's very soul with his haughty look. He can also be humorous, tender and thoughtful. He brings his new wife a cup of tea every morning, staying to chat with her as she sips at her beverage.

He is also compassionate, when visiting his new neighbors with Sally, he meets the father of a young man who served as a Lieutenant under him some years before. Charles is stoic with the father, recalling the young man's tragic death, but as soon as he steps outside, Charles falls to pieces. It was very moving, so is Sally's gentle comfort toward Charles in his anguish.

Sally was also engaging, a tragic past, and some secrets she keeps well hidden, from even Charles. And when they finally succumb to their feelings, Charles also proves he is quite passionate, and Sally is more than a match for him.
However, this new found happiness is short lived, as Sally's secrets come to light. I thought Charles overreacted myself, but, it was in keeping with his character, I suppose.

It is not easy for this mature couple to reach their happy ending, an ending I found rather abrupt. Regardless, I was thoroughly caught up in this middle-age love story. Both hero and heroine are enchanting, their personalities appealing, their love story, heart warming and ultimately, sweet.

3 1/2 stars out of four for the book

KOVER KUDOS: Very nice, colors, poses, the whole bit. Would have prefered to see the male model's face, though.

2 3/4 stars out of four for the cover

BOOK REVIEW: Falke's Peak by Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton

2010-12-18T18:42:00.001-06:00

Ebook Carina Press

Contemporary/Paranormal/Erotica 149 pages

by Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton

BLURB FOR EBOOK:

She couldn't believe her eyes.

Stressed out ad-exec Dakota wandered into Catamount Outfitters in search of a guide for a wilderness excursion. She didn't expect to be greeted by not one, but five of the most ruggedly delicious-looking men she'd ever seen. Not to mention a live cougar guarding the shop.

The Falke brothers have more than just good looks in their genes.

Eldest brother Axel agrees to guide Dakota on her mountain trek. In cougar form, Axel's twin, Gunnar, was there as a protection from predators—but he had his eye on the sexy client instead.

Into the wild...

While the rule with clients was "paws-off," both Axel and Gunnar couldn't resist Dakota's seductive Native American beauty and determination. As cold days led to hot nights in the cabin, Axel and Gunnar wondered if they'd finally found a woman strong enough to tame them...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This erotica ebook is every woman's deepest, menage a trois fantasy come to life, with a little paranormal thrown in to spice up the mixture.

Dakota Tokala is a third wheel on what was supposed to be a girl's adventure vacation. When one of her friends bails, and the other one brings her current boyfriend, Dakota decides to go off on her own on a little side trip while in the mountains of Washington State.

She walks into Catamount Outfitters and is near stunned speechless when she sees 5 men, brothers all, that are tall, golden Gods. And...yeah, there is a big cougar in the shop, as tame as a house cat.
Oldest brother Axel steps forward and offers his services as a guide. And he is bringing the kitty.
While Axel tries to fight his attraction to his beautiful client, so is the puma. Yep, the puma is his brother Gunnar, a cat shape-shifter like himself and the rest of his family.
Both men-cats want Dakota. But they have to be careful, they cannot give away their family's shifter secret. Axel is getting too close for comfort so he and Gunnar switch places. Not wise, as Dakota comes on to Gunnar, thinking he is Axel, well, you know what happens.

Besides clawing each others eyes out, the boys have a plan. Make her their mate. Apparently in this tight, secret, clannish cat world, a mate must receive the seed of both shifters to procreate. So you can see where this is going. Dare they tell her their secret, and risk their hearts in the balance?

What could have easily slipped into a threesome sleaze fest, actually is quite romantic. But also, this is one sizzling read. I mean, scorching. Yow. Ultimately, both brothers are sweet, caring, tender and loving. Giving in to Dakota's every whim. What woman wouldn't melt?
But, back to the real world and away from the private cocoon of the mountain cabin, can Dakota leave these two stunning men behind and return to her life in Vegas?

Let's face it, this is a paranornal/shape shifter fantasy all the way. I liked the erotica mix, but also the old fashioned romance thrown in for good measure. Axel and Gunnar are amazing on all levels. Hope to read more of the other Falke brothers soon!

3 and 1/2 stars out of 4 for the ebook

KOVER KUDOS: Oh yeah, hunky look-alike brothers, mountain lion, with Dakota in the middle. Luck Lady.

3 out of 4 stars for the ebook cover