Marrying McCabe by Fiona Brand

Rating: 4

Not as good as her first 4 books, this was good, but when I turned the last page I realized that McCabe never told Roma that he loved her! Um, ok. And her name, Roma, drove me a little crazy. Is she a tomato...? Anyway, other than those two minor things this was a decent read.

Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Rating: 4

Synopsis: 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 . . .

Kara MacAllister's quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one—the key to his survival.

Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She's immortal, and the only one who can save his race. And deep within her, he arouses a fierce, primal hunger beyond anything she's ever imagined.

But only when their lives are threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a love they would risk their immortal souls to claim . . . and a powerful desire that could never, ever be tamed.

Review: Pretty good. Nothing I would get wowed over, but a decent read! Steamy, interesting, but check your brain at the door, because some of the stuff in here is slightly over the top. I enjoyed it!

Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

synopsis:

Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power—now he needed a wife to help secure his position in society...and warm his bed in private. But not just any woman will do for a man whom all of London knows is not a gentleman. Then he unexpectedly swept Lady Holly Taylor into his arms for an unasked for—but very alluring—kiss, and suddenly he knew he had found a woman whose fierce passions matched his own.

Lady Holly Taylor was beautiful, generous, and, as a widow, destined to spend her life playing by society's rules, even when they went against her bolder instincts. But Zachary's kiss had aroused her, and though the shocking offer he made didn't include marriage, she was compelled to risk everything and follow him to the place where dreams begin.

Review: HERE!! Here is my rough, brutish, ill-mannered Tarzan hero (see previous review)!!! How I loved him. Adored. It's books like this that set my standards so high. Why can't all heroes be like this one??? I found Zachary Bronson absolutely wonderful -- he's rough, he's ill-mannered, he's totally and un-apologetically wicked. I found him utterly delightful and charming. Call me crazy. Allow me to gush further: I was literally captivated by this story from the first and it wove me into it's delightful spell until I turned the last page. When Zachary kissed her and she started crying.... sigh. I cried for Holly and all that she had to go through to find happiness again. I loved the way he loved her. It was perfect. And her daughter and her button string! So sweet and adorable. I have to say it: Zachary Bronson in all his brutish, arrogant glory just marched up to Nick Gentry and booted him off of my most favorite Kleypas hero of all time throne. Best book I read all year, hands down.

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Rating: 3 1/2

Synopsis: Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

Review: I adored the first four Bridgerton books, to varying degrees, but this one really flopped for me. I think perhaps Julia Quinn's idea of "rough brute" and mine differ greatly. I adored the idea of a rough ill-mannered hero! What fun! Would he have any manners at all? Would he be like Tarzan?? Imagine my disappointment when a mild botanist who is a bit afraid of his children emerges from the pages of this book. I'm afraid it just never made me sit up and take notice. The romance was a bit tepid, to be sure. I somewhat enjoyed Eloise's interaction with the wild children (much more Tarzan like actually than their father), but overall I had hoped for much more....

To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

Rating: 4 1/2

Synopsis:
Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.

Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle ... and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away.

Beneath Helen's beautiful façade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find-a happy ever after.

Review: A few years ago I probably would have avoided this book based on Helen's past as a Duke's mistress, but I would have missed a treasure if I had. I do love a good fairytale retold, and this book very much fits the bill. I found Helen very genuine and real, and her 'beast' Alistair was truly wonderful. I also appreciated the 'break' from heroes in this series who are so obsessed with finding the Spinner Falls traitor. Alistair wants to know as well, but he is not consumed with the puzzle as the previous 3 heroes in this series have been, which got a bit old. I am super excited to read about the long-lost-thought-dead Reynard in the last book!!

The Heart Breaker by Nicole Jordan

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis:

Burdened by Family debts, Heather Ashford has no choice but to exchange her dreams of romance and accept the proposal of ruggedly handsome cattle baron Sloan McCord. However the widowed rancher is more than she bargains for. Tormented by a deep sorrow, Sloan keeps his heart well guarded, even as he sets her body on fire night after night. But each time Heather gazes into his ice blue eyes, she realizes she wants more from this man than his passion—she wants his love.

But Sloan McCord has vowed never to love again. Although his infant daughter needs a mother, he doesn't want—or need—a wife. He is surprised that Heather, an elegant citybred lady, turns his remote Colorado ranch house into a home, and tenderly cares for his child. She is beginning to haunt his thoughts by day and steal his breath by night—and this he cannot have if he is to keep a safe distance. Does his fierce bride of convenience have the strength to heal his broken heart—before he breaks hers?

Review: First, I have to say I am a sucker for cheesy covers. They amuse me. But inside the cheesy covers of this book I found a delightful and emotional story as well! I thought Heather was a fantastic female lead, and well suited for the very yummy Sloan. I loved reading their story and it had one of my guilty pleasure elements -- Sloan is a total jerk at one point and Heather makes him work to win her back. I hate when the heroine falls back into the hero's arms with very little effort on the hero's part. Over all I found this story very satisfying and lovely.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

4 1/2 ♥

synopsis:
"Everyone says Lord Ian Mackenzie is crazy—and possibly a murderer—but a young widow longing for passion is determined to bare the truth about the dashing and darkly charming Scotsman."

Review:
I was extremely intrigued by the talk this book was stirring up amongst romance readers, so despite having some-what given up on this author, I snagged a copy from the library, and am I ever so glad that I did! Hello! Ms. Ashley is back on my radar! The hero in this story is mildly autistic, though clearly high functioning. He was delightful and charming and I thought Beth was completely perfect for him. I thought the author handled his condition sensitively and created a very endearing hero. All of the characters really jumped off the page and I am SO excited to read about Ian's brothers.

The Pride of the Lions by Marsha Canham

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Synopsis:
They were torn between pride and passion. . .

It was a boastful wager, a bold flirtation meant to win a proposal from the most eligible officer in His Majesty's Royal Dragoons. How was the spoiled and pampered Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke to know the handsome stranger with the brooding midnight eyes would see through her plot and make her the pawn in a dangerous game of his own?

United by a reckless game of chance. . .

Alexander Cameron may have won the highborn English beauty in a duel, but not even the lure of long-forgotten desires could keep him from his meeting with destiny. He had no choice but to carry his reluctant bride off to the Highlands, to a world of ancient blood feuds and a brewing rebellion--a world where fiery passion and breathtaking courage would prove that even legendary warriors could lose their hearts.

Review: A very sweeping and epic type of story, I enjoyed it very much! This book leaves us on a cliff -- Catherine and Alex don't get their happily-ever-after in this book, I will have to read the next one for that. Highly entertaining.

To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt

Rating: 5 ♥
Synopsis:
Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, has a problem: he needs to marry and produce an heir to the title. All Jasper wants is to find a lady who will put up with him long enough to wed so he can retreat to his life of debauchery--a life that keeps the haunting memories of his past at bay. Knowing that Jasper is under pressure to marry, Melisande Flemming grasps her fate with both hands and volunteers to wed him. Although Jasper is initially only interested in producing an heir, he soon becomes entranced by his wife--prim and proper by day, wanton by night-- and vows to learn her secrets.

Melissande, however, is determined to keep her husband at a distance. She has loved, and lost, before, and will do anything to keep him from learning her terrible weakness: she's secretly been in love with him for years. But to her chagrin, her husband pursues her, wooing her as if she were a paramour, not his lady wife. As Melissande and Jasper embark on a passionate game of cat and mouse, secrets from the past begin to resurface.... threatening to tear them asunder.

Review: I sort of put off reading this book because I wasn't so sure I was going to like Melisande as a heroine, having met her in To Taste Temptation. I mean, a heroine who only wears brown?? Who ever heard of such a thing! But this was one of those books I seriously misjudged. It was actually fantastic. Even after finishing it I was still thinking about it and awed by it. I admit I was hoping that Vale would get her out of those brown dresses already and everyone one would discover that she is actually beautiful and not plain at all.... but it didn't go that way at all, and I admire the author for not only NOT changing Melisande, but also not changing Vale. Despite all of their ups and downs in this book, one thing made abundantly clear was that Melisande and Vale accepted one another as they were, and never tried to change the other person. It was refreshing. I was very much reminded why I am such a huge fan of Elizabeth Hoyt -- she is an amazing writer.

The Dream Thief by Shana Abe

Rating: 4 ♥

B&N synopsis: In the remote hills of northern England lives a powerful clan with a centuries-old secret. They are the drákon, shape-shifters who possess the ability to Turn—changing from human to smoke to dragon. And from the very stones of the earth, they hear hypnotic songs of beauty and wonder. But there is one stone they fear....

Buried deep within the bowels of the Carpathian Mountains lies the legendary dreaming diamond known as Draumr, the only gem with the power to enslave the drákon. Since childhood, Lady Amalia Langford, daughter of the clan’s Alpha, has heard its haunting ballad but kept it secret, along with another rare Gift....

Lia can hear the future, much in the way she hears the call of Draumr. And in that future, she realizes that the diamond—along with the fate of the drákon—rests in the hands of a human man, one who straddles two worlds.

Review: The second book in the Drakon series.... as with the first book, I enjoyed it, but it took a bit for me to get into it. I was actually kind of bored until about half way through, when the book suddenly grabbed me. It's the craziest thing -- with Shana Abe's book I sometimes feel like I'm more hypnotized by the story than anything else. I'm not a huge shape-shifter fan, but it works in Abe's writing style. Her fairy tale way of writing tricks you into enjoying story lines you wouldn't think you would. It was certainly left with some loose ends though, which I did not like. I know she plans on addressing them in the next book, but I really wanted them addressed right away. The "tribe" Lia is a part of makes me crazy. I feel like a rebellious teenager when I read about them. I hope they get their due one of these books.....

Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis: When a young woman disappears, journalist Sophie Alton investigates and is led to the woman's brother, a convicted killer who is running from the law. Together, they follow a dangerous path toward the truth-and unforgettable passion.

Review: Utterly fantastic. I have yet to read a book by Pamela that I have not enjoyed. This book was very fast paced and sexy with lots of fascinating twists and turns. I wondered how the two of them could possibly find a happy ending, but it all worked out wonderfully, of course. And I LOVED the cameo of Leiha, the asian queen! Haha!! If you don't know who she is, it would take too long to explain, but the short version is that she is someone I know. This book is a keeper!!

Covet by J.R. Ward

I waited months for this book. I put it on my wish list at the library, on paperback swap, and waited with bated breath for my name to come up.... finally, the library sent me a notice -- it was on hold for me!! Yippy! Then I started it.

I'm afraid I only got about 130-ish pages in. Fallen Angel? He's just a guy who stepped in a puddle that had live electricity laying on it. Heaven? Sure, if you think of heaven as a couple of English chaps playing croquet next to a castle as heaven.... His sign to direct him to the person he is supposed to help? A neon arrow on the screen of a mounted TV pointing down to his boss who stands beneath it. The heroine? Oh, she's a 'lady of the night' in a seedy goth club. Sigh. I can't fairly give this book any kind of number of hearts since I couldn't bring myself to finish it, but suffice to say, I will be passing on this series.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Rating: 5 ♥
Synopsis: Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trop aboard he discovers notyhing in his life is quite the same—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat—or his promise of a happy ending?

Review: I have been looking forward to Penelope's story -- if anyone deserved a happy ending it's her. She's been largely over looked and unnoticed in all of the previous books, and you really feel for her and want someone to see her and love her. This was a very satisfying story. And bonus -- we find out the identity of Lady Whistledown!!!! It was who I suspected, though Julia Quinn did a good job of making me question my guess before the Great Reveal. Just a lovely story worthy of the Bridgerton series.

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis: Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Review: Wow!!!!! I simply adored this book!!! I enjoyed how it started out with the Cinderella-like story line, but then about a hundred pages in it veered off in a new direction. I found the whole book honestly delightful. I was either giggling or getting teary through most of the book. It seems like with each Bridgerton book I become more and more enamored with this family. I confess I am a sucker for anything with a fairy tale twist, but not all authors pull it off -- this was just utter perfection.

One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis:
It's tough to play it cool on a sultry summer night . . .

The perfect daughter. The perfect prom queen. The perfect wife. Jenny Tolliver's been the good girl all her life, and it's gotten her nowhere. Now that her marriage has been busted up by her cheating ex, she's decided it's time to regroup and rediscover herself. This summer she's headed back to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio, to the very lakeshore cottage where she grew up, to figure out what life holds in store for her next.

She never dreamed the answer would be Mick Brody, Destiny's #1 hellraiser. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or in his case, the lake), and he's landed in hot water more times than he can count. He's exactly the kind of guy Jenny's always kept her distance from . . . but soon the good girl and the bad boy are caught in a raw heat that's out of control. Too bad Mick's got a secret that threatens to tear them apart and ruin Jenny's perfectly, passionately reckless summer . . .

Review: I do love a bad boy.... in my books that is. And I love finding new-to-me authors!! This book was just great. Easy to sit and read for hours on end, humorous, emotional, and very sexy!!! Loved it. Can't wait to read more from this author!

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Rating: 4 ♥

Synopsis: In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy of vampire slaying, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

Review: How fascinating!! Buffy the Vampire slayer meets Regency England. In a way it also reminded me of KMM's Fever series, the way it leaves you wondering who the hero will wind up being when the series concludes. This book was refreshingly original -- at least it's not quite like anything I have read to date. I liked Victoria -- I felt for her and the choices she had to make, and the consequences for some of her choices were harsh in this book. I liked how it wasn't terribly heavy, but nor was it too light and silly like some paranormal authors tend toward. I will definitely be reading more of this series....

Heart of Gold by Jessica Bird

Rating: 3 ♥

She has a chance to find something more precious than gold, if she’s brave enough to trust her heart. . . .

Synopsis: Her intense passion for unlocking the secrets of the past is what made Carter Wessex an archeologist. Now she’s been given a chance to dig on Farrell Mountain where a doomed party of minutemen lost their lives—as well as the gold they were carrying during the Revolutionary War. Carter refuses to let the mountain’s owner, Nick Farrell, rattle her, even though she’s all too aware of his sexy yet sardonic presence. Her work on the mountain could be the most significant find of her career . . . if she can pull herself away from the smoldering attraction that is undeniably growing between them.

Beneath the steely façade Nick Farrell wears like a well-cut suit, he is a man of hidden tenderness. From his first meeting with Carter, there’s an immediate flare—hotter than he has ever experienced before. But no one is more surprised than Nick when his desire for her deepens into something enduring. Now Nick must find a way to convince Carter that the real treasure to be found on Farrell Mountain is a true and lasting love. . . .

Review: I really had to push through this one -- not very interesting at all. How disappointing! This author is otherwise known as J.R. Ward, and I love the books she publishes under that name, but it was almost like a whole different author with this one! I have seen rave reviews for this book, which perplexes me... I guess I will stick with her paranormals.

My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway

Rating: 5 ♥ ♥

Dear Mr. Thorne,

I give you fair warning. I intend to do whatever I must to abide by your late uncle's will and win Mill House. Though I know he never expected me to succeed, and for whatever reasons is using me to shame you, I accept his challenge. For the next five years, I will profitably manage this estate. I will deliver to you an allowance and I will prove that women are just as capable as men. And at the end, I shall accept Mill House as my reward.

Sincerely,
Lillian Bede

My Dear Miss Bede,

Forgive me if I fail to shudder. Pray, do whatever you bloody well want, can, or must. I shall look forward to making your acquaintance in my lawyer's office five years hence, when I take possession of Mill House.

Avery Thorne

Review: What a wonderful book!! This took me by surprise -- I didn't know how I would like a beta hero, but frankly, I adored him. It was a refreshing change from conniving, harsh, rake types I normally read about. Surprisingly, despite the fact that there are NO villains or bad people in the entire book, it still managed to stay interesting and fresh. I thought every interaction between Avery and Lily was sweet and endearing and very romantic. This is very much a romantics book. I would have liked more letter interaction I think -- that is my only complaint. Or rather, I would have liked to have seen more of the letters. This is one of those books that made me feel a broad range of emotion. I was laughing, I was crying.... I totally cried when I read the letter Avery wrote after his friend died. I just cannot say enough good stuff about this book, I highly recommend it.

Simon Says by Lori Foster

Rating: 4

Review: This is book two in Lori's SBC fighter series, and it grabbed me right away. Simon has just discovered that his girlfriend is cheating on him and decides to go back to fighting for a change of pace. While training for his first big fight, in walks Dakota Dream, sent on a mission to find her step-father's biological son and bring him to meet him.

I liked this book a lot. Wouldn't say I loved it, but it kept me interested. Looking forward to Hard to Handle!!

Innocent Fire by Brenda Joyce

Rating: 2

Synopsis: Leaving behind the sheltered life of a French convent, Miranda journeyed to the New World and an arranged marriage to a prosperous Texas rancher. Arriving in America, the innocent European met her fiance's friend Derek Bragg, a rough-hewn Texas Ranger, whose harsh manner and candid comments about her beauty enraged the shy miss.

Although bragg fought to deny his feelings for his charge, he knew that he was falling in love with her. Miranda, too, was struggling with her desire for her escort as they trekked across the treacherous wilderness. Drawn to the lawman -- enflamed by his raw masculine virility -- will Miranda sacrifice her innocence to the fire blazing out of control in her heart?

Review: AHHHGGGHH. This sums up my feelings about this book in one 'word'.

Not a terrible book, but the heroine was such a NINNY I felt like I was rolling my eyes constantly. Also, (slight spoiler) when she was kidnapped for a THIRD time I was a little appalled at the author. Really? She needs to be kidnapped 3 times? I certainly did not feel in any way connected to the characters, so when Very Bad Things happened to her I didn't really care.... I didn't! It's terrible to admit, I know! Maybe, just maybe, if every other sentence out of her mouth didn't sound like a variation of "Eeek! This is not proper! Ladies do not do this! Icky!" Ok, I exaggerated SLIGHTLY, but the idea is the same. I think she is, seriously, the most NON-sexual heroine I have ever read about. Stick that poor girl in a nunnery!! The hero should have dumped her.

I normally love this author to pieces, so I hope the rest of the Bragg series is better.

Married to the Boss by Lori Foster

Rating: 4

Synopsis:

If he wanted a marriage of convenience, it would be at her convenience!

R. J. Maitland, President of Maitland Maternity, was forced to do some major damage control. The media circus surrounding allegations that he had fathered an abandoned child had left his reputation in tatters and the clinic in jeopardy.

Dana Dillinger had been R.J.’s right hand for years — loyal, dependable...and hopelessly, secretly in love with him. When he suggested that marriage was the best way to salvage the situation and prove he wasn’t the playboy the press had labeled him, Dana accepted his "proposal." With one exception...

R.J. wanted a marriage in name only — no sex, just marriage. Dana wanted all the marital rights of a bride — including and especially sex — or the deal was off. Between a rock and a hard place, R.J. agreed, not knowing what he’d just gotten himself into!

Review: I thought this book was adorably sweet. I actually would have enjoyed more meat on the bones of the story -- Dana's background and such. It was a pretty light read, though it has a mild emotional punch or two. I have never been crazy about the whole series by different authors idea -- there are more books about the other characters by other authors, and frankly, I would not run out and buy the other ones, though I am curious about how the loose end pans out in a later book. Oh well....

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Rating: 4

Synopsis: Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion–one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart and claim her for his own?

Review: I actually really really enjoyed this book. I thought Lucy seemed a bit young and immature at first (one of my big pet peeves), but she seemed to grow more mature as the story went on. There was lots of humor and fun in this book. I thought the chemistry between Lucy and Jeremy was fantastic -- I adored the wardrobe scene!! While their premarital chemistry was smoking hot, after they got married it kind of fizzled. I actually started to think that they weren't the most well matched couple ever, and it never quite recovered for me.... It all ended well and happy, of course, but I just couldn't give it a higher rating for that slight nosedive. Over all I am looking forward to getting the next book in the series and finding out what happens to her friend.

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis: He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister's murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac's every thought-and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.
As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V"lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister's diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac's greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...
It's an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth-about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons...and about the world she thought she knew.

Review: As usual, I now have more questions than answers!!! I am so ready for book 5 to get some of those answers!! I was so completely engrossed in this book I barely came up for air. Once I read the last line I wanted to scream.... WHO IS IT???? I think this cliff-hanger is even worse than the last one!! While I adore this series, I do hope KMM gives us some books more like what she used to write after this series is over.... Oh, and if Jericho isn't the hero at the end of this series I will probably scream. Seriously.

The Warrior by Nicole Jordan

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis: For five turbulent years, Ariane has dutifully prepared herself for marriage to King Henry's most trusted vassal, the legendary Norman knight Ranulf de Vernay. But cruel circumstance has branded Ariane's father a traitor to the Crown. And now Ranulf is returning to Claredon, not as a bridegroom... but as a conqueror.

Survivor of a hellish youth, Ranulf knows well the treacheries of noblewomen -- and mistrusts the regal, defiant beauty to whom he was once betrothed. But while he shields his wounded heart with impenetrable armor, she sears his soul with sensuous fire. Ranulf may have vowed to claim her lands and her body as his prize, but ultimately it is the mighty warrior who must surrender to Ariane's proud, determined passion -- and her remarkable healing love.

Review: This was a fabulously sexy medieval read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and savored it. My only complaint was that the hero wasn't made to suffer much at all for his deplorable treatment of the heroine. Over all I found this a great book and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author! My cover is far better than this one, but I couldn't find a copy for this review....

Caught in the Act by Lori Foster

Rating: 4 ♥

B&N synopsis:
When a robbery goes bad, undercover cop Mick Dawson can't believe Delilah Piper (aka mystery writer Lela DeBraye) was just in the wrong place at the wrong time-- and neither do the perps. The only way to protect her while he investigates what really happened is to stick with her 24/7-- and try not to fall for the object of his investigation!

Review: It wasn't until after I picked this up that I realized it's about the same Mick who appears in Fallen Angels, to my delight!! I really loved this book -- it was funny, emotional, and totally sexy. I saw some reviewers didn't like the "big misunderstanding" (which is really not all that big, in my humble opinion), but frankly I don't mind some misunderstandings in my stories. I think it adds an emotional element that is hard to achieve any other way. Just my 2 cents. Anyway, I am so looking forward to reading the next 2 connected books, Mr. November and Treat Her Right.

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 ♥

MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL

His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

MEET THE HEIRESS

She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.

WATCH THE SPARKS FLY....

Review: I wasn't crazy about the first book in this series (Sugar Daddy), but this book was a whole different story-- I loved it! It was emotional and, at times, hard to read, but it was so immensely satisfying and sweet. I liked Hardy in the last book, but this one made me love him. I'm very glad that I gave this book a chance.

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 1/2

synopsis: She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible...but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.

Jack Delvin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently-bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected...but both soon craved.

Review: I enjoyed this quite a lot. A little different from the norm, sexy, funny, basically classic Kleypas. The sex scenes were a little hotter than she normally does, and just a teeny tiny bit kinky. Nothing to faint over, but surprising for her nonetheless. I found it quite engrossing and a lovely cabin vacation read.

Impetuous by Lori Foster

Rating: 5 ♥

The normally frumpy teacher Carlie shows up at her best friend's costume party masked and dressed to kill as a harem girl -- she has no idea that she will attract the notice of her friend's brother-in-law, sexy ladies man Tyler. After an unexpectedly sexy encounter, Carlie sneaks out on Tyler.... but Tyler won't give up on finding his mysterious harem girl. Now he has suddenly noticed Carlie as a woman (who is not a frump at all) though, and he is getting to know the caring wonderful woman that she is inside and he finds himself torn between the two, never guessing that they are one and the same.....

This is a reissue of Lori Foster's very first published book, so I went into this one without high expectations.... while there was a detail or two that didn't really make sense, over all I was extremely impressed with this book. The banter between Tyler and Carlie is fun, funny, and endearing. And of course it was sexy. I LOVED it. And, um, wow on the cover!! Kept this one covered when the kids were around..... ;)

The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Back cover:
WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS AN ANGEL...
Country bred Lucy Craddock-Hayes is content with her quiet life. Until the day she trips over an unconscious man-a naked unconscious man-and loses her innocence forever.

HE CAN TAKE HER TO HEAVEN...
Viscount Simon Iddesleigh was nearly beaten to death by his enemies. Now he's hell-bent on vengeance. But as Lucy nurses him back to health, her honesty startles his jaded sensibilities-even as it ignites a desire that threatens to consume them both.

OR TO HELL
Charmed by Simon's sly wit, urbane manners, and even his red-heeled shoes, Lucy falls hard and fast for him. Yet as his honor keeps him from ravishing her, his revenge sends his attackers to her door. As Simon wages war on his foes, Lucy wages her own war for his soul using the only weapon she has-her love...

Review: This book took me by surprise -- though I don't know why. It's not like Hoyt's books have ever left me unsatisfied before. I ADORE this new-ish author. How does she do it? I was rolling along in this book enjoying it, but not wowed at first, but about half way through I was well and truly captivated and emotionally involved in Simon and Lucy's story. I admit that I was at first a little put off by Simon's fashion sense. The word "metro-sexual" comes to mind.... but once I caught the glimpses of the man behind the urbane mask, I was lost. This is an emotional and wonderful story that should not be missed. And no, still not as good as The Raven Prince.... I'm still waiting for one of her books to reach the utter perfection of that story.

In Too Deep by Lori Foster

Rating: 3 ♥
I was trying to write a synopsis for this book, but it's one of those that sounds hopelessly confusing when trying to describe the story line. So I think I will give up and just say what I thought about it. I can sum it up in one short word: Eh. If 'eh' is a real word, that is. It has a heroine named Charlie (I am SO not a fan of girls with boys names). And she's a tough cookie. The only thing feminine about her is her frilly bedroom -- which incidentally seemed odd and out of place to me. I get that Foster is trying to say, 'hey, look, she's not all boy-ish', but it just didn't work for me. I wasn't feeling this book at all. It had it's moments, and I'm glad I read it, but if you don't already have this number on the 'ol TBR, I'd say don't bother. It was just Ok. There was no 'blaze' to it.

Fantasy by Lori Foster

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Review: Sebastian Sinclair is not thrilled to find himself on the auction block at a charity auction, but because it's for a good cause (a woman's shelter), he submits to the indignity of being bid on by rabid women. ;) When he is bought by the organizer of the event as a birthday present for her sister, Sebastian is thrilled to meet Brandi, a woman he found himself captivated by while he stood on the block. But Brandi is not happy with her sister's present, but to help her sister's shelter, she grudgingly consents to go on a short getaway (part of the prize) with this sexy stranger. Brandi doesn't think she can ever be with a man because of her bad past experiences, but she is surprised to find that Sebastian might be exaclty what she needs....

This little book took me by surprise. This is one of Foster's early works, and it's easy to see how she has attained such popularity after reading this. For a 217 page book it tackles some serious issues, but also manages to be sweet, endearing, sexy, and totally engrossing. I devoured it in one day (like that was hard - LOL!), and wished for more! And can I just add that I LOOOOVE a hero named Sebastian. It's my number one favorite hero name.......

Irish Hearts by Nora Roberts

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Synopsis:
Adelia Cnnane. Her hot temper sent the heart of Travis Grant aflame. Now the proud, powerful owner of Royal Meadows horse farm resolved to make this wild Irish Thoroughbred his own.

Erin McKinnon. A bold beauty, she accepted Burke Logan's loveless proposal and his cool promise of security and wealth. But could this ravishing Irish Rose win her hard-hearted husband's love?

Review: This was a reissue/2-in-one deal containing Irish Thoroughbred and Irish Rose. I loved both stories, but I was particularly charmed by the first one. I read this while camping and found it perfect for vacation reading. Both books made me tear up and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I have the next 2 books in this series and I am hoping they are as endearing as these two.

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward ,

Challenge: Double trouble (a story with a twin)...
Rating: 5 ♥

This is not your teenage daughter's vampire story. The Bella in this story is not a child. In the previous book (Lover Eternal, book 2) Bella was kidnapped by the Lessening society and held captive by a deranged Lesser with serious head issues. Zsadist has made it his personal mission to find her and bring her back, haunted by the connection they had before her abduction. In a stroke of luck, he and the rest of the Brotherhood find out where she is and rescue her, en mass. I have to say that part made me a little teary, that they would all care that much. Now Bella must heal inside and out after her weeks at the hands of the Lesser named Mr. O. Not the only one with some healing to do, Zsadist is seriously mentally and physically scarred from his own past as a blood slave to a female vampire, who used him for more than just his blood, and warped his ideas of sex. The way Bella and Zsadist are able to come together, heal together, and be together was touching and wonderful. I was thoroughly enamoured with this book and it's complexity. A few things happen to other characters in this book that didn't exactly thrill me however. I can't wait to find out how this story continues.....

Lord of Desire by Paula Quinn

Challenge: Tile with a person of royalty.
Rating: 4 ♥

Amazon synopsis: Lord Brand "the Passionate" Risande defeated Lady Brynnafar Dumont's father in battle and has now come to claim the Dumont castle. Brynna vows to do whatever it takes to protect her family's Saxon retainers, even if it means marrying the conquering Norman brute. When Brynna finally meets Brand, she is shocked to discover that he is the man she briefly encountered a year before who has since haunted her every romantic fantasy. Suddenly, the idea of wedding the sinfully sexy nobleman becomes much more appealing, but Brand, who caught his former betrothed in the throes of passion with another man, has no interest in marriage. Brynna knows that earning Brand's trust and love will not be easy, but she is determined that this is one battle she will definitely win.

Review: I enjoyed this book quite a bit. This is Paula Quinn's debut novel, and I do think she has gotten better since then. I found this easy to read. The writing had an enjoyable feel, it moved along quickly, and the characters were engaging and fun. It didn't quite reach keeper status for me, but definitely well worth the read if you like a light medieval romp.

Something Wild by Toni Blake

Rating: 3 1/2 ♥

Synopsis: Penny Halloran is confused. Her boyfriend has proposed, but they've never ... Well, before she makes her decision, she needs to know if they're ... compatible. What better way to find out than *seduce* her man in the back of a limo? If sparks are there, she'll say yes! She just never intended to say yes to the *wrong* man!

Ryan Pierce wants to start over. No longer the swinging bachelor - he'd gotten into too much trouble! - he's sure life will be much simpler. But when he mistakenly gets a sexy invitation for a night he'll never forget, he doesn't know what to expect. Certainly not the sweet restaurant owner from downstairs ... who turns out to be a *wild woman!* What's a reformed bad boy to do? Help Penny discover her wild side, of course, and turn those sparks into a full-blown inferno!

Review: Ummm.... this was cute. Not blown away though. I'm not even a little bit into geeky types, and the hero was kind of geeky. I was a little bored in parts of the book, but I pushed through them, and I'm glad I did. I have some of this author's more recent work waiting patiently on my TBR sheves, and I am still looking forward to reading them, I just won't be keeping this one around for a re-read.

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Synopsis: In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven—and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.

A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from, poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house—a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion. . .and the promise of love.

Review: Heartbreakingly awsome. It is clear why Derek Craven is such a fan fav. He was wonderful. I think I only liked Sara. She was so darn set on marrying that mamas boy for too much of the book, I wanted to smack her. I'm not so sure she was the ideal heroine for the part, but what do I know. I do have to say that Derek holds second place in my favorite Kleypas heroes. Nick Gentry (Worth Any Price) has already taken the top slot, and he is not willing to give up his spot.

The Game by Brenda Joyce

Rating: 5 ♥

Synopsis:

The Players:
Released from the sanctuary of a French convent, highborn, tempestuous Katherine FitzGerald sets sail for her beloved Ireland—only to find herself prisoner of the infamous pirate known to the Elizabethans as the Master of the Seas.

The Moves:
The pirate captain is Liam O'Neill, favored by Elizabeth the Queen. A hardened court player, he is determined to win the willful Katherine while advancing his own secret causes. But now he must risk everything he cherishes in order to triumph at a very treacherous game— through heartbreaking deception...and by breaking all the rules.

The Game:
has begun...

Review: Amazing. Utter fantastic-ness!! I was so fascinated by every aspect of this book -- Joyce really brings to vivid life the court intrigue, the thoughts and feelings of queen Elizabeth, and of course the two protagonists, Katherine and Liam are some of the best. I want a Liam! He was the stuff a woman's dreams are made of -- vivdily masculine, and delicious. This book blew me away and even if Joyce's other books were utter crap (which they are not, mostly), this book would still ensure I was a total rabid fan. This book is not to be missed. It is also not to be given away. This goes into The Box of Amazing Keepers.

Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 1/2 ♥

Synopsis: Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins-and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny-or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...

Review: I really enjoyed this book. I jumped right into it after Mine Till Midnight because I couldn't wait to read Win and Kev's story. While a very good book, it didn't grab onto me quite the same as MTM. It took me longer to finish it. I felt that it might have been best if Kleypas had distanced the couple from Amelia and Cam. Cam is so large as a character, I felt like Kev was falling into his shadow when the two were in scenes together. Even when they weren't, I still focused more on Cam. We learn more about these two mysterious Gypsys in this book and their conections to eachother. Facinating. And Leo, the loser brother, is in it as well, of course. He is less loser-ish, though I am still not a huge fan of his. I will be disgruntled if she gives him his own story. I will graciously allow him to have a side story in her future books, but please, I'd rather not read a whole book about him!

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 ♥
Synopsis: When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men's dreams, Cam has tired of society's petty restrictions and longs to return to his "uncivilized" Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship-but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter...

Review: Absolutely Fabulous. THIS is some of Kleypas' best work!! I was completely drawn in. Amelia is so genuine and real, a fantastic heroine. Cam is just total yumminess. Larger than life and so very manly! I enjoyed the set-up for the next book about Win and Kev as well. They broke my heart. The only character I was not a huge fan of was their brother Leo, who they start out the book looking for because he is an opium adicted loser. I get that she (Kleypas) must have uses for him since he survived the book, though I had my doubts that he would, the idiot oaf. I thought the mild ghost element was different. Not sure if I liked it or not... it kind of threw me a little. Over all, this was a throughly engaging, highly romantic, and enjoyable read. I hated to see it end.

The 38 Most common Fiction Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) By Jack M. Bickham

One of my all time favorite authors had this book listed as recommended reading for aspiring writers, so I was delighted to find a copy at the library. For such a small book (just over 100 pages), I have found it to be extremely helpful and informative. Bickham's approach is very straightforward, concise, and no nonsense, which I actually really enjoyed. He covers a great deal of information in this book.

He talks about using exaggeration when creating characters to make them seem more real. It never occurred to me to do that, but I see his point. Some of my favorite and most memorable characters in books I have read have been extreme. He also warns against being a literary snob -- looking down on other genre's than your own, or thinking you are smarter than your reader. He states that it will come across and alienate your reader. He says to always keep the story moving, which seems very simple and obvious, but I can remember reading books that seemed to meander a little aimlessly with very little forward momentum, and I found them boring and frustrating to read. On a similar vein, he says that there should be a reason and a point for everything that happens in the story. That can also be frustrating for a reader who may become distracted by pointless details, trying to figure out how they fit, when the author never intended it to be an important detail.

That is just a small sample of the useful tips included in this book, and I look forward to going over it again, taking notes, and putting his tips into practice with my own writing.

Heart of midnight by Fiona Brand

Challenge: Readers Choice
Rating: 5

Synopsis: For Special Air Service agent Gray Lombard, the past seven years had been a nightmare. Not only had he been unable to nab his brothers killer, he's also lost Samantha Munro, the only woman he's ever loved. Seven years ago they had shared their dreams-- and the same bed. But when Gray's mission took over his life, and had walked away...

Now Sam was back. Her life was in danger, thanks to her involvement with Gray, and losing her was not something he wanted to relive. But could he protect her from a dangerous killer-- and safeguard his heart from the secret she had yet to reveal?

Review: Love. Love. Love. I soooooo love this author. This actually was not quite as good as "Blade's Lady" or "Cullen's Bride" (both will be stored with my favorites forever and ever until I die), but while it didn't sweep me away as dramatically as those other two, it still deserves no less than a 5 for me. Just fantastic writing, highly romantic, and another hero that makes me swoon. I've said it many times before, and I'll say it yet again, Fiona Brand is very similar to vintage Linda Howard. This is a keeeeeper!!!

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

Challenge: Read a book with a sports theme/title
Rating: 4 1/2

B&N Overview: Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, sexy extreme wrestler Dean "Havoc" Conor gets a letter revealing how much his siblings want him back in Harmony, Kentucky. To stop his sister from marrying a sleazeball, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve-who's heard of Havoc's reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal. And he thought winning the heavyweight belt was hard.

Review: This book was just plain fun. One thing I enjoy about this author is that she clearly does not take herself too seriously. I found it sexy, easy to read, funny, and her characters are very likable. My one and only gripe was one of the side character pair-ups. I could NOT stand the guy. Over all, I definitely recommend this book!! Perfect summer beach reading.

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

Rating: 4

B&N overview: Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

Review: I enjoyed this book a lot. I didn't love it quite as much as Dark Lover, but still a good solid installment. It wasn't as action packed as I expected it to be. And the sexual tension was just ok. I had a hard time with what happened the night they finally had sex, but oddly enough, I forgave Rhage fairly quickly. His heart was in the right place anyway. I was sooooo totally icked out by what happened to the one guy at the hands of the Omega. Seriously. So gross. I was disappointed that the one guy didn't die in this book, because I have a feeling that it will come up again or something, and frankly, I would prefer to avoid that mental picture again. Moving on, I liked Mary. She wasn't my most favorite heroine of all time, but I didn't dislike her at all. I just didn't feel any kind of kinship with her. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book since this one left off on a slight cliff hanger!!

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 3 1/2

When Liberty Jones and her mother are left alone after the death of Liberty's father in an oil rigging accident, they uproot and move to a trailer park in the small town of Welcome, Texas. As they build a new life there and deal with daily struggles of a low income family, Liberty makes some new friends, both young and old, and develops a young love for her neighbor, Hardy Cates. Though Hardy comes to love Liberty also, he has big plans and big dreams, and he refuses to allow his feelings for her to keep him in the small town.

Soon after Hardy leaves town, Libery's life crumbles around her when her mother dies unexpectedly, leaving her baby sister to her young care. Liberty uses the opportunity to pursue her own dreams of becoming a hair stylist.

Review: I LOVE Lisa Kleypas. But I did not love this book. It pains me, because I thought I would love it. I think it was a little too much like chick-lit for my personal taste, and that may have been the problem for me. The story seemed to dwell a long time on her childhood. I kept waiting for it to jump ahead at some point, but it rarely jumped more than a year or so at a time. I never loved Liberty as a person, but I liked her well enough. In fact, this book was a 4 for me until close to the end of the book. I LOVED Gage. I thought he was fantastic. But when Hardy showed back up and tried to steal Liberty back, I was frankly appalled at how wishy-washy Liberty was about which guy she wanted. I really lost a huge amount of respect for her because of the way she handled the situation. I thought Gage deserved better, and frankly I wouldn't have blamed him if he had dumped her. I even wondered if she would have ultimately chosen Hardy if he had not betrayed her.... Anyway, I will keep reading her contemporaries, but my heart will always be with Lisa's historicals.

Dark Rival by Brenda Joyce

Rating: 3

Synopsis: A golden man, he is called Black Royce—a battle-hardened soldier of the gods. His vows are his life—until he is sent to New York City to protect a Healer from those who would use her powers for themselves. The moment Royce sees beautiful, feisty Allie Monroe, he knows she will be his only weakness—and he is right. Destiny is a dangerous thingAllie Monroe is more than an heiress. She is a Healer, willing to do anything to save victims of the evil that lurks in the city at night. But alone, she can do only so much—until destiny sends her the darkest Highlander of them all. Then evil strikes and Royce is destroyed before Allie's eyes. Now Allie will do anything to save Royce—even if it means going back in time to a dark, dangerous world. Confronting their enemies could cost not only their lives, but their love—for all eternity.

Review: I don't know WHAT was going on with this book. I actually liked the first book (Dark Seduction) better than this one. The sexual tension was just not there at all, and I felt like things were not really explained very well in parts. Like at one point she is supposed to stay on a holy island for her own safety, but she leaves it, like, 2 seconds later, but the warriors and gods guarding her never come after her to bring her back? And at one point they have sex, but the hero takes too much of her "white light" and makes her powers weak for a while. The powers that be tell them they can't have sex again because she needs to keep her powers sharp, but somehow this never becomes an issue again. They do it, nothing bad happens and the gods don't make a peep about it. It was just so inconsistent most of the way through. Things that seem like a big deal one second, evaporate and are a non issue the next. I will keep going in this series only because I already have the next couple of books, and I will really hope it gets better. So far I am thinking she should stick to historicals....

Passion by Lisa Valdez

Rating: 5 +++

Synopsis: Young widow Passion Dare thought she'd never love again. But a handsome earl has been pursuing her- and after a lifetime of propriety, Passion ponders throwing caution to the wind. After several heady encounters, the pair must face blackmail, learn a shocking truth-and choose between duty and desire.

Review: This book blew me away. I have been hearing about it for years, and finally got my butt in gear and got a copy of it. This is the authors only book, so far, so I had no idea what I was getting, really, when I began it. It is one of those books that grabbed me and didn't want to let me go until I finished it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it and plotting when I could get back to it. This book is HOT. Burning. Sizzling. Smutty. Wicked. Fabulous. Even amidst all the hottness of this book, the author also manages to make you feel the love and the struggles of the Passion and Mark. It's emotional AND hot. Not to mention well written. I now join the throng of fans waiting for book 2 -- a book that was supposed to be out years ago, but for some unknown reason has not been released yet. I will be at the bookstore on the release day. I will willingly pay full price for the next fabulous book.

Rating: 5

Synopsis: Like a pagan god, Rolfe the Relentless rode into Castle Aelfgar to claim it as his prize—and Lady Alice as his bride. Lauded for his bravery in France, in England he was the hated enemy. Once ensconced in his new domain, Rolfe became determined to tame the Saxon beauty Ceidre, Alice's illegitimate sister, whose spirit and sensuality make him risk treason to have her—not Lady Alice—in his bed...

Mysterious and seductive, she was no lady but a spy for the rebel cause of her noble half brothers. Refusing to bow to this arrogant warrior who ignited her forbidden passion, Ceidre was swept into a dangerous liaison tied to the fate of England and kings. Yet with his kisses on her lips, his skillful hands on her body, she would have to struggle not to surrender to... The Conqueror.

Review: Though this was published in 1990, this book has some very "1980's" elements. If you know what I mean. Somehow it worked, and worked well. A word of warning: This is not a comfort read. And Brenda Joyce does not typically adhere to the usual formulas and "rules of romance". It is at times shocking and appalling. There were moments where I had to stop and kind of laugh at the hero. His standards were just all kinds of all over the place, and it was either laugh or be pissed off at him. I preferred to laugh, myself. I found it good old bodice ripper raunchy fun, and I look forward to reading more deWarrens.

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Challenge: read a book from AAR's top 100.
Rating: 5

Synopsis: The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Review: I began reading this book years ago, but at that point I had been avidly reading other vampire books for several years, so by the time I got around to reading this I thought I might scream if I read about one more blood sucking vampire. So about mid-way through I took it back to the UBS. Years later, I have taken many years off of vamps, and at many recommendations I decided to give this series another go of it. Not only did I FINISH it this time, but I LOVED it. There was a lot going on in this book. Lots of set up, but it was all interesting set up. Lots of action, lots of romance, lots and lots of hot vampires. I read all 400 pages of this book in one day, which is unheard of for me these days, but I simply could not stop turning the pages. I hope the rest of the BDB series is as fantastic as this first book.

Midnight Angel by Lisa Kleypas

Challenge: Read a title with Angel or Devil.
Rating: 3

Synopsis: A noblewoman of frail beauty and exotic mystery fakes her own death to escape the gallows. And now she must flee. In disguise and under a false identity, she finds unexpected sanctuary in the arms of a handsome and arrogant yet gallant British lord—who must defy society to keep her safe . . . and overcome a tragic past to claim her as his own.

Review: I found this book oddly boring. It was a 5 in the first third or so, and then it just nose dived to a 3. It sort of had a gothic feel to it, and I didn't love that the heroine was Russian. I really don't even know what to say about it! It was a huge relief to finish it. I normally adore her books, but this went straight to the UBS.

His Wicked Kiss by Gaelen Foley

Challenge: Read a trilogy or 3 books from the same series, part III
Rating: 4

Synopsis: An English rose blooming in the untamed jungles of South America, Eden Farraday lives a life of independence–unheard of for a lady–with her doctor-turned-scientist father. But Eden misses England desperately. When the dangerous and darkly charming Lord Jack Knight sails into her life, she seizes her chance to return to civilization, stowing away aboard his London-bound ship.

Roguish and charismatic, a self-made shipping tycoon with a shadowy past and a well-guarded heart, Jack is sailing on a vital secret mission. When the redheaded temptress is discovered aboard his vessel, he reacts with fury–and undeniable lust. Forced to protect her from his rough crew, the devilish Lord Jack demands a scandalous price in exchange for Eden’s safe passage across the sea. As his wicked kiss ignites an unforgettable blaze of passion between them, Jack and Eden confront a soul-searing love that cannot be denied.

Review: This book was a 5 in the first half of the book! Sizzling sexual chemistry, adventurous, unusual, and did I mention the chemistry??? Then I got to the second half of the book. I had no problems with Jack. I LOOOOOVED Jack. I want Jack. He's delightfully wicked. Eden, on the other hand, made me look up from my book and roll my eyes on more than one occasion. She was SOOOO annoying in the second half! I swear, the demented woman was mad at him all the time, and just could not let things GO already! Because of her irritating attitude, scenes I was looking forward to reading (confrontation with Jack's past love for example), were less than satisfying. Man, can that woman hold a grudge.... It could have been an easy 5 favorite if not for her and her childishness.