Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty

Challenge: Read a book with a Romeo and Juliet type theme (opposite sides of a feud)
Rating: 5

The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell will use any means necessary to vanquish lawlessness and unrest among the feuding Highland clans. Seduction is a game as easily played as subterfuge, but when Jamie poses a as suitor to a rival clan’s daughter in order to expose treason, the line between duty and pleasure is suddenly blurred. Ebony-haired, ruby-lipped Caitrina Lamont defies him, denies him, and arouses him like no other woman.

Caitrina has no intention of forsaking her beloved father and doting brothers for a husband–especially a hated Campbell. But Jamie’s raw, sensual strength and searing kiss melt her resistance. When her idyllic world is shattered, Caitrina’s only hope to save her clan lies in the arms of Jamie Campbell, the enemy she holds accountable for its ruin. Can their tenuous truce, born in the velvet darkness of passionate nights, forge a love as strong as the sword that rules the Highlands?

Review: I just LOVE this author!! This book reminded me of her first book, "Highlander Untamed", (which also had a feuding clan theme for those who are still looking for a book for this one) which was my favorite of hers. This book grabs and doesn't let go. It got especially exciting about 100 pages in, at which point I became oblivious to everything around me because I was so absorbed in the story. I so felt for Catriona and wondered how she was going to forgive the terrible wrongs done to her by her enemy. I also felt for Jamie and how torn he was between Catriona and his own duty. My only gripe about this book was that Catriona took a little too long to trust Jamie. It got to the point where she was bordering on petulant child. Other than that, this book was gripping, romantic, hot sex, and action-filled. I highly recommend it!

Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

Challenge: read any title from one of the first romance authors you ever read.
Rating: 3

amazon overview: Sophie Rose, a tough and determined newspaper reporter, is the daughter of Bobby Rose, a suave, charming, and handsome gentleman who also happens to be a notorious big-time thief sought by every law-enforcement agency in the country. When the major Chicago daily where she works insists she write an exposé about her roguish father, Sophie refuses, quits her job, and goes to work at a small newspaper. Far from her onetime high-powered crime beat, she now covers local personalities such as the quirky winner of several area 5K runs whose trademark is goofy red socks.

Those red socks–with Sophie’s business card neatly tucked inside–are practically all that’s found after runner William Harrington is killed near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, seemingly the victim of a brutal death by polar bear. The Alaska cops want to know why Harrington carried Sophie’s card. With an unerring nose for a good story, she heads north.

What Sophie doesn’t realize is that on her journey from Chicago to Prudhoe Bay, danger follows in her wake. After one attempt on her life, she’s been assigned brash but sexy Jack MacAlister as a bodyguard by the cautious FBI. Amid great peril and deadly intrigue in the unforgiving Alaskan terrain, she and Jack form an uneasy alliance sparked with sensual attraction. But they will soon be fighting more than their growing passion for each other. Powerful forces will stop at nothing to prevent the exposure of the sinister conspiracy Sophie and Jack are about to uncover.

Review: Eh. Not bad. Interesting book, kept my attention, but there was no 'fire' in this story. The romance just sort of happens, there is no real challenge for either of them. The only conflict was of the mystery variety, which was so-so for me. Until half way through the book I didn't know what the boring journal entries were all about, and by the time I did figure that out I just didn't care very much. Even once they reveal the 'bad guy' I thought, "who? Have we met him?". The ending was all neat and tidy and short with no real depth. I am glad I got this from the library!

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Challenge: Read a book that was reviewed during the Winter Challenge (By Heather)

Rating: 4

.... This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review: I enjoyed this book very much... I wish I could claim to love it, but it didn't quite reach that point for me. I tried not to compare it to 'The Duke and I' overly, but I am sure I was not completely successful. Quinn tried to give us that emotional attachment and sympathy for the hero, but a bee sting issue wasn't quite as heart wrenching as a stutter.... There I go comparing again! It was a very sweet and entertaining story nonetheless. It was interesting to learn more about the Bridgerton dad and how he died, which was not covered in 'Duke..'. I love how she is layering as the books go. Overall a satisfying read and I am still intrigued to read more!

Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland

Challenge: Read a book with sun, moon, or stars in the title.
Rating: 3 1/2 hearts

B&N overview: Bestselling author Lynn Kurland creates another magical time-travel romance in this love story pairing Jake Kilchurcn (England, 2005) and Amanda de Piaget (England, 1217). Amanda has been given the summer to pick a proper suitor out of a depressing crowd of gold-diggers. Jake's car gets stuck in the mud in front of a castle rumored to be haunted; and the following day, he and his car have a mysterious accident. Then centuries collide, dropping Jake onto a muddy field for Amanda to discover. Their storybook romance and his determined transition from 21st-century artisan to 13th-century warrior, all to win Amanda's hand, is charm itself. Readers will enjoy Jake's forays back into the future, where he is taken for a silly reenactment tourist, and will delight in the cameo appearances by characters who have starred in earlier books.

Review: I have been looking forward to this book for ages, so it's a little disapointing to not love it after all the anticipation. I was torn when figuring out what rating to give this book... it's really a 3 1/2 star book for me. Good book, it just never made me sit up and say wow. The romance was a bit tepid. Even though Kurland does not write detailed love scenes, she has often penned highly romantic stories, but this one had me skimming much of the time. It had a couple of moments where I was gripped, but it was largely put-down-able, I am sorry to say. I did enjoy "seeing" Kendrick, who is one of my all time favorite heroes of hers.

Spring reading challenge '09

And on to the Spring Reading Challenge! March through May. Here is my loose list, subject to change at any time because I am a woman and it's my prerogative to do that at any time. Hahaha!

Spring '09 Challenge list:
1. Read a Western (united States)- historical or contemporary
Autumn Lover by Elizabeth Lowell or Angel by Johanna Lindsey

2. Read a book set in Scotland- historical or contemporary
Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens

3. Title contains Sun, Moon, or Stars (Moonlight, Starlight, etc, is ok!)
Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland -- DONE - 4

4. Title contains Angel or Devil
My Devilish Scotsman by Jen Holling

5. Read any title by one of the first romance authors you ever read (or reread one of the first romance titles you ever read)
Shadow Music by Julie Garwood OR Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

6. Title or Cover makes you think of Spring
The Promise of Rain by Shana Abe

7. Readers Choice

8. Select a book that has been marked favorite or 5 stars from another group member's shelf.
Duke of Shadows by Meridith Duran (fav on Cindy's shelf), or maybe Broken Wing, if I get a hold of it in time. May just pick it up new! *gasp!*

9. Read an AAR top 100 title (list on allaboutromance.com, AAR Top 100 group, and the AAR Top 100 blog)
Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

10. Title contains the word "Secret" or “Lie” in it
The Secret Life of Bryan by Lori Foster

11. Read a title that was read and reviewed during the Winter Challenge
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

12. read a book with a Romeo and Juliet type theme (feuding family/clan/etc): H/H have to be on opposite sides of the feud
Untamed by Pamela Clare OR Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty

13. Read a trilogy (or 3 books from same series) Part 1
Lord of Ice by Gaelen Foley

14. Read a trilogy (or 3 books from same series) Part 2
Lady of Desire by Gaelen Foley

15. Read a trilogy (or 3 books from same series) Part 3
His Wicked Kiss by Gaelen Foley

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Rating:4

The ton loves nothing more than a good scandal, and they're giddy with the appearance of wealthy Samuel Hartley. Not only is he self-made, American, and in the habit of wearing moccasins, but he is also notorious for fleeing a battle in which several English gentlemen lost their lives. What the ton doesn't know, though, is that Samuel is in Londonbecause of this massacre. He believes his regiment was given up to the enemy and won't rest until he finds the traitor.

Lady Emeline Gordon is captivated with Samuel. Not only does he defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile, and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that killed her beloved brother. Samuel suspects that the person responsible for her brother's death is Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, a family friend since childhood--and Emeline's fiancé. Despite Emeline's belief in Vale's innocence and her refusal to break off her betrothal, she and Samuel begin a passionate affair. But can their relationship survive the fallout from Samuel's investigation?

Review: Good book... not great. It really didn't have that 'un-put-down-able' quality that The Raven Prince had, to my disappointment. I saw the twist/bad guy a mile away without even trying. LOL! But I found the characters likable and relatable (if that's a word), and the love scenes were HOT! Over all worth the read, but maybe not a re-read or keeper.

Lord of Fire by Gaelen Foley

Rating: 5

back cover: After years of preparation, he has baited his trap well, luring the depraved members of Society into his devil’s playground so he can earn their trust and uncover their secrets. Yet no one in London suspects that Lord Lucien Knight is England’s most cunning spy, an officer who has sacrificed his soul for his country. Now an unexpected intruder has invaded his fortress of sin, jeopardizing his carefully laid plans–and igniting his deepest desires.

Beautiful, innocent, Alice Montague finds herself at the mercy of scandalous Lord Lucien. But as he begins his slow seduction to corrupt her virtue, Alice glimpses a man tormented by his own choices, a man who promises her nothing except his undeniable passion. . . .

Review: An angel meets Lucifer... This book was fantastic. Lord Lucien Knight is quite the bad boy. After he seduces his brothers intended, he takes her to his home where he has a party that is not unlike eyes wide shut meets the playboy mansion. Yeah, like that... Alice Montague is the woman's sister in law, and she manages to make it past Lucien's many safeguards and into the grotto party just to fetch her SIL to bring her back to her sick son. But once Lucien lays his eyes on Alice he knows that he must have her, body and soul, as her innocence is a balm to his damaged soul. In a ploy not unlike the one in Beauty and the Beast, he keeps Alice in his home for a week, where they discover a lasting and beautiful love. very romantic, original, sensual, and action filled, this is NOT to be missed!!!