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.

Broken Wing by Judith James

Challenge: Read a book rated 5 or favorite from a group members shelves.

Rating: 4.5

B&N Synopsis: Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home. Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Review: I confess I have mixed feelings about this book. I ordered it from B&N online, so I didn't get an up close and personal look at the cover until it was in my hot little hands, so I didn't see the blood soaked cloth on his arms before hand. Though I am not street/world wise in many ways, I knew this meant he was a cutter, and I was worried about how large a part this may play in the story, being a bit squeamish about such things. To my enormous relief, it didn't last a long time. This book is not for the faint of heart.... I am slightly faint of heart, so I am not going to be an enormous #1 fan of this book for that reason alone. It was a dark, intense journey. It didn't pull my heart strings as much as I expected it to.... I don't know why that is, but I did enjoy and appreciate this book for what it is -- a story about healing, acceptance, friendship, and of course, love. Honestly, I don't know that I would read more from this author, though I am glad I read this book. **mild spoiler** As for the ending, I get why he didn't come to her immediately upon arriving back, but it bugged me a little. Over all, an excellent debut book from a gifted author