Wind Rider by Connie Mason

Rating: 4 ♥

Review: Hannah, an indentured servant from Ireland, escapes her abusive master running into the wilderness, and gets herself captured by Wind Rider, a white man raised by the Cheyenne. When she saves his life after he is injured, he decides to take her back to his camp. But this is a turbulent time for the indian nation, and the "white eyes" are looking to extinguish them all. Hannah falls in love with Wind Rider (aka Ryder, his birth name) and agrees to marry him, while also trying to convince him that he needs to return to the white world and try to help his Cheyenne people from that side.

I enjoyed this romp. It was a fun 90's style romance, which is really my favorite era for both books and music. It moved along at a good clip and kept my attention.

The Legend by Kathleen Givens

Rating: 4

From the author's site:

It's a time of portents, when a tree split by the fiery crack of lightning foretells the history of a land. And two lovers have been chosen by destiny to make the legend come true. She is Ellen Graham, a highborn lass who swears never to marry except for passion. He is James MacCurrie, the mysterious Highlander with dark blue eyes who rescues her from the point of a sword. But the very fate that has brought them together also contrives to keep them apart. For this is also an age of brother fighting brother, when a warrior's cold will can still the warmth of his own loving heart....

Review: I enjoyed this story and look forward to The Destiny. I expected a little more, but I found it pleasant, if not entirely exciting. The characters were enjoyable and endearing. I felt like the tree prophesy plot line needed to be fleshed out a bit more, but I would reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Scottish romance!

Beast by Judith Ivory

Rating: 4

Synopsis: An exquisite American heiress, Louise Vandermeer is beautiful, brilliant. . . and bored-which is why she has agreed to a daring adventure: to travel across the ocean to marry an aristocrat abroad. Rumor has it her intended is a hideous cad-a grim prospect that propels her into a passionate, reckless affair with a compelling stranger she never sees in the light of day.

Though scarred by a childhood illness, Charles d'Harcourt has successfully wooed Europe's most sophisticated beauties. For a lark, he contrived to travel incognito on his own fiancee's ship-and seduce the young chit in utter darkness. But the rake's prank backfired. It was he who was smitten-while the hot-tempered Lulu, now his wife, loves only her shipboard lover, unaware it was d'Harcourt all the time! And Charles will never have her heart-unless he can open her eyes to the prince who hides within.

Review: This is one of those books that i have mixed feelings about. Love the writing, love the love scenes, love the hero, love the setting and beauty and the beast theme. It was very much like Woodiwiss's A Rose in Winter, which I just adored. The only thing that kept this book from being a 5 and favorite was that silly twit of a heroine. She's 18, and it shows. I felt her immaturity in every scene, and it just really detracted from the story for me. But I must say that I was really pleasantly surprised with this author. I have never read Judith Ivory before, and this will certainly not be my last, because she really is a fabulous writer! She is both easy to read and intelligent, which is harder to achieve than you might think. Over all I would definitely recommend this book -- the heroine wasn't bad enough for me to dislike it.

Highland Outlaw by Monica McCarty

Handsome and dangerous, Patrick MacGregor is a wanted man, possessing the tough, tenacious spirit of his outlawed clan. He will stop at nothing to save his people from destruction, even if it means marrying Elizabeth Campbell, the daughter of his worst enemy. Yet the flaxen-haired beauty disarms him from the start. Her sweet, unspoiled softness touches the cold depths of his ravaged soul–and makes him want much more than revenge.

Inside the shy and dutiful Lizzie is a passionate woman longing to emerge, a woman ready for love. So when the piercing emerald eyes and searing kiss of a stranger spark in her a desperate hunger, she surrenders to Patrick’s glorious seduction–unaware that his daring deception has just found its one and only chance for redemption: a love more powerful than hate.

Review: Good and enjoyable, but I found the plot somewhat forgettable.... For example: I read this 3 months ago and I am sitting here having trouble remembering what happened in the story that I loved. I thought their first meeting was fabulous and sweet, but over all I didn't find it a keeper.....

As You Desire by Connie Brockway

Rating: 4

He galloped across the midnight-shrouded landscape, racing toward her on his pure white steed. Her destiny...In her wildest fantasies Desdemona Carlisle could not have conjured a more dashing savior, and this was real. But an unlikelier hero was hard to find. Harry Braxton was a rouge, a scoundrel, and a born opportunist who had already broken her heart once. How could she ever trust a notorious rake who came with a warning: lover, beware...

With her bronze-gold hair and quicksilver grace, the sloe-eyed beauty was every man's desire and one man's sole passion. But the secret that had made Harry an exile also made it impossible for him to offer Desdemona more that friendship. Until his aristocratic cousin laid siege to Desdemona's heart and Harry, damning the consequences, vowed to do anything, give anything, to claim her for him own...

Review: I had high expectations for this book having adored "My Dearest Enemy", and while this was a good solid read, I wanted more. I was loving it until Harry seemed to lose his back bone. I felt like he didn't fight for Desdemona enough. The setting was unusual (India) and interesting, and the characters were good, they just didn't befriend me.

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!

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.....

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....

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce

Challenge: Read a book set in Scotland

Rating: 4

B&N overview: Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary—and dangerous—powers. But he has already broken his vows—and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure…until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.

Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time—a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake—and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal….

Review: Fun!! Two of my favorite things are in this book: highlanders and time-travel. I had no clue what to expect from this book. I have read just one of Joyce's books before, so I don't have a huge frame of reference. I wouldn't say it's the best time travel ever, but it was definitely a good solid read. Dark, sexy (wicked!!), action filled, and unusual twists. I enjoyed it very much and am really looking forward to the rest of the series! On Brenda Joyce's site are short videos she has produced (with actors) to promo this series. While intrigung, I wasn't so hot on the actors that played the men. But they were kind of fun to watch anyway. I think this series needs some polishing up in order to be excellent (some scenes had an akward or forced feel to them), but being the first in the series this is to be expected, I suppose.

Sierra by Connie Mason

Challenge: Read a western.
Rating: 4

When 3 year old Sierra's parents are killed by Indians and her older sister and brother are taken captive, she is lucky enough to be found by a childless couple and raised as their own daughter in a life full of love and privilege in San Francisco. But even as an adult she has never forgotten her long lost brother and sister, and she holds the belief that they are still alive despite her adoptive parents certainty that they must be dead. When she hears about a "white savage" named Wind Rider and his white sister, she is sure this is her long lost siblings and decides to go to Denver to find them. No one is willing to take her on the trip, so she tricks saloon owner Ramsey Hunter into taking her. Ramsey is going to Denver to exact revenge on two people who have wronged him and he isn't interested in babysitting a beautiful head strong girl who makes him want to trust again.

Review: I really enjoyed this story! This is my first Connie Mason book. Sierra and Ram have convincing chemistry, and they adventure they have on their trip to Denver is certainly an eventful one -- stage crashes, Indian captivity, horse travel, attacks of various sort... very entertaining. It was a little long though. There weren't a lot of words per page, but by the last 100 pages I was about ready for it to wrap up and move on. It wasn't the best book I have ever read, but worth the read!

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!

Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty

Challenge: Readers choice!
Rating: 4
pages: 367

Back cover: Lachlan Maclean will do whatever it takes to protect his clan–even if it means abducting the most willful woman in the Highlands with the secret intention of wooing her for marriage. A born searing sensual leader possessing brute strength, and an imposing command, Lachlan is unprepared for the beautiful spitfire Flora MacLeod, who jeopardizes his plans to save his clan, and digs beneath his hard, chiseled exterior to expose a tenderness that may be his undoing.
The greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, Flora is determined at all costs to avoid her mother’s fate of being bartered away as a political pawn. Vowing to make her captor pay for his ruthlessness, she boldly engages him in a battle of wills, sweetening the challenge with dangerous passion–even as the lingering curse and deadly ghosts of a past tragedy reach out to thwart a tender love that has yet to be spoken.

Review: This was the third installment of this fabulous authors first trilogy. The writing was great, the story line good, the heroine totally annoying. As I was reading it I had trouble feeling the connection and romance between Lachlan and Flora, but I didn't put my finger on the problem until close to the end when Lachlan accused Flora of having no sense of responsibility or duty. That's what was bugging me! She's a spoiled brat! If you tell her to go left, she'll go right, just to be annoying and contrary! Someone needed to paddle her bratty behind. Besides Flora's brattiness, it was a very enjoyable and engrossing book. I had to give it a 4 just because of Flora. If she had been more of an adult it could have earned a 5 easily. Book one was definitely the best of the series. I am really looking forward to the authors next trilogy that is coming out as we speak!