Ms. Daymor has written a fun, highly sensual story in the Duke of Desperation. It's a quick read and I was left wanting more. She has a lively and evo...moreMs. Daymor has written a fun, highly sensual story in the Duke of Desperation. It's a quick read and I was left wanting more. She has a lively and evocative voice. Great read.(less)
I'll be honest - I was intrigued by the title and cute cover, but was won over by Rebecca Boschee's fun writer's voice. The story is told in first per...moreI'll be honest - I was intrigued by the title and cute cover, but was won over by Rebecca Boschee's fun writer's voice. The story is told in first person like many urban fantasies are and her main character is snarky and quick and charming. Even more charming is the zombie she falls in love with. Sean is not any zombie you met before - certainly not on The Walking Dead. I like the twist Ms. Boschee added to the world of zombies - allowing them to be attractive and lusty instead of brain-dead. Sean was a bit one dimensional and I'd have liked a bit more of him, but that's a challenge when writing first person. Additionally, I did get a bit frustrated by the main characters insecurities, but not enough to let it stop me. All in all, this is a fun read and I recommend it. (less)
Any Man of Mine, the latest in Rachel Gibson’s series centering around ridiculously hot hockey players, is a great addition to the series. Rachel has...moreAny Man of Mine, the latest in Rachel Gibson’s series centering around ridiculously hot hockey players, is a great addition to the series. Rachel has created yet another larger-than-life hockey star and the frustrated woman who loves him. Sam LeClaire has been a background character in earlier books, but this time Ms. Gibson has moved him front and center, fleshing out his personality with plenty of both wit and anguish. Our heroine, Autumn Haven, is another likable woman written with empathy whom I found myself rooting for from the very beginning.
The story’s central theme is forgiveness, whether the characters are wrestling to forgive themselves or each other. Autumn struggles to hold on to the pain of the past in order to protect herself from potential pain in the future, and Sam must confront the guilt he bears for mistakes he’s made, both with Autumn and others. The character arcs are believable and the ending satisfying in that I found the hero’s and heroine’s arrival at the inevitable resolution realistic and convincing.
Any fan of Gibson’s will be pleased with this book. Like her other work, the dialogue is witty and sexy and the story moves quickly. Additionally, the author has established the next character to be rewarded with his own story. Though not a hockey star, I can hardly wait to find out where Vince ran off to.(less)
Anna Campbell has done it again. Ms. Campbell’s latest, Midnight’s Wild Passion, is an outstanding contribution to her bookshelf. One of this author’s...moreAnna Campbell has done it again. Ms. Campbell’s latest, Midnight’s Wild Passion, is an outstanding contribution to her bookshelf. One of this author’s greatest skills is her ability to write a hero who, at first glance, seems completely unlikable and yet, by the end, we’re all goners. How can a reader possibly fall in love with a man whose one goal in life is to destroy an innocent woman for revenge? Nicholas pursues his goal like a madman and the first several chapters devoted to him, he seems completely reprehensible. Being in his head is not a nice place to be, although it is frequently a funny sojourn.
The heroine is a strong, sympathetic woman. A woman unwavering in her dedication to see that her young cousin doesn’t fall in the same traps she did at her age. Battling a rake is hard work, especially when she’s unabashedly attracted to him. Antonia is a likable character who doesn’t have many choices in life. Her decisions and motivations seem realistic to the reader.
Ms Campbell uses language and word choices very skillfully to convey attitude, tone and character that thrust the reader into the story and the minds of the characters. There were several times that I was shocked by a word choice, but pleasantly so. Nicholas is not a nice person; therefore his internal monologue should be filled with harsh, unpleasant thoughts and words. Because she does this so skillfully in the beginning with the introduction to the character, Ms. Campbell is able to realize Nicholas’ redemption by the last chapter of the book in a way the reader accepts with as honest and inevitable.
Although Midnight’s Wild Passion is a terrible title and, as far as I could tell, has nothing what so ever to do with the story, I truly enjoyed this novel like none I have in a long time. Anna Campbell’s books are always a treat but I enjoyed this one even more than others from her list. If you’re looking for a powerful read with an unusual hero, one you shouldn’t even like but will love by the end, I highly recommend this book.(less)
Maya Rodale has written a funny little story in A Tale of Two Lovers. Simon Roxbury is a charming character and I thought his reactions to the upheava...moreMaya Rodale has written a funny little story in A Tale of Two Lovers. Simon Roxbury is a charming character and I thought his reactions to the upheavals in his life to be realistic. I wasn’t as charmed by the heroine, Julianna. She seemed to have no problem whatsoever destroying a man’s life, but the minute he made her social standing precarious, she was incensed. While Julianna isn’t a horrible person, she is at times very unlikable.
That being said, I did enjoy the book as a whole. Ms. Rodale has written a story and characters that are not caricatures of every other Regency hero and heroine. I for one have never read one where the heroine teaches her friends the art of boxing in the front parlor after her husband has given her some pointers.
Admittedly, this is my first Maya Rodale novel, but based on this read, I will look into her back list.(less)
I squealed with glee when I received my copy of Julia Quinn’s latest, Just Like Heaven. Like many of Ms. Quinns long time fans, I’ve waited literally...moreI squealed with glee when I received my copy of Julia Quinn’s latest, Just Like Heaven. Like many of Ms. Quinns long time fans, I’ve waited literally years for her to write the story of the Smythe-Smith girls. They have long been a source of comic relief in the Bridgerton series with their disastrously awful musicales, and we all just knew there was more to the poor girls then just lack of musical ability. Ms Quinn has written a story for Honoria Smythe-Smith that proves what we suspected all along – they are delightful, self-aware ladies who deserve to be swept off their feet and away from the obligation of the Quartet.
There is no sagging middle in this story for certain. Ms. Quinn has written a middle so fraught with tension, and she has done such a fabulous job of opening up her characters so that the reader slips right inside, that I quite literally cried. Actual tears. And then, because it’s a Julia Quinn book, the very next chapter had me laughing out loud, alone in my living room well past midnight.
A delicious little surprise for Quinn fans are the running inside jokes throughout the book. The Bidgertons, Featheringtons and Berbrookes appear, there is much mention of Sebastian’s gothic novel, Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron, and no story which takes place in London would be complete without the terrifying and meddling appearance of Lady Danbury – thank goodness.
One doesn’t need to be a long-time fan of Ms. Quinn’s to appreciate this story. While a fresh reader might not appreciate the inside jokes, the story is so well crafted that knowing the past history is not necessary. Ms. Quinn could teach master’s level classes on characterization and humor in writing. It takes skill to be able to slip a 1965 pop song reference into a historical novel and not have a disaster of incongruity, but Ms. Quinn is able to pull that kind of thing off time and time again with great success. Most notably in her previous book, Ten Things I Love About You with the “where’s the beef” reference.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Just Like Heaven along with a box of Kleenex and a nice white wine. You won’t be sorry.(less)
As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to mar...moreAs a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.
Margaret Mallory has written a stirring story in The Guardian ripe with political intrigue and sensual passion. Her characters are finely crafted with realistic flaws. The reasons for Ian departure in the beginning of the story are completely believable and Sileas’ frustration at his return makes sense. So often these situations seem contrived, but Ms. Mallory’s characters could live no other way.
The twist and turns of Sileas and Ian’s love story gave this reader enough angst that, at one point, I put down the book in order pace around and grit my teeth. But be assured, I picked it up immediately because I had to know how Ian would get out of his current mess.
It’s not often you encounter a series that promises as much as this first book does. There are three more Highlanders, each intriguing and ripe for a good love story that, if this book is any indication, won’t go smoothly.(less)
With Silk is For Seduction, once again, Loretta Chase proves she is the master of the atypical hero and heroine. This time Ms. Chase wraps her quill a...moreWith Silk is For Seduction, once again, Loretta Chase proves she is the master of the atypical hero and heroine. This time Ms. Chase wraps her quill around the delightful Marcelline Noirot – the offspring of an infamous family long time readers may recognize, the Dreadful DeLuceys. Her hero is more typical in that he is a respectable peer but, as always, Ms. Chase creates a portrait of a man anything but boring.
Ms. Noirot comes up with a devious plan to attract the attention of the Duke – not for his own sake, although readers will be happy with the diversion, but for the more financially rewarding attention of his future Duchess. The twist of the standard romance plot pleased this reader, giving it twists that provided excellent tension in the plot. Ms. Noirot is brazen, possessing no internal edit and the way she runs roughshod over the demimonde is classical Loretta Chase.
New readers will find Ms. Chase has a marvelously amusing voice and her dialogue is always razor sharp and witty. Current fans of her work will be thrilled to find yet another offering that delivers everything they have come to expect from the charming Loretta Chase.(less)
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart is my first Sarah MacLean and I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly, regardless of the unwieldiness of the...moreEleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart is my first Sarah MacLean and I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly, regardless of the unwieldiness of the title. This is the third book in her Love by Numbers series, previously featuring this heroine’s brothers. Ms. MacLean’s take on the romance twist was a thoroughly delightful Italian miss who is always mere minutes away from an epic scandal. Of course, the Duke in question has only one prerequisite for a bride – a scandal free existence. Juliana entire motivation is to prove to him that a passion free life is no way to live.
Juliana is a wonderfully full, well-rounded character. Her inner tensions are completely believable and, even while presenting a very self-possessed image, she is riddled with angst about her true nature. How much like her dreaded scandal-ridden mother is she?
The poor Duke of Leighton and his stuffy heart doesn’t stand a chance against Juliana’s robust and lively nature. When the mighty Duke topples, it is an exquisite downfall. Their love story is one for the top ten lists this year.
One of the most delightful things about Ms. MacLean’s writing style is her spot on dialogue and witty repartee. Juliana has the most charming way of screwing up English idioms that is so typical of speakers of English as a second language.(less)
Devil Without A Cause is my first book by Terri Garey. I enjoyed this book even when I felt like I was missing clarifying back story. The Devil has be...moreDevil Without A Cause is my first book by Terri Garey. I enjoyed this book even when I felt like I was missing clarifying back story. The Devil has been a recurring character in Garey’s previous Nikki Styx series and apparently he was such a hit that after Nikki’s series ended, the Devil carried on. There are enough references to the previous books and the Devil’s relationship with that heroine that sometimes I was frustrated. That’s only a good thing for Ms. Garey as now I’ll have to read those books as well. For fans of Sammy Devine, the Devil, his subplot in Devil Without a Cause moves his character arc by leaps and bounds. In fact, this Devil may very well have a cause by the end of this book. One of Ms. Garey’s biggest strengths is her characterization and reimagining of the Devil and his environs.
As for this book, I truly enjoyed it. Ms. Garey writes her characters with tenderness and understanding. She puts the heroine in an impossible situation and her struggle would make any parent take the offer the Devil promises. Our hero is equally complex. He’s a man desperate to keep this rock star life but, at the same time, he yearns to be loved for himself as opposed to the standard groupie one night stand. The lure of love and a family pushes him into decisions he can hardly believe he would have made merely days before. Finn and Faith are falling in love, even while they work towards betraying each other. While any reader of romance can see the ending coming, it is nevertheless a satisfying conclusion.
If this book is exemplary of Ms. Garey’s other books, she has found a fan in this reader. I have already encouraged several other readers to give her a try.(less)
Collision Course, a novella by Zoe Archer, is a sexy, fast paced space ride. If I had a criticism for the story it would only be that the sexual attra...moreCollision Course, a novella by Zoe Archer, is a sexy, fast paced space ride. If I had a criticism for the story it would only be that the sexual attraction the couple feel for each other felt a tiny bit forced, but that is risk an author takes with the novella medium. Nevertheless, Ms. Archer manages to convey to the reader enough motivation for the love story to make sense. She has done an excellent job with back story – keeping it brief enough for the medium while still giving enough information for the reader to be satisfied with the story conflict. The sexual tension is kept at an artfully high level until finally the hero and heroine find explosive gratification. With a dangerous rescue mission as the backdrop, the sex scenes don’t cause the story to suffer from effusive carnal overload as so many novellas are capable of doing.(less)
My Sister and I were quite excited to read this. I was most delighted with the plot as it’s not often an author presents a historical romance I haven’...moreMy Sister and I were quite excited to read this. I was most delighted with the plot as it’s not often an author presents a historical romance I haven’t read a hundred times before. Ms. Heath had me enthralled, waiting to find out how our hero and heroine would manage to get together by the end. Ultimately, the resolution was one I saw coming, as will any reader of romance since we all know there must be the happy ending, but the story was told with aplomb.
The third in the London’s Greatest Lovers trilogy, Waking Up With The Duke is a excellent read. Ms. Heath establishes an emotional story with characters a reader roots for to find that happily ever after even when it seems darn near impossible. Unfortunately, even after Ms. Heath tries to forgive Walfort, our heroine’s husband, he is still a seriously flawed man, an entirely unredeemable character. It bothered me that Jayne and Ainsley still considered his wishes and desires when he never once considered either of theirs.
Consequently, the last third of the story dragged a bit for this reader. I would have like to have Jayne come to the inevitable conclusion faster rather than beleaguer the point of her shattered trust. It wasn’t really the trust in our hero that was in jeopardy anyway, but that of her cad of a husband.
I would easily recommend the book to someone looking for a sexy, emotional read. The sex scenes are hot and the love story is a sweet ride. The flirty banter is fun to read and her characters are endearing.(less)
Miranda Neville has written a delightful romance in The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. I am absolutely delighted tell you I enjoyed the book becau...moreMiranda Neville has written a delightful romance in The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. I am absolutely delighted tell you I enjoyed the book because it was touch and go there for me in the beginning. Captivating right from the start, the author drops the reader right into the action, but I was then turned off almost immediately when she used the much overused narrative tool of amnesia. My instinct was to cringe because I had no desire to read AGAIN the angsty nonsense “should I tell him” or “should I not tell him” the truth about his identity.
Fortunately, Ms. Neville ended the amnesia ruse quite early in the book so the reader wasn’t beleaguered with the overwrought and needless frustration of the heroine’s apprehension. Celia Seaton and Tarquin Compton are completely delightful together whether falling in love as Celia and “Terrance Fish”, the name she makes up for him, or sparring at Celia and Mr. Compton, society’s most vicious cutthroat.
The dialogue is fast and witty enough that I laughed out loud and made people listen to especially amusing passages as I read aloud. There is a legitimate mystery to be solved during the course of the story, but the mystery that provided the most enjoyment for this reader was the enigma that is Celia’s past. The author hints at it and shows glimpses, unfolding her background in a manner that kept me very interested in Ms. Seaton.
The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton was a fun ride and I would heartily recommend it to someone looking for a clever, satisfying read.(less)
Jenna Peterson latest release, A Scoundrel’s Surrender, is book three in the Billingham Bastards series. This story wraps up what was started in Lesso...moreJenna Peterson latest release, A Scoundrel’s Surrender, is book three in the Billingham Bastards series. This story wraps up what was started in Lessons From a Courtesan. Peterson moves through the story of Caleb and Marah filling in the holes and completing the story left open in the last installment.
Many authors attempt to show the hero and heroine struggling to keep away from each other know what they want is ostensibly not what they need. Ms. Petersen does an excellent job of this, creating situations to throw them together that ring true. While the sexual attraction is intense, the author doesn’t rely solely on it to prove the lovers should be together. Instead she showcases how much Caleb and Marah genuinely care for each other in scene after scene where they offer each other mutual support.
I recommend A Scoundrel’s Surrender as Ms. Petersen has written a first-rate love story that is both emotional and passionate.(less)
Jennifer Ashley has done it again. She has the most outstanding ability to take a severely damaged man, one no reader would expect to fall in love wit...moreJennifer Ashley has done it again. She has the most outstanding ability to take a severely damaged man, one no reader would expect to fall in love with and, with consummate skill, turn him into someone who makes your heart hurt.
The third book in the Highland Pleasures series featuring the Mackenzie brothers, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron is an outstanding addition to the series. The heroine, Ainsley Douglas, is a woman worthy of our hero and that’s saying something because the Mackenzie brothers are more than a little screwed up. Between how their abusive father raised them, mental illnesses in the family, and the horrendous experiences with wives and girlfriends in the past, there is no doubt the Mackenzie men are a mess.
Ms. Ashley writes with an emotional depth rarely seen in romance today. There is little manufactured angst. Instead, Ms. Ashley builds her story, revealing layer after layer of back story and insecurities until she arrives at a satisfying conclusion
This novel is rife with interaction with all the Mackenzies from books past and those yet to come. As a fan of her other work, I find this especially gratifying as this brings even further conclusion to those stories told before and give tantalizing peeks into the stories yet to come.
If I was forced to find fault with Ms. Ashley’s work it would only be that it takes too long from one book to the next. Hurry, Ms. Ashley.(less)
This is a delightful collection of short stories with some big romance writers such as Jo Beverly and Lauren Willig making contributions, along with t...moreThis is a delightful collection of short stories with some big romance writers such as Jo Beverly and Lauren Willig making contributions, along with the winner of a story contest held by the Republic of Pemberley website.
Ms. Nattress has assembled a wide variety of stories – everything from ghost stories featuring a haunting from Miss Austen to Jane as a spy during the war. There are contemporary visions including Jane or just her books. Some stories envision continuations of secondary character’s stories, bringing their lives to completion. One of the earliest stories has Jane meeting each of her famous characters, most of whom are none too happy with her depictions of them.
Any fan of Jane Austen will fine a great deal of amusement with this collection. It’s always satisfying to know you’re not the only reader wondering, “what if…”(less)
A Gift of Shayla is an erotic novella by N.J. Walters, an author with an impressive list of titles, adding this one as the first single title with Car...moreA Gift of Shayla is an erotic novella by N.J. Walters, an author with an impressive list of titles, adding this one as the first single title with Carina Press. A Gift of Shayla is a quick read, at 19,000 words there isn’t much room for character arcs. Walters has written a M/M/F fantasy that fits the bill as expected by an erotica reader, but not much more. That being said, if you’re looking for a quick fix with some well written fantasies give A Gift of Shayla a read – you’ll get what you’re looking for.(less)
Oh man, if you’re a fan of Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series and her fabulous heroine, Rachel Morgan, then The Hollows Insider: New Fiction, Facts, Ma...moreOh man, if you’re a fan of Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series and her fabulous heroine, Rachel Morgan, then The Hollows Insider: New Fiction, Facts, Maps and More in the World of Rachel Morgon is a book not to be missed - all 300 pages of glorious background. Ms. Harrison has included everything a fan of her series could ever wonder about. As advirtised in the title, there are maps as well as spells and recipes galore. Between hand-written case notes by narrator Devin Crossman, there are Inderland Species Descriptions he rescued from a dumpster. You’ll find essays by Rachel herself about Vampires and Pixies. Harrison has created a text book entry, JOLLS – The Journal of Ley Line Studies. There are song lyrics and demon curses, and so much more.
This book is put together better than many similar guides out there. If you’re a fan, the Hollows Insider is not to be missed.(less)
Castaway Dreams is a completely charming book. You haven't read this story before which is astounding since we've read a zillion of them. When you fir...moreCastaway Dreams is a completely charming book. You haven't read this story before which is astounding since we've read a zillion of them. When you first meet the heroine, you as a reader have the same impression as the hero - that's she's a useless piece of fluff. The character arcs are completely believable and you fall in love with the heroine - and her little dog - just like the hero does. Honestly, I'd have never read this book based on the cover, but I was assigned to read it as part of a contest and I'm so glad I did. (less)
I really liked this book - both the Hero and Heroine are engaging and likeable. The story is a bit different than your average historical romance as n...moreI really liked this book - both the Hero and Heroine are engaging and likeable. The story is a bit different than your average historical romance as neither of the main characters fit into society. This book was published in 2009 and I'm just reading it now due to how much fun Jenna's Zombie books are . . . but that's a whole other review! Pick this one up if you can still find it - I don't think you'll be sorry.(less)
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