It’s been a while since I’ve read such an imaginative paranormal romance. Bec McMaster has penned a noteworthy...more4 ½ stars – Paranormal Romance/Steampunk
It’s been a while since I’ve read such an imaginative paranormal romance. Bec McMaster has penned a noteworthy debut that’s bold, inventive, engrossing, and sensual. I really enjoyed this!
McMaster has crafted an intricate, alternate London set historical with memorable, complex characters and unique elements of paranormal, steampunk, vampires, and verwulfen blended seamlessly without excessive world building to bog down the pacing or impede the romance. The dark, eerie Whitechapel setting gives the story an authentic gothic resonance and provides lots of danger, intrigue, thrills, and chills.
Blade, “the devil of Whitechapel”, is a captivating, sexy hero with a fascinating mix of tortured soul and primal alpha male who’s at times brutal yet intimately tender and protective of those he cares about. He’s rough, growly, ruthless, and possessive, has a caring heart of gold, and yearns for affection, trust, and peace. Blade reminded me a little of Charming Mickey from Elizabeth Hoyt’s Scandalous Desires at times but with more of a predator, supernatural edge and a somewhat softer, gooier center. In other words...YOWZA!
Honoria Todd is a strong, brave heroine and I both admired and wanted to strangle her at times for being so stubborn, proud, and loyal to a fault. It drove me crazy that she continually resisted and rebuffed Blade, no matter what he did or how hard he tried. Blade and Honoria engage in quite a bit of bickering, sparring, and bantering and have some seriously explosive chemistry. And when she finally comes to her senses I nearly screamed...well, it’s about time!
Kiss of Steel is a terrific, original debut that’s dark, passionate, intense, emotional, and satisfyingly steamy. I’m looking forward to the next book, Heart of Iron.
I adore everything Julie James writes and this was another winner! With intelligent characters, witty dialogue, snappy b...more5 stars – Contemporary Romance
I adore everything Julie James writes and this was another winner! With intelligent characters, witty dialogue, snappy banter, sarcastic, sexy quips, and sizzling chemistry, her books never fail to please. And she’s definitely turned up the heat with steamier love scenes! Cade was such a yowza, yummy hero, and he and Brooke made an appealing, enjoyable couple.
I just wish she wrote more and faster, but without sacrificing the quality that marks every single one of her books; so I guess Ms. James needs a clone.(less)
Kristen Ashley has without a doubt earned the best/most of everything for 2012 (addictive stories, unforgettable...more5 stars – Contemporary Erotic Romance
Kristen Ashley has without a doubt earned the best/most of everything for 2012 (addictive stories, unforgettable heroes, and moving epilogues) and is easily one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books completely beguile me every single time and this was certainly no exception. Never mind that I had boxes to unpack or a gazillion other things to do because Creed simply demanded my full attention...and boy howdy, he got it! I simply couldn’t put it down!
This actually started off a little bit rocky and I wasn’t quite sure what to think. But then around the 28% mark, everything started falling into place and I ended up loving it! Creed and Sylvie are both broken and battered with horribly tragic pasts, but they find healing and forgiveness through their resilient, enduring, and unconquerable love for each other. They’re memorable, unique characters, and I adored them together.
I loved Knight and Creed, and it’s hard to decide which I liked better. Both have compelling, strong, albeit very distinctive, heroes, and although related, they’re still very different books; so it’s probably best not to compare the two. Having said that, this definitely left me more emotionally satisfied than Knight, probably because there’s a definitive, more traditional, hard-won HEA.
Bottom line, Kristen Ashley is an author goddess and she’s once again made me a very happy romance reader! Big 5 stars!
The epilogue...of course. KA is the queen of heartwarming, mushy, gushy, and can’t-get-enough-of-it epilogues, and Creed left me smiling and wiping away tears.
Minor criticisms:
Creed naming his kids (view spoiler)[with another woman the same names that he and Sylvie had planned on (hide spoiler)] made my heart break. Talk about a hot poker to the chest! His reasoning was awful, twisted, beautiful, and tragic, and although things eventually worked out, it was still hard to take.
After waiting so long for the flashback scene to reveal the moment that Sylvie (view spoiler)[finally lost her virginity to Creed (hide spoiler)], I was very disappointed that it faded to black.
I think it’s a bit misleading that this series falls in the Unfinished Hero series that’s described as erotic romances with anti-heroes because Creed is without a doubt an honorable man and a full-fledged hero, and it’s really not all that erotic.
Oh, but I really enjoyed this one! There are opposites attract stories and then there are opposites ignite, combust, and...more5 stars – Contemporary Romance
Oh, but I really enjoyed this one! There are opposites attract stories and then there are opposites ignite, combust, and singe my Kindle stories and this is definitely the latter. Whew!
And the premise is one of my favorites...seemingly stodgy, stuffy, rich, straitlaced Darcy-esque hero and free-spirited, quirky, flamboyant, provocative heroine clash, battle, and then inevitably end up lusting and scorching up the sheets...and pretty much any stable surface.
But Sarah Mayberry has penned an insightful, affecting story and given depth to Martin’s and Violet’s characters that dispels clichés and stereotypes. And talk about a swoonalicious, husband-worthy hero! I absolutely loved Martin! *sigh*
Her Best Worst Mistake is a sequel/spin-off of Hot Island Nights that takes place during the same time period, and I enjoyed this much more having read Hot Island Nights first.
It’s a sexy, fun, super steamy, and emotionally gratifying romance with a memorable H/h. 5 stars!
Gah! I don’t have time to fully review this book to give it the justice it deserves. And ther...more5 stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense Novella
Gah! I don’t have time to fully review this book to give it the justice it deserves. And there’s no way I could possibly gush enough over how much I enjoyed the sweet, touching romance between a remarkable H/h, both of whom are battered souls deserving of gentleness, healing, and love. Pamela Clare never fails to amaze me with her emotional, powerful stories and she pens some of the absolute best heroes in romance. If you’re a romance fan and haven’t yet discovered her I-Team and MacKinnon’s Rangers series, then what on earth are you waiting for?!?! Big 5 stars!
If I rated this based on the heroine it would get 1 star because Ava topped the annoying b*t...more4 stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
If I rated this based on the heroine it would get 1 star because Ava topped the annoying b*tchometer until around the 65% mark and even after that was still ungrateful and somewhat irritating. Without a doubt, yummalicious, handcuff wielding, uber alpha badass Luke Stark made and saved this book.
‘Nough said.
Peace Out and Rock On!
*****Edited from original rating/review*****
I bumped this from a somewhat lackluster 4 stars to a stronger, more solid 4+ after finishing Rock Chick Regret, loving the series, and eventually growing to like Ava. Besides, Luke Stark is one of the most badass, studtastic members of the Hot Bunch!
This is my favorite in the fun, ridiculously zany, wild ride Rock Chick series so far. V...more4 ½-5 stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
This is my favorite in the fun, ridiculously zany, wild ride Rock Chick series so far. Vance is another yummy, KAmazing alpha hero, and he and Jules were smokin’ hot together!
I liked Jules and found her far less irritating than previous Rock Chicks, Indy, Jet, and Roxie, but she definitely had numerous aggravating moments. Her inner Rottweiler, constant threats about breaking up with Vance, and routinely bragging about being such a kickass “The Law” mamma jamma were really annoying. As far as I’m concerned, Vance has the patience of a saint.
The love triangle went a bit too far for my taste, so I’m knocking off half a star for that and some Jules irritation. Otherwise, it’s a highly entertaining read with some emotional moments that made me tear up a few times. 4 ½-5 stars!
Although his hair isn’t quite long enough, this is definitely my Vance Ouray Crowe.
I bumped this from a low 4.5 to a higher 4.5 (closer to 5 stars) af...more4 ½ stars – Chick lit/Romantic Suspense
*****Edited from original rating/review*****
I bumped this from a low 4.5 to a higher 4.5 (closer to 5 stars) after finishing Rock Chick Regret, loving the series, and realizing how much I enjoyed Hank and Roxie together! (less)
3 ½ stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Geez, and here I thought Indy from Rock Chick was aggravating. But Jet definitely wins the...more3 ½ stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Geez, and here I thought Indy from Rock Chick was aggravating. But Jet definitely wins the prize for the most annoying, clueless, low self-esteem, and TSTL heroine who’s deserving of a major b*tch slap smackdown. I found her so exasperating that she lessened my overall enjoyment, and I don’t know why a yummy as sin hero like Eddie put up with all her bullsh*t, unless he’s just glutton for punishment.
But it’s still Kristen Ashley, so of course, despite my loathing Jet, the wacky, unbelievable plot, zany antics, and super abrupt ending, I still found it entertaining. And I’ll definitely read the rest of the Rock Chick series.
*****Edited from original rating/review*****
I bumped this from a low 3.5 to a higher 3.5 (closer to 4 stars) after finishing Rock Chick Regret, loving the series, and eventually growing to like Jet!
There’s no possible way I can adequately express my feelings about this book or gush enough over how much I admire Kris...more5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
There’s no possible way I can adequately express my feelings about this book or gush enough over how much I admire Kristen Ashley’s writing brilliance. So I’ll keep things simple and just say that I loved, loved, loved this!
Ms. Ashley is the reigning queen of smokin’ hot, badass uber alpha heroes, addictive, sigh-worthy romance, and dreamy, gratifying epilogues, and Heaven and Hell is certainly no exception. It’s one of my very favorite KA reads to date! Huge, heavenly 5 stars!
Sam in all his sexy, swoonalicious glory:
Kia in casual glamour mode:
Kia lounging around Sam’s beach house in North Carolina:
Memphis going for a walk on the beach:
On a side note...I’ve been to Lake Como in Italy and it’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful, heavenly places I’ve seen. So I especially loved all the Lake Como scenes.
Lago di Como è bellissima!
This emotional, heartfelt scene pretty much sums up the book.
**********spoiler warning**********
(view spoiler)[“You walked into that dining room, baby, and you know, the minute I saw you, I wanted to fuck you. Two days later, I saw you outside havin’ a drink and even before you looked at me with tears in your eyes, just when I saw you sittin’ there, I was annoyed, thought you were playin’ games, and I didn’t care. Just you sittin’ there I knew it was you.” He knew it was me. Me I closed my eyes. “Look at me,” Sam ordered quietly and I opened them. “Weeks after that, Kia, I saw you standing in my kitchen writing a grocery list, doing nothing, just writing a grocery list. But you’d just made me laugh and, just like you, you made me do it hard. That shit with Gordo, with Luci, losin’ Ben, Felicia tryin’ to off herself, that shit’s too much, it wears you down. I hadn’t laughed like that in months, not since Gordo died and in that moment, you in the kitchen, I realized I did it all the time with you. There were times before, a lot of them, I’d look at you and feel your pull, so strong. I wanted to fight it, deny it but I couldn’t, you wouldn’t let me and I didn’t get it. But seein’ you standing in my kitchen, effortlessly beautiful, writing a fuckin’ grocery list after you made me laugh like that, I knew what it was. I got it. I knew it was more. I knew that wasn’t an offer. That was a promise. Even with all the shit goin’ down with you, shit that would wear any other woman down, it didn’t with you and you gave me that from the beginning. And it hit me then that was what my life would be like if I lived the whole of it with you. And I knew I couldn’t live without you.” Oh. My. God. He couldn’t live without me. His face got close. “You cannot leave me. You can’t. I can’t live without you.” He couldn’t live without me. He was in hell, just like me. And just like he did for me, I showed him heaven.(hide spoiler)]
My favorite badass alpha, yowza dirty talkin’ Sam quote:
**********explicit language and spoiler warning**********
(view spoiler)[“Kia, eyes on me,” Sam ordered gently and my eyes slid back to him to see he wasn’t smiling anymore and there was no trace of hilarity. He was focused, intent and serious but all of that in a tender way that made something important shift inside of me. “Makin’ you melt for me then makin’ you light up for me, listening to you get excited, feeling it, tasting it, eating it.” His words made me shiver and it helped that his hand was gliding up my back, my neck and into my hair then he pulled my head down so my face was an inch from his and he continued on a whisper, “Feelin’ you come against my mouth, watchin’ you drive yourself down on my dick, listening to you moan as your pussy clenched around my cock when you came, baby, yeah, that was all okay, that was all better than fuckin’ okay. It was fuckin’ beautiful.”(hide spoiler)]
3 ½ stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
I was initially worried that this might be too chick lit for my taste, but I figured I cou...more3 ½ stars – Chick lit/Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
I was initially worried that this might be too chick lit for my taste, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with it being Kristen Ashley. Rock Chick is definitely a wild ride with a weird mix of self-indulgent, silly chick lit, zany mystery, wacky humor, movie style action, madcap suspense, and steamy romance that’s overall entertaining.
I especially liked enigmatic, badass alpha male Liam “Lee” Nightingale, but self-proclaimed rock chick and annoying TSTL poster girl Indy Savage nearly ruined this for me. Gawd I wanted to b*tch slap her sooo many times! And she had all these hot men fighting for her and falling all over themselves to rescue her ass. Seriously?!?! Do men really want such high maintenance, ungrateful, shrill b*tches? Sadly, I think the answer to that is probably...oh hell yes. After all, knights love to save damsels in distress, right? But I’m hoping the other Rock Chick heroines won’t be so infuriating or make my palm itch for a smackdown like Indy.
*****Edited from original rating/review*****
I bumped this from a low 3.5 to a higher 3.5 (closer to 4 stars) after finishing Rock Chick Regret, loving the series, and eventually growing to like Indy!
A bunch of my fellow romance lovin’ Goodreads friends have been reading and raving about Kristen Ashley, and with great...more5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
A bunch of my fellow romance lovin’ Goodreads friends have been reading and raving about Kristen Ashley, and with great reason. Lady Luck is the third book in the Colorado Mountain series, and after reading it, I’m now 3 for 3 with her books being big 5 star winners that I loved.
There’s just something about her stories that grab me right from the beginning and never let go. I especially love how the details, descriptions, and conversations depict such vivid images of the characters and scenes so that it feels like you’re watching a movie in your mind. It’s true that the editing could use improvement and there’s perhaps too much elucidation of inane minutiae, like clothes, jewelry, outfits, rooms, furniture, and common “stuff”. But overall Ashley’s unique writing style and genuine, engaging dialogue bring the story and cast to life. Her books are unusually lengthy and take me longer to read than other authors/books, but then astonishingly when they’re over, I’m sad and still want more. Fortunately, she also gives her readers superb epilogues that more than satisfy.
I absolutely adored Lexie, but I didn’t warm up to Ty quite as easily. I felt bad for him and all that he endured, and his anger, cynical mistrust of women, and desire for vengeance were more than justified. Even so, Ty’s cruel treatment of Lexie in a couple of momentous, heartbreakingly intense scenes really pissed me off. I cried like a baby and felt nearly as emotionally flayed and raw afterward as she did. Lexie’s such an incredibly sweet, loyal, giving, and loving heroine, and I wasn’t sure he’d be able to win me back after he’d hurt her so terribly and unforgivably. Amazingly he did, and with icing and a cherry on top. It certainly didn’t hurt that he’s a smokin’ hot, tortured, badass alpha, which I can never resist.
Crude language doesn’t bother me, but there’s a lot of fuckin’, pussy, and bitch talk in this that got somewhat grating at times. Also, I didn’t really care for Ty’s nickname “mama” for Lexie initially, but it grew on me after a while.
My summary of the Colorado Mountain series so far: Favorite hero: Max from The Gamble Favorite heroine: Lexie from Lady Luck Favorite overall story/book: Sweet Dreams And I can’t wait for Chace and Faye’s story!
I’m glad she’s got an extensive backlist and more book releases coming because I definitely want to read more by this author! Big 5 stars!
I envisioned hunkalicious Boris Kodjoe as Ty. He doesn’t have enough tats, but I’ve got a great imagination and could mentally tat him up.
I imagined Jennifer Garner or Rachel Weisz as Lexie. I think either of them could play her with the perfect mix of sweet, goof, and sass.
This is a nice start to a very promising new septet series by the refined queen of traditional, authentic Regency...more4 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
This is a nice start to a very promising new septet series by the refined queen of traditional, authentic Regency era romance, Mary Balogh. The relationship between Gwendoline, Lady Muir and Hugo, Lord Trentham was engaging, refreshing, and heartfelt. But what I loved most about it is the deep bond and earnest affection between the seven members of the “Survivor’s Club”, and I look forward to the other books, particularly Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby’s and Vincent Hunt, Lord Darleigh’s.(less)
I’m an avid Julie James fangirl and I love her snappy, clever, banterific dialogue and snarky humor. Practice Makes Perf...more5 stars – Contemporary Romance
I’m an avid Julie James fangirl and I love her snappy, clever, banterific dialogue and snarky humor. Practice Makes Perfect, Something About You, and A Lot Like Love were some of my favorite reads of last year, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting Kyle’s story.
Although I didn’t enjoy About That Night as much as the previous books in the FBI/US Attorney series, it’s still an entertaining, satisfying read. The romance between sexy computer genius Kyle Rhodes, aka “Smug Dimples,” “Twitter Terrorist”, and Sawyer from Lost lookalike, and sassy law geek, “counselor”, “Meth Lab” Rylann, aka “Prosecutrix Pierce” and “brunette bombshell”, was highly amusing and steamy. These two ignited some serious sparks! I would have liked a bit more to the ending and an epilogue, but overall I really enjoyed it! 5 stars!
And who would have figured cyber geek Kyle for such a bedroom bad boy and smokin’ hot dirty talker?!?! Yowza!
This scene cracked me up.
“I don’t mind hot and spicy. Actually find that appealing in a girl.” He cocked his head, thinking this over. “And chicken wings.” Rylann turned her head and stared at him. “Did you really just compare me to chicken wings?” “You say that like it’s a bad thing. Chicken wings are the bomb.”
I’m a huge MacKinnon’s Rangers fan, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of...more5++ stars – Colonial American/Frontier/Highlander Historical Romance
I’m a huge MacKinnon’s Rangers fan, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Defiant ever since I squealed like a fangirl when I heard Connor would be getting his own book. I swooned hard and irrevocably for his brothers, Iain in Surrender and Morgan in Untamed, two of my all-time favorite romance keepers and heroes, and it seemed only fitting that brooding, enigmatic youngest brother, Connor, should get his own HEA. And after nearly two years of anticipation since I read the first two books in 2010, I’m happy to say that the brilliant and incomparable Pamela Clare not only exceeded my super high expectations but blew this right into the stratosphere! Brava!
I feel frustrated and inadequate writing this review because there just aren’t sufficient words to convey how much I loved this. It’s complexly A+mazing, powerful, emotive, thrilling, sensual, and heartrending with an unforgettable hero and heroine whose journey will leave you breathless, speechless, and deeply inspired. It’s the epitome of what I love about romance and a story of substance that I’d recommend for all those book snobs out there who look down their nose at romance authors and readers.
Defiant is a truly astounding, utterly enthralling, and beautifully moving read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. Having read roughly 1,300 romances, Pamela Clare’s MacKinnon’s Rangers still holds a place of honor on my treasured keeper shelf. Huge 5++ stars!
On a side note, Pamela Clare is not only a superb author goddess, but also an amazing person who genuinely cares about humanity and her fans. And I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for that. So, thank you, Pamela, for giving so generously and joyously of your talent, dedication, and friendship.
I highly recommend checking out the live action trailer for Defiant for visual inspiration.
Addendum: I’m beyond excited that Joseph will be getting his own book! YAY! *happy dance and fangirl squeal*
MacKinnon’s Rangers is one of my top, all-time favorite romance series and the MacKinnon brothers (Iain, Morgan, and Connor) are some of the best, most swoonalicious heroes in all of Romancelandia!!!!
Books like this lovely, heartwarming gem make me grateful for Goodreads, which has enabled me to make such great...more5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
Books like this lovely, heartwarming gem make me grateful for Goodreads, which has enabled me to make such great friends who share my passion for romance and happily ever afters and to discover so many wonderful new-to-me authors.
Nearly a Lady is such a delightful, beautiful, emotional, sweet story that’s all the more powerful because of its quiet, honest simplicity and endearing characters who steal your heart. The genuine friendship and tender, gradual romance between generous, guarded, tortured war veteran hero Gideon and quirky, iron-willed, compassionate country maiden Winnefred is one of the most engaging and touching I’ve read in a while.
Winnefred, who’d much prefer strolling in the countryside with her beloved pet goat Claire than promenading in crowded ballrooms of the ton, is a plucky, funny, utterly lovable, and unforgettable heroine. And she and her reluctant protector and hero, Gideon, are absolutely enchanting together and perfect for each other in every way. Their relationship reminded me a little of Beatrix and Christopher from Lisa Kleypas’s Love in the Afternoon...both feature a spirited, eccentric, nature-and-animal-loving heroine and PTSD-suffering war veteran hero...but Nearly a Lady has a charming splendor all its own.
The secondary romance between Winnefred’s best friend Lilly and Gideon’s brother Lucien was yummy icing on the already delicious cake, and even though I was somewhat surprised and a tad disappointed that it was wrapped up in this, it was still a nice addition to the story.
This is a truly remarkable reminder of how sometimes the simplest stories can be the most affecting and of why I love romance and HEAs so much. 5 sweetly satisfied stars!
Favorite passages:
Gideon’s appraisal of Winnefred’s unique charms:
He didn’t want another man seeing—really seeing—Winnefred.
Whether she was in a complicated ball gown or a simple dress, he was the only man who truly saw her. He knew that beneath the fragile silk was the steel spine of a woman who’d confronted a thief in her stable and beaten him to the ground. He knew that behind the soft smile was the unconquerable will that had kept two women alive on five pounds a year. Well-rehearsed manners hid a brash tongue, and the excuse of a headache would keep quiet the fact she was graceless as a lumbering army. Only he knew the simple, wild beauty of her. It was a treasure he wanted to hoard. She was a secret he wanted to keep all to himself.
He was being unreasonable and he knew it. But even as he berated himself for being a dog in the manger, he scowled as Winnefred laughed at something Gratley said. And he wasn’t sure if it was better or worse when Gratley laughed at something Winnefred said in return. He only knew he didn’t like it.
“Do you want to be?” “In love with you?” He straightened, took a chance, and reached for her hand. The flame grew a little brighter when she didn’t pull away. “Yes. It terrifies me. The idea of children terrifies me. The thought that something might happen to you, that I might let something happen to you, absolutely terrifies me, and always will.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I wouldn’t be rid of that fear for any price. Because to lose it would be to lose you, and the possibility of our children. I . . . I want it—you and children and every moment of fear and happiness that comes with being in love. I want it. All of it.”
When will the WARDen give us Qhuinn’s/Blaylock’s story, dammit?!?!? I don’t give a @*#&$...more5 stars – Paranormal/Vampire/UF Romance
Thoughts Before Reading:
When will the WARDen give us Qhuinn’s/Blaylock’s story, dammit?!?!? I don’t give a @*#&$ about Tohr!? I want Qhuay!!!!
Thoughts After Reading:
This is me coughing up feathers after eating crow because Lover Reborn was sooo much better than I expected. It’s an emotional read that had me shedding serious tears and an a+wesome installment to the series!
And now that the Warden has officially announced on Facebook that Blay and Qhuinn are the next BDB hardcover release slated for 2013?!?! *faints* Seriously, somebody better have a stash of smelling salts handy!
Wow! I loved it! I’ve been a big fan of this series from the beginning, and with its tenth installment, Lara Adria...more5 stars – Paranormal/Vampire Romance
Wow! I loved it! I’ve been a big fan of this series from the beginning, and with its tenth installment, Lara Adrian definitely delivered the goods. Chase and Tavia are an awesome H/h pairing, and with some shocking surprises, an epic showdown, a satisfying ending, and a moving epilogue, it’s one of the best books of the series. There’s an 11th book mentioned (TBD) on the author’s website, so I’m hoping that means we haven’t seen the last of the Breed. 5 stars!(less)
WOW! Lover Unleashed is a fantastic installment to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and I especially loved the romance this time!
Here’s a checklist run...moreWOW! Lover Unleashed is a fantastic installment to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and I especially loved the romance this time!
Here’s a checklist rundown of some of my favorite highpoints:
*More romance between main H/H? – Check!
Manny and Payne were amazing characters, and I absolutely loved, loved, luvvved them together! They were such a sweet, sexy couple with a strong emotional connection and explosive chemistry. In fact, their sensual, evocative romance was possibly my favorite since Lover Eternal and Lover Awakened.
I loved when Manny showed Payne that she could have a full, complete life, even if she never walked again.
I loved the allegorical connection between Manny’s Thoroughbred Glory and Payne. There were some truly beautiful, touching moments with this part of the story.
*Resolution to the Jane/Vishous/Butch relationship quandary? – Check!(view spoiler)[
The struggles between V and Jane were heartbreaking, and I really questioned (and hated) where the Warden was taking things with them there for a bit. But alas, their mating bond is now stronger than ever, and so is V.
I loved that this also provided closure for doors cracked but never fully opened between V and Butch. As agonizing as it was for Butch to help V break down his emotional and psychological walls, their intrinsic bond of friendship was never more necessary. And I’m glad it was done without crossing any sexual lines between them because that would have completely nullified the hard-fought HEAs between V/Jane and Butch/Marissa.
*Less lesser and Lash time monopolizing and plot derailing? – Check!
*Intriguing new characters? – Check!
Band of Bastards – So many future possibilities with these villainous warriors.
Thomas “Veck” DelVecchio – Now I really can’t wait until Envy comes out!
*Qhuinn being less of a manwhore and finally getting his shit together? – Not quite a check, but he’s making some progress...at least it looks promising. (view spoiler)[*Hot Qhuay lovin’? – DENIED! (WARDen – Please, pleaze give us a Qhuinn/Blaylock mating...and soon!)
But in all seriousness, I recognize that Qhuinn is a self-destructive mess and isn’t quite ready for a mature, committed relationship with Blay. I’m optimistic that things are finally headed in the right direction, though. But I don’t want Layla in the mix, at all! True?
There were a few things that could have been better.
(view spoiler)[*The finally! love scene between Manny and Payne was much too brief and not nearly as detailed or hot as I was hoping for, especially after so much buildup. *I wanted a mating ceremony between V/Jane and Manny/Payne. (hide spoiler)] *The ending was too abrupt and it needed an epilogue, especially since we have to wait another year until the next book!
Overall, this is a terrific read and one of the better, more satisfying additions to the phenomenal BDB series. 5 stars!
Oh, how I loved, loved this book! I’m a sucker for emotional romances with tortured heroes, and Born...more5+ stars – Historical/Medieval/Highlander Romance
Oh, how I loved, loved this book! I’m a sucker for emotional romances with tortured heroes, and Born in Sin is a touching read featuring one of the most abused and anguished romantic heroes of any that I’ve read. Sin’s unbearably tragic past and continual suffering and mistreatment from others have made him justifiably brooding, jaded, distrustful, reclusive, and full of self-loathing, yet he treats the heroine with gentleness and reverence.
He’s one of the most unforgettable, heartbreaking, and sigh-worthy heroes in Romancelandia. And Callie, the plucky lass who’s determined to convince Sin he’s worthy of love and devotion, is one of the most spirited, steadfast, compassionate, loyal, and endearing heroines ever. Sin and Callie forge a love that is pure, poignant, passionate, inspiring, and truly wondrous.
Although it’s a medieval highland historical romance, Sin reminded me in some ways of another of my all-time favorite tortured heroes, Zsadist from Lover Awakened. And like Zsadist and Bella in Lover Awakened, Sin and Callie in Born in Sin are a treasured Romancelandia couple for the keeper shelf! Big 5 stars!
It’s hard to cast someone as dark, dangerous, and broodingly sexy as Lord Sin, but Eric Bana has his penetrating, midnight eyes. Dress him in all black knight garb, put him on a black war stallion, and give him a sword, and he’d make a compelling, forbidding Lord Sin.
And this sexy knight could portray Sin rather convincingly as well.
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