Ruined by a Rake is a fast paced historical romance. It is a boy meets girl and steals a kiss.
Eleanor is introduced to Nicolas, her new cousin by mar...moreRuined by a Rake is a fast paced historical romance. It is a boy meets girl and steals a kiss.
Eleanor is introduced to Nicolas, her new cousin by marriage, when she's only nine years old. Eleanor looks at the skinny kid, who's two years younger, and thinks nothing of him until her mom asks that she give the boy a kiss.
Eleanor so not wants to kiss Nicolas, she thinks it is the most disgusting thing ever. The thing is her mom doesn't want excuses, she wants the boy to feel welcome. So, Eleanor leans in to kiss him. Just when she's about to touch her lips to his cheek, the skinny boy turns his head and meets her lips with his.
Nicolas smiles and even winks at her. Eleanor is disgusted by the kiss, how can she not be? She's only a kid and has never kissed a boy on the lips! However, fifteen years go by and the memory of that stolen kiss is still in her mind, but she no longer feels disgusted by it. No, she feels something else.
Nicolas is back from the Army and just in time to save her from his stepfather's (her uncle) selfish plans. Like her, he's never forgotten the kiss, and it turns out he's always loved her.
Throughout the years their relationship has been one of love and hate, but no more. He is back, and he wants to help her NOT marry any of the men his evil stepfather has lined up for her.
Nicolas is bothered by the way Eleanor is now reacting to things, he's upset she's no longer the feisty woman he knows she is. He doesn't rest until he makes her see what she's doing and makes her understand why she needs to stand up for herself again, like she always has.
In their interactions, their bond only grows stronger until they both are forced to admit their love for each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a sweet historical/regency romance. Both the hero and the heroine are in their early twenties. I read a lot of historical romances and the one thing I picked up on in this is the way Erin Knightley really keeps to the historical tone in the dialogue. This may not make sense to many, but it does to me in thinking of how the other historicals/regencies I've read, read. Anyway, I thought that was actually refreshing. (less)
I was looking forward to reading this book, how could I not? I love historical romances, especially if there is some spice in them and for some reason...moreI was looking forward to reading this book, how could I not? I love historical romances, especially if there is some spice in them and for some reason (I don't know what), I'd thought this one would have lots of it. Well, it didn't.
It doesn't matter anyway, it is still a good story. I just wonder how good it would've been had it been a full length novel.
Isabella grew up in a convent, the sisters taught her all there was to being the perfect wife, little do they know becoming the perfect wife isn't even on her list. Running away as fast and as far as she can is the only thought on her mind. The one thing Isabelle never counts on is stumbling upon the man she is running away from.
Javi doesn't care for marriage, in fact, he's running just the opposite direction. He has more important matters at hand, such as: going to Mexico...than marrying his bethrothed. Someone he's never met! Then, along comes a woman in the middle of the woods whom tempts him with every little thing she does. To his surprise, the woman happens to be the one he left at the altar, except he didn't, because truth be told, neither one of them ever intended to show up.
Bound to be a Bride is a fast paced historical romance with a bit of humor and a dash of spice.(less)
I had never read anything by Kristen and after Own the Wind I thought: "Dang it! I've been missing out."
This book reminds me of Sons of Anarchy in som...moreI had never read anything by Kristen and after Own the Wind I thought: "Dang it! I've been missing out."
This book reminds me of Sons of Anarchy in some ways. Own the Wind is about a motorcycle club, per se, called Chaos. They have what they call brothers, lieutenants, and more, depending on how long each of the men has been with the club and what each of them has done to pay their due and deserve a higher ranking and the like.
That is where Shy Cage comes in [swoon]. He was a good boy turned bad and turned good back around again when he joins Chaos. He's been with Chaos for a while and all the men respect him, he's paid his dues, and he's moving up in their ranks.
The men always look out for each other and their families in sort of a "one for all and all for one" type thing. Whenever anyone is in trouble, whoever is closer (geographically at times) to the one in trouble gets called to go "rescue" him/her. And that is the case with Shy and Tabitha.
Tabitha is his friend's daughter, well, not just his friend. I mean, Tabby's dad is the "Head" of Chaos and no one messes with him or those who are his. Anyway, Tabby is in trouble and needs help and the one who can reach her faster than anyone else is Shy.
Shy doesn't like that he has to leave his two naked companions to go rescue Tabby as he's sure she deserves whatever trouble she is in, but he goes anyway. Tabby is used to getting herself in trouble and Shy has had it. He wants to teach her a lesson so that she decides to walk on the straight and narrow and no longer call trouble to herself.
The lesson Shy teaches her shakes up Tabby in a way that makes way mad at him. But before she leaves, she kisses him then dissappears for good.
That kiss remains in Shy's mind for months and months, actually a few years is more like it. Shy misses seeing her, he knows she's around but the darn woman will not set foot at the Compound for anything. She no longer joins any of the get togethers the men host, she's really just gone invisible.
Things happen, they cross paths on and off but no long enough for Shy to be able to ask Tabby what's been bothering her on years on end. Then, Tabby is about to get married when something awful happens and as destiny would have it, the two come together and rekindle their friendship.
Through their friendship their relationship grows, they not only discover things within themselves but also realize the feelings they've always had for each other. But not one of the two wants to take the first step because if one of them does and the other one doesn't feel the same way, then things would just be, um, AWKWARD.
Of course that only lasts until the moment they have a fight, Tabby gives him a cold shoulder and stops talking to him. Then, Shy discovers she's ready to leave but he won't have it. The time has come, and shine or rain she's gonna listen to what he has to say, which isn't much but short of: WTF are you doing and where are you going, and you're not leaving. Then, he grabs her and plants a kiss that makes her curl her toes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Own the Wind is such an AWESOME read! I mean, I personally wouldn't let a man talk to me the way Shy talks to Tabby some times, I just wouldn't put up with it. BUT, he's all tough, don't give me this kinda shit type of guy, and so, so, sweet and loving (in his own way mind you) that I cheered for him each time. This story is one of those where the reader is taken through each of the steps/levels as Shy and Tabby build their relationship, that it feels too real to be fiction. But, yes, it is fiction.
Shy is protective of Tabby but doesn't get in her way of her being her. In fact, Shy wants Tabby to be herself and not pretend to be something she isn't, which is what she did with her ex fiance, though she was happy and loved him.
Shy wants Tabby to trust him, to be honest, open with him. He doesn't know where the heck he's going, and he tells her that, but the one thing he's sure of is that he wants to ride the way of life with her and discover where they're going together.
Tabby has trouble at first in letting go and understanding when she needs to stand up to Shy and when she shouldn't. There is this thing about "the woman is a reflection of her man" in the club and the last thing she wants is to embarrass him. Then again, don't get me wrong. It isn't anything like being a pushover or not being able to voice her opinion loud and openly, it is more about this sorta creed and respect for each other. Tabby isn't a timid young woman, she's very sure of herself and of what she wants, but like everyone else, she struggles with the things that they go through as their relationship grows until she reaches the point of being okay with who and what they are and where they're going. Their love for each other is stronger than anything in this world, and they prove that when everyone, including her dad, turns their back on them for keeping their relationship secret per her request.
I love, love, love this story and I'm looking forward not only to reading book two in these series but reading all of Kristen Ashley's books. (less)
This was such a fun short read, I wish it would've been longer. It would've made for a wonderful full length novel, regardless it was a pretty good re...moreThis was such a fun short read, I wish it would've been longer. It would've made for a wonderful full length novel, regardless it was a pretty good read.
Eliza is running away in the middle of the night when she stumbles upon the new owner of the horse she's about to steal/borrow. The hard headed man won't let her go, she offers to pay for the horse but he won't take her money. She is frustrated and given that the handsome stranger won't help her and every minute she spends with him is a minute lost, she decides to walk to her final destination. That is, if she can get out of the stables.
Colin doesn't believe a word she says and thinks her a thief. Soon after she explains she is simply borrowing his horse, he changes his mind and thinks she's a spoiled young woman into theatrics. He still doesn't believe a word that comes out of her mouth, and plans to return her to her family as soon as he can get her to tell him who she is and where she lives, which she doesn't offer up too easily, no matter his threats.
The attraction for each other is quite strong and in a matter of one night many naughty things happen in bed and in the closet. Come daylight Colin sets out to find out who the witty woman locked up in his closet is in the hope that he can still return it to her family. God knows he doesn't want to marry again, if only his body listened to reason. When he finds out Eliza's claims weren't that off, he changes his mind and comes up with a plan to keep her if she'd have him.
This was a short, funny, sweet, and at times steamy short read. I very much enjoyed it. (less)
OMG...This is the first time I read Regina Carlysle and let me say, she keeps it as real as it gets.
This is another story in the series SEALs on Fire....moreOMG...This is the first time I read Regina Carlysle and let me say, she keeps it as real as it gets.
This is another story in the series SEALs on Fire. I've read most of them, I think I may just have two more to read, but from all of the ones I've read, this is one of my favorite ones.
Ghost and his comrades are in town for a short break after a mission in the Middle East. He doesn't know how long he has to relax but plans to make the best of it. Like his other friends, he plans to have a good time both in and out of bed. The only thing is: he must see to a close friend first. As soon as he has dinner with her and bids her adieu he plans to join the rest of his friends at the bar and pick up any woman who wants to go home with him, no promises asked.
What he doesn't expect is for Sadie to look as good as she does. He's always had a thing for her but would never act on it because Sadie is a dear friend, for starters. Then, he feels she deserves someone better than him, someone that can give her what he can't promise her.
Sadie has had it. She's always had Ghost's attention but not the way she wants it. She wants to taste this man, she wants to know what is like to kiss him, be in his arms, she wants him. She no longer is the little girl she once was and it is now or never. So without a second thought, she kisses him. He can push her away, or he can give her the night she's dreamed of. To her surprise, Ghost doesn't push her away. Instead, he opens up and demands she give him more than she offers, consequences be damned.
I LOVED this story. The way Regina describes the characters' actions is just so darn real, it made think of...well...um, yeah. Anyway, in my opinion this is thus far the best story in these series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to read more of Regina's work. (less)
Maddie is not exactly the girl next door. She's known MJ all her life. They grew up together and the unfortunate tricks life has thrown their way has...moreMaddie is not exactly the girl next door. She's known MJ all her life. They grew up together and the unfortunate tricks life has thrown their way has brought them together.
Maddie is a few years older than MJ, and growing up MJ always saw her as a sister until one day Maddie decided that wasn't enough. Since, MJ hasn't been able to live without Maddie. She is everything to him. The same is true for Maddie. MJ is the man of her life but there are too many secrets surrounding him that are keeping her away from him.
Maddie was forced to leave his side and MJ can't understand why. The problem now is: she is back and MJ wants answers. He doesn't know if he can forgive her for walking out on him and the promises she made him almost two years ago.
Maddie knows being close to MJ is no good, not with the threats his grandfather has made to her if she doesn't leave again. Then, there is the almost fiance and the engagement ring she's been wearing in a necklace. She loves MJ, but with him comes too much trouble and she isn't sure about any happiness. Then there is Talan and the security he can provide for her. Last, there is her heart and what it tells her to do.
~~~~~~~~ This was an emotional roller coaster. A lot of secrets surrounding the main characters, a lot of misunderstandings and fights.
MJ is the misunderstood type of bad boy, who iss good deep down but all the untold truths have hurt him and have made him the troubled young man he is. At times I thought he was too insecure but not necessarily childish, and I guess that work since he was supposed to be a 20 year old. As for Maddie, she kept reminding me of Megan Fox. The way the author described her, and her actions, I literally saw Megan acting it out. LOL
Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I really want to see what's next in the series. Hopefully, a few years have passed and MJ and Maddie are older. Also, I now want to read the first two books in the series. I want to know more about Merrick and Rachael, their story sounds like my kind of read. Even though this is a series, this book can stands on its own. (less)
Let me start by saying Body Politics is one pretty hot enjoyable read....moreI really liked this book. Full review is also found at: http://wp.me/p2U8m5-v4
Let me start by saying Body Politics is one pretty hot enjoyable read. This is the first time I read Cara Bristol’s work and I have to say I’ll be going back for more. Stephanie is a busy career woman and doesn’t think she needs a man to take care of her. Yeah, she gets the itch some times and would prefer something else– rather, someone else other than her boyfriend with batteries. However, in no way does that mean she’ll let a man take care of her. Oh, no. She doesn’t want that. It’s been a while, and her friend sets her up on a blind date with Mark DeLuca (turn the A/C on, would you?). Stephanie agrees only to prove her friend wrong, except Mark is not that easy a man to get rid off. From the moment Stephanie walks in at Bottom’s Up (that’s the bar’s name), Mark knows she is the woman for him. Her defiance makes his hands itch with the urge of a good spanking. No matter what Stephanie tries to do to prove him she doesn’t need a man like him, he wants to show her why he’s exactly the man for her. Stephanie doesn’t go down without a fight. The thought of being spanked so that she can be disciplined is beyond her. She thinks it’s ridiculous. She rather spank him than be the one spanked. Stephanie never expects to enjoy the spanking as much as she does and that worries her. How is she supposed to continue leading an organization that’s all about women’s rights, and completely the opposite to what she’s thoroughly enjoying? And, enjoy it she does. ~~~~~~ Oh my! Well, I loved Mark. How couldn’t I? He’s so hot and sexy, and his spankings sound heavenly. I also enjoyed Stephanie’s I-can-do-it-myself-so-get-out-of-my-way attitude. I especially loved that. And then, the end… well, that was an unexpected suprise. I think if that little bit hadn’t been added (you’ll have to read it to know what I’m referring to) my rating wouldn’t have been as high. It gave me that aaww that’s original type of thought. I do have to say, I enjoy reading about spankings and all the delish naughtiness that comes with it. But this book gave me a different view into things, and I could totally relate to Stephanie’s feelings/thoughts about domestic discipline. Although I love reading these kinds of books, in real life I don’t know that I’d ever let dear husband try that. Hell no! Hey, if it ever came up I’d offer to discipline him instead. Ha! I’d recommend this fun and sexy read to anyone looking for something different and original. I tell ya, it’s refreshing.(less)
I first fell in love with Gideon in The Riding Crop. He’s a rascal in his own way and naughty as...moreThis review is also found at: http://wp.me/p2U8m5-uI
I first fell in love with Gideon in The Riding Crop. He’s a rascal in his own way and naughty as can be. The last thing he expected was to find someone just as naughty as he is. He’s not damaged goods, not exactly, but Olivia is. Olivia doesn’t trust men. In fact, she almost hates them and with reason. How can she not after what happened to her? Well, that all changes when she meets Gideon. They’re both each other’s perfect other halves. He understands and is compassionate about her past, and he can’t explain why he feels the way he does. He just wants to be with her, and no other woman will do. Olivia never thought she’d ever have feelings for a man the way she does for Gideon and when he proposes to come away with him, she accepts against her better judgement. Although, they’re a perfect match in bed (ooh yes, that’s where the riding crop comes into play) their love won’t be easy to keep. Not if they have to confront Gideon’s dad who wants him to marry someone from the ton and not someone with a past. Gideon is faced with an ultimatum and is up to him to decide his faith. He can keep all he has, all that he is or he can give it all up for the love of Olivia. ~~~~~ For me, there’s always something about historicals/regencies (although this one doesn’t fall quite there but close) that enthralls me. Add to it erotic scenes and I won’t stop reading. In this story, Gideon becomes the hero that gives everything for love and in his own way rights a wrong for Olivia. He’s my kinda hero.(less)
Selling Out is book # 2 of The Lost Girls series by Amber Lin. The first book in the seri...moreReview for this book is also found at: http://wp.me/p2U8m5-un
Selling Out is book # 2 of The Lost Girls series by Amber Lin. The first book in the series, Giving It Up, was hot and dealt with issues that some may think a bit strong and even a little on the dark side. When I got Selling Out I imagined it’d be about the same as book 1 in the series. Oh boy, was I wrong? Selling Out is darker than the first book and it isn’t because of the sex. There are some hot sex scenes, which put it right with erotic romance but it is not exactly that. In this book, Amber Lin, touches upon real life scenarios, the kind of subjects that many people may not want to talk about or read about. She does it in a way that draws you into the story, making it feel real in some instances, yet reminding the reader that it is fiction. Nonetheless the subjects are strong. To give you a flavor, this book touches upon incest, rape, prostitution, and drugs. It doesn’t go into details on the more touchy parts, but it gives enough that you can feel for the characters, want them to resolve their issues, and be happy. I have to say the piece that shocked me was Luke’s past. Goodness, I wanted to reach out and hug him. It broke my heart to read what had happened to him, I didn’t want it to be true. I thought: Amber, come on! You can’t do this. Please tell me it’s not true. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone book. This book isn’t for the faint of heart. If you have issues reading about the subjects this book touches, do not read it. If you don’t have issues, you’re in for a pleasant read.(less)
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