What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

Rumors and Gossip...
The lifeblood of London 

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. 

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself...

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed the story line a lot.  I loved how it was laid out and the pace.  The romance is entertaining and the mystery kept me turning pages at a very fast pace.  I loved all the characters and can't wait to read about Sebastian.  I didn't read the first in this series, but I will do so very soon!  I hadn't realized it was a series when I read the story but was secretly hoping it was as I was reading. Julia Quinn is definitely one of my historical romance all time favorite writers!

Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy

Goodreads Description:

Katie Woods never thought she’d be forty-one, divorced, and thrust back into the dating world. To start fresh, Katie uproots her veterinary practice to upstate New York—not exactly the hottest dating scene on the planet. But when an unconscious cougar appears at her clinic, Katie’s newly single life gets a much needed jolt of the supernatural kind. 

After Katie examines the cougar and leaves him caged overnight, she’s shocked to find a big strapping specimen of young, hot man in its place. And when the scratch she got during the exam results in some unnatural side effects, Katie has more to deal with then her animal attraction to a much younger guy—she has to figure how to stop herself from becoming a cougar of the four legged variety.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review::

Yet another hilarious book from Dakota Cassidy in the Accidentally Paranormal series!  I absolutely LOVE Nina she never fails to make me laugh.  But this book is about Dr. Katie Woods who accidentally gets turned into a Cougar, and at 41 as it's pointed out to her, she's a cougar cougar when she starts to fall for Shaw the kitty who accidentally scratched her!  An as Nina says it's never easy and a lot of crap comes to rain all over their parade! Great mystery and action and wonderfully paced.  I feel in love with the new characters and I can't wait for the next in the series!

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

Goodread Description:

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas’s new series begins during the most magical time of year

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY

One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE

The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…

Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE

Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

OK first I have to say this was by no means my favorite Lisa Kleypas book.  It was too short and there wasn't any real substance to it.  I enjoyed meeting the Nolan Brothers and Holly and I enjoyed seeing Maggie and Mark get together but it was VERY predictable.  The writing itself was good and the plot perfectly paced and organized.  I hope the second in the series is a bit more.  Maybe more conflict or something to keep it more interesting.

Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Goodreads Description:


Dear Reader, 

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minutes of it. 

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, one buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal--in other words, me. 

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist. 

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again. 

Kyrian of Thrace

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed the plot and the characters, however the names (being greek) were hard to pronounce.  The romance was perfectly paced and I enjoyed how Kyrian gets his soul back and how Amanda helps him.  I think my favorite scene is when Amanda ties Kyrian to the bed to help dispel his anxieties! Over all a decent read and I will read the next in the series and see how it goes!

Sophia by D. B. Reynolds

Goodreads Description:

The Pacific Northwest . . . home to lush forests and constant rain, to lumberjacks and computer geeks, especially those of the vampire kind. 

Sophia, beautiful and deadly, has spent the last hundred years dancing her way through the balmy nights and hot-blooded men of South America. But when her Sire sends an urgent summons, Sophia rushes home to Vancouver only to find he has disappeared, leaving nothing behind but three dead vampires and a letter with Sophia’s name on it. 

Colin Murphy, a former Navy SEAL, came to the Northwest seeking a quiet place to heal the scars earned in more than a decade at war. But when someone starts killing local vampires and torturing their mates, Colin takes on the mantle of a warrior once again as he sets out to find the killers and do whatever it takes to stop them, even if that means hunting with vampires. 

Following her Sire’s trail of death to a small town in northern Washington, Sophia unexpectedly discovers the heat of a South American night in Colin’s arms. But too soon Sophia and Colin find themselves in a race to uncover the killers before the next dead vampire becomes Sophia herself. 

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

Definitely was not disappointed.  Great new book in the Vampires in America series!  Sophia was a very strong heroine and I loved her view on this and her strength.  Colin was definitely a mans man and I felt sorry for the betrayals he suffered.  I'm happy him and Sophia dealt with their issues and I LOVED the epilogue.  I can not wait for Duncan to come out. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Mystery, Romance, and Paranormal!

Seduction of a Proper Gentleman by Victoria Alexander

Goodreads Description:

To break a centuries-old curse, beautiful, headstrong Lady Kathleen MacDavid knows she must ignore every rule of propriety by seducing—and marrying—the Earl of Norcroft. So she sets off for London, braving scandal and ruin to achieve her goal . . . until a crazy bump on the head makes her forget nearly everything.

The thrill of winning a bet—that he'd be the last of his set to wed—hasn't eased the earl's pain of losing his friends to marriage. Still, he'd be willing to settle down if he could meet someone worthy of his love—and desire. But he has met no such woman, until Kathleen is brought to him. Suspicious of her motives, he's determined to resist her seductive ways. But sometimes even the most proper gentleman finds it expedient to act improperly . . .

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

Decent end of the series.  Not as great as the other books though.  Of course since you know by the end of book 3 who won the bet this book had to be different.  However I was taken back by the mystical aspect of this book and how much it played a part in the bring about of the two main characters.  If it were a stand alone book, I wouldn't really recommend cause it doesn't have much to recommend itself but as the last of a series it's a must read and it wraps everything up.

The Black Hill by Nora Roberts

Goodreads Description:

A summer at his grandparents' South Dakota ranch is not eleven-year-old Cooper Sullivan's idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he's discovered the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Each year, with Coop's annual summer visit, their friendship deepens from innocent games to stolen kisses, but there is one shared experience that will forever haunt them: the terrifying discovery of a hiker's body.
As the seasons change and the years roll by, Lil remains steadfast to her aspiration of becoming a wildlife biologist and protecting her family land, while Coop struggles with his father's demand that he attend law school and join the family firm. Twelve years after they last walked together hand in hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills when the people and things they hold dear need them most.
When small pranks and acts of destruction escalate into the heartless killing of Lil's beloved cougar, memories of an unsolved murder in these very hills have Coop springing to action to keep Lil safe.
Lil and Coop know the natural dangers that lurk in the wild landscape of the Black Hills. Now they must work together to unearth a killer of twisted and unnatural instincts who has singled them out as prey.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

This is the first Nora Roberts book that wasn't part of a series.  I enjoyed it more then I thought I would.  The action and mystery were wonderful.  I enjoyed the romance between Cooper and Lil.  I really enjoyed seeing how the relationship started and how it changed through the years.  It was slowly paced for a bit but the end was faster.  At least I felt it was, I got so into it I was turning the pages a lot faster! I would recommend this book because it has a great mystery and romance.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?
--- Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813 

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister, the lovely---and almost-on-the-shelf---Daphney Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth--it's all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke as declared her desirable. 

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her...but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke...for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love...

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really loved this book.  I adored the relationship between Simon and Daphne! I also thought it was heartbreaking how Simon grew up and how he lived his life and I loved how Daphne helped Simon in the end! Stuttering is a big issue and even today people don't understand how to treat someone who stutters and I loved how this book addressed stuttering.  But besides that I really enjoyed their relationship it was not typical of romance books and the change of pace was enjoyable! I can not wait to see how the rest of the family finds love!

It Happened One Season by Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Candice Hern

Goodreads Description:

We asked our readers what story they would most like to see from four bestselling authors. They responded . . . 

A handsome hero returns from war, battle-scarred and world-weary. But family duty calls and he must find a bride. 

A young lady facing yet another season without a suitor never expects to find herself the object of his affections. 

It Happened One Season 

Four amazing talents 

Stephanie Laurens 
Mary Balogh 
Jacquie D'Alessandro 
and 
Candice Hern 

have come together to create one of the most unforgettable events of the year. The results are spectacular—each story is as unique as a lover's first kiss.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

Enjoyable short stories. There was definitely a theme that the men were from the war and broken in some way and the women were misfits in that they were not the typical females of the era! But each story was different in it's plot and each was interesting to read. Nothing fantastic or unique but a good read none the less.

Once Wicked Always Dead by T. Marie Benchley

Goodreads Description:

Molly Madison’s life is shattered with the sudden death of her beloved parents and the revelation of her husband Phillip’s affair—with another man. Molly heads west to Montana, resolved to run the family ranch, the Ghost Bear, and to move on with her life. Her attraction to Clayton Leatherbe, the ranch foreman, is instant, but before a romance can blossom, the ranch falls prey to sabotage by wealthy land developers determined to drive Molly out, and Clayton learns of a family secret that could put the ranch—and Molly’s life—in jeopardy. A sharp mystery that deals with the themes of family secrets, betrayal, love, and loss, Once Wicked Always Dead is a strong debut from an author with literary blood in her veins.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

All in all this was a good read.  I do have to say the flow in so areas is off and some descriptions are a little long winded.  The story line was creative however and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. And I absolutely loved the ending. I also can't wait to read more from this author and see how she develops her writing!

Minx by Julia Quinn

Amazon's Description:


It takes a minx to tempt a rogue...Beautiful and feisty Henrietta Barrett has never followed the dictates of society. She manages her elderly guardian′s estate, prefers to wear breeches rather than dresses, and answers to the unlikely name of Henry. But when her guardian passes away, her beloved home falls into the hands of a distant cousin.
And it takes a rogue to tame her...William Dunford, London′s most elusive bachelor, is stunned to learn that he′s inherited property, a title...and a ward bent on making his first visit his last. Henry is determined to continue running the Cornwall estate without help from the handsome new lord, but Dunford is just as sure he can change things...starting with his wild young ward. But turning Henry into a lady makes her not only the darling of the town, but an irresistible attraction to the man who thought he could never be tempted.



My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

Good romance all around. Had a few twists and turns to make it a little unconventional. I really liked Henry's personality and it's refreshing when you read a lot of romances with boring typical Victorian era women! I also liked the Guardian aspect. I haven't read a book yet where the guardian falls in love with his ward. Shocking I know, considering all the romance books I read. Anyway, great third story in the Splendid trilogy. You see the other characters from the first two books. As always with series I wish I could continue on with the characters to meet all their children they will have ( as if they are real people) That to me means its a great series. Highly recommend.

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

Julia Quinn is sure to charm readers with her Regency-era Cinderella story, An Offer From a Gentleman. The Bridgerton family is wealthy, well born, and universally admired. And with six of the eight Bridgerton children already mingling with society, it's no wonder they're mentioned so frequently in the most popular (and accurate) source of social news,Lady Whistledown's Society Papers. But not even the mysterious Lady Whistledown can identify the masked maiden who completely captivated the Bridgerton second son, Benedict, at his mother's masquerade ball -- a silver-clad beauty who vanished on the stroke of midnight. It was a magical night for Sophie Beckett, orphaned, illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood. Attending the ball was a beautiful dream, sharing the evening with Benedict Bridgerton was the stuff of fantasy -- and returning home to her role as unpaid servant to her father's cruel widow and stepdaughters was a nightmare. Then she lost even the small security of that position, and things went from bad to worse. By the time Sophie met Benedict again, she was in truly desperate straits. He made her feel precious, even in rags, but Sophie had grave reservations about accepting.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really loved this book! It's obviously a spin on the classic Cinderella story.  However, I personally LOVE this spin better then the original! :)  I really enjoyed the interactions between all of the Bridgertons in the story, they always make me smile.  I also really loved the chemistry between Sophia and Benedict. They seemed so real and everything they did seems plausible.  This story just sucked me in. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys historical romance!

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

The town is shocked when Anthony Bridgerton, confirmed bachelor and consummate rake, actually chooses a bride. His only obstacle is his intended′s stunning, meddlesome elder sibling, Kate. When Anthony closes his eyes at night, it′s Kate who haunts his increasingly erotic dreams. Kate is determined to protect her innocent sister from the handsome viscount whom all London considers the most wicked rogue of all. But she fears how own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony′s lips touch hers, she′s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible cad.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

My Review:

Typical Historical Romance.  I would say that it's a little morbid cause the two main characters both have traumatic death issues with one of their parent.  Those experiences shape them in ways they don't realize and the story is about their evolving and growing to love each other.  I enjoyed it but it wasn't a frenzy page turner.  I did enjoy the family and I will continue to read the series to see how each member falls in love and with who!

That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey (Malory Novel)

Goodreads Description:

Nine years ago, Richard Allen fled England and his controlling father. Determined to live his own life, he took to the sea and settled in the Caribbean, joining a band of treasure-hunting pirates and adopting the persona of a carefree, seductive Frenchman named Jean Paul to guard the secrets of his past. When he slips back into England to carry out an urgent task, Richard becomes infatuated with a married woman, Georgina Malory. But his reckless attempt to woo Georgina at a masked ball turns out to be the worst mistake of his life because it brings him face to face with another beautiful woman. 

Thrilled that her solicitors have finally come up with a way to free her from her betrothal contract to the Earl of Manford’s son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is ready for the marriage mart and hopes to find that perfect someone at her friend Georgina’s ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman who gives her her first kiss, she can’t help but pursue this mysterious man—until she makes a shocking discovery. Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman’s trap, Julia must enter a risky, intimate charade with a man she never believed she could love.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

My Review:

I was so excited when I saw this book on the shelves at the grocery store.  I love the Malory series and was desperate for another book!  I was not disappointed. True this book is just loosely connected to the Malory's but they are still in the book quite a bit.  Julia Miller lives down the street from 'George' and they are friends.  Julia is connected with Richard through a betrothal contract made when she was a toddler and they hate each other so much Richard leaves at age 17, or so you think.  Through out the book you find out Richard didn't have anything against Julia except his dad picked her for Richard.  Richard wanted to live his own life and fought his dad at every turn to get some control of his life.  This book is as much about Richard finding his freedom as loosing it to Julia.  I enjoyed the journey, like I do all of Johanna Lindsey's Malory books.  Pick it up and see what you thin

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Goodread Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac — the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera — ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bride-zillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends — and business partners — Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories…

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

Interesting Read.  This story takes you through Mac's journey to find herself and drop the baggage her parents made her have.  It's not my usual cup of tea but I did enjoy it and plan to read the rest in this series.  You really get the feel for the stress and joy Mac has doing her job and it's a fascinating insight into the life of a wedding photographer and also her friends jobs as florist, baker, and planner.  I can't wait to see how they all find romance in their own books!