Sunday, June 26, 2011

Deadly Promises by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, Cindy Gerard, and Laura Griffin.

Goodreads Description:

THESE HEROES ARE 100 PERCENT RAW, DANGEROUS, AND... UNDENIABLY SEXY. 

New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love and Cindy Gerard and rising romance star Laura Griffin mix seduction and suspense in three irresistible romantic adventures. 

From sultry international jungles to the rugged terrain of the American southwest, join the larger-than-life, scorching-hot alpha heroes of the Bureau of American Defense, Black Ops Inc., and the U.S. Navy SEALs for the pulse-pounding, heart-racing, toe-curling excitement. They’re cool under pressure, steamy under the sheets, and when the enemy strikes, there’s not a lethal mission these gorgeous men can’t handle... 

Just Bad Enough 
by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love 

Leave No Trace 
by Cindy Gerard 

Unstoppable 
by Laura Griffin

My Rating:  4 out of 5

My Review:

I won this book that I wouldn't have picked up on my own.  I don't enjoy anthologies as a rule but I did enjoy this one.  Each of the three stories had some great action and heated romance.  I didn't feel like any of the stories were rushed or lacking in any way, like I usually do when reading anthologies/shore stories.  Highly recommend.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Night Rising by Chris Marie Green

Goodreads Description:

In this first book of an all-new trilogy, life proves stranger than the movies when a Hollywood underground coven of vampires comes to light-and gets targeted by the tough-as-nails daughter of a sexy screen siren. 

Stuntwoman Dawn Madison hasn't been on the best of terms with her father since her movie star mother died. Still, he is her dad, and when he vanishes while investigating the bizarre sighting-caught on film-of a supposedly long-dead child star, she comes home to Tinseltown to join the search for him. Working with his odd colleagues, she discovers an erotic and bloody underground society made up of creatures she thought existed only on the screen.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

WOW I just finished this so its very fresh in my mind.  This book definitely messes with your mind but in a good way.  A complete new take on vampires. I loved the mystery and action.  I really loved Robbie's story and the ending just floored me!  The story itself didn't seem to slow down at all and kept me interested the whole time.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Love With the Proper Husband by Victoria Alexander

Goodreads Description:


Distressed over the current widespread disinterest in matrimony among their eminently marriageable offspring, the formidable matriarchs of the ton have taken matters into their own meddling hands with the formation of The Ladies' Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain. Their first challenge: the Earl of Pennington.
Miss Gwendolyn Townsend has seen her late father's estate go to a distant cousin she can't abide ... leaving her well-educated, able to make a perfect curtsy -- and penniless. So imagine her shock when it's discovered that a match had been arranged between herself and Marcus Holcroft, the Earl of Pennington -- one of the most eligible members of London society. Marcus constantly leaves her breathless and confused ... and though she's hesitant to marry a man she's just met, in the end she has no choice. But she makes some conditions first ...
Marcus cannot believe that the bride who has been foisted upon him is insisting on rules to their wedding ... and bedding! He's a man who has never had to tempt any woman into his arms. But even more surprising is that Gwendolyn is clearly hiding something -- and it shocks him to think that their exquisite kisses -- followed by his lessons in passionate lovemaking -- wouldn't be enough to make his wife tell him her every secret. After all, he's promised to be a proper husband -- isn’t it fair to also expect a proper wife?


My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

The only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 out of 5 is because the ending wasn't what I wanted! LOL  However I really loved how the Mothers decided in the beginning to 'help' their children along to getting married, and I absolutely ADORED how Lady Pennington got her son to marry.  VERY clever and I didn't see it for what it was until she admitted it.  I really enjoyed how open Marcus was an how he didn't fight tooth an nail his feelings like most male romance characters do.  Instead Gwen was the one to fight it and I enjoyed watching her fall! Great read! (Also for those who like to read books in order it is listed as Effington #6 however I've never read any others in the series and wasn't confused or thought I was missing anything.  So definitely could be a stand alone book.)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Soldier by Grace Burrowes

Goodreads Description:


This Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes features a wily duke determined to see the succession of his line secured. The duke can't force his sons to marry, but he can make their lives miserable until they do. Resisting his pressure, each gentleman holds out for true love.
The second book in the series features Devlin St. Just, the duke's oldest, but illegitimate, son. He arrives at his new estate weary in body and spirit only to find the previous owner's bastard daughter and her beautiful cousin are his responsibility and making his life almost unbearably complicated.


My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

Decent romance, but in my opinion not nearly as amazing as the first in the series, The Heir.  Some of the reasons for loving the first book just weren't present in this book.  The primary reason being the unpredictability of the story line that was in The Heir wasn't in The Soldier.  I knew half way through how it was going to play out.  I thought that St. Just lost some of his appeal as a character in this story.  To me, he seemed more dynamic in The Heir.  I did enjoy Emmie and Winnie's characters and I enjoyed the twists in the plot involving them.  (Won't say more so I don't ruin the story).  Worth a read non the less but don't go into it thinking it's as good as the Heir.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Goodreads Description:

After their father’s disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn’t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself—the most dangerous place in all the kingdom for both her and Cinder. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other and one you'll never forget.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book.  It wasn't all light and happiness.  I would say this was a dark romance.  Very original take on the Cinderella story.  I can guarantee you have never read this version of the story before.  I loved how the Prince was the bad guy and the knights were the saviors.  I loved Ella and her determination.  I felt bad for her and Cinder for being taken advantage of but I will tell you that everyone gets whats coming to them. :)  I enjoyed the mystical aspects especially and the part about the Tree Myth.  A MUST READ!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

The Devil Wears Plaid by Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Description:

Passion sparks in USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros’s irresistibly tempting new romance after a sexy Highlander kidnaps his rival’s spirited English bride Emmaline Marlowe is about to wed the extremely powerful laird of the Hepburn clan to save her father from debtor’s prison when ruffian Jamie Sinclair bursts into the abbey on a magnificent black horse and abducts her in one strong swoop. Though he is Hepburn’s sworn enemy, Emma’s mysterious captor is everything her bridegroom is not—handsome, virile, dangerous . . . and a perilous temptation for her yearning heart. Jamie expects Emma to be some milksop English miss, not a fiery, defiant beauty whose irresistible charms will tempt him at every turn. But he cannot allow either one of them to forget he is her enemy and she his pawn in the deadly Highland feud between the clans. So why does he still want her so badly for himself? Stealing his enemy’s bride was simple, but can he claim her innocence without losing his heart?

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

In the beginning this story seems to be very typical about a scottish feud where one steals the bride of another.  But also from the beginning there is something there that tells you it's something more.  As the plot is laid out for you, very elegantly worded of course by Teresa Medeiros, you learn about Sinclair and Hepburn, about a couple in love who are betrayed by their blood, about a baby raised to hate but healed by love.  And about a very cleaver strong woman named Emma who fixes it all!  I highly recommend!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Bed of Roses (Bride Quartet, #2) , Savor the Moment (Bride Quartet, #3), Happy Ever After (Bride Quartet, #4) By Nora Roberts

Since I read these 3 books in quick secession I don't want to create a whole blog for each book.  So I am combining all 3.

Goodreads Description:

Bed of Roses:


As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe "I do" moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman's dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet shares each woman's emotionally magical journey to romance.
In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.
But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion-kiss for blistering kiss-they must trust in their history...and in their hearts.

Savor the Moment:

Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.
But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

Happy Ever After:

One by one, the women of Vows wedding planning company have found their own perfect matches, eventually leaving PR director Parker Brown as the only loner. When her encounters with mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh take an unexpected direction, she begins to wonder if she too has found her perfect match. A perfectly tied bow to an enchanting romance series.


My Rating:


Bed of Roses 4 out of 5
Savor the Moment 4 out of 5
Happy Ever After 4 out of 5

My Reviews:

Bed of Roses:: Great Second book in the series! I loved reading Emma's story, finding out about her family and seeing her fall in love. Great series.


Savor the Moment:  Again a winner with Laurel's book. I was happy she and Delaney work out their issues and I love the vacation scenes. Great flow and dialogue too!


Happy Ever After: I enjoyed this book as well. I was very sad to see the series end. I got so involved with the characters and stories. I loved how Parker falls in love with Malcolm and I love how she has to let loose. I thought it was the perfect ending and am happy to read about at least one of their weddings (Mac's). Highly recommend this series! The only reason it's not a 5 out of 5 is cause I really would have loved to see all the weddings maybe in an epilogue and made the epilogue the last chapter.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Notorious by Nicola Cornick

Goodreads Description:

When the ton's most notorious heartbreaker…
Dangerously seductive and sinfully beautiful, Susanna Burney is society's most sought after matchbreaker. Paid by wealthy parents to part unsuitable couples, she's never yet failed to accomplish her mission of diverting a groom-to-be. Until her final assignment brings her face-to-face with the man who'd once taught her an intimate lesson in heartache….
Meets London's most disreputable rake…
James Devlin has everything he's always wanted: a title, a rich fiancée and a place in society. But the woman who's just met his eyes across a crowded ballroom threatens it all. Not because she'd once claimed his heart, or that every sinuous swirl of her ball gown takes his breath away. But because the secrets she carries could cost him everything. To put the past to rest once and for all, Dev just might have to play Susanna at her own wicked game….
Let the seduction begin!


My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

This book had a very interesting story line and Susanna and James are interesting characters. I thought the story could have been presented a little better. I thought the story line was too wordy and redundant. It redeems itself at the end however. The one major thing I would have changed was added flash backs when Susanna recalled her passed to not make it so confusing. For a while you read and have absolutely no clue why she's so desperate or why she won't just go to James. It was VERY frustrating. It's round up nicely at the end however so all in all a decent story, but as I stated I would have presented it differently.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Almost a Spinster by Jenna Petersen (3 interconnected novellas)

Goodreads Description:

An omnibus of Jenna Petersen's wildly popular "You Tell Me the Story" online interactive novellas. 

In "Her Every Desire" Lady Jane asks her old friend Wesley to do a favor for her, seduce the fiance of the man she believes she loves. Instead he proposes that they pretend to be engaged to make the other man jealous and please Wesley's "dying" grandmother. But what starts as a pretended engagement leads to true feelings. And a choice that must be made that could change both their lives forever.

In "A Scandal to Keep", Felicity Ellis made a terrible decision that ruined her when she gave her innocence to a scoundrel. But after his death, his younger brother Gabriel inherits the title... and the sins of his brother and father. Felicity cannot believe the two brothers could be so different, but after they kiss, she finds herself entertaining more than just Gabriel's offer to make amends with a marriage of convenience.

Finally, in "A Woman Scorned", Madeline was humiliated and ruined after her engagement was broken. Now she is in the country helping her aunt with a difficult pregnancy when she is nearly run down by Nathan and his horse. He believes she is a servant and Maddie lets him continue that misconception. But they are from very different worlds, and by the time he realizes her deception, it may be too late.

My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5

My Review:

I would rate 3 1/2 out of 5.  The first story is spectacular, and I enjoyed the last.  The middle seemed rushed and unrealistic.  I thought the writing was spectacular in it's descriptions and plot as well as pace.  Worth the read!

Unlocked by Courtney Milan (Novella)

Goodreads Description:

A perpetual wallflower destined for spinsterhood, Lady Elaine Warren is resigned to her position in society. So when Evan Carlton, the powerful, popular Earl of Westfeld, singles her out upon his return to England, she knows what it means. Her former tormenter is up to his old tricks, and she's his intended victim. This time, though, the earl is going to discover that wallflowers can fight back. 

Evan has come to regret his cruel, callow past. At first, he only wants to make up for past wrongs. But when Elaine throws his initial apology in his face, he finds himself wanting more. And this time, what torments him might be love... 

Unlocked is a novella of 28,000 words (about 111 pages).

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed this story.  It whetted my appetite for more in the world and I will be looking out for more of Courtney Milan. This story is about a boy who liked a girl and didn't want to be seen as less for his love for her so he does what any boy would do and teases her.  Except he's not a boy he's a man and she's not a girl but a woman.  He destroys her life and this story is how he fixes himself and saves the woman he ruined years earlier!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Goodreads Description:

The author of Guardian Angel offers a novel of passion and romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Proud, beautiful Judith Hampton journeys from her English home to meet the father she has never known. But even her escort, the powerful Laird Iain Maitland, cannot prepare Judith for the truth about her father -- and the devastating secret that might change her life forever.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. There were many conflicts that kept the plot chugging along at a wonderful pace. I loved the relationship between Iain and Judith. Iain acted just like I imagined a Highland Laird to act and Judith was the perfect character to throw him off and confuse him. I was jealous and inspired by Judith and Frances Catherine's friendship. All in all a great romance.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads Description:

A temptingly beautiful woman is rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of the enigmatic and charming Grant Morgan, one of London's most eligible, and unattainable, catches. As his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to discover the truth--no matter what.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

The story starts with Grant ( A Bow Street Runner) arriving to find what he expects to be a dead body fished from the Thames.  He recognizes the body as Vivien Duvall and it appears that someone tried to kill her.  She awakens with no memory and this person is completely different then the Vivien who Grant met and so disliked.  The mystery is great, the romance sweet and hot.  Great new series by Lisa Kleypas and I can't wait to get my hands on the next in this series!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:


Honoria Smythe-Smith is:
A) a really bad violinist B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child C) not in love with her older brother's best friend D) all of the above
Marcus Holroyd is:
A) the Earl of Chatteris B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles C) not in love with his best friend's younger sister D) all of the above
Together they:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake B) survive a deadly fever and the world's worst musical performance C) fall quite desperately in love
It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you know the answer is . . .
D) all of the above


My Rating: 3 1/2 out of a 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed seeing into the Smythe-Smith family.  Honoria and Marcus have a unique sense of humor that I like and you can actually see that their loves is one grown from years of friendship.  There wasn't a real mystery to the plot but Marcus comes by a serious injury and through that the couple are linked.  The writing is superb but I didn't expect less being a Julia Quinn book.  So all in all a decent book.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Taming of the Rake by Kasey Michaels

Goodreads Description:

MEET THE BLACKTHORN BROTHERS— 
THREE UNREPENTANT SCOUNDRELS INFAMOUS FOR BEING MAD, BAD AND PERILOUS TO LOVE 

Charming, wealthy and wickedly handsome, Oliver “Beau” Blackthorn has it all…except revenge on the enemy he can’t forget. Now the opportunity for retribution has fallen into his hands. But his success hinges on Lady Chelsea Mills-Beckman—the one woman with the power to distract him from his quest. 

Desperate to escape her family’s control, Lady Chelsea seizes the chance to run off with the notorious eldest Blackthorn brother, knowing she’s only a pawn in his game. But as Beau draws her deep into a world of intrigue, danger and explosive passion, does she dare hope he’ll choose love over vengeance?

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed the story.  I thought at times Chelsea and Olivers re-capping of why Chelsea came to Oliver and why they were where they were got excessive.  But other then that I really enjoyed the read.  I loved the character development, the romance, the way Chelsea and Oliver attracted weird events, the banter between the 3 brothers, as well as the Blackthorn family quirks.  I can't wait to read the next in the series to see how the brothers change from finding love!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:


2 March 1810 . . .
Today, I fell in love.
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her—until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day—while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier—and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers . . .


My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

Julia Quinn is my new all time favorite writer! This book was perfect in my opinion. There were ups and downs, the romance was perfect, Turner tried to reject his feeling and Miranda knew she loved him from the tender age of 10. Their struggles and joys touched my heart and I laughed and cried with them! So wonderful!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson

Goodreads Description:

Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.
 

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right?(

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

First I must say this had a very original story line.  It kept me on the edge of my seat guessing what has going to happen, who did what, and how it would end.  I totally didn't see the ending coming and I liked that it wasn't the happily ever after so many books end with.  The writing was superb and the pace perfect.  I highly recommend.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Hunting Memories by Barb Hendee

Goodreads Description

The co-author of the bestselling Noble Dead novels continues her "exhilarating"(SF Revu) new vampire series.

Eleisha Clevon has begun a correspondence with fellow vampire Rose de Spenser. Both reluctant predators, they venture outside only when the hunger becomes unbearable, trying not to draw attention to themselves-and feel guilty when ending human lives.

But Eleisha has learned a way to draw blood from her victims without killing them. She wants to share this knowledge with like-minded vampires and create a haven where they can exist together-and forge a united front against Julian Ashton, a vampire who has been hunting down and destroying his own kind...


My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

All in All the story was a good second installment to the series.  I thought the beginning was a little slow but the end more then made up for it.  The book moved the whole story along but nothing of super importance happens until the end and even then you are left wanting more. I will definitely be reading the 3rd book in hopes that a positive outcome happens. If you enjoyed the first you will enjoy this book.  It gives you more information about the Vampire race and why Julian does what he does.