Lady of Scandal by Tina Gabrielle

Goodreads Description:

Victoria Ashton has intelligence and ambition - qualities of little value to most marriage-minded gentlemen of the ton. Her own father has no idea of Victoria's hidden life as an anonymous trader in London's stock market. But her hopes of independence are shattered when her father's enemy, Blake Mallorey, assumes Charles Ashton's debts and presents Victoria with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy. For years Blake has dreamed of justice, and his scheme becomes all the sweeter when he sees the beauty that Victoria has become. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to entice Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways - and a plan rooted revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion...

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I absolutely absorbed this book.  There were no down sides in my opinion.  The plot was perfectly times and arranged.  I can't begin to type how perfect I thought this story was.  I rarely read a story that has the perfect measurement of every aspect; romance, mystery, intrigue, detail, etc.  I just picked this up randomly at the library based on the description and title and am so grateful I did.  Everyone who loves romances should try this out!  Blake has been truly harmed by Victoria's family and decided that using Victoria would help him get his revenge.  Victoria on the other hand decides that she can take anything he deals out and turn the table on him.  The interactions between them are full of fire.  Great Read!

Some Like It Wicked by Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Description:

Some like it dangerous . . .

Highland beauty Catriona Kincaid cares nothing for propriety—or even her own safety—when she storms the grounds of Newgate Prison. Determined to return to Scotland and restore her clan's honor, she seeks the help of Sir Simon Wescott, a disgraced nobleman and notorious rogue. She is prepared to offer him both wealth and freedom, but she never dreams the wicked rake will be bold enough to demand a far more sensual prize.

Some like it seductive . . .

Simon is shocked to discover the tomboy he met long ago has blossomed into a headstrong temptress. Although he's sworn off his dreams of becoming a hero, he can't resist playing knight errant to Catriona's damsel in distress. Both adventure and peril await them at her Highland home, where they will risk their lives to vanquish her enemies . . . and risk their hearts to discover a passion beyond their wildest dreams.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the back and before between Simon and Catriona, the heat between them is intense.  I really enjoyed seeing them fall and admit their feelings and I loved how it ended.  I can not wait to read the next book and see what happens with Connor.  Definitely recommend this book!

The Fire Opal by Regina McBride

Goodreads Description:

There was a time when Maeve O'Tullagh led a simple life; a time when she and her mother, Nuala, collected kelp on the foreshore near their cottage in Ard Macha; a time when she played among the Celtic ruins with her older brothers and daydreamed about the legendary Holy Isles, an enchanted land ruled in a past age by a beautiful goddess. 
But after Maeve's sister, Ishleen, is born, her mother sinks into a deep, impenetrable trance. For years, Maeve tries to help her mother "awaken," and then the unthinkable happens: Ishleen succumbs to the same mysterious ailment as Nuala.
            Heartbroken to think that her sister and her mother might be lost to her forever, Maeve sets off on an unimaginable quest to a world filled with fantastical creatures, a web of secrets, a handsome, devious villain who will stop at nothing to have her hand in marriage—braving them all to retrieve a powerful glowing stone that will help her recover the souls of her loved ones and bring them home to Ard Macha. 
            An adventure-filled and spellbinding novel, The Fire Opal will enchant fantasy readers young and old.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I picked this up at my library based primarily on the cover.  I also liked the cover blurb referencing old Irish Mythology.  I was pleasantly surprised that this book was amazing.  I don't normally like YA books, primarily because they all seem to have very similar plots.  This book definitely has a very original plot and has very good mystery and action aspects.  The only reason I gave this a 4 out of 5 instead of a 5 out of 5 was the ending.  It left me wanting more.  I want to know if she ever finds her Spaniard and more about Maeve's father and brothers.  I really suggest people read this is they enjoy a good action YA novel.

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

Goodreads Description:

Once a devoted children's librarian, Jane Jameson now works at a rundown occult bookstore. Once a regular gal, she's now a vampire. And instead of a bride, she's an eternal bridesmaid — which leads her to question where exactly her relationship with her irresistibly sexy sire, Gabriel, is headed. Mercurial, enigmatic, apparently commitment-phobic vampires are nothing if not hard to read. While Jane is trying to master undead dating, she is also donning the ugliest bridesmaid's dress in history at her best friend Zeb's Titanic-themed wedding. Between a freaked-out groom-to-be, his hostile werewolf in-laws, and Zeb's mother, hell-bent on seeing Jane walk the aisle with Zeb, Jane's got the feeling she's just rearranging the proverbial deck chairs.

Meanwhile, Half Moon Hollow's own Black Widow, Jane's Grandma Ruthie, has met her match in her latest fiancé. He smells like bad cheese and has a suspicious history of dead spouses. But Jane's biting her tongue. After all, would a nice girl really think she has a future with a vampire?

My Rating: 2 out of 5

My Review:

(Written while reading it)


I'm having a hard time getting into this book.  I keep picking it up reading at max 2 chapters then putting it down.  It's very slow to get into, I'm on Chapter 5 and so far there isn't any plot except the day to day living of the main character and her friends.  You know all about her family issues and her two friends on/off again engagement but so what...where's the action....I don't know if I should chug on through it or just put it down.  I hate not finishing a book though...I always wonder if it got better after the point I stopped and if I'm missing something.

 ..................................................................................................................................................

(Written after done reading)

Ok I've finished it.  It didn't start to get a 'plot' till after the 150th page.  Even then it wasn't really a good one.  It was predictable and annoyingly over worded.  SO much description and not enough plot is how I'd sum it up.  Jane and Gabriel get nowhere in their relationship.  Jane suffers some deaths of loved ones and fixes all her friends problems.  I do plan on reading the 3rd to see if it gets better but if it doesn't I'm abandoning the series.

Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter

Goodreads Description:

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out. 

Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him. 

When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved...

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

When I finished reading this book I was floored by how much I enjoyed reading it.  I also wanted to get my hands on the next in the series so I can find out about the other siblings and see how the story evolves.  I loved the mystery and action but I have to say that the thing that makes  me mark this as a 5 out of 5 is the originality of the story line and the romantic interactions between Nicolai and Jane. The sex scenes were well written and the progression of the romance was enjoyable!  I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone!

The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak

Amazon Description:

On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

My Rating:  5 out of 5

My Review:

Absolutely LOVED this story.  It was very original and I loved the world Bonnie created.  I felt for Megan and her race of Shadow wolves.  I felt for Gabriel and his struggled and I loved their interactions together.  The romance between Gabriel and Megan is touching and exciting.  I really enjoyed the ending and I hope there are more books set in this world. Maybe around Gabriel's Brothers and the Phoenix.  There was a novella after the book and it was just a great, set in the same world.  Highly recommend to wolf lovers, romance lovers, and anyone looking for a original paranormal world.

Bond of Darkness ( Texas Vampires 3) by Diane Whiteside

Goodreads Description:

The national bestselling “master of erotic prose”(Booklist) delivers the third and final novel in her acclaimed erotic vampire trilogy.

For 150 years, Ethan Templeton has happily followed Don Rafael Perez, vampire patron of Texas. But now Ethan has fallen in love with Stephanie Darling—known as Steve—a Texas Ranger and mere mortal. Unfortunately, a future with Steve is impossible. Because if Ethan turns her into a vampire, the price is execution by Don Rafael—the only one allowed to create vampires in Texas.

But working together to stop a serial killer makes Ethan reconsider the price of forever, especially with Steve’s life suddenly in danger. He can’t help but think it’s worth the gamble—especially if it means he’ll save the life of the woman he loves. But will Steve agree—or will she refuse her one chance at eternal life, lust, and love?

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

This book was a little confusing because for the most part it takes place at the same time as the first and second book.  So at parts you are reading the same scene from another perspective.  It got a little annoying.  However I was very happy to see Ethan and Stephanie's relationship.  I read the anthology piece about them that was VERY hot and this book did not disappoint, though there weren't any sex scenes as hot and erotic in this book as were in the anthology.  At the end of the book, things wrap up in a manner that makes me feel like there won't be any more in the series, and that makes me sad.  I hope I'm wrong.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Goodreads Description:

They call him many names, but Angelic isn't one of them...

Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the "Band and Blight of the Ballisters" - and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He's determined to continue doing what he does best - sin and sin again - and all that's going swimmingly, thank you... until the day a shop door opens and she walks in. 

She's too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world...

Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she's going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him - and with him, her family and future - means taking on the devil himself, she won't back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible, and the person who needs the most saving is - herself!

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I absolutely LOVED Sebastian.  I adore dark tortured heros, and he is definitely that!  His relationship with Jessica is not easy and I felt like their reactions were realistic and plausible.  I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica's brains and her quick wit.  I love how she heals Sebastian with out him realizing it and how he appreciates her in the end for it. I loved the action, mystery and by far the romance!  HIGHLY recommend!

Breathless by Anne Stuart

Goodreads Description:

Ruined beyond repair and shunned by London society, lovely Miranda Rohan rebelliously embraces the freedom that comes from having nothing left to lose. However, this dangerous course throws her under the power of the darkly enigmatic Lucien de Malheur—known to many as the Scorpion. 

Seeking to destroy the Rohans, Lucien traps Miranda in a marriage she thinks is based on friendship but instead is rooted in vengeance. Yet even when she realizes the truth, their enmity fuels a shocking passion—and perhaps even more. 

Such a man might drive anyone to murder....


My Rating: 2 out of 5

My Review:

I did like aspects of this book but as a whole I was not in love with it.  I liked Miranda's personality and outlook and I like how she took everything in stride, but at points it got ridiculous how she just shrugged some things off.  I absolutely hated how the book ended.  I felt like the author just decided she was done writing and stopped.  It was horrible.  Though for those who can't figure it out, it's  happy ending. The Scorpion, Lucien, is very negative but has a reason for his hate.  However I don't think he should have wanted revenge so strongly for his sisters suicide, brought on by Benedick.  It was her mother who was so horrible to him and I just can't see how he could bring himself to care so much as to want to destroy a whole family cause his half sister (who he didn't even really know) turned out to be as mad as her mother (who disfigured an abused him)  

Shameless by Anne Stuart (House of Rahan)

Goodreads Description:

A long string of tragic loves haunts Viscount Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan. Cool and cynical, he's weary of life's fickle games and wants a prim and proper wife he can ignore while indulging his sensual appetites. 

Lady Melisande Carstairs is nothing less than a tornado storming into Benedick's measured life. Possessed of boundless energy and the soul of a reformer, Melisande always conquers, whether it's saving the souls of soiled doves or seducing the man she's inconveniently fallen for. When she informs Benedick that his brother's newly revived Heavenly Host has graduated from simple carnal debauchery to sadistic violence, he's compelled to investigate, undercover. Under those covers, however, is Melisande herself, playing a dangerous game in the name of justice. 

And the Heavenly Host has just seen her hand, and more…

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I did not read the others in this series yet however I was not lost while reading this.  So in that, it can stand alone.  However there were references to other couples which made me curious to how they got together, so I will be picking up the first 3 in the series.  I absolutely loved the dynamic between "Charity' and Benedick.  Their courtship, as it were, was fun to read and I absolutely love Melisande's tough exterior and soft interior.  I really enjoyed every aspect of this book, the romance, the action, the mystery.  I highly recommend to anyone who loves a historical romance with action and mystery and not just a fluff romance.

Irish Hearts (Novel 1 Irish Thoroughbred, Novel 2 Irish Rose) by Nora Roberts

Goodreads Description:

Two complete novels.

Adelia Cnnane. Her hot temper sent the heart of Travis Grant aflame. Now the proud, powerful owner of Royal Meadows horse farm resolved to make this wild Irish Thoroughbred his own.

Erin McKinnon. A bold beauty, she accepted Burke Logan's loveless proposal and his cool promise of security and wealth. But could this ravishing Irish Rose win her hard-hearted husband's love?

My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5

My Review:

This book has two related romances.  The first is about a Irish woman who leaves Ireland behind after suffering another death in the family, her aunt.  Her parents died when she was 10 and now she is going to her uncle in Maryland, whom she hasn't seen since she was 3. The only communication she's had with her "Uncle Paddy" are letters they've sent over the years.  However when she arrives, she and her uncle connect.  Adelia and Travis' story is light but a good read.  The next story is about Erin, Adelia's Third Cousin.  When Adelia and Travis go to Ireland with their children (takes place 7 years after first story) they bring their neighbor Burke.  They have an intense liking for each other but fight it so fight each other.  He convinces her to come to America and be his book keeper and soon their relationship progresses.  I liked this story better then the first cause it had an aspect of mystery an action and wasn't purely a fluff romance.  

Blood Brothers By Nora Roberts

Amazon Description:

After three boys accidentally awaken an ancient evil near their small Maryland town, the tight-knit community finds itself lost to a Stephen King–style plague of madness and destruction for a week every seven years. Twenty-one years later, those three boys, now grown, are hoping to find a way to stop the evil before its third return, which may mean the end of the town; they don't know much about the anomalies, but they do know that [e]very time it gets stronger. This time, the town is graced by author Quinn Black, eager to document the paranormal mystery. When two more women arrive—one an associate of Quinn's, the other led to town by strange visions—the circle of six decide to face the oncoming apocalypse together. Hyperprolific bestseller Roberts frontloads her story with drama and endearing characters (especially in Quinn and bowling alley owner Caleb Hawkins), but an abundance of exposition and domestic concerns (protagonists decorate a house, trade banter and pair off predictably) slow the plot significantly. Though future volumes are sure to pick up, this trilogy kickoff suffers from a dearth of twists and little payoff; fans of the brisk, colorful Roberts style will enjoy the ride, though probably not as much as they'd expect.


My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I really enjoyed the mix of romance and mystery in this book.  I have read A LOT of Nora Roberts and after a while it seems like its the same book just a different title.  But this book was pleasantly original.  Now it does stay the same as her other trilogies in that there are three romances, one for each book.  This one is based around 3 blood brothers, friends since before they were born, Caleb, Fox, and Gage decide on their 10th birthday to become blood brothers.  Mixing their blood over a pagan stone, they unintentionally let out a demon and something else.  In this book, Caleb meets Quinn and from first sight they each are attracted.  You also meet the other love interests for Fox and Gage, tempting you so you want to read the other two books to find out how they get together.  Highly recommend.

Much Ado About Marriage by Karen Hawkins

Goodreads Description:

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins’s first historical romance, originally titled ONE LUCKY LORD and written as Kim Bennett, has been rewritten to tie into both her "MacLeans" series and her new "Hurst Amulet" series.

Fearless English earl Thomas Wentworth scoffs at failure, trusting in the legendary Wentworth luck to safeguard his spy mission to Scotland. But a single encounter with saucy Scotswoman Fia Maclean turns Thomas's mission topsy-turvy. All-too-innocently entangling him in his enemy's trap, the beautiful Fia gives Thomas no escape but to marry her. But Thomas doesn't know just what he's marrying into. With an ancient amulet in Fia's possession, she wields even more power than her sharp tongue and quick wit. Her cousin, Douglas Maclean stole the magical amulet from the White Witch, Maeve Hurst, and gave it to Fia for safekeeping. But now, with Fia in London with Thomas, the amulet falls into the hands of Queen Elizabeth. Thinking it will be safe in the queen's hands, Fia leaves it be and focuses on bedeviling her newly betrothed!

My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5

My Review:

This was a good book all in all.  I liked the mystery but I can't say it wasn't predictable to a point.  I did enjoy seeing where the Hurst Amulet comes from, leading to another of Karen Hawkins Series based around it.  The hero and heroine have an interesting relationship and their conversations were well written and made me feel the emotions along with them.  All in all not my favorite in the series but still a good read and a must if you've read the others in the series.

The Demon King and I by Candace Havens

Goodreads Description:

First in a terrific new series featuring wealthy paranormal party girls—from the author of the Charmed books.

The Caruthers sisters are heiresses with privilege, wealth, beauty, and brains. But these party girls have something extra. As the Guardian Keys, possessors of an ancient family secret, they hold the fate of the world in their hands.

Gillian, the eldest, is a sensation in the art world— this world, that is. In her other world she’s the Assassin, a knockout who snuffs out dimension-jumpers who foul up her personal space. She never expected to join forces with one. But when a plague of murderous demons plunges the earth in darkness, she has no choice but to get a little help from a being who knows his stuff.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:  

The author created a very original world which I enjoyed.  I loved the family dynamics, and the duel lifestyle they all lead.  The romance between Arath and Gillian is sudden and hot.  I've had this book on my shelf for a long time and I just picked it up.  I regret not reading it sooner, cause I really enjoyed the whole read.  There is a second book in the series that I am now going to get my hands on!  Can't wait!

The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Goodreads Description:

For as long as she can remember, Lady Adriana Sutton has adored Colton Wyndham, to whom she has been promised by an agreement of courtship and betrothal since childhood. As a young girl, she was wounded by Colton's stubborn refusal to comply with his father's wishes and by his angry departure. He was too proud and too stubborn to accept a future not of his own choosing. Rather than submit, he fled from his ancestral home for a life of adventure and danger as an officer in the British army.

The years have been immensely kind to Lady Adriana. No longer the plain, thin tomboy Colton had spurned, she has blossomed into an uncommon beauty desired by nearly every eligible bachelor in the land. Yet the only man she desires is the decorated hero who has finally come home to claim his rightful title. Arrogant, unmoved, and seductive as ever, he remains averse to the idea of their betrothal in spite of his growing desire for her.

To demonstrate his belief that love cannot be forced, Colton agrees to court Lady Adriana for ninety days, after which time he will be allowed to keep his precious freedom if he so wishes. But much has changed since he balked at his father's plans. Forced into a courtship with this stunning, spirited woman, who is as different today from the young chit he left behind as spring is to winter, the heroic heart that was once closed to Adriana is moved by her charm, her grace, and her sensuality ... and begins to yield. But a secret from Colton's past may doom their burgeoning love ... even as the treacherous schemes of a sinister rival threaten to steal the remarkable lady from his arms forever.

A lush and spellbinding story of passion andbetrayal that grandly sweeps the reader into the magnificent ballrooms and intimate boudoirs of Regency England, The Reluctant Suitor is romance as only the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss can deliver it — a love story that will dwell in the reader's heart and memory forever and stand proudly as one of the author's very best.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

This book is intimidating to look at, being double the size of a normal romance.  And in truth, it seems like two books in one.  I was left with absolutely no questions about any aspect of the plot.  It was very descriptive, and at points you will wonder why is it so wordy but then you'll read something and know that what you read was important.  It seems like every small thing is a clue.  I loved the mystery and the last third of the book I couldn't read fast enough.