The Bride Wore Scarlet by Liz Carlyle

Goodreads Description:

Passion and secrets simmer behind the elegant faÇade of Victorian London in another deliciously intriguing novel featuring the mysterious men of the St. James Society.

AnaÏs de Rohan has faced danger in her past, but never anything so great as posing as the new bride to one of the St. James Society's most magnetic—and ruthless—leaders. But Lord Bessett's bold challenge to prove herself worthy of joining his secret all-male society is impossible to resist. So she daringly agrees to travel with the enigmatic nobleman on a dangerous mission to save one of their own—a little girl with a frightening gift.

Soon intrigue swirls about them, drawing them ever closer. And AnaÏs quickly realizes that the intimacy of sharing Lord Bessett's bedroom is proving a temptation impossible to resist. As for Bessett himself—well, he might be a soldier sworn to the Society, but he certainly isn't anyone's saint. . . .

My Rating:  4 out of 5

My Review:


The only reason this didn't get a 5 out of 5 is because it wasn't edited well.  There were very obvious errors that should have been caught and weren't.  And after the 10th error I found I stopped counting.

I didn't read the first in the series, but this book stood alone very nicely and I wasn't confused about any past references. However I did enjoy the story and the romance was very HOT.  Anais and Geoff had a very strong attraction to each other from the beginning and when they finally fall into each others arms it almost made the pages come on fire!

The mystery and action was also great.  And I enjoyed seeing a woman hold her own with weapons for once in a Historical Romance.

This book was definitely original and entertaining.

The Wedding Bargain by Victoria Alexander

Goodreads Description:

London's most scandalous beauty, Pandora Effington, intends to marry a hero—not one of those boring, run-of-the-mill bachelor lords who leave her cold. No, the husband she desires must be someone special, someone whose touch sends delicious shivers down her spine, and who will do absolutely everything in his power to win her love. Someone like . . .Maximillian Wells.

The dashing Earl of Trent cannot believe his ears . . . or his eyes. Here before him stands beautiful Pandora Effington, and the fiery, unattainable heiress is making him a most tantalizing offer. Maximillian can have the lady's hand in marriage . . . if he agrees to play a game of her devising—one involving great risk, ingenuity, passion, and determination.

It is a game he has no intention of losing . . .

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:


I have to say this was one amazing book.  It was well rounded having nothing missing, in my opinion.  The game Pandora and Max play is fun and romantic and I love how Max figures out a way to achieve the 12 tests.  He certainly is a hero and a perfectly written one at that.  Pandora is an independent female in the early 1800's and I love how she doesn't bend to societies demands but in the end realizes it's what she wants.  I loved the side characters as well, especially Pandora's family.  They seem like a fun lot and I hope to see more of them in the other books in the series.  And of course there are the two best friends and I seriously can't wait to read how that plays out!  DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!

Victoria Alexander is one of my must read authors now!

Ransom by Julie Garwood

Goodreads Description:

Overflowing with all of the majesty and intrigue of medieval glory days, this magnificent New York Times bestseller is a page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice and honor. Beloved storyteller Julie Garwood steps back to the silver-shrouded Highlands of her classic tale The Secret -- and hails the return of two unforgettable warriors: Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan.

In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power-hungry British ruler and his violent minions. One victim of the scourge is innocent Gillian, who is a mere child when the cruel and ambitious Baron Alford slaughters her father and tears her family apart. Alford, determined to recover a jeweled box for the despotic King John, is furious when the precious treasure slips through his fingers -- only to be lost for more than a decade.

Now a beautiful young woman, Gillian finds the key to resolving her past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen, and with the friendship of a new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alford, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation. But in the presence of the mighty warrors, Gillian and Bridgid discover that desire can be a weapon of conquest...betrayal can slay trust in a heartbeat...and the greatest risk of all is surrender -- to the deep emotions of unexpected love.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

Julie Garwood is quickly becoming a no fail author for me.  If I need a book I know will be good, she's one I'll pick.  This book was long but not in a bad way.  It was thorough and detailed with out being boringly so.  The relationship between Gillian and Brodick was entertaining to read and I loved how Gillian wasn't some dumb heroin with out a brain in her head.  I didn't like how the ending seemed to just stop but I could have just been so into the book I didn't want it to end and was upset that it did.  I enjoyed the extra romance in the book as well but considering its over 500 pages I think you deserve two romances in the story!  Worth the read and a great second book in the series!

How to Flirt with A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Goodreads Description:

Northern Exposure

Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

My Rating: 41/2 out of 5

My Review:

I would have given this a 4 1/2 out of 5 if I could.  I really loved how this book brought out a ton of different emotions.  I thought it was a quick read that was well written and flowed perfectly.  I never saw the ending coming and I love when that happens.  Mo's description of her parents and her past is so hilarious and I can't imagine anyone ever living like that but I know people who almost that intense.  Cooper is the typical broody hot hero and I love a conflicted hero.  I don't think his reasons for leaving his pack are good enough in my opinion.  I'm sure the author could of come up with something a little more serious.  But that may just be my blood thirst coming out!  I sat and read this in once sitting and the pages just flew!  Highly recommend!

An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Goodreads Description:

Dating Matthew O’Brien-a playboy and a younger man-cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love-and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.

It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about joining the O’Briens for a Dublin holiday. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I haven't read the others in the series, however this book could completely stand on its own. I wasn't lost or confused by the other characters and they way their back stories were mentioned flowed well and wasn't confusing or too intense. I loved Laila and Matthews story and their interactions together. Laila has family issues, particularly with her father who wanted his son to take over the family business but is left with the daughter with the brains for numbers. He doesn't hide his disappointment of her and Laila's story is much about taking control of her life as it is her romance with Matthew. I enjoyed seeing her grow. Her issues and irrational reactions seemed very realistic and I felt for her. The epilogue had me crying happy tears and I love when a book brings out strong emotions. I think I related personally with this book on a few levels and it made it an even better read for me. Highly recommend and I will definitely be picking up books 1 through 7 in the series to see the detailed stories of the other family members!

1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber

Goodreads Description:

The people of Cedar Cove know how to celebrate Christmas. Like Grace and Olivia and everyone else, Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. Her small Christmas tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is showing plenty of romantic promise.

But…someone recently left a basket filled with puppies on her doorstep, puppies she’s determined to place in good homes. That’s complication #1. And #2 is that her daughters Bailey and Sophie have invited their dad, Beth’s long-divorced husband, Kent, to Cedar Cove for Christmas. The girls have visions of a mom-and-dad reunion dancing in their heads.

As always in life-and in Cedar Cove-there are surprises, too. More than one family’s going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I have not read the others in the series and for that reason I thought the constant introduction to new individuals and the brief memories of their own issues was confusing when mixed with the story of Beth and her Ex husband and daughters. It barely holds as a stand alone and if you are like me and haven't read the others in the series, you will be confused trying to categorize all the town residents with their significant others and family and how they got together. While reading, I wished they'd just stop the trips down memory lane for all the residents and just tell the story of Beth and her family. It would of made it a LOT shorter but a LOT less confusing as well! I also think however that if you'd read the other stories in this series, you wouldn't mind the recap and the story would flow very well.

Always a Princess by Alice Gaines

Goodreads Description:

Eve Stanhope masquerades as a foreign princess at ton parties, stealing jewels from the nobility she despises and returning to her London slum at the end of the night. She's carefully plotting revenge on her former employer—a society cad who's ruined her reputation. Now it's her turn to ruin him. What she doesn't expect is to encounter the criminally handsome Orchid Thief on one of her heists…

Philip Rosemont, Viscount Wesley, is also in disguise. Bored and stifled by society, he steals jewels for fun and leaves orchids as his calling cards. He knows the woman he's cornered at the ball is no aristocrat, much less the Princess of Valdastock. But something tells him she's not exactly common, either. Now he must uncover her motives while he enjoys her illicit kisses. Can these two become partners in crime even as they give in to their mutual seduction?

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

This was an ok book but not one of my favorites. I felt wanting in certain parts. I enjoyed the ending but it seemed far fetched. I would have liked a twist where Eve's background was concerned. Maybe something that would of made the ending more possible, say a aristocratic father?! I liked how Philip dealt with the Constable in the end as well. The Dr. who studies skulls was just out there and, I felt, completely unnecessary. It was a quick read more fluff then anything else. Good to take you mind off of life and entertain you.

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Goodreads Description:

HER ONLY HOPE FOR SURVIVAL...

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

IS TO RUIN THE MAN SHE LOVES...

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

I loved the suspense through out this book.  I loved trying to figure out why Jessica wouldn't drink tea, and I loved how Mark defended her after he found out about it all!  I truly enjoyed the dialogue between Jessica and Sir Mark as well as between the 3 brothers.  I didn't read the first in the series but I did read the Unlocked (1.5 in series) and have thoroughly enjoyed both books.  I can't wait to read the first book and then 3rd in the series!  Highly recommend this historical romance.  The story is refreshing in it's originality and the story will keep you enthralled till the end.  Even the Author's Notes were interesting!

Legacy by Jeanette Baker

Goodreads Description:

When Christina Murray inherits her family's ancestral Scottish home, she also inherits a violent legacy of passion, bloodshed, and genetic memory that only the breathtakingly handsome Ian Douglas can help her overcome...

"A haunting tale of love that will not be denied...a beautifully written story, a vibrant tapestry pulsating with the fiery code and honor of the Highlands."

My Rating: 2 out of 5

My Review:

If I rated based solely on concept and plot this would get a 5 however the writing wasn't great and the flow at times just wasn't right.  I loved the historical references and the way it was incorporated into the present day.  It has great bones but I think it could of used a little more editing to make it flow better and not make readers think "Wait where did that come from? Did I miss something?" Then have the reader flipping back pages to see if something was missed.  I did this a few times and it was annoying.  But again the romance was great and the the historical aspects were fantastic.  I was left wanting and was disappointed.  This book has such great potential!  

Scandal of the Year by Laura Lee Guhrke

Goodreads Description:

ONE TRYST WAS ALL SHE WANTED ...

From their very first meeting, Julia knew that Aidan Carr, the oh-so-proper Duke of Trathen, had a bit of the devil in him, a devil who secretly yearned for what he could not have, a devil who harbored a desire for her. So when she needed to be caught in a compromising situation, Aidan was the answer to her prayers.

ONE TRYST JUST WASN'T ENOUGH ...

Aidan is supposed to be looking for a bride, yet his scandalous liaison with Julia is all he can think about. Hot, erotic memories of kissing her skin, falling into her bed, pulling her naked body on top of his own continue to torment and tempt him. What is it about this brazen seductress that he finds so hard to resist? And how can he stop himself from falling into her bed a second time?

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed the story, however it wasn't fantastic.  It was just average in almost every way so I gave it the 3 out of 3.  The interactions between the hero and heroine were interesting but fairly predictable.  I did enjoy the mystery as to why the heroine went after the divorce and I liked that it was drawn out till the end to get the answer.  I also loved the love scene when it occurred.  I didn't like the ending, but recently I haven't been overjoyed with many endings lately.  I had questions I would have enjoyed having answered but no book is perfect and again I think this was an average romance.  Better then some but nowhere near the best I've read.

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

In every life there is a turning point.

A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer — the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

My Rating; 3 out of 5

My Review:

I gave this a 3 out of 5 for a few reasons, mainly I HATED the Ending.  I felt left adrift.  One minute the Hero, Michael is sick and then the next Francesca and him are married and there's a random letter from Johns Mother in the epilogue.  What the heck?!  I was also annoyed by the two, Michael and Francesca, denying their feelings because of Francesca's marriage to John and then with in a chapter that's forgotten and they are doing it like rabbits.  Weird.  My least favorite in the series.  I hope Gregory's book is better!

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

My Rating: 5 out of 5

My Review:

This story is a bit different then the rest in the series.  You finally realize why Eloise has those ink stains on her finger.  Eloise runs away in the middle of the night to Sir Phillips.  This story is about what happens when she gets to his home and how their relationship evolves from one of pen pals to something more.  I experienced some strong emotions while reading this and I won't doubt others would too while reading.  Besides the romance between Phillip and Eloise there is the evolution of Phillip as a father and husband.  Another hit by Julia Quinn!

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Goodreads Description:

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph.

But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same, especially Penelope Featherington, the girl haunting his dreams!

And when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat, or his promise of a happy ending?

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

As usual, I loved this story.  I am starting to think Julia Quinn can not write a bad story!  This one has been hinted to in the previous stories and is about Penelope and Colin.  It's a pretty standard plot, Colin comes back from being away an suddenly sees Penelope as a woman not as a neighbor and childhood friend.  But there are aspects that make this an original an a great read.  Definitely fits in with the others in the series!  LOVE IT.

Some Like It Wild by Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Description:

It was to be her greatest masquerade . . .

Pamela Darby needs a man—preferably a Highland brute with more brawn than brains. Determined to save her sister from selling her virtue, the resourceful beauty requires a strapping specimen to pose as a duke's long-lost heir. Pamela plans to collect the generous reward, then send him on his way. Lucky for the brazen beauty, the seductive, silver-eyed highwayman who just held up their carriage could be her man . . .

Connor Kincaid has given up on his dream of restoring his clan's honor. And now this plucky Englishwoman is asking him to take part in a risky charade that could land them both on the gallows. Never a man to resist a challenge or the allure of a beautiful woman, Connor strikes the devil's bargain that could seal both their fates. The highwayman and the hellion journey to London as both enemies and allies—a woman who has everything to gain and a man who has nothing to lose . . . but his heart.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed this story, but not nearly as much as I did the first.  I loved the twist at the end but I have to say the scene was a little off.  I guess I thought it all happened too fast and there duke seemed to me to be too trusting in it.  (Don't want to say too much so as to not spoil it)  I did enjoy the romance, and the first love scene was wonderfully written with a great setting.  The epilogue was disappointing and I hope there will be a 3rd to continue the story!

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Goodreads Description:

Dear Reader,
Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I've protected the innocent and watched over the mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me then one night.
Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments.
But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both.
--Talon of the Morrigantes

My Rating: 3 out of 5

My Review:

I enjoyed the read, and liked seeing the story continue from the first in the series.  I didn't love it however.  I don't know if it was just my mood or what but I didn't feel as connected to the story as I did the first one.  I did however love how the story evolved and I can't wait to read the third book in the series to see how it moves forward.  So it gets a 3 out of 5 from me.

An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverley

Goodreads Description:

Prudence Youlgrave is out to marry above her station and secure a happy life. Catesby Burgoyne is out to continue his noble family's good name. When fate pushes them together, they are married-but this inconvenient marriage of convenience quickly turns into something much more...

My Rating: 2 out of 5

My Review:

This book was a decent read but nothing fantastic.  I enjoyed the plot and I really enjoyed the interactions between the hero and heroine.  I also liked the hero and heroine's character and personalities.  However things seemed too easy, there wasn't any real conflict between the two, even at hard times they seemed to be always smiling or making the best of things. That annoyed me for some reason. Also there was not one romantic scene in this book, or should I say bedroom scene.  I was actually very disappointed at the end.  I wanted there to be an epilogue or perhaps them finally having a full physical interaction.  I felt the bad guy and evil deeds were sort of an after thought to carry the story since there weren't any bedroom scenes.  I don't really think I could recommend this. All in all very disappointed, I had higher hopes.

Shelena Shorts new book The Iron Quill Released today!

Hello Everyone.  I want to share a great series that I discovered while attending a local book fair, in Collingswood NJ.  I met the author and was quite taken with the stories idea.  The third book in the series is being release today.

The First in the series is:

The Pace  The Pace at Amazon

Description from Goodreads:

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.
Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

The Second book in the series:

The Broken Lake The Broken Lake at Amazon

Description from Goodreads:

In the aftermath of Sophie's ordeal, Weston will make some uncharacteristic decisions to distance himself from the past in an attempt to change the future.

But, while venturing into the improbable, the present sneaks up in a chilling way that will lead to Wes' unexpected submission. Suddenly, Sophie will find herself watching as both his immortal secret and his own existence are threatened.

Continuously intriguing, The Broken Lake takes readers to a place where eternal bonds confront a division that is sure to leave everyone wondering whom they can trust

And the third book RELEASED TODAY:

The Iron Quill The Iron Quill at Amazon

Goodreads Description:

With Weston's self-imposed forty-eight hour deadline having already lapsed, Sophie's patience is pushed to the max- especially with her realization that his concern is not for his own well-being, but for hers.

Just when they embrace a reconnection, she'll learn that her greatest threat is not necessarily something that might happen in the future, but something that's happening...right now. And this time, Sophie and Wes will need the help of more than one person to fix it -even if it means giving up his secret.

With time forever moving, and the dark cloud at its lowest, the third book in the Pace Series stays true to its signature grace and determination as Sophie and Weston take the biggest detour so far