Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, & Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr

I've started to read the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.  I've read the last few newer books in the series and decided to start from the beginning.  I've read the first three so far and so am condensing the reviews and posting all three here!

Goodreads Description of Virgin River:

"Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included."

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans...and a former marine cements them into place.

Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

My Rating: 

My Rating:

Melinda needed a change after her husband was murdered.  Her entire life was turned upside down and she needed a clean slate.  She sold everything and took a job based on a phone call and some photographs sent to her.  When she go to Virgin River things were as wonderful as she believed.  She realized that she made a mistake the instant she arrived but it was solidified when she found the birds nest in her oven and the porch collapsed.  She did enjoy the bartender, Jack but that wasn't enough to keep her there and she wasn't ready for any kind of male attention.  On her way out of town, she finds a baby left at the doctors door step and she gets pulled in.  She slowly but steadily develops relationships and a connection especially with Jack.  Their romance seemed so natural and real.  

This book seemed more like viewing someones life through a window in space, almost like a soap opera but with out all the sleeping around and back stabbing that usually occurs in soap operas!  Definitely a MUST read!

Goodreads Description for Shelter Mountain:

For the second time in a year a woman arrives in the small town of Virgin River trying to escape the past. 

John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of a wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel. 

But when Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing in the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

My Rating:

My Review:

After reading the first in this series, I absolutely had to read about Preacher and how he finds love.  Preacher is a big man who looks scary but in reality is a big teddy bear, well at least where woman are concerned.  Paige is an abused woman who after her latest beating from her husband, grabbed her child and ran.  Nothing would stop him and she's tried it all.  She gets turned around and lost and stumbles into the bar Jack owns and Preacher works and cooks at.  Preacher is drawn to Paige like a moth is to a flame.  They grow into a very close friendship where you can tell would combust into a great passion if allowed.  Preacher wants Paige to be free and so helps her go through the steps to get a divorce.  This is a happy ever after however there are some ups and downs and twists and turns.  

I love how Robyn Carr adds side stories about other members of the town and it feels like you are part of the town.  It's not all bout Preacher and Paige but also about the other residents and how they care for one another.  As I stated in the review for the first book, you feel like you're in the story an you can see their world through a window.  I've never read another series like this and I love how it is written.  It's just very original and gripping!  Strongly recommend!

Goodreads Description for Whispering Rock:

The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there’s always room for one more... 

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she’s got some fears she can’t escape—but now she has someone who will shower her just what it means to trust again. 

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

My Rating:

My Review:

This third in this series is mainly about Mike and Brie.  Brie is Jack's youngest sister and assistant ADA in LA.  She failed to put a serial rapist in prison, her husband leaves her for her best friend, then she's attacked and raped by the serial rapist.  Mike was an LAPD Sargent who was shot by a teen gang banger wannabe as a way to get into a gang! He retires to Virgin River to heal and have the comfort of his friends and leave his family and their constant hovering behind him.  Mel, Jacks wife, helps him with his physical therapy.  Then he learns about Brie. He's cared for her ever since he met her and he knows what it's like to be a victim of a violent crime.  He reaches out and helps her through her fears and newly formed phobias.  Mike is given a job as the town law enforcement and soon realizes it's not going to be an easy job, someone is targeting teenage girls and giving them date rape drugs.  Also in this book you are given more information about other residence and their continued issues through out the first few books.  

I love how each book is tied together and how all the members of the town take care of each other.  The strong ties and romances make this a wonderful story and another continuation of the life like story of those who live in Virgin River.  I can't wait to get to the fourth book!

A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries

Goodreads Description:

When the youngest Sharpe sister hatches a plan to gain marriage offers, the straight-laced Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter knows he'll do whatever it takes to ruin her scheme... 

With two months left to find a husband to fulfill her grandmother’s ultimatum, Lady Celia Sharpe sets her sights on three eligible bachelors. Becoming betrothed to one of these wealthy, high-ranking men will surely prove her capable of getting married, so hopefully the wedding itself won’t be necessary for Celia and her siblings to receive their inheritance. Step two of her audacious plan is hiring the dangerously compelling Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter to investigate the three men she’s chosen. But with Lady Celia bedeviling Jackson’s days and nights, the last thing he wants is to help her find a husband. And when she recalls shadowed memories that lead his investigation into her parents’ mysterious deaths in a new direction—putting her in danger—Jackson realizes the only man he wants Celia to marry is himself!

My Rating:

My Review:

Good ending to the series.  I totally didn't see that ending coming and so really enjoyed that.  The rest was pretty predictable but still well written and I enjoyed there read.  Celia's issues with marriage an her parents death seemed the most realistic to me and her interactions with Jackson Pinter have been building through out the series and I was very happy to see them finally shake the sheets!  If you've read the others in the series you can't skip this book.  It's definitely a series however that you can't really just read one book from, at least in my opinion.

Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Goodreads Description:

Emma Gavin writes about werewolves, but that doesn't mean she believes in them-not until a pack of real-life New York weres decide to investigate the striking accuracy of her "fiction". 

When Aiden Wallace, son and heir of the pack leader, tries to sniff out Emma's potential informant, he discovers something even more dangerous- an undeniable attraction to her.

My Rating:

My Review:

I had read the second in the series prior to this, the first in the series.  In this book, the eldest brother of the Wallace pack loves Emma Gavin's werewolf books, however they are shockingly accurate to how true werewolves live.  He is assigned to figure out if she has a secret informant or if she just has an amazingly vivid imagination.  Though very different in many ways, they both hit it off and constantly fighting their attraction to each other.  But when they give up fighting boy was it some good reading!  It was an ok read and kept me engaged but by no means was fantastic...more like a cozy paranormal romance, something to curl up to with a cup of tea an just knock out in a few hours.  Definitely worth the read though and also the second.  I can't wait to see how the world evolves in the third book, coming out soon.

Werewolf in the North Woods by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Goodreads Description:

When she used to walk around her grandfather’s property out­side Portland, Abby Winchell loved the idea that Bigfoot was somewhere out there too. Now her grandfather swears he’s seen two creatures that fit the legendary description—and he has evidence. Sort of. Grandpa Earl may be a bit dotty, but when his neighbors invite a renowned anthropologist to disprove his theory, Abby decides to send the man packing...until she sees how hot he is. 

Anthropology professor Roark Wallace can’t risk news be­ing made of a Bigfoot sighting in the north woods—not with a local pack of werewolves to protect. Disproving the evidence should be easy, but ignoring Abby is not. Her fiery red hair makes him want to sit up and beg, and this obvious attraction is making the pack suspicious.

My Rating:

My Review:



I haven't read the first in the series but this could definitely stand alone.  Anthropology Professor Roarke Wallace is brought in by a Werewolf pack in Portland to help defuse a situation.  Apparently the pack's neighbor Earl Dooley saw Bigfoot and possibly his mate.  Since then strangers have been in the woods trying to get a better look and picture!  Roarke is to spread his 'opinion' that Earl didn't see Bigfoot but maybe hikers, who knows since Earl is 77.  He is also assigned to move the Sasquatch couple. Enters Abby Winchell, Earls Grand-Daughter.  She doesn't like how her Grandpa is being slandered and sets out to prove he saw Bigfoot.  She finds out Roarke is a werewolf and blackmails him into taking her when he goes in search of the Sasquatch couple.  Things get hot and heavy and the romance is formed.

There are a few twists and turns and a LOT of humor.  I loved how this book just made me laugh out loud.  My daughters kept looking at me like I was crazy! This book is a good Paranormal Romance, and I will be getting the first to see how Aiden, Roarke's Brother, found his true love.  And I will definitely be following the rest of the series.

Infinite Betrayal by Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie

Goodreads Description:

Mina Roarke had always been told she was special. In what way, she never fully understood until circumstances led her down a path of adrenaline-charged danger, blazing sexual heat and ultimate betrayal. 

Mathias, a warrior for a secret shifter race known as The Coteri, has been ordered to protect Mina at all costs. Although his oath to protect her is paramount, can he rein in his animal instincts long enough to not claim the one person he’s forbidden to have?

My Rating:

My Review:

WOW. It has been a VERY long time since I've read a Paranormal Romance that has has such an amazingly perfect mix of Romance, Mystery, and Paranormal! This book is one of the best I've read. It was all perfectly mixed together to make Infinite Betrayal one darn awesome book! I couldn't put it down. The world the authors created was great and the the paranormal race created was clever, thought not completely original. I did love the conflict created and the war between the two fractions. The mating is intense and amazing to read and I just CAN NOT WAIT for the second book in the series! If you enjoy Paranormal Romances you MUST pick this book up! You will not be sorry!


* I received a paperback version of this book via a Blog Giveaway.  The only 'normal' medium for this book is via E-Reader.  *

Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

My Rating:

My Review:

I don't know if it's because this is a contemporary romance or if it's just because of the authors talents but I really felt like this story was real.  I've read the last book in the series and both times I felt this way.  I loved how I just got sucked in to the everyday actions of the characters lives and their issues.  In this book Katie moves to be close to her brother and so her sons will have some male influence.  On her way to the small town her brother lives in, she has a flat and a biker club who helps her out.  That's when she sees Dylan the first time.  Once in Virgin River, their paths cross and before long they have a romance on their hands.  They are both truthful upfront about not wanting a relationship or anything series, but love and relationships seldom listen to peoples wants or opinions when they form.  They both have issues to over come an prove to themselves or others.  I really enjoyed this book and series, though I've only read this book and the book prior.  I plan on getting the whole series eventually to read.  Thought I'm not usually a contemporary romance fan, Robyn Carr is definitely on my must read authors list!

The Bride and The Beast by Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Description:

Teresa Medeiros makes her hardcover debut in this magnificently sensual and romantic tale filled with passion, humor, and suspense. It is the unforgettable story of two indomitable characters whose love affair is the stuff of which legends are made....

Gwendolyn Wilder did not believe in dragons.  But the superstitious villagers of Ballybliss did, and so Gwendolyn found herself bound to a post as a sacrificial offering to the Dragon who haunted the ruins of Castle Weyrcraig. Fifteen years earlier, someone had betrayed the Laird of Weyrcraig and his handsome young heir to the English for a thousand pounds in gold. Now the Dragon was demanding that very amount. The frightened Highlanders hoped that instead of gold, the fair virgin would satisfy the beast's insatiable appetite. As for Gwendolyn, she never doubted that the so-called Dragon was a fraud. She knew there was a perfectly good explanation for the mysterious lights seen flickering in the crumbling castle and the unsettling sound of bagpipes drifting through the glens. But as she waited for whoever-or whatever-to claim his prize, she could not help trembling as a furious storm lashed about her...and she saw what appeared to be dark wings and a stream of silver smoke emerge from the shadows.  Rumor had it that the Dragon could take the form of a man, and so he did with Gwendolyn-a man who would not show her his face. He carried her into his lair and made her his prisoner, his pampered pet. And while she didn't expect to be eaten by the fire-breathing Dragon of Weyrcraig, neither did she expect to be warmed by his sensuous caresses or devoured by his passionate kisses. 

The Dragon had demanded gold and the fools had given him this golden-haired maiden. She was the very last thing he expected-and now there was no way he could let her go. She could never know that he was no monster but a flesh-and-blood man who had just laid eyes on the one woman who could slay him. Still, this supremely handsome man of devastating virility was more dangerous than any dragon. He would take it upon himself to enchant the practical Gwendolyn as she had enchanted him. He would weave a spell of sensuous magic around her that would defy all her commonsense notions and tempt her to believe in something even more unlikely than dragons and more powerful than the past that threatened them both-true love.

My Rating:

My Review:


I really wanted to love this book but I was just left wanting.  It had great bones and the world created was good.  Gwendolyn takes care of her elderly 'crazy' dad while her sisters sleep around the village.  A dragon has moved into the old Laird's castle making demands they village can not fulfill. In a desperate attempt to calm the 'beast', the village stakes the only virgin in the dragons courtyard.  Gwendolyn is a virgin but also a woman of science and she doesn't believe in the superstitions the village believes and she knows there is no dragon on a man trying to take from the village.  The Dragon doesn't want Gwen to ruin his plans so he refuses to release her and they start to form a romance.  But the Dragon won't give up his hunt for vengeance.

Love wins out in the end, but the Author attempts to add more drama in the last few chapters.  I actually liked the last few chapters more then the most of the book.  There was mystery and suspense more to my liking then the attempts made in the middle.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't see who had betrayed the Laird to the English and that was a surprise.  It was just an average book.  The story a loose connection to the tale of Beauty and the Beast but not something I'd recommend unless you just want something to fill your hours.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Goodreads Description:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Rating:

My Review:


I got this book because of a book club I plan on participating in.  As I've said a few times I'm really not into YA books.  This book however was very good.  I read it in one day, while cleaning and playing with my kids (though I could of played more if I could of put the book down more!)  The pace is great, high action sit on the edge of your seat at times.  When you weren't on the edge of your seat you were flung back slouching and thinking wow didn't see that coming or what will she do now! I can definitely see why everyone is talking about this book and I am happy to hear it's being made into a movie which will come out soon!  I WILL be one of the first people in line to see it and compare it to the book!

The story takes place in a world called Panem, a post apocalyptic America.  There are 12 districts with the Capital in the center.  There use to be 13 but after a revolution which destroyed the 13th district the Hunger Games are created to keep the districts in line and to remind them what will happen if anyone rebels!   Katniss volunteers when her younger sister is chosen along with a boy from her district named Peeta.  From that point it's nothing but intrigue, action, and emotion!  I was so frustrated with the end because I wanted to know how things progress. (won't say more because I don't want to ruin it for anyone!) Needless to say I'm already 6% (according to my Kindle) into the second in the series!  Definitely Recommend!

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Goodreads Description:

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

My Rating:

My Review:

Jessica is a American teenager turned vampire.  The first book in the series is about how Jessica met Lucius and how their romance too place and subsequently their wedding.  This second books is about Jessica and Lucius trying to prove they are ment to be Queen and King.  Jessica doesn't know the language, the customs, and more importantly she doesn't have the self esteem.  Then Lucius is framed for a murder and it's up to her to either save her husband or end up killing him, which to her is not an option.  She grows into herself in this book and realizes, just like her mother before her, that there is nobody but yourself to rely on in the end.  

You could tell reading this book it was ment for a Young Adult crowd.  It didn't have the refinement of some of the other romance books I've read.  Saying that, I did expect it wouldn't be a literary masterpiece.  It was still a very good read and I enjoyed this the next book in Jessica's series!   In the end, Jessica proves she is the Queen she was ment to be, however you don't know if they are voted in as the Queen and King.  I guess that is going to be in the third book.  Can't wait to read it. 

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

Goodreads Description:

"She was his last chance for a future of happiness..."

A gifted fortune-teller from a humble background, Jenny can make even the most sophisticated skeptic believe her predictions simply by batting her smoky eyelashes. Until she meets her match in Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a sworn bachelor and scientist.

"He just didn't know it yet"

Broodingly handsome, Gareth is scandalized to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of "Madame Esmerelda," and vows to prove Jenny a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth's calculated plan--until he can't decide whether to seduce her or ruin her. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they "know."..and the boundless possibilities of love.

My Rating:

My Review:


I picked this first book in the series up because I highly enjoyed another series by Courtney Milan.  I am so glad I did.  Courtney's writing did an amazing job of showing Gareth's uncomfortable personality.  I kept reading and every once in a while I'd just sit back and wonder at how realistic, awkward, and imperfect Gareth is.  He's not the perfect hero, far from it.  He has huge issues dealing with anyone and that's how he was raised to be but Jenny, AKA Madame Esmerelda, turns his world upside down.  He's confused by her and determined to prove he's right about her.  He doesn't understand that she isn't a mean vindictive person but someone who only means to help until it's too late to stop his destroying his cousin Ned's life.  I loved how Gareth comes to his realizations and how he fixes his mistakes.  I also enjoyed Jenny's views on life and how she doesn't let the world draw her down.

I can't wait to read about Ned's story, which is the next book in the series.

Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

Goodreads Description:

Their lives were perfect . . . 
Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn’t bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . . 

Until they met each other.. 
Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect – and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire – desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero’s wedding nears, and Griffin’s enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?…

My Rating:

My Review:

FANTASTIC BOOK!  Ok now that I have that out of my system let me explain why I think that!  This is the second in the Maiden Lane Series, and I thought it would primarily be about Silence it wasn't.  Silence and her story were continued and there were hints to her story but it was drawn out and the facts shown in this story just made me want to read her story more!  I can't wait to find out what will happen with her.  In this story, Lady Hero Batten is engaged to Mandeville.  It isn't a love match but one of duty.  She meets Lord Reading, her fiancees brother and they have a clashing of personality that is combustible.  It turns to lust and then love.  It takes them a while and through a bunch of trials but they find it in the end.  Lady Hero is a strong brave woman but it takes her a while to realize how strong. Great story!

In Bed with the Devil by Lorraine Heath

Goodreads Description:

They call him the Devil Earl--a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything--even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

My Rating:

My Review:

The description intrigued me so I got this out of the library.  I enjoyed the story line and I adored Catherine's courage and independent personality!  She's not like other girls her age and she likes it that way.  She is a great friend and that is why she goes to Luke's house and asks him to do an evil deed for her.  Their attraction started years earlier when Luke went to a ball and she was the only one to dare look at him.  Their romance is wonderful!  Every meeting amps up their feelings and they both won't admit its anything but lust.  Luke's road to remembering his past is hard but in the end rewarding!  I enjoyed the other characters in this story and I really can not wait to see what happens to them!  Very promising new series for me!

To Wed a Wild Lord by Sabrina Jeffries

Goodreads Description:

Drowning in guilt over his best friend's death seven years ago, Lord Gabriel Sharpe, the Angel of Death, knows his only hope at redemption is a race against a shocking opponent. 

Shrouded in darkness for the past seven years, the infamous racer Lord Gabriel Sharpe is known to accept every challenge to race thrown at him. When his next challenge comes in the form of his late best friend's sister, Virginia Waverly, Gabe is shocked. Yet she presents just the opportunity Gabe needs--marriage to fulfill his grandmother's ultimatum and ensure his inheritance. What he didn't count on was needing her love.

My Review:

My Review:

I rate this a 4 1/2 out of 5.  I really enjoyed reading Gabe's story and seeing him find love.  The only reason this didn't get a 5 is because I wish we learned more then we did about the kids parents murder.  That was a bit of a let down, though we do find out a few key pieces.  I can't wait to read the next in the series.  I honestly have to say this series is brilliantly written.  You get tidbits and teases as to what happened to solve the mystery of the parents murder along with the stories of each of the kids an how they find love!  In this story, Gabe starts to pursue Virginia Waverly as penance for his actions in her brothers death but in the end Virginia saves Gabe.  I felt for them both and the author wrote in a way to make you feel for them.  In the end they both get what they wanted, answers and love! 

Don't Bargain with the Devil by Sabrina Jeffries

Goodreads Description:

The future of Charlotte Harris's fi nishing school is in jeopardy when a charming Spaniard -- world-famous magician Diego Montalvo -- arrives to turn the bordering estate into a scandalous pleasure garden. Valiantly ignoring his wicked flirtations, outspoken Lucinda Seton vows to derail his plans and save the school, unaware that Diego's true mission is to spirit the long-lost heiress away to Spain for a handsome reward! But before long Diego's heart is playing tricks on him, and Lucy is falling under the illusionist's spell. How can the Master of Mystery go through with his devilish scheme when all he wants is to make the lovely heiress his own?

My Rating:

My Review:

I actually really enjoyed this book.  The first few in the series I was disappointed in.  They were ok but nothing special.  This book was fantastic.  The twists and turns in the plot were well placed.  Diego had a haunting past and all he wanted to do was it make right, no matter the cost.  It's almost too late before he realizes that it doesn't matter if you have a house with no one to share it with.  Lucy thinks her life was normal and held no mystery until Diego came along and showed her that she might have family and what she believed may be false.  I am anxious to see what happens with Mrs. Harris and 'Cousin Michael' in the next book!  Great read though!

Let Sleeping Rogues Lie by Sabrina Jeffries

Goodreads Description:

""Don't let yourself be fooled, Madeline: once a rake, always a rake."" -- Mrs. Charlotte Harris, headmistress

When Madeline Prescott took a teaching position at Mrs. Harris's School for Young Ladies, it was to help restore her father's reputation. Instead, she's in danger of ruining her own. The devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt, has agreed to provide "rake lessons" to Mrs. Harris's pupils so they can learn how to avoid unscrupulous gentlemen, and Madeline is to oversee his classes. She has always believed that attraction is a scientific matter, easily classified and controlled -- until she's swept into the passionate desire that fiercely burns between her and Anthony. Nothing could be more illogical than risking everything for a dalliance with a rake -- even one who's trying to behave himself. Yet nothing could be more tempting....

My Rating:

My Review:

I've rated this 3 1/2 stars.  It had a great romance, the heat between Madeline and Anthony is searing and their mutual respect for each other and their quirks is adorable as well.  I felt for Madeline and her families issues and I loved how Anthony and Madeline are connected in more ways then they even knew!  The ending was great, and I loved the few twists in the story line.  I love being surprised and even a little shocked while reading!  All in all it's a great addition to the Heiresses series and if you've read the first 3 you should definitely read this one!  

If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer

Goodreads Description:

If life were a fairy tale, Daisy Montgomery’s stepmother and two stepsisters would surely be cast in the wicked roles. For years, they’ve made life miserable for Daisy. But when she discovers she has a godmother, she’s determined to ask her for help. Little did Daisy expect her godmother to play matchmaker with her very own grandson—who happens to be a viscount! 

A freewheeling playboy, Charles Thorpe, Viscount Lumley, is bored with his wealth-seeking female admirers. Not only that, he’s been cut off from the family coffers. One day, on a bet, he rids himself of what little money he has left in his pockets and vows to solve problems using his wits alone. But when the Impossible Bachelor is confronted with Daisy’s plan to save her castle, the payoff is more than he could have bargained for. Sometimes, if you give a girl a viscount, you just might find love….

My Rating:

My Review:

This is the 4th in the Impossible Bachelors series, and last.  It didn't end in a bang for me.  Don't get me wrong, it was a good read and there were some fantastic twists and turns and unexpected moments in this story.  However, it just didn't grab me like the others did.  The romance is pretty low key and there wasn't any mystery in this, so it was just a lot of explaining what was going on and how they could fix it.  Daisy has a step mother and 2 step sisters, much like Cinderella she's treated poorly and wants to get money to fix up her house and send her 'family' on their way.  She finds a letter about her godmother and writes her for help.  Charles, the grandson to said godmother, answers her letter and arrives to help her.  However Charles is trying to find himself and due to a bet with his friends has to do it with NO money, so hardly is any help to Daisy.  They decide to have a hunt and have the rich outsiders who come pay for the privilege to live like a highlander for 10 days.  Things happen and truths are revealed but in the end Charles looses his bet and he spends his money to help gain what he wants, Daisy.  Very predictable but a good read, just not an excellent one!  My favorite part is the epilogue, surprisingly enough.  Definitely suggest you read if you've read the other 3 books.  The plot line is good and I wouldn't of done that any different if I were the author.  I just wish there was more action or more physical romance.  

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke

Goodreads Description:

What happens when a woman is determined to marry the wrong man? When she just won’t listen to reason and rushes forward with wedding plans? When she just doesn’t care that she’s marrying a fortune hunting scoundrel who doesn’t love her? What’s her exasperated family supposed to do about it? Hire a different scoundrel to talk her out of it, of course. 

American heiress Annabel Wheaton knows what she wants and love isn’t it. Born in a Mississippi backwater, with a twang as wide as the Delta, she wants respect to go with the millions her daddy found in a Klondike gold mine. But respect isn’t easy to come by in the closed Knickerbocker society of New York, and when the fortune-hunting Earl of Rumsford shows up, it seems like he’s just the ticket to make all Annabel’s dreams come true. When he proposes marriage, she happily agrees. That’s when the trouble starts. 

Christian Du Quesne has always been trouble—a rake, a gambler, and when he was younger, a fortune hunter. He married once for the sake of the decaying family coffers, but he won’t do it again. When his older brother, the Duke of Scarborough, dies without issue, Christian become the duke and inherits a whole new pile of family debt with no way to pay it. When Annabel’s family hires him to show Annabel just what she’d be getting by marrying into Britain’s aristocratic class, he knows he’s the perfect person to talk her out of matrimony. Problem is, he only has four days to do it. Can he cause enough trouble in those four days to get her to call off the wedding?

My Rating:

My Review:

Good third book in the series and I enjoyed mentions of other characters of Laura Lee Guhrke in this book.  I felt back for Annabel and how she was treated by others.  I enjoyed her back story and how it made her who she was.  I highly enjoyed Christians disdain of the aristocracy and his unique personality. I enjoyed watching him fall for Annabel, however it was a very typical story line.  I gave this a three because it was an entertaining read and I highly enjoyed the read but it wasn't anything fantastic and I doubt this book will stick in my mind later.  As a whole, this series is just ok.  I've rated all three only 3 stars. However her other series have been fantastic and had original aspects.  I will most likely read any others in this series just because I enjoy the author and I have grown to like the characters in this series.

Firelight by Kristen Callihan

Goodreads Description:

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . . 
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

My Rating:

My Review:

I haven't read a Paranormal Romance in a long time and I was so happy to read this one!  I loved that it was set in Victorian England and I also loved how Archer became how he is and the twists and turns the last few chapters!  True love wins all in this story and in a most dramatic and awesome way!  I highly recommend this book!  The romance between Ben and Miri is sweet and passionate.  Both have secrets to hide and that makes them hold each other at arms length until passion pushes them over the edge into each others arms! I enjoyed how the author created the world and the secondary characters and I especially can't wait to read the next book about Ian and how he finds love and possibly a cure from his family curse!  5+++++