Ladies of Leisure Love Books...

A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

2012-02-27T17:14:00.000-06:00

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets. . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London's illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . .even her heart.

This is the first book in her new Fallen Angels series.

Heroine -- Lady Penelope Maarbury

Hero - Michael, Lord Bourne

Penelope was the girl who was engaged to the Duke of Leighton from Eleven Scandals To Start To Win A Duke's Heart. Her story begins eight years after being jilted by the Duke. Penelope has just turned down a marriage from her childhood friend Tommy. Tommy, Penelope and Bourne all grew up together and were childhood friends. Michael loses everything gambling to his guardian when he was 21 years old.

The story picks up 10 years later. Michael is now part owner of the Fallen Angel a gambling den. Bourne's goal these past 10 years is to get revenge and get his beloved Falconwell back. Michael finds out that his Falconwell was lost again in a game of cards and learns that it is now part of now part of the dowry for his oldest daughter. Michael put his plan in effect to get back his beloved Falconwell.

Michael is not the same person that Penelope remembers, he is now cold-harden and heartless.

My thoughts:

Even though Michael is not the same person that Penelope remembers she still slowly falls in love with him. I love the fact that Penelope takes no crap from Michael and tells him like it is. Michael says and does everything to make Penelope dislike him. In the end it was fun to read Michael fall in love with his wife and realizes that she is more important than revenge.

This is a wonderful written book and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the other books in this series are just as well written. The sex scene are well-written and hot!!!!

Received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea by Sophia Nash

2012-02-16T07:48:00.007-06:00

Today we have a guest reviewer -- Lettetia, Welcome!

Six Regency heroes one royal hangover. The beginning of a well plotted and entertaining series.

Avon, February 28, 2012

Sophia Nash begins her Royal Entourage series with a witty, romantic, and thoroughly entertaining tale.

Suspense, passion, humor and more all combine to make Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea one of the best book I have read in 2012. Alex, duke of Kress, has been disgraced by a wild bachelor party with his peers and the Prince Regent himself. Returning home he rescues the lovely Roxanne, who has been left for dead by her evil husband. While the two are together a strong passion grows stronger by the day, while Roxanne's husband must be dealt with.

Customer Review for the Amazon Vine Program

2012-02-14T06:34:00.001-06:00

Midnight Fear, by Leslie Tentler

2012-02-10T21:14:00.003-06:00

Rating: A, Hot, A bit grisly/multiple murders

"I trusted you, Caity"

The still of the night is once again shattered by Caitlyn Cahill's recurring nightmare—her brother standing before her, gripping a butcher knife, his eyes black with hatred. Two years ago, the former Washington, D.C., socialite defied her powerful senator father and risked the ruin of her family by helping the FBI link her troubled brother to a string of horrific murders. "The Capital Killer" was sent to prison for life…and Caitlyn's entire world fell apart
.
Now, FBI agent Reid Novak is forced to rend the peace Caitlyn has found on a rural Virginia horse farm. A copycat killer is on the loose and slowly toying with Caitlyn—his ultimate target—in a terrorizing cat–and–mouse game. Almost destroyed two years ago by Caitlyn's family, not to mention the Capital Killer's haunting final murder, Reid vows to save the woman he's never forgotten or die trying.”

Our story starts out with FBI agents Reid Novak & Mitch Tierney trying to convince serial killer Joshua Cahill to let go of the woman he in intent on murdering. Josh has severe psych issues. He freaks, slits the woman’s throat, while the agents open fire on him, sending him crashing through a window and in to the Potomic River. He is fished out of there, goes to trial, and is now serving life for all of the murders. He kept a journal, which his sister Caitlyn turned over to the FBI. Their father, a judge, died shortly after Josh went to prison, his wife ended up in mental institution, and Caitlyn ostracized from Washington society. Caitlyn moves out to the country where she now owns the Rambling Rose equestrian facility. They mostly work with disadvantaged children, and Caitlyn loves her job and her horses.

Fast forward two years and we are introduced to a new serial killer, duplicating Joshua’s grisly, torturous form of murder. Reid has been called in to assist with this case since he was involved in the first one. Reid gets in touch with Caitlyn, so she is aware there is a killer trying to duplicate her brother’s profile. Shortly after the heads up from Reid, strange things start occurring in Caitlyn’s life, and the gruesome murders intensify, making it clear that Caitlyn is a target.

During this time, Caitlyn and Reid finally address the feelings they have for one another. Reid is just an awesome hero, a big tough FBI profiler, but he has a very vulnerable side to him. Reid is just returning to work from an illness that he was on an extended leave of absence from the Bureau for. This is the first case for Reid since returning to work. The great part of this book is that Caitlyn and Reid don’t just hop right in to bed. The relationship progresses over time, amidst all the tension and trauma of the murders. And believe me, it is a lot to take in. Caitlyn feels at times like she can’t believe this is happening all over again. The story moves right along, there are several choices for who the antagonist it, but Ms. Tentler keeps you guessing right up to the end. The story is at no loss for interesting characters, and they all help drive the story line. I love a book that keeps me guessing, and on the edge of my chair, with a bit of romance thrown in, and this book was all that and more!

I thought Leslie Tentler’s first book was very good, but this one goes way beyond that, both in the story line and the character relationships. I can’t wait to start the next book in this series, Edge of Midnight.

She Tempts The Duke by Lorraine Heath

2012-01-31T05:22:00.004-06:00

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped--to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle--awaiting the day when they would return to claim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick--returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man--cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

1st book in The Lost Lords of Pembrook Trilogy

Hero -- Sebastian Easton - The Duke of Keswick

Heroine -- Mary Wynne- Jones- Daughter of the Earl of Winslow

We first meet the 3 Easton boys the day of their father's funeral. Their uncle has locked them in a tower and they are scared, hungry and worried. They hear footsteps, a key turning in the lock, when the door opens it their neighbor's daughter Mary who has overheard their uncle talking to someone to kill the boys so he could become the next duke. The boys escape with Mary's help and on their way to freedom Sebastian stops and pulls out a hankie and fills it Pembrook dirt, he then asks Mary for her hair ribbon and ties the hankie with her ribbon. The brothers then disappeared for 10 years and appear on the day that their uncle is holding a ball to announce that he will be the next Duke of Keswick. Imagine the surprise on everyone's face when the three brothers are announced.

Sebastian -- his face horribly disfigured and who wears an eye patch

Tristian his twin brother who is a captain of his own ship

Rafe the youngest who is a very successful casino owner.

Mary is at the ball and is shocked to see the brothers. She would know Sebastian anywhere and comes to their defense.

The story continues with Sebastian plotting revenge against his uncle and Mary not being able to stay away from Sebastian even though she is engaged to be married.

This is a wonderfully written story, our hero a hardened and revengeful man and Mary who never stopped caring and loving Sebastian. The ending of this story is so filled with emotion and packs a punch when Sebastian realizes that it wasn't the dirt that carried him through all the hardships he endured but his love for Mary.

We also get a glimpse of the kind of life Tristian and Rafe had. The hardest thing Sebastian ever did was sell Tristian to a ship's captain and leave Rafe at a work house. This haunts Sebastian because he knew he couldn't care for his two brothers.

I'm so looking forward to reading Tristian and Rafe's story.

Received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens

2012-01-30T05:20:00.002-06:00

We joyfully request your attendance at the wedding of Miss Angelica Cynster…but not until she and her hero confront a devious enemy, and lay to rest an ancient grudge in the Scottish Highlands!

Headstrong Angelica Cynster is certain she’ll recognize her fated husband at first sight. And when her eyes meet those of a mysterious nobleman across a candlelit ballroom, she knows beyond doubt that he’s the one. But her heart is soon pounding for an entirely different reason - when her hero abducts her! The eighth Earl of Glencrae has no choice but to kidnap Angelica, the one Cynster sister with whom he hadn’t wanted to tangle. But to save his castle and his clan, he must persuade her to assist him -- and he’s prepared to offer marriage to seal the deal!

This is third book in the Cynster Sisters series.

Angelica youngest daughter to Martin and Celia Cynster.

Dominic Lachlan Guisachan aka Debenham aka the Earl of Glencrae

We finally find out why the Earl's mother wants to "ruin" a Cynster girl.

The book opens up with Angelica at a ball and taking one look at a dark haired gentleman and saying to herself this is her "hero." She finds a mutual friend to introduce her to her hero, he goes by the name Debenham. After all it's her turn to wear the "tailsman" necklack the the Lady (Scandal's wife) gave her. The Lady gave Heather the "necklace" first and then to Eliza who both found their "hero."

After Angelica is kidnapped by Debenham and is taken to his house, he sits Angelica down and tells her the reason why he needs to kidnapped and "ruin" a Cynster. Angelica listens to Debenham and agrees to help him retrieve the "goblet" from his mother and save his clan. He then tells Angelica the name that he really goes by which is Dominic, the Earl of Glencrae but the Ton only knows him by Debenham. After the Cynster's received a letter from Angelica - they decided to try to find her anyway.

While Angelica and Dominic travel to his home, we get to meet the Cynster family again. The male Cynsters, Jeremy and Breckenriudge trying to figure out what happened to Angelica and the females know that Angelica is up to something. It can't be the Earl the Earl is dead or is he?

The adventure begins for Angelica and Dominic to get home, convince this mother that Angelica is ruined and make it back to London bankers with the "goblet" by the "fifth" anniversary of his father's death, July 1st.

It was fun to see Dominic slowly falling in love with Angelica and Angelica playing her rule as a kidnapped Cynster to the hilt and laughing out loud at her performance. The ending of this book with all three Cynster sisters and their "heros" made me just go AHHH.

I thought this would be the end of Ms. Lauren's "Heros" but near the end of the book we see Angelica passing on the necklace to Henrietta (who is the younger sister to Amanda and Amelia).

Once again Ms. Laurens didn't fail me and I have to admit that I can never get enough of the Cynsters.

ARC received from Net Galley for an honest review.

Seductive As Flame by Susan Johnson

2012-01-15T08:49:00.004-06:00

First, let me say that this book may not be for everyone. Our hero is married --- unhappily but married --- our heroine is not a virgin and there is sex -- plenty of sex. Our hero and heroine are like the EverReady bunny -- they just keep going and going and going.

I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about starting this book -- one thing that I do not approve of is an "open" marriage no matter what the arrangement is. But after meeting the hero's wife in one of the opening scenes and I can see why. Talking about a mean spiteful woman and that is all I'm going to say about her. But it did make wonder why the heck Alex married her.

We first meet Zelda and Alex at the hunting lodge of the Duke and Duchess of Groveland Chase (Fitz and Rosalind from Gorgeous As Sin). What I like about Zelda is tall with magnificent flame-red hair and speaks her mind. Alex takes one look at Zelda and he must have her. At first she fights off her feelings for Alex but lust takes over both of them. Alex has a stepson, Chris who is from his wife's first marriage and she could care less about her son except use him for leverage against Alex. Alex dotes on the child and treats him like his own.

As we read more about Violetta 's character I had never wanted Alex to leave this woman ASAP.

Alex invites Zelda to his hunting lodge along with Chris and Creiggy (his childhood nanny and now Chris's nanny). His entire staff loves Alex and is very protective of him because of the childhood and then the wife he married. His staff also fall in love with Zelda and feel that she is just what he needs.

As the story progress we find out more about his childhood and his fragile mother. When Alex takes Zelda to meet her she feels joy for her son because he is finally finding happiness.

My thoughts on this book -- even though the Alex is married you are rooting for him and Zelda to find love and happiness. In fact Alex never really knew what happiness was, he was loved growing up but his father was not a nice person his staff protected him and would do anything for him and his mother. I love when a "rake" falls and falls hard and that is what happened here. Alex would move heaven and earth for her and he did in the end when he made his divorce go fast with all parties involved. I did like Zelda but sometimes she let her jealousy get to the best of her and I wanted to shake her. The ending to me came to an abrupt end and I would have loved to her seen an epilogue. But I have a sneaking feeling that Ms. Johnson will be writing a book about one of Zelda's brother and it's the end of Alex and Zelda.

I purchased this book for my reading pleasure. Released Date December 6, 2011

What Is Going On With My Reading?

2012-01-10T06:48:00.013-06:00

I thought last year that I read more books than I did in 2010 -- Wrong. After I compared the two totals I realized that I read 19 less books in 2011. I am sitting here wondering WHY!!!! Then it hit me -- I noticed that it is taking me longer and longer to read a book!! Yes, some books I can plow through but other books, even though they are good, I notice are taking me all week to read a 300+ book.

Then I started doing some deep thinking and reality set in. I was watching more TV instead of reading. I also found myself playing more games on the computer, going over and checking my homepage on Facebook and surfing the Internet. What the heck!! I was doing everything except reading and as I sit to write this, I'm wondering how I can get my mojo back and find my love for reading once again. That's right - Dani who has been reading for over 30 years has lost her love for reading.

Keep your fingers crossed everyone, that I can find my love of reading once again!

I can understand what Dani is saying because I am having the same issues!! I did not read half as many books as I did last year or the year before. And I can say I have only one book since Nov and and am half way though a book now that I want to read but just can't can't get into it.

Now with me I know I have some things going on that make me not really want to read, but Dani is right about the same old story lines. How many times can you read them????

Oh well, I guess I will pull out some Julie Garwood or maybe even a Karen Rose's books and see if they can get me back in the mood!!!! Debra

Well, I did read less books in 2011, but the books I read I really loved! I have gotten to the point that I seriously find out all I can about a book prior to buying it, and that worked well for me this past year. I don't mind reading less, as long as I like the book, and am able to give it a good rating. I do have a lot of outside iterests, such as my stitching, my gardens in the summer, volunteering at the hospice, and 3 dogs that need attention, plus my Golden Retriever Rescue group I work with. These things all come in to play when my reading nunbers are down. I have given up the paranormal genre, except for a few favorite authors. All the books started being the same for me! I try to rotate through all the genres, but sometimes get held up with historicals. I only read a very few authors in that genre, but because it's what I cut my teeth on, there isn't much new for me in that area. I sorta feel like if someone were to drop me off at a dock in England, I would know just where to go! That's called overkill! Teri

On Lavender Lane, by JoAnn Ross

2012-01-04T20:26:00.000-06:00

Rating: A, Hot

This book is an excellent addition to the Shelter Bay series. Navy SEAL Lucas Chaffee recently returned to Shelter Bay. His father, world famous architect Duncan Chaffee has unexpectedly passed away. They had planned to work together when Lucas completed his Navy career, restoring old homes on the West Coast. Lucas is at loose ends, wondering what he will do.

Sofia DeLuca owns Lavender Hill Farm, and is having a dinner for all the guests of Duncan’s funeral. Sofia helped raised her granddaughter Madeline, who is a chef with culinary TV shows, and is married to Maxime who owns several famous restaurants. Things aren’t going so well for the two, due to Maxime’s sex video with another woman going viral. Sofia has a plan to make the farm in to a small restaurant, which would involve Maddy’s help. Sofia seizes the moment to ask Lucas to remodel the farm to accommodate the restaurant, and get Maddy back home and in to Lucas’ life. You see, ten years ago the two were madly in love. Lucas hurt Maddy badly, and desperately wants her back in his life. He’s got a lot of explaining to do before that can ever happen. Lucas is a glass half full kind of guy, and figures fate just may have given him a chance at a do-over.

Maddy wants so badly to not have Lucas back in her life, but the man is persistent. I love the second chance at love theme, but this time around it’s especially good since it’s Lucas in hot pursuit, not the other way around. Lucas uses every play in the book, and he knew Maddy well ten years ago, so he knows just how to make her squirm. Although Lucas is not an architect, he has some wonderful ideas for the Farm restaurant. The more he and Maddy conspire, the more time they spend together. She still has strong feelings for Lucas, but her main concern is putting Maxime behind her. Since Maddy has bent to Maxime’s desires for his restaurants, she starts to really get in to what she would like to do, which involves adding a cooking school to her restaurant.

Everyone in Shelter Bay has a hand in the machinations of Maddy and Lucas getting back together. With Lucas willing to pull out all the stops to woo Maddy back, and the sky is the limit! And let me say that Lucas is one creative soul. He doesn’t need anyone’s help planning his big surprise for Maddy! Even Scout, the dog with PTSD, has a role to play. One thing leads to another, and after a frightening incident at Haven House, life and happiness kind of take on a whole new perspective.

This book is hard to put down. You can feel the sea breeze and be pulled in to the incredible community of Shelter Bay. In a way, it’s like going home to good friends, and books don’t get much better than that!

Dylan by C. H. Admirand

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

Second in a hot contemporary cowboy romance trilogy featuring three brothers desprately trying to save their ranch, and their pride.

Sexy rancher Dylan is temporarily covering his brother's shift at the Lucky Star ladies club when he meets Ronnie DelVecchio, a darkhaired beauty with snapping green eyes. Sparks and tempers fly and Dylan can't resist the urge to see what it would be like to kiss her senseless.

Dylan has taken over working at the strip club where his brother Tyler just left. Dylan meets Ronnie when her friends bring her in to help celebrate her 25th birthday. Dylan's job is to lassoed Ronnie and wheel her in. He does and after taking one look at her Dylan lays a kiss on her. Ronnie is not happy to say the least. Ronnie has just moved her from New Jersey.

Ronnie's business was destroyed by teenagers along with two other businesses in Tyler's book and this book picks up after soon after that. The Garahan brothers are doing what they can to save their family ranch. Dylan does side jobs as a carpenter and unbeknown to Ronnie she has hired him to fix up her shop called the "Guilty Pleasure" in return for her cooking for the three brothers.

I really enjoyed this book -- both Dylan and Ronnie fall for each other immediately. Ronnie is coming off a bad marriage and has problems dealing with her true feeling for Dylan. Ronnie totally married the wrong man in her first marriage because she didn't want to succumb to the "DelVecchio Curse." I should mentioned that the curse is when a DelVecchio woman falls in love with an Irishman and they get married they have a set of twins.

Ronnie comes with a lot of baggage in this book -- she has to overcome her fear that Dylan is no better than her ex. In doing so she saids things that she later regrets and tells herself she is doing what is best. She makes many mistakes in trying to fight her feelings for Dylan and at one time I wanted to slap her in the back of her head.

I have to admit that the sex scenes are hot and well written. Dylan was a true cowboy and his conversation with his dead grandfather had me laughing out loud.

I look forward to reading Jesse's story and I'm dying to see who his "filly" is.

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

2011-12-31T14:36:00.002-06:00

New Year 2012 Pictures Comments - Photobucket

Whispers In The Dark by Maya Banks

2011-12-28T09:10:00.000-06:00

She came to him when he needed her the most....

She came to him at his lowest point. The voice of angel, a whisper in the dark. She is the only thing that gets Nathan Kelly through his captivity, the endless days of torture and fear that he'll return to his family. With her help, he's able to escape. But he isn't truly free, because now she has disappeared, and he's left with an all-consuming emptiness as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his life. Did he imagine his angel? OR is she out there, needing his help as he'd once needed hers?

Now he rushes to save her before it's to late.....

Shea has been on the run from people who will stop at nothing to exploit her unique abilities. She never wanted to drag Nathan into more danger, but she doesn't have choice, so she reaches out to him for help. Finally face-t-face after having already formed a soul-deep bond in hell, their emotional connection is even more powerful then their telepathic one. Nathan refuses to let her go again, but she worries they can never have a life free of dangers that dog her every step. Can he convince her that they are meant to face these dangers together?

This is the next book of the KGI series and it is about twin brother Nathan. Poor Nathan has been through hell and back. He has been taken captive and has been beaten and tortured daily. Somehow this voice comes into his head who helps him make it through it. It is because of Shea that he is saved between her getting info to his brothers and the telepathic abilities and a few other things I won't give away he makes it.

But, something is missing when Nathan comes home and he can't get his life back together is it because of the voice in his head. Even his twin Joe is unable to help him. Then one night he gets a call from Shea needing help and he knows what they had was real.

Shea has been on the run for a long time. You see she and her sister have special abilities and some people want them. The thing is you never really figure it out who it is. I think that will be resolved in the next book which is about Grace, Shea's sister. Just haven't figured out if she is going to leave Rio has the hero or not.

When Nathan saves Shea you know the two of them should be together. I loved when they were talking telepathic to each other the brothers would give them a hard time about it. I like how the whole family comes in to help save Shea and they make her part of the family right away. Although Joe did have a hard time at first with her but they make there peace.

Nathan and Shea are very good together. They have a very strong bond that gets them through a lot. I loved the part when Nathan tells Shea he is nothing without her and no mater what he will keep her and her sister safe.

It does get a little confusing because you really don't know who the bad guys are as I said earlier. But overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one. Ms. Banks never disappoints!!

I got this book as a ARC through my Romance Group and the book will be issued on 1-3-12

My Ruthless Prince

2011-12-26T17:12:00.020-06:00

My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

4th Book in the Inferno Club Series

His brother warriors fear the Earl of Westwood has turned traitor, but Emily Harper knows this is impossible for the man she has loved since childhood...as impossible as a marriage between them could ever be--she, the gamekeeper's daughter and he, a bold and adventurous nobleman.

Driven by hatred and revenge, Westwood is playing a deadly game of deception, bent on destroying the enemy's dark conspiracy from the inside, and he's furious when Emily plunges herself into danger for his sake. Forced into close quarters, their long-suppressed desire explodes into all-consuming passion.

Emily knows her love can save him...but Westwood is a man who doesn't want to be saved.

This is the 4th book in the Inferno Club series.

This book is not a stand alone.... ....I feel it will help you if you've read the other books in this series or I feel you will be lost even though Ms. Foley does do a very good job in bringing up the back story.

Emily and Drake, the Earl of Westwood were childhood friends and grand rivalries until the Seeker came for Drake. Drake is a member of the Order of St. Michael the Archangel. Emily follows Drake to Walfort Castle which is a stronghold for the Prometheans which had held Drake there earlier as a prisoner and were he was torture. Drake was saved by James Falkirk and Drake is now his personal guard. Emily is out to save Drake.

From the time that Emily is caught in the woods and brought to the castle this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. The love that Drake and Emily have for each other and Emily's devotion to Drake just wants you to say AHH!

This book is a really page turner and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Drake does do and say some things that make you just want to slap him but you understand why as you continue to read the story.

The other members of the Inferno Club are on a chase to catch the head Promethean's son who has escaped from their cell and is also headed to Walfort Castle. The ending of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I really enjoyed this book and Ms. Foley gives us a sneak peek at our next hero and heroine.

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

How The Marquess Was Won by Julie Ann Long

2011-12-26T17:05:00.005-06:00

How The Marquess was Won by Julie Anne Long

6th book in the Pennyroyal Series

Did you ever finish reading a book and say AHHHHH!! Well, that's what I did at the end of this book.

Our heroine Phoebe Vale is a school teacher and is hired by Lisbeth Redmond to be her paid companion for a house party.

Our hero Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden knows what he wants and when he talks the ton listens and follows in his footsteps.

This book has two unique character as their lifestyles which is as different as night and day.

The story opens up with the hero after being shot staggering into the Pig & Thistle and starts to fall to the floor were he is caught by Colin Eversea. As they bring Julian to a room in starts talking about some women not even pretty and talking nonsense. The story then goes back six weeks earlier when Phoebe and Julian first meet at Postlethwaite's Emporium of Lady's Goods who is there to buy Lisbeth a fan. Phoebe overs another visitor bet Dryden 10 pounds that he can't get Phoebe to kiss him.

At the house party Phoebe gets Julian to do things that he's never done before. As they both start to fall for each other and fight their true feelings. Dryden is at house party to start to woo Lisbeth Redmond. The Redmonds hold a piece of land that was once in his family and Dryden wants the land back. Phoebe is aware that Julian is at the house party to woo Lisbeth but that doesn't stop her from staying away from him.

The Silverton sisters - Marie and Antoinette invite Phoebe to their house in London for a fortnight to attend parties and balls with them. Lisbeth is not happy to have Phoebe at the Silverton's residence as she is invited too.

While at White's one day Dryden overhears Waterburn and d'Andre making bets in a the bookie book but doesn't pay attention. Phoebe becomes the belle of the ball much to the surprise of Dryden and Lisbeth.

It was fun to see Phoebe enjoying herself and seeing both of them fight their feelings for each other. Dryden trying to do the "right" thing and woo Lisbeth and trying to stay away from Phoebe. Phoebe trying to stop her feelings for Dryden and for the first time enjoying life.

I was surprised to see Lisbeth turn into the villainess but she the Silverton twins, Waterburn and d'Andre and get their just rewards.

This book had me laughing out loud with the banter between Dryden and Phoebe.

Although I'm still waiting for Lyon and Olivia's story I hope Ms. Long does a story on Lisbeth's brother Jonathan who you just fall in love with.

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

The Last Cowboy, by Lindsay McKenna

2011-12-26T10:24:00.001-06:00

Rating: B, warm

Slade and Griff McPherson’s parents are killed by a neighboring rancher, Red Downing, when the boys were only 6 years old. Slade stays on the ranch to be raised by one uncle, while Griff is sent to another uncle on the east coast. Griff, a Wall Street banker has lost his job due to the current recession. Slade works 14 hour days on his small ranch, trying to stay one step ahead of the mortgage.

Slade is the current number one endurance horse racer in the country, and runs a school on his ranch to train others for competitions. Local ER physician Jordana Lawton seeks Slade out to train her and her mare, as she wants to enter level 1 competition. Due to being burned by his first wife, Slade is not fond of female students. In fact, he has none but the good doctor gets under his skin and he takes her on as a student.

Jordana proves to be a better rider than Slade anticipated. He also starts to fall for her, and it’s evident she returns those feelings. Jordana has a nasty run in with Slade’s neighbor and riding competitor Curt Downing, son of the man who killed Slade’s parents while driving drunk, at the feed store. Slade bristles when he finds out about this, warning Jordana that Curt is a nasty person, and an even nastier competitive rider, pulling illegal stunts during races in order to win.

Slade’s prize bull attacks and goudges him in the thigh, tearing open his main artery. Slade is out of the upcoming competition due to the seriousness of his injuries. Jordana’s mare is also injured, so she convinces Slade to let her ride his stallion Thor in the upcoming endurance race. Griff is out of a job, and shows up at the ranch since he is still a part owner. However, he knows absolutely nothing about running a ranch. He interferes with a bid Slade has in for some horses, and is accused of bribery, so Slade becomes disgusted with him and throws him off the ranch. The happenings with Griff paint a pretty true picture of the current recession in our world today. To make things worse, Downing is constant thorn in Slades side, forever causing financial and personal problems for him.

Jordana’s dream comes true, and Slade lets her ride Thor in the big race. She wants desperately to win the purse to help Slade with his financial woes. Jordana and Slade provide many pages of sexual tension throughout the book, so all along you are hoping that these two, especially Slade, can set aside his grudges and anger to make this budding relationship work.

Overall, a very lighthearted story, and the author is very well versed in the horse world, including the different breeds. Very interesting, plus I learned a lot about horses! I am looking forward to Grifff’s book. It should be good, watching him trying to dig his way out of the hole he is in.

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-24T11:59:00.000-06:00

I would like to thank Teri and Debra for helping me get this blog off the ground. I have to admit it's hard to write a review and next year I hope to contribute more.

To all my friends who read our blog I thank you and I want to wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas. Love to all, Dani

I also would like to wish everybody a Happy Holiday season!!!!! I have really enjoyed working on this blog and want to thanks Teri and Dani in talking me into it!!! SO again to every who reads our blog or just comes for a visit thank you and have a very safe Holiday season and a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all our our followers! It's been fun sharing our love of books, and all things book related wirh you. My thanks to Dani ad Debra for joining me in this venture. It's been a fun year, and here's hoping that there will be even more reading time and reviews in 2011!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!

The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne

2011-12-05T09:54:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that even though this book took me almost a week to read it -- I loved it. I have to be honest and say that I'm not reading like I used to, I don't know if it's the change of weather or the holiday season.

This is a beautifully written book and tells the story of two spies -- one for England the other for France and how their lives intertwined for twenty-five years. Ms. Bourne's weaves a story that takes you back to their past on how they met to the current time of the story line. Adrian "Hawk" Hawkhurst and Justine " Owl " DeCabrillac two spies who have known each other since they were both young children and each know how the other works and thinks.

When the story opens Owl is on her way to Hawk's house. She is stabbed with a knife that has been poisoned on her way Hawk's residence and she collapses on his doorsteps. Hawk does everything in his power to save Owl and then after Owl gets better the two work together to find out who stabbed her.

This book kept my interest as it has to one of of my best reads of 2011. Although there weren't many love scenes in this book the first time Hawk and Owl make love is so wonderfully written that you can feel ever touch and every kiss.

We've met Hawk in Ms. Bourne's other books in this series and I was hoping that he would get his own story. Now, I'm waiting for Pax to have his own story.

Head Over Heels, By Jill Shalvis

2011-12-01T22:48:00.000-06:00

Head Over Heels, by Jill Shalvis

Rating: A, Hot

It’s no secret that I am a huge Jill Shalvis fan, and Head Over Heels was a wonderful addition to the Lucky Harbor series. This book is about the 3^rd sister, wild child Chloe. She and Sheriff Sawyer Thompson have had quite the love/hate relationship going in the first two books, and in this one, they take it to a whole new level!

Chloe’s sisters want her to help more with the B & B, but Chloe isn’t sure she can commit to that. She led a vagabond lifestyle, living with her mother, whose hobby was following the Grateful Dead from town to town. Chloe is an esthetician and travels to local high end spas in the area, creating her lotions and potions, and giving treatments to the clients. Chloe comes up with an idea to have the sun room at the B & B changed in to a spa area, where her clients and B&B visitors can come to her. The up side of this plan is that Chloe would not need to travel so much. Her sisters, Maddie and Tara immediately say no, pointing out that Chloe in not as reliable as they would like her to be. This really hurts Chloe, since she has working very hard to change her ways, and she feels the sisters are being unfair.

Chloe and her good friend Lance, who has cystic fibrosis, have been out rescuing Pit Bull dogs that a local fights, and gets all cut up making their escape. Sawyer is furious with her for taking the law in to her own hands - again. He stops by to check on her later that evening, to find her with Lance. Sawyer immediately thinks they are in a relationship, but they have never been more than good friends. Good old Sawyer is a reformed bad boy, and now as Sheriff he is about as straight laced as possible. But he’s got it bad for Chloe, although he has a hard time admitting this to anyone. The sexual tension between Chloe and Sawyer is palpable, and builds to a boiling point! Finally – the moment is right, and halfway through their night of love, Chloe has a really bad asthma attack. Sawyer is scared to death he’s going to lose her, so after the attack he gets cold feet, and as he backs away from Chloe, as the tension starts to build again.

The B & B is really getting off to a good start, but sisters Maddie and Tara kind of got to me with their attitude towards Chloe. This time, Chloe is really trying, and at least they could encourage her, instead of constantly being so critical of her. Both Maddie and Tara are upset that Chloe can’t tell them she loves them, but from the reader’s point of view, it’s not so hard to understand. Chloe has been left alone her entire life, when people like her mother told her they loved her and then bailed on her. Chloe does open her spa, thanks to a booking by a group of sisters who want their treatments done there at the B&B.

The town of Lucky Harbor has it quirks, and zany residents. Good old Lucille still manages the Lucky Harbor Facebook page, a perfect job for the elderly town gossip. There is more about Lance in this book, and a HEA for him too! Chloe and Sawyer are a hoot as their relationship grows. Her asthma is really bad, and she just can’t have spontaneous sex or she will have an asthma attack. I was about rolling on the floor laughing as she is telling this to Sawyer, and telling him there is a test he must pass if he wants to have sex with her. Sawyer can’t believe there is a test – before sex! She tells him he has to be inhaler worthy, which of course Sawyer is certain he is.

Want some more good news? There are 3 more books yet to come in this wonderful series! As we have covered the three sisters, there will be three more books, about some of the great characters we have met in these first three Lucky Harbor stories. Color me happy!

Because of You, by Jessica Scott

2011-11-27T13:14:00.002-06:00

Jessica Scott, the author, is career military, in the Army, as is her spouse. I suspect the reason the book seems so real is because she’s seen it and done it all, as have her characters.

The heroine, Jenn St. James is a nurse and breast cancer survivor. She has yet to accept the disfigured body her mastectomy left her with. Jen is very happy to be alive, but considers herself damaged goods. Our hero is Shane Garrison, who Jen meets the night before the platoon sergeant and company are deploying for a year. They share a hot kiss that neither of them can forget. It keeps Shane sane during his long nights in Iraq. Shane has an extremely high level of perfectionism and taking care of his troops, leaving little to no time for himself.

About 4 months in to their deployment, a bomb blast sends Shane and a few others from his platoon back to Fort Hood Hospital, where Jen works. Shane wakes up with both legs and one arm in a cast. Several of his men have lost limbs. Shane is totally aggravated and surley that he can’t be up and about to be there and help his men. The men are all grown up and most are married, but Shane can’t focus on himself because he’s too worried about them. Jen tries so hard to convince Shane that in time he will heal and be able to get back to his men, but nothing is moving fast enough for Shane. He does take his anger out on Jen a time or two, and fortunately because of her job and own brush with cancer, she understands where Shane is coming from very well.

The love story advances, though not very quickly. There is a lot going on in this book, both with Shane and his men who were injured. It’s nice to read a book written from this perspective, as you get to see what military life is like not only for the soldier, but the entire family. This is where the author’s background shines. I read a comment that says this is not a military romance, it’s a romance with military characters and I would agree with that statement. There are no scenes from the battlefield, so I felt the label of “Military Romance” was a bit misleading.

The hospital scenes were very realistic. I have heard some complaints about the catheter removal scene, obviously made by people who do not have a medical background. Stuff like that happens folks, and it may have happened even if a nurse other than Jen removed Shane’s catheter. The other scenes, physical therapy and the overdose were also very well played out. Jen’s cancer also played a leading role in the story. She was worried how Shane would accept her body, but as she got to know Shane better, she should have figured that would not matter to him.

This was a very emotional book, and for me, who is not one to cry over a book, I shed quite a few tears. Why not a better rating? Because I turned the page, right in the middle of another issue and that was the end! I have never seen an ending as abrupt as this one. Then, there were complete chapters of several more books coming out by different authors, when that space should and could have been dedicated to a decent ending for this otherwise wonderful book.

Rating: A-, warm (due to the abrupt ending)

2011-11-22T06:38:00.007-06:00

From Our Family to Yours!

Wild Thing, by Robin Kaye

2011-11-12T12:49:00.001-06:00

Book provided by NetGalley for review.
Release date: 12/1/2011
Rating: B+, Hot

Hunter Kincaid runs River Runner Tours, and Toni Russo is his exact opposite, the queen of the concrete jungle. Her boss Bianca of Action Models, is busy with contract negotiations, so sends Toni to Idaho to manage the sportswear photo shoot in her place. The minute Hunter spies the Goth girl from New York, (fans of NCIS will love her!) he falls for her and vows to do whatever it takes to win her over. However, at this early point in the book poor Hunter had no idea what he was in store for. Toni has a huge fear of the wilderness, and watching Hunter walk her through her fears is extremely entertaining. What Toni doesn’t know at this point is that Hunter runs a camp for disadvantaged and troubled kids, and is very good at his job.

Hunter has recruited his siblings, Trapper, Fisher and Karma (interesting why mom choose their names) to assist with the crew of models and photographers. Hunter is just full of surprises. While the crew is camping, he takes Toni to his mountain retreat, where Hunter shows off his chef abilities while preparing Toni a meal fit for a queen. They end up in bed, but Hunter really makes Toni work for what she wants because it’s more than just sex for him. Toni does not want to feel any connection for Hunter, but for both of them, it’s like they were hit over the head the minute they met. Who ever knew a toothbrush in the garbage can could cause such a commotion?!? You will have to read the book to find out why.....

James the photographer is like the father Toni never had and encourages the relationship to develop between her and Hunter. Then good old Bianca shows up and thinking Hunter has a thing for her, sends Toni packing for New York. There are a lot of things Toni finds out about Hunter while he is out with the group on a shoot, which she interprets as lies. After promising to wait for him to return so they can talk, she heads for home. This back and forth with her emotions kind of got to me by this point. Then Hunter comes to the rescue again! He recruits his entire family, including Grandpa Joe, along with Toni’s mother, to help him win back the woman he has fallen in love with. He’ll go to any length to do this, which is quite hysterical at times. His brothers and Karma are just a hoot, and provide plenty of comedy relief throughout the entire book.

The end is a bit rushed, and there are moments that Toni really got on my nerves. At one point, she belittles Hunter and all but makes fun of him for liking her, and offering to do the things that Action Models hired River Runners to do for the photo shoot. It made me wonder what else Hunter could possibly do to prove he loves her. He is like the perfect man, but like most men can be pretty dense at times. Toni of course is in denial of her feelings for Hunter. Her fears really control her life, and it takes her awhile to come to the conclusion that she has the ability to overcome these. All with the help of a good man!

I loved the family interaction, both on Toni and Hunter’s sides. I am really hoping there will be more books to follow with Trapper, Fisher and Karma. The investigation to locate Gina’s missing brother is ongoing, and there are a few hints regarding what might be in store for the Kincaid siblings. Robin Kaye leaves you yearning for more of this fabulous family.

Mistress of Pleasure by Delilah Marville

2011-11-10T16:52:00.000-06:00

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and read it...I was not disappointed. For her debut book --- Delilah had me in stitches; I never laughed so hard in all my life when reading some of the scenes. The sexual tension between Edmund and Maybelle was so well written you could just feel it. The sex scenes were well written. Edmund's mother the Duchess was so down to earth and ruled her son with a firm but loving hand....I loved the way Edmund listen to his mother. Maybelle's grandmere was a woman before her time. Get comfy on your couch or favorite reading chair and kick back and enjoy a light-hearted funny read. I can't wait to read Hawksford story next. I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

2011-10-28T11:36:00.013-05:00

Caelen McCabe's young reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trust no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though,the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will rick the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Carlen that his wife's love is too precious to lose.

This is the third and last book in Maya Banks Highland trilogy, and let me tell you t was as good as the other two books. I cannot say that I had a favorite in this series because I loved all three books. And as with the other two books I finished this one in one day.

Caelen is a man who swore he would never marry after he was betrayed by a women he thought he loved. But to help out his brother and the clan he agrees to marry Rionna after his other brother, who was supposed to marry her, married someone else.

Rionna really doesn't want to get married but knows she really has no choice. She has to do what is best for the clan. Rionna is not your typical Lady, she likes to dress like a man and knows how to protect herself with a sword. Caelen wants to change this and make her into the lady of the keep.

At first Rionna really does try to do this and to make Caelen happy. Even though she is very unsure of herself in this role. She has always acted more like a man and she has reasons for this action. When somethings happens to her she and Caelen get into a disagreement over things and he finally lets her have her sword back and says he will train with her.

The love and trust for these two people grow slowly, yes they have a sexual attraction but the rest builds slowly. I got a little upset when Caelen tries to change Rionna, I hate that men can't let the women be who she is and wants to change her. Rionna really tries to make Caelen proud of her but knows that is not her true self.

The ending of this book is wonderful. Rionna does something that could really make Caelen hate her, but he knows more is going on and trusts her. He relizes that not all women were like his first love.

I loved all three of these books and hate to see the series end. Ms Banks does such a good job and thoroughly enjoyed the series.

A fun factoid for you..

2011-10-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

This has nothing to do with books, but thought it would be a fun way to start your week! Read the last sentence - more weekends to read!!!

This is a unique year from a numbers perspective. We have unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11.

If you take the last two digits of the year that you were born and add the age that you will be this year, the result will be 111. No matter when you were born. Amazing!

This happens only once every 823 years.

Not only that but also this year October will have 5 Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays!

The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes

2011-10-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

A man whose passion has failed him..... Lord Valentine Windham is devastated when a injury makes it impossible for him to play the piano. Val's music was his greatest expression and also his salvation from the pressures of society and his imperious father. Grief, loss and loneliness threaten to overwhelm him until he meets a beautiful young widow whose troubles are even deeper then his own.

Wow, what a book. For those of you waiting for Val's book you won't be disappointed. You feel for Val when he finds out that he shouldn't play the piano until or even if his hand heals. You see the piano is who Val is. It has gotten he over the grief of his two brothers death, it helped his one brother when he came back from the war, it is just who Val is, he has music running through his head all the time. He has no idea how to live his life without his piano.

Ellen is a widow who now lives on the property that Val won in a card game. This estate needs a lot of help and Val thinks it will help him get over the loss of not being able to play the piano, he works very hard at putting this estate back to it's former glory. Ellen is a widow and lives on the estate and sells flowers and other things to the locals, she makes a very nice living but Val finds out that she should be doing a heck of a lot better then she does. You see this was her dowager estate given to her by her husband when he passed. Although she has not taken care of it and all of the money from the rentals are gone. Val is determined to find out why.

I really enjoyed how the two took it slow and built up to there relationship, they just didn't jump into bed. She gives him a hard time about his hand telling him he should rest it and not use it all the time. He slowly realizes that she is right.

I loved the supporting characters in this book, you can tell that they really care for Val and only want the best for him. You have one part when Dev tells Val that without his music he wasn't sure he ever would of been able to be normal again. When sits down and talks with his father, and his dad tells him he always acted liked he did around him brings tears to your eyes. And the ending was just outstanding.

This book will have you laughing and crying and wanting more. I really didn't want it to end. I loved these men and how they all acted together, none of them were afraid to show they cared for each. You just don;t see that very often. Ms Burrows has become a auto buy author for me and I will not be missing her next book.

I received this ARC from my Romance Group. The book comes out in November.

A Home By The Sea, by Christina Skye

2011-10-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

Rating: A, warm
Grace Lindstrom has followed her fiancé across three continents, starry-eyed and full of dreams. But when he dies in a plane crash, Grace discovers that their life together was the cruelest kind of lie—and swears to never lose herself to that kind of love again. Until one night, when a chance encounter leads her to the kind of man she's always dreamed of—and the deep family ties she's never known.

Noah McLeod knows he can't offer Grace any kind of future—not when he spends every day putting his life on the line. But when Grace's grandfather suddenly falls ill and she's called home to the small island town where she grew up, he realizes he can't live without her. Aided by good knitting, good chocolate and deep friendship, Grace is slowly learning to trust again—but can she learn to love a man whose secrets run so deep?

Noah McLeod is a bomb disposal expert, who pretty much lives day to day, knowing the next bomb he has to disarm could mean the end for him. Noah’s brother Matt was a DC police offer who recently was killed in the line of duty. His family is struggling to come to terms with his death. Grace Lindstrom is a historical food researcher, who has just stumbled upon a mama cat with 3 kittens and a new born puppy, left to die by a dumpster. Noah happens by, headed for his car after a long day at work, spies Grace in the snow dressed in formal clothing and sandals, and goes to assist her with the animals. Noah’s heart literally goes boom when he meets Grace.

Since a bad snowstorm is upon them, he gets his Jeep and they head to his family’s home which is close by. Grace is overwhelmed by Noah’s wonderful family. It’s what she always dreamed a family should be like, and never having one of her own, she enjoys her time spent with them. Noah’s mom Tatiana and dad Alex are truly wonderful people, and are more than willing to assist with the stranded pets. Tatiana and Grace really hit it off, with their shared love of knitting. Grace purchases some things for Tatiana to start a new project, while Noah picks the colors, hoping the knitting will help take her mind off son Matt.

Grace had a fiancé who was killed in a plane crash. After he passed away, Grace found out that they had been living a huge lie. He had many other women, along with one who was pregnant with his child. Grace literally had the rug pulled out from under her when she found out the extent of his cheating. Needless to say, she is not a very trusting person anymore and is afraid to risk losing her heart again. She buries herself in her work, and has applied for a project that would put her in the White House, working on historical foods, and recipes’ with other famous chefs. Grace is on cloud nine, celebrating with Noah when a call comes in that her beloved grandfather has been in a serious accident in Summer Island, Oregon.

Grace gets back to Summer Island as quickly as possible, where she finds Gramps in a coma. Her friends Cara and Jill are both there for her. Cara is having a baby and is due in a few weeks, and Jill is working on some new menu items. They purchased the old Harbor House, and plan to turn it in to a knitting shop and café. Grace decided that Summer Island is where she needs to be, so she tells the folks in DC that she is unable to take the wonderful position offered her, due to a family emergency. Grace jumps right in with her longtime friends in their new business at Harbor House.

With Grace in Summer Island, it doesn’t take Noah long to come to the conclusion that he has met the woman of his dreams. Noah takes time off work and heads out to Oregon. Their love really grows once they are together again, and Grace gets beyond her mindset of not becoming attached to a man again. Grandfather is slowly getting better. He runs a huge animal rescue business near his veterinarian practice, where he will certainly need her help once he is out of the hospital. Noah pops the question, after an earthquake does some damage in the Summer Harbor area. They vow to be together, if they can just get past the next couple of challenging months that lay before them.

The end comes with some unsolved issues, which I am sure will be addressed in the next book, since we know this is a series. I particularly enjoyed the characters, the pets, the locale of Summer Island and the plans for Harbor House, which now is up in the air after the quake. Another thing I loved is how Christina Skye works the hobby of knitting in to the story. I have cross stitched for many years, and can never find the right works to tell others that stitching is my passion, and how it serves as a tranquilizer to calm me down. Just running your fingers over new hand dyed threads sends a warm satisfaction through me, and dreaming about what the creation will look like when I am done. It’s simply nirvana for me to stitch, and I am sure those of you that have a love for any of the needle arts would agree.

Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

2011-10-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, is asked to investigate the owner of a notorious club reportedly siphoning magick from the font of the Clan. It's a direct violation of the Clan Code of Conduct, but one look at Dominic Bright and Meriel's willing to make a deal. One taste of the sexually feral outlaw witch and she is eager to go further:He's her bond mate, a legal conduit into the world of Clan witches and their magick.

Playing by the rules isn't Dominic's style, but bonding with Meriel--night after explosive night--is. However, Meriel has unwittingly invited someone else into her world: Dominic's mother, a dangerous and poisonously influential magik addict whose lust for death and power corrupts all she touches. Now her shadow is closing in on Meriel, her Clan and the man Meriel loves, and it is casting them all into the inescapable heart of darkness.

This is the first book of Ms. Dane's Bound by Magick series and it does get you off on a wild ride. She spends time in setting up this world. You have a difference in magic and magik, you also have shifters, have to say I can't wait for Simon's book he's hot!!! But you also have vampires and mages. Most of the witches are part of a Clan and obey the rules, you do have some witches who live outside the clan and they are not as powerful. You also have witches that have turned and they are the really bad ones along with the mages, because they steal power from other witches.

Meriel is a very strong kick ass girl. She will be taking over the Clan when her mother retries, but in her own right she is very powerful. Dominic has been raised outside of a clan and really doesn't want to become part of one. When Meriel walks into his nightclub, because he is stealing power from the clan, they have a instant connection. It turns out that Dominic is Meriel's bond mate. Being a bond mate can mean a couple of things in this book. You can be a bond magik mat and that just makes your magik stronger or you can be true bond mates. Dominic is Meriel's true bond mate. All I can say is that they are very hot together!!

I liked the fact that Meriel didn't push Dominic to become part of the Clan or to become her mate until he was ready. She stood by him and gave him the room he needed when he found out the truth about his mother. I mean she is one bad lady!! You do have a lot going on in this book and you can tell she is setting you up for a series. Which I think is only going to better as it goes on.

Really loved all the supporting characters in this book and can't wait to read more about them. I liked how Meriel and Dominic fit together, they were a great couple. I also loved the friendship between Meriel and her friend Nell. AS I said I see this series only getting better as more books come out.

This book come out on November 1st and I received the ARC through my romance group.

Happy Monday!

2011-10-22T06:00:00.009-05:00

Hi!

I know it's been a while since I posted -- shame on me.

I thought I would let everyone know what I've read recently.

Rosemary Rogers has been a an auto-buy for me since I read Sweet Savage Love back in the 70's. Her style of writing has changed and I have to admit that I sorta miss her over the top Alpha hero. Her latest book Bride For A Night doesn't disappoint me. I love an alpha hero who fights his feelings for the heroine and when he falls he falls. Even though the hero's brother starts out as a real a$$ he does redeem himself at the end of the book and I would love to see a story on him.

Night After Night by Janelle Denison -- holy cannoli Batman -- this is the second book her her Reliance Group series. We meet Sean an ex-grifter now working undercover as a bartender at a casino run by the head of the Reliance Group. Because Sean's father had a connection to Zoe's father his job is to investigate Grant Russo who allegedly scammed investors of millions in a real estate sting. Sean wants revenge -- Grant's testimony sent Sean's father to jail for a Ponzi scheme. We have two characters who must overcome their insecurities -- Zoe to learn to trust men again and realizing that her father is not perfect and Sean learning to forgive himself for leading the type he lead before he too went to jail. There is a secondary story between Zoe's best friend Jessica a pop singer and her high school boyfriend Noah. Noah has never forgiven or forgotten Jessica and I thought it was touching the way that Noah got Jessica to open up on why she left him the way she did and both of them realizing that their love never died.

I've also been on a Harlequin Blaze kick -- I've read Model Marine by Candace Havens -- loved it and The Survivor by Rhonda Nelson.

Have a good week everyone!

Night Moves by Stephanie Tyler

2011-10-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Kell Roberts has walked the thin line between life and death for so long that it now feels like home. He is a soldier, a survivor, and a loner. Still, Kell cannot turn his back on a beautiful woman caught in his firefight against the drug lords of Mexico. She says her name is Teddie, but Kell senses that there's much more to her story and it's about to pull him into a mission he didn't sign on for: keeping her alive.

Teddie Lassiter knows that this lean, mean rescuer just saved her life, but the steel glint behind those soft gray eyes seems to be hiding something deep. The men after Teddie are deadly, but the man who holds her life in her hands and tempts her with his wicked touches even more dangerous. He could make her dream about living and loving again. And if they can survive, maybe, just ,maybe, they can stop fighting the world and each other and simply surrender.

This is book four in the Shadow Force series. The book is about Kell, but Reid is also a part of the book, Ms. Tyler also brings in the other characters from the past books. Kell has some issues, he still feels very guilty as to what happened to his team in the last book. Reid is still upset with him for taking off and feels that Kell still has some major guilt issues. This is the first mission that they have worked on since the last one went so wrong.

Teddie, has been in the Witness protection program since her family was killed and she saw the people who commit the crime. She is bound and determined to make the people responsible pay for what they did. The only issue is they think her father was a bad guy and it really seems that they are not activity persuading things so she takes things into her own hands.

She meets up with Kell and Reid as they are about to take out some major bad guys in Mexico and she is being chased by some bad guys. Kell knocks her down and ends up saving her life. Teddie at first is so unsure about these two men, but realizes if she wants to live she is going have to trust them.

You have a lot going on in this book, not only do you have the Marshall's and bad guys looking for Teddie, Kell and Reid have a very bad guy form Dylan's past wreaking havoc on everything. But Ms. Tyler brings everything together very nicely and the ending leaves you wondering if she is going to write another Shadow Force book about Reid and Grier (she is the US Marshall after Teddie) I would love to see that book!! Reid really needs his own HEA.

Night Moves comes out in November and received this book through my romance group.

Hide From Evil by Jami Alden

2011-10-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

Sean Flynn should feel lucky he's alive. But a betrayal by a close friend-and two years on death row-has left him feeling only numb. When his conviction was overturned, Sean retreated to a quiet woodland cabin,far away from prying eyes. There, he believed the past couldn't come back to haunt him......until she showed up.

Overcome with guilt, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Krista Slater can't forgive herself for convicting an innocent man. But when another brutal murder reveals chilling, new facts about this case, she must turn to Sean for help. She's ready to face his anger, but the desire in his eyes ignites a need she's never felt before. Shadowed by danger, Sean and Krista uncover a twisted maze of deception and betrayal-all under the dangerous gaze of a cunning mastermind who will do whatever it takes to keep his evil secrets safe.

All I can say is OH WOW!!! What a book!!! I loved Sean and boy does he have some issues. But, you can't blame the poor man after spending two years on death row. You really have some compassion for him, and if you read the first book Beg For Mercy, you really understand him. Ms Alden does a wonderful job on Sean, you get his emotions and you really feel for him.

Krista still feels very bad that she put the wrong the man in jail and feels there is more to the story then what was told. Boy, is she right about that. She hires a Private Investigator to look into some more things and finds a few things that are not right. She goes to her boss and he tells her to leave it alone.

Well, Krista in not the type of person who can leave something alone. She goes to Sean and imagine his surprise when he sees who is knocking on his door, the last person he ever wants to see. And to make mater worse the one person who makes his libido start working after three long years. He says no to helping Krista at first, but gets drawn into the whole thing when somebody tries to kill them.

I really enjoyed this book. Sean is so well written and you really do get a feel for all of the things he went through. Krista is a perfect match for him , they are very good together. I loved it that every time they had to do something illegal he would tell her sometimes you have to be bad, to be good. The love scenes are well done in this book and Sean and Krista are a great couple.

You do know who the bad guy is in the book, but it doesn't take away from the story at all. I will say make sure that you read Beg For Mercy first or you could be a little lost. Overall I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well done. Can't wait for the next book Run From Fear to come out.

I got this book from my Romance group and the author herself. Sure am glad she thought of me!!!!! Thanks Jami!!

What's on your reading list?

2011-10-02T16:28:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that it’s already October? If my kids were still little, we would be knee deep in costumes, picking out the perfect candy treats to hand out, and trying to convince them that no, the dogs really don’t want to go trick or treating! In honor of fall, I gave the blog a new look, and thought it would be fun to do a post about what we want to read, rather than what we have read.

So, in honor of fall, along with a little *sniffle* now that the kids are away at college, all I need to focus on at the moment is what will be the next book I pick up. Yeah, it’s a tough thing to do, I know! These past few months have been reading heaven! So many great new books have come out that it’s hard to decide what I will read next. Honestly, with the chilly nights, it’s so nice to curl up with a nice fuzzy blanket or a dog, and read to my hearts’content.

What new books have gotten your attention? First off for me is the new JD Robb, New York to Dallas. I plan to devote a few days this week just on this book. Another fellow reader over on the RT Boards suggested romantic suspense by Terry Odell, so I managed to lay my hands on four of her books that I plan to get at soon. Bella Riley,aka: Bella Andre, has a new book out entitled Home Sweet Home that kicks off her Emerald Lake series. Other favorites that I have waiting for me are by authors Linda Howard, Susan Mallery, Jane Graves, Marie Force, Janelle Denison, Shannon McKenna, Cherry Adair, Maya Banks, Louisa Edwards, and Christy Reece to name a few.

Seriously, reading wise these have been some of the best new release months in recent memory! What books have caught your eye, and are waiting for you to pick them up?

Hi Everyone! It's me Danielle -- I'm looking forward to reading Bride For A Night by Rosemary Rogers. I can't wait to read Diana Palmer's new book Wyoming Tough, Night after Night by Janelle Dennison, Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis, Holly Lane by Toni Blake and Because of You by new author Jessica Scott. And when Scandalous Desires comes out by Elizabeth Hoyt I won't be answering the phone or making dinner that day.

Seduction of A Highland Lass by Maya Banks

2011-09-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honer, and his deepest desires.

As a outcast from her own clan Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric's keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the women he loves??

This is the second book of Ms Banks Highland series, and I have to say I loved this book as much as I loved In Bed With A Highlander. As with the first book I finished this book in one day, could not put it down. So I had a very nice day with a wonderful book.

Poor Alaric is going to marry a girl that he really doesn't know very well, has only meet her once and knows he is doing it for the good of the clan. Keeley is a woman who has been betrayed by her clan and her best friend. She was banished from her clan for something she did not do. When Alaric lands on her door she is drawn to her warrior and knows she needs to help him.

When Alaric's family come looking for him they take Keeley back with them to the keep, even though she really doesn't want to go, but she really has no choice because Alaric's brother needs a healer for there keep and his wife is about to have their first child.

I loved the fact that even though Keeley was treated badly by her old clan that the McCabes took her in and reassured her that she is now part of their clan. Now she does push the fact until she is really sure about it, and she is very strong person.

Her love for Alaric grows and he feels something for her that he can't explain. He knows he has to marry another, but he can't stay away from Keeley. Keeley also tries to stay away but you know as well as I do what is going to happen.

I loved the part that happened the night before Alaric was to marry, what he said to her was very touching, but they both know he has a duty and has to do what is best for the clan even though they both love each other. This is just one of many wonderful parts of this book.

As I said I loved the first book, love this book and now can't wait for the third book Never Love A Highlander which is about the last brother Caelen. If it is anything like the first two books I know I will be reading t in one to!!!

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster

2011-09-26T03:25:00.004-05:00

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster is the second book in Stephanie Laurens Cynster Sister Trilogy (the 17th Cynster Novel). The first book in this trilogy is VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE (the 16th Cynster Novel).

This story starts at the Engagement Ball of Heather and Breckenridge. Eliza who is 24 wants to find her hero just like her sister. Their cousin Catriona has passed down to each Cynster girl a necklace and pendent so each can find their own hero. Eliza receives a note from a footman to meet a gentleman in the back parlor. She thinks the note is daring and heads off to the back parlor in hopes of "meeting her hero." Instead she ends up being drugged and kidnapped. Eliza's adventure now begins!!! She is bound and determined to save herself and remembers some of the things that her sister Heather told her she did. On her way to being whisked off to Scotland, she finally gets a chance to try to save herself. On his way home back to London from Scotland, Jeremy is slowly passing a coach on the road and hears a thump on the coach's window and he sees a womans pale face and her lips moving when he hears a scream. Jeremy continues on but he can't get the girl out of his mind. He finally realizes who the young girl is and Jeremy, our absentminded scholar is off to the rescue.

After turning his horse around and following the coach, he meets with his friends and devised a plan to rescue Eliza. After rescuing Eliza the race is on to get her across the Border to Royce's house who is a family friend to both Eliza and Jeremy.

As we follow Jeremy and Eliza in their journey being chased not only by the mysterious laird who needs to parade a Cynster sister before his mother as "ruined" so his mother could give him back the ceremonial goblet or lose his castle andhis lands. His clan dsees the dispossessed and the original kidnapper who the laird fired after Eliza escapes.

Through their journeys we learn a lot about both Jeremy and Eliza and I grew to love them. Eliza finds out that she is the quite one and finds strengths that she didn't think she had. Jeremy being able to think like his brother-in-law and wanting to succeed in saving Eliza. Along the way they slowly fall in love with each other and Eliza realizes that Jeremy is really her hero.

As one of my favorite things about reading a Stephanie Lauren's book is she brings in other Cynsters and this book is no different....we get to enjoy Gabriel, Devil and Heather along with most of the Bastion Club.

I look forward to reading Angelica's story and I personally hope that this mysterious laird who must kidnap a Cynster woman is her hero. eBook received from Net Galley for a honest review.

Against the Storm, by Kat Martin

2011-09-24T22:05:00.000-05:00

Rating: B, Hot

Book # 4 in The Raines of Wind Canyon, presents us with a suspenseful story about professional photographer Magie O’Connell and Atlas Security owner and former Army ranger Trace Rawlins. Maggie has a stalker who appears to be escalating, so she hires Trace to assist her in finding the stalker, since the Houston police department is not showing much interest in Maggie’ issue. Trace is a bit baffled that the police are inattentive towards Maggie. As he starts his investigation, he learns that when she was a teenager, she falsely accused a police officer’s son of rape. However, Maggie didn’t share this information with Trace, and he is angry that she withheld this when she hired him.

Trace goes to work, getting Maggie set up with a new security system in her condo. As they spend more time together, they develop some serious feelings for each other. Both are gun shy, Trace from his first marriage to Carly and Maggie from a past relationship gone bad. The investigation continues, as the stalker becomes bolder. At the same time, these two are falling in love, although they each deny their true feelings, and blame it on their strong sexual relationship.

Maggie has a younger sister Ashley, whom she has never been close to. However Ashley now has a three month old son, and is not getting along with her mom. The only person she feels she can turn to is Maggie, so she shows up on Maggie’s door step, asking her to let her and the baby stay with her. Maggie is hesitant because of her stalker. But, she relents, so Ashley and the baby move in. Not long after Ashley moves in, things really take a turn for the worst with the stalker.

There are plenty of suspects for the stalker, and just when Trace thinks he is making progress, he is proven wrong. I did figure out who the culprit was at about the halfway point. But Trace really has to work to solve the stalker puzzle, and there was a time or two that I doubted that I really knew who it was! The suspense, and solving the issues in both plot lines in this story was quite well done.

The secondary plot in this book intertwines nicely with the main story. Trace is also working for wealthy Hewitt Sommerset, who has an employee embezzling funds from his company. Hewitt is found dead in his home, and Trace and Hewitt’s son Jason do not think his death was a suicide. Jason really falls for Ashley, who seems like an unlikely girlfriend for the wealthy young man. Jason is such a breath of fresh air that they really work well together.

One issue I did have was the heroine Maggie not giving Trace some important information regarding her past. She lies to him by omission a couple of times, and if there is one thing I struggle with, it’s moments like this with the heroine. Not only does she put herself in more danger, along with Ashley, the baby and even to a certain extent Trace. The other issue was Carly, Trace’s x-wife. I felt she was an unnecessary character in a story loaded with interesting characters. I get that she is the reason Trace is doubting his ability for trusting women, but that came through loud and clear.

Book provided by NetGalley for review.

Never Enough by Lauren Dane

2011-09-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running from who and what she came from...until Miles came along. The moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn't want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian's sister lies dying, she reveals the father identity and now makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He's seen and done it all, with few regrets. It takes a lot to shock him--but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up, elegant woman who's raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention.

The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person like Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she's afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian's problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn't enough, can they find the trust they need?

Let me tell you the sex in this book is hot!! Gillian and Adrian have a instant sexual attraction to each other and they do jump into bed right away. The love between them comes slowly, but I like how she builds up the relationship.

Now Adrian when he firsts finds out about his son is a real jerk and calls Gillian all sorts of names. He has some major trust issues with people and only lets a few people in his life. I like how his brother Brody tells him he really needs to check this out, what he could be missing if it was true.

Gillian only wants to do the right thing for Miles and if Adrian is his father felt he should know about him. When Adrian tells her off she says fine, his loss -- her gain and she did try.

After Adrian's talks with Brody he feels that he should really check this out and asks for a DNA test. Now Adrian's sister Erin can't wait for the test to come back and goes and meets with Gillian, once she sees the pictures she knows that Miles is her nephew. I loved it when she goes and gives Adrian a hard time.

Even though Adrian and Gillian sleep together right away, their love builds very slowly. Both of them have trust issues. Gillian because of her family and Adrian because of who is he. Gillian also has some issues because of Adrian's wealth and wants him to go slowly in buying things for Miles. She is trying to teach him to work and save for things he wants.

I like how Ms. Dane builds the love between Gillian and Adrian. I mean they don't fall in love overnight, it takes some time and I liked that. I did a little mad at Adrian when Gillian's big secret comes out and he was such jerk about it. I liked how Brody got in his face and Erin's face to set them right. I also liked how Adrian had to grovel a little to win Gillian back.

Over all a very good book. Lots of hot sex, but I enjoyed seeing all the members of the Brown/Copeland families.

Until There Was You, by Kristan HIggins

2011-09-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, By Kristan Higgins

Read: 9/19/2011

Release date: 10/25/2011

Rating: B-, Warm

Liam Murphy is the school bad boy. From the moment he rolls in to town, the girls swoon at his feet. Poor skinny, bumbling Posey falls hard for the boy who works a few evenings at her parents’ restaurant, but pays little attention to her. Posey’s friend Emma sets her up with a prom date with another popular boy named Rick. Their night is a total disaster, as he dumps Posey they minute they arrive at the event. To make things worse, Posey over hears Liam asking Rick why he brought that” bag of bones” to the prom? So many of the kids make bad remarks about Posey during her younger years, that you have a lot of sympathy for her character.

Fast forward about 15 years. Liam has moved back to Bellsford, New Hampshire with Nicole, his 15 year old daughter. He married Emma, and she passed away from leukemia. Her snooty parents live here and he wanted Nicole to be close to her only other living family. Liam owns a motorcycle business, repairing and building custom bikes. Posey finds out Liam is back in town, and as awkward as their past was, they become friends again in the present day. There are some funny parts, but it was almost difficult for me to read some, where Posey grovels to become more to Liam than a friend. They pretty much skip the friend part, and go from meeting one another again to bed partners.

There are endearing cast members, such as Posey’s mom and dad who adopted her, along with some intense moments when Posey finds out that her birth mother had contacted her adoptive mom many years ago, and Posey was never told about this. Her brother Henry is married to his same sex partner Jon, and they are adopting a daughter together. Jon is a hoot, adding much needed comic relief to the story. There is the evil cousin, and then good old Rick who was Posey’s prom date way back when, who hasn’t changed much over the years. Posey owns a salvaging business, and is friends with an elderly lady who she hopes she gets the bid to tear down her old estate.

The difficult part for me was towards the end of the book, when Liam breaks up with Posey. For all the years that she has loved him, he lost me as a fan at this point. This poor girl has been hurt badly over her entire life. There were parts that brought tears to my eyes, that people could be so mean to Posey, who never had done anything to warrant bad treatment from anyone. I felt Posey really loved Liam, but I sure didn’t get the feeling that Liam really, really loved Posey. The book has a marvelous epilogue that very nicely ties up all the loose ends. It just fell a bit short for me in that I could not totally forgive Liam for everything.

Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Wyoming Tough, by Diana Palmer

2011-09-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm going out on a limb here, and posting the review for this book that releases on 10/25/11. I see other bloggers posting their galley reviews way ahead of the release date, so in the spirit of getting the word out there, here we go!

Rating: B warm

Mallory Kirk, along with brothers Cane and Dalton, own a huge working ranch in Wyoming. The past few years have been financially difficult with the current economy, but they are getting by quite nicely. Morie Brannt is the daughter if a wealthy Texas rancher, who won’t allow Morie to have any kind of working relationship with his ranch. She is college educated, but wants to prove that she can make it on her own. So, on to Wyoming she goes to hire on as a hand at Mallory’s ranch. It quickly becomes obvious that she knows nothing about ranching, but the foreman Darby takes her under his wing and teaches her what she needs to know to get her jobs done.

Morie is sick of men wanting her as a means to gain access to her father’s wealth, and Mallory has the same issues with women wanting him for his financial worth. Mal has a socialite girlfriend Gelly, who is constantly thinking up ways to get Mal to fire Morie, as she comes to realize that Mal is very fond of Morie. In addition to the romantic tension going on between Mal and Morie, there is an escaped convict on the loose, providing plenty of drama throughout the book.

Everyone in this story is very well educated, and there is time spent on rehashing our more modern era, and the benefits of inventions like the iPhone. Mallory is very eco-conscious in his ranching. The brothers have been approached about selling a small portion of their land for fracking, which they refuse to do, so there are discussions about oil drilling and bio fuels.

One thing I look forward to in a Diana Palmer book is knowing what I am getting, and that’s a good comfort read. There were a few scenes in this book that took me back to one of my DP favorites, Once In Paris. For most of you who are DP fans, you will recognize this when you stumble upon it! One more thing, there is the usual age difference between the H/h, 36 and 23. However, the age difference is not apparent at all. Morie is not a dowdy heroine, and led a pretty well rounded life.

I only have two complaints – Gelly. Where does she come up with these names? The girl is a socialite – imagine calling Paris Hilton "Gelly". I just couldn’t get by that name. And…..she GASPED, she SOBBED, the SHOCK of it all…..and (saving the best for last) Mal says to his little bride Morie “As you may have guessed, I am better endowed than most men”…….ROTFL!!!!!! Okay – it’s vintage Diana Palmer, and no book of hers would be complete without this byline.

Book provided by NetGalley for review.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes

2011-09-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

All she wanted is peace and anonymity....Lady Sophie Windham has maneuvered a few days to herself at the ducal mansion in London before she must join her family for Christmas in Kent. Suddenly trapped by a London snowstorm, she finds herself with a abandoned baby and only the assistance of a kind, handsome stranger standing between her and complete disaster.

But Sophie's holiday is about to heat up...With his estate in ruins, Vim Charpentier sees little to feel festive about this Christmas. His growing attraction for Sophie Windham is the only thing that warms his spirits-but when Sophie's brothers whisk her away, Vim's most painful holiday memories are reawakened. It seems Sophie's been keeping secrets, and now it will take much more then mistletoe kiss to make her deepest wish come true..

This is the first book on the Windham sisters. And it was pretty good. Where you had a lot of emotion going on in The Heir and The Soldier, you have some here but not as much.

All Sophie wants is some time to herself. She is always surrounded by her family and she just needs a little peace. So she goes to London where her family thinks she is staying with friends. Instead she is staying in the London townhouse, where she thought she would be alone she ends up taking care of one of the servants baby after she is left with it a coaching inn.

Val is on his way to Kent to the family seat. He rally doesn't want to go there because he has some bad feelings about the place. But his Aunt and Uncle are getting old and they have asked him to come home.

Both Val and Sophie don't really have good feelings about Christmas, for Sophie it is when one of her brothers died and for Val it is something that happened at a party that has effected him his whole life. Val meets up with Sophie at a coaching inn and offers to help with the baby. You see Sophie has never been around a baby and has no idea what to do. Val help raise his younger siblings and is very comfortable around baby's.

Val takes up Sophie's offer to come back to her house thinking she is maybe a ladies maid to the head of household, you see Sophie doesn't tell him who she really is. They both get snowed in and Val is unable to leave.

You have two people who don't really tell each other who they are and this cute little baby bringing them together. Val shows Sophie what she needs to know about being with a baby and then of course more things happen. You see two people slowing falling for each other, but both have a secert that they aren't sharing.

When it clears a Val goes on his way but then feels he really can't leave Sophie and Kit and comes back. Imagine his surprise when he walks in to find that her brothers have come to collect Sopie to take her home for Christmas. And then he finds out that she is not some servant but a Lady.

Val does ask Sophie to marry him but she thinks he is asking her to be his mistress and she knows that is something she can't do. They all travel t Kent together and I loved watching the brothers try to bring Val and Sophie together. They see that Sophie is happy with Val, but she thinks he wants her as his mistress. I loved the brothers setting him straight on that one!!!

This book was very good, while The Solider was still my favorite , it was good to see the family still interfering with everybody lives. While I thought the reason for Val not going home was a little weak, I loved how it was resloved in the book.

I got this book as a ARC from my romance group and it comes out in October.

Good Girls Don't and Bad Boys Do, by Victoria Dahl

2011-09-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

Good Girls Don’t
Victoria Dahl, author
Rating A-, Hot

Victoria Dahl is a favorite author of mine, and these books are another excellent offering of her work. The Donovan siblings, Tessa age 27, Jamie age 29, and Eric who I believe to be 37 run the Donovan brothers brewery, which was founded by their late father. The parents were killed when Tessa was 13, making that event about 14 years ago. Eric returned to the homestead, and took over the brewery and raising his siblings.

This first book is about Tessa. Eric is negotiating a contract with Roland Kendall, whose wealthy spoiled daughter accompanies him to Boulder for a tour of the brewery. She has a few too many beers, so asks Jaime for a ride home. She hits on him, and they proceed to her apartment where they have sex. In Jaimie’s mind, he feels he did not have sex with her as he did not want to but was forced to by this woman. The same night a robbery goes down at the brewery, and Eric accuses Jamie of not locking up correctly, with Jamie saying he did. Jamie, being the black sheep of the family, is accused of a lot of things, and has earned nothing but distrust from Eric.

Tessa is sure she can fix this, since she is the family peacekeeper. However, she tells so many white lies to cover things up, that she forgets what she told whom. Enter Det. Luke Asher to investigate. Luke was a party boy like Jamie in his younger years. Zing – there is an instant attraction between Tessa and Luke, and the brothers aren’t going to like this at all. They think their little Tessa is sweet and innocent. Haha! Were they ever wrong, as Luke is about to find out.

I really liked Tessa’s role of peace keeper, and thought her character was well drawn out. She is a difficult person, who believes her family will leave her if she screws up any projects at the brewery. The relationship between Tessa and Luke grows, as do the lies she ends up having to tell him. Their liason is hot and intense, given all the emotional baggage these characters carry around with them.

The setting is awesome too, all this taking place in Boulder CO. A secondary mystery is Luke’spartner and her pregnancy. She won’t tell anyone a thing, but one night Luke figured it out. This was one of the more serious parts of the book.

Tessa tells lies, and rationalizes it as keeping her brothers from getting angry, especially Eric. Luke lies by omission and this drives him and Tessa apart.

The story is realistic and believable with a marvelous cast of characters. This was just a fun book that once started was hard to put down. Bravo Victoria Dahl! Moving right on to Jamie’ s story now .

Bad Boys Do, by Victoria Dahl

Rating: A-, Hot

From Tessa’s story, we learn that Jamie is really trying to clean up his act and become the responsible brother Eric and Tessa need him to be. Jamie is enrolling in a class at the college to learn more about the restaurant business. He has his own dreams for the brewery that include more than just being the bar tender. He meets the prim and proper Olivia at the bar, and low and behold, when he shows up for class the next day, she’s the teacher!

Olivia is still reeling from her recent divorce, from a college professor who thought she was boring, and proceeded to have affairs with his students. Jamie asks Olivia out, but since she sees herself as the older woman at age 35, and not fun, she declines. Then there is a faculty party that her x-spouse Victor is sure to attend with his younger girlfriend, so Olivia invites Jamie to escort her to the party. It doesn’t take long for Jamie to come to the conclusion he is being used, to put Victor in his place. So after a heart to heart talk with Olivia, and the outcome is that he will teach her to have fun in return for her advice in starting up his restaurant.

Jamie takes his classes, and meanwhile he and Olivia become quite close. He opens Olivia up to all kinds of different experiences, and Victor can’t stand it. Olivia stands up to Victor, so he does not become a dominate part of the story, but just enough for the reader to always remember he’s just around the corner, if Jamie screws up with Olivia. Olivia does kind of have an age hangup, but it was hard for me to see her as a 35 year old woman, because in some areas of her life she was a bit childish. I do not like cougar stories, but in this book age really was not a factor at all.

Jamie’s happy go lucky exterior hides how he really feels about himself, which is being quite worthless. Brother Eric constantly throws Jamie’s mistakes back at him, which adds to Jamie’s guilt throughout the book. Even Olivia does this, though not as a conscious effort. Jamie is always challenging her to try new things, while Olivia could never define their relationship enough to believe Jamie would be interested in her in the long run. The one thing I did not care for was that Tessa and Eric were not able to see beyond Jamie’s exterior, and all the things he has done on his own, such as his house, yard and gardens, and the time he spent doing those things.

However, through the entire story they grow as a couple and as individuals. In the end, I wanted to stand up and cheer for Team Jamie and Olivia! Honestly, the character growth was amazing. And talk about steam quotient – this book has it in spades. I never thought I would say this, but I can’t wait for Eric’s book and what wringer Victoria Dahl will put him through. Nasty as his character has been through the first two books, Eric’s book should be nothing if not amazing.

Jamie's book was provided by NetGalley for review purposes.

Local Author Fair Chicago Western Suburbs

2011-09-07T18:51:00.000-05:00

For those of you who live in the Chicagoland area and would like to meet some wonderful Romance authors. The Aurora Public Library is hosting a Local Author Fair this Saturday, September 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 at 555 Eola Road in Aurora, IL, 60504. Come meet: Sherrell Bodine Beth Kery Dyanne Davis Jade Lee/Kathy Lyons Patricia Rosemoor Annmarie Ortega Regina Bryant Blythe Gifford Patricia Guthrie Wendy Byrne and many more including Earl Sewell, Michelle Larks, Ophelia Julien, Sourcebook Publishing and Medallion Press.

From This Moment On by Bella Andre

2011-09-03T06:12:00.000-05:00

This is the second book in Bella's Sullivan Family series. This book can be read as a stand alone. The story starts out with our hero Marcus walking in on his girlfriend having sex with someone else. After words were exchange and the end of two year relationship, Marcus decides that he needs a one-night stand with no strings attached. Enter our heroine Nicola (Nico) a famous singer who is just getting over a bad relationship. She decides that she might as well live up to her "reputation" and goes looking for a one-night stand. After meeting in a club and deciding to hook-up they end up at Marcus's brother's house. One the way Nicola falls asleep and Marcus is taken by her beauty. The next morning she asks him for another night. Instead they both get more. At this point I do not want to give away what happens -- I have to say that I read this book in one night and I really enjoyed it. Both Nicola and Marcus have "baggage" that they both must overcome. The eleven year age difference did not bother me. Marcus fighting his feelings for Nicola and Nicola putting her heart on the line and learning to trust again. The sex scenes between the two sizzle when these two are together. What really tugged at my heart is the way that Marcus won Nicola back. I look forward to reading more books on the Sullivan clan and I can't wait for Gabe's story. I purchase this book from All Romance eBooks. ****** My thoughts on this book. I also read it in one day and really enjoyed it. I loved Marcus in the first book and really wanted to know more about him. I felt a little sorry for him and knew he needed somebody better in his life. Well, he got it with Nicola.

There were so many good parts in this book, and the sex is hot. I did not have a issue with the age difference, and I got a little made at Nicola pushing him away because of who she is. And I love how Marcus is such a support for his family, and the one part when they are all having lunch and his mother tells him she is happy he found someone more important to him then his family. I loved how Marcus won Nicola back.

All I can say is I loved the first book, I loved the second book and now I can't wait for the third book which is Gabe's story. Debra

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

2011-08-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

England, 1888. The trees are green, the birds are singing, and no one has any idea that in a few hundred years, demons will destroy it all. Joan plans to keep it that way. All she has to do is take out the dark magician responsible-before he summons the demons in the first place. But as a rough-around-the-edges assassin from that bleak future, she'll have to learn how to fit into polite Victorian society to get close to her target.

Simon Grenville has his own reasons for wanting to destroy Alex Reynell. The man used to be his best friend-until his practice of the dark arts almost killed Simon's sister. The beautiful half-naked stranger Simon meets in the woods may be the perfect instrument for his revenge. It will just take a little time to teach her the necessary etiquette and assemble a proper wardrobe. But as each day passes, Simon is less sure he wants Joan anywhere near Reynell. Because no spell in the world will save his future if she isn't in it.

First let me say I am not a big fan of time travel books so this review is a little hard for me to write. Joan has to go back in time to save her world from the dark forces. She ends up on Simon's property and Simon is not sure what to think of this warrior women. As Joan saves him from some bad demons Simon starts to believe that Joan is much more that what she appears to be. After Joan explains to Simon why she is here he says that he will help her. All I can say is Joan is lucky she landed where she did and that Simon knows about the Dark forces and is willing to help her.

I liked Simon and his sister Eleanor teaching Joan how she should act in polite society. She does have a hard time adjusting to this because her world is so dark and different. Joan can't believe what a difference this world is to hers. Her world is dark and not safe, this world has green grass, blue sky's and the air is clean. Joan is more determinded then before to make sure that she can save this world and make her world a better place.

I did like Simon, I liked that he protected his sister from Alex who was his childhood friend until he went to the dark forces, I liked how he really didn't want to kill Alex, to try to save him and that he should be the one kill him not Joan. Joan is one tough lady and it was fun seeing her adjust to her new world. And I liked seeing Eleanor coming out of her shell after what happened to her.

Overall it was not a bad story, I am just not a fan of time travel books. The one thing that really bothered me was the other characters were always refereed to by there last names. It was hard to tell if they were man or woman. It was nice to know that Joan was able to save her world but sad to see that no one would remember her or know what challenges she went throught to save her world. I would pick up another book by this debut author because she does write a good story.

I got this book as a ARC from my romance group.

Viscount Breckenridge To The Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

2011-08-29T08:43:00.000-05:00

My friend Tisa asked me post her review on our blog. Welcome Tisa!

Stephanie Laurens once again gives us characters to love and cherish with a story of love, adventure, danger, sensuality and a vivid sense of time and place. Heather and Breckenridge will steal your heart as the embark on their own "happily ever after". The dialogue is crisp and intelligent, the love scenes will have your heart beating faster, and the danger will have you on the edge of your seat. I am very happy to recommend Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue to anyone who loves a good romance.

Reviewed by Lettetia Elsasser for Amazon

The Heir and The Soldier by Grace Burrowes

2011-08-23T19:35:00.001-05:00

I just finished these two books and can't tell you how much I enjoyed them. I can't wait for Val's story.

The first book The Heir is about Gayle Windham, Earl of Westhaven and Anna Seaton who is is housekeeper. Gayle is now the the heir to the Duke of Moreland and has taken this job very seriously. You see he was third in line and his two older brothers had passed away. By the time he took over his father had almost run the out of money and Gayle has worked very hard to bring back the coffers. But you see that is all he has done is work hard and try to avoid his dad fixing him up with ladies to marry.

Anna is Gayle housekeepers with a big secret of her own. She has been running for two years and working as a house keeper. She has come to the Earl's house and they are drawn to each other. She does not want to get attached because she might have to flee again, but you can guess what happens.

In this book you meet Gayle's two brothers Val and Devlin. I loved how the brothers interacted together. It was wonderful to see men who were not afraid to admit that they loved each other maybe it is because they have lost two brothers and Devlin is the illegitimate son of the Duke who has been accepted into the family with open arms. I loved that!!!

I liked how Gayle and Anna began to trust each other and how they fall in love.

The Soldier is about Devlin and Emmie. Poor Devlin has not had a easy time of it. First his mother gives him to his father at 5 years of age and he fills like an outsider. The when he comes back form the war he suffers what we would call PTSD. I liked how she handle that part of the story. Devlin is such a man and has always been the "perfect soldier".

Emmie is a woman who supports herself and is considered an outsider in the town she lives in. She has been taking care of her little cousin. When Devlin moves to Rosecroft and finds Winnie he has her and Emmie move in with him.

Emmie at first stay away from Devlin, but they seem to be drawn to each other and she knows he has demons. She helps him with his demons but she some of her own. She wants to leave and feels Winnie would be better staying with Devlin. Devlin feels he would be better with Emmie staying with him and Winnie. Here comes the battle of wills to work everything out.

Both books are so well done. I said it before and will say it again I loved the brothers together. You have other people that come into the stories to. The emotion that Devlin shows is outstanding, I mean at one point he is crying after someone tells him that he is a good person, you really feel for him. I really loved these books and now can't wait until November for Val's story. Now I'm off to read the first book on the Windham sisters.

The Many Sins OF Lord Cameron

2011-08-20T11:47:00.000-05:00

He is a man of simple tastes-ad complex pleasures. Cameron Mackenzie is a man who loves only horses and women-in that order-or so his mistresses say.

Anisley Douglas is a woman with a strong sense of justice and the desire to help others-even if that means sneaking around a rakish man's bedroom.

Which is exactly where Cam finds her-six years after he caught her the first time. Only then, she convinced Cam she was seeking a liaison, but couldn't go through with it because of husband. Now a widow, she is on a mission to retrieve letters that could prove embarrassing to the queen. Cam has no interest in Ainsley's subterfuge but he vows to finish what they started those many years ago. One game, one kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. And what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules and heal the scars of a dark and damaging past.

This is another book I picked up and read in a day. As pretty much I do with all of Ms Ashley's books no mater what name she is writing under. The chemistry between Cam and Ainsley is wonderful.

Six years ago when Cam caught her in his bedroom she wouldn't so anything with him because she did not want to hurt her husband. A man who helped her out of a bad choice that she had made. Now it is six years later and she is caught right back in the same spot with Cam. Ainsley really wants to be bad with Cam but all she has left is her reputation and she is one of the queens ladies in waiting. She was only caught in room because she was trying to retrieve a letter back that someone stole from the queen.

I liked the fact that she made Cam kind of work for her, she didn't just jump in to bed with him. She really thought about what she was doing, should she take a chance at this or not. Let's just say I'm glad she took the chance.

Cam is a wonderful hero, he has not had a easy time with it and his first wife was a real nut. He had a lot to overcome to find love with Ainsley. When Ainsley has to leave to go to the queen Cam just can't understand why she would leave him to go to the her. I loved it when he finally realizes that not all women are like his first wife. I also loved that we had Daniel trying to play matchmaker.

We also have Ian coming in the picture and giving his words of wisdom, I really love it when he does that. Mater of fact I just reread Ian's book. Forgot how wonderful that book was.

All I can say is this was a wonderful book, Ms Ashley does not disappoint, and I can't wait for Hart's book. I said this before and will say it again any book that Ms Ashley writes are wonderful no mater what pen name she uses.

Changeling Dream by Dani Harper

2011-08-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dreams of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It's almost as if he is alive..

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for a new life, new hope, new love.

I loved the first book in this series Changeling Dream that I had to go out and find the second the one. Which I am so glad I did. As with the first book I read this book in one day. I could not put it down.

Jillian is a vet and is struggling to make ends meet. She has not had a easy time of things and when she was younger she was attacked and almost killed by some men. The only thing that saved her was this big white wolf. No one ever really believed her about this big white wolf saving her. But any time she has a major life change she always dreams of the wolf. She gets a call from Conner Macleod, Conner is in the first in book, to come and work at his vet practice. At first she isn't sure about moving across the country but Conner makes it to good of a deal to pass up.

Poor James! He comes home to find his wife and unborn child murdered and he is almost killed. Because he feels he was at fault for not protecting his wife and never wanting anybody else to be hurt he goes into his wolf and stays that way for 30 years.

Jillian starts to work for Conner and her dreams of the white wolf are very strong and she has no idea why this is happening. James on the other hand is drawn to Jillian and the vet clinic and he can't understand it. Once he sees Jillian there is something that his wolf is drawn to and he really has to fight that urge. As you can guess it doesn't work.

Jillian goes out for a walk one day and runs into her white wolf, she is so happy to see him and James is very confused as to why she seems so familiar to him. He keeps coming to the vet clinic to make sure she is alright and he just can't stay away from her. James then decided since the wolf is so into Jillian the best thing he could do is become human again. I loved watching James trying to adjust being human again, meeting with his family and just becoming a person again, trying to stay away from Jillian because he thinks she will be safer that way.

I loved how things develop between Jillian and James, after the first time they do it James feels he needs to stay away from Jillian. He just can't do it his wolf knows that Jillian is the one for him. The thing is Jillian is so mad at him she won't talk to him. It takes a lot of sweet talking on James part to get back in Jillian good graces. When Jillian finds out what James really is she has a hard time with it and Conner has to convince her that James is her white wolf.

I loved this book as much as I loved the first one. Both books are so good I did not want them to end and can't wait for the next book in the series. Ms Harper has now become one of my auto buy authors.

Changeling Moon by Dani Harper

2011-08-09T11:03:00.000-05:00

He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Conner Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything-until the night human Zoey Tyler barley escapes a rouge werewolf's vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Conner can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw...and ultimate evil.

I loved this book and read it in one day. Picked it and just could not put it down. Loved the interacting between Zoey and Conner. Zoey has moved to a small town because she just wants some peace in her life. Her family is a bunch of famous psychics and she does not like the fact that has has these tendencies, she sees things but not in enough time to do something about them. She worked in a big city as a reporter and just couldn't the death anymore. She felt becoming a editor of a small weekly paper was just the thing for her. Conner is the vet in the town she now lives in and is also a wolf changeling. He saves Zoey form a wolf that has her trapped on her car and is attacking her.

Conner knows the wolf that attacked Zoey and also knows how to make it so that she is not turned into a changeling. So he goes to make sure the the rouge wolf never attacks a person again and that Zoey can have a normal life. The only thing is Conner doesn't know that the rouge wolf messed with the medicine so that it would not hurt him.

After Zoey is attacked she wants to write an article about it but nobody believes her that it was wolf that attacked her. They all say it was a large dog. She is upset by this because she knows the truth and is not sure what to do about it. Then she finds out that a few years ago the town was written up for werewolf's and it set everybody on edge and they do not want to go through that again. Of course not when you have a whole town full of them.

Conner knows he has to tell Zoey what is going to happen to her, and he really tries, but of course she thinks he is a nut and walks out on him. She can't believe that she has finally found a great man and he thinks she is wolf! I love how Conner convinces her what he really is. She has a hard time with it at first but then, after he changes in front of her she really has to believe it.

There was one part of the book that bothered me a little, but is the end Ms Harper made it Ok. I liked when Zoey knew she had to change to save Conner's life and she did it. I loved the puppy scene with Conner and Zoey and how they slowly build into a relationship and how they learned to trust each other.

This was a very good shifter book with strong people and a great supporting cast. I am going out to find the next book in the series.

The Countess and The Heiress by Lynsay Sands

2011-08-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

You really can't do one review for these books because they intertwine with each other. I wasn't sure how this was going to go over when I heard about it, but thought I would give it a try.

In The Countess you have Christiana who is married to Dickey, now Dickey is a real jerk and doesn't treat Christiana very nice at all. Christiana married Dickey because he came courting her and she needed to get her dowry to pay off her fathers gambling debt. Book starts out with Christiana's two sister coming over because their father has gotten in trouble again with gambling. Now Suzette will have to marry so she can get her dowry and pay of the debt. As they are trying to figure out a way to do this because Dickey is such a jerk, Dickey ends up dying. So instead of telling people about Dickey's death they decide to hide his body for a few days so that Suzette can find a poor husband to marry. I loved the girls trying to hide his body.

The girls go to a ball that night and things are going very well until Dickey walks in. Now they are all in shock, they knew he was dead, they packed him in ice in his room, how could he be walking into the ball?? The truth is Dickey was really George the twin brother of the Earl, Richard. He had "killed" his brother last year and just stepped into his shoes and no one knew he had done this because he stayed away from everybody for year. They all thought he was in mourning for his brother and that is why he had changed.

Now the real Earl, Richard survived and had been transported to America, he had been sick and that is why he it took him a year to come home, he had written his best friend Daniel to help him come home. Daniel comes to America to help Richard come home and they both hoped to confront Dickey/George at the ball. Imagine Richard's surprise when he finds out that he is married and the shocked look on his wife's face when walks in and she thinks he is dead.

I liked The Countess, I laughed with everybody moving Dicky/George's body all over the place and how everybody works together to figure out what is going on.

Now in The Heiress it is in a lot of ways a rehash of The Countess, the first half of the book covers a lot of what already happens. The Heiress is about Suzette and Daniel. Suzette has asked Daniel to marry her because she thinks he needs her dowry and she can live her own life after they are married. She really doesn't want to marry because Christiana has had such a bad marriage to Dicky/George but she has to marry to save the family.

Suzette and Daniel do spend a lot of time in this book behind closed door playing with each other. Daniel is not sure he really wants to marry Suzette but is drawn to her. The reason he is spending time with her is he was almost caught when he was trying to move the dead Dickey/George. Things move on from there.

As I said the first half of The Heiress is in a lot of ways a rehash of The Countess but you do have a little more of Suzette and Daniel. Now the end of the book got very preditable to me. They are on there way to Gretna Green to get married and Daniel wants to get his mother so she can be part of the wedding. Well, something happens to him and somebody else leaves a note for Suzette saying Daniel does not want to marry her because she is a lose women. Suzette believes this notes and is talked into marrying somebody else because she still thinks she needs to pay off her fathers debts. Of course you all know how the book is going to end as I said at this point the book got very predictable to me. I really loved The Countess and thought it was well done, I laughed through it and really enjoyed it. The Heiress was not bad it was just so much of a rehash of the first book and then you knew what was going to happen in this book. At lest for me I figured things out. I will read Ms Sands again because I do enjoy her writing.

The Ideal Man, by Julie Garwood

2011-08-07T02:20:00.000-05:00

This book hooked me from the first sentence, and had me wondering if the voice was that of a murderer. Turns out it is Dr. Ellie Sullivan, who is a senior surgical resident in a large trauma center in St. Louis, who has seen a few too many bullets during her residency than most people do in a lifetime. Ellie gets off work for the day, and decides to go for a run on the track in the park across the street from the hospital, where she is witness to a murder and shooting of an FBI agent.

While FBI agent Max is waiting for her to get out of surgery, removing the bullet from his coworker, he does a bit of background research on Ellie. He finds out that she had a tragic past, and as a 12 year old girl was viscously attacked by Evan Patterson and left for dead. She survived, but her family sent her from her home town of Winston Falls, South Carolina to a home in St. Louis when the attacker keeps getting out of psych institutions, in an attempt to keep Ellie safe. Her foster family is wonderful, and to stay on the safe side Ellie has only made a few trips to her hometown over the years. Her sister Ava is getting married to John, whom Ellie was engaged to. Ellie had taken John home to meet her biological family, and Ava and he were caught in a compromising position. Ellie dumped him, and Ava took advantage of the moment and claimed him. Ava owns a boutique in Winston Falls, and has a twin Annie who is an attorney. And Max and Ellie have an instant attraction to each other. Trouble is, Max lives in Hawaii and Ellie is in St. Louis. Although her residency is ending, she can’t quite imagine relocating to Hawaii, not being sure if the feelings she has are simply lust or something more serious.

Ellie reluctantly returns home to the Falls for the wedding. Ava is a mean spirited woman, and given the circumstances of who she is getting married to, Ellie really does not want to be there. Plus Ellie has not known for a few years where Patterson has been hiding, and is scared to death at the prospect of running in to him again, feeling another encounter would result in him killing her. She no more arrives at her parents home, and Max blows in with the news that there is a hit out on her from the Landrys, who are weapons runners and responsible for the shooting in the park. Patterson is out and about somewhere, doubling the risk to Ellie. Max tells Ellie’s parents why he is there, because there will be other agents arriving to assist him with security for Ellie. Her dad is very concerned and upset, while all her lovely Southern Belle mother can think of is finding a way for Ellie to be in the wedding, so the town will quit talking about how Ava stole Ellie’s fiancé from her. This was the only low point in the book for me. Ellie’s mom is totally clueless, and is really obnoxious about this wedding, while all Ava does is act out, giving a whole new meaning to the term Bridezilla.

Fortunately, the author does not dwell long on this topic before Patterson makes his move. Good old Max to the rescue. Unfortunately Patterson’s attack sent everyone running from Ava’s pre-wedding garden party, ruining her grand entrance. Of course she blames this all on Ellie, since Ava has not been privy to the news of why these extra people have been hanging around her parents’ home. Finally, mom tells Ava to stuff it, realizing the seriousness of the situation. The FBI knows who they are after now regarding the park killing. Max and Ellie head for the airport, but they won’t arrive at the airport for quite some time yet!

There isn’t a dull moment in this book, and the twists and turns take you right up to the last page of the book. Ellie’s sister Annie discovers she is pregnant while in Winston Falls, and tells Ellie the story of how she met the baby daddy. Now she has no idea where he went to or how to locate him. Max offers to see what he can do to help track him down. Ava’s wedding finally goes off without a hitch, and Ellie gets a call from the FBI that she has to go to Maui to testify about the park killings. Maui is where Max and the FBI took down the Landrys with a cache of weapons . Since she and Max have not been in touch since he left to go home and finish the investigation, she is not expecting anything other than a hello from him. Meanwhile, back in San Diego Annie’s doorbell is ringing…..could it be??

The characters are extremely well drawn out. Ellie’s dad provided for some light moments in the book, while her mom and Ava just made you want to reach out and strangle them both! Patterson really was insane. You could almost hear the voices in his head telling him what to do. Max was just wonderful. Garwood paints such a good picture of him that I have a distinct mental of image of him that I get to keep!!!

This book should be titled The Ideal Men, because in all honesty there is more than one ideal man in the book, and I will suffice to say John is not one of them! Book provided by Net Galley for an honest review.

Rating: A, Hot.

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

2011-08-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its check should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There was something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past-but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing compared to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face-to-face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand who wears his cruelty as boldly as lethal sensuality-the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood soaked nightmare to life once more.

This is the fourth book in the Archangel series, and this book is mainly about Dmitri and Honor. You do see Raphael, Elena and some of the others which was nice, but I really would of liked a little more of Raphael and Elena.

There has always something about Dmitri that I have been drawn to and I was glad to finally get this story and find out about him. He is a man that has been around for thousands of years and it was nice to find out what made him the way he is and how he became Rapheal's second.

Honor is a lady who has been through a lot. She was taken captive and held for two months by a band of rough vampires that did unspeakable things to her. Ms Singh does not go into detail but you get the idea of what happened to her. She is drawn to Dmitri and doesn't know why he doesn't scare her like other vampires do. She seems to trust him and he is drawn to her.

I loved seeing these two come together. Honor is a scared little rabbit and Dmitri is so drawn to her he can't figure out why. Once they start working together and he finds that they never caught the vampires who abducted her he takes on the case. And when Dmitri wants answers he gets them.

Honor is helping him solve the murder of a young vampire and she really begins feel things for Dmitri that she has never felt for anybody else. Dmitri and Honor work well together and watch this big sexy vampire fall for this hunter is great. They have lots of things to work out before they make it to bed , but it is well worth the wait.

As I said before it was nice to finally understand why Dmitri is the way he is, and one word of warning you do have a rape scene in this book when the truth comes out about Dmitri's past. It makes you understand why he is the way he is.

I loved how Ms Singh brings about the two different stories going thorough the book. She is such a masterful storyteller you don't want the book end. Even though I would of loved seeing more of Rapheal and Elena I understand that this is really a book about Dmitri and boy what a book it was!!!

This book comes out on 9/6/11 and I received a ARC through my Romance Group.

With No Remorse by Cindy Gerard

2011-07-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

A Dangerous Man: For Luke Colter, downtime is an illusion. He should know better then to ever leave his gun behind, especially since now he's risking his life to save world-famous supermodel Valentina.

A Rebellious Woman: Val thought traveling incognito through the mountains would be the perfect cure for her bruised heart...until someone tries to kill her. Without knowing who is after her--and why--does she dare trust her irresistible protector.

A Perilous Mission That Could Seal Their Fate: Luke's elite military training offers little defense against his feelings for Val. When the BOI team links her ruthless enemy to the cutthroat global weapons trade and to a man from her trouble past-he'll do anything to save her. So when Val offers herself as bait will he make the right call.... or surrender to the hold she has on his heart.

This is book 6 in the BOI series and I have to say I have always liked Luke or Doc as they call him, and I loved him more after this book. Book starts out with Luke on a train coming home from doing medical mission in the Peruvian Andes and having some doubts about himself after he was almost killed in the last book. He starts to feel a itch in his stomach and he has always learned not to ignore these feelings. He notices that sitting across from him is a boy wearing big glasses, a poncho and a hat. He thinks that is a little strange, but he is more worried about his itch then he is the boy. When the train is held up he is thinking first I don't have a gun and second why should I get involved?? When they kill an innocent man and then go after the boy he knows that somehow he has to help. He does this by getting the boy off the train.

Well, imagine his surprise when he finds out that the boy is not really a boy but one of the biggest super models in the world. What the heck was she doing on the train and why were these men after her??? Valentina can't answer the question. She has no idea why anybody is after her let alone that anybody knew where she was. She's just getting over a bad divorce and was trying to find herself again.

Luke and Val have instant feelings for each other. After all Luke has lusted after her pictures for years and knows just about everything you can know about Val. Val has feelings for Luke but after being burned she is unsure if she should really pursue them or not. Luke is very surprised to see that there is more to Val then just a pretty face.

When they meet up with the rest of the BOI team to try to figure out what is going on, poor Val finds out that her ex husband is a bigger loser then she thought, although he does come through for her in the end, he is still a jerk. Val goes through with being the bait so that they could catch the real bad man even though Luke is not happy with it.

I really enjoyed this book and will be very sorry to see the series end with the next book, which is about Joe, but I really want to know what sets Joe off from this book!!! It is sweet to see Luke really fall for Val, at first he doesn't think the job he has is a job that he could have a love in his life and because they both come from different backgrounds, but I loved that they worked it out and Luke sees that the other guys can still do the job and have a love in their life that he to can do that.

This was a great book that I had a very hard time putting down!! I didn't want it to end, heck I really don't want the series to end it has been so good. But I know Ms. Gerard won't let us down and will have more good books coming out.

Deadly SIns by Kylie Brant

2011-07-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

An unknown assassin has appointed himself judge and executioner, brutally taking out high-level human targets citywide. And the list of suspects is a sensitive one: and Iranian diplomat, a U.S. senator and a vengeful priest. It's just the kind of case to test the resolve of a tough FBI agent like Jaid Marlowe. Especially when her new partner is Adam Raiker, Jaid's former colleague and ex-lover. But that's history-and it left scars.

Determined to leave it behind them, Jaid and Adam dive into the most shocking investigation of their careers. But when Adam himself becomes suspect, Jaid must choose between the past and present. Her choice plunges them into a far-reaching, high-level conspiracy of shadows-and on the run not only from secrets and lies, but for their lives. Now despite their history, they have only each other, and the desperate hope that love can keep them alive.

This is book six of The Mindhunters series,and if you have read the other books you know about Adam. This man has been through a lot and he finally get his story and what had happen to him. You met Jaid in the last book and had questions about her and those question are answered also. The best thing about the book is I didn't figure out who the bad guy was and I loved being surprised by who the bad person was. That doesn't happen very often for me.

I have always been drawn to Adam, this man has been through a lot and has come back a stronger person because of it. Jaid is a very strong women and has some of her own secrets, one of them is she has always loved Adam. They had a thing going on 8 years ago when Adam work at the FBI. But Adam felt that the age difference and the fact that he was her boss wasn't the right thing. Although he still had very deep feeling for Jaid.

Adam gets put on the FBI case of the death of his friend who was a Supreme Court Judge, the FBI is not to happy about this, but they have no choice in the mater. Through it you still have someone trying to kill Adam. It is very interesting on how Ms Brant brings this all together to make it work. I really enjoyed this book and the relationship between Adam and Jaid. How Adam fights it at first and then realizes that Jaid is the one for him. I loved seeing past couples come back to help clear Adam's name and to find out what the truth really is.

I am not sure if this is going to be the last book in the series or not, but it looks like Ms. Brant left it open for another book on Jaid's son. I hope this wasn't the last book I really enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series. This books comes out on 8-2-11 and I recieved the Arc through my Romance Group.

I'm still here!

2011-07-27T07:07:00.000-05:00

Hi! Yes, I'm still around. I found myself in a little bit of a reading slump and as we all know when you are in a slump nothing grabs you. I don't know if it's because so many books now are politically correct --- I've been reading for over 30+ years and I've read every storyline at least once. How many times can you read a love scene in a carriage or sex in a library during a ball. My personal favorite is an alpha hero who falls in love with the heroine the first time he meets her -- only her kisses knock him out, how only she fits his body when they hugged. I have to admit that I'm still buying books and my TBR pile is just getting bigger and bigger. I need to get out of my slump!!!! I will return! I do have to admit that I read Fatal Consequences by Marie Force and loved it and read it in less than 48 hours!

One Summer, by JoAnn Ross

2011-07-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Rating: A, Warm+

Book 2 in the Shelter Bay series finds us at Cole Douchett’s wedding. Gabriel St. James, former US Marine and photojournalist is working his way across the US, capturing life on film for a new book. He stops in Shelter Bay so he can do the photography for buddy Cole’s wedding. Weddings are not Gabe’s idea of a good time, having been there, done that, only to end in divorce. Gabe is a huge loner, so he figures marriage is not in the cards for him again.

While shooting pictures of the newlyweds dancing, local veterinarian Charity Tiernan approaches Gabe, who makes it pretty clear he isn’t interested in conversation. As she walks away, Gabe feels a twinge of regret that he has never felt before, realizing he doesn’t even know her name. Oh well, he’s got an agenda and plans to stick to it.

As Gabe is on his way out of town, he stops at a lookout to take pictures, and a van enters the parking lot, throws out a tangled mess of a dog, and drives away. Gabe picks up the little dog, and realized he needs to get him to a vet to be checked over. His GPS picked up the nearest vet, so off Gabe goes with the dog, and low and behold who comes to answer the door but Charity. Charity cares for the dog, who has been abused and Gabe agrees to take him home for the night. Charity keeps on trying to convince him to adopt the dog, since he’s small and could travel with him. Whatever the case may be, Charity has decided the dog and Gabe are destined to be soul mates, and is not giving up!

Charity’s mother Amanda arrives, unannounced. Their past was not an overly happy one, with Amanda constantly searching for the right husband, and is now on marriage #6 to Benton, a judge. Seems Benton has taken off to parts unknown, so Amanda wills herself on her daughter. Strangely enough, Amanda and Charity sort of reach an understanding and hit it off. Charity actually goes on a date with Gabe, and Amanda sees to it that she dresses nicely for her man. And what a date it turns out to be….

Gabe is talked in to helping at Camp Rainbow, a camp for foster siblings. Charity is buying cameras for the campers, and Gabe is going to teach them how to use them. 15 year old Johnny and his sister Angel come to the camp. They are in separate foster homes, so this is the only time they see each other all year. Johnny is very protective of his little 8 year old sister, and the two very clearly are close to one another. Things go well at camp, and both Gabe and Charity fall in love with each other more every day, and they both develop a strong liking to Johnny and Angel. Well, towards the end of camp their mom returns and torches the cabin they are staying in. Strange things happen with Angel. As camp comes to an end, Gabe makes plans to move on.

By this point, I am on pins and needles, waiting to see what will happen to everyone. And don’t forget about Amanda and Benton – there’s something in the works there too!

I loved the first book in this series, and this one was even better. It’s a great love story for not just one, but several couples in the book. The picturesque town of Shelter Bay has me wanting to travel west to see if it really exists. And it has dogs too, rescuing being a subject near and dear to my heart. JoAnn Ross spins a wonderful tale, and I hated to see the book end.

Playing Dirty, By Susan Andersen

2011-07-25T10:41:00.000-05:00

Rating: A-, Hot

Book 3 of the Sisterhood Diaries

After a two year wait, we finally have book three of this entertaining series. Was it worth the wait? Yes it was! We are introduced to Cade and Ava in book two. This book starts out with the memory of the bet Cade made with his pals in their senior year of high school, which was a mean and nasty thing to do. 13 years later, Ava still remembers every little detail of the humiliation Cade put her through.

Ava currently is a highly successful concierge, and Cade hires her when he rents the Wolcott mansion to film a documentary about the life of Miss Agnes. Cade has tried many times during the past 13 years to apologize to Ava for the childish prank he played on her in high school, but she never wanted to hear what Cade had to say. She was overweight, a fact her mother criticized her for over and over. Now Ava has shed some pounds, but still has her “fat” moments of doubt. Cade thinks she is beautiful with all of her curves just the way they are. It does take Ava a long time to accept Cade’s genuine feelings, and to forgive him for the incident 13 years ago. Add Cade’s prank to her mother’s machinations, and you can see why Ava has some issues with her looks.

One of my favorite parts of the book is after Cade interviews Poppy, Jane and Ava, he stops by Ava’s apartment with the film copy so she can see how well the three of them described all the things they did with Miss Agnes. Cade and Ava watch the film, and Cade is so pleased with the end result, he picks Ava up, swings her around and lays a big kiss on her. Things get all hot and heavy, until suddenly Ava breaks it off, not wanting to get involved with Cade again, all over that high school incident that she can’t seem to get over. Cade leaves, but instead of being angry, he is more determined to come up with a plan to win Ava back, because the fire is still there and he’s not going to just let this go. Rock on Cade!

There is a bit of mystery too, when Tony the security guard who really isn’t, is plotting on how he can steal the Wolcott diamonds. He sets a world record for bumbling everything he tries to do!

One of the things I have enjoyed so much about this series is the characters. They all have every day faults, but their new found partners help them work their way through these. Miss Agnes must have been a wonderful woman . What 12 year old girl wouldn’t want a Miss Agnes in their life? All of the girls have their self deprecating moments, but they are turned in to moments of humor. This was a wonderful series, and I am so happy that book 3 made it to print!

Copy provided by NetGalley for review.

Delaney's Shadow by Ingrid Weaver

2011-07-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

One cannot remember: years ago, seven year old John Maxwell Harrison saved little Delaney Wainwright from drowning-forging a psychic bond that would endure for years. For Delaney, Max became her childhood "imaginary friend." Now she needs Max more then ever after her wealthy husband is killed in a car accident that she can't recall.

One cannot forget: After enduring a brutal childhood and unjust imprisonment, Max is a recluse who pours his anger into his art. When Delaney reestablishes their bond, he takes it advantage and becomes her fantasy lover, driving Delaney to the brink of ecstasy-and to the edge of madness. But by the time Delaney realizes Max is real, it may already be to late. Because someone is trying to kill her.

Both must overcome: Reunited, they will have to embrace the undeniable love that has intertwined their destinies if they are able to unlock Delaney's memory-and uncover a dark specter from the past who will not stop until they are both broken.

This book was a little slow going for me at first, but once I got into it I did enjoy it. You feel for Delaney. She was driving the car that killed her husband and can't remember the accident. She was hurt in the accident and now can't remember what happened that night and she has questions about it. Her husband was a very wealthy man and left her very well off. She is now is a court battle with her step daughter over a wrongful death suit. Delaney is having some very vivid dreams about the accident and just wants to remember. One night in the mist of her dreams she thinks of Max, and then he is there.

Max is not happy to be brought back into Delaney's dreams. He feels that she deserted him as a child. She was someone that he could share his dream world with. When he knew it was the real thing between them, Delaney always thought he was just her imaginary friend. Imagine her shock when she dreams of Max again but he is a full grown man, and a very good looking one at that.

When Max and Delaney do meet up she has a hard time believing that John is really Max. And Max really doesn't help it much when he keeps telling her that she is just dreaming him. When Delaney knows he is the real thing they already have a special feeling towards each other, even though Max says it is just sex and no way could he ever really care about somebody because of his past.

The story is well done and it does draw you into it. I loved the dream scenes with Max and Delaney. He really helps her overcome her dreams and find out what really happened the night her husband died. You have a few more plot twists that happen in the book that all come together in the end. You kind of feel sorry for Max because he really did get a bum rap in his childhood and he is still paying for it today.

This book comes out on 8-2-11 by Berkley Sensation and I received the ARC through my Romance group.

The Look Of Love By Bella Andre

2011-07-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her check can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she is convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be to good to be true. Or is he???

The Look of Love is the first book in the Bella's new Sullivan series, let me tell you what a hot book this was!! Chloe is a person who is very unsure of herself and Chase knows just what he wants and that is Chloe. The only issue is he needs to get Chloe to trust him to know he is nothing like her former husband.

Chloe and Chase are drawn to each other, but Chase was raised as a gentleman and does not want to push Chloe, he really wants her to come to him. Chloe is unsure of herself, all she wants to be is loved and when it is right in front of her she almost misses it.

But let me tell you 48 hours after they meet they get together and for the next week they don't stop. They do it every chance they can and Chloe comes to realize that Chase is nothing like the creep her ex husband was. That he really does care for her, even if they have only known each other for week.

I liked the story, flowed even though it was only a week, it seemed like they knew each other longer. I can't wait to read Marcus's book which is out next.

Only Mine, by Susan Mallery

2011-07-16T05:14:00.000-05:00

Only Mine, by Susan Mallery #4 in Fool’s Gold Series

Pub date: 7/26/2011

Rating: A

Date read: 6/20/2011

Back to Fool’s Gold California for more fun in the sun! From previous books, we all know that there has been a serious man shortage in Fool’s Gold, that has managed to make it to the headlines. As a result of those headlines, a romantic reality show is about to start shooting in town, and Mayor Marsha has offered Dakota Hendrix’s services to oversee the screening of eligible bachelors to be on the show. So much for her career as a childhood developmental psychologist…..

Twins Sascha and Stephen Andersson are in town with hopes of getting on the show. They are adorable, quick witted and perfect candidates, who surely will be chosen. Along comes their older brother Finn, who will do anything to get them back to Alaska to finish their last semester of college. The boys have their minds made up, and are intent on not returning to Alaska, feeling it’s time they struck out on their own. Finn has raised them since their parents were killed in a plane crash 8 years ago, and he is determined to see them finish college.

Finn seeks help from Dakota, who is great with advice on how to handle the twins, but sides with them since they are 21 now and legally adults. The more Dakota and Finn talk, the more they fall for each other. Dakota has some medical problems that prohibit her from being able to bear children, so she has applied to adopt, and gets her little girl in the middle of all the goings on in Fool’s Gold with the reality show being filmed. Finn is comfortable around kids, and takes a liking to little 6 month old Hannah.

The folks of Fool’s Gold are half of what makes this series so awesome. They are always there for one another, and are ever present to help Dakota with the adopted baby, as is Finn. When the reality show is brought to an abrupt halt, what choices will Sascha and Stephen make? Not to mention Finn, who has been flying cargo and people around California, which is what he does in Canada. There is an offer for him to buy in to a company in Fool’s Gold. Finn is looking to be free of responsibility, with the twins going out on their own. It’s been a long eight years for him, being responsible for the boys. Where will it go from here??? There are still a few more surprises in store for readers of this awesome series.

Book provided by NetGalley for review.

Primal Bounds by Jennifer Ashley

2011-07-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

As Guardian of his clan, Feline Shifter Sean Morrissey is a powerful member of this pride. But wielding the sacred sword is often a lonely role. When a female shifter comes to town seeking refuge, Sean claims the new arrival, expecting a submissive little she-wolf. Instead, he finds a beautiful woman who looks him straight in the eye without fear, stirring the mating frenzy within him.

As a half Fae, half shifter, Andrea Gray is used to looking out for herself. But in order to relocated to a new Shifter town and escape an unwanted mate-claim, Andrea must except a new protector. A Guardian seems as good as candidate as any, but Andrea's intense attraction to Sean is something she never expected-and a perilous complication for a woman with a trouble past.

Now, As Andrea struggles to keep her seductive savior at arm's length, Sean is determined to turn their mating of convenience into the real thing before the frenzy they're struggling to contain burns them both-from inside out.

This is the second book of Ms Ashley's Pride Mates series. I really enjoyed this book I think I liked it almost better then the first one. You met Sean in the first book and he is a big man with a very strong will, but then he has to be to be the Guardian. It is a job he knows he has to do but it make him sad at times. Andrea is just a person who wants to fit in. In her old home she was being chased by a man who she didn't want and he wanted to make her his mate. She was bullied and her step father was beaten up. She also wants to know who her real father is, since she is half Fae and the shifters don't like the Fae she has always been a outcast.

She moves to Sean Shifter town and finds something she has never known in her life and that is a almost since of belonging, and she is also falling for Sean. Because of her half Fae, she and Sean share something special. When she is asked to try to help heal someone it is with the help of Sean and his sword that she can do it, she is a little more powerful with him around.

I loved these two, Andrea takes nothing off of anybody and will do whatever she needs to do to protect and help her mate. Sean knows from the first time he meets Andrea that she is the one for him. He just needs to confuse her of that.

As I said I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.

Merciless, by Diana Palmer

2011-07-10T05:47:00.000-05:00

Date read: 7/1/2011, book provided by Net Galley for an honest review

Rating: Solid B

Jon Blackhawk is an FBI agent in San Antonio, and Jocelyn is his assistant. Jocelyn needs help with her fashion sense (boy howdy does she!!), is a single mother to Markie, and is an all around happy person and great assistant. Wow – all this in a Diana Palmer book? Aside from a crazy name or two, this book was a very pleasant surprise after a few sub par books by one of my favorite authors.

Take a step back a book or two, and we are reminded of McKuen Kilraven’s (Jon’s half brother)wife and daughter’ murder. Harold Monroe, who we thought was the killer, is out on bail, and has made threats to both Jon and Jocelyn. While everyone is watching Jocelyn’s back, Jon is shot from behind, has surgery and returns to the family ranch in Oklahoma to recuperate.

Cammy, Jon’s mom, returns from a trip abroad to find Jocelyn and Markie there with Jon, and wastes no time in getting them to leave the ranch. Cammy does not feel that Jocelyn is wife material for Jon, and is after him for his money. Markie has an asthma attack as they prepare to leave, which has Cammy wondering…….Jon had the same thing as a child. And said child has Jon’s Native American good looks. As Cammy puts two and two together, she chases Jocelyn back to San Antonio to make sure Markie is all right. The two women make amends, and Cammy returns to her hotel room. She is on the phone talking to Kilraven and he hears gunshots. He rushes to the hotel, only to find his mother murdered.

Kilraven is off to Oklahoma to tell Jon what has transpired. All the while I am thinking that Rick Marquez was acting strange at the hotel when he arrived to investigate the murder. But with all this chasing back and forth with Jon and Kilraven, I am getting exhausted just reading about it, and forget all about Rick. Back to Oklahoma, on to San Antonio, then on to Jacobsville to make funeral arrangements, back to San Antonio, back to Jacobsville again for the funeral. This is the spot where I determine that if you are not a DP fan girl, there’s no way you can keep up with all the places and faces. So be warned – this is not a good book to start on if you are new to Diana Palmer!

There is no beating around the bush here, and no big, mean nasty man who intimidates the little woman. Jocelyn and Jon are only four years apart in age, and both are intelligent, strong characters. There are your typical Diana Palmer love scenes, but one of the few in all of her books that is mutually enjoyable for both characters because, well – they love each other. Need I say more? If you are a fan of Diana Palmer’s, you will enjoy this book, as Merciless is one of her better books in recent years.

Storm's Heart By Thea Harrison

2011-07-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

Able to wield thunder and lighting, wry sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the wyr's best weapons. He's the sent to protect Tricks, heir to the Dark Fae throne, when she is almost assassinated in Chicago. Soon, Tiago and Tricks will fall pray to the stormy hunger that engulfs them-a passon that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

I loved Dragon Bound, the first book in this series. I loved the world building and how the author brought everything together. You do meet Tricks and Tiago in the first book and you kind of feel there is something going on, but you are not quiet sure about it.

In Storm's Heart, Tricks uncle, who killed her family and took over the Dark Fae throne is dead and Tricks and come forward to take her rightful place as the Queen of the Dark Fae. The problem is someone doesn't want her to be queen.

Tiago, finds out that after a attempt on Tricks life that she is missing, he is not happy about this and with Dragos permission he sets off to find her. When he does catch up with her he tells her he is staying with her. At first she has a hard time with the Dark Fae and the wry's get along, they just don't trust each other. The thing is Tricks has spent the last 200 years with the wry's and she trust them, and she knows Tiago will not let anything happen to her.

I loved watching these to find each other, to know that they are mates. Tiago has lived along time and never thought he would find his mate, and Tricks never thought that the tough man Tiago with thunder in his eyes would be hers. They both know they have a lot to overcome, but the love they have for each other they feel it will work no mater what anybody says.

This book was a little darker then the first one, but I enjoyed it just as much and can't wait for the next book due out in October. This book will be released in Aug, and I got it as a ARC from my Romance group.

New books this week.....6/28 - 7/1

2011-07-02T01:19:00.000-05:00

What a great week this was for new book releases! I don't know about you, but I have plenty to keep me busy for weeks to come! And talk about new books by favorite authors - reader's heaven. Here are just a few that I am really looking forward to reading: Savor the Danger, by Lori Foster Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare Cover Me by Catherine Mann Creed's Legacy by Linda Lael Miller Mystical Warrior by Janet Chapman Merciless by Diana Palmer Cowboy Up by Vickie Lewis Thompson The Look of Love by Bella Andre So what new books do you have, and which ones are you most looking forward to reading? The best part is that July is just getting started, and every Tuesday this month has books I have pre-ordered. **happy dance** !!! Dani's Looking Forward To: Merciless by Diana Palmer Rapture Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee Heiress In Love By Christine Brooke Silk Is For Seduction by Loretta Chase A Lady's Lesson In Scandal by Meredith Duran Waking Up To A Duke by Lorraine Heath Cover Me by Catherine Mann Darkness At Dawn by Elizabeth Jennings Cowboys Like Us by Vicki Lewis Thompson Extra Innings by Debbi Rawlins Hot Shots by Jo Leigh Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner