When the King decrees that there must be a marriage to join two battling clans that have been at war for years with each other. Emma volunteers herself, even though its her younger sister who is only 8 and very sickly is the one that is agreed upon to marry Dain, who is well known for his battle prowess and fierceness. So her father reluctantly agrees, and so she goes to marry Dain of Penruan. When she first meets Dain, all he wants is to keep her secluded and out of the way, but Emma is having none of it. She is determined to make a good life here, and a reliable wife for Dain, if he would let her. What he doesn't expect is to find that Emma is much more than she claims. He finds her gentleness and beauty instantly grabbing his attention, and even though he wants to trust her, he senses that she is keeping something from him, all the while a fierce desire threatens to consume them both.

Its been quite a while since I have read a book by Flora Speer, but I have been itching to read a somewhat older style romance, and this fits right into that desire. A Passionate Magic is a story that is set in the Medieval era, back to the 1100's, It also has a magical/paranormal aspect to the story as well, one I felt is balanced pretty well into the story.

We begin with Emma over hearing her father and step mother talking about the most latest King's decree for the two feuding families. When she hears that it is her sister to be bartered off as a bride, she volunteers herself. She knows that her sister is no way ready for this assigned marriage. So she goes herself, but she finds herself in a position that she never expected. Dain has made it clear that he doesn't trust her in any way, and that she will have to prove herself, and that his mother will have full reign. Now his mother (a cruel woman) tries to get Emma to leave, but Emma is made of much sterner stuff. She has magical abilities, but she also has a great capacity to heal. We see a slow process of Dain starting to trust Emma, and even though their relationship has some rocky bumps, but there was such a sense of realism and vitality.

I felt that Dain was a very strong character, he had his vulnerabilities but his strengths really outweighed the negatives. I found him very appealing, even though at times I wanted to knock his head with something, he did have his reasons. Although the second half of the book, I thought he was a bit ridiculous in his stubbornness against Emma, but I felt the author did it well enough that it seemed to add a bit more flair to the story. Emma was just a heroine I liked from the beginning. I found her brave and strong willed and not one to easily back down from a fight, but at times she would occasionally back down from one out of respect. I felt that she had a lot of strength in her, and didn't let her magical abilities over power her senses, she had quite a bit of self control. I couldn't help but admire her tenacity and stubbornness to keep up with Dain.

I found Passionate Magic to be a favorite of one of the older type romances. When I was reading this (and boy it didn't take very long ) it reminded me of the days when I first started reading romance, and ten years ago, these were the types of books that were most popular. Now don't get me wrong, I have truly loved the newer romances, but there has always been something about the older authors and their style of writing that gets to me every time. A Magical tale of passion, adventure, intrigue and a sweet love story. A fast paced and thrilling story that will capture its readers.

After coming home from India, Robert has come to Audrey Blake's home, out of duty and obligation to her husband, with whom he worked with as a fellow soldier. What he finds is a confidant young woman, but blind. Audrey once suffered a severe fever, and she lost her sight at six years old. Now she is a pretty much a prisoner in her father's home, and feels smothered. She married her husband, desperate to have freedom. However after she finds herself married, her husband is not what she expected, he used her as well. After he leaves for India, she loses her baby, and then later finds out her husband has been killed. Now back in her father's home, she is desperate to find a way to leave. When Robert Henslow comes for a visit, and offers her a chance to get free once more. Only she will have to have a pretend engagement with the Earl. At first Robert is more than willing to help Audrey, but as their pretend engagement brings them even more intimately closer than he ever would have imagined. Now he desires to make their fake engagement much more real and keep Audrey as his own.

I was given a ARC by Edelweiss and Avon books to give a honest review. It has been quite some time since I have read anything from this author. I have loved all of her other books, and I don't know if I was just distracted with this one, or what, but I had a hard time getting fully into the story, when I have never have had any problems before. I would describe it as an enjoyable read but not the type that gets the blood thumping with excitement. I did enjoy the type of circumstances that this couple is faced with. And once I got about halfway into it, then it started to get really good.

With Audrey, blind, and a virtual prisoner in her father's country estate, she is more than eager to leave. Her father sees her as a invalid, to be put aside and practically forgotten. All the glory and attention should go to her younger sister of course. So when Robert, the Earl of Knightsbridge, returns home to pay his respects to the widow of one of the soldiers he feels guilty over his recent death. When he arrives he is very surprised to find that she is blind, but no where close to invalid status. She is determined to have a life, despite being blind. He finds her courage and tenacity, only makes her even more attractive in his eyes. When they agree to a mutual fake engagement, he is all for it. He feels like he owes her something, and this is the least that he can do. Audrey, is no where ready to take on another husband. But for the first time she feels a fierce desire for Robert, the kind she has never felt before.

Robert, didn't have the best childhood. For the most part he felt isolated but yet he grew up to be a man of honorable intentions. He joined the army, and ended up in India. I found Robert to be the type of hero you want for yourself. He isn't much of a rake, he is bound by duty and obligation. I found him to be very refreshing and I liked the way he treated Audrey. He never sees her blindness as a negative characteristic, but admires her for what she has done despite of it. There is such a passionate connection between the two. I also liked how the heroine was far from perfect. She suffers from being blind, and I just loved this aspect of the story. It added a certain unique aspect that only added to the story even more.

I found Surrender to the Earl a pleasant and steady read. It wasn't the type where you are flipping through the pages, but it wasn't so slow it would take a turtle to keep ahead. I didn't find it to be very significant enough to blow my mind in any form. Although there were certain aspects of the story that I did enjoy. I liked the slow escalation of the love story that develops between this couple. Overall I found it to be a enjoyable romance that leads you into a light read, that is good for any time of the year.

Orginally Posted on my site at http://addictofromance.blogspot.com/

I was given a copy of this book by Edelweiss and Avon books in exchange for a honest review. This is the first time that I have read from this author, and I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't know what to expect or if I would have a hard time reading this. Surprisingly I found it to be a easy to get into read, and was quite unique for a historical romance set in the regency era.

Julia has been betrothed to her fiancee since she was seven years old, she has known him forever. He is nice, and a good man, and she loves him like you would care for a friend. But its not deep intense love that takes your breath away. Then she dances with Thomas Merritt, and even though she doesn't know him, she feels like she could fall in love with him very easily, he brings a desire to her that she has never felt before. Then after sharing a very sensual night in each others arms, she doesn't see him again, and decides to be honest with her fiancee and her family. But they end up throwing her out to the wolves, with no family or home. She ends up being a companion to a young woman, who is deep in her grief, and needs someone to assist her on their trip to Vienna. When she comes to Vienna, she finds herself embroiled in a variety of circumstances. It is hard to know who to trust, with secrets laying beneath every corner, and despite the glittering ballrooms and the royal dignitaries, Julia knows she is in way over her head, especially when she comes face to face with Thomas Merritt. She finds herself being slowly seduced by him once again. She knows that she will have to make a difficult choice soon.

Thomas Merritt, has been abandoned by his family, through a misunderstanding. Now he and his valet, survive by being thieves of jewels. I found Thomas to definitely not the typical hero you find in this type of scenario. Despite his occupation, he does have some admirable qualities that only make him more appealing. Julia has been thrown into a hard set of circumstances herself, and does what she can to make the best of it. I loved how strong willed she was, and I felt like she was a good match for Thomas. We don't see a whole lot of interaction, just both sides of their different lives that eventually lead up to finding each other again.

There were some things that I enjoyed about this one and a couple of aspects that I didn't enjoy so much. I didn't like how through the majority of the book, we don't see much interaction between Thomas and Julia. They are apart for most of the story, which was a bummer for me. I mean it was still a fun and like able read, but I always like more interaction than less. And things start to really escalate once they get together again, and I just had such a exciting time with the secret plots and intrigue and passion that plays out in the end. And as a plus there is quite a bit of good history here, its apparent that the author did good research (which is always something I admire in historical fiction authors)I found it to be a unique play of events and it definitely caught my attention. A story you don't want to miss out on, and I definitely plan on reading more of this author.

"You're my heart, Edie. My Everything"

When Gowan first see's Edith, he knows he must have her as his wife. As he is business partners with her father, it is a very simple matter for them to become engaged. He just never expected to feel so alive and is anxiously waiting for when he can truly take her as His. Edith is suprised but not shocked when she learns of the engagement, without her consent. She knows her father has her best interest at heart. After seeing her father and step mother, have such a emotional and stressful relationship, Edith wants nothing of the kind. Something practical and logical is what she would prefer. However as she and Gowan spend time together, and share some sensual embraces she knows that she could very easily fall in love with the Scot. After they get married however, their intimate relations take a down fall, and instead of being honest with Gowan, Edie keeps the truth to herself until it ends up blowing up in her face, and she hides herself up in a tower, believing that she is a failure as a wife. Gowan will have to lower his pride and humble himself in order to keep Edith as his own, because he couldn't bear losing her after he has found a womna he desperately loves.

I have read a few books from this author, and whenever I have, I usually have a fun time with her stories. The last one I read was the Ugly Duchess, which was one of my favorite historicals to read. So I have been so excited to read this, so when I received the ARC from Avon and Edelweiss I was thrilled. I haven't read all of the fairy tale series, but I have read a couple and LOVED it so far. I do enjoy a strong romance that is based on the Fairy Tales. It almost bring a magic into the story, and there is always a HEA right? I had heard some good reviews about Once Upon A Tower, so I knew I would like it. I was blown away by how much I just LOVED this one. Its probably my favorite of her books so far.

Gowan and Edith first meet at a ball, where they don't talk much, but dance and it seems to be enough for them both. Gowan knows from the first moment he dances with Edith, that she is the one he would choose as his wife. As the Duke of Kinross, he has quite a bit of wealth, prestige and power. But he finds himself falling in love with Edith fast, and a intense desire seems to escalate between them both. Edith doesn't know much about her Fiancee, and she wonders what type of relationship they will have. Edith is a talented cello player, just like her father, but has yet to be made known to the public. Music is life to her, it is everything...until she meets Gowan who introduces her to a new passion and a love. When she married Gowan there is quite a bit that she learns about her self and her new husband. When she begins to doubt herself and the outcome of their relationship, she could very well destroy the one thing that she holds most dear.

Gowan is a Scot, handsome, a sexy brogue and is more than enough of a male to appeal to any woman. I just adored Gowan, he is possessive yet protective, and he is very sensual despite being a virgin. He definitely had my heart rate up. Edith is the type of heroine, you can't help but admire. I love how strong she is inside and out. She is very musically talented, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. She makes some mistakes, but I found that a admirable, she seems human and easier to relate with. I loved how she stuck with things when it really gets rough. Such a lovely pair. At first they are so different from each other, but I enjoyed seeing these two interact and it was quite a ride with all the bumps and hills these two had to climb over to get their happy ending.

There was quite a bit that I liked about this one. I do love a fun romance based on a fairy tale...this one being Repunzel. There is quite a bit of playfulness at times, a deep sense of sensuality and even though this couple hits some strong conflict, it only helps strengthen their connection to each other. It has been a little while since I have enjoyed such a book. Such a deep riveting tale that is filled with enriching characters and a plot to take you on a adventure and passion. One you don't want to ever miss out on!!! A FAVORITE!!!

When I had been given the ARC by Edelweiss and Ballantine Books, I was thrilled because even though I haven't read this author in a long while, I have enjoyed her in the past. I had also read some very positive reviews, that made me excited to read this story. It is definitely a bit more intense than I expected. It is based on the tale of Romeo and Juliet...only this time it actually has a happy ending (which is a requirement for any book I read) But this couple does have a bit of a bumpy road before they get to the roses and daisies.

From the beginning it starts out with Jack, who is known as a rake, but is also part of a family that is practically at war with Sophie's family. Jack's cousin, is on a mission to convince him that Sophie is his mate and as such he needs to pursue her. At first he thinks she is crazy, but there is a certain connection from their first kiss, at a masquerade ball, where Sophie's passions are awakened and desire for a man that should be her enemy, is far from it. Sophie has a duty to her parents, who are financially struggling if it wasn't for her aunt. So a marriage proposal from a titled lord is what her father desires for her. But when Jack consistently pursues her ina way that she finds it hard to resist...from Jack climbing up the wall to her room, to meeting in secret for sensual rendezvous, she knows that she is in trouble of falling hard for him, especially when she knows that it isn't possible to have a future with him. Her father blames the Wilde's for quite a bit, and has hardened his heart. So Jack is forced to take desperate measures when Sophie finds herself engaged to a man that would bore her to tears. Now Sophie will have to decide what is more important: her obligation to her family, or her love and passion with Jack.

Jack is very unlike most heroes you usually see. Even though he is rumored to be a rake, he is far from it. He is very protective of others, has many vulnerabilities and there is so much depth to Jack, I fell in love with him from the beginning, I so wish I could have traded places with Sophie, I would love to have Jack as my own---sexy, protective, loyal, involved in helping others in need, and a fighter for the woman he loves. Jack isn't resistant to love like most heroes of this era, he is willing to give their relationship a fighting chance to succeed. Sophie I found to be very likable, even if she could have had a bit more spin when it came to Jack. But I understood her reasons, her family is everything to her. I admired her devotion to them and her desire to sacrifice for them, but it was fun seeing her change into a fighter for both her family and the man she loves. It was interesting to see the slow change in her, and I loved seeing the development in both Jack and Sophie. There was so much depth to these characters, and seeing the side characters added to the story in a delightful way.

There were so many things that I liked about this story, and I can't think of anything major that I didn't like. There was so much to LOVER BE MINE that made for a strong and sensational story...that reminded me of why I love romance novels so much. Even though I haven't read the first one in the series, I didn't feel lost or anything, it was easy to catch on, and I wasn't ever lost. The plot was fun and I enjoyed how it followed the play of Romeo and Juliet---even the whole climbing up the tower to talk to Sophie-I do love a hero who has more stubbornness than sense--makes it more exciting and unique. I love the wide variety of emotions that were displayed through the story, that only made it more vivid and almost real. Such a powerful driven story of passion, love and deep emotion that will blow you away!!!

I do love a good Beauty and the Beast theme like story, and this one I would put at the top of my list of favorites. Its the type of story that instantly draws you in and its pretty hard to put down. I do love a story that is easy to get into, but difficult to let go of. This is the first that I have read from this author. I saw the cover and read the blurb, and with no regrets picked it up, knowing I would probably regret it if I didn't. When She Said I Do is pretty close to the beauty and the beast fairy tale. But it also has its own unique tale that sets it apart as well.

When Callie along with her parents and her brother end up nearly drowning in the river when their carriage goes down, they find a huge mansion that she assumes is abandoned. When she gets the rest of her family settled, dressed in only her underclothes, she decides to explore a bit. She finds every room abandoned, and then she comes across a magnificent pearl necklace, and then gets caught red handed by a big man, with half of his face scarred. Caught in a compromising position, her brother and the Mr. Ren Porter end up in a duel and then Callie claims that they will be married. So Callie finds herself married and in a agreement with Mr. Porter, one in which she will share his bed for each stolen pearl. Callie is instantly drawn into this game of seduction, where Ren teaches her the true meaning of desire and surrender. What Callie doesn't expect is to find herself falling in love with her husband, one who protects his heart with a iron shield. It will take more than Callie ever expected to melt the iron around his heart, and to keep him forever.

Ren has recently recovered from a near fatal attack, where he was punctured in the chest, and as such was told that he will die soon from the injuries. As a spy for his country, he has retired, and doesn't trust anyone, at least until Callie comes along. When he finds Callie, a beautiful siren, who ironically ends up as his wife, he is determined to keep her as long as he possibly can. Ren is a very virile and alpha type male. He is very proud and can be paranoid at times, considering his previous life. I found myself really enjoy the type of character Ren turned out to be. He just made me want to melt. Callie is a very unique heroine. She isn't all that fearful of her new husband, despite his commanding presence and his scars, she starts to see beneath the surface. I loved how she never treats him less because of what has happened to her. I admired her creativity in trying to gain Ren's trust, and making the mansion into a home. There is such a strong intimate connection that is very intense at times. You might need a fan to cool ya down a bit at times during this story.

Overall I found this story to be a delight and a very sensual take on Beauty and the Beast. I have to say for the first time reading this author, I am already going to add the rest of her books on my wish list, I loved her that much!!! There is such a delightful mix of sensuality and witty humor that captivates the reader. Its unconventional at times, but it has a certain uniqueness that only adds to the wonderfully crafted tale of passion, adventure, intrigue and a tender love story that is bound to steal your heart, that will make anyone believe in a happily ever after.

Every time I get a chance to read from Sophie Jordan I find myself in for one hell of a ride of a story. I always know that it will be easy to read and I will be thoroughly entertained. Even though I enjoyed this one, there was just something I felt was missing. It was very easy and a quick read, which is the norm for Jordan's book. But I felt like there wasn't much of a "romance", I wish there had been a bit more development between the couple. The end seemed a bit rushed, however I would slightly recommend this, just it wouldn't be at the top of my list of favorites of this author.

Evie is one of the three girls where they formed a friendship at the Penwhich school for girls, which was misery in and of itself. Her father sent her there when she was a girl. Now after returning from Barbados, where she was almost attacked and raped, she knows that she will have to sacrifice everything for her sister, who is the only one in her family that loves her. When her sister Linnie gives birth to a son, with the father a soldier and serving elsewhere, she is about to lose her child. So Evie claims the child as her own, and is to be taken to the countryside and will claim to be a widow. Four years have passed since, and Nicholas, she considers to be her own, especially since Linnie died shortly after giving birth. Then she meets Spencer Lockhart, who claims to be the cousin of Nicholas' father and Linnie's lover. AT first she is resistant to him, but when he proposes marriage and a life of security and opportunity for her son, she is more than willing. At first she is afraid of his reaction to the truth, but the lie starts to eat away at her, and when her feelings for him start to slowly change into love, she knows she must tell him everything. But she wonders when the truth comes out will he still care about her, or will she lost him completely?

Spencer has retired from the army, since his brothers death, he knows it is up to him to take responsibility to the title that rests on his shoulders. He is still grieving for his cousin who was his close friend, and has dreamed for years of "Linnie". Spencer is a bit arrogant, very sexual, and I had a hard time liking him for most of the book, until the end, he started to become a bit likable. So he was not my favorite, especially in his treatment of Evie, who I think has a heart of gold. Evie, has sacrificed everything for her family, and they still treat her like dirt. Spencer isn't much different, its all about sex for him, whereas Evie wishes for something more in their relationship. I loved how strong willed she is, and doesn't back down and demands respect for herself...I love seeing her develop some good backbone especially to her parents in the end. (they totally deserved it). I found something lacking in their relationship.

Overall this was my least favorite of Sophie Jordan so far. I was very surprised that I didn't like it more. I found it to be a bit brutal for Jordan's style. I didn't really like it all that much, there were some good factors involved, but I felt like there was some substance missing from it. I felt like there could have been more development in their relationship, and I didn't see how they went from sex and hating each other, to madly in love. It just didn't fit for me completely. Disappointed, but plan on reading more from this author, since I know I have just loved her other books.

When I first picked this up, I was really looking forward to it, since I do love a romance set in something different from the regency era. And I have just enjoyed Sara Bennett's books in the past. My main concern was I had issues with the heroine...I just never liked her much through most of it, the hero was way more approachable and I found I was drawn to him.

Briar and her two sisters have been on her own since their father was claimed to be a traitor. Briar has done everything possible to protect her family. She has had to sacrifice herself and has only come out burned. She doesn't trust any man. One night while singing in a Hall, she meets Ivo de Vessey whom she believes at first is the one responsible for their circumstances. So her plan is to seduce him, and then when he trusts her, to hurt him as much as he has hurt her family. After a surprisingly sensual night together, she learns that he is not who she thought. She feels at a loss, now having caught the attention of a gentle knight who is enamored with her. Ivo is a disgraced knight, by no fault of his own, but his brother who despises him. Ivo has gone through the world and is afraid of losing his heart to another woman, until he meets Briar, who stirs his blood and makes him believe that they could have a chance, if only Briar would learn to trust in their love.

Ivo is one of those knights that you want by your side. Even though he hasn't has the best of luck, he has some powerful friends that know how loyal and trustworthy he is. I really enjoyed what strong character he had. He was so patient with Briar, when I wanted to string her up a tree at times and throw her into the ocean. Ivo was very romantic and never took Briar too literally, he seemed to understand her fears and it was interesting seeing his manner with her. Ivo won me over from the first few chapters. Now Briar, I had a difficulty with. I could never get to the point where I liked her. She seemed to take away much from the story. I think it could have been better if Briar hadn't been so bitter and offended at every turn. No matter what Ivo did or said, it was a major fight for her. She was very confrontary, and always looking for a fight at times. Frankly she was annoying and I was constantly frustrated with this character. I admired Ivo for his patience with her.

Even though this is my least favorite from this author, I do want to read the first two in the series, since we see one of Ivo's friends (his is the first book in the series), and I loved how he and his wife have a positive involvement. I found that despite me not liking the heroine in any way, and even though she took a major enjoyment of the story, there were other aspects of the story that were enjoyable. I really liked how the plot plays out, and the way there is a bit of a mystery and a danger aspect to the story that only adds to it. A story that doesn't exactly stir you up, but is one that you can enjoy at times.

I have such a love for this author and especially her newest series--Shifters Unbound. From the first book I fell in love. I think this series is one of my top paranormal favorites. There is such a magical way that Ashley displays in her writing that captivates the reader, and every time I pick a book up I know I will have a good time. Lone Wolf is Ellison's story, which I have been waiting on for quite some time. Total bad ass cowboy, that is not afraid of anything or anyone. It was great seeing a more intimate side of him, and get a look into what makes him 'tick'. He has a certain attraction to Maria, who has recently arrived, after being rescued from feral shifters. Her past is murky, and her emotions unstable and lives in constant fear, but we see as their relationship becomes more solid that she starts to become more independent, and is working her way to living her life instead of just existing. I enjoyed seeing the way this couple falls in love, and there was quite a bit of conflict that added a sense of excitement and a unique flair of romance that completely makes you fall in love instantly with Ellison and Maria. Even though its a novella, it was very well done, and it didn't feel too rushed or short in any way, I felt it was perfectly balanced of sensuality, adventure, suspense, and a sweet love story that will bring a tear to your eye. A WINNER OF A READ!

Originally Posted on http://addictofromance.blogspot.com/

I recently discovered this author, and I have to say every time I read her I am amazed by how much I have enjoyed her so far. I checked my library for more of her books, and found the Naked Nobility series. The "Naked Duke" is the first in the series, and a good start. I definitely plan on reading more from this author. At first when I picked this up, the cover didn't exactly encourage me, but after reading the blurb, I wanted to give it a chance. I was in the mood for something quirky and fun and Sally Mackenzie definitely delivered a fantastic read.

James, the Duke of Alford, knows that he will have to marry soon. His cousin hates him with a passion, and is jealous of his position. And James knows that he will come after him eventually. The only way to guarantee his safety and that of his sister, is to marry. He knows that the pickings are very slim, but he knows this is what needs to be done. Unlike most lords, he isn't intimidated by marriage and family. When at a inn he finds himself in a bed with a stranger, but a beautiful and naked woman, he is beyond intrigued. Sarah is on her way to see her uncle, after her father dies and nearly destitute, promised her father on his death bed, to seek a home with her family in England. When stopping at a Inn for the night, a strange man, pays for a room, and she ends up waking to a naked Duke, and being seen by quite a few people. Now ruined, she will have no choice but to marry him. However Sarah is American, she thinks the British ways of ruination are ridiculous. However she can't help but be fascinated by James, and she starts to realize that she, more than anything, would love to share his bed and his life.

James has known he will be a Duke since he was practically in diapers. He has always accepted who he is, and even though his father tried to mold him into a certain man, James has become his own person. He will pick his own wife, and when he ends up in bed with Sara, he knows he wants her for his wife. James is very un typical of the normal aristocrat. He isn't conceited or a rake, he is actually a virgin. Which I liked that aspect of his character, even though he is very passionate and sensual, he has never wanted anyone like he wants Sara. Sara is independent, willful, and her passion matches James. I really liked how these two work together. They instantly spark, but there is also a emotional connection that develops that strengthens their bond even more. I liked how Sara just didn't except things as they were, she made James work for it. I felt that she could have trusted him a bit more but overall really loved these two.

This was such a fun and sweet story. I just flew right through it, I enjoyed it so much. It wasn't the type to totally capture you, but the kind of story that will take you on a sweet ride. Very enjoyable, and the characters were enriching and quirky at times. There was a sense of playfulness between James and Sara that was a hoot to witness. A marvelous story that has much more than a romance, it has quite a bit of a mystery/suspenseful twist to it. It has enough witty and sexy fun to hold your interest and more. It has flair for the dramatic but in a light way that will make you earn for more. DELICIOUSNESS!!