I have read this author a little, only two books. The first one was one of her first ones, and its a bit older, and really enjoyed it. So after hearing great things about the Courtship War series I decided that I needed to give this one a shot. Since my library has the whole series ( I think??). I wanted to start from the beginning, not knowing if it would be easy to catch on or not. You never know though. I found To Pleasure A Lady an amazing story. It definitely sank its tender hooks into my reading spirit and wouldn't let me go. I think I am still feeling the after affects...tingles and more!! There was much that I enjoyed about the way this story played out....but I loved that even if the plot seemed a bit normal, it definitely didn't turn out the way I expected and it had a certain unique voice to it that appealed to my romantic side.

Arabella and her sisters have been ruined in the eyes of society because of the sins of her parents. After her mother abandons them to leave the country with her lover, and her father losing their fortune to gambling and being killed over a woman in a duel. The three sisters are then under the stewardship of their uncle, who could care less about them. So Arabella and her sisters create a school for teaching young girls the finishing touches to be able to deal with the Ton (those who are born into wealth but not into Aristocracy families). Then they are places under the wardship of Marcus Pierce. Marcus doesn't care for the responsibility of the three Loring sisters, who have become a pain in the behind. The eldest has been sending him letter after letter, until she arrives and practically threatens him with his own rapier. When he sees her beauty and fiery spirit, he is instantly wanting her in his bed, but even more than that, she makes him consider marriage for the first time. So with his responsibility to marry them all off, he decides to pursue Arabella and court her. Arabella could care less about getting married again, but when she enters a dangerous wager with him, she wonders if she will be able to resist his charm and sensual nature.

Arabella is a fierce heroine, very passionate and willful and protective of her sisters. She is willing to do whatever it takes to secure their welfare, even her own happiness. Arabella has a very upbeat personality, willing to put a rapier to her ward's throat to get his attention. (definitely one of my favorite moments of the book :) She doesn't back down from a fight, and I really admired her as the match for Marcus. Now lets discus Marcus...a gorgeous specimen of a man. I just fell in lust with him...then love came later of course. (that is how it usually works right??) When he finds someone he feels he could marry, he doesn't hide from his feelings. He isn't one to back down from any challenge, especially from a woman. He is very persuasive, possessive (not too much though), has enough Alpha traits to be appealing, and perfectly balanced with his carefree personality. These two just made me laugh so much, their connection is instantaneous, and there wasn't any moment that I didn't feel their connection.

I am so thrilled to have found a new series that I am excited to read. As the first installment, I have no complaints at all except for the youngest sister (I thought she was a bit extreme in trying to keep Arabella and Marcus apart) But other than that, I couldn't find any fault with this. It instantly grabbed my attention, and I had no issue reading it in a few hours. It definitely quenched my romantic thirst. It wasn't a iffy book or a hard to get into. It starts out with Arabella and Marcus have a bit of a clash, and I loved the instant passion that flares between these two. Such sizzling scenes it could burn down the house or apartment or condo (or wherever you are reading). There is one battle after another, but its very amusing and gets your spirits up. I can't wait for the next in the series!!!

Favorite Quote
"We will await you in the hall should you need defending."
He saw Arabella stiffen at the quip, but then she laughed, a low melodious sound that once more fired his senses.
"I promise not to do him bodily harm."
A Pity, was Marcus's first thought; he might have appreciated seeing what she could do his body.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I do not see how I can state my position more clearly, Lord Danvers. I won't marry you for all the spices in India. Is that articulate enough for you to understand?"
He raised an amused eyebrow. "Do you know how many women would be elated to receive an offer of marriage from me?"
"Then apply to any of them. Doubtless they will be deliriously happy to accept. I would not."
"I don't want any other woman. I have chose you, Arabella, and I mean to have you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We will not be having a wedding night. And you cannot kiss me witless to convince me otherwise."
When his eyes narrowed speculatively on her moth, Arabella realized her mistake. "That was not a challenge," she hurriedly said.
"It was a challenge. My male pride is at stake."
"Marcus..." she exclaimed as he reached for her.
The smile he gave her was utterly beautiful and utterly maddening. "Let me demonstrate, darling."
Before she could scurry out of harm's way, he pulled her onto his lap and into his arms. Arabella opened her mouth in protest, but he took possession of it with searing deliberation. Clasping her nape in a firm hold, he gave her a lingering, blatantly sexual kiss that heated her blood and set her pulse racing.


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

This is the first time I have had a chance to read from this author, and I was impressed, especially since it was a bit shorter than what I usually like. I felt that it was a great read, and I really enjoyed the set of the story. It is set in a more medieval time period, back to the 1300's. It then sets the stage for a arranged marriage, which begins on a rocky start. Connor has no need for love or tenderness in his marriage, just his wife giving him a heir and then he plans on letting her go back to her family. Jocelyn wants more from her marriage, she wants to make her life here, but Connor has to let her into his life and his heart first. Even though their marriage doesn't begin with roses and daisies, it does turn out to be a emotional and riveting journey. There was so much vivid descriptions and emotions that are displayed, that had me crying a bit. Which hasn't happened in a while, I was surprised. The characters are deeply embedded in the story, and their connection to each other is very sensual at times, and this author captures a beautiful romantic tale of passion, intrigue and a sweet love story. I loved the way this story begins and ends, definitely was a easy read. LOVED EVERY MOMENT!

This is the first that I have read from this author. I have heard some amazing things about her books. I wasn't sure if I wanted to try out her contemporaries, but when I read the synopsis of Its Always Been You, I was intrigued. I knew I had to try this author out, and as a plus the cover is so pretty, and is what drew me to the book in the first place. I was thrilled to find that I truly enjoyed Dahl's style. It was fun to see how this certain conflict plays out.

Aidan still feels the loss of the one woman who held his heart, ten years ago. But they were unable to marry, and despite his determination, her family sent her on a ship, and she died on route. At first he didn't know how to deal with her deal, but found a way to cope. He has just existed for years, until one morning while taking a walk through the village in the countryside where he is concluding some business; he sees Katie once again and he feels like he is seeing a ghost. He is bewildered why she never contacted him if she has been alive all of this time. Kate thought that Aiden no longer cared for her, and was using her, and then her parents forced her to marry a stranger, and she has come back to England, to have a fresh start, and to live out her life in her homeland. However she never thought that she would encounter Aiden. She knows that she must not reveal to anyone her secrets or that she is in England. She fears what Aiden will do if he were to ever find out the truth. Aiden is relentless in his pursuit of her, and Katie finds herself aching to open herself up to him again and wonders if they could ever have a future together.

Aiden is a very stimulating character. He is overly stubborn, and on the surface seems almost perfect, but he does have flaws. I loved how these flaws made him seem so much more human and vividly real to me. Aiden is beyond sexiness and I found myself almost drooling whenever he asserted himself. I enjoyed how this characters, didn't shy away from his feelings. He didn't deny his love for Katie, but ended up pursuing her until he learned the truth about her. I loved seeing how sweet and devoted he was to her, but still had Alpha attributes to make you feel weak in the knees. Katie is a tormented heroine, she has some flaws, but you understand why she does the things she does. I felt that she was justified in what she did, and when you find out the truth, you understand her motivations. It was a ball of fun to see these two interact, fireworks exploding....sums it up!!

After reading Its Always Been you, I fell in love with Victoria Dahl. She is just amazing. I can't believe I haven't read her other books before, especially since she has written some other historical's. I found that her writing is the style that arouses your senses and plays with your emotions. A full fledged romance that gets your heart to pick up the tempo. A story line that is always one step ahead of the reader. A fun and sweet romance that will entice you for more!!

"I love you, my heart. I love you as I never have loved before."


I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this one, so I was crossing my fingers. It didn't take very lone before I was totally involved in the story. There were many things that I liked about Midnight Rider. I don't think I have enjoyed a book so much in quite a while. The setting of the story I found to be instantly appealing, and I felt as if I had traveled back to the 1800's in California. What I really loved about this story is seeing the way the author mixed rich culture, history, and a fictional love story that only added a extra spice to the story.

Ramon de la Guerra, is determined to get his land back, land that has belonged to his family for generations. He knows that despite Caralee's beauty and charm, her uncle stole his land, and he means to do whatever it takes to get it back. Alongside his brother, he goes on a ride disguised as the "El Dragon", an outlaw known as stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Ramon ends up stealing horses from Carly's uncle, and Carly seeing what is happening, raises the alarm. In the chaos Ramon's brother ends up being killed, and Carly taken hostage by a man who blames her for his brother's death. He then forcibly takes her to his mountain lair, hidden away and near impossible find. Even though Carly in the past, has felt a spark between herself and Ramon, she knows that Ramon is dangerous she can't seem to help feeling a passion for him. Ramon at first sees Carly as a rich spoiled brat, but after he kidnaps her, he sees that Carly is anything but. He can't help but falling hard for her, even knowing that her uncle would never allow them together, since he despises Spaniards. But will their love be strong enough to withstand danger around every corner.

Ramon is a super alpha male, and is full of sensuality and has a aura of danger that surrounds him. Ramon tends to act before he thinks, and at first you see him as almost brutal, but when his head clears, he becomes sensitive and caring and I couldn't help but love the way he is with Carly. Carly is not the spoiled brat he thinks her. When they first meet at a party, her uncle forbids her to be kind to Ramon. So she appears to be cool and aloof, but she craves passion and love and something real. Carly is hardworking having been raised working hard along side her parents, until they passed away. She has a very appealing personality, she is stubborn and passionate, but she also has a sweet side to her that makes it seem easy to relate with her.

This was such a thrilling adventure to read!! I had such a blast seeing these two characters interact, and the conflicts that arose that only challenged them and their relationship. I found that I could hardly put this one down last night. Once I really got into it, it was almost impossible to put down. My heart just went out to this couple. I felt like it was one of those styles, where pretty much everything is against the couple, and they somehow manage to get their HEA. It was great seeing how this author incorporated a variety of different cultures, and it was obvious that she did her research of the time. It definitely appealed to my love of history and past cultures, and the uniqueness to each grouping, the little aspects that made them unique. A perfect blend of sexual tension, suspenseful plot, a enticing love story that is bound to blow you away!! CHARMING UNTIL THE LAST PAGE!!

Silent Warrior is the first installment in the series, its a short story, only about 80 pages or so, and introduces us into this world that Lindsey Piper has created. Now I have heard good things about this series, and about "Silent Warrior." So I was really excited to read it. It begins with the couple, fighting and pretty roughly too. I will warn you it is a bit brutal at times, and then they get into bed together, and then the romance begins LOL. The first half I was thinking, is there going to be any focus on their relationship or is it just fighting and sex? It is a bit crude especially in the beginning. I think I had a love/hate relationship with this story. I started out not liking it at all, but felt it was 80 pages, so give it a shot. Then about halfway, I felt like it started to get good, and in the way I like it. The ending was a bit rushed, and it almost felt like there wasn't much of one, but with a novella you can't be too picky, but you know that it will be a short story and won't be as satisfying as the full fledged novel. I am curious about Caged Warrior and plan on reading it soon, but I do hope that it will have more focus on the love story than Silent Warrior was. An Intense and suspense packed filled story that will put your teeth on edge.

After reading Let Love Find You, I was pretty disappointed. Johanna Lindsey is one of the first authors I read from and loved when I first starting reading romance...especially historical romance. I have always enjoyed the majority of her books, especially her earlier ones and the Malory series. So I was a bit anxious when I got When Passion Rules from the library. Even though I just LOVED the cover I knew I might not love the story. It started out a bit slower than I expected, but once it picked up, it started to improve, and I was able to really get into this story, I did sigh in relief knowing that I would be able to enjoy her again.

Alana has grown up knowing that she would marry someday, but her education hasn't been of the normal kind that most young proper ladies receive. She has been tutored in all the art, but her father "Poppie" has trained her in the art of weapons, so she could defend herself if need be. Then it is revealed to her that she is a Princess from Lubinia, and she must return to her home country and reveal her true identity to the King. At first she doesn't believe what she is being told, but she knows that Poppie would never lie to her. So she heads to Lubinia, which is known to be a barbarian land. When she attempts to talk to the King, his head palace guard, detains her, puts her in a cell, and interrogates her. At first Alana is beyond frustrated, knowing her true identity, and has to somehow convince Christoph that she is telling the truth. Cristoph, as the captain of the palace guards is proud of his duty and is close to the King. When he discovers Alana, he knows that she is one of many imposter's and must ferret out her true intentions. He doesn't believe for one minute that she is the princess, but a sizzling passion erupts between them, and he can't deny his true feelings for her.

Christoph, appears to be the perfect barbarian type. Domineering, stubborn, pig headed and arrogant. But deep down, he is far from that...he does display some Alpha traits, but I found myself definitely liking him quite a bit. He was such a delicious hero, and won me over from beginning to end. Alana I enjoyed, but I didn't fall in love with her. I did like some of her attributes though, and how much she stands up to Christoph, but I thought she was a bit naive at times. But other than that, I enjoyed her strong willed personality. Their relationship is a tempest of emotions, most of the time they are fighting, which could be quite hilarious at times. The sparks are heated and as explosive as dynamite.

Overall I really liked this book, and I was surprised by how much I was able to get into it. It has been a while since I have loved Lindsey's stories. Even though it wouldn't top my favorite books of hers, it definitely has gone up the list of books I have really enjoyed. I found that the ever ending mystery, and the twists and turns that developed through the plot was quite stimulating and it was a fine jolly good story. I really enjoyed how it ends, and let me tell you when you think you know what is going to happen, it will turn you Topsy turvy....so be warned...you are in for a boat load of surprises, exciting plot, and a sensual love story.

I was given a copy of this book by Avon through Edelweiss, and having enjoyed the previous books in the series, I was really excited. However I had a hard time getting into it. I don't know if it was just me or what, but it took me a couple of days to read it, I eventually was able to enjoy it and get into it but it was the latter half of the book. I really wanted to at least finish it so I continued on, and I felt that it was just dragging for me. I felt it had a strong plot though, it just didn't draw me in, like I am used to. What I enjoyed most about this story, is the sparks between Tommy and Jonathan, but it does take them a while before the circumstances between them get heated. You have to wait a bit for the first kiss, and I felt that the beginning of the story could have been a bit more less confusing. I don't know why, but I had a hard time connecting the dots with this one. I did enjoy the story overall, but there were a few inconsistencies that I had issues with. I really liked the characters, they seemed to be well developed. I am rating this as a 3, because I had to almost force myself to read it for the first half of the book, but I would recommend this one, if you have enjoyed her other books. It has a unique setting and I enjoyed seeing the minor conflicts that rise through the story, that only strengthen this couple's bond.

I found a digital copy of this book through Open Library (which I would recommend to everyone that likes free books to read :) and especially if you happen to like the Zebra Historical Romances, there is quite a bit of a selection. This is also the first time I have read from this author, and I was very impressed. I was looking forward to this type of scenario. A strong willed woman, willing to do whatever it takes to survive. I loved how the plot takes a few twists and turns that only ends up keeping the reader transfixed on the story and was quite a exciting story. It had twists and turns that ended up totally satisfying my interest completely.

Travis is a newspaper man and when following a story, he ends up being falsely accused of taking part of a bank robbery. So he flees as fast as he can, knowing he must escape and get his name cleared. While on the run, he finds refuge in a cave, but then finds himself a prisoner of a woman named Bliss holding a gun at him. He doesn't know whether to take her seriously or not, but hopes he will be able to find a way to escape if he can't convince her of his innocence. Bliss, when reading the notice of a $200 reward for capture of a known killer, Travis La Mont. Having experience in trapping and being a bounty hunter for animals, she knows she stands a solid chance at capturing him. When she does manage to capture him, she finds herself for the first time feeling a sensual desire for Travis, one she has never felt before. She stays away from men, but Travis makes her feel desired and feminine. Even though he claims to be innocent, she doubts him, but she starts to doubt herself, and wonders if Travis really is innocent, and suspects that there may be something foul afoot, but she will have to discover it herself.

Travis may be known as a City Slicker, but he grew up on a farm, and I found him to be a delightful addition to the story. Travis is more of a "beta" character, his strengths lay more in his mind, but he can be very protective at times, and more than a little stubborn. Bliss was a fun character, and I really enjoyed her as the heroine. Very passionate and strong willed, and fully independent, and isn't afraid of anything. She fights for what she loves, and I felt like Bliss and Travis were a solid match for each other.

It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book so much. When I picked Outlaw Seduction up I could hardly put it down. I do love stories that capture you from page one. This story definitely had me tied up in knots, and kept me entertained until the very end. I enjoyed seeing the main characters interact and see how they connected, and the setting was one of my favorites. I do have a weakness for westerns especially when there is a spicy romance story involved. There is quite a mystery that is involved in the story, and keeps you guessing 'what is going to happen next?' It had a certain dramatic flair, but not overly done, I felt it was smoothly balanced with the plot. A FANTASTIC READ!!! I am excited to read more from this author.