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Originally Posted At Addicted To Romance
Summary
Lady Lucy Upton, is considered to bold and outspoken and is considered a “wallflower”, Lucy has always been daring enough to speak her mind. When one of her two closest friends, Cassandra, is being pursued by the Duke of Claringdon, when she is interested in another man, but the Duke is being persistent, so Cassandra’s asks for Lucy’s help in deterring his advances. So Lucy comes up with various ways to discourage Derek Hunt. Derek’s best friend Julian, made him promise on his deathbed, to take care of Cassandra and marry her, knowing that his friend doesn’t have much longer to live, he tries to make good on his promise, but Cassandra doesn’t stir his blood like her friend Lucy does. Their quick-witted bantering, makes him want to second guess his decision to marry Cassandra, but he is split in two…one over honor or love…will Lucy and Derek find a way to be together despite the odds against them…

The Hero
Derek Hunt grew up in a military family, he and all of his brothers have served in the military. Derek became the Duke of Claringdon, through intelligence and creativity on the battlefield, and never imagined that he would be part of London’s most elite society. Derek knows that being the Duke holds great responsibility, but with his men missing on a mission, including his younger brother, Derek has been commanded to stay in London. Derek is a character that is smart and cunning, and is determined to win Cassandra. What was most likeable about Derek was his sense of humor and the way he could laugh at himself.

The Heroine
Lucy Upton, had to train herself to act like a man. she is bold and free-spoken, she doesn’t care what others think of her. She hasn’t exactly been the toast of the Ton since she met with the queen which was a total disaster. Lucy, lost her only sibling when she was a child, and ever since has never been able to make her parents proud of her. Lucy was a character, that I truly loved seeing in this story. She is Derek’s match in every way…boy she is opinionated, strong-willed and stubborn…a delighful combination. She is loyal to her friends and would do anything for their happiness…you don’t see that kind of loyalty every day.

Plot and Story Line
What was most enjoyable about The Unexpected Duchess was the way that Derek and Lucy developed a relationship. We see how these two go at it and quite wildly too. Boy do they have a way with words…its almost like they each have the encyclopedia memorized and being able to recall in instantly. The Unexpected Duchess is a story that is engaging, witty and completely pulls you in. I had no problem loving this one, and as this is my first Valerie Bowman book…I can tell you it won’t be my last. I am fully excited to try out Cassandra’s story next. What this story did for me was make a regency romance come alive for me in the same way that Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries can do for me. From the first page or two I was hooked especially on the bantering between Lucy and Derek. But there was something more to this story than just a romance that intrigued me and kept me involved…it was the friendship. It is very difficult to make and keep friends like these three have managed to done. Each of them are a bit different, you have the outspoken one, the gentle and sweet and the bookworm. Allt three of them I felt a kinship to, and boy could I have a ton of fun with these outstanding ladies. They love and support each other in their endeavors, no matter what it is…that is true friendship. We also have a sub plot occurring in the story, of three men that are under Derek’s command, and we see how that develops and we still don’t get the full mystery revealed in this story, so I hope we get some more clues on that in the next book. So if your new to historical romance, or to this author….try her out…I guarantee you will have one adventure of wits and battles with words.

The Cover
Oh how I adore this cover…its simply gorgeous. The male is simple one nice piece of maleness…those toned shoulders and arms….yummy. And her dress…love the color, and the beautiful bow….love the way it flows down the back of her dress. What do you think of this cover?

Overall View
In The Unexpected Duchess we see a story that is a delightful mix of sexual tension, witty dialogue, heartwarming characters, and a romance to send you into a swoon….positively DELIGHTFUL!!

Summary
Bronte, was thrilled when she won a trip to a Bahama resort, but her luck turns when a hurricane comes in, and during the chaos she is stuck in a elevator with a man she believes to be the manager of the resort. After some time, they realize that no one is coming for them, and they must rescue themselves. They manage to get out of the elevator, and find the resort abandoned, both Bronte and Logan forgotten. They spend days together, and a connection forms, passion erupts and they spend those precious days together learning each other, but then Bronte learns when they are rescued who Logan really is, a Billionaire that became the resorts newest owner. And before Bronte realizes it she is thrown into a world that is so unknown to her, a world that she isn’t sure she can fit into to, but will the love Bronte and Logan have be enough to last?

The Hero
Logan, is a billionaire, and is part of a brotherhood that became close friends in college and they made a pact with each other. A pact that must remain secret at all costs. Logan, doesn’t know love or affection. All he knows is the greed of women, and how they just see him for his credit card and not as a real person. He has little faith in women until he meets Bronte who charms him with her knowledge of Plato and is so honest and genuine that he can’t resist her. What was truly fun about Logan as the hero, is that he is a man that wants something real in a relationship. You see how he needs it and isn’t afraid to admit it or when he is wrong. He is much deeper than a rich businessman, we see how much he needs love and a woman that will stand up to him.

The Heroine
Bronte, is a heroine that you just admire, and she sparks some interest in ancient history. Bronte has a degree in ancient history, but still works as a waitress because despite the horrid pay, she loves working with people. She is carefree and down to earth, and loves the simple things in life. What was most fun about Bronte as a character was seeing how she handles conflict and challenge. She is quite brave and she maintains her own identity when brought into Logan’s world of prestige and wealth.

Plot and Story Line
I have been hearing some great things about this series, so I decided to read the first book up, and boy did I love this story. It just kept me so interested and involved, and the authors writing is superb…I love the way she makes the reader fall in love with the story. I am not always a big fan of billionaire romances, they have to be done right, and despite my reservations, I fell for this story hard. I loved everything about it. From the island fling that Logan and Bronte have, to making love in a freezer, how Bronte wins over his friends, and the way she gets Logan to become humble…and even the signs of another love story that is in the next book. What was most fun about this story was seeing how Logan and Bronte flounded their way through a relationship, both side makes mistakes but I found that most endearing…seeing them make mistakes but still find a way to work as a team and make a future together. There was many aspects of their relationship that was easy to relate with in a very realistic way. From beginning to end, I found myself falling in love with this story…with its charm and poignant love story…its guaranteed to warm your heart.

The Cover
I honestly don’t know what I think about this one. In all honest I like it, I don’t mind a little bling-bling, but what my issue is how it relates with the story. I do prefer something that connects better with the story and characters. So as of right now I am undecided if I love it or not.

Overall View
Stranded With A Billionaire is a charming love story that shows how love tests us all in ways we don’t quite imagine. This is a love story that promotes passion and raw emotion, and learning to trust again. Heartwarming from beginning to end!!

Aiden O Conner, became a famous actor, and is very talented, but was betrayed by everyone he knew, he has no friends and his brother is the worst. When his brother makes a deal with a god, to take him out, his life is in grave danger and there is only one person that can save him. Leta. Leta, knows the danger of her one enemy, and this enemy is after Aiden. A human man who has only known betrayal and injustice and pain. He doesn’t trust anyone, and lives like a “Scrooge” up in the mountains, away from civilization. Leta and Aiden become close despite how Aiden tries to keep pushing her away. This was such a fun short story, that added something different. What was most heartbreaking was Aiden and how he has been treated by everyone he knows, and his brother is just horrid. But Leta is such a wonderful heroine, kind and patient, she handles Aiden perfectly, and I love the way these two come together in the end and fight a god. Great courage and passion is written on each page, and this was a sexy and unique romantic interlude that is perfect for any time of year. It also reminds us the importance of loyalty to those we care about, and that jealousy can destroy us at times….it was an important reminder to me even, to keep close watch on my emotions and not let pride get in the way of the relationships I form. I adore how this author writes her stories, and I have found each story I read from her unique and teaches about human nature and makes us really think about what is really important in life.

Summary
Brenna, a witch has been suffering from a poison she consumed and has slowly been killing her. Without the cure or a mate, she will die and she only has weeks left. Brenna knows that she is weakening and only one man can save her, Jase Kayrs. Jase was held captive and tortured by the demons for five long years, and he still is recovering. He was once easy-going and jovial, but not is volatile and dangerous. Jase gives Brenna an offer, mate with him and have the chance to live, or she will die. Brenna knows that she doesn’t have a choice but to mate with Jase, a dangerous vampire, but a man she knows that is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy the demons. Soon Brenna and Jase will have to start working together to defeat what is to come…

The Hero
Jase Karys has changed since he was captured and tortured. He is quite powerful, intense, and full of rage and has vows to get revenge on the demon nation, no matter the cost. Jase is the youngest of the Kayrs Family, a “royal” family of the vampire nation. His brother is King, but Jase who was one the most easy-going and carefree of the brothers is not the same man anymore. Jase has his own demons to destroy and he must gain certain gifts through mating Brenna to get what he needs most. Jase is a hero that is one of the strongest of his family because of what he endured. Jase is full of rage and needs to get his revenge, but what was most admirable about Jase was how he didn’t let the demons break him. He may be damaged but is still a fighter and stronger than ever…and what an alpha male he is.

The Heroine
Brenna, is a powerful witch, or was until she was poisoned and she lost her abilities. She has known for quite some time, that she will be dying soon, and she knows that even if she mates with Jase, it may be too late for her. Brenna sees life in a very realistic way, she sees the facts and how life really is, not how she would want it to be. Brenna despite her loss of powers, is still a fighter, and boy can this woman kick ass (I would dearly love to fight like her), she is just as strong in fighting for those she cares about. I loved her dedication to Jase and aiding him. Brenna is a heroine that will charm and win you over. Practical to the core, talented in the martial arts, and emotionally sound.

Plot and Story Line
Shadowed is a story I knew was going to be dang good and boy was I right about this book!! Whew, did I love just about everything about it. Another fabulous addition to the series that Zanetti has created for us here. Shadowed follows the previous book a little bit after, some time has gone by. Jase, has been rescued and been healing since he got back. But he is full of anger and uncontrolled rage. We see how his time with the demons has affected him. In some ways the easy-going brother is gone, and a more powerful vampire has taken his place. A vampire that does what needs to be done, no matter what. Even if that means mating with a woman he doesn’t love. It seems like just about everyone is against their mating, including some of her coven members. Even though it seems like a practical arrangement, it doesn’t turn out that way. And it seems that these two are destined for more. Love the way this author weaved this story and told a tale of redemption and the healing power of love. What made the most impact on me was the change in their relationship despite the chaos surrounding them. It’s a ongoing and steady change, and you slowly see it changing from something practical to a very emotional and powerful bond these two start to build with each other.

The Cover
I actually really enjoy this cover, I love this male model…isn’t he delicious?? I love the mix of colors we have here as well. A bit different from the earlier covers.

Overall View
Shadowed is a stimulating and thrilling ride of passion, edgy suspense, and paranormal adventure…bound to know your socks off!! STUNNING!!

Summary
Janie has known Zane since she was four years old and she entered the dream world. She has always held a soft spot for Zane, but the time for reality is now. Janie, is the key to saving the future, and every race seems to have plans for her future. But she is determined to show Zane that she can be his partner and not to be held back on the sidelines. When she learns about who he really is, that he is half demon and half vampire, she is shocked. And not only that, but he is related to the leader of the demons. Zane has been trained as a soldier, and has suffered under his uncles hand, but Zane will do everything in his power to keep those he loves safe, including Janie and his family whose locations are being kept from him if he takes action against his uncle. However time is running short for him, and when he devises a plan, it puts Janie in the middle of danger, and he might have to choose where his loyalties lie, and is he strong enough to face his uncle and become leader over the demons he despises and take hold of his future…

The Hero
Zane is a character that we don’t know hardly anything about until we read Marked. His true identity is kept from us in the whole series, and in the previous books the anticipation was just about to kill me. But we learn who he really is pretty quick in the first few pages. Zane is half vampire and half demon, and his mother is imprisoned, and his brothers are out fighting on locations he doesn’t know about. Zane is the next successor to his uncle, who is the most powerful demon and taking him out could prove disastrous. Zane is going to be tested personally in this book, and we see his true character come forth. There are many facets to his character, and we see him struggling with loyalty, his devotion to Janie, his love for his family, and battling his dominant side to protect those he loves. What was so astounding about his character, was seeing the inner battle that wages inside him. We see his strength and determination and what will he has. It was quite a thrill to see different sides to his character.

The Heroine
Janie is a heroine that is sweet and loving and can fight hand to hand if she needs to. She is human, so she doesn’t have certain abilities to help in a fight, but she does have visions and is one of the few people who can enter the dream world. Janie acts like an obedient daughter but in reality she is free-spirited and a fighter. She can be quite mischievous and has this spontaneity, very impulsive at times. Always getting herself into danger without thinking about consequences. But she has a heart of gold, and she will fight for those she loves most. Her character is quite charming, and you can’t help but love her, especially since the whole of the series we have seen her grow up and I loved seeing her as an adult, trying to deal with all the crazy conflicts that are trying to control her.

Plot and Story Line
Marked is the last and final installment in the series, and what a ride, and what a conclusion. Technically there is a novella after this one. But Marked is the final full length novel in the series. I have been looking forward to Janie’s and Zane’s story since we first see them. And of course we have quite a few surprises and conflicts added into the mix that just makes the story even more interesting. This isn’t your average love story, its packed with crazy villains but a couple that surprise you, we see more of the previous characters in the series, and what a romance that is put front and center. There is quite a bit of conflict going against Zane and Janie, and it almost seems impossible for them to reach their HEA. There is quite a bit they have to accomplish and win before they have a hope of a future. We see some questions answered and the series got wrapped up pretty nicely. I loved the conclusion, and seeing Janie finally get her HEA, and what was most interesting about this one was seeing everything fall into place. I enjoyed seeing Zane and Janie fight for one another, in different ways, but they are equally matched and both determined to win the upcoming battles.

The Cover
This is a bit different from the others, I am not sure if I like the color theme, I love pink, but this color just looks a bit out-of-place for me. But I do love the couple pose.

Overall View
Marked is a story that is a must read, for any paranormal romance lover. It’s a story of sacrifice, love and honor. We see a culmination of aspects come together in Marked, and you will be amazed by this authors storytelling capabilities, and being able to write a world that is complex and captivating!!

Enjoy it, a decent MC romance, but what a cliffhanger, thankfully the second book comes out in a couple months. But seriously if I had known I would have waited until the second book came out before reading it. What I enjoyed most was how this author made me fall in love with characters I wasn't sure I liked at first, but I was slowly won over. Can't wait to see what happens next. It is tough and gritty but a powerful love story. I would highly recommend to MC romance lovers.

Once Upon A Billionaire is a bit unique from the other books, but has its own charm and style that captivates you. Now I had my own issues with this story, but quite frankly it was such an adorable modern fairy tale romance. I had a hard time not laughing through this story, it had its moments of witty come backs, endearing characters both main and side, and we see how being raised in a royal family may affect your personality and how you view others. This was a story that was very eye-opening, and we see a side to the “rich and titled” that you don’t normally see in books such as these. We see the negative side to living in a palace and all the proprieties that come with it. Along those lines we also see some positives as well, how inner strength can aide in this type of environment. At first, I had a challenge in liking the hero, he was quite mean and rude and needed a huge dose of fun. But we see that he gets that big dose and her name is Maylee. Now Maylee was so adorable, and I love how open and accepting she is. She also isn’t ashamed of her own personality or fashion style, she is true to who she really is. She has this affectionate nature that rubs off on Griff in ways you don’t see coming. What I also had fun was the secondary characters. We see how they play a integral part in the story, both the villains and the characters that win your heart, most especially the cousin that is getting married and her fiancée. There is a slow process of these two falling for each other, it isn’t quick or easy, and we have some hurdles they need to overcome, the biggest issue these two have is loving each other for who they really are, and that does come in slow increments. Also another aspect of the story I enjoyed was how Griffin won my heart in the end. He makes quite a few mistakes, but quite frankly, he owns up to them, he realizes when he hurts Maylee, and makes true efforts to become better and treat her with kindness more often. He may be a jerk but he doesn’t mean to be. He has this sincerity about him, and he is very clueless how to handle Maylee and struggles with her, but I felt like in the end, he is a hero that wins the reader over if you stick with him through the end.

Want to know more about Once Upon A Billionaire, see my full review
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