This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Nikolai is searching for a certain assassin, a vampire that is a "gen one". On his hunt he comes across a woman of mystery but one that draws him into a trap, a trap where he finds himself a prisoner because of her unique power. But Nikolai is drawn into a different world that is Renata's reality. He learns that Sergei is not what he appears to be. What he learns he decides that its time to return back to his brethren of warriors and find a way to get the bigger enemy of theirs. But Renata is put in a bad place. Renata has a unique gift and she was taken off the streets and kept prisoner and only keeps her loyalty due to her love for a young girl Mira,  who is innocent and has special gifts and considers her like family. But when Mira is sold, and she learns that Niko has been taken to a vampire facility. Renata must rescue Niko and in the process Niko and Renata will undergo a journey where they will discover the truth behind the bigger picture and discover a passionate love.

Plot and Story Line 

Veil of Midnight is such a truly wonderful addition to the midnight breed series. This story was a bit different than the previous books. What was fun was the heroine...she is totally kick ass. She is not afraid of using her gift of causing intense pain in the head to her advantage. She is sassy and spirited and a fighter. She is strong and has to learn to fight on her own and not depend on anyone. She grew up on the streets, but we see what she is willing to do to protect those that she loves.

There are many misunderstandings that happen between Niko and Renata and they have a difficult time learning to trust in each other. But they have a spark, and there are passion and a certain resilience these two to keep fighting for what they have no matter what difficulties they come across. We see secrets happen, but we also find a love that is tough and full of spine.

When I look into your eyes, one word leaps to my mind every time: Forever.

I really grew to admire these two. Even though they both make mistakes with each other, and in certain decisions that they choose to make. But they also have something so real in ways that any reader could easily relate with. What is most fun about Lara Adrian is how she can make each story come alive and I was flipping through this book as fast as I could. I just couldn't get enough of this couple or the Midnight Breeds. What a thrilling addition that had me hooked!!

The Cover 

This cover is very interesting, quite different from the others, but one aspect I really like is how much it relates with the story.

Overall View 

Veil of Midnight is an exhilarating ride of desire, adventure, dangerous scenarios and characters that will spell bind you. A STIMULATING ADVENTURE!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

I found this through a online digital service "hoopla" that goes through my local library. I was thrilled, because I have been searching for something different in a historical romance, and Lauren Willig is simply wonderful. Although this story was a bit different than any historical I have ever read/listened to. It has two story lines that are involved here. First we have Eloise who is a student in modern times, working on research for Pink Carnation and spending time with your British boyfriend Colin. Then we are taken back to Sally Fitshugh and The Duke of Belliston. London has been circling with rumors of Belliston being a vampire with a recent published work "Convent of Orshino" which is a gothic novel. Lucien left London when he was fifteen years old when his parents were killed, and he never believed that his mother killed his father. He knew that they were poisoned but no one believed him. So he left for New Orleans, but now he has returned to find the truth and find a place back with his family. But there is someone out to frame him and Sally joins forces with him to find out who is after him and why.

This was a wonderful story and I was captivated by the mystery and intrigue. Even though this is a installment toward the end of series, I didn't feel too lost or out of place. It only made me even more fascinated by the set of the series and Sally's family, whom I have a feeling are fully involved in other books of the series. What was most fun about this book was how it had depth and a sense of growth, unpredictable and unique characters. I became really impressed with this author, because lately I have been looking for more historical's that have more emotion and complex plots. This fit the ticket for exactly what I have been looking for. It is rich and lively and highly entertaining. I can't wait to delve deeper into this series that is packed with mystery, spies, and romance.





 

I have been meaning to read this series for the longest time. Years ago, when I first got hooked on romance, I read Slightly Dangerous but for some reason I never continued the series. But I am thrilled to get back to it. What we have happening in Slightly Married is Aiden is a military man. When his close friend is killed on the battlefield he made him a dying promise that he would protect his sister: no matter what. So when he goes to her to deliver the news of her brother, he finds out that her cousin will take everything she has and she and everyone she holds dear will be out on the streets with nothing unless she marries in a few days. So he offers her a deal she can’t refuse. Aiden wants to pursue his career and let Eve have her home and her adopted family. But his family has other plans for them. And before he realizes it, Eve is with Aiden in London during the season. And true feelings start to develop and Aiden will need to make a choice: his military career or the woman he is falling in love with.

This was such a sweet and charming love story and I fell instantly in love with the story, the characters and everything else in between!! Mary Balogh has created a wonderful love story that held me captive. I just couldn’t get enough of Eve and Aiden and the Bedwyn family (who are a hoot) and just after reading this one book, makes me realize what I have been missing out on. Slightly Married is the first of a series that shows us our important family is–whether its the one we are born with or the one that we create. Slightly Married is compelling, riveting and a page turner that leaves you wanting more from this author.

Very interesting read!! Its been years since I have read Lavinia Kent, but this surprised me in how well I liked the tone of it. Even though the first bedroom scene together is very long, it still has a more "romance novel" feel to it then a erotic feel which is what I was expecting. Both character were utterly likable and sweet at times.

I was highly impressed with Tough Enough, and as my first M.Leighton book...it surely won't be my last. What I really liked about this one was the way the plot develops and how both of the main characters were so likable. I always love it when a character struggles with some emotional and/or physical trauma (which our heroine does). I just couldn't get enough of these two, and seeing the way their relationship really gets tested in the end. Makes for a fully satisfying romance and I can't wait to read more from this author.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Brianagh O'Rourke is a successful matchmaker and runs a business matching couples in the most professional way. She wants passion and romance,  but might just have to settle for less that what she has dreamed of to find. She has a dream mate, a man that is strong and passionate and cherishes her. She only wishes that her most recent fiancee could produce more feeling than platonic. When traveling with her cousin, Ry, she is shocked to learn that her true parents are still alive, she is a legacy, and in order to save their family line, she must go back in time for good. At first she thinks her cousin must be a little crazy, but when he brings her clothing to wear from the 1400's, and she is caught up in a whirlwind, and is kidnapped by men with swords....she knows that this is the real thing and she has never been more scared than now. She has always known safety and love from her family, but now she is brought into a world so unknown to her. The man she will need to marry is the man from her dreams, and her fate has been sealed....but Brianagh is determined to fight fate and return back to her home and family.

The Hero 

Laird Nioclas MacWilliam is the laird of his clan, and all he wants to have is peace and security for those he protects and cares for. Every man, woman and child matter to him. Even if that means marrying a woman he doesn't know or love, so that his clan is safe. Nioclas is shocked to learn that the woman with whom he has been betrothed to for years, has returned and has been kidnapped by his enemy, he joins with the O'Rourke's clan to go rescue her. He marries her but makes a pact with her since she is so determined to return to her home...wherever that may be. But Nioclas cares for Brianagh and wants to keep her for life, is she would have him. Nioclas is one of those swoon-worthy heroes you just want more of. He is passionate, driven, protective and a bit possessive. He is a leader and has a commanding presence, but is also kind and understanding. He deals fairly with those he interacts with. He has a playful and mischievous side at times.

The Heroine 

Brianagh, is close to her family. She believes her parents were killed when she was young, and was raised by her aunt and uncle and their children, and was loved as one of them. Brianagh runs her own business and she has a sense of which people would be best matched. She is a believer in true love and passion...she has seen it happen for many couples that she has matched, but she has yet to find that desire and love for a man other than her mysterious dream lover. Brianagh is a heroine you can easily relate with. She is kind, she has a talent when working with people, and she is driven to succeed. Her family is the most important thing in her life, and will do anything to be with them. What I grew to admire about her was her inner strength and fortitude.

Plot and Story Line 

The Winter Laird is the first of a new series and is the first debut novel of this author, and what an adventurous ride this book turned out to be. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from it, but I am impressed with this author's ability to get this reader so drawn into a story and I couldn't put it down, I was having way too much with this one. I don't get a chance to read time travel romance too often, but Nancy Scanlon has created a beautifully woven story that will melt your heart and make you want more of this world she has created for us.

The romance is so emotionally driven, that is the primary focus of their relationship. The sexual tension is slowly built up, but it is very light in heat but I was A-okay with that one. Mostly because it had a different tone to it, and it was quite refreshing to just read a love story without a ton of sex in it. The writing is well mastered and will have you wrapped around its finger instantly. I loved the history, the story is based in the 1400's and I love this time period. Its a great setting for a historical romance, and it was quite moving to see the way this clan is with each other. I loved the commadarie between the characters most especially between Nioclas, Aiden ( his brother) and Donovan.

I really loved seeing Nioclas and Brianagh work through their issues, and come to common ground. In the beginning of their relationship, they have an agreement between them. But there is tension between them, they don't always agree and sometimes Nioclas can be a bit overbearing at times but Brianagh (being a modern woman) won't stand for it....which tends to amuse our hero rather than infuriate him. And the kisses....I will say this, for the lack of heat in the book, this author knows how to write a good kissing scene. I mean literally, I just wanted more kisses against the wall.

There is quite a bit of adventure and mysterious and a hint of danger that is put into the story that makes you just want more with each page you read. I couldn't get enough of the clan, of Nioclas and Brianagh, and the friendship between the three men. I enjoyed the way that Brianagh makes her place in the clan, by taking a professional look at what needs to be done. Because quite frankly, she is bored and needs something more to do than taking walks and stitching. She wants to be productful and she begins matchmaking---which was very entertaining. The story does leave us with a teaser, of the brother Aiden. I do hope in the next book we get to see him with his brother again. But who knows??!! If its anything like this book....we will be in for a wild and lively adventure!

The Cover 

I really like this cover, mostly because of the background....I love the snow on the mountains and the lake. Makes me want to just enter the cover, so pretty. Love the blue themed colors, really adds the whole "winter" setting in a perfect way. And look at that lovely male specimen....I love his stance so confident and self-assured. I wouldn't want to go against him in battle that is for sure.

Overall View 

The Winter Laird is a vibrant and stimulating romance that will make you sigh, it's a sweet romance that is packed with adventure, magic and a poignant love!! GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU FALL HEAD OVER HEELS.



“The women are spying on us from under the benches,” Aidan said as he bounced on the balls of his feet, waiting for Nioclas to finish his drink. Admiring his sword, he added, “Been there for about ten minutes or so. I give them another twenty before they get cold and head back into the castle.”

Nioclas sighed. “I’m unsurprised. Does Erin still think no one knows about her forays into the lists?”

Aidan shrugged and quickly crossed swords with his brother. “Of course. I’m certainly not going to tell her. She’ll skewer me on the end of her sewing needle whilst I sleep.”

“Are you that afraid of a wee lass?” Nioclas mocked, jumping back and just avoiding the tip of Aidan’s blade. “I don’t think Donovan has much trouble with her.”

“Oh, I’m sure Donovan has complete control over his wife,” Aidan replied, and they both grinned as they hacked away at each other. “I don’t think he’s ever been privy to the full extent of Erin’s talents, though.”

Nioclas ducked and rolled out of Aidan’s path, springing back up and crossing blades once more. “I—oof—doubt he would’ve agreed to marry her, had he known.”

“Marriage. I don’t envy you, brother. Shackled for life. I hope she is worth it.” Aidan ducked, narrowly avoiding the at of Nioclas’s blade, then spun to avoid it again. “Saints, Nick, I was only—oof— is there something you care to talk about?” he asked sardonically as Nioclas’s attack intensified.

“No,” Nioclas replied curtly, swinging his arm relentlessly.

“Hmm. I believe there’s a tale there.” Aidan plunged his sword toward his brother, who leapt backward.

“None I care to tell you,” Nioclas replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Well, you’re putting on quite a show for her.” They circled each other. “Mayhap this will be a love match yet—” Aidan’s sword went flying. He watched, open-mouthed, as it soared through the air. Someone called out, and men scattered as the blade went hilt-over-tip, landing about twenty feet from where they stood.

He looked at his brother in alarm. Nioclas had never bested him by forcing his sword from his hand. That was something they’d agreed long ago was unnecessary between them. War was never far, and neither wanted the other without his sword if it broke.

“Love is for fools,” Nioclas growled before stalking off.

It was a rare thing for Nioclas to lose his temper, especially in the lists. Bemused, Aidan watched him go, then threw a wink over to the source of his brother’s obvious discomfort.

Smirking at the feminine gasps, Aidan collected his sword and sauntered off.

 

 



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Rating 3.5 Blossoms

I had high hopes for this one, and there were some things that were brilliant about this story. The history, the detail and the friendships that are developed. But quite frankly, I was disappointed in the romance and the ending was not what I expected. I would not term this as a romance, more around historical fiction with some romantic elements. I also didn't understand the heroine that well. She seemed way more mature than she should have been at being so young for what she is challenged by. At the beginning, she is carefree and energetic like any teenager. Then she gets kidnapped and sold and all of a sudden she acts years beyond her age. This didn't really make sense for me. BUt what I was impressed by was the detail that this author writes with. This is her first novel, and I know from her site, that she spent over five years in researching it. WOW!! That is impressive and I feel like she did a good job in the historical details of the story. But if you are looking for a HEA or even a HFN, you won't find it in The Kadin. Which was highly disappointing, since that is why I read romance. But will this deter me from reading this author more? HELL NO!! She is wonderful in the books I have read from her so far. And I know many of her author books, are actual romances. So I would recommend this one to historical fiction lovers with a spice of romance.