You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Right Kind Of Rogue is the most recent addition in the Playful Bride series by Valerie Bowman. I confess I have only read the first book of the series, but boy I really need to read the other books in the series since I just had a jolly good time with this one even if it was a bit dramatic at times. But this wonderful author has brought has a stunning Romeo and Juliet romance without the suicides and a happy ending.
The Right Kind Of Rogue is a story that begins with our heroine Meg Timmons. Meg has been in love with Viscount Hart Highgate ever since she was a teenager. But it would be near impossible for them to ever be together because their parents hate each other and hve a terrible feud. But when she learns that Hart has declared himself ready for marriage and is on the lookout for a wife, time is running out. So she goes to get help from an infamous matchmaker, Lucy. But as she takes on Lucy's advice, and acts more bolder than she has ever been, she and Hart discover a passion but will it be ruined by lack of trust and scandal?
What a story and boy I had a really fun time with this one. And I just breezed right through it, I was pretty surprised that it only took a couple hours to read this story but then from what I have read from Bowman...that is typical. I always become sucked into the story. I really liked the set up of the story, seeing this more reserved wallflower, go after the man she loves. What I was impressed with was the heroine. Especially in how she treats the hero. She wants to win his heart in a very honest and true ways. But her new found friend Lucy is unconventional and tricky, which as a matchmaker makes sense. Now I did like Lucy (she is the heroine in book one) so it was nice seeing her character again, but I grew to admire Meg in how she stands up to Lucy in how she wants to win over Hart so that there is no deceit. She wants Hart to want her and marry her for the right reasons and not because of trickery.
There is also a family feud here to deal with as well. Now Meg is best friends with Hart's younger sister. So Harts parents have always accepted Meg but they are very against a match between Hart and Meg. There is a terrible secret that Hart and Meg's parents are hiding, a scandal erupts and we see how Meg and Hart have to overcome matters of mistrust and trickery not of their own making. Even though I wasn't a fan in the dramatics toward the end, I did love the way this romance builds between Hart and Meg. They definitely have some great chemistry of course, but there is way more to their relationship. I love see two people who have known each other since they were children and try to find a way to reach their HEA despite the other factors surrounding them that make it near impossible for them to be together.
I have always been a fan of Romeo and Juliet retellings and I felt that Valerie Bowman handled it really well. Especially when we see these two find their HEA, and we solve the mystery revolving around the two families and I liked the drama and fun times that Lucy and the other ladies bring to the story and her "interference" is pretty entertaining.
Overall I found The Right Kind Of Rogue to be a sexy, lively, full of laughs and a romance to leave you with a smile, a highly engaging romance that entertains and delights!
[foogallery id="46073"]
The Right Kind Of Rogue is the most recent addition in the Playful Bride series by Valerie Bowman. I confess I have only read the first book of the series, but boy I really need to read the other books in the series since I just had a jolly good time with this one even if it was a bit dramatic at times. But this wonderful author has brought has a stunning Romeo and Juliet romance without the suicides and a happy ending.
The Right Kind Of Rogue is a story that begins with our heroine Meg Timmons. Meg has been in love with Viscount Hart Highgate ever since she was a teenager. But it would be near impossible for them to ever be together because their parents hate each other and hve a terrible feud. But when she learns that Hart has declared himself ready for marriage and is on the lookout for a wife, time is running out. So she goes to get help from an infamous matchmaker, Lucy. But as she takes on Lucy's advice, and acts more bolder than she has ever been, she and Hart discover a passion but will it be ruined by lack of trust and scandal?
What a story and boy I had a really fun time with this one. And I just breezed right through it, I was pretty surprised that it only took a couple hours to read this story but then from what I have read from Bowman...that is typical. I always become sucked into the story. I really liked the set up of the story, seeing this more reserved wallflower, go after the man she loves. What I was impressed with was the heroine. Especially in how she treats the hero. She wants to win his heart in a very honest and true ways. But her new found friend Lucy is unconventional and tricky, which as a matchmaker makes sense. Now I did like Lucy (she is the heroine in book one) so it was nice seeing her character again, but I grew to admire Meg in how she stands up to Lucy in how she wants to win over Hart so that there is no deceit. She wants Hart to want her and marry her for the right reasons and not because of trickery.
There is also a family feud here to deal with as well. Now Meg is best friends with Hart's younger sister. So Harts parents have always accepted Meg but they are very against a match between Hart and Meg. There is a terrible secret that Hart and Meg's parents are hiding, a scandal erupts and we see how Meg and Hart have to overcome matters of mistrust and trickery not of their own making. Even though I wasn't a fan in the dramatics toward the end, I did love the way this romance builds between Hart and Meg. They definitely have some great chemistry of course, but there is way more to their relationship. I love see two people who have known each other since they were children and try to find a way to reach their HEA despite the other factors surrounding them that make it near impossible for them to be together.
I have always been a fan of Romeo and Juliet retellings and I felt that Valerie Bowman handled it really well. Especially when we see these two find their HEA, and we solve the mystery revolving around the two families and I liked the drama and fun times that Lucy and the other ladies bring to the story and her "interference" is pretty entertaining.
Overall I found The Right Kind Of Rogue to be a sexy, lively, full of laughs and a romance to leave you with a smile, a highly engaging romance that entertains and delights!
[foogallery id="46073"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
My Champion is the first book in the de Ware's trilogy by Glynnis Campbell. This trilogy is a bit older than some of her other books and I have enjoyed this author since reading one of her shorter stories in a anthology years ago and wanted to read more of her work. I have had My Champion on my kindle for quite some time and I realized that I needed to pick this one up and read it because I wanted something more refreshing and this book delivered that for sure. This was no fluffy regency....this was real, angsty, and full of frustration at times but I still liked it quite a bit.
The story starts off with our hero, Duncan de Ware, who is honorable and kind. He is always taking in strays or people in need of help. When he sees a lone woman, spite a spaniard and his wine, he knows how dangerous her situation is even if she doesn't. So he decides he will be her protector until the danger has passed. But Linet doesn't believe that there is any danger. She is proud of her heritage, and isn't afraid to stand on her own feet. She doesn't believe Duncan especially when he is just a "peasant" and doesn't believe that she is in any kind of danger. But where she was selling her cloths of high value, her place during the special market for a couple weeks is destroyed she heads on home only to be kidnapped by a very dangerous man who wants to sell her to pimps. Duncan saves the day once again, but she still doesn't see him more than a beggar. But soon the chemistry builds between them and Linet can't deny what she feels for this "peasant" and when she learns the truth about who he really is, will her love change or be constant...
This was a story that for the most part I truly liked. I loved the historical aspects that come into play and I honestly felt like I was back in the medieval ages with honorable knights, and beautiful gowns. But I had one major issue that really took much of my enjoyment from the actual story...the heroine. Now I am not like most romance readers, I am not as picky on my heroines like some can be. I try to be more accepting of their faults, but Linet really rubbed me the wrong way. I just hated how she treated the hero here, it was just awful to see. The hero is such a good guy at heart. He is kind and generous. But Linet is always demeaning him, even slapping him when he doesn't say anything wrong or acted out against her. She acts like a spoiled brat a lot of the time, and even after she admits that she loves him, keeps betraying him and hurting him. I just wanted to slap her myself because the way she acts is horrid. Now she eventually learns her lesson and redeems herself in the very end, but it wasn't enough to honestly have me like her very much even in the end there. And even though the hero wasn't always nice to her (which is understandable seeing how she acts towards him) the later half of the story just became too angsty at times. But I did enjoy the built up of the plot, and the ending was sweet and happy in the way I like. So not all of it was bad for me, just mostly the heroine's character. I do plan on reading books 2 and 3 though, since I adored this de Ware family, they were so fun to read about here and I really want to learn more about them because their family dynamics just draw you in.
Overall My Champion is a historically authentic romance that has some thrilling plot points that keep you engaged and a passion hot romance that will give the reader some laughs and entertainment.
[foogallery id="46126"]
My Champion is the first book in the de Ware's trilogy by Glynnis Campbell. This trilogy is a bit older than some of her other books and I have enjoyed this author since reading one of her shorter stories in a anthology years ago and wanted to read more of her work. I have had My Champion on my kindle for quite some time and I realized that I needed to pick this one up and read it because I wanted something more refreshing and this book delivered that for sure. This was no fluffy regency....this was real, angsty, and full of frustration at times but I still liked it quite a bit.
The story starts off with our hero, Duncan de Ware, who is honorable and kind. He is always taking in strays or people in need of help. When he sees a lone woman, spite a spaniard and his wine, he knows how dangerous her situation is even if she doesn't. So he decides he will be her protector until the danger has passed. But Linet doesn't believe that there is any danger. She is proud of her heritage, and isn't afraid to stand on her own feet. She doesn't believe Duncan especially when he is just a "peasant" and doesn't believe that she is in any kind of danger. But where she was selling her cloths of high value, her place during the special market for a couple weeks is destroyed she heads on home only to be kidnapped by a very dangerous man who wants to sell her to pimps. Duncan saves the day once again, but she still doesn't see him more than a beggar. But soon the chemistry builds between them and Linet can't deny what she feels for this "peasant" and when she learns the truth about who he really is, will her love change or be constant...
This was a story that for the most part I truly liked. I loved the historical aspects that come into play and I honestly felt like I was back in the medieval ages with honorable knights, and beautiful gowns. But I had one major issue that really took much of my enjoyment from the actual story...the heroine. Now I am not like most romance readers, I am not as picky on my heroines like some can be. I try to be more accepting of their faults, but Linet really rubbed me the wrong way. I just hated how she treated the hero here, it was just awful to see. The hero is such a good guy at heart. He is kind and generous. But Linet is always demeaning him, even slapping him when he doesn't say anything wrong or acted out against her. She acts like a spoiled brat a lot of the time, and even after she admits that she loves him, keeps betraying him and hurting him. I just wanted to slap her myself because the way she acts is horrid. Now she eventually learns her lesson and redeems herself in the very end, but it wasn't enough to honestly have me like her very much even in the end there. And even though the hero wasn't always nice to her (which is understandable seeing how she acts towards him) the later half of the story just became too angsty at times. But I did enjoy the built up of the plot, and the ending was sweet and happy in the way I like. So not all of it was bad for me, just mostly the heroine's character. I do plan on reading books 2 and 3 though, since I adored this de Ware family, they were so fun to read about here and I really want to learn more about them because their family dynamics just draw you in.
Overall My Champion is a historically authentic romance that has some thrilling plot points that keep you engaged and a passion hot romance that will give the reader some laughs and entertainment.
[foogallery id="46126"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Once Upon A Wedding Night by Sophie Jordan has been a book I bought quite a while ago at a used bookstore and I swear its been on my bookshelf for months and months, so I decided that I needed to pick it up because it is Sophie Jordan and before I knew it I was swept away in this angsty romance and it is angsty but so fun. I just got a kick out of these two. These just love to argue with each other and its pretty entertaining to watch. And quite frankly, Sophie's older books are the kind of angst I miss seeing in historical romances now a days. She just did it with such flair and drama that you get sucked in plus add in some good ole charm and emotion and you get hooked even if you want them to just make up and get on with their happily ever after. Well these two just don't make it very simple.
The story sets off with our heroine, who has recently become a widow. Its been five months, but she never knew her husband. He never even consummated the marriage and made it seem like she was too unattractive and unappealing for him to do the "deed" as it were. So she lived her life in the country with her aunt and ailing father, content with making sure the estate and the tenant lives were prospering. But then she hears that her husband's step brother has been found and will be taking over. She is fearful for the uncertainty of the future and what will happen to her aunt and father when they will have no where to go? So she reluctantly agrees with a foolish plan made up by her aunt to claim that she is pregnant and what begins as a ruse to save her family turns into a lie that haunts her and ruins any trust Nicholas may have had in her. Now he wants her off his hands, planning on marrying her off to a simple English bloke and never see her again. But the more he interacts with her, the more he realizes he wants her as his own, but will his past force him to lose sight of true love...
What a story, and one that I fell in love with in the beginning. I will admit that not all angsty romances do it for me but for some reason this one did and I wasn't even in the mood for angsty romance but Sophie Jordan somehow won me over with this sexy yet sassy read. Both characters have their own reasons for mistrust and dislike. Although I understood why Meredith acted the way she did, although she hated herself for doing so. She is a fighter though and passionate and I liked seeing her stand up for herself and to stand up to the hero. We see both sides of the situation which is what I liked about this 3rd POV. I did enjoy their arguments because it was pretty entertaining. I just kept being amused by their antics especially when its so obvious how much they truly like each other; they just won't admit it. :) Of course we have some side characters that really add a bit more spice to the story to win you even more over to this book. It has a older style of regency romance that I found to be refreshing and in depth of emotion when you least expect it to happen.
Overall I found Once Upon A Wedding Night to be a stimulating, feisty and sassy romance with plenty of smexy times to satisfy!!
Once Upon A Wedding Night by Sophie Jordan has been a book I bought quite a while ago at a used bookstore and I swear its been on my bookshelf for months and months, so I decided that I needed to pick it up because it is Sophie Jordan and before I knew it I was swept away in this angsty romance and it is angsty but so fun. I just got a kick out of these two. These just love to argue with each other and its pretty entertaining to watch. And quite frankly, Sophie's older books are the kind of angst I miss seeing in historical romances now a days. She just did it with such flair and drama that you get sucked in plus add in some good ole charm and emotion and you get hooked even if you want them to just make up and get on with their happily ever after. Well these two just don't make it very simple.
The story sets off with our heroine, who has recently become a widow. Its been five months, but she never knew her husband. He never even consummated the marriage and made it seem like she was too unattractive and unappealing for him to do the "deed" as it were. So she lived her life in the country with her aunt and ailing father, content with making sure the estate and the tenant lives were prospering. But then she hears that her husband's step brother has been found and will be taking over. She is fearful for the uncertainty of the future and what will happen to her aunt and father when they will have no where to go? So she reluctantly agrees with a foolish plan made up by her aunt to claim that she is pregnant and what begins as a ruse to save her family turns into a lie that haunts her and ruins any trust Nicholas may have had in her. Now he wants her off his hands, planning on marrying her off to a simple English bloke and never see her again. But the more he interacts with her, the more he realizes he wants her as his own, but will his past force him to lose sight of true love...
What a story, and one that I fell in love with in the beginning. I will admit that not all angsty romances do it for me but for some reason this one did and I wasn't even in the mood for angsty romance but Sophie Jordan somehow won me over with this sexy yet sassy read. Both characters have their own reasons for mistrust and dislike. Although I understood why Meredith acted the way she did, although she hated herself for doing so. She is a fighter though and passionate and I liked seeing her stand up for herself and to stand up to the hero. We see both sides of the situation which is what I liked about this 3rd POV. I did enjoy their arguments because it was pretty entertaining. I just kept being amused by their antics especially when its so obvious how much they truly like each other; they just won't admit it. :) Of course we have some side characters that really add a bit more spice to the story to win you even more over to this book. It has a older style of regency romance that I found to be refreshing and in depth of emotion when you least expect it to happen.
Overall I found Once Upon A Wedding Night to be a stimulating, feisty and sassy romance with plenty of smexy times to satisfy!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Seized By Love is a sexy well written historical romance with a Russian Prince playboy and an introvert and shy heroine...will our prince give up his life of parties, gambling, and women for love...
Seized By Love is a book I have been really looking forward to picking up ever since I saw it on the shelf at my local library. And yes I knew it would be a more older style type romance, but I have been in the mood for those lately so in some ways this story really worked for me. Seized By Love is one of the most earlier books that this author has written, orginally published in the late 70's and then this copy was a republishing in the late 90's. So it still has that old school feel, with the typical forced seduction (although I wouldn't call it rapey, it doesn't cross that line thankfully) and it does deal with some face slapping from the heroine and some angst, a sweet little girl and a emotional love story with a selfish and spoiled playboy prince who falls in love over what begins as a wager.
So Seized By Love begins when our hero is becoming bored with women, and his current mistress he is ready to cast aside soon. And then his buddies make a wager that he can't seduce any woman they pick in three days. They choose a young woman sketching in the park. Nikki is used to getting his way with women and from the moment he introduces himself to Alsia, a chaste but married woman stuck in a marriage with an abusive husband. Alsia has never really known what it feels like to feel desire and passion until she meets Nikki. They begin an affair that starts out with only sex in mind, but soon love enters the equation, and how long will Nikki wait to accept what he feels for Alsia.
There were some aspects of this story I really enjoyed and other I wasn't a huge fan of. Let me talk about what I didn't like first off. My biggest problem with this story was the angst, it felt a bit too drawn out in the story and I felt at times both Nikki and Alsia just couldn't communicate. I was rolling my eyes every time a misunderstanding got in the way of them being open and honest with each other. Another aspect I wasn't a huge fan of was the fact that the heroine was married. Now she doesn't stay married for long, but there is still some cheating involved and boy her husband is one brutal piece of work. He does make a good villain for the story however but we only see him in a few scenes but your heart just opens up more for the heroine and having to deal with such brutality as she is dealt by him.
Now what was pretty fantastic about this book: First off I really loved the heroine here for the most part. Even though she is more introverted. She liked to pain and sketch, and spend time with her young daughter. She tries to stay out of her husbands way because he takes out his anger on her in a brutal way. At first we see how strong she is, feisty and she lets Nikki know exactly what she thinks. But she also knows when to fight and when to back down. I did like seeing her come more into herself as she discovers desire and love. I also liked the romance that develops. Now it's not an easy story to read that is for sure, but seriously all the sweet and poignant moments that erupt in the most unlikely places, makes all the angst all the worth it to read through. Seeing these two find a love worth fighting for is epic and memorable. Another delightful portion of this book was spent on the historic and cultural aspects of the time. I don't know much about European's and Russian's culture and so Johnson did a detailed job of portraying it well without taking away from the story. I felt like I was in one of those dazzling Russian ballrooms, or a beautiful country side estate. Another delightful element was Nikki's parents, his father especially. His parents have a love match and the way the father involves himself was pretty entertaining at times and added some lightheartedness to the story that has a more serious tone to it at times.
Seized By Love is a beautifully well detailed love story that brings together opposites who have to fight through some conflicts to find their happy ever after in a most satisfying ending!!
[foogallery id="46200"]
Seized By Love is a sexy well written historical romance with a Russian Prince playboy and an introvert and shy heroine...will our prince give up his life of parties, gambling, and women for love...
Seized By Love is a book I have been really looking forward to picking up ever since I saw it on the shelf at my local library. And yes I knew it would be a more older style type romance, but I have been in the mood for those lately so in some ways this story really worked for me. Seized By Love is one of the most earlier books that this author has written, orginally published in the late 70's and then this copy was a republishing in the late 90's. So it still has that old school feel, with the typical forced seduction (although I wouldn't call it rapey, it doesn't cross that line thankfully) and it does deal with some face slapping from the heroine and some angst, a sweet little girl and a emotional love story with a selfish and spoiled playboy prince who falls in love over what begins as a wager.
So Seized By Love begins when our hero is becoming bored with women, and his current mistress he is ready to cast aside soon. And then his buddies make a wager that he can't seduce any woman they pick in three days. They choose a young woman sketching in the park. Nikki is used to getting his way with women and from the moment he introduces himself to Alsia, a chaste but married woman stuck in a marriage with an abusive husband. Alsia has never really known what it feels like to feel desire and passion until she meets Nikki. They begin an affair that starts out with only sex in mind, but soon love enters the equation, and how long will Nikki wait to accept what he feels for Alsia.
There were some aspects of this story I really enjoyed and other I wasn't a huge fan of. Let me talk about what I didn't like first off. My biggest problem with this story was the angst, it felt a bit too drawn out in the story and I felt at times both Nikki and Alsia just couldn't communicate. I was rolling my eyes every time a misunderstanding got in the way of them being open and honest with each other. Another aspect I wasn't a huge fan of was the fact that the heroine was married. Now she doesn't stay married for long, but there is still some cheating involved and boy her husband is one brutal piece of work. He does make a good villain for the story however but we only see him in a few scenes but your heart just opens up more for the heroine and having to deal with such brutality as she is dealt by him.
Now what was pretty fantastic about this book: First off I really loved the heroine here for the most part. Even though she is more introverted. She liked to pain and sketch, and spend time with her young daughter. She tries to stay out of her husbands way because he takes out his anger on her in a brutal way. At first we see how strong she is, feisty and she lets Nikki know exactly what she thinks. But she also knows when to fight and when to back down. I did like seeing her come more into herself as she discovers desire and love. I also liked the romance that develops. Now it's not an easy story to read that is for sure, but seriously all the sweet and poignant moments that erupt in the most unlikely places, makes all the angst all the worth it to read through. Seeing these two find a love worth fighting for is epic and memorable. Another delightful portion of this book was spent on the historic and cultural aspects of the time. I don't know much about European's and Russian's culture and so Johnson did a detailed job of portraying it well without taking away from the story. I felt like I was in one of those dazzling Russian ballrooms, or a beautiful country side estate. Another delightful element was Nikki's parents, his father especially. His parents have a love match and the way the father involves himself was pretty entertaining at times and added some lightheartedness to the story that has a more serious tone to it at times.
Seized By Love is a beautifully well detailed love story that brings together opposites who have to fight through some conflicts to find their happy ever after in a most satisfying ending!!
[foogallery id="46200"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Have you ever read a book where you are totally and completely lost like going through a maze and there is no end in sight? Bring on Primal Desires.
Primal Desires is a story that I REALLY should have waited on because I totally believe this series needs to be read in order. Now I am one of those readers that can catch on pretty quickly, especially when I enter the series in the middle or even in the later part of the books. However upon reading Primal Desires I was completely lost and I really had no clue what was actually going on. Even after finishing the book, I was a bit baffled and realized I should have grabbed the previous books in the series. So as I look back on the story I actually read I realize now how lost I was and now I wish I could share what actually happens in the book but I might just confuse myself so I am just going to share what I liked and disliked about the story.
So what was I drawn to that kept me reading Primal Desires? I just couldn't help but fall for the actual romance. I will say the love connection between Jason and Sofia was really intriguing. Of course we deal with the whole "fated mate" trope, so if you don't like that....don't read this book or the series. Because it deals with vampires and werewolves and other doggy creatures I totally didn't really understand or get. Back to the good romantic stuff....the connection between them is pretty instantaneous. However it takes some work. Sofia doesn't understand what is going on or why Jason would want her in the ways that he does. Jason does have the patience of a saint because it takes a while for Sofia to really believe what Jason is telling her and showing her. She tends to be a bit naive and avoids confrontation and we see her go through this self discovery journey and it's not all painless.
I also felt there was a ton of dynamics in culture and world building that really confused me the most. Because obviously I entered the series in the worst way because there is a lot of elements going on that I still am not sure I understand. But I want to know more about this world that Sizemore has created for us here. And with this series that contains eleven books, I definitely have my work cut out for me to getting caught up and getting more depth into this fabulous world of vampires and werewolves and heads on engaging characters that are immediately likeable and as a reader you become so easily attached to them.
[foogallery id="46229"]
Have you ever read a book where you are totally and completely lost like going through a maze and there is no end in sight? Bring on Primal Desires.
Primal Desires is a story that I REALLY should have waited on because I totally believe this series needs to be read in order. Now I am one of those readers that can catch on pretty quickly, especially when I enter the series in the middle or even in the later part of the books. However upon reading Primal Desires I was completely lost and I really had no clue what was actually going on. Even after finishing the book, I was a bit baffled and realized I should have grabbed the previous books in the series. So as I look back on the story I actually read I realize now how lost I was and now I wish I could share what actually happens in the book but I might just confuse myself so I am just going to share what I liked and disliked about the story.
So what was I drawn to that kept me reading Primal Desires? I just couldn't help but fall for the actual romance. I will say the love connection between Jason and Sofia was really intriguing. Of course we deal with the whole "fated mate" trope, so if you don't like that....don't read this book or the series. Because it deals with vampires and werewolves and other doggy creatures I totally didn't really understand or get. Back to the good romantic stuff....the connection between them is pretty instantaneous. However it takes some work. Sofia doesn't understand what is going on or why Jason would want her in the ways that he does. Jason does have the patience of a saint because it takes a while for Sofia to really believe what Jason is telling her and showing her. She tends to be a bit naive and avoids confrontation and we see her go through this self discovery journey and it's not all painless.
I also felt there was a ton of dynamics in culture and world building that really confused me the most. Because obviously I entered the series in the worst way because there is a lot of elements going on that I still am not sure I understand. But I want to know more about this world that Sizemore has created for us here. And with this series that contains eleven books, I definitely have my work cut out for me to getting caught up and getting more depth into this fabulous world of vampires and werewolves and heads on engaging characters that are immediately likeable and as a reader you become so easily attached to them.
[foogallery id="46229"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
What happens when two old friends rediscover a passion and love they had forgotten about and rekindled those old flames....
Wrong To Need You is the second book in this fabulous new series by Alisha Rae....Forbidden Hearts. Now this book pretty much takes off right after book one, where our hero and heroine from "Hate To Want You" have gone off and everyone in town is talking about the forbidden lovers. Our heroine, Sadia, is best friends with Livvy, and she doesn't have a clue what is really going on. Sadia is busy enough with recovering from the grief of losing her husband Paul and raising their son Kareem. She is running the cafe and bartending nights just to fend off the loan sharks left behind by her late husband. Then she comes across the one man she hasn't seen in years but loved since she was young, Jackson Kane. Jackson fled when he was accused of a crime that he didn't commit but everyone but his brother and mother knew the real truth. Now he is back after traveling the world and aiding the one woman he has loved for as long as he can remember...Sadia.
In this story is some very heartbreaking truths that become revealed about Jackson and Sadia. Of course, Jackson hasn't written to Sadia for quite a while, and so Sadia is pretty angry with him for some logical reasons of course. But they soon overcome those past hurt feelings in the beginning and focus on being friends again which turns into developing something more. Jackson has traveled the world and become an infamous chef and starts helping out Sadia with her cafe and he begins to reconnect with Sadia and her son Kareem. Now there is the complication that Jackson is Sadia's late husband's brother. But they have known each other since they were children. The hero is one of those that I would have to put in the "book boyfriend" column for sure. I love how truly honest and good this man is. He does tend to get into trouble with the law but only when trying to protect someone else. He always does it because he is caring and loving. He has been betrayed by his family in the worst way possible, but I like that it doesn't corrupt him on the inside. He does have a forgiving nature and is accepting of everyone and I just adored that. Seeing a hero that isn't selfish or unkind was so refreshing in this book. And he is so perfect with Sadia's son, its like they were meant to play and cook together. Kareem takes instantly to his Uncle Jackson, and those sweet moments that Jackson takes care of Kareem for Sadia is truly poignant.
Sadia is one of those heroines that is independent and self-reliant, even if she can be stubborn at times. What I truly admired about her was how comfortable she was in her own skin. She didn't have the perfect body or anything, but she was confident in who she was and not ashamed of it and very well at ease in her own sexuality and femininity. Boy, did I just love that about her. She, of course, is dealing with her own life trials of course, and family drama but she is such a great mother and not shy at all. But she does have some vulnerabilities that really are so human and I just love the way she deals with them and how her family helps her when she needs them the most.
I would say in this relationship, both Jackson and Sadia share roles of the "pants" in the relationship. Like honestly, it went back and forth between both of them that you see how well intune they balance each other's flaws and virtues. Their relationship is far from perfect and they do have to deal with the issues of the past and rediscovering the feelings they once had and exploring the passion they feel for each other. This story had a unique feel to it that feel awe-inspiring and I wanted to see what would truly bring them together. But little by little they build a foundation together without ever realizing that they are even doing it. Its a slow burn romance but its one that steals your breath and catches you unaware even when you are expecting it.
Overall I found Wrong To Need You a sexy and addicting romance that held my attention from beginning to end....a love tale of heartbreak, loss to desire, connection and the test of true love against all odds.....Alisha Rai pens a powerfully woven story that tugs at your heartstrings!!
[foogallery id="45609"]
What happens when two old friends rediscover a passion and love they had forgotten about and rekindled those old flames....
Wrong To Need You is the second book in this fabulous new series by Alisha Rae....Forbidden Hearts. Now this book pretty much takes off right after book one, where our hero and heroine from "Hate To Want You" have gone off and everyone in town is talking about the forbidden lovers. Our heroine, Sadia, is best friends with Livvy, and she doesn't have a clue what is really going on. Sadia is busy enough with recovering from the grief of losing her husband Paul and raising their son Kareem. She is running the cafe and bartending nights just to fend off the loan sharks left behind by her late husband. Then she comes across the one man she hasn't seen in years but loved since she was young, Jackson Kane. Jackson fled when he was accused of a crime that he didn't commit but everyone but his brother and mother knew the real truth. Now he is back after traveling the world and aiding the one woman he has loved for as long as he can remember...Sadia.
In this story is some very heartbreaking truths that become revealed about Jackson and Sadia. Of course, Jackson hasn't written to Sadia for quite a while, and so Sadia is pretty angry with him for some logical reasons of course. But they soon overcome those past hurt feelings in the beginning and focus on being friends again which turns into developing something more. Jackson has traveled the world and become an infamous chef and starts helping out Sadia with her cafe and he begins to reconnect with Sadia and her son Kareem. Now there is the complication that Jackson is Sadia's late husband's brother. But they have known each other since they were children. The hero is one of those that I would have to put in the "book boyfriend" column for sure. I love how truly honest and good this man is. He does tend to get into trouble with the law but only when trying to protect someone else. He always does it because he is caring and loving. He has been betrayed by his family in the worst way possible, but I like that it doesn't corrupt him on the inside. He does have a forgiving nature and is accepting of everyone and I just adored that. Seeing a hero that isn't selfish or unkind was so refreshing in this book. And he is so perfect with Sadia's son, its like they were meant to play and cook together. Kareem takes instantly to his Uncle Jackson, and those sweet moments that Jackson takes care of Kareem for Sadia is truly poignant.
Sadia is one of those heroines that is independent and self-reliant, even if she can be stubborn at times. What I truly admired about her was how comfortable she was in her own skin. She didn't have the perfect body or anything, but she was confident in who she was and not ashamed of it and very well at ease in her own sexuality and femininity. Boy, did I just love that about her. She, of course, is dealing with her own life trials of course, and family drama but she is such a great mother and not shy at all. But she does have some vulnerabilities that really are so human and I just love the way she deals with them and how her family helps her when she needs them the most.
You're our moral compass and our organizational whiz and our heart, Sadia. If you're looking for what you're truly good at, that's what a great example right there of your success.
I would say in this relationship, both Jackson and Sadia share roles of the "pants" in the relationship. Like honestly, it went back and forth between both of them that you see how well intune they balance each other's flaws and virtues. Their relationship is far from perfect and they do have to deal with the issues of the past and rediscovering the feelings they once had and exploring the passion they feel for each other. This story had a unique feel to it that feel awe-inspiring and I wanted to see what would truly bring them together. But little by little they build a foundation together without ever realizing that they are even doing it. Its a slow burn romance but its one that steals your breath and catches you unaware even when you are expecting it.
My dream is for you to let me love you. And maybe, someday, you can love me back. You don't have to love me a lot. A little love is enough."
"You want a relationship."
"I don't care what yu call it. I want to fall asleep with you. I want to have a family. I want to travel with you all over the world and then come back to our home. I used to walk away from the hard stuff, but I figured, maybe this one time, I could try fighting for it. And I would fight.
Overall I found Wrong To Need You a sexy and addicting romance that held my attention from beginning to end....a love tale of heartbreak, loss to desire, connection and the test of true love against all odds.....Alisha Rai pens a powerfully woven story that tugs at your heartstrings!!
[foogallery id="45609"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Scandal is a tale of a fiery dragon and the woman that out of love and devotion would become his own fire-breathing dragoness....
“My God, Emily.” For a moment the world seemed to halt. She could barely breathe, let alone respond. “Emily, open your eyes and look at me.”
Scandal is the first book that I have read from Amanda Quick, although I have read some of her titles under her other name "Jayne Anne Krentz" this was my first time picking up one of her historical titles that she has written. I will admit that I had high hopes for this book and to be quite frank I really didn't know what to fully expect from this book. And I can honestly say that this book was spectacular and I didn't want to put this amusing historical down and if you looking for an honest in depth well written dynamic read....grab up Scandal or any of her other titles. Now I will admit that Scandal has the feel of an older style romance but not in ways you imagine. I will be honest and admit I miss this style of writing in historical romance especially. I really enjoyed the dynamics and what a well-written book this is. I mean honestly, its been a while since I have picked up a book so well written and detailed.
Scandal begins with our hero seeking revenge against the families that wronged him and his family. The reasons behind his father's suicide and his mother being forced to live in the north and soon dying herself and where Simon soon learns that not everything goes according to plan. Emily has been corresponding with "the love of her life" in letters and exchanging love of literature and romantic poetry. Emily knows that Simon is her future but she never really imagined that she would meet him in real life. Or that he would share certain delights and passion or agree to marry her. But Emily soon learns that her father wronged Simon's, she understand more than anyone realizes and soon Simon and Emily both find that love heals wounds in ways you least expect.
Now I honestly became quickly immersed in Scandal and it had a sense of quirkiness to the story that I found simply delightful. Now first we have our two main characters. Our hero, Simon, is used to be feared. He spent many years in India and deals with problems the way they do. He has power and wealth and everyone tends to fear him. But there is one person that doesn't fear him at all....Emily. Emily, at first, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about her. But she is not what she seems to be on the surface. We see her, in the beginning, being so immersed in poetry and romance and she seems to be a bit dim-witted at times. But she is way more clever than all that. Ever since she was seventeen she has managed to save her reckless father and brothers and handling their gambling debts again and again. She is left alone on the estate unless they need funds. But she knows everything good about making smart investments. She also has a character that you rarely see in romance and I found her to be so refreshing and crafty. She is one of those unique characters that keep you on your toes because I NEVER knew what to expect from her. Some of the plans she hatches, I kept thinking "poor Simon" he has no idea what he is in for here but he does handle it with patience and grace so I have to applaud him for that.
I also really liked the ways that these two falls in love and the little ways that they build upon the desire they feel that slowly develops into a strong love where they protect each other no matter what. Their intricate dealings with society, the precise details that are written that make this era just come alive for the reader. And of course seeing how love does change you in some positive ways. The changes we most especially see in Simon was quite frankly speaks of the talent to Amanda Quick. He has such a complex character and seeing how his affection and love that he develops for Emily, changes how he deals with his enemies even.
Scandal is a quick witter and a story full of clever plot runs, delightful characters whose story ends up give you all the feels and offers an in depth look at the regency era in the ways it was meant to be written!! SUPERB!
Scandal is a tale of a fiery dragon and the woman that out of love and devotion would become his own fire-breathing dragoness....
“My God, Emily.” For a moment the world seemed to halt. She could barely breathe, let alone respond. “Emily, open your eyes and look at me.”
Dreamily, Emily lifted her lashes and looked up into Simon’s harshly carved face. He was so close that she could see him without the aid of her spectacles. She was fascinated by the glittering heat that had washed away the coldness in his eyes. Fire lit the beautiful golden gaze now, a wild flame of masculine desire held under rigid control. “Dragon,” she whispered softly, touching his hard cheek with gentle fingers. “My very own golden-eyed dragon.”
He narrowed his eyes as he stared down at her. “Dragons have a dangerous reputation around fair maidens.”
She smiled softly up at him. “’Tis no use breathing fire and smoke in an attempt to frighten me, my lord. I know I am quite safe with you.”
Scandal is the first book that I have read from Amanda Quick, although I have read some of her titles under her other name "Jayne Anne Krentz" this was my first time picking up one of her historical titles that she has written. I will admit that I had high hopes for this book and to be quite frank I really didn't know what to fully expect from this book. And I can honestly say that this book was spectacular and I didn't want to put this amusing historical down and if you looking for an honest in depth well written dynamic read....grab up Scandal or any of her other titles. Now I will admit that Scandal has the feel of an older style romance but not in ways you imagine. I will be honest and admit I miss this style of writing in historical romance especially. I really enjoyed the dynamics and what a well-written book this is. I mean honestly, its been a while since I have picked up a book so well written and detailed.
Scandal begins with our hero seeking revenge against the families that wronged him and his family. The reasons behind his father's suicide and his mother being forced to live in the north and soon dying herself and where Simon soon learns that not everything goes according to plan. Emily has been corresponding with "the love of her life" in letters and exchanging love of literature and romantic poetry. Emily knows that Simon is her future but she never really imagined that she would meet him in real life. Or that he would share certain delights and passion or agree to marry her. But Emily soon learns that her father wronged Simon's, she understand more than anyone realizes and soon Simon and Emily both find that love heals wounds in ways you least expect.
Now I honestly became quickly immersed in Scandal and it had a sense of quirkiness to the story that I found simply delightful. Now first we have our two main characters. Our hero, Simon, is used to be feared. He spent many years in India and deals with problems the way they do. He has power and wealth and everyone tends to fear him. But there is one person that doesn't fear him at all....Emily. Emily, at first, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about her. But she is not what she seems to be on the surface. We see her, in the beginning, being so immersed in poetry and romance and she seems to be a bit dim-witted at times. But she is way more clever than all that. Ever since she was seventeen she has managed to save her reckless father and brothers and handling their gambling debts again and again. She is left alone on the estate unless they need funds. But she knows everything good about making smart investments. She also has a character that you rarely see in romance and I found her to be so refreshing and crafty. She is one of those unique characters that keep you on your toes because I NEVER knew what to expect from her. Some of the plans she hatches, I kept thinking "poor Simon" he has no idea what he is in for here but he does handle it with patience and grace so I have to applaud him for that.
I also really liked the ways that these two falls in love and the little ways that they build upon the desire they feel that slowly develops into a strong love where they protect each other no matter what. Their intricate dealings with society, the precise details that are written that make this era just come alive for the reader. And of course seeing how love does change you in some positive ways. The changes we most especially see in Simon was quite frankly speaks of the talent to Amanda Quick. He has such a complex character and seeing how his affection and love that he develops for Emily, changes how he deals with his enemies even.
“I am trying to tell you that I probably do not deserve you, elf, but I will kill anyone who tries to take you away from me.” His golden eyes flashed in the candlelight. “In that way, I believe we must be two of a kind.”
Scandal is a quick witter and a story full of clever plot runs, delightful characters whose story ends up give you all the feels and offers an in depth look at the regency era in the ways it was meant to be written!! SUPERB!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is the fifth in the Macgregor's series and this has been the first time that I have read this author in quite a few years so I was very eager to get back to her writing.
I want to say that this story really impressed me or even had a strong Christmas feel to it, but I would say there was some of the Christmas culture going on and I was highly looking forward to that but I was expecting a bit more than was actually delivered also I did feel at times that the romance felt a bit lacking. Although there is some great development in the plot build up, there was still a few factors that kept me from fully enjoying this story in the ways that I wanted to and was pretty excited for.
This story begins when our heroine is out walking with her father, from the get-go we get the impression of how close these two are with each other. Temperance is practically engaged to her closest friend but she doesn't feel passion or love for him. But then we see a traumatic event happen when a group of Black Riders, come in and kill her father right in front of Temperance and she is grief-stricken. Her father was her anchor and her joy. She her emotions are a bit out of whack. But when she stumbles across an injured man, she helps to heal him taking him back with her to her home and her grandmother. As Cailean Grant works to being healed and recovering there is a strong passion that builds between Cailean and Temperance but soon there are many factors against them. For one, Temperance is technically still engaged to another man even if he is in love with another lady. Then our hero, Cailean, was part of the Black Riders, and even though he tried to stop the murder of Temperance's father, he couldn't stop it. Cailean has already lost a beloved lass he once loved and loss and doesn't want to lose this woman he has grown to love here.
It was the build-up of the plot that really kept me in tune with this story and I was relieved for it because I had a difficult time really connection to the actual romance of the story. I just had the most difficult time connecting with these two characters. But I just had to know what happened to Cailean and Temperance and seeing the outcome of the secrets and seeing if the one that murdered our heroine's father was brought to justice. We see a bit of the culture of the highlanders but not as much as I normally have found with Paula Quinn's writing. We do see the fragile lives of the villagers that lived under the governance of those more powerful than them.
However, I do feel that the built up of the plot and the great dialogue is what kept me going with this book and there were some great positive qualities that kept me intune with this story and I am intrigued by this family of MacGregors and plan on reading more!!
[foogallery id="46376"]
A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is the fifth in the Macgregor's series and this has been the first time that I have read this author in quite a few years so I was very eager to get back to her writing.
I want to say that this story really impressed me or even had a strong Christmas feel to it, but I would say there was some of the Christmas culture going on and I was highly looking forward to that but I was expecting a bit more than was actually delivered also I did feel at times that the romance felt a bit lacking. Although there is some great development in the plot build up, there was still a few factors that kept me from fully enjoying this story in the ways that I wanted to and was pretty excited for.
This story begins when our heroine is out walking with her father, from the get-go we get the impression of how close these two are with each other. Temperance is practically engaged to her closest friend but she doesn't feel passion or love for him. But then we see a traumatic event happen when a group of Black Riders, come in and kill her father right in front of Temperance and she is grief-stricken. Her father was her anchor and her joy. She her emotions are a bit out of whack. But when she stumbles across an injured man, she helps to heal him taking him back with her to her home and her grandmother. As Cailean Grant works to being healed and recovering there is a strong passion that builds between Cailean and Temperance but soon there are many factors against them. For one, Temperance is technically still engaged to another man even if he is in love with another lady. Then our hero, Cailean, was part of the Black Riders, and even though he tried to stop the murder of Temperance's father, he couldn't stop it. Cailean has already lost a beloved lass he once loved and loss and doesn't want to lose this woman he has grown to love here.
It was the build-up of the plot that really kept me in tune with this story and I was relieved for it because I had a difficult time really connection to the actual romance of the story. I just had the most difficult time connecting with these two characters. But I just had to know what happened to Cailean and Temperance and seeing the outcome of the secrets and seeing if the one that murdered our heroine's father was brought to justice. We see a bit of the culture of the highlanders but not as much as I normally have found with Paula Quinn's writing. We do see the fragile lives of the villagers that lived under the governance of those more powerful than them.
However, I do feel that the built up of the plot and the great dialogue is what kept me going with this book and there were some great positive qualities that kept me intune with this story and I am intrigued by this family of MacGregors and plan on reading more!!
[foogallery id="46376"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Rivalry.....a book of two people on opposite side of a football war.....a love that you have to fight for!!!
Rivalary is a book that I bought on impulse thanks to some great feature posts and reviews, and I just knew that I needed this in my life and I doubt that it's a coincidence it is released on the week of the game that the story revolves around. Now Rivalry is a story that anyone that is around one of the bigger rivalries in the college sports area can definitely connect with. I personally connected with this book because in the Rockies we have the "Holy War" and trust me people are brutal around here during that week. So I definitely felt a kinship to this book and this book AMAZED me and man what a book hangover I am suffering from. I haven't been able to read since yesterday because I am so hooked and thinking about this story. I definitely didn't realize that this story would get to me but oh how I loved and adored Rivalry and recommend it to any sports lover especially if you love Football and if you are with the whole Michigan and Ohio rivalry...this book is for you!!!
Our story sets off when Kayla is at her best friends wedding, with no date. Kayla normally doesn't have dates most because she is so obsessive with her football talk that the guys run off scared and she can be pretty intimidating. But she makes a promise to not talk football at the wedding and reception even if it kills her to do it. Of course Kayla, is from a family of obsessive football nuts. Her mother was in labor during a Michigan and OSU rival game and refused to go to the hospital until the game was over...yeah that kind of crazy. So she meets up with one of the grooms friends, a fellow groomsman and they hit it off instantly. There is instant chemistry but also they just connect on other levels too including comparing the food served and making jokes together. Kayla has no clue that her sexy adopted date is actually her enemy. In fact, neither of them have any idea of what is in store for them or what will soon complicate their relationship tenfold. So in an effort to track down her hottie, her best friend's new husband gives her an address to a bar he likes to go to on a regular basis. The minute she enters she soon realizes (in horror and shock) that the man she can't stop thinking about goes to school for her nemesis Michigan and she is in a Michigan sports bar. Things go from bad to worse very quickly and Jay doesn't understand how she is repelled by him now. Jay, lovely hero that he is, is pretty clueless when it comes to how crazy people are in rivalries. He never grew up with it so for him its just a game but to many around him it's not just a game. Its definitely a whole culture and he is in the shock for his life when he has to fight constantly for Kayla and somehow make her believe that what they have together is more important than the rivalry.
WHEW....what a story, I can just tell you that I am just exhausted and fully sated after reading this book. It definitely brought me back to my own rivalry and yeah many circumstances and set ups is so real if you live and breathe a rivalry. Now I am not as crazy as Kayla and most especially her mom (she is a force of nature) however I could definitely understand her side more than I could understand Jay's side when it comes to having passion for a sports rivalry most especially in football. When they first learn the truth about where each of them go to school, we have two different reactions. Kayla....shocked, horrified, scared and mad. Jay....confused, shocked and positive. He doesn't really see why they would think about stop seeing each other. Kayla, at first, doesn't know why she would want to keep seeing him. He plays for the enemy, so at first that is how she thinks of him. But Jay, is persistent and he knows what they feel for each other, even in the beginning, is real and worth fighting for. So he fights for it and for her and it's definitely not easy making Kayla get past her disgust for the team he plays for. But as he slowly wins her over, Kayla also changes too. She really fights it because a part of her doesn't want to have to cheer for Michigan but she soon realizes that all she needs is to fight and to cheer for her man!
Let me talk about what I loved about these characters very quickly. Jay is probably one of the most swooniest heroe's I have had a chance to read this year. Yep you heard that right. He is sweet and charming, knows how to work his hands (*wink*) and just has a heart of gold. He sees the best in people and always willing to go the extra mile, no matter what it is. Our heroine, is crazy and fun and a bit eccentric when it comes to football and all but lively and passionate about life.
There are also other factors involved that cause some conflict...such as she keeps who Jay is from her parents, and no one except Jay's parents know that they are actually together. So it was quite interesting to see how these conflicts become resolved and seeing the way that these two do end up fighting for a chance to be together. There were so many fantastic moments that build between these two. They definitely have their chemistry down pat and some of these moments just steam off the pages for sure. But we also see how they build a relationship and keep it strong even with other forces at play that tend to cause some miscommunication and slight drama. Now the drama that you deal with here is realistic and definitely would happen in real life if this story was actually factual so cheers to Nikki Sloane for getting the right details on the Rivalry down pat. I know some of you that don't understand football or a long-standing rivalry will think this book can be a bit eccentric at times...but trust me this culture that Sloane writes is so on cue with everything and I loved how real this book felt. I will say that out of all the new adult romances that I have read, this is one of my top favorites. If you like New Adult or Contemporary Romance===this book is a must read for sure!!
Rivalry is an intense tale about the realities of rivalry football, a sexy off the charts romance that becomes a memorable joy to read and will leave you dazed in smiles for days!!! INCREDIBLY PENNED
Rivalry.....a book of two people on opposite side of a football war.....a love that you have to fight for!!!
Rivalary is a book that I bought on impulse thanks to some great feature posts and reviews, and I just knew that I needed this in my life and I doubt that it's a coincidence it is released on the week of the game that the story revolves around. Now Rivalry is a story that anyone that is around one of the bigger rivalries in the college sports area can definitely connect with. I personally connected with this book because in the Rockies we have the "Holy War" and trust me people are brutal around here during that week. So I definitely felt a kinship to this book and this book AMAZED me and man what a book hangover I am suffering from. I haven't been able to read since yesterday because I am so hooked and thinking about this story. I definitely didn't realize that this story would get to me but oh how I loved and adored Rivalry and recommend it to any sports lover especially if you love Football and if you are with the whole Michigan and Ohio rivalry...this book is for you!!!
The key players that are involved are:
- Kayla, our lovely heroine, head cheerleader for OSU and knows more about football than most coaches do.
- Jay, our sexy hero, top player for Michigan, from Indiana and has no understanding about Rivalries but loyal to his team
Our story sets off when Kayla is at her best friends wedding, with no date. Kayla normally doesn't have dates most because she is so obsessive with her football talk that the guys run off scared and she can be pretty intimidating. But she makes a promise to not talk football at the wedding and reception even if it kills her to do it. Of course Kayla, is from a family of obsessive football nuts. Her mother was in labor during a Michigan and OSU rival game and refused to go to the hospital until the game was over...yeah that kind of crazy. So she meets up with one of the grooms friends, a fellow groomsman and they hit it off instantly. There is instant chemistry but also they just connect on other levels too including comparing the food served and making jokes together. Kayla has no clue that her sexy adopted date is actually her enemy. In fact, neither of them have any idea of what is in store for them or what will soon complicate their relationship tenfold. So in an effort to track down her hottie, her best friend's new husband gives her an address to a bar he likes to go to on a regular basis. The minute she enters she soon realizes (in horror and shock) that the man she can't stop thinking about goes to school for her nemesis Michigan and she is in a Michigan sports bar. Things go from bad to worse very quickly and Jay doesn't understand how she is repelled by him now. Jay, lovely hero that he is, is pretty clueless when it comes to how crazy people are in rivalries. He never grew up with it so for him its just a game but to many around him it's not just a game. Its definitely a whole culture and he is in the shock for his life when he has to fight constantly for Kayla and somehow make her believe that what they have together is more important than the rivalry.
I shouldn’t have gotten in his car, but his mouth had been too convincing. He was the devil. The seduction of his lips could make me do anything.
WHEW....what a story, I can just tell you that I am just exhausted and fully sated after reading this book. It definitely brought me back to my own rivalry and yeah many circumstances and set ups is so real if you live and breathe a rivalry. Now I am not as crazy as Kayla and most especially her mom (she is a force of nature) however I could definitely understand her side more than I could understand Jay's side when it comes to having passion for a sports rivalry most especially in football. When they first learn the truth about where each of them go to school, we have two different reactions. Kayla....shocked, horrified, scared and mad. Jay....confused, shocked and positive. He doesn't really see why they would think about stop seeing each other. Kayla, at first, doesn't know why she would want to keep seeing him. He plays for the enemy, so at first that is how she thinks of him. But Jay, is persistent and he knows what they feel for each other, even in the beginning, is real and worth fighting for. So he fights for it and for her and it's definitely not easy making Kayla get past her disgust for the team he plays for. But as he slowly wins her over, Kayla also changes too. She really fights it because a part of her doesn't want to have to cheer for Michigan but she soon realizes that all she needs is to fight and to cheer for her man!
Let me talk about what I loved about these characters very quickly. Jay is probably one of the most swooniest heroe's I have had a chance to read this year. Yep you heard that right. He is sweet and charming, knows how to work his hands (*wink*) and just has a heart of gold. He sees the best in people and always willing to go the extra mile, no matter what it is. Our heroine, is crazy and fun and a bit eccentric when it comes to football and all but lively and passionate about life.
There are also other factors involved that cause some conflict...such as she keeps who Jay is from her parents, and no one except Jay's parents know that they are actually together. So it was quite interesting to see how these conflicts become resolved and seeing the way that these two do end up fighting for a chance to be together. There were so many fantastic moments that build between these two. They definitely have their chemistry down pat and some of these moments just steam off the pages for sure. But we also see how they build a relationship and keep it strong even with other forces at play that tend to cause some miscommunication and slight drama. Now the drama that you deal with here is realistic and definitely would happen in real life if this story was actually factual so cheers to Nikki Sloane for getting the right details on the Rivalry down pat. I know some of you that don't understand football or a long-standing rivalry will think this book can be a bit eccentric at times...but trust me this culture that Sloane writes is so on cue with everything and I loved how real this book felt. I will say that out of all the new adult romances that I have read, this is one of my top favorites. If you like New Adult or Contemporary Romance===this book is a must read for sure!!
Rivalry is an intense tale about the realities of rivalry football, a sexy off the charts romance that becomes a memorable joy to read and will leave you dazed in smiles for days!!! INCREDIBLY PENNED
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Wicked Vampire brings together two people that are part of clans that are lethal enemies, there is hardly any chance that they will find a way to be together.....or will love find a way....
The Wicked Vampire is a stimulating and on the seat of your pants type of reading, I never know what to expect from this author when I pick her up and I made the mistake of not reading the blurb so I got pulled into a story this way and that and was pulled into one hell of a ride that Kate Baxter writes. I was really intrigued because I haven't read books 3-5 so I was hoping that I wouldn't be too lost and I really wasn't. The author does a decent job of relaying some background information on this world that she has created and we deal with some intensity of the plot and more dramatics when it comes to the relationship between Sasha and Ewan....so lets get down to the good and dirty details that had me addicted....
The Key players for the Wicked Vampire are:
Sasha is out with her closest friend, and looking for something with danger and edge and attends an underground fight not having any clue that she has just found her mate who has brought back her soul to her. Only there is one problem....he is a beserker, fierce and unstoppable and her enemy but they can't stop having sex with each other. Even though Ewan knows he should kill Sasha since she is a vampire and their people have been at war for hundreds of years, there is something more to Sasha and he will do anything to protect her. At first, there is a powerful chemistry that is like lighting for them, but soon the sexual moments turn into something stronger between Ewan and Sasha and they know that their future is bleak.
There is no way that their clans could ever understand how they could mate, and their relationship could come at a high cost. I would say that this book had a hint of a Romeo and Juliet retelling, especially with these two groups being at odds and when I mean odds.....they see one and they kill. it's so ingrained in them, so the fact that these two could come together and form such a strong bond is remarkable and seeing the way they fight for each other and fight for a way to be together is pretty impossible but I adore the way they find their "way" and it's not an easy path for either of them. Kate Baxter just lit a fire under my booty with this story and I just didn't want to put it down and stayed up late reading it because the intensity of the plot was so overpowering I just didn't want to be free of it. Definitely not your conventional vampire romance so buckle your seat ladies and gents because you are in for a wild time!!
The Wicked Vampire was a on the edge of your seat, thrilling and raw and full of edges you never anticipate and SUPERB!! I can't wait to read more of this stunning series.
[foogallery id="44075"]
The Wicked Vampire brings together two people that are part of clans that are lethal enemies, there is hardly any chance that they will find a way to be together.....or will love find a way....
The Wicked Vampire is a stimulating and on the seat of your pants type of reading, I never know what to expect from this author when I pick her up and I made the mistake of not reading the blurb so I got pulled into a story this way and that and was pulled into one hell of a ride that Kate Baxter writes. I was really intrigued because I haven't read books 3-5 so I was hoping that I wouldn't be too lost and I really wasn't. The author does a decent job of relaying some background information on this world that she has created and we deal with some intensity of the plot and more dramatics when it comes to the relationship between Sasha and Ewan....so lets get down to the good and dirty details that had me addicted....
The Key players for the Wicked Vampire are:
- Sasha Ivanov, she is our heroine of the story, and is a vampire but is a bit of a party girl....she loves to drink and dance and get loose. Since losing her soul from being turned, she is looking for any way to "feel" something even if it means living on the edge
- Ewan Brun, our cunning hero, and is part of the most powerful Beserker clan who hunts down vampires and dhampires. He tends to fight in underground fighting rings to get money for himself and his cousin.
Sasha is out with her closest friend, and looking for something with danger and edge and attends an underground fight not having any clue that she has just found her mate who has brought back her soul to her. Only there is one problem....he is a beserker, fierce and unstoppable and her enemy but they can't stop having sex with each other. Even though Ewan knows he should kill Sasha since she is a vampire and their people have been at war for hundreds of years, there is something more to Sasha and he will do anything to protect her. At first, there is a powerful chemistry that is like lighting for them, but soon the sexual moments turn into something stronger between Ewan and Sasha and they know that their future is bleak.
She owned him. Body. Mind. Soul. And even...his heart. Ewan was in love with Sasha, and the realization shook him to the core.
There is no way that their clans could ever understand how they could mate, and their relationship could come at a high cost. I would say that this book had a hint of a Romeo and Juliet retelling, especially with these two groups being at odds and when I mean odds.....they see one and they kill. it's so ingrained in them, so the fact that these two could come together and form such a strong bond is remarkable and seeing the way they fight for each other and fight for a way to be together is pretty impossible but I adore the way they find their "way" and it's not an easy path for either of them. Kate Baxter just lit a fire under my booty with this story and I just didn't want to put it down and stayed up late reading it because the intensity of the plot was so overpowering I just didn't want to be free of it. Definitely not your conventional vampire romance so buckle your seat ladies and gents because you are in for a wild time!!
The Wicked Vampire was a on the edge of your seat, thrilling and raw and full of edges you never anticipate and SUPERB!! I can't wait to read more of this stunning series.
[foogallery id="44075"]