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loverofromance
If You Dare, is the first in the MacCarrick Brothers Series....and as much as I enjoyed If You Deceive, I had such a difficult time reading this one. I finished it for sure...but it did take a little while...and there was inconsistency throughout the whole story...I think if it had run more smoothly I may have enjoyed it more...however despite that the characters were at times likable but I had a hard time with Court and Annalia...it seemed like the whole story apart from the end was all about how they fight with each other, and I couldn't see how they could even fall in love with each other....but I did enjoy the ending most of all...however It was far from my favorite from this author...
What Happens At Christmas is the first in the series, and when I was at my library, I was looking for a good Christmas read, and this definitely fit the criteria I was looking for. There is something about historical romances set in this holiday season, and What Happens At Christmas definitely was perfect for this time of year. Its been quite some time since I have read this author, but her earlier books were some of my first romances so this author is very dear to me. So I knew I needed to get back to reading her, and What Happens At Christmas was the perfect way to start reading her again. Even though it took me longer than I thought it would take to read this, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. There was such a playful and teasing manner to this story. The story begins with the heroine trying to catch a prince, and sets up a delightful scheme to win him. Then a past love returns and all hell breaks loose, wagers are debated, and a battle of the wills begins. The plot wasn't thick with intrigue or anything, but it was full of mystery and fascinating dilemma's. The relationship between Grey and Camille is definitely rocky and unstable at times, but at other is lively and delectable.
Overall I couldn't help but fall in love with this yuletide themed romance that is fun and full of twists and turns. Exceptional in the writing, astounding in the creativity, and plenty of dramatic characters to warm you on a cold evening. EARTH SHATTERING TO THE SENSES!!

Summary
Christopher Argent, is one of England's most elite hunters and assassins. He has learned over the years to not care about anything but himself as means of protection. He is cold and he is ruthless and nothing and no one can stand in his way. He has never let a target go unmarked and killed. His latest target, is the beautiful actress Millie LeCour. Their first meeting in a ballroom, where they dance and share a searing kiss changed everything for Christopher. He has three days to kill Millie, but each time he attempts---he fails. He can't resist her taste, or seeing the life flee from her brilliant and passionate eyes. He soon realizes that instead of killing her, he decides he will be her and her son Jakub's protector. Soon Christopher and Millie realize the searing desire they would uncover together, but also a powerful love. But can Christopher protect Millie from their enemies and get to the source of why they seek her demise.
The Hero
Christopher Argent, had a rough upbringing. He was born and raised in prison where his mother was kept prisoner, forced to be raped and beaten just so he could have food and safe shelter. But when she is killed right in front of him, when he was just a boy, he seeked training for retribution from a chinese master who taught him how to be like the water...fluid and powerful and unstoppable. Over the years he has honed his skills, and has become ruthless and has a well known reputation. Christopher is one powerful alpha male personality and whew...he just about blew me away (but in a good way). I haven't read a hero like him in HR in such a long time, and he definitely had a powerful aura while reading him. He hasn't allowed himself to feel emotion since his mother was killed. Where an innocent boy had to become ruthless and cold to survive. Christopher is overwhelmed by the power of emotion that Millie and her son bring out in him. For the first time in many years, he is feeling genuine affection and love. It was quite an adventure to see him work through his issues and come to terms with who he is becoming.
The Heroine
Millie LeCour, along with her best friend born in Whitechaple, became stars in the acting world of London. Millie wanted to become famous and to share her talent. But then her best friend was killed, and her son became her own. Millie is such a wonderful human being, and a mother too. I love how protective and caring she is with Jakub. She treats him as her own and she will die for him if necessary. Millie has worked hard to build her acting career, but she also has a sweet and gentle spirit. Despite how fearful she is of Christopher, she also sees a man worthy of love and affection. She sees something deeper in him, that no one but those closest to him know. I grew to love Millie as the heroine, because we see how she accepts Christopher as he is and doesn't let her fear of him waste what they have together. She has spunk and is spirited, but also understands her place in society as well. I loved the balance we see in her character.
Plot and Story Line
The Hunter Is such a brilliantly written romance and I just want to applaud Kerrigan Byrne for writing yet another spectacular romance and honestly, she is ranking up my list to my favorite romance authors, and most especially when it comes to historical romance. This is a author I recently discovered early last year, and what great talent she has. What I also love about this book, is how she has made historical romance come alive with vivid emotion and detail and historical accuracy. It is obvious she has done her homework on the time period. There is a tone of grit in this book, just like in her previous book, but I soaked every delicious moment. I couldn't put this one down, it was so dang good. If you love Lisa Kleypas or Julie Garwood ---this is a must read for sure!!
It starts off with a emotional prologue (that is a must----PLEASE do not skip this or you will miss out on important detail on Christopher's character and what shapes him). I just about burst into tears reading it, this little boy that we get introduced to is reared into a world of hardship but also love too. Then we skip ahead to when he is an adult and has become quite popular for his reputation. Now techinically this could be a enemies to lovers trope, but it didn't have that full angsty feeling to it that I was expecting. Nope, this author blew me away with events that unfold and expectations that I had and she changed gears on me and brought me into a story that was full of shocks and delights, sensuality and a heartwarming story of the changing power of love.
"It's why I had to make this bargain, I expect. Why I must have you. Because you make me want to---" he paused, eyes moving in their sockets as though searching for a word. "You make me...want."
I can't express enough of amazing this story is, and I want to shout to the rooftops how necessary this book is to every romance lover out there!!
The Cover
What a cover we have here. I don't like it as much as the first book's cover. However I love the purple, and what graceful flow it seems to have...almost has if they are in the middle of a dance.
Overall View
The Hunter is stunning in detail, brilliant in showing the reader true redemption and the healing power of love in a world of no emotion. TRULY A TREASURE!!!

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Summary
Tamara Briggs, is a single mother in her early thirties, and a widow. She lost her husband to the race track. When she attends a social gathering she literally bumps into drop dead gorgeous Elec Monroe. After breaking up with her boyfriend, who tosses her out of their hotel---she is taken in by Elec and they share a passionate night and Tamara has felt chemistry with someone she has never felt before. They begin a relationship slowly and very secretly. Tamara's father in law and Elec's father are racing enemies and hate each other. She doesn't want to hurt her late husband's family. Tamara also has to worry about develop a relationship with a racer but also she has two children to worry about. Tamara and Elec soon realize how strong they feel for each and will stand together no matter what...
The Hero
Elec Monroe is a racer, but he is so much more than a man who loves to rev up his engine. He may be just starting out for his career, but he is making great successes as a rookie. Elec is not your typical racer. He is kind, caring, compassionate and more quiet. He is a hard worker and loves a challenge. He is very patient with Tamara and her needs in the relationship. What I really liked about this hero was his nature and his fun yet quiet nature. I love a quiet hero, because they are always full of surprise and Elec was no different. From the beginning to the end, he constantly amazed me.Such a solid hero you want to win in the end.
She looked pretty and fresh and smart and sexy, and Elec wanted to own the right to sit down next to her. He wanted the ability to put his arm around her, to kiss her, to make her laugh, to make her come, to hold her all night and to get to know every single thing about her.
The Heroine
Tamara fell in love at a very young age, had two children and then the worst thing happened...her husband was killed while racing. She became a widow and a single mother in one moment and her life changed forever. Time has passed, her children are growing but her life is still mixed in with life of racing. Tamara is unsatisfied with her life. Her current boyfriend is kind and steady but dull and boring and the sex is nothing worth even thinking about. But when she finds herself in a relationship with a man that makes her feel in ways she has never imagined her life gets turned upside down. What I liked about Tamara, is that even though she does make mistakes, she leads with her heart. She is kind, caring, and supportive. We see the different facets to her personality. She is a loving mother, but she is also a woman who has needs and desires. She does suffer from self confidence, she doesn't see herself as beautiful in any way. I did like seeing her become more confident in herself and see more inner strength come into focus. Definitely, a heroine you can admire and respect.
Plot and Story Line
Flat Out Sexy is the first of a exciting series that I got instantly hooked into!! Lately, I have been wanting to pick up more racing romances---they can be so fun and sexy and Erin McCarthy doesn't disappoint where this book is concerned. This book brings you into a exciting world with fantastic characters I came to love and their antics were so entertaining. I love the way some of these characters interacted with the main couple of the story and leaves the reader even more intrigued. The actual story beings with a night of casual sex but turns into more. Its a gradual romance, that slowly builds. This is where you really see the authors true talent in building a solid love story. We have a heroine that is reluctant to have a relationship with another race and comes from a family that would only cause complications. But we see how well Elec handles her fears and how dedicated he becomes to the relationship and to her children. There are some tests they both have to face but in the end, these hurdles only strengthen their bond and I really loved seeing how this happens.
If you love this man, go for it girl. Grab hold of every minute of happiness and enjoy it. Tell yourself you may only have today or you may have fifty years together, but love him for that time. Love him for the way we race—for the joy, for the thrill, for the adrenaline, and for the triumph.
This story was entertaining, engaging and heartwarming.
The Cover
Sexy as sin!!! I love the shirt opened look....what lovely abs and I love his relaxed yet confident pose here!! And the muted colors are a nice touch.
Overall View
Flat Out Sexy is a wild as sin romance that will make you swoon with each chapter!! This romance is a story that will enchant and delight its readers and keep you on a thrill ride of passion, excitement and the thrills of love.

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I have had this BOOK on my list for years and honestly, I have no idea why I waited so long for this one. I read book one. "Second Chance Summer" and truly adored it a handful of years ago so I am not sure why it took me so long but I finally was able to read or in this case, I was able to grab ahold of the audiobook through my local library. And first, off I want to mention this might be my favorite book from this author so far!! I know I know...crazy sauce, but it's true.
In this book we have such a beautiful meet-cute that happens right off....our two main characters are Hudson and Bailey. Bailey has come to paint a mural for a family who owns and runs a mountain ski resort, while out doing some skiing she meets up with Hudson who saves her in the snow and when they run into each other there is a strong spark of attraction. But Hudson is against the mural painting but is outnumbered by members of his family. Hudson is the hard-working and responsible sibling, always taking charge and working to the brink of exhaustion. Our heroine has gone through her share of life struggles. She has battled cancer for close to ten years and now has a bucket list and wants to LIVE her life in a way she hasn't since she was fifteen years old. What starts out as some angst tension between Hud and Bailey, turns into something strong and tender but Hudson will have to fight for his girl if he wants to keep her in his life and prove his sincerity.
This was such a charming story and I truly fell in love with just about every aspect of this story and boy this family. I just loved them all!! What I have come to truly admire about this author is how she balances out the characters. We see our hero and heroine equally and I truly loved that and need this more in romance. Its so rare to see a cancer survivor in romance and I felt like Shalvis really handled this element so well in our heroine. The romance that develops between our characters is so sweet at times, especially the kissing scenes....*swoon* passionate and tender which is my favorite mix. I can't wait to finish the trilogy with "Nobody But You"



