This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

In Caught By The Scot, we have an entertaining and witty romance that is perfect for kicking your legs up, with a cup of tea and immersing yourself into. Karen Hawkins has delivered another wonderful story that kept me smiling all the way through and left me wanting more from these two.

Our story begins when Connor Douglas, has come home to visit his sister, with a new baby on the way. But when Connor and his brothers arrive, they learn that their beloved sister has passed away in giving birth and has left behind a husband and an infant son. Their emotions are rattled, but then they learn about their sister's desires for them all, which their brother in law intends on carrying out to honor the woman he loved. They have three months to find a bride or lose their inheritance which will be given to their bitter enemies, a fellow clan. At first, Connor and his brothers are furious, but Connor knows of one woman he could marry. A woman he grew up with, a sister to one of his closest friends. He just knows that she is a spinster and will be grateful for his offer---or that is what he assumes. But upon arriving at her home, he learns that she has eloped with a farmer. So he chases after her and her "fiancee" to convince her his suit is way better than anything she could have with this landowner. Thea has loved Connor for many years, but she is tired of him never seeing her. She craves adventure and to take charge of her own life. And when Lance, a man who is handsome and kind and in love with her, she agrees to marry him. But she never expected the drama, a turned vehicle, or her secret love to be wanting her hand instead. She knows he sees her as a spinster, not a real woman worth of his attention.

Now I won't say that this is my favorite book from this author, but this book packs a punch in so many ways. At the beginning, I really really shouldn't read books in public, because I was crying buckets of tears. There was so much emotion that begins the story, seeing how much these brothers loved their sister and seeing the way they are grieving for her. It just broke my heart to see these strong and wild Scots be so humbled and broken. You may think that Connor isn't your honest and good hero...but think again because I was so on his side during this book. He has a passion for living on the seas, be he also has great admiration for Thea. He has never wanted marriage EVER....but she is the only woman he would ever marry. He respects her and admires her in many ways and they have become good friends over the years. But we see how Connor sees Thea in a different way. We see how it humbles him and he starts to pursue her, to court her and be very devious in various ways. Connor doesn't expect his competition "Lance" to be so good looking or charming.

Withoot you, I'm a ship with nae crew. A sail with nae wind. A mon with nae heart. I love you Thea.

I understood Thea's reaction to Connor at first, about why she was so against him. I mean she wants a home and family, and Connor is a man that lives and breathes the sea. It's like the fish and the bird falling in love with each other. Even though she does love him, she wants more than just love. She wants a man to rely on, a man who will be there for her and vice versa. She wants a true partnership and won't take anything less and I LOVED that about her character. She isn't afraid to go after what she wants even if that means losing a man she loves. I did admire her values for life, and what her goals were. We see some growth and changes in both characters. Connor starts to realize that courting Thea isn't going to be easy and he may lose anyway. It was interesting to see these two come together. Because both of them have hot tempers and boy do things sizzle between them. I laughed so hard at their antics, and the "creative" ways Connor goes to separate Lance and Thea from each other.

This story just proves why I have fallen in love with this author over the years. She is a marvel at mixing up true depth of emotion with enough lightheartedness and building up characters you want to cheer on. Caught By The Scot is a feisty and lively romance that will keep you fascinated, teary eyed, smiles full of laughter and a love story that proves the fish and the bird can build a nest together!



 

Chained By Night is the second book in the new series by this author. This series is about a vampire clan, that live in a time where their true natures have been revealed to humans, and they are considered the level of slaves, no rights and are constantly being hunted by humans. Hunter is the leader of the Moonbound Clan, his ways are far different from other vampire clans. When one of his own is kidnapped, he agrees to mate with the clan leaders daughter, in order to save another of his clan. His intended mate, Rasha, is brutal just like the rest of her clan. But her sister Aylin, is her total opposite. Aylin. Aylin and Rasha are twins, but that is where their similarities end. Aylin was born with a defect, a crooked hip bone, so she has a limp and she is treated like a outcast in her own clan. She has never been fully accepted by anyone. The plan is for her to accompany her sister, and help her prepare for the mating ceremony within a month's time. But then she meets Hunter, a vampire she is drawn to, he is so different from others she has known. He cares for his clan, treats everyone with respect, and protects. There is a sizzling attraction between them, but it is forbidden. But then Hunter and Aylin are forced to work together, are soon Hunter will have to make a difficult choice..his clan or Aylin?

Chained by Night was simply thrilling, and what a wild ride this one turned out to be. I just couldn't get enough, and stayed up most of the night reading it. It is rare, to have a book keep me up at night, but this one did. Every time I get a chance to read this author, I am always amazed by Ione's talent in weaving together stories that pull you in like magnets. I just couldn't get enough of this one. Everything about this book was amazing. There was so much depth and substance to this story, and the characters alone would be enough to get me to read this. They were so compelling and full of complexities you didn't expect. Hunter is one powerful alpha male, he is a protector, and has honor, unlike most of the other clan leaders. He is mating a woman he hates to save a member of his clan, and in this story we see how he deals with inner conflicts with Aylin, who is his match in every way. Aylin is desperate to escape her fate of being mated with a brutal leader, who has a harem of women. But she has no idea how, when she has a limp and even though she can fight, she is no match for her sister. Aylin is such a strong heroine...my heart just went out to her. Despite how difficult her life is, she still dreams of being happy somewhere, and despite the fact that she is isolated, she knows how to fight but in different ways and she has the courage of a lion. I love how she is willing to help those she cares about no matter the cost to her. I admired her character through and through.

The story itself was solid and full of depth and character...it has quite a bit going for it. There is much that goes on in this story I don't want to spoil for ya, but it was one of the most phenomenal books I have ever had the pleasure to read. There is quite a conflict for this pair to overcome, and it really had me at the edge of my seat for the whole way through...and it was quite a intense ride. Who needs cardio to get your heart rate up when you can read Chained by Night right?

Overall a story that will completely suck you in from the beginning, exciting plot, intense characters, dangerous villains, complex scenarios, intricately written, with thrilling paranormal elements...and best of all a romance to win your heart and take your breath!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

 

Summary

When Kit first knew Shawn Scarlett, it was in middle school and he was her inspiration for music and playing the guitar. In high school she had a huge crush on Shawn, and so one night she goes after him, trying to be bold and daring and shares a night with him, loses her virginity and ends up with a broken heart. Now its been six years, and Kit is talented and she has a chance to make her dreams become a reality. So she tries out for the empty spot as a guitarist on the Mayhem band, and gets the job. They think she is brilliant. But now she is stuck on the bus with Shawn, believing that he doesn’t remember her, but Kit has never forgotten, and she has been in love with him and still loves him even when she tries so hard not to. But both Kit and Shawn are keeping secrets, secrets that could destroy the trust and love they have built. Will their bond be enough or will it break..

Plot and story line

Chaos is the third installment in the series. This is my first time reading Jamie Shaw and I really had quite a bit of fun with this story. Even though I haven’t had a chance to read the first two books, I felt like I didn’t really need to. Although after seeing the other members of the band interact with each other, I am pretty excited to read Adam and Joel’s stories. This is a story that begins when Kit and Shawn were in high school. Then we see them six years later, and they build up a friendship, working on songs together, and boy do they have a connection when it comes to music. But many misunderstanding pop up and these two aren’t the most talented at communicating very well. Many problems happen, and there were times I really wanted to shake these two. But at the same time, their relationship seemed so real, easy to relate to on a human level. As the reader you can see yourself making the same mistakes or feeling similar emotions. Its quite provoking at times, and I love the side story of her twin, and what a wonderful connection these two have. Makes me wish I was a twin. What was most impacting about this book was the emotional drama that plays out. Its wreaked havoc on my emotions and I couldn’t put this down at all I just fell in love with everything about it. The way the romance develops seemed unique and so different but you can see how much these two need each other in the end…love the family and fighting for love!!

The Cover

I love rock star covers…and this one is so amazing. With that gorgeous guitar, and the blue hues of colors…amazing.

Overall View 

Chaos is a entertaining rock star romance that takes your breath away with breathtaking chracters, captivating plot, a guaranteed to keep your interests captivated!



 

Mayhem (1)

Riot (2)

Chaos (3)

 

It takes me an hour to drive to Mayfield. An hour of drumming my fingers against my Jeep’s steering wheel and blasting the music so loud that I can’t hear myself think. My GPS interrupts the eardrum massacre to give me directions to a club called Mayhem, and I park in the side parking lot of a massive square of a building.

With my Jeep in a spot and my ignition turned off, I drum on my steering wheel a few more times before smacking the heel of my palm against my glove compartment. It pops open, a hairbrush spills out, and I use it to tame my wind-tangled locks.

Earlier this week, the name of Shawn’s band—The Last Ones to Know—popped up on one of my favorite bands’ websites. I blinked once, twice, and then pushed my nose toward the screen to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

They were looking for a new rhythm guitarist. After doing a little digging, I found out that their old one, Cody, got kicked out of the band. The website didn’t say why, and I didn’t care. There was an opening, and everything in me told me to send an email to the email address listed at the bottom of the online flyer.

I typed the email in a daze—as if my guitar-loving fingers wanted to be in the band even more than my spaced-out brain did. I wrote that I had been in a band in college but that we broke up to go our separate ways, I sent a YouTube link to one of our songs, I asked for an audition, and I signed my name.

Less than half an hour later, I received a reply overflowing with exclamation points and an audition time, and I wasn’t sure if I should smile or cry. It was a chance to make all my dreams come true. But in order to do that, I’d have to face the dream that had already been crushed.

These past six years, I’ve tried not to think about it. I’ve tried to erase his face from my mind. But that day, with that email in front of me, it all came back in a rush.

Green eyes. Messy black hair. An intoxicating scent that seemed to linger on my skin for days, weeks.

I give my head a little shake to clear Shawn from my mind. Then I finish brushing my hair and take one last glance in my rearview mirror. Satisfied I don’t look nearly as messy as I feel, I hop onto the asphalt and haul my guitar case from the backseat.

Now or never.

After a deep breath of city air, I begin making my way around the concrete fortress casting shadow over the parking lot. Unforgiving rays of afternoon sunshine wrap themselves around my neck and send beads of sweat trickling between my shoulder blades. My combat boots hit the sidewalk step by heavy step, and I force them to keep lifting and falling, lifting and falling. It isn’t until I’m at a massive set of double doors that I finally stop long enough to let myself think.

I raise my hand. I lower it. I raise it again. I flex my fingers.

I take a deep breath.

I knock.



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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Lady Rhea is the oldest daughter, of Duke and Duchess of Camareigh. Rhea has only known safety and security, living on her family's estate and surrounded by her family. Rhea is drawn into a dangerous world of treachery and adventure when she is kidnapped by her father's enemy. She is shipped off to the colonies as an indentured servant. Rhea manages to escape and straight into the arms of mysterious Captain Dante Leighton. Dante is a pirate captain and is in search of a hidden treasure so that he and his men can live the rest of their lives comfortably. Dante has British connections, but he lived much of his life on the sea. Dante doesn't trust women, especially since the last one betrayed him and aborted his child without his knowledge. Now he is fighting to get to the treasure before his adversary gets to it. But he suspects that Rhea is working with his enemy. But the truth stands against any mistrust Dante has for Rhea, and soon he is captured by her grace and spirited nature

Plot and Story Line 

Chance The Winds Of Fortune is the second book in the Dominick Trilogy. This is an author that is considered to be a "classic romance author" from the time of Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss. But this is the first time I have had the opportunity to read her. This book is a re-release and I really got involved into this story. Now what is different about this book from other historical romances I have read lately, is that it has three sub plots, and the main one with Rhea and Dante doesn't truly begin until about halfway through the story. It begins with setting up the story with both Dante and his ship and crew. Then we switch to Rhea and her family. Now her parent's are the main characters in the first book in the series, but I never felt like I had to read that one before trying this book out. Although after seeing her parents together, I definitely want to read their story...I have a feeling it would be lively and entertaining.

The Parents, Lucien, and Sabrina fell in love despite how much conflict was against them. They have built a wonderful life together, with three children: Rhea, Francis, and Robin. Rhea is more like her father, not as spirited as her mother, she tends to keep things bottled up inside until she explodes in emotion. Francis is a mix of the good between the two, he is level headed and intelligent. The youngest, a mere child, Robin he is his mothers child for sure. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers. Wild and spirited and keeps his parents on their toes with his antics. He was by far one of my favorite secondary characters to watch. Then we have the twins that Lucien and Sabrina have recently had, toddlers.

The villain in the story is two fold. We have the main one that is the focus of the story, Kate Anders. She is the cousin to Lucien. She has just lost her twin, living in Italy, but was exiled and blames Lucien. Kate is wanting revenge and wants to destroy Lucien and take everything from him including his precious family. Kate is vindictive and quite cruel at times. She is a villain, cunning and crafty. The other villain we have is on the other side with Dante, we have Bertie Mackay. Bertie is after treasure and is willing to do whatever it takes to snatch it before Dante can. He isn't as big of a threat as Kate is in the story, but he does create some treachery to the plot.

We see two romances in this story. We have the continued story of Lucien and Sabrina and seeing how their relationship is tested when they lose their daughter and there is an enemy in their midst. This is where we see how much they are committed to each other and stand firm by each other. I loved the way these two were together, in their forties, have a boat load of children, but still as much in love as they were twenty years previous. The other romance that we have is Rhea and Dante. This is more of an enemies to lover trope with these two with a bit of angst rolled into it. These two really don't like each other, mostly based on mistrust. Rhea is upfront and honest with Dante, but Dante doesn't believe anything that she says. Despite how much they dislike each other, Dante eventually sees reason and realizes his mistake and seeks to gain Rhea's respect and love.

I really had a ball with this book, because even though there wasn't one MAIN romance, I feel like books 2 and 3 could probably be one book. Since from what I know the third book opens up right after this one ends. (which I will be reading soon..yay) And we see more of Dante and Rhea when they return back to England. So their story hasn't ended yet, so I am curious to see what happens to them next along with the delightful and colorful cast of Dante's pirate crew here. Even though this is the first I have read this author, I am eager to read her other books. She doesn't have too many out there, but I hope to try out her other books since I just soaked this one up like a sponge.

The Cover 

There are two covers, but the other is was made in the 70's, so its one of those Classic covers. This cover I like more, and even though I love those couple poses, I just adore this one. I love the ship setting and his stance with his gorgeous body showing through the half-open shirt. And that hair....I wish I could jump right in and run my fingers through it hehe

Overall View 

Chance The Winds Of Fortune is a double romance story that kept me captivated....a plot that has a delightful mix of depth, passion, dangerous villains and adventures on the high seas and on land. TRULY DELECTABLE!!

Whatever we may have to face in England, we shall be together. No one can take me away from you.

Peg Thompson has no room in her life for a man in her life. She is busy with four children, and she has a suspicion her family is cursed and dares not fall in love again. So she tries to distance herself from Duncan, who has recently surfaced in her life. Duncan MacKeage comes from a family of magic, however he doesn't possess any. Duncan is busy building new roads since the change in Spellbound Falls. But then he comes across Peg and her four children who create chaos. However he finds himself charmed by this family, that is led by a woman of incredible beauty and inner strength. She is feisty and strong and protects her children like a mama bear, but he knows there is a inner passion in her just waiting to burst free, and he knows he is up to the challenge of helping her let go of some of her inhibitions. He also wants to show her the power of true love and the magic of his family can overcome any curses and prove to Peg how true his feelings are for her.Charmed By His Love is the second in the series, and after just loving the first one I had a lot of expectations for this one. Even though I really enjoyed it, I didn't exactly fall in love with everything that happens. It took a bit of time to get fully into it, but once I did, it was almost near impossible to put down. I found myself charmed by this story, and even though the whole "Curse" thing really didn't fly with me, I found the rest of the story enchanting. I really loved Duncan, who is a ' he man', but I also loved the way he was around Peg. She is what you would call feisty and stubborn, but Duncan handles her really well. I found this to be such a fun read, with witty humor, and a sweet romance that will charm any reader. A Delight to read!!! Looking forward to reading more from this series.....