This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Two years have passed since Jared, left Tate to find himself. He discovered his passion, trying to become a man that would be worthy of Tatum. But when after being gone six months, he saw that she had apparently moved on which almost broke him at that time. So he returned back to his world of racing and building custom vehicles. Its the two year mark, since he lost the woman that was his heart. His friendships have been put on hold. But when he learns that his mother is pregnant, and he will have a baby sister, he goes back home and comes face to face with Tate. Tate almost broke when Jared left her, and she tried to move on but has yet to without thinking about him or craving his touch. Over the two years that he has been gone, she has become harder, colder and she lives and breathes racing. But when Jared enters her life again, she refuses to allow him to hurt her again. But Jared is going to fight for her with his last breath and show her that they are meant to be together.

Plot and Story Line 

This was a story that I was nervous about reading. We have their first book, when they fall in love and we see the complexities of their relationship and they are one of my favorite couples that this author has written. In the previous book, Falling Away we see a glimpse of the problems that surface between Jared and Tate. Tate has always been driven, and known exactly what she wants to do with life. However, Jared---hasn't had what Tate has had. He never knew what he really wanted for his life, other than Tate...but he needed purpose in life. He needed to find himself, because there were so many distractions some good and some bad that prevented him from finding who he is and where he wants to go in life. He came to a decision to be a better man not only for himself but for the woman he loved more than life.

I left so I could be a better man for you. So I could come back for you.

Now its been two years and both Jared and Tate have changed. Jared has found himself and purpose but still yearns for Tate. Tate however, has grown very different. She is a woman he almost doesn't recognize. Colder and more distant. She is a challenge for Jared, and he will have to work to deserve her again. This is what made this book so fun...was seeing the bantering and the silly fights these two have. The Racing----yes these two go at it once again. *grins* Quite entertaining, and seriously the way these two race rocks it. I grew to admire the way this book developed. We see the depth of feeling between Jared and Tate.

“I’m never letting you go again, Tate,” I whispered, almost desperate. “I’m your friend forever, and if that’s all I get, then that’s what I’m taking, because only when you’re here” – I took her hand and placed it on my heart – “do I feel like my life is worth a damn.”

Their relationship becomes more vital in this book than in how we have seen them in the past. We get some unique interference from the other two couples. What really did it for me, was how these two are truly tested when it comes to trust in the end here. This is what changes them and strengthens their bond.

The Narration 

Oh I had a blast with these two narrators once again!! I just can't get enough and I am so thrilled they were doing the fourth book in the series!!! Both are fantastic and I loved their voices and the way they get into the roles so easily.

The Cover 

I am not sure what I feel for this cover. A bit bland compared to the others, and probably my least favorite of the series.

Overall View 

Aflame is a story that tests you in ways you don't expect....its a tale of redemption, forgiveness and a powerful love that never dies. BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN!!

Books N' Tunes:

As I was thinking of a song that would relate with these two: This song just fits, their relationship and what they become here. And YAY for Jared And Tate getting their HEA they deserve.

 





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Lady Regan, was raised by her brother, a member of the Lords of Vice. As such she grew up learning to climb trees, fishing, fencing lessons and gambling. Regan is not your typical English miss. But when Regan and "Dare" are caught kissing, her brother sends her away to school and for five years she has been patient. Regan was hurt when her brother sent her away, and from the only family she has ever known. Now she is ready to take part of the Season, and put her brother in his place a bit, and seduce Dare and show him what she is made of. Dare was betrayed by the only woman he ever loved, who married his brother because he was the "heir". Dare is the second son, and has been a member of the Lord of Vice, but there is one woman who has held his interest more than any other, but she is forbidden, but when she comes back to London, and he is forced to escort her, passions between them are inflamed and this time it won't be just desire than could be dangerous to them...

After Dark With A Scoundrel is the third installment in the Lords of Vice series. I am very proud of myself for having read this series in order so far....I hope I can keep going strong. I have the worst habit of reading a series out of order. But since all of the books are at my local library, I decided to try this one in order. In this book we have Dare's book, and we have Regan as the heroine. Now I will say that if you have yet to read this author, and you love historical romance and you want to get started into historical romance...this series just might be for you. I feel like this author is underrated, but as far as regency romances go, this author is at the top of the list. You can never go wrong with Alexandra Hawkins.

We begin with bit of bad luck for Regan. Regan is a bit of a tom boy, and has a connection and bond with all of the Lords of Vice, and you see the close ties she has with them. AT the beginning she is only fifteen, and through a twist of events, she ends up in a sensual embrace with Dare, which she doesn't expect but that kiss changes her. When her brother forces her to school, she is furious and hurt. Now we skip ahead five years, Regan is still just as mischievous and sassy as ever, five years at school hasn't changed her personality, she just has a better way of seeming to be more polished. She is determined to come to London and make some changes in her life. Her first goal is to show up with no notice to her brother, and to seduce the one man she craves. This heroine...was so fun, and she definitely has the type of personality you can just enjoy while reading her. This story definitely had me laughing, and the kind of creative schemes she comes up with, and then join that up with her wit and sass...well she is a heroine you can adore.

This is a story that brings together steamy chemistry, full of life characters, enticing mystery, a enchanting mix of flavors and spices to make you hunger for more. WICKEDLY SENSUAL!!

Lady Claire is tired of the same redundancy of the Ton and society and never feeling any passion or emotion. Even though she is loved by her parents, she knows they expect her to make a good match. So she reluctantly agrees to go in a dark corner and exchange a kiss with a lord. What she doesn't expect is to be attacked and to be rescued by a handsome Duke. Fenmore hasn't always been a Duke. When he was young, he and his older sister had to survive the streets by thievery, but then they were rescued by a family relative and he was trained and tutored to be the Duke of Fenmore. For quite some time he has watched Claire from a distance and only wishes to prove himself worthy of her. When he finds her being attacked he rescues her and then they stumble upon a dead body and he realizes that Claire isn't safe. So he and Claire decided to look for the murderer themselves, but along the way they start to have a powerful connection, a connection that will prove to be their greatest strength and could save the both of them.

After The Scandal is the fourth installment, and the first book I have read from this author. I have been watching this author for quite some time now. So when I was able to obtain a review copy, I was very excited to try this author out and I find that I really enjoyed her unique style. There was alot more to this book than a simple regency love story. The elements included into this read only added a air of excitement and danger and leaves the reader more intrigued with each turn of page. From the very first chapter we see the instant connection between Clair and Fenmore. They definitely have a unpredictable desire for each other, but even from their first meeting you see that there is alot more to their relationship than just passion.

The hero of the story is Fenmore, and boy I wish more heroes were more like him. Most of the time with this time period and style, the heroes are all about being rakes and seducing. However Fenmore is so different. He has a sense of high honor and respect for Claire, and you see how much he admire Claire and only wants her to return the feelings he has for her. Throughout the story you see him trying to prove his worth of her, and I loved his humble personality. But it wasn't fake, it seemed so genuine and real and I definitely needed a tissue, he definitely evoked certain emotions. Claire is daring and bold and I loved seeing her react toward Fenmore. Claire is put in danger and even though put in certain situations most women would lean away from, she steps right into it, not fearing much of anything. I loved her sense of loyalty toward the hero and their relationship was full of conflict, passion, and adventure. Who wouldn't want to jump right in and join them right? A exciting romantic tale that is guaranteed to weave a spell around you!! FANTASTICALLY WELL DONE!!!

Aline once fell in love with John McKenna, who she grew up with as a child, but when she became a woman everything changed, and after she had to force him to leave, her life changed forever....and now he is back in her life, and she knows that the least thing he is thinking of is the love they once shared, but revenge that is directed toward her. However as much as she wants to she knows she can't risk telling him the truth no matter how much it makes her ache inside. John, knew that there was no future for them but now he is forever changed from that young innocent stable boy who believed in love and hope for the future. He has created his own future, but Aline has always haunted his thoughts and has come back to get his revenge, only things don't add up and his passion for Aline resurfaces only stronger than ever.....Again The Magic, is the fourth in the Bow Street Runners, I think I may have read this one once before, but I don't remember it but there were parts that seemed familiar. I just fell in love with this book, it was everything I could have hoped for. Aline, is darling, even though I think she could have used more spine to fight for what she really wanted. For some reason John seemed so amusing to me, I really have no idea why, just that his character appealed to me in a certain way that made me smile. I just loved how the story progressed, the bed scenes were very heated but at the same time romantically sweet. I find the more I read this author the more I wish more authors were like her, I just love her stories and how they connect even though the series are different from each other. I also loved how their was a side love story to Aline's and Westcliffs younger sister....I found Again the Magic a very charming love story that just sang to the heart.....even though it had some flaws overall an sweet love story......

This books is filled with two short stories, so I will do the summary and review of each.

Stag Party
This starts out with Dane Hearne who is the god Cernannos, after his fiancee leaves him in the dust. Every year he is required to get married to atleast someone, even if its the same one. However this year, if he doesn't marry than he will no longer be a god and having lived so long he will die. Then he stumbles across Megan St Clair, who is there for a job and to see the site with her crew. After meeting her Dane knows that he wants her for his wife however there is one milestone that he has to get past, is convincing her to marry him and become his goddess. After Megan meets handsome and irresistable Dane, she knows there is a lot more to him than he appears to be. There is also a undeniable attraction between them that neither of them can deny.
I have always loved reading stories involving the Greek myths of their gods, its always been fascinating to me. So when I started reading this story, I just fell in love. Although I wish that it could have been spread out a bit further and not so short, but that's what happens with short stories most times. I loved the plot and the characters, who were witty and fun. But it seemed to me that things just went by too fast, especially how fast she accepted the truth and how fast they fell in love with each other. It kinda seemed off to me, but for the most part I really enjoyed this story, it had a sassy edge to it, and plus made me laugh frequently.

Norse Truly
In the second story in this book, it begins with Brynna Lund driving down the coast, when she ends up accidently crashing her car in the ocean, and is then picked up by some very old, but cursed vikings, who think she is the key to their salvation, and the breaking of the curse. At first when she meets Alrik, she thinks she is dreaming, but after spending time with him and his crew, she realizes that she is awake and it is reality, even though there is a part of her that is doubtful. Through a series of adventures she comes to realize how much Alrik means to her, and that she never wants to let him go, even though she knows he deserves it.

Now this story was a bit different from the first one, which involves cursed Vikings, who stir up things for Brynna. If I had to pick out of these two I would pick this one, it was my type of love story. Even though it was a bit too short for me, but after certain events happen to Brynna, which leads to her falling in love with Alrik. I loved both of these characters, Brynna has been the only one in her family withheld from certain information, and she takes it all in pretty well considering the circumstances she is faced with. Alrik, having been cursed on the sea on his Viking ship for hundreds of years, years for Valhalla, and to be released from this terrible curse. When he meets Brynna, however things change for both of them, when they realize how much they care for one another. Of course I loved this story, and it had a emotional ring to it, and made me cry at the end, but in this case were definitely happy tears, and not cheesy (at least not for me)