This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This is the second book in the fun Survivors’ club, and I just love seeing friendships in romance both men and female friendships are so fascanating and endearing to witness. Mary Balogh is an author is so rich in her historical detail and I feel like everytime I read her, I feel like I have jumped right back in time and is one of the best to read for regency romance. And as a plus for this book, the audio format is narrated by Rosalyn Landor and I love listening to her with historical romance especially if its featured among the countries in the UK.

In this book we have a story where we get to one of my favorites of the Survivors’ Club. Viscount Rayleigh, is one of the survivor’s of the war who suffered a physical blow more than the others. He ended up losing his sight and has had to learn to live his life without his sight. He has his personal valet, who is a great friend to him that is his partner in crime of sorts. But he needs his freedom and space from the women in his family who are suffocating him with their protectiveness and determination to get him married. After meeting the woman they want for him, he packs his bags and runs away from the women in his family and to find some peace and quiet in his father’s home where he grew up, out in the country where he can find some solitude. But what he doesn’t plan on is being surrounded by the towns people or being manipulated by a certain family who are determined to have him marry their daughter even if that means tricking him into being the responsible man. But then he meets a young woman who he talks with and he is intrigued. But when she saves him from disaster with the machinations of her family, he offers her marriage when she is thrown out of home because of her protecting him. But he knows he needs to marry, and that they have become friends of sort and he has high hopes for a practical arrangement. But he doesn’t plan on falling in love with his bride and not wanting their practical arrangement to end.

The Arrangement is such a well written and richly detailed historical romance that I quickly became entrenched in. Now I was really excited for the hero of the story. We saw him in book one and I admired him SO much. He hasn’t let his blindness get him down at all. I love how positive he is about life, he has a confidence that is sexy and I admired his strength in facing his future in the manner that he does. He is probably one of the most upbeat and happier of the Surivors Club and I was endeared with his attitiude towards life. The heroine, Sophia, is one I really loved seeing come out of her shell. Now she hasn’t been treated right by hardly any member of her family. And her current situation is pretty horrible. She is referred to as the “mouse” and treated more like a servant than as a part of the family. Her parents are dead and has had to rely on her extended family for support. But she wants more out of her life than the drudgery she has come into. At first she doesn’t want to accept the arrangement with Vincent, she fears taking advantage of his kindness but she also could have her dreams if she marries him and not having to worry about being on the street. As they build on their friendship, and learn the value of their marriage, they also start to feel more than just friendship and sex, there is an emotional intimacy that develops that is consumming and one that neither of them want to give up on.

I adored seeing these two making a go of this marriage that at first is all about practicality, but they have a great fondness for each other. I adore marriages of convenience, and Mary Balogh always does them so very well. In this book we see how wonderful these two get along, and how wonderful they are for each other. Both of them are there for each other in such a beautiful way, and really builds on the romance. The dynamics of their relationship kept me totally into this story and I loved every moment of it. Sophia is always working on ways to make Vincent’s life easier and so that he can experience things in life that he misses out on from being blind. And Vincent is working on helping Sophia build back her self confidence and her talents for her artwork and writing children stories.

Overall I found the Arrangement, to be a wonderful romance that won my heart and took my breath away with his vitality, vibrancy and authenticity of the historical setting….a true gem!!  

Gregor "The Arrow" is considered the best marksman, and after seven years of fighting with and for Bruce...he is dedicated all the way. But when he is almost spotted and his position is compromised, Bruce sends him to his home to lay low for a while, and to deal with his ward. Cate has been in love with Gregor for years. She knows him inside and out, and she knows she can show him. She was rescued after her village was raided and her mother was killed. Cate has worked hard to learn to fight and defend herself. But she is also willing to fight for Gregor. Even though he is known the "Most Handsome Man in Scotland", she sees beneath the gorgeous exterior, to a man that deserves to be loved for who he really is and not another notch on a bed post. As Cate starts her seduction of Gregor, there is secrets that they both hide from each other...secrets that could tear them apart unless their learn to trust in the love they share...but will Gregor's enemies gain the upper hand and destroy everything?

The Arrow is the 9th book in this astounding series by Monica McCarty. I just want to say that this story was such fun!!! My goodness...did I have such a good time with this story. The story begins with seeing some of the team together on a secret mission, when Gregor makes a mistake, and he is compromise and has to go into hiding for some time to protect himself and the guard and his family. Gregor has devoted everything to Bruce, a man who has a dream and the willingness to fight for it. Gregor will do anything his King commands...even if it means going back home to deal with a young woman he would rather avoid. When he arrives home he finds that his young ward, is a young woman, with a gentle beauty and fierce passions. He is captivated, and for a man who is always being chase for the wrong reasons, we see a woman chase him for the right reasons. Cate has such a deep devotion and love to Gregor, even if he treats her not worthy at times. I love how she continually has faith in him and never gives up. She is tenacious and strong and I loved how she is willing to do anything to win him.

There are some shocks and surprises and some that really shook me they shocked me so much, and I never saw them coming at all!! I love how this author has a way to write a story with such telling results. There was so much that I enjoyed about this one. Not my favorite, but definitely up there in top favorites of the series. We see more of Bruce in the story...for a good reason. We also see quite a bit of Erik "The Hawk" who is hilarious and adds a certain dramatic flair to the story, and boy what humor!! I LOVED it.

Overall a fun and adventurous romance, set in the historical Scotland, where you see a fight for freedom, a powerful love, and quite a bit of conflict to have you on the edge of your seat!! I love how this author compound a mixture of passion, history, and great wit to create a tale to captivate your senses!! TO DIE FOR!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

After reading Fallen Princess, which is book eight in the Wind Dragons MC series, I realized how far behind I had become in this series and I really love how Fernando writes MC romances, and I was in the mood for something less gritty in the MC world so I decided to do some catching up especially when I noticed that this series in the Audible Romance Package.

Arrow’s Hell is book two of the series, and it features a MC member “Arrow” and our heroine is Anna. Anna is the sister of a MC member, and currently going to college working on her degree and even though she got a late start, she is more than happy going to school and learning. But when she begins to rebuild her relationship with her brother then she meets up with Arrow. Even though her brother doesn’t want her involved with any member of the MC, there is something that she finds compelling about Arrow. There is a dual attraction between Arrow and Anna. But Arrow is hesitant because he doesn’t want to break his vow with a brother, but the more he is around Anna, protecting her or escorting her to class he begins to fall in love with her and knows that she is worth the risk.

I really had such a fun time with this book here and I adored the narrators. Even though its dual POV (we don’t see much of the hero’s perspective which I would have loved since it had Sebastian York narrating) however our female narrator did a superb job making this listener fall in love with Arrow’s Hell. I really love the whole forbidden romance that we have going on especially when its mixed in with the best friends sister type of trope. We see how well Anna fits into the club though and how she makes the perfect old lady. Anna is a firecracker, with a spine of steel, she is a fighter but she also has that sweet softspot that you adore. I loved seeing Arrow and Anna together and seeing them find a way for it to work with the club and her brother.

The romance between these two is powerful and sweet and I really enjoyed seeing Arrow and Anna fully come together, it does happen slowly of course, since there is that forbidden line that they don’t want to cross but there is a sizzling bond that they can’t deny either. I love the fun bantering between them. Arrow is a grump and boy I loved that, he is more serious toned. But Anna, despite her childhood (not a good one with her mother being a drug addict) is so upbeat and happy and has loads of energy and she is determined to win over Arrow despite how stubborn he is.

Overall I found Arrow’s Hell to be a delightful MC romance that gave me the feels and left my heart happy….a fun filled story you can get on board with!

Maggie is the Alpha of the pack, and has been for quite some time. Maggie is used to taking charge with no nonsense attitude. When a journalist researching werewolves comes into Grundy, all she wants to do is kick him out, until she first sees him and then she starts to rethink that idea. Maggie is instantly attracted to the sexy but geek of a man, Nick. At first Maggie wants to deny the attraction that she feels for Nick, because he is not good for her. She needs a strong alpha wolf, to keep the pack strong. The long that Nick is around though, and they keep bumping into each other, she starts to realize that Nick is just what she needs. But then tensions rise, when a neighbor pack is trying to move into their territory, and strange things start happening to Maggie, she needs to keep control. But will the love that they have built be enough to withstand the coming storm?

The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf is the second book in the series and I have finally managed to read Maggie's story. I was able to obtain a copy through my local library, and so grateful too. Ever since I read the third book, I have been aching to read Maggie and Nick's story. I knew that they would get their HEA but I had no idea how it happens. From the first page I was completely drawn into the story. Maggie is well, one tough cookie. She is not someone you ever mess with or say no to, however Nick does and isn't afraid of her. He is human, not a wolf, and only feels a attraction and acts on it. I loved how from the beginning Maggie has liked Nick for his "geek and smart side". In fact I think its the fact that he is smarter than she is, that gets her bothered. I love the connection between the two, and from the time that she bites his "booty" as a wolf, things escalate.

Nick is the type of hero, that we don't see a whole big side of. We see more of Maggie's story and her feelings on this story. However I really liked Nick as the hero and the mate for Maggie. I felt from the beginning, that he is what she needs. She doesn't need a powerful wolf but she does need someone to stand up to her, who has his own opinions, and isn't afraid of her wolf either, but finds her wolf side fascinating. Its pretty humorous at times seeing these two together. There was so many scenes that almost made me fall off my couch laughing. I swear it was never ending scenes that are guaranteed to make you smile, giggle, and burst out in laughs that others will think you are crazy!!

I really felt like this story was well developed and flowed quite smoothly. I never felt the need to put this down, and once I fully got into it, it didn't take me very long to plow through the story. I always know when I pick up a book this author has written, I am going to have one hell of a ride, and this story tops every expectation I had for the book. And there was a few times that the plot twisted in a way that bowled me over topsy turvy!! A paranormal romance with fun filled scenes, characters that will captivate, and a tale to keep you fascinated. Never a dull moment. FANTASTIC!!!

 

Summary 

Jeremy Keane, is an american artist, and is looking to get his name well-known. At a ball, he sees a woman who is so different from the other debutantes, she is high-spirited and full of passion and he is drawn to her, he needs to paint her. Yvette knows scandal, her family has lived and survived it, but she is desperate to get into a brothel and find her nephew. So she comes to an agreement with Jeremy, she will be his model for his artwork, if he will take her to a brothel in Covent Gardens so she can find a small boy who is innocent. Jeremy escaped America to travel abroad, and now resides in England. He refuses to open himself up to real feeling again, because it almost destroyed him the first time.Now he is faced with a woman who is so much more than he realized. She may be a model, but she has high opinions and she goes after what she wants. But soon Jeremy and Yvette will be drawn into a game of sensuality, but which one will win..

The Hero 

Jeremy, grew up in America, and was always expected to take over his fathers mill buisiness, there was just one problem...his art. He loves his paints and had a passion for doing art, and he refused to give it up. But his father was determined to win him over to his way of thinking, but Jeremy found himself caught up in a situation that almost broke him body and soul. He loved his mother and sister and even his father, but he couldn't stay in America. He traveled across Europe paining sensual pieces and making a name for himself. He is content in England, but he has yet to find that one model that could win him the prestige that he needs. Jeremy is quite a charming hero, he is much deeper than he appears on the surface and many people on see what he allows them to see. I love how roguish he can be, and many other times he has honor and stands on it. But boy does he have an American attitude that I just loved seeing, especially interaction with the Brits.

The Heroine 

Yvette was almost ruined by scandal years ago. She stands on her own, is intelligent and to many she is known as a "bluestocking". She isn't ashamed of who she is but has yet to find a real win worthy suitor that she could come to care for and share her life with. Yvette isn't afraid of scandal, even if she almost made a huge mistake years ago. But her brother saved her from a awful position that she was put in. Ever since she doesn't trust men or their intentions. When she hears that one of her foolish brothers, Samuel has a illegitimate son who is living in a brothel she decides she must take action to find him, even if it means that she will have to agree to a scandalous agreement with a rogue, a rogue she can seem to resist. Yvette is strong and cunning, I loved her intelligence and her caring nature. She is quick-witted and can battle any man with her words.

Plot and StoryLine 

The Art Of Sinning was a captivating romance that had me from the beginning. I love what Sabrina Jeffries is doing with this new series, and including an artist as one of her main characters...genius. This is a warm and slow burning romance, we see build up of tension between Jeremy and Yvette, from the beginning they have some sparks but they don't act on it for some time except through battling away with words and quick responses. It was quite interesting seeing how these two finally come together and having to face their pasts. We see beneath the surface of Jeremy and Yvette. We see a little mystery get solved and boy this one brother Samuel he is quite awful when he learn the true extent of what he has done to Yvette. But her other brother...well it should be fun to see him in the next book. *wink*. I think what was most charming about The Art Of Sinning was the bantering between Jeremy and Yvette. They build a bond to each other, its more like friendship but more than that, they like each other but don't act on what they feel. They just go with the flow and try to remain in control. I couldn't help but admire the way this story evolved, and the focus is the emotional bridges these two form with each other and how they help each other overcome their pasts and embrace a future together. A Warm and gentle romance that has me eager for the second book.

The Cover 

I love the simplicity of this cover. I love the embrace, and the smirk on the male model's face...so Jeremy Keane.

Overall View

The Art Of Sinning is an enchanting love story that is sweet and fun, with enough emotional connection to keep you satisfied...simply wonderful!!







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Quinn Wilde, the Earl of Traherne is not what he appears to be. To many he is known as a disreputable rake, and to Venetia he is everything that rumors claims him to be. But for Venetia Stratham, she has reason to distrust Quinn. They have a history. Venetia previous bethrothed, she learned on their wedding day, that he had a mistress even though he claimed to love her. Venetia ended their bethrothal and a scandal erupted and Venetia had to deal with the fall out. She doesn't trust any man, especially since Quinn was once friends with the one man she gave her heart to and broke her trust in men. But when she learns that Quinn has been rumored to have taken a sincere interest in her sister, Venetia is determined to make sure that doesn't happen. She will do anything for her sister. But when Quinn and Venetia are caught in a horrible scandal, Venetia and Quinn will need to marry or the fallout will effect her sister in the worst ways. Neither Quinn or Venetia are looking for a love match, but when the unexpected happens will they embrace it or scorn it?

The Hero 

Our hero, Quinn Wilde is such a delicious character. Boy did I have a blast reading him. Quinn is one of the Wilde's, very protective of his family, intelligent, a bit of a scientist and has been known to gamble, drink and enjoy the pleasures of the fairer sex. Quinn is quite well rounded, at first I would never have expected to see the depths of his character come forth as the story unravels. When we learns of his history especially considering his parents. He is driven to succeed and a bit of a mystery sleuth. But he isn't all seriousness...in fact he can be quite mischievous and devil may care at times. We see various facets to his character and this made him all the more charming and engaging. We also see that even though he doesn't believe in love, he has honor and integrity.

The Heroine 

Venetia Stratham, is quite a match for our hero. Although I feel like her character isn't revealed bit by bit...we see her in her full glory from the beginning which was diffferent. Venetia hasn't had the best luck when it comes to men. She is bold, daring and says what's on her mind when the situation warrants it. She understands the culture that she wa raised in, and the strict code of honor and scandal she has to live by. She can be rash at times, but this aspect of her character is what makes her seem so vibrant in the story. She has this spirit that I loved, and on some level I connected with her. She was once betrayed, but she still believes in love and wants to have it for herself one day. Venetia has a quiet inner strength that I admired greatly.

She only knew that she intended to fight for his love with every ounce of strength and determination she possessed.

Her parents set her aside to live in France, when the scandal errupted. They refused contact with her younger sister, with whom she was very close to. We see how devoted she is to her sister, and what lengths she will go to to protect her....even if that means thretening Quinn with a pistol. She was quite a unique character.

Plot and Story Line 

The Art of Taming a Rake was simply fantastic and I honestly couldn't get enough of these two!! I did have a bit of a headache while reading it, whihc I think contributed to not being able to enjoy it as much. However despite that...I found a very charming and likable romance and I adored getting more of a Legendary Lovers theme. Now this series is based on famous lovers. This book resembles "Taming of the Shrew". Its not a play I am super familiar with however. But I still enjoyed seeing these two fall in love. I can't help but admire the Wilde family...they are a very engaging and fun family. I love their sense of closeness, and I love the set up of each of them finding a love match for life.

In this story, we have a book that is very engaging. What I have always admired by this author is the way that she pulls the reader into her story. Nicole Jordan is quite unique and her writing style is one I can never get enough of. Both characters are simply wonderful for each other. In many ways they understand each other's needs. I really loved seeing the way these two work through mistrust and find a common ground. This book was such a quick read, and I couldn't believe it when it was over. I was thinking...wow did I just read all that??!!! But yes I did. What we see at first is a great chemistry between these two.

Her lips trembled under his. Encouraged, he changed the slant of his head and took her mouth more thoroughly, coaxing her to participate in her own seduction. When finally she opened completely to him, Quinn felt the unexpected impact like a jolt of lighting: heat, pleasure, excitement, sheer satisfaction

They could set a match to a forest fire with the heat that passes between them. I loved seeing the sexual chemistry grow into something more tangible with emotion.

Another great aspect to the story that was one of my favorites...was the mystery and a bit of "cloak and Dagger" themes. We have a mystery that Quinn is trying to solve about his parent's deaths. He suspects that it was no accident. But when he has multiple attempts on his life, he knows the killer is after him because Quinn is getting too close to the truth. This adds a unique element to the story that raises the bar. I found that this portion of the story is very much needed because this is what brings Quinn and Venetia together and makes them realize what they mean to each other and admit their feelings at the right time.

If you put your heart in my hands, I swear to cherish it and keep it safe always

The ending was simply perfect and I got a bit teary eyed while reading it. I loved how it leaves us fully satisfied with the romance, while giving us a teaser for the next book. *eek....I can't wait!!*

The Cover 

What a beautiful cover....pure love!! The pose is so sensual and romantic. I love the mix of colors that really pop with the bright yellow and pink. Seriously....this cover is one you want to jump right into.

Overall View 

The Art of Taming a Rake is a stimulating romance that takes us into another Legendary Lovers romance, we see passion, hidden depths of emotion and a thrilling tale to keep you excited from beginning to end.



[foogallery id="19406"]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

The Summary 

Kadie Andrews has come out the the western states, as a photographer. She has a talent with capturing ghost towns and cemeteries. She takes a wrong turn and ends up in a town that is off the map, practically a ghost town and makes her eerie. The residents are a bit off and react strangely towards her. Hardly anything is open, including a gas station. During the day there is activiy, but the moment the sun goes down, everyone flees into their homes. Through a array of circumstances she ends up learning about the truth behind the curtain. The town of Morgan Creek, is overcome by a coven of vampires, and the master vampire who has been alive since the crusades, is the most dangerous yet sensual mans Kadie has ever known. But she is literally kept a prisoner along with everyone else in the town. As the food supply for the vampires. Some have it worse than others, depending on the vampire feeding on you that week. Kadie has the luck of drawing the attention of Rylan Saintcrow, the leader of them. He keeps her in his home, but there is something real that draws Kadie to Rylan. Rylan has never known anything good or pure since he was turned centuries ago, until he scented Kadie....her spirit and body pure in every way. Will Rylan and Kadie be able to hold onto forever....or will the dangers that threaten Rylan seperate them forever.

The Hero 

Rylan Saintcrow has been a vampire for the longest time and he is one of the oldest vampires of their kind. He came to Morgan Creek, since it was off the map, a dead town and a place the vampire hunters knew nothing about. Lately, the vampire hunters have grown to a huge number, and are killing off his kind by large numbers. So Rylan stayed in this small town, and offered sanctuary to a few vampires that needed a safe place and protection. Rylan was turned while fighting in the Holy War during the Crusades and was left abandoned and alone, to learn the ways and made too many mistakes....actions he regrets with his full heart. Rylan despite being a vampire, his strict rules....has a good heart and has a code of honor. Rylan is a pure alpha male, and boy I had so much fun with this character. At first I was uneasy about him, however as I delved deeper into the story I realized how realistic his character seemed to be. The author here, doesn't sugar coat vampires but what I liked was seeing the good come through with each chapter.

The Heroine 

Kadie Andrews was a delightful heroine and there were many aspects of her personality I felt I could relate with. She is a professional photographer, and loves traveling. She is close to her family, and has a great inner strength, but is also kind and accepting. When she first arrives to the town, she has a hard time accepting what is actually happening to her. But she stands up to the vampires she runs across, and since they can control her mind if need be, she seeks escape when they are sleeping. However it still proves to be pointless since there is a block when trying to leave. No one can except for Rylan. Kadie is a heroine that accepts Rylan eventually, she still battles verbally with him and I loved her courage to stand up to him.

Plot and Story Line 

In As Twilight Falls, Amanda Ashley has created another great vampire romance that has a more gothic theme to it and I just soaked it all up. I haven't had a chance to read too many gothic themes, but Ashley handled this one in such a fabulous way. It deals with mixed emotions and actions, that the reader has to battle with as you read. I loved the set up of the story, and I was instantly drawn into it from the first page or two. One aspect I have always admired about Amanda Ashley, is how easily I can get swept up into her stories, and As Twilight Falls was no different. What was truly fascinating was seeing the variety of characters that come into play. Not all good....not all bad either. We have a mix of personalities and we see the line between black and white...turns grey at times. There were a couple of side characters that I didn't exactly care for, especially the woman vampire. Boy she was a piece of work....very cruel and vicious so I was thrilled when she was taken out of the picture. But some revelations occur that create unique plot twists that turned me upside down and inside out. The romance between Kadie and Rylan was fantastic. At first we have two strong personality who have a battle of wills....but as they let their pride and stubborness go, we see a beautiful romance build.

The Cover 

I like this cover, not my favorite from Amanda Ashley, but it has a great gothic theme to it, and I love the reddish background theme to it.

Overall View

As  Twilight Falls is a stirring, and thought-provoking story with gothic themes and a variety of aspects to keep you asking for me. Its a story that is stirring, and exceptionally well written. Guaranteed to send chills down the spine.

In the third book in the series, Knox and Harper’s story continues with some delights, some action and some fun hot smexy times!! So if you enjoyed Burn and Blaze than you will have a fun time with Ashes. This review will be a bit shorter than the previous ones because I don’t want to risk revealing too much that will give spoilers.

But I did have a blast with Ashes, it was simply a phenomenal read and so well done!! I loved seeing Harper and Knox come alive once again and seeing their relationship grow and become stronger. We see them face some new enemies, a certain blessing will happen to them and they will become an even stronger kick ass team together. We see how well they work together even if they are apart from each other. We see the true power of their inner demons and seeing them become even better and the ending…SO sweet and tender

Ashes was such a powerfully provoking story that just makes you fall in love with Knox and Harper even more and seeing them face some challenges that they never see coming and how well they handle it “grace under pressure” is all I can say because this book was everything I was hoping for and more. FABULOUS!!