Bathsheba, works for a company that sets up dates for paranormal beings of every kind. Although she is human, she knows that she must never date the clients. When a certain prestigious client, Beau. needs a date for the evening, when his date cancelled on him, she goes out with him against her better judgment. Then when sparks fly between them, she knows she is in deep trouble. Because not only is it forbidden to date Beau when it could easily get her fired from her job, and after having to protect her sister, she knows its very dangerous to get involved with Beau....but sometimes the way of the heart can get in the way of logic and reason...Beauty Dates The Beast is the first in the Midnight Liasons series, and the first book by this author. I was at the bookstore...and the title just drew me especially since I have a weakness for shifter romances and I was thrilled after reading this book....definitely a high rater for me!!!! I think I loved pretty much everything about this book and I can hardly wait for the sequel. From the first few pages I was drawn completely into the story, and fell in love with Bethsheba and her sister, very endearing characters, and then the moment we see Beau....I think I fell in love with this hero.....breakthtaking and full of sensual promises and thrilling adventures....the plot was full of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns that will take you on a breathtaking journey, and a beautiful love story that will pull at the very heart strings of every romance lover!!!! A MUST DIE FOR READ!!!!!
Prince Adam Delacroix scarred and hidden away in his castle, with only a faithful dog as his companion lives a lonely existence still haunted by the memories of his past, a painful one that still haunts him day and night with only his music to comfort him. Isabelle Rose never thought her life would turn out the way it has. Isabelle is in a desperate situation. Her father is very ill, her step sisters are cruel and she finds herself engaged to a beast of a man that is cruel and will treat her only worse if she marries him. She feels trapped and has no way of getting out. But there is one last chance, a final trip with her father. But when her father ends up sick and in need of a place to stay the night, she asks for sanctuary never thinking that she would be trading a prison for another. When her father dies from his sickness, Isabelle already made a devil's bargain. However Adam is not what he seems to be, there is a man of compassion and depth that she discovers and she finds herself falling in love with a scarred and tortured man who seems to need her....
The Hero
Adam Delacroix grew up in a loving home with parents who played with him but then their own servants turned on them and killed his parents in front of him and while trying to save his infant sister ended up burned and Adam lost everything on that fateful and painful night where he lost his family and everything he loved. Adam is a man that is still tortured from the demons of his past. He still bears the nightmares even after twenty five years since that painful time. Adam has a tough exterior but beneath that barrier he has built up, he still has a soft and kind heart. Adam is a hero that is rough around the edges but soft and sweet on the inside.
Being here with you, Isabelle...it feels like everything in my life has led to this moment. All of my losses and heartaches. Everything. They have all brought me to you. And for that, I can regret nothing.
The Heroine
Isabelle is a woman of compassion and a kind heart. She is a beautiful woman but tends to draw the eye of the good and bad in town. She is a lover of books and nature. She adores her father and will do anything for his health even if that means marrying a man she couldn't ever love. Isabelle hasn't had the easiest time of it either but has still known affection and love from her father who is her best friend in many ways. Isabelle was such a likable and endearing character, and instantly you just admire her. You want her to "win the day". I really admired how devoted she was to her family even her step sisters who didn't like her but Isabelle isn't a character to be so harsh in her judgments and I loved her sweet natured spirit be strong and firm when it counted.
Plot and Story Line
Beauty of the Beast is the first of a new series by this author, but this is also the first time I have picked up this author and it was simply wonderful reading this book. I picked this up right after watching the new movie "Beauty and the Beast" and in many ways it fits the fairy tale, but it does have a more gothic like quality to the story so it is a bit edgier and is written for an "adult audience" for sure. There are some scenes that won't be easy for everyone, especially with our villain Raphael. Now first off Raphael, is a character you can understand why he is the way he is but you won't like him at all. He was truly horrible especially in how he treats the heroine. In many ways this story has a mix of elements. It has a strong connection to "Beauty and the Beast" of course but also some similarities with Phantom of the Opera. This story was heart breaking at times especially when it comes to our hero Adam. I believe he was only 11 years old when the attack on his family happened, so he has been alone ever since with little human contact except one of his family's servants who remained faithful to him. We see how he slowly changes from a man who is bitter and haunted by his past when he meets our heroine who is kind and lovely. At first she fears Adam because of his scars and his temper at times. But pretty quickly she sees something more to him.
Adam was a flesh-and-blood enigma, a beautiful master that she ached to unravel. His music was enough to leave her breathless- and his refined mannerisms and the innate way he held and asserted himself reaffirmed that cultured upbringing
I truly enjoyed seeing their ups and downs....the drama and the revelations, the way these two just bond in little ways that make their relationship more vibrant. It has a very sensual tone to the romance and I loved the way these two resolve their differences and learn to trust in each other. Its a tale the reader can become fully invested in very easily and you won't want to put this "tugs at the heartstrings" romance down. What makes this truly unique and timeless is how close it stays to the fairy tale but has a more 'realistic' tone to it.
The Cover
oh I just love this cover, and displays the tone of the story so well. I love the dark hues with the blues and then the red roses that crop up.
Overall View
Beauty of the Beast is a majestic and heart-achingly sweet romance that gives a real take on a classic fairy tale---sensual and stimulating, a romance that will capture its readers hearts. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED!!
This is my home now. I love you, Prince Adam Delacroix--heart, body and soul. Wherever you go, that is my home
The Beauty Of Us is the fourth installment in this fantastic series the "Fusion" and boy I am having a blast with this group of women and their men. If you are new to this series, Fusion is a series that is centered around five women that starts a romantic and sexy restaurant called "Seduction" and Kristen Proby has done a superb job with developing this series and showing the female friendships that develop and I love seeing these five women come into their own dreams together and find love along the way.
In The Beauty Of Us we have a story that features around Riley and Trevor. Riley is basically the one in charge of all the social media and PR handling for Seduction and so when they receive an offer for a national tv series that showcases restaurants, she and the other girls agree to it, knowing it would be great coverage and recognition for their place all apart from Mia who is a bit of a pit bull when it comes to her kitchen. Riley has the WORST luck in men, and has practically lost faith in the male species and doesn't believe that there are any good guys left in the world until Trevor enters the picture who convinces her to give up online dating and take him out for a spin so she can show her that there are nice guys who know how to treat a woman right. And from their first meeting, there is magnetic chemistry between them and even though the air thickens from the sexual undertones, there is also something deeper than just attraction, and they seek to explore it even knowing that Trevor will be returning home in a few weeks. But one of them will have to make the career sacrifice if they want a real chance to be together....
The Beauty Of Us is such a heartfelt romance and I am pretty sure this book is NOT for everyone. This is an aspect of Kristen Proby's books that doesn't suit every romance reader because there aren't huge conflicts to the relationship necessarily. This is a book that I feel like many of us in real life can easily relate with. This is a story that you can see happening for REAL and it's so true to how humans react and I love seeing the ins and outs of this relationship and the bond that Trevor and Riley find with each other.
First off, I want to rave about this hero, because there are certain characteristics that we don't see too often in romance and that is the nerdy type of heroes. Trevor is such a nerd, but has his life together and takes care of himself. He is very well rounded from his love of Star Wars and gaming to exercising and being driven in his career. You see how steady and stable he is and that he has been hurt by the opposite sex too when his wife had cheated on him. But he isn't afraid to go after a good woman especially after meeting Riley.
"I want you to show me your lightsaber. " I reply, and bite his lower lip. "Right now."
"I had no idea that Star Wars would have this effect on you."
Riley is pretty well balanced herself, she has a career she loves, and amazing friends and we see her paving a beautiful life for herself even if that means bad dates in searching for her prince. She wants to find love just like her friends have found, but wonders why she keeps finding all the frogs. I love how she never gives up on finding love though, she is so determined to succeed despite all the bad experiences she is dealt with by men. But when she meets Trevor, she isn't resistant to him. She sees the good man that he is and how he treats her and respects her and the fun they have together.
“You’re killing me.” “No, baby.” I press a kiss to her core and then lick down her lips and up again. “I’m making you feel alive.”
Their romance is slowly built with fun dates, laughter, and a slow building of chemistry. What I did like was that they didn't rush off to have a fling right away, we see some "courting" that happens in this story and I LOVED that. Seeing them develop the emotional intimacy alongside the physical intimacy was truly beautiful and Proby does these type of stories so wonderfully. The dynamics of their relationship truly connects to the reader from the emotion to the friendships and the hurdles this pair has to overcome!!! BREATHTAKINGLY VIBRANT!!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Beauty Tempts The Beast is the final installment in the "Sins For All Seasons" series and I can't believe this series is over. Although I definitely can see hints for a spin off series if the author chooses to do so, which, I am very curious to see if she does or will she leave us hanging. I guess we will find out what happens. And even though this series I have struggled with I really have appreciated where Lorraine Heath has taken this in the theme of "Baby Farmers" definitely a topic that is so rarely addressed in historical's. And I will say that I was really looking forward to Beast's story, he has always been one of my favorites of the siblings, but, the heroine really ruined this book for me.
He understood the power of touch, of feeling a connection, of knowing someone was there for him, would always be there for him
Althea Stanwick was once a member of the Aristocracy, but then, her father was found to be a traitor to the crown and conspired against their country and her mother died from the shock and she and her brothers lost everything. She is a barmaid at a pub "The Mermaid" where she meets Beast. There is a connection from the beginning. But after some thinking Althea decides to take control of her life and wants to learn to seduce men and have that power over them and she wants Beast to train her. But Beast offers her an additional proposition.....if she teaches the women at a brothel he owns to be proper and more respectable so they can stop making money by selling their bodies he will give her seduction lessons. But before long those lessons turns into something more than just an agreement between Beast and Althea....it turns into love when they least expect it.
It had been only a kiss in the same manner a feast was merely one dish or a storm a single raindrop or a blizzard a solitary snowflake.
Beauty Tempts The Beast was a likable story in many ways but to be honest the heroine really turned this off for me in the beginning. At first I was really drawn into this story but having just read a book with a similar plot where the heroine wants to seduce and control men ....not really my cup of tea or at least not the way it was written to be honest. I can definitely understand why Althea wants to take control over her own life especially with how she and her brothers were so horribly treated, but the way she goes about this plan just rubbed me the wrong way.
However, the HERO ....*sigh* such a dream boat. I love the various levels to his character that we see in this book and I just fell for him instantly. At first we just see him as this broody hero who is protective of Althea and really any woman to be honest. He has money and connections and uses his wealth to help others. And he is an author. Just a man of many talents and so strong in his character and loyalty to his family and those he loves the most. I love how he is always fighting for Althea even when she spurns his love. He is so devoted to her in many ways and never stops fighting.
I wish that I could have enjoyed this book a bit more, I really had high hopes for it but I think just reading two books in a row with similar plots and unlikable heroines just turned me off from this book. But I am not sure I was ever fully endeared to this heroine, especially since she doesn't really redeem herself in the end, the ending actually made me like her even less. But I am hoping that the next book from this author I will enjoy way more and curious to see what she has planned for us in the future.
Beckman, has spent years trying to recover from past griefs, and with his father practically on his deathbed, he agrees to restore a family estate, that needs work and a helping hand. So despite his reluctance, he knows that he needs to do this. So when he heads down, he doesn't expect to be attracted to the housekeeper, but she holds secrets of her own. Sara Hunt, has had her own past and sorrows of her own. She was married young, and used for her talents by her greedy husband, now widowed, with a daughter and a sister to care for, she is determined to secure their future. When Beckman arrives to help with the estate, Sara just wants to pretend that everything is alright, when the estate is practically tumbling down on them, with little funds to support them all. Soon she can't resist Beckman, his sincere interest in her, or the desire she feels for him. But when her past comes to haunt her again, she might have to trust everything she is to Beckman, and trust in his devotion to her...
Beckman is the fourth book in the Lonely Lords and I have really been enjoying this series. After reading the first two books, I have been looking forward to reading Beckman's story. Grace Burrowes is a author that I am glad to have discovered. Her stories are witty, charming, and pure delightful fun, and Beckman was no different. I did have a difficult time at first getting into the story, but I think the problem was myself and current stresses in life, and not the actual wrting or even the story. Beckman is a story that shows a journey of two people that have both struggled, and have dark pasts, but still need to heal and focus on the future.
Beckman, has had quite a struggle in his life, but I loved him even more for it. He has such tremendous strength and compassion for others, and I found myself falling in love with him with every page. At first he seems like the usual regency rake, but as the story progresses further, you start to see that he carries so much depth with him, and suffers just as much as the other members in his family have. Sara is very stubborn and prideful, and refuses to ask for help, especially when she desperatley needs it. Sara has had to make decisions ever since she was married at a young age, and most of her freedoms taken away from her at a young age. You see how she is struggling to protect herself and her emotions from Beckman, but Beckman is just as stubborn as Sara, and won't let her go without a fight.
A uniquely written romance that is bound to create laughter and your immediate attention. Characters to steal your heart, a love story that is beyond riveting and will tie your heart up in knots. A WINNER OF A ROMANCE!!!
Sebastianne has been forced to come to England and takes the position of Lord Drake Byron's housekeeper, so she can be a spy for France in order to save her family who are in danger if she doesn't get a certain piece of information. Only what she didn't expect was to be working for a man that is more tempting than she expected. Lord Drake knew that when Anne came into his office desiring the housekeeper position that she would present only problems if he hired her, but despite his inner turmoil, he decides to hire her in a moment of weakness. In the beginning he blames it on physical needs, but as things between them escalate on a sensual level, he knows that he can't keep resisting her, but wants to embrace his feelings for her...Bed and the Bachelor is the fifth in the Byrons of Braebourne series, and I have just come to love each and every one of the books in the series but this one is one my favorites so far. I have always enjoyed reading historical spy romances, and so I could hardly wait to start reading this one the moment I got my hands on it. There was a level of mystery to the story and a depth to the characters that one always see's from this author, but there was also a enticement as well that draws the reader in, and I found myself reading this book within a few hours, which only happens whenever I am reading a book that I can't put down. I loved the aspect of danger to the plot, definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Overall it was a well written novel that flowed nicely with in depth characters that the reader could relate with easily. So if you love historical romances especially those that involve spys than this one is definitely for you!!
Emma Grant is one of the four women of the Bride Quartet, who started the wedding business "Vows", Emma's special talent is the floral side of weddings. Emma has a love and passion for anything that grows, and to make anything beautiful for the bride. Emma is one of those women, that attract men like bees to honey. However she is pretty picky, and is looking for love and marriage and a family and the "happily ever after" that she has always dreamed of. When her close friend Parker, whom she has known close to forever, kisses her one night, and a passion flares up surprisingly between them, she knows in her heart that she could definitely fall in love with him. Parker has always had a woman on his arm, but never a strong serious relationship that lasts. Ever since his parents got divorced, he has a fear of a woman coming into his home and taking over. However he always has had a thing for Emma, and when he kisses her one night, he knows things between them will never be the same. For their is a pulling force that he can't deny with her, and he knows he never would want to live a life without her, but the road is bound to get rocky with these two. One wanting a long term love, and the other wanting something just temporary; but sometimes love has different plans.
Well I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading the second one of the Bride Quartet of Nora Roberts, and if the rest of the series is as good as these two books that I have read so far, it will be no doubt my favorite series of hers. My heart just swarmed to this couple, especially to Emma. Emma is such a sweet loving woman, who only dreams of finding love and marriage and a happily ever after. Since her parents have had such a great marriage, she wants the same. However, she never thought that she would fall in love with the one person she knows is the least committed person when relationships are involved. However she just decides to enjoy the moment, and though she knows she is falling for him, she doesn't want to ruin what they have quite yet. Parker however is totally opposite when a woman is involved, but with things progressing with Emma he denies to himself what he truly feels with her, and what he wants with her for the rest of his life. There is a bit of a rocky road ahead for these two, but its a enjoyable and satisfying story and very emotional especially toward the end, that I definitely had to get a box of tissues. I don't know if its better than the first one, but I think they are on the same level, although I have to say that I love this couple a bit more. I also enjoyed the emotional side of this tender love story. I am so glad that I have finally read this one, and I recommend it to anyone that likes a good emotional love story.
It has been four years since Ned lost his wife, and he loved her and still at times mourns her loss when she died at childbirth. Ned knows that it is up to him to marry again. Ellie is 26 years old and is still single and has yet to find a husband. Ellie has always been in love with Ned since she was a girl, he was the only one that never knew. Ellie has known the Greycliffe's all of her life. She was raised alongside the Duchesses boys, especially Ned. She knows that Ned just see's her as a friend and a sister, not someone to love and marry and share a bed with. Ellie knows that it will be up to her to turn the tide where Ned is concerned. When she is invited to a house party that Ned's mother is hosting, she starts to realize that this is her chance. Only seducing Ned is harder than she thought, she doesn't want to scare him off but at the same time doesn't want to lose him. Ellie will have to use anything at her disposal to weaken his defenses and show him what true love is all about. I have heard some good and some average things about this series, but I really wanted to give it a shot. Bedding Lord Ned is the first in the series and I have to say I am excited to read the second one now. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story. It definitely was different and unique and had its own style and even though at times it was a bit predictable, there was enough delights and surprises that made up for it. I wouldn't say that this is my favorite romance by any means, but it was full of hilarious moments and scandalously entertaining. I really liked the characters in the story. Ned is very protective of his feelings and his heart, its like a iron shield and doesn't let anything or anyone in. I found him to be a bit arrogant yet so appealing to my senses. Ellie, I eventually liked when she got spine in the end, but for most of the book, we see how much she cares for Ned but refuses to do anything about it. I wished that she would have been more forward and blunt with him at times, it got annoying a little, but she did have some other qualities that I liked and made up for it in the end. Ned's parents were so fun and delightful and I just can't wait to read their novella, which is up next to read. I have to say that the Mother's interfering ways in getting Ned and Ellie together were beyond amusing and she was very confident and I found that I just loved her from the first. I do want to say something about the Duchess's Cat, who was probably my favorite. Now this cat is not normal, he tends to steal items from guests constantly and no one has any idea how. The only complaint I had is I wish that the romance between Ned and Ellie was a bit more fast paced than it was, but overall a fun and sexy read. Bedding Lord Ned is full of a sexy writing style that completely captures the readers attention and doesn't let go until the end. A Lovely story that warmed my heart and stirred up the senses in such a way that it will take your breath away. RECOMMEND IT!!!
Summary 
