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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
When Brianna was a child, she survived a shipwreck and found herself on the island of Akora. She was soon adopted by an Akoran family who raised her as their own. Brianna always wanted to know more of her own heritage. She feels a need to find answers to the questions of her past and she she goes to England to find what she is searching for. Attreus, the ruler of Akora, knew that Brianna will be his wife and seeks her out while handling political meetings in London. He knows its not going to be as easy as he thought, because Brianna is a power of her own and he will have to win her heart before gaining her agreement to be his wife. But there are secrets that Attreus and other Akoran's have kept from Brianna, that could put a hold on the powerful bond between them.
Attreus, is a man and a powerful warrior and leader. He went through a ritual that proved him to be the right ruler of Akora, where many others didn't survive from. He has always put duty and honor above his own happiness and freedom. He has known for a long time, where his destiny would bring him to and never had doubts until he met Brianna and worked to win her heart even if he would just prefer to marry her and get to know her after it was all said and done. But Attreus is a wonderful hero, a character that learns along the way. He has always known a warrior's life, Brianna is his first attempt at courting and wooing. He stumbles a bit, makes mistakes along the way, but is true to who he is and doesn't hold back. I adored Attreus. In the beginning, he was a bit ourtrageous at times but it was quite humorous seeing the ways he would go about trying to win Brianna over. Throughout the book, we see the different strengths to his character, and with each chapter you fall hard for him.
Brianna has always been seeking answers to her past. Even though she was raised by a loving Akoran family, she still has nightmares of that one fateful night where she feels the guilt for what happened to her parents. Brianna has a certain magical gift, a gift she sees as a curse. Because of this curse, she believes that she was at fault for the death of her parents. She wants answers, and so she goes in search of them in England. Brianna was a interesting heroine. She had many different facets. She is feisty, strong willed, playful at times yet shy and reserved. She holds secrets of her own. She is intimidated by Attreus because of his position, but also because she has different beliefs than most Akoran's do and is part of a passive yet secret organization. We see her personal growth, and how she comes to terms with certain aspects of her past and comes to the truth of who and what Attreus truly is.
Castles In The Mist is the third book in the series, but is my first Josie Litton book. I have had Castles in the Mist on my wishlist for a little while now. But as I was browsing through library e book titles, I came upon this one....SCORE!! I was super excited to start it. The blurb is what really drew me into this one. I love the whole royalty set up for the theme of this romance and Josie Litton rocked it so much. The chemistry these two have is breathtaking...honestly I just couldn't get enough of these two.
Their first meeting is actually in Akora, when Brianna aids her aunt in healing Attreus when he is almost killed by extremists on Akora who seek to overthrow him. This is when he realizes she is his future wife. But I do like that he doesn't rush her too much. While in England, he pursues her slowly. I really admired the way he goes about it. It pulled me into the story even more. Although there were some moments in the story where the flow wasn't completely smooth, for the most part I couldn't get enough. Its the only reason I put this story at a 4 star instead of five rating.
What really made this story quite fun was the paranormal elements---which I wasn't expecting very much. It isn't too powerful, I felt that Litton really added it in with just the right amount to make the reader even more intrigued than before. What I found unique was seeing that the moment they agree to be together---its not the end. We see that even when you fall in love with someone, that life interrupts at times and can put a hold on the relationship or even cause a set back. These two are tested by secrets of the past, on both sides. But in the end, what really brings them together is love and redemption and forgivness. I truly got pulled in especially in the end here. The emotions are high in the story, but I was enraptured seeing these two overcome obstacles and fight for their happy ever after. All I can say that I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! I am intrigued by the Akoran people and want more of these fun characters and exotic setting.
What a gorgeous cover, I really love castles on covers and it has such a mystical feel to it.
Castles In The Mist is a story that is bound to tug at the readers heartstrings with vividly portrayed emotion, vibrant characters, and a story line that engages you from beginning to end. I never wanted this book to end....SIMPLY MAGICAL!!
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Summary
When Brianna was a child, she survived a shipwreck and found herself on the island of Akora. She was soon adopted by an Akoran family who raised her as their own. Brianna always wanted to know more of her own heritage. She feels a need to find answers to the questions of her past and she she goes to England to find what she is searching for. Attreus, the ruler of Akora, knew that Brianna will be his wife and seeks her out while handling political meetings in London. He knows its not going to be as easy as he thought, because Brianna is a power of her own and he will have to win her heart before gaining her agreement to be his wife. But there are secrets that Attreus and other Akoran's have kept from Brianna, that could put a hold on the powerful bond between them.
The Hero
Attreus, is a man and a powerful warrior and leader. He went through a ritual that proved him to be the right ruler of Akora, where many others didn't survive from. He has always put duty and honor above his own happiness and freedom. He has known for a long time, where his destiny would bring him to and never had doubts until he met Brianna and worked to win her heart even if he would just prefer to marry her and get to know her after it was all said and done. But Attreus is a wonderful hero, a character that learns along the way. He has always known a warrior's life, Brianna is his first attempt at courting and wooing. He stumbles a bit, makes mistakes along the way, but is true to who he is and doesn't hold back. I adored Attreus. In the beginning, he was a bit ourtrageous at times but it was quite humorous seeing the ways he would go about trying to win Brianna over. Throughout the book, we see the different strengths to his character, and with each chapter you fall hard for him.
The Heroine
Brianna has always been seeking answers to her past. Even though she was raised by a loving Akoran family, she still has nightmares of that one fateful night where she feels the guilt for what happened to her parents. Brianna has a certain magical gift, a gift she sees as a curse. Because of this curse, she believes that she was at fault for the death of her parents. She wants answers, and so she goes in search of them in England. Brianna was a interesting heroine. She had many different facets. She is feisty, strong willed, playful at times yet shy and reserved. She holds secrets of her own. She is intimidated by Attreus because of his position, but also because she has different beliefs than most Akoran's do and is part of a passive yet secret organization. We see her personal growth, and how she comes to terms with certain aspects of her past and comes to the truth of who and what Attreus truly is.
Plot and Story Line
Castles In The Mist is the third book in the series, but is my first Josie Litton book. I have had Castles in the Mist on my wishlist for a little while now. But as I was browsing through library e book titles, I came upon this one....SCORE!! I was super excited to start it. The blurb is what really drew me into this one. I love the whole royalty set up for the theme of this romance and Josie Litton rocked it so much. The chemistry these two have is breathtaking...honestly I just couldn't get enough of these two.
His touch was light, even teasing, as was his manner, but it didn't seem to matter. Her own response was entirely serious. She could not look away from him, could scarcely breathe, and her body--her body seemed to have developed a mind of its own. She'd been warned of this. Her mother and the other women had made it clear: Men could banish sense, shatter control and make irrational thought impossible.
Their first meeting is actually in Akora, when Brianna aids her aunt in healing Attreus when he is almost killed by extremists on Akora who seek to overthrow him. This is when he realizes she is his future wife. But I do like that he doesn't rush her too much. While in England, he pursues her slowly. I really admired the way he goes about it. It pulled me into the story even more. Although there were some moments in the story where the flow wasn't completely smooth, for the most part I couldn't get enough. Its the only reason I put this story at a 4 star instead of five rating.
What really made this story quite fun was the paranormal elements---which I wasn't expecting very much. It isn't too powerful, I felt that Litton really added it in with just the right amount to make the reader even more intrigued than before. What I found unique was seeing that the moment they agree to be together---its not the end. We see that even when you fall in love with someone, that life interrupts at times and can put a hold on the relationship or even cause a set back. These two are tested by secrets of the past, on both sides. But in the end, what really brings them together is love and redemption and forgivness. I truly got pulled in especially in the end here. The emotions are high in the story, but I was enraptured seeing these two overcome obstacles and fight for their happy ever after. All I can say that I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! I am intrigued by the Akoran people and want more of these fun characters and exotic setting.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover, I really love castles on covers and it has such a mystical feel to it.
Overall View
Castles In The Mist is a story that is bound to tug at the readers heartstrings with vividly portrayed emotion, vibrant characters, and a story line that engages you from beginning to end. I never wanted this book to end....SIMPLY MAGICAL!!
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Review-Cat's Lair Summary
Cat Benoit was brought into Rafe’s home, a leopard shifter, a dangerous man, a man who would do anything to keep her and would destroy anyone that got in his way. Cat knew that she had to be smarter than Rafe is she wanted to be able to escape his clutches. She devised a plan, and executed it perfectly, but now she is on the run, training herself to face him once again, battling nightmares and hoping that he will never find her. She finds herself in Texas, making coffee in a poetry cafe, the last place he would ever think to look for her. While attending martial arts dojo she meets Ridley Cromer, a trainer, and despite her knowledge that she can never have him, she can’t help but admire him…he has an elegance to his movements, a way he fights and protects. But Ridley has his own secrets….secrets that could draw Rafe right to her and threaten her sanity and life…
The Hero
Ridley, is a leopard shifter, an orphan, and had to learn to deal with being on his own. Ridley, is honorable and loyal, and works for the government, and has dedicated his life to bringing down crime lords of all kinds. But there is one crime lord he will do anything to bring down, Rafe. He is dangerous and a leopard shifter…which makes him even more dangerous. Ridley is a predator, like many of his kind, but he acts with integrity, and you see that immediately, he is a bit of a control freak, but due to how he has had to live his life, it makes sense. I enjoyed him as the hero, he is commanding, a full alpha male, but he also has a soft side not many see but when it comes out…you just ache to have him.
The Heroine
Cat has lived in fear her whole life. Her adopted mother gave her to Rafe when she was young, and all she has known is living under his thumb and his control. Cat knows Rafe more than anyone…she understands that his life was rough, but that he is mentally unstable, a psychopath. Cat is smart and intelligent, she notices the little things and puts it together, she is the only person alive to escape Rafe by will and intelligence. She loves to cook (if she were real…we would be best friends), but I loved how she stands up to Ridley and Rafe. She doesn’t back down even if she is afraid. She has a very logical thought process at times, but because of her growing up with Rafe, she has had to fight her emotions and demons. She has only known fear at Rafe’s hand. She was quite a strong heroine to me, you see her grow in this story, you see how in the beginning she is fearful of everything, but then because of Ridley, training her and showing her the strengths and talents that she has, that she has the power to not let fear control her any longer.
Plot and Story Line
Cat’s Lair is the seventh installment of this wonderful series. I flew right through this story…which isn’t a surprise because Christine Feehan is writing it. I can’t get enough of the way she can pull the reader into a story and not let go until the end. Cat’s Lair is quite the story and HOT!! I mean you might want to watch out or you might burn. This is one of Feehan’s most hottest series. More than her other series. But the heat in this book is very similar to Burning Wild (if you have read that one). The other books are tame compared to these. And at times I would just skim over those parts…because it got too frequent for the kind of mood I was in. But we do see a solid plot though…so no worries. There is quite a dangerous aspect to the story as well. ( I included the trailer below…so you can feel the dangerous aspect of it), and what suspense there is. I mean when it comes down to it….it will get your heart pounding and edge of the seat action that will thrill you to your toes. One of the most intense and action filled books I have read by this author so far. We do see connection to some other books as well. We see Emma and Jake and his team…which is always fun when you see them interacting with the main characters. The only thing I would change is less sex scenes…and a bit more focus on the relationship…we see it, but not as much as I would have liked.
The Cover
I really like the shadows on this cover…adds a bit more of a dangerous element to it…which the beautiful tat work…I have never seen anything like that.
Overall View
Cat’s Laird sizzles and burns, with both sensuality and danger…thrills on every page…heart stopping and will threaten to tear you off your seat!! MESMERIZING!!
Cat Benoit was brought into Rafe’s home, a leopard shifter, a dangerous man, a man who would do anything to keep her and would destroy anyone that got in his way. Cat knew that she had to be smarter than Rafe is she wanted to be able to escape his clutches. She devised a plan, and executed it perfectly, but now she is on the run, training herself to face him once again, battling nightmares and hoping that he will never find her. She finds herself in Texas, making coffee in a poetry cafe, the last place he would ever think to look for her. While attending martial arts dojo she meets Ridley Cromer, a trainer, and despite her knowledge that she can never have him, she can’t help but admire him…he has an elegance to his movements, a way he fights and protects. But Ridley has his own secrets….secrets that could draw Rafe right to her and threaten her sanity and life…
The Hero
Ridley, is a leopard shifter, an orphan, and had to learn to deal with being on his own. Ridley, is honorable and loyal, and works for the government, and has dedicated his life to bringing down crime lords of all kinds. But there is one crime lord he will do anything to bring down, Rafe. He is dangerous and a leopard shifter…which makes him even more dangerous. Ridley is a predator, like many of his kind, but he acts with integrity, and you see that immediately, he is a bit of a control freak, but due to how he has had to live his life, it makes sense. I enjoyed him as the hero, he is commanding, a full alpha male, but he also has a soft side not many see but when it comes out…you just ache to have him.
The Heroine
Cat has lived in fear her whole life. Her adopted mother gave her to Rafe when she was young, and all she has known is living under his thumb and his control. Cat knows Rafe more than anyone…she understands that his life was rough, but that he is mentally unstable, a psychopath. Cat is smart and intelligent, she notices the little things and puts it together, she is the only person alive to escape Rafe by will and intelligence. She loves to cook (if she were real…we would be best friends), but I loved how she stands up to Ridley and Rafe. She doesn’t back down even if she is afraid. She has a very logical thought process at times, but because of her growing up with Rafe, she has had to fight her emotions and demons. She has only known fear at Rafe’s hand. She was quite a strong heroine to me, you see her grow in this story, you see how in the beginning she is fearful of everything, but then because of Ridley, training her and showing her the strengths and talents that she has, that she has the power to not let fear control her any longer.
Plot and Story Line
Cat’s Lair is the seventh installment of this wonderful series. I flew right through this story…which isn’t a surprise because Christine Feehan is writing it. I can’t get enough of the way she can pull the reader into a story and not let go until the end. Cat’s Lair is quite the story and HOT!! I mean you might want to watch out or you might burn. This is one of Feehan’s most hottest series. More than her other series. But the heat in this book is very similar to Burning Wild (if you have read that one). The other books are tame compared to these. And at times I would just skim over those parts…because it got too frequent for the kind of mood I was in. But we do see a solid plot though…so no worries. There is quite a dangerous aspect to the story as well. ( I included the trailer below…so you can feel the dangerous aspect of it), and what suspense there is. I mean when it comes down to it….it will get your heart pounding and edge of the seat action that will thrill you to your toes. One of the most intense and action filled books I have read by this author so far. We do see connection to some other books as well. We see Emma and Jake and his team…which is always fun when you see them interacting with the main characters. The only thing I would change is less sex scenes…and a bit more focus on the relationship…we see it, but not as much as I would have liked.
The Cover
I really like the shadows on this cover…adds a bit more of a dangerous element to it…which the beautiful tat work…I have never seen anything like that.
Overall View
Cat’s Laird sizzles and burns, with both sensuality and danger…thrills on every page…heart stopping and will threaten to tear you off your seat!! MESMERIZING!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Cake is a brilliant story that really got to every emotion I am even capable of and boy I honestly am so thrilled that I decided to take a chance on this story. If it wasn't for Audible's package, I know I would have never grabbed it up, to be honest but boy this book took me on a wonderful and sweet romantic ride, a ride I never wanted to get off of.
This beautiful story starts off with a wedding where our two characters meet for the first time. Casey is finishing up her degree in accounting in Arizona. When one of her closest friends gets married she finds out that she is paired up with the infamous Jake McKallister, world-renowned music rock star and she has no idea what she will do with a man like Jake that lives a whole different world that she can even dream of. At first, things are awkward between Jake and Casey. But when Casey plays a joke on Jake, the atmosphere between them eases instantly and before they know it they are talking and laughing and time flies and the attraction between them is undeniable. Casey knows that she can't have forever, but Jake is the type of man you take a chance on. Jake has suffered through horrors no one can even imagine. Kidnapped as a young teen and tortured, he barely came out alive and it has haunted him and his music is what has saved him. Now he has been touring for seven years and the nightmares are just on the surface with his knee giving him problems until he meets sweet and sassy Casey who makes his world lighter and freer. He doesn't know if he can be the type of man that Casey deserves, he is damaged and his past is dark, but he also knows that when something good comes into your life, your grab hold and don't let go.
Cake is one of those stories that I never saw coming and I am so relieved that I took that leap and grabbed up Jake and Casey's book...Cake. I don't get a chance to read rock star romances too often, but this book was delightful. Now it might not be for everyone especially if you are expecting a steamy read. Because this book has only one or two bedroom scenes and they aren't too detailed but I found the chemistry between these two just wonderful. And their fun bantering from the beginning just draws you in immediately. And seeing Casey go on tour with Jake for the summer and then seeing their relationship take a great test with facing Jake's past and seeing that these two work together and that they don't give up on each other. There is conflicts of course, but NOT in the relationship. I love that the minute that they are "together", they never stop fighting for each other and keep working on their relationship and making sure it's as strong as ever.
We do have some hints of darkness though when dealing with Jake's past and seeing him work through this was really hard to see because Jake is so talented and kind and down to earth and he has really gone through hell and back and is still fighting for his sanity and his past does haunt his intimate relationship with Casey. But Casey....she is a fighter, she never stops loving him or standing by him. She is very true to Jake and is willing to stay by his side through the good and the bad times and I LOVE this aspect to the romance. They go on an incredible journey and it definitely was written so well and tugged at my heartstrings.
Now I want to mention the Narration which is so dang GOOD!! Man the dual POV with these dual narrators was done so well and I loved seeing both sides of the story. And this dual POV is done so well, these narrators really bring out the personalities to the characters so distinctly and I couldn't get enough and I honestly can't wait to read the sequel to the story "The Honeymoon" and checking out the other books in the series with Jake's siblings.
If you love a light steamy romance with a sexy rock star and a smart and sassy heroine...grab this book up, you won't regret it!!
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Cake is a brilliant story that really got to every emotion I am even capable of and boy I honestly am so thrilled that I decided to take a chance on this story. If it wasn't for Audible's package, I know I would have never grabbed it up, to be honest but boy this book took me on a wonderful and sweet romantic ride, a ride I never wanted to get off of.
This beautiful story starts off with a wedding where our two characters meet for the first time. Casey is finishing up her degree in accounting in Arizona. When one of her closest friends gets married she finds out that she is paired up with the infamous Jake McKallister, world-renowned music rock star and she has no idea what she will do with a man like Jake that lives a whole different world that she can even dream of. At first, things are awkward between Jake and Casey. But when Casey plays a joke on Jake, the atmosphere between them eases instantly and before they know it they are talking and laughing and time flies and the attraction between them is undeniable. Casey knows that she can't have forever, but Jake is the type of man you take a chance on. Jake has suffered through horrors no one can even imagine. Kidnapped as a young teen and tortured, he barely came out alive and it has haunted him and his music is what has saved him. Now he has been touring for seven years and the nightmares are just on the surface with his knee giving him problems until he meets sweet and sassy Casey who makes his world lighter and freer. He doesn't know if he can be the type of man that Casey deserves, he is damaged and his past is dark, but he also knows that when something good comes into your life, your grab hold and don't let go.
"Oh, come on, Jake. You guys have chemistry. You know it. She knows it. The fucking goldfish in the lobby pond know it."
Cake is one of those stories that I never saw coming and I am so relieved that I took that leap and grabbed up Jake and Casey's book...Cake. I don't get a chance to read rock star romances too often, but this book was delightful. Now it might not be for everyone especially if you are expecting a steamy read. Because this book has only one or two bedroom scenes and they aren't too detailed but I found the chemistry between these two just wonderful. And their fun bantering from the beginning just draws you in immediately. And seeing Casey go on tour with Jake for the summer and then seeing their relationship take a great test with facing Jake's past and seeing that these two work together and that they don't give up on each other. There is conflicts of course, but NOT in the relationship. I love that the minute that they are "together", they never stop fighting for each other and keep working on their relationship and making sure it's as strong as ever.
We do have some hints of darkness though when dealing with Jake's past and seeing him work through this was really hard to see because Jake is so talented and kind and down to earth and he has really gone through hell and back and is still fighting for his sanity and his past does haunt his intimate relationship with Casey. But Casey....she is a fighter, she never stops loving him or standing by him. She is very true to Jake and is willing to stay by his side through the good and the bad times and I LOVE this aspect to the romance. They go on an incredible journey and it definitely was written so well and tugged at my heartstrings.
Now I want to mention the Narration which is so dang GOOD!! Man the dual POV with these dual narrators was done so well and I loved seeing both sides of the story. And this dual POV is done so well, these narrators really bring out the personalities to the characters so distinctly and I couldn't get enough and I honestly can't wait to read the sequel to the story "The Honeymoon" and checking out the other books in the series with Jake's siblings.
If you love a light steamy romance with a sexy rock star and a smart and sassy heroine...grab this book up, you won't regret it!!
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Caged Heat is the second in this series, and just came out last year. I read the first one Sharp Change a little while back. I really enjoyed Sharp Change quite a bit, so I thought I would try out Caged Heat. Caged Heat is a story about Riel and Sam. Sam has just returned home from teaching, and her grandmother has passed away, and she has received all of her inheritance, and all of the other family members are angry, and some have issued threats. While Ry and Sam are working on their relationship in being together, and being mates, Sam's life starts being put at risk. Caged Heat is definitely a sensually written paranormal romance that will get the heart thumping and blood flowing. I enjoyed the suspense aspect to the plot, it added more to the story than this couple having sex like bunnies. Its fun to have these scenes but at the same time I like more focus on the relationship-emotionally. I didn't feel like there was much focus on that, as it was on the previous book. If you are up for a very very HOT and sexy read, this one is for you. The writing is detailed and vivid, and I enjoyed the characters, and seeing them together was very erotic at times. I will be trying this author out more, but I would have liked a bit more focus on the relationship rather than the sex. But if your in the mood for a very steamy hot read, this is for you!!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
My Review:
A Christmas Melody is a short novel, that is a great retreat into the Latter Day Saint faith and the focus on Christmas. This is a reread, but I haven't read this book in probably a decade lol I absolutely loved getting back to this book and I had forgotten how much I have loved this author and this story. The story is about redemption, healing and finding the Christmas spirit.
In this story, Melody is having a rough road. She grew up in a difficult home environment, with a father that was drunk and emotionally abusive and wouldn't allow his children to celebrate Christmas. But thankfully to a loving neighbor, Melody was still kept strong through her faith in the church. Her siblings have fallen off the path and are living destructive lives. But Melody is working hard but when she is brought into court, because of damages that her sister caused, she stumbles into the judges son, Matthew. Matthew is intrigued by Melody and connects with the hurt and vulnerability within her. They form a quick attachment, and Matthew is determined to show Melody the magic of the Christmas season and what love is capable of.
Overall its a lovely story that if you love Christmas romance, you definitely need to pick up.
A Christmas Melody is a short novel, that is a great retreat into the Latter Day Saint faith and the focus on Christmas. This is a reread, but I haven't read this book in probably a decade lol I absolutely loved getting back to this book and I had forgotten how much I have loved this author and this story. The story is about redemption, healing and finding the Christmas spirit.
In this story, Melody is having a rough road. She grew up in a difficult home environment, with a father that was drunk and emotionally abusive and wouldn't allow his children to celebrate Christmas. But thankfully to a loving neighbor, Melody was still kept strong through her faith in the church. Her siblings have fallen off the path and are living destructive lives. But Melody is working hard but when she is brought into court, because of damages that her sister caused, she stumbles into the judges son, Matthew. Matthew is intrigued by Melody and connects with the hurt and vulnerability within her. They form a quick attachment, and Matthew is determined to show Melody the magic of the Christmas season and what love is capable of.
Overall its a lovely story that if you love Christmas romance, you definitely need to pick up.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This novella almost didn't seem like a short story, it could have easily been made into a novel if Lisa Kleypas had the inclination to do so. It didn't feel super rushed like normal novella's tend to do more often than not. It's what I admire about Kleypas, every book she writes whether long or short, is a story you can become fully invested in and this is what happened with I Will. I truly adored this book. This story is about a fake engagement that turns out turning very real. Our heroine, is smart with glasses. And our hero, is a full on rake. Even though he seems on the outside to be a scoundrel, only interested in drinking and gambling, there is much more to him than that. And I liked peeling the layers off of him because he ended up being a hero to fall in love with. I truly adored the way that these two were together. Their interactions with one each other were engaging. A very easy book to flip pages through to see these two to their happy ending along with a twist or two along the way.
"And the way you dress reminds me of an unmade bed!"
This is a second chance romance and what a sweet and lovely story. I swear Lorraine Heath can always deliver a wonderful romance and she does with this novella. As with Kleypas, Heath is one of those romance authors you can depend on to deliver a lovely story and she does with Deck The Halls With Love. This story is about two people who are able to have a second chance for their own happy ever after. Our hero, may have cared for Meredith, but went off intending to marry another. But when his fiancée fell in love with another man, he let her go. And the one woman he really wants is now engaged to another. A man who could never truly understand her. And now Alistair will have to prove to Meredith during a Christmas house party, how sincere his intentions towards her really are. Both characters are simply wonderful, and you just want them to win in the end of this one. I think what I enjoyed most was seeing how well Alistair really knows Meredith, and see who she really is, unlike her fiancée who doesn't really know her at all.
As with her normal style, Megan Frampton delivers a purely entertaining story that wins your heart and makes you smile all the way through. This novella is a part of her Dukes Behaving Badly series. Sophronia is looking for any reason to avoid taking care of six children and the numerous amounts of chickens. So when a stranger proposes to her, she accepts. She is looking for a way out of her current predicament. Christopher is trying to avoid his matchmaking mother, especially at her Christmas party. And is having Sophronia act as his fake fiancée to avoid his mothers creative ways to get him hitched. Even though this portrays a fake engagement trope, pretty quickly these two form a close attachment to each other and awaken a sizzling desire for each other that turns into more than they expected. I had a blast with this story, and it kept me entertained and wrapped up in this charming love story.
Vivienne Lorret is a new author for me, but every time I read her I truly fall in love with her a little bit more and I had a wonderful time with this one. I do love a character is so smart. And our hero is that....science and experiments are everything. He has this formula for marriage that he just knows is the most "logical" approach to marriage. Until he meets his match and the one woman he never could have put in his formula unless he added in the element of "love" too. Ivy has come to see that her cousin finds the best match and never expected to be intrigued by the most peculiar and fascinating Duke. A man of intelligent and caring. Two combinations she never thought she would find stimulating. I just adored this book so much. Seeing a smart intelligent man be worn down by love, and seeing a heroine show him the power of desire and tender emotion. Definitely a story you want to keep in mind during the upcoming holiday season
Overall this anthology was simply magnificent and I had a blast reading all four of these stories by four of the best historical romance authors to write in this genre!! A must read for any romance lover!
I Will
This novella almost didn't seem like a short story, it could have easily been made into a novel if Lisa Kleypas had the inclination to do so. It didn't feel super rushed like normal novella's tend to do more often than not. It's what I admire about Kleypas, every book she writes whether long or short, is a story you can become fully invested in and this is what happened with I Will. I truly adored this book. This story is about a fake engagement that turns out turning very real. Our heroine, is smart with glasses. And our hero, is a full on rake. Even though he seems on the outside to be a scoundrel, only interested in drinking and gambling, there is much more to him than that. And I liked peeling the layers off of him because he ended up being a hero to fall in love with. I truly adored the way that these two were together. Their interactions with one each other were engaging. A very easy book to flip pages through to see these two to their happy ending along with a twist or two along the way.
"And the way you dress reminds me of an unmade bed!"
"Does that mean you'd like to lie on top of me?"
Deck The Halls With Love
This is a second chance romance and what a sweet and lovely story. I swear Lorraine Heath can always deliver a wonderful romance and she does with this novella. As with Kleypas, Heath is one of those romance authors you can depend on to deliver a lovely story and she does with Deck The Halls With Love. This story is about two people who are able to have a second chance for their own happy ever after. Our hero, may have cared for Meredith, but went off intending to marry another. But when his fiancée fell in love with another man, he let her go. And the one woman he really wants is now engaged to another. A man who could never truly understand her. And now Alistair will have to prove to Meredith during a Christmas house party, how sincere his intentions towards her really are. Both characters are simply wonderful, and you just want them to win in the end of this one. I think what I enjoyed most was seeing how well Alistair really knows Meredith, and see who she really is, unlike her fiancée who doesn't really know her at all.
No Groom At The Inn
As with her normal style, Megan Frampton delivers a purely entertaining story that wins your heart and makes you smile all the way through. This novella is a part of her Dukes Behaving Badly series. Sophronia is looking for any reason to avoid taking care of six children and the numerous amounts of chickens. So when a stranger proposes to her, she accepts. She is looking for a way out of her current predicament. Christopher is trying to avoid his matchmaking mother, especially at her Christmas party. And is having Sophronia act as his fake fiancée to avoid his mothers creative ways to get him hitched. Even though this portrays a fake engagement trope, pretty quickly these two form a close attachment to each other and awaken a sizzling desire for each other that turns into more than they expected. I had a blast with this story, and it kept me entertained and wrapped up in this charming love story.
The Duke's Christmas Wish
Vivienne Lorret is a new author for me, but every time I read her I truly fall in love with her a little bit more and I had a wonderful time with this one. I do love a character is so smart. And our hero is that....science and experiments are everything. He has this formula for marriage that he just knows is the most "logical" approach to marriage. Until he meets his match and the one woman he never could have put in his formula unless he added in the element of "love" too. Ivy has come to see that her cousin finds the best match and never expected to be intrigued by the most peculiar and fascinating Duke. A man of intelligent and caring. Two combinations she never thought she would find stimulating. I just adored this book so much. Seeing a smart intelligent man be worn down by love, and seeing a heroine show him the power of desire and tender emotion. Definitely a story you want to keep in mind during the upcoming holiday season
Overall this anthology was simply magnificent and I had a blast reading all four of these stories by four of the best historical romance authors to write in this genre!! A must read for any romance lover!
Summary
Emma Paulsen is a geneticist, but she also has other psychic gifts, where she can she future events. She has just been kidnapped by Kurjans, who will stop at nothing to destroy everything good, including her sister, and her mate…the King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs. While being transported she finds herself being rescued by the one man who haunts her dreams and visions. But despite her feelings for Dage, she wants her own freedom. She is determined to never be under a mans rule again, or his fist. But she soon learns that Dage is nothing like her father, who was a drunk. But just as Emma and Dage are starting to begin their mating dance, a threat looms over them, a threat that threatens the life of every vampire mate and animal shifter. A virus that the Kurjans have created and released, a virus that if Emma doesn’t find the cure in time, could destroy her sister and her unborn child. But the consequences could tear Dage apart forcing him to choose between his mate and the people he has led for centuries.
The Hero
Dage, has taken the role of a leader well, but all he knows is how to fight. He was trained to be a killer, to protect those under his domain, and despite his position as King, he knows where his true talents lie. He is the oldest of four brothers, brothers that he will do everything in his power to protect no matter the cost. He has been searching for his mate for years, and now he has finally found her and will keep her no matter what. What an alpha male Dage was, but oh how delicious…I could gobble him up. He is a King of vampires and shifters alike, he is commanding, needs to have control, is a true leader that demands respect due him. What I admired about Dage was seeing him unravel trying to work things out with Emma, who is just as stubborn and headstrong as he is. Dage is full of pride and arrogance which tends to get him into trouble especially with his mate, who fights him at every turn.
The Heroine
Emma, is the oldest, and all of her life, she has only known the role of “protector”. Her father was a mean drunk, and would beat them but Emma most especially since she protected her sister Cara. Emma never has let go of that control of a situation, and doesn’t know how to share protective duties. It tends to get her into mischief and all sorts of trouble with Dage. At first she wants her independence and to live her own life, but her heart says differently. She craves Dage, even though she won’t admit it to herself. Emma was a fantastic heroine. Emma is intelligent, sassy, stubborn, and loyal and what a match for Dage. She is no door mat, and despite the abuse she has suffered, fights Dage at every turn, especially when he goes all Neanderthal on her.
Plot and Story Line
Claimed starts off with excitement and I was instantly hooked, I could barely put this one down. I had such a difficult time putting this one aside, and could barely keep myself from getting too excited. I still can’t believe that it took me this long to get back to this series. I read the first book ages ago, when a fellow blogging friend recommended her to me, and I just adore vampire romances, especially this type of vampire romance. When I first started reading this one, it made me want to read the first book again, which I may end up doing soon. However I have decided to carry on with this series. I am hooked completely, and just can’t get enough. Where has this author been my whole life? hehehe. I adore her writing, and she writes with such an intense and you are overcome with a irresistible feeling that you just have to have your Zanetti fix…its like a drug only better, where the only side effect is complete satisfaction and yearning for more of this talent that sweeps you away. If you have yet to read this author, you are missing out. She has a way with creating stories that entice and pull you magically into her stories of danger, passion, and riveting emotion. The plot is pretty intense, and whew what a climax, and all of the relationships between the brothers was entertaining, they do know how to act like a real family–with plenty of broken bones and bloody noses and a teasing that made me reminisce about my own family relationships. The love story is the center theme, but there is plenty more happening surrounding it, that envelops you like a cocoon. There are some pretty steamy scenes here, and boy is there enough sexual tension to level any playing field. A must read for any paranormal romance lover that needs something different but exhilarating.
The Cover
i adore the dramatic colors, with the purple and the yellow. Seeing the overlook beneath the couple, I love the almost kiss look we have…just draws you in from the moment you first see it and the first time I saw it I had a hard time getting back to reality.
Overall View
An engrossing romantic tale of suspense, intrigue, dangerous villains one step ahead of the good guys, a love story that is packed with emotion and sensuality, and a story to entice you for more! CAPTIVATING!
Emma Paulsen is a geneticist, but she also has other psychic gifts, where she can she future events. She has just been kidnapped by Kurjans, who will stop at nothing to destroy everything good, including her sister, and her mate…the King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs. While being transported she finds herself being rescued by the one man who haunts her dreams and visions. But despite her feelings for Dage, she wants her own freedom. She is determined to never be under a mans rule again, or his fist. But she soon learns that Dage is nothing like her father, who was a drunk. But just as Emma and Dage are starting to begin their mating dance, a threat looms over them, a threat that threatens the life of every vampire mate and animal shifter. A virus that the Kurjans have created and released, a virus that if Emma doesn’t find the cure in time, could destroy her sister and her unborn child. But the consequences could tear Dage apart forcing him to choose between his mate and the people he has led for centuries.
The Hero
Dage, has taken the role of a leader well, but all he knows is how to fight. He was trained to be a killer, to protect those under his domain, and despite his position as King, he knows where his true talents lie. He is the oldest of four brothers, brothers that he will do everything in his power to protect no matter the cost. He has been searching for his mate for years, and now he has finally found her and will keep her no matter what. What an alpha male Dage was, but oh how delicious…I could gobble him up. He is a King of vampires and shifters alike, he is commanding, needs to have control, is a true leader that demands respect due him. What I admired about Dage was seeing him unravel trying to work things out with Emma, who is just as stubborn and headstrong as he is. Dage is full of pride and arrogance which tends to get him into trouble especially with his mate, who fights him at every turn.
The Heroine
Emma, is the oldest, and all of her life, she has only known the role of “protector”. Her father was a mean drunk, and would beat them but Emma most especially since she protected her sister Cara. Emma never has let go of that control of a situation, and doesn’t know how to share protective duties. It tends to get her into mischief and all sorts of trouble with Dage. At first she wants her independence and to live her own life, but her heart says differently. She craves Dage, even though she won’t admit it to herself. Emma was a fantastic heroine. Emma is intelligent, sassy, stubborn, and loyal and what a match for Dage. She is no door mat, and despite the abuse she has suffered, fights Dage at every turn, especially when he goes all Neanderthal on her.
Plot and Story Line
Claimed starts off with excitement and I was instantly hooked, I could barely put this one down. I had such a difficult time putting this one aside, and could barely keep myself from getting too excited. I still can’t believe that it took me this long to get back to this series. I read the first book ages ago, when a fellow blogging friend recommended her to me, and I just adore vampire romances, especially this type of vampire romance. When I first started reading this one, it made me want to read the first book again, which I may end up doing soon. However I have decided to carry on with this series. I am hooked completely, and just can’t get enough. Where has this author been my whole life? hehehe. I adore her writing, and she writes with such an intense and you are overcome with a irresistible feeling that you just have to have your Zanetti fix…its like a drug only better, where the only side effect is complete satisfaction and yearning for more of this talent that sweeps you away. If you have yet to read this author, you are missing out. She has a way with creating stories that entice and pull you magically into her stories of danger, passion, and riveting emotion. The plot is pretty intense, and whew what a climax, and all of the relationships between the brothers was entertaining, they do know how to act like a real family–with plenty of broken bones and bloody noses and a teasing that made me reminisce about my own family relationships. The love story is the center theme, but there is plenty more happening surrounding it, that envelops you like a cocoon. There are some pretty steamy scenes here, and boy is there enough sexual tension to level any playing field. A must read for any paranormal romance lover that needs something different but exhilarating.
The Cover
i adore the dramatic colors, with the purple and the yellow. Seeing the overlook beneath the couple, I love the almost kiss look we have…just draws you in from the moment you first see it and the first time I saw it I had a hard time getting back to reality.
Overall View
An engrossing romantic tale of suspense, intrigue, dangerous villains one step ahead of the good guys, a love story that is packed with emotion and sensuality, and a story to entice you for more! CAPTIVATING!
