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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Elusive Passion is the first book in the Ryland series and I had completely forgotten about this book until a blogger friend joined up with me in the read for it. (watch out for another post and our discussion because it's going to be awesome) and I realize that I hadn't finished this series, I have read three of the five books in the series though. And once I started reading, I had forgotten what these old style Avon style romances were like and the charm that drew me into them when I first got hooked into romance. You can read these books out of it, readers won't be lost by reading them out of order....definitely can be read as stand alone if needed.
Elusive Passion begins with our delicious hero, Miles Christian, the Marquess of Wynter, who also served for the military and is currently on a secret mission but in the middle of his operation, he is taken captive by a young woman who believes that he murdered her closest friend, who also seems to be an ex-mistress of Miles. Miles is shocked to learn the sweet woman whom he had to let go of is dead. Miles is a compassionate man, and despite the spite that this stranger has towards him, he knows something foul is going on and he wants to get to the bottom of it. And he finds himself drawn to the woman who threatened him and even attacked him. But now he has learned her identity and convinces her to work with him despite the fact that she despises him.
Varya fled her home country and came to England to start a new, and has been living there for five years. She is hiding a big secret and she fears the truth coming out. She poses as a famous singer and entertains on a regular basis. She has a talent which she discovered and loves sharing it but now her best friend is dead and she is on the hunt for her murderer. She doesn't know if she believes that Miles is innocent, but she can't deny the genuine grief he feels for her friend. But as Miles and Varya work together to hunt down the murderer, the attraction between them builds and they can't deny the chemistry that is going to explode. While Varya has her trust issues with men and will need to face up to her past before her relationship with Miles can flourish in the ways that she desires...
Elusive Passion is a delightful story and I first want to mention how much I adore Kathryn Smith. She no longer writes traditional romance novels anymore, however, I can never seem to get enough of her writing style. There is such charm, hilarious banter and I couldn't stop the laughs the erupted out of every single page. I love the wit that is displayed in the dialogue. And boy these two just can't get a break. And quite frankly the tension is so fiery hot it could steam up the windows in winter. They go back and forth in their tension/bantering that it was like watching a ping pong ball game but at the same time fully entertaining and I honestly didn't want it to end because WOW they really have a lust/hate relationship going on. Now it's pretty understand for some of what happens, but there were some instances that I didn't understand at times the rise in anger so much.
As much as I wanted to really love the heroine, I liked her but it wasn't quite at the point that I was wanting. I think she came off too abrasive and strong for me and even though I respected what she went through and what she had to overcome, I do think she could have been a bit less hard-headed and stubborn. The hero *sigh* he was yummy in every way. But what was most attractive in his character is how sincere this man is. I really was his cheerleader from beginning to end. I felt like he got the short of the stick where Varya is concerned. Now even though I do understand why she treats him the way she does (to a point) I never really supported it because I felt like he was so compassionate and full of empathy and her treatment got a bit toxic in some moments that I didn't care for.
Overall I found Elusive Passion to be a story packed with adventure, laugh out loud moments, lively bantering, and a sensual journey to capture your heart! STUNNING!
Elusive Passion is the first book in the Ryland series and I had completely forgotten about this book until a blogger friend joined up with me in the read for it. (watch out for another post and our discussion because it's going to be awesome) and I realize that I hadn't finished this series, I have read three of the five books in the series though. And once I started reading, I had forgotten what these old style Avon style romances were like and the charm that drew me into them when I first got hooked into romance. You can read these books out of it, readers won't be lost by reading them out of order....definitely can be read as stand alone if needed.
Elusive Passion begins with our delicious hero, Miles Christian, the Marquess of Wynter, who also served for the military and is currently on a secret mission but in the middle of his operation, he is taken captive by a young woman who believes that he murdered her closest friend, who also seems to be an ex-mistress of Miles. Miles is shocked to learn the sweet woman whom he had to let go of is dead. Miles is a compassionate man, and despite the spite that this stranger has towards him, he knows something foul is going on and he wants to get to the bottom of it. And he finds himself drawn to the woman who threatened him and even attacked him. But now he has learned her identity and convinces her to work with him despite the fact that she despises him.
Varya fled her home country and came to England to start a new, and has been living there for five years. She is hiding a big secret and she fears the truth coming out. She poses as a famous singer and entertains on a regular basis. She has a talent which she discovered and loves sharing it but now her best friend is dead and she is on the hunt for her murderer. She doesn't know if she believes that Miles is innocent, but she can't deny the genuine grief he feels for her friend. But as Miles and Varya work together to hunt down the murderer, the attraction between them builds and they can't deny the chemistry that is going to explode. While Varya has her trust issues with men and will need to face up to her past before her relationship with Miles can flourish in the ways that she desires...
Elusive Passion is a delightful story and I first want to mention how much I adore Kathryn Smith. She no longer writes traditional romance novels anymore, however, I can never seem to get enough of her writing style. There is such charm, hilarious banter and I couldn't stop the laughs the erupted out of every single page. I love the wit that is displayed in the dialogue. And boy these two just can't get a break. And quite frankly the tension is so fiery hot it could steam up the windows in winter. They go back and forth in their tension/bantering that it was like watching a ping pong ball game but at the same time fully entertaining and I honestly didn't want it to end because WOW they really have a lust/hate relationship going on. Now it's pretty understand for some of what happens, but there were some instances that I didn't understand at times the rise in anger so much.
As much as I wanted to really love the heroine, I liked her but it wasn't quite at the point that I was wanting. I think she came off too abrasive and strong for me and even though I respected what she went through and what she had to overcome, I do think she could have been a bit less hard-headed and stubborn. The hero *sigh* he was yummy in every way. But what was most attractive in his character is how sincere this man is. I really was his cheerleader from beginning to end. I felt like he got the short of the stick where Varya is concerned. Now even though I do understand why she treats him the way she does (to a point) I never really supported it because I felt like he was so compassionate and full of empathy and her treatment got a bit toxic in some moments that I didn't care for.
Overall I found Elusive Passion to be a story packed with adventure, laugh out loud moments, lively bantering, and a sensual journey to capture your heart! STUNNING!
Summary
Calliope, received a letter that made her fall in love with the man who wrote it, but when she learns that he wrote six other letters, to six different women, she decided that she would find his true identity and reveal him, and ruin him just as he has ruined her. Gabriel Ludlow, knows that there is one woman he is drawn to more than any other, a woman he can never have. He made a foolish mistake, a mistake so that she could find some happiness in her life and move on from him, but to this day he still hasn’t forgotten her. While residing at a country house, with a group of his buddies, they make a wager, a wager to see who can stay unmarried the longest, and those that do marry must forfeit a large sum of money. Gabriel never imagined that his friends, would see how much he cares for Calliiope and try to play “matchmakers” at every golden opportunity. Calliope is confused, because Gabriel is a man who could make her fall in love again, he stirs a passion in her she never imagined, so will her plan for revenge win out or will her love for Gabriel overcome any obstacle facing them?
The Hero
Gabriel Ludlow, is the Viscount of Everhart. But has shirked his responsibilities, due to his mother’s death, seeing how her death practically destroyed his father, Gabriel refuses to risk opening his heart to someone, only to lose her and become a shell-like his father has been. Gabriel has a bit of wander lust, loves traveling, but his love of travel has given him purpose, until he meets Calliope. Gabriel is a hero that is torn between what his brain tells him and what his heart is urging him to do. Gabriel at first is afraid to trust in love, or the woman who has always held his heart. but then he sees that she needs him just as much as he needs her. Gabriel is a hero to sigh over. He is outrageous at times, stubborn to the point of extreme, but what a sexy man he is..he is deliciously wicked.
The Heroine
Calliope, is a woman scorned and refuses to back down. She has had her heart tied to a man she has never met, but feels like she has known forever. But then she ends up in the same household as Gabriel, and sparks fly. She can’t resist the desire she feels or what his kisses do to her, but she also wants more than just a few kisses and touches. She wants the whole package. But she is also on a mission, a mission she refuses to give up on. Calliope I had mixed feelings about. She is tenacious and passionate, too stubborn for her own good, but she tended to not have the type of backbone I would have liked in a heroine in this situation, at first I didn’t know what to think of her, I thought her “mission” a bit too drastic at times, but it is what made the story a bit more interesting. I started to really like her, she is opinionated, and stands on her own two feet, and I loved how she interacted with Gabriel.
Plot and Story Line
The Elusive Lord Everhart is a wonderful story, and this is my first of this author, so I found it to be very enjoyable and had that feeling to it that makes you feel captured by the story. I loved the set up of the story, it seemed to be very flirty and engaging, and the characters were quite endearing to this reader. I think what I adored most about this story, was the wager, and see Gabriel and Calliiope muddle through a few conflicts before they even got close to their HEA. It’s not a insta love story right away, you see how it goes much deeper than that. I loved the way the this story unraveled in ways you didn’t expect. The side characters were a hoot, boy do I love his friends, they are so silly at times, and a bit outrageous in certain scenes, but that is what made the story have a bit of flair to it. We also see the bit of mystery on finding out the real author of the letter (which we suspect from the beginning) but I definitely was on edge a bit, wondering when our heroine would figure it out and how that would come about. I loved the intimate scenes between Gabriel and Calliiope, they were sensual and warm and got my attention, but not to hot that I felt uncomfortable. It seemed that the author stroke a balance between the physical and the emotional side of the relationship. We see the way that these two slowly fall in love, that it begins as an unsteady friendship and then turns into something deeper. I didn’t care for the cousin of Calliope, at all, she tended to be spoiled and a brat, but I adored Gabriel’s grandmother..she was utterly delightful. This is a story that any romance lover will enjoy.
The Cover
Now I will say this might be one of my favorite historical romance covers this author. I love the whole reclining on the bed or sofa pose, I love her spilling on the side, and those muscles….where can I find him??? I want to keep him. LOL
Overall View
The Elusive Lord Everhart is a splendid romance that blends together a delicious love story, a wager between buddies, some misunderstandings, a feisty grandmother, and a tale of broken hearts and passionate love.
Calliope, received a letter that made her fall in love with the man who wrote it, but when she learns that he wrote six other letters, to six different women, she decided that she would find his true identity and reveal him, and ruin him just as he has ruined her. Gabriel Ludlow, knows that there is one woman he is drawn to more than any other, a woman he can never have. He made a foolish mistake, a mistake so that she could find some happiness in her life and move on from him, but to this day he still hasn’t forgotten her. While residing at a country house, with a group of his buddies, they make a wager, a wager to see who can stay unmarried the longest, and those that do marry must forfeit a large sum of money. Gabriel never imagined that his friends, would see how much he cares for Calliiope and try to play “matchmakers” at every golden opportunity. Calliope is confused, because Gabriel is a man who could make her fall in love again, he stirs a passion in her she never imagined, so will her plan for revenge win out or will her love for Gabriel overcome any obstacle facing them?
The Hero
Gabriel Ludlow, is the Viscount of Everhart. But has shirked his responsibilities, due to his mother’s death, seeing how her death practically destroyed his father, Gabriel refuses to risk opening his heart to someone, only to lose her and become a shell-like his father has been. Gabriel has a bit of wander lust, loves traveling, but his love of travel has given him purpose, until he meets Calliope. Gabriel is a hero that is torn between what his brain tells him and what his heart is urging him to do. Gabriel at first is afraid to trust in love, or the woman who has always held his heart. but then he sees that she needs him just as much as he needs her. Gabriel is a hero to sigh over. He is outrageous at times, stubborn to the point of extreme, but what a sexy man he is..he is deliciously wicked.
The Heroine
Calliope, is a woman scorned and refuses to back down. She has had her heart tied to a man she has never met, but feels like she has known forever. But then she ends up in the same household as Gabriel, and sparks fly. She can’t resist the desire she feels or what his kisses do to her, but she also wants more than just a few kisses and touches. She wants the whole package. But she is also on a mission, a mission she refuses to give up on. Calliope I had mixed feelings about. She is tenacious and passionate, too stubborn for her own good, but she tended to not have the type of backbone I would have liked in a heroine in this situation, at first I didn’t know what to think of her, I thought her “mission” a bit too drastic at times, but it is what made the story a bit more interesting. I started to really like her, she is opinionated, and stands on her own two feet, and I loved how she interacted with Gabriel.
Plot and Story Line
The Elusive Lord Everhart is a wonderful story, and this is my first of this author, so I found it to be very enjoyable and had that feeling to it that makes you feel captured by the story. I loved the set up of the story, it seemed to be very flirty and engaging, and the characters were quite endearing to this reader. I think what I adored most about this story, was the wager, and see Gabriel and Calliiope muddle through a few conflicts before they even got close to their HEA. It’s not a insta love story right away, you see how it goes much deeper than that. I loved the way the this story unraveled in ways you didn’t expect. The side characters were a hoot, boy do I love his friends, they are so silly at times, and a bit outrageous in certain scenes, but that is what made the story have a bit of flair to it. We also see the bit of mystery on finding out the real author of the letter (which we suspect from the beginning) but I definitely was on edge a bit, wondering when our heroine would figure it out and how that would come about. I loved the intimate scenes between Gabriel and Calliiope, they were sensual and warm and got my attention, but not to hot that I felt uncomfortable. It seemed that the author stroke a balance between the physical and the emotional side of the relationship. We see the way that these two slowly fall in love, that it begins as an unsteady friendship and then turns into something deeper. I didn’t care for the cousin of Calliope, at all, she tended to be spoiled and a brat, but I adored Gabriel’s grandmother..she was utterly delightful. This is a story that any romance lover will enjoy.
The Cover
Now I will say this might be one of my favorite historical romance covers this author. I love the whole reclining on the bed or sofa pose, I love her spilling on the side, and those muscles….where can I find him??? I want to keep him. LOL
Overall View
The Elusive Lord Everhart is a splendid romance that blends together a delicious love story, a wager between buddies, some misunderstandings, a feisty grandmother, and a tale of broken hearts and passionate love.
SUMMARY
Shay, is half human and half shallot, and as such she is highly prized. With the witches dead, she has been returned back to the troll, who holds the curse over her. A curse that has kept her a slave for years…she aches to be free and live her own life, which has been taken from her because of the potent blood she carries. When she goes on auction, her new buyer, is the one vampire that is her weakness…Viper. Viper is drawn to Shay, and wants her, so he buys her, hoping to repay the debt when she saved his life. But Viper and Shay are drawn into a game of death and danger, there is an enemy out there, that needs Shay to survive, and Viper will do everything in his power to save her no matter what the cost to himself. But their enemy knows Viper, knows his strengths and weaknesses, and soon it will take Viper, Shay, their friends and even a crazy gargoyle to survive the coming tide..
THE HERO
Viper, is a vampire chief, a vampire that is charismatic and easy-going, lover of women of all kinds, and see the beauty of Shay. He adores her, and he knows that he will do anything to keep her safe. Viper has dedicated centuries of his life to becoming who he is. Viper is a character we fall in love with in the first book. We see him as a vampire leader, that is commanding and has his own “harem” of women. He doesn’t lack for sex in any time frame…he is sexy and quick-witted, and knows how to have a good time. What was wonderful about Viper is that he is way deeper than you see in the first book. He cares about his people and the humans, he treats Shay as a woman with intelligence rather than a slave. I love the way he is with her, so engaging and consuming, and his character is everything you want to see in a alpha….but a alpha that knows how to play and have fun, and can work a good weapon in his hands….everything you need.
THE HEROINE
Shay, with her mother being human and her father being Shallot, she has always been highly prized because of her “blood”. For a long while, she had a curse set on her, and this curse a certain greedy troll controls. She has lost both of her parents, but her father whom she adored was killed for his blood. Shay is drawn into a world where she is hunted and only Viper is strong enough to protect her. Shay was a heroine that is still strong-willed despite how she has been treated. Being treated and sold as a slave hasn’t broken her, only made her stronger. I loved her resilience and tenacity to keep fighting, no matter what.
PLOT AND STORY LINE
Embrace The Darkness is the second installment in the series, and it continues off from where the last one ended. This is Vipers story, and what a character he was. What was most fascinating about this story, was seeing Shay and Viper come together. It wasn’t how I expected it to be, so I loved not being able to predict what will happen next (tends to happen in a few paranormals), but what was most fun was the fun and silly bantering between these two. It was quite engaging and will give you giggle and laughs, because these two are a great pair…whether they are fighting enemies or making love…they have a certain connection that is almost harmonious. They equal each other out, and it was very satisfying seeing the balance of their relationship form and become cemented. The supporting cast was quite fun, we get the mini gargoyle, who is three feet tall and loves goading Viper. Then of course we get Dante and Abby and see a bit more of them, which was fun seeing them together after the previous book. The villain of the story isn’t what he appears to be, and I really liked the twist at the end, and seeing a character that appears to be bad who is really more misguided through loyalty….love the way the story climaxes and ends because it leaves you wanting to read the next book right away.
THE COVER
Even though this isn’t my favorite cover of the series…I do love the red tints in the cover, and those eyes!! Love em’
OVERALL VIEW
Embrace The Darkness is a stunning installment from this author…a story to entice, an edgy vampire romance to give you thrills and chills…a story that gives you a perfect blend of spicy romance, engaging characters, and dangerous villains right around the corner!! MAGNIFICENT
In Embers is the final installment of Knox and Harper’s story, although from the author’s notes in this book we learn that there will be more books in the future about surrounding characters so we will still see some Knox and Harper but still it makes me sad that this is the final book of their story because I just fell in love with this couple and I will say after reading the four books that they are probably my favorite couple of the YEAR!! They were so dang good and fun to get to know and so COMPELLING!!
There is such magnetism about this pairing and how well they work together. We see them truly learn about true partnership through some highs and many lows and some struggles and joys…they find what they are capable of and what true love is really about!! I loved seeing this family come together and discover what they are all capable of!! And as a side note: their baby boy is SO cute!! (sorry about the spoiler) hehe but seriously is the demon of cuteness and charm and so smart and boy Knox and Harper are in for a big handful with this one.
There is such magnetism about this pairing and how well they work together. We see them truly learn about true partnership through some highs and many lows and some struggles and joys…they find what they are capable of and what true love is really about!! I loved seeing this family come together and discover what they are all capable of!! And as a side note: their baby boy is SO cute!! (sorry about the spoiler) hehe but seriously is the demon of cuteness and charm and so smart and boy Knox and Harper are in for a big handful with this one.
Now we get the final installment of the Filthy Series ….”The Empire” and yeah this book worked for me in all the ways that we see building up within the trilogy. The suspense level of the plot is superb and it definitely had me so intrigued into wondering which of the family members were actually behind wanting Eric and Harper killed. Eric and Harper are definitely a unique couple, in that, nothing tends to get them down for too long. They are continually fighting for each other and I was intrigued in seeing how this book would play out in deepening their bond out. I do want to mention that its not an easy read to see them struggle at times within this finale, but I was impressed in seeing their faith in each other that was unconditionally unwavering. I honestly couldn’t get enough, and truly seeing how evil Eric and Harper’s family members are is just a reminder in the strength of what solid characters they both are to rise above that evil and come out on top. In many ways I just didn’t want their story to end, because I fell so hard for them in many respects, and they will be a couple to be missed. Somehow, this author won my heart in this taboo of a relationship and I am eager for more.
Simon is devoted and his only loyalty is to his friend and Lord, Dominic. He is asked to marry a heiress Ariane, who even though she is beautiful but is known as the "betrayed". Ariane has a past, and she has been betrayed by those she trusted the most. Now the only thing that brings her peace is her harp and the music she plays. She is then informed that she will marry Simon, whom she knows will kill her the moment he learns of a deep secret she keeps hidden. She doesn't need or want a man, she knows the moment she marries Simon, her life will change. She knows that her life will only be pain and suffering. Simon, has only one loyalty, but when he marries Ariane, his loyalty starts to shift to his wife. Ariane seems cold and unfeeling and passionless, but soon he begins to realize that she suffers from hurt and betrayal just as he does, and only when a flaming passion flares between them will Simon and Arian be able to get beyond the betrayals of their past and focus on their future and each other.
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!