First off I want to talk about the cover, I absolutely adore the older covers more than Feehans more modernized cover for Dark Prince. This cover show more sensuality and connection between Raven and Mikail. I have always chosen to listen to Dark Prince, since my local library has most of the Carpathian Series on Audio form, and I prefer it that way. It is read by Juanita Parker, which she has such a great way about her in that she portrays the emotions so well. The story literally comes alive for you as you listen to it. I strongly recommend listening to this in Audio form, you won't regret it.
It starts out with Mikael who has lived hundred of years, and is a Carpathian. Carpathians are very different than vampire although they have similarities, but the big difference is that Carpathians are good, and Vampires are evil and have no soul. Mikael is the prince of his people, who are a dying race, with not many Carpathian women around, and with only sons being born to the women they are literally going extinct. Once during the time of the Crusades, many of their people defended the humans that were being threatened but in doing so many of them were slaughtered, since they become weak during the day. Some of the Carpathians were able to flee and escape. Those included in the slaughterings were Mikael's parents, his father being the leader of his people. Mikael has always taken huge responsibilities on his shoulders. In present day, he is tired and exhausted and wants to seek the sun and end his existence. Without a life-mate, he fears the darkness within him with take over his soul and he will turn into a vampire. He refuses to let that happen. However, when he is feeling desolate, he hears a womanly voice in his head comforting him. He is amazed to find that it is a mortal woman, and he seeks her out. Raven has always had psychic abilities, she comes to the Carpathian Mountains to find peace, she has recently hunted three killers using her psychic ability. She feels drained and at a loss. She is in pain when another touches her physically, and she yearns for solitude and peace among the beautiful Carpathian Mountains. However, hearing Mikaels bleakness she calls out to him, offering aide, knowing she couldn't refuse doing so. Upon talking with Mikael she finds him arrogant and Alpha Male 100% all the way, but she can't refuse him. Upon seeing him, a connection surges between them and neither one of them can resist. Raven is Mikael's life-mate, he starts seeing colors, when for hundreds of years he has only seen in grey. He also starts feeling emotions again, which are clear signs in finding one's life-mate. A journey begins, with Mikael and Raven finding their way, making mistakes along the way, but finding true love and a sensual passion that neither one of them can control or deny.
The Carpathian series, is my up most favorite paranormal series of all time. It always has been since I have started reading from Christine Feehan. The first book I read from her was Dark Challenge, which is my favorite in the series. However, I really have fallen in love with Dark Prince, I have loved reading Mikael and Raven's story. I have fallen in love with both characters. Mikael is typical Alpha Male (Which I love) and he is the leader of his people, and at the beginning of the book is very arrogant and believes everything he says is law. However upon meeting Raven, he finds himself at odds, having met the one person who has no problems with arguing with him, much less a woman. No one ever argues with him, apart from his best friend Gregori who has been at his side since they were young. Raven has lived in solitude most of her life, except when she hunted the killers. But ever since she was little, she has been despised for her gift. Once she comes to the Carpathian Mountains, and meeting Mikael, who is the one person whose touch doesn't cause her pain but pleasure and the likes of which she has never known. It has truly been a pleasure to listen to Dark Prince I can never get bored with Feehan's books I could read her over and over again. I truly loved the characters, the plot and the witty come backs in the conversations, also there was some suspense and mystery has well toward the end, which definitely made it a astounding and enthralling read.
The Darkest Hour is the first book in the KGI series and I will be honest I have been putting off this series, and not even sure why. But I have been wanting to explore all of Banks' works, even though I am still "miffed" over the other issues involving this author, I just love her writing style and she can always draw me into a story when I need a page-turning experience and I didn't expect to read this before bed and stay up late (thank goodness it was the weekend) reading it because I was so drawn into the story and just wanted more of the experience. And the setup of the story is one of my catnips so I was all for it.
The Darkest Hour features:
Ethan Kelly-Navy SEAL, Military Trained, Husband and a member of the Kelly Clan
Rachel Kelly-Orphan, Wife and daughter of the Kelly Clan, held captive for a year and battling drug addiction
The Darkest Hour gets us going with our hero Ethan Kelly. Who has believed for a year that his wife, Rachel, was killed on a rescue aid mission and still is broken over her loss. But when he receives a package containing contents that show proof that she is alive and held captive by a cartel in South America, he is determined to save her no matter what it costs. So with the full force of his KGI brothers, and with all the resources at their fingertips, they implement a rescue mission to rescue Rachel. Rachel, after witnessing a deal, is taken captive and drugged for over a year. And she only has one memory of her husband, of the one man that will come for her no matter what and she never loses that hope. When Ethan and his brothers go in and rescue Rachel, her condition is tormenting for him, but he is determined to see her through. She has lost much of her memory and while back recovering in the states, they begin to regain their marriage and connection. But there are unresolved issues that Ethan and Rachel will need to resolve before they can find their HEA
The Darkest Hour was such a different story than what I actually expected to find. It definitely is a story that will instantly draw you in so quickly and I do "tip the hat" to Maya Banks for being able to do that with each book that I have picked up from her so far. But I will say that another aspect of the story I was really drawn to was that our pairing start out married. There aren't enough romances that showcase a couple that has already reached that point and see the challenges couples face after reaching their HEA. I loved both of these characters and what compelling love they hold for each other. And as a plus there are NO flashbacks, man I am so grateful for that. Anyone that knows my preferences knows how much I struggle with flashbacks. You don't really need them in this one, to be honest. Most of the book is focused on them reconnecting and relearning each other.
“Trying to drown me woman?"'You can't drown a SEAL,' she said. 'How embarrassing would that be?''God yes. Shoot me, hang me, let me die of infection from a hangnail, but don't let me die in the water. They'd send me to hell on principle.”
We are also introduced to the Kelly family and now I understand why so many readers are so obsessed over these books and this family. They are such a hoot and so afraid of their mama bear haha so entertaining. I truly admire seeing the mother hen of the family be the heart of it and how everything that happens resolves around her deep love for her family, and she is so fierce. There is such connection and brotherly affections between the brothers and it is quite entertaining to see the way that they come together in this one here. I love the bantering and playful way that they have with each other. And all that alpha testosterone just blends in so well in this one.
“Never be afraid to tell me anything,” he whispered against her hair. “No matter how ashamed you might feel. I’ll never judge you, Rachel. I love you.”
The romance that is the heart of this book was pure gold. I loved seeing these two find their way back to each other. And seeing the unresolved issues come to light and seeing them work through them. I know there is a novella ahead featuring Ethan and Rachel so I am curious to see if they have fully resolved those issues in the future. It really breaks the heart to see what they go through here but what perseverance they have to forge ahead in their relationship and stand for each other no matter what comes their way. The only downside was the ending of the book. At the climax of the story, I would have wanted Ethan to be more involved in defeating the villain than what is shown in the story. But it was still satisfying to see Rachel fight against the villains and seeing the mystery involved fully in why she was taken captive.
Overall I found The Darkest Hour to be such an interesting read that held my attention all the way through, its elements of suspense and humor and riveting emotion that engage your senses in ways you don't quite expect. This author will take you on a ride of adventure, healing, solid family values, and a humbling romance to get you geared up and yearning for more.
I have very few complaint about Christine Feehan, and I have fallen in love with the 'Ghostwalker Series', this is the second time that I have read Shadow Game and it was good to read this one again, and I plan on reading the rest of the series. This is the first book in the Ghostwalker Series, with Cpt. Ryland Miller and Lily Whitney has the main characters. Lily has grown up with mental abilities and is a anchor and is able to help others that have issues controlling their mental powers. Her father Peter Whitney brings her on to his latest project. Peter Whitney brought in a group of men that were in the Special Op's division of the military, the best of the best literally. Peter manipulated their minds so that they had mental abilities, and put them in cages in a secured location. The moment that Ryland and Lily meet, the ground shifts and there is a instant connection between them. Ryland is amazed, because the moment Lily enters the room, all the pain in his head disappears, and he is able to concentrate clearly and efficiently. Ryland and Lily have a strong connected to each other, and are able to communicate mentally, and Ryland is desperate to get his men out of their prison and be free once more. Ryland is losing one of his men slowly one at a time, and knows that he and his men must escape as soon as possible, or they will all be dead. After Peter Whitney is killed, Lily although grief stricken, finds some truths about her father and her childhood that haunts her. However, despite all that she is suffering, she manages to help Ryland and his team escape, and transfer them to her house. One of his men Jeff, is injured, and she slowly helps him recover. Together as Ryland and Lily work toward the mysterious of Lily's past, the passion and the connection them becomes stronger and deeper than ever. This is a exciting adventure with twists and turns of intrigue and sizziling passions and intense suspense that keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a page turner, and the characters both main and minor characters, thoroughly charm its readers. I found myself being drawn to both Ryland and Lily, who are both strong characters and have powerful abilities, and are able to work together to discover the mysteries of Peter Whitney. Although Ryland hates the man, he fells what Lily feels and is able to help her in her grieving for her father whom she loved. Lily however discovers a powerful secret about her childhood. Lily and other young girls had natural mental abilities, which Peter Whitney forced them to use and hurt themselves in the process. It wasn't until Lily hurt her leg in a accident, that Peter Whitney finally faced himself and he found the other girl's homes and raised Lily as his own. This is a deep and emotional story that will tear your heart asunder but will endear you to the story and its captivating characters. This is definitely a read you don't want to miss out on!
Highland Gladiator is the first book of the first series to be taken on by Sourcebooks Casablanca for this author. I am so impressed with this book and I am not sure why it took me so long to read this one because dang Kathryn Le Veque really took this one to the bank on this book. Now I have read previous works from her but I am so happy to see so many readers becoming introduced to her due to this series. She is one of the best talents in historical romance today and she really delves into the settings and eras most authors don't brave. And I love seeing what she did with this book and it definitely was everything that I needed in a book especially in a historical. While I have had some hit or misses with historical romance this year, this one definitely took the cake for me and I couldn't get enough of it.
Highland Gladiator is a story which features:
Lor Careston-Blacksmith, birdkeeper, honest working man that becomes a fighter and gladiator and warrior for his people
Isabail Keith-daughter of the woodland clans, sweet but a defender and fighter, and devoted to the boy and man she knows in Lor.
Highland Gladiator starts off with our two love interests meeting as children and then later meeting as adults as they are more mature but still sweet on each other. Lor is the grandson of a renowned blacksmith for his people and is maturing and ready to take over fully. And then he sees the girl he once teased and played with that fateful day in a full-grown woman and his interest is clear. Even though their families don't approve of the match, they meet in secret and form a bond with each other that is strong and fierce but sweet and loving. But they are willing to find what they are made of but neither Lor nor Isabail ever realized how their love would be tested, and tested in ways that will put their love to the test. When they are separated when Lor's village is attacked and he believes his grandfather is killed, he leaves it all and unable to find Isabail he heads up north to find Ludus Caledonia, a fighting guild that will teach him how to fight, become a warrior, and claim his revenge. But roads to revenge are never what they seem to be and he will have to make a choice, the woman he loves and claiming his sought-after revenge.
I faithfully swear to do all that is commanded of me, All that is required of me, And all that is asked of me. May I live both to fight and to protect my brethren. May God smile upon me and grant me courage So that I may not fail myself nor those around me. Thus it is spoken, thus it shall be done.
Highland Gladiator was such a fierce and passionate love tale and I just wanted more of it. Immersing myself into this book helped me realize how much I MISS reading this author and I am not even sure why I even stopped reading her. I think there are so many books that it can be easy to let some books easily slip through the cracks. And to be honest I just didn't know what this book contained, and hadn't read many reviews of this one, so wasn't sure if I would ever be in the right mood for this but let me tell you.....I should have just read it a year ago and I feel like *banging my head against a wall* in how I should have done this way sooner. I honestly couldn't get enough of this pair. Now I will say that I highly recommend listening to this one, the narration is on point. Brad Wills is one of the best talents I have ever seen in my time of audiobook listening. He just has the perfect deep tone for a medieval, and really handles the dialogue and accents of all the cast members so flawlessly, every time I listen to him, I am amazed by it.
Now Highland Gladiator is a tale of revenge and love and how these two concepts can intermingle especially when the plot builds in such a way. I was intrigued to see how this would develop here and Kathryn LeVeque didn't disappoint. I found the pairing's love story to be so captivatingly sweet yet fierce. I love what they were willing to sacrifice for each other. And your heart just aches to see what they have to face with each other, and I did like that when secrets are kept, it's not done overlong and take up so much of the story. The author really balances out these concepts just perfectly. There are such honest vibes in this relationship, I love that they can sense when something is wrong with the other and the transparency they have for each other is really beautiful. You just don't see that too often in romance. I liked to see where the focus of the conflict in the story was centered on. And then we get our introduction to the fight guild and man I was HOOKED on this fighting guild. Because highlanders plus gladiator training, tactics and fight matches---YES, please. I just wanted to cheer Lor on in his training and fighting matches. This author definitely raised the level where these are concerned. And I hope to see this publisher take on more of this author's books.
Overall I found Highland Gladiator to be a vibrant realistic view on this era, the truths behind clan wars, it contains a unique setup of intrigue, a well-developed revenge subplot, and a romance that showcases the value of fighting for your love in a time where it could come at a great cost....MAGNIFICENT
Lexi has made a new life for herself in Sea Haven with her five sisters that made a bond with each other in a counseling session years ago. They came to Sea Haven to begin anew, all of the six have special abilities with the elements of the earth, and Lexi connects with the earth and has a talent for growing plants and vegetation. All six bought the land and share in the responsibilities of it. Lexi loves what she does and thrives in it, and it keeps the past and the monsters of her past at bay. But one day, she goes to the outer boundaries of the property and she is faced with a demon from her past, the man who destroyed her family, and sexually abused her as a child and made her his sex slave and "wife". But Lexi has power and her power traps this man who once trapped her. And a stranger arrives on the scene, a stranger that is one of the Prakenskii brothers, and a man who intrigues her and a man she is now bound to. Graviil is a shadow, as the older of the brothers, he has a more vicious past than the others do, but all of them have a hit on their heads now and he has come to Sea Haven to warn them, but when he sees Lexi, he can't leave her, she is his in a way he doesn't comprehend, he only knows that if anyone can save him from his past she can. Soon Graviil and Lexi are drawn into a world of enemies, danger and a passionate love they never imagined could happen for them, but soon they will embrace a love that could save them both from their past.
The Hero
Graviil Prakenskii, is a man with secrets and hidden dangers. He is a man who is more powerful than the other brothers. When Graviil was just a boy, his parents were slaughtered and each of the seven brothers were separated and taken to different training schools, the one that Graviil was sent to was rumored to be one of the most brutal. Graviil was trained to be lethal and exacting, to never miss his mark. Even though he has kept his eye watchful on each of his brothers, he has never appeared to them until now, especially to the baby of the family, Illya, the one he never saw grow and was just a babe when their parents were killed. Graviil was a hero that has a painful past and doesn't feel he is redeemable in any way, but Lexi proves him wrong. Graviil is a character that is heartbreaking sad at times, suffers from more emotional wounds than physical (which is hindering him), we see him strength and power and boy what he can do in a bedroom. But Gravriil really captivates you from the beginning, because you see how much he needs love and affection.
The Heroine
Lexi, is a woman who is haunted by her past, more so than the others. She was taken when she was young, and brought into a cult that viewed woman as less than animals, to be used and abused for a man's pleasure. She has only known pain under a man's touch. She managed to escape, but her family paid the price, and they were all killed. Now she has changed her name, met five woman like her with similar gifts and emotional pain, and she connected with them, and built a life for herself. But her past haunts her, she has trained herself in a number of weapons and fighting skills, sleeps outside because she has never felt safe inside her own home, and her plants make her feel alive and centered. Lexi is a sweet and lovely woman who has trouble dealing with her past, but you see the goodness in her, and how she is haunted. I quite adored her character because she is full of courage and strength where it matters.
Plot and Story Line
Earth Bound is an emotionally shattering story that completely won my heart. Out of all the books in the series so far, this really is the most intense of them when it comes to the emotional side of things. From the beginning, we are brought into a painful world that Lexi and Graviil live in. Both characters are quite strong in personality, but are both wounded in different ways and both need healing. We see how they find a balance in a relationship that at first is a bit uneven at times. Lexi and Graviil find a balance between what haunts them and what makes them strong. Both love being in charge and being the "boss" and love seeing these two go at it for who should be in charge. The plot is quite intense and we have the cult members trying to get to Lexi. We see Lexi face her greatest fear and she does and quite admirably too. We also see all the other couples and the four kids and they played a role in the book as well. And we even get Illya and Jonas--makes me want to read the Sea Haven series again just series those two back in action. I love that Feehan has connected these two series together. I would have loved to see Jolie though--she was always my favorite of the sisters. Another fun aspect was seeing the way that these two fall for each other, and it's not your typical love story. In fact they take their time getting to know each other, and I loved how it wasn't insta lust and must satisfy now. It was let's get to know each other and become friends before the passionate sex. The book itself is quite captivating and a page turner, you won't have a hard time getting into this one, I never do with Feehan. I was super charged with this story, because it had a level of high intensity to it, and you get drawn into a world of danger, magic, and a healing love story. What I also found interesting was how these two accepted each other, and embraced their relationship even with all they have to deal with from their pasts. They don't let the past keep them from discovering what they can be together. We see how they fit perfectly in numerous ways and balance each other out. If you have yet to read Feehan or this series, It's a must for any romance lover. I guarantee that you will fall for it just like I have!!
The Cover
This is such a beautiful cover, and matches Lexi and the tone of the story. I love the cornfield and the "country" theme to it.
Overall View
Earth Bound is a emotionally charged romance that will enchant you from the beginning. A tale that is beautifully mixed with intense fast paced action, characters facing their trauma pasts, and embracing their new lives together....simply SPECTACULAR!!
“The first touch of her hands nearly had him coming off the bed in alarm. Her eyes were closed, but her hands lay against his skin lightly, palms down. Every muscle in his body tightened. Every cell responded to her touch. The feel of her skin against his skin took his breath away. He’d felt a woman’s hand on his body many times, strokes and caresses meant to inflame him, to arouse him, yet not a single one had ever affected him the way her touch did.”
[divider]
I don't want you to go, Lexi. I want you to choose me. Stay with me. I know I'm not much of a prize. I know my faults. I need a commitment from you. I need that, Lexi. Not marriage if you don't want it. If you give me your word, that will be enough. We're always going to have these moments of doubts, but if we both make that commitment, we'll always know the other will stand with us through them. I need to know you'll stand with me. I've got this hole a mile deep inside of me, and only you manage to fill it. No one else. There's never going to be anyone else. Neither of us is perfect, but together I know we can be whole. Give yourself to me. I'll always cherish you.
[divider]
You're the only one that can make me whole. I want you with every breath in my body.
Custom Love is the newest release of the week and is also the latest installment in her Fast & Furious series. I saw that this one was available at Hoopla, so I decided to pick it up and I am so happy that I was able to do so because of this BOOK. I honestly couldn't put this one down at all. It had so much goodness in this book and I am not sure if it was because it was the narrator or the book itself where I couldn't put this one down. I was completely hooked. Of course, it has a mix of all of some of my favorite elements in romance so it checked all of the books that I look for in a book like this so without further ado lets forge ahead about what was so glorious about this one here.
Custom Love is a story that features:
Trade-single father, brother to MC President, running Fast and Fury
Nadia-private investigator, best friend to Bronte
In Custom Love, Trade loses the woman he loved and the one that was the mother to his three kids. And now that the supposed murderer is behind bars, he is trying to move on with is life and helping his kids recover and heal from the loss they have been dealt. Nadia, was stunned when the mother of the one is said to have killed Trade's wife, might be innocent and to look into it. At first, Nadia, is hesitant because of how she is connected to the people involved in the case. But she is a searcher for the truth and has a sense of loyalty towards those involved in it. So she slowly investigates while at the same time has a pursuing interest in Trade and his family. But as clues start to appear that not everything is as it seems in the case, Trade and Nadia search for the real murderer, but what they find is not what they expect and will shoot a blow to all of those involved.
Custom Love was such an interesting book and I definitely wasn't expecting to find such a solid mystery to be solved in this one. It really is what gravitated me towards this story. I do love a good mystery, but honestly, I just wanted to see who the culprit was and it definitely wasn't who I expected at all. It is actually very rare for an author to surprise me like this with the identity of the villain, but Chantal Fernando definitely worked me good in this book and I am more than happy to admit that. There was so much goodness in this book that I just wanted to gobble it all up like it's a Thanksgiving feast. Custom Love has such a wonderful blend of romance and suspense and I was on board with it all. I fell so deeply in love with Trade's kids, and what adorable children they were and added just the right touch to the story. All their antics had me laughing so hard and really added the right flavor of humor and wit to the story to balance out so much of the serious adulting things going on :) I truly enjoyed my time getting to know these characters and all their unique adaptability in the circumstances which are handed to them. The romance between Trade and Nadia was perfect, there is some angst in the story, but it is low angst and it fit my mood to just what I wanted in this romance. Chantal Fernando definitely delivered such a solid, heartwarming story I couldn't get enough of.
Overall I found Custom Love to be a touching romance that balances out the mystery with friends falling in love with each other and building upon their connection. It has sparks of laughter, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and a love story that will evoke all sorts of emotions within you.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Beautiful Crazy is a book that is one of the few (and I promise I am almost finished with these, there are only two left to do) of my backlogged NetGalley books to review. Now, this is one of those books I didn't even download and I am feeling like an idiot for putting this one off and never doing so because dang this book was so beautiful and just perfect for what I was in the mood for. I loved just about everything about it. There was only one aspect that really kept this book from being a five-star read for me (which will be explained below) I will say that this book was so unexpected in seeing how much I truly enjoyed it and I can't wait for more of this author and series.
Beautiful Crazy is packed with these wonderous characters:
Kevan Landry-Colorful, Bright, Vivacious, Tattooed, Music Guru, and Creative
Mason Dillon-CEO of Music Company, Alpha, Armani Suits, Playboy
Beautiful Crazy begins with our heroine, Kevan, who is building her own business in marketing for music labels and bands, and the like. She offers a more creative approach to her brand and has the appeal for the smaller bans of punk, rock, and etc. She is reaching out to a local band, one that her brother is a part of, and is hoping that they will be her client and that they will take her on. But on a wild night of their band singing, she meets a man that she is drawn to that has dominant vibes, but there is the chemistry that sizzles so strongly between them.
As she surveyed the crowd, her gaze snapped back to a familiar stranger leaning against the wall. He hadn’t left. Everyone watched the band, but he was watching her. So intense. She was his prey, and he was ready to pounce.
They have a passionate night of a fling, but she never expected that the next day, her sensual lover from the previous night, would be her competition for the chance to take this band on. Mason, is CEO and has worked for a decade to build the company into what it has become. But the board of directors is demanding he finds some creative juices or they will terminate him and he refuses to let that happen but never thought this sexy woman would be his enemy, a woman he cares much more than he is willing to fully admit to. But their competition will only end with one of them hurt in the end....so who will be the winner or the loser? Or will these two passionate hearts find a way to their HEA?
“I won’t touch you. I won’t do anything to you.” He paused and lowered his voice. “Until you beg me to.”
Beautiful Crazy is a story that I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy that much. I am not sure why I had that impression on this one, since I have really enjoyed the majority of what this publisher has put out, and the cover is just my cup of tea, maybe it was the blurb that kept me from reading it, at the time of requesting this one I wasn't a big fan of contemporary at the time so I think that is what the issue was for me at the time. I was very particular about reading contemporary and I don't think I was ever in the right mood to read it before it went inactive. So.....I was super pleased to see that my library had a copy of it and I just started reading it this morning even and read it in one sitting. It was just a quick fast-paced read that I couldn't get enough of. There were so many factors that had me fighting for this couple and man their entanglements were so enthralling. From the very beginning, it was a story that captivates the reader from the get-go. I honestly couldn't put this one down and I just had to know how these two would find a way to work things out because it gets intense from beginning to end. You see how much they care for each other, and how that one fling of a night was so much more than sex, but there is also practicality to put into practice and they need to find a way to work around both. It was quite fun to see how these two would battle things out and boy do things get heated between them. I actually had so much fun seeing them work around their chemistry and yet be so torn over business vs. pleasure.
He’d shared himself like that only with her. Only her. Her heart soared, just a little. Maybe more than a little. He didn’t need to know though.
Now both of them have something to fight for with this deal. The heroine especially my heart broke for her because she has a brother in rehab, a business that will cave if she can't make this deal work, and a past that shows she has zero success where relationships are concerned. They are two worlds apart yet she can't deny that there is something more between her and Mason. Now I want to point out one major issue I had with this book and honestly every time I see this I want to DNF a book because of it. Now I didn't with this one, because I was so hooked on the story but it came close and why this one isn't going to be a five-star or even a 4.5 rating. It's because there is a scene where the heroine slaps the hero (on the face) and honestly yeah they were verbally sparring but there was nothing he was doing that she wasn't doing as well verbally, and he so didn't deserve that at all. She has a temper, yes, but I really can't condone violence like that, and it affects my review and it's really the only element that keeps this from being a perfect book for me. I mean, its a contemporary setting, so it might be different if it was like a historical or something, but that isn't the case with this one. So while I enjoyed the book as a whole, this act by the heroine, kept me from enjoying it like I fully wanted to.
You’re all these maddening contradictions that don’t make any sense, yet make perfect sense.” He sighed again. “And I can’t get enough of your special fucking brand of beautiful crazy.”
Overall I found this one to be a story of playful bantering, intense sensuality, a heart-stopping romance that delivers on all the feels, and a story worth picking up. A SEXY ENTHRALLING READ!
Barbarian's Lady is an installment part of the Ice Planet Barbarian series and I have definitely been neglecting my reading of this author. Quite frankly her backlist is so extensive and she writes so much that it tends to be overwhelming sometimes but I am determined to work my way through her works. This book definitely took me back to the magic of this ice world and all the sexy moments that this author cultivates between her characters. When I discovered so many of her books on AnyPlay I just knew that I needed to try her out through audio and I am definitely happy that I decided to do that.
Barbarian's Lady is a sexy romance that features:
Harrec-Blue Alien, Horned and sensitive blue tail, the comedian of the group and highly flirtatious yet a virgin
Kate-Built like an Amazon, uncomfortable in her skin, but talented in hunting skills
Barbarian's Lady begins when Kate and Harrec first meet and their first meeting just doesn't go well. Harrec doesn't know how to tease effectively and it just makes Kate want to hide under a protective tough shell and be abrasive towards Harrec, because his flirting and joking seem to be more mocking and ridiculing to Kate. She is determined to ignore him and not show him any attention because his jokes only increase if she does. But Harrec is determined to have Kate as his mate and wants to court her and so he arranges a time for them to be alone and away from the others under the guise of a 'hunt' but then due to a distraction he ends up injured and they hide themselves away in a cave with him having an injured leg. But Kate never imagined that Harrec has truly desired her in a genuine way, and admires her tall form, and thus begins his sweet seduction that is mutual. But there is one problem what if they never resonate with each other and they are meant for someone else? Will they have to mate others and give up on this newfound love that has discovered with each other?
“Know that even if I am a hunter who can be foolish at times, I would cherish everything you would give me.” I put my hand over hers. “And if I say or act a certain way, it is because I am addicted to your laughter.”
Barbarian's Lady was definitely such a wonderful story and a great addition to this series. I will be honest that Harrec cracked me up, you can tell from the beginning that he likes Kate, he just is super bold (too bold) in his passion for her that Kate is completely blind to it and doesn't see that he is earnest and sees it as mockery. This is more of a situation of a cultural divide. They both come from such different planets with differing ideas of courting, and so they stumble and fall a bit on their path towards their HEA but I had such a fun time with these two and seeing them work through their misunderstandings and find some common ground. What is really fun is seeing that this author has a full focus on consent, so even though this is a more barbarian culture, the men are definitely focused on pleasure and agreement in their relationship, and its so fun to see how this author implements that in each book because it is done so differently and I really admire her creativity.
Overall I found Barbarian's Lady to be a stunning addition to this wondrous series that has captured so many hearts everywhere....its a story of healing, misconceptions, and learning to fight for your HEA
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a book I have been meaning to get to for a while. But when I was able to read this for my book club of the month I was beyond excited. Now if you want to hear our thoughts on that ...check out Remarkably Lisa's channel on YouTube to watch. I absolutely had such a fun time with the first book "A Princess Plan" and just couldn't wait to delve into this one and I will be honest that I am not even sure why I waited so long for this one here. But I am so happy that I finally took a chance on this one because it was such a delightful read and offered some valuable romantic elements in it that worked for me.
But looking at Eliza, Caroline realized that she did indeed want one day to be in love with a man who would be as devoted to her as Prince Sebastian was to his bride. She wanted to feel everything Eliza was feeling, to understand just how that sort of love changed a person.
A Royal Kiss and Tell features some delightful characters:
Prince Leopold of Alucia-Beta hero, protective, has alpha-like moments, honorable, stoic
Caroline Hawke-Aristocrat, obsessed with image, loves clothing, and to be the center of the party
A Royal Kiss and Tell is the second book in the series and this book takes us to the wedding of Bas and Eliza. Caroline is determined to be the center of the party, she craves the attention and is thrilled for her best friend in her marriage to a prince and this fairy tale wedding. Caroline is attracted to Bas's brother, Leopold, who clearly doesn't like her or barely even notices her. But Caroline is determined to be noticed by him, and both of them get into verbal matches, and to anyone on the outside, they are enemies. But when circumstances have Leopold and Caroline together, building intimacy is growing between them. But when Leopold learns of a plot against the royals and women being trafficked from his country into England, he is appalled and determined to get to the bottom of it. But when scandal erupts Leopold wonders if he will be able to reveal the scandal to all and give these women a safe place to harbor. A love forms between Caroline and Leopold, but they are worlds apart, and will they be able to find their HEA?
I prefer women, Caroline,” he murmured. “I prefer women who are confident of their place in this world...but perhaps those who hold their tongues when they ought."
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a story that I will admit I was highly apprehensive about. The first third of the story I was on the fence about and was really hoping that this one wouldn't turn into a DNF of a read because I REALLY didn't want to have to do that at all. I wanted this one to be enjoyable and especially with it being a group read with a live show discussion, I wanted to be able to have some affection for this story. But Julia London worked her magic for me and once I hit about 40% I was HOOKED into this book so well. I just didn't want to put it down. I think this is where the turn of the relationship builds between Leopold and Caroline, seeing the growing intimacy and also the hidden crime-filled plot that builds in the storyline. I honestly never expected this plotline to happen. So I do want to warn readers who want to read this book, that there are elements of human trafficking and it does have its darker moments, so please know that going in. The blurb of this book does NOT convey this aspect and it really should. So fair warning on that.
“What is it that women do in their boudoir? It seems fairly straightforward, does it not? A petticoat, a few pins in the hair,” he said, fluttering his fingers at his head.
The romance that builds between Leopold and Caroline was so captivating and I had a blast with their bantering but once we get to the point where their walls come down, and transparency enters the relationship and they connect on a deeper level, is when the romance explodes in so much beauty and swoon-worthy moments. These two make such a great time and when Leo truly shares what he is dealing with, this is when I truly fell in love with her. I struggled so much with her character, that seeing this part of her really sealed the deal for me. I couldn't get enough of seeing how her unique outlook adds something different to the mystery they are both trying to solve. I just wanted them to have their happy ending, because they truly deserved it, especially in seeing how much Leopold sacrifices. There are some side characters that I am hoping get their story told.
She knew herself well enough to know that she was in desperate trouble. Her heart was headed for collision with reality, and it was going to shatter into pieces very soon, because Hollis was right—she loved Leopold. And now he was going to ruin everything by being a good man.
Overall I found A Royal Kiss and Tell to be a stunning story that delves into some difficult issues, builds a plot of intrigue and danger, and a romance that is passionate and angsty filled in its entertaining ways of this world this author has built. Guaranteed to deliver a delightful journey to its readers.
There seems quite a lot that should be said, but time restricts me, so I will write this: I never believed love would find me. I never believed that in my position, I would know the luxury of love. My world was a fog of pleasure and privilege, but then you came along and pierced that fog. I never dreamed I would meet someone like you, much less love someone like you. I fear this love I hold for you will drive me to madness. I think of you every day and I will for the rest of my life. I will hold dear what we have shared. I will never have the strength to feel this way again, and I want you to know, no matter what else, I loved you beyond compare and will burn for you for the rest of my days.
A Cowboy of Legend is the first book in the "Lone Star Legends" series and I am finally getting back to reading this author. There are some reasons I stopped, but I am craving a solid western and this is an element that I know that this author will win in. Linda Broday is an author that I highly recommend to those that really love delving into the wild west and she has so many unique stories that will thrill you in all the best of ways. I have missed her writing so much but when I heard this series was connected to her Men of Legend series (which I adored) and that the heroine in "A Cowboy of Legend" is the baby that Lara was pregnant within The Heart of a Texas Cowboy, I definitely knew I needed this one. Both my library and Any play had these books so I started with the ebook but actually ended with the audiobook in the end because even though the accents weren't my favorite at first, they eventually grew on me. So I can't wait to delve into this review and share all the delights that I loved in this book.
A Cowboy of Legend is a spicy western which features:
Deacon Brannock-had a rough childhood, saloon owner, dreams of owning a ranch
Grace Legend-first child of Houston and Lara Legend, fighter for women's rights and activist against alcoholism addiction
A Cowboy of Legend begins with our heroine Grace, storming the streets of Fort Worth, Texas with a group of women who are fighting against the abuse of alcohol and the negative effects it has on the families and victims of the addiction. Grace is determined to fight for women's right to vote and own property and doesn't seem to care who gets in her way especially the saloon owner...Deacon Brannock. But when she stumbles into him and he saves her from a mean drunk she knows that she will never be the same, but she also knows him by his reputation and the danger she senses lurking in his eyes. But despite what she has heard about him, there is a chemistry between Deacon and Grace. Deacon may be a saloon owner but he practices safe policy as best as he can do while investing to save up for the future dream of his to own property of his own. He didn't have an easy childhood which still haunts him and even though he finds Grace a danger to his dream, he can't deny he connects with her and wants to dig deeper in knowing who Grace truly is. But Grace and Deacon will come together in the most unexpected turn of events, and their connection will turn into a passionate love affair, but there are dangers in their world, and can Deacon and Grace fight for what they believe in while paving the way towards their HEA?
Besides, fighting or not, there was something about being with Brannock, surrounded by the night that tucked around them. It was like they were alone in their own private universe for just a little while.
A Cowboy of Legend is the first book in the series, but I didn't expect to see such fun moments be built at the beginning of this book. I will be honest in that I didn't know if I would like this one at all because the heroine ....the heroine was a struggle for me in the beginning. I didn't know what to make of her and she was hard to really find relatable in any way. I understood why she wanted to fight for women's rights (back then women still had to rely on men for much of any freedom) but I felt like she was going about it the wrong way. She could be very abrasive and didn't care who she hurt. But then a member of her family gets involved and sets her on the straight path that in order to create change it won't happen with giving out vinegar ....but offering honey instead. Then we see a change in our heroine, where she begins to open her mind more, to be more understanding and compassionate, to see what a complex issue it is, and that Deacon is not the man she thought he was, that he has a kind protective soul that has never truly been loved. The romance between them deepens into a whirlwind of a love match neither of them expected to find.
Come hell or high water, she sure meant to give it her best and solve the nagging puzzle. Not because he had a nice smile, saw to her welfare, or possessed a touch that sent heat up her arm.
Both characters are so stubborn in their thoughts of each other, but they are really opposite of each other. I actually don't mind these types of pairings. Even though Grace was hard at times to be endeared to, eventually she worked for me, and I did like seeing her growth and change in accepting reality and being willing to work with men rather than fighting against them. Deacon was a character that just wins your heart from the beginning of the story. You see what a man of integrity he is who has been dealt a hard life but has tried to be a good man. I love that he doesn't let his past define him, and keeps striving to be better. He was a hero I admired so deeply and once Grace accepts and understands him, she fights for him so fiercely and I truly admired this author in being able to pivot on that element in their romance. There is also a sideline plot where we see kids going missing, and Grace and Deacon working together to discover where they are going and who is taking them and why.
Overall I found A Cowboy of Legend to be a stunning romance packed with human complexities that endeavor to showcase the beauty of being human and the strength that comes from love and paving your own way to your dreams.
Summary
