This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Heart Principle is the latest release in the Kiss Quotient series by this author, and probably one of the most anticipated releases of the year for romance. This book has been so on the waiting list for so many of us romance readers, there were some delays to the book being release (definitely understable) and I was thrilled when I was offered a copy with Berkley. But even though it saddens my heart, I couldn't give this book more than a three-star rating. This book just wasn't for me, and it probably is because this book is NOT a romance, it's women's fiction. I feel like this factor isn't quite understood and after reading it, I completely understand why it is. Now women's fiction isn't really my cup of tea unless I am in the right mood for it which is probably why this didn't quite work for me the way I expected it to. The story focuses on Anna Sun, who has had some startling revelations about herself, and there are some family issues that can be crippling for her. (please check the triggers for this book before reading it) My heart just broke for Anna, she had so much strength, but she really had to deal with so much. Quan was a delight but sadly his role in the book was the back story and I was sad. I had been looking forward to his book so much and felt like he deserved more attention. While I completely understand the author's motivations for this story, it just didn't meet up with my expectations of the story. I wanted to love this one but in the end, it just didn't work out that way in my reading of it. I am curious if this author will be focusing more on women's fiction and letting go of writing romance, I dearly hope not, but if she does decide to go down that path, I am not sure if I will continue reading her or will wait until I am more in a women's fiction mindset. Currently, I just need all the romance (:))
I just know that this story will work for so many readers especially if you have been anticipating it, but this story just wasn't for me at the time I read it. I know my mood at the time wasn't right for it, and it evoked certain emotions I wasn't ready to experience at the time. I truly admire this author, and what she has been dealing with and felt a connection to her in this book but it was a bit of a disappointment after the long wait of it.
The Earl's New Bride was a cute read, and I actually liked this one. Now I won't say that this was my favorite, I did read this one in audiobook format and while it was enjoyable there, the narration left much to be desired in some ways, so it took some of the enjoyment that I had out of the story. This was a sweet romance, that takes place in regency england. Its a story which features our couple, who aren't at first each other's expectations but end up finding a deep connection to each other. Their chemistry slowly builds until they have to come to conclusion of wanting a future together and fighting for that future.
This is a romance that has very low angst, its slow, steady and sure of a feeling type of romance.
The Overlord's Bride is a book that I actually saw randomly scrolling through my Libby's library and I was shocked to see such an old-school romance. And I instantly grabbed it up and the moment that I started reading it, I was hooked. I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed this author's writing in the past, so if you are looking for a fast quick read, this is definitely one to grab up especially if you want to explore the older historical's that are out there (and trust me there are plenty of great ones) This is part of a series, although it seems to be loosely connected. Its a big series 15 books I think of all medieval era themes and settings and I can't wait to explore the series here more.
The Overlord's Bride features some strong characters in:
Raymond D'Estienne-English Aristocrasy, poor, injured voice,
Elizabeth Perronet-grew up in a convent, beautiful, cunning, and intelligent
The Overlord's Bride sets off with our heroine, Elizabeth, who has been taken from the convent by her uncle who wants her to fulfill an arranged marriage contract that her cousin was originally supposed to fulfill. But when her cousin fell in love with another man, it is now her duty to fulfill the contract. Elizabeth is more than willing to do so, her life in the convent was full of abuse all of her life, and is grateful to escape its horrors. When she first meets her lord and future husband, she sees someone that strikes fear in many but not in her. She knows there is goodness in him and is more than willing to prove to be a good wife and mother to his children. She knows he has had horror in his life as well and feels a connection to him. But there is a plot to a neighboring lord who wants what her husband has and it will take some creative cunning for Elizabeth and Raymond to work together, defeat the enemy and prove to the Earl that they are worthy and of the plot against them from a corrupt lord.
Elizabeth had never heard anything quite like the soft hoarseness of Lord Kirkheathe’s deep voice. It seemed at once intimate and frightening, as if he were part beast and, at the same time, pure human male. A man might sound like that in the throes of fierce passion, whispering in her ear.
The Overlord's Bride is a story that SURPRISED me so much. I was really stunned by the heroine, she was so wonderful here. You know how in those horror movies, and the character (most times women haha) go down the alley alone and you think to yourself "no no you stupid girl" well I had one of these moments in this book when I thought that the heroine was being too trusting and then she shocks me by being cunning and crafty and setting her own trap for the villain instead of the other way around and man I wanted to clap and cheer this character on because YEP!! I loved it. The romance was sweet and not too full of angst, which I quite enjoyed. It was such a fast read, read it under two hours so it really was quick, faster than I expected. You never know when you delve into older historicals and if the writing will be more harder to adapt to. But its Margaret Moore, and she is so easy to read while also holding up to historical authenticity in the story. The hero was quite a delight, he is somewhat alpha, but not too much. I loved him though, he has scars and injuries, but I like that he doesn't let that set him back. He is determined to protect his people and loved his hard work ethic and devotion to them. I really felt for some of the side characters who get caught up in the trap that the villain sets and I respect the author in showcasing the lives that the poor and how they were used by those more powerful than they. But it was done it quite a admirable way that didn't take from the story but added to it. The setting was so well written, and I loved being able to immerse myself into this medieval era without it being too specific.
“It’s love, Elizabeth. Love has come over me. My love for you has freed me and yes, loosened my tongue.” He gave her a small, mischievous smile. “Or perhaps I only wanted them to know how pleased I am with my wife.”
Overall I found The Overlord's Bride to be an essential story that was exactly what I needed in a historical (too many modern ones of late), this author's writing voice was such a refresher and a reminder of the gems of older historical's that are deeply missed. Highly recommend you picking this one up here.
Lessons in Corruption is my FIRST Giana Darling book and all I can say is I should be "banging my head against the wall" for not reading her sooner. I had no idea that this book would just pull me in like this. I was completely hooked on this when reading it and read it in one sitting. That doesn't always happen but her writing just sold me completely. I honestly haven't read an MC romance in a while but this one really packed a punch. Now, this does have a forbidden theme to it which is a teacher-student romance and I KNOW how that sounds. But Giana Darling really handled it well and somehow it worked for me. But you should know that going into it. Now I know you may be wondering why I decided to just randomly pick up this author. Well, one of my favorite booktubers Jenn @ The Book Refuge, had her on her show and this author is such a darling and I bought the whole series haha I can't wait to jump into the rest of these books. Highly recommend you watch it here
Lessons in Corruption is a powerful story that features:
King-son of the MC Prez, 18 years old, works in a mechanic shop, goals to get a college degree
Cressida-separated from husband, teacher, 26 years old
My eyes settled on King again, seeing him throw back his head and laugh that laugh I had fallen in love with in the parking lot, that laugh that had been the final catalyst in my marriage. I barely knew the man, who he worked for, what he believed in, what he desired, and yet he had already irrevocably changed my life.
Lessons In Corruption is a story that begins with a moment outside a grocery store, where Cressida sees a man that changes her whole world. She is married, and her husband is wealthy but there is no happiness in her life. It is complete boredom for her, and it's the same day over and over, and no adventure or thrills, and no matter how hard she tries, she knows their marriage isn't what it should be. So Cressida decides to take charge of her life and she leaves her husband, aims for divorce and moves to a small cabin, and becomes a teacher at a high school. What she doesn't expect is to see her mystery man in a bar, and they share a thrilling evening and even though she knows she is a boring woman, there is something about King that draws her into his world even though it's dangerous and forbidden she wants a taste of it. But when she learns that he will be her student, it changes everything. She is stunned that the man she was fallen "head over heels" for, is completely out of her bounds, and if she tastes the forbidden it could mean losing everything she has worked hard for. But sometimes life comes with risk .....so why not dare the risk and embrace a life with King?
“We’re complicated,” King said again without raising his hand. “People judge everyone based on shallow crap: how hot they are, how rich and academically accomplished. It’s bullshit, because at the end of the day, the one thing everyone can relate to is the grind to get to that place. We all suffer, we all fucking grieve and sin every damn day. It’s that dark stuff that makes those characters real to us.”
Lessons in Corruption was a stunning book that captivated my heart from the very beginning. I didn't know what to do with myself in reading this one. It definitely blew my mind away and I couldn't help but barely contain the excitement in reading this one here. Its a story I honestly didn't expect to like. I was tempted to read these books out of order and technically I did that here (I will be reading the prequel next) but this is the first full-length novel and I don't like to read books like these out of order if I can help it. But from the first chapter, I knew I was in for a whirlwind of a read. Now the dark element to this book is the forbidden theme and the MC backdrop to the story. Now the teacher-student aspects aren't going to be for everyone. Now I have read this trope before and if it is written well, you can enjoy it. I wasn't sure how I felt about the hero being so young. But what did it for me, is King is highly mature for his age. Probably due to being raised in a MC club, and he has all that masculine, intense stare you in the eye vibe going on about him. The hero definitely wasn't what I was expecting, and I am highly pleased about that.
“Never met a woman like you. Know I won’t again. You find somethin’ worth keepin’, you find a way to fuckin’ keep it. Not gonna stop, and just so you know, I got it that this could get you fired, that this could cause you embarrassment but what I got to say to that is this: whatever pain and ugliness I bring you by bein’ with you, I promise I’ll bring you double that in sweetness and beauty. You hear me on that, because I may be a man without a normal moral compass, but I’m a man who makes a woman a promise, and I’ll die before I break it.”
There is a bit of a age gap but its not huge so I think readers won't mind how much older the heroine is for him. In some ways, King is more mature than Cressida. Cressida, has been sheltered all of her life and then been in a dull marriage. It really showcased the wrong way to be married. If you have a marriage like that, I can see why Cressida would want out of it. Even though at times I thought she was self-consumed, she was so loyal and protective. She does have valid concerns though in her relationship with King and the power dynamic there, and I really felt for her situation. Cressida and King make a solid pairing and their relationship really worked, and its evolution won't be for every reader. It will take time, it will take making mistakes and learning to grow from those mistakes, and adapting to situations you aren't prepared for.
And I’m not asking you to do that because you’re a fuckin’ hot lay. I’m asking you to risk everything to be my partner, to stand by my side and rule The Fallen men of Entrance, to lie, cheat and steal, to breathe my fuckin’ breath, take my kisses and my cock and reign with me. Be the Iron Queen to my Fallen King
Now for the story itself, we have other factors that come into play with this story. I have a feeling they will be essential for the series as a whole and I really liked seeing this rival MC come into the game, to see the truths laid out on LGBTQ relationships and the bigotry that still exists in our society, and to see such fun family dynamics. I will admit I can't wait for Zeus' book. Man, he is one sexy beast and I need his story in my life. :) But I was really curious about the MC, we don't see much of it in this book. I am hoping we do it in future books. It's more of a backdrop in this book that fit the story I think. There was also a mystery surrounding Cressida's brother, so I found that side plotline interesting especially in how it fits with everything else going on in the story.
King had arrived in my life like an angel fallen from heaven and ascended from hell like my own real life Satan who whispered rebellion in my ear so winningly I had no choice but to answer his call
Overall I found Lessons in Corruption to be a stunning romance that will tug at your heartstrings in the most unique moments, it's a story of sacrifice, character growth, and learning to fight for love. It's not an easy love story, but it is a love story that captures the soul and will lead its readers down a road you will be eager to travel on.
Highland Rogue is a bit of a prequal to the Clan MacKenzie series. There is a previous book that is slightly connected, but not necessary to read it before this one. This series is based primarily on the daughters that Lachlan MacKenzie (the hero) adopts and raises. And this is Lachlan and Juliet's book. I have yet to pick up Arnette Lamb, but she has been on my TBR for years and when I saw this book at a used book store, I snatched it right up. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I first picked this book up and I really enjoyed this book quite a bit, more than I expected to. From the first chapters, I was drawn into this story, it has a more old school feel to it considering it was written in the 90's however its probably one of the best old school romances I have ever read so far.
So our tale begins with our heroine, Juliet. She is from the American Colonies, its the year 1768, and she sold her freedom as a indentured servant, for passage to England to find her sister who has passed but had a daughter and she wants to search for her niece and raise her. She knows very little about her niece, only that a man took her and now she is on the hunt to find her niece in the Highlands. She comes to the Clan MacKenzie and its Laird, to get the position as his children's governess, in hopes of finding some clues to the location of her niece. She has worked with children and love them. She knows that their father is a bit of a scoundrel, who likes women and isn't ashamed of it. He has four daughters, all a bit wild and rambunctious and he wants them raised as ladies. But sparks fly between Lachlan and Juliet, and even though Juliet doesn't want to become another of his "women" there is something more than just sexual chemistry between them. But Juliet is keeping a secret from Lachlan that could make Juliet lose him forever.
This is a bit of a shorter book, with slightly less than 300 pages but I was completely drawn into this book. The four girls are quite entertaining and each daughter is a bit unique and different. But I truly was drawn to the connection between Lachlan and Juliet. From their first meeting, you can feel the sizzles and sparks between them however there are other factors involved. With Lachlan's history with women and Juliet's pride and stubborness. Juliet doesn't want to be cast aside or just be another mistress, she wants more even though she has other responsibilities like finding her niece and living up to her agreement as an indentured servant. She knows she can never have a future with Lachlan.
I was very intrigued with this book here, the writing is not what you would find in modern historical romance authors. The dialogue is pretty realistic and I admit I did have to look in the dictionary for a few phrases and words but honestly I loved having to do that. There is so much research that has gone on in making this book. The setting is so intriguing, this is set in Scotland and its in the late 1700's, so this is where the clans were forced to be disbanded, no plaids or tartans were allowed to be worn or bagpipes allowed to be played. This is a sad part of Scotland history, but I really felt like the author balanced out the tough setting with humor and children antics. I love the strength of the characters and seeing them grow in this book.
The romance is a slow burn romance, we see the chemistry of course that builds between them from the beginning. But quite frankly it isn't acted on for about 200 pages. So we see this flirting game that goes on between them but I liked that the hero waits until Juliet is willing and eager to have sex with him. Of course, he isn't the type to rape anyone, but times were different back then, but you see the respect he has for Juliet and the talented way she handles his girls. It was interesting to see how Lachlan would handle the truth of Juliet's motives and this is where some angst comes into play. Because he doesn't tell her he knows...just plays games with her, teases her but has a bit of a cold shoulder not certain of her intentions and if she plans on taking one of his daughters away. So I can understand why he acts the way he does but boy both Lachlan and Juliet could write the book on pride.
The ending was simply fantastic, I loved the development of the plot, a friendship is healed and boy I loved what Juliet does here in finding a way to resolve the differences here and it really was pretty funny actually the way the Scots view kidnapping....like its a matter of fact daily acts of living LOL Honestly, it was pretty amusing because they don't take it seriously...more as a way to resolve problems and face the person you are having a conflict with. Quite a unique take from what I have seen in other Highlander romances so BRAVO to this late author that I have fallen in love with.
Overall I found this book to be endearing, full of smiles and laughters, and packed with sexual heat that curls your toes and makes you eager for the next book. ENCHANTING!
Welcome To The Dark Side is the second book in the Fallen Men series. Its a book I have been eagerly anticipating on because this is Zeus's book. And I just adored his character in the first book. So I wasn't going to complain upon picking his book up so quickly. Now I knew that going into this book it would be full of triggers and it would have an uncomfortable age gap so I feel like that this is something you all should know before hand. This author doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable pairings or ones that are borderline 'taboo' in our society. And even though this author is so NEW to me I also knew that I could trust her to deliver a gold mine and she DID!! This book won my heart even though I was apprehensive before jumping into it. And I know it will easily win the heart of every one of it's reader's.
Welcome to the Dark Side is a book that packs a punch that features:
Zeus Garro-Fallen MC President, Single Father, Ex Convict, has a tough shell with a sweet heart, loyal to a fault and trusting
Louise Margaret Lafayette-Battled Cancer, Bright, Passionate, Adventurous, and has a open heart
Lou Lou was just seven years old when she met Zeus Garro for the first time. When there was an attack and her father acted like a coward that day, and with the rain of bullets that was raining around her, she caught the eye of the one man that would be her protector and she trusted him with her whole heart. But despite his brave actions that day in saving her life, it cost another man his life and so with his hate so high for the Fallen MC Club, Lou Lou's father made sure that Zeus spent some years in jail but while he was incarcerated, he and Lou Lou exchanged letters to each other and formed an unforgettable bond. Zeus knew how it seemed, but he couldn't seem to break ties with this strong girl who was battling cancer with little attention or love from her family and was determined to show her how beautiful her courage and warm heart is. But as she got older he knew he had to break ties fully with her, but he never counted on Lou Lou shrugging off the societal demands and forging her own future and fighting to have one with her Zeus. But their journey wouldn't be easy and would come with its own battles but through it all, Zeus and Lou Lou would find a breathtaking love that not many could match
Betcha look pretty even without all that golden hair. You're too young to get this, maybe, but sometimes a person' got a soul so pretty it makes 'em glow prettier than anything else.
Wlecome To The Dark Side was such a wonderful story and I couldn't put it down. The beginning just HOOKED me right in, and I have to say that I am starting to really love the writing style of Giana Darling. Her stories just come to life and wrap around your heart as easily as a blanket on a cold winter's night. This is a story I will admit that I was supremely nervous upon reading. I mean there is a nineteen year age gap, and the heroine is seventeen when they forge a romantic relationship so there are taboo elements but somehow it worked for me and that is evidence of the magic of this author's writing. Her style is also doesn't showcase MC romance how it can be showed with lots of crudeness about the culture and language and all. It is still more in the background so I feel like if you have issues with reading MC romance because of those reasons, then this one and really this whole series could really work out for you.
All I could think about was racing to you, finding you already straddling your great metallic dragon, the rev of the engine like a warrior cry as we took off into the night. Not sunset. There are no sunsets for men like you and women like I am at the heart of me. Only inky night that clutches at you as you tear past, moving through the darkness like we own it, like we are only free inside the shadow vortex of it.
The beginning of course is sweet to see this type of friendship that builds between Zeus and Lou Lou despite their age difference and just their language to each other in their letters and interactions was so precious and beautiful. You see how they each think so differently, but also have a deep connection that just builds over time. It is hard seeing them find their way back to each other after Zeus tries to break ties with her. He is trying to be the honorable one at that point and force her to find her own path, but Lou Lou has a spine of steel and isn't afraid to fight dirty to find her way to Zeus. Now this part of this story and what Lou Lou does at times, doesn't quite fit with her character which is probably my only complaint in the story. I understood she was trying to find her own way, but it just felt off center to me. Now Zeus I really liked his reaction to her antics at times, he is such a BEAR about it and it was hilarious. Boy does he have a temper, but Lou Lou gets kinda wild at times and needs that, someone to show her she needs to have limits.
I'd made a deal with the devil, tasted his brand of sin in hell and as the fables always said, once you indulged in the food of the underworld, you were stuck in its depths forever.
The romance that builds between them is just beautiful. It starts out with lots of chemistry but there is so much heart between them. And once they get through the angst of the relationship that was bound to happen, you see such a solid couple that you will root for. They both suffer in different ways and have various challenges that they have to face but through it all they stand by each other no matter what comes their way and I truly admired seeing their struggles and seeing what they do to overcome the conflicts. There are plenty of fun antics but there are also heartaches. And I don't want to spoil it but there is a loss in this book and it will break your heart but what I have learned from reading this author's writing, is that pain is a part of life and its through the pain you find the heart and you really see that in this book. You see the brotherhood, the family, the deep bond that they all have for each other.
"This isn't about that shit. We deserve each other cause we get each other. I know the heart of ya and you know the heart of me. Deservin' or not deservin' had nothin' to do with it and it fuckin' can't 'cause if I get to thinking 'bout the question, I lose every time."
Overall I found Welcome To The Dark Side to be a thrilling, edgy romance that will capture your heart in such a way that you won't want to let go of it. Its not going to be an easy journey, seeing Zeus and LouLou find their path, but its one that is packed with its unique twists, barrels of laughter and fight, and leaps and bounds of intimacy and joy.
