Book Review: The Trouble With Honor (The Cabot Sisters #1) by Julia London

The Trouble With Honor (The Cabot Sisters #1)
By Julia London
Release Date: February 25th, 2014
Format: Kindle (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Desperate times call for daring measures as Honor Cabot, the eldest stepdaughter of the wealthy Earl of Beckington, awaits her family's ruin. Upon the earl's death she and her sisters stand to lose the luxury of their grand home - and their place on the pedestal of society - to their stepbrother and his social-climbing fiancée. Forced to act quickly, Honor makes a devil's bargain with the only rogue in London who can seduce her stepbrother's fiancée out of the Cabots' lives for good.

An illegitimate son of a duke, George Easton was born of scandal and grows his fortune through dangerous risks. But now he and Honor are dabbling in a perilous dance of seduction that puts her reputation and his jaded heart on the line. And as unexpected desire threatens to change the rules of their secret game, the stakes may become too high even for a notorious gambler and a determined, free-spirited debutante to handle.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin HQN for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I know Julia Landon to be a bestselling historical romance author and have shelved her books but The Trouble With Honor is my very first read from this author and definitely do not regret requesting it from Netgalley. The voice of the characters and style of writing took some getting used to at first, but after that I was gobbling every single word. It was that delicious.

I truly enjoyed reading about Honor and her sisters. They were so well written because readers can already see the individuality of each of the sisters. Before the end of the story, I was already so eager for Grace's (the second Cabot sister) story.

Honor and George's scenes were just great. I really looked forward to their meetings, aside from the sisters' of course. This story doesn't really have an antagonist or a villain. I really detested Monica at first, but towards the end, she wasn't all that bad after all.

All in all, The Trouble With Honor is a highly recommended HR read. *Two thumbs up* d^^b

Book Review: The Wrong Billionaire's Bed (Billionaire Boys Club #3) by Jessica Clare

The Wrong Billionaire's Bed (Billionaire Boys Club #3) 
By Jessica Clare
Release Date: October 15th, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success--at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They're just not always as successful when it comes to love...
 
Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy--that's Audrey. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she'll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It's a dream come true...
 
Until she meets her worst nightmare.
 
Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it's time for a little revenge. It's clear that Audrey's in love with his buddy, Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.
 

And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she's just what he needs, too.

My Review:
I stumbled upon this series while browsing through my Goodreads updates and read rave reviews about it from my GR friends. The moment I started the first book, I couldn't stop reading It and continued bulldozing right to the second book the moment I was done with the last page of The Stranded Billionaire.

Imagine my excitement when I read that Audrey’s and the playboy Reese’s story was next and my despair when I saw the release which quickly transformed to exhilaration when I found out it was available for request in Netgalley and fangirl squeals upon discovery my request approval.

I really love the idea of these six billionaires who are fast friends and ready to have each other’s backs forming their own secret club. The idea was very compelling and the reactions from the heroines from each book upon discovering this secret meeting were very cute and hilarious. It was also amusing to witness the exasperated expressions from the non-attached (for now) billionaires when their fellow buddies and heroes of the book brought their heroines to the meeting.

I was really excited to start on Audrey’s story as I really connected and truly liked her the moment she was introduced in the first book. I felt sad and lonely for Audrey, locking her real self up real tight with a heavy-duty padlock, suppressing all her fieriness and feistiness with a cold, cool and collected appearance, deeply believing that she needs to be the good twin, the level headed one to her troubled twin, Daphne. It was such heartache to see her keeping her self all locked up, trying so hard to be the perfect one for Cade and making him notice her.

But it was obvious to readers from the previous book, Beauty and the Billionaire that Cade does not feel for her in how she wants him to. Cade has been the twins’ childhood friend, always there for me through highs and lows and it was very apparent that his whole being and attention was heavily directed to messed up Daphne.

Reese, the ultimate playboy in the group was the total opposite of Audrey. He saw right through her and utterly enjoyed riling her up and seeing her true self emerge. Reese was an easygoing, hilarious and sly character, always finding ways to bait Audrey into taking bets – with sinfully sensual and erotic wages. He was a very refreshing alternative to the more serious and sober feel of the previous book.

We were all introduced to Daphne went she blew in like a hurricane towards the end of Hunter and Gretchen’s (the twins’ older sister) story. I felt real sorry for her, struggling in and out of depressing situation and fully relying on Audrey, the steady one. I couldn't help cheering for her and really hoping she will turn out all right in the end. I was really happy to see Audrey and Daphne’s previously strained relationship slowly mending. I guess the next book will be Cade and Daphne’s story? I wonder how it will go. Hmmm….

The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed was such a wonderful read and did not disappoint my high expectations. I more than enjoyed it and finished it in just two sittings. You see, I stared it at midnight and read ‘till the wee hours of the morning, stopping to only get some sleep and waking up to finally finish it. I thought the epilogue was perfect and oh, so sweet!

Thank you again Penguin Group for giving me this opportunity to read this story earlier.

Book Review: Tears of Tess (Tears of Tess #1) by Pepper Winters

Tears of Tess (Tears of Tess #1)

By Pepper Winters

Release Date: September 6th, 2013

Format: Ebook 

Rating: Unrated

Blurb From Goodreads:

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. 

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

My Review:

I decided to leave this book unrated because of various reasons.

I felt very conflicted over Tears of Tess. Delving deeper into the reality of human trafficking was gruesome and eye opening. It's so sad to witness how cruel and greedy humans are to their own species.

The story was very gripping and intriguing. I fell in love with sweet Brax and how loving he was to Tess. It was sad to see that both outgrew and couldn't fulfill each other's needs. But, I loved how Pepper Winters resolved their issue at the end. It was very sweet and touching.

The issue that bothered me was Q and Tess. I loved the fighting and strong willed Tess. She was fiery and very determined; always on the lookout for ways to escape no matter how irremediable the situation.

Q was a very complex and conflicting character. It felt like he was suffering from bipolar disorder or a split personality; loving and yet detesting what he secretly craved. I guess it was understandable seeing as how abnormal and twisted his childhood was and what he was exposed to at such a young age. 

I guess both Tess and Q were broken enough to fully fill what the other lacked. I just felt uncomfortable over the whole torture, pain, blood and rape thing as equivalent to love. I guess the pain and blood thing were acceptable. It was the rape thing that disturbed me because it excited him and Tess in a way, with Tess wanting it from Q. Their relationship was so twisted that I don't know what to feel about it. But I guess to each his/her own as love means differently to everyone. At least it ain't like FSoG. Thank god.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story and will be continuing this series and looking out for Quintessentially Q to see the progress of their relationship.

Victoria Vane Street Team: The Sheik Retold Virtual Tour

Hey my lovely Cheery followers and non-followers! If you do not know already, I'm a loyal fan of Victoria Vane's writings and I'm proud to be part of her street team. Today's special feature is her upcoming retelling of E.M. Hull's classic bodice-ripper, The Sheik. I'll also be doing a review as soon as I'm done devouring this sizzling story (^_-)-☆

Check out the deets and trailer below!

Book Blurb & Excerpt:

THE SHEIK RETOLD by Victoria Vane and E.M. Hull

Target Publication Date: 9/13/2013

Pride and passion vie for supremacy in this steamy retelling of E.M. Hull's romance classic.

A haughty young heiress for whom the world is a playground…

A savage son of the Sahara who knows no law but his own…

When pride and passion vie for supremacy... 

Blistering desert days are nothing compared to sizzling Sahara nights…

"There will be inquiries." I choked out. "I am not such a nonentity that nothing will be done when I am missed. You will pay for what you have done."

"Pay?" His amused look sent a cold feeling of dread through me. "I have already paid… in gold that matches your hair, my gazelle. Besides," he continued, "the French Government has no jurisdiction over me. There is no authority here above my own." 

My trepidation was growing every passing minute. "Why have you done this? Why brought me here?" 

"Why?" He repeated with a slow and heated appraisal that made me acutely, almost painfully, conscious of my sex. "Bon Dieu! Are you not woman enough to know?"

AUTHOR BIO

Victoria Vane is an award-winning romance novelist, cowboy addict and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. 

Look for Victoria's Contemporary Cowboy Series coming summer 2014 from Sourcebooks 

CONTACT: 

victoria.vane@hotmail.com

Web:

http://www.victoriavane.com

Blog: 

http://victoriavane.wordpress.com

Twitter: 

@authorvictoriav

Facebook: 

Author Victoria Vane

The Smexy Trailer:

Book Review: Running from Romeo by Diane Mannino

A very big thank you to Irresistible Reads Book Tours, the Tour Host, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Running from Romeo 
By Diane Mannino
Release Date: June 1st, 2013
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2

Blurb From Goodreads:
Emilia King is entering her senior year at Santa Barbara University. For the past three years, she lived in the library – doing what she knows best – focusing on her studies and forgetting her past…a past that has forever changed her life. But this year marks a new beginning…

Logan Prescott is not only the hottest guy on campus, he’s heir to a billionaire hotel fortune. Emilia knows he’s trouble and should stay clear of him. But his notorious good looks and piercing blue eyes make him simply irresistible – especially when he’s quoting her favorite literary works.


Intrigued by Emilia’s innocence and resistance to his charm, Logan discovers she’s a challenge he simply can’t resist. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but running from him may be impossible.

My Review:
When I received an email asking me whether I would like to join in the Running From Romeo book tour by Irresistible Reads, I immediately agreed to it because of the interesting blurb - billionaires and heirs. After finishing this book, I really didn't know how to rate it as I had a love-and-hate relationship going on with it. Therefore, I shall simple state what I love and didn't love about it.

The characters felt real and thus, truly annoyed me to the max, especially Emilia. I love how the h/H's relationship wasn't straight on sex but Emilia's continuous trepidation and constant giggling got on my nerves. Gezus, this girl sure can giggle her way to the moon and back! I truly expected Logan to be some sort of Romeo as the title indicated, but man, he is far from it. He is no Romeo at all - so serious, intense and business-like.

Aside from all these, I am amazed at the lyrics and soundtrack the book flowed with. The author truly has excellent taste in music. I also love, love, love the exchanging of emails going on - simply too cute for words! And let's not forget Bryn, the BFF, and her endless supply of smashing cocktails.

This book was no beach read, but a roller-coaster ride. Although with it's irritants, flaws and all, the story and its characters really stick to you and get under you skin; you just can't help caring about it. And the ending is every reader's heart attack!

Continue to join us in this tour by dropping by these amazing blogs!!!

Monday, August 19:

The Bookish Confections

World’s Oldest Fledging
Cheery Reads (Me :D)

Tuesday, August 20:
Moringo Reviews
Literary Quill Reviews

Wednesday, August 21:
Vicariously!

Thursday, August 22:
Dandelion Dreams
A Reading Nurse

Friday, August 23: 
Incandescent Enchantments
Book Reader Chronicles

Monday, August 26:
Library Mosaic
Confessions of 2 Book Lovers

Tuesday, August 27:
Rather Be Reading YA
The Brunette Librarian

Wednesday, August 28:
CCclubs

Thursday, August 29:
Must Read Books Or Die
Paradise of Pages

Friday, August 30: 
Girl In The Woods
Stuck On Reading

Book Review: Chase Tinker and the House of Magic (Chase Tinker, #1) by Malia Ann Haberman

Chase Tinker and the House of Magic (Chase Tinker, #1)  

By Malia Ann Haberman

Release Date: August 15th, 2013

Format: Ebook (ARC)

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:

In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination...

Thirteen-year-old Chase Tinker can't understand why he has the power to move things with his mind. Besides that, his dad has been missing for over a year, causing his mom to be too upset to pay much attention to her sons, so now he's been busted for shoplifting. As if this isn't enough to worry about, his younger brother Andy suddenly has a weird magical ability too.

Can things get any crazier? Chase thinks.

Then, a grandfather they thought to be long dead arrives at their door. He wants Chase and Andy to come visit him for the summer so they can learn about their supernatural heritage and why they have magical powers in the first place.

The boys soon find out that Grandfather, along with their cousin Janie, lives on a remote island in the middle of Puget Sound in an out-of-this-world house where fantastic magic can be found in practically every room, stairway and corridor. Chase can't believe their dad has been keeping so much from them.

It's an even bigger shock when Chase learns that all their magic is controlled by a very powerful and mysterious Relic in the attic, and if anything happens to this relic, every bit of Tinker magic will be lost forever. He's even more disturbed when he learns his family has a dark and powerful enemy that is determined to steal all their magic, their house and their relic. 

Now Chase must find a way to stop these evil beings, while at the same time figuring out what has happened to his dad, unraveling even more Tinker lies and secrets and not letting on that he has a huge crush on the housekeeper's daughter.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Malia Ann Haberman for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Note to author: I'm really sorry for the extremely late review. 

For a self-pub author, Chase Tinker and the House of Magic is a really well written story. I truly applaud Malia for her talented writing and her daughter for the good editing. 

The story sucks you in right from the beginning 'till the end. It keeps rolling and there's simply no chance for you to get a breather from all the nail-biting events that keep happening.

The characters are really well rounded and Chase's family situation (absent father and a mother who works all day to support the family) really reflects real life situations out there in the world.

All in all, Chase Tinker and the House of Magic is a simple yet utterly entrancing and interesting story. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a fun read.

Book Review: Blood Flows Deep in the Empire (The Szolites #1) by N. Isabelle Blanco

Blood Flows Deep in the Empire (The Szolites #1)
By N. Isabelle Blanco
Release Date: March 7th, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:
Dyletri, God of Fertility, has locked away his powers. No woman is allowed to touch him, not until he can return his long-dead lover back to life. All he has to do is sacrifice one human girl, a girl who unlocks his powers and rips his dormant lust right out of his body. Trapped by his promise, Dyletri has no choice but to watch Ismini die, no matter how much he wants her.

Yet the darkness of his calling is spiraling within him, demanding he claim the human as his. If he goes back on his promise, the energy of the Fates will cause untold destruction in the Universe. That doesn’t change how Dyletri’s begun exhibiting symptoms that point to more than just lust. How does he allow Ismini to die when she’s come to own him from the inside out?

Desire and torment spiral into something much darker than obsession, more turbulent than an addiction, and something much more brutal than a mere soul-mating. As a war is being rekindled right under his nose, Dyletri will have to come to terms with a destiny eleven thousand years in the making. He thought he’d known what path his future would take, but he’d been wrong. Now the one woman he truly loves might pay the price for his decision.


Blood Flows Deep in the Empire is the first in a series that will pit free-will against Destiny, Destiny against Fate, and love against brutal desire. Everyone likes to think they have a choice as to who they end up with, but as they rise to face the greatest threat they’ve ever known, even the Gods will learn they have to bend to Destiny’s whim to survive.

My Review:
It was a great premise with amazing characters. Aside from slight grammatical errors, one other issue that constantly bugged me was how easily Ismini and her human friends accepted the existence of the Szolites and their realm.

I just thought that it wasn't properly explained because the author made it seem like it was normal for those Szolites gods to appear before humans and they would just accept it.


Other than that, the flow was a bit messy at various sections in the story but it did not affect my reading enjoyment. Looking forward to Zen and Eve's story.

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Beauty (Ugly Ducklings #3.5) by Manda Collins

The Perks of Being a Beauty (Ugly Ducklings #3.5)
By Manda Collins
Release Date: June 18th, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
The beautiful Miss Amelia Snow is not accustomed to being snubbed by the gentlemen of the ton. But when her mother dies unexpectedly, forcing Amelia to take employment as companion to a wealthy cit’s daughter, she quickly learns to play down her looks or risk losing her position. When her employers, the Smithsons, decide to throw a country house party, she is determined to fade into the background. But how can she when the Smithson’s guest of honor is Lord Quentin Fortescue, the childhood friend who stole her heart?


Younger son, Lord Quentin Fortescue, is far more interested in his host’s cotton mills in the north than he is in courting the man’s dim-witted daughter. But it’s the girl’s companion who makes him look twice. Years ago, Miss Amelia Snowe rejected his proposal without a backward glance. Quentin has molded himself into just the sort of man she’d have wanted back then, but is Amelia still the smug beauty who broke his heart? And can either of them risk their newfound positions to indulge the fiery attraction that burns between them?

My Review:
Amelia has been a thorn in my butt in the series, the bully who gets off on preying on others. In this novella, Amelia turns over a new leaf and I actually enjoyed reading about her.

It wasn't annoying at all and it was so heartwarming to see her genuinely caring for her charge. Readers are told of her backstory and why she behaved like she did before.


Nevertheless, I was happy for Amelia finally getting her very own HEA and at the same time am very sad to see this lovable series coming to an end.

Book Review: Bride by Mistake (Devil Riders #5) by Anne Gracie

Bride by Mistake (Devil Riders #5)
By Anne Gracie
Release Date: January 3rd, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Eight years ago, Lieutentant Luke Ripton made a hasty wartime marriage-in-name-only to protect a young girl from a forced union and left her protected in a remote mountain convent. Now, Luke is Lord Ripton, but he has been unable to obtain an annullment. Which leaves him no choice but to claim a wife he doesn't want.

For nearly a decade, Isabella has waited like a princess locked in a tower, dreaming of her handsome, dark-haired prince. Her dreams are shattered when Luke reveals himself not as a prince, but an autocratic soldier, expecting her unquestioning obedience, which is something Isabella's fiercely independent nature will not tolerate.


And while Luke and Isabella's fiery personalities clash at every turn, they remain bound to their vows, never expecting that the passionate fury they share could become passion of a different kind...

My Review:
The blurb of this story instantly drew me in as it kind of reminded me of my fav series, The Wife Lottery by Jodi Thomas and it was unputdownable as soon as I started it.

I really love the story and the characters. They were so fiery, interesting and engaging. It was really well written but the reason I subtracted a star was because of how Luke's greatest affliction was resolved. I thought it was done too quickly, before I knew it, Luke's nemesis was already gone and done for.


Overall, this was a story worth investing and losing sleep over and yes, this series can be read out of order or as a standalone.

Book Review: Only a Duke Will Do (School for Heiresses #2) by Sabrina Jeffries

Only a Duke Will Do (School for Heiresses #2)  
By Sabrina Jeffries
Release Date: August 29th, 2006
Format: Ebook

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Louisa North likes her independence very much, despite her royal father’s protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor, whom she once loved — and had exiled from England — returns bent on marrying her, she’s skeptical.

The fire between them burns as hot as ever, but when Simon’s ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay . . . and the price will be his heart.


“Jeffries fans will devour this treat!” — Romantic Times

My Review:
After the somewhat moderate Never Seduce a Scoundrel (first in the series), I became skeptical and hesitant on continuing the series. I stopped for quite some time and indulge in other HRs. But, eventually, I decided to give the second book a go.

Boy, am I blown away because to be honest, this was one of the most impressive and powerful story I've ever come across, which was very political too. I was surprised that I really enjoyed it because political stories kinda turn me off but Sabrina Jeffries' adept writing made it into such an engrossing read.


Cheers to Simon and Louisa's story. So glad to finally see them have their HEA.

Book Review: The Secrets of Mia Danvers (Dangerous Liaisons #1) by Robyn DeHart

The Secrets of Mia Danvers (Dangerous Liaisons #1)
By Robyn DeHart
Release Date: June 18th, 2013
Format: Ebook/Kindle
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
A lone witness finds her protector…

Since losing her sight in a childhood accident, Mia Danvers has resided in a small cottage on the vast Carrington estate. Thought to be dead, Mia lives a life of virtual seclusion—until one night, while walking home, she happens upon a horrendous crime.

Alex Foster, Eighth Duke of Carrington, lives according to society’s expectations for him. He’s never met the woman who lives in the cottage at the edge of his property. But when she arrives at his door in the pouring rain terrified and claiming she has witnessed a murder, she seizes his attention.


Mia is determined to help the authorities track down the culprit, even though the only person willing to accept her aid is the handsome, arrogant duke. Working closely together proves difficult as Mia’s beauty and independence tempts Alex to ignore convention and follow his desire. But what neither of them know is that this murderer has struck before in Whitechapel, taunting the British press only to vanish—a ruthless killer who knows that Mia is the only living witness to his crime…

My Review:
The day I bought this was also the day I finished it. So bloody good, thrilling and frustrating. You know, I didn't know anything about the author and the existence of this brilliant story. I read about it in my Heroes&Heartbreakers' subscription and it was these two main factors that drew me to get it:

1. The Murder - Yeah, I'm a sucker for murder and mystery stories/plot.

2. Blind Heroine - I know right? I've a penchant for blind, deaf, bluestocking and disabled one way or another heroes and heroines. They just somehow draw me in. Every single time.

To me, the beginning of the book should already hook me in because my mind can start to wander if it doesn't and Mia Danvers brilliantly succeeded. The characters were awesomely fleshed out and I LOVE that the murders and main arc for the series are centered around the infamous Ripper. I have always been fascinated by this unknown serial killer. Love his POV in the story as they added a creepy and thrilling feel to the whole thing. Really kept me on my toes.

I'm so glad that the side characters got their HEA while Alex frustrated me. At a certain point, I felt like slapping Alex awake but when I think back about the whole situation, it was understandable why Alex behaved and reacted the way he did.

As a conclusion, The Secrets of Mia Danvers is a great start to a brand new series by Robyn DeHart. I'm so glad to have found another historical romance author and series to love. Now, I simply can't wait to read Drew's story. I really feel for ya, darling. If no one wants you, I do ♡

Thank you Robyn for this wonderful book :D

Book Review: Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2) by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)

By Maya Banks

Release Date: March 19th, 2013

Format: Ebook (ARC)

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

Maya Banks, the New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance, has captivated readers with her steamy Scottish historical novels, perfect for fans of Julie Garwood. In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love. 

  

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

A very big thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this book. 

My Reaction Upon Receiving the Approval (cuz I'm such a big fan of this series):

My Review:
Highlander Most Wanted picks up where Never Seduce A Scot leaves off. The pacing of the story is very much similar to the first book in the series, albeit a little slow going. Nevertheless, the characters are engaging, the plot crisp and solid.

Genevieve is such a strong woman. After all the tragedies and horrors that have besieged her, she does not turn bitter. Instead, she possesses a beautiful heart and spirit. Her tenacity and determination are greatly admired.

Bowen is the epitome of male perfection – very much like his brother Graeme. His love for Genevieve is so deep that he is willing to sacrifice his own happiness to give back what has been stolen from her.

Although the attraction between Bowen and Genevieve is immediate and mutual, the build up to the romance keeps you at the edge of your seat. Once again, Maya Banks has crafted a captivating and heartfelt story of courage, honour, hope and love.

Book Review: Treacherous Temptations by Victoria Vane

Treacherous Temptations 
By Victoria Vane
Release Date: January 21st, 2013
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

NOW AVAILABLE!
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune's in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.

A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.

A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.

**AUTHOR'S NOTE
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS was very much inspired by the dark and romantic novels of the 18th century in which virtue vs. vice and plots to despoil virgins were very popular themes, books like Clarissa Harlowe by Samuel Richardson or Les Liaisons Dangereuses by LaClos. Similar to these classic tales, my story features an innocent country girl who, unlike the former heroines, is neither insipid nor naive, but still inadvertently becomes a pawn in a deadly game of revenge and intrigue.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Victoria Vane and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*SQUEALSSSSS!! Another Victoria Vane book......WEEE!!*


As all of you know well by now, I am a big fan of Victoria Vane and her impressive Devil DeVere series. So, when I heard that Treacherous Temptations will be her first full-length novel, I was equally excited about it.

The atmosphere of Treacherous Temptations was more grim, darker and sober compared to her DD series. Although it wasn't as hilarious and witty, it still was very captivating. The story is richly painted with historical facts, engaging characters and a crisp plotline.

I am amazed at the elaborations and details that went into building the Treacherous Temptations world. I can't imagine the hard work of research that went into giving birth to this story. I salute you Miss Vane!

My only quibble was that the epilogue wasn't long enough. I'm truly looking forward to her next novel. Bring it on!

Book Review: Demon's Curse (Imnada Brotherhood #1) by Alexa Egan

Demon's Curse (Imnada Brotherhood #1) 

by Alexa Egan

Release Date: December 26th, 2012

Format: Ebook (ARC)

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

A fast-paced and captivating debut—the first in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood series about shape shifters in Regency-era England.

A rising star on the Covent Garden stage, Bianca Parrino believes she has everything she wants. Independence. Wealth. And a life finally free of her violent, abusive husband. But when her close friend, Adam, is murdered, and Bianca is suspected in his death, she is unwittingly drawn into the search for his killer, and soon must question everything she believes—about her friend, about herself, and about a world she never knew existed.

A member of the mysterious race of shape-shifting Imnada and part of an elite military unit, Captain Mac Flannery gathered intelligence during the Napoleonic wars. As a result of a savage massacre, Mac and the men he served with are cursed. Now one of them has been found murdered, and Mac suspects the existence of the Imnada has been discovered at last. His only link to unearthing the truth is the beautiful actress who turns up unexpectedly at Adam’s funeral.

Before long, Mac has more to contend with than Bianca’s overt mistrust, his ill-fated attraction to the haughty and beautiful actress, and his ongoing search for an end to the curse. Because Adam’s killer is back, and Mac is next on his list.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Demon's Curse by Alexa Egan was brought to my attention when my fellow book buddy Maria did her weekly meme, Stacking the Shelves. I saw the sexy and gorgeous cover and was attracted to it. I further went to investigate by browsing Goodreads. I was further pulled in by the blurb and premise of the story. I was really exhilarated when my request for a copy of it was approved by Edelweiss. It was like Christmas. LOL. 

The fey and shapeshifter mythology and ideas surrounding the story were actually really good and great. I always had a penchant for historical settings and was intrigued that Demon's Curse will be set in this Regency era. The prologue was interesting and mysterious. Surprisingly, I had to slow down a bit while reading the prologue because all the information and jargon were being revealed. I was really intrigued by all of it.

I enjoyed reading about Mac, David, Gray and even Adam. Mac was the typical hero. Handsome, brooding, dangerous, brave and cloaked in mystery and pain. Who could ask for a better hero?

Bianca was a interesting heroine. One who survived a terrible marriage but came out with her spine of steel; masking herself in a cool and arrogant facade to avoid from further pain and hurt.

Unfortunately, the pacing was kind of slow. Even though many things were revealed rather quickly, I still felt like it was hardly moving at all. There was no excitement and anticipation while reading. I applaud the author for her unique idea but I thought the execution was rather dull. 

I was rather disappointed by Adam's murder. I was expecting it to be one of the main arcs of the story but it was obvious who murdered him. The villains were introduced and unmasked right from the beginning. There goes the suspense. The characters were actually pretty good but at times they appeared kind of stiff and I really couldn't be bothered by Renata's repetitive "I will have my revenge!" mantra. That is just my opinion anyway.

Although I did not enjoy it as I wanted to, I will still recommend this title to anyone who loves a historical suspense and romance in the supernatural setting.

Book Review: Archangel of Mercy by Christina Ashcroft

Archangel of Mercy 
By Christina Ashcroft
Release Date: December 4th, 2012
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn…

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she's determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they're together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.

My Review:
After reading
A very big thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Heat for providing me with an ARC of this book.

As you see from the GIF below, I was really ecstatic over the approval I got plus Christina is such a nice author. I had fun tweeting with her and she actually mailed a swag to me all the way from Australia. So sweet. Now, back to what I think of the book.

Gabe has the whole package. He is the tortured Alpha hero that I didn't fall in love with at first read. He was too alpha for my taste - at first. He was so rude, dismissive of Aurora, so snobbish and I just couldn't stand his bastardness. He is the type that needs some getting used to. He is an acquired taste. To me, he is like bitter gourd. I didn't like and fancy it at first but I grew to like it as I consumed it more. Gabe is just like that.

 Aurora is the heroine I love. Tough, courageous and possesses a sheer force of will. She isn't easily intimidated and daunted by anything or anyone. She has a mind of her own, doesn't shrink from speaking what she thinks and doesn't allow anyone to trample all over her.

I like the concept behind the angels mythology. It veered from the usual religious based background. It is a great touch to the whole thing. Overall, Archangel of Mercy is a story that you need to plough through and then you'll find that it is enjoyable after all as it does suffers the first-in-a-series syndrome.

Before reading
My request for this was finally approved yesterday after waiting for a month. Feels like Christmas!!!
                                                

Book Review: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) 
By Cassandra Clare
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Format: Paperback
Rating: ♥ ♥ 1/2

Blurb from Goodreads:
Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013. The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My Review:
Well, the scenes I enjoyed were basically Simon and Izzy's as well as Jordan and Maia. I didn't really care for the J.S.C trio. I was rather ambivalent about Magnus and Alec. I just thought that both of them were too stunted emotionally to be in a committed relationship. Alec was too insecure while Magnus was holding back something somehow.

I feel so relieved to have finally finished this book. I had to practically drag myself through it. I thought the series ending at CoB was just perfect because my interest started waning from CoFA onwards. The plot wasn't as solid and exciting anymore; it was like watching a soap opera. Without Simon, I don't think I would have pulled through this melodrama.

Book Review: Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) 

By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Release Date: October 26th, 2012

Format: Paperback

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.

But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.

Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.

Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

My Review:

"Here Endeth The Caster Chronicles". 

I think my heart just broke a little when I finally turned the page, saw the words and finally accepted the fact that this crazy journey has indeed finally come to an end. 

It has been a crazy and roller-coaster ride and I loved every second and minute of it. The Caster Chronicles is one of the weirdest and eccentric yet very creative series I've ever read. 

The ending was bitter sweet. All I have to do now is to keep pressing the replay button on the movie trailers and wait for it to be released.

Book Review: Devil in the Making (Devilish Vignettes #1) by Victoria Vane

Devil in the Making (Devilish Vignettes #1)
By Victoria Vane
Release Date: November 6th, 2012
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Every devil has a beginning...
A rebellious young nobleman's prank with the king's lion goes comically awry, leading to a startling chain of events.

A riotous Georgian romp in the tradition of Fielding's Tom Jones and a prequel to the Devil DeVere series.

**This title is NOT a romance**

A Note from the Author:

When I first conceived A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE, a Georgian set, Hangover-inspired romantic comedy, I had no idea that one devilish secondary character would spawn an entire series, but Ludovic, Viscount DeVere, proved to be a dream come true. This larger than life character has captured the hearts of so many fans who have begged for more DeVere.So without further ado…. Here is how it all began….

My Review:
A very big thank you to Victoria Vane for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. You know I love you lots ♡

This is a short story/novella reliving the younger days of DeVere, Ned and the introduction to Simon, our hero in the forthcoming Jewel of the East. I enjoyed getting to know Simon and his lewd poetry writing skills.

DeVere was insolent and as devilish as ever and we get a glimpse into how his father was like. Terrible. Worst than terrible and he deserved to go rot in the depths of hell. I mean, virgin cleansing to cure pox? What more with a mere child? Thank god DeVere was back in time to prevent this abomination.

I'm on the fence regarding his mother though. I don't approve of what she did, abandoning her children to seek her own happiness but can't really blame her as how she got married to DeVere's father was another horror all of its own.

The episode with the lion and Freddie were cute and funny, especially at the end. DeVere was sure daring, defying the king like that.

As always, it is a pleasure to read Ms. Vane's works and I'm seriously looking forward to Jewel of the East and The Trouble With Sin. Imagine the hallelujah feeling I had when I found out The Devil's Match was not the end of DeVere and Co.

I recommend reading the Devil DeVere series first before starting on this one as it'll guarantee to enhance the reading enjoyment.

Book Review: Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1) by Lara Adrian

Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1) 

By Lara Adrian

Release Date: May 1st, 2007

Format: Ebook

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

My Review:

The introduction/prologue was really good. It gave off a mysterious and creepy feeling. I had high hopes for it. Although Midnight Breed was duped to be similar as Ward's BDB series, it has its own mythology and unique world building.

Unfortunately, KoM lacked the oopmh and hilarity. I didn't like Gabrielle at all. She was the dullest and uninteresting heroine I've read to date. I couldn't see what Lucan saw in her. I know that he connected to her lonely and lost soul. Other than that, she did not shine out at all. She was so utterly boring and I just couldn't stand her. She had no character.

I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to. I didn't see as much interactions between the Breed warriors as I would have like. I couldn't see the closeness between them. There were hardly any LOL moments. Everything was grim.

I'm sad to say that I'm not really that eager to delve into the rest of the series.

Book Review: Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks

Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1) 

By Maya Banks

Release Date: September 25th, 2012
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
This sinfully sweet new romance from Maya Banks features a remarkable woman whose rare gift teaches a gruff Scottish warrior how to listen with his heart.

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but considered "touched" to outsiders. Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn't speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Eveline taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft, content to stay with her family. But when an arranged marriage with a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, she accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful she can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled he awakens her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by his new bride, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation, whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

My Review:
A very big thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

My very first read from Maya Banks was her wonderful McCabe Trilogy and fell instantly in love with the series. When I was hounding Maya Bank's website and Goodread's author page, I saw her new Scottish romance series. I was instantly sold, what more when I saw the tender scene of the cover and the irresistible blurb.

Never Seduce a Scot was a sweet, sexy and emotional read. It was really good and I could hardly put my e-reader down. I actually slept at 3.40am. It was that good and engrossing.

I adore Eveline. I have a penchant for deaf heroines who are considered "daft" and "touched" just because they are different. Eveline had a delicate and fragile appearance, like a porcelain doll, but boy, she was persistent, determined, optimistic and most of all, she had a big heart and generous spirit. I totally enjoyed reading about her. She was like a breath of fresh air. My favourite scene was of her trying to drag her chests and satchels to Graeme's chamber.

Graeme was an interesting and great hero. I respected how he was fair and just in treating Eveline. Even though it was a forced marriage, he did not let out his anger or revenge upon innocent Eveline. I really like how he was a different romance hero than most as he was mostly celibate and did not simply sleep around with every women just because he can. It was really refreshing to read that he considered the least attractive among the brothers and I just love him more because of these. He just had a very huge and strong presence.

I thought the pace of the story was perfect. While there are others who commented that nothing basically happened until a 3/4 of the story, I beg to differ. It was so romantic and amusing to read about Graeme and Eveline's interactions and how they fall in love. Graeme was such a tender and understanding husband and lover. Their love scene was so sweet. I just can't help sighing dreamily while reading it.

Did I mention that I adore Rorie? I love her relationship with Eveline and her mischief. One of their most amusing scene was how she ended up dozing off when she was supposed to stand guard while Eveline took a bath in the river.

Another refreshing aspect was how Eveline was so loved and protected by her parents and brothers. It was so sweet, really. Other than that, I'm really looking forward to reading about Eveline's and Graeme's brothers.

I only regret having finishing it in just a day. Now is the agonizing wait for the sequel, Highlander Most Wanted.

Never Seduce a Scot was a great start to a new series and highly recommended.