Review: A Breach of Promise by Victoria Vane

A Breach of Promise by Victoria Vane
FORMAT: e-book
GENRE: Erotic Historical
LENGTH: 100 pages
PUBLISHER: Ellora’s Cave

When charm and persuasion fail...only seduction remains...

On the night of her betrothal, Lydia Trent receives just a taste of what ecstasy will be at the hands of her fiancé…and then he leaves her wanting. After waiting six years, and tired of being neglected by her exceedingly reluctant husband-to-be, Lydia decides to break it off.

When Marcus, Lord Russell, receives Lydia’s letter requesting a release from their contract, he is stunned by her audacity. Confident he’ll have her eating out of his hand with his usual wit and charm, he’s determined to repair the damage. However, the headstrong woman she’s blossomed into is equally determined to thwart his every effort to win her back.

Marcus discovers, in spite of her conviction to end the union, Lydia is more responsive to his touch than he ever imagined. He just needs to get her alone to unleash the promised passion he sees within his wanton virgin. Marcus will use any tool in his arsenal to exploit her weakness—his kisses, his hands, his mouth…her own body. In short, he’ll just have to ruin her!

Where To Find Author Name: Author Site | Facebook
Where To Buy: Kindle | Nook
Book Extras:Read an Excerpt

I Liked it!

Review:

After experiencing just a touch of pleasure on the night of her betrothal Lydia Trent wanted nothing more than to marry Lord Marcus Russell. But she was forced to wait… for six years. Tired of waiting for a man she assumes don’t want her she informs her absentee fiancé that she would like to break their agreement.

Marcus is shocked that Lydia would want to end their betrothal. Sure he has put off their marriage but not because he didn’t like Lydia… just idea of getting married. So now he must find a way to keep Lydia and of course the easiest way, at least in his mind, is to seduce her. He remembers how much passion she had on the night of their betrothal so he thinks this will be easy. That is until he realizes that his young, innocent fiancé has become a smart, stubborn, strong willed woman and someone he needs by his side.

Lydia isn't going to give in that easily to Marcus. She can't deny that her attraction to him is still there but she refuses to be ignored. She spent the last six years waiting for him, learning to be the perfect diplomats' wife for Marcus but she wants more. She wants a marriage based on trust, respect and love.

Marcus wasn't expecting to fall for Lydia, he just thought he would seduce her to stay with him then go on his way. But when he discovers that Lydia is the perfect partner he can't let her get away. So he pulls out all the stops to keeping Lydia... in a carriage.

Favorite quote:

Part of her—a small but defiant part, the part that still remembered her girlhood fantasies—desperately wanted to trust him, but the stronger part remembered how he had thoughtlessly cast her aside. “We can’t always have what we want, Marcus. You must accustom yourself to disappointment.”

As I have. The unspoken words hung between them.

Marcus’ mouth twitched. “But there you are wrong, my love. I always get what I want.”

Overall:
Can you say HOT? Marcus certainly doesn’t hold back and neither does Lydia. Prepare for hot sexy times in the garden, in the carriage and of course the bedroom.

My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I would’ve loved to see these two really go at it and fight for their relationship. But then again I’m greedy. Though if it was longer I think it would have been AMAZING! A Breach of Promise was a short, SEXY read. If you want something spicy but not in the whips and chains way then this is it. It’s erotic and sexy.

eARC Review: Twisted Up by Lissa Matthews

TWISTED UP by Lissa Matthews
FORMAT: PDF
GENRE: Contemporary Erotic
LENGTH: 55,149 words
PUBLISHER: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (December 20, 2011)

One rope. Three days. And two hearts on the line.

Justin has had enough. Ella, the woman who healed his broken heart, has been cancelling on him for two months straight. Sure, she’s busy with her job, which has her traveling far and wide. But that never stopped her from sharing nights of trivia, long conversations and blazing hot sex—until now. Truth to tell, he misses their easy friendship, the way her sighs fill his ear as he fills her body.

What he can’t figure out is, what’s changed?

At work, Ella finds it easy to talk to rooms full of strangers. Once back at her lonely apartment, though, she’s back to her painfully shy self—until Justin. Their chance meeting grew over the months into a year-long affair, but she can’t shake the feeling that rejection and pain are just around the corner. Best thing to do? End it now, before their intimacy digs too deep.

Suddenly he’s at her door with a length of neon-green rope and a naughty proposition, daring her to say no. Just how good could it be? There’s only one way to find out…

Warning: The sheets are tangled, the hat is crumpled, and the jeans are worn low on the hips. The cowboy is hot, determined, and helpless in the face of bunny slippers. Readers may need extra batteries to get this one out of their system.

Where To Find Lissa: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Kindle | Nook | All Romance

I really liked it.

REVIEW:
Holy hell! Hold on to your hat, kick off your cowboy boots and keep the shower running. On cold. Heck, just read this book in a bath of ice.

This starts off with a bang *snicker*. Justin has spent a whole day driving from Texas to Alabama to see Ella. She has been avoiding him but he can't get her out of his head. He's ready for more than weekend booty calls, emails, texting and sexting. He's been in love with Ella for quite some time now but he has to convince her to stay with him.

So basically Justin kidnaps her for a few days before Ella has to be at some conference. And the road trip goes something like this:

• Justin tells Ella to take her panties off and hang on for the ride. lol
• A lot of teasing and touching and super sexy demands.
• The Sexy Times
• Flashing some random truck driver who totally approves

When they arrive at their destination, Ella realizes that she hasn't packed the right clothes for a ranch. What the heck does she needs clothes for anyway? There's a super sexy cowboy within reach. Get your priorities right, woman! 

In between The Sexy Times, Justin and Ella argue about how their relationship should progress. Justin wants to make Ella his, Ella is still a little burned from her failed marriage. She actually met Justin when she was out with friends celebrating her divorce. Anywho, Ella doesn't understand why Justin wants to be with her since she's older than him and he could find some nice younger woman to settle down with. Justin is hell bent on making Ella see that they're meant for each other even if it takes him tying her up and having crazy sexy with her all over the house, over and over and over and over again. 

After their panty melting few days together, Ella has to go to a conference. Justin drops her off at the airport and yes, The Sexy Times happens in the parking garage. He lets Ella know that she's his and that she IS going to say yes to being with him no matter what. If not, he'll just come right back and kidnap her until she relents. 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

His Ella needed affection, needed romance, needed to be manhandled more than once in a while. She needed to be treated like a woman, strong and independent. She needed to be treated as a sexual fantasy come to life, a precious slut, a desired submissive. He could give her all those things if she'd trust him enough to let him into more than just her body.

OVERALL: Lissa Mathews definitely had me blushing and gasping out loud. Holy carp! This one is a scorcher and then some. I felt like a total voyeur just reading this. The Sex was EVERYWHERE! In the car, on the bed, against the wall... Justin was a bit too possessive and somewhat whiny for me to actually like him that much but Ella somehow did not see that. If you're looking for a make you blush all the way to your toes read, this one's for you. Warning: you may begin to fan yourself so try not to read it in public. Unless you're into that. :)


***review copy provided by Brandy W***

eARC Review: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh

LORD OF THE ABYSS by Nalini Singh
FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley
GENRE: Paranormal
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 288 pages
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Nocturne (November 15, 2011)
ISBN: 9780373618729

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…

As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.

Where To Find Nalini: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I really liked it

Other Books in Series(click on covers for more):

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REVIEW & Book Trailer:

Gah! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a little bit of The Ugly Duckling meets Romeo and Juliet meets 1001 Arabian Nights. 


It goes something like this:

• Girl is the guide for boy who is the Guardian of the Abyss
• Boy is angry with girl
• Girl becomes cook and prisoner at boys castle after bribing him to tell him stories
• Boy is slightly attracted to girl and is confused by feelings for girl
• Girl is slightly attracted to boy even though he wears a black suit of impenetrable armor and is quite testy
• Boy is a prince of a kingdom taken over by evil sorcerer
• Girl is the daughter of said evil sorcerer
• Girl must get boy back to kingdom to fight evil sorcerer with the help of his siblings
• Boy and girl make The Sexy and everything changes
• Girl tells boy stories of his kingdom but boy doesn't know it's his kingdom
• Boy gets flashes of his past and soon begins to remember
• Girl knows she must sacrifice her life so boy can defeat her father
• Boy finds out girl has been lying to him and gets angry
• Boy and girl must travel to his kingdom to defeat evil sorcerer once and for all
• Boy and girl face dangerous obstacles along the way
• Boy and girl must decide whether their giant misunderstanding is worth putting aside and living Happily Ever After

The End.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

A prince, regardless of his position in line for the throne, was expected to marry a certain kind of woman, a woman with an unsullied past, one who could carry the crown of princess with elegance and beauty.
Everything Liliana was not.
You could be his mistress.The sly suggestion came from the part of her that had no honor where Micah was concerned. She was sure she would do any terrible thing to be with him---but she didn't think she could stand to share him, to know that another woman had the right the bear his name and is children, to love him and hold him. It would break her.

OVERALL: I loved the fact that this was a fast paced read. Danger, betrayal, secrets, adventure, love, laughter and a dangerously sexy man. *sigh* Everything I look for in a great story. The ending wasn't was epic as I thought it would be but it still brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face. I will be reading more books from Nalini Singh. Well, after I get this monster of a TBR pile down.

***review copy from Netgalley***

ARC Review: Sanctuary Cove by Rochelle Alers

SANCTUARY COVE by Rochelle Alers
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (January 1, 2012)
ISBN: 9781455501403

SOMETIMES LOVE IS THE SIMPLEST CHOICE OF ALL.
Still reeling from her husband's untimely death, Deborah Robinson needs a fresh start. So she decides to pack up her family, box up her bookstore, and return to her grandmother's ancestral home on Cavanaugh Island. The charming town of Sanctuary Cove hold happy memories for Deborah. And, after she spies a gorgeous stranger in the local baker, it promises the possibility for a bright, new future.
Dr. Asa Monroe is at a crossroads. ever since the loss of his family, he has been a quest for faith and meaning, traveling from one town to another. When he meets Deborah, the beautiful bookstore owner with the warm eyes and sunny smile, Asa believes he has finally found a reason to stay in one place.
As friendship blossoms into romance, Deborah and As discover they may have a second chance at love. But small towns have big secrets. Before they can begin their new life together, the couple must confront a challenge they never expected...

Where To Find Rochelle: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook

I really liked it.

REVIEW:
Ecclesiastes 3 is one of my all time favorite verses in the Bible. I'm not going to get all religious but it's the verse provided at the beginning of the book. You know the one (variations and all): "To everything there is a season... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

Deborah Robinson is a recent widow who has sold her house and moved her family from Charleston to her grandmother's home in Sanctuary Cove. She's got 2 teenagers, is opening a bookstore called The Parlor and reconnecting with old friends. Sanctuary Cove is a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business (thanks to the town gossip) including Deborah's. Her husband was accused of having an affair with a student and later drowned saving someone.

She's come to Sanctuary Cove as a way to start over. Her kids and The Parlor are her main concerns. At least until the handsome and charming Asa Monroe catches her eye. He's a snow bird, just coming down for the winter and going back home in the spring.

Asa Monroe lost his wife and child in an accident. He's been traveling from place to place, repressing his grief and all the while waiting to hear from Doctors Without Borders. Coming to Sanctuary Cove might be the best thing that's happened to him since the death of his family. In the form of one, Deborah Robinson.

Of course, Asa has had women throw themselves at him while he was staying at the boarding house but none have intrigued him as much as Deb. He knows she's looking to hire someone part time to manage The Parlor so he steps up to the plate and offers his knowledge. In a spoken agreement (after some negotiating) between Deb and Asa, he would live in the apartment above the bookstore if she could give him food money.

Once the The Parlor opens, business is booming. Deb has events planned for the bookstore including themed months, book clubs and tea time,  just to name a few. Asa is a fantastic piano player and this brings the ladies in. Things are going great. Asa and Deb are getting closer even though they're still a bit hesitant to succumb to their feelings. Deb knows that Asa is only there temporarily but her friends urge her to take a chance. She looks content and happy, like before her husband died.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

She may not have been the traditional employer, but there was no way she was going to permit someone to work for free. And she knew instinctually Asa Monroe was worth more than fifty dollars a week, perhaps even ten times that amount. His intelligence, take charge approach, and the fact that he was a very attractive man was certain to bring customers into The Parlor---female customers in particular.

OVERALL: This is such a heartwarming story of a woman and a man who lost someone very close to them but found love again. I liked the fact that Deborah was a little older than most of the heroines I normally read about (I do get a tendency to get stuck in the Regency era) and she also has older children. I think the children add a little something more to the story. They're not just fillers. Asa's inner turmoil was heartbreaking. Of course, Deb's situation was as well but losing both a spouse and child is hard. Ms. Alers introduced quite a few of the townsfolk that had me laughing, cursing and wondering. The teaser at the end of the book definitely will have me coming back to Cavanaugh Island.


***review copy provided by publisher***

Review: The Bride Star by Tracey Jane Jackson

THE BRIDE STAR by Tracey Jane Jackson
FORMAT: Kindle
GENRE: Historical Time Travel
FILE SIZE: 455 KB (about 86,000 words)
PUBLISHER: Tracey Jane Jackson (October 22, 2011)

Rayne Green, is a major recording star and on tour to promote her latest album. A hard-hitting, no nonsense woman, Rayne does not make friends easily and trusts no one, except her best friend, Shaye.

After a concert in Chicago, an old friend from high school lures her to an abandoned building under false pretenses. She is not prepared for what he does next, and in her attempt to escape, her world goes black.

Samuel Powell is the head of an exclusive prison, housing the worst of the worst in the country’s treasonous realm. He is called back to the prison one night to find a woman dressed as a prostitute and causing a general ruckus.

Despite her attempts to explain who she is to Sam, he doesn't believe her and Rayne is resigned to finding a way back to the future, but Sam will not give her up.

Once the truth is revealed, will he be able to convince her to stay? Will she finally want to stay?

Where To Find Tracey: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
Where To Buy: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt 

I really liked it.

Other Books in Series (click on covers for excerpts):



REVIEW:

An interesting concept of a room in an abandoned building as some sort of time portal taking the person into the midst of the Civil War. It's what I would call a "clean romance": lots of hot and heavy kisses, a brush of the hand, a half lidded stare or two or three, some wicked grins but when it comes to The Sex, fade-to-black.

Rayne Green is a total rock star. Literally. She plays for millions of fans every night and is on tour with sold out concerts. An old friend from high school shows up one night after a show and wants to hang. Rayne's friend Shaye doesn't think it's a good idea but hey, Rayne can do whatever she wants. Bad idea.

The friend takes Rayne to an abandoned warehouse where it's said that it's haunted and people disappear from it. Rayne is a bit leery but it's with an old friend. How bad could it be even if two girls have mysteriously disappeared from there? Said friend spikes her water with something and tries to take advantage of her. Mustering enough strength to knee him where the sun don't shine, she stumbles around trying to find a way out. Entering the door that she shouldn't go in, she notices it's been untouched for ages and blacks out.

Rayne wakes up in the street and gets mistaken for a whore. Two icky men try to have their way with her but she gets away. She's thrown into jail for causing a ruckus and selling her wares in the street. Being a twenty-first century woman, Rayne takes offense. Where in the heck is she?! All these people wearing period clothing eyeing her like she's totally inappropriate. Well, dressed in skintight clothing might do that.

Enter the handsome Samuel Powell. He doesn't know what to make of this woman. His friend's wife comes to the rescue. She's also from the future and is one of the girls who disappeared. She seems well adjusted and okay with living in a time where there are no proper bathrooms and women were supposed to defer to their husbands. Rayne meets a few more people from the future but she still seems skeptical. If she is trapped in the middle of the Civil War, she wants to go home. Whatever it takes. But her attraction to Sam soon makes her question whether she wants to go back to her time or not.

Sam is smitten with Rayne from the first moment he sees her. Fiery and outspoken, she challenges him at every turn. Sam wants to show Rayne around and he won't take 'no' for an answer. Rayne thinks- 'what could it hurt?' She might as well see the sights and sounds of the city while she's here and everyone is trying to figure out how to get her home. As the days drag on waiting for an answer, Rayne falls into a comfortable routine with Sam.

Sam knows that there's something that Rayne isn't telling him. Something is off and why does she keep insisting that she 'go home'? Her manner of speaking and slip of the tongue makes him a bit suspicious. He tries to get her to let him in. He tells her that they're getting married. Yup, no 'will you marry me?' Just all out-- 'we're getting married'. At first, Rayne is a offended. Who did this guy think he was telling her they're getting married? They haven't known each other long enough and she's not willing to tell him everything.

All the other time travelers accept Rayne as part of their ever growing family. When each one of them first meets Rayne, they freak out. There's a rock star among them! During gatherings, they get her to sing some of her songs. Sam knows something is off because how could these people he's known for a while know things about Rayne that he doesn't know and they've only known her for a short time.

Rayne must tell Sam who she is, where she's from and why she needs to go back home before she falls more in love with him. Sam must convince Rayne to stay with him after finding out everything.

FAVORITE QUOTE: 

Victoria closed the door and leaned against it. "You've been transported back in time."
"Like as in, time travel?" Rayne let out a nervous laugh.
Hannah nodded. "Yes, time travel. You've been sent back in time."
"Funny...I don't see a Delorian parked outside."
Hannah giggled. "Thing Kate and Leopold, rather than Back to the Future."

OVERALL: It's been a while since I've read anything past the Regency era and jumping in to the middle of the Civil War and a book series was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed reading this book and made me want to go back and read the previous ones but I found it a bit lacking. At least in the intimacy department. Jackson takes the same route as Stephenie Meyer when it comes to The Sex. (no broken headboards or floating feathers) Full of hot and heavy kisses, some intense staring, quite a few shouting matches and fade-to-black sexing with many laugh out loud moments. It's a sweet story that will literally sweep you off your feet and into a different time. Rayne and Sam must work out their huge differences and allow themselves that happily ever after they both deserve. The Bride Price (first book in the series) is floating around the Kindle so I will be reading it to see how it all began.

***review copy provided by author***

Review: Lady Northam's Wicked Surrender by Vivienne Westlake

LADY NORTHAM'S WICKED SURRENDER by Vivienne Westlake
FORMAT: Kindle
GENRE: Erotic
FILE SIZE: 155 KB (about 55 pages)
PUBLISHER: Vivienne Westlake (October 26, 2011)

A midnight encounter between two estranged lovers rekindles a passion beyond their wildest dreams…
Rowena, Countess of Northam, is surprised to find her former suitor has returned from India and is on his way to the very house where she is staying. When he appears in her room late at night, she can only believe it is a dream. Her fantasy soon becomes reality when Simon makes every effort to seduce her.
Despite his six year absence, and the fact that Rowena married his best friend, Simon is determined to have her back now that she is a widow. It soon becomes clear that while her body craves his affections, she doesn’t trust him enough to give her heart. Can Simon forget her past betrayal and convince her to surrender to the greatest love they’ve ever known? (source)

Where to Find Vivienne: Author Site | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Where to Buy: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords
Book Extras: Book Page

I really liked it.

REVIEW:
HOTTTT! I think my glasses were fogging up a little as I read this. I know my Kindle might have suffered a bit of abuse from my fingers clenching it so tightly. Sheesh!

Simon and Rowena were a thing once upon a time but she ended up marrying his best friend. After six years away, Simon is back and ready to make it work with Rowena. He comes to her in the dead of night, touching, teasing, tantalizing her senses only to leave her wondering if it was just a dream or if it was real.

Rowena's response to his touches sets Simon's blood on fire. He knows he must have this woman but in order for her to give him everything, including her heart, he must get her to trust him. Rowena isn't ready to open her heart to Simon. He left her without so much as a by your leave and the nerve! returning six years later wanting to have a another go.

FAVORITE QUOTE: "Foolish, foolish, foolish, she reminded herself. He had given no explanation for his cruel abandonment and she was going to let him back in so easily? Let him charm and seduce her and then discard her as he did before?"

OVERALL: Holy hotness! This is one steamy, sensual, Kindle gripping read. Vivienne Westlake has woven a sexually charged story of lost love, betrayal and second chances. Rowena's inner struggle with whether to keep guarding and protecting her heart (yes, yes, it's my favorite Bachelorette catchphrase) while Simon tries to break the walls down was heart tugging. Simon comes off as an obsessed, smug jerk who's talented with his fingers but in the end redeems himself. This series looks promising and I can't wait to read the next novella in this series. I do wish it was a bit longer. I wanted to know why Rowena's brother was such an a-hole of the first order.

***review copy provided by Vivienne Westlake***

eARC Review: All About Seduction by Katy Madison

ALL ABOUT SEDUCTION by Katy Madison
Format:eBook by NetGalley
Genre: Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25,2011)
ISBN: 9780062017357

Caroline Broadhurst is about to take a lover -- at her husband's command. For fifteen years, Caroline has done everything her much older husband has desired -- except provide an heir. Now he has given her an ultimatum: seduce a suitable gentleman and bear a son. Caroline would never think of bowing to such a shameful order, but then she meets Jack Applegate.

Jack has longed for the beautiful, untouchable Caroline for years, but the chasm between them was too wide to ever dream of crossing. Now, fate and passion have thrown them together, but the potential scandal threatens to smother their love. And when a violent secret comes to light, only a terrible sacrifice will prevent the flame of their affection from being snuffed out forever. . . (source)

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository

Book Extras: Book Page | Goodreads Page

I liked it.

REVIEW:
Let me preface this review by asking you, who have read this book and loved it, to please don't tear me a new one. It's not that I didn't like this book, it just started off way too disgusting for me. This is the first time, to my knowledge, that I've read a book with this plot.

Basically, Caroline has been married for 15 years to Mr. Broadhurst and never once, have they conceived a child. Okay, you're thinking, maybe she's infertile. Nope, Mr. Broadhurst has been married three times and has never once gotten any of his past wives with child. That tells you it's his problem and to top it off, there's suspicion as to what happened to those past wives due to the fact no children were brought forth.

Here's where the ick factor comes in. Mr. Broadhurst writes to Caroline's brother to arrange a party, in which she will seduce one of the gentlemen to have a baby with. He wants an heir to carry on the family name and run the mill, and is willing to claim some other man's child as his own to do so. Then, I find out that Caroline was married to him when she was 15. Um, eww. He was old enough to be her grandfather at the beginning of their marriage. I know that this happened during that time period. Fine. But Caroline has been faithful and endured  nightly visits for 15 years and her husband will leave her with nothing if she doesn't agree to have a child with someone else. Caroline is horrified by this. She can't bring herself to commit adultery and her inner turmoil is apparent when she hesitantly tries to lure a few of the gentlemen into a secret tryst.

And cue in the dashing hero, Jack Applegate. Plot twist! He's a mill worker who has been pining for Caroline since first seeing her stepping down from the carriage to attend church, 15 years ago. Jack wants to make a better life for himself and has a plan, until his leg gets caught in the machinery. His dreams of going to London to present a business plan is put on hold, indefinitely it seems, to recover from the accident.

The accident brings Caroline and Jack closer together yet, they must fight their feelings. A lady of noble blood and a mill worker are not meant to fall in love. He's thinking sexy thoughts about her, which he shouldn't. She's thinking sexy thoughts about him, which she should. There's a lot of will they, won't they but in the end, my will to continue reading this book (I was about to stop at 50%) paid off.

At times I wanted Broadhurst to die suddenly, Caroline and Jack to conceive a baby while Broadhurst was on his deathbed, he would change his will and Caroline and Jack would live happily ever after. Never have I ever hated a character so much as I have hated Broadhurst. I kept asking why would he do that? I understand the need to have an heir, but Broadhurst could have gone back on his deal, gotten someone to kill the gentleman that fathered the baby and thrown Caroline out on the street for adultery, even though he suggested it in the first place. At other times, I wanted to slap Caroline in the face, shake her and scream "stand up for yourself!" I mean, she did try to but after hearing that her husband may have offed his last two wives, she could have tried to dig up some dirt and blackmail him into changing his will. I know that's wrong but come on! Wouldn't you have tried to do something? Her brother even mentioned some sort of papers their father had. If it was me, I would have wanted to look at those papers.

FAVORITE QUOTE: "She had been bartered, but brides had been bartered since time immemorial. Women of her class had a dynastic duty to uphold. They were brokered for power, for land, and for money. Her upbringing had prepared her for that. Only those with nothing to gain or lose could choose freely. She envied the simplicity of his world, where he could marry for love." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)


OVERALL: I'm glad I gave this book a chance. In a time of arranged marriages, gaps in social class and money and bloodlines are a social currency, Jack and Caroline are able to overcome those obstacles towards a HEA. At times, the continuous mention of Caroline not wanting to seduce any of the men made me want to tear my hair out and scream 'Do something about it! Find some dirt on your asshat of a husband!' As for the social class difference between Caroline and Jack and the constant need to point that out and use it as a barrier, was only delaying their happily ever after. I did feel bad when Broadhurst kicked the bucket and waited for lightning to strike after wishing throughout the book. Okay, but only a little. I will read another book by Ms. Madison.


***review book provided by NetGalley***

Review: Tell Me You Want Me by Amelia James

Tell Me You Want Me by Amelia James
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 261KB
Publisher: Amelia James (March 15, 2011)

"I can give you exactly what you're asking for, Janie, and I can give it to you all night long."

Their first kiss is impulsive, fun, a little wicked--everything Jane Elliot isn't looking for in a man--but desperately needs.  Their second kiss is slow, deliberate, an instant connection--everything Austin Sinclair never had with a woman--and doesn't want.
Jane isn't the easy conquest Austin's used to.  She's a stubborn-as-hell bookworm who's more interested in studying than dating.  She needs a little--no--a lot of fun in her life, and Austin's just the guy who can give it to her.  Too bad she thinks love should easy. Too bad Austin knows it isn't. 
Everybody told her to stay away from the heartbreaker, but Jane knows there's more to Austin than full-body contact kisses and bad boy charm.  All he ever promised her was a good time and wow, does he ever deliver....

Buy It Here: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords
Where To Find Amelia: Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Extras: Read 1st 4 Chapters | Excerpt-There Is No Future | Quickie Excerpt | Excerpt-Sex Lessons

I really liked it.

REVIEW:

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Amelia James has quite a way with words. She brings the reader into a world of jocks, college, bookworms and panty dropping worthy sex. I enjoyed this book since it was a step off the beaten path aka this book is set in college, not the grown up adult world. Perhaps there are books out there that are set in college but this is the first book I've read like that. I really liked seeing Jane go from this unsure book worm bent on following her mother's rules to a young woman who knows what she wants and grabs on for the ride. As for Austin, he's the kind of bad boy, BMC type that would be great in a movie. He's confident and cocky and makes me want to take him down a notch or twelve. Daddy and mommy dearest issues aside, Jane finds herself with the most wanted guy on campus. Yay Jane! Get it girl!

5 Things I Liked About This Book:

1. The Setting. It's set in college which is refreshing. Usually, the characters have grown up, graduated college, living their lives as responsible adults and have families or children. 
2. Austin Sinclair. I'm a sucker for bad boys and well, Austin is one. He's got major daddy issues which is understandable since his father cheated on his mother repeatedly, only to have his mother take him back time and time again. He uses that as an excuse and a shield to distance himself from ever creating relationship with any woman. At least, until Jane comes along.
3. Jane Elliot. Oh Plain Jane who isn't as plain as she thought she was. She's smart, witty, a great cook, studious, athletic and has doubts--quite a bit. Her father was a free spirit and let Jane experience things and make mistakes. Her mother is uptight and pushes her to concentrate on her studies. 
4. Jack Wheeler. Austin's bff. I think he may have stolen the show. He's not as big of a player as Austin and he's nice to Jane. He actually like Jane for Austin. There's something about this guy that I can't wait to read about.
5. Papa Sinclair. Whoa! This guy is definitely an Asshole of the First Order. He's a womanizer (hmm... I think this is where Austin gets that), a liar, a promise breaker and has got quite the stick up his ass. He thinks Jane isn't good enough for Austin. Can this man be redeemed??

Favorite Quote: "Austin didn't know he had a heart until he met Jane. He didn't know love didn't have to hurt until she challenged him and made him change his way of thinking."


Overall: Ms. James definitely has a way with words. This story is funny, sexy, steamy and downright blush inducing. A warning to those reading it in public, stick an ice pack in your shirt or pick up a cool drink. If you're at the beach, put that e-reader down and go for a nice cold dip. It is such a refreshing thing to read about people still in college than totally all grown up. It's the age old tale of the good girl who tames the bad boy but in a fun, panty dropping kind of way. Ms. James, I look forward to what you have next in store for your readers.


***borrowed on Kindle from the fabu Jamie Lynn***

eARC Review: Should've Been A Cowboy by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Should've Been A Cowboy by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Format: eBook via NetGalley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin- Harlequin Blaze (May 24, 2011)
ISBN: 9780373796229
Wanted: One hot cowboy...
Party organizer Tyler O’Connelli is on the fast track to her dream career. She’s so close she can almost taste it. But when she returns to her family and sees her one-night stand, Alex Keller, all done up in his cowboy gear, her self-control is stretched to the breaking point....
They’re worlds apart. She’s a busy career girl, and Alex is a cowboy. But while getting together might not bode well for anything longterm, it more than makes up for it in sheer hot chemistry! Problem is, this is one wrangler she might want to get tied down—and tied up—to...indefinitely!

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Harlequin | Book Depository
Where To Find Vicki: Author Site
Extras: Read an Excerpt from Vicki's Site | Read an Excerpt from Harlequin Site

REVIEW:



Wow, another Vicki Lewis Thompson book. I'm apparently on a cowboy kick. Which is a totally awesome thing. I haven't given cowboys the love that they deserve. The Stetson's, the boots, the tight butt showcasing jeans, the easy access snap button western shirts. *sigh* Ms. Thompson, you've once again made me put the book down and run to take a cold shower. This book, like the last one, is HOT, HOT, HOT! Like melt your panties hot (if panties could melt, edibles don't count).


Top 5 Reasons To Read This Book:

1. Alex Keller. Can I have multiple book boyfriends? If so, he's the latest in my harem. This guy has legitimate trust issues. He's not willing to give his heart out to anyone since getting cheated on by his ex-wife Crystal. After a tumble in the hayloft with Tyler O'Connelli 10 months ago, she's all he can think of. A second chance with Tyler has him a bit confused and a lot in lust with her. He's one tough and broken cowboy who needs the right woman to capture his heart and give him the second chance he deserves.
2. Tyler O'Connelli. Her sister has found love and is about to have a baby. She decides to visit for a few days not knowing Alex is actually living at the Last Chance Ranch. Surprise! The first glimpse of Alex Keller's butt brings back memories of hayloft sex. She's about to get a promotion that she's been working for for a while. She keeps telling herself that she's here to visit her sister and then she's off to see the world again. She's tough, independent and wanderlust is in her blood thanks to her hippie parents. A few days with Alex confuses her and brings out feelings of love, lust and thoughts of settling down. 
3. Make you tingle down there sex. In the bed, in the truck, in the barn, on a rock. They have sex here and there, they have sex everywhere (almost). I'm surprised my Kindle didn't burst into flames while I was reading.
4. Second chances. Alex and Tyler met 10 months ago at her sister's wedding. They had super hot sex in the hayloft and left it at that. Morgan, Tyler's sister, is about to give birth. Taking time off from her cruise activities job on an ocean liner, she goes to Wyoming to visit her sister. Lo and behold! Alex Keller has joined the Last Chance Ranch family. Hot sex plus hot DJ turned cowboy definitely makes her think twice about what settling down would feel like.
5. The men of the Last Chance Ranch. What is there to say about these men? They're rough, tough and totally all about family and community. They're young, old, funny, serious, and they love their women.

Favorite Quote: "He wanted to chew on the furniture. How was he supposed to function today when he desperately wanted a woman who was now off limits? He needed her help, no question, but he hadn't counted on her wearing a fantasy costume that was burned into his retinas." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)

Overall: Oh Ms. Thompson, another great, sexy, steamy, unputdownable (except to cool myself off) read. I may be working my way backwards in this series but it's still worth the read. If your summer isn't hot or steamy enough, pick up this book. Get ready to take a cold shower or have your panties melted off. Note of caution: if you read this at the beach, you may have to jump in the ocean to cool off. It was the perfect balance of raw passion and emotionally charged second chances. Ms. Thompson, you've got another winner on your hands.


***Book was requested off of NetGalley***

eARC Review: Cowboys Like Us by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Cowboys Like Us by Vicki Lewis Thompson (10th Anniversary Collector's Edition)
Format: eBook via NetGalley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Harlequin- Harlequin Blaze (July 19, 2011)
ISBN: 9780373796342

Real cowboys aren't born. They're made…

Logan Carswell has just kissed his professional baseball career goodbye. Goodbye dreams, career and future. For now, though, he's working at the Last Chance Ranch and the town saloon, where sexy bartender Caro Davis is definitely taking his mind off his troubles…
Caro's days have been so hectic, she's forgotten all about the finer aspects of life. Like men. And sex. And really smokin'-hot sex with men like Logan. But when their two worlds collide—and boy, do they ever collide—they both realize that once the gear is off, a cowboy is still a cowboy!

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Harlequin | Book Depository
Where To Find Vicki: Author Site 
Extras: Read an Excerpt on Harlequin Site | Read an Excerpt on Vicki's Site | The Making of A Blaze Cover 

I really liked it.

REVIEW:

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My first book in Harlequin's Blaze line and I wasn't disappointed. This book left me wanting more of the people of Shoshone, Wyoming and especially the men of the Last Chance Ranch. Ms. Thompson took me on an emotional and VERY sexually charged ride that I never wanted to get off of but had to put the book down a few times to fan myself.

Top 5 Reasons to Read This Book:

1. Cowboys! Nope, not those outfitted in the blue,white and silver from Texas. But real life, honest to god, boots and tight jeans wearing, 10 gallon hat donning, horse riding, calf roping type of cowboys. 
2. Logan Carswell. Ex-baseball player, looks good in jeans and boots, has quite the sexual appetite and good with his hands (yes, THAT way and also builds things). He's also quite the bartender. He meets Caro who is bar tending during the wedding, and both come to a mutual agreement: no strings attached sex. Well, you know how that goes. His injured knee becomes his armor of sorts. He doesn't know what to do with himself now that playing baseball is no longer an option. Broadcasting doesn't appeal to him. 
3. Caro Davis. Small town girl, bartender, faithful granddaughter, compassionate. Caro is the bartender at the Spirits and Spur's where she is tending bar during Alex and Tyler's wedding. Her grandmother took her in when her parents passed away. Due to her grandmother's failing health, she sold the house, moved her grandmother into a home and lives in an apartment above the bar. She visits her grandmother every day. She also puts others first. Choosing to have a one night stand with Logan Carswell changes her life forever.
4. Steamy sexy. In the bedroom, on a bed, on the counter, against a tree, in the bathroom. Are you getting the picture? 
5.  Cowboy Lingo/Metaphors. I'm still not sure how I felt about this. It made me giggle quite a bit and roll my eyes to the point that I thought they'd get stuck that way. 

Favorite Quote: 

"'Here.' A stout little lady shoved a paperback at him. 'You can autograph this.'

Logan looked perplexed. 'But I didn't write it.'

'Doesn't matter. You can still autograph it.'

'But--it's a romance novel.'

'And you look like a romance hero to me, so...'"


Overall: Well Ms. Thompson, you've convinced me to put your backlist in The Pile. I'm ready to take on some cowboys and perhaps give contemporaries a little more love. This book had me tingling in places I didn't know existed and maybe take a cold shower or two. I thought either I or the book would end up in flames, the sex was HOT! And yes, ex-baseball players can be cowboys too. And small town bartender's can capture the heart of a big city man. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The end left me wanting more. 


***This book was requested off of NetGalley.***

Review: Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians Book 1) by Dianne Duvall
Format: Kindle Edition
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Zebra Books; Reprint edition (February 1, 2011)

Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control . . .
In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible -- when it mean forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

Buy It Here: Kindle | Amazon | B&N |Nook | Book Depository

Author Site: Dianne Duvall 
Read an Excerpt: Darkness Dawns

I really liked it.

Review After the Jump:

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How could I not have read this book yet?! It's been sitting in my Kindle since February and I just got to it now? I blame Larissa Ione for my sudden need to read paranormals. *cough Eternal Rider cough*

This book started out a little slow. I had a few WTF moments but after 100 pages, it got better. This is my first book (EVER) with a hero named Roland. An interesting choice. There are still quite a few questions that were left unanswered as of the end of the book. Perhaps the next book will reveal what I have been wanting to know.

13 Things About This Book:

1. Roland Warbrook: Hero, immortal, not a vampire, betrayed by those he loved. Pretty much sums up Roland. He's got trust issues. I guess you would too if you had told those closest to you your deepest darkest secret, and then wake up to find them standing over you with a knife. Yikes! If he's immortal but not a vampire, is he a god? Nope. 
2. Sarah Bingham: Heroine, schoolteacher, human, organic health nut. Poor Sarah, just minding her own business, tending to her garden when a vampire's minions stake some poor guy in a field behind her backyard. Armed with just a shovel, she takes them out and nurses the guy to health. And that is where the adventure begins.
3. Immortals: Ok, here's where I was having a WTF moment during the first 100 pages of the book. If you're not a vampire or a god, how are you immortal?! Well, turns out immortals are gifted humans (i.e. teleportation, psychometry, healing, etc) who are turned (bleed slowly) by vampires.
4. Vampires. Apparently, they are non gifted humans who turn rabid less than 100 years into their new life. Sounds like a party and then some. Not!
5. The love story. I was cheering so hard for these two. I wanted them to get together and realize how much they were meant to be by the 50th page. Seriously. 
6. Marcus. It's always the secondary characters that seem to hold my interest these days. He's there for support and comical relief. I want to know more.
7. Seth. The oldest of the immortals, there's got to be an amazing back story there and can't wait to find out what. He can teleport! I'd love to have that power. 
8. Bastien. He's not what he seems. And I will leave you with that. I even went 'whoa!' when the twist came.
9. Acceptance. After Sarah freaked out and ran away from the fight that ensued at her house, she seemed quite accepting of the fact that Roland and Marcus were Immortals. It did take a bit of explaining on Roland's part but she didn't scream, faint or try to get away.
10. Immortals rarely transform vampires. Interesting that vampires transform humans and Immortals alike but Immortals don't. 
11. Blood source. It's always been interesting to me that in most books with vampires, they prey mostly upon pedophiles, rapists and murderers. Occasionally on the innocent who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time aka when the vampire is so low on blood and needs it to heal.
12. The mystery woman. I want to know more!! If she doesn't have any special gifts, how is she able to regenerate/grow missing body parts? 
13. Research. Ms. Duvall definitely thoroughly researched certain aspects of her book. She was very knowledgeable when it came to having an organic diet. 

"None of the heavier meats, processed, or artificial foods that contain known carcinogens or other harmful chemicals. The same things that cause cancer, heart disease, and genetic mutations in humans increase our need for blood because of the damage they spawn in our bodies that the virus must heal, so we simply avoid them."

Favorite Quote: "I don't want to hunt vampires. Though your chauvinistic, autocratic, I'm-the-man-so-you'll-do-as-I-say attitude may prod me into it."

Overall: Another take on the vampire mythos and I love it! It started off with a bang (at least with a shovel to some poor guy's head) but as with any first book in a series, there's world and character building that must take place. So for the first 100 pages, there was a lot of explaining to do. The book whet my appetite for what is to come. Ms. Duvall, I am very much looking forward to what you have in store for your secondary characters.

***This was a Free Read from Amazon: February 15, 2011.***