Summer Reviews 2014
August Reviews
How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
Historical Romance
4 ½ stars
As the third in the author’s new Duke’s Men series, How the Scoundrel Seduces, seduces readers into wanting more! Sabrina Jeffries's sure hand brings witty characters together in to a entirely satisfying Regency.
Tristan Bonnaud has had a hard life. His father was an English lord. He loved Tristan and his sister and mother. But his father was not married to his French mother. To make matters worse, his jealous, legitimate half brother and heir to the title hates Tristan. On his father’s deathbed his father makes his brother George promise to give Tristan a valuable race horse. But as soon as their father dies George reneges and accuses Tristan of being a horse thief. Desperate and wanted by the law Tristan flees to France and works to support his mother and sister. There he hones his skills as an investigator. When he returns to England he and his other half brother, Dom set up a sought after investigative agency to make money. Their most recent case is to aid the Lady Zoe Keane. Lady Zoe wants them to discover why her father is pressuring her to marry an unknown cousin. But Zoe does not want the disturbingly handsome and troublesome Tristan on her case. She prefers the more sedate and responsible Dom. However, Tristan is the only one available and he loves to make the Lady Zoe squirm.
Lady Zoe is smart, headstrong and takes her life very seriously. However, she suspects that her claim to her father’s lands are not legitimate. When she asks Tristan and Dom to help her she doesn’t realize that the journey into her history would be so shocking. I especially liked how Tristan loves to shock her. Their interactions sparkle and sizzle! Zoe is used to being serious and has only seen her life in relation to her position. Finding that she actually likes Tristan and discovering she may not be her father’s true heir puts her in turmoil. As she and Tristan look into their pasts they are confronted by scandal. Adding to their stress, Tristan’s older half brother George still wants to punish Tristan and seeks to ruin him. Although Zoe and Tristan seem entirely different in personality and social positions they actually have a lot in common. Tristan has always struggled -his perseverance despite the odds have made him stronger. Both have had heavy responsibility thrust upon them. This book was a highly enjoyable read and it didn’t hurt that Tristan also has an animal magnetism that draws Zoe and the reader. But it was fun to read how he can’t seem to use all his ‘smooth’ moves on her because she is important to him! I also liked the back story that includes Dom and his mysterious broken engagement. I can’t wait for Dom to find happiness because he deserves someone to care for him, too.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Truth About Leo by Katie MacAlister
Historical Romance -Aug. 5th, 2014
4 stars
Funny, irreverent and charming. Fans of Katie MacAlister will love this summer beach book!
Dagmar is a poor Danish princess. Unfortunately, her cousin the King has had enough of her antics. When Dagmar’s father dies the King plans to remove her from her home. She is desperate to finds herself and her companion find a new home. When her companion finds a wounded English soldier Dagmar thinks her prayers have been answered. Since she is half English she has been trying to find passage to England and start a new but she had been unable to find free passage since she is not technically English. She decides to marry the poor man and use that as leverage for passage to England. Fortunately or unfortunately the mysterious soldier recovers and objects to marrying her without his consent!
Leopold Mortimer is actually a spy for England and the earl of March. While he is grateful that the quirky and amusing Dagmar has saved his life he isn’t quite sure how he feels about being married to her! However, there is something about her that makes him feels alive. But can he survive her and all the havoc that seems to surround her as she turns his life upside down?
Light-hearted and fun! This book is the newest addition to the author’s Noble series. It is the forth book that continues the previously released books: Noble Intentions, Noble Destiny and the Trouble with Harry from approximately ten years ago. Readers that enjoyed the previous books will be happy to know that characters from the previous books return. I started reading the author’s historical romances before her paranormal books. It was a such a pleasure to revisiting her world that I immediately re-read The Trouble With Harry.
Dagmar is crazy, zany and utterly infectious. Readers will be ticked pink by her. She is the true star of this book. She drives the poor, noble Leo crazy, but in a fun, fun way! I liked that Leo could handle the pressure of being a spy and a lord but was putty when it came to Dagmar’s outrageous and innocent manipulations. He is the one the is worldly one yet her innocent exploration into the sensual world seduces him! It was also hilarious to read the advice Dagmar’s mother had given her, especially as she puts her own spin on it and her actions don’t always turn out as she intends.
If you are looking for delicious romp that continually surprises and entertains you this book will not disappoint!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen
Historical Romance -Aug. 5th, 2014
4 stars
Love and Let Spy is the second in the author’s Lord and Lady Spy series. Tight writing and unmatchable characters make this book a thoroughly satisfying romance thriller/comedy.
Jane Bonde is beautiful, willful and utterly content with her life as a spy for England. Why would she want a man to muck it up and curtail her fun and independence by marrying a man!? Unfortunately, her uncle and aunt are insisting that she marry a handsome outcast on the ton. His name is Dominic Griffyn and while he is devastatingly good-looking she really has no interest, even if his kisses are delectable. Plus the impossible man says he doesn’t want to marry either. So why does the impossible man keep following her and interfering with her spying!
Dominic Griffyn’s mother was notorious until she finally settled down and married respectably but while his mother has been accepted by the ton he is fully aware his dark looks are anything but typically English. While the ladies of the ton want his for a quick sexual escapade they don’t want him for more. And he tells himself that he is perfectly fine with that arrangement. However, his mother wants him settled and is determined to match him up with the utterly English Jane Bonde. A woman that has somehow escaped married despite men vying for her hand. And although he denies he wants such a dull if beautiful English woman there is something utterly mesmerizing about her. He can’t seem to stop himself from finding out what it is. But Dominic gets far more than he bargained for....
Jane Bonde is cool, beautiful and utterly driven. She find Dominic far too attractive and when he stumbles into one of her investigations they soon find themselves partners. Jane is used to being self sufficient and it was nice to read Dominic help her. Dominic and Jane are an unconventional pair. Jane has seen too much of the world and she is not the milk and water young lady he expects. I liked how she continuously surprised him and he had to rethink his prejudices! Dominic has a dark past and is afraid it has ruined him for a happy future. But Jane is not disgusted by his secrets she helps actually seems to care. As he becomes involved with her he finds that Jane makes him want to be more and have more. I also liked that Jane is also rethinking her plans. When she sees other spies that are happy, have a family and working together she also wonders about having the same thing, too. I liked how both of the characters cared about the other enough such that their lives to changed into unexpected directions. The action in the book as they are forced to work together and find passion along the way was lively and fun to read. Readers will also be happy to know that characters from the previous book return. I especially enjoyed reading about the mysterious Blue who has supposedly retired but still knows many things. There is also a very cute love story between the inventor Q and the timid Moneypence that readers will love.
Highly enjoyable read you won’t want to miss! A lady-like James Bond cuts a dash in historical England, what’s not to love?!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Traitor by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance -Aug. 5th, 2014
4 stars
Millicent Danforth wants her independence and the only respectable way to do so is as a lady’s companion or a governess. When she is lucky enough to find a position with the vocal and outrageous Baroness St. Clair she is relieved. However, the heir to the Barony is half French and is deemed a traitor by the English. She wonders why a Frenchman would settle in England so soon after the Napoleonic War. While Sebastian St. Clair is smooth and handsome Milly knows to stay away from a man that courts a death wish. But there is something about Sebastian that draws her and soon they find themselves married and in love but his past haunts him and puts Sebastian’s life in danger.
Slow, gentle and sweet hallmark Grace Burrowes romances. This book is no exception. I love how the author develops both of the characters and gives them the rare depth that many authors are unable to achieve. The quiet joy as Sebastian and Milly find each other is for the true romantic. Sebastian is an unlikely hero. He was responsible for the torture of English soldiers, he must deal with his actions and the hatred of those he imprisoned. As first I was not sure how I would like a character that was responsible for such suffering but the remarkable author is able to make the reader sympathetic towards Sebastian and even want him to find happiness. Milly has also suffered and I enjoyed reading her not only embrace her independence but have it encouraged by her new husband. They perfectly support each other. This is a heart warming and highly complex emotional read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
How to Handle a Heartbreaker by Marie Harte
Contemporary Romance -Aug. 5th, 2014
4 ½ stars
How to Handle a Heartbreaker is the second in the author’s McCauley Brother’s novels and I can’t wait for the next. Marie Harte’s sure, sexy writing had me blushing even as it had me hot and bothered!
Brody Singer’s early life was tough but luckily he was adopted by the loving McCauley family. Handsome Brody is the typical love ‘em and leave ‘em type. But his adopted brother’s new girlfriend has a roommate that he can’t help dreaming about. Abby Dunn has a curvaceous and sultry body but she is self-conscious, sweet and shy. And she keeps running away from him! But when Brody discovers that Abby secretly writes erotic romances he offers to help her with her research and Abby surprisingly takes him up on it.
Abby can’t stop wanting Brody but she knows she isn’t his type. When he offers to show her his ‘moves’ she discovers she can’t get enough! But she knows Brody is not the commitment type, the problem is she is starting to fall for him. However, when it looks like Brody might be serious, demons from his past cut their fling short. Will Brody realize what a gem Abby is before it is too late?
I loved this book! The McCauley men are sexy as hell. They love each other and it is fun to read them haggle each other and be ‘manly.’ But it seems all of them are big softies that will do anything for their family and the women they love. At first I wasn’t sure about Brody. He seemed too sure of himself and I didn’t want him to break Abby’s heart. But Brody has hidden insecurities and sweet, empathetic Abby is perfect for him. When Brody’s past comes back to haunt him he must confront issues and misconceptions that rock his world. I really felt that I was reading Brody finally becoming a mature adult. While I liked how playful and sexy the first part of the book I admired how the author really showed Brody’s depth and made the reader love him. I only wish he had realized what a prize he had in Abby sooner! Abby also has insecurities about her body since her ex-boyfriend dumped her. She hides in big sweaters and denies her sexuality even as she writes steamy novels. I enjoyed reading her letting go and finding sex fun with Brody.
This book has it all: smoking scenes, likeable character and a cast of characters I wish I knew in real life.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
July Reviews
Secrets Vol 31 Fantasies Fulfilled by Anne Rainey, Jennifer Probst, Leigh Court and Alice Gaines
Erotic Romance Anthology -July 31st, 2014
4 ½ stars
This strong anthology has something for everyone. It includes some BDSM and is not for the vanilla romance reader.
Labyrinth by Alice Gaines
In Labyrinth, Julia Cramer finds herself on a remote island of extreme sexual pleasure. It is owned by the wealthy and enigmatic Deimos Rowland. As soon as she arrives she finds herself commanded to strip and aroused by several men! This only the start of her journey on the island as a love struck Deimos ‘tests’ her.
Deimos is mysterious and full of distrust. He and Julia seem to be in a constant state of arousal. The ways he tests if Julia will obey his rules are hot but I wasn’t sure if I actually liked him at the end. Those looking for a short, steamy read won’t be disappointed. 4 1/2 stars
Sex, Lies and Contracts by Jennifer Probst
In this contemporary romance Jack wants to get away from a mother demanding he marry. He wants his own life and poses as a gardener on a run down estate. The estate has fallen on hard times and the owner, a buttoned up ‘spinster’ named Julianna unknowingly tempts him. Jack dreams of unwrapping her and showing her sensual pleasure. And Julianna wants to experience passion for once! But she promised her father on his deathbed to save the old estate whatever the cost and Jack is poor. So she looks to find a wealthy man to save her home. But Jack wants Julianna to choose him without knowing he is rich. Will Julianna make the right choice or will she find a man that leaves her cold?
In this book both characters grow, although I wish Jack had ‘grown’ a bit faster. Julianna must make difficult decisions especially since she is loyal to her father’ dying wish. I loved reading how she discovers her sensual side and must come to a decision that she can live with. 4 stars
Forbidden Fruit by Anne Rainey
Nerdy, tomboy, Ava has always had a secret crush on her friend’s brother Luke. She always hoped they might have a chance if he really ‘saw’ her. But when she overhears a conversation where Luke is shocked that his friend finds her attractive she has finally decided to give up. In rebellion she decides to dress sexy and go out to a club only to see Luke with another woman! But Luke surprises her when he asks for a dance and soon they are hot and heavy. But can Ava believe that he really wants her?
This was a fun, scorching read. Luke really has wanted Ava for a long time but felt he should be hands off. But when she dresses provocatively he can’t hold himself back any longer and they are one steamy couple. This was one short and sweet read that seemed over too fast. 4 stars
The Disciplinarian’s Daughter by Leigh Court
Amelia Ashworth has had enough. She has been living as a ‘poor’ relations with her uncle and aunt. When she discovers that they have been living on her money and hidden it form her she knows she has to make a chance. She plans to leave and wants to set up a comfortable living in the country. As she searches for ways to make money she discovers a scandalous ad looking for a virgin. It is Victorian times but Amelia is desperate to find independence and the money from the ad would allow her to live nicely by herself. But the ‘experiments’ the good doctor holds make Amelia feel things she has never felt before and soon she can’t have enough. But what happens when the doctor finds out her real identity?
This story will have readers enthralled. As Dr. Trevor awakens Amelia’s sexuality he finds he can’t control his responses! This sexual tension spirally out of control as Amelia and Trevor find they can’t keep their hands off of each other. This erotic romance is of the charts good. 4 ½ stars
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Born in Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paranormal Romance July 1st, 2014
4 ½ stars
Sherrilyn Kenyon continues her mesmerizing futuristic series with Born in Fury. It is not necessary to have read the prior books in the League series, but reading this book will make you want to read the rest of the books!
Sumi Antaxas is a lethally trained assassin. Her motivation, the life of her precious daughter. A daughter her agency keeps ‘safe’ in return for her services. But they also keep her daughter away from her. But now she has finally been given a chance to be keep her daughter if she kills a notorious criminal and high ranking noble of the Andarion race, named Dancer Hauk.
Dancer’s latest adventure is one of duty. He must take his angry, rebellious nephew on a symbolic and strenuous physical trial as a rite of passage. The problem is that his nephew hates him. To help him cool the tension between them, Dancer decides to take his adopted niece. But along the way, they find the wounded body of a female assassin. Dancer suspects she is there to kill him. Fearing for the two children in his care Dancer decides to make a deal with Sumi. He will surrender himself if she makes sure the children are safe. Sumi agrees and soon discovers how honorable and kind the fierce warrior really is. They soon find themselves falling in love. But their love is doomed. His nephew’s mother is ‘betrothaled’ to Dancer and won’t let him honorably leave to find another. Since his race is bound by matriarchal society Dancer is trapped unless he wants to shame his family yet again.
Dancer is a noble and extremely tough character. He is like many of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s tortured heroes. But I loved that in this book he has an adopted family and friends that love and appreciate him. I also enjoy reading his interactions with them especially the friendly sparring between them. Dancer has endured his genetic family’s disapproval and still tries to respect them although they treat him terribly. He risks his life for his friends daily and never asks for anything. So when he spies the assassin meant to kill him he knows the logical thing would be to her life to save his. But he can’t make himself hurt the defenseless female even if knows she would not to the same in return.
Sherrilyn Kenyon does a wonderful job of portraying a ‘hardened criminal’ as actually a big softie when it comes to the ones he loves. As Sumi gets to know Dancer she can’t help falling in love herself. And although their love seems to have insurmountable obstacles you know these two strong characters will able to have it all in the end. I was hoping for Sumi to show her deadly assassin side more but the end more than made up for it. As Sumi proves her love for Dancer and saves him, this book kept getting more exciting. Although there were a few areas that the story seemed to drag, fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon will most definitely enjoy this book. I particularly liked the lore behind the Andarion race and hope Sherrilyn Kenyon writes more about them. They reminded me of the Klingons only cooler!
The Andarion race is brutal as well as beautiful, I hope the author writes more about them!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Captive by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance -July 1st,2014
4 stars
Christian Severn, the Duke of Mercia endured years or captivity and torture as a prisoner of war. When he was finally discovered and returned back to England he was a changed man. His mind fixed on revenge against the officer that seemed to gain endless delight in seeing him suffer. But instead of plotting his revenge he is confronted by the cousin of his dead wife. Her name is Gillian and she is the Countess of Greendale.
Gillian’s cousin died but left a daughter, a daughter that Gillian loves and is worried about. When she discovers that the child’s father, the Duke of Mercia, has returned from the war she demands he look after his child and discover why she is mute. Soon Gillian and the Duke are exchanging support. For Gillian’s husband recently passed away and he was not a kind man. The abuse they both endured connects them. Gillian is happy with Christian but when she discovers he is bent revenge she is troubled by any more violence in her life. Plus a devious plot to harm Gillian arises. Can Christian and Gillian still find a lasting love?
As a fan of Grace Burrowes, I couldn’t wait to read her latest book. Gillian and Christian are greatly suffering main characters that bond and find a sweet, gentle love that readers will enjoy. I especially liked how Gillian finds the courage to find her own freedom and fight for those she cares for. She does not let the past make her bitter. Christian has also had his share of trauma and with Gilly’s compassion and understanding he becomes healthy mentally as well as physically. I enjoyed reading them both find each other and grow to care and love each other. This novel is a thicker book and numbers over four hundred pages. I really liked how the author takes the time to show how Gilly and Christian get to know them. How they gradually find happiness together despite their tragic pasts. But as with all stories their way to happiness is blocked with obstacles. As a jealous villain seeks to ruin their happiness. Christian’s mettle is tested as he has to face his demons again and creates an immersing story.
If you enjoy deeply emotional books where the characters grow to love each other you will be spellbound by this gentle romance.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Rebel by Cheryl Brooks
Paranormal Romance -July 1st, 2014
4 stars
Rebel is the latest in the Cheryl Brooks Cat Star Chronicles.
Onca is a world class stud that owns a brothel and gets highly paid for his services. He is in high demand since his other friends retired and married. But Onca has decided to retire and settle down. Walking home from his last day of work he spies a child being accosted. His protective instincts galvanize him to save her. But to his surprise, he discovers the child is actually a young and desirable woman. A woman of his own endangered race, the Zetithian. (The Zetithians were nearly exterminated because the men created an aphrodisiac that woman of all races adore. A jealous and powerful man decided to destroy their planet and nearly killed all of them.) Hunted to near extinction, he can’t believe the treasure he has found. But Kimcasha is no naive woman, she has been living on the streets since her family died. She never knew why her parents were constantly living in fear. Although she does not specifically trust Onca, she does feel remarkably safe in his presence. When he tells her of her heritage and offers to let her stay with him until she can join others of her their race, Kimcasha refuses. She will only stay with him if he helps her find her missing friends. For Kim was in the dangerous sections of the city looking for clues about their kidnappings. As Onca and his friends help Kim they find more than they expect and Onca many have to pay the price.
The Zetithian race has always fascinated me. Who wouldn’t want to meet or spend a night with a man that could give you endless pleasure?! Onca’s character may seem cocky but in reality he feels he is average for his race. When he was younger none of the women of his race found the slightest attraction for him. When he and his friends started the brothel to make money he was actually a virgin! And although he has pleasured countless other women he never really felt self-confidence in himself. When he meets Kim and saves her, he at first finds it difficult to believe she would want him. Kim’s youth, beauty and vibrant willfulness draw him and he realizes she is better off with someone younger. But Kim will only trust Onca. As he tries to help her find her missing friends they discover the men that have taken them are very dangerous. It was exciting to read them hunt for Kim’s friends and plan a breakout. Readers of this series will not want to miss this book. I hope the author doesn’t stop writing about the Zetithians. I also enjoyed reading about the funny secondary characters. I would like to know more about Roncas and her unrequited lust/love and the snarky computer in Onca’s home that seems determined to get Onca and Kim together.
Fun entertainment, this a beach read you won’t want to put down!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
In Your Corner by Sarah Castille
Contemporary Romance -July 1st, 2014
4 ½ stars
In Your Corner, is the second in the author’s Redemption series. It is not necessary to have read the prior book but readers will be fascinated by the shady and deadly underground fighting plus the sexy men!! Oh, yah!
Amanda is on the fast track to a partnership in her legal firm -if she doesn’t break down from the stress. Her motivation to succeed stems from the high standards of her powerful if cold parents. But when she is pressured by one of the firm members for sex she quits and is blackballed in the community. Thankfully her good friend Makayla with the aid of her rich husband helps her open her own firm in a dilapidated area of the city. But Amanda finds herself renting from a man she couldn’t forget. A man who terrified her because she wanted him too much.
Jake needs legal aid and a tenant. When he discovers that his old flame needs help he is happy to help. He knows he blew his chance with Amanda because their intense relationship burned out too fast. Now Jake has a chance with Amanda again and he doesn’t want to blow his chances again. But Jake primal sensuality draws Amanda like a moth to a flame and that he won’t have sex with her is driving her crazy. How can she get him to see holding back is frustrating them both? But Jake knows what he is doing. He isn’t going to settle again, he wants a relationship that will last. Because Amanda is worth waiting for. The problem is Amanda is not used to serious, can she open herself up a real relationship or will she chicken out yet again?
This was an intense, compelling read. Jake does underground fighting and the reader can feel the testosterone! Jake has a wild, edgy side that is barely restrained and makes him sexy as hell. I thought Torment from the first book in the series was hot but Jake matches him at least when it comes to his single minded focus on Amanda. Poor Amanda finds it a bit difficult having all the male sexuality around. She is definitely hot and bothered wants Jake in bed but Jake wants to be a priority and is willing to wait for her. This book is a lot about second chances, in love, in Amanda’s career and with friends and family. Amanda’s cold, cold family gave me the chills and explained how much she desperately wanted their approval. But she doesn’t realize how she has made an impression on her friends or colleagues that stick with her. In fact, some of my favorites sections are not with Jake but with her colleagues as they bond and form an atypical loving gang. The PI and Amanda’s assistant bring a vibrant life to the story that never had a dull moment. This is one of those rare romances where I felt if the romance section was removed I would enjoy just as much. I give the author kudos for writing such a well-rounded cast that every character makes you care for them (except the villains!)
Steamy and sexy, the characters and the story will have readers enthralled.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
June Reviews
Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper
Paranormal Romance -June 24th, 2014
4 stars
Nina Linden has worked hard in the landscape business only to have it all taken away. Now she has a second chance with the renovations to the reportedly haunted and isolated Crane’s Nest estate. The owner is the elusive, mysterious and wealthy Deacon Whitney. A computer genius that Nina can’t keep off her mind. As Nina and the rest of the inhabitants are trying to repair the estates they find themselves terrorized by the ghosts of the estate. The mystery behind the death of one of the owners was never discovered. Nina and the rest of the gang try to find what actually happened. Looking to discover the journal of the dead woman the stakes get higher and the haunting become more real. Can they solve the mystery, find love and restore the grand estate or will the terrifying ghost push them ever the edge?
Fun, lighthearted and surprisingly scary at times this book has it all! Nina has been down on her luck when her last boyfriend took her work and smashed her reputation. Set to prove herself, she doggedly pursues her dreams of her own company. Nina is a very sympathetic character, I liked how Nina has self doubts but keeps trying. On the way to the estate she meets the good friend of her employer, named Jack and another woman named Cindy that has been hired to organize the estate. All three become fast friends. It was fun to read them get along and bond with each other. As more character arrive the story gets even more zany. One of the best parts of the book was the romantic tension between Cindy and Jack. It was a hoot to read Cindy gives Jack quite a run for his money! So this book actually has two love stories. But Deacon and Nina’s romance was slower. While they have an instant attraction and it was sweet to read them shyly get to know each other. I liked how Deacon is known for his work but Nina finds a way to distract him. They make a cute couple. But ghost, ex-boyfriends, crazy relatives and scheming gold diggers muddy their path to true love and make this a fun read.
Light-hearted romance with a charming cast of characters make this a fun-filled paranormal romp!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Deeply in You by Sharon Page
Historical Romance -June 24th, 2014
4 ½ stars
Helena Winsome is lovely, smart and practical. And secretly spies on the lords and ladies of the ton to write her saucy exposes as Lady X. But her brother has fallen into trouble and drained the finances of her family. She is ‘persuaded’ to spy in return for forgiveness of her brother’s debts. The government wants her to use her skills to find out if the Duke of Greybrooke is a traitor and obtain his journals. Helena poses as a governess to his blind sister and his niece and nephews. Soon she falls in love with his family and his obvious love for them. She wonders how such a man could be a traitor to England. But her brother is pulled into deeper danger when he gambles into more debt. Torn between her family and the surprisingly kind Duke Helena must make a decision. But when her actions are discovered the Duke demands she become his mistress and for Helena’s reputation that means social ruin.
As all of Sharon Page’s historical romances this one is lush with sensuality. The pages burn with Helena’s deep passion for the seductive Duke. While many books promise on a sensual rake this one produces! Grey is hot, hot, hot! Their scenes together smolder and Grey proves why he is a a man all women want to bed! I loved how he tempts Helena past her judgement and into his sexy arms. Her ‘fall’ into disgrace was scorching reading. But I also liked that both characters are admirable and intelligent. Grey disguises his integrity with a devil may care charm to hide secrets from his and his sister’s past. I loved the mystery that he tries to hide even though it was convoluted. The only part of this book that frustrated me was the wastrel brother who seemed to get Helena into deeper trouble. If it wasn’t for the fact he was essential for the to meet I would have wanted him entirely removed from the story. Although I respected Helena for helping her brother, after a while I just wanted her to wash her hands of him!
Scandalously, deliciously good. This erotic romance is one to savor. It will have you turning on the air conditioner in no time!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Stormy Persuasion by Johanna Lindsey
Historical Romance -June 10th, 2014
3 ½ stars
In Storm Persuasion, Johanna Lindsey brings back her beloved Malory family.
Lovely Judith Malory is young, impressionable and impetuous. She also has a secret crush on the ghost haunting the abandoned mansion near her home. But what happens when she discovers her handsome ghost is actually a real man named Nathan Tremayne. Nathan is actually a smuggler wanted by the law. Judith finds Nathan fascinating. When he steals a kiss from her she can’t stop thinking about him. Unfortunately, Judith is leaving England with her family to visit America. But she is shocked to find Nathan on the same boat! He is posing as a carpenter and is employed on the ship to do repairs. Fate seems to be throwing them together. But Nathan has an ulterior motive. He is bent on taking revenge against the man that killed his father. Will Nathan’s past tear them apart?
Lovers of Johanna Lindsey’s Malory family will enjoy revisiting her characters. Happily settled and still boisterous. Anthony and James are featured prominently and bring a lot of laughter to the story especially as they test young Nathan’s suitability for Judith. On the other hand, Judith’s character was not as developed as most of Johanna Lindsey’s heroines. It made it more difficult to become invest in her character. Nathan and the rest of the cast of characters drove the plot. Nathan is a decent character, trying the make the best of his reduced circumstances. He is driven by revenge and the need to support his nieces. Smuggling is what he knows and it is profitable. When he has to make a devil bargain he tries his best to protect Judith and the rest of his family.
Light entertainment and the return of beloved characters make this a fun romp.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker
Romantic Suspense- June 3rd, 2014
4 ½ stars
Deeper Than Need, is part of Shiloh Walker’s Secrets and Shadows series. It focuses on high suspense and a sizzling relationship between two scarred individuals.
Noah Benningfield has a big heart and it was crushed when the love of his youth was killed mysteriously. Unfortunately, he never seemed to recover and for a while became an alcoholic. Now an owner of his own contracting business, he is hired to help rebuild the house where his girlfriend may have died. He is conflicted by memories of his past yet again. To make things more complicated he finds himself irresistibly attracted to the new owner.
Trinity Ewing is trying to start fresh. A new life in a new location seems perfect for her and her young son. She likes the people and the life style in Madison. And especially loves looking at her sexy contractor, Noah. But Trinity has been burned by a man before and she doesn’t quite trust herself with another man, no matter how hot he is! But when she falls though some broken boards in the old house, they discover the remains of a dead body. And an old mystery resurfaces that someone wants kept quiet. Is the dead body, Noah’s missing girlfriend? And how can the passion between Noah and Trinity burn when danger lurks all around them?
Shiloh Walker is known for her paranormal romance and steamy erotic novels. But in this book she plays it straight romantic suspense. What I liked best about this story was how it had me on edge, the author does a masterful job keeping the reader on their toes. I also enjoyed reading all of the characters. Unlike some books where only a couple of character stand out, the author takes the time to make you feel you are living there with them in Madison. The attraction between Trinity and Noah sizzles but the author tones down her sex scenes compared to her prior books. Noah is a man that is constantly fighting the demons of his past. Because the mystery behind his girlfriend was never solved, he has been living in a seemingly permanent stasis. No woman will ever be as good as her...until he meets Trinity.
Trinity is the first woman since his youth that he has been interested in. He has grown attached to her precocious son. Noah is torn between his dreams of the woman that died and the potential of having a real and lasting love with a woman that is alive. But opening himself up puts him in emotional agony. With the added drama that Trinity and her son may be in danger, ths story ratches into higher stakes. Trinity is a woman that has come into her own. Her last boyfriend made her older and wiser. She is intensely attracted to Noah but unsure if she wants to have a man in her life. But when she starts working for Noah her heart melts and her desire for a man of such kindness smolders. I really felt both characters deserved each other.
Noah is a character that has been through hell and come out a better man. Readers will love him. I can’t wait to revisit Madison!
Thrilling and brimming with tension, the mystery behind the death of Noah’s youthful sweetheart had me totally spell-bound.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spear
Paranormal Romance -June 3rd, 2014
4 stars
In Terry Spear’s latest jaguar shifter romance, she brings us a tough feline Enforcer named Tammy Anderson. Tammy is serious about her job and sick of her male counterparts underestimating her. She was also burned by her last shifter boyfriend. But what she doesn’t count on is her newest partner. His is oh, so sexy and has his eyes firmly fixed on Tammy!
David Patterson is a JAG agent. He and Tammy have been assigned to find a stolen jaguar. Their chase leads them to two mischievous jaguar twins and a whole lot of trouble! For the twins won’t help them locate the jaguar because they think there is a mole in the agency they work for. The twins are only willing to tell Tammy and David what they know if Tammy and David find the traitor. But finding a highly trained mole leads them to many dead ends and a whole lot of danger. As David and Tammy work together their respect and attraction intensifies. Can they keep themselves safe, find the traitor and find time for some smokin’ hot loving? You bet!
Terry Spear’s new jaguar series is fresh and entertaining. Tammy is a strong woman set on proving herself. But luckily David already sees what a prize she is and is bent on keeping her for himself. I liked how Tammy’s doubts about David slowly became something a lot warmer! Tammy is easy to relate to. She is tired of alpha men thinking they are better and not being taken seriously. Thankfully David is a smart shifter that sees all that and more. It was fun to read David chase Tammy and Tammy open herself up to the possibility that David could be the ‘one.’ Even when Tammy tries to ditch David and solve the case herself David doesn’t take offense and slowly worms his way under her skin. But David is still an alpha and when Tammy is in danger he is there for her. I liked that Tammy finally found it impossible to find a man that respects, cherishes her and wants to spend his life with her. The twins also add to the story, as they lead David and Tammy on a wild chase. I suspect the author can’t wait to write their stories soon! The mystery was also not straight forward and had a couple of twists that kept me on guessing.
Jaguar Hunt is a fun and steamy paranormal romance that readers will not want to miss!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club