December Reviews
Between a Vamp and a Hard Place by Jessica Sims
Paranormal Romance -Dec 29th, 2015
5 stars
Funny, brash and totally sexy, this new book will knock your socks off!
Spitfire, Lindsey Hughes loves antiques but her latest finds are barely enough to pay the bills. However, she is skeptical when her business partner and best friend, Gemma, tells her that she made a deal that will make them rich. She gave a sleazy friend 10,000 dollars in exchanged for cleaning out a 'treasure trove' of goodies from an apartment in Venice, Italy. They can keep anything they find. Lindsey feels they have been swindled. But having already paid, she is resigned and hopes for the best. When Gemma and Lindsey arrive in Venice, they find an apartment filled with tons of dust and endless boxes filled with junk! It looks like they might loose out on their cash. But then Lindsey stumbles upon a secret wall and finds real treasures but also a freaky coffin. Curious she opens it to find a beautiful man in an old style costume with a stake in his heart. But when she rashly removes it she gets the surprise of her life when a bloodsucking vampire comes to life and starts drinking from her! Soon he is making her his blood vassal and official wench/servant. Something the independent, control freak Lindey is so not okay with! However, Rand the vampire is more charming that she expected and she finds herself agreeing to help him find the one responsible for trying to murder him. Unfortunately, the villain may but more than she or Rand can handle!
This hilarious paranormal romance will lift your spirit and keep you in stitches. Although the story line seems improbable you can't help wanting to believe it and the outrageous situations Lindsay, Gemma and Rand get themselves involved in. Not only are Rand and Lindsay a riot to read but Gemma with her sassy mouth brings a lot of character. (I hope she finds her own paranormal love interest?!) Rand is suave commanding and super sexy. He also has backwards views on woman that Lindsey is only too happy to correct him on! But he is also sometimes silly, befuddled and a bit lonely. Soon Lindsay finds herself caring for him instead of resenting the demands he asks for initially as his 'servant.' Rand never knowingly harms Lindsey and tries to protect her when it looks like the villain of the story might be extremely dangerous. I loved reading Rand's confusion over the present time and how he is baffled by Lindsey's shock at his vampire skills but tries to change and be more civilized for her. Rand is powerful but he tempers himself around Lindsey and doesn't take her for granted. In fact, being his blood vassal seemed very special and not at all servant like. I liked that Lindsey is one tough girl, she doesn't let Rand take her for granted. Their chemistry together was erotic and playful. Together they are an entertaining couple. So much that I wish their story was longer or that the author would write another book about them.
The deftly author balances her totally original plot and zany characters to create this unforgettable romance. I loved it!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Rock by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance -Dec 29th, 2015
5 stars
Thomas MacGowan and Lady Elizabeth Douglas have known each other from childhood. And Thomas has loved her ever since. But to Elizabeth, Thomas has always been a good friend -a steady presence and source of reassurance. They bonded over the early years filled with hunger and strife. Now that Elizabeth's brother has risen to power he wants to assure his power and wealth by marrying Elizabeth to an influential man. Her new fiancee-to-be is handsome, kind, and rich. All things any woman would love. But she can't stop thinking about Thomas even though their stations are quite different. For Thomas is a mere blacksmith. And though he works with her brother towards Scottish freedom he has no riches -only himself to commend. Elizabeth must choose. Her heart or her head. But when it looks like Elizabeth might loose Thomas forever it may be the catalyst to open her eyes to what she really needs.
This was a passionate, even epic Scottish romance. I could envision this book being made into a movie. Elizabeth is a kind young woman that is caught between her bother's desires, her need for security and the deep love she is only just discovering for her childhood friend. Thomas wears his heart on his sleeve. He believes, even against impossible odds that Elizabeth will renounce her wealthy groom-to-be and choose a life with him. But filled with uncertainty and hardship. Thomas is the fierce warrior and romantic. While he is nothing if not honorable he does kiss Elizabeth to prove how they are meant to be together. (Very hot!) Thomas has had to work hard to prove himself due to his poorer upbringing and has taken life threatening missions in the Scottish name to show his loyalty. He is the hero readers will love.
This book has it all. The fight for Scottish independence, larger than life characters and a sweeping and even dramatic romance that boils with passion. As Elizabeth must choose between duty and love, I felt such an emotional roller coaster of pure delight!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Lie and The Lady by Kate Noble
Historical Romance -Dec 29th, 2015
4 stars
Leticia, the Countess of Churzy has been unlucky in love. When she is tricked by an unscrupulous cad who seduced and pretended to be the Earl of Ashby on a bet she is publicly shamed. Unfortunately, Leticia fell in love with the worthless scoundrel named John Turner. But Leticia feels she must run from her humiliation and leave England. There she finds a kindly, older gentlemen to marry her and hide her from the stigma of her past. Relieved she has someone that she can lean. She and her new fiancee return to England. But fate has surprises in store for her when she discovers that the man that betrayed her lives in the same small community. So Leticia decides to pretend they do not know each other. But all the while her treacherous heart wants more. However, things only get worse when her new fiancee's daughter grows a tendre for John and asks her for love advice. Torn between her heart and the kindly man her head tells her she should marry, Leticia doesn't know what to do.
Poor Leticia has been running from her past most of her life. Every time she falls in love it seems to turn into disaster. But Leticia is a survivor. In this romance, she must choose. An uncertain love and the chance of poverty or a comfortable life of a lady. Many times in the story there was a sort of desperation in her behavior. As a result, Letty is a very sympathetic character as she tries to support herself. John Turner is also a desperate man. He needed to win the bet that hurt Letty to rebuild his mills and livelihood. But winning lost him the woman he loved. When he sees Letty again his first impulse is to take her away. But he realizes that she needs the security that he can't give her. They try to un-muddle their misunderstandings and differences which only seems to make things worse! Although it is clear that they both love each other it was interesting to read how the author resolved their issues to a satisfactory and romantic ending. In addition to the romance, the author also included a mystery that Letty and John must solve and a mysterious villain that has caused attacks to John's mills. This suspense added to the story and I liked how it threw the both of them together. My only quibble is I wish John were more remorseful about his action with the nefarious bet.
Mystery, romance and a heroine betrayed make for an engrossing read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Mastered by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance -Dec 29th, 2016
4 stars
In Mastered, Maya Banks brings us the first in her new and highly erotic Enforcers series. Readers that fantasize about a super alpha hero with looks, money and a need to dominate in and out of the bedroom will enjoy this new series!
Evangeline Hawthorn is young, beautiful and very naive. A sweet woman that has been dumped by her cad of a boyfriend as soon as she gave him her virginity. To show him what he's lost her friends encourage her to dress up at an exclusive club he often goes to. Unfortunately, he gets aggressive and Evangeline soon find herself in trouble. Thankfully, the owner of the club, Drake Donovan, saves her. And the wealthy, enigmatic man finds himself extremely attracted to Evangeline and her innocence. To show her how desirable she really is he masterfully unleashes her sensual side and gives her pleasure she has never known. Soon Drake is taking care of her and introducing her to the world of S and M. Evangeline's sweet nature and willingness to open herself are a balm to Drake. But when Drake pushes her too far, he may loose her forever.
Drake is a powerful and compelling character. A man of mystery, that has a dark past. He loves being in control and Evangeline willingly submits to his domination. This book is not for the faint of heart. Evangeline opens herself up to a ride of sensual exploration. Readers that love erotic romances with dominant heroes will relish Evangeline's journey. As I mentioned earlier, it is not for the vanilla romance reader. Some scenes shocked me (And I read a lot of romance!). There were certain areas I actually found they were too intense for me and lead the characters to a darker side that some readers may not be comfortable with. This book has strong writing and highly erotic scenes but I found Drake a little too demanding for my tastes -although it appears he may change. Evangeline doesn't have any idea what she has stepped into by being with Drake. As he takes over her life I wondered if she gave too much of herself to him. Especially since he does not seem to reciprocate evenly. Often I felt Drake really pushed the boundaries and I wasn't sure if Evangeline realized what she was opening herself up to. The end of the story is unexpected and the reader will be guaranteed to react strongly.
This sensual book pushes boundaries and will shock readers.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Target Engaged by M.L. Buchman
Contemporary Romance Dec 1st, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Sergeant Carla Anderson comes from a tough background. A drunken father and a mother and brother that died in military service. Now alone, she is fearless, living to prove herself and remember her family's military legacy. Then she is asked to train for a top secret military force called Delta. Carla readily jumps at the opportunity. She will make the grade or die trying. As the only female in competition for the few slots availiable, she finds herself competing against the sexy Sergeant Kyle Reeves. Carla admires Kyle and each push the other in training. When they both make the cut tensions break loose and soon they find themselves hot and heavy. But their fling seems more like a relationship. Since the death of those close to her Carla has always tried to keep sex non-committal. But the thought of never seeing Kyle makes her feel hollow.... and scared.
On the other hand, Kyle knows he has met the one for him. But Carla is unlike the soft and clingy women he has known in the past. He loves her but can he get her to confess she loves him, too?
Wild, action-packed and super sexy characters had me speed reading! It was extremely exciting to read Carla as the first woman and her determination to test herself. The military fascinates me and learning how they train was insightful and exhilarating. Carla and Kyle are at the top of their game. I liked how they worked well together and became an unstoppable team. The author displays a deep understanding of his characters and their motivations. They are complex and loveable. Kyle comes from a 'normal,' happy family. He has a certainty and confidence in himself. He doesn't need to show off and leads with a quiet command. Carla is attracted to his strength and dependability. Something she never had. But she fears security and love. If she loved Kyle and lost him.... But Carla must face her demons or risk losing the only man for her. I loved reading Kyle and Carla together, they are the perfect match. They have inner strength and integrity that makes them feel like modern day super heroes. Readers that love military romances will fall in love with them, too. Although Carla is tough she is still a woman and one that readers will relate with and care for.
Carla and Kyle are the ultimate power couple. Sexy, smart and bad a##, they were a joy to read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
A Seal Forever by Anne Elizabeth
Contemporary Romance Dec 1st, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Maura Maxwell has had a secret crush on her hunky SEAL neighbor, Master Chief Declan Swifton. But with his swinging door of beautiful women never felt she could compete. However, when she find herself stranded in the water and the Chief rescuing her, their mutual attraction can't be denied. But Maura bares scars from an accident and the death of her best friend. She is living a life that isn't actually what she dreamed for herself. As Maura and Declan make a deeper connection he is suddenly given orders for his next assignment, leaving their relationship up in the air. And when he returns Declan is a changed man. Can Maura and Declan find love, comfort, and support together? Or will they deny they are meant together?
This story is about challenge - finding love and finding yourself. This book doesn't have a lot of military action (except in the beginning). Rather it is about building a new life out of the ashes of what you thought you wanted or had. Maura faces many struggles as she takes the leap into owning a gymnastic gym and showing her parkour skills. Declan's last mission changed him and now he has no idea what his new life will entail and if Maura will love him as the different man he has become. I liked that they both supported each other and neither was superficial and put off by the other's scars. In fact, they took each others' issues in stride and helped the other person other pursue their new dreams. Maura and Declan share a passionate and sweet romance. The author takes the time to explore each of them individually so you feel they are your friends. I also like the amount of time the author spends writing them together so you feel that they really know and care for one another -their love will last. Heartwarming and uplifting although this is not a holiday romance but it definitely has the 'feel good' read of one.
Finding love and their dreams, these two main characters will make you believe in lasting romance. It was a sweet and heartwarming read pefect for the holidays.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Once Rogue at a Time by Jade Lee
Historical Romance -Dec 1st, 2015
4 ½ stars
Beautiful, Miss Maybelle has had to shoulder the burden of taking care of herself and her ailing mother in the small village of Hull. Suspected of being illegitimate, she has struggled to become respectable against small town prejudices. But when her mother tells her on her death bed that she is actually the daughter of a lord Maybelle is determined to claim what is rightfully hers. But how?
Bramwell Wesley Hallowsby is the illegitimate son of a duke. While he has the manners and breeding of a lord he has always had to live outside the respectable elite. An outcast without money, he uses his skills as a professional body guard for those that can pay him. Now stuck in the miserable village of Hull, his two clients seem to be weaseling out of paying him for his services. Then he meets the dazzling Maybelle, she will help obtain funds to get out of the village if he agrees to give her etiquette lessons. She wants to learn how to act like a true lady before she meets her father. Although coerced, Bram can't help but admire the plucky Maybelle. Soon the two have a grudging respect for each other. Maybelle confesses to him that she wants to discover her true heritage. But helping her find it may mean any chance of a life together is over before it has begun.
This book just keeps getting better and better. Maybelle and Bram have had to be streetwise out of necessity. They are smart and fun to read together. At first they are at cross purposes and it was entertaining to read them try to out maneuver each other. They have a lot in common and I liked that while they both craved respectability they began to realize that having what you think you want doesn't always make you happy. Bram is very honorable despite his past/job. He wants people to be better and he tries hard to help others but covers it with an air of cynicism. Maybelle uses her brain and wiles to help the village and keep herself off the streets. I especially liked reading how Bram and Maybelle grow to love each other. They want what is best for each other even if makes them unhappy. They are sweet to read together.
This is addictive romp is fun and entertaining.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance -Dec, 1st, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Josephine doesn't know where she comes from or what she exactly is. All she knows is that she must protect her brother Thaddeus at all costs. But when she is shot and comes back to life as a vampire she scares her brother and decides to stay away and watch him from afar. But her life is lonely, until she meets the sexy Dark Fae demon, Rune. Rune is used to using sex to manipulate and get his way. So when he finds an irresistible vampire he thinks she will be easy to seduce. But Jo is no ordinary female and she doesn't give in easily to his charms. Frustrated he is determined to discover her secrets especially when he finds out she may know his current target -the Valkyrie, Nix. But Jo doesn't know anything. However, she refuses to let the arrogant Rune know since she fears Thaddeus may be mixed up with Nix. To make things worse Jo discovers that she has a weakness for Rune's blood. A blood that is extremely poisonous....
Kresley Cole's latest IAD novel will not disappoint. In this book we learn of the Morior. Who are they? Are they good or bad? This added mystery adds a dark edge of uncertainty to the series. As one of them Rune is a bit of a enigma. He is a very compelling character. Rune has a past that includes being sorely used by those who should have cared for him. As a rare Rune demon he knows little of his heritage and seeks revenge on the family responsible for murdering his mother. Rune has felt like the underdog and always felt he had to prove himself. And since his blood is poisonous he has never been able to be truly intimate with another being. So when he meets the feisty vampire, Jo. A beautiful woman that can drink his toxic blood he is insatiable for her! And Jo loves Rune's blood so the feeling a mutual.
Jo has also been very much alone but with Rune she finally feels alive. Not a bystander watching others. Jo is a saucy minx that is audacious and hilarious to read. I liked how she could match up with the much older Rune and give him a run for his money. But I really felt for her. She doesn't know what she is and is is afraid of her skills. Since she died her much loved brother doesn't even recognize her. She has no one and no one will miss her. It is not until she meets Rune that she feels a real connection. Someone she can be her true self and not hold back with for fear of hurting them. Rune also has never found someone that his blood isn't toxic to, now he has someone he cares for that he doesn't have to handle with kid gloves for fear they will die. Both are in a way freed. But Rune is his master's spy master. And he uses his skills of seduction to procure information. However, Jo wants a monogamous commitment. Will he give up his old life so he can make a new one with Jo?
This was a read I didn't want to end. A sexy, dark fae and a feisty heroine to tie him up in knots- fun, Fun, FUN!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club