Dangerous Bet: Troy's Revenge by Marie Rochelle

Tycoon Series:Dangerous Bet: Troy-s Revenge by Marie Rochelle

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun, exciting book. Troy was crazy about Headley, but didn't know how to just open his mouth and say the words. He was seriously going through all these changes and manipulating when he could have just told her. He was a big silly. (hot, though!) It was cute and I really enjoyed it. Hot love scenes, but the fact that Troy loved Headley so much was the winner for this book. Troy was pretty cavemanish, but Headley knew how to handle him. I like the possessive heroes so it didn't bother me, because Headley wasn't a doormat. I liked the interactions with Troy's friends, and Headley's friend Fancy. Some of the words that came out their mouths, wow! This book was a great read. Hours of entertainment after a long day of work. Can't wait to read Fancy and Maxwell's story. Intrigued about who Cole ends up with. Marie Rochelle is an autobuy for me.


View all my reviews.

Behind Blue Eyes by Pat Cromwell

Behind Blue Eyes by Pat Cromwell

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! That was one heck of a read. Talking about drama, this book is full on drama. Once the ride starts, it does not stop. To be honest, I could not handle being around any of the people in this book. Talking about stress....



Let me say, I loved Michael. He is in some ways diabolical, and crazy as a fox. He is a needy, heartbroken boy. He is a powerful, dangerous man. Gosh, he was one of a kind. I think he might up there with my favorite heroes of all time (okay I like the dark, scary heroes ala Anne Stuart, Kresley Cole, JR Ward, and Christine Feehan). Even at his most evil, he did not annoy me for some reason. I was just sitting there with my mouth open, asking for more. He's the kind of hero I really love reading about. The ones that you cannot forget because he's no cookie-cutter, samey-samey, run of the mill Ken (as in Barbie and Ken) type. I also gravitated to him because he was so in love with Seine. He needed her so much and couldn't imagine his life without her. He had the world, but he really just wanted her, and was willing to walk away from everything more than once for her. He needed to be loved like life needs water. How could I resist him?



Now Seine. She was a little more complicated to like at times. She teased this tiger's tail. She pressed the red button. And she got the runaway train that was Michael O'Neal. He even warned her more than a few times. She told him that she would never leave him or stop loving him or give up on him, but her actions didn't back that up in a very crucial moment. We all break promises in life, but you cannot break that kind of promise to an all or nothing man like Michael O'Neal. I knew that in my heart. I felt, this is wrong. I wanted to yell at her when she threw his love back in her face. "Are you crazy?" I wanted to yell at her: "Okay I know he's kind of evil and unstable, but the man loves you liked crazy. Choose him like you said you would." She really disappointed me in that scene because she didn't make the right decision in my opinion. So I kind of felt that Seine was a bit of a spoiled brat. She had the silver spoon and was the Little Girl Lost in some ways (with her father not being there for her). She wanted her Prince Charming not realizing he was the Dark Prince.



Now that is the interesting thing about this book. None of these characters are perfect, sweet, kind, and adorable. Probably the most likable (other than my absolute love for the diabolical Michael O'Neal) is Lynda, Seine's lifelong friend. She was the voice of reason for these two crazy people who were crazy in love with each other but didn't know how to love each other. I really liked the part where she gave the knowledge to Michael, and the numerous times she gave counsel to the headstrong and not very forward thinking Seine.



To be honest, the bedroom scenes verged on being a little too erotic for me. It would probably pass by a seasoned erotic romance novel fan without even eliciting a blink. Let's just say there are certain things I don't like associated with sex and there's a wee bit of that in this book. But it was not enough to make me throw the book away. I would say that you should read this book even if you aren't into the erotic stuff. Because it's too good to resist. How could you pass up reading about a guy like Michael? Have I said I love this guy?



Let me reiterate, this book is intense. There are a lot of yelling scenes. Again, DRAMA. How exhausting. I found the dialog and the narrative very memorable, showing that Pat does have a command of language and a realism to her writing; it has a life and a precision that is memorable. The language is raw and earthy in a way that is kind of new for what I've read so far. However, it wasn't jarring because it fits the emotional climate of this book. The people therein are passionate and very in-your face. If they didn't talk like that, I suppose it would have been peculiar. I'd probably avoid them like the plague (maybe stare at Michael a little first before slinking away in fear).



I definitely would read this book when you are in the mood for a very fiery, passionate, not always comfortable read. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you read it prepared to have the earth shake under your feet with all the violent emotions in this book. It was a great love story that really challenged me in some ways, and very unique from what I've read in a long time. Bravo, Ms. Cromwell.


View all my reviews.

Diamond in the Rough by Diana Palmer

Diamond In The Rough by Diana Palmer

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun, sweet read by one of my favorite authors. John is probably one of the nicest heroes that Diana Palmer has ever written. Yes he did pretend to be a modest cowboy, but you can't hold that against him, considering his past. From the beginning, he reaches out and helps Sassy with no underlying motives. He sees the good and the beauty in a small-town, simple girl who has sacrificed everything for her sick mother and adopted sister.



Although I love her writing, and don't have any issues with it, some readers find Palmer's stories to be formulaic. If that is the case, they would probably enjoy this story because of its freshness. Also for the fact that John is not like her typical heroes, fighting falling in love with Sassy. He has a moment or two of apprehension as he realizes he is getting in deep, but surrenders fairly quickly to the knowledge that he is in love with Sassy and wants to spend the rest of their life together.



The ending of this book reads like a fairy tale comes true, the downtrodden princess gets her happy ever after with the handsome rich prince, and all ends well. But isn't that why we read romance novels? At any rate, I couldn't help smiling as the last pages of this book went by my eyes.


View all my reviews.

Badlands Heart by Ruth Langan

Badlands Heart by Ruth Langan

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love heroines who are tough and don't adhere to the typical role that women are assigned to. Kitty is such a heroine. She is a mustang catcher and tamer, rough and ready. She was raised with two older brothers and a kindly older man who took in the orphaned children. She saves the hero's life at the beginning of the book, and I knew instantly I'd really like her.



I also really liked the hero, Bo. He's a gentle and kind guy, but he's not a pushover at the same time. He has no problem cooking or cleaning, or fixing the falling apart shack that Kitty and Aaron live in. Yet you don't feel that is not manly or masculine. I thought he was a delightful hero (probably because I have a soft spot for men who cook, do household chores, and can make repairs). Although he comes from money and is very well-educated, he doesn't look down his nose at those who are not educated. And he loves and admires Kitty for the woman that she is.



When there is such a deep, loving connnection between the couple at the beginning I find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop. Thankfully all is well in this book, although there was a suspenseful climax.



I liked that Kitty was a maverick and did her own thing, going so far as to get married in her typical buckskin clothing (not something I would do, but it certainly fit her personality.)



I haven't read as many westerns in a while, but this was a good book to get me back into western-reading mode.


View all my reviews.

To Marry a Sheikh by Day Leclaire

To Marry A Sheikh by Day Leclaire

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a short but emotional read. I liked the infusion of customs from the heritage of the hero, and how initially Zara gives him gifts, and he then turns around and reciprocates. There was a deep bond between them that started when they first met and continued to intensify with each interaction. The relationship between the two was quite intense and passionate for a Harlequin Romance, another thing I liked about the book. Also the subject matter was fairly risque, a cousin gifting another cousin with a woman. I was never 100% sure if he meant for the woman to be a concubine or a dancer or something. It was never explained. But since it brought Zara and Haidar together, I can't complain. Nice quick read.


View all my reviews.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read with a different take on vampires that borrowed from familiar nuances but took things in a different directions. Rose is a likeable protagonist, despite being a touch reckless. But then she's a teen who has a tough road ahead of her. Dimitri is some kind of yummy. A formidable warrior and guardian, he is disciplined, observant, dedicated, and hopeless in love with Rose, although she is forbidden to him. He accepts and understands her as no one does, even Lissa, who has a unique bond with Rose. I do hope that they get together at some point, and I look forward to more interactions between Rose and Dimitri.



I don't feel like I got to know Lissa nearly as well, but I hope that over the course of this series, I will come to know her. I do love that she cares just as much for Rose, and made enormous sacrifices for her, despite the fact that Rose is expected to literally lay down her life for Lissa.



Christian is an intriguing character who has the elements that I really like in a character: misunderstood, enigmatic, a little bit dark and tortured. I definitely want to know more about him.



The infusing of Slavic/Russian culture into this book was a welcome surprise. Fascinated as I am with Russian culture, I enjoyed those elements. It also added to the mysterious and in some ways sinister mood of the story.



Things I didn't care for as much: There is a good bit of the high school pettiness (I hated high school with a fiery, burning passion) in this book: reckless partying, cliques, casual sex (not the main characters), gossiping, etc. I'm not a big fan of all that, but since this is a teen/young adult book, it's expected. Despite that, I think a older person who likes a good vampire story would definitely enjoy this story and find something fresh and interesting in it.


View all my reviews.

Turner's Woman by Jenna Kernan

Turner's Woman by Jenna Kernan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great read. I found Emma to be a wonderful heroine. She saved the hero numerous times, survived harrowing situations, and fought to be strong when she was bred and raised to be weak by a bully of a father. I liked Jake, but this book stands out because of Emma. Jake was a little too preoccupied about being trapped into marriage for my tastes. I was like, "get over it." Otherwise he was a great hero, who knew how to live off the land, and could get himself and Emma out of a tight fix.



I like the way Emma stood toe to toe with him and had just as valid a reason not to want marriage. She kept him guessing and make him have to reevaluate his perceptions about womankind, and didn't demand his love. In fact, he fell in love with her because of the incredible woman she was. I loved how she moved on to find a life for herself and he found his way to her, because he couldn't live without her.



This story is vivid with scenes of surviving the elements as Emma and Jake crossed the frontier. There are moments that make you hold your breath and whether they will persevere in the situations they end up with. It's why I enjoy westerns and frontier reads. Each time I felt more admiration for Emma's strength. If you like romances full of adventure and facing the elements, living in the wild, with character who persevere together and to find a great love in the process, you'll love this book.


View all my reviews.

Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, Jake's parents did everything they could to make him into a serial killer. Thank God he was too strong for that. Jake was an intense guy who had a facade of not caring about anything and being out for himself. But truly that wasn't who he was. He was a dangerous and ruthless man, but he had the capacity for devotion and love. Thankfully he met Emma and she brought that out in him.



This was a really intense book. I truly enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down. I was reading it every chance I could. Like all of the Feehan books I've read, this one packs a wallop. The love scenes were fiery. I was holding my breath out of fear that they would be more than I could handle, but they were not. Some sensitive readers might have a few moments of breath holding, but as a reader who does not like erotica in her romances, I was fine.



Jake and Emma really are a great match. At first glance, it might seem that Emma is too gentle for a hard-edged man like Jake, but she really complements him. And she has inner steel behind the sweet, homemaking facade. Jake is one of my favorite kinds of heroes, ones on the edge that find their salvation in being loved and in loving. He was very dominant but he didn't go over the top with it, like some characters can do. I think it's because despite his dominance and his rough-edges, he knew how to protect and care for those that were in his care and who mattered to him. I loved how he tended to collect stray people who had been hurt and damaged by life. Aww! How could I not love him?



The violence is inherent in this storyline about a man/leopard who was raised by evil, cruel parents, and lives in a world where betrayal is always lurking. But it was tasteful and not over the top. The climax is electrifying and keeps you on the edge of the seat. You feel like you are right there in the midst of the action.



As usual, Feehan introduces you to secondary characters that you want to read more about, such as Drake, Conner, Joshua, Evan, and Susan. I hope that we get to see them find their happy ending.



As a lover of shapeshifter books, I am glad I have another really good one to add to my keeper list. Unusual and intriguing, and thoroughly enjoyable, I found this book irresistible and worth the time and energy I spent reading it.


View all my reviews.

Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan

Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan

My review

rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
These Carpathian books are really addictive. Julian was totally yummy. He was living large and in control. I thought Desari was a great match for him. She was an ancient too, and wasn't about to fall for the 'little girl' stuff. She actually gave him a reality check and he listened and appreciated her. They had a relationship of give and take, supporting each other.



I really loved the musical aspects in this story, how Desari could use her voice as a tool for helping the animals and others, and also to fight the vampires. I liked that each of the characters has a special gift. Syndil's gift was really cool. Feehan really has a great imagination!



At first Desari is a bit reluctant, but feels the pull. How could she resist Julian? This book really turns the page where you can see the progression in Feehan's writing. It's smooth and shows her skill. She uses words to tell a story with the detail of a beautiful painting. There are dark moments and you can feel the menace and smell the evil. There are also moments of cameraderi and affection between Desari and her family and Julian.



This book has two alpha males (well more if you count Barack and Dayan), but there aren't too many. I liked the interactions between Julian and Darius. There was mutual respect and acknowledgement of the power of the other in there interactions. I really liked the side story with Syndil and Barack. I hope that there is a story that gives them a HEA.



This book is really almost a five star. It's so hard for me because I love the Ghostwalkers so much that I can't help but elevate them to the Carpathians so far. But good writing is good writing. Long live the Carpathians!


View all my reviews.

Dark Magic by Christine Feehan

Dark Magic by Christine Feehan

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Imagine waiting long centuries for your mate, on the very edge of madness. That is the fate of Gregori. I really loved his character. I loved that he was an incredible hero but also a destroyer of their enemy, the Carpathians that lose their soul and become evil, soulless killers. Gregori might be too much for some romance fans. He is an intense guy and he is obsessed with Savannah in a way that might be scary in a real live guy. But it worked for this book. If you don't like uber-possessive, aka stalkerific heroes, you won't like Gregori. I do so I was cool with him. The Carpathians live in a different reality where the rules of real life man and women interactions don't apply. You have to leave those expectations at the door when you read this book. Provided you have done that, I think you could handle Gregori.



Again, Feehan's storytelling seduced me. She does tend to use the same phrases a lot. Another Goodreads friend aptly coined them 'Feehanisms.' She is so right. Despite that, I can't get enough of her writing. The Carpathians take the vampire story in a different direction that utterly compelling and unforgettable. I was so glad to read Gregori's story after meeting him in Dark Desire. The good news is I get introduced to even more yummy, intense men in these books.



I liked Savannah. She was independent, intelligent, but also loving. She fought the lifemate bond initially, but then she came to realize that she was just as compelled to love Gregori, and she helped him get over his guilt about 'manipulating their connection' while she was in the womb. I really liked the communication Gregori had with Savannah when he saved her and her mother Raven's life. It made me want to read their book.



Okay I know Gregori is ages older than Savannah, but it really wasn't creepy. It felt right. I am a sucker for the idea of a love that is destined, so it really appealed to me that Gregori had waited so long for Savannah.



Again, the action is fierce and the violence is not shied away from. But if you like a good supernatural adventure book, you will love this book. Also it's paired with a fantastic love story. I'd really like to give this book.


View all my reviews.

Dark Desire by Christine Feehan

Dark Desire by Christine Feehan

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is something about the way that Christine Feehan writes. I think she really pours her heart into her stories. There is so much intensity there. This was a really interesting, enjoyable read. I can't say it's my favorite Feehan because I am so in love with the Ghostwalkers. But I must say that Feehan's take on vampires really captivated me and sucked me in. I find that I am becoming a big fan of vampire romance, and this book probably helped to push me over the edge.



Jacques is one tortured character. Gosh, what he suffered. Shea is probably just slightly less tortured, and she really gives herself and sacrifices herself for Jacques. This book has some dark, violent moments, and you probably shouldn't read this if you are squeamish about violence. But it absolutely fits and is in no way gratuituous. The Carpathians lead very dark hopeless lives until their lifemates come to save them. Definitely a book for the fan of fated to be mated pairs (which I am).



Let me just say that I am hooked on these Carpathian books, even though I can't say this was my favorite book. Again, something about the way Feehan spins a yarn. Do read this book if you like tortured heroes and determined, fiercely intelligent, good-hearted heroines.


View all my reviews.

Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart

Fire And Ice by Anne Stuart

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. I know a huge part of it was the Japanese hero. What can I say? I absoutely adore Asian men, and Reno is such a interesting guy. He's not a nice guy, but boy is he sexy and in the heart he is a decent human being. He is one reluctant to fall in love hero, but deep down I think he fell for Jilly at first sight. He makes her pay for loving her though.



This book is action-packed and you don't get much down time. But it added to the almost Bonnie and Clyde appeal (without the overt criminal elements).



Boy the sex scenes are probably the steamiest I've read in an Anne Stuart. You really get the tension and the fire between Reno and Jilly. Jilly has no ability to resist Reno, and she knows it. Heck, I'm not sure I'd do better resisting him. I'm still trying to figure out Jilly's failed sexual experience. I'm scratching my head over that one.



For some reason I wasn't digging Reno's red hair. That bothered me a lot. I could deal with the tattoos, which has shown how I've changed in the years. But the red hair just didn't sound attractive to me. Probably because I love the glossy black hair of Asian men. Yum!



I have a secret fascination with the Japanese Yakuza, which was delightfully indulged somewhat with this book. I loved the tidbits about Japan that Stuart throws in. Not like a person who researched Japan, but truly loves the city and its inhabitants. This book made me want to jump on a plane and go to the country.



I was a bit worried about Jilly being so young, but it really didn't ruin the book for me. I think the way Stuart dealt with her young age was appropriate. She wasn't always certain and didn't always react the right way to situations, but who does at the age of 20. Reno also shows that he is a twentysomething and somewhat rebellious type, and so his actions were fitting.



I love the Ice series, although they definitely go there for romances. This book is no different. I think this one is my favorite because Reno is not as machine-like and completely apathetic about morality as the other heroes were (Don't get me wrong, I still love Bastian, Peter, Taka, and Killian for all their ruthless killerness). In fact, Reno has to work hard not to feel anything, particularly for Jilly. It's clear early on that Jilly is his Achilles' heel, although he makes her believe he can't stand her. If you're looking for a nice little romance with normal people who always do the right thing, and no body count, don't read this book. If you want an adrenaline ride with two characters who passionately love each other, even though they know it's folly, I think you will love this book. I adore Anne Stuart, so I was along for the ride. I thought the frenetic, intense, crazy adventurous theme of the book juxtaposed with glimpses into Japanese culture were thoroughly enjoyable. The book even ends with a wild climax that makes you wonder what these two will be up to in the future, but you don't doubt for a second that they will stay together because they are soulmates.


View all my reviews.

A Kiss of Ashen Twilight by Rae Lori

A Kiss of Ashen Twilight is a story that effectively combines three genres of paranormal romance: faery, vampire, and shapeshifters, and in a way that kept me as a reader on the edge of my seat. It is also an interracial romance, but in a very creative manner. The hero is a vampire, called a Nightwalker of White Scottish-Gaelic descent, and the heroine is an Black African Aziza fairy. I loved the fact that I didn’t ever quite know what to expect. This is refreshing for an avid reader like myself. Ms. Lori is a writer that doesn’t mind breaking the rules when it comes to expectations in a romantic story, and the results are incredibly satisfactory.

Jace Archane is a vampire who has and continues to take lives when he feeds from a victim. This is a major risk to take for author in crafting the hero of a story. It threw me at first, but I wanted to keep reading to see where the story would take a character who could have come off as being unsympathetic for his actions. Jace is the kind of character that brings to mind the suave, urbane movie vampire, but you care a lot more for him because of his very human heart, his loneliness, and his regrets about his past. I believe the key to caring about him is the fact that Ms. Lori made him very vulnerable in this manner. He’s a bit of a playboy, but does have a sense of loyalty to his uncle and the Ashen Twlight Nightwalker House. He has pretty much given up on love and instead has taken the hedonistic path in life, when Ariya comes into his life.

Ariya is the daughter of the King and Queen of the Aziza fairies, who watch over the hunt in the Dahomey region of Africa. She is regal, brave, intelligent, and kind. Ariya has lead a charmed existence until her family was systematically murdered by a supernatural entity. The only way she can escape their fate is to travel to the mortal realm. She encounters Jace when he saves her from Rens, who are creatures of supernatural origin who do not belong to either the house of Nightwalkers, Lycans, or Shifter Elves, but are seeking a way to seize power away from the three houses. Jace saves her life and the connection between them is evident immediately. Ariya sees the good in Jace, although he seems unable to see it in himself, and this helps him to have peace with himself and want to care about something after many years of merely existing. The fact that although she sees him hunt and kill, it doesn’t turn her off him or make her reject him was refreshing. She understands that it is a part of him, that he is not comfortable with, but must accept if he wants to survive.



A Kiss of Ashen Twilight was a well-written, intricate story. Ms. Lori’s descriptions are vivid and beautiful, evoking images in my mind that were like watching a movie as I read it. The action scenes were breathtaking, and really put me in the moment, causing me to feel that I was right there as I read them. This book had a strong foundation as an urban fantasy tale with excellent world-building, but the romantic development was equally important. The sensuality was tasteful, and extended outside of the love scenes, showing the sexuality in how the Nightwalkers attracted and fed from their victims, but also showing the strong love bond between Jace and Ariya. Fans of television shows and movies like Kindred: The Embrace, and the Blade and Underworld movies should enjoy this story, although it is in no way derivative. I especially appreciated that Ms. Lori did not gloss over the predatorial nature of the vampire in this story, which tends to be diluted in romantic fiction. Intense and lyrical, I enjoyed this story tremendously. A Kiss of Ashen Twilight stands alone very well, although it is part of a trilogy. Ms. Lori definitely makes me want to read more of the enthralling, sophisticated, yet dark world she has created.

Lover Avenged by JR Ward

I don't even know where to begin with this review. Like so many of Ward's other books, this book consumed my thoughts. Even when I wasn't reading it, I was pondering the interactions between the characters, hoping for the best, and dreading the worst that I felt was coming.

I don't know how the WARDen does it, but my love for this series and her writing grows even more all-consuming with each book. I do know that she understands the power of evoking emotions in the reader. I can't read any of her books without getting my emotions involved in the process.

I loved Rhev before I read this book. I love him even more after reading this book. Rhev is a great example of why antiheroes are so compelling to me. He is a mass of contradictions and not predictable in the least. He is so sexy, so powerful, yet so vulnerable at the same time. He's no boy scout, but his does have honor and duty. He sacrificed himself again and again for those that he loved, even allowing some of them to think the worst of him. Inside he bore his loneliness like a burden he felt he deserved. I was glad that he had two families, his mother and sister, and Xhex, Trez, and i.am.

I didn't like the drugs, the violence, and the prostitution, but I could understand why Rhev and Xhex inhabited that dark world. They felt that this was the only place they belonged. Fortunately Rhev also has the tether of his family, although he has to live a lie for many, many years. Xhex doesn't even have that. The sympaths were as fascinating I thought they would be. Even though this book delved into that world, I'd be perfectly happy to read more about them. They manage to exude a menace that jumps off the page as I read about them.

Like most outstanding books, the scenes were vivid like a movie in my mind. I love the realism mixed with magic and the supernatural. I am in awe of the WARDen's imagination. She has taken an hip/upscale/urban motif, mixed with the culture and world of an ancient race, and created several love and relationship stories and put them all together into a delicious confection that is this book. But it's the three-dimensional characters that really seduce me. Even the casual characters manage to grab my notice and my interest.

I am so glad that Rhev found Ehlena. It was great seeing such a tough, isolated guy fall so hard and fast and give his heart away. The interactions between Rhev and Ehlena was sweet and romantic, but erotic at the same time. He really knows how to treat a woman with tenderness, to cherish her as though she is the only woman in the world. At times, I was worried that Ehlena didn't deserve his love and devotion, but she proved true and worthy of it. Ehlena is one tough, steadfast woman. Just what Rhev needs. And Rhev is what she needs as well. My heart can rest in peace that Rhev does have the love and acceptance he always secretly yearned for. I am happy that he has a deep, loving relationship with Bella, and is like a brother to the Brotherhood.

It was also nice to see more of Wrath and Beth interacting. As they were the first couple, some of my memories have faded. So reading about their relationship and how it has remained deep and true was really great. What the WARDen has done with Wrath was so well-executed and felt right although some might feel that it was a dark way to go.

John Matthew is at a really dark point in this book, and I vacillated between despair and rage at what he is doing to himself. But I am so excited to read his book when it comes out. I wish it was coming out sooner. I can't wait to see him come into his own and claim his shellan in Xhex.

Xhex is my girl. I love the woman. She is all over it. I enjoyed getting perspective on her emotions and her thoughts. Her loyalty to Rhev is unquestionable, and I know there is more to learn about that, as well as her past. I felt her sorrow as she tried to push JM away although she clearly loves and is as drawn to him as he is to her. The next book in the series is going to be awesome as we see what transpires with Xhex and JM and follow along from how things ended in this book.

The whole Lash situation promises to grow even more enthralling. At first I dismissed him as an immature bully. But he is proving to be a formidable antagonist. The way things will go down with him is going to be something else. He's evil as all get out, but he's a fascinating character. I think he will definitely prove to be the supervillain in this series. And boy did he go there at the end of this book. Let's just say it's going to be 'on' in the next book.

It was nice seeing the other brothers, but like the greedy BDB fan that I am, I wanted more of them. Short stories about other brothers and their shellans, please??? I miss Marissa and Cormia. Haven't seen much of them lately. More Butch, V, and Jane too. How about Rhage and Mary updates.

Ah, I never get enough of these books... Let this be a warning to you. Do not read these books if you want a life outside of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

This book touched me in profound ways. Twilight was a book that I got deeply involved with. It was not a casual read that was easy to put down and move onto everyday life. It was a book that I carried around with me and tried to read every chance I could.

The characters are moving and intense, their relationships with each other intimate and touching. I felt Edward's anguish that he can't let go of Bella, although he know he endangers her. I walked in Bella's shoes, feeling her fascination and intense love for Edward. Every touch, word, look between them was deep with emotion and that emotion went straight to my heart.

I can honestly say that this is one of the best romances I've ever read. Everything is there that a romance needs. The intensity, the emotion, the joy, the edge of despair of knowing that one is in too deep. And the fulfillment of knowing that your intense love is very much returned. It's what I read romance for. This book is proof that a romance doesn't have to have sex in it to be romantic and intense, or even erotic.

Romance aside, the other elements also make this book involving. I was fascinated with Bella and what made her tick. Her interactions with her parents and her friends. Her outlook on life. Her courage at facing a horrible situation out of love for another person. Even everyday things in her life were interesting to me. I would love to know why she's so clumsy. I identified with her in that sense, because I'm pretty clumsy myself. The Cullens are intriguing and I can't wait to learn more about them. I am also looking forward to learning more about their mortal (or should I say immortal enemies) the werewolves. Jacob was cute and sweet and I'd like to see more of him, although I am definitely on Team Edward.

Like Bella, I fell deeply in love with Edward. He is one of the most magnetic characters ever written, in my humble opinion. I know now that my reading life will consist of Before Edward Cullen and After Edward Cullen. Yes I am a grown woman obsessed with a young adult book, but I like it that way. Those people who despise Twilight because it's a sensation, I challenge you to read the book. If you truly don't like it, then to each their own. But you definitely should give this book a chance. It's worth the time and energy, and the tug on your emotions.

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

This was a delightful book. Heartwarming and hilarious in turns, it kept my interest. I reall enjoy the fact that KMM's heroines tend to be very intelligent and capable. It's nice to see that in romances. I don't see why a heroine can't be smarter than the hero or more accomplished. I'm glad that KMM doesn't adhere to that formula in her novels. Her heroines tend to be on the physically perfect side, but they are so nice, it doesn't annoy me. Drustan was delicious and he was a nice guy too. He was yearning for a woman to love and accept him. Aww! The scene where Gwen says she loves him just melted my heart because it meant so much to Drustan. I love elements of Scotland and the historical aspects. The druid lore is interesting, and the physics aspect, mind-boggling.

This book is steamy and sexy, but the love relationship is always at the forefront. I really loved the tender moments between Drustan and Gwen, and also between his father Silvan and his housekeeper, Nell.

I have never been much of a time travel fan, but I really do like what KMM does with the genre. I like that she has plausible science and mixes the Druid lore with physics and mathematics so that you read this book and can definitely believe that Druid magic is just science in a different framework of understanding.

The part that annoyed me was the priest's mother, Besseta. She was totally clueless about faith and fate. If only she had listened to her son and trusted that God would take care of him. But if she had done that, would Gwen and Drustan ever have met? Too much to ponder.

At any rate, I'm glad I got to read this novel, for the hours of entertainment it gave me. It also gave me some things to think about, such as meddling with fate and how the search for knowledge should never overstep the boundaries of ethics.

Ruthless Billionaire, Inexperienced Mistress by Robyn Donald

I like to wind down from a hard week with a Harlequin Presents. I saw this one lurking beneath the bedside table and thought I'd give it a read. I ended up getting enthralled in this book. Despite the blurb, and despite the seemingly arrogant hero who doesn't have the best opinion of the heroine initially, this book had some layers I wasn't expecting. I don't know why I was so surprised. Donald is a very capable writer who does manage to write books that draw you in pretty much most of the time. She takes the story in ways I didn't expect, particularly with the history of Alli's mother. I was very suprised at why the woman Alli thinks is her mother didn't want to meet Alli at first. I won't give it away because part of the enjoyment was having the truth unwind slowly. Another way that this book pleasantly surprised me is the intense way that the hero Slade falls for Alli. He falls hard and fast, although he is not very good at articulating his feelings. I just love a hero who is stone cold in love with the heroine. A quick read, I did enjoy this book and found myself taken by surprise in a good way beyond what I was expecting reading the blurb. Also if you like vivid descriptions of island paradises, this book is for you.

Why Some Erotic Elements Thrown Into Romance Can Never Be My Cup of Tea

Okay when it boils down to it, it really doesn't matter what I think compared to others likes and dislikes, at least to other people. But sometimes I feel the need to get stuff off my chest. That's why I'm glad I have a blog, which may or may not be read by others. I was reading a review that someone posted by a prominent and very well liked author of (erotic) romance. I found the subject matter in the book rather disgusting and disturbing.

From what I could discern, the plot centers on a man who insists that the woman in love with him accept a menage relationship with him and his brothers. He claims he loves her, but basically forces sex with him and his brothers on her. She is a virgin and goes from being a virgin to being involved sexually with more than one man at a time (oral, anal, you name it). How is that love?

Maybe I am just not open-minded enough, but I do believe in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast of itself, it is not selfish, it's patient, kind, it protects. How is this so-called hero protecting and loving this woman who has given him her heart? I don't think that this book is a romance, and I don't think this should be offered up as a loving relationship. Okay, let me first say I am not trying to judge other people's lifestyles. Do what you want. If you're a consenting adult and you have another consenting adult in this relationship with you, go for. It has nothing to do with me. Additionally, I am not telling anyone what they should read, and if I go to a seller of erotic romance, read this blurb, and buy this book, I deserve what I get. But on a fundamental level, I feel offense that this is included with books that are about romantic, loving relationships between a man and a woman. This man sounds like a selfish jerk who found a young, accepting heroine who loved him enough to put up with this treatment. He didn't find a mature, sexually-experienced and explorative woman to get involved in this relationship with. So going in, I think that this couple is unequally yoked.

It's funny. Some readers won't read books that have a hero who is a so-called rapist. To each their own. That line is very thin at times. I would never condone rape, but I have read book where the hero has 'raped' the heroine. It's no right, but it's there. Maybe I sound judgemental to make a distinction here. Maybe it's the anal and the more than one guy thing that makes this too hard to swallow. I can only take so much in a so-called romance novel before I have to redesignate this is fiction and not romance. Again, I haven't read this book, but from the description in a person's very enlightening review, I would classify this hero as a rapist. He has taken this woman's choice away with emotional blackmail. And because she has orgasms during these sex acts, I surmise we're supposed to be okay with this. My question is how does she feel in the aftermath? What is the emotional state of this young woman after years of this? Will she convince herself she enjoys this lifestyle to have a man she loves deeply but clearly doesn't love her the way she deserves to be loved. (Again, my definition of love is affecting how I see this scenario). I don't even know if the author goes into this. I made a choice not to read this author a while ago, and this review really fortified me in this choice. She is clearly working out some issues that she has or maybe she just wants to push the envelope. Either way, not my cup of tea. I am glad that those who like to explore boundaries can read this type of material, but all I feel is disgusted and yucked out. I feel very sorry for this heroine, and I can't say I would go away from reading this book with the positive, almost euphoric feeling that a good romance novel gives me.

I realize that some romance readers want reality, and I mean stone-cold reality. To each their own. I like to see angst and conflict in romances, but some conflict is a bit much for a romance novel. When I read a romance novel, I want to know I'm reading a romance novel, not a fiction book that happens to have romance in it. Not erotica with a monogamous happy romantic ending. I don't want to read about adultery, children dying, menage, anal sex or any sex act involving that area, or other activites having anything that has to do with bodily functions no associated with the sex organs in a romance novel. I can't handle much bondage or any of that either, and call me a prude, but keep the sex toys to a minimum. It's just yuck to me. Again, to each their own.

The great thing is that some of these types of books are kept safe far away from mainstream romance. However they can bleed over into the mainstream. This same author that I won't name can be bought at Walmart, on the shelves next to authors that write very tame romances that the most prudish family member of your choice can read. There is no warning on the cover that says, this book has anal sex in it. Nope, the poor reader buys this book because it has a hot Navy SEAL hero, and next thing they know, they are reading about backdoor sex. Sorry, but to me that's wrong. It's like buying a movie, thinking it's a fairly tame action movie, and seeing people's heads explode and having their guts ripped out. Except movies come with a content warning.

If you are reading this blog and are thinking I need to open my mind, I can't change your opinion. I like to read romance that can be anywhere from no sex to strongly sexual but vanilla sex. Two people relationships. I will even occasionally read m/m romance stories (if the anal stuff is not a heavy part of it). But I don't read romance to explore my sexual boundaries.There is an open mind, and there is self-abuse. Reading something that involves subject matter that is offensive to me is self-abuse in my opinion. Going back to why I read romance, escapism and enjoyment, this violates my first commandment of escapist pleasure reading. I am not enjoying the experience if I read something along those lines. Anyway, I feel a little better but at the same time pretty icked out right now. But, oh well.

The Desert Bride of Al Zayed by Tessa Radley

I quite enjoyed this novel about a couple who were pulled apart by the lies of someone who was thought to be beyond reproach. I loved the descriptions of Zayed and the desert. I felt as though I was in this beautiful, exotic place, feeling the hot desert wind blowing on my face, seeing Tariq's majestic falcon on the hunt, feeling the deluge of a sudden, violent rainstorm, the smells of spices, and experiencing the customs so different from my own but much appreciated by me all the same. This book evokes most of those feelings that make sheikh romances so enjoyable for me. I feel that the author did try to do research and not just stereotype the Arab and Bedouin peoples, which is very important to me. And better yet, I liked both the heroine and the hero. They were both good people, although they had allowed the lies of the Emir to tear them apart. Finally a hero who remains faithful although he is separated from his wife. Tariq really was a good man. He was proud, but not so proud he was obnoxious. He really cared about doing the right thing, which made it so sad that he believed his father would never lie about something like telling him his wife Jayne had cheated on him. Jayne was also a good person, although she did something that I struggle with. I believe she did it because she felt it was the right thing to do, but my heart aches at the choice she made, which will affect Tariq and her lives for always. Sadly this couple will count the cost of the Emir's lies for the rest of their life, but for Jayne's sister, it was a wonderful blessing at the same time. This is my second read by Tessa Radley, and I must say she is a really good writer who knows how to involve a reader in the romance tale she weaves so skillfuly with words. I hope to read about Tariq's Greek cousins soon.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

It seems silly to say that a book can affect you on a profound level. Well I definitely believe in this power that a good book has. Jane Eyre is one of them. I cannot say that this was an easy book to read. But it was a book that I was very enriched by reading. Romance is a genre that is looked down on by many "sophisticated readers." Perhaps they would look down on Jane Eyre, but would probably get some eyebrows raised at them. Well Jane Eyre is the archetype for the romance novel. After having read thousands of them, I know a romance novel when I see it, and Jane Eyre does qualify. But it is much more than this. It's a story for the person who wonders why the keep trying to do the right thing, and persevering in life, instead of just taking what they want when they want it. If Jane Eyre had been that sort of person, she would not have gotten her happy ending. Instead, Jane walked away from the thing she wanted most in the world. She almost died doing what she felt in her heart was right. Had the story ended there, I probably would have detested this book. But it doesn't. We see Jane continue to grow and act as the phenomenal person that she was. Although often downtrodden, she is no meek mouse. She has a fighting spirit that keeps her going when others would have laid down and died. But despite being a fighter, she is not a user and abuser. It's hard at times for the difference to be clearly delineated. Well there is no question about Jane's level of strength and intregrity. Although it is made clear several times in this novel, that Jane is no beauty, her soul makes her a beautiful character. Beautiful in a more profound way.
There are moments when you feel, how can one person suffer so? But taking the journey, you realize that all Jane's suffering had a purpose. It refined her into a woman who could look beneath and love what others could never love or understand. It made her the woman who could love and heal Rochester.
At the same time, Rochester was made for Jane Eyre. He had searched his life for a woman like her, and made quite a few mistakes along the way. And out of love, he was able to let her go when he wanted to keep her. But she came back to him, when he needed her most.
Rochester is the hero that formed the archetype for many of my favorites: tortured, scarred, dark, enigmatic, all of those things. Best of all, loving little, plain, ordinary Jane with a fundamental intensity that pours out of the pages of this book into my heart as a reader. Despite his lack of perfection, I could not love him more.
Ah, how maudlin I sound. I can't help it. This book moved me to tears. Yet I smiled at the same time. I enjoyed the conversations between Rochester and Jane. There was a heat there, a passion. Yet this book is clean enough to read in Sunday school. That is grand romance. The journey so well expressed, that no sex scenes are needed. It's all there.
This novel is also inspirational. Not preachy, in my opinion, but for a believer, one can definitely find spiritual messages in this book. About perseverance, about not wearying about doing good. About the profoundness of God's love. It's all there, but in a narrative that expertly showcases it, not preaching it.
I feel I am failing to write the review I want to write for this book. The words do fail me. All I can say is that this book will always be a favorite of mine because of the way it touched my heart and challenged me.

Before Dawn Breaks by Rae Lori

This is an action-packed tale with enough twists to keep your interest. Alex/Camilla is a formidable heroine who also has a gentle side to her. The question is, which one is real? That is what Alex has to find out on this journey. Josh is such a sweet guy, but he's also more than capable of handling the danger that stalks them both. I liked the premise of this book, reminding me of the television shows Alias and La Femme Nikita. It's cool to see an African American heroine in this case. Like Sydney and Nikita, Alex is a heroine you care about but is more than able of taking care of herself and anyone who happens to be her enemy. The love story was sweet and involving. You do want things to work out between Alex and Josh, hoping that they will find each other amongst the chaos of Alex trying to find out who she is and trying to stay alive as her enemies strive to do her in. And Josh is personally involved himself, as his ex-wife is one of the people gunning for Alex. If readers are looking for an action-filled romance that has a sweet love story at heart, they will love this book. I hope to read more from Ms. Lori.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn

This was an interesting read that takes a different path for the urban fantasy heroine. Kitty is not the usual kickbutt heroine who can handle whatever life throws at her. She's a regular girl, who happens to be a werewolf. I found that intensely refreshing. Kitty is the wolf of lowest status in her pack and complete submissive when the story starts. She has to come into her own and into the realization that she can make it on her own, and that she doesn't need the pack so much that she can deny her sense of self. The description of werewolf pack dynamics kept my attention. I didn't care much for the way the pack controlled Kitty's life. I tend to be a loner because I don't like doing things because they are expected of me by others, and not because I want to. That's why I could really identify with Kitty's situation. Kitty is still trying to deal with her dual selves, as a werewolf, and as a human. She became a werewolf under some pretty awful circumstances, and has lingering trauma over that. When the book starts, her parents don't even know she's a werewolf. She avoids going to family get-togethers because of fear that the wolf would emerge. The one thing is hers and makes sense is her radio dj gig that becomes a show about preternatural creatures, and as it grows, helps Kitty to find her sense of self and meaning in life. This story has plenty of action, but it is also a story about a woman coming into herself and dealing with her identity. That is one of the reasons I really like this story, because of the introspective aspects teamed with a good, action-oriented urban fantasy tale. Cormac is a hunter of vamps and weres who his hired to kill Kitty, but is convinced to call off the contract at the last minute by Kitty herself. Cormac certainly caught my interest, and I'd like to see more of him. When this story ends, very few of the external conflicts are wrapped up. You know that Kitty has troubles ahead to face. But you know that she can handle it, because she is a wolf in control of her own destiny.

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

I'd really rather give this one 4.5 stars, because it was an excellent book. Although a young adult book, it is definitely sophisticated enough for an adult to enjoy it (I don't consider myself sophisticated, but I still think a person who is would like it). I liked that the suspense builds. There are no cheap thrills or shock value scares. Instead, the author takes his time and builds up the menace so that you spend your time trying to prepare yourself for the scare. Even still, you won't hear someone yelling 'boo.' Instead the moment of dread will come and you will think, whoa, "I'm glad I'm not in Tom's shoes right now." I do love stories where a character comes into their destiny, and this is one of them. Tom wasn't really sure that he wanted to be a spook after all. But he didn't have any other trade in mind, and he definitely didn't like farming. But it turned out his destiny was waiting for him as the seventh son of the seventh son. He was apprenticed to train as the next Spook, which is a person who rids the towns of evil, supernatural creatures. It is a job that is looked down on by others, and promises to bring the bearer a lonely life. But at the time, Tom figures it's better than farming, and his mother doesn't really give him much of a choice. Let's just say she had his destiny determined long before he was born. You get to see Tom struggle with his role as the Spook's Apprentice, several times, deciding to quit but having his mind changed in various ways. He makes some mistakes along the way, but learns from them, so there is also a good coming of age story in this book.

I like that there is definitely good and evil in this book. But there are also humans who could go either way. Yes there are bad witches, but there are some that are benign. There is one character that is likely to be in-between, and she has a very pivotal role. I believe that she will have a very important place in Tom's life as he matures. Perhaps there will be a romantic future for Tom and Alice when they get older.

The parts with the witches really did unnerve me. They are horrible creatures who kill and eat people and use their bones for dark magic. It was refreshing to read a book that actually had bad witches for once. I was very proud of young Tom for facing off on not one, but two witches that were out for his blood and his bones, and saving a young child that was likely to be one of their victims.

The author really did a great job of setting a sinister tone. It wasn't over the top, but very subtle and building. His use of words drew a very vivid image, where I felt as though I was standing there and the witch was crawling out of the grave to get me.

Another thing I liked was that this story was not predictable. You don't know how it's going to end. You don't know the way in which the witch will manifest herself. She could have possessed any one of the people in the house during the climax moments of this story.

Tom was a sympathetic, likable narrator. He was realistic for his age, but I truly did admire his bravery although he was scared when a rational person would have been scared. He was often left to deal with situations that would have been challenging for a grown-up, much less a boy of twelve. He risked his life to do the right thing, and that was very admirable to me.

There are questions that I would still like answers to, but reading the next books in the series, will definitely give insight into the enigmatic Spook, and Tom's mother, who has gifts that are still somewhat mysterious at this point.

If you want to read a young adult book that has the appeal of giving a good, sustained scare instead of a series of shock value, short-lived scares, I think you would enjoy this one. A cool bonus with this book is pages of Tom's journal, a map of the areas in the book, and the key to the codes used by a Spook in his trade....

Urban Shaman by CE Murphy

Ms. Murphy managed to do something I didn't think could be accomplished. She wrote this incredible story that seamlessly intertwines Celtic and Native American folklore and mythology. Let me tell you this is a book you don't want to put down. It is so vivid it's like a movie, but I haven't seen a movie this cool. Hollywood doesn't like to take chances on women in high prolife action roles. And this is definitely a woman's story. Joanne Walker is running away from her dual heritage as a Cherokee Native American and a woman of Irish descent. She just wants to be one of the guys and work on cars in the police unit, although she is a cop. But our destiny calls us, and we cannot run away from it. It only runs right into us. She has to face her identity when the shamanic heritage that she inherited from her dad awakens within her. It happens at a good time, because she's having to deal with Celtic deities wreaking havoc in her city. I really enjoyed the folklore elements. It was so cool to see Joanne taking on Cerunnos, the Horned God of Celtic myths, and also Hearne the Hunter. She has to stop the Wild Hunt from occurring and taking human souls. This is a book that you might want to read along with a mythology encyclopedia, or at least zip over to Wikipedia, because you will find yourself reading about people and things that might not ring a bell, but they are definitely part of folklore. Or if you are inclined towards the myths, you will think it's pretty cool. Don't let me forget to tell you that her spirit guide is a Coyote Trickster, a nod toward the Native American folkore. He talks in her dreams. Pretty surreal.

Another thing I liked was there was no sex. Okay now I'm going to get laughed at. But it is refreshing to read a woman's book where the heroine isn't fixated on her sex-life or lack therof, or is in a relationship or between relationships. Woman are complex creatures and it seems as though in fiction and the media, we are defined too often by our sexuality. Joanne is not a sexless being, don't get me wrong. There is tension with Cerunnos, who is clearly digging on her, and there is an attraction between Joanne and her boss Captain Morrison, who sounds really hot to me. I pictured Hugo Weaving as Cerunnos, complete with horns around the sides of his head that resemble a crown, and Angus MacFadyen as Morrison. I really did like the fact that Joanne was comfortable in a man's world and got along really well with the men she knew, and how much they respected her abilties.

If you enjoy great urban fantasy and like to read about women saving the day and coming into their own, you would really like this book.

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell

I must admit I am not a fan of the courtesan/prostitute heroine because I dislike the idea of a woman having to sell her body for survival. For that reason, I did not read this book right away, although I was very intrigued by the storyline of a hero who would do just about anything to keep his heroine. I read some scenes from it at the bookstore, trying to decide if I was "ready" to read it, and I couldn't stop thinking about story and how good the writing was. Finally, I decided I had to read it and I read it within a few days of buying it.

This book is one of the best historicals I have ever read. It was intense, it was well-written, it had believable characters who made real choices, good or bad. And at the heart I think it did have a really good love story. Not the sweet and light kind, but a love story all the same. I have championed this book and I have tried to explain why Kylemore isn't a bad man. He's not an emotionally healthy man. And he does some things that are not right, namely forcing Soraya to have sex with him after he kidnaps her, not to mention kidnapping her in the first place. I would never defend or excuse that behavior. But reading the book, you can understand what his motivations are. He is completely desperate at the thought of losing her. Yes, he's like a child who has a toy taken away from him, on one level. But I believe that he is motivated by a deep, obsessive love for her. I find myself very intrigued by obsessive heroes. I don't know why because that would be really scary in real life, but I do like it in romance novels. I love when the hero truly cannot exist without the heroine.

Kylemore somehow found his way into my heart. I did find him to be a sympathetic, albeit flawed hero. There were aspects about him that I did like, such as his devotion in his own way to Soraya. He waited for Soraya for years when she was with another protector. As far I as I recall, he didn't even take another lover in that time. When he had her as his mistress, he compartmentalized their time together, making it seem that it was not as important as it was. But deep down, I believe being with her was the highlight of his existence. Also, he was going to ask Soraya to marry him. Dukes did not marry their mistresses. It just wasn't done. They had their mistresses but married virgins or respectble widows, and the two aspects of their existences didn't meet. Yes he told himself it was to anger his mother, but I believe it was because he genuinely loved Soraya and wanted to make a life with her.

So, viewing his actions in light of the facts given, I do believe that his behavior was not completely rational. His kidnapping and captivity of her was done from a knee-jerk, emotional level that wasn't ruled by logic and negated right and wrong. Not excusable, but definitely actions I could understand in light of what motivated Kylemore. There was also an aspect of knowing that as a powerful duke, he shouldn't have to be told no or be denied anything he wanted. That is the part I didn't like.

The scenes where they struggle against each other physically, mentally, and emotionally were riveting, and I didn't even want to put the book down for a minute. I was drawn in and I knew I had rarely if ever read a romance novel with this degree of complexity of relationships. In some ways it was hard to watch how Kylemore scared Verity and wore her down. At some points I wondered if he would drive her to insanity. That was painful to read. She deserved better. I wanted to tell him, "If you're trying to get this woman to stay with you and love you, you're going about it the wrong way." But Kylemore was raised by a very evil woman, his mother. How would a man raised in that environment know how to give or receive love? You could not expect that of him, considering his background.

Truly Verity was the more emotionally stable and well-adjusted of this pair. I really liked how Ms. Campbell really plays with society's concepts of morality in both this book and in Tempt the Devil, having the courtesan be the more virtous and more respectable and laudable of the pair. And truly in my mind they are (in most cases).

Back in this time period, there was no such thing as equality between the sexes. Women were property and chattel. Women's choices were extremely limited. Men had the power and they had the choice to have sex with women according to their wishes and wants. Women had to submit in various ways, either as wife or mistress. I can see that this dynamic is played out in this novel. Verity had to become a courtesan out of survival, and she did it until she was financially secure. I found it repugnant that her first protector was an older man who made her an offer to become his mistress at the young age of fifteen, and he felt that that was the right way to save her from a harrowing situation. If he really wanted to help her, he could have placed her in a safe situation and helped her to get a living that wasn't prostitution, or at least waited until she was older. But he saw how incredibly beautiful she was and wanted her. Thus his motives were selfish and although Verity now had some protection, he sent her into the life of a demimondaine.

Verity/Soraya accepted her position as a courtesan and made the best of it, but it wasn't the life she wanted. When Kylemore made her an offer, it was business, pure and simple. She could not make the mistake of getting her heart involved. She didn't expect Kylemore to be emotionally involved either. When their two year contract was up, she had achieved the means for financial security. There was no reason to continue in that life. By leaving Kylemore, she could close her life on one chapter and start another. I want to reread this book to study again how the wall broke down and Verity was able to love Kylemore. I think that this part is probably one of the most important elements, because knowing that she accepts and loves him doesn't make what he did okay, but at least you can hope that they will have a hopeful future together and that there can be some emotional healing for both of them.

Words fail me to express why I loved this book so much.I just did. It's not for the faint of heart reader who wants a happy-go-lucky rakish hero who wouldn't ever consider harming a woman or doing anything she didn't consent to. But for a reader who is willing to put aside their list of what a hero does and doesn't do and read this book and evaluate Kylemore as an individual, I believe that this reader may find that there are untapped depths to this book that make it a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Jewel of Atlantis by Gena Showalter

I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could. Although it took me a while to finish this book because of outside factors, I thought it was pretty awesome. My one complaint is I think the ending was a bit rushed. This might be the hottest book that I have read by GS so far. The love scenes were pretty steamy. One thing I liked is that Gray has a very large POV in this story. It's really cool to see a romance from the guy's perspective. And I feel that his viewpoint read pretty authentic for a guy. He did and said, and thought exactly the way I would imagine a man would think. Now I have never walked in a man's shoes, so I might be disputed on this. Nevetheless it felt real to me.

As typical for GS, there was an aura of sweetness and good-naturedness to this story. It is difficult to describe, but in the books I've read by Ms. Showalter with the exception of Awaken Me Darkly there seems to be this upbeat tone. Now that doesn't mean that bad things don't happen and people don't die in this book or her others. But you get the impression that in the end, everything will work out and good will prevail. I must say I like that about her books. Life can seem pretty dark and hopeless. It's nice to read a book with an overall tone of optimism. I love my angsty, dark romances, but it's also nice to read some that are on the upbeat side as well.

The mythology in this story is pretty interesting. It borrows from Greek myths, but there are some extra things added. I have never thought of vampires as being a large aspect of the Greek mythology, and I believe the Formorians are from ancient Celtic mythology. Thus I feel that there is a potpourri of folklore used to develop Showalter's Atlantis universe. As always, I am a folklore/mythology geek, so I enjoyed seeing the mythological creatures that populated this story.

It was also nice to revisit Darius and his bride Grace, and see the intriguing Layel (can't wait to read his story). Those demons are just gross and don't sound the least bit attractive to me.

I really did like Jewel. She was a sweet person but also formidable in her own way. She had been in love with Gray from afar for many years, seeing him in visions in her mind. I thought it was sad that she had seen the profusion of women he'd been with in her mind in excruciating detail, but she didn't let that bother her, but took her opportunity to be with him the capacity available to her. I appreciated her love for others, and how she often tried to sacrifice her well-being to help others. She had a rough existence, but in a way that is rather different from other romance heroines.

I must say that this is a great book to read if you are a fan of the paranormal genre. It's not dark and intense in the way that a lot of the popular series right now are. But it's very good and fun, but has depth that will fill your hours until the last word has been read.

The Italian's Ruthless Marriage Bargain by Kim Lawrence

Man the blurb is a bit misleading. They make Jude seem like a wallflower. She really isn't. She's got a PhD (ladies who are looking for HP heroines with a higher education and a good career read this one), she's got a nice place to live, and I would consider her successful. She sounds pretty attractive to me. Not drop dead gorgeous, but an attractive woman. She just feels like she's not attractive at times because of her mother's overbearing ways. So Ivwouldn't exactly call her a Plain Jane although I would add this under that theme in my bookshelf because thats how Jude sees herself. It was a good book, a quick read. I've read better by Lawrence, but it was enjoyable. It had some angst, but not too much. One thing I didn't like was you really didn't get to know Luca's daughter Valentina that well. You got more glimpses of Jude's nieces and nephews than you get of Valentina. I think if you're going to plot a book around a child, they should make more than a token appearance. Otherwise, they are merely a plot point.

Luca started off being a bossy alpha who was on the judgemental side. But he he didn't stay that way long enough to be annoying as does happen frequently in the world of Harlequin Presents. Another staple of the HP land is the enormously tall, so hot he can melt off your panties Italian hero. This book is no difference. Jude can't seem to keep her hands off his body and blurting out things about how gorgeous he is. She even propositions him. Of course, he accepts, but his plan is marriage all along (that's refreshing, isn't it?) She just wants an affair. The reasons weren't clear except I think she felt he couldn't possibly want a girl like her. Yes, I think that's what it was (I was really tired when I was trying to finish this book, so forgive me). Anyway, I personally would be rather embarrassed to proposition my neighbor like that. But heroines can get away with things that us real life girls don't dream of doing.

There was some good steam and I wanted Jude and Luca to be together. The ending was nice, but nothing to write home about. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I wasn't half-dead from exhaustion from working a six day week last week, and twelve hour days and getting up at 4 am every stinking morning six days in a row with one day off. If you like Kim Lawrence, read it. If you want a couple hours of light entertainment, I think you'd also enjoy it. If you are a fan of HP books, it would be a worthwhile read. But I don't think it would knock your socks off. If I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars instead of 3 stars.

Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian

Very good book. I am liking this series more and more. The thing that I like most about this series is the interesting mythology and world-building behind the vampires. It's very dark and gritty, and the violence is in your face when it comes to humans being harmed and murdered. I think that part is almost too much for me. I love a book with intense action and a dark edge, but I do hate to see innocent people dying, and this series has a lot of that.

I didn't really find Dante or Tess very tragic, although they had issues there were dealing with. I guess not all the characters can be tortured although I certainly wouldn't mind. Dante was a character that I enjoyed reading about, but I can't say I ever fell in love with him. I do feel like Dante and Tess were meant to be together.

I liked that Tess was a veterinarian, but I think some aspects of her trade were almost simplified. The truth of the matter is that a veterinarian needs lots of help to run her practice. I was wondering how she was accomplishing all the treatment of animals and the money part with just one part-time employee. I'd like to see her give a pet intravenous medications or fluids by herself. Not an easy thing to accomplish. I was glad she didn't romanticize the economic aspects of veterinary medicine. You cannot afford to treat and save every animal and get all the bills paid. It breaks my heart, but I know that this is real life. Tess made choices to price things where she could help the most clients and their pets, but she couldn't make ends meet when it came down to it. This is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the profession. All and all, it was nice to see a veterinarian doing her thing in these books.

I really liked Chase's character although I did not like Elise. She was a bit too whiny-mopey for me. I hope that he moves on from her and finds a real woman who's not so much of a whiny baby. Normally I don't mind a vulnerable heroine, but she bugged me. Probably because she didn't show Chase very much respect as the brother of her dead mate or see him as a flesh and blood man of meritand realize all the sacrifices he had made for her.

The part with Rio choked me up. Poor baby. Really looking forward to reading his book. I enjoyed reading scenes with the likable Gideon and his mate Savannah. Nice to see some ethnic diversity in the paranormal romance genre.

So all in all, I liked this one more than the first book, and I suspect I will like the books increasingly as the series continues. By the way, just loved little doggie, Harvard. I was so glad he was doing alright. That part nearly made me cry (with some of the stuff going on in my personal life.)

Nightlife by Rob Thurman

I loved this book. It was very different and kept my interest in a way that a great urban fantasy should. I really fell in love with Cal and his brother Niko. I love books that show a positive view of siblings since I love my sister and get along so well with her. If you enjoy the relationship between Sam and Dean on Supernatural, you'd probably like this book for that reason. Some of the elements of their relationship bring to mind the Winchester brothers. Niko is a man that I could marry. His love for his brother was so intense and so all-consuming the way a sibling should love. I love his dedication to being the best warrior that he can so that he can protect Cal when his "other relatives" try to take him back. When he cut his hair off in grief, I just about lost it. I enjoyed the new twist on elves, and I found the action sequences so vivid they jumped off the page at me. There were some genuinely scary moments that sent a chill down my spine (I love a good scare). I liked the noir-esque narrative, peppered with wry humor and in a voice that really sounded like a young man (I was surprised the author is a woman) who has seen more bad than good in the world. In fact, I think Cal is a great character and a real trooper considering what he has gone through and the heritage he has to face. I love that Cal's sweet on a young woman who is biracial and can see the future (you know me and my love for interracial romance). Fans of shows like Buffy and Angel would like this book because it has the feel of these shows, but delves deeper than an hour long show can. I liked the very interesting secondary cast of characters and beasties (as a lifelong fan of folklore, I am always happy to see some of the beasties in fiction books). I loved that I actually had to look up a few like the boggle who lived in the pond in Central Park. Fans of Harry Dresden from the Jim Butcher novels and John Taylor from Simon R. Green's Nightside novels will probably like this book and consider it a book that might show what Harry and John might have been like as a young man. In the end, I just can't say enough good things about this book. I will buy every book Rob Thurman writes and particularly the Cal Leandros series. If you are an old fan of urban fantasy, a new fan, or wanting to branch out to this wonderful genre, please read this book.

The Defiant One by Danelle Harmon

I quite enjoyed this book. Andrew is the type of hero I wish I saw more in romances. He's a complete nerd and a bit of a mad-scientist inventor thrown in. He's a hot nerd, though, with a very sexy body and beautiful reddish hair. He sounded very very yummy to me, anyway. I loved the fiery chemistry between Andrew and Celsie. At first they thought it was mutual dislike but it turned out to be the beginning of a deep love. Although superficially they are different, there was a meeting of the minds, and a mutual respect that I believe a couple should have. I like that they were both misfits and felt like they would never be understood of accepted by society, although for different reasons. Celsie is a tall, slender woman who feels like she's not very attractive, but Andrew definitely found her attractive from the beginning. Celsie supported Andrew's desire to invent, and Andrew supported Celsie's crusade to protect animals that few care about, such as cart horses, and dogs used to turn the spits that meat is roasted on. I could see some of myself in both of them. I am a bleeding heart and I love animals, and hate their unnecessary suffering. I am also a bit of a nerd who can get lost in the things running around my brain, like Andrew. Andrew's deep dark secret was a bit odd. I felt like more time could have been spent on wrapping that up. I don't want to spoil anyone so I won't go into detail about that.
Loved the aphrodesiac storyline. Imagine jumping someone's bones like Celsie did Andrew. That was funny and steamy. I loved glimpses of Lucian, the Duke of Blackheath, who schemes and connives to get his younger siblings married and settled. He's a great character, and I fell in love with him when I read The Wicked One, which is his book and the last in the series. It's interesting to see how things work out in this to start his relationship with Eva. They are definitely a match made in Heaven, or perhaps a place south of there. I loved the Georgian setting, which is like Regency but a lot more wild and free-wheeling. Part of me wishes this book was about fifty pages longer so we could delve deeper into Andrew's abilities/curse, whatever you want to call it, and have a more leisurely climax. But overall, I am very happy with book and enjoyed it because it reminds me of the great historical romances I used to devour several years ago, and seem less in the offering recently.

My February Reading

1. Hired: The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress. Lucy Monroe. A-. (Harlequin Presents, Unrequited, Sheikh, Playboy, Office Romance, Pygmalion). 2/1/09.
2. Hot Desert Nights. Lucy Monroe "Mistress to a Sheikh" (Khalil/Jade)/Louise Allen "Desert Rake" (Caroline/Drew)/Kim Lawrence "Blackmailed by a Sheikh" (Karim/Prudence). A (Sheikh, Exotic, Short Stories, Harlequin). Favorite was Kim Lawrence story: Blackmailed by a Sheikh.
3. Marrying Marcus. Laurey Bright. A+. (Silhouette Romance, Unrequited, Friends to Lovers, Marriage). Marcus, Jenna. 2/1/09.
4. A Seduction Revenge. Kim Lawrence. A. (Harlequin Presents, Revenge, Artist, Lawyer, Deception, Traumatized.) Flora, Josh. 2/1/09.
5. The Bride and the Beast. Sue-Ellen Welfonder. A. (Scarred Hero, Tormented heroine, Manaconda, Arranged Marriage, Rape (In past), Medieval, Scotland, New Author). Caterine, Marmaduke. 2/6/09.
Taken by Storm. Marie Rochelle. A+. (Emotional read, interracial, e-book, unrequited, lovewary, dark secret). Syleena, Storm. 2/4/09.
6. Second Sight. Amanda Quick. A-. (Victorian, Mystery, Psychic abilities. Fake Widow, Career Woman/Artist, Book 1 of the Arcane Society.) Venetia, Gabriel. 2/6/09.
7. The Perfect Waltz. Anne Gracie. A+. (Tortured hero, Rags to Riches, Abused, Opposites Attract, Regency, Merridew Family Series, Family). Sebastian, Hope. 2/8/09.
8. Mind Game. Christine Feehan. A+ (Paranormal Romance, Ghostwalkers, Assassin, Sniper, Psychic, Fated-to-Be-Mated, Asian Heroine/Asian/Native American Hero). Nicolas, Dahlia. 2/14/09.
9. Tempt the Devil. Anna Campbell. A+. (Courtesan, Rake, Tormented Heroine. Regency.) Julian, Lord Erith, Olivia. 2/14/09.
10. Summer of the Raven. Sara Craven. A. (Harlequin Presents (Vintage), Deception). Carne, Rowan. 2/14/09.
11. Infatuation. Charlotte Lamb. A. (Harlequin Presents, Unrequited, Plain Jane, Office Romance, Forbidden). Luke, Judith. 2/15/09.
12. The Ruthless Magnate's Virgin Mistress. Lynne Graham. A. (Harlequin Presents, Russian Hero, Mistress, Virgin Widow). Nikolai, Abbey. 2/15/09.
13. The Desert Lord's Baby. Olivia Gates. A+. (Silhouette Desire, Secret Baby, Lovers Reunited, Secret Baby, Infertility, Sheikh, Heir to the Throne). Farooq, Carmen. 2/15/09.
14. The Desert King. Olivia Gates. A++. (Silhouette Desire, Lovers Reunited, Marriage of Convenience, Misunderstanding, Bad Reputation, Sheikh, King, Less than Perfect Heroine.) Aliyah, Kamal. 2/15/09.
15. Night Game. Christine Feehan. A++. (Paranormal Romance , Ghostwalkers, Assassin, Military, Cajun Hero, Kickbutt heroine, Covert Agency, Cancer/Sick.) Gator, Flame. 2/16/09.
16. Conspiracy Game. Christine Feehan. A++. (Paranormal Romance, Navy SEAL, Pregnant, Ghostwalkers, Gamma hero, Military, Fated-To-Be-Mated). Jack, Briony. 2/17/09.
17. Deadly Game. Christine Feehan. A++. (Paranormal Romance, Navy SEAL, Fated-to-be-Mated, Sniper, Scarred hero, Captive/Kidnapped, Gamma hero). Ken, Mari. 2/18/09.
18. Predatory Game. Christine Feehan. (Paranormal Romance, Navy SEAL, Less than Perfect, Fugitive, Friends to Lovers, Fated-to-be-Mated, Assassin, Ghostwalkers). Jesses, Saber. 2/19/09.
19. The Empath. Bonnie Vanak. A-. (Paranormal Romance, Silhouette Nocturne, Werewolf, Draicon Series, Fated-to-be-mated, Animal, Vet, Outsider). Nicolas, Maggie. 2/21/09.
20. Enemy Lover. Bonnie Vanak. A+ (Paranormal Romance, Silhouette Nocturne, Werewolf, Draicon Series, Fated-to-be-Mated, Stalkerific Hero, Enemies to Lovers). Damian, Jamie. 2/22/09.
21. The Earl's Dilemma. Emily May. A. (Harlequin Historicals, Regency, Plain Jane, Bride Hunting, Regency, Tortured hero). James, Kate. 2/21/09.
22. Veiled Truth. Vivi Anna. A. (Silhouette Nocturne, Witch, Dhampir, Demon, Valorian Chronicles, Criminal Investigator). Lyra, Theron. 2/22/09.
23. Turbulent Sea. Christine Feehan. A. (Paranormal Romance, Fated-to-be-Mated, Stalkerific Hero, Antihero, Assasssin, Celebrity, Witch, Drake Sisters, Russian Hero.) Ilya, Jolie. 2/24/09.
24. Pleasure Unbound. Larissa Ione. A. (Paranormal Romance, Demon, Demonica Series Book 1, Antihero, Medical Professional, Covert Agency, Destiny).. Tayla, Eidolon. 2/28/09.