Musing Mondays (3)

Musing Mondays have changed from Just One More Page to MizB on Should Be Reading and so for this week here is the Musings:

Do you ever read a word or phrase that sparks a specific place or setting in your mind and makes you crave to read a book with that type of place/setting in it?

Of course, I think every reader that has a passion for books craves this scenario!! For me it can be a bunch of things depending on the day. However, I love it when there are time and place setting in Historical Scotland with Highlanders, kilts, swords, virile handsome men that take your breath away, and beautiful countryside, well that is the perfect scenario. I really love anything historical but also another setting I love is on the sea with pirates and adventure and romance!!!! 

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! 

Book Review-Shadow Crossing

Shadow Crossing
Shadower (4)
Catherine Spangler
Love Spell,
351 Pages,
Published April 2003
Futuristic Romance
ISBN: 0-505-52524-0

Synopsis:
Celie Cameron spent her youth as a smuggler, skirting the law. But though she’s given that up, she misses the adrenaline rush of danger. Then a routine delivery goes haywire, throwing her into the arms of a handsome pilot–an android, or so she thinks–and Celie suddenly finds herself embroiled in a galaxy-spanning intrigue and deception. Rurick is a miracle creation. But though he attracts her as no human ever has, his secrets threaten all Celie has ever believed. She resists his allure…until she learns to trust her heart. Then they will challenge the evil that threatens the Verante quadrant, and love will bring light to the dark expanse of space known as Shadow Crossing.

My Review:
Shadow Crossing is the fourth in the Shielder Series. I was delighted to read this one, since I have been looking forward to reading Celie’s story. Celie Cameron grew up being a smuggler along side with her sister to survive, and skirting the law very frequently. Always on guard and looking over her shoulder. After finding a haven in Shamara and the new quadrant she finds life very….boring! She misses the excitement in her life that no longer exists. When she heads to her designated location to deliver some cargo, she finds her niece hiding, looking for adventure. Raven reminds Celie so much like herself, and knows that this delivery is important, so instead of returning Raven, she allows her to come along. However, when they arrive on the planet, and meet Max and his android Rurik. When they are suddenly attacked, Max and Rurik take the girls and escape on their ship. Rurik is portraying himself as a android as protection, since he really is a Prince of Jardonia. Max is really his android, and they switch places whenever they have to travel. However when Celie find out, she is beside herself. Both Celie and Rurik have a connection, a sensual one where sparks fly. Celie didn’t know how that was possible him being a android. However when she learns of who he really is, she doesn’t know where to turn.Thus continues a journey of two souls that were drawn together by danger, but will end in search for love.

I really enjoyed this one, it had a sense of mystery and intrigue behind it, that thrilled me throughout all of it. It kept me at the edge of my seat, biting my nails, wondering what was going to happen next to get my heart pounding. It was one of those where at first, it seems like everything is going well, until one things happens after another, and you are submerged in a dangerous plot that you don’t know how to make it out alive and in one piece. Celie is a strong young woman, who has a criminal past and has done some acts she is ashamed of, an act that not even her sister knows about and has kept it secret. So even though she finds herself falling in love with this charming stranger, knowing all the while that they can never have a true future together, yet how can one woman resist such a man that sets her pulses racing? Rurik wants to get to the bottom of the problems that are being created within the sector, and plans on insisting that Celie come along with him. Rurik finds himself entranced by Celie and falling heads over heels in love with her. However in the middle of this book it flowed more slowly and I had a hard time getting through some parts, but as a whole it was a well written and enticing read!!!!

My Grade On This Book:
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Shielder
Shadower
Shamara
Shadow Fires

Book Review-Forbidden Nights With A Vampire

Forbidden Nights With A Vampire
Love At Stake (8)
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon,
371 Pages,
Published May 2009
Vampire Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-166784-8

Synopsis:
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE always FORBIDDEN

Vanda Barkowski is in trouble.

As the owner of a hot nightclub, she’s more unconventional than most of her fellow vampires, and if some think her a little out of control, then so be it. But after three former employees filed a complaint about her temper, Vanda is sentenced to an anger management class. Worse, Phil Jones agreed to be her sponsor. Phil, the mortal who is forbidden to her . . .

If Vanda knew who–or what–Phil really is, she’d reconsider her attraction to him, for his true nature is wilder than anything she’d ever imagined. He has tackled the beast within and now is the perfect person to help Vanda with her rage . . . if only he can keep his cool when she makes him so undeniably hot. But with rogue vamps on the loose, will they ever have their forbidden nights?

My Review:
Vanda Barkowski is the owner of a well known Vampire Nightclub, who has a anger control problem, where she is called into a council of meeting by Roman where she has to go see the priest (friend to Roman) since she has had recent incidents that are a cause for concern. Where at this meeting, she has to have a sponsor, and no one speaks up for her, until Phil Jones walks in the room and agree’s to sponsor her into counseling. Vanda has always had a soft spot for Phil, and is baffled as to why he would want to sponsor her. However, Phil is forbidden to her and always has been yet there is a startling connection between them. Phil Jones is a werewolf and a Alpha one at that. Phil can control his shifts and has some unique powers. He doesn’t reveal to many of the fact of his talents or who he really is, especially not to Vanda who he has always had a crush on, but she is unreachable to him. But when he volunteers to sponsor her, she seems a whole lot more reachable to him than ever before. There is a chemistry and desire that flares up from the very beginning and both of them know its powerless to resist. But admist all this powerful attraction, and trying to get to the bottom line of Vanda’s anger, there is a swirling danger from the Malcontents which will threaten all that the good vampires have built.

I definitely enjoyed reading Forbidden Nights with a Vampire, it was a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed Vanda, she is a heroine that we don’t see too often. Vanda is a fighter, and lashes out way too easily when someone around her acts or says something wrong. There are secrets in her past, that she just wants to forget because they are too horrific to handle emotionally. She doesn’t trust many people, and has a hard time with forgiveness. Vanda is a strong willed, beautiful and courageous woman, who struggles nightly until she meets Phil who stirs up something inside her that she can’t control. Phil is a werewolf and was born that way, he fled from his father when he was young and rebellious, wanting to find his own way in the world. He is also Alpha Wolf which means he has some powerful gifts, that are envied among his kind. He has always been attracted to Vanda since he first saw her, and he desperately wants them to have a chance together. Throughout this book, we see the struggle that both Vanda and Phil go through developing an intimate relationship and trying to resolve the issues that surround them. There is also a danger that will creep up on them, that could destroy them all. It was a enticing read, which passion amixt with danger and mystery and a love that grows and will defeat all challenges that they may face.

My Grade On This Book:
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire
Vamps and the City
A Very Vampy Christmas
Be Still My Vampire Heart
The Vampire Next Door
All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire
Secret Life Of A Vampire
The Vampire and the Virgin
Eat Prey Love
Vampire Mine

Book Blogger Hop # 6\

Well its friday once more and its time for the Book Blogger Hop!!!! YAY!! The Hop is located at Crazy For Books so come and join in, make new friends, find new blogs, and have fun!!!

Book Review- Shadow Fires

Shadow Fires
Shielder(5)
Catherine Spangler
Love Spell,
326 Pages,
Published  February 2004
Paperback
Futuristic Romance
ISBN: 0-505-52525-9

Synopsis:
FROM THE SHADOWS
Jenna dan Aron lived a solitary existence, shunned by her people because she could see the future. She even foresaw her own destiny: to be a human offering, a mate for a savage Leor warlord. When two Shielder colonies had to be rescued and the Leors who were their only hope demanded a bride for their leader in return, Jenna stepped forward. She would not defy fate.

INTO THE FIRES
Anion of Saura found mating outside his race abhorrent, but he had no choice, as his kind faced extinction. His life was ruled by hard logic and physical prowess, with no room for softness or emotion. Bound to him, Jenna faced a life of barbarism with a mate who seemed more beast than man. But in the relentless heat of the wild Sauran desert, Jenna and Anion would wage a battle of wills until they discovered that the heart was mightier than any weapon — and that love would forge shadow and fire together.

My Review:
The moment that I read the book description I knew that I would really love reading Shadow Fires. It starts with Jenna dan Aron has always been able to have visions of the future. For this precious gift, she has been shunned by her people, even the Shielders. She has a vision four years previous that she is to become a mate of a powerful  Leor Warlord. She knows that it is her destiny. Arion of Saura knows he must find a mate, a human one so that his people can prosper. Since their numbers are becoming low. He comes to Jarek to see if there is a willing woman to be traded as his mate. Jenna volunteers knowing that no matter how much she fears this man, she knows he is to be her future mate. At first Jenna is fearful of the powerful Leor, who is known as a brutal race. At first he is in command, expecting her obedience in all things, He soon finds out that human females are far different than Leor female. He expects her to be weak and not be able to handle the kind of lifestyle he knows she must accustom herself through. But cycle after cycle (a day) he is more drawn to this courageous female who stands up to him, despite her apprehension of him. Jenna is at first afraid of this Leor, but knowing he will never raise a hand to her, she learns to start in trusting in his promises and in his honor. Of course she is fearful of strength and abilities, but Jenna despite fears, finds herself forcing herself to stand up to him, and finding a inner strength within herself that she didn’t know she had. Thus starts two determined souls trying to find a common ground with one another despite all their different beliefs and ways.

Shadow Fires, was a astounding read, and I was amazed at how well I really enjoyed this one. I was drawn to both Jenna and Arion, who are totally exact opposites but somehow find a way to work things out, and compromise and discover a hidden love that will strengthen them to the end. The sensual passion builds between the two until they mate, which climaxes into wave after wave of a eclipsing desire. Arion of course is a strong willed, used to battle and being in command and being obeyed in all things, definitely all the way Alpha Male. Then he finds himself mated with the one that is the only one that argues and defies him and his barbaric way constantly. Despite all his hardened discipline he finds himself softening toward Jenna, that endeared me to this character completely. Jenna, is a heroine that everyone can fall in love with. She has compassion, courage, inner strength and proving herself constantly in a place where many don’t welcome her. But in the end she does find she has many friends, ones who will support her no matter the circumstance. She finally finds a place where she can call “home” after never having one. This book is filled with passion, intriguing scenarios, adventure, danger, and a powerful love that was so emotionally sweeping it will bring a tear to your eye. It is a emotional journey that will take you across the galaxy, and endear you to these character to last lifetimes. I encourage anyone that enjoys a good tearful and emotional romance, to read this series, it has been a pure delight.

My Grade On This Book:
5 Blossoms  

Other Books In The Series:
Shadower
Shielder
Shamara
Shadow Crossing

Book Review-How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire
Love At Stake Series (1)
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon,
371 Pages,
Published August 2005
Vampire Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-075196-8

Synopsis:
Nobody said love was perfect…

Roman Draganesti is charming, handsome, rich … he’s also a vampire. But this vampire just lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn’t have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop-sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren’t going well for Shanna Whelan, either. After witnessing a gruesome murder, she’s next on the mob’s hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she’s afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she’s found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman’s fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her … ?

My Review:
Roman Draganesti has been a vampire for over 500 hundred years, and is simply put a genius; especially when it comes to the sciences. He is the leader of his coven and is responsible for everyone in it. Roman is a tormented vampire, who believes he is a ‘demon from Hell’ and even though has helped hundreds in need, he is very miserable. One evening, one of his scientists, Lazlo brings in a fake female body, that is nude and looks real, but thinks will help vampires with the need to sink their fangs into mortals necks, this way there is no risk to humans. Lazlo has also filled this fake specimen with blood, so Roman decides to sink his teeth into it, only by doing so one of his fangs comes out. He is horrified, since it has never happened to a vampire before, let alone someone as old as he is. So he intends to go to a dentist to fix this mess before the sun comes up. Shanna Whelan, is on the run from the russian mafia, who wants her dead. She is in witness protection, and is a dentist since it is something that she loves doing; however she has one slight problem she has a fear of blood. Then she gets a call and she knows the mafia has found her so she runs to flee and runs into Roman Draganesti, who seems charming and handsome but not knowing who he really is she pulls a gun on him. Of course guns with regualar bullets won’t harm very much vampires, so Roman of course finds the situation humorous. Who wouldn’t if one was a vampire right? Roman, accustomed to danger sweeps her off her feet (literally) and saves her life and protects her from those that want to kill her. Therein starts this sensational but dramatic love story, that goes on a ride with ups and down and gives you a thrill of adventure, passion and love.

I have always loved reading Kerrelyn Sparks, every time I read one of her books, I find myself unable to turn away from any of them, this one is no different. I realize I am totally reading this ‘Love At Stake’ Series out of order, but then I just discovered Sparks not too long ago. So I was really excited when I found this one at the library. I have really wanted to read Roman and Shanna’s story, which was just as enchanting as I thought that it would be. You have Roman who is a tormented man, who struggles with his past, since before he became a vampire he was a monk, and believes that God has betrayed him. But throughout this book, Roman figures out the God doesn’t betray anyone, especially those that are good. In this one there is a bit of spiritual element, due to the fact of who Roman is as a person, who has tried to right all of the wrongs in his past. Then he finds Shanna who is unlike any mortal that he has ever met. First off she can resist his mental manipulation, which alone makes her special; and the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he cannot possibly live without her. Shanna has been on the run, ever since her friend died, and has had to leave all that she knew behind and start a new life. However right when she does, danger and the threats come back to haunt her once more, until she meets the enigmatic handsome stranger that saves her life and protects her. Shanna knows there is something suspicious about him and his personnel, besides the fact that most of his security at night wear kilts and sporans and swords, its like she has been taken back to the medieval time.  I definitely loved this one, (especially the whole security guards that are handsome, virile Scots and wear kilts who can resist such a read right?) This book had me cracking up, and tearing up a few times. It was a emotional roller coaster, a ride that I definitely enjoyed taking and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My Grade On This Book:
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:

Vamps and the City

A Very Vampy Christmas

Be Still My Vampire Heart

The Vampire Next Door

All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire

Secret Life Of A Vampire

Forbidden Nights With A Vampire

The Vampire and the Virgin 

Eat Prey Love 

WW28: Still In My Heart

• First you grab our Wicked Wednesday pic.
• Then you grab a book. Turn to page 28. Take the first sentence. And then you post it in your site with a link back to WW28.
• Come back to Cherry Mischievous – WW28 and give us the url of your post (in a comment at a WW28 post) so that other WW28 readers can find your WW28 offering.

 
Here is my WW28 on Still In My Heart on Page 28 the first line:
————————————————————————–
Her slender arms folded across her chest, did she realize that belligerent pose pushed her breasts upward in a enticing manner?
———————————————————————
About Still In My Heart 

Brahm Ryland is a man used
to getting everything he desires …

Another London season has just wound down and Brahm Ryland, Viscount Creed, is thankful for it. Since a horrible mistake ruined his betrothal to the beautiful Lady Eleanor Durbane, his life as a scandalous bachelor has grown tedious; every day without Eleanor seems longer than the last. But then a break in the monotony appears: an invitation to a shooting party at the home of Lord Burrough, Eleanor’s father, and he knows his chance to make amends has come at last.

Yet Brahm soon finds that Eleanor will need more than a simple apology to atone for his betrayal — and after so many years of hurt it will take time and care to make her learn to trust again. When all her sisters warn her against him, she knows she would be a fool to give their passion another chance. But what Eleanor doesn’t know is that London’s boldest viscount will do anything — anything — it takes for a second chance at his one true love …

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme that I have just discovered, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others! Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser.
Here Is My Teaser:

“Oysters and mussels are my particular favorites. The idea of teasing a sweet juicy morsel from deep inside its shell holds a strong appeal,” he replied suggestively
“Naughty fellow,” she scolded

What is your teaser?

Book Review-Desperado

Desperado
Sandra Hill
Love Spell,
391 Pages,
Published March 1997
Time Travel/ American West
ISBN: 0-505-52182-2

Synopsis:
Major Helen Prescott had always played by the rules. That was why Rafe Santiago had nicknamed her “Prissy” at the military academy years before. Rafe’s teasing had made her life miserable back then, and, with his irresistible good looks, he was the man responsible for her one momentary lapse of self-control. So when a stint in the National Guard brought him under her command, Helen laid down the law — she would stand for no macho moves or bedroom looks in HER platoon. But then a routine sky dive went awry, and all bets were off as they parachuted straight into the 1850 California Gold Rush.


Mistaken for a notorious bandit and his infamously sensuous mistress, they found themselves on the wrong side of the law. In a time and place where rules had no meaning, Helen found Rafe’s hard, bronzed body strangely comforting, and his piercing blue eyes left her all too willing to share his bedroll. Suddenly, his teasing remarks made her feel all woman, and she was ready to throw caution to the wind if she could spend every night in the arms of her very own… Desperado.

My Review:
Helen Prescott is a Major of the US military, she grew up ‘army brat’ style, moving from place to place, since her mother at died of cancer when she was eight. Helen is one of those women that follows after her father, and doesn’t let anyone see the gentle and caring side of her. Most people only see the strict hard-ass that she has had to portray as a office of the Military.  Then comes strolling in is Rafe Santiago, who has always had a thing for Helen since he fell for her in College. When he see’s her again, his blood starts pumping and he wants her even more. They go on a op together, where they are Parachuting, and then right when she is about to jump he jumps with her grabbing onto her. Of course Helen is furious, tossing at him army regulations, but they then realize that they have been taken back in time to the American West. At first Rafe thinks its some Army joke and not real, but after some time they realize how real it really is. Because they are then discovered by bandits, who see them as ‘wanted killers’ and thus begins their adventure with danger, gun slingers, gold digging, and a heated desire that they rekindle.

I think I fall in love with each of Sandra Hill’s novels, and this was is no different. It has a very intriguing plot and I love reading Time travel romances. But there were times especially at the beginning that I had a hard time getting into it. There is such antaganism between them both, its like a cat and dog fight but over and over again. You have Helen who is such a tough woman, and especially at first, lectures Rafe time and time again on army regulations and doesn’t believe that they have been swept back in time. Rafe is one of those males that loves to tease and have fun for the most part, especially shows that side of himself to Helen. I found myself loving Rafe at the beginning way more than Helen, I felt like I wanted to tell her to ‘lighten up’, but then she does eventually and thats when I started falling in love with the characters and really getting into the story. I definitely loved the sparks of desire that builds up between Rafe and Helen. Once I got into the book, it flowed smoothly for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My Grade On This Book:
4 Blossoms

Lusting For Covers (5)

  Lusting For Covers is a meme found on TBQ, that allows blogger’s to share their current cover obsession.  Here’s what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you’ve fallen in “lust” with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out– it’s all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked! (OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it’s nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It’s not required, but it can help you readers’ to add more books to their own list! A brief “Why I choose this cover” is also appreciated, but not required.  
=====================================
My Current Craving For The Week:

 Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over . . .

But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair, of her treachery, of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant, he game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.

On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them.

But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine . . .