Book Review-The Firebrand

 

The Firebrand
Highland Treasure Trilogy
May McGoldrick
Onyx, 324 Pages
Published November 2000
Medieval/Nautical Historical Romance
ISBN: 0451409426

Synopsis;
Adrianne Percy was hidden in the Western Isles, safe from her family’s enemies – until her sisters sent a notorious pirate to return her to the Highlands. But when she hatches a plan to free her kidnapped mother, it requires her to marry the handsome rogue – and what begins as a simple matter of business quickly flares into an uncontrollable desire….As Adrianne’s heart smolders, their calculated arrangement threatens to ignite into a burning passion…

My Review:

Summary:
 Adrienne Percy, after her father is branded a traitor by the king from her family, is sent to one of the Western Isles, and to live with only those who would berate and demean her. Adrienne has always desired a home and a family, and having been seperated from her mother and sisters whom she loves, she has desires a place to call “home”, so now she desires to leave the Isle, so when the Highlander and Pirate MacLean comes with a ship, she sneaks aboard, not realizing what the consequences would be. Then she finds herself at his home, on Maclean land, with his clan, and she convinces him to marry her for business and no pleasure. But the longer they spend time together, passions ignite between the two and both of them never expected to find such a raging flame to spark between them, and a love that never expected to experience, especially when there is secrets between the two, but will the love they share be enough for forgiveness, and to love fully?

The Hero:
Wyntoun, known also as a pirate among those that know of his exploits, for helping his people prosper. Now he has hatched a plan, to get the treasure, but in order for him to do so, it would cause him to betray the one woman that holds his heart in her hands. Wyntoun, has avoided women, even though they flock to him like sheep. But when he agrees to marry Adrienne has a temporary measure, he finds that he can’t resist her charms and her lovely body and spirit that call out to him.

The Heroine:
Adrienne is a heroine that is unique and special, but has always been looked down to for her high spirited nature for freedom and a desire to belong. Adrienne has never felt like she has ever belonged anywhere, but when she comes to Wyntoun’s home, she starts to make her place among his clan, yearning for accepting, aching to be able to help others and to love. So she hatches a plan, to marry Wyntoun, claiming it is for business reasons only, but she needs to give him a incentive to help save her mother.

My Thoughts:
The Firebrand is the Conclusion is the Highland Treasure Trilogy. This is the second book that I have read from this author. The first one that I read from her was Tess and the Highlander part of a Avon True Romance Teen Series (that I have to say everyone should read that series, its purely charming and witty, and definitely some of my favorite romances, great for any age!!) Anyway, let me continue on…. So The Firebrand, the title focuses on Adrienne who throughout the book is referred to a Firebrand, based on her spirited nature and temper, and boy does she have one, but it is purely charming to watch her and Wyntoun interact with one another, things surely get heated between the two, and not only just their temper (wink..wink) This story is mostly based on them, and then we get into the mystery behind Wyntoun deceiving Adrienne, although we see that it torments him all the while. This is a story with wit, suspense, romance, and the beauty of this time period that encompasses this lovely couple that learn the road of learning to trust in each others love. I just loved this book, half of the time it had me laughing, and then it had me totally entranced in this charming story.

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
The Dreamer
The Enchantress

Book Review-Surrender To A Scoundrel

Surrender To A Scoundrel
American Heiress Series
Julianne MacLean
Avon,
368 Pages
Published January 2007
Paperback
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN:978006081819361

Synopsis:
No woman can resist him. . .

Lord Martin Langdon takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel, and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime. So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is “impossible to flirt with,” Martin is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms.

Except one.

Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue’s shocking reputation and she wants nothing to do with him. She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate. The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she’d throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel . . . but dare she risk her heart?

And will Martin, who hides a most tormented past, find true love at last?

My Review: 

Summary:
Lord Martin Langdon has great pride in his scandalous reputation that he has created for himself. Now he is a boat racer, and a competant and talented one at that, and now the race is on for who will win Evelyn Wheaton, a widow, just come out of mouring, and looking for marriage and a family. So Martin pursues the beautiful widow Evelyn, because part of him can’t stand to see his rival winning the hand of her, because on the outside she seems prim, cool and proper, however he is determined to break down that barrier and find a passionate woman with dreams and desires that he plans to unravel, however he never expected to fall in love while he was doing it, or to find that she has found joy and love in his embrace and never wanting to let go, despite the pain that holds Langdon back from racing toward the greatest happiness he would ever find….in Evelyn’s arms.

The Hero 
Martin Langdon, when he a boy rescued Evelyn from the icy lake, but never received a thank you from the cool and proper Evelyn. When they were teenager Evelyn caught him being the rascal he was, pursuing anything that was open and in skirts, however now ten years later he has changed. Martin has suffered a great pain, that he has yet to grieve for. Now he is a racer, wrecked two boats that his brother bought for him, seeming to be aloof about life, however Martin is a deep and passionate man, and there is only one person that bring down his fake barriers and to help him feel once more.

The Heroine
Evelyn Wheaton, growing up admired the young boy that rescued her and saved her life, but then she catches him in bed with a maid, and her closest friend with a broken heart, and remains cool and above him, for she knows she can’t afford to get hurt, because she has yet to feel love or happiness in her young life. Having to guard her heart, based on her father’s poor treament of her, she has had to do everything by duty, but now a widow and out of mourning, she desires for love and a family, not knowing that she truly desires is passion and a vibrancy to live life as fully as she possibly can, and have no regrets.

My Thoughts:
Surrender To A Scoundrel is the sixth installment in the American Heiress Series that Julianne Maclean has written. I have to say that from the first to last page I was entranced by this romantic story that takes us back to the late 1800’s in England. Its about a story of two young people that care for each other without fully realizing that they are destined for each other, through a twist of fate. Both the hero and heroine in this story have suffered some version of pain and suffering in their lives, and only when they come to each other and find love. I found the characters of this story to be endearing, the plot to be filled with one adventure after another, and this author has such a talent for writing memorable romantic fiction.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms  

Other Books In The Series:
 To Marry The Duke
An Affair Most Wicked
My Own Private Hero
Love According To Lily
Portrait Of A Lover

WW28: The Firebrand

• 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 Offering with The Firebrand by May McGoldrick on Page 28 the first line:\
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The highlander not only ignored her command, he sat back in the chair, stretching his booted legs bfore him. The muscles in his tanned face relaxed, one corner of his mouth quirking upward insolently. The rogue even had the nerve to look bored.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About The Firebrand:

Adrianne Percy was hidden in the Western Isles, safe from her family’s enemies – until her sisters sent a notorious pirate to return her to the Highlands. But when she hatches a plan to free her kidnapped mother, it requires her to marry the handsome rogue – and what begins as a simple matter of business quickly flares into an uncontrollable desire….As Adrianne’s heart smolders, their calculated arrangement threatens to ignite into a burning passion…

Waiting On Wednesday (18)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.This week I’m waiting on,

COMING OUT OCTOBER 2010

 Rita, a former stunt woman, can’t believe she signed up to be a female Navy SEAL. She needed the signup money to pay her mother’s medical bills.

Steven, a fierce Viking warrior is depressed over the “death” of his brother Thorfinn. Yep, even Vikings get the blues.

Rita can’t believe she’s been tossed back in time to the tenth century wearing a head-to-toe wetsuit and flippers with her face cammied up.

Steven can’t believe the gods have sent him a fish woman to ease his woes. Not a beautiful mermaid, but an ugly-as-death fish.

How dare the brute put her in a cage!

How dare the wench teach his people line dancing!

Love and laughter guaranteed in this trip down Memory Lane…uh Fjord.

Book Review-Her Officer And Gentleman

Her Officer And Gentleman
Just Ask Reeves Series
Karen Hawkins
Avon, 361 Pages
Published June 2006
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978006058414

Synopsis:
No ordinary highwayman…


A mere whisper of the name “Gentleman James” sends chills throughout the ton (and thrills the ladies who have heard rumors of his amorous exploits). But the dashing brigand never dreamed that the passing of the father he never knew would leave him with a title, a fortune…and a mission.


No predictable lady…


Considered unmarriageable at twenty-five, Lady Elizabeth has the perfect life, happily snuggled among her beloved books while caring for her curmudgeonly grandfather. Or so she thinks until she meets Christian Llevanth, the dark and mysterious Viscount Westerville, and discovers the delicious ache of desire. Elizabeth finds herself longing for more — more romance, more excitement, and definitely more passion. But when does “more” become “too much”?

My Review:

Summary:
 Lady Elizabeth, at twenty five years of age, has yet to find herself a husband. Beth is content to live in the country with her grandfather, and among her roses and beloved books. Then her grandfather insists that she has a season in London, so she can find a husband. Beth doesn’t want a husband, knowing that the only reason that she has any suitors is because of her large dowry that her grandfather has bestowed upon her, but then she meets Christian Llevanth, the Viscount Westerville, where rumors fly about him. Christian intrigues her, and Beth finds herself looking forward to their meets, and despite the fact that she isn’t looking for a husband, she longs for his kisses, that throw all of her logic and reason out of the window. But there is so much more to Christian than meets the eye, especially when she figures out that he is looking into her grandfather, and knows that she must find out what he wants to know so badly about her grandfather, but will it destroy what they feel for one another?
The Hero
Christian Llevanth, even though has inherited the title of Viscount, was definitely never raised in society. He used to be a highwayman, a dashing rake that the ladies swooned over. But there is alot more to Christian than his scandalous past, and his title as “Viscount”. Christian loved his mother dearly, and hated his father, but he wants to find the truth behind his mother’s death, who was a innocent bystander, and didn’t deserve the kind of end fate dished out to her, so Christian is determined to find out the truth, and he knows that Beth’s grandfather is behind it somehow. However he never expected that it would be so difficult to get through Beth, to get to her grandfather, she is certainly a challenge he never expected, and one that he wishes was in his bed.

The Heroine
Lady Elizabeth, has always wanted a serene life, out in the countryside, with her grandfather, and her books and garden. So when she hears that her grandfather insists on her going to London for a season, she does her best to persuade him otherwise, but unfortunately is unsuccessful. Therefore she comes up with a plan to keep all the men at bay.  But then she comes across Christian, whose touch ignites her senses, and overthrows all her plans out the window for a long life on her own. Elizabeth is independent, and loves nature and being on her own, and is content to be a spinster, until she meets Christian, and now everything changes for her, especially when she figures out that he has plans for her grandfather, and Beth is determined to make sure he doesn’t get what he is after.

My Thoughts
Her Officer And Gentleman is the sequel to Her Master and Commander, and I have yet to read the first one, but it turns out that I didn’t need to, although after reading this one, that’s next on my list for Karen Hawkins, that for sure. Her Officer and Gentleman, takes place in England, the Regency period. This is part of a duo series called “Just Ask Reeves” Reeves is their butler, and serves both brothers, which is what these two books are about. I have to be honest I did enjoy reading this book, but it took a little while to get into, and I didn’t really get into it, until almost halfway through the book. I have always loved reading from Karen Hawkins, however this is probably one of my least favorite of hers, even though it was a great historical romance, and had some good attributes about it, but it just didn’t click all the way for me. But what I did love about this story is the mystery and romance throughout the story. I will say that I did cry toward the end though, definitely had a emotional tie to the story, that really moved me, I just love the tender romantic endings.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Her Master And Commander

Author Requested Book Review-Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble
H.P. Mallory
Kindle Edition
Published Jul 2010
Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
  A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes an appetite for witches. The Underworld in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.

Life isn’t bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn’t have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend.

Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she’s a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost’s demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life!

Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the Underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand.

My Review:

Summary
Jolie Watkins, who is a psychic, lives in a shop with her cat and her best friend, in Los Angeles. . But then she has a certain customer do a walk-in, a Rand Balfour, who is a warlock- a male witch, and a very powerful one at that. Then Jolie see’s a ghost, which has never happened to her before, and then later finds out that Rand sent the ghost to her, to see her abilities, because he needs her help, in finding out who killed Jack (the ghost). So when she takes her friend, she goes with Rand, to help find the killer, however not realizing she not only finds out who kills him, but brings him back to life, needless to say Jolie is shocked that she is able to do such a thing. And despite the certain spark that comes to life between Jolie and Rand, Rand sends Jolie home, hoping that the magical world won’t find her, but never realizing what he started. When Jolie gets invited to a special party by Bella, Jack’s daughter, and also a powerful witch, and one you don’t want to ever cross, Jolie goes hoping to see Rand once more, never realizing that her life is about to change forever, and she is taken on a adventure of a lifetime, where love and magic exists, where she goes on a journey of discovery, where she is in the middle of a battle, that she must win if she is to survive.

The Hero
Rand Balfour, a male witch, has lived for a very long time, and in that time has never found love for himself. But when he needs Jolie to help him on a certain job, he never realized how his life would change once she entered his life, and how much he would fight to keep her by his side. Rand is one of those kind of hero’s that all women all over the world, wished they had at their side. He is powerful, and has a good heart, handsome beyond belief, and cares deeply for that one woman that has changed his life. The type that would willingly die for her.

The Heroine
Jolie Wilkins, not knowing that she is a witch, believes herself to be a psychic. She lives in Los Angeles and her cat, and her best friend Christa. Then she starts seeing a ghost, and meets  Rand Balfour, a warlock. When she agrees on doing a job for him, and in return gets money that will certainly help her make ends meet, she agrees, not believing at first what powers she truly has within her. Jolie doubts herself and her abilities, not believing that she is any of the things that she knows Rand see’s in her. Then her world gets turned upside down, when her life changes forever in one night when she goes to a masquerade dance, knowing that all she wants is to see Rand again, but never realizing that attending that one dance, she can never go back to her old life, and where she will be put in the middle of a war. But this heroine will find inner strength and power throughout her journey in this book.

My Thoughts:
I was requested by this author H.P. Mallory to review Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, and I am so glad that she did. I just loved this book, and once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down. This was such a wonderful story, and I found the characters to be engaging and the plot riveting and full of adventure, romance, wit, and danger. One of the things that I loved about this book, was that it was full of surprises that I never expected. It was truly a delightful read, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. This is definitely at the top of my list of Urban Fantasy!

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Toil and Trouble  

Teaser Tuesday (22)

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.

Here Is My Teaser:

“We have not been properly introduced. Therefore, I cannot dance with you,” 

“No ,my lady. We have not been properly introduced. We are, in fact, illicit, strangers,” He let his voice linger over the word, caressing with seductive intent…

What Is Your Teaser???

Book Review-The Darkest Whisper

The Darkest Whisper
Lords Of The Underworld (4)
Gena Showalter
Harlequin Romance,
406 Pages
Published September 2009
Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 9780373773923

Synopsis:
Bound by the demon of Doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love….

My Review:
Summary:
Sabin, is bound by the Demon of Doubt, who is always there whispering to him and everyone else around him doubts about themselves, so Sabin, refuses to let anyone get real close to him especially any women, then he ends up rescuing Gwendolyn, the Timid, a Harpy, although very different from her kind. Gwen, also a immortal, and a harpy, has always tried to hide that part of herself, because when her harpy is free she does unimaginable things, where everyone that surrounds her is dead. After being captured for a year, she is afraid to contact her sisters, whom are harpies but have always been there to protect her, but afraid they will despise her for past mistakes, not realizing how strong their sisterly bond truly is. Then she gets rescued by Sabin, and taken back to his sanctuary and home with his brethren who are just as cursed with demons as he is, and finds a deep and abiding love in Sabin, and that despite everything going on around them, love can conquer all, even the whisperings of doubt!

The Hero:
Sabin, holds the Demon of Doubt within him, and has never had a true and honest relationship with any woman because of it, not even one that is full of esteem and confidence. I found Sabin, to be one of my favorites of all the Lords, because I think he lives with one of the toughest demons, one that can destroy who you are, but Sabin doesn’t allow that to happen to himself, and he finds a woman that can tell the difference between her own thoughts and that of Doubt.

The Heroine:
Gwen, is a immortal, a harpy, although she wishes that she wasn’t one. She has always desired a soft tender man, not realizing that what she truly needs is a man that can calm her harpy and be strong and steady. After she gets captures, she is ashamed of herself, and knows that even though she loves her sisters, she knows that they will despise her for her actions. However upon being set free she starts to learn some truths about herself, where she finds a inner strength that she never expected to find.
My Thoughts:
The Darkest Whisper is the fourth in the Lord of the Underworld series, and this is Sabin’s story, who holds the Demon of Doubt. Although this series isn’t my favorite of this author, its such a exciting and intriguing one, and I have truly loved reading this series so far, its been a intense ride that for sure, and The Darkest Whisper is one of my favorites of the series. Although Maddox’s story is at the highest top of favorites, Sabin is probably next in line. I loved every aspect of this story from the exciting plot, to the adventure, to the heated passion, and the tender love that grows between Sabin and Gwen. I found these two to be such a perfect match for one another, and they compliment each other so well. With Gwen able to distinguish the difference between her own thoughts and doubt, and the fact that when her harpy comes out, Doubt hides, since Doubt is afraid of Harpies. And how Sabin is the only one that can calm her harpy when she is out, which no one has been able to do  that Gwen remembers. I have found the each book in the series so far is different yet special as they are so unique from one another! A true romance that will have you eager for more and more from this author.

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
The Darkest Fire
The Darkest Night
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
The Darkest Angel
The Darkest Prison
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
 

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? (8)

This is a great weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. We simply post what we finished reading over the the last week, what we plan on reading this week, etc 


What I Have Been Reading This Past Week
Dawns Awakening- My Review
Ten Things I Love About You My Review
Meet Me In Manhatten-My Review
The Secret-My Review

What E Books I Have Been Reading This Past Week
Shadow Of The Vampire-My Review 

What Audio Books I Have Read This Past Week
Love In The Afternoon-My Review
Over The Edge-My Review
Dark Of Night-My Review
Flashpoint-My Review
Hot Target My Review

What I Am Reading Now:

 What I Am Listening To Now: 

 My Current E Book 

 What I Am Planning On Reading This Week

 What I’m Planning On Listening To This Week

 

Book Review-Love In The Afternoon

Love In The Afternoon
Hathaway Series
Lisa Kleypas
St Martins, 332 Pages
Published June 2010
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 0312605390

Synopsis:
As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?
Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied…

My Review:
Beatrix Hathaway has always loved and adored animals, and has studied them throughout the years of her young life. Because of her passion for animals, she doesn’t have many suitors, or lots of friends, but she prefers animals to people most times. When one of her friends, Prudence,  gets a letter from Captain Christopher Phelan, she decides to write to him when her friend finds his musings silly, however Beatrix doesn’t believe that, she reaches out to him and they connect in a way that neither of them expected. However as time progresses, Beatrix finds that she is falling in love with Christopher, but that he doesn’t know who the author of the letters really is, so she ends them, knowing how furious he would be if he found out it was her, whom he once referred to as belonging in the stables. But before she does this she switches to letters, one way she writes down some of her feelings, and asks him to come and find her. When Christopher comes back from the war, claimed by England a War Hero, he is reclusive, refusing at first to go out into Society, where Prudence is. He meets his match in Beatrix, although she is very different from when he last saw her, she is now beautiful and vibrant, but despite his attraction to her, he is in love with the woman that wrote to him, Prudence, even though he doesn’t know that Beatrix was the one to truly write the letters. But they keep crossing paths, and find a passion that in each others arms.

Love In The Afternoon, although a very good romance, was not my favorite of the series. I was going to wait for this one to be available in paperback in my library, however this came available in audio form, so I decided why not, I like listening to Lisa Kleypas Books audio style, so I did just that, and just loved the narrator of Love In The Afternoon. I found this story to be unique and definitely filled with romance. And even though at the beginning I wanted Beatrix to tell Christopher the truth at first, I wasn’t disappointed when she finally did, it seemed quite perfect, especially his reaction, which I won’t spoil for you, you will just have to read it!! I have always loved Beatrix, she is one of my favorite Hathaways, especially with her special gift toward animals, through the previous books its been quite cute to see her with all of her animals. And I loved getting to know her throughout this one, and Kleypas never disappoints. Love In The Afternoon is filled with witty interactions, passionate fun, and characters that are like a breath of fresh air, this is definitely a 5 in my book!!

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Mine Till Midnight
Seduce Me At Sunrise
Tempt Me At Twilight
Married By Morning