Book Review-My Scandalous Viscount

My Scandalous Viscount
The Inferno Club (5)
Gaelen Foley
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published September 2012
358 Pages
Espionage-Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-207593-2
Author’s Website

Meet the courageous men of the Inferno Club as they face their greatest challenge yet: marriage!

Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, lives by a code of honor, and now honor dictates he must marry Miss Carissa Portland. He has no regrets over stealing a kiss from the adorable little busybody—a fitting punishment for putting her delectable nose where it didn’t belong. But now, caught in a compromising situation, he knows he must make her his bride. He’s faced danger before—but nothing like this!

Carissa is not a gossip—she’s a “lady of information.” And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can’t flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau’s a notorious scoundrel, her heart—and her body—are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband.

My Review 
I just read this one, and boy it surely didn’t take very long. My only complaint about this book is that it went by way too fast to suit me. Its like I have a love/hate relationship with this one. When I found this available at the library, I knew that I had to pick it up, since I have been waiting months for it to become free for me to read. It has been a while since I have read the previous books in the series, but I am thinking I need to re read the series. When I started reading My Scandalous Viscount I realized why I fell in love with this author, and most especially this spectacular series.

Even though Carissa is labeled the “lady of information”, she has good reasons for what she does. When she sees that Beau is in trouble, she knows that she must be the one to save the day. But when she goes to warn him of a impending danger, she ends up in a situation of being shot by a stranger and with Beau as her champion. He then takes her to a safe house of sorts, and where she being curious about Beau and his somewhat secret life, she finds herself being compromised and forced to marry Beau. Sebastian is leader of the Inferno Club now, and is busy enough trying to find out who is working toward destroying all that he and his men have worked so hard at all of these years. But when a charming little minx storms into his life, and they end up in a compromised situation he has no choice but to marry her. He has no complaints however, since he has always been fascinated with Carissa. But when it becomes apparent that his men are in grave danger if they set foot in England, he needs to use every discipline he has to save his brothers. He never thought that falling in love with his beautiful wife would be even more disastrous than his job.

I found this story to be delightful and full of everything I need in a solid spy romance set in regency England. In the previous books we learn about the Inferno Club, and I was thrilled to finally read Beau’s story. There was quite a bit of tension and intrigue, and I found myself entertained constantly. The two characters Carissa and Sebastian, were utterly delightful. Their relationship was striking and too amusing by half. A sensual and sizzling tale of passion and danger and mystery that will win your heart over.

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
My Wicked Marquess
My Dangerous Duke
My Irrisistable Earl
My Ruthless Prince
My Notorious Gentleman

Lusting For Covers (82) Gentlemen Behaving Badly

Lusting for Covers is a meme found on TBQ so come and join in on this fun meme!!! 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

Destitute and alone, Mina Halliday ventured into a notorious bordello and offered the only talents at her disposal—her writing skill and her scandalous imagination. Mina’s erotic letters have enticed London’s wealthiest noblemen to the Pleasure Emporium, but her real goal is to find the person responsible for her father’s ruin. Even if that means defying the orders of Chief Constable Salter Lambrick, a man who makes her feel like a wanton seductress instead of a plain-faced wallflower.

The only clue Salter has to a government official’s murder is the naughty invitation found in the victim’s pocket, leading him to the most intriguing woman he has ever met. Mina may be an innocent in a den of lust, but Salter detects the sensuality beneath her surface. And uncovering the truth about the woman who stirs his deepest desires will be his most dangerous adventure yet…

ARC Book Review-The Lady And The Laird

The Lady and the Laird
Scottish Brides (1)
Nicola Cornick
Harlequin
E Book
Published July 30 2013
384 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-373-77741-9
Author’s Website

Synopsis
An Indecent Proposal!

Lady Lucy MacMorlan may have forsworn men and marriage, but that doesn’t mean she won’t agree to profit from writing love letters for her brother’s friends – letters that become increasingly racy as her fame grows. That is, until she deliberately ruins the betrothal of a notorious laird, Robert, Marquis of Methven.

Past centuries of bloodshed have left the Methven and MacMorlan families bitter enemies and Robert is furious that Lady Lucy’s letters have cost him the bride he needs so urgently to save his ancestral clan lands. Now he makes Lucy a shocking proposal; in return for his silence she must become his wife and provide him with the heir he needs. It is an inconvenient marriage of convenience but can the rugged laird and the bluestocking beauty fight against the power of love?

Scottish Brides – Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!

My Review
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley by Harlequin. This is the first time that I have read from this author, and I really enjoyed myself wit this story. It was a bit unique in the way it developed, It starts out a bit slow in the beginning, but when you really start to get into it, then the plot tends to escalate even further. I wouldn’t say that this is my favorite romance by any means, I would say it was enjoyable and fun but nothing about it really stood out to me.

Robert, has just returned from Canada, when his grandfather dies, and he must take over responsibility of his estates as Laird. He finds out though that he has to marry soon, and not just any bride, there is a very short list of prospects. And he must produce a heir within a year after the marriage, in order to keep his lands. He is very devoted to repairing the damage his grandfather had committed. But then his bride ends up eloping with another man, and the culprit is Lady Lucy. Lucy is a bluestocking to its truest form, and a very talented author. When her brother comes to her for help in writing love letter, she sees no harm in it, and needs the money. But when she finds herself in a situation where she is unable to keep the truth from Robert, she knows that she is in trouble. Then he  proposes marriage to her of all things!! She is determined to never marry, but when Robert kisses her, all of her protests melt away, and she doesn’t know what she really wants. But when she ends up having no choice but to marry him, she wonders if she has made the right choice.

I felt like this story was pretty well developed for the most part, and I would characterize it as a sweet love story. However I felt while reading it, a certain element missing. I felt that it didn’t have enough “pizazz” to really captivate me. I would say it was overall a very enjoyable story that had some positive aspects to the story, but its not the “impossible to put down”. As a matter of fact, I could easily put it down. It also ended a bit too quick, and I felt especially at the last part of the book that it was missing something, it was cut short I thought at the end. But I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a quick and poignant romance.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
One Night With The Laird

Book Review-Tiger Magic

tiger Magic
Shifters Unbound (5)
Jennifer Ashley
Berkely Sensation
E Book
Published June 4th 2013
308 Pages
Shifter Romance
ISBN:  0425251217
Author’s Website

Synopsis
He was once a captive, but his urges were never caged. Now he’ll release them on a beautiful stranger whose own secret desires are longing to be sated…

He doesn’t have a name. He doesn’t have a clan. The humans who held him prisoner for forty years have taken them away. He knew nothing but captivity until nearly a year ago, when he was released into the light. Now Tiger lives in the Austin Shiftertown, where he struggles to belong and searches for an identity.

Carly Randal thinks her fabulous life is complete—until her car breaks down on the side of the road, and a wild-looking Shifter is the only one to help her. Tiger takes one look at Carly and knows instantly—she will be his mate. As Carly is drawn into his Shifter world, she risks everything she has for that forbidden something she still wants: passionate love

My Review
Now this review will be a bit shorter since I read this almost a week ago, and have been way too busy to write it until now. But especially since I had such a fun time reading this one, I knew I just had to share my review for it. Now I have been waiting for Tiger’s story for quite some time now.  I do want to say that as far as shifter series go, this one tops my list for sure. Jennifer Ashley has such a remarkable talent when creating these stellar amazing stories. I have loved every one of the shifter books, but I will say that Tiger is a SENSATIONAL read! I loved every moment. I couldn’t put it down at all. There were so many things I enjoyed about this couple. One of the main things, is that to most shifters in shifter town, they are afraid of Tiger and what he will end up doing. When he meets Carly who isn’t afraid of him at all, she is intrigued by him more than anything. She doesn’t fight his claim on her that much, since they are complete strangers. I found it so adorable when Tiger interacted with the kids (  I guarantee your heart will melt!!!) He is so sweet and tender, and can be super alpha protective that definitely had me from the first page. Tiger is more unique than the other books, since he was created as a shifter, and not made as the other shifters are. In fact he is the only one in existence—so it has a twist to it that I felt was balanced pretty well, and there were many moments that got my heart rate up–who needs to exercise when you have a :”Tiger Hunk” to salivate after right? If you are looking for a love story full of adventure, spice and charm—this one is for you!!! Be read for one helleva ride folks!!

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Shifter Made
Pride Mates
Primal Bonds
Bodyguard
Wild Cat
Hard Mated
Mate Claimed
Lone Wolf

Quickie ARC Book Review-A Kiss Of Blood

A Kiss of Blood
Vamp City (2)
Pamela Palmer
Avon
E Book
Published June 25 2013
384 Pages
Vampire Romance
ISBN  0062107534
Author’s Website

ONLY ONE WOMAN CAN SAVE VAMP CITY

One of the few humans who managed to escape the deadly twilight world of Vamp City, Quinn Lennox vows to never return. But the vampires want her back, for only she has the power to renew the magic of their crumbling world–and free the vampires trapped within.

When the handsome, dangerous, and all too seductive Arturo Mazza comes for her, Quinn knows she can never trust him after the betrayal she suffered at his hands. But with her beloved brother’s fate hanging in the balance, and her own power beginning to emerge, she chooses to risk all on yet another perilous journey back to Vamp City. And though she tries to deny it, her heart begins to hold hope that even a ruthless vampire can learn the meaning of true love…

My Review
This is not the first time that I have had the opportunity to read from this author. I have read the first three books of her shifter series–which I loved so much I purchased them. So I have always liked her writing and voice in her stories. I didn’t know if I would like Kiss of Blood, I still haven’t read the first one in the series “Blood Seduction”. So at the beginning I was a bit lost, and really there were some things mentioned which I had really wished I had read the first one before Kiss of Blood. With that being said, there was quite a bit that I enjoyed about this story. It has been a while since I have found a new vampire romance series that I just fall in love with. Even though the main supernatural creature is the Vampire, its a bit different. I really enjoyed reading the unique twist on Vampires in this one, and those who have already read this, know what I am talking about. I don’t want to reveal too much away in this one, however I will say if you love a intense and fiercely passionate story…Kiss of Blood is for you! This new world that Palmer has created is sensational and will blow your mind! A stellar of a read! Enjoyed every moment from beginning to end. No complains here.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
A Blood Seduction
Vampires Gone Wild (Anthology)

Top Ten Tuesday (7) Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far In 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme was created and hosted at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week there will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All you have to do is link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It’s a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. So Come and Join in the Fun!! 🙂
 1.

 This is the Second in the Montgomery’s Series, and I just loved it. there is something about the way Banks has put together these scottish highlands historical’s. This one deals with some tough issues but in such a way that it turns out to be a story you come to adore.

2.

This story involved a young woman who is to tutor and aid in the recovery of a man who has been imprisoned most of his life, and can barely speak a word. A Delightful story, and my favorite from this author. I really enjoyed how the author put in the French Revolution as a basis for the story–it definitely appealed to my historical tastes.

3.

A classic Beauty and The Beast themed fairy tale romance by one of my favorite author. It is sensual and heart warming story.

4.

This is the final in the series, and its Rafe’s story, and boy was I fully satisfied at the end. Definitely top favorite of this author. LOVED every moment. Definitely one you don’t want to miss out on.

5.

A Highly sensual page turner that is bound to curl your toes!!! Another winner for this author.

6.

A Harem style romance, but nothing like your normal type. It has a certain plot twist that will delight ya! A fun and exciting tale of romance and mystery.

7.

Prince of Shadows is a shifter romance–and a unique one at that. This is the second book that I have read from this author, and was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. Made me want to read the series all over again. Its twists and turns in the story will have you all tied up inside.

8.

Seduction and Scandal, is a bit more on the gothic side of a romance, and set in the regency era. It has a eerie feeling to it, a plot full of danger and sizzling passion. This author’s writing style is stellar!! A win for me!

9.

The most recent installment in the Leopard Shifter series by Christine Feehan. I was astonished by how well I actually loved this one. After reading Savage Nature, I was really looking forward to Remy’s story. If you love a solid shifter love story–this one is for you, not one to be missed.

10.

Now I had to wait over a year for Twice Tempted!! A too long of a wait, but was worth every moment of waiting for. Even better than the first. I can’t decided if I like Bones and Cat or Vlad and Leila more. Its a bit different, I feel like I can relate with Leila a bit more than I can with Cat. (now don’t get me wrong I love Bones and Cat). But This new series has a certain flair to it that just grabs at you.

 

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? (47)

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 Read Over The Last Week 
Captured-Review soon to come 
Leopards Prey-My Review 
Eden’s Promise-My Review  
The Lady and the Laird-Review to come when it gets closer to publisher date
Outlaw Seduction-My Review 
It Happened One Midnight My Review  
Lair of the Lion-Re read –My Review 

Currently Reading 

  What is Up This Week 

 

Lusting For Covers (81) His Darkest Hunger

Lusting for Covers is a meme found on TBQ so come and join in on this fun meme!!! 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

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 the 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..

Destruction of the Soul Cover Reveal BLITZ and GIVEAWAY

Destruction Of The Soul

“There is more at stake in Aedan’s war than any of you realize.”

Vivienne Drake is lost.

She’d let every one of her walls down, finally allowing others into her guarded circle, and all it brought her was pain and devastation. Now, out of fear and desperation, she’s turning to the one being she believes will be truthful with her; the only being that’s dared to give her anything resembling an honest answer–Linux, The Cruciatum.

The Daemonium is dangerous and mysterious, and offering Vivienne things that she’s been begging for. He offers her a chance at discovering what lies just beyond her reach. Though his motives remain far from clear, there is something within him that Vivienne is drawn to. And she wants nothing more than to believe in him, to believe in the things he tells her.

Together, they uncover details of Aedan’s plans, and discover what he intends to use his daughter for. Vivienne learns that she carries within her a destructive darkness, that if she allows, will consume her, and destroy the goodness she contains.

Fighting an endless battle against lies and deception, Vivienne must find the strength within herself to remain on a virtuous path. She’ll be forced to overcome pain and obstacles in order to discover the truth of just how deep the deceit runs within The Guild.

Can she remain above the darkness for the sake of Humanity and herself, or will she allow it to devour her light and destroy her soul?

Book Links

Amazon

B& N

Goodreads  

About The Author;
  J. L. Vallance is a wife, mom, and nurse by day, while posing as a writer by night. Plagued with an overactive imagination, a lover of all things supernatural in nature, she has an extraordinary flair for the dramatic that adds flavor to life. There’s little in her world that Otis Redding and buttercream icing can’t fix. And of course, coffee always helps too. True story.

Author Links

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!! Make sure you remember to enter into the Rafflecopter below and comment so it increases your chances. It includes a $5 Amazon Gift E Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Book Review-Eden’s Promise

Eden’s Promise
Cassie Edwards
Mass Market Paperback
Published July 1989
470 Pages
Piracy Historical Romance
ISBN 0-8439-2780-1
Author Website

Beautiful, wild-eyed and golden-haired, Eden Whitney was the most delectable woman Zach Tyson had ever found trussed up in the hold of his pirate ship. As dangerous and turbulent as the dark seas he sailed, Zach knew a priceless treasure when he saw one –and he had no intention of sharing the plunder with his men. One taste of Eden and he knew he had found his own private paradise of love.

My Review
I am a huge fan of Cassie Edwards, her stories are always so classic and I love every moment. Edwards has a certain writing style that is captivating and draws your attention to the story without letting go. I was able to obtain a copy of Eden’s Promise through Open Library. So I put it under Paperback in the form I read it, because its kinda both a paperback and e book. Let me explain, with open library, these aren’t e book editions of the book. They are scanned directly from the book. So you see the real pages, the color of the pages, and its almost like reading a paperback. For those of you, who haven’t tried Open Library, you are missing out. There is so much selection especially if you like Zebra historical’s as I do. There is quite a few of Edward’s book on this site, way more than you will find in the Nook or Kindle store. So I always take advantage of it, since Cassie is one of my favorites to read from. I usually have read her for her Native American Historical’s, but I have found her other stories that aren’t Indian based, are brilliantly done.

Now I will do a short summary of this book, since the synopsis doesn’t exactly tell much about it. It actually begins with Zach and Eden meeting on a dirt road, where Eden’s wheel on her buggy gets damaged, Zach helps her take her into town to get the wheel fixed. Instantly a spark ignites, and they are instantly drawn to each other. We see a strong bond that quickly forms (and very fast I would say). Zach is a ex pirate, who is trying to make a new life for himself, and when he sees Eden, he knows he is far gone. He falls mad for her quickly, and starts to court her, even though he knows there is a danger to himself in being caught as a pirate. Eden has no men interests until Zach comes into her life, and even though she doesn’t know if she can trust him, she wants to. Then Zach gets into a spot of trouble, and in order to free himself from Jail, he must agree to kill his old mentor, friend and Pirate; Captain Jack. He reluctantly agrees knowing he can never have a normal life until he does. Then he finds Eden bound and gagged in the hold of his ship, and must reveal the whole truth to her. With a dangerous mission he is torn between keeping her at his side, or returning her to safety.

Zach is actually a good hearted man, and I found myself drawn to him instantly. He is kind and generous and doesn’t resemble the “Pirate males” you usually get familiar with, in historical romances. He was sold into becoming a pirate, and then decided he wanted more out of his life. He wants a family, and to have some land and to live out his life in the area he grew up in. I enjoyed seeing how gentle and understanding he is with Eden, but when the situation calls for it, he can be tough as nails. He is protective and possessive at times, but in a way that isn’t smothering. A found it to be a good balance for Zach. Eden I liked for the most part, she could have had a bit more spine and been a bit more self aware. I did like how she responds to Zach. Their connection starts fast, a little too fast. The one thing I didn’t like is how they were “in love” at the beginning of the story. I like a steady progressive plot towards a romance, and I don’t mind the “love at first sight” but this story had it a bit too hurried for my taste. I didn’t really feel their connection until late in the book, when conflict escalates quite a bit and puts a challenge to the characters.

Overall I found myself enjoying this story quite a bit. And even though there is the main love story between Zach and Eden, there are two sub plot love stories as well, which I felt fit nicely into the story. It didn’t seem to be overly much, and with this being a stand alone novel, it worked better than I thought it would when I started it. There is a solid development in the plot, about 1/3 way through, and it starts to really grab your attention. Its a easy and quick read, but in my opinion there could have been a bit more of substance in the first part of the book.  A fun dramatic love story that equaled to a enjoyable read that is one you can enjoy in this beautiful summer season.

First Line 
Lurid streaks of lighting flashed brightly against the dark scudding clouds; whitecaps in the ocean rose and fell with the wind. 

Favorite Quote 
“Make love to me, darling,” he whispered, tracing the outline of her lips with his tongue “Love me with all your heart.”

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy