ARC Book Review-The Captive by Grace Burrowes

The Captive
Captive Hearts (1)
Grace Burrowes
Sourcebooks Casablanca
E Book
Published July 1 2014
Acquired: Netgalley
448 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9781402278785
Authors Website 

Synopsis 
He’ll never be free…

Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately.

Until he surrenders his heart…

Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian’s devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian’s heart is only beginning.

My Review 

Christian Severn, the Duke of Mercia, married with two children, joins the military, but ends up being kidnapped and tortured and now is set free and makes his way back to England. Only to learn that his wife and son are gone and all he has left is his daughter. A daughter that doesn’t speak. Gilly, is free of her marriage from hell, and when she sees the trouble with Christian’s daughter, So Gilly goes with Christian to his country estate. Christian only sees the revenge for what was done to him, and to connect with his daughter again. From the moment he meets Gilly, his life alters. He starts to have passion for life again, and when their friendship kindles into more after a searing embrace, he knows that he would do anything to have her. Gilly is afraid to trust again, after being in a marriage for eight years that was eight years of nightmares. Can Gilly and Christian heal enough to trust in each other?

The Captive is the first book in the most latest and new series by Grace Burrowes. I was really excited to read The Captive, and I was really looking forward to reading it after reading the blurb. I really love the basis of the series. The Captive deals with two people that are both damaged, in similar ways, but we don’t learn the full extent of their pasts until well past the first half of the story. I did have a difficult time getting into it, but while reading the first half I was really tired so when I was more alert I read the second half and it got much better, although still wasn’t able to fully be engaged as I like to be in a story. But in all honesty I felt like The Captive was a solid romance with many qualities that gave it a 4 blossom rating for me. I loved the way this story line turns out. and I enjoyed seeing Christian and Gilly turn out into friends and then slowly kindles a more sensual relationship. There were many moments that were very heart wrenching, seeing both of these gentle hearts coming to terms with their pasts.

The match that Christian and Gilly made, they seemed like they complimented each other quite well. I really enjoyed the added character of Christian’s daughter, and seeing the tender relationship form between these three. There is a sense of family in this book, and I loved how compelling the story could be at times. MOVING AND SENSATIONAL!!!

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
The Traitor
The Laird

Quote Tastic (6) The Proposal…kind of…

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that’s grabbed you for one reason or another. Everyone’s welcome to join in – authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and put up your post 🙂 Don’t have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section. Quote-tastic is hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

 My Choice For The Week:

I included two-because they just go together and are priceless. This book is my all time favorite of the series, although I love them all…there is so much witty humor and engaging characters to leave you aching for more. 

He pulled away abruptly – self-preservation required it – and pressed his brow to hers, breathing deep. “You remember one thing. You decide you want to get married, it’s going to be me.”

Briony watched him stalk outside, slamming the kitchen door behind him. Both eyebrows raised, she turned to Ken.

Close your mouth, honey. That’s just Jack trying to be romantic and failing miserably. Don’t let him get away with that shit either. If he’s going to ask you, make him do it all they way. You know – down on one knee, looking stupid.”

Briony nearly choked. “That’s just mean, Ken.”

He leaned close to her. “If you do it, Briony, tell me first so I can videotape it. I could blackmail him for the rest of his life.”
****************************
 “And Ken said I can’t marry you.”
Jack felt his heart jump in his chest. He glanced at his sleeping brother. “Did he say why?”
“Yes.” She kept her voice sober. “He said you have to ask me properly.”
Relief made him weak. His pulse beat at his temples, throbbed in his neck. For one moment his fingers closed in her hair in a tight fist. “Properly? If I ask, you might say no, so I’m thinking we’ll just start off right and I’ll tell you and we’ll get the thing done.”
“Get the thing done?” Briony echoed.
Ken snorted aloud. “Jack, I’ll take over watch and you get some sleep. I think you fried your brain up there on the roof.”
“Pipe down over there.” Jack said. “You’re already stirring up trouble.”
“Get the thing done?” Briony repeated slowly. “The thing being what exactly?”
“The ceremony. The paperwork. Whatever the hell it takes to make it legal.”
Briony sat up and glared at him. “Take your ‘it’ and shove it, Jack.”
“There’s no need ti be getting upset, Briony. We can’t exactly go around with a bunch of kids and not do whatever the hell it is one does to make it legal.”
“Whatever the hell it takes to make what legal?”
He shrugged. “How the hell would I know? I’ve never done this before. Sleeping together I guess.”
“So you are going to marry me so it’s legal to sleep with me?”
“This isn’t coming out right.”
“You think?”
“Don’t get upset, baby,. I don’t understand why you’re getting upset.”

Lusting For Covers (120) To Pleasure A Prince

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

Bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries pens the sizzling story of one of three half-noble half brothers, who makes a most unwelcome entrance into society…and a most unexpected match.

Beautiful Lady Regina Tremaine has turned down so many suitors that she’s called La Belle Dame Sans Merci. The truth: she won’t marry because she carries a dark secret. She sees no good reason, however, why her brother shouldn’t court the lovely Louisa North — even if the girl’s brother, the notorious “Dragon Viscount,” objects.

Marcus North, Viscount Draker — bastard son of the Prince of Wales — is rumored to be a monster who holds women captive in his dark castle to have his way with them. He has been exiled from polite society for years. But when Lady Regina makes a plea on her brother’s behalf, Marcus proposes an outrageous deal: her brother can court Louisa so long as Marcus can court Regina. Can the beauty and the beast survive a proper courtship when the devastatingly improper passion between them threatens to cause the scandal of the century?

Short Book Review-If The Slipper Fits

If The Slipper Fits
Cinderella Sisterhood (1)
Olivia Drake
St. Martins
Paperback
Published June 2012
Acquired: Library
341 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-250-00177-1
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Will she have her happily ever after?

Is This Love Real?

Raised in a girls’ school, Annabelle Quinn longs for the world outside the walls of the academy. When she’s hired as the governess to an orphaned duke, Annabelle never expects the child’s breathtakingly handsome guardian to capture her imagination—or her heart.

Or Are They Living In a Fairytale?

Falling for his young nephew’s governess is an irksome complication in Lord Simon Westbury’s orderly life, but Annabelle’s quiet beauty and wry intellect are too much to resist. Meanwhile, a mysterious danger looms over the remote Cornwall estate. Will their newfound desire stand the test of time? Or are some happy endings just too good to come true?

My Review 

This is the first time reading a book from Olivia Drake, and it has been a long time since I have been so engrossed in a historical romance. The style of the writing reminded me of Karen Hawkins, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries. If The Slipper Fits is one of my favorite historical romances I have read so far this year.  I do love a fairy tale theme romance, and this series is based on the story of Cinderella. Annabelle is our Cinderella, a orphan, with no home or family. She is then asked to be a governess to a child who is in great need of a mother. But she clashes with the guardian and uncle, Simon Westbury. Annabelle brings a peace and a softness to their home. This was such a beautiful and tender story that kept me up late reading it, because I was so enthralled by every aspect of this story. The romance between Annabelle was stimulating and sensual. I loved the aspect of the nephew, this darling little boy that just had me wrapped around his finger from the beginning.I enjoyed seeing the intricate play of events, and the way this story is put together. It had a feeling of vibrancy that extends itself to the reader.

Overall If The Slipper Fits swept me away from the first chapter. This author takes us into a world of sizzling passion, charming characters, and a sweet romance to tug at your heart strings. Satisfying until the very end!! MAGNIFIQUE!!!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Stroke of Midnight
Abducted By The Prince

Throwback Thursday (36) Historical Romance Edition: Lady Sophia’s Lover

Throwback Thursday is a new meme hosted by Buried Under Romance and Love Saves The World, and since I just love Historical Romance I decided to participate.

What Is Throwback Thursday? Traditionally, Throwback Thursday celebrates nostalgia, asking participants to post a personal photo or image from their past–usually from 5 to 10 years ago. There are a lot of book blogs that also do a book related Throwback Thursday.

Here Are The Rules: 1. It must be posted on a Thursday. 2. It must be a historical romance novel published before October 3, 2008

Why is Lady Sophia looking for a lover?
And could she seduce the most marriageable man in London?

Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal: to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.

Every morning, her lush presence tempts him beyond all reason . . . the way she bends over the table to serve him the meals she has prepared . . . the way her hands oh, so gently—yet sensuously—brush against him. Every night, she promises with her eyes—and her body—that the hours before dawn could be spent in unbridled passion instead of restless sleep—if only he’d let her share his bed.

She knows he is falling more in love with her each day. But she never counted on falling in love with him. And she never dreamed he might very respectably ask for her hand in marriage.

Why Lady Sophia’s Lover? 
This is a favorite of mine, Ross and Sophia are fabulous and I adore everything about this story. (And the grandfather is so fun, gives me kicks and giggles just thinking about the charm of this story) It has been a personal favorite since I first read it over ten years ago. Tender, romantic, intense, and sensual!!

Book Review-The Sword by Jean Johnson

The Sword
Sons of Destiny (1)
Jean Johnson
Berkley Sensation
Paperback
Published February 2007
Acquired: Library
312 Pages
Paranormal-Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-22060-3
Authors Website 

Synopsis
The first novel of the Sons of Destiny…a romantic tale of magic, superstition, and a love that transcends dimensions.

Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day-they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. To avoid tempting their destiny, the brothers are exiled to Nightfall Island, a land where women are strictly forbidden. But, when the youngest of the mage-brothers rescues a woman from another universe, their world is altered forever.

Kelly Doyle had wanted to get away from the world. Threatened, attacked, and accused of witchcraft, Kelly had enough of her narrow-minded small town. And now she has somehow landed in another, magical dimension-the only woman in a realm inhabited by eight men who are desperately in need of a woman’s touch.

My Review

The Eldest Son shall bear this weight:
If ever true love he should feel 
Disaster shall come at her heel 
And Katan will fail to aid 
When Sword in sheath is claimed by Maid

Kelly Doyle has worked herself practically to the ground to make her shop survive, but when her neighbors assume she is a witch, they try to burn her house to the ground with her inside. But then she is saved by the youngest of the mage brothers who brings her into their realm, a island with eight men all brothers and all powerful in their magic, but cursed. Saber, the eldest of the brother, will do anything to protect himself and his brothers, at any cost. When a woman appears, he is furious, and what would he want with a feisty wildcat? But Saber and Kelly are destined and despite his determination, Saber can’t resist falling in love with this one woman who has brought a order to their home they have never seen. Only with Kelly and the brothers working in unison, will they defeat the upcoming danger.

The Sword is the first installment in the series, and sets the stage for all the other books as well. This series is about eight brothers, each of them cursed, but will each have a woman of his own that matches him in every way. The Sword starts with the oldest brother, and as this is the first time reading this series, I really had no idea what to expect, however I really liked the basis for the story line and I felt like the characters were pretty well developed. The story sets off at a good pace, but then slows down until about halfway, and then you really get into it, and it picks up pace until the end. I only had one issue with this story, I never felt the love connection with this pair, even though I really wanted to. I felt like that despite the engaging personality of the story, it laked a romantic flair that would have made this story phenomenal. Having said that I do want to point how that I truly enjoyed this story and the way the plot thickens especially toward the end….it really surprised me.

This story has some very unique and strange elements, that when you put it all together, become a story of taste and style. I really liked the idea of this one woman taming the eight brothers to a point. It was such fun seeing her corral them into cleaning for her, and forcing them to be more than animals. They definitely need a woman’s influence, and Kelly does a fantastic job of being forceful but still caring too. Now for Kelly and Saber….they like to fight, bicker, argue, and yell. But once you get past the tough exterior of their personalities, you see how they really are wonderful together. There isn’t much heat in the book, but there are a few scenes that are sensual and yet playful too.

Overall a charming, warm and a entertaining tale of fantasy, romance, brotherhood, and magic. ENCHANTING!!

My Grade 
3.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
The Wolf
The Master
The Song
The Cat
The Storm
The Flame
The Mage
Finding Destiny

Teaser Tuesday (58) The Sword

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.

The Eldest Son shall bear this weight;
If ever true love he should feel
Disaster shall come at her heel
And Katan will fail to aid
When Sword in sheath is claimed by Maid

Quote Tastic (5) Making Salad Together

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that’s grabbed you for one reason or another. Everyone’s welcome to join in – authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and put up your post 🙂 Don’t have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section. Quote-tastic is hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

****************************************************************
Tempted By Twilight is one of my favorite books, this author knows how to write classic  romances with charm and wit, and win your heart every time. I loved Poppy and Harry together.

“The chef turned back to the housekeeper. “Why is there doubt about the relations between Monsieur and Madame Rutledge?”

The sheets,” she said succinctly.

Jake nearly choked on his pastry. “You have the housemaids spying on them?” he asked around a mouthful of custard and cream.

Not at all,” the housekeeper said defensively. “It’s only that we have vigilant maids who tell me everything. And even if they didn’t, one hardly needs great powers of observation to see that they do not behave like a married couple.”

The chef looked deeply concerned. “You think there’s a problem with his carrot?”

Watercress, carrot—is everything food to you?” Jake demanded.

The chef shrugged. “Oui.”

Well,” Jake said testily, “there is a string of Rutledge’s past mistresses who would undoubtedly testify there is nothing wrong with his carrot.”

Alors, he is a virile man . . . she is a beautiful woman . . . why are they not making salad together?”

ARC Book Review-Once Upon A Highland Autumn

Once Upon A Highland Autumn
McNabb (2)
Lecia Cornwall
Avon Books
E Book
Published June 2014
Acquired: Edelweiss
384 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062328458
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Megan McNabb would do anything to get out of marrying a man she does not love—even handfasting for a year and a day with an English stranger.

A mysterious letter draws Lord Kit Rossington to Scotland in search of a lost treasure. But the marriage-minded females he avoided in England follow him to the Highlands, and he’ll do anything—even a temporary marriage with a Highland lass—to keep his freedom while he solves a mystery that’s haunted Glen Dorian for almost a century.

Legends say a curse lurks among the shattered stones of Glen Dorian Castle. Will the love that is beginning to grow between Megan and Kit be able to withstand fate? For only the living, those with bold hearts and true love, can restore peace to Glen Dorian at last.

My Review

Megan McNabb, is desperate to get out of her mothers plan for her. Megan has fallen in love with a man who has left to get his fortune so that they can have a future together. Then  Lord Kit Rossington, come to her village, in search of the mystery behind the legend of Glen Dorian Castle. Kit, is intrigued with the curse surrounding the glen, and living in a small run down cottage, he feels more at peace than he has in years. When he meets Megan, he senses are stirred. She is passionate and fierce, and seems to dislike him and any other male that comes across her path. Then she approaches him with a plan, a plan that will help them both. He reluctantly agrees to hand fast with her for a year and a day. What neither Meg or Kit expected was to fall in love within days, but will they be able to discover the secret to breaking the curse of the Glen.

Once Upon A Highland Autumn is the second book in the McNabb family. The first book I really enjoyed, so I was pretty excited to see what would happen in this story. The beginning was steady paced, and this author has a great way of bringing in the reader into her stories. I have been a big fan of Lecia Cornwall, her writing is similar to Sabrina Jeffries and Karen Ranney. She writes compelling romance that win your heart. Once Upon A Highland Autumn was no different. I really loved the plot and layout of the story. There is a sub plot of the story involving the curse of the glen, so we see a bit of historic relevance that relates to the rest of the story.

The characters were fun and easy to love. Kit and Meg were just wonderful together, and what a pair they make. In the beginning they tend to quarrel back and forth, and it is quite amusing. There is tension, but in a good way, you see that they both like each other, but are too proud to admit it. Both Kit and Meg were endearing and the more I got into the story, the more excited I got to see these two really connect fully with each other. There is quite a focus on the mystery of the curse, and I felt like there could have been a strong focus on the relationship. But in all honestly, it was a fun and light read. A winner for a summer read that is for sure. It has everything you might need for a enjoyable and romantic highland romance. A magnificent blend of sensual heat, a mystery to solve, charming characters and a plot that keeps you involved….a gem of a historical romance!! I am excited to read more from this author.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Once Upon A Highland Summer

Audio Book Review-The Vampire King by Heather Killovgh Walden

The Vampire King
The King (1)
Heather Killovgh Walden
Tantor Audio
Audiobook
Published February 2012
Acquired: Audible
Length: 7 hours and 12 Mins
Vampire Romance
ASIN: B00761TN1S
Authors Website 

Synopsis
It was immediate for Roman. In three thousand years, he’d never lost control of his emotions, or his heart. But the moment he laid eyes on Evelynne Farrow, he knew she was the woman who haunted his dreams. And everything changed.

Everything.

Evie Farrow has always loved a good vampire romance. In fact, she makes a living writing them. While sitting in a coffee shop and working on her next mega-hot book, Evie is approached by a tall, dark, and handsome man who could have been pulled directly from one of her novels.

Unbeknownst to her, Roman D’Angelo is exactly what he appears to be – a vampire, and not just any vampire, but the king of vampires.

Unfortunately, while Roman is both ancient and invulnerable, Evie is flesh and blood. Just as Roman decides that he and Evie have a date with destiny, for reasons of their own, an ancient god and a homicidal vampire take an equally strong interest in her. To make things more complicated, there’s something very special about Evie. Something not quite human.

Can Roman fight off the incredible forces that would have Evie as their own long enough to win her heart, or will destiny betray him, and destroy everything he has ever dreamed of?

My Review

Evie Farrow, writes vampires romances, and has always been intrigued with the idea of vampires, even though she knows they aren’t real. Evie supports herself and her parents, with the income of the books that she writes. Then while drinking her coffee at her favorite shop, the most compelling man comes into her life and her world changes. Roman D’Angelo is the vampire king, and has lived for three thousand years, and is the most powerful vampire on earth. Roman then has visions of a young woman, a woman who will be his future queen. He knows that he must find her and soon. Then he sees her at a cafe, and can’t resist making his claim on her and introducing her to his world. Then a homicidal warlock and vampire takes a interest in Evie, and her life is in danger and only Roman will be strong enough to save her…but what will be the cost…

The Vampire King is the first of the King series by this author. The basis of the series, is that there is thirteen kings of different realms, and this series is about them all finding their queens. I was introduced into this story when I noticed a sale of this story through Whisper sync for voice on Amazon, and I just couldn’t resist getting this one. Now I didn’t have any idea what to really expect from this book, there wasn’t many ratings or reviews, so I had to take a leap of faith for this story and I really loved it. Lately I have been searching for solid vampire romances and this one won me over. I really love the narration and so I am glad that I listened to this audio book.  There is quite a bit in this story that I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves a thrilling paranormal romance.

The story begins quite intense and really pulls the reader in, and from the first few minutes of listening I was hooked…I just had to find out what happens. The villain of the story is obvious from the beginning, and the author puts in a couple other sub plots into the story. In the beginning of the story, we see the two lives of Evie and Romance. Then they meet, and bring on the intensity with these two. Then the plot really gets in gear when Evie’s life is put in danger, and Evie starts to learn the truth about Roman.

Roman is very yummy….I LOVED HIM!!! He is commanding, strong, and not someone you ever want to cross. I felt like his character for the most part was well developed. Evie well I liked her more in the beginning, than I felt like she was a bit spineless in the middle of the story, but by the end of the story I grew to really be endeared to her. She is fiercely independent and a fighter and I really admired her for some of her qualities that add a certain flair to the story. Overall the plot is quite intense and satisfying, and I love the way this author really engages the reader. There is a ‘magical’ tone to the story and I enjoyed the conflict that lifts this story from average well done to fantastic. Exciting, Thrilling and packed with adventure, romance, compelling characters, and enough paranormal drama to enthrall you from beginning to end. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series. BLEW ME AWAY!!

Favorite Quote 

“But you mesmerized me in an instant,” he told her. Very slowly, very gracefully, Roman lowered himself to one knee if front of her so that they were eye to eye. “I took to the skies with you and nearly forgot the rest of the world. You rocked me to my core, Evie. Your heart sounded like music to me. The smell of you, the feel of you in my arms…It was magic.
My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
The Phantom King
The Warlock King
The Goblin King
The Seelie King