Some recently read......

I had these on a separate page, but I figured it would be easier to read the reviews right under the book descriptions. So here are a few I moved.....

The Battle Sylph by L. J. McDonald

Solie finds herself kidnapped as bait for a dangerous Battle Sylph named Heyou, but she fights back and takes control of him, an immensely powerful shapeshifter. Solie & Heyou flee death to seek sanctuary, and Heyou begins to fill Solie with desires that threaten to change the world.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Review:

This is Ms. McDonald's first book, and it's a good start. She's done a great job at world-building in this story. The characters are interesting, and she does a wonderful job with the story. However, it doesn't have much in the way of romance. The two leads are basically just kids, so it's more groping and giggling than a grand romance. However, the secondary characters in this book are very good, and I'm looking forward to seeing their stories.

Rating: ****



The Bride Hunt by Margo Maguire

Her life is in the hands of a man she dares not love...

Lady Isabel Louvet is a woman of noble birth, wit, courage, and beauty. But though these qualities make her an excellent bride, they cannot save her when, on the night she was meant to choose a groom, wild Scottish brigands storm the walls of her father's castle. As what should be a celebration turns to terror and bloodshed, Isabel is carried away from her family to be offered to a Scottish chieftain as a slave...or worse.

But unbeknownst to Isabel, she has a champion, a feared warrior and knight of legend named Anvrai d'Arques. His visage bears the scars of battle, but his heart remains pure in its devotion to country and king –– that is, until he sets out to rescue Isabel. Her fierce spirit of survival stirs his passion more than combat ever could, and with her touch his world forever shifts. Now, with the Scottish on their heels and a country on the brink of war, they must go forth in battle together –– to save themselves, to protect their countrymen, and to find a love that can set them both forever free.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Review:

This story takes place at the same time that The Perfect Seduction takes place. In fact, Isable and Kathryn are sisters, both captured on the same day. I enjoyed this book just as much as the companion piece. Isabel is a wonderfully strong female character. She's terrified at what's happening to her, but yet she doesn't give in to the fear. Annvrai is our hero, who is tortured by his past; he is also badly scarred, having lost an eye years before. Isabel is at first frightened by Anvrai's appearance, but a la Beauty and the Beast, she learns not to judge based on appearance. Once again, the romantic relationship between the leads is allowed to progress in a reasonable manner. I thought it was just a really great story.

Rating: **** 1/2



The Perfect Seduction by Margo Maguire

After spending years in a French convent, Kathryn de St. Marie is to be reunited with her family, only to be abducted by Scots, then rescued by a Saxon nobleman/warrior – Edric of Braxton Fell. Now Kathryn cannot return to Norman society, having her reputation tainted by her kidnapping. Forced to stay at Braxton Fell, she falls in love with Eadric, the fierce and bitter Saxon whose brother was killed during Kathryn's rescue.

Edric must deal with dissatisfied Saxons as well as raiding Scots. He is determined to return his estate to its former affluence, without Norman help. Yet his spoiled Norman wife has just died in childbirth, leaving him with a newborn son who will take feedings from no one but the rescued Norman woman. He gradually comes to realize that Kathryn is nothing like the other Normans he has known, and falls in love with her.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Review:

Don't let the cheesy cover of this book turn you away. (Not only cheesy, but the folks look nothing like the characters described in the book!) I just adored this story. Though Kathryn started out quite naive (she did live in a convent, after all) and Edric was a hard man, you couldn't help but become quite attached to this hero and heroine. Kathryn was Norman and Edric despised Normans, so there was no "love at first sight, let's sleep together immediately" going on. They were given a chance to grow and evolve, making their relationship a lot more believable. There was also a great mystery plot here besides the love story. I will definitely be reading more by Ms. Maguire.

Rating: **** 1/2

A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Darroc MacConacher spends sleepless nights dreaming of a raven-haired beauty who makes him ache with desire. Then his dream comes true: the lady with her lush curves and fair skin appears shipwrecked on his shores. Darroc is immediately drawn to her strength and beauty, and from the moment she lays eyes on this powerful, broad-shouldered warrior, Lady Arabella MacKenzie knows she'll never want another man.

But theirs is a forbidden love. The MacKenzies drove the MacConachers from their lands and destroyed their honor. Now, Darroc can use this sapphire-eyed seductress to shatter his foes. Yet how can he deny the passion that burns between him and Arabella, and ruin the one woman who touches his very soul?

My Review:

While I was reading this I found out that I had books by this author that come before this one! (That's what comes with not having your TBR piles organized!) Luckily, it didn't make any difference. Whew! This was a fun, entertaining story. Nothing spectacular about it, but the hero and heroine were quite likable, as were the ancilliary characters. I thought the "Thunder Rod" plot device to be rather silly. But all in all, worth the time spent reading it.

Rating: ****

Currently Reading - Moon Awakening (Children of the Moon, Book 1) by Lucy Monroe

Emily Hamilton volunteers to marry a Scottish laird in order to save her younger sister. But she can't save herself from being kidnapped by a werewolf clan-and its wild-hearted leader.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

That's not much of a description, is it? There was just something about this book that I absolutely loved. It was almost impossible for me to put it down. Shifters + Scots = one hot read. Lachlan was a fantastic alpha male hero, and Emily showed a lot of spunk and character. There wasn't anything about this book that I disliked. I hope the series continues for a long time.

Rating: *****

Currently Reading - Deadly Liaisons by Terry Spear

He resisted the dark huntress…now he’ll use all his powers to make her his own.

Tezra Campbell treads a dangerous line between her job as a telepathic investigator for the Hunter Council and her alternate life as a renegade. Beneath her cool, professional exterior lies a dark obsession to find the rogue vampire who murdered her parents ten years ago and left her sister a traumatized shell. An obsession that drives her to use herself as bait.

Daemon, former bastard prince of Scotland and now head of the American vampire clans, sees Tezra as a danger to herself and to his people. Especially if the killer vampire takes her bait. Concerned his own brother might be accused of the crime, Daemon takes Tezra into custody, intending to keep her out of the way so he can find the killer himself.

Things don’t work out the way either planned. The more she fights him with her telepathic powers, the more she stirs up his sexual bloodlust—the kind only a mate can cool. And Tezra begins to wonder…is her desire for him real, or just a way to use Daemon to find the murderer?

It’s a deadly game they both aim to win—even while they try to keep their hearts intact.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

Okay. That pretty much describes it. Though the dude on the cover had a very hot body! The story and the characters were interesting enough. But there was one little thing that drove me crazy throughout the book: the author's overuse of the word "vampiric". Got tired of hearing about their vampiric moves. They were freaking vampires - what other kinds of moves would they have? (Yes, it's the little things that drive me nuts!)

Rating: ***

Currently Reading - Dark Temptation: A Novel of Blackheath Moor by Allison Chase

Exiled to Cornwall, Sophie St. Clair knows that something is wrong in the village of Penhollow. Mysterious lights, phantom ships—are smugglers once again plying their illegal trade? Or have the spirits of long-dead pirates returned?

The answers will lead her to both danger an desire, as the tortured Chad Rutherford, Earl of Wycliffe, returns to his family estate near Blackheath Moor. Will the spirits of darkness hold them both forever—or can Chad and Sophie vanquish the evil and claim their future together?

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

Ms. Chase is also now one of my favorite writers (though I've only read 2 of her books!). She does gothic great! The atmosphere is almost like a character. Chad was introduced in the prior Blackheath Moor novel. He's quite tortured because of his own actions in the past, and he seeks to make amends. And Sophie is the perfect one to help him do it. Lots of action, a very hot relationship, redemption, mystery and the atmospheric moors makes for a wonderful story.

Rating: ****1/2

Currently Reading - Temptation of the Warrior by Margo Maguire

A new land, a new time . . .

To protect his people from a great evil, Merrick Mac Lochlainn, newly crowned high chieftain of his clan, must travel forward in time nearly 1,000 years. But when he awakens in nineteenth-century England, he has no memory of his mission to save his race, nor can he recognize Jenny Keating, the spirited young beauty who calls herself his wife.

A new love . . .

Orphaned and on the run from a cruel headmaster, vulnerable and alone, Jenny never dreamed of being rescued by any man, much less a chivalrous and handsome warrior like Merrick. Drawn to his powerful physique and mysterious ways, she begins a dangerous deception and poses as his beloved. But her feelings of desire are all too real. Together they will battle a dark threat that jeopardizes their very lives, all the while tempting each other with a passion too powerful to resist.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

Ms. Maguire has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance writers. I get so engrossed in her stories that I have trouble putting them down. This one is a little diffferent than the others I've read by her; there was some time travel and magic thrown in. I just loved the relationship between Merrick and Jenny. Merrick has no memory and believes that Jenny is his wife. Even though she has seen much trouble in her life, Jenny turned out to be very strong. And the relationship between the two of them was HOT. Very much so. Loved their voyage with gypsies. I think the ending was a bit too hokey, but still well worth the time.

Rating: ****

Just Finished - Marked (Eternal Guardians, Book 1) by Elisabeth Naughton

THERON – Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He’s the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.

From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn’t exist in real life—silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.

She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron’s duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendent of Hercules, he wasn’t strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.

As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

I just love it when I find out new paranormal romance series are coming out! Love to be there at the beginning. This one has a very promising start. I like the mythology premise; it's a little different than the usual suspects. Theron was a good strong hero, and Casey made an excellent heroine - very strong. Some of the other Argonauts weren't very developed characters, but I'm sure that will change as we go along with more books. This wasn't awkward for the first in a series. I'm really looking forward to the Scorpio's story, which is next. I found him to be very interesting.

Rating: ****

Just Finished - The Cursed One (Wild Wulfs of London, Book 3) by Ronda Thompson

Wed and widowed in one day, stunning socialite Amelia Sinclair’s honeymoon is anything but typical. Then again, neither is Amelia—rebellious and impulsive, marrying Robert Collingsworth was the one sensible thing she ever did. Now he’s dead and she must escape the vicious creatures stalking her—even if it means relying on a stranger. Well, maybe not a complete stranger. Amelia first glimpsed Gabriel Wulf years ago on the busy streets of London; since then he has haunted her dreams. But in the flesh, Gabriel is much more tantalizing than she ever dreamt, and much more complicated…

Gabriel Wulf, the strong one, the sensible one—the family, and the curse that plagues them, are his only priorities; there was little time for women and none for love. Now, he must protect an enticing beauty—and not just from the dangers that prowl the woods around them. Gabriel has secrets, dark ones he’s sure Amelia must never know and could never understand. But she has already awakened his heart...and the beast within. Will Amelia be the key to his salvation, or the architect of her own demise?

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

I wish there were more books to this series; I was sad to see it end. Since the last one (The Untamed One) was just about perfect, this one couldn't quite live up to it. But I still enjoyed it immensely. We were first introduced to our heroine in The Dark One (book one). She saw Gabriel in passing and never quite forgot him. And apparently Gabriel's watching out for her. Amelia has possibly one of the worse wedding nights EVER. There's lot of action and suspense in this story, and some lovely romance. Ahhhhh, I'd be happy with any one of the Wulf brothers!

Rating: ****

Currently Reading - The Untamed One (Wild Wulfs of London, Book 2) by Ronda Thompson

Running from angry villagers and the man who ravaged her, the witch Lucinda flees into the forest to have her child. But Lord Jackson Wulf hunts her down, believing her death will break the family curse that transforms him into a monster. Instead of killing the witch, Jackson is moved by her beauty and desperate plight. And Lucinda seizes the chance to find safety for herself and her babe when a bargain is struck between this outcast woman and this doomed man—and sealed by their marriage in name only…

In return for his protection, Lucinda has promised that her magick can free Jackson from his torment. But this pretty witch soon finds herself in danger of being seduced by Jackson’s charms and pursued by the man who would see both her and her child dead. Can she trust a Wulf with her safety and the safety of her child? Can she trust her heart to Jackson? To surrender to a Wulf is a terrible risk, for love will either unleash the beast within the man...or finally set him free.

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

I wish there was more than 3 books in this series, because I just love it! I really enjoyed the first one, and this one is actually even better. Jackson was introduced in the first book as a womanizer and a drunkard. So he's got some major problems besides the family curse. He looks for Lucinda (a witch) to kill her, but meets her as she's about to give birth. And then we have two wonderful leads with great chemistry. I enjoyed everything about this story, but the characters really shined. There was action, passion and shifter - it's ALL good!

Rating: *****

Recently Read - Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren

London society knows the Byrons are "mad, bad, and dangerous" and every bit as fascinating as their poetic non-relation. Join the fun as New York Times bestselling author Tracy Anne Warren presents the first tale of this tempestuous family—famous for scandal and legendary at love . . .

Orphaned beauty Meg Amberley never planned to pose as Lord Cade Byron's fiancée. Caught in a snowstorm, she takes refuge at his estate. Stranded together, Meg soon finds herself falling under Cade's spell. When the roads clear, she intends to leave, but fate intervenes.

Haunted by his past, Cade Byron has buried himself in the country. Then Meg—with her lush curves—invades his house and his life. With her reputation compromised, he proposes a pretend engagement and a London season where she can find a husband.

But as their charade deepens, Cade can't let her go . . . vowing to tempt her with a kiss that just may lead to forever.

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

This wasn't the most riveting romance I've ever read, but it was an enjoyable one. I didn't find Meg to be that fascinating a character, though I did enjoy reading about Cade and his horror filled past. He was very interesting; very brooding and caught up in his memories. He made Meg seem flighty in comparison. I didn't care all that much for descriptions of their social events - that just doesn't interest me. But there was some intrigue dealing with spies, which added some needed spice to the story.

Rating: ***1/2

Recently Read - The Pirate Next Door by Jennifer Ashley

From Booklist:

Alexandra Alastair's new next-door neighbor, Grayson Finley, is nothing like the other men on her list of potential second husbands. Rescuing Grayson from ruffians, and then discovering that he not only has a young daughter but a pirate past, further convinces Alexandra that Grayson is far too different from the other respectable, suitable men on her list to ever be considered as proper husband material. But despite her best intentions, Alexandra discovers she can't stay away from the distractingly sexy nobleman, even if it means helping him battle a long-standing rival and find the whereabouts of a missing French king. Ashley begins with a perfect pair of protagonists who are equally matched when it comes to cleverness and courage, adds some wickedly fun secondary characters who occasionally threaten to steal the book, and then mixes in lots of intrigue and some richly sensual lovescenes to create a witty and splendidly magical romance. John Charles
Copyright ©American Library Association. All rights reserved

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

I simply adored this book! I enjoyed everything about it: the romance, the characters, the story, the love scenes and the humor. This is just one of those times when everything seemed to come together perfectly. The dialogue between Grayson and Alexandra was quite amusing, though there was an undercurrent of melancholy due to their pasts. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Grayson discovers Alexandra's list of potential husbands. Pirates and a love story - can't beat it.

Rating: *****

Currently Reading - Demonfire (The Demonslayers, Book 1) by Kate Douglas

Since time began, the Earth has served as a balance between the world of darkness that is the Abyss, and the paradise known as Eden. Now the battle between good and evil has reached a tipping point, and survival depends on one fallen demon-- and the woman he can't resist...

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

I'm familiar with Kate Douglas through her Wolf Tales series (paranormal erotica), so I thought I'd give this one a try. This one is DEFINITELY not erotica - wasn't any sex until around page 200! Eddy and Dax made interesting leads, and the story was pretty good. It was a decent start to a new series. I did like how the demons used garden statuary for bodies. (Yep, little yard trolls and the like!) My main problem with the book was that it seemed to have the same battle over and over again - same beginning to each of them, and same ending. I will read the sequel and see if there are any improvements.

Rating: ***1/2

Currently Reading - After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros

When the ever practical Caroline Cabot first hears the words, "Our sister is marrying a vampire," from the lips of her fanciful youngest sister, she accuses Portia of having a wild imagination.

But when she discovers their sister Vivienne is actually being courted by Adrian Kane, the mysterious viscount rumored to be a vampire, she decides to accept his invitation to a midnight supper and do some sleuthing of her own. To both her delight and her dismay, she soon finds herself falling under Kane's bewitching spell.

After all, what's a proper young lady to do when her sister's suitor arouses more than just her suspicions?

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

This was one hell of a fun story. Caroline made a great heroine; actually, I enjoyed all of the Cabot sisters. Portia was a blast. And Adrian made a wonderful brooding hero. His brother Julian was also quite arresting, and a few times I found myself laughing out loud at some of his comments. I thought the twists and turns of the plot were quite entertaining. I must look for Julian and Portia's story! Fast reading and hard to put down.

Rating: ****1/2

Recently Read - Seduced by a Stranger by Eve Silver

The vast, dense forest and murky lake that surround Cairncroft Abbey aren't the only menacing elements that envelop the estate. For a dark history lies behind its walls - where secrets and evil still linger...Catherine Weston arrives at Cairncroft Abbey to visit her childhood friend Madeline St. Aubyn whose health seems to deteriorate with each passing day. Even stranger, Madeline appears to grow more nervous whenever she is in the presence of her cousin, Gabriel. But Gabriel has quite a different effect on Catherine - stirring a longing deep within her...Gabriel St. Aubyn is haunted by the curse that has plagued his family for decades. Living with the constant torment that he too will succumb to it one day, he has resigned himself to a solitary existence. Yet when he meets Catherine, he cannot resist her company - or his growing desire for her. But when a young woman is found dead, Catherine cannot ignore the link between this horrific crime and Gabriel. Is he the tender, charismatic man she loves - or a sinister stranger waiting to make her his next victim?

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

Silver does a phenomenal job with the gothic atmosphere in this story! From the beginning, when Catherine was buried alive as a child, to the conclusion, the suspense doesn't let up. I found all of the characters to be rather fascinating, which is rare. There's usually one or two who fall flat, but not here. The hero wasn't particularly likeable, but I could feel why Catherine would be drawn to him. I liked the dark feel of the entire story. Great gothic romance.

Rating: ****1/2

Recently Read - Dark Heart by Sarah Brophy

Sir Gareth de Hugues has built a formidable reputation as a warrior. Now, eager to prove himself off of the battlefield, he plans to manage his family's Devon estates - only to be ambushed en route by a brazen robber. Furious, Gareth sets out in pursuit, and discovers his assailant to be a stunning, courageous young woman struggling to provide for her brother and ailing mother. Neither his conscience nor his sudden deep attraction will permit him to let her go, but bringing her family to his castle could endanger them all.Growing up in the slums of London, Zetta had two paths open to her - harlot or pickpocket. She chose the latter, and has survived using only her quick wits. Her mother's fate taught her that trusting a man leads to ruin, yet Gareth's tender courtship exerts an irresistible pull. But when Zetta's beauty earns the attention of the king, she and Gareth are drawn into a web of ambition and greed - and only the boldest hearts will survive...

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

Gareth was introduced in Brophy's first book, Midnight Eyes, and I enjoyed him there, so I was glad that he got his own book. Gareth and Zetta were great leads, and the chemistry was wonderful. There was a bit of mystery to go with the romance. One of the main characters, Zetta's brother, had disabilities. Brophy does an excellent job with challeged characters. I haven't seen any more books by Brophy; I definitely hope she'll have more!

Rating: ****

Passion Untamed (Feral Warriors, Book 3) by Pamela Palmer

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

Though the Mage witch Skye has a gentle heart, demonic forces have enslaved her, forcing her to kidnap Paenther, a powerful and dangerous Feral Warrior. Even chained and naked, Paenther is a cunning prisoner who seduces her, body and soul, turning captive into captor.

Paenther's pride demands revenge against the enchantress who emerged from the deep woods like a sensual vision and enthralled him, even as she makes his body burn with passion. Despite his fury over her treachery, Skye's gentle beauty calls to his soul, calming the wild chaos within him, and stealing his heart. But when evil threatens, Paenther and Skye's only chance at survival is to trust in one another . . . and the power of love.

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Review:

NOW this is officially a good series! This is the best in the bunch so far, and this one was very hard to put down. I liked both of the leads. I've heard complaints of the heroine, Skye, being very weak. However, I found her to be quite strong. Though abused, she fights through her fear to help Paenther. Great action, story, and steamy love scenes. Can't wait to read Jag's story, which comes next.

Rating: ****

Recently Read - Obsession Untamed (Feral Warriors, Book 2) by Pamela Palmer

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

Every time she closes her eyes, Delaney Randall suffers another nightmare. A brutal serial killer has found his way inside the tough, take-no-prisoners FBI agent's head. Now she lives the murders through his eyes, from his deadly approach to his victims' screams—until the night he breaks into her apartment and she fears she's going to be the next to die.

But the man who snatches Delaney from her home isn't the murderer. He's Tighe, a dangerous Feral Warrior who needs her and her visions to stop the rampages of a creature as inhuman as he is evil. Tighe has little use for humans, but as he and Delaney join forces to track the dark fiend, he falls for the intense beauty and becomes wild with an obsession as untamed as his heart.

(Information courtesy of Amazon.com)

My Review:

I found this second book in the series to be much better than the first. I think Ms. Palmer is getting into the rhythm of the story. The leads are likeable (though there are times I'd like to slap the heroine!), and the story fast paced. There are some extremely sappy lines; hopefully the next stories won't be so sappy at times. I'm looking forward to reading more by Ms. Palmer.

Rating: *** 1/2

Currently Reading - Midnight Eyes by Sarah Brophy

The bastard son of a Norman nobleman, Robert Beaumont has blossomed into one of England's fiercest killers - and has found himself well paid for his talents. But now the time has come for him to set aside his sword. The king has agreed to reward him for his last service with an estate...on one condition: Robert must marry the sitting tenant - the infamous Lady "Deformed". For years, Imogen Colebrook has lived in the ramshackle Saxon keep, the virtual prisoner of her cruel, sadistic brother, the man responsible for her deformity - and for wedding her to a dangerous man. Yet, on Robert's arrival, Imogen nearly brings the hardened warrior to his knees. For she is a vision of unparalleled beauty - living in a world without sight. Drawn to her courageous spirit, Robert gently draws Imogen out of her tortured past. But with her brother always lurking in the shadows, Imogen's newfound sanctuary in Robert's arms is in danger of being destroyed - unless her salvaged heart can find a way out of the darkness...

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Review:

This was Sarah Brophy's debut novel....and I hope to read many more by her. I think she got off to a great start with this book. Both of the lead characters were quite engaging, and you rooted for them to get together. Imogen, also referred to as "Lady Deformed", is blind. She, and her estate, are promised to Robert for his service to the king....or so they think. As Robert manages to bring Imogen back to life, I often smiled at the interaction between them. Then Imogen's sadistic brother comes back into her life, wreaking havoc. It's a great story, with humor, suspense, and of course....love.

Rating: ****

Currently Reading - Be Mine Tonight (Brotherhood of Blood, Book 1) by Kathryn Smith

I am called Chapel . . .

For nearly six centuries I have roamed the night, a mortal man no longer. Would that I could undo the past -- when I entered the sanctuary of the Knights Templar to wrest from them the Holy Grail, only to discover the chalice I raised to my lips was not the sacred relic but a hellish cup of damnation. Now I shun the day and all things human, driven by an ungodly thirst. And yet...

Never have I known a maiden the like of Prudence Ryland, whose beauty and spirit awaken a heart I feared long cold and dead. But her young life is slipping away, and she also seeks the deliverance of the Grail -- unaware that the cost of her search could be her soul. I must help Prudence, for in six hundred years, no other woman has stirred my passions so. But dare I tender to my beloved that which she most desires -- the sensuous "gift" of forever that is both rapture and a curse: my immortal kiss?

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

My Review:

See if you can get through this book without crying - I sure as hell couldn't! I spent the last 1/3 of it in tears. What great, sympathetic characters! Prudence, who has ovarian cancer, is doing all she can to live life. That includes searching for the Holy Grail, which she hopes can cure her. Then there's Chapel, who has spent most of his 600 years hiding from life. Pru and her family wants Chapel to save her. However, Chapel feels that it would be cursing her if he changed her; he feels he has been damned. There are 5 books in this series. I have 3 more of them, and definitely need to find the other one I'm missing, if they're all this good!

Rating: **** 1/2