Damn, I haven't been keeping up very well lately, have I? It's because I'm reading so freaking much! So these aren't going to be in-depth reviews, but at least you'll know if it's worth the time to read these.
Parallel Seduction (Midnight Warriors, Book 3) by Deidre Knight
Warrior Jake Tierny travels back in time to stop a traitor in his beloved king's camp. But when a twist of fate proves the mission unnecessary, Jake is trapped in a time not his own, with friends who cannot learn his true identity. Scott Dillon may be the king's trusted lieutenant, but he is also a man at war with himself, a human hybrid who refuses to succumb to the Antousian nature he abhors-and that Jake Tierny embodies. FBI linguist Hope Harper refuses to let near-blindness keep her from joining the Refarians in their war to defend mankind. Her attraction to both Scott and Jake forces all three to question the core of their beliefs.And as their enemies surround them, Hope knows she must choose one man for all time.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This was a great story, but really, time travel makes my freaking head hurt! How can the future self exist at the same time as the current self? Argh!! But Knight does tell a good story, so it's worth the headache.
Rating: ****
A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore
The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.
Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Garrett was introduced in Haymore's previous book, A Hint of Wicked. I thought Sophie was a total idiot for not choosing Garrett, so I was glad to see he had his own book. This one wasn't so depressing like the last one - it was a great story, and I was glad to see Garrett get the happiness he deserved. Great storytelling.
Rating: **** 1/2
My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel
A desire that can't be controlled...
Carson Philips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage, Alvaro Magellan, has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees Magellan's mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist...
A hunger that can't be sated...
Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breathe away. He's not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus stop him before his desire for Carson destroys them both?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This one was pretty good. Can't quite put my finger on what was lacking. There was a character I really liked here, and he stars in the next book. We'll see how that one is.
Rating: ***
Knight of Desire (All the King's Men, Book 1) by Margaret Mallory
FEARLESS IN BATTLE
His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.
TENDER IN BED
Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets, and dare not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Sigh......SO romantic! Everything you could ask for in a medieval romance. Can't wait to find the next two in my huge to-be-read piles! Great characters and story. Something about it just touched me.
Rating: *****
In Darkness Reborn (Paladins of Darkness, Book 3) by Alexis Morgan
Alexis Morgan continues her red-hot paranormal series with a mysterious warrior and his forbidden love for a woman who's allegiance lies with his sworn enemy. . . .
Once a warrior for the Others, Barak q'Young is caught between two worlds -- exiled from his homeland, and a pariah among his enemies, the Paladins. While hunting a betrayer who's selling the precious blue gems that light the Others' world, Barak must aid geologist Lacey Sebastian in her research for the Paladins. Barak is instantly drawn to the fiery, beautiful woman, but Lacey initially despises the enemy intruder. Soon she sees beyond his violent past, though, finding the dark warrior intriguing -- and extremely sexy.
Though neither can resist the passion that blazes between them, Barak is torn between loyalties, hiding a secret gift that could prove useful to Lacey's research, at the sacrifice of his own people. But when Lacey is kidnapped and held hostage, Barak realizes he will do anything to save her . . . even risk his own life.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This book's hero was one of the "Others", who are the bad guys in this series. Barak was introduced in the first book; he was a pretty heroic guy, but I still wondered how this would work having him as a hero of his own book. Well, it worked wonderfully. This is the best in the series so far. Morgan does a fantastic job of making us feel Barak's deep loneliness and torn loyalties. Definitely will make you want to read the next books!
Rating: **** 1/2
Redeemed in Darkness (Paladins of Darkness, Book 4) by Alexis Morgan
Alexis Morgan's sizzling paranormal Paladin series continues with a courageous female warrior who can't resist the man of her dreams -- even if he is her sworn enemy....
A fiercely beautiful female leader from the Other world, Lusahn q'Arc can't forget the Paladin warrior she met in battle -- his chiseled body and piercing, thoughtful eyes still haunt her dreams. While investigating the smuggling of the mysterious blue stones used to light her shadowy world, Lusahn receives word that her missing brother, Barak, is alive -- and working with the Paladins. Although angry at his betrayal, she arranges to meet him. But at the appointed time it is not Barak who arrives, but Cullen Finley -- the enemy warrior who torments her memory.
Intense attraction immediately burns between Lusahn and Cullen despite their rival loyalties, and they can't help surrendering to passion. Their time together is limited, though, for soon Cullen must return to his own world -- with or without Lusahn. But when carefully laid plans go awry, together they must fight to keep their forbidden romance a secret -- and keep each other alive.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Another fantastic book in the series! This time we have a romance between one of the Paladins and an Other, who happens to be Barak's sister. Once again, there is focus on torn loyalties; also, we also see how the enemies aren't that different after all. The story was great, and there was lots of action. Loving this series!
Rating: **** 1/2
The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
In a debut romance as passionate and sweeping as the British Empire, Meredith Duran paints a powerful picture of an aristocrat torn between two worlds, an heiress who dares to risk everything...and the love born in fire and darkness that nearly destroys them.
From exotic sandstone palaces...
Sick of tragedy, done with rebellion, Emmaline Martin vows to settle quietly into British Indian society. But when the pillars of privilege topple, her fiancé's betrayal leaves Emma no choice. She must turn for help to the one man whom she should not trust, but cannot resist: Julian Sinclair, the dangerous and dazzling heir to the Duke of Auburn.
To the marble halls of London...
In London, they toast Sinclair with champagne. In India, they call him a traitor. Cynical and impatient with both worlds, Julian has never imagined that the place he might belong is in the embrace of a woman with a reluctant laugh and haunted eyes. But in a time of terrible darkness, he and Emma will discover that love itself can be perilous -- and that a single decision can alter one's life forever.
Destiny follows wherever you run.
A lifetime of grief later, in a cold London spring, Emma and Julian must finally confront the truth: no matter how hard one tries to deny it, some pasts cannot be disowned...and some passions never die.
(Information courtesy of Goodreands.com)
You can't ask for any more than this is a debut novel! Action, adventure, history, romance and wonderful characters.
Rating: *****
Ravishing in Red (The Rarest Blooms, Book 1) by Madeline Hunter
The first novel in a magnificent new quartet of historical romance
Audrianna Kelmsleigh is unattached, independent-and armed. Her adversary is Lord Sebastian Sommerhays. What they have in common is Audrianna's father, who died in a scandalous conspiracy-a deserved death in Sebastian's eyes. Audrianna vows to clear her father's name, never expecting to fall in love with the man devoted to destroying it...
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Great start to this series! I loved the chemistry between the two leads. I also enjoyed the mystery that was at the heart of this story. Eagerly looking forward to read the next one.
Rating: ****
Darkness Unknown (Paladins of Darkness, Book 5) by Alexis Morgan
After being ambushed by the Others, Paladin warrior Jarvis Donahue is left for dead in the woods of southern Missouri, where he is discovered by the beautiful and strong Gwen Mosely. Gwen notices one of Jarvis's cuts is healing right before her eyes, a phenomenon her half-brother, Chase, also possesses. Gwen resolves to take Jarvis back to her home to nurse him back to health. But when Jarvis awakens and is introduced to Chase, he knows immediately what dangerous fate links the two of them: Chase is a young Paladin too. Eventually, the time comes for Chase to battle the local Paladins, badly wounding himself and putting Gwen in danger. Can Jarvis save her in time?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Another great addition to the series. However, I was kind of sad that an Other wasn't one of the main characters - I got attached to them in the last two books! It was very interesting to read about Chase, a young Paladin who finally discovers what he is. It gives us a bit more insight into the lives of the Paladins.
Rating: ****
To Taste Temptation (Legend of the Four Soldiers, Book 1) by Elizabeth Hoyt
EVEN THE MOST REFINED LADY
Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social circles, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperon for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.
CRAVES AN UNTAMED MAN
Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.
TO RELEASE HER PASSION...
But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameless man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control...
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Ahhhh, the perfect tortured hero! Absolutely wonderful story. The heroine was not very likable at first; she actually came across as rather bitchy and uppity. But Emeline most definitely grows on you. And Samuel...oh, Samuel! He's a very complex character, and it was fascinating to find out his history...and why he must run. Great romance.
Rating: *****
Defeat the Darkness (Paladins of Darkness, Book 6) by Alexis Morgan
Hard-eyed and hard-bodied, Hunter Fitzsimon isn't what Tate Justice expected in a tenant for the apartment above her garage. Terse and intensely private, Hunter's mission is to protect a narrow stretch of the barrier between Earth and Kalithia against the Paladins' ruthless enemies -- a job that would be much easier without his sexy landlady nosing around. So when she follows Hunter into the woods late one night, he decides to teach Tate a lesson with a passionate kiss that brings her to her knees...and unexpectedly ignites red-hot desire deep in his soul. But the warrior's dark and dangerous world is no place for his fiery lover. Does possessing Tate mean turning his back on his brethren...or will Hunter forsake the woman of his dreams for the harsh duty he's always known?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Hunter is one of my favorite heroes in this series (after Barak!). Sexy and very tortured, he's trying to get his life back after great personal tragedy. However, Tate I found to be a bit annoying. She was almost a busybody, a bit of a stalker! Though she does grown on you. But Hunter was phenomenal. There were no loose threads in this story - I hope that doesn't mean there aren't more to come!
Rating: **** 1/2
Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
Silver-tongued Viscount Sanburne is London's favorite scapegrace. Alas, Lydia Boyce has no interest in being charmed. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself, as she always has done. Certainly she requires no help from a too-handsome dilettante whose main achievement is being scandalous. But Sanburne's golden charisma masks a sharper mind and darker history than she realizes. He shocks Lydia by breaking past her prim facade to the woman beneath...and the hidden fire no man has ever recognized. But as she follows him into a world of intrigue, she will learn that the greatest danger lies within -- in the shadowy, secret motives of his heart.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Glad to know that Duran's first book wasn't a fluke - this woman can write! And she tells amazing stories with incredibly complex characters. Sanburne starts out appearing to be a very shallow man; but as we learn more about him, you can't help admire him. The chemistry between the two leads was extremely hot. Some secondary characters were mesmerizing....hope to learn more about them!
Rating: **** 1/2
