...since I'm so freaking behind again! And some of these books I read before my Russian vacation, so I don't remember much about them. But at least I can tell you if they're worth reading or not!
Atlantis Betrayed (Warriors of Poseidon) by Alyssa Day
What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, the notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It's said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it's invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon's trident. But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, and Christophe and Fiona must team up to commit the crime of the century.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I absolutely love this series! Christophe has not been one of my favorite characters in the other books; but he certainly redeems himself here. Great chemistry between Christophe and Fiona, hot and sensuous scenes, and plenty of action make this a great addition to the series.
My Rating: **** 1/2
Worth Any Price (Bow Street Runners, Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas
What is the price of love?
Nick Gentry is reputed to be the most skillful lover in all England. Known for solving delicate situations, he is hired to seek out Miss Charlotte Howard. He believes his mission will be easily accomplished -- but that was before he met the lady in question.
For instead of a willful female, he discovers one in desperate circumstances, hiding from a man who would destroy her very soul. So Nick shockingly offers her a very different kind of proposition -- one he has never offered before.
He asks her to be his bride.
And he knows that this will be much more than a union in name only. For he senses what Charlotte does not yet know -- that her appetite for sensuality matches his own. But what Nick learns surprises him. For while London's most notorious lover might claim Charlotte's body, he quickly discovers it will take much more than passion to win her love.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
What a fantastic ending to the Bow Runners trilogy! Though it wasn't as wonderful as Lady Sophia's Lover, this book was nothing to sneeze at. Nick was introduced in the first Bow Street Runners book as a criminal, and now he's working for the Runners. But he is in no way cured of his bad boy ways! However, there is a lot more depth to him now. And when he and Charlotte get together, sparks fly. Entertaining story and series - I hated to see it end.
My Rating: *****
Because You're Mine (Capital Theatre, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Because the Dream. . .
Young, high-spirited Lady Madeline Matthews is expected to wed an aging, lecherous lord. But she would rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom, and resolves to render herself unmarriageable by indulging in a torrid affair with Britain's most acclaimed actor and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott.
Because the Heart. . .
He is a legend in the footlights and in the bedchamber. But when the curtain falls, Logan is an intensely private, guarded man still tormented by past betrayals that cut deep into his pride and his heart. Now a forward little minx who seems completely out of place in the bright, sophisticated world of the London stage is disrupting his orderly existence with her constant presence, her unspoiled beauty and vibrant charm. And what begins with an onstage kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real. But first Logan and Madeline both must be brave enough to drop the masks they hide behind. . . and reveal their true selves in the golden glorious light of love.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I didn't realize there was a first "Capital Theatre" book until after I read this one, so I know you definitely don't need to read the first in order to understand this one. I held off on reading any Kleypas books because the front covers and description on the back made them sound rather bland. Damn, was I wrong! She is now one of my favorite authors. At first Maddy was very naive, and Logan was a total ass. He actually remained an ass through most of the book! But once again, love prevails. A nice twist was the theatre setting, not a popular venue in the historical romance from what I've seen. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
My Rating: *****
Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
Astride a stolen horse, encircled by the shackled arms of Broderick Maxwell, a Scottish spy escaping certain death in the Tower of London, Lizbeth Ives rides to the north, hidden by the darkness. By stealth and cunning, the daughter of the Lord High Executioner has undone her father's cruel work, compelled to save the innocent man with her. There is no turning back-for they are bound as one in his iron chains. Consumed by mortal fear, driven by passion, they disappear into the night.
A single raven follows them. Is it an omen? Or only the first of those who would capture them? They must ride on. If captured, they will face death together. But if they reach the Highlands, he will claim her for his own...forever.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! What a fantastic first book for Killion! Not sure who I loved more, Broc or Lizbeth. Broc is one hell of an alpha hero - strong, protective, honorable...and OMG, he is hot! And Lizbeth? Though she's the daughter of the Lord High Executioner, she cares for the prisoners who her father kills and tortures. She is reviled by many simply because of who her father is. Though frightened, she is compelled to save innocent Broc from sure death. Her strength, despite her fear, is what makes her a fantastic heroine. I thought it was interesting to have a main character with OCD (counting). And we learn why, which I won't ruin here. Their escape keeps you riveted, and their romance keeps you reaching for the ice water!
My Rating: *****
Assassin's Heart (Order of the Sicari, Book 2) by Monica Burns
The truth of the soul.
Lysander Condellarie never understood why he had telepathic and telekinetic powers until the night his Praetorian father tortured him and left him for dead. Now, the half-angelic, half-demonic face he sees in the mirror is a reminder of the monster he must keep hidden or face expulsion from the order of assassins know as the Sicari. But his dreams of Ancient Rome hint at a destiny he finds hard to accept, especially when it involves the woman he loves, but can never have.
The consequences of desire.
A gifted healer in the Order, Phaedra DeLuca witnessed her mother’s murder when she was just a little girl. The haunting memory makes her loathe everything Praetorian. When she travels to Rome in search of an ancient artifact, she must work alongside a man who once cruelly rejected her love and healing touch. But her dreams of Ancient Rome tell of an irreversible and possibly dangerous future. For the distant past and present are about to collide--with the one man she is destined to love.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Assassin's Honor. I was very intrigued by Lysander in that story, so was very happy to discover he would be the star of his own book. Lysander is of mixed heritage, and his own father tortured him and left him for dead. He desperately tries to keep his secret from Phaedra, since she despises everything Praetorian. This story mixes with dreams of the past, and how the two mesh together is startling. I hope there is more to this story!
My Rating: ****
Cruel Enchantment (Dark Magick, Book 2) by Anya Bast
Even the most powerful hands need a delicate touch…
Emmaline Gallagher is a master of wielding personal glamour. As a free fae who lives among humans, she must hide her true self at all times as she works undercover within the powerful Phaendir—for if certain factions within the Phaendir gain control, the fae will be wiped from existence. Now, an object of fae power lies within a locked ancient box. And there is only one fae who can forge the key.
Known as “the Blacksmith” Aeric O’Malley can create or destroy almost anything with his forging skills. Emmaline has come to him in need, but he and Emmaline have a past—and he has spent centuries wanting to take revenge on her for her transgressions. But now that he has her within his grasp, something about her keeps him from exacting his vengeance—or is it merely her glamour blinding him?
Trapped by fate, Emmaline must hope that she can reach Aeric’s furious heart before it’s too late…
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This is the second book in the Dark Magick series,and it's as entertaining as the first. Aeric is a blacksmith and also a member of The Wild Hunt. He's been waiting years to meet up with Emmaline again to get revenge on her. Emmaline, who was once an Assassin for the Summer Queen, is now a double agent attempting to help the Fae. In order to do so, she needs Aeric's help, and seeks him while in glamour. They meet again, he knows who she is.....and it gets hot from there! Bast writes wonderfully steamy scenes mixed together with lots of action and a compelling story. Put this series on your to-read list.
My Rating: ****
Wicked Surrender by Jade Lee
Jade Lee invites readers into her new Regency-set, sensual romance.
The daughter of an actress, Scher Martin feels she'll never fulfill her dreams of acquiring a good home and having a respectable family, so she agrees to be the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackthorn.
But when Brandon's cousin proposes marriage, Scher finds herself torn between the propriety she craves and the love of a dark and troubled man.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
OMG, this one grabbed me by the throat and would NOT let go! Brandon is the ultimate tortured alpha male, extra stress placed on "tortured". We're talking about wanting to end his pain! He desire Schers to be his mistress, but Scher dreams of having a respectable family and home. She's the daughter of an actress and owns, runs and lives in a theatre, and she wishes for the stability she never had. When Brandon's cousin Kit proposes, well...let's just say that doesn't help Brandon's pain any. The longing between Scher and Brandon is tangible, and Brandon's situation breaks your heart. There's a cliffhanger at the end, so I'm definitely waiting for the next book!
My Rating: *****
All Night With a Rogue (Lords of Vice, Book 1) by Alexandra Hawkins
Notorious, handsome, and decadent, the Lords of Vice prowl the glittering ballrooms of Regency London— breaking rules and hearts with equal aplomb. But even the wildest rogue must eventually meet his match…
Seduce Lady Juliana Ivers and then cast her aside: Those are his sister’s instructions. Alexius Braverton, Marquess of Sinclair—known as Sin to the ton—is happy enough to oblige, especially when he catches a glimpse of his target. Juliana is completely unlike the empty-headed chits who barely hold his attention for a week. A true gentleman would leave her to find a worthy suitor. But then, a Lord of Vice would never claim to be a gentleman.
Juliana is expected to marry well to improve her family’s finances, even if she secretly longs to make a living through her musical compositions. A dalliance can only complicate matters, though not even practical Juliana can help succumbing to the aptly named Sin. But one unforgettable night will draw her into a scandalous affair—and a seduction begun as sport will soon become deliciously, dangerously real…
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I do love my rogues, and this series promises to give me lots of them to love! We are introduced to many in this book, but Sin is the focus. Their first meeting is one of the most unforgettable I've read. Let's just say that Juliana is hiding in a tree, and Sin is being...uh...entertained by a woman when he notices Juliana! And thus starts the story and the steam. This sinful rogue will definitely catch your attention! (And the cover is quite beautiful, too.)
My Rating: ****
To Tempt a Saint (Sons of Sin, Book 1) by Kate Moore
It’s a perfect plan—to marry for money. Xander Jones needs it to fund a project deep in the darkest streets of London where his young brother went missing three years ago. Cleo Spencer needs it to escape her wicked uncle’s control of her life. When Cleo, an orphaned heiress, overhears Xander’s bungled marriage proposal to another woman, she steps in and offers herself as a bride. If she marries, she gains access to her own fortune. They agree to marry, but Xander knows a way out for both. But can a man like Xander Jones leave a bride like Cleo Spencer untouched—when she’s a woman “To Tempt a Saint”?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Xander Jones is living with the guilt of his brother being abducted while in his care. He is determined to light the streets of London to make them safer. He needs money to do this. Cleo Spencer has money, but is unable to touch it because of her uncle; she needs to be married in order to get her inheritance. I found their meeting to be quite humorous. Of course, once they're married, things become difficult. And things become quite eventful! If you don't like a lot of steamy sex in a romance novel, this one is for you. It's more about the story than the sex. Though I admit I would have enjoyed more of the sex! But I certainly enjoyed the story.
My Rating: ****
In Your Arms Again (Ryland Brothers, Book 3) by Kathryn Smith
Since North Ryland and Octavia March were wrenched apart and their childhood friendship destroyed, much has changed. North has had a successful career as a Bow Street runner, and has made quite a name and fortune for himself. So much so that when Octavia's fiancé (for she is now engaged to one of the most desirable men of the town) needs to hire a man to investigate threats on Octavia's safety, he is the only man that will do.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This is part of a series, which I didn't realize when I bought it. But it is most certainly a stand-alone book. It wasn't that memorable a story, but it was a very enjoyable read. Love apparently lasts for all time.
My Rating: ****
After the Kiss (Notorious Gentlemen, Book 1) by Suzanne Enoch
A Notorious Gentleman...
Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly...until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?
A Curious Lady...
Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret——but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This was one hell of a fun story! Sullivan has returned from the war. He is a respected horse breeder with a secret...he is attempting to regain his inheritance that was stolen for him while he was at war. Isabel encounters him when he is stealing from their home, and she is totally intrigued. When she discovers who he is, she basically blackmails him to find out more about him. Isabel was a fun heroine, and the chemistry with Sullivan was fantastic. Totally enjoyable.
My Rating: ****
The Accidental Wedding (Devil Riders, Book 4) by Anne Gracie
When Nash Renfrew wakes in the bed of lovely Maddy Woodford, he has no memory. In the days following his accident, he is charmed by her bright outlook on life, but he lives for the nights, when she joins him chastely-more or less-in her bed. When his memory returns, Nash asks for just one more night before he leaves. But it's one night too many and it creates a scandal that leaves him no choice but to offer her marriage.
With five orphaned half-siblings in her charge, Maddy needs the security Nash offers and can't resist the promise of passion she's experienced in his embrace. Well born, but poverty-stricken, Maddy knows she's not the wife he planned on, but he's everything she's ever dreamed of.
But will passion be enough? He's a diplomat who knows Czars and Princes and Grand-dukes and she's just a country girl who's never even been to a ball.
Can their new-found love survive, or will this accidental marriage destroy her dreams and his career?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This is my first novel by Anne Gracie, and I look forward to reading more. Once again, this was part of a series and once again, it was stand alone. I thought this was a fun book. I totally enjoyed Nash's interaction with Maddy's orphaned half-siblings, to whom she has devoted her life. Even after Nash recovers his memory, he doesn't tell Maddy he has because he doesn't want to leave her yet. There was wonderful chemistry, and the story was quite sensual at times even when Nash and Maddy's interactions were chaste. There was romance and suspense - who was trying to scare Maddy off? - and it was a great combination.
My Rating: ****
Till Dawn With the Devil (Lords of Vice, Book 2) by Alexandra Hawkins
Few women can resist a man like Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mother’s dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the mysterious death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger…
Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself “Reign” enters her life—seemingly from out of nowhere—and shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to learn the truth about Reign’s past. But when scandal strikes, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation…
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I enjoyed this story even more than I enjoyed the first in the series! Reign is plagued by people believing he may have been responsible for his first wife's mysterious death. He is living his life as a Lord of Vice - and then he meets Sophia. Sophia is almost blind, due to a tragic event in her childhood. She is living with her brothers, one of whom sees her as a source of funds to pay off his gambling debts. She and Reign meet and their lives change. They find they are bound by a horrible event in the past. A scandal strikes. There's much mystery, action and romance. Can't wait to read Dare's story next!
My Rating: ****
Before the Scandal (Notorious Gentlemen, Book 2) by Suzanne Enoch
Colonel Phineas Bromley is a legend—on the battlefield and in the bedroom. Though he's won many wars, and even more hearts, nothing could prepare him for his new life. When Phin discovers that someone has been pushing his family toward ruin, he assumes the role of a legendary highwayman. Riding out in the middle of the night, hidden behind a mask, Phin heads straight into trouble... and into the arms of the ravishing girl next door.
Coming face-to-face with a masked man did not frighten Alyse Donnelly as it should have. Instead, she finds him rather dashing. But her foolish heart has led her into trouble before, and helping a fugitive may mean jeopardizing her own plans, no matter how enticing his kisses. Now, as the danger grows, Alyse must make a choice between freedom...and the chance for true love.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
This second book in the Notorious Gentlemen series was as entertaining as the first. Alyse and Phin were childhood friends, until Phin, driven by guilt, left to join the army and go to war. Phin receives notice from his sister that their wheelchair-bound brother was deathly ill, so he comes home. And he discover his brother in good health; his sister wanted him home because mysterious accidents were befalling the estate. Phin is bound and determined to find out what was going on. He meets Alyse again - who is definitely not a child anymore. Phin attempts to solve the estate's bad luck under the guise of a highwayman. Alyse and Phin find themselves still drawn together after all these years. Good chemistry between the leads and a mystery make this a fun book to read. I've got the third in the series waiting to be read - think I'll read that next!
My Rating: ****
Untouched by Anna Campbell
Beautiful Grace Paget has no reason not to believe these words. After all, she was kidnapped, spirited away to a remote country manor, and told she is to grant this man his every desire . . . or lose her life. But Grace is no common trollop. So she risks everything to save her virtue by planning a daring escape, even though she finds herself tempted by this handsome man. There is something in his eyes that makes her wonder if he is as dangerous as he would have her believe.
Sheene knew nothing of the plan to bring him this woman. Locked up as a prisoner, called "mad" by all of the world, he will do anything to reclaim his life, and Grace's sensuous beauty has distracted him from his goals. And although he finds her irresistible, he is horrified to hold her against her will. Now, together, they must both revolt against the strange set of circumstances that have forced them together—for only then will Grace truly surrender to him . . . forever.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
The one word that best describes this story is "intense". It held me spellbound the entire length of the book. Matthew was an unusual hero - treated and kept confined by a family member as mad, he was still a virgin. And Grace was basically sent to him as a sacrifice to keep him occupied as a sexual companion. Matthew's finally overcomes his distrust of Grace and starts believing her story. The passion between these two is just astounding. He wants to help Grace escape, then have his captivity ended. There is so much hearbreak in this book, but also strength of spirit and the power of love. This is definitely worth the tears you'll spill reading it.
My Rating: *****
Blood on Silk (Awakened by Blood, Book 1) by Marie Treanor
Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local foktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend's most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers the legends are real. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger.
An army of vampire hunters has amassed to send Saloman back to hell. Sworn to help - yet fearing Saloman's deadly blood lust - Elizabeth seeks to entrap him, offering her body as bait. But something stronger than dread, more powerful than revenge, is uniting Elizabeth to her prey. Caught between desire and rage, Elizabeth must decide where her loyalties lie...and what the limits are to a yearning she can no longer control.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
For some reason I had trouble getting into this book. Maybe it's because I didn't feel any burning chemistry between Elizabeth and Saloman. There was sex and a connection between the two, but I didn't really FEEL it. It was different because unlike a lot of paranormal romances, Saloman actually did some bad vampire things and he seems to want to take over the world. But he doesn't appear really committed to being evil to me. I think the weakness was the character of Elizabeth. It was interesting enough that I'm planning to give the next book in the series another shot.
My Rating: ***
Burning Up (Anthology) by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook
Passion runs as hot as a fever dream in these all-new stories by four New York Times bestselling provocateurs of the paranormal...
In Angela Knight's Blood and Roses, a vampire warrior and his seductive captor join forces to stop a traitor from unleashing an army of demonic predators on their kingdom.
New in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series is Whisper of Sin, in which a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector—and lover—in a volatile member of the DarkRiver pack.
Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in Shifting Sea, the story of a wounded soldier rescued by a strange and enigmatic young woman.
Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series with Here There Be Monsters, as a desperate woman strikes a provocative—and terrifying—bargain to gain overseas passage.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Knight: It was a fun story, but nothing exciting. Love just doesn't happen that fast! Though I admit you're kind of limited with time in a short story.
Singh: Good story, but again nothing exciting. The romance between the leads was sweet, and the heroine's family was quite interesting.
Kantra: Aha! NOW we're cooking! I adore Kantra's Children of the Seas series, so I was thrilled to read this new story. This time we had a historical paranormal story. I just found this to be a beautiful story, and it made me tear up. Very touching.
Brook: Definitely the best of the bunch! This story is a prequel to Brook's new series, The Iron Seas. I can't wait to read the new book, The Iron Duke. This story was a great introduction to steampunk. Brook's world building is just phenomenal. I found myself enraptured by this new world. Nanoagents, Victorian romance, mechanical skin, machines, pirates....absolutely fascinating. Highly recommended.
My Rating: ****
Too Scandalous to Wed by Alexandra Benedict
Henrietta Ashby has loved Viscount Ravenswood for eight long years. But the dratted man thinks her a whimsical chit and nothing more. Wont to getting her own way, Henrietta sets out to seduce the stubborn viscount–and she needs the help of London's renowned courtesan to do it.
Viscount Ravenswood will never wed Henrietta. A wicked rakehell with a dark secret, he will not taint the innocent Miss Ashby by making her his bride. But when Henrietta transforms from whimsical to wanton, will the viscount be able to resist her bewitching charm . . . and her midnight kisses? Or will his sinister secret threaten to destroy them both?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
We'll make this short and sweet: Fast read, fun fluff. Though I admit Ravenswood's dark secret was most unusual!
My Rating: ***
To Save the Devil (Sons of Sin, Book 2) by Kate Moore
Ex-spy and former Bow Street Runner Will Jones rescues a beautiful, unsullied virgin from a London brothel, but she is no swooning maiden. Instead, he faces a woman of wit who resists his aid, escapes his protection...and captures his imagination.
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
I enjoyed this second outing in the Sons of Sin series. I highly recommend reading the first one, To Tempt a Saint, first. There are references to characters and incidents that will just confuse you if you're not familiar with the first story. I found Will to be a compelling characters, darker than his brother Xander. Will saves a drugged Helen from a brothel, who escapes from him. He is determined to find his brother and to keep Helen safe; Helen is determined to retrieve something important that will save her family. The story is very sensual without having a lot of sex scenes. A solid continuation of the Sons of Sin story.
My Rating: ****
Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.
Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter…
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Oh, my, who knew Gypsies could be so hot?! And there are two very hot ones in this book, though Cam is the hero of this story. The Hathaways put the "fun" in dysfunctional. Amelia is basically the glue that holds the family together. She wants to be able to control everything, but that's just not possible. She certainly can't control her feelings for Cam! I actually found all the Hathaways to be interesting or entertaining, and eagerly look forward to their stories. I did find brother Leo to be the most compelling, and I don't want to give away my reasons - you must read the book to find out! The prejudice against Roms in the 18th century is handled deftly by Kleypas. By turns heartbreaking and funny, this is a great start to the series.
My Rating: **** 1/2
Immortal Sea (Children of the Sea, Book 4) by Virginia Kantra
From a chance encounter…
Morgan of the finfolk does not normally waste his attention on humankind, but while in Copenhagen, he meets a young woman who captures his interest-if only for a night. On sojourn in Europe before starting medical school, Elizabeth is intelligent, attractive…and eager for a little adventure...
A memory kept…
Sixteen years later, Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez is called to the island of World's End to become its only doctor. There, she hopes to reconnect with her troubled son Zack, who has become withdrawn since her husband's death. She has no idea that World's End will also reconnect her with Morgan…
And a future about to be born…
From the moment Morgan lays his eyes on young Zack, he suspects the boy is finfolk-and his own son. As he and Liz clash over Zack's fate, they discover their desire is as strong as ever. But proud Morgan's loyalty has always been the sea, while Liz's responsibilities lie on land. Will their reignited passion be enough to bring them together? Or will their secrets force them apart?
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Kantra's Children of the Sea series is easily one of my favorites. I'm just fascinated with her characters who are of the sea. They don't understand humans, and emotions are a waste of time. By a twist of fate, Morgan is reunited with Elizabeth after a night of passion years before, and he believes her son Zack is his child. Zack is tormented by his secrets, and is floundering when he meets his biological father. The passion between Elizabeth and Morgan is sizzling, and I adore the interaction between Morgan and her young daughter. The series has mainly focused on the Selkies, so it was interesting to learn about the finfolk. Besides family drama, some demons are thrown into the mix, making this a wonderful read.
My Rating: *****
Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.
Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…
(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)
Ahhh, even better than the first one, Mine Till Midnight. Kev was fascinating in that story, so I was glad he starred in his own. Love Kleypas's Gypsies! And once again we get to spend time with the entire Hathaway clan, which is definitely a pleasure. It's quite obvious of the love that Win and Kev have for each other, but Kev doesn't think he's good enough for Win due to his dark past. We learn more about the secrets of the pasts of Cam and Kev. This is one of those books that you just have to read - I don't want to give away all the twists and turns and happenings here. Treat yourself.
My Rating: *****
