Sunday, January 2, 2011

I'm caught up!!

But for how long?

Well, now I've got the post-Christmas blues bad. Doesn't help that the last 2 days have been rainy and dreary. Plus I have to go back to work for full weeks after working 2 weeks of only 4 days each. Ugh. But I always get depressed after Christmas, and I know it'll pass.

I'll stop whining now. Here are some more reviews:


His Woman by Diana Cosby

Trusting Her Was Unthinkable

Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer's mistress, shattering Duncan's heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan's promise to Isabel's dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.

Resisting Her Was Impossible

Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. No one could blame him for despising her, yet Duncan's misgivings cannot withstand a desire that has grown wilder with time. Now, on a perilous journey through Scotland, two wary lovers must confront both the enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down, and the secret legacy that threatens their passion and their lives. . .

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

I didn't realize this was the second book featuring the MacGruders. I should have done my homework better. And I have the first one hidden in my room somewhere! Humph. Though I didn't realize it until after I read it, so I guess they don't need to be read in order. Anyhow....I loved this book. This is the first I've read by Cosby, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Duncan had been betrayed by Isabel in the past, but had never gotten over it. Isabel had her reasons - good reasons! - but she could not tell Duncan. But Duncan was able to put it aside to honor a pledge to Isabel's dying brother. No really big surprises here, but I thought it was very well written, and the chemistry between the characters was fantastic. I was really pulled into the story and didn't want it to end, hence my rating.

My Rating: *****


Right Hand Magic (Golgotham, Book 1) by Nancy A. Collins

Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.
Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

I was familiar with the name of Nancy A. Collins, but had not read any of her books to my knowledge. This sounded interesting, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I admit I was very surprised how much I liked it. In the beginning, I was thinking that no way would Tate find Hexe attractive (I mean...six fingers on each hand and cat pupils...and purple hair?) However, by the end of the book I was half in love with him. The amazing thing about this book was Collins' world building. You could "see" the city that she was building, and it was a magical (hehe) place. The strange creatures she described seemed to become normal as the story progressed. You can't read this story and not be fascinated by Golgotham and its inhabitants. It's a city I will gladly visit again.

My Rating: *****


Never Lie to a Lady (Neville Family, Book 1) by Liz Carlyle

In her dazzling new historical trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle plunges readers into the steamy underworld of nineteenth-century London. Among the swirling glitter of English high society, a scandalous rogue gets more than he bargained for in the lady of his desires.

Lord Nash is a creature of the night -- his wealth and title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. Notorious for his sophisticated manners and a dark, dashing elegance, rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the women he's left heartbroken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, he faces a lure of temptation all his own -- an extraordinary moment of passion with a mysterious lady in the moonlight -- and an obsession that will lead him into a hellish world of smugglers, spies, and intrigue. And as for his damsel in disguise, the witty and beautiful Miss Xanthia Neville, he soon learns, is as unattainable as she is tempting. And now Nash must decide if she is also dangerous. . . .

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

This is my first book by Liz Carlyle. Glad I enjoyed it, because I believe I have 4 more of hers! It was a little slow getting started, but once it got going it was quite an entertaining read. I believe Nash (yummy!) and Xanthia were a great pairing...and very hot, I might add. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My Rating: ****


The Heir by Grace Burrowes

Award-winning debut author Grace Burrowes introduces a deeply engaging series of Regency romances

A debut novel by a rising star with remarkable characters, intriguing plots, and settings of fascinating historical accuracy. In this Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes, a wily old duke is determined to see the succession of his line secured, and his three headstrong sons are equally determined to resist the bonds of matrimony. In The Heir, the first in the series, the Earl of Wyndham, weighed down by responsibilities and determined to avoid the rounds of country houses of and matchmaking mamas, decides to summer in London. There he discovers a potentially perfect duchess in his lovely, mysterious housekeeper...

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

This is one of those books that just captivated me. It started out a wee bit slow, but before I knew it I was so engrossed I just couldn't put it away! (And not a good thing when you're at work, let me tell you!) I found Gayle and Anna to be the perfect couple. The romance between them slowly built up, making it more believable. Anna had a secret, and did everything she could to hide it from everyone, especially the Earl. I adored Anna and her relationships with others around her. However, to me the most heartwarming relationships were between Gayle and his brothers, Dev and Valentine. I can't wait until their stories come out.

My Rating: *****


Ride The Fire (Blakely/Kenleigh Family Trilogy, Book 3) by Pamela Claire

Sexy, sensitive and resourceful frontiersman Nicholas Kenleigh, Clare's gloriously larger-than-life hero, will seduce readers as he wins the heart of young widow Elspeth Stewart. Elspeth is eight months pregnant and struggling to survive without the help of a man when a wounded Nicholas comes along and demands her aid. Smart enough not to say no to a scruffy-looking trapper with a revolver, Elspeth takes him in, tends to his wound and then ties him up for her own protection. What follows is a taut, sensual adventure during which the two protagonists find love and discover that braving the many hardships of the frontier (and the dark corners of their pasts) is best done together. Through her tight plotting and deft descriptions of the Ohio wilderness, Clare keeps the suspense level high. As her characters state often throughout, the first rule of the frontier is survival, and Clare does an excellent job of depicting the constant struggle to stay alive. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

(Information courtesy of Shelfari.com)

First, what didn't I like? That this was part of a trilogy, and I didn't know it! I have the first one, I realized, and don't know where it is. Story of my life. What else didn't I like? Can't think of one damn thing. This is one of the BEST books I have ever read! Absolutely freaking phenomenal. The hero and heroine are two of the bravest people you'll ever read about - they've been through the fires of hell (Nicholas literally), yet they struggle through and manage to find love. This is the first book I've ever read with a pregnant heroine who is about to give birth. Nicholas is the ultimate tortured hero. The building of their relationship together is beautiful to behold. Yes, I'm gushing. I just can't describe how much I love this story.

My Rating: *****


Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book 5) by Lara Adrian

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

(Information courtesy of Goodreads.com)

As I've mentioned before, this is one of my favorite series. Lara Adrian is absolutely wonderful. After this many books, a series can become a bit staid, but not this one. New storylines continually emerge to keep it fresh and exciting. Niko didn't stand out in the previous stories, but he sure did here when it was his turn. He is quite the daredevil, a proficient fighting machine who didn't have much time for women, except for the occasional release. When Niko has a run-in with Renata, he's intrigued and can't get her off of his mind. Renata was a great heroine, being forced to protect someone she hated. When a little girl dear to her is taken away, Niko and Renata join forces to save her. And then things really get hot. Great characters and lots of action and heat add up to a great book.

My Rating: **** 1/2

Now that I've caught up, here's a list of the order I just placed with Books-A-Million online. (I pray hubby never finds this blog!)

Immortal Champion by Lisa Hendrix
Rory by Julia Templeton
Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland
A Little Bit Sinful by Adrienne Basso
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
A Taste of Desire by Beverley Kendall
Frostfire by Lynn Viehl
My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel
Finding Destiny by Jean Johnson
Prelude to a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Master of Smoke by Angela Knight
Surrender to Darkness by Annette Mccleave
Shadowspell by Jenna Black
Angel at Dawn by Emma Holly
Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf
Taken by the Others by Jess Haines
Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe

Yep, 17. I have plans to order than same amount come next payday, too. January is a big new release month!

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