Review: Once upon a Scandal, Delilah Marvelle

Title: Once upon a Scandal
Author: Delilah Marvelle

Series: Scandal Series

Mass Market Paperback: 384 Pages
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: 1/18/11
ISBN: 978-0373775453

*I received a copy from HQN*

Description:

Lady Victoria Jane Emerson left behind her girlish notions of romance when Jonathan deserted her without a backward glance. Now the time has come when she must finally choose a husband, and she has vowed to marry someone who will never break her heart.

Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home, free of all his family's debts. Only to discover that by some miracle he has been chosen to vie for the hand of his beloved Victoria. To convince his only love to once again believe in the magic of love and the promise of desire will be his greatest challenge yet. And one he cannot fail!

My Review:

Lady Victoria’s heart was broken when Viscount Remington left for Venice eventually breaking all communication with her.  After fifty-two more letters, Victoria herself stopped writing. 

Her father’s health was failing they all knew it, she took care of him with no desire of marrying, her father needed her, her brother and mother are dead.  Her cousin Grayson, would not tell her what happened to Jonathan.  Little did she know what her father had planned.

Jonathan Thatcher has a lot to atone for.  For five long years he wouldn’t dare contact his Lady Victoria, it was too dangerous, and he wanted to be the man she needed and he couldn’t do that while in debt.  His family came first and he agreed to a five-year contract.  After which he would be free for Victoria again.  He made his best friend Grayson swear not to speak of him to Victoria she had no clue what his life was like.

In a twist of faith both were trusted together again.  While Victoria’s father was in his right mind he chose three men to vie for Victoria’s hand, however, they did not realize this.  And by midnight she had a choice to make.

What choice would she make?  What happened in Venice?  Could Victoria forgive Jonathan or would it tear them apart even more?

The second book in the Scandal Series kept me wanting more, begging for more.  I love how Delilah Marvelle takes historic information and turn it into something that rarely is written about.  My heart when out to everyone in this book I laughed and I held back tears.  I enjoyed reading Once upon a Scandal very much and a keeper.

My Rating:

Once Upon a Scandal (Hqn) 

Review: Black Magic, Cherry Adair

Title: Black Magic
Author: Cherry Adair

Mass Market Paperback: 400 Pages
Publisher: Pocket Star
Release Date: 7/20/2010
ISBN: 978-1439153819

Description:

SHE HATES USING MAGIC…

Ever since the death of her parents, Sara Temple has rejected her magical gifts. Then, in a moment of extreme danger, she unknowingly sends out a telepathic cry for help—to the one man she is convinced she never wants to see again.

HE’S A POWERFUL WIZARD…

Jackson Slater thought he was done forever with his ex-fiancée, but when he hears her desperate plea, he teleports halfway around the world to aid her in a situation where magic has gone suddenly, brutally wrong.

THEY’VE BEEN CHOSEN TO SAVE THE WORLD...

But while Sara and Jack remain convinced they are completely mismatched, the Wizard Council feels otherwise. A dark force is killing some of the world’s most influential wizards, and the ex-lovers have just proved their abilities are mysteriously amplified when they work together. But with the fate of the world at stake, will the violent emotions still simmering between them drive them farther apart… or bring them back into each other’s arms?

My Review:

Sara has a problem with her powers she hated them.  Unknowingly she sent her ex Jack.  Jack appears back in her life and saves the day.  (Did I mention that Jack is oh so yummy?)  Under orders from the Council they must work together both refusing and yet both were forced to do just that work together.  Together they find passion again while in search of what is killing wizards. 

Discovering the truth about Sara’s parents that they were murdered, the truth about her powers, about Jack and Sara’s former relationship, and the truth behind the deaths are all connected, and the cause of it was right in front of them the entire time.

I enjoyed Black Magic, I wanted more, even as I thought who the person was I was wrong.  With twist and turns at every corner, Black Magic will keep you on the edge of your seat.

My Rating:

Black Magic 

Review: Prelude to a Scandal, Delilah Marvelle

Title: Prelude to a Scandal
Author: Delilah Marvelle

Series: The Scandal Series

Mass Market Paperback: 384 Pages
Publisher: HQN Books
Release Date: 12/21/10
ISBN: 978-0373775378

Description:

The battle between the lady and the rake is about to begin

Lady Justine is willing to trade her good name, her reputation and her place in London’s gossip-hungry ton to secure her father’s release from prison.  But when the notorious Duke of Bradford counters her offer with a proposal of marriage, the stakes grow higher still.  For while the smoldering lord is famous for his conquests, the man is oblivious to both her devotion and her charms.  And Justine is soon afraid she has wagered all for naught…

My Review:

Lady Justine has to get her father out of jail, the sixth Earl of Marwood, a very intelligent man who wrote a book about zoological breeding he found himself into trouble for printing such acts.  These acts and others were the normal to Justine after all, she had spent time with her father.  To aid her father’s release from jail she agreed to marry the Duke of Bradford, Radcliff.

Radcliff has a secret, he is addicted to sex, so staying away from Justine and other women was on his agenda or at least until he married Justine.  He vows to be faithful to her.  Radcliff made a promise and he will do his best to keep it.

Justine wanted love, Radcliff did not believe in love.  Could they make their marriage work?  Or will it end once all debts are paid.

I loved Radcliff, with his sex addiction, even if the book is an historical addictions was still around although they were not made known as they are today.  It was done tastefully and the story was a great read.

My Rating:

Prelude to a Scandal (Hqn) 

Review: Marrying Daisy Bellamy, Susan Wiggs

Title: Marrying Daisy Bellamy
Author: Susan Wiggs

Series: The Lakeshore Chronicles

Mass Market Paperback: 432 Pages
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: 1/25/2011
ISBN: 978-0778329251

*I received this book through the HQN.*

Description:

There are days on Willow Lake…

Daisy Bellamy has struggled for years to choose between two men—one honorable and steady, one wild and untethered.  And then, one fateful day, the decision is made for her.

When the wind is so still and the water so calm…

Now busy with a thriving business on Willow Lake, Daisy knows she should be happy with the life she's chosen for herself and her son.  But she still aches for the one thing she can't have.

You can almost hear your heart beat…

Until the man once lost to her reappears, resurrected by a promise of love.  And now the choice Daisy thought was behind her is the hardest one she'll ever face….

My Review:

Daisy Bellamy is a single mom of a little boy Charlie.  For a career, Daisy is a photographer. 

Logan O'Donnell who is Charlie’s father..

Julian Gastinueaux, a Lieutenant in the US Air Force who meet Daisy at Camp Kioga.

Together these three lives are tangled together, two men who love Daisy and Daisy who loves one of them.  Lakeshore Christmas left us off with Logan, Julian, and Daisy at the train station when a ring fell to the ground.  The question remained, whose ring was it?

That question was answered in Marrying Daisy Bellamy. 

I have loved both Daisy and Julian when they first appeared in the series and I still love them.  Logan I did not like at first but he did grow on me in Marrying Daisy Bellamy.

For Daisy and Julian life seems to get in their way, each time one of them turn around something comes between them.  Whereas Logan has learned to be a great father, but does not like Julian, he believes that Daisy should be with him because he is there for her and not in the military.

She had made her choice between the two.  When she was planning her wedding disaster struck losing the one she loved.  Eventually as time goes on, she finds herself in the arms of the other.  Living in a marriage that is less than perfect but both her and her husband try their best at their marriage.  One faithful day she learns that the man she loves was not dead but alive and well.  Now she is a dilemma, she could not leave her marriage for the other even if he is the one man she has loved.

Her husband knew for a while that their marriage was not going to work out.  Adding her love of her life back into the mix he knew that it was time to let her go.

Marrying Daisy Bellamy had been on the edge of my seat, screaming no with tears in my eyes.  I grew to love each of them and my sadness went away at the end of the book.  However, I hope that eventually the husband finds pure happiness that he deserves. 

My Rating:

Marrying Daisy Bellamy (The Lakeshore Chronicles)

Review: Eat Prey Love, Kerrelyn Sparks

Title: Eat Prey Love
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Series: Love at Stake

Mass Market Paperback: 384 Pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 9/28/2010
ISBN: 978-0061958038

Description:

WANTED: Bride. Must love children. Mortals need not apply.

Carlos Panterra is looking for a mate, a woman who will love and care for the young orphans he's recently taken under his wing (or paw, as the case may be). When the shape shifter spies the beautiful Caitlyn, it's like sunshine amidst the darkness. At last, he's found the perfect woman, except…

Caitlyn Whelan is mortal. Worse, her father is the head of a CIA agency bent on hunting the undead. Still, Caitlyn knows that Carlos is the man for her, shape shifter or not. So she jumps at the chance when her sister offers her a job to work with him, determined to show Carlos their attraction is more than just animal magnetism. But danger lurks in the night, and their unleashed, untamed passion might just get them both killed…

My Review:

Carlos has always taken in orphans and raised them as his own.  The Panther race is rare and he is on a worldwide search for a Panther mate, no human would do. 

Caitlyn arrived at Romatech for her nephew’s birthday, a nephew she has yet to meet and a sister she hasn’t seen in ages.  Little did she know that her sister was married to a vampire and her nephew was half vampire himself.

While watching a basketball game Carlos caught her eye as she did his.  It was clear that they were destined to be together…eventually. 

Caitlyn knows languages, can learn them quickly.  She signs on with the security team and now has to train one on one with Carlos.  Then she is assigned to assist Carlos in his travels.

Together they fight enemies and their feelings.

I have always loved Carlos since he arrived in the series.  Also, I was happy to be introduced to another Whelan.  Eat Prey Love had me hooked from beginning to end.

My Rating:

 

Eat Prey Love (Avon)

Review: Infinity, Sherrilyn Kenyon

Title: Infinity
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Series: Chronicles of Nick

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 480 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Release Date: 5/25/2010
ISBN: 978-0312599072

Description:

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends… until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

My Review:

Nick, is an average teen trying to survive the years of high school and it seems he finds nothing but trouble.  Usually I pass on YA’s they just do not hold my attention that is until Infinity came out.  If you read Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series then you are already familiar with Nick.  I love Nick but lately I have hated seeing Nick in his state, however, reading Infinity brought his past to light and showed him in the way we all love him.

Infinity is full of surprises and left me with my mouth hanging open.  Even though you already know what happens to Nick you can’t help but want to read about how he met Kyrian and Ash.  It also shows Nick’s mother as a stripper who teaches Nick to be honorable and respectable.  I was more than glad to see his mother again.

It also shows high school for what it is.  It brought me back to the days where I was in high school all those years ago minus anything supernatural of course.

I cannot wait for Invincible next year.

My Rating:

 








Infinity: Chronicles of Nick 

Review: The Best of Friends, Susan Mallery

Title: The Best of Friends
Author: Susan Mallery

Mass Market Paperback: 368 Pages
Publisher: Pocket Star
Release Date: 9/28/2010
ISBN: 978-1416567189

Description:

In high school, studious Jayne Scott and wild child Rebecca Worden became unlikely best friends—a tie that endured even after Rebecca fled her family to live overseas.  After Jayne’s mother passed away, she became part unpaid assistant, part surrogate daughter to the wealthy Wordens.  But now, ten years later, Rebecca is coming home to L.A. to cause havoc for Elizabeth, the mother who all but rejected her.  And Jayne finds herself pulled deeper into the Wordens’ complicated family dynamics—especially when Rebecca’s brother, David, returns as well. 

David is the man Jayne always wanted and knew she could never have.  But when he gravitates toward her in spite of Elizabeth’s protests, her vow to escape the family’s shadow is put to the ultimate test.  And as lies are shattered and true feelings exposed, Jayne must decide where loyalty ends, and love begins. . . .

My Review:

The Best of Friends, had me from the beginning.  I cannot say too much without giving away the story, and that I won’t do.  Very rarely does a book make me cry but this one did, it showed how friendships could be misleading.  The Best of Friends had it all wrapped into one wonderful story happiness and tears.

My Rating:

 The Best of Friends (Pocket Readers Guide)

Review: Renegade, Lora Leigh

Title: Renegade
Author: Lora Leigh

Series: Elite Ops

Mass Market Paperback: 416 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Release Date: 8/31/2010
ISBN: 978-0312945831

Description:

As a bridal shop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women’s wedding dreams come true.  Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder—and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer.  What’s worse: She knows she knows him.  But the police, after doing an alibi check, don’t believe her.  It’s up to Mikayla to prove them wrong…and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.

Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor.  This friend swears he’s no killer—and Nik believes him—even though he’s been mistaken as one by Mikayla.  So Nik goes to set her straight…but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he’s in too deep.  A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead.  Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend’s name, and find the real killer, who remains on the loose…

My Review:

Nik is in between a rock and a hard place, he believes both his friend and Mikayla and what is worse is that he wants Mikayla, he has wanted her since the first time he saw her.  Nik wanted to fulfill his favor and leave, nothing in between, however destiny had other plans.

Everyone likes Mikayla, she is very much the virgin girl next door, she dates a lot but that is how far it goes.  Her family is very protective of her and quit their jobs when she told them what she saw.  She knows she isn’t wrong and whats worse only her family believes her. 

When Nik was getting ready to leave someone shot at her.  Changing his plans, he moves in with her to protect her.  As they dig for answers, the attempts on her life increases and the restraint Nik had falters. 

Nik did not want passion he did not want anything more than he could give and that was not much.  Mikayla wanted him but knew she could never have him completely and that was fine with her, she would take what she could.  Hot, steamy sex filled mixed with action had me gripping the pages.

My Rating:

 







Renegade 

Review: Promises in the Dark, Stephanie Tyler

Title: Promises in the Dark
Author: Stephanie Tyler

Series: Shadow Forces

Mass Market Paperback: 416 Pages
Publisher: Dell
Release Date: 11/23/2010
ISBN: 978-0440245971

Description:

A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand (DMH)—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since.  So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.

Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past.  Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down – and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to.  The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane.  Yet the hot-headed special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.

My Review:

Olivia is anything but thankful when Zane shows up rescuing her.  Zane has a dark past of his own, wanted Olivia, not only to save her but he wanted her and only her.  Olivia now saves whom she can, gives medical care for those who do not readily have the care they need.  She had escaped DMH and has been on the run ever since. 

Olivia had been told that Zane was a friend and to trust him, but could she?  After the bombing of an illegal clinic, and black marking human organs, Olivia is wanted by the CIA for questioning.  Together they travel across country to safety where one of Zane’s brothers awaits.  Yet, Olivia still refuses to leave.  Zane is a man of his word, a man of honor, who opens up to Olivia, something he hasn’t done before.  Through their travels, Olivia finds herself trusting Zane even more and trusting herself in his arms.

The first book I read of Stephanie Tyler’s was Hard to Hold and I have been addicted to her sexy military men ever since.  I could feel the passion bouncing off Zane and Olivia.  I loved their story as I did Lie with me.  Promises in the Dark left questions unanswered and I for one cannot wait until In the Air Tonight.

My Rating:

Promises in the Dark (Shadow Force, Book 2)

Review: Captive of Sin, Anna Campbell

Title: Captive of Sin

Author: Anna Campbell

Mass Market Paperback: 384 Pages

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: 10/27/2009

ISBN: 978-0061684289

Description:

He pledged his honor to keep her safe…

Returning home to Cornwall after an unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress—and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.

She promised to show him how to love—and desire—again…

Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience—especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control—and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.

My Review:

Sir Gideon has his own demons he has to deal with when he found Lady Charis Weston beaten and bruised. With his honor he vowed to protect her no matter what it takes. He is a hero, famous amongst society. Charis at first has no idea who or what he is but she did not care. Gideon became her hero when he continues to save her.

All Charis had to do was make it to her 21st birthday and she would be free from her step brothers, that was easier said than done. Gideon had a plan after her step-brothers showed up on his door step demanding their sister. A decision had to be made and making his decision sent them on another adventure.

I loved Gideon and Charis, Charis was not the typical socialite in court and Gideon was not your ravishing, wanting to seduce his way through court. Both Gideon and Charis are strong in their own ways but together they are stronger, they need each other to be able to heal.

I won this book in a contest from Ms. Campbell and I am glad I did. This was the first book that I have read by her. I cannot wait to get my hands on her other works. I would like to thank her for this opportunity to read Captive of Sin.

My Rating:

 







Captive of Sin 

Review: Born To Bite, Lynsay Sands

Title: Born To Bite

Author: Lynsay Sands

Series: The Argeneau Vampires

Mass Market Paperback: 384 Pages

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: 8/31/2010

ISBN: 978-0061474323

Description:

Legend has it that Armand Argeneau is a killer in the bedroom . . .

But with all three of his late wives meeting unfortunate and untimely ends, is this sexy immortal a lover or a murderer? That's what Eshe d'Aureus intends to find out. As an enforcer, it's her job to bring rogue vampires to justice, even if the rogue in question makes her blood race red hot.

Armand knew she was trouble the moment Eshe roared into town on her motorcycle, clad in tight black leather. She claims she's hiding from dangerous fiends, though he suspects something more. But after three wives who've all had trouble remaining, well, undead, Armand is reluctant to open his heart again. Then strange accidents start to happen, each deadlier than the last, and Armand realizes he may not have much time to prove he's a lover, not a slayer.

My Review:

Lucian promised to look after Eshe and her sibling’s years ago. Lucian needed to be certain that Armand was innocent no matter if he believed he was or not. Lucian came with a plan to send Eshe undercover pretending to need to go into hiding while working on the case that will save Armand’s son Nicholas. Nicholas was accused of killing his life mate fifty years ago. No in prison until his innocence or guilt is proven.

The leather wearing motorcycle rider Eshe and the farmer Armand were instantly attracted to each other. They had not bothered trying to read each other but when they did they found they were life mates. Despite that they are life mates and despite the fact that Eshe is an enforcer he cannot risk the chance of something happening to her. He already lost his first life mate and two others wives. Eshe herself had lost her life mate but unlike Armand she is happy that she got to spend eight centuries with him and despite the fact that she had lost two sons she was till grateful.

When they gave into their passion it was hot and wild then accidents started to happen. Eshe already believe Armand but this proved he had nothing to do with these accidents. Together they searched for the truth, together they survived the attacks on them, together with help from some of Eshe’s they worked to free Nicholas. When the truth is reviled it not only hurts Armand but I suspect it would hurt Nicholas as well.

The question is how far would you go to protect the one you love? Would you love them enough to commit murder? Once again Lynsay Sands had me guessing at to the end about who the villain or villains were. I cannot wait until the next installment of the Argeneau vampires.

My Rating:

 





Born to Bite: An Argeneau Novel (Argeneau Vampires)