Kelly’s review of Gabriel’s Redemption

TITLE: Gabriel’s Redemption
SERIES #:Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Gabriel & Julianne Emerson
AUTHOR: Sylvain Reynard
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
This is final book in the Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy. I will start off saying that you really have to read this trilogy in order. There is way too much that happens in book 1 and book 2 to just read book 3. So if you have not read I would suggest you stop here, unless you would like a bit of a spoiler.

A love found, a love lost, a love tested and a love that will stand the test of time that is how I would describe not only this book but the whole series. If you have read book 1 & 2 you will know the bumpy road that Gabriel & Julianne have to travel. In Gabriel’s Redemption the Emersons will have to keep fighting for their future. Friends and foes from the past come back and are trying to stir up trouble for them. Gabriel & Julianne learn quickly that they have to have each others back even when they have to let the other stand on their own.

This was a great way to end the series and I am so happy that I pick up Gabriel’s Inferno. I have loved Gabriel and Julianne from day one and have been so excited to see them grow as individuals and as a couple. I am sad that this is the end of the series, but I hope that Sylvain will give us a glimpse at The Emerson’s some time in the future.

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 18, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Warrior’s Revenge by Coreene Callahan

TITLE: Warrior’s Revenge
SERIES #: Warrior’s of the Realm #1
CHARACTERS: Lord Brigham de Mornay & Lady Aurora de Marquise
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
NARRATOR: Sue Pitkin
PUBLICATION DATE: June 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After the death of her parents, Lady Aurora de Marquise is left with no illusions. Stripped of her birthright and betrayed by her uncle, escape is her only option. With her life on the line, she narrowly avoids another murder attempt—only to run headlong into Lord Brigham de Mornay, a man most consider a monster.

With her uncle’s henchmen nipping at her heels, Aurora knows better than to trust a stranger—especially one as compelling as Brigham. Well-honed instincts urge her to flee before his abundant charm takes a nasty turn into aggression—and she ends up neck deep in trouble.

Wary, but undeniably drawn to him, Aurora pits her will against his, challenging his authority every chance she gets. But when her uncle manages to track her, the game of fox and hound takes a perilous turn and she is left with the ultimate choice—surrender to the man who now holds her heart or risk it all trying to escape again.

Gritty and fast-paced, Warrior’s Revenge brings to life the magnificence of the medieval age while exploring the meaning of honor, duty, and nature of true love.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this book. I listened to all but the last two chapters on audio book, because I was impatient and could not wait until the next morning to finish. So since I had Warrior’s Revenge on my kindle I read the last two chapters. So I will start there. Sue Pitkin is not my favorite narrator. She did a good job with the telling of the story and the female voices. But the male voices were just off for me. They didn’t sound quite right.
I can’t really put my finger on it. But even with that I enjoyed the story.
Aurora is fun (even if she likes the words “the big brute” too much). I liked her fighting spirit and her will to survive. I did have to say I really enjoyed the banter between Aurora & Brigham. It was really fun to watch the each of the try to push the other to the breaking point.

Brigham for a better word is a brute. He has been very accustomed to getting his way and never having anyone stand up to him. I loved that Aurora got the better of him time and time again.

I am looking forward to seeing what is next in the Warriors of the Realm series I really want Cam’s story and I want to learn more about Quinlyn, Aurora’s feisty best friend.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 11, 2013November 11, 2013

Interview & giveaway with Amanda Forester

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

Thanks for inviting me to share with you today. I am excited to announce the release of my newest Regency novel, Midsummer Bride. I took a chance with this book and wrote an unconventional heroine – an American heiress who is more interested in scientific experiments than finding a husband. I see a little of myself in her and hope even science nerds can find love!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have always had stories floating around I my head, but I never thought of actually being a writer until a friend gave me a copy of a historical romance novel. When I read the story, it resonated with the stories I had in my head such that I wanted to try writing one myself.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Because I also have a day job and a family it’s hard to say I have a “typical” writing day. Most of my writing happens when everyone else is in bed!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is going back every day and continuing to slog along, even when I have no idea where I am going. The best part about writing is getting to watch the characters that have been running around my brain come alive on the page.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Midsummer Bride was just released last week and is my second in the Marriage Mart trilogy (but you can read the books in any order!) Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her aristocratic uncle is desperate to get her off his hands and is offering a king’s ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title. In contrast, Harriet’s interests lie in science, returning to America, and avoiding matrimony, until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. When Thornton is falsely accused of being a traitor, Harriet must use her knowledge of chemistry to find the real culprit and spark true romance.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I grew interested in writing an American heroine when I discovered how English ships of this time were patrolling the newly formed American waters, seizing American vessels, and since American citizenship was not recognized, impressing American sailors into service for the Royal Navy. And all this was legal under British law! Of course the Americans felt differently about this and it was one of the reasons for the War of 1812. Anyway, I began to wonder what would happen to an American heiress who gets caught up in one of these raids and is taken back to England, hence Midsummer Bride.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I am currently finishing Winter Wedding, which completes the trilogy and the story of Miss Penelope Rose, marriage matchmaker, and the Duke of Marchford, marriage avoider, who are featured prominently in all three Marriage Mart books (Wedding in Springtime, Midsummer Bride, and Winter Wedding).

Who are some of your favorite authors?

There are so many I can hardly count, but I know Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer definitely drew me into writing in the Regency period. I especially enjoy books with a lively plot and a dose of humor!

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

We all stand on the shoulders of the authors who have come before us, particularly those pioneers of historical romance who have established the genre. However, when I write I tend to look inward at my own stories and characters. It is tremendously rewarding to see the characters who have inhabited my brain come alive on the page.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

Ok, this is fun! I have randomly opened to page 180.

“Legend has it the faeries and other fey creatures come out to play on Midsummer’s Night Eve. So for centuries people have been building bonfires to keep away unwanted spirits intent on causing mischief,” said Thornton.

“Like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” asked Harriet.

“Precisely. Best to keep out of the forest lest that mischievous sprite Puck give ye a love potion.”

“Disastrous! I shall stay away!” She wondered how she could arrange a meeting with this Puck. Might be useful to have a love potion.

Thornton smiled. “Aye, beware the faeries.”

If he knew what she was thinking he would do well to beware of her.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Christmas novellas. I’m crazy about them! I love reading short holiday themed stories around the holidays. Now if I could just finish my work in progress!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for inviting me. I hope a little Midsummer Bride will warm your hearts this holiday season! I love to hear from readers so come visit me at my website, facebook, or twitter.

Amazon | B&N
Love is one experiment this scientist hasn’t tested…

Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her uncle is desperate to get her off his hands and is offering a king’s ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title.

To avoid marriage, Harriet swears off all men, until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. But when Thornton is falsely accused of being a traitor, Harriet must use her knowledge of chemistry to find the real culprit and spark true romance.

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November 7, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Entwined by Kristen Callihan

TITLE: Entwined
SERIES #: Darkest London Novella #3.5
CHARACTERS: Eamon Evernight & Lu Moran
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
PUBLICATION DATE: Nov 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother’s shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it’s Eamon’s help-and quick wit and romantic heart–that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady…a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

REVIEW:
This was a quick novella about 40 pages long. But it was packed full of twists and turn with every page. I won’t give away too much as it was a novella. But let’s say that not everyone is as the seem.
I love how Kristen put this novella together. From beginning to end we cover a four year period and I loved reading the letters between Eamon & Lu. But really I am not going to say much more. But if you are a fan of Kristen’s and a fan of the Darkest London series you will enjoy this novella.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 27, 2013June 19, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Jayne Fresina

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Jayne Fresina to the blog.

Jayne, can you please share with us a little about yourself

JF: I’ve lived half my life in England and half in America. It’s great to have that experience, but I often feel as if I don’t really belong in either place anymore! I work for a large, international company and divide my day between them and my writing. I write every day – yes, as my sister recently said to me in a shocked voice “even weekends and holidays???”! I’m the mother of three Sussex spaniels and usually one of them is always sitting on the chair behind me, battling for space when I write. I’m shorter than I wish I was and I have no willpower when it comes to cake. Sewing machines scare me and I don’t like seafood.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

JF: Yes, but I’ve also wanted to be a lot of things over the years (including Prima Ballerina) and so far author is the only one that’s come to fruition! I think it is what I was meant to do.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

JF: I’m not sure I have any that are original to me. I hold conversations in the shower with my characters, but I have feeling other writers do that too. I can’t sit at my computer every morning until I’ve brushed my teeth. I might not have a spotless house, but I have clean teeth!

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

JF: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal is book three in the series about the fictional village of Sydney Dovedale. It’s not necessary to have read the first two books, but Lady Mercy does make an appearance in book two as a very naughty ten year-old. People who have read that book will doubtless remember her! Book three takes place twelve years later and she’s trying to keep her life as structured and on schedule as she thinks it should be. She’s also busy managing the lives of other people – whether they want her to or not. When she arrives in Sydney Dovedale for the wedding of her best friend Molly Robbins, she discovers that Molly has got cold feet. Mercy tries to help bring about a resolution to the problem, but she already has some history with the groom, Rafe Hartley. A history that she’s kept secret for years. And he’s just waiting for the chance to accuse “Lady Bossy Drawers Danforthe” of ruining his life a second time. While Molly runs off to London to follow her dreams, Lady Mercy remains in Sydney Dovedale to repair the situation as best she can and put Mr. Rafe Hartley firmly in his place once and for all.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

JF: Well, the principal characters all met in book two when they were children. Rafe and Mercy instantly annoyed one another, as did Molly and Mercy’s brother, Carver. It seemed to me as if I had to write their stories next. I have actually had readers email me about Molly and Carver, asking when they get their story. That’s coming in book four, folks!

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

JF: I just started working on my second series for Sourcebooks Casablanca, which is set earlier in the Regency period and follows the romantic misadventures of five young ladies from the village book society.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

JF: I would love to have met Jane Austen, of course! Too late. I’m sure Anne Rice would be a fascinating person to meet. I do love to meet authors so we can chat about the things other people – like family members – don’t really “get”.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

JF: Write as much as you can, every day, and learn to self-edit. The first manuscript I wrote and started querying was over 500,000 words! I had no idea there was such a thing as a word count restriction. I really had to learn to say more with fewer words. And I had to be ruthless and stop my characters nattering away too much, even if they thought they were tremendously witty, smart and indispensible to the plot.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

JF: I’d love to take a trip on the Orient Express!

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

JF: I don’t have a lot of time to read these days, but I’m looking forward to Grace Burrows’ next book, Ethan. I believe it’s out around the same time as mine, so I can take a little break to read! Also Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe’s One Night with a Rake.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

JF: I hope readers enjoy my characters and watching them fall in love. It took me a long time to get up the courage to share my work with strangers, so now that it’s happened I love to hear from people who’ve read something I wrote. It still amazes me to think that someone I’ve never met, in a faraway country, can pluck my book off a shelf, or a website, and read about characters from my tiny mind.

Please feel free to contact me through my website www.jaynefresina.com

I also have a blog http://jaynefresinaromanceauthor.blogspot.com

And I tweet occasionally. @jaynefresina.

LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL

by JAYNE FRESINA

IN STORES JUNE 2013

When a Perfectly Proper Lady…

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It’s what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she’s obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there’s one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can’t rein in; whose chaos she can’t contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue…

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn’t mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people’s business. And it just so happens that Mercy “Silky Drawers” Danforthe still owes him a wedding night…

A Scandal’s Never Far Behind!

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May 28, 2013May 5, 2013

Kelly reviews What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Wicked Earl Wants
SERIES: The Sinful Scoundrels #1
CHARACTERS: Andrew “Bells” Carrington & Laura Davenport
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A RAKE’S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it’s fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for …

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar’s daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura’s good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ..

REVIEW:
AAAhhhhhh The Earl of Bellingham finally gets his story…..

Andrew of better known as “Bells” is a confirmed bachelor. That is how it has been, how he wants it and how it is going to stay. All he needs now is a new mistress and things will be perfect. Too bad for the Earl of Bellingham that he can’t control fate. Because fate is about to throw a huge wrench in his plans of bachelorhood.

I have been in love with Bellingham since we met him in Vicky’s “How To” Series. I was very excited when I learned that Bells was going to get his own story and be the start of a new series. I really enjoyed the torture and torment that Vicky makes Bells suffer in this book (he deserves it). Laura is a perfect fit for our reluctant Bells. My only fault with the story is that Laura didn’t make him suffer more for his pain-in-the-butt stubbornness.

If you are a fan of Vicky’s already you will really enjoy What a Wicked Earl Wants. But never fear if you are new to Vicky, What a Wicked Earl Wants can easily be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest grabbing the “How To” Trilogy so you can see where our sweet stubbornness Bells started from.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 20, 2013May 5, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Marquess Who Loved Me By Sara Ramsey

TITLE: The Marquess Who Loved Me
SERIES #: Muses of Mayfair #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Nick
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A not-so-merry widow…

The widowed Marchioness of Folkestone is notorious for her parties, her art collection, and her utter disregard for the rules. But Ellie Claiborne knows her destruction is near. The new marquess is her first lover – the man whose sculpted body and sardonic grin haunt her every time she picks up her paintbrush. If he ever returns to claim his inheritance, her heart won’t survive seeing him again.

A man determined to destroy her…

Nicholas Claiborne hasn’t stepped foot in England since watching Ellie marry his cousin. He has no use for the gorgeous, heartless girl who betrayed him, or the title she abandoned him for. But when his business in India turns deadly, Nick must return to London to uncover a murderer – and take revenge on the woman he couldn’t force himself to forget.

A love they can’t escape…

Nick hates Ellie’s transformation from sweet debutante to jaded seductress. Ellie despises him for leaving her behind. Still, the sparks between them reignite the passion that should have been their destiny. As their demands of each other turn darker and a potential killer closes in, they must decide whether to guard the fragile remnants of their hearts — or find a way to fall in love all over again.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time getting into this story. The characters never really clicked for me and Ellie was just not a likable character. There seems to be some anger in her towards Nick when she is the one who ditched him and he should be the one that is mad. It seems so weird the way this story is written. Everything is backwards. The people who are mad at Nick should be mad at Ellie. The storyline of the attempted murder was so hidden it was non-existent. While Nick is an adorable character he deserved someone better than Ellie. I could have read more of Nick if not for the fact that Ellie had to butt herself in all the time. So many muses that Nick could have gone with and he chooses Ellie? Why?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 15, 2013April 9, 2013

Jennifer reviews Sweet Madness by Heather Snow

TITLE: Sweet Madness
SERIES #: Veiled Seduction Series #3
CHARACTERS: Penelope Bridgeman & Gabriel Devereaux
AUTHOR: Heather Snow
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Ever since her husband’s sudden and tragic death, Lady Penelope Bridgeman has committed herself to studying the maladies of the mind, particularly the trauma of soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. It is this experience that brings the Marquess of Bromwich’s family to her door.

Gabriel Devereaux’s unexpected and unpredictable episodes are unlike any Penelope has studied. The once proud soldier has been left shaken and withdrawn, but Penelope manages to build a fragile trust between them. Strangely, Gabriel seems completely lucid when not in the grips of his mania, and during the calm bouts between, she is surprised by how much she is drawn to him.

Despite his own growing feelings, Gabriel knows that he is fit for no one and is determined to keep Penelope away from his descent into madness. But even though she knows firsthand the folly of loving a broken man, Penelope cannot stop herself from trying to save him, no matter the cost.

REVIEW: Heather Snow continues to impress me more with every book that she writes and I am amazed at how intricate her characters and storyline are with her new release, Sweet Madness. Lady Penelope Bridgeman is a young socialite that is determined to help others suffering with mental illness even though health professionals dismiss her techniques as being foolish. Penelope seemed to be very happy in the beginning with her life as a young wife, until tragedy strikes and she is drawn into assisting others with similar maladies. I liked her because even though she would have been happy in a ballroom she felt that she needed to help others and I saw this as her way for atoning for what she considered as her past mistakes. I thought she was very courageous to walk into the situations that she did with her head held high and the determination that she would make a difference in these people’s lives. There was nothing that she could have to done to help the people in her past because I believe she was meant to have a purpose and those events would eventually put her on her journey into the psychiatric field.

Gabriel Devereaux was also a very interesting character for me because he had fallen so far from his station in society. He was being currently housed in a mental institution after being a decorated war hero and his family was determined to deem him mentally incompetent to be head of his own estate. Penelope was his last hope in helping to cure him and she was also the shining light in his current sea of mental darkness. The two of them together were magical because they just fit so well together and her very presence calmed him during the worst of his episodes. Even though the subject matter for this novel was very serious, Ms. Snow handles the material with the upmost of care and it hit very close to home for this reader.

This is the third and final book in the Veiled Seduction series and I have loved each of these wonderful, intelligent and resourceful heroines immensely. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Snow has planned for the future but I’m sure that her next endeavour will be just as well-written and thought-provoking as Sweet Madness.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 28, 2013March 12, 2013

Kimberly’s review of Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

TITLE: Highlander Most Wanted
SERIES #: Montgomery/Armstrong #2
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Bowen
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

REVIEW:
What a wonderful and sad story. I have never read Banks before but now I have found a new author to enjoy. Genevieve breaks my heart. While she tried to be so brave her desperation is so palpable that I just wanted to cry for and with her. And what a wonderful man Bowen was written to be. This may just be my favorite Highlander novel.

I was worried that the sadness of Genevieve would go on for so long that it would become aggravating but it never did. And while it did continue throughout the entire story she was written with such a fighting spirit that just when you thought it might get tiresome something happens and you begin to understand her sadness yet again. Bowen is a strong man who is willing to do anything for Genevieve to be happy again.

This is the second in the series and I will say having not read the first I was a little lost with the characters and history at first but that was soon inconsequential to the rest of the story so it was fine. The other problem was there was a bit of the same information over and over but again it is written so well that it was still enjoyable.

If you enjoy Highlander novels this will most certainly need to be one you pick up and if you have not read one before this should be your first. You will fall in love with the Highlanders and Maya Banks.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 25, 2013March 10, 2013

Kimberly’s review of With This Kiss: Part Three by Eloisa James

TITLE: With The Kiss
SERIES #: Part 3
CHARACTERS: Grace & Colin
AUTHOR: Eloise James
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lieutenant Colin Barry returns from the wars injured in body and spirit, knowing that he has no right to steal Grace from the arms of her fiancé. Yet the same warrior’s spirit that won so many battles at sea is prompting him to throw proprietary to the winds, imitate his pirate father, and simply take what he most desires!

Author’s Note: Don’t forget to read Parts One and Two! Reading this installment first would be like eating the icing before you even get it onto a cupcake.

REVIEW:
This is the third part in the three part series. This is a nice historic short story. Having not read the main books that these original characters came from I am sure that I did not enjoy it as much as someone who has read these stories have.

I am not sure why this was written into parts instead of one book but since the whole story is just over 100 pages it is fine to have it in the three parts. I think anyone who like historical romance will enjoy this story of a lifetime of love.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 19, 2013March 10, 2013

Kimberly’s review of With This Kiss: Part Two by Eloisa James

TITLE: With This Kiss
SERIES #: Part 2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Colin
AUTHOR: Eloise James
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Grace Ryburn has accepted another man’s proposal after the love of her life, Lieutenant Colin Barry, asked for her own sister’s hand in marriage.

But when Colin returns home from the wars, injured in body and spirit, will she be able to turn her back and marry another? Or will she throw away every rule her mother taught her and try to seduce a man who has shown no interest in her kisses?

Author’s Note: Be sure to read Part One first! You need to know the story of how Grace fell in love with Colin . .

REVIEW:
This is the second in a three part story. It, like the first, is a short story of about 50 pages. You must read the first to understand the second. I do not think reading the second without the first will have any meaning. And of course there is a final third part that will hopefully wrap the story up nicely.

This is an almost sad love story. This is sort of the ships that pass in the night story and I really can’t wait to read the last part so I know how it ends.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 13, 2013March 12, 2013

Guest Reviewer Misty reviews The Dark Lady by Maire Claremont

TITLE: The Dark Lady
SERIES #: Mad Passion #1
CHARACTERS: Eva & Ian
AUTHOR: Máire Claremont
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Victorian era was full of majestic beauty and scandalous secrets—a time when corsets were the least of a woman’s restrictions, and men could kill or be killed in the name of honor…

Lord Ian Blake has returned from India a broken man. Years ago, he pledged to Lady Eva Carin—his childhood companion and first love—that he would bring her husband back alive. His failure haunts him. But even his jaded soul can’t anticipate the shocking sight of beautiful, independent Eva confined in a madhouse.

Locked in an asylum, forgotten by society, Eva is adrift in both body and mind. For Ian to break her free, they must cross a powerful enemy—and prove her sanity to England’s unforgiving aristocracy. But the biggest danger of all may come when the secrets of Eva’s tragic past are finally unlocked.

REVIEW:
A Beautifully Dark Delight
I have been anxiously awaiting Máire Claremont’s debut from the moment I first spied the cover. The lush art work led me to believe that the contents inside would certainly be even better. The Dark lady had me from page one and kept me entranced right through the final pages. The writing is solid. The Dark Lady’s hero and heroine are equally matched in strengths and tragedies. The story weaves its way through the dark side of Victorian England, a side which is often forgotten. Claremont draws readers into the dark recesses of an often cruel era where those who have power often abused such power. From a country side madhouse to the beautiful ballrooms of London this book takes readers on ride that so few historical romances do.
They had been friends since early childhood but destiny and duty fell in their paths. Lady Eva Carin has not only lost her husband but soon after suffers a much greater loss than that, the loss of her infant son in an accident of her own making. Her brother-in-law Thomas, the new Lord Carin sees fit to commit Eva to an asylum of which she has endured many cruelties including a regular dosing of laudanum and many pain filled beatings. Lord Ian Blake has returned from India haunted by the events that led to the former Lord’s death and dreads coming face to face with Eva, but he knows he owes her the truth about what really happened to her husband. Ian is stunned to learn that she’s been committed, but upon entering the halls of the asylum that she has been placed in, he becomes livid and enraged. The only thing that stops him from committing murder is the thought of never being able to see Eva again. This sets off a chain of events that puts them both in danger as they each try to overcome the torments that life has thrown at them.
I was drawn into the story from beginning and my heart went out to Eva and Ian. The story telling is lush and simply draws you into the period. There are many strong secondary characters that will make you want to come back for a second helping. Beautifully crafted, and has been written in a fashion that believable for its time period. For a novel that has an overall darkness to it, the light soon begins to filter in.
Easily a Five Star

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.