Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh

May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

MIDNGIHT


Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Holiday, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (323 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Thistledown

One by one, people are mysteriously disappearing from a small Maine town.

Four months ago, a ruthless murderer killed two people and kidnapped three more, including Danny Sullivan’s sister, who barely escaped. Unfortunately so did the killer, vanishing without a trace into the vast wilderness. When the police fail to find his sister’s captor, Danny returns to Maine to hunt him down.

He begins his search with another survivor, bed and breakfast owner Mandy Brown, but her refusal to cooperate raises Danny’s suspicions. What is the beautiful innkeeper hiding?

Mandy Brown has a secret. But sexy Danny Sullivan, his relentless questions, and the desire that simmers between them threaten to expose the truth. A revelation that puts her family in danger. As more people disappear, it becomes clear the killer is planning another ritual…and that he’s circling in on Mandy.

A murderer stalks the wild woods of Maine. He has set his sights on Mandy Brown, an innkeeper with secrets that may threaten the safety of all she holds dear.

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Mandy is a woman burdened with the responsibilities of caring for a special needs brother, an ailing mother and running an inn all by herself. She begins to receive threatening messages and photographs in the mail and begins to fear that Nathan has come back. She dare not let anyone get too close, lest Nathan rip what is left of her life to shreds. She holds a secret that could knock the murder case right on its head.

Danny Sullivan is a man on a mission. He is trying to solve the murder of his sister at the hands of Nathan. Not only has he fallen for the pretty innkeeper, he has a score to settle with the murderer of his sister. As strange accidents begin to happen, and he and Mandy are forced together he begins to wonder what dark secrets are hiding in the Maine woods and behind the eyes of the woman he is growing to love.

The mystery and intrigue in Midnight Sacrifice are a catalyst for a brilliant page turning experience. Add in the romance between Danny and Mandy and you have some pretty intense sparks ready to burst into flame. The murderer has someone helping him even as I devoured the pages in search of an answer, author Melinda Leigh didn’t give it away with anything obvious. She had me guessing until the last second and that is something in a mystery novel that I value immensely. Don’t hand it to me on a platter, make me work for it and that was exactly what she did.

Seeing Nathan growing up with the twisted circumstances of his family made him very real and all the more scary. Is there a kind of disease that warps the mind like that until you can’t sleep and it totally degrades the brain into a pile of mush? I don’t know, but wow that was a great story line. Using the Celtic mythology and the re-birth of spring with Beltane and the May Queen ideal was a brilliant use of symbolism.

The romance between Mandy and Danny was fraught with insecurities. Commitment issues, guilt over secrets and shame all played a part in how they reacted to each other. The tension between Jed wanting Mandy and her becoming infatuated with Danny was another element that added spice to the mix. The sexual tension and love scenes were well done. I love characters that aren’t perfect and have the scars to prove it, whether they are physical or have something lying just beneath the surface that they have to tame before they can really see the other person staring back at them in the mirror, let alone someone else. Danny had that big time, and so did Mandy. Each of them had their own demons to slay and that made it much more identifiable and realistic.

I enjoyed the building suspense of this novel. The mystery interwoven with romance and the sheer terror of experiencing what the victims were experiencing at Nathan’s crazed whims were enough to have me bringing this book everywhere I went until the last page was turned with a sigh. I wanted it to last forever and I will be watching for more books by this author.

When I am in the mood for mystery and alluring characters that tug at my heart strings, I will be reaching for another Melinda Leigh. I just hope she writes another one quick!

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Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire

April 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SUN
Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (398 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

When running is all you’ve ever known . . . Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they’ve been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they’ve reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight–for her aunt’s life . . . and for a love she ran from years before. Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still. Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago–but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe’s lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

Sometimes the most heartwarming love stories are about couples who find one another again. Barefoot in the Sun is that sort of story and what I liked best about it was the reason for the couple not getting together in the first place. Sometimes those storylines are contrived, and without giving too much away, let’s say this one isn’t. It’s all part of a backstory that’s intriguing and has you cheering on not only Zoe, but her great aunt too.
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I found myself wanting Zoe and Oliver to find their happily ever after but at the same time wanted everything to be okay for her aunt too. However, Ms. St. Claire did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to not only the hero and heroine, but just about everyone else in this book.

The setting is also nicely portrayed and perfect for the level of sensuality of the story. I also enjoyed being introduced to the other characters who I believe will feature in another Barefoot book.

Mostly because of its suspense and the secondary story thread, it’s a quick read because you find yourself reading another chapter and then another one. The romance is hot; the setting is scorching which I think makes this a good candidate for a beach or swimming pool read this summer.

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With Murderous Intent by Maggi Andersen

April 29, 2013 By 12 Comments

hand shutting the mouth of the girl
With Murderous Intent by Maggi Andersen
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Genre: Contemporary, suspense
Length: Full (252 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review by Poppy

To escape a deadly stalker, Caitlin Fitzgerald flees her home in Ireland and takes a governess job in the top end of Australia. In her chosen safe haven, she has poisonous snakes, spiders, and crocodiles to contend with. And the very handsome and moody station owner, Jake Monterey, to keep her awake at night. But not only is Caitlin at risk of losing her heart to Jake and his two adorable children, the danger she thought she’d left behind has found her again. Has she unwittingly placed the lives of those she loves in jeopardy?

While, perhaps not romantic suspense in the current sense of the word, With Murderous Intent is a softer, sweeter version of the genre.

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Caitlin isn’t stupid, thankfully. And while she’s attracted to her new boss, Jake, she also recognizes that he’s nearly engaged. I do wish the author had made Jake’s girlfriend a bit more viable as a potential rival. It reminded me of “The Sound of Music”: the sweet nanny who adores the children versus the wealthy, gorgeous woman who can’t wait to put them in boarding school.

Still, the story has teeth and the plot was engaging enough to keep me reading. I think fewer words could have been used to tell the story and make things move along a bit more quickly. The end was heart-stopping, though, and the love story sweet.

If you don’t need non-stop action in your romantic suspense, and enjoy a touching romance, then this book might be for you.

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Nicholas by Grace Burrowes

April 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NICHOLAS
Nicholas by Grace Burrowes
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (385 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Heir to the Bellefonte earldom, Nick Haddonfield has made a promise to his dying father that he’ll marry before the Season’s over. When Nick meets Lady Leah Lindsey, he realizes he’s found not only a damsel lady in need of rescuing, but also a perfect countess of convenience. Then he spoils everything by falling in love with his wife…the one woman he can never, ever have.

Two strangers converse in the dark as they retreat from the “Ballroom Battlefield” for a respite. They kiss for luck. His kiss speaks of kindness, hers of wonder and courage. Nicolas Haddonfield, Viscount Reston and Leah Lindsey connect as fellow sufferers. He deems her a damsel in distress and sets in motion actions to ease her seemingly hopeless plight. Thus begins an ardently giving, loving love story that is brimming over with lifelike characters. Nicholas is a Regency romance lover’s dream come true.

Nicholas, a gorgeous, gentle giant of a man has been no better than he had to be as he sowed his wild oats, but now feels duty bound to put his “wild and free” years behind him and marry as his ailing father wishes. He loves the ladies and is whispered about as “the berserker of the bedrooms”. He deals amiably with his public image, but his private person is another story all together—intriguing and compelling. Unknowingly, he operates from a false premise, but with the best of intentions as he seeks a wife for a “white marriage”. My goodness, what a tangled web he gets himself into with Leah somehow getting tangled in the same web.  This makes for amazing reading.
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Leah is a “staked goat” in London’s Polite Society marriage market as she is long past her prime. Even though her brothers, Darius and Trenton, help her as much as they can, her cruel father is determined to make a profit off her marriage and is in negotiations with an odious, diseased old man who has had several wives, all of them now dead. Leah’s has suffered much from her father all ready and knows she will lose all hope and what little self worth she has if she has to marry the old man; but she is penniless and defenseless—at the mercy of her merciless father.

The captivating secondary characters, some of whom the reader will recognize from Darius and the fabulous Moreland Series, influence the main characters and support while giving the reader insight into the ‘doings’ of the times. Valentine Windham’s music speaks to Nicholas as he struggles to do the ‘right’ thing and keep a balance in his life. Valentine’s declaration that “it would destroy you not to marry for love” sets Nicholas on edge. Nicholas’ grandmother, Della, Dowager Marchioness, loves him dearly but is not above manipulation and machinations to nudge her grandson in the direction she sees his true happiness lays. She is a darling who does much to reconnect Nicolas with his family and especially with Ethan, his half-brother, that has a unique place his Nicholas’ heart. Leonie is a mystery that unfolds as the story progresses. She and Leah’s little half-brother add a new layer of love to the story.

Grace Burrowes exquisite writing style with its subtle humor (I love the scrappy little duck in the park) and revealing metaphors brings vibrant characters into a compelling plot with many subplots to create a love story that is breathtaking and heartwarming. Much of the story is told from Nicholas’ point of view and reveals an awesome giving love from both the hero and heroine. Nicholas is chocked full of special spots of love and actions that give the reader a vicarious experience long to be remembered. Nicholas is a keeper to be enjoyed more than once.

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Lady Vivian Defies a Duke by Samantha Grace

April 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

LADY
Lady Vivian Defies a Duke by Samantha Grace
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (344 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

The Naked Truth

Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when there’s no one around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…

A Revealing Discovery

Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride that comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he’s just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.

Vivian’s innocent compassion set her up as an object of gossip and possible ruin before she was really old enough to realize she had done something that Regency rules deemed taboo. She tells herself she will act just the way she should and not cause her brother anymore grief, but her delightful, high-spirited ways keep her life teetering on the edge of social disaster most of the time.

She was only a child when she was betrothed, but is determined to be the perfect lady when her intended, the duke, comes. The threat of the village gossip, Mrs. Honeywell and her brother’s threat of sending her to a nunnery loom, but her curiosity and exuberance for life keep her in trouble most of the time.
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Lucas (Luke) Forest, the Twelfth Duke of Foxhaven, does not want the responsibilities of a duke nor does he want the young woman his father betrothed him to years ago. However, her brother insists the agreement be honored. He writes that his nineteen-year-old sister is obedient, docile and domesticated. Luke gets a jolt when he learns his affianced swims like a water sprite in only her chemise, rides horseback astride, skips stones on water, shots a pistol quite well, is inclined to act before she thinks, and freely expresses opinions that seem to “sprout up like dandelions”.

Luke’s near-fatal accident in his youth changed his world. He is shamed by some of his disabilities but knows he should not have dumped ducal responsibilities on his brother Richard like he did. How he sets things to right after he takes Vivian to his mother’s house party at Irvine Castle reveals much about his character. Even more revealing is his emotional struggle when his plan to help Vivian find a husband so he will not have to marry her. This proves to be an insurmountable problem for him—nobody is good enough for her.

As the secondary characters grow in number so do Vivian’s problems. What she wants with all her heart is Luke but her compassion makes her consider the shame she would bring to his family should her ‘indiscretion’ ever come to light.

Samanatha Grace keeps the reader turning pages as she creates near-disasters with Vivian’s actions. She adds to the tension with characters like Mr. Collier that is a villain of the first order. Also, Johanna Truax, a cousin of Luke’s mother, adds an undercurrent of treachery that makes the reader want to shout ‘watch out’ to Luke and Vivian.

Ms. Grace uses an uncomplicated plot and slips in the sense of love in Luke’s family that is unconditional along with side stories about Luke’s brother Andrew and his adorable family; of Vivian’s Cousin Patrice and Vicar Ramsey; her brother Ash and his harridan of a wife Muriel. She also works in tidbits of Vivian and Luke’s past. Best of all she lets the reader share poignant moments, humorous moments, scary moments, and breathtaking lovemaking moments with Vivian and Luke.

Lady Vivian Defies a Duke has just the right ingredients blended together to give a marvelous vicarious experience that makes the reader gives a happy sigh that love wins again. Most enjoyable reading!

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An Unexpected Blessing by Debra St. John

April 23, 2013 By 1 Comment

BLESSING
An Unexpected Blessing by Debra St. John
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (147 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Quince

Single Mom Katy Roth thinks life can’t get any worse. In the past six months she’s been let go at work, had to move back home with her parents, and found out her ex is cutting his child support payment. As Thanksgiving approaches, she finds little to be thankful for in a life that is quickly spinning out of control.

Joe Mason is the town’s bad boy. Literally. He’s just returned from a four year stint in prison. He wants nothing more than to put the past behind him and get on with his life. He’s had a secret crush on Katy since grade school, but when Katy’s parents hire him to be their handyman, she’s less than thrilled to have him around.

But soon, through her young son’s eyes, Katy discovers the good in Joe. As their feelings for one another deepen, small town gossip and prejudice threaten to ruin everything. Will Joe’s past come between them, or will they be able to get beyond it and hold onto a love neither expected?

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An Unexpected Blessing features Joe Mason who spent some time in prison and his past is not a rosy one. He is well aware of his transgressions, and now that he has served his time he wants to just lead a normal life. Joe Mason is a bad boy, but at the very beginning of the story he is also reformed one, but not by the love of the heroine – Katy Roth – or through his love for her, but because he learned his lesson in prison. What actually stands between him and his path to a happy life is the small-minded community into which he returned. Fortunately, with Katy’s help and love he realized that if love is a true one than it will conquer all; prejudices, gossips and fears.

As I already mentioned, I liked this story because there was a shift from the usual bad boy transformation. I also liked it because the author wrote a small town mentality so realistically and palpable, it felt genuine. Katy’s character is also great. I loved how she stood up for Joe, but also how she fought for their relationship and his stubbornness.

Usually stories that features a small town, a single mother and some kind of holiday tend to be too sweet and full of unnecessary drama and emotions. But not An Unexpected Blessing. This story is a pearl, a great shiny pearl. It is really worth reading. And, it comes with bonus features: lovely recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner.

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A Fistful of Dreams by Heather Long

April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

DREAMS
A Fistful of Dreams by Heather Long
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (260 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lisianthus

When the spirit fever struck a town, a village or an outpost, it left few, if any, survivors. The white man blamed the Indian saying they used their mojo on them. The Indians blamed the white man for angering the spirits. The survivors knew it didn’t matter. The Fevered were forever changed.

Rebuilding Dorado is only the first challenge…

Surviving a vicious attack by their enemies and an outbreak of the fever has left Dorado in ruins and the Flying K under siege, now all their resources are devoted to rebuilding their town and protecting the newborn Fevered in their midst. Buck Morning Star and his siblings divide their time between training their new family members and avoiding the threat of detection the arrival of soldiers constructing a new fort pose, but Delilah haunts the spirit walker’s dreams. When Jason Kane threatens to come between them, Buck’s obsession may drive him to madness.

A Fistful of Dreams is the fourth book in Heather Long’s western paranormal series, and takes up right where the last one ended. I loved the first three books in this series, and I went into this book expecting to love it and I can say that I did. I was very enraptured with the characters and the storyline. I couldn’t put this book down.

Change is indeed in the air! We have already come across some of my order levitra online cerritosmedicalcenter.com articles and learn from them not just the definition of this alternative medicine, but also how these professionals could safely perform their various adjustments. You can visit their online website to know about the recent entertainment activities of Austin. cialis online india You are also advised to massage the male organ using Saffron M Power oil, cerritosmedicalcenter.com commander cialis which is one of the best ayurvedic remedies to prevent impotence, daily. Potential side effects may include the following. levitra vardenafil 20mg – This is a drug that is used by many marketers selling cialis. Delilah Rinaldi is a woman who’s suffered and is afraid to love. Watching Delilah come to the realization that not everyone is out to use her, and to grow into a woman that is free to love was beautiful. I felt every single emotion she felt, and how the circumstances around her shaped her.

Buck Morningstar is a man who wants to teach her that love is nothing to be afraid of. Buck was so patient, kind and steady. He was always helping others. He’s the kind of man that I would easily fall in love with, and seeing him love Delilah just made him more desirable.

The cast of secondary characters and past characters from the previous books are back, and they add to the story. The interaction between families is integral to this story. It’s obvious that family is so very important to the characters and that’s something I can relate to. I fell in love with older characters even more just from the way they treated their family.

This a sweet, sensual historical romance with a paranormal twist that is best read as part of the series. There are so many twists, and moments where I screamed and other moments when I felt like weeping. In my opinion, that’s a mark of a great book and an excellent writer, the very fact that I was so invested in the story and the characters that I felt real emotions. I was emotionally drained by the time I put this book down. I’m aching for the next book and I don’t know how I’m going to wait patiently for it.

I highly recommend this book for historical, western, and paranormal romance fans alike. This is a love story that I think transcends genres, and this series is a must read.

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Reconstructing Jackson by Holly Bush

April 22, 2013 By 9 Comments

JACKSON
Reconstructing Jackson by Holly Bush
Publisher:  BookBaby
Genre: Historical (Early American)
Length:  Full Length (166 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Poppy

1867 . . . Southern lawyer and Civil War veteran, Reed Jackson, returns to his family’s plantation in a wheelchair. His father deems him unfit, and deeds the Jackson holdings, including his intended bride, to a younger brother. Angry and bitter, Reed moves west to Fenton, Missouri, home to a cousin with a successful business, intending to start over.

Belle Richards, a dirt poor farm girl aching to learn how to read, cleans, cooks and holds together her family’s meager property. A violent brother and a drunken father plot to marry her off, and gain a new horse in the bargain. But Belle’s got other plans, and risks her life to reach them.

Reed is captivated by Belle from their first meeting, but wheelchair bound, is unable to protect her from violence. Bleak times will challenge Reed and Belle’s courage and dreams as they forge a new beginning from the ashes of war and ignorance.

If you’re looking for a story that will engage both your heart and your mind, Reconstructing Jackson may be just what you need.  Both edifying and touching, the story Ms. Bush has created is wholly satisfying.
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Reed Jackson may not have started out as the most sympathetic of men.  He’s angry at the loss of his leg, and at having to start his life over. He’d expected to run his family’s plantation, marry a lovely Southern belle and live life as he always had.  But the loss of his leg changed everything.  His father changed the will, giving the estate to his younger brother, as well as his fiancee. His mother (a truly lovely woman) encouraged Reed to move west and start a new life with a cousin, Henry.

Belle Richards is as far from a Southern belle as once could imagine. Dirt poor, horribly abused by her family, and determined to learn how to read and create a better life for herself, she ends up in a whole pile of trouble.  You see, she’s learning to read from a “darkie” — a former slave — so it’s double the sin.  And her brother makes sure to share his opinion of her desires with his fists.

Reconstructing Jackson might not have been the light-hearted romance I typically choose, but I’m really glad I had a chance to experience this book.  I honestly don’t know that much about the Reconstruction following the Civil War, so this was an eye-opening reminder that things were incredibly difficult for nearly everyone.  Ms. Bush tosses a little of everything in:  a confederate, a few former slaves, rich folks, poor folks, working folks and so on.  We see things from many points-of-view (not technically — the book is only told from the hero and heroine’s POV) and I admit to struggling to understand some of them.  It’s hard to walk in the shoes of folks who have such closed minds, like Reed’s father or Belle’s brother Jed.

So, though this book may not be the fastest paced story, it’s exceptionally well written with a good, steady pace, interesting plot and well-constructed characters.  I was so involved with some of them, my heart broke in a few places.  Ms. Bush didn’t pussyfoot around about how things were back then, and it wasn’t always pleasant.

If you’re looking for a solidly written American historical romance, this is one I happily recommend to fans of the genre.

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Flirting Under a Full Moon by Ashlyn Chase

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

FLIRTY
Flirting Under a Full Moon by Ashlyn Chase
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Never Cry Werewolf

Brandee has been dumped in every way possible, but by text is the last straw. That’s it—she’s officially done with men. Unfortunately, she’s just been told her “soul mate” is the drool-worthy hottie all her friends call One-Night Nick.

Nick has been searching for true love for one hundred years. After all, werewolves mate for life, and he does not want to mess this up. As soon as he kisses Brandee, he knows she’s the one. But how will he convince a woman who knows nothing of paranormals that she’s about to be bound to a werewolf forever?

A wolf walks into a vampire bar…

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I’ve read other books by Ms. Chase and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I’m glad I did. I got to meet intriguing characters and indulged in Ms. Chase’s distinct writing style. The words flow and I was immediately snagged into the story.

I liked Both Brandie and Nick. There is some really snappy dialogue between them and it was exciting to see them interact. There were some times when Nick came off really possessive and almost too alpha. While that not work for some readers, I understood why he was that way. He’s a wolf and he’s a very strong character. Taking charge is part of who he is.

The other thing I sort of had issues with were how fast the book moves. There is a lot packed into these 332 pages. Sometimes I had to go back and reread to make sure I knew what was going on. There are also a lot of extra characters – for a new series, I hope! – and that makes things complicated. These didn’t take away from the book for me, but could get confusing.

If you want a book that’s heavy on chemistry and passion as well as sparkling dialogue, then this might be the book for you!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

WEDDING
A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (391 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Five minutes into Miss Eugenia Talbot’s presentation at court, notorious rogue Mr. William Grant made her laugh, ruining her debut. To hush up the scandal, Eugenia’s aunt hires a matchmaker to quickly find a suitor—anyone except the infamous William Grant—to help restore Eugenia’s reputation. But amiable Eugenia shows a disturbing tendency to follow her heart, and is again caught in the company of notorious Grant. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than just Eugenia’s reputation, her kindheartedness may be her ultimate undoing…

If ever a blurb was misleading then the little snippet for A Wedding in Springtime is totally off base. This story isn’t all fluff and boring internal angst between the classes and a man overcome by a lady’s charms. Not by a long shot. This book has intrigue, action, mystery, betrayal, twisted intentions, and a love scene that was totally not what a person expected. This tale started off so innocently and slowly built with starts and stops, but that was only a ploy to lull a reader into thinking that this was going to be an historical romance like all the rest. Ms. Forester wove a tale that embraced humor, women with spunk and men who are unwittingly at their mercy. In short, it was a blast to read.

This novel is also busy with a lot of story threads that work through the main story arc and which involves many secondary characters. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that there were more than just Genie and William on center stage. Some of the supporting cast were just as integral and strong in presence as if they too were the focus of the story. It is because their lives are so intertwined that it’s hard to think of only the hero and heroine. Even with stating this, the author should be commended for her strength of writing. Every time someone else was on stage, it benefited the plot movement that swirled around William, a/k/a Grant, and Genie. Everything they did and said had a domino effect that propelled the main protagonists to discover important things about each other, to make certain choices that ultimately lead them to a romance reader’s ultimate goal – the happily ever after. To that end, the author was wildly successful if unconventional.

It is not sildenafil uk buy effective against syphilis infections.It is belongs to the class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE-5 inhibitors. Avoid alcohol, smoking and high calorie meal during the day- We all need food to online viagra order survive properly. In Canada and other parts of the globe, we understand that there are lots of issues which are frequent in many of the reviews. ordering cialis In longer version, lowest prices for cialis the high and uncontrolled blood sugar levels add neuropathy. Eugenia a/k/a Genie starts off in a pickle. The man who sealed her doom eventually becomes her salvation. Before that can happen, however, I was treated to a young woman who has an adventure beyond anything she could have imagined. She is faced with difficult choices, some fun, some heartfelt, and others that showcased what a wonderful, caring and ingenious woman she could be. There was one scene that made me think of her as a cross between Mary Poppins and Dirty Harry – sweet but don’t mess with her or she’s going to make you pay. I didn’t expect that and didn’t know she had it in her. It was awesome.

Grant was a typical rogue and confirmed bachelor. Many an historical romance features a man filled with ennui and it takes an ‘original’ to bring him to life and lust to the point he rethinks his aversion to marriage. Fans of Regency romances will find that is true for the hero in this book as well. Unlike other rogues, he’s not a bad sort at all. In fact, Grant is charming, suave, happy-go-lucky and in his estimation, delightfully clueless about things regarding estates. It’s said that a good woman makes a good man better. That is how I saw the hero. He was good but everything that transpired during the course of this tale made him grow as a person, a man and a son. If asked, I’d say the most dramatic element of the book was seeing Grant go from frivolous male to an aware, decisive and proactive man, willing to do what needs to be done to do the right thing. His inspiration was Genie and his proposal was as original and spectacular as could be. He was a terrific hero.

As for secondary characters, this book was flush. I enjoyed getting to meet every single one, everyone that is, except the villain. I suspected who the cur was but I never anticipated the nasty nature that the bounder hid. In fact, I strongly and completely suspect that all is not wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow. There was someone else I didn’t trust and I was taken aback when it didn’t turn out the way I thought it should. I could have sworn that he was in collusion but I am supposedly proved wrong. I’m going with my gut feeling. You see, the Duke of Marchford and Penelope, the companion to the dowager duchess, have this buzz thing zinging between them. They don’t recognize what’s going on but as a fan of all things romantic, I believe I saw a sequel starting to bloom and when Ms. Forester does write James’ story, which I implore her to do, I fully expect to have my suspicions confirmed. To that end, I firmly and loudly state that Ms. Forester’s next book is going to be an auto-buy for me. The people she has introduced me to during the telling of this tale have completely enchanted me. I also want to know what becomes of the quick-fingered Jem.

A Wedding in Springtime is simply delightful with storytelling filled with charm, heart and a good dose of addictive fun. I never knew what kind of ploy Genie would come up with, when the next twist of the plot would occur or what would make Grant swallow that lump in his throat and get around to proposing. The external conflict kept the pages turning and the well rounded characters kept me engaged. This might have been the first book written by Ms. Forester that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. I liked her writing style and if this is what I can expect, I expect to be a happy reader. I encourage other readers to give this book a whirl and discover what made me like Genie and Grant so much.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,
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