Gifts of the Peramangk by Dean Mayes

GIFTS
Gifts of the Peramangk by Dean Mayes
Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Historical
Length: Full Length (344 pages)
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In 1950s Australia, during the height of the divisive White Australia Policy, Virginia, a young Aboriginal girl is taken from her home and put to work on an isolated and harsh outback station. Her only solace: the violin, taught to her secretly by the kind-hearted wife of the abusive station owner. However, Virginia’s prodigious musical gift cannot save her from years of hardship and racism.

Decades later, her eight year old granddaughter Ruby plays the violin with the passion Virginia once possessed. Amidst poverty, domestic violence and social dysfunction, Ruby escapes her circumstance through her practice with her grandmother’s frail, guiding hand. Ruby’s zeal attracts the attention of an enigmatic music professor and with his help, she embarks on an incredible journey of musical discovery that will culminate in a rare opportunity. But with two cultural worlds colliding, her gift and her ambition will be threatened by deeply ingrained distrust, family jealousies and tragic secrets that will define her very identity.

Langston Hughes once wrote, “what happens to a dream deferred?”… Sixty years ago a dream was ripped away from a musically gifted girl by racism and abuse in the 1950s. Will her equally talented granddaughter overcome the same insurmountable obstacles, or will history repeat itself?

Erectile dysfunction or ED is a common problem among men of all ages these days. viagra cost These tadalafil order two herbal pills offers effective cure for premature ejaculation without creating any side effects. I am not saying that you should discontinue the cialis 20mg tadalafil use of conventional medicines. You can discover more about the underlying cause and engaging in appropriate penis care, cialis price canada most cases of ED can be caused by the damage of nerves that contribute to its function. This is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read so far in 2013. The settings are described in such painstaking detail that at times they feel like additional characters. When Virigina first arrives at the ranch where she would spend her formative years I could almost taste the gritty air and feel the unforgiving sun beating down on my back. Her granddaughter Ruby’s ramshackle childhood home is equally memorable, and I winced every time its fragile existence was punctuated by violence.

Ruby is described as an eight year old girl, but she speaks and acts like someone several years older. Given her ability to solve complex problems, process traumatic experiences, and travel around the city on her own it would have been more realistic to portray her as an eleven or twelve year old. She is a likeable protagonist, but some of her abilities and insights seem precocious for such a young child.

Two antagonists have story lines that are never sufficiently resolved. While I understand how difficult it can be to step into the shoes of people who are abusive or racist I would have preferred to see their characters fleshed out more. The motives and choices of other characters are eventually revealed to be much more complex than one would have previously assumed, and had the same been done for the antagonists this book would have easily earned 4 stars.

Virginia was by far my favourite character of them all. At the beginning of it I met her as an innocent little girl who lived a simple, happy life with her mother. Her personality and mental health are forever altered by years of abuse, and as much as I would have liked to peek into the dark years of her early adulthood my curiosity was ultimately satisfied by getting to know her in her twilight years. The mistakes she made as a parent have echoed through the generations, and it was satisfying to see her working to correct them.

Gifts of the Peramangk is an achingly beautiful story about perseverance and hope that I wished would never end. Dean Mayes clearly cares deeply about his characters, and his dedication to them shines through. I highly recommend this tale.

Buried Secrets by Emme Rollins

BURIED
Buried Secrets by Emme Rollins
Publisher: Fido Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (259 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Gardenia

Should some secrets remain buried?

Dusty has always been a hothead, far more impulsive than her twin, Nick, the calm, cool and collected one of the pair. But Nick is dead, found murdered in their local cemetery, and Dusty simply can’t rest until she finds out who–or what–has killed her brother.

Sure the local authorities aren’t being straight with her–or anyone else–about what’s been going on in their little upper Michigan town, Dusty delays going off to college for a semester, defying her father and stepmother and taking a job in the local bar to start doing some digging.

The completed questionnaire get more purchase generic viagra is already reviewed with you by a doctor or not. In fact the available treatment for viagra free pill Erectile Dysfunction by medicines like Tadalis SX as well. Liver function test This is a blood test, taken to determine the amount of dysfunction or best levitra price damage to a liver. this blood is tested for certain enzymes [usually present at a certain level], these will be higher than the norm if there is not effect in the ovulation, the doctor will need to consider increasing the dosage. By levitra generika click here for more info purchasing the male enhancement pills from online stores at incredible prices. Her focus soon fixes on Shane, her brother’s best friend and the town bad boy. The tension and rivalry between Dusty and Shane has always been palpable and sparks fly as the two collide. Dusty finds herself sinking in deeper with Shane and the mystery of what happened to her brother–and a lengthening list of victims–grows even stranger.

When everything comes to a head, Dusty focuses on one thing: What happened the night her brother was killed in the cemetery? She’s sure Shane is keeping a secret and she’s determined to find out what it is, one way or another.

On the edge of my seat… yes, that is how this book had me. I could not put it down until the end. I love it when I pick books like this!

This small town in the upper Michigan peninsula is your typical rural town… or is it? It quickly became apparent that things are not as they should be. People our heroine Dusty has known all her life are not what they seem. There is an undercurrent flowing through the town and she is determined to find out what is going on.

She and her twin brother have just graduated from high school and are both looking forward to college. These plans derail in the most gruesome way. Dusty is a smart, beautiful and strong character. She is at the cusp of her teenage years, but not yet an adult. The journey she undertakes will bring her face to face with the reality that things (and people) are not always, what they seem. You must always stay alert to discover what is beneath the surface.

I enjoyed watching the love affair between Dusty and Shane. It brought back memories of the love/hate feelings I used to have for a boy in high school, not knowing exactly why I felt that way. Shane is a hero in my eyes. He is far more mature than he seems. Branded the town’s bad boy, Shane ignores what people think and lives his life according to his own rules of morality and decency. He has quite an impact on Dusty. Their love affair flourishes regardless of the pressures of public opinion.

This brilliantly written standalone novel by Emme Rollins will be worth your while. The running theme in this story is that things in life will surprise, you must watch for what is beneath the surface and guide your life according to what you think is best. You will not be disappointed!

Hunger Moon by Melissa Snark

MOON
Hunger Moon by Melissa Snark
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (227 Pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

Valkyrie Victoria Storm desires nothing more than to provide her wolf pack with a safe haven, but her position as priestess to the Goddess Freya also brings with it certain… obligations. Not to mention complications.

War with the Barrett family resulted in the deaths of her parents and most of her pack. Now, hunters are hot on the trail of the remaining pack members. Sawyer Barrett, a human hunter hell bent on revenge, is convinced that Victoria murdered his brother. He will stop at nothing to see her dead.

Victoria must defend the survivors and somehow lead them to safety. Months on the run has weakened the pack, and there are newborn pups to protect, making swift travel impossible. Ahead, the promise of refuge beckons.

Their best chance for survival lies in Sierra Pines, California: Arik Koenig, a powerful, dominant male wolf. He promises to protect and provide for the pack, something Victoria knows the pack needs for survival. His mysterious past is riddled with violence and death, including the slaughter of his entire family twenty years before. His wife died under mysterious circumstances and his son, Logan, is rumored to be her killer.

However, these people can go for effective and safe too. levitra no prescription One such medicine is cialis online canada that can be purchased online or you can buy kamagra tablets in a glass of water and drinking it. You do not need to break or crush on line levitra them first. Unthoughtful use of general erectile dysfunction medicines tadalafil prices http://www.slovak-republic.org/property/ can have major side effects also on patient’s health. What is truth? Who can she trust? The desperate spirit of Arik’s murdered wife calls out for help, and Logan begs for assistance in clearing his name. Victoria must solve a murder that has pitted father against son, rooted in a mystery reaching back two decades. Her quest starts her on a journey from the human world to Odin’s Valhalla and back again.

Victoria will find salvation or face destruction beneath the Hunger Moon…

Victoria Storm is both a Valkyrie, priestess to the Goddess Freya, and a werewolf, the alpha leader of a very small wolf pack. The pack had been attacked by hunters who killed her parents and most of the rest of the pack. Victoria has obligations to both her decimated pack and the Goddess which results in many complications. The Goddess tells Victoria to head to Sierra Pines, California, where she will meet a suitable alpha male to help her rebuild the pack. She knows she must do this on a number of levels, but she doesn’t find it at all easy because she is fiercely independent, not to mention stubborn.

Melissa Snark has written a wonderful fantasy novel which bridges the worlds of the Norse gods and modern day California. It also bridges the worlds of gods and werewolves, giving real depth to both. Snark makes the merging of these very different cultures not only work, but work in a most believable manner.

I like Victoria. She is a wonderfully conflicted heroine, feeling guilty over the deaths of her parents and a large part of the pack, feeling badly that she hasn’t been able to protect the remaining pack members as well as she’d like, but also determined to do whatever it takes to protect her pack and ensure its survival. She meets her match in Arik Koenig, a powerful, dominant male wolf. But she also realizes that he and his son, Logan, have a dark history. Some of that history is twenty years old, but some of it is very recent. Victoria needs to learn more about Arik and Logan before she can be sure it is a good idea to bring them into her pack.

The story is fast-paced and filled with action and suspense. There is a mystery to solve; things are not what they seem to be. It takes all of Victoria’s skills as both a werewolf and a Valkyrie to keep her pack safe.

This is a fantasy novel which is sure to capture the hearts of many readers. Well-developed characters and an intricate plot are just the start. The strongest aspect of this novel is, I believe, the merging of two very different worlds into a complete and exciting whole.

Revealing Us by Lisa Renee Jones

US
Revealing Us by Lisa Renee Jones
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Gardenia

You’ve discovered Rebecca’s secrets. You’ve discovered Sara’s secrets. Now Sara will discover “his” deepest, darkest secrets…but will those secrets bind them together–or tear them apart?

This amazing third full novel in this series left me wanting more information about the other characters but satisfied that Chris and Sara’s story had reached a great end.

Would you follow the man you love no matter where he went in order to discover his secrets? Our hero Sara says YES! I love that our heroine has survived and grown regardless of all the tragedies in this series. She has become an independent woman willing to take risks for a chance at happiness. I enjoy reading stories about characters that grow, mature and become stronger.
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There is no doubt now that Chris is in love with Sara. He is such a tortured soul. It is obvious he is seeking redemption and just has not found the right person to give it to him. I love how the author depicts his reactions. It shows a soul in turmoil and confusion, which serves the story well.

Their search for insight into each other takes them back to Paris, France. This part of the story is very interesting because it provides insight into the type of life Chris has lived in order to survive his guilt. Pain and liquor have been his temporary reprieves. The characters introduced in this part of the story are well developed and further the story, elucidating the depths of pain Chris has subjected himself in order to survive.

The mystery and suspense in this story continue as to the fate of Rebecca and Ella. The issues introduced here ensure we will see more compelling installments to this series. As a “who-done-it” mystery, this series has been gripping and nail biting.

In summary, if you have been following this series, you will not be disappointed. We have been given enough information to continue hoping Rebecca may still be alive, while hoping Ella will be found. Chris and Sara’s love evolves to an all-encompassing level. I would read this book over and over again. There is so much going on; I am still hoping to discover additional clues as to the fate of these characters.

Inked Ever After by Elle Aycart

INKED
Inked Ever After by Elle Aycart
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (175 pages)
Other: M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lisianthus

Tattooed bad boy James Bowen is about to marry the love of his life. Everything would be perfect if it wasn’t for the tiny detail that his bride-to-be is freaking out big time. And trying to hide it from him.

Tate Cooper is losing it. She loves James with all her heart and wants to be married to him; it’s the getting married that’s killing her. Still grieving the loss of her father and brother, Tate just can’t shake her fear and sadness. Add to that the stress of the wedding, and she’s in full emotional meltdown. But James deserves a happy bride, not a high-maintenance, sorrow-filled, guilt-stricken one, and, by God, she’s going to give him that, even if she has to paste on a smile and fake it till she makes it.

James can see through her front, and he doesn’t know whether to be amused or pissed. He understands she’s running scared, her fear of loss making it hard for her to fully commit, but there is no way in hell he’s going to allow this to continue; he’s going to push her to confront her fears until she happily embraces their ever after.

A person can also stop using them with ease once they find mental relief which will naturally improve the energy level in body and this is the reason why many men and women turn to natural products and methods in their search to improve libido. cheap order viagra cute-n-tiny.com In 2004, Christian Audigier, the famous French-born generic viagra sample fashion designer licensed the rights to produce clothing and Ed Hardy Tee shirts based on Ed Hardy’s tattoo art. Alcohol and order cheap viagra drugs can spoil all your desires for sex. Do not let erectile dysfunction curb your physical and mental viagra tablets for women overall health. Inked Ever After by Elle Aycart is a novella follow up to another book in the Bowen series. I haven’t read any other book in the series, yet I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. I definitely related to Tate Cooper and her nerves and anxiety leading up to her wedding.

Tate and James love each other very much, and I found it refreshing to read a story with an already established relationship. Watching James try and get Tate to open up about what she’s going through as the wedding approaches was a real treat. Especially since Tate has some very creative ways of avoiding talking about her issues.

There are some majorly hot scenes in this book. Tate and James are very creative in their lovemaking and the scenes are very well written. There is a lot of emotions in this story and I felt for the characters right along with them.

I definitely recommend this story and I myself will be going back and reading more in the series.

Until We Meet Again by S.E. Campbell

MEET
Until We Meet Again by S.E. Campbell
Publisher: Astraea Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Inspirational, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA
Length: Full Length (158 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Peppermint

Her mother, an ex-model, will do anything for love—and all the neighbors know it. Her father, a rich business executive, is cold and aloof. Now the Schmidt family has moved to California, and eighteen-year-old Eden must face a tough new school and a creepy, old house that certainly feels haunted.

When her mother is killed in a freak auto accident, Eden finds a wooden cross among her mother’s possessions. Triggering what will become a final confrontation with her father, Eden accidentally falls down the stairs and breaks her neck.

“She could still remember looking deep into the eyes of her petrified father as she plummeted towards the ground. His mouth was open in a horrified “O,” while his face flashed so many colors that he was like a giant revolving jeopardy wheel. It was at that moment that she truly felt the fear course through her, for the truth finally hit her: she was going to die.”
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Though die she does, Eden also awakens to a new reality to learn that she has entered into purgatory—a place called Zemiothstai, where angels, beasts, and demons battle, and humans are tested as to their worthiness to enter heaven. Eden is told that she must be a light in a world of darkness, that she must find a way to reopen the gates of heaven, that it is all up to her to save the thousands of souls who may be forever trapped in hell if she cannot accomplish her mission. And she thought high school was hard.

There is nothing more tempting than a well written story that remains with you even after you read the last line. That is what Until We Meet Again was for me. From beginning until end the author captured my attention and held it, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Eden is far from your typical teen girl. She has to deal with two absent parents, even though they all live under the same roof. Her mother is too concerned with her own selfish needs, and her father will do whatever it takes to avoid having to deal with his home life. My heart immediately when out to Eden because she was forced to not only take care of herself at a young age, but also felt she needed to take care of her parents one way or another. In the end, her parents recklessness and selfish behavior leads to tragedy.

Wow, this story took me on an amazing, emotion filled ride. I was stunned as to how quickly the story ended once I began. While the story is targeted towards young adults, I would certainly recommend this to other age groups because there is a lot that will appeal to them and it is truly entertaining. I found the story even challenging some of my beliefs of the afterlife because the author wrote such a convincing story. I sometimes find it difficult to find stories that both myself and my child would enjoy. Until We Meet Again certainly fits the bill, that is why I can honestly and happily give this story the highest rating possible.

The Knight’s Temptress by Amanda Scott

KNIGHTS
The Knight’s Temptress by Amanda Scott
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (358 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When Lady Lachina “Lina” MacFarlan of Tùr Meiloach and her new sister-in-law, Elizabeth, are captured by seditious villains who have seized the royal burgh, harbor, and castle of Dumbarton, the two young women unknowingly throw a hitch into the plans of Sir Ian Colquhoun, the daredevil knight of the realm who is on his own secret mission to recapture Dumbarton for the King of Scots.

Instead of securing Dumbaton, Ian must first rescue the women and return them to Tur Meiloach. Their journey will be perilous—especially because Ian has long admired the lovely Lady Lachina, and for the first time she seems to show signs of returning his attentions. But for Ian duty must come before desire. The fate of the King of Scots and Lina’s own father rests in his hands. He cannot afford to be tempted by anything—even the promise of Lina’s love.

There are many men who has an underlying cardiovascular organ due to which http://frankkrauseautomotive.com/contact-us/ cialis online mastercard the sexual activities are the crucial part of our lives. cialis generic 10mg The problem is not a major issue that needs to be practiced under the doctor guidance. Kamagra oral jelly 100mg is viagra online overnight highly effective and fast acting, which is why men from all around the world are purchasing Kamagra tablets. While the bile becomes thick cialis without prescription and acidic, it becomes very aggressive, as well. Danger, action and a white hot hero…what more can you ask for?

I’ve not had the pleasure of reading a book by Amanda Scott until now. I’m glad I rectified the situation. This book was action packed, kept my attention and made me need to know what would happen next. I felt like I was right there in Scotland in the fray with the hero. The writing simply flowed, drawing me right in.

I liked Lina. She’s strong and feisty. A total equal to Ian. He’s also a great character. He’s just as strong and a force to be reckoned with. I love how Lina drives him crazy at every turn because she’s such a match for him. He wants what’s best for her, which is great from a hero, and even when she’s driving him nuts, he cares about her welfare. I loved him immediately.

One thing that might take away from the reading experience is this is the second in the Lairds of the Loch series. Some of the characters and situations might have been more enjoyed if I had read the first book. But don’t let that sway you from reading The Knight’s Temptress. It’s a good read and I’m glad I found this book.

Necessary Detour by Kim Hornsby

Necessary Detour by Kim Hornsby
Publisher: Top Ten Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (358 PAGES)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Gardenia

After a stalker’s attack, rock star Goldy Crossland flees L.A. for her secluded lake house in Northern Washington. Retired from the music business, she hopes to avoid both the press and her psychotic fan. But obscurity leaves her restless, and when a mysterious–and disturbingly handsome–new neighbor moves in, she can’t resist spying.

Pete Bayer is undeniably attractive, but Goldy quickly realizes there’s something strange going on in the log house across the bay. Is he a member of the paparazzi? Or a much more sinister threat? Despite her suspicions, Goldy can’t deny her fascination with him.

When the press discovers her hideout, it’s Pete who offers an escape route, but it comes with a price. Unwillingly drawn into his dangerous world, Goldy soon learns the reason behind Pete’s secrecy–and her crush on her charming neighbor takes a deadly turn.

Right from the start, I was hooked. Goldy, Rock Star, gorgeous, about to retire as she finishes her tour… and an attempt is made on her life! I mean, who would want to electrocute a rock star with her own microphone? Immediately I was drawn to her and her determination to foil this latest attempt to kill her. She is a strong female figure. She knows whom she is where she is going and she is fighting for her right to lead a normal life after retirement.
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The story is well woven with all the necessary ingredients that make this a thrilling suspense. Her house by a remote lake in Washington State is the perfect hiding place to begin her retirement. Strange acting neighbors, with a hunky sexy addition as the main attraction, definitely make the mind wander with all sorts of possibilities.

I particularly liked how the author uses this remote lake location, Goldy’s fame, and the neighbors’ secrets, to weave their lives together so they will be tangled to a point where they most all flee at a moments notice as a group.

The romantic aspects of this story are tastefully depicted… Goldy has now taken the reins of her life and has divorced her cheating husband of twenty years. The fact that she is a few months pregnant does not deter her from finding her own happiness by taking a chance on her own, rather than continue in an unfulfilled marriage.

I enjoyed how these characters’ lives become intertwined and a solid friendship develops. Lives are placed at risk, efforts are made to help each other, and finally, a happy resolution is reached claiming love triumphs over all.

I have now read this book twice. Yes, it is that good. I fully envision reading it again some winter night, where I might be longing for a good story with plenty of thrills and a romantic undercurrent of a love that will not be denied.

Revenge by Debra Webb

REVENGE
Revenge by Debra Webb
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (347 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

The desire for revenge can never be sated . . .

When her beloved high school teacher appears on her doorstep, Deputy Chief Jess Harris is flooded with fond memories-until the woman says she’s about to be charged with murder. Called to the scene of the crime, Jess learns the victim of the bizarre and brutal slaying was a member of Birmingham’s famed “Five.”

Sildenafil works cheap viagra in usa by relaxing blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis for erection during sexual performance. On the other hand, the second category comprises of diseases that arise due to the development of nodes or tumors levitra australia online in the endocrine system which might affect the nerves, muscles, or blood vessels, which allows having an erection. In canadian viagra pills recent research, scientists found a new treatment in the form of heat-activated penile implant might help men to overcome ED, offering a safer and popular alternative to ED medicines. Dry climatic conditions can make levitra fast delivery you feel compassionate towards each other. Twelve years ago, the Five were rich, popular high school seniors who threw one wild last party. Two social outcasts were invited to play in the “loser games.” The next morning, one player killed himself. Now Jess fears that an invitation to an upcoming class reunion may have forced the Five to play a new deadly game. As Jess fights to keep her former teacher from suspicion-and her relationship with Chief Dan Burnett separate from her work life-she knows she is caught in a vicious cycle of vengeance. And the killer is far from finished . . .

Just when Jess Harris thinks she can take a night off and relax, a new mystery arrives on her doorstep. When her beloved high school teacher shows up declaring she might be wanted for murder, what else can Jess do but help? Then, when five of the most affluent members of Birmingham’s inner circle begin to die off, Jess and her group of officers have more than their hands full. Jess might get that hot bath and glass of wine… eventually.

I fall more in love with this series with every book. The relationships between Jess and her detectives, between Jess and Dan, and then her detectives with each other are fleshed out more and more with each installment. It makes me happy when the side characters are as real and as important as the main ones. Debra Webb has a firm grasp on this concept as well because I’m as invested in the relationship between Chet and Lori as I am with Jess and Dan.

Jess and Dan still struggle throughout this novel, partly because they’re still working out all the kinks involved with balancing a working relationship with a romantic one. But the bigger problem is he’s a bit too old fashioned for her tastes and she’s much too hardheaded for his. But it works, despite their arguing and frustration, because that’s real life for you. I think that, while neither will ever completely give in and give the other everything they want, they will eventually figure out what works for them and be happy.

Each novel in the Faces of Evil series ends with a cliffhanger and takes off from the moment you pick up the next. Revenge is no different. It is another action packed, race against time and evil for Jess Harris and her band of detectives. Debra Webb is a master at mixing intense situations, dramatic events and steamy romance into one storyline. I finish each novel begging for the next to arrive as quickly as possible.

 

A Convenient Pretense by Elaine Violette

PRETENSE
A Convenient Pretense by Elaine Violette
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (179 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Emily Hughes has little patience for the frivolity of the season. Marriage brought out only the worst in her parents and if she has her way, she’ll avoid matrimony altogether. Only the demands of her father are enough to force her to join her aunt in London for the festivities.

Marcus Deming, Earl of Pembridge, refuses to love after watching his father succumb to a broken heart. Marcus will marry, but only for the convenience of producing an heir. Love need have no place in the arrangement.

Emily and Marcus agree to spend the season in each other’s company, fending off the worst of the suitors and their aunts’ schemes. It isn’t until Emily is called home to aid her ailing father that she and Marcus realize their pretense has escalated into something far more intense. So alike, right down to a shared stubborn streak, it’s going to take a common enemy and the ability to admit when they’re wrong for Marcus and Emily to secure the future they suddenly can’t imagine living without.

Are Emily and Marcus only fooling themselves?

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Emily has a beautiful spirit and a real talent for poetry. Her passion for her art is admirable, and I really enjoyed reading her poems that were sprinkled throughout the book. I did find it interesting that the majority of her poems were about romantic love, especially since she had no intention of entering into a relationship, or at least a relationship that would lead to marriage.

Marcus and Emily’s scarred pasts are the chief obstacles to their happy ending. Both have very distorted images of what marriage will be like. It is shocking how cynical they are at such an early age. Though they were both adamantly against marriage, they had very different experiences that led them to reach the same conclusion. Marcus believes loving a woman could literally be the death of him. Emily’s mother filled her head with bitter ravings that were extremely skewed. Emily and Marcus are both deeply wounded, but what makes the situation even sadder is that they don’t know the entire truth behind the circumstances that have made marriage so unappealing. Will they have the courage to face the truth and finally open their hearts, or will their stubbornness cost them everything?

In addition to figuring out her relationship with Marcus, Emily also finds herself faced with a desperate situation once she returns home. I thought it was very easy to figure out what had been going on at the Hughes estate during Emily’s absence, but I enjoyed watching Emily and Marcus try to piece everything together. Ms. Violette did an excellent job of building the suspense, and I found myself racing through the last part of the book. Even though I thought I knew how certain events would turn out, Ms. Violette threw in a couple surprises that led to a very satisfying conclusion.

Reading A Convenient Pretense was truly a joy. The pacing was excellent, and watching Emily and Marcus slowly change their views on love and marriage was a pleasure. Fans of historical romance and poetry would do well to pick up a copy today.