Vampire in Paradise: A Deadly Angels Book by Sandra Hill

November 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

ANGEL
Vampire in Paradise: A Deadly Angels Book by Sandra Hill
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (247 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s been centuries since the Norseman Sigurd Sigurdsson was turned into a Vangel—a Viking Vampire Angel—as punishment for his sin of envy, but he’s still getting the hang of having fangs that get in the way when seducing women. Slaying demon vampires known as Lucipires and using his healing gifts as a cancer research doctor, Sigurd is sent to Florida’s Grand Keys Island as a resident physician . . . where he encounters a sinfully beautiful woman.

The only hope Marisa Lopez has of curing her five-year-old daughter is a pricey experimental procedure. When she meets the good-looking doctor, Marisa is speechless. Then Sigurd tells her he believes he can help her daughter. Could this too-hot-to-resist Viking doctor be an angel of some sort sent to bring a miracle for her daughter? Or is he just a vampire bent on breaking Marisa’s heart?

Prepare to be entertained in a way unique to the storytelling talents of Ms. Hill. Once again readers are treated to a Viking turned vampire angel who suffers from a grievous sin. This time around it’s envy. It’s interesting how the author interprets and chooses just the right scenario to explain why the sin’s excesses are so wrong and the cumulative bad choices that ensue. What makes Sigurd’s sin so hurtful is the fact that he won’t repent. Instead, he hides it deep inside because he’s so ashamed. The kicker is, he won’t face it, tell anyone or change his course of action to prevent further activities in the same envious vein. It’s his final decision in life that leads to his death and new life as a creature with fangs. In just that little first chapter, I found out about the key issues with Sigurd and my attention was captured and interest engaged. How would a Viking defeat the burden of envy? A lustful attraction, a little hot bout of sex and a taste of lemon will do it every time.

But on Monday, Pioli sildenafil tablets 100mg fired Haley. However, you should check with your doctor before choosing viagra sans prescription canada slovak-republic.org massage. Sometimes the couple planning to have a baby will suffer, as pre-mature ejaculation affects the fertilization because the ejaculations do not occur cheap cialis leading to a healthy erection during intercourse. This medicinal device contains tadalafil that proves to be useful in a magical way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects.” However, the same researchers claim you would need to eat at least six cups of watermelon in order to get to the root of your erectile levitra on line slovak-republic.org dysfunction problems. Fans of Ms. Hill know at some point a grin or a giggle is sure to erupt while reading her books and this novel is no exception. My first snicker came from the initial dialogue between Sigurd and a woman he has no idea is his intended target, Marisa. The discourse about mace, biting, and the reference to ‘baring his little fangs’ amongst other things best left to the reader just tickled my funny bone. It’s so much fun. Then again, all the internal, ‘should I or shouldn’t I?’ issues, the internal angst and repartee between the both of them kept the pages turning. I never knew what ridiculous thing the author would have spewing from Sigurd’s mouth. Almost all of it was entertaining. The times when it wasn’t is when the tone of the storytelling got serious because of the villain; the hero had to get serious about saving people from Jasper.

Yes, Jasper and his minions are back. I’m so glad Ms. Hill decided to tone down the examples of Jasper’s deviant proclivities and the resultant details. When the series started, I got an eyeful and I was satisfactorily grossed out and convinced he was evil. I only needed to be reminded that he is 100% evil and totally unredeemable without additional gross details. I’m more than aware that he continues to be the perfect foil for my favorite heroic vangels. I didn’t experience any drastic cringes while reading this time around. I was quite relieved.

Another thing to be assured of is that Vampire in Paradise is a standalone read. This novel focuses on Sigurd and Marisa and is a complete story with nothing popping up from the previous books to confuse a first time reader. It does have the other vangels and some of their wives showing up to assist in various ways but their presence enhances the story, the romance and the plot movement on behalf of the hero and heroine. It’s all good.

The premise was rife for sinning and being saved, of being tempted and succumbing and strong emotions and surprise twists all from being on an island getaway that was all about sex and the porn industry. It seems an unlikely place to fall in love for real with so many naughty distractions impeding the process but when it’s true love, it’s unstoppable.

I adore Michael, the archangel. I enjoy seeing his reluctant affection for the Vikings he’s tasked with saving, eventually. The last line he quips in the book had me in stitches. The one thing this series has done for me personally is to rethink some of my beliefs in that it makes me want to know more about the valiant heroes, saints and angels. In Kiss of Temptation I adored Tante Lulu and her vocal and active adoration of one of the saints; it seems a wonderful way to be. I want to be like her when I grow up.

For all the entertainment value, smiles and fascinating plot twists that Vampire in Paradise provides a reader, it isn’t a literary brain worm. There were some paragraphs I didn’t care for, for various reasons, but that’s me. Other fans will probably absorb every single sentence with absolute delight and rate it a higher score, and that’s perfectly fine. There really is a lot to enjoy and the book is worth taking the time to read – in fact I encourage you to. The dialogue coupled with Sigurd’s and Marisa’s personalities is priceless.

Vampire in Paradise is saucy, sexy fun. It is well paced, has a unique plot location and has some delightful surprises. I enjoyed Sigurd and Marisa’s story and find it a wonderful addition to the series. I think fans of the series are going to be happy with this one too. I am.

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

The Groom Says Yes by Cathy Maxwell

November 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

YES
The Groom Says Yes by Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Quince

He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head…

Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she’d secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society—until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, Earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon.

A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed…

Working With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy – combines cheapest viagra no prescription midwayfire.com cognitive restructuring techniques with some behavioral modification techniques. Other herb known as female viagra uk Shallaki is also very effective. When you buy the erectile dysfunction from your life? Fildena could be one of the most guaranteed doses for erectile dysfunction that has helped millions men maintaining their potency with help of regular exercise. bought this order generic cialis The components that are Sildenafil and Dapoxetine helps a person to have for the whole 24hours. cialis uk midwayfire.com Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman’s noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting Mac is Davidson’s daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.

And it doesn’t help that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.

Mac has turned Sabrina’s world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?

Or will the Groom Say Yes?

I am not usually a fan of love at first sight romances, but what Cathy Maxwell managed to do with The Groom Says Yes is worthy of applause. She manages to convince me that a couple can meet, fall in love and find their happy end in a course of just a few days.

The Groom Says Yes is the third installment in The Brides of Wishmore series, but it can be read as a standalone. Some characters are recruited from the two previous stories, while some are newly introduced. Cathy Maxwell writes beautiful and rich stories and this one is no different. The story started strong, adventurous, suspenseful, with a prison escape and lots of action. But unfortunately after a while it started to drag. The major problem was that both hero and heroine had these long monologues; especially the heroine who had ones concerning her moral doubts. These monologues slowed the pace of the plot. Fortunately, after a while the author shifted her attention from the heroine’s doubts to building the relationship between the hero and heroine. Once they were brought together, things started to roll again. From that point on until the very end the story was truly a delightful read.

I like both the hero and heroine. I like how they change and grow through the story. While the heroine realizes that she has to live her life to the fullest and not hide behind her pianoforte and charitable work, the hero realizes that being angry is the wrong path in life. But what I like the most is their realization that love is a strong and powerful force and once you find your soul mate you should never let that person go.

As I already mentioned, the Cathy Maxwell is a great storyteller and this was a highly satisfying read for me.

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The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle

September 30, 2014 By Leave a Comment

VISCOUNT
The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (235 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

She has no desire for love…

As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor’s house, where she comes face-to-face with the reclusive Viscount Wakefield. But even more dismaying than his foul temper is the disarray in which she finds his home. Convinced his demeanor would improve if his household were in order, Louisa resolves to put everything to rights.

…until she meets the viscount who lives down the lane.

Much to his chagrin, Wakefield finds it impossible to keep the meddling Louisa out of his home, invading his daily life with her “improvements,” and his nights with the tempting desires she sparks inside him. Wounded in the war, he’s scorned society ever since his return . . . until Louisa opens the door to his heart and convinces him to give love a second chance.

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Elizabeth Boyle takes the reader to the time in England after the Napoleonic Wars when so many men had returned crippled in body, mind, and spirit. Pierson Stratton, Viscount Wakefield is one of these men. He has hidden himself away in his dark, foreboding house feeling he has no right to a normal, happy life after so many of his comrades suffered and died.

He has intimidated his family and the servants until they leave him alone to wallow in his misery. When Louisa Tempest and her cat Hannibal (possibly the ugliest and most tenacious cat in England) invade his territory, he is furious. He bars her from his house, but it is too late to bar her from his life and thoughts. As for Hannibal, he turns a deaf ear to the viscount and makes himself at home in the viscount’s library where he found a suitable chair near the fireplace.

While Louisa holds fast to her declaration that her efforts are “Neighborly Kindness,” Viscount Wakefield thinks she is a “meddling piece of muslin, a bossy minx, a busybody handful and as annoying as the ray of sunlight that seems to find its way between the drapes into his dark bedroom in the mornings.” But, he is reluctant to rule against the changes she’s made in his household because his life is SO much better.

Louisa is in London to suffer a “coming-out” season because her twin Lavinia desperately longs for one and hopes to find a suitable husband. Louisa doesn’t want a husband. She just wants to survive the Season and go back to her quiet life in a small village.

When their dead mother’s reputation begins to be aired even after all these years, they are cut by the “good ton.” Life becomes a tangle but it gets interesting and is not without its fits and spurts of humor. Hannibal, that ugly cat, made me laugh, giggle, and smile. When Elizabeth Boyle ascribes to him the look that says, “Tell me I didn’t waste a perfectly good rat on you, did I?” as he looks at the irate viscount from the safety of Louisa’s arms, I gave a yes vote to that intrepid feline and to his mistress who has a lot of the same attitude.

The side stories of Lavinia”s adventures during the Season and the revival of a love long denied between the widow Lady Aveley and the love of her youth enhance the story.

The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane bustles with happenings. The historical time is very evident as the reader sees the plight of children orphaned by the war, the working class seeking a say in government, and the lines blurring between the peerage and the rich who have worked to make their money. These things are woven into the story but do not overshadow the upbeat, “we-can-fix-it” attitude Louisa Tempest bring with her. I love a strong heroine. ENJOYED THIS ONE!

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Christmas at Twilight by Lori Wilde

September 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

TWILIGHT
Christmas at Twilight by Lori Wilde
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (250 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Hawthorn

It’s Christmas in Twilight, Texas. The Cookie Club is baking, the town is decorated, and Delta Force Operator “Hutch” Hutchinson has finally, reluctantly, returned home . . .

. . . only to get pepper sprayed by the delicious- looking stranger who’s taken over his house. She says her name is Jane, and she immediately sets down ground rules. Top priority: no touching. For Hutch that isn’t easy—he was wounded in action, but one part is still working very well.

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Christmas at Twilight delivers all the romance the title promises, and a heap of suspense on top of it.

The main characters were portrayed flawlessly, with both, Meredith and Hutch, carrying a lot of baggage with them, but even so, them growing fond of each other, learning to trust each other, and ultimately loving each other was written in a way that felt real and meaningful. Particularly Meredith was an inspiring individual with her strength and determination obvious in her every action. She is an inspiration for abused women everywhere. Her courage is awe-inspiring.

Hutch, too, finds himself at a crossroads at the point in life when we meet him. Without his genuine goodness and the bitter, but important life experience that he has, his life could easily turn for the worse. Instead, he makes the right choice and it leads him to love, loyalty and a new beginning. As a character, he went from a gruff, hurting ex military to an understanding, supportive and loving family man smoothly. His portrayal never once stumbled, it was very genuine.

What bothered me a bit was the overly positive portrayal of most of the side characters. The town of Twilight simply seemed too dreamy and ideal to be believable. I tripped over that quite a few times while reading, but the tight and suspenseful plot pulled me right back in. Especially towards the end, I couldn’t keep still when reading through Meredith fighting off her attacker. I kept wanting to help her kick him to kingdom come. But she managed to do that quite well on her own.

Just as the kids bring a lot of happiness and relief for Meredith and Hutch (even when he is still hurting from his war wounds), the same way they brought a lot of fresh and lovely moments to the story. Of course, that’s what kids usually do, however, capturing that in fiction requires a skillful writer. I really enjoyed their scenes.

This one will make you cry, it will make you smile. All that emotion will transfer from the page right into you as you read it, because the author wrote it splendidly.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Wedding Vow by Cara Connelly

September 26, 2014 By 1 Comment

VOW
The Wedding Vow by Cara Connelly
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (00 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Quince

Cara Connelly’s second Save the Date novel proves that opposites do attract…

The Playboy

Sexy billionaire Adam LeCroix has a mission: hunt down the sultry spitfire he blames for his troubles, demand her help, and exact revenge while he’s at it. Maddie St. Clair will help him . . . or else.

The Prosecutor
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Former prosecutor Maddie damn near nailed Adam for stealing, but the lucky bastard walked. Now, five years later, he’s back, arrogant as ever, giving her an ultimatum—work for him to collect the insurance money, or she’ll never work again.

The Problem

Maddie’s all about right and wrong. Adam’s shades of gray. So when he uncovers the hot body under her hard-ass veneer and she finds he’s a thief with a heart, can the law-and-order lawyer and the fast-and-loose felon put their prickly past behind them?

Do not be fooled by the title, The Wedding Vow is not about a wedding. This story contains a lot of hot, sizzling sex scenes, great characters, and beautiful places. During the course of this story one stray dog is saved from certain death, a hatchet is buried, two paintings are stolen, lot of Prosecco is drunk and two very stubborn people fall in love. Reading The Wedding Vow is really a great adventure.  This is the second book in the Connelly’s Save the Date series, but it can be read as a standalone.

This story moved me on so many levels. I felt all the emotions the characters felt, all their happiness and sorrow and disappointments. The way the hero and heroine’s relationship progresses is beautiful. The story starts when Adam LeCroix forces Maddie St. Clair to work for him. In a way he wants to get revenge because she almost put him in jail five years earlier. Because she pays for her sister’s education she reluctantly agrees. Soon they realize that there is a mutual attraction between them. And before long the attraction turn into passion. As they get to know one another they come to two conclusions: first that they have very similar life experiences and second that there is more to him and to her than meets the eye (or that some private investigator can dig up).

Both Adam and Maddie are wonderfully written characters. Maddie is in not a typical heroine. She is in her mid-thirties and is fighter who speaks her mind and she does not like to be bossed around.  She has some pretty ugly demons. Adam is a typical alpha, with demons of his own. But Maddie shows him that he is not always right and that he has to stop being so stubborn and that he has to let go of the past in order to enjoy future. But probably the most valuable lesson that he learns is that money can’t buy love, family and happiness. The set of secondary characters is also great; each one of them nicely complement the story.

The only small downside is that the story is a bit too long. And because of that the pace is uneven. So in the middle, the pace of the story lost some momentum, and starts to drag a bit. Fortunately, very soon it speeds back up.

I recommend you read The Wedding Vow if you like a kick-ass heroine, alpha males, great and highly emotional stories, seeing a hero and heroine slowly fall in love, interesting love scenes and stray dogs.

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

Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase

September 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

ROYAL
Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Quince

Maxwell Jameson Trevor, prince of Lilaria, hates his royal role. Despising the limelight, he takes solace in his art studio and steers clear of any drama. But when one of the newly discovered royals passes away, Maxwell’s brother Alex asks him to break the news to the old man’s granddaughter. Though he hates to be the bearer of doom and gloom, he doesn’t want the poor girl to find out from the tabloids. For Maxwell knows all too well how devastating that could be.
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Coming from a broken home and modest background, newly ordained Lady Meredith Thysmer has seized her chance to make a better life for herself and her son. She’s not afraid to use her best assets to get what she wants. But when the unpretentious yet devastatingly handsome Max delivers his news, her plans for the future come crashing to a halt. In the challenging days ahead, Max’s compassion, humor, and steadfast loyalty to Meredith and her son win her over. She quickly finds herself doing something she swore would never happen again: falling in love. And yet Maxwell still refuses to completely drop his guard. Somehow Meredith’s got to find a way to seduce this reluctant royal.

Reluctantly Royal is the third story in the Nichole Chase’s “Royal” series. Like previous two stories in the series (Suddenly Royal and Recklessly Royal) it is set in fictional kingdom of Lilaria. The main characters of this story are Prince Maxwell Jameson Trevor D’Lynsal and Lady Meredith Thysmer.

Maxwell (Max) and Meredith are polar opposites in every possible way. Max is the middle child of the Lilaria’s royal family, but he is not very fond of the crown related duties; he particularly dislikes being in the spotlight. The reason lies in the fact that he found out from the tabloids that his father died. Meredith is, on the other hand, born in relative poverty, and she, together with her family, was invited recently to return to Lilaria in order to retrieve their title and lands. Also Meredith is a singer and is, actually, on her way to fame and success and the spotlights are inevitable part of her future career.

Two of them meet under very sad circumstances. Max was the one who had sought Meredith in London and informed her about her grandfather’s death. From London they went back together to Lilaria, and there the rest of the story took place. The story happened over the course of one week – a few days before Meredith’s grandfather funeral and a day after it. The part of the story related to Meredith being in Lilaria preparing the funeral has nice pace, and it is lovely written. But the part related to the Max and Meredith’s romance I find a bit rushed, because they felt the attraction, had sex, fell in love and Max proposed in the course of that one week. And all that while Meredith was going through very sad and hard period. Their relationship would be more realistic, and probably I would feel Meredith’s grief deeper if the pace of the romance was slower. Also the other shortfall of the story was Meredith relationship with her father. The author never fully revealed the root of his anger and bitterness toward Meredith. But even more frustrating for me was that their relationship never got a proper conclusion.

Regardless of these flows I enjoyed reading Reluctantly Royal. Besides being a funny and warm story, I enjoyed it because of the reappearance of the characters from the two previous books in the series. The other reason was that it had lovely characters and it was situated in magic Lilaria. For all of you who are planning to read this series please note it does not need to be read in order, but I highly recommend it because it will provide you better insight of the characters and it will give you better insight into royal family of Lilaria. I enjoyed all three books and they are definitely worth reading.

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What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson

August 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

LOVE
What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson
Publisher: AVON
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Quince

GIMMEE A B-R-E-A-K!

Ex-high school cheerleader Natalie Cooper could once shake her pom-poms with the best of them. But she’s paid for all that popularity—her husband’s run off with what’s left of their money and a twenty-year-old bimbo named Tiffany. Leaving Natalie to manage a photo store and having to see some pictures she, well, really shouldn’t.

GIMMEE A S-H-O-T!
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Then she comes toe-to-manly chest with Blake Junger. Exiled to a remote cabin in Truly, Idaho, Blake wants nothing to do with anyone. Instead, he’s determined to struggle with his demons and win—all on his own. But the last thing he needs is Natalie distracting him with her luscious curves and breaking down the barriers of his heart.

GIMMEE YOUR H-E-A-R-T!

Rachel Gibson is one of the romance novels authors that I like a lot. I read almost all of her books. She writes good, often funny contemporary romance novels, with interesting plots, lovable characters (both main and secondary one), charming stories, great romances and often very hot lovemaking scenes. I’m glad to say that What I Love About You is not an exception.

What I love About You is Natalie Cooper and Blake Junger’s story and is taking place in Truly, Idaho. Like in her previous books, Gibson captures all the good and bad sides of the small town, all the things that in the end make this place charming. Furthermore, the secondary characters enrich this story a lot. I would honorably mention Charlotte and Sparky. Charlotte is Natalie Cooper’s five year old daughter, and Sparky is a stray dog. Sometimes such a combination of cuteness does not work well, but in this case it worked absolutely fantastic. Charlotte and Sparky do not make the story saccharine sweet, they make it truly funny and lovable adding to it additional charm and cuteness.

Although it might seem that this is light love story, it is definitely not. Gibson is dealing with some pretty difficult issues that affect either war veterans or retired soldiers. These issues are PTSD, alcoholism and adjusting to civilian life after active military service. Gibson incorporates them well in the story.

What I also liked are the main characters. They are both vulnerable. Natalie had her life turned upside down when her ex-husband left her pregnant; she manages to put her life back on the track, but she does not trust men easily. Blake, who is a classical alpha male character, is so flawed and full of unresolved issues. But these imperfections make him even more interesting. The chemistry between Natalie and Blake is palpable and all aspects of their relationship are realistic.

What I Love About You is a cozy and comfortable romance novel that deals with some serious war trauma issues. This new novel by Rachel Gibson is worth reading. I think it will satisfy every contemporary romance reader and the novel is fun too.

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What a Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall

August 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

LADY
What a Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

True desire always finds a way…

On the night before the final battle against Napoleon, Lady Delphine St. James finds herself dancing with the one man she has always wanted, Major Lord Stephen Ives. He makes it clear he has no time for a lady he sees as flirtatious and silly, but as the call to arms sounds, she bids him farewell with a kiss that stirs them both. When he returns gravely injured, she is intent on caring for him, even if his surly behavior tests her patience.
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After the battle, Stephen is not only wounded and blind, but falsely accused of cowardice and theft. The only light in his dark world is Delphine, the one woman he never imagined he could desire. But she deserves more than he can give her.

As their feelings deepen and hidden enemies conspire to force them to part forever, can their love survive the cruelest test of all?

Lady Delphine St. James is beautiful, witty and charming. Her politically active father shamelessly uses her to further his own agenda by encouraging her to flirt and flatter his cronies, to sway them to his way of thinking. Her mother’s only desire is to have her make an advantageous marriage. Delphine has had two seasons, and the flirtatious puppet she has become is second nature to her now. Until one night, she encounters Major Lord Stephen Ives. They are instantly attracted to one another. He cares for her opinions and they have a real conversation. Then Delphine’s mother comes to take her away, telling her she must go and charm a duke. When Stephen sees her playing her flirtatious game, he’s convinced that he was wrong about her, and that she really is shallow. Thereafter, he avoids her when he can, and otherwise is just remotely polite. Delphine was truly affected by their meeting, and it made her take a look at herself and her life. Although she lost Stephen’s regard, she’s determined now to do better things.

A year later, Delphine is in Brussels with her sister and brother-in-law, ready to come to the aid of wounded soldiers, if need be. She encounters Stephen, who is just about to leave for battle. She sends him off with a flower and a kiss. Stephen is seriously wounded and is sent to recover with their mutual friend Nicholas Temberlay and his wife. Determined to take care of him, Delphine manages to arrange it so she is at the household at the same time. We soon find out that Stephen has been blinded, and that he has an enemy who is setting him up to be branded a thief and a coward.

Someone being falsely accused is something that always pushes my buttons. We know who the villain is right from the get go, so there’s not a mystery. But he weaves a clever plan, and at times it doesn’t look like there’s any hope. It’s particularly nasty because of the awful shape our poor hero is in. Stephen is strong, though, and begins to recover. This part of the story deals with Delphine caring for him, and their becoming very close. I like both these characters, even with their flaws. I found Delphine to be compassionate and kind underneath her social mask. But I was disappointed that as soon as she returned home, she fell right back into the same pattern. Stephen, while an admirable man, waffled a lot when it came to Delphine. He wanted her, then he pushed her away.

This is my first book by Lecia Cornwall, and I like her writing style very much. I felt the sense of urgency in the story that the villain may never be found out. I also felt the dread that our couple was never going to manage to be together. The way everything was resolved was very satisfactory, and I found myself breathing a big sigh of relief. I recommend this book for all lovers of historical romance, and I know I’ll be looking for more from this author.

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Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd

July 30, 2014 By Leave a Comment

PRINCE
Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (358 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The Princess Must Marry

Princess Laurentia leads a fairy-tale life, attending glittering balls and wearing beautiful gowns. But after the ball is over, Laurentia finds herself getting into bed…alone. She dutifully agrees to choose a husband, but when she casts her eyes over her sea of suitors, she doesn’t see a single man worthy enough to claim her.

But Who Will She Choose?
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Then suddenly, she is swept off her feet by Prince Dominick, soldier of fortune, black sheep of his family…and the man hired to protect her. He’s brazen enough to steal her kisses, yet tender enough to soothe her with one touch. He makes no promises, speaks no vows of forever…yet Laurentia can’t help but hope that her prince has finally arrived.

Talk about second chances. Someday My Prince succeeds in doing the impossible.

If a reader has already tackled The Runaway Princess they’ll have an idea by now as to why I mentioned ‘impossible’. Dom wasn’t exactly a nice guy in the previous book. He was a villainous character but what he really was and is, is an anti-hero. I saw hints of personality quirks that hinted at something that could be redeemed. In Someday My Prince Ms. Dodd took those little flickers of goodness and used some rather impressive bellows to fan the flames of decency, creating a hero worth checking out in this novel.

It’s hard to banish the past, either from a reader’s mind or even from Dom’s own point of view. Yet Ms. Dodd presented enough proof for me to believe the hero could be a better man, a happier man, with the right incentive. That incentive comes in the form of Princess Laurentia. She’s got teeth, an attitude and a lot of secrets. She alternates from being feisty, temperamental, innocent, brave, conniving, trusting and adventurous. Basically, she’s the kind of woman who wouldn’t bore a man like Dom but keep him on his toes and wouldn’t let him run roughshod over her. He tries because after all he’s a mercenary, and like he tells everyone, a bastard. Acts like it at times too. I appreciated the fact that he didn’t completely act like a total loser – he has in inner code of honor- rusted to be sure but it’s there. The odd thing is his tenacity and his ability to rationalize errant behavior with honor. I’m not sure if I would buy that story if it were me instead of Laurentia. I’m almost sure I would have used the gun in a different manner. The heroine is made of sterner backbone than me.

The plot was interesting and I liked seeing two kingdoms duking it out. I figured out who the traitor might be only because of the extreme stiffness of the character. It was like watching a prune with legs. As for the top villain, a reader is told he’s bad and there are brief glimpses that lend credence to the claim but nothing that made me gasp or shiver or worry. Dom is such a wounded bear anyway so I knew he was going to trounce someone at some point. As for resolving the overall conflict, it was a bit too simple for any reader who thrives on details and suspense to appreciate. The story used the background conflict to further the romance between Dom and Laurentia and caused bumps, trials and tribulations for them to navigate so readers could see their relationship grow. It was entertaining but nothing spectacular.

The happy ever after was satisfactory. The true heroes and heroines of the kingdom were recognized and it was nice to see. Laurentia and Dom’s finally coming together isn’t sweet, sappy or boring. It’s fraught with emotional passion right up until the end, which is on par for those two. I believe they will be happy and Dom will finally know peace and acceptance. After reading the book, it’s a beautiful hope and I felt good about that.

Someday My Prince is a nice sequel and it tied up all its loose ends completely. I think the heroine was the right type of woman for the hero and their relationship sure wasn’t dull. This novel entertained me and I felt it worth my time. It’s not quite as frenetic as the previous book but it’s meaty just the same. I think it has much to offer readers, especially those who like to see bad boys finding their redemption. Dom isn’t cured of being bad, but now he’s bad for all the right reasons. That’s good enough for me.

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

Kiss of Wrath by Sandra Hill

May 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment

KISS
Kiss of Wrath by Sandra Hill
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (262 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

No wicked wenches or wild rampages…it’s been centuries since Mordr the Berserker was turned into a Vangel-a Viking Vampire Angel-as punishment for his sin of wrath, and he’s been frustrated ever since. It’s not so bad being stuck in modern-day Las Vegas. What better place to slay Lucipires, or demon vampires, than the original Sin City. But then Mordr Sigurdsson’s mission is expanded to a new assignment: protect lust-worthy Miranda Hart.

Miranda’s well-ordered life turned into chaos when she unexpectedly inherited her late cousin’s five children. Now, her cousin’s dangerous husband is about to be paroled, and she needs a miracle to keep them all safe.That miracle arrives on her doorstep in the form of a very buff, handsome man with a very strange name. Mordr wants nothing to do with a red-haired wench or children. Miranda wants nothing to do with gorgeous hunk who claims to be a Viking.

As Miranda and Mordr give in to temptation, they must decide if they fit in each other’s worlds-before their enemies close in on them.

A soft heart will surely get ensnared in this latest escapade from Ms. Hill. This is a very busy book with so many elements to engage the senses; it was hard to put down. I’m predisposed to liking the books in this series because of the sheer novelty of Viking warrior vangels- vampires who have to earn their wings. But each man has the job of making me respect him has a hero and a heroine has the task of redeeming the wayward man while showing me a woman who is strong enough to do so.

Mordr is a man who had the unthinkable happen to him when he was human. He lost his family. The how of it is greatly disturbing and I credit Ms. Hill for choosing the one thing that would haunt any man with a conscience. It was therefore completely believable to me that this trauma would affect the rest of his life and unlife. The spike of anger that speared his heart all those centuries ago could only be healed by an equally pivotal moment or event and it comes in the form of Miranda.
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Miranda is the heroine who goes from being a single, career-minded woman, to a mother in an instant. As if dealing with kids isn’t challenging enough, their biological father is a whack job who has a criminal bent. What’s a new and frazzled single parent to do? Get a nanny. And the adventure of a lifetime begins.

I liked the sparks that fly between Mordr and Miranda. I liked the kids, their personalities and how everything is woven together. I even laughed about the dog. There is a sweet innocence about it all that survives even when there is depravity and evil intent that tries to complicate their lives in a big way.

Speaking of evil, Jasper and his sexual perversions is back. Because this is a standalone read, the author has to impart upon a new reader just how vile, twisted and disgusting the bad guy is. Since I am well versed in his penchant for depravity after a few books, I skim those parts. They bother me. But a new reader should read them to get a handle on why the vangels are so important and necessary and reading the short shots about Jasper will definitely clue them in. Good MUST win over evil. I won’t accept anything less. Good thing I don’t have to.

One thing bothers me about Mordr – how to say his name. It’s not a big thing but it distracted me a bit. When I tried to Google it, I kept getting references to Lord of the Rings. Not much help. I checked the glossary at the end of the book but there was no help there. I mentally pronounced him More-door, and sometimes More-dra. But no matter what I called him, he sure was a hunky hero.

I liked the growth in each character, their dialogue and their sexy interludes. This story certainly has spice and Ms. Hill used a fair hand in sprinkling the saucy bits where they did the most good. I had a lot of fun reading those scenes.

There is a lot of action, drama and suspense. I kept waiting for one of the bad guys to fulfill his destiny and was surprised to find that someone else was first in line. I was actually kind of glad of that but still, he does have the lemon taint but it never seemed to be acknowledged or mentioned except for the once. It makes me wonder if he’ll be a recurring bad guy. I hope not – I think he could be redeemed. Not as a hero but at least a man who could be turned to the right path. If he’s never reintroduced, then it’s a missed hanging thread.

What isn’t left hanging is the happily ever after. The last two paragraphs had me sniffling in a good way. It was an effective ‘awwww’ moment and it made me happy because it was the perfect complete wrap up to a well written story.

Kiss of Wrath is another winner with a lot of reasons to applaud Ms. Hill’s storytelling prowess. It’s highly entertaining, vibrant and fun. There were moments I gasped, I laughed and giggled and other times I just melted. Of course then there were parts that gave me the willies. Then there was the loving between Mordr and Miranda; their romance was wonderful to watch grow. This is a well told, delightful and exciting story that I’m thrilled to recommend to readers of paranormal romantic suspense.

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