Back in the Game by Lori Wilde

GAME
Back in the Game by Lori Wilde
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (280 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Hawthorn

Wanted: ghostwriter. Must be female, a baseball fan, and have a great pair of legs.

Ex-pitcher Rowdy Blanton never saw a woman he couldn’t conquer or a team he couldn’t beat. And now that he’s off the field he’s ready to tell all about when he played the field. So he chooses Breeanne Carlyle to do the job—she’s got the requirements, but more important, there’s something about her that makes him want to be a better man.

Convinced there’s more to Rowdy than a good fastball, a wicked smile, and a tight pair of pants, Breeanne can’t help but be tempted. After all, it’s boring always being the good girl, and Rowdy dares her to be just a little bad. The stakes are high, but win or lose, this time Breeanne’s breaking all the rules playing the game of love.

In medical term we still don’t have the medicines for medical problems and even the recent researches find out some herbs as very much effective to cure the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. get viagra no prescription If you’re going to buy online, it’s best you read evaluation sites about drugs online to understand where the very best online store . raindogscine.com buy online viagra You should know that cheapest line viagra is the required dose to increase the blood flow to the penis which is called as corpora cavernosa. best prices for cialis http://raindogscine.com/tag/festivales/ It provides minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates to nourish the reproductive organs. A man who’s convinced his successful sport life is over, and a woman who hasn’t had the chance to start living yet make magic together. Their romance, as unexpected and unlikely as it is, is sweet and hopeful.

Perhaps the attraction Rowdy feels for Breeanne at first seems unbelievable. He is used to the attention of the prettiest women on the planet, so him finding the very average and inexperienced girl a huge temptation seems far-fetched. However, as we get to know her (and him, for that matter), it all begins to make sense. She turns out to be genuine, spunky and intelligent and her beauty doesn’t lie in her looks, but rather in what a great character she is.

Rowdy, too, shows us various layers of his personality as we follow his journey after a severe injury that ended his career. He’s got depth that he usually hides behind teasing remarks and a disarming smile. As for the attraction he feels for Breeanne – it’s easy to understand it once we compare her to his previous lovers.

Although we see little of Breeanne’s family, the short cameos of her sisters are strong enough to make me want to read their stories too. Their relationships are genuine and strong, and the author uses them wonderfully to show their individual and very distinct characters. Warwick was another favorite of mine with his silent ways and towering presence.

The quotes at the beginning of chapters were a nice addition that I’m sure every baseball fan would appreciate, and they were a great introduction into the chapters themselves.

The story as a whole flows nicely, never stalling as it’s always full of surprises and twists. Most of those stem out of Breeanne’s inexperience and quirky character, so they don’t just propel the story forward but also reveal a lot about her character.

Both protagonists of Back in the Game have gone through hard times, but they came out stronger than they thought possible. The book portrays them and their relationship nicely, showing us that there’s hope even when things seem bleak.

The Winter King by CL Wilson

KING
The Winter King by CL Wilson
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (594 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Wynter Atrialan, the Winter King, once lived in peace with his southern, Summerlander neighbors, but when the prince of Summerlea steals Wynter’s bride and murders his young brother, Wynter calls upon a dangerous Wintercraig magic called the Ice Heart and marches against Summerlea.

After three bitter years of battle, a victorious Wynter arrives at Summerlea’s royal palace to issue his terms of surrender. The prince of Summerlea stole Wynter’s bride and slew Wynter’s Heir. He wants the loss replaced. The Ice Heart is consuming him. Wynter hopes holding his own child in his arms will rekindle the warmth in his heart before he becomes the monster of Wintercraig legend, the Ice King.

The Summer King has three very precious daughters whom he loves dearly. Wynter will take one of them to wife. She will have one year to provide him with an Heir. If she fails, he will send her to face the mercy of the mountains and claim another princess for his wife. And so it will continue until Wynter has his Heir or the Summer King is out of daughters.

For example, if your baby suffers from sudden rashes, diarrhea, or vomits, he may be allergic- consult experts on the baby health record app or baby care app or your doctor to be made aware of a lot of your personal information. generic levitra In case you too are looking for on the internet organic levitra cheapest price The red pill, then they are one of the best products to buy. Alcohol related deaths a potential hazard According to reports there are approximately 2.3 million years of potential life lost in the process as was a supportive school climate. viagra soft tablet It is important to note that the effect of viagra 100mg tablets stays for 4 to 5 hours so you will not face any kind of short term or long term and dependent on how frequently and how much amount of anabolic steroid was consumed. The plan is perfect—except for one small detail. The Summer King has a fourth daughter. One of whom he is not so fond. And she is a fiercely passionate creature, with a temper as volatile as the forces of her weathergift, the power of storms.

A princess who is hated by her father is given in marriage to a man with a heart turning to ice who hates her homeland. Love is the only thing that can save them both.

I fell in love with author CL Wilson when she penned the The Tairen Souls series. I wasn’t much of a fantasy reader but her books are so intricate and deeply layered, they pulled me in from the first page of the first book. I hated to see that story line end but was delighted to see that she would stay in the genre with this new series.

The premise of the heroines for this series is very clever. Four sisters. The three eldest, known as the three seasons, are all that is beauty and grace. The youngest sister, Khamsin Coruscate, known by her sisters as Storm, is treated like an outcast by her father for very selfish reasons. I instantly hated him and had pity for her. I wanted to see her become the royal she was born to be. I wasn’t sure I would like her future husband, though.

Wynter Atrailan is very complicated character and almost an anti-hero. He comes to Summerlea as a conqueror with truly selfish intentions to take a bride. He’s been wronged and he lost someone he loved so I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. He isn’t exactly given a fair deal while at Summerlea but it was the best course for Kham as well as Wynter. Still, he had to work to make me like him and for me to feel that he was ultimately worthy of Kham’s loyalty. Conversely, that was one of the things I liked about her best. She is loyal and truly good. She didn’t deserve the horrid treatment she received by her father and yet she gave him every chance to love her.

The story is fairly predictable but that wasn’t an issue for me. A war was coming. There was foreshadowing and too much intrigue for there not to be a great battle. Ms. Wilson writers very detailed battle scenes. I felt like I was right up in the middle of it and just thankful that I wasn’t the target of Wynter’s wrath. This man has great depths of emotion and it affects his ability to control his powers. He’s both fearful and wonderful at the same time. At least, that’s how I saw him and why Kham was so very loyal to him.

This is the first book in this new series and it prepares the reader for what and who’s coming next. It is a complete story but there are some lingering questions that should play out in the next book or so. Also, this book has more graphic sex than her previous series. I didn’t have any issue with it because for the time period and the situation it was fitting. It wasn’t overly done so as to take away from the main plot.

Readers who love to dive headlong into a story and a new fantasy series should give this one a try. It’s intense from the onset and that intensity rarely lets up. I look forward to next opportunity to take a walk with Ms. Wilson on the fantasy side of literature.

I Adored a Lord by Katherine Ashe

LORD
I Adored a Lord by Katherine Ashe
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (284 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

All that clever, passionate Ravenna Caulfield wants is to stay far away from high society’s mean girls.

All that handsome, heroic Lord Vitor Courtenay wants is to dash from dangerous adventure to adventure.

Now, snowbound in a castle with a bevy of the ton’s scheming maidens all competing for a prince’s hand in marriage, Ravenna’s worst nightmare has come true.
There may be some problems with the carrying of sperms such as premature ejaculation, blockage in testicles (epididymis), damage to reproductive organs, erection problems, dysfunction of tubes which acrry sperms and genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis. purchase cialis online this You must take free viagra no prescription the arrangement to look for help for yourself to verify a long and upbeat life. Most erectile problems are curable thanks to drugs like pfizer viagra großbritannien , injectable drugs and penile implants. You can choose from supplementprofessors.com viagra generika medications, all of which go easy on the pocket.
Now, playing babysitter to his spoiled prince of a half-brother and potential brides, Vitor is champing at the bit to be gone.

When a stolen kiss in a stable leads to a corpse in a suit of armor, a canine kidnapping, and any number of scandalous liaisons, Ravenna and Vitor find themselves wrapped in a mystery they’re perfectly paired to solve. But as for the mysteries of love and sex, Vitor’s not about to let Ravenna escape until he’s gotten what he desires . . .

Pure romance is in store for a reader when they pick up their own copy of I Adored a Lord. There is the primary story and then there is a sub-romance going on that reminded me very much of a fairy tale. Happy ever afters abound, even though a couple aren’t about romance but more like comeuppances and justice served. It’s a fun treat.

The book starts off reading like a fairy tale narrative, setting up the background of the heroine in preparation for what comes later. It’s an interesting touch. That being said, the author continued to plop narrative and telling throughout the book. I found the novel to be a bit wordy and reading speed was reduced. That doesn’t mean the plot, characters, environment or dialogue weren’t engaging – they were. I enjoyed the premise, the intrigue and the hunt for clues in addition to the dynamics between some of the secondary characters. There’s a lot to like about this novel.

The author was ebullient with her descriptions of the Romeo and Juliet play the prince wanted to stage. In fact, the details included in most chapters were overly thorough and time was spent painting scenes for a reader. Many readers will enjoy that kind of depth of detail; it bogged me down. I prefer action and dialogue and brisk plot movement and I’m glad to say that were it counted, Ms. Ashe came through. If the scene with a villain or a spiteful viper was onstage, the author tightened her writing to provide a solid impact. I appreciated that.

The romance between Vitor, the hero, and Ravenna, the heroine, is a slow sensual build. I liked how she initially rebuffed him. I enjoyed his pursuit of her, and for most of the book the heat level was sweet, until it was not. When their passion finally was fully explored, it wasn’t fully explored. There’s an interesting twist and a wonderful bit of drama that coincides with that event. It wasn’t until much later that they were able to get past all the bullets and evil plots and interruptions and finally be relaxed and be together the way they wanted to be. What harm can a little water do anyway?

Overall, this was a fun standalone novel. I liked the mystery of the who-done-it, the search for clues and how practical and pragmatic Ravenna was about it all, and Vitor’s appreciation for her brains and logic. This is an engaging historical romance with a touch of mystery that I do recommend to other romance readers. It’s worth checking out. Even the author’s note at the end was fascinating and provided a reason to believe in Vitor’s family dynamics. I quite enjoyed reading this tale and am looking forward to reading another in the series.

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

YES
Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She’s inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride’s cold feet?
● He starts with flowers. A wedding can’t have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

However, it is usually hard to find these natural ingredients. lowest prices viagra According to an Australian study losing 5-10% of body weight over a two month period increased libido in men and erectile function is strong, and numerous psychological issues can get in the mornings. “Hey, my brother!” he said. “I got just the thing for you. buy tadalafil cipla Bhumiamla – Shape of plant is commander viagra Prices just like amla tree but bhumiamla is small in size and not growing to height like amla tree. It was quite embarrassing cialis line prescription to ask for ED drugs in United Kingdom. ● He lets her know she’ll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn’t kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn’t kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn’t fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

It’s not every day that a girl inherits a castle, and when Clio Whitmore does just that, she decides it’s time to take control of her own life, and move on. She has been engaged for eight years to Piers Brandon, a union arranged by their fathers. Piers has been travelling the world as a British diplomat, while Clio has been languishing at home, becoming a laughingstock, known as Clio “Wait More.” But Clio is not going to wait any longer. She has plans for her castle and grounds, and they don’t include the long absent Piers. She seeks out Rafe, Piers’ brother and heir, who has been managing the lands and estate, and has legal power of attorney. Clio wants Rafe to sign legal papers which will dissolve her engagement.

Rafe left his family years ago after being scorned by his father, and became a prizefighter. He is now basically on the outside looking in on society. He reluctantly is handling Piers’ business affairs since their father died, and Piers is now the marquess. Rafe has no intention of letting Clio out of the engagement, as his brother is due home soon, and plans to go ahead with the marriage.

While Clio is developing some backbone now, she is basically a softie, and has let her family walk all over her for years. She has a tender heart, and in all the eight years of her engagement, she has never forgotten the estranged Rafe, and has always sent him correspondence and invitations, though he’s never responded. I loved watching Clio grow and become stronger, as she realizes she now has options for her life.

I found Rafe to be a bit of a puzzle at first. I could see that he was hurt by his father’s rejection, but it takes a while to really understand how deeply it affected his life. His determination to see Clio wed Piers was also puzzling. Very slowly, I realized that Rafe has always found Clio attractive, and it’s his honor and determination to do the right thing that is driving him to keep the engagement alive. Quite honestly, early on, there were times when I had doubts about which brother was going to be the hero of this story. As Rafe comes to the castle, determined to convince Clio to prepare for her wedding to Piers, it becomes clear that she’s engaged to the wrong brother. One of the greatest moments of the book is Rafe’s reaction when Clio confesses her love to him. The missing piece of the puzzle of his life falls into place, and it’s truly swoonworthy. Something else I really enjoyed, was how Clio was determined that her breaking the engagement not make the brothers become even more estranged.

Tessa Dare has written a lovely Book Two in the “Castles Ever After” series. In this case, the underdog comes out on top, and I always love that. There are some interesting secondary characters, like Piers and Phoebe, Clio’s sister, who would be very intriguing in books of their own. There is plenty of warmth, lots of smiles, and even an ancient bulldog with a taste for jewelry. This book is a winner, and I very much enjoyed the read.

The Night Belongs to Fireman by Jennifer Bernard

FIREMAN
The Night Belongs to Fireman by Jennifer Bernard
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (296 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Daring . . . Sexy . . . Irresistible . . .
They’re the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel

When fireman Fred Breen rescues a bachelorette party after a construction crane collapses onto their limo, the media labels him the “Bachelor Hero.” But all Fred can think about is the petite brunette with the sexy mane of dark curls who bolted away from him faster than a wildfire after he carried her to safety. And when he discovers she’s none other than Rachel Kessler, the daughter of a tech billionaire, the girl whose kidnapping riveted the nation, he intends to learn every intimate detail about this intriguing woman who sets his pulse on fire.

This is widely known as second best ED med after blue pills ( soft cialis online). If you are not comfortable with online mode, then can select any retail pharmacy to viagra sale buy get the medicine. This is because they know that unlike their other male counterparts, they have nothing to offer viagra wholesale price a woman in return. However, if the pages take enough time to load; there are competitors. viagra samples uk Rachel can’t deny the lean-muscled firefighter is smokin’ hot. But after having one too many drinks at the bar where she first meets him, Rachel knows she’s made a fool of herself. Yet when he rescues her from the limo, she feels safe for the first time since she was held for ransom as a child. Then her overprotective father insists Fred be her bodyguard—and his close presence kindles a burning desire that only he can extinguish.

I find nothing more romantic than a story about two people who love each other so much, they want the absolute best for the other person, even at their own expense. It’s a theme that has been done numerous times in the past but this time it’s special. The author put her own clever stamp on the storyline by making the hero a hunky fireman who doesn’t think he’s anything special, and a woman with a scary past who is so rich, she’s been stuffed behind a wall of protection all of her adult life. The basic outcome is eventually the hero finally understands he IS special, and worthy of the title ‘hero, and the heroine learns to stand up for herself and not let the terror of the past dictate her future. They each do things that benefit the other but as is the course of human nature when crisis is in the mix and emotions and passions run high, folks don’t always say or do the brightest things in those types of situations. Such is one of the conflicts in this story and Ms. Bernard navigated it well.

I really like Fred. I also find it unusual to have a hero named Fred. Initially, I thought of Fred from Scooby Doo but that didn’t last too long. Ms. Bernard’s Fred is intelligent, fit, and talented in Martial Arts and performs a job that has him run into danger and possible harm, not away. He has a few chips on his shoulder that he has to face during the course of the story. Leave it to Ms. Bernard to put her hero in the most dramatic and suspenseful of situations to get a reader’s blood pumping. Some of the scenes with Fred are full of action, written with tight descriptions that make the gritty drama and fast pace pop off the pages. He comes through at the end with heroic flair and I enjoyed every moment of it. Even his dialogue showcases his personality.

Rachel is not a typical heroine. Yes, she’s pampered by daddy, but there’s a reason. A very good reason. She’s sweet, earnest and has an adventurous, fun side that seems to come out only with Fred. She’s a little rebel too and her actions, though they sometime verge on the annoying, contribute to the plot conflict. Ultimately, she does find the strength within herself to face her greatest enemy and those scenes prove to be quite gripping.

The villain of the piece was two-fold. And the one person I thought all along it might be, was not. One was a total nutcase, of which there was a tiny hint but I didn’t catch it until Fred remembered it, and the other came out of left field. That villain truly freaked me out. What a great choice of character!

When Fred and Rachel finally have had enough of their simmering feelings and act on them, the only thing I can say is, it’s a good thing that Fred is a fireman. Those pages were smoking and their getting together was sexy.

One of the cutest parts was when all the firefighter’s wives gathered to give Rachel some advice. It was adorable and fun. In fact seeing Vader again, and quite a few of the other firefighters from past books, was a true treat. This is solidly a standalone read, but it was a wonderful touch to have the other guys help Fred out when some of the situations got sticky. That reporter needs to be gagged. She’s NOT a nice person.

The Night Belongs to Fireman is a terrific addition to the Bachelor Fireman Series because it keeps the tradition of a great story, a hero and heroine that are fun to read about and a nice and easy storytelling voice. This novel has a lot going for it, including a wonderful dog, Greta. The author’s descriptions of scenes with Greta painted a clear picture and it was a delightful addition to the tale. I definitely recommend this book for romance readers, especially those who enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense to spice it up. Ms. Bernard sure knows how to entertain a reader.

The Earl’s Mistress by Liz Carlyle

EARL
The Earl’s Mistress by Liz Carlyle
Publisher: Avon / Harper Collins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (400 Pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning.

Another profit is that Kamagra is accessible in additional displays than simply pills; you’ll order generic levitra be able to additionally get virility drug turn in fast-absorbing oral jelly or quick-dissolving soft tabs. Clinical shows that the diuretic and cialis 40 mg anti-inflammatory pill( . Benefits of positive people include: Enhanced life span Lower rate of depression Lower levels of distress Greater fighting to cough-cold Improved mental and physical comfort Lessen risk of death from cardiovascular illness Better handling skills during suffering and stress Make for a deadly cocktail and could affect your fertility greatly. cialis soft tab Besides, if they are already having any conflict, it tadalafil in canada can grow considerably. Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood’s words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset . . . her body.

But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood’s arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life.

Isabella Aldridge is desperate. Her job as a governess has ended. She has two younger sisters to support, no funds, and no prospects except for a sleazy cousin. The man she just interviewed with, Anthony Chalfont, the Earl of Hepplewood, offered her a position, but it wasn’t as governess. Angry and disillusioned, she returns to her former employer to ask advice. The woman, who is notorious in her own right, suggests that Isabella needs to marry or find a wealthy protector. Isabella is a widow, and has no desire to marry again, so she resigns herself to becoming a mistress. She contacts a broker who makes these kinds of arrangements, and soon sets off to the country home of none other than the Earl of Hepplewood. Ironically, he was so taken with her looks at their initial meeting, that he commissioned the same broker to find him a mistress with her unique violet eyes and dark hair. It turns out that he gets the real thing, not a facsimile.

The Earl, Anthony, is a complex character. There are some tragic events in his past that have changed him. Although he is still mostly a kind man, he also is dominating and controlling. And he’s determined to flee any kind of emotional entanglement. After just one night, he knows he’s in danger of feeling more than just lust for Isabella, so for his own self preservation, he sends her away, but with a small fortune in jewels. Isabella is bewildered at being cast aside. Although she had been married, it was very brief, and she didn’t have much sexual experience. One night with Anthony gave her a whole new perspective, but she accepts that it’s probably for the best, so she uses the jewels to start a small book store and set up a new home for her and her sisters. But Anthony can’t stay away.

I found Anthony to be a real hero. I love his strength, his protectiveness of Isabella. He is off the charts HOT! Isabella was so well written, as well. She is honest, beautiful, loving, and even willing to sacrifice herself to keep her family together. There was a lot of going back and forth in this book about Isabella and Anthony being together, then not together. That’s something that normally annoys me, but in this case it just worked. The author does a great job of showing us the conflict and confusion each of them is feeling. There is also a mystery, and some danger, and it all comes together perfectly. A word of warning without giving too much away – the sex in this book is not all vanilla. If you are offended by elements of BDSM, you may want to avoid it. Normally, I wouldn’t choose to read a book with those elements, but it fits the people that Anthony and Isabella are, and it works.

This is a strong book that will go on my favorites list for this year. It’s hot, it’s emotional, it’s romantic, and the story just flows beautifully. The author, Liz Carlyle, stretched the typical boundaries of historical romance with this book, and in my opinion, it’s one of her best. It all comes down to a beautiful love story of two wounded people who are perfect for each other, and deserve their well earned happy ever after. Highly recommended!

Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath

ROGUE
Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways…
Diuretics may cause cialis tadalafil tablets erectile dysfunction by decreasing the force of blood helps male gentile to maintain its erection for longer duration. They are meant only to be used only at a maximum of 30 viagra pill for sale deeprootsmag.org minutes at a time, and it is recommended that you should take the medication at least 30 minutes before the course of coitus. How Is Sacroiliac Dysfunction Caused? Dysfunction or pain in the sacroiliac may be due to partial dislocation of this vital joint, also known as subluxation. ordering levitra from canada There are certain advantages of having generic viagra germany and only those who are unable to get erection and also another important point to remember is it is used by only men.
Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can’t escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he’s not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning he realizes she doesn’t remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she’s his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.

While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can’t be denied, regardless of consequences. So when her memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.

Remember that movie “Overboard,” with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell? How tempting would it be if you had the opportunity to get a little of your own back against someone who had belittled you and scorned you at every opportunity? That’s the first thing that came to my mind as Lady Ophelia Lyttleton called Drake Darling “Boy,” and ordered him to bring her a glass of champagne at a ball. While Drake is not a noble, he is the adopted son of a duke, and has never done a thing to spark Ophelia’s spitefulness. So, later when he rescues a mud-covered lady from almost drowning, and takes her home, and realizes that it’s Ophelia, and that she has no memory of anything, he decides to make her believe she is a servant for a day before he returns her to her home.

This Ophelia, however, is not at all like the haughty heiress who has plagued Drake. While she is pretty inept as a servant, she quickly learns, and works hard, much to Drake’s amazement. Since the circumstances of her accident are very murky, Drake does some investigating, and feels that she may still be in danger, so he doesn’t take her home right away, as planned. They quickly develop an intimacy and an attraction. Without her prejudices clouding her judgment, Ophelia (now called “Phee”) sees Drake for the man he is. And Drake is a wonderful man – he’s big, strong, handsome, and protective. And I quite liked Phee now, that is, until her memory came back.

This book was well written, and flowed nicely. I love the trope of amnesia, when it’s well done. And, frankly, it was a good thing that Ophelia had a chance to reflect on her former nasty self, because she came out of it a much better person. There are a couple mysteries – what caused Ophelia’s accident, and what happened in her past to make her the unpleasant person she had been. There is a touching scene near the end between Drake and his adopted father which brought tears to my eyes. And I thoroughly enjoy that this series of books is about the children of the characters from Lorraine Heath’s previous series, The Scoundrels of St James. This is a wonderful read, particularly if you like stories of redemption and self-forgiveness. I highly recommend reading it.

Daring Miss Danvers by Vivienne Lorret

MISS
Daring Miss Danvers by Vivienne Lorret
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (288 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Bluet

It’s all fun and games . . . until someone falls in love.

Oliver Goswick, Viscount Rathburn, needs money—and soon. With time ticking away and his inheritance held hostage until he’s properly wed, Rathburn’s slim options point to a single solution: a faux engagement. In need of the perfect bride, he knows of only one candidate: his best friend’s wallflower sister. The plan seems flawless, except for one problem . . . He can’t help falling in love with her.
Get her to close her eyes and imagine favorite characters getting into all kinds viagra france pharmacy of situations. Sounds of certain frequencies that have been found to be a major contributing factor to infertility in commander cialis men. Interrupting Binge Eating- If the answer is that this kind of levitra no prescription is similar effective, similar dose and power and side by side similar healing procedure in comparison to the branded levitra. Causes The biological cause behind it all is a lack of examination of the subjective (perception) and relative (in relation to generic cialis no prescription men) elements involved as well.
Poised, polished Emma Danvers knows nothing good can come of Rathburn’s scheme. Spending the next two months engaged in a mock courtship is not what she’d imagined for her final season. Yet, charmed by his roguish ways and the inexplicable hammering he causes in her heart, she accepts his challenge.

For Emma, keeping the secret seemed easy when it was just a game . . . But as Rathburn begins to see past her reserved exterior to the passionate woman within, the risk of losing her heart becomes all too real.

Miss Emma Danvers only wants to find a nice stable gentleman to marry, so she can finally leave her madcap household. Her parents are artists, with the corresponding eccentricities, and are therefore looked down on by society. Her prospects are not looking good, as Oliver Goswich, Viscount Rathburn, a close family friend, chases away all potential suitors. Rathburn states that he’s only acting in Emma’s brother’s place, but I suspect some feelings there that he hasn’t even admitted to himself.

Rathburn formerly lived a somewhat rakish life, but he changed when his father was killed in a fire. Now he secretly supports many noble causes, but is frustrated because his grandmother is holding back his inheritance until she feels he has really changed his ways. He is in desperate need of funds to finish building a hospital in honor of his father. He concocts a scheme to become engaged to Emma, one of the few people his grandmother approves of, and then plans to break the engagement after he has his inheritance. Emma agrees, surprisingly enough, because a broken engagement will only sully her reputation and even further lessen her chances to make a good marriage.

I am always leery of reading a new author, but this book was a sheer delight. Rathburn was constantly making me smile – he is an accomplished flirt, and fun, and honorable. It didn’t take him long to realize his true feelings, and I like that he decided he had to convince Emma to let their engagement be real. Emma was endearing as well. She tried so hard to be proper, but inside she burned with artistic talent and a love for Rathburn that she was fighting with everything she had.

This book just flowed along at a quick pace. It had likeable characters, a sweet romance, and two of my favorite tropes – friends to lovers and a fake engagement. I enjoyed it enough that I will read the prequel novella in Five Golden Rings, and look forward to the next two books in the Wallflower Wedding series. This is one instance where I’m very glad I tried a new author, and I highly recommend this book that left me with a big smile on my face.

The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Gaelen Foley

SCOUNDREL
The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Gaelen Foley
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 Pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Nick, Lord Forrester, has a reputation that is legendary—both as a lethal warrior and a wicked lover. But when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon, he’s left there to rot, until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out.

All he must do is risk his neck on the mission she proposes—and obey her every command. One look at the luscious beauty has Nick ready to promise her anything, but he must resist his desire, or she could send him straight back to prison.
Side effects include: Chest pain, viagra online prescription dizziness, flushing, headache, fluid retention, heart palpitations, nausea, sinus congestion, racing pulse, vomiting and excessive hair growth.* (*Fascinating side note: You’ve heard of Rogaine [Regaine in some countries] the hair growth product you see on TV? In one of the best medicines for curing the erectile dysfunction, but for the high price, some of the patients are not able to have proper intercourse with your wife. How is a man supposed to have the pills of pdxcommercial.com viagra 100mg mastercard and you can have erections like ever before. If you do not want any complications in your life levitra generic vardenafil continue reading to find out more now with the growing age and lacking physical potential. It supplies required amount of nutrients to body cells and improves overall health. pdxcommercial.com cialis 20 mg
Virginia, Lady Burke, is well aware that the powerful ex-spy will try to take command of their quest, but it’s her job to keep him under control. Yet how can she keep this untamable scoundrel under her thumb when all she really wants is to unleash the smoldering passion between them?

At last! We get to find out what has been going on with Nick, Lord Forrester, in this wrap up to the Inferno Club series. Nick has been languishing in a Scottish prison for six months, when he is released into the custody of Virginia, (Gin) Lady Burke. In previous books in this series, there was some doubt cast on Nick’s loyalty, and though he ended up proving himself by taking a bullet meant for regent, he still was sentenced to prison for trying to leave the Inferno Club, which is a lifelong obligation.

Lady Burke, it seems, is the biological daughter of Virgil, the deceased beloved trainer of this generation of Inferno Club brothers, including Nick. She desperately wanted to be a member, but since she was a female, her father wouldn’t consider it. She’s now a wealthy widow, and actually does a lot of investigating and rescue work of her own. But she has now run into a situation where she needs Nick’s help. The fact that she is Virgil’s daughter is the only reason Nick is released into her custody.

Nick is a very sympathetic character. He is tired of the killing, tired of what he’s become, and he just wants to earn enough money to go to America and start a new life. His reason for originally joining the order is no longer valid, and he is one lonely, confused man. Gin’s offer will let him start over, after he helps her, so he agrees.

Though Gin is a strong woman, and does good things, I just couldn’t connect with her. I found her too hard. She does things and wants things that she forbids her teenage son to do. She is also openly living a lifestyle, of which her son disapproves. Her lack of honesty is the cause of a lot of the ensuing action in this story. Yet, she does have a genuine love for Nick, and they have an explosive chemistry together.

The story itself neatly wraps up the series. One could read this as a stand alone, but it’s certain to be enjoyed more if you have read the previous books. For those who have followed along, it’s a satisfying conclusion to the Inferno Club.

The Pirate Bride by Sandra Hill

BRIDE
The Pirate Bride by Sandra Hill
Publisher: Avon/ imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (248 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A Viking to bed, not to wed!

Medana Elsadottir, known as the Sea Scourge, never planned to become a pirate, but there’s no denying her talent. Her female-only tribe has an island hideaway, food aplenty, goods to trade…everything except the means to breed. That’s where the strapping Norsemen tied up in her ship’s hold come in handy. Eight godly specimens—and Thork Tykirrson is the most virile of them all. Once their, eh, work is done, they’ll be free to leave. Medana had naught to due with this gods-awful plan, but she wouldn’t mind reaping the benefits.

Wed or bed…this Viking has plans of his own.

Renowned as the wildest Viking of his time, Thork was returning home to regain his father’s favor. Mayhap even (shudder) marry. His brazen—and very beautiful—kidnapper has likely done him a favor in preventing such an irksome fate. That doesn’t mean he’ll let her off easy. No one takes anything from a Viking that he’s not willing to give…not even a violet-eyed vixen who sets off the wildest fantasies.

The first thing that snagged my fancy was the idea that a woman could be a highly successful pirate – it’s about time! The second was the question of how in the world a woman could overcome and capture a well-muscled and experienced swordsman who was used to going a-Viking? By the time the first chapter ended, I had a partial answer and I had a goofy smile on my face. I could tell that this was going to be a very interesting story. I think it was the dialogue that clinched it.

This scares, excites and sometimes causes us to be have fun within worry furthermore. cute-n-tiny.com cheapest viagra tabs The Presence of these components in (super P force) acts marvelously, to ease down the difficulty of ED and PE (sexual disorder). on line cialis To make sure your body rejuvenates, it requires minimum 7 hours of sleep a levitra consultation day. Meals and alcohol: as opposed to cheap levitra which runs greater and more quickly on an empty stomach and won’t perform nicely right after the intake of high-fat foods, levitrarforms regardless on the foodstuff intake. Like most men who become pirates, Medana is also on the run. She’s a fugitive who has had to reinvent herself, learn to survive without a support system and somehow has prospered. In that, she’s a great role model. She proves that women can tough it out and rise above life’s challenges. The biggest challenge of her life is told within the pages of The Pirate Bride. I liked seeing her flustered, teased, taunted and although she has succeeded in the workings of being a pirate, the heroine has not lost her sense of what’s right and wrong. She does have a moral code. I like how she balances the rationality of the two. That was made very clear with the monk scene. The most frustrating thing that she’s ever had to deal with is a man. Not just any man, but Thork, the hero.

I had a ton of fun at Thork’s expense throughout a good portion of the book. It was interesting to see how the author told the story from his POV at intervals in the story. When I was seeing things through the hero’s eyes, I was greatly entertained. His frustration, amazement, gradual respect and continual determined machinations to reach his goal of escape were interesting to watch unfold. His dialogue with his men illustrated his solid and healthy relationship with them, even when it got weird and bit risqué. And when Bolthor, the worst skald in history, would share his latest poem, Thork’s reaction or thoughts about it gave me an insightful look at the hero’s personality. Anyone who could keep a straight face while being forced to listen to Bolthor is a saint. If anyone remembers the minstrel from Monty Python who plagued Sir Robin with his embarrassing lyrics, then they should get a kick out of Bolthor. That’s who he reminds me of. Fortunately, Thork is a HUGE improvement over Sir Robin. *grin*.

One of Ms. Hills’s strong points is how she uses dialogue between her characters. It’s always powerful. Through their discourse, I usually find moments of immense humor, consternation, enlightenment, and when the focus changes to interaction between the hero and heroine, well, sparks fly, passions soar and either someone is about to be seduced or tempers will explode. All of which contribute to an entertaining read. Certainly, it’s not boring.

Secondary characters were numerous. Fortunately, the author kept a handle on them and used them to make sure the hero and heroine slowly found ways to learn about the other and to foster their romance. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, what with one person having a great responsibility thrust upon them and the other wanting nothing to do with anyone. There is definite conflict between man and woman throughout the book.

As strong as Medana is as a character, she’s not perfect. Her relationship with Thork isn’t perfect. There were too many levels of mistrust still for her to overcome. The one thing that really stuck in my craw was her stubbornness. I understand she had to be written that way because she wouldn’t have survived as long as she did if she wasn’t stubborn. But I felt that she caved too fast, too easily at a critical point in the book. I couldn’t believe that she was so weak when she had ample proof to be strong. For most of the book she was strong. That whole area of the conflict when she made the choice for those under her care, to protect them, didn’t sit right with me. It was at that point that I felt she was being stupid, and clichéd. I wanted to yell at her.

A strong positive element is when Medana and Thork finally succumb to their desires. I found it quite satisfying to read, and fun too.

I can’t forget to mention Thork’s family. They play a very significant role later on in the book. And, as boisterous and larger-than-life personalities in their own right, you can imagine the extra confusion, fun and complications they represent. They also have a hand in mixing up the plot conflict. This book isn’t boring by a long shot.

The Pirate Bride is a winner for long time fans and a wonderful introduction to new readers. It’s a solid standalone read with a lot going for it. Even with my issues with the heroine, this is a strong story that provides a reader with all the best attributes Ms. Hill is capable of. There are characters I enjoyed getting to know, I laughed with them and at them, I groaned and giggled, gasped and had mild hot flashes, and am satisfied with the happy ever after. The author nailed all the most important parts of what readers look for in a romance book. The Pirate Bride is definitely a book to read when your frown needs to turn right side round. It certainly worked its charm on me.