A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam

February 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Non-fiction, Historical
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Rehana Haque, a young widow, blissfully prepares for the party she will host for her son and daughter. But this is 1971 in East Pakistan, and change is in the air.

Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, A Golden Age is a story of passion and revolution; of hope, faith, and unexpected heroism in the midst of chaos—and of one woman’s heartbreaking struggle to keep her family safe.

This is an action-packed story of one family’s experience during the Bangladesh War of Independence from Pakistan. As events unfold, we get a personal understanding of the war’s effects on everyday people.

Rehana Haque is a widow with two children who just wants to live a good life with her children. When they become young adults, trouble starts because Rehana’s children get involved with the war. Of course this creates much trouble and worrying for Rehana. She gets surprises such as when a former Pakistani army officer turned freedom fighter becomes injured and is brought to Rehana for nursing. She is concerned. This is so dangerous.

Themes such as how women get along during wartime, a love of one’s country, and motherhood underlie every page. It is a serious story but is entertaining and engaging. This is the first of a trilogy but can be read by itself. I recommend this book for anyone who likes history or learning about other cultures.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Parkland: The Birth of a Movement by David Cullen

June 12, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Parkland: The Birth of a Movement by David Cullen
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction
Length: Full Length (311pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

On the first anniversary of the events at Parkland, the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Columbine offers an intimate, deeply moving account of the extraordinary teenage survivors who became activists and pushed back against the NRA and feckless Congressional leaders—inspiring millions of Americans to join their grassroots #neveragain movement.

Nineteen years ago, Dave Cullen was among the first to arrive at Columbine High, even before most of the SWAT teams went in. While writing his acclaimed account of the tragedy, he suffered two bouts of secondary PTSD. He covered all the later tragedies from a distance, working with a cadre of experts cultivated from academia and the FBI, but swore he would never return to the scene of a ghastly crime.

But in March 2018, Cullen went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School because something radically different was happening. In nearly twenty years witnessing the mass shootings epidemic escalate, he was stunned and awed by the courage, anger, and conviction of the high school’s students. Refusing to allow adults and the media to shape their story, these remarkable adolescents took control, using their grief as a catalyst for change, transforming tragedy into a movement of astonishing hope that has galvanized a nation.

Cullen unfolds the story of Parkland through the voices of key participants whose diverse personalities and outlooks comprise every facet of the movement. Instead of taking us into the minds of the killer, he takes us into the hearts of the Douglas students as they cope with the common concerns of high school students everywhere—awaiting college acceptance letters, studying for mid-term exams, competing against their athletic rivals, putting together the yearbook, staging the musical Spring Awakening, enjoying prom and graduation—while moving forward from a horrific event that has altered them forever.

Deeply researched and beautifully told, Parkland is an in-depth examination of this pivotal moment in American culture—and an up-close portrait that reveals what these extraordinary young people are like as kids. As it celebrates the passion of these astonishing students who are making history, this spellbinding book is an inspiring call to action for lasting change.

Sad, haunting and shows the strength we all have after tragedy.

I have to admit, I hoped the climate of school shootings would end. I really did. Still do. This books takes a look at what can be done if you’re willing to fight back—not against the shooter, but the climate.

I came of age during Columbine. I never thought anything like that would happen in my lifetime and I had to explain to my students (I student-taught that spring) what had happened. I wasn’t far removed from high school. I can’t imagine having the determination or chutzpah to do what the students at Parkland did.

This could be seen as a liberal book, but it’s not. It’s the story of students having had enough. Kids shouldn’t have to grow up this fast. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about active shooter drills. I liked reading how these kids navigated their way through what they’d been through and the aftermath. I can’t imagine having seen my friends dying.

Understand this: the book isn’t a true crime book. It doesn’t make a big deal about the shooter. This book is about the students and the aftermath. Time could’ve been spent on the shooter and his history. It might have made this a more well-rounded book. But that’s for the author to decide, not me.

If you want a book that will make you think…then this is the book.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Trouble with Vampires by Lynsay Sands

April 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Trouble with Vampires by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full length (304 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For close to three thousand years the imposing, impossibly handsome Santo Notte has fought in armies across the world and battled his own, more personal enemies. Of all the places he might expect to encounter his life mate, a quiet corner of upstate New York doesn’t seem likely. But as soon as he makes contact with history professor Petronella Stone, while hunting down a suspected rogue immortal, he knows that she will be the greatest adventure of his eternal life.

He expects her to be surprised, confused, even overwhelmed. What he doesn’t expect is that Pet has a secret history of her own. There’s no mistaking the mind-blowing, mutual pleasure they share. But as Pet struggles to protect her nephew from a danger lurking too close to home, Santo realizes there’s another threat to her safety—him. And claiming their passionate future will be impossible until he leaves his past behind, forever…

This latest adventure in the Argeneau extended family is pure romance with a little conflict to spice things up and challenge their burgeoning relationship. There are also two extremely effective, nail-biting, don’t-bother-me-I’m-reading scenes that had my emotions in a vice grip. When you get to those parts, go somewhere quiet so you can FOCUS. I wish I had. Right in the middle of both of them, my family decided (how do they DO that?) to need this or that, or want to talk to me, or talk about supper. Noooo! I want to read! But they just don’t get it. When Ms. Sands writes drama and gritty scenes, they are so good, people who interrupt should be growled at.

I know that the page count seems high but I tell you, I never noticed. I read this book like it was only 150 pages. I couldn’t get enough. When it reached the romantic end, I was startled. It’s over already??? I read all those pages already? That’s the mark of a really good book.

I liked Santo and even though he went through torture for years, he’s mostly a well-adjusted guy. I say mostly because he has a few quirks he needs to work out. I really liked Pet, short for Petronella. Her family history is fascinating and I know, just KNOW that we’ll be seeing a book about her sister in the future. Same thing for her nephew, Parker. Pet’s whole family is part of the story and conflict and it’s a doozey.

Fans of the series know that some of the Argeneau family always pops up and this is no exception. Marguerite, her husband and a few others stop by to conduct a stake out and end up helping Santo and Pet when things get dicey as well as complicate the romance at the most embarrassing moments. They’re such a helpful family. Always listening in when the main characters wished they wouldn’t. Too funny,

The happy ever after is like nothing you’d expect. It starts off like a lot of dream sequences do, but there’s a significant twist that’s adorable and genius at the same time. The Zodiac comment just slayed me. I really, really like Pet.

The Trouble with Vampires focuses mostly on the romance and Ms. Sands does it justice. I heartily recommend this novel. I enjoyed it.

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A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian

April 16, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian
The Regency Imposter series
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (216 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

One reluctant heir

If anyone else had asked for his help publishing a naughty novel, Ash would have had the sense to say no. But he’s never been able to deny Verity Plum. Now he has his hands full illustrating a book and trying his damnedest not to fall in love with his best friend. The last thing he needs is to discover he’s a duke’s lost heir. Without a family or a proper education, he’s had to fight for his place in the world, and the idea of it—and Verity—being taken away from him chills him to the bone.

One radical bookseller

All Verity wants is to keep her brother out of prison, her business afloat, and her hands off Ash. Lately it seems she’s not getting anything she wants. She knows from bitter experience that she isn’t cut out for romance, but the more time she spends with Ash, the more she wonders if maybe she’s been wrong about herself.

One disaster waiting to happen

Ash has a month before his identity is exposed, and he plans to spend it with Verity. As they explore their long-buried passion, it becomes harder for Ash to face the music. Can Verity accept who Ash must become or will he turn away the only woman he’s ever loved?

A hero with an unusual ailment, a heroine too spunky for her own good and a romance filled with surprises and challenges is found between the pages in .

The blurb is what caught my attention so I was looking forward to seeing how the romance between Ash and Verity was going to play out. Their mutual circumstances made it possible, and then Ash’s life changed. The twist presented a whole new can of worms that the hero didn’t want because he knew that it was going to cost him what he held most dear. Verity’s staunch opinions and pursuit of righteousness didn’t mesh with the role that was thrust upon Ash. So, how were they going to reconcile their past history with the change in present circumstances to reach for a future they both wanted? A wrinkle to their success lies with Verity; I had no idea how she’d reason things out. It was those questions that kept me glued to the plot.

What kept throwing me out of the plot was the slow pace things moved. I blame that on Verity. She’s a bit stubborn. She was also long of wind about her pet peeves and worries. What kept me moving forward was Ash. His diagnosis is one I have knowledge of because of one of my kids. I want for my child what Ash had. Roger was his mentor, one who not only guided him in a trade, but stood by him when the effects of his ailment manifested. I really, really wish that my child could find someone like that to support him as he navigates through life, to find a measure of success and independence – someone to keep him safe when the worst happens. That is a mother’s wish. Because of that, Ash’s happiness mattered to me.

The intrigue and complications that really spiced up the conflict was found at Arundel house. The revelations were astounding. And I really liked Ash’s aunt. She was a wonderful addition to the story.

What shocked me, to the point that I had to re-read the sentence five times, was something that I was not expecting and I thought maybe it was a typo. No, Portia, Verity’s previous best friend, ‘friend’ and friendly staunch ally played a role in Verity’s life that I did not expect, nor have seen in any historical romance book I’ve read so far. It was handled in a blasé, nonchalant and conversational manner. It was described as a fait accompli but it certainly made Verity the most unusual heroine I’ve ever read about. The same could be said for Portia as a secondary character.

I loved Ash’s rascally cat who made an indelible impression in the epilogue. I chortled for sure. The happy ever after was excellent and I enjoyed every paragraph. All the most important threads were tied up for Ash and Verity. But, and you know there’s a but, a hook for the next book in the series was set out and it ensnared me. It’s a toss-up as to who it’s going to be about but one thing is for sure, scandal is not out of the question.

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Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

November 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Avon Impulse/HarperCollins
Genre: Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Short story (101 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan’s extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her sister’s happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

What a great way to start a new series. Ilona Andrews starts with giving readers and fans the rest of Nevada and Rogan’s journey to their romance and happy-ever-after. In doing so, the author presents the perfect segue into Catalina’s new role and journey; a mystery and a threat to her sister’s wedding and happiness has her stepping up to solve the case. She discovers a lot more than she bargained for.

What I find amazing about the storytelling is the character point of view. It’s first person and I actually like it. It’s done to perfection. I also liked seeing it from Nevada’s POV one last time before the transition is made to Catalina. She’s the new heroine who has a lot of growth, learning and challenges ahead of her. After reading this novella, I am most definitely hooked.

Some of the characters and family members from the previous books in the Hidden Legacy series appear to help out in any way they can. It’s a family investigation business so I was thrilled to see how they’re faring after all those past adventures. Catalina is definitely front and center. I always found her gift/talent intriguing. After reading Diamond Fire, I’m more hooked than ever. I can’t wait to find out what she can do.

I liked meeting Rogan’s mom. Wow, she’s got chutzpah! I think I’m going to be seeing a lot more of her. I’m happy about that.

Right before the very end, I figured out where the missing stuff was hidden. Clever, yet oh, so simple.

I also have a suspicion as to whom her future love interest might be. If it is him, whoa, he has his work cut out for him. I’m not sure if I remember what his gift is, and how it will mesh with Catalina’s, but again, I can’t wait to find out!

The big reveal made me laugh. I know it was serious; the reaction of the audience is what made it work, made it entertaining and had me saying, Oooooh! I know it took a lot out of the heroine, but it’s a wonderful hint at what she’s capable of. This part is really good.

Fans of the first three novels are in for a treat. Diamond Fire is set in the same world and the author’s storytelling voice is just as gripping and engrossing as I could wish. I’m a happy reader.

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

Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James

August 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (277 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there’s only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he’s chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia’s desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he’ll find her a prince.

As usual, there’s no problem Parth can’t fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who’s completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

Romance perfection can be found within the pages of Born to be Wilde. It’s rocky, silly, snarky, romantic, fun, surprising and engaging, but at all times, entertaining. I knew the relationship between Parth and Lavinia was strained because of the previous books, but to finally get to know why? Priceless and well worth the wait.

The title of the book isn’t based on the song by Steppenwolf but is actually a pointed clue about Parth’s life. The explanation and the story telling that showed me all about it tugged at my heartstrings. When I finally ‘got it’, I was overcome with a reaction I usually reserve for a cute, cuddly puppy that needs reassurance – Awwwwww!

The sparks that fly between Lavinia and Parth, their misunderstandings and assumptions that complicate any attempt at a relationship, all worked to create a dynamically difficult and emotional trial between the two, akin to running the gauntlet. Watching them fall in love in spite of all of that made for excellent reading.

The wedding between Diana and Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde is in the background throughout this novel and culminated in the HEA that I’d been waiting for since I read Too Wilde to Wed. It was wonderful to witness because both Parth and Lavinia were involved too. It was a brilliant wrap-up to add to the fun of this current novel.

The epilogue gave me happy sniffles. If I thought the book was romantic before, the author outdid herself with Lavinia’s final presentation to Parth. It was the most compassionate, convincing, tender and affectionate proof of Lavinia’s complete and pure love for Parth and it made me tear up. This book was a really good read but that scene boosted it up to a whole other level of awesomeness.

Once again, Ms. James set the hook for her next novel. The intense scene regarding Lord Jeremy earlier in the book was a shocker. He’s the epitome of a tortured hero and that was reinforced with his interaction between himself and Becky Wilde. What happened to him that was so bad that it affected him that way? And how in the world would Becky help him? What will she have to do to get through to him? It boggles the mind and creates a craving to read the next book in the series.

So far, every single book has been a winner in this series and Born to be Wilde is no exception. It’s a story too good to miss with characters I would love to know in real life. Fans of the Wilde family are in for a treat. There’s never a dull moment even when I get to meet the most adorable Queen of the Fairies and her court. Wilde antics are the best!

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Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James

June 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

No one is more surprised than Lord North when he returns from war to find his ex-fiancee in his ancestral home…working as a governess in a sexy, fiery new Wildes of Lindow Castle romance by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James…

The handsome, rakish heir to a dukedom, Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde—known to his friends as North—left England two years ago, after being jilted by Miss Diana Belgrave. He returns from war to find that he’s notorious: polite society has ruled him “too wild to wed.”

Diana never meant to tarnish North’s reputation, or his heart, but in her rush to save a helpless child, there was no time to consider the consequences of working as a governess in Lindow Castle. Now everyone has drawn the worst conclusions about the child’s father, and Diana is left with bittersweet regret.

When North makes it clear that he still wants her for his own, scandal or no, Diana has to fight to keep from losing her heart to the man whom she still has no intention of marrying.

Yet North is returning a hardened warrior—and this is one battle he’s determined to win.

He wants Diana, and he’ll risk everything to call her his own.

Looking for fun? A wonderful romance? A high-caliber, well written tale filled with swoon-worthy moments sprinkled with smiles, chuckles and an epilogue that ties it all together with sunshine filled perfection? Look no further than Too Wilde to Wed.

Ms. James’ Wilde family is filled with lovable rascals who can’t seem to stay away from scandals. In this particular novel, the scandal is based on assumptions, good intentions and noble actions, all of which stem from one sad incident. Only one person knows the full scope of the situation and she’s not telling.

The romance between North and Diana was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved their dialogue, both internal and external, their personalities and their temperaments. I particularly enjoyed watching them fall in love with each other, again, this time for all the right reasons. When I read the scene with Boodle, the valet, and his choice of … colors and styles that he expected North to wear, I couldn’t help but snicker. I prefer a man to look like a man. When North came back from the war, he refused to suffer wearing ‘high fashion’ any longer. Thank goodness. What followed was deliciously sexy and delightful.

Poor Diana. She’s eaten up with guilt, duty and trauma from being manipulated and ridiculed by her mother. In spite of those emotional burdens, she loves kids, is a hard worker and accepts what she expects to be her lot in life. Little does she know, there’s a certain someone who knows a lot more than they’re letting on. In a way, I get the impression that there’s a nod to Cinderella in this tale and it works wonderfully.

In Wilde in Love, there was a heroic skunk and I was tickled that there was an honorable mention in this book. In fact, there were some specific references that make me wonder if this novel could be considered a standalone read. I like to think so. I guess it’s because North and Diana were the main focus. Even so, the effect of the secondary characters seemed more profound because I had read the previous book and I had a sense of ‘homecoming’ especially when I was surrounded by the Wilde clan. They’re a fun, loud and loving family.

Readers who enjoy seeing lovers express their passion in the physical sense will have ample opportunity to see North and Diana in action. What shocked me the most was how Diana came to know as much as she did, intellectually speaking, and from whom. I didn’t see that coming.

As I said in the beginning, there is a satisfying epilogue that wraps it all up in the end but Ms. James also delivers an irresistible lure – Lavinia’s discovery. After that scene, the author has me wrapped around her literary finger and I’m enthusiastically eager for the next novel. This is going to be awesome!

So, in conclusion, Too Wilde to Wed is a must read. There’s much to adore in this novel and I’m delighted to share my enthusiasm with other fans. It’s an awesome romance!

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The Bride Who Got Lucky by Janna MacGregor

November 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment


The Bride Who Got Lucky by Janna MacGregor
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (364 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Quince

He would do anything to protect her. Even marry her…

The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once―an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse…

Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.

The Bride Who Got Lucky can be categorized as friends to lovers romance novel. Nicholas St. Mauer and Lady Emma Cavensham have known each other for a long time. Nicholas saved Emma from her own adventure once and then he gave her a present; in return he got a kiss from her. But years passed before the two of them are thrown together again. Although neither of them wanted to get married, destiny has other plans for them.

The Bride Who Got Lucky is a magnificent story. It is rich and beautifully written. It goes beyond romantic pursuit between the hero and heroine. Once I started to read it I just could not put it down. There are many things that make this novel great. The plot makes this more than just another historical romance novel. It combines romance, adventure and social issues. In the novel the author deals with the status of women in society and she raises the issue of domestic violence. These topics are well incorporated into the story and added value to it. Furthermore, the novel is part of a series, yet it can be read as a standalone. The minor references to the previous titles in the series can be disregarded and the reader can fully enjoy this story.

As for the characters, the hero is amazing and the heroine is larger than life, feisty and a blue stocking all at the same time. The hero, Nicholas St. Mauer, has a bit of a father issue. He lives in the past due to some unresolved issues between him and his father but it is also what makes him the way he is. The heroine, Lady Emma Cavensham, is a lady ahead of her time. She bends rules and she uses her social status for a good cause. She is driven by guilt and there were moments in the story when she did something very impulsive and got herself into trouble. But she genuinely wants to help women, so for me Emma was a great character and is so different from many other historical romance novel heroines.

All in all this is amazing and complex story that I highly recommend.

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When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

April 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment


When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical
Length; Full Length (270 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she’s betrothed to a Beast.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.

Linnet is not just any woman.

She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.

Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.

If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

I like this version on the theme of Beauty and the Beast because it’s not so much about the outside, but the inside of a person. Believe it or not Piers and Linnet took turns at being both beauties and beasts. It wasn’t all about personalities as it was about emotional scars from their past. They both took different paths in dealing with the adversity that life threw at them. The hero’s was to be sarcastic, cutting and grumpy, the heroine’s was to don an emotional mask, wielding flirtation like a sword in order to keep her heart protected. They are more similar than not but different enough to make things interesting.

I actually enjoyed watching their relationship grow – their dialogue, their exchanges of personal information, their conflicts and their resolutions. I especially liked when Piers finally seduced Linnet because the heat and passion was off the charts. I relished the idea of her lust being awakened to the point that it overpowered Piers’ resistance to her and he succumbed as well. It was rather beautiful to see. It wasn’t all sunshine and flowers, however. There was a dark side to the relationship which was exacerbated by an external conflict that really tested their fledging association.

This novel is told in the third person from both Piers’ and Linnet’s point of view. There is a small section that tells part of the story from one of the secondary characters POV but it is sort of a resolution of a secondary romance. It was rather sweet and it tied in perfectly to the main love story.

I despaired of Piers ever getting out of his own way though. I liked him, I truly did but sometimes he was just too sarcastic and afraid. Yes, for all his brave talk and manliness, he was fallible. I guess that made him approachable in a way but a few times, not.

There is a very intense and emotionally nerve wracking chapter or two that completely engaged me and had me at the edge of my seat. I’m happy to say that I survived the reading but what an effective bit of writing! It was at that point that Piers showed how much of a true hero he was.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast is a wonderful historical romance that satisfied me because the happily ever after was perfect and thorough. I was entertained, engaged and I turned the last page with a smile on my face. I have no problem recommending this novel to other historical romance readers. It’s a treat.

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Perfect for You by Candis Terry

February 21, 2017 By 3 Comments

perfect
Perfect for You by Candis Terry
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (239 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Declan Kincade has spent so much time chasing success he’s almost forgotten how to just live. Lately though, his all-business routine has been thrown into disarray. Brooke Hastings is the best employee Dec’s ever had: polished, capable, and intelligent. After four years, he’s just realized that she’s also smoking hot. But their working relationship is too valuable to stake on a fling, no matter how mind-bendingly pleasurable it promises to be.

What’s worse than never meeting the right man? Finding him, and then working side-by-side every day while he remains absolutely blind to your existence. That is, until one temptation-packed road-trip changes everything. Teaching her gorgeous, driven boss how to cut loose and have fun is the toughest challenge Brooke’s ever faced. But it’s one that could give both of them exactly what they need, if Dec will take a chance on a perfect—and perfectly unexpected—love.

Bucket lists, family-love-in-action, and delightful humor are attention-keeping threads running through this love story that sparkles.

Feeling his mortality after the death of his parents, Declan Kincade, now wealthy at age thirty-three, realizes he is lacking in matters of the heart, and he has forgotten how to have fun. His single-minded focus on his career has made him oblivious to too many things. He did get a wakeup call when his twin brother Jordan mentioned Declan’s executive assistant was “hot as hell.”

Brooke Hastings, the beautiful executive assistant with her high IQ and bubbly personality, is a buffer between him and any disgruntled client; so by the time Declan sees the client everything is pleasant.

In spite of growing up under horrible conditions, Brooke knows how to have fun. Not only that, but she fantasizes about her gorgeous boss. Her passion for life is infectious; so, when they take a fifteen hour road trip to his family’s Sunshine Creek vineyard and stay in a cabin together, she makes it her mission to help Declan learn how to have fun—my goodness, the sparkle she adds to a their working trip sweeps the reader along from one adventure to another and some of them sizzle.

As they work with his brothers to put the vineyard back in the black, emotions race along at a fever pitch, with everyone in Declan’s family offering advice and “help” on all issues from love life to business.

How Brooke and the stranger Lili MacKay influence the Kincade family includes both business and emotions in a BIG way. The changes in Declan, as he and Brooke find their way to happy-ever-after, make one smile—“gotta” love that man.

Candis Terry’s insightful development of the characters is a joy to read. The dialogue shows personalities in most unique ways.

Perfect for You is a pleasure to read!

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