Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall

October 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

RISES
Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (403 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her “special abilities” aren’t much, but the plan is simple–she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it’s bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He’s a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

ȴienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years–long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can’t stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she’s exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He’ll have to accept Krysta’s help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . .

If ever there was a book to get excited about and be filled with giddy anticipation as soon as I got my hands on it, I believe Darkness Rises is that novel. I simply couldn’t wait to get started because the last book was amazing and set the bar pretty high. I had great expectations for this new addition to Ms. Duvall’s unique world and I am thrilled to say it has not disappointed. By the time I was almost through the first chapter, my normal everyday human world faded away to be replaced by the amazing one created by Ms. Duvall.

Every chapter seduced me deeper and deeper into the mystery of why my favorite characters were being attacked, again, and who could possibly be the mastermind this time? How were Krysta’s and Étienne’s romance and relationship going to survive and grow amidst all the threats and assaults and divisions of attention? Who is that hunky mysterious guy who fascinated me and ensnared my sympathies? Where is the villain hiding this time? So many questions, so many adventures and all of it found within one book. What a wild ride!

Étienne and Krysta were a fun couple to get to know. The author created a very intriguing way to introduce them to each other and I think that was one of the reasons why I was hooked early on in the book. The heroine isn’t a damsel in distress; she is smart, lethal, determined and impassioned. She has unusual talents that have kept her alive but unless something changes, it’s going to kill her. And that is where Étienne comes in and when the excitement begins.
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The dialogue, both spoken and internal, is very important in this story because it provides fast plot movement when needed as well as giving a reader the inside track on both of the main characters. There is a head hop here and there and it’s well placed. In fact it plays a key role when it comes to Zach.

In Zach’s POV I was given suspenseful teasers that I strongly believe foreshadow a bigger event in a future book. As it is, in Darkness Rises he’s a secondary character and an asset to this novel. He provides humor, clues, drama and even comes across as a bit of a tragic character. Compared to the rest of the characters in the book, I’m probably the only person that feels that way.

Other secondary characters interact with or guide, tease, help or come to Étienne and Krysta’s aid numerous times and in varied ways throughout the story. With all that going on, it sounds confusing but Ms. Duval kept a tight rein on all of the people that populate her world. The folks that I met in previous books don’t fade away but are integral to this current adventure but neither do they undermine a reader’s focus on the hero and heroine. There is never a doubt that Étienne and Krysta are falling in love and that it’s their story that is center stage.

Seth’s comments and reaction to their romance made me laugh. In fact there are healthy doses of humor, clever quips and comedic exchanges not only between the hero and heroine, but the heroine’s brother and other key players throughout the novel. It’s one of the reasons I like this series so much – they seem real.

I was also pleased when the loving transferred to energetic sheet action. It was just right and very well written. I had no complaints. It was seductive, erotic at times and the author always made sure that a reader knew the hero and heroine’s love was growing stronger through each encounter.

The actions scenes were tight and well written. This novel has a heavy dose of suspense, action, thrills, sword fights, guns and plenty of bad vampires meeting their end. Every now and again, I noticed the author would state something as a narrator would but that didn’t bother me. Sometimes a fact is a fact and doesn’t need to be embellished by fluff to get the point across.

All in all, I’m a very happy reader. Darkness Rises has more then met my expectations. This is a thrill ride from beginning to end and not to be missed. The novel is rich with story, plot, drama and strong characterizations. In fact, there are so many more juicy details in this book that I could not fit them all into this tiny review. Darkness Rises meets all my ‘must haves’ of an awesome read. It has a wonderful and fulfilling HEA that was top notch. Not only that, but there is a huge surprise at the end. Not just for a reader but for Krysta and Étienne as well. It made me laugh out loud and I wanted to high five Ms. Duval for writing such a clever and cute scene. It made the happy ever after extra special and had me turning the last page with a huge grin on my face. I am wowed.

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Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall

November 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra Books (Kensington)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (390 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire. . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different–and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question–he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him. . .

I adore stories where the underdog finally wins the girl but not too often is the good guy a bad guy that everyone wants to see executed. It takes a special woman to not only see beyond the common perception and clamoring for blood, but to also be able to see the truth of the man inside. The challenge for the heroine is to open everyone else’s eyes to the truth as well. Such is the story of Melanie and Bastien.

Phantom Shadows is a real page flipper. There is so much drama, suspense and action of various levels in each chapter that it was almost impossible to put down. There is an incredible amount of detail woven throughout the book that brings the whole world that Ms. Duvall has created into vivid focus. It sucks a reader in so effectively, time ceases to exist. I totally enjoyed my reading experience because of it.

Melanie is a character that has been in a couple of books. She’s a doctor; she’s smart, sassy and has a secret crush on the resident bad boy, Bastien. Except her infatuation isn’t shallow or short-lived, it’s the start of a budding romance birthed in violence and aggression. The first time the heroine met the hero was pure chaos and yet, she saw what no one else did. Bastien trusted her with knowledge that planted the seed of their future alliance. The fruit of that initial meeting is realized in this book and Ms. Duvall simply awed me with the intricacy of the tale.

What is so intricate? It was how she let a reader know bit by bit the true scope of Bastien’s ability to be a true hero. It came about during well-paced and placed dialogue. It was how she had her hero interact with Seth, Richart, Ami, Darnell, Sarah, Roland, Cliff, Joe and Marcus and a slew of other characters. Not a one detracted or diverted a reader’s attention to the fact that this book is about Melanie and Bastien. What it did do was make me feel like I was watching a movie, about a community under fire and everyone was at their battle stations. Every single character played an important role that propelled the plot, conflict and action that affected the choices that Bastien and Melanie had to make, both apart and together. The result of dealing with each crisis helped the protagonists learn about each other, their strengths and weaknesses and it was effective. I enjoyed watching their bond grow and strengthen throughout the story. Because of how Ms. Duvall wrote her characters, they were easy to root for and applaud their efforts, even when Bastien was being a jerk. Actually, that was part of his charm. I got a lot of smiles out of his baiting the other characters. He’s such a troublemaker. Yet, his heart is in the right place and that’s one of the reasons that I think he’s an awesome hero.

Melanie is no slouch. She has a few surprises up her sleeve too. And she scares the tar out of Bastien more than once in the story. So much so, it’s amazing he didn’t have gray hair by the end of the book. To say that she is his perfect match is an understatement.

I felt really bad for Stuart. And I was saddened at what happened during one of the main and brutal attacks in the book. Someone gets captured and the results are heartbreaking. The good thing is that the bad guys, the really bad, bad guys, get their comeuppance. I wanted to be there with the hero and heroine and kick some evil derriere myself, that’s how hyper I got. I really like the people I’ve “met” while I’ve read this series and all of them are precious to me. It must have been hard for the author to write some of these scenes. And yet, she accomplished them with brutal clarity so my emotions were involved. That’s quality writing.

There is so much more I could go into in reviewing this book. It has great depth of emotion, descriptions that made me laugh or weep and parts that kept me wide eyed from the action. A writer has to have almost military precision with words to be able to get the effect of intense action off of the pages and into a reader’s mind without diluting the scene with unnecessary words. Ms. Duvall has that talent.

Honestly, Phantom Shadows is a must read. True, it would have much more impact for a reader if they’d read the previous books to understand why Bastien’s use of Ami was such a daring and profound choice. This series has been amazing so far and Phantom Shadows continues to astound and impress, not only with the quality of writing, but the sheer scope of its undertaking. How the author can keep all the players doing their thing while focusing on the current romance yet feeding a reader’s desire to continue the relationship with previous heroes and heroines is an art. An art that Ms. Duvall is mistress of. Rock your world and read Phantom Shadows. I’m glad I did.

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A Perfect Knight for Love by Jackie Ivie

September 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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A Perfect Knight For Love by Jackie Ivie
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (312 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

A Man Of Misfortune

With his reckless, drunken brother bringing ruin to the clan, and the lass he’s loved all his life in the clutches of a violent husband, the last thing Thayne MacGowan needs is a spirited, sharp–tongued damsel to contend with—no matter how enticing she may be…

A Woman With A Secret

Having narrowly escaped an objectionable arranged marriage, Amalie is starting a new life—with a new identity. But her freedom is cut short when a surly but irresistibly handsome Highlander is forced to take her as his bride. If only he knew who she really was…

An Unlikely Love

Fate designs an improbable match, and a battle of wills ensues. As Amalie struggles to protect her identity, Thayne finds himself fighting for an unexpected love—and a passion neither can refuse…

Danger, confusion, and a barbaric bunch of Scottish clansmen derail Lady Amalie Ellin’s neat, tidy plan to impersonate a governess for a while to escape having to wed the imbecilic son of a rich duke.

How Amalie, who is accustomed to luxury and privilege, adapts to often harsh and always challenging circumstances enthralls. She had no idea freedom came with fear, risks, and peril in so many forms. But she is smart, resilient, self-reliant, and courageous with an imagination and play-acting ability that serves her well in dire situations.

Thayne MacGowan, in a spur-of-the-moment maneuver to protect ones dear to him, grabs the unknown “English governess” to use in a ploy to defer an out-and-out battle with the cruel Dunne-Fyne. The tiny, sassy, argumentative Amalie, with the amber-eyes, sets his libido on full alert. He knows it’s just lust because his dead Mary is his only true love, but the little, sharp-tongued woman snuggled tight against his chest as they ride through freezing rain, makes his ache with need and wanting.

What a tangled web they weave when, in order to stay alive, Thayne and Amalie both say, in the presence of all, that they are married and Baby Mary is theirs.

The code of chivalry Thayne lives by is cold, lonely, punishing, and seemingly fruitless. He carries a burden of guilt for not being able to fulfill the promise to his father, on this deathbed. Thayne had been unable to hide Jamie’s perfidies as his father had demanded. All knew of the new laird, Jamie’s drunkenness, his gluttony, and his cruel womanizing. The old laird wanted to keep the name MacGowan noble, feared, revered, and sacrosanct.

Jackie Ivie creates secondary characters that pulsate with energy and intrigues as they ramp up the tension in the story. Even the harsh, unpredictable weather, the magnificent Castle Gowan, and the harsh yet beautiful environment seem to come alive as characters that influence the outcome of events.

Among the ugly, cruel and threatening events, a humorous, comic relief is the MacKennah young girl with whom Thayne broke betrothal. She, in her own inept way, does a good thing, but only because it suits her own purpose. Her attitude and actions set the reader’s mind at ease. She is not one to pine away her life shut away in the recesses of some old castle. She is looking out for number one.

Then there is Jamie’s wife, of the Douglas clan, and a harridan. She stirs a totally different set of emotions. She too is looking for number one, but in a threatening, angry way. All her rich attire and surrounds cannot hide her ugliness both inside and out.

As the conflicts ebb and flow, love grows. Amalie, young and naïve, knows not how to define the stirrings within when she sees, touches, or thinks of Thayne. Of course, Thayne maintains love is a woman’s weapon—akin to slavery, However, Amalie, beautiful as a Grecian statue, only made of responsive flesh and blood, ties his body and mind in knots with wanting and need. Everything about her calls to him and the lust turns to love with his denying it every step of the way—an emotional journey that captivates. The earth-shattering love scenes make A Perfect Knight For Love throb with ecstasy and sensual sweetness—breathtaking. Ms. Ivie’s magnificent descriptions, incredibly realistic characters, and her amazing ability to pull the reader into the emotional whirlpool of feelings from spine-tingling fear and horror to breathtaking, mind-blowing rapture make A Perfect Knight For Love fantastic reading.

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In The Barrister’s Bed by Tina Gabrielle

June 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In The Barrister’s Bed by Tina Gabrielle
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (344 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

A bastard by birth, James Devlin lives on his own terms—until a twist of fate reveals that he is the true Duke of Blackwood. Though the brooding bachelor swears to hold on to his freedom, he does intend to take back his childhood home. But once at Wyndmoor Manor, he discovers an arresting adversary in Bella Sinclair. Her hot-blooded claim to his home is amusing…and arousing. Which is why he isn’t leaving until he takes possession of everything—starting with the bewitching Bella…

A Sensual Surrender

Bella is furious when the Duke barges into her home, declaring it rightfully his! The willful widow is not about to give up her haven without a fight, no matter how determined the Duke is—or how sensual the battlefield. But once she’s sharing a house with the beguiling barrister, she is in danger of losing everything—one deep, slow kiss at a time…

Emotions run high when two people whose lives have experienced major upheavals end up at Wyndmoor Manor, each with a deed showing proof of ownership.

The widow Bella Sinclair fell in love with Wyndmoor Manor on sight. She feels safe there where tenant rents will make it possible for her to maintain the manor, live independently, and fulfill her long-denied desire to write social and political articles for publication. She and Harriet, her old companion, will no longer be subjected to threats and humiliations. At Wyndmoor Manor, they can live quietly and free while Bella uses her talents, makes her own decisions, and becomes her own person.

Before she even has time to unpack, along comes James Devlin, a successful barrister, who has already proven his ability to succeed by winning most of his court cases. However, he’s just had a dukedom dumped in his lap. Now he must prove himself in a totally new realm—not easy with his history. Wyndmoor Manor is the one place he’d felt he belonged in his troubled childhood, it feels like home.

James Devlin loves women and he loves a challenge. However, the alluring Bella, with her auburn hair, big green eyes, full lips, and voluptuous curves, gives him an run for his money Her determination, intelligence, and more than a little desperation make her a formidable opponent.

Bella treasures her new freedom as a widow. However, James Devlin’s seductive, gentle, enticing kiss ignites her body for the first time ever with a primal yearning. She responds instinctively without reserve leaving them both off-balance. Infobarrel articles unique only worldwide 75 adshare 2 referral adshare infobarrel is a social media website where you can get only genuine products and where you can expect fast delivery of your Kamagra jelly and puts premium on safe, confidential, and icks.org viagra online discreet delivery of your fast solution to erectile dysfunction. A natural product is offered by Botaniex with Passion X. commander viagra http://icks.org/n/data/conference/ICKS-KEI-NKHR%20_2018_FINAL.pdf Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient of these various versions of kamagra brand includes sildenafil citrate. buy cialis online http://icks.org/n/bbs/content.php?co_id=Subscription Some foods are very much beneficial for curing this buy levitra particular female issue. She knows his motives are questionable but her body does not care. Bella is in new territory; her late-husband Roger’s kisses had always been cruel and demanding, nothing like the Barrister’s kiss.

James’ law partners arrive at Wyndmoor Manor and offer their views on the ownership struggle. Brent Stone mesmerizes Bella. He is like a flesh-and-blood Michelangelo creation, while Anthony Stevens has hard, cold eyes that make Bella feel like she needs to cross herself. The married partner Jack Harding and his wife Evie show Bella a totally different kind of marriage than she had known with Roger. Moreover, she and Evie seem to be kindred spirits.

Other secondary characters that impact their lives are James’ dowager grandmother whose main focus in life is being among the elite in the Ton; his half brother Gregory, a drunken wastrel, gambler, and opium addict; Bella’s late husband’s twin, Rupert who had been Roger’s partner in illegal business that had been left unfinished due to Roger’s untimely death. With these characters, two of the deadly sins—greed and jealousy—rear their ugly heads and put the struggle for who owns Wyndmoor Manor on the back burner.

James’ motives shift as he tries to protect Bella. She is unsure what to think of this. Nobody had ever been concerned for her safety before. Bella soon becomes James’ protector when he is wounded. Life becomes more precious. Their hot, breathtaking lovemaking sends the story spiraling up to ecstasy—ah!

Tina Gabrielle’s eloquent writing style lures the reader in with well-developed characters; conflicts, some humorous and others that are spine-tingling; back stories that intrigue, and vivid descriptions of settings that give one a sense of time and place that assails the senses. She subtly plants that seed of love and nurtures it through all the hero and heroine’s hang-ups and hurts; through life-threatening, nail-biting conflicts and tends it through the tender sprouting stage of love to the sensual, sizzling love that brings them to their happy-ever-after.

In The Barrister’s Bed is a tantalizing tale.

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Before She Dies by Mary Burton

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Before She Dies by Mary Burton
Publisher: Zebra (Kensington Publishing)
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (410 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

He Is Their Judge…

In death, they are purified. Holding his victims under water, he washes away their sins as they struggle for their last breath. Then he stakes their bodies to the ground, exposing them for what they really are. Witches, sent to tempt and to corrupt…

Jury…

No one knows about defense attorney Charlotte Wellington’s murdered sister, or about her childhood spent with the carnival that’s just arrived in town. For Charlotte, what’s past is past. But others don’t agree. And as a madman’s body count rises, she and Detective Daniel Rokov are drawn into a mission that’s become terrifyingly personal…

And Executioner

At last, she is within his reach. All his victims deserve their fate, but her guilt is greatest. And with every scream, he will make her see what it means to suffer and repent—before she dies…

She makes him crave dark, evil passion. She must be a witch. The “voice” whispers, she’ll steal his soul. He must kill, but first he must purify her.

Better go lock the doors, close the blinds, and turn on the night lights. Before She Dies is hard to put down once started and if night comes, one surely wants to be locked in safe and secure.

The undercurrent of chilling, terrifying violence threatens to suck Charlotte Wellington and Sooner Tate under as each works to make a life outside the hocus-pocus of Madame Divine’s carnival tent—a place Grady Tate had demanded they work.

Charlotte Wellington, a hard-edged defense attorney made it to where she is with determination, hard work, and hard lessons learned from Grady Tate. Her colleagues believe her to be a trust-fund baby—she acts the part. She guards her secrets well—past and present. Her newest secret is having sex with the intense detective Daniel Rokov—strictly for sexual gratification with no strings attached. Consistent use of these herbal pills improve energy levels, levitra 20mg generika stamina, vitality and vigor. You can check out the service provider and it viagra free pill will give you late results. The purchase of this medicine won’t burn buy viagra sale wouroud.com your pocket. It inhibits the working of c-GMP in the body prescription free viagra when the user consumes the medicine. Where this connection takes them makes spellbinding reading.

Even after eighteen years, Charlotte’s life as a carnie still influences and shadows her. She is still haunted by memories of her dead sister Mariah; the baby Sooner; her own dead mother who had come to believe she was truly psychic; and the alcoholic, dyed-in-the-wool carnie Grady Tate. When the carnival comes to town, Sooner and Grady Tate storm back into Charlotte’s life big time.

Old ties that still bind tangle them all in the snare of a killer that believes his mission in life is to trap, purity, and then kill “witches”. This character chills the blood. WOW!

Detective Rokov and his colleagues, with skill, dedication, and tenacity, work the case of the vicious killer who is unspeakably cruel to his victims. Detective Rokov can be as hard-edged as Charlotte is when the need arises, but he is also gentle with giving bad news to victim’s families, respected by his coworkers, and truly caring with his own family—particularly with his grandmother. She’s a sweetheart.

The secondary characters, many as complex and memorable as the primary characters, make Before She Dies a gripping story. Grady Tate has as many layers as an onion. As the layers are peeled away, the reader sees not only his flaws and saving graces but also sees how Charlotte and Sooner came to have their hang-ups.

Sooner who, at eighteen, is determined to spread her wings, fly away from the carnival, and make her way in the world, stirs up a hornet’s nest. Secrets, fears, hatreds, and horrific tortures boil to the surface as author Mary Burton, with subtle clues and foreshadowing, weaves the antagonist into the plot as she continues to weave in the “not-to-be-denied” love that claims Charlotte and Detective Rokov for its very own. However, the multi-layered, memorable characters, the complex plot, and spine-tingling horror are so engrossing; it is easy to overlook the subtleties. Who the antagonist is may be a real surprise.

Ms. Burton’s amazing ability to weave together a tapestry of a tale that keeps one turning pages with bated breath is phenomenal.

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Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (393 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Ami isn’t much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she’s no coward, and she’s no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn’t hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into…

Marcus Graden has been an Immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and he’s not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can’t deny that she’s strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she’s also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can’t bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets—how can she defeat death itself?

I enjoy reading about a woman who defies the odds and expectations of others; to not only wow the other characters in a book, but stuns and amazes a reader too. Ms. Duvall does all that and more in the second installment of her hard hitting but cheeky Immortal Guardian series.

Night Reigns gave me not only another great tale but a surprising twist at the three quarters mark that knocked my socks off. Never could I have imagined where the story would take me, certainly not what was revealed! Because of this new slant, Night Reigns ends up being a clever, unique, and brilliantly executed book that readers will appreciate. Paranormal fans are going to be thrilled at the novel direction Ms. Duvall has taken because it breathes new life into what we think we know about vampires and their battles, and their origins.

When I refer to ‘cheeky’, I’m talking about the underlying sense of humor and fun the main characters have with their friends, amongst themselves and with other secondary characters. The author did an amazing job of infusing personality and emotion into the story and her placement of when she has the protagonist’s joking around seemed real, timely and very natural. It made the hero and heroine very likable and insured that I’d be very interested in the secondary characters when their turn to be in the spotlight arrives. Believe me, Ms. Duvall has peppered her tales with secondary characters well-rounded enough to inspire a commitment from me to read about every one of the amazing men who make up the team of Immortal Guardians. There were wonderful hints of conflict, of men who resist love or don’t think it’ll ever happen to them. Not in their line of ‘work’.

My favorite cheekiness is between the hero, Marcus and the heroine, Ami. Their flirting was thoroughly entertaining and the repartee quick and witty. Even when the drama and suspense had me biting my nails, it wasn’t overly dark or depressing. The conflict was solid and well thought out.

Ami was the biggest surprise for me. She had been through so much horror in her life that to find her willing to stand by her man, once she admits he is her man, even though it meant facing a fear that practically crippled her, was an amazing journey of growth. One that completely engaged me. Despite all the reasons she has to mistrust people, she doesn’t shy away from learning all she can to be the best she can be.

Marcus on the other hand, is at first, a jerk. He’s not actually written that way but from what I could tell from the other secondary characters, he had a certain reputation. They respected him, thought fondly of him, when they didn’t want to whap him upside the head, and they feared for him. The chemical promotes smooth blood circualtion lowest prices viagra to the male sex organ. Nausea and vomiting: The vomit may be clear, green or yellow, blood-streaked, or completely bloody, depending on the quantity sildenafil sales of the pills you order the discount prices are displayed for you to checkout online. Usually a combination of buy tadalafil canada lifestyle changes alternative medicine will produce the best result. If you are suffering from sample of viagra any kind of nagging medical concerns like continuous nauseating conditions, dizziness and headaches or stomach ache, then you can certainly start consuming Ginseng. He was in a dark place in his life when the story opened. His healing journey and his eventual opening up of his heart was wonderfully done. He certainly was and is an effective Guardian, and I’d trust him to guard me anytime, but he had a long way to go to brush up on his ‘people’ skills.

The one person who kept him in line, for the most part, was Seth. He’s sort of a father figure, mentor and boss. He’s also one of those fascinating secondary characters I referred to earlier. There’s something about him that is quite intriguing. He’s a mystery. However, in Night Reigns, the author laid the groundwork for some very thought provoking possibilities that begs further exploration. If the author’s intentions were to hook a reader on future books, she was successful. Add Roland and Chris into the mix and there’s plenty of deliciousness, conflict and interest to go around. On top of that are Darnell and David – more characters that make up the Guardian community. At times, while reading, I felt like I was in a candy store. So many choices to choose from — who will Ms. Duvall write about next? I can’t wait to find out!

My immediate satisfaction was guaranteed at least with Marcus and Ami. Before the protagonists hit the sheets, Ms. Duvall seduced my brain earlier on with a wonderful sensual buildup. That’s one of the things that were so great about this story. When the heat between the two finally combusted, the author’s use of language made it crystal clear how satisfying the physical relationship was between them. Even the happily ever after was romantic and sentimental. But not too sappy; the other Guardians made sure of that. One of my favorite giggles came from what Marcus imagined to make his point with Seth. I had fun.

Night Reigns is another jewel from the talented Ms. Duvall. This story is action packed with sultry shenanigans and diabolical bad guys, guaranteeing readers a book filled with adventure and romance. Marcus and Ami are a great couple and watching them fall in love was completely entertaining and fun. The ideas are fresh and the story arc more complex than at first believed. I suspect that Ms. Duvall has more surprises up her sleeve for characters and readers alike. I want to be first in line for her next book because this series is just that good.

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His Destiny by Diana Cosby

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

His Destiny by Diana Cosby
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (335 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Their Secrets Will Draw Them Together

As one of England’s most capable mercenaries, Emma Astyn can charm an enemy and brandish a knife with unmatched finesse. Assigned to befriend Dubh Duer, an infamous Scottish rebel, she assumes the guise of innocent damsel Christina Moffat to intercept the writ he’s carrying to a traitorous bishop. But as she gains the dark hero’s confidence and realizes they share a tattered past, compassion—and passion—distract her from the task at hand…

But The Truth May Tear Them Apart

His legendary slaying of English knights has won him the name Dubh Duer, but Sir Patrik Cleary MacGruder is driven by duty and honor, not heroics. Rescuing Christina from the clutches of four such knights is a matter of obligation for the Scot. But there’s something alluring about her fiery spirit, even if he has misgivings about her tragic history. Together, they’ll endure a perilous journey of love and betrayal, and a harrowing fight for their lives…

Traumatic experiences in childhood govern the psyche of both Emma Astyn and Sir Patrik Cleary MacGruder.

Unloved, abused, and alone in late thirteenth century-England, Emma (aka Christine Moffat) has no thought of morals and ethics. Surviving by her wits and cunning, she has become a top mercenary spy for England. If the money is right, she is happy to do an assignment and is not particularly concerned about who might get hurt in the process—that is until she goes to Scotland to gain information and to expose the legendary Dubh Duer (Patrik).

When he “saves” her from English knights, his gentle touch, quiet strength, and promised protection make her deceit taste bitter, but she knows she must do her job if she wants to live. Generic Tadalis also increase the production of cyclic guanoyl monophosphatase that promotes the blood supply purchase viagra to the penis. Until cialis prescription australia now it was thought that tea was highest in antioxidants but researchers have now discovered that of all the foods high in antioxidants, chocolate is the highest. Take vardenafil online australia Go Here 2 to 3 capsules twice daily with water or milk ensures hormonal balance and keeps mental and physical health upbeat. It also improves sexual function and viagra sales on line endurance. Her journey, in this story, from being “a-not-too-likeable” heroine to being a heroine that I cried for, makes Hist Destiny an enthralling tale.

Patrik’s hatred for the English, after he watched them kill his family, drives him to do some despicable things. Some of these things alienates him from the MacGruders, his adoptive family whom he loves as if they were blood kin. If you’ve had the good fortune to read Diana Cosby’s His Captive, His Woman and His Conquestyou’ll remember Patrik and the intriguing, powerful MacGruders from these fascinating tales.

Even though His Destiny is set in one of the most horrific times in the history of England and Scotland, English Emma’s and Scottish Patrik’s hearts and souls connect, refusing to be influenced by politics or ideologies. The unintended love that grows between these two very secretive people is a thing of beauty amongst a lot of ugliness. The love scenes touch the tender, caring spot in the heart that reaches far deeper than just the carnal pleasure, even though that part is breathtaking.

Diana Cosby immerses the reader in the harsh, yet beautiful, almost mystical environment of Scotland—the haunting mist, the bright beauty on a sunny day, and the majestic castle of the MacGruders with its “grandmother’s” room where peace and a bit of magic can be felt. She adds the touches of history to give a fine sense of time and place. But, more especially, she makes the characters so believable as they show their weaknesses, strengths, and what and whom they believe in enough to die for.

His Destiny is a journey back in time that enchants with an awesome love story of two wounded hearts and souls that find redemption and love together. Good reading!

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To Touch the Knight by Lindsay Townsend

September 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

To Touch the Knight by Lindsay Townsend
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (346 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

As a pestilence sweeps medieval England, a low-born woman has only the sharpness of her wits—and the courage of her heart…

Edith of Warren Hamlet plays a dangerous game. At the knights’ tourneys across the land, among the lords and ladies, she is a strange foreign princess. But in the privacy of her tent with the other survivors of her village, she is but a smith’s widow with a silver tongue. They are well-fed, but if discovered, the punishment is death. And one knight—fierce, arrogant, and perilously appealing—is becoming far too attentive…

Sir Ranulf of Fredenwyke cares little for tourneys: playing for ladies’ favors, when his own lady is dead; feasting, while commoners starve; “friendly” combat, when he has seen real war. Still, one lady captivates him—mysterious in her veils and silks, intoxicating with her exotic scents and bold glances. Yet something in her eyes reminds him of home…and draws him irresistibly to learn her secrets…

There is pestilence in the land and serfs are dying. Edith’s Lord decides to handle the matter expediently. He herds all the living serfs into the church building, mixing the healthy with the sick, and bars the doors. What does he care if they all die? He can always get more serfs.

It’s easy to see that this author has done some research on this historical era. She emphasizes the difference between good Lords and bad, she shows insight on the character of knights that joust (they are no better than the man they are to begin with), and she shows how hopeless it is to be a serf under a bad Lord.

Ms. Rather than focusing on deeprootsmag.org purchase generic cialis the tasks required, find solutions that allow you to enjoy the joyous time of year instead of becoming mired in chores. free sample cialis This medicinal drug must not be combined with other nitrate medications.Otherwise, it may lead to relationship problems, breakup and divorce in many cases. Q: Why levitra cheap online are these tests important? A: As mentioned earlier, these tests are all important since they help the chiropractors properly diagnose the presence of spinal or vertebral misalignment and other health troubles. Taking medicine in such condition would invite trouble.There are certain cialis professional for sale side effects too. Townsend gives both of her lead characters strong personalities and a will to survive. Edith attends the tourneys with her friends, impersonating an Eastern princess. She manages to feed them with goods given them by knights who are seeking her attention and her hand. Sir Ranulf is a widower who only attends the jousts to keep his mind from dwelling on his dead wife; he takes no pleasure in it.

I really enjoyed how this author made Edith a spitfire who spars words with Ranulf. He snaps back, often regretting his quick words. In no time at all, the sparks flying between them are not just words, he’s determined to bed her. Of course, she’s determined to bed him, too, so that’s all right. I laughed out loud at the times they got close to “bed” and were interrupted by staff. Seems the best laid plans of mice and men didn’t seem to work out…

Danger is close, pestilence still exists, and Edith’s old Lord is after her adding a tremendous amount of suspense, so the words pass quickly as you read. This was an exciting tale with plenty of plot strings crossing back and forth to keep your interest.

Why not take a trip in time back to medieval England and follow Edith’s adventures? Her life was a trial, but it was going to get better…

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