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.
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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: , , , , , , , ,

The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels

June 7, 2016 By 2 Comments

DOOR
The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (349 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

American heiress Piety Grey is on the run. Suddenly in London and facing the renovation of a crumbling townhouse, she’s determined to make a new life for herself—anything is better than returning to New York City where a cruel mother and horrid betrothal await her. The last thing she needs is a dark, tempting earl inciting her at every turn…

Trevor Rheese, the Earl of Falcondale, isn’t interested in being a good neighbor. After fifteen years of familial obligation, he’s finally free. But when the disarmingly beautiful Piety bursts through his wall—and into his life—his newfound freedom is threatened…even as his curiosity is piqued.

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How the book starts doesn’t give a reader a decent hint as the hilarity, romance and fascinating dialogue that ensues as a reader meets all the players on stage. Piety, Trevor, Miss Baker, Ms. Breedlowe, and the crusty but loveable Lady Frinfrock, are all delightful and I enjoyed every single moment visiting with them.

Piety is the unconventional American heiress who comes to England to escape the machinations of a mother who is a parent in name only. How wretched and callous that woman is can only be appreciated upon reading her dialogue and viewing her actions. The author convinced me that the heroine was wise to run. Add in her evil, icky step-brothers and it’s almost like a twisted Cinderella story.

Trevor is a grumpy bug. His early life was not a picnic and now he’s doing everything he can think of to live as opposite a life as he knows how. On one hand, he’s honest, sometime too honest and that causes one of the conflicts later. And when he becomes less than honest, with the best possible of intentions, well, that causes conflict too. He doesn’t follow his heart and it’s almost his downfall. I liked Trever. I cracked up when he tried to tell himself, not to ask, not to make it his problem, not to look, not to want – but he always does and the results have him falling in love and lust with Piety even more. It was fun to watch.

There’s plenty of internal conflict that both Piety and Trevor have to work through but it’s the external conflict from a man that’s like a Greek mafia boss which really brings the tension and worry to a fever pitch. He’s a great addition because not only does he provoke drama and suspense, he prods the hero to do the right thing, even if it’s one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. An effective evil villain brings out the white knight in the best of heroes and Trevor passed with flying colors – and a few flying fists. And a knife – can’t forget the knife because the author used it effectively and deserves a mention.

Some readers might think that everyone fell in love with Piety too easily, and their acting so protective of her so quickly and thoroughly was a bit unrealistic. I found her likability delightful and it made this story more upbeat, positive, a pleasure to read. I like to think that the marchioness’s ability to size a person up was razor sharp and she astutely determined that the heroine was worth her trust and sponsorship. Certainly I enjoyed her wit when it came to dealing with Piety’s horrid parent.

The Earl Next Door is truly delightful. Ms. Michaels has penned a winner with characters who are engaging and charming and a story that completely entertains. I enjoyed myself immensely and will not hesitate to recommend this novel to anyone who asks.

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

Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare

January 11, 2016 By Leave a Comment

LORD
Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare
A Spindle Cove Novella
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (85 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!

Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she’s on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She’s forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.

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George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir–only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.

She has one night.

This little story is hilarious, romantic and dashing with a dollop of conspiracy. It’s basically the madcap story of two people who had feelings for each other in their youth but through choices and life circumstance went their separate ways. Life has molded them, taught them and matured them enough so it was time for fate, and Ms. Dare, to stir the plot and see what would happen when they got back together again. The result is nothing short of pure entertainment.

A word to the wise; this book does have characters from the series popping in and playing roles so it might be confusing for a new reader. My advice is to let it roll and not think too hard about figuring it out. Lord Dashwood Missed Out is truly about George a/k/a Dash, and Nora coming together and watching the sparks fly and the battle of words commence. It’s about meeting two people who fall in love again as only adults can do. It’s messy, cold, silly, sensual and totally romantic. If in doubt, just wait until the very unique and unusual declaration of love and adoration from Dash. I’ve never read the like and it’s actually quite sweet. Ms. Dare has created magic with that scene.

Even though a new reader will not know who is who, it’s not necessary when reading about the Lords of Perdition. That little scene with the four men inspired a giggle fest just from the description and dialogue alone. What comes later inspired more giggles. It was a great addition and I enjoyed how the author interwove their presence with Nora’s predicament. It’s all good.

Nora and Dash may love each other but it’s not enough. There has to be proof that is irrefutable for each other and I’m happy to say that it does come to pass. The whole story is character driven and focused on the main characters with the secondary characters providing the necessary motivation and plot movement to bring it all together. It all works.

I found Lord Dashwood Missed Out to be charming, endearing, light hearted and fun. It’s a wonderful choice to read for an uplifting experience especially when you want something cheery and short. It’s just the right size, like a small bite-sized candy bar – sweet, satisfying and a little nutty. This is an easy recommended read.

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

All’s Fair in Love and Scandal by Caroline Linden

June 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

LOVE
All’s Fair in Love and Scandal by Caroline Linden
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (176 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Nothing wagered…

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Nothing won…

Madeline Wilde is used to being pursued. For years she’s cultivated a reputation for being unattainable and mysterious, and for good reason: her livelihood depends on discretion. When Douglas turns his legendary charm on her, she dismisses him as just another rake. But he surprises her—instead of merely trying to seduce her, he becomes her friend…her confidant…and her lover. But can it really lead to happily-ever-after…or are they about to become the biggest scandal London has ever seen?

I have a love / hate relationship with novellas. On the whole, I generally find that they don’t tend to have characters who are fleshed out enough, or a plot that is satisfying. I’m happy to say that’s not the case here. Douglas Bennet is your typical young gentleman who enjoys, among other things, women and wagers. When an opportunity presents itself that involves both, he can’t resist. At a ball, a friend wagers that he won’t be able to convince the aloof widow, Madeline Wilde, to dance. Sure of his charms, he takes the bet, only to be turned down.

Rather than become discouraged, he finds himself intrigued by the beautiful lady, who doesn’t dance or socialize. The stakes are upped when his friend tells him that he suspects Madeline of being the mysterious author of a scandalous publication called 50 Ways to Sin. There is a substantial reward offered for being able to prove the author’s true identity, so Douglas is even more intrigued. I found Douglas to be charming, if a bit shallow at the beginning. But the more he pursued Madeline and got to know her, the more he developed as a person. I love that he realized and admitted his feelings for Madeline and became protective. Madeline was a bit of a mystery for most of the story. She was widowed, but not a whole lot of information about her first marriage was given. I got the impression that it was not an unhappy union, though not a great love match. I wondered what it was that made her so aloof. Why would she attend all these functions if she didn’t dance or socialize, or if she weren’t looking for a husband or lover? I enjoyed watching her walls crumble as Douglas wore down her resistance.

All’s Fair in Love and Scandal is a must read if you’re following Caroline Linden’s Scandalous series, and the continuing saga of the mysterious 50 Ways to Sin. You can read this as a standalone, but will appreciate it much more if you’ve read the previous novels. I enjoyed watching the passion and love develop in two very different personalities. As far as Madeline’s mysterious behavior, you’ll have to read and discover the answer for yourself. I recommend that you do, as it’s a lovely and enjoyable journey.

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

The Laws of Seduction by Gwen Jones

January 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

LAWS
The Laws of Seduction by Gwen Jones
French Kiss 3
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Waratah

When Rex Renaud, the COO of Mercier Shipping, is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, he knows he’ll need a miracle to clear his name … and sassy lawyer Charlotte Andreko is the perfect woman for the job.
Charlotte has built her career defending pro bono clients against womanizers like Rex Renaud, and she’d much rather let him sweat it out in a jail cell than defend him in court. Yet Rex swears he’s been set up, and when he offers her a shocking sum of money in exchange for her legal counsel, the financial security is too tempting to resist. The court dubs Rex a serious flight risk—how many people have their own jet?—and he’s released on one condition: Charlotte’s his new jailer, and he’s stuck with her until his arraignment.

But when a bomb threat sends Rex and Charlotte on the run, neither is prepared for the explosive chemistry and red-hot passion that flare between them as they hunt for the truth about his arrest.

Money talks but it can’t buy love. Sparks fly in and out of the courtroom when one determined lawyer meets her match in one sexy French mogul.
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Charlotte is an attorney, not a pro-bono but lately that’s all that she has been defending. The other partners are just about ready to call her on it. Where the other partners are billing, Charlotte isn’t. She’s all about the under-dog….mostly women.

Rex is a COO of a shipping company, he pretty much has money to burn. When he finds himself arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s determined to hire the best attorney his money can buy.

Of course, Charlotte knows about men like Rex Renaud. The typical “I’m rich, so it’s my way”. She was dead set on refusing the case but Rex didn’t get to the top of his game by being giving up easy.

I liked the writing but the premise was a bit played out of me. In this type of genre you have be way above the rest. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it, it just didn’t have the “wow” factor for me.

It’s a long story but it felt like it had a bit more detail than I necessary, I found myself drifting a couple of times. This is book three in the series, though I haven’t read the other two, yet. The characters were good and I had the chance to get to know them. I loved how they went back and forth; both Rex and Charlotte have a cutting wit.

Charlotte had all the confidence in the world. I loved how she stood up to the judge that had called her in her chambers. She didn’t however have a lot of confidence in herself as a woman. It was enjoyable to watch her grow into a stronger woman outside the courtroom.

There are a couple of tense moments, a bit of a mystery, and some lovely sexy playtime. All around it was a good read.

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

The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale

June 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment

BOYS
The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (132 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Hawthorn

Jane Sparks has accidentally announced her engagement on Facebook—to the infamous Bad Boy Billionaire, Duke Austen. As soon as it’s discovered that Jane and Duke barely know each other (One hot kiss at a party does not a relationship make), she’ll be humiliated. And then Duke does something Jane never expected. He plays along with her charade.

With his hard partying, playboy reputation jeopardizing a fifty million dollar investment deal, Duke realizes an engagement with the hot but oh-so-proper librarian could be just the thing to repair his reputation. This good girl tempts him to be very wicked…but just with her. It’s unprecedented. Inconceivable. Totally alluring.
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As the unlikely match of librarian and tech entrepreneur set out to convince the world—and the internet—that their love is real, something unexpected happens: they start falling for each other. But Jane is secretly writing a historical romance novel that could expose their carefully constructed romance…unless two perfect strangers are content to be perfectly scandalous together.

Social media could ruin Jane Sparks, but instead it sets in motion her hot romance with a tech savvy bad boy.

Reading this novella, I was pretty much like Jane Sparks – I instantly fell for the tech entrepreneur Duke Austen. He’s super smart and hot and he knows it. He could easily come off as arrogant or too full of himself, but Rodale gives him just enough of his boyish charm and a tinge of insecurity that make him a very likeable person. She achieves something similar with Jane, who is a loveable control freak librarian. Or she used to be until she met Duke and kissed him at a wicked party in the library.

I loved how Rodale truly makes this a modern, Instagrammed, Twittered, and Facebooked romance; an affair that is at first invented in order for Duke and Jane to both reach their goals, but it then quickly develops into something deeper and unpredictable. The characters are all well-rounded, with the exception of Jane’s ex, I thought. What bothered me is that Jane is unwisely writing a historical romance using Duke and other people from her life for inspiration. That would’ve worked, hadn’t she copied the characters almost to the last detail. That makes it a bit unrealistic.

Another thing to bear in mind: this novella is part of a series and it therefore ends with a cliffhanger.

If you live on Facebook or Twitter and you’re dreaming of finding a charming and filthy rich computer geek, check out The Bad Boy Billionaire.

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

The Governess Club: Claire by Ellie MacDonald

September 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CLAIRE
The Governess Club: Claire by Ellie MacDonald
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (122 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Claire Bannister just wants to be a good teacher so that she and the other ladies of the Governess Club can make enough money to leave their jobs and start their own school in the country. But when the new sinfully handsome and utterly distracting tutor arrives, Claire finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance that could change the course of her future.

Jacob Knightly has a secret. He is actually the notorious Earl of Rimmel. He’s just posing as a tutor to escape his reputation in the city. He never expected to fall in love with the kind and beautiful governess. She is the first person to love him for himself and not his title.

But when Jacob’s true identity is revealed, Claire realizes she has risked her reputation and her heart on a man she doesn’t truly know. Will Jacob be able to convince her that the Wild Earl has been tamed and that she is the true countess of his heart?

A pithy, delightful story, The Governess Club: Claire takes the reader to the limbo spot where Claire is. She is one of the “invisible” class, a governess who is responsible for five children. She and other governess friends make a plan to become independent private tutors some day. It is a long range plan that will probably take five years to accomplish. The plan encompasses Claire’s deep desire to regain her beloved home Ridgestone.
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Claire, a squire’s daughter, had all the privileges of that social position but was left homeless and in need of employment when her father died leaving many debts. As a governess, she doesn’t fit with the servants or the titled. Moreover, she has become fair game for men of privilege who want sex without commitment. Even though she is supposedly under the protection of her employer, her word against the word of one of the employer’s peers is not like to go in her favor.

Jacob Knightly’s outward disguise is convincing enough when he comes into the household to be the tutor for the two boys in Claire’s care, but his actions give him away. Claire realizes he is not what he presents himself to be. He expects to be waited on, sulks when things don’t go to suit him, doesn’t obey house rules, and acts downright childish at times. His tutoring skills need work, lots of work, and he demands rather than asks when he wants something from the servants. To his credit, he is a fast learner. His attitude toward Claire and tutoring changes as he deals with day to day issues. He no longer sees Claire as a young woman to have some fun with. He wants more than he has ever wanted from a woman with her.

The plot unfolds in the way one expects, but the little tidbits and insights into the mores of the time and the different social standards set for nobility and servants reveals much about the unfairness of the way people were treated and how they were expected to act at that time in history.

Ellie MacDonald’s character development lets the reader see unique traits in the children as well as the adult characters, making them seem quite human. Her concise dialogue tells much about each of character. The reader becomes aware of their flaws, beliefs, desires, and deep-down values. Ms. MacDonald, with a captivating writing style shows the hero and heroine working out their own salvation in the class-crazy world they live in. Her writing sparkles with flecks of humor throughout and touches the heart as love slips in for a happy-ever-after.

It will be fun to see how each governess in The Governess Club fares in upcoming books.

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