Along Came a Rogue by Anna Harrington

February 23, 2016 By Leave a Comment

2_23 Harrington_Along Came a Rogue_MM
Along Came a Rogue by Anna Harrington
Publisher: Forever, imprint of Hachette Book Group
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (245 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

THE WICKEDEST SECRET . . .

Major Nathaniel Grey is free to bed whomever he wants, whenever he chooses, and that’s exactly how he likes it. His only loyalties are to country and the two friends he served with-brothers he’d do anything for. So when one of them is gravely injured and asking for his little sister, Grey will move heaven and earth to bring her home. He’s greeted not by the gangly girl he remembers, but a stunningly beautiful woman holding a loaded musket. And he’s utterly captivated by her . . .

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Once upon a time, Emily would have loved nothing more than a stolen hour with her brother’s best friend, the dashing officer who captured her heart and soul. But things are different now-and so is she. Gone is the eager young woman who believed in love. In her place is a widow weighed down with secrets who desperately needs to disappear before they’re revealed. But Grey’s sinfully sexy smile offers protection unlike anything she’s ever known, tempting her to risk everything . . . even her heart.

This is a great standalone read with plenty of interesting characters, thwarted lovers and a mysterious stalker threatening the romance and the future of a baby. There’s a lot of scintillating dialogue and compromising positions to keep the pages flipping. There is tormented angst too. Along Came a Rogue is the second book based on the friendship of three men forged in war and now they must find their way in polite society. They are exceptional men, and the women who love them are just as fascinating.

The book begins in a naughty manner and depicts the hero as a shallow, callous rake whose only concern is himself. That initial perception is tossed out the window once a reader gets to meet and join Nathaniel Grey on his journey to love, and the truth. However, his way with women benefits the object of his adoring obsession, Emily. Some of those scenes were delightfully wicked.

Emily has loved Grey even as a young girl but it was thought to be that of an innocent miss and was written off as an infatuation. A reader finds proof that it was so much more and yet there are so many obstacles in her path on realizing her love for Grey as the woman she has become that it’s a bit daunting. Emily has some nasty surprises visited upon her during the course of the novel but she never comes across as a weak victim. I liked her strength, her daring and her love for her brother, Thomas. She does tend to play into the martyr syndrome a bit too much for my liking but I was happy the way the author eventually handled it.

As far as the villainous aspect in the story, the author threw out some cryptic comments, a look or two at the right time and added in the puzzled interpretation by the heroine and that’s all it took for me to figure out who were the bad elements in the tale. I felt bad at one point when it was revealed as to the reason for a couple of the actions but once I realized just how damaging they could have been, all bets were off. Justice was correctly served – with relish.

Along Came a Rogue is exactly what historical romance fans look for. A lady who has to stand tall at a time when women where restricted by decorum and in doing so, grew in personal conviction, bravery and fortitude; a man who respected the woman Emily grew up to be and was willing to stand by her even when she sent him away; and a wonderful physical and emotional chemistry between the two that eventually leads to a happy ever after that satisfies on every level. Now the only man of the initial trio left unattached is Thomas. Since introduced to Edward, Grey and Thomas in the first book, Dukes are Forever, I have been hooked. And Along Came a Rogue has only whetted my appetite for more. It’s a fun and romantic series so far and I can’t wait for what comes next.

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Christmas Yet to Come by Marian Perera

February 23, 2016 By Leave a Comment

CHRISTMAS
Christmas Yet to Come by Marian Perera
The Ghosts of Christmas, Book 1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Holiday
Length: Short Story (55 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The woman under the shroud gets her turn under the mistletoe.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come has had enough. No more being the third act in a make-them-repent performance, terrifying people with visions of death. But after twenty years as a faceless wraith, rebellion has consequences.

On the night of December 23rd, 1875, she becomes human—and lands facedown in the snow beside a shabby house. Wearing nothing but her shroud.

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A sizzling kiss rekindles the warmth in Laura’s body and soul. But when a mirror shows her a vision of blood and death, she realizes that if she abandons her ghostly role, someone—maybe Justin—will have to take her place.

Warning: Contains a tightly buttoned-up banker who creates a special Christmas for a woman, and a ghost who discovers being alive has some unexpected…benefits. Also, a kiss that will curl your candy cane.

I have seen the holiday classic many times in all its incarnations but this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone tackling the life, or unlife, of one of the ghosts of Christmas. This little novella is clever, fascinating and engaging. Ms. Perera treats the subject with the respect that it deserves but adds in a little romantic whimsy that is entirely charming.

The ghost of Christmas Yet to Come actually has a heartbreaking history that is shared with a reader. It garnered my compassion and empathy for a life cut short and her ensuing job as the third ghost in the classic tale. It’s not made clear exactly what she did to get booted from her once a year job, it might have been action or thought or emotion but the result is her landing in a heap on a snowy evening as a human – sort of. Her name is Laura and she’s a delightful contrast of world-weary and innocent, knowledgeable yet ignorant, enthusiastic yet cautious. It’s those inconsistencies that pique the hero’s interest, and Justin finds himself contemplating emotions and memories he’s buried for years. Laura causes conflict in the best way possible and what happens after that is a subtle magic.

What I liked about Justin was his ability to really listen, focus and not be prone to hysterics. I mean, who wouldn’t freak when they saw a person walk through a wall? Yet, the author had established a relationship between Justin and Laura that allowed the hero to not discount what his eyes witnessed and that spoke well to his personality and my belief that he’s a good guy for a hero.

Even though the story is short, they manage to believably fall in love in the time Laura has on this plain. The novella is gently told with a sweetness and patience that belies its briefness. There is more emphasis on their reactions to each other, how in tune they are to one another and how Laura’s very presence inspires Justin to want to be a better man, to be more and remember the dreams he once had when he was younger. All those little touches appeal to the romantic in a reader’s heart and it’s beautiful.

Laura’s ghostly duty allows her to see the future and it’s a dark one for Justin. But is his future written in stone? That’s the suspenseful part and it was well played. I really liked how the author handled the solution. It was freaky, spooky and effective. The description gave me tiny goosebumps.

Christmas Yet to Come is a short shot of shivery goodness and romance. It combines eerie with hope, and sweetness with the shadowy challenges of life. This is a story not to miss just because it’s so unique and entertaining. The happy ever after is chuckle-worthy and as satisfying as a reader could wish. It’s a definite recommend.

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The Greek’s Ready-Made Wife by Jennifer Faye

February 19, 2016 By Leave a Comment

bride
The Greek’s Ready-Made Wife by Jennifer Faye
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (252 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Tipping the maid…with a diamond ring!

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Kyra is sure she can handle planning a wedding with no emotional entanglements—but is soon fighting the temptation to kiss her gorgeous fake fiancé! Relationships have only ever meant heartache for these two lost hearts—but together, can they make their fairy-tale ending finally come true…?

This is a great romance treat when you need a quick happy ever after fix. I like the theme of the ‘marriage of convenience’ that catches both parties by surprise by turning real. I never know how it’s going to come about and in The Greeks’ Ready-Made Wife I was pleasantly amazed. This story has a flavor of O. Henry’s famous theme and a bit of Horatio Alger thrown in too.

The conflict is mixed with a family betrayal, tragedy and loss, and a child’s yearning for a parent’s forgiveness and acceptance even into adulthood. The story is told by both Kyra and Cristo’s point of view, but it’s mostly through Kyra’s because her character has the most to lose and gain depending how things go.

I enjoyed watching Kyra and Cristo’s non-relationship evolve, grow and change into true friendship. I liked how Kyra slowly, gently showed Cristo that there was more to life than work and she helped him gradually understand what he really was missing in life. He might be rich, influential and driven, but he was more than that and he deserved more than what he was settling for in his life. The heroine had the most to gain but Cristo needed change the most. Their growing romance was beautiful to watch.

Another beautiful aspect of this tale was the opportunity for healing, understanding and the promise of new beginnings. The Greeks’ Ready-Made Wife is full of positive vibes and love. I enjoyed the dialogue, the sweet humor and the many leveled happy ever after. I recommend this romance story to readers who want to satisfy their need for a feel good theme; The Greeks’ Ready-Made Wife delivers.

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Take Me Now by Nancy Jardine

February 17, 2016 By Leave a Comment

TakeMeNow
Take Me Now by Nancy Jardine
Publisher: Crooked Cat Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story (124 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Nairn Malcolm’s looking for the impossible. He needs a highly skilled, enterprising aide who’ll be at his beck and call 24/7. No ordinary Jane Doe will do. He doesn’t expect the only candidate who drops in at his Scottish castle for an interview to be so competent…or so stunning.

Aela Cameron’s got exactly the right mix of talents to satisfy all Nairn Malcolm’s needs, and more. She loves the jobs he needs done, adores his castle, and finds his frenetic lifestyle energising. But she’s only looking for temporary: not to fall in love with the man.
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Can Nairn convince Aela she’s tailor-made for him in every way…and not a passing fancy?

If a reader likes a romance story where the female lead is the stronger character, then Take Me Now>/i> is the book to explore. Aela, the heroine, is funny, sunny and accomplished. Her bubbly personality is introduced early on and she endears herself to other secondary characters in the novella as well as the reader. Nairn is the injured hero with a type A++ personality that is so driven, his first impression is kind of loopy and goofy because he checked himself out of the hospital before he should have and was still ‘out of it’. His candid ramblings, though brief, give a clear insight into what his brain, unfettered by logic, societal expectations and proper behavior, already knows – Nairn’s inner lover is already smitten. It takes a while for the rest of him to catch up.

The mystery that stirs the plot is basic corporate sabotage. Who could it be, what is the motive, and who will have the next casualty, are some of the questions that must be answered before the ultimate deal can be wrapped up and the end of their working relationship comes to pass. The author did a good job of keeping the villain under wraps until the big reveal.

In this novella, the personal conflict is based upon assumptions. Like I said earlier, Nairn is smitten but he’s really slow on the uptake. What he’s quick to do is tumble into sulky, grim episodes of jealously every time Aela talks about the mysterious Jed, goes out on the town by herself or smiles and seems to have a special relationship with his father. The poor hero just can’t come out and ask for explanations; no he gets all grumpy and becomes an AA+ workaholic, until he thaws, until he gets uptight, until he thaws. Yeah, for such a rich business genius, the hero just can’t seem to strategize a relationship as well as he does a business deal so he’s an emotional yo-yo. You can imagine how that affects Aela. And that is where the heroine’s strength comes in. She does not need Nairn, or any man, to take care of her. She’s confident in who she is, so sure, his hot and cold routine annoys and ticks her off but she does what she wants, and usually, somehow, she does it with a cheeky grin. Which makes the hero even growlier and that makes me laugh even more. He’s not used to a woman who acts like she does, and that’s why I liked their dynamic. She’s the perfect woman for him because she stands up to him.

The book’s pace does plod because of all the travel details. Many readers might find all the descriptions, locations and step by step process of their working relationship fascinating because it does provide a level of authenticity to the telling. I just found it bogged down my reading speed. It proves to me that the heroine knows her stuff, especially flying, and the hero gives her plenty of opportunities to show it, but I didn’t find it helped the romance grow much. I’m not a fan of quite that much minutia.

The solving of the mystery is mild. The ultimate revelation of their love for each other is mild. The tone of the novel is sweet and busy. I liked the dialogue between both Nairn and Aela and I enjoyed the small touches the author had Aela giving Nairn when he was at his most stressed. Those were loving touches that soothed and showed her level of caring for the hero. It’s those sweet, tender moments that made this such a nice story to read. Take Me Now>/i> has a light plot with a pleasant and enjoyable romance. It’s a good book.

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

The Wedding Rescue by Megan Kelly

February 16, 2016 By Leave a Comment

wedding
The Wedding Rescue by Megan Kelly
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (325 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

LEFT IN THE LURCH…
Rancher Jack Walker eagerly anticipates marrying the quiet, lovely artist who has agreed to be his wife and stepmother to his six-year-old daughter. Their union will mirror the peace and security of his previous marriage.

AT THE CHURCH
Veterinarian Lexi Marshall is tricked into her twin sister’s wedding dress minutes before the bride disappears out the back door. Now Lexi must tell Jack there is no wedding. But instead of “guess what?” she says, “I do?”

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Covering for her sister by marrying Jack is a big mistake. But even Lexi’s confession can’t untangle the mess after she learns he could lose his ranch if they divorce.

Legal problems aside, how will they handle the attraction simmering between them?

Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons sure gets complicated when the wrong thing turns out to be the right thing after all. But someone isn’t happy about it; not happy about it in a creepy, villainous way. How the author wove that into the story was genius. It made reading The Wedding Rescue all the more interesting because of that subtle nefarious twist.

Lexi tries to save Jack from a horrid fate, or so she thinks. She’s used to fixing problems but this one is bigger than anything she could have imagined. The emotional conflict comes from Jack and Lexi actually liking each other but not realizing just how much more their feelings are for each other. They’ve both made choices, have lives and careers in a small town where there aren’t too many surprises because everyone knows everybody. Because of that familiarity, neither one had ever looked deeper at the other to discover the treasure that was right under their noses. It took Lexi’s sister bolting away from her own wedding in the last few minutes to “go time” to throw every plan, dream, goal, expectation and perception on its ear and start a chain of events no one could have anticipated. What follows is an unusual romance.

Jack thinks he knows what he wants in a woman. What he was really getting was a one dimensional mirror image that was a stand in for someone who his heart recognized but his brain didn’t have a clue. Before you say ‘typical guy’, Jack was a very likable character. He has many great qualities and has his chance to prove to one and all just how heroic he can be. Before that happens, readers get to see a hardworking, manly man with a great sense of humor, love for family and friends who looks good riding a horse. I liked how the author was able to make me feel the love Jack has for his daughter.

Lexi is quite the independent woman. She has a great but challenging career and she doesn’t think of herself as a girly-girl. She thinks she’s pretty much on the sidelines, especially compared to her sister, who she’s posing as. Lexi’s going to find out that she’s very noticeable; it’s a good thing/bad thing. But what I really liked was how no matter what, she was herself, and Jack’s grouchy relative saw right through her and liked her just the way she was. That revelation was one of the high points for me. It showed me he wasn’t slow, old and doddering, and it showed me that Lexi was a really sweet, caring person. I liked that.

The only bit of fluff that the book could have done without was a side relationship between two secondary characters. It really had no bearing on Jack and Lexi’s romance so I didn’t understand why it was even there. If it was to foreshadow or set the hook for a future story for the two, it didn’t draw me in. If I ever do read it, it will be because it would be about Jack’s brother, not because I felt any emotional sparks between the two.

The Wedding Rescue is a full bodied romance filled with a lot of emotional layers. There’s gentle humor, characters that are genuinely likeable, and a few that are not, with good reason. It’s a well told romance story that takes the time to explore all the nuances of ranch and community life and shares with a reader all its charm and quirks. The cutest sentence in the novel was the last sentence. I had to think for a moment to remember what Lexi said earlier in the book and once I got the joke, I belly laughed. This was a really nice book to read and I recommend it.

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

The Prince’s Christmas Vow by Jennifer Faye

February 16, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Vow
The Prince’s Christmas Vow by Jennifer Faye
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, holiday
Length: Full Length (251 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Secretly married…to a prince!

Zoe Sarris hasn’t seen Crown Prince Demetrius Castanavo since their secret elopement. So she’s shocked when he requests her interior design services. She’s only just pieced her broken heart back together, and seeing Demetrius–as gorgeous and guarded as ever–threatens to shatter it all over again…

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The Prince’s Christmas Vow is an endearing, well told romance filled with heart and warmth. I like the premise – that they were so impetuous and passionate that they rushed to get married and then it went kablooey. Add in a little passage of time and maturity and they meet again; will the fires of passion flame out of control again? That’s a fascinating theme to explore and I really like what Ms. Faye did with the plot.

Demetrius and Zoe were wonderful together. I liked their chemistry, their dialogue and the little moments in the story that made it clear that their love was still very much present. Zoe’s the one with the conflict and she’s running scared. Her reasoning is noble, pragmatic and oh, so totally unnecessary, especially when those marriage vows have the meaning they’re supposed to. There’s a lot of hurt feelings and fear to wade through but eventually the truth comes out and it’s freeing.

The external conflict is mild but it’s there and it’s effective because the villain was described in such a way that it gave me the creeps. There’s a short but packed action scene that was quite exciting because it was written so well.

The downside is Zoe’s emotional baggage. I felt it went on too long and it drove me a little nuts. She thought she was making the best decision for Demetrius but I felt she was making the choice for him and it wasn’t fair. Considering the kind of man the author wrote him to be, I didn’t see him as someone who would see it Zoe’s way. It took some doing, again too long, but eventually love does win out and for that I’m very grateful.

The king was a very brief secondary character but his clever ploy was adorable. I give him high marks for trying. I even liked the tree decorating scene; it was another wonderful example of how perfect Zoe and Demetrius are together.

All in all The Prince’s Christmas Vow was a delightful read. It’s sweet, engaging and had some wonderful romantic elements. The happy ever after is completely satisfying. This is definitely a worthy story to spend time with.

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Runaway Vampire by Lynsay Sands

February 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment

RUNAWAY
Runaway Vampire by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (218 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The latest entry in the sizzling paranormal vampire series featuring the Argeneau family – no one does wickedly funny and irresistibly steamy like Lynsay Sands!

Dante Notte has heard it said that love hurts. He just wasn’t expecting it to run him over in an RV. Still, a punctured lung and broken ribs are nothing compared to the full-body shock he feels whenever he’s near the vehicle’s driver, Mary Winslow. He needs to keep her safe from their pursuers while he rescues his brother. Most challenging of all, he needs to claim this smart, stubborn woman as his life mate.
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The naked, injured, insanely gorgeous younger man who clambered into her RV insists they belong together. If Mary wasn’t feeling their incredible connection in every inch of her being, she wouldn’t believe it. But now that the men who took Dante’s twin are after her too, trusting her gut means risking her life for an immortal who’s the very definition of a perfect stranger.

I can always count on Ms. Sands to deliver a tale that takes me away from my every day gerbil wheel and propels me into a world I’m always happy to visit. Time ceased to matter, and indeed, it flew by because reading Runaway Vampire was an adventure in joy, excitement, exploration and fun. I usually feel happy after reading a book by this author and I’m glad to say this one continued the tradition.

Another reason that I can safely say this was a very good book was because of the one I read right before. It was so long of wind that by the time I hit page 150, my brain was alternately screaming from the slow pace of the story and trying to fall asleep at the same time. The plot and characters were good but the delivery was an exercise in molasses. Not so with Runaway Vampire, oh no, by page 150 it was steamy, it was exciting and I couldn’t wait to read more, more, more. Maybe my higher rating is because I was so incredibly happy to read a plot that actually moved and had a brisk and stimulating pace that thrilled me to my toes. I enjoyed the emotions of an older woman finding herself young again, I loved watching Dante love her before the turn, and after, I giggled at the part where Lucien (fans can never forget HIS character) actually cracked a joke and I adored the reason why he won’t change his phone ringtones no matter how much they irritate him. So romantic!

Ms. Sands does have a little background drama that starts off in this book but it is meant for the next one. Talk about a successful hook; there is no way on this good earth that I will miss the next book if it’s about Tomasso. The external conflict does however plague both Dante and Mary and provides opportunities for readers to see just how well matched they are as a couple.

As for humor, I never knew where it would pop up. One of the most hilarious scenes for me stems from where this sentence shows up, “Stop playing with your condoms and kiss me.” If readers have a sense of humor like me, they are going to have a giggle fest that will last for at least a page or so because the whole visual Ms. Sands painted with her descriptions and dialogue was uproariously funny. I’ve re-read those paragraphs quite a few times just so I could snicker/snort some more – it’s total fun!

Runaway Vampire is a hit. It’s practically perfect, a little quirky, still has the Argeneau family feel to it and I’m satisfied with the happy for now. Why an HFN? Because it ended with a beginning and I am excited about the prospect. Ms. Sands knows how to leave a reader craving for more in all the best ways.

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The Convenient Cowboy by Heidi Hormel

February 9, 2016 By Leave a Comment

cowboy
The Convenient Cowboy by Heidi Hormel
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (159 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

What a cowgirl’s gotta do…

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But while the marriage is supposed to be just on paper, their chemistry is volatile…and the night they spent together weeks ago leads to a surprise: Olympia is pregnant. Soon the ranch is home to a baby, Spence’s sweet cowboy son, and feelings Olympia and Spence can’t deny. This fake relationship is quickly getting all too real. Maybe it’s more than just business…

The joy of romance, the twists and turns of fate, and laughter at the most unexpected of times are all found in this really fun story by Ms. Hormel. The Convenient Cowboy is the kind of novel to read when you are looking for a plot with heart and characters that can make you smile. I certainly found myself laughing out loud during many parts of this book.

First, this is a character driven romance told from both Spence and Olympia’s point of view. I liked having both their sides revealed because a reader gets a better understanding of how challenging this romance is going to be. Spence wants his son full time and has come up with the perfect plan to get custody; Olympia needs to provide for her younger sister’s education, so both Spence and Olympia join forces in an arranged marriage to achieve their goals. There’s just one problem, the condom broke. And, true to life, the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go awry, so too with the main characters. I adored how Ms. Hormel shared with me her characters’ dreams, hopes and fears and how they came about realizing that everything they truly wanted in life was right in front of them. It’s the getting there that makes this book worth reading. It’s classic romance.

I don’t know if other readers will feel like I did in the first few chapters so I’ll share it just in case. At first, the conflict of Olympia’s internal struggles seem large enough to overshadow the book and I was so afraid that they were going to poison the romance and turn it into a whiny cliché. Let me assure readers that it gets so much better. Once Ms. Hormel gets the setup out of the way, and the players in place, the pace, interest, and entertainment picks up and never stops. The romance between two stubborn people with assumptions and expectations is not without its emotional drama, but once Spence’s young son comes on stage, a reader will get to enjoy a bit of madcap hilarity, like the scene with Petunia. I belly laughed at that part. The reason why I got the biggest kick out of that and other sections of the book, like when Spence kept getting bit by the horse, was because of the power of the words the author used to paint the action for me. It was effective, well done and the results are pure entertainment. It was apparent that this author knows how to craft laughter in literature.

The Convenient Cowboy is engaging, endearing and is simply a fun romance. When I find stories like this, it reminds me of the reason why I read romances in the first place. When people think happiness isn’t in the cards for them and they find it accidentally, it’s extra special and it reinforces that dreams really can come true; fact can mimic fiction. This was a great read and I easily recommend it.

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Plaid Tidings by Mia Marlowe

February 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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Plaid Tidings by Mia Marlowe
Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (264 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Christmas in the Highlands…

Not any dashing English lord’s idea of a good time. But now that Lord Alexander Mallory has won a Scottish estate in a hand of cards, he is the unlikely laird of the wild, snowy Bonniebroch. Worse yet, the ancient pile of stones comes with a betrothal. To a fiery red-headed virgin. And a curse.
What a joy when the vision viagra in india is corrected, sight clear. lowest prices for sildenafil The woman partner will lose all her interest in him and will leave him forever. You must not live with the disorder devensec.com cialis usa online and make sure to get through it as soon as it could be possible for them. Take 1 or 2 of this capsule every day for two months. cheap price viagra
Alex will have his hands full honoring the first, seducing the second and breaking the third…all by Twelfth Night.

If you like ghosts, quests, impossible curses and a Scottish romance then pull up a comfy chair and settle in with Plaid Tidings because a fun read is heading your way. Alexander Mallory is a hero who must face the impossible and Lucinda is the heroine who must help him, but she has secrets of her own. How a man who refused to allow himself to love comes to terms with falling in love for the first time while battling a waiting evil is the stuff great stories are made of. Ms. Marlowe does not disappoint – she does her plot justice. It’s great entertainment.

I liked watching Alexander initially fight his Scottish heritage. It was really clever of the author to show a reader how the hero slowly but surely, in bits and pieces of dialogue and habits, turned his back on his English side to eventually embrace the man he really is, the man he was meant to be. It was endearing and fascinating to watch unfold. The charm of Scotland lives within Alexander Mallory.

It was only at one part that the plot had a predictable progression. The villain’s scene moved awfully fast so it felt like a bandage being ripped off to let all the icky stuff get out so the clean, healed skin could be revealed. It was nasty; the description of the final demise reminded me of some classic horror films so that was cool. However, if a reader is looking for some seriously dark drama they won’t find it here. Plaid Tidings is first and foremost a romance and the bad guy was the foil that was used to give the right amount of tension and adrenaline without undermining the true focus. It sure did showcase Lucinda’s fortitude and pluckiness. She’s an unusual heroine and it was fun to get to see her in action.

Alexander’s seduction of Lucinda is quite entertaining and well written. Readers should find plenty to enjoy between the pages. There’s no doubt that the hero and heroine are quite compatible. I enjoyed watching the heroine discover just how effective a woman can be in seducing her own husband to get her way. What a clever minx.

There are quite a few surprises and other types of action interspersed throughout the novel and it definitely kept my interest all the way through. I heartily recommend readers giving Plaid Tidings a try. It’s filled with quirky charm and a delightful romance that worked because Alexander and Lucinda were so fun together. I’m glad I read this book and got to meet them.

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When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy

January 29, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (244 pgs)
Heat Rating: Hot
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she’s survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a vampire she both desires and fears.

For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago. Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death.

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I’ve just discovered another world that is so amazing and intricate that it’s created a new addiction. Ms. Ivy’s When Darkness Comes delivers a hard to resist hook, a premise that is unique and fascinating and characters that come alive between the pages. I’m a happy reader.

The basic gist is the age old battle between good and evil. In this case, vampires and all sorts of paranormal folk are just variations of demons. I’m not into reading about demons per se, but Ms. Ivy has a clever twist that makes them not as one would expect. Like the heroine found out, demons can be beautiful and harmless as much as they can be harbingers of the end of the world. Sometimes humans can be just as bad, if not worse, than the worst demon. The heroine sure found out about that, too.

The very first chapter was intriguing. I met Abby, a sort of klutzy, sweet but very responsible woman who has had to struggle to survive. She’s got this great gig going on that is finally paying the bills. One day she breaks a priceless vase and she thought that was the absolutely most horrifying thing that could happen to her. Call it the calm before the storm. What happens after neatly and efficiently captured my interest, imagination and garnered desperation to read every page, chapter and scene where Abby and Dante try to not only stay alive but save the world from overambitious zealots. This book is a page flipper.

In between all the suspense and drama, Ms. Ivy has Abby and Dante falling in love. It’s rocky, passionate and hot. They are wonderful together and their chemistry is off the charts.

Secondary characters are not only important, they are vital. Every single one plays a role and they contributed to the feel of the community, the friendships and the sense of being players on a very large stage. A lot goes on in this book but it’s the hints of what is to come that tease the mind and senses.

When Darkness Comes is a must read. It’s on my keeper shelf and it’s a book that I can’t wait to read again. It’s infused me with the need to know more about Viper and just what kind of woman will be his downfall so I’m already primed to read the next adventure. I found this novel to be as gripping, exciting and fun as anything I’ve read in a long time. Not only that but I checked into the next book and was astounded to find out that there are a lot of books in the series. My bank account is going to scream but if they are as astounding and solidly well written as When Darkness Comes then it’s going to be money well spent. This book has made me an instant fan. I really, really count myself fortunate that I discovered this series especially because, with so many already written, I don’t have to wait. How awesome is that?!?

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