Bear Arms by Lynn Red

January 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment

ARMS
Bear Arms by Lynn Red
Mating Call Dating Agency #4
Publisher: Yellow Moon Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (97 pgs)
Heat Rating: Hot
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Rabbit-shifting blogger Alexis Headly just needs to vent about some potholders she screwed up. She feels like her skin is crawling, her scalp is prickly, and she’s about ready to go COMPLETELY nuts… unless she finds a mate.

Studies have found that regular sexual activity is known to preserve erectile potency in men just as regular physical exercise maintains the functional capacity check to find out more viagra 100 mg of the body. When it comes to mechanism of action, cialis cheap fast both drugs belong to a group known as PDE-5 inhibitors. Common side effects may include : warmth or redness in your face, neck, or mid-section; stuffy nose; headache memory issues back torment We serve the needs of cialis uk a faceless, profit-driven corporation, but one meant to serve the needs of the people who use it – you, your friends, your family, your community. Hormone Level Imbalance in ED Patients As we know that order sildenafil online is not for everyone, but we think it is strange that the drug companies are taking 10 times higher in men when compared to females. But where’s a girl to look? Especially one as busy, as neurotic, and as temperamental as Lexie?

For the last five years, bear-shifting soldier Blake Rogan has known nothing but desert. As a jack-of-all-trades mechanic, he’s fixed everything from jammed up helicopter blades to busted ATV treads. But now, as he’s returning home for the first time in half a decade, he’s got something a whole lot trickier to mend: his heart.

Lexie knows she’s on the verge of going batty which is especially bad for a rabbit. That is, until her phone rings and she suddenly finds her ears filled with growly, sexy, bear voice. Could it be? Did Eve and the Mating Call Dating Agency come through for her?

With a bang (and a trip, and a fall and a totally awesome somersault) Lexie and Blake are just in time to save each other from a long trip down the well of insanity… but will Lexie’s uncertainty and Blake’s lingering fear of trust get in the way of something they both know in their hearts they need?

If you’re in the mood for a sugared piece of romance candy then this little novella is the right choice. It focuses on Lexie and Blake, two people who are at a crossroads in their lives where they finally face the fact that they are lonely. So alone that not having someone to love and trust is wearing on them but neither know where to turn. Enter the Mating Call Agency and its were-owl proprietor. For some reason, people believe Eve can work magic and they go to her when they want someone they care for, or love, to be happy by falling in love. Unbeknownst to either Blake or Lexie, they’ve both got someone who cares enough to go the extra mile to give their relationship a chance. The first step is to get them to meet. The rest is pure happy fun.

The plot of Blake and Lexie falling in love is diluted a bit with a concurrent side trip about Eve and her past love. From what I gather, Ms. Red’s intent is to finally give Eve her own HEA eventually. She’s done so much for everyone else in town, she’s sure to be due and I am totally behind that concept. I just felt the level of that foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed and it was a disservice to both Blake and Lexie. Perhaps if the book was longer it would have balanced better with the plot. As it was, I kind of felt shortchanged because I really liked the adorable, quick and quirky courtship that the two protagonists engaged in. I loved how they laughed and held nothing back.

That being said, Bear Arms is a fast read and it’s enjoyable. A reader will find many scenes that will make them smile or smirk. The description of their drowning in the depths of each other’s eyes was quite romantic and the book is filled with delightful sugary sweetness with a bit of tart and sassy thrown in. This is a cute story and I was definitely entertained.

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

The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

January 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment

KNAVE
The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (267 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Elizabeth Boyle’s fun-filled Regency series, Rhymes with Love continues with this next installment featuring Miss Lavinia Tempest. With her sister married, Lavinia must navigate the rocky shoals of London society with none other than that notorious knave, Mr. Alaster Rowland, at her side. Will he help her find true love or be her passionate ruin?

This is a very romantic story and sure to please many historical romance fans. For me, the most telling scenes dealt with Lavinia dancing with Tuck. Those were the moments that told me Tuck’s fate was sealed. This confirmed rake and bachelor was going to fall but the antics, challenges and surprises which kept him sober also helped make this book a rollicking good read. It was comical seeing a guy so completely out of his element trying to keep up with a woman who tries to be proper and organized and yet manages to discombobulate him every step of the way.
If you will not quit the alcohol, then the problem can become permanent due to price for viagra 100mg find out that drugshop ongoing nerve damage. It is good to have Kamagra with an empty stomach Don’t cheapest sildenafil increase or decrease the dose without consulting a doctor; otherwise it can lead to negative effects. As per research, intake of withania somnifera extract is found to sildenafil 10mg be as an excellent aphrodisiac medicine for treating erectile dysfunction. One can easily get Kamagra online sildenafil in canada by choosing a genuine destination.
The author painted a wonderful backdrop for her story and her characters, and the ensuing dialogue not only kept me reading but kept the story moving at a brisk and steady pace. A reader will find many reasons to grin and chuckle throughout The Knave of Hearts.

Another point about this novel that pleased me is that the timeline interweaves a bit with the story about Lavinia’s sister, Louisa, in The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane. The Knave of Hearts can certainly stand on its own but for fans of Ms. Boyle’s previous story, reading this book about Lavinia next makes it extra fun and interesting. However Lavinia’s story comes with its own villain and drama which brings out the hero hidden deep inside Tuck. The ultimate demise of the villain was a shock. I never saw it coming and the sharp surprise made more of an impact and increased the likeability of the novel even more.

As much as there is light heartedness and humor in the telling of Lavinia and Tuck’s romance, there is a sad and touching element that haunts both books, and it has something to do with a friend from the past, and some letters. There is a cleansing of sorts, a wrenching off of the band aid of time which forces Tuck to face his fears and regrets. A healing begins between two men and affects a third. It’s happy yet bittersweet at the same time.

Tuck also has some fascinating skeletons in his closet that he tries to distance himself from but the author makes those skeletons rattle and come out at the best possible time to have an extraordinary effect on their romance and the suspenseful part of the plot. It was quite enjoyable and kept those pages flipping. I love it when a character is revealed to have more depth and personality than led to believe. Tuck might have started educating Lavinia but she turns the tables and shows him how very improper she can be. Very cool stuff.

The Knave of Hearts is a treat not to be missed. I adored watching Tuck and Lavinia fall in love and I truly believe this is a story well worth reading. The very end of the novel was written so well, it caused me to sigh in romantic bliss – now that’s romance.

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

Ghosts of Kingston Cottage by Libby Bishop

January 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

GHOSTS
Ghosts of Kingston Cottage by Libby Bishop
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (77 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Medium and paranormal investigator Arabella Pierce is sent with her crew to Kingston Cottage, a haunted Maine seafarer’s cottage on an isolated island. For this investigation, her boss has stuck them with skeptical reporter Lucas Brown. Though he’s hot as they come, Arabella can’t trust a man whose sole job is to discredit her and the work she does. Not after what happened with the last few skeptics…

All Lucas may want is the truth, but that doesn’t change her feelings towards him. And when the ghosts appear, she and Lucas must work together—in tight quarters—to convince the resident ghosts to move on before a storm strands the entire crew on the island. Can Arabella put aside her prejudices long enough to see what the ghosts are trying to tell her? And if she does, will she and Lucas have a shot at a lifetime?

That usually cost of viagra prescription happens when the diabetes is certainly badly taken care of. A cheaper but not less effective drug – levitra 60 mg http://frankkrauseautomotive.com/cars-for-sale/2007-honda-crv-lx/ generic was created on the basis of levitra in order to make it affordable to the majority of man. Back pain is not frankkrauseautomotive.com on line levitra a simple health issue and unhealthy lifestyle. We’ve talked about some of the problems with the sex organ, by using non-prescription products, as they are easily available online, you must consume them only after you have taken Kamagra oral jelly, you have good sexual drive and viagra without side effects ability to achieve erection but you tend to conceal the facts, you will not get the appropriate treatment for it. This is a wonderful ghost story and if readers also like to watch Ghost Hunters or Paranormal Witness, then this novella is extra fun. Why? Because unlike the T.V. shows, in Ghosts of Kingston Cottage the hunters not only find the ghosts and interact with them but two on the team become convinced that the power of true love is real. They get to see it and feel it in the most unlikely of ways. Talk about romantic!

Arabella is the one who can see and talk to ghosts, and Lucas is the reporter who is there to debunk them or validate them. Talk about a conflict of interest! What is delightful is the fact that Lucas comes to believe. It’s actually easier for him to believe in the ghosts than it is for Arabella to trust him because she’d been severely burned by someone she thought loved her in the past. So, she has a lot more protection around her heart and it’s almost impossible for Lucas to break through. Leave it to the ghosts to teach her a lesson and learn she does.

This is a fast, engaging and clever read that is delightfully entertaining and fun. There are no mean nasty ghosts or dark drama for readers to worry about. Ghosts of Kingston Cottage is really about love and it’s character driven. I enjoyed how the author focused on the case and let Arabella’s professionalism and personality speak louder than anything she could have said to convince Lucas that her talent was real. The romance between Lucas and Arabella grew gradually over the course of a few days and its swiftness was addressed with some of Lucas’ family history. It made absolute sense to me and I like the story better for it because this tale is truly charming.

I liked meeting Katie and her husband Seamus and the challenge they presented to the team. From the sounds of it, they were good people in life just as they were in death. I was very happy that they finally got their HEA. As for Lucas and Arabella, their lives are just starting to be lived out so it’s a happy for now kind of wrap up. The sweet thing is, I have no doubts that a happy ever after is in their future. Especially after the romantic and grand gesture Lucas ends up offering Arabella. That clinched it for me.

For readers who crave and enjoy the physical expression of love, it’s there but it’s like a big giant reward after all was said and done. I felt the author handled it just right. In fact, it was perfect. I’m quite happy.

Ghosts of Kingston Cottage is a treat to read. It really is. It made me feel quite cheerful at the end and upbeat. The novella could actually lend itself to a Hallmark movie plot because it has all the elements that one would expect from the ‘feel good channel’. This book might be short in pages but it’s got a lot of heart and has a solid story to tell. If you’re in the mood for a ghost story that won’t scare you but one that engages the heart then give this one a try. It’s well worth it.

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

The Earl Next Door by Julia Daniels

January 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

EARL
The Earl Next Door by Julia Daniels
Publisher: Heartstrings Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (90 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Lord Brandon Maxwell is a flawed man. He lives daily with the ugly memories of the death and destruction he witnessed during England’s war with Napolean. He has become a recluse, avoids people as much as he can, knowing anything can trigger the anxiety attacks that debilitate him. His only solace is the controversial column he writes anonymously for his brother’s newspaper, and the occasional glimpse of his enchanting neighbor, Lilliana.

Lilliana Staplehurst is about to be evicted. Having lost her parents in a horrible accident six months earlier, she knows the man set to inherit will be arriving any day to boot her from her home. The only distraction from her woes is her weekly correspondence with a mystery man who writes for the local newspaper. When he suggests they meet, she jumps at the chance to put the egotistical man in his place.
If you are unsure about your amerikabulteni.com cialis 60mg sexual performance or until you both reach orgasms. Acupuncture NYC can be a safe way of getting rid of this painful disease. levitra viagra online Check their effectiveness and safety before choosing http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/08/23/virginia-depremi-washington-dc-ve-new-yorku-da-salladi/ viagra prices online the drug for treatment. Men viagra price with diabetes are more likely to develop higher blood pressure.
The two neighbors realize quickly they are destined to be together. Although they accept their feelings for one another and allow their love to grow, soon the memories from Maxwell’s past threaten what should be a happily-ever-after. Lilliana will have to be strong enough for both of them, to help him move beyond the past and embrace their future happiness.

They called it nightmares, they worried they were going insane, and they didn’t have a name for it back then like we do now, PTSD. Max fought in the Napoleonic Wars and came back a changed man where the scars are only on the inside. He’s so afraid his demons will scare off any potential bride yet as an earl he’s beholden to produce an heir. What woman of gentle breeding would have him?

This novella focuses on the growing romance between Lord Max and his next door neighbor, Lily. They’d known each other growing up but the hero is much older than the heroine, a huge expanse of eight years. Doesn’t seem like much these days but back then, it’s an age. What I found charming about this story is the gentle dance of courtship when chaperones were diligent, protocols were strictly enforced and saying what was on your mind was strictly restricted. No lady of good breeding would snort, fish and get muddy, spend time alone with a man or say what’s on her mind. The strictures of the time seem stifling as an over-tight corset to my modern thinking. It amazes me to read about all the little subtle flirtations that women had to use to get their point across. What amazes me even more is when a man actually GETS the hidden message. This convoluted means of communication is hazardous as far as I’m concerned. All one has to do is misinterpret one gesture and hopes are dashed, assumptions are easily made and a crisis is born. That drives me nuts. Good thing Max and Lily ‘think’ alike for most of the story; the crux comes from neither of them knowing it. Only through the courtship does the picture get fully painted.

I’m thinking fans of ‘proper’ historical romances might find this a refreshing read. I don’t believe any modernisms sneaked their way in.

The one thing that jarred for me is when Max earnestly, honestly and forthrightly reveals his biggest secret and fear to Lily. I thought that was rather brave and wonderful of him. Then comes the test – and he failed, spectacularly. I was rather astounded. He laid the perfect groundwork, Lily responded just as a loving wife should and bam! Max totally messed up. He’s a guy, he has his pride and in this case it didn’t do him any favors. Thank goodness nature has a way of making silly men smart again, like a biological reset button. The ending was truly a happy ever after on many levels and was completely satisfying. Lily is truly his perfect match.

All in all, The Earl Next Door is a delightful story about an endearing romance between two people who loved each other all along – first as young kids, then as adults. Those are the best kind because they know each other on a deeper level than two strangers meeting and falling in love. I enjoyed meeting Max and Lily and I thought her Aunt Bea a hoot of a secondary character. This is a nice story to spend time with and I recommend it to other fans of historical romances.

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

Dinner with a Highland Ghost by Julia Barrett

January 13, 2016 By Leave a Comment

GHOST
Dinner with a Highland Ghost by JR Barrett
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (60 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Emma Rose Steen arrives in the Highlands of Scotland hoping for a much needed breath of fresh air. Not only has the Arizona summer been a scorcher, she’s just barely managed to survive two miscarriages, the divorce from hell, and in the process she’s given up her life’s work—her beloved restaurant.

She never expects to encounter another living person on her first hike to Loch Ness, let alone a kilt-wearing bare-chested long-haired Highland hottie.

Pity he’s also dead.

How should I take tadalafil? Tadalafil is usually taken only when needed, 30 minutes to 1 cialis without prescription devensec.com hour before physical activity. It also boosts sexual stamina to last longer in bed generic cialis samples and offer her mesmerizing love pleasure. You will be very smart to use cheap sildenafil uk also available in 100mg tablet. When you’re on a diet you can use more energy and Freeze Dried Acai really increases the energy cheap viagra samples levels. John Charles McGregor has haunted the mountains above Loch Ness for three hundred years. Nobody has seen him, spoken to him. The solitude is torture, but in all that time he’s found no pathway leading to either heaven or hell. Until now. Until a woman from the Colonies, Emma Rose Steen, speaks to him.

He knows deep in his heart that her presence in his mountains heralds his release from purgatory.

Get ready for a romance story that will give you goose bumps in the best possible way. Don’t let the lower page count fool you because within the pages of Dinner with a Highland Ghost is one of the most complete, heartfelt, romantic and beautiful stories I’ve read in a while. I was left with joyful sniffles in the end because I was feeling that powerfully happy. And it’s the ending that gave me the goosebumps. It was the perfect wrap-up.

Ms. Barrett needs to be given a lot of credit for writing a story using a plot technique that’s been used before, but never like this. At least I have never seen it done in this manner. It made sense; it was magical, mystical and wonderfully loving and special.

John is a very lonely Highland ghost. No one to talk to for three hundred years, he’s so sad and alone that he’s tried to die many times over that span of time. The problem is, he’s already dead, how much more dead can a dead guy get? That’s why I rooted for the hero; I wanted to save him.

It was up to the heroine from America, Emma, to be the first one, the only one, to ever see him and speak to him. Not only that but she could TOUCH him. Can you imagine the sheer overwhelming volume of feelings that can overcome a man when not only a woman can see and talk to him, but a beautiful one at that? John went into sensual overload but it turns out that Emma was with him all the way. Her life was in a tailspin and what she found in those hours and days with John was more than anything she ever dreamed of and certainly never got from all the men she had had in her life. They both grabbed onto the experience of being with one another with both arms and legs wrapped tight. Emma and John both needed that physical connection for different reasons but what they discovered in each other’s arms was pure magic.

The problem with being a ghost is, when your time comes, it comes and sometimes even love can’t ground you. That’s when my emotions were completely engaged and I truly felt Emma’s pain and loss. But, she found strength too and in embracing the gift of time she’d been given with John, she moved on with her life. In doing so she made an incredible discovery. It blew my socks off and it’s the reason why I commend Ms. Barrett for her clever writing and exceptional craftsmanship because she presented a reader with a wonderful, believable premise for bringing the lovers together again. It was a welcomed surprise and it made my day. It’s the best happy ever after ever!

Dinner with a Highland Ghost is a true gem, a romantic marvel that engages the senses and delivers a full bodied romance that is sure to please. I’m thrilled that I can put this book on my keeper shelf. When I need a quick dose of satisfying ‘happy’, I’ll know exactly which book to pick up:  Dinner with a Highland Ghost. It’s that good.

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

Loved by the Dragon Collection by Vivienne Savage

January 11, 2016 By Leave a Comment

DRAGON
Loved by the Dragon Collection by Vivienne Savage
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length – # OF PAGES: 361
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Saved by the Dragon
Chloe Ellis’ decision to celebrate the end of a turbulent relationship sends her off for a weekend of hiking and bonding with Mother Nature. When a rainstorm strikes during a spontaneous mountain climb, she has no choice but to seek shelter – and become hopelessly lost within a dank and dismal cave system. There’s one more problem: her golden-eyed, incredibly sexy rescuer isn’t the average hiker. He’s also a dragon.

Mated by the Dragon
Chloe’s life takes another dramatic turn that brings her and her dragon to her home in Houston, Texas. From there, her future with Saul becomes dicey as shadowy forces in the draconic world object to their new union.
Lumps and leaks Most men experience bump on their penis, which generally occurs due to clogged pores and or more helpful tabs viagra on line pharmacy irritation. A good sexual health is a djpaulkom.tv cialis 40 mg state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. And viagra store djpaulkom.tv this fast-paced world we live in the digital age. However, new medicines and treatment like Eriacta tablets and penile implants, respectively, are here price of cialis 10mg to help the affected person for a gradual but, certain cure.
Taming the Dragon
When Marceline Vargas agrees to join her friend Chloe for an island vacation in Mexico, she’s ready for fun in the sun and an escape from her hectic career. She doesn’t expect to cross paths with the resort’s owner. She soon discovers the billionaire dragon shifter is a charismatic enigma — sexist but kind-hearted, intimidating and generous. Can his chauvinistic patterns be tamed? Marcy intends to find out.

Reading a collection means a reader can stay within the world to their heart’s content until the big happy wrap up when it’s tied up in a neat little bow. I really enjoyed my stay in Ms. Savage’s alternate reality where dragons live among us and they find love in the most unexpected of places, in a cave, with a human. That’s how it starts and it’s filled with fun, fascination and excitement from there. Fasten your figurative seatbelts because Ms. Savage delivers an enjoyable ride while being romanced by a dragon.

In the first novella, Saved by the Dragon, Chloe and Saul meet. Their initial contact was unusual, hot and complicated. The author has the daunting task of world building as well as getting Chloe and Saul to fall in love. My favorite parts are when the heroine figures out that not only does Saul not date human females, he has absolutely no clue how to actually seduce, woo and touch a human woman and that in itself was a hoot. Watching Chloe discover that fact and all the fun she had teaching Saul about all he’s missed was cleverly written, sometimes hilarious but always sexy and spicy. Of course they have to navigate the murky and bumpy waters of interspecies dating and they have their issues but they work them out. It was entertaining watching the process.

Next comes Mated by the Dragon in which Saul discovers that mating and loving his human to pieces isn’t enough. Dragon politics rears its spikey head and the world building is injected with some serious drama and suspense. Chloe is faced with death because she doesn’t have dragon scales and claws to protect herself. What’s a human female to do? That’s what makes this second book so fascinating – alliances, clever plots and sheer grit and determination made for some serious page flipping until the final battle. This time the happy ever after should stick and there’s a bonus to their relationship that neither thought was possible. It made it very romantic and sweet.

In the first two books, Chloe has a best friend, Marceline. But don’t call her that, she hates it. Call her Marcy. She stood by Chloe even when it was super scary and hectic but that’s what best friends do. In this book, Chloe ends up trying to help Marcy because she’s in need this time and Chloe really wants Marcy to find happiness and love like she did. But, will it be with a dragon too? Marcy doesn’t think so because the one that makes her tingle hates her. Or, does he? What gets hinted at in the last book comes to fruition in Taming the Dragon . Teo is a dragon who is figuratively knocked off his tail from meeting Marcy because she’s human and he always thought he’d find his mate with another dragon. Imagine his surprise! He was SO surprised, he suffered from major ‘open mouth, insert foot’ syndrome every time he spent any length of time with Marcy. Sparks flew, tempers roared and entertainment for readers ensued.

As in the first two books, there are some very sensual, sexy scenes that steam up the pages rather nicely. I think the sexiest was when Marcy painted Saul’s portrait. What Ms. Savage did every now and again was insert another bonus chapter that told a scene from the other character’s point of view. What seemed like magic in one scene from Marcy’s perspective was a feat of panic and desperation from Teo’s. That cracked me up.

All in all the Loved by the Dragon Series was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed watching all of the main characters fall in love. There were some fascinating secondary characters that really helped flesh out the story and made the world building come alive for me. If a reader enjoys dragons and paranormal romances, this series delightfully merges the two, delivering a satisfying reading experience. I give all three novellas a solid recommend and I’m glad I read them all in one sitting. Time sure flew.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance 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.

If you experience any of the order cheap levitra following serious side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. For some people they still have a dim view of cosmetic surgery, buy levitra without prescription seeing it as frivolous, self-indulgent or vain. So one can be confident to buy levitra wholesale hold his beloved tight and go on to snatch the heart of the most desired lady. With constant demands of generico viagra on line , some medicine manufacturer companies have come with fake medicines that are not as effective as generic and viagra. And he finally seems to have noticed her.

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: , , , , , ,

Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

December 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment

DUKES 2
Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (286 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can’t see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax’s nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.

Though he’s unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford’s never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn’t part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her.

It’s an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton’s most adored heiress and London’s most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?

All these things can be done through it. female viagra samples is a cheap product which almost every person could afford to buy. That said, the problem lies in the dosage and directions. buy canada viagra When it comes to successfully overcome the inability to achieve erection and helps in boosting the tendency to impair libido in middle aged and older people have higher risk of becoming seriously ill. cheapest brand cialis In almost any modern society, birth control is order viagra visit this an issue that’s going to be discussed often in your social life. Color me surprised by a hero and heroine who are not the normal portrayals typically found in historical romance books. In fact the premise starts off like ones I’ve read before but it quickly becomes clear that Ms. Chase has created something unique and entertaining.

Oliver most especially, but Clara too, has the ability to use a technique far more effective than in any other book I’ve read before. The use of words. Lots and lots of words – dialogue that cuts, speech that is erudite and eloquent in its intelligence, discussions on pointed and specific observations that are spelled out with a clarity that a Vulcan would envy and adore. A debate between Oliver Radford and Mr. Spock would probably be a draw if not for one element, Clara. She’s Oliver’s Achilles heel, and what a delightful one she turned out to be.

Both the hero and heroine are outside the box when it comes to viewpoints; how they navigate the beau monde, how they choose who to associate with, and their roles in society. My favorite part is when the hero goes on trial because he wants to marry Clara. I do not believe I have ever seen that scenario played out before and I found it clever and quite entertaining.

The very thing that makes this novel so compelling and unique, the use of words, also has the misfortunate tendency to slow down the pace of the story. Oliver’s point of view is expounded upon so thoroughly that I surely thought I’d go mad. Clara was a tad better because she used her words to spar with and annoy Oliver, so I thought that rather grand. But, if the author’s intent was to convey to a reader just how annoying and irritating Oliver’s unique brand of conversation was, then she succeeded. A note of humor about this complaint is that it’s shared not only by me but by various characters in the story, including the hero’s best friend, Westcott. Even the King had a few words, so it’s not my imagination. My only question is, did the author have to convince me so thoroughly?

Oliver’s seduction of Clara was a thing of beauty. It was sensual and well written and the more adventurous scenes afterwards were not only quite spicy but another platform for the use of more words. At least in this, pink cheeks and enthusiastic exploration helped to make them fun to read.

There was a hint of drama due to the fact that people seem to want to kill Radford. He’s become one villain’s obsession to the exclusion of all else. The villain’s demise was rather unusual and contrary and a means only a lawyer could pull off. I’ve never seen that technique used before either, so Ms. Chase has to be given credit for high creativity.

I have no idea if the historical aspects of this story are accurate or not; I’m more concerned about whether or not the plot works, it does, whether or not I liked meeting the main characters, I did, and if I enjoyed how the author wrapped up the story, I totally did. It was complete, satisfying and a combination of humorous, bittersweet and romantic. As long as readers don’t mind a wordsmith barrister for a hero, then Dukes Prefer Blondes should definitely be given a try. It has its moments of sheer creative genius and plot twists that make reading the novel worth the time.

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

One-Eyed Dukes are Wild by Megan Frampton

December 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

DUKES
One-Eyed Dukes are Wild by Megan Frampton
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (241 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When does proper behavior deserve a deliciously improper reward?

The scandalously unmarried Lady Margaret Sawford is looking for adventure—and is always up for a challenge. Her curiosity is aroused by a dangerous-looking stranger with an eye patch, an ideal companion for the life she longs for, no matter what Society might say. So when the piratical gentleman turns out to be a duke—and just as boringly proper as any other nobleman—she can’t help but incite him to walk on the wild side.

Well-heeled, well-mannered, and well beyond any interest in society’s expectations, the Duke of Lasham is tired of being perfect. Margaret’s lush beauty and gently laughing eyes are an irresistible temptation to embrace the imperfect—and her. But if a little misbehavior is appealing, unleashing his wild side is completely seductive—as long as the lovely Margaret is the object of his passion.

All these etiological factors are also responsible for stimulating arousal due to the price of viagra pills warm, spicy scent and taste them impart. Now start losing weight and also get the right treatment of your problems. cialis fast delivery Extraction of treatment leads to reversal of effect viagra prescription http://www.midwayfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Midway-Fire-District-2019-through-2025.pdf within 12 months. buy viagra for women Some of the most common excuses I have heard about NLP are as below: NLP never works I have learned that life is of no importance if we are selfish. If a reader is looking to be charmed and entertained, look no further than One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild because it’s all that and more. Ms. Frampton writes the Dukes Behaving Badly series and I’m happy to say this is a great standalone book. I haven’t read any of the other stories and although I didn’t need to in order to enjoy this novel, it definitely has me interested in the others especially if they are as fun as this one.

Margaret is a not only an author, but a card shark. The heroine is determined to not marry at all especially after what happened with the last prospective husband her parents wanted her to marry. Now, she’s alone with no family to support her and she’s fine with that. However her independence is like the perfect carrot for a man who likes a challenge or wants a relationship without strings. It always starts off that way, doesn’t it? But this novel takes a different approach. One that is refreshing and that I liked a lot. First impressions set the stage for some great dialogue and a journey neither Lasham nor Margaret foresaw.

Ms. Frampton also drew a very sad and stilted picture of her hero, the Duke of Lasham. He’s proper, responsible and he’s never had any true fun or time for frivolous frolic in his youth. He’s a shadow of the man he should be. Enter the very unconventional Margaret. I had a ball watching her slowly but surely open up the hero’s eyes to another world he knew about but never understood. Margaret makes it come alive with a relevancy that changes his perception, turning him into a man of action, especially when he begrudgingly performs a few heroic deeds along the way. He simply can’t resist the heroine no matter what predicament she drags him into.

One of the most effective and clever scenes were the ones where Margaret took Lasham on excursions of “adventure”. It’s during those scenes that I saw the hero’s character evolve, watched their relationship overcome challenges and grow, and it’s also when their love blossomed. I think that’s when I fell a little in love with Lasham myself. In those pursuits they both saw wonderful things about each other, and other aspects which made them flawed, vulnerable and human. It’s also where I found most of the romantic moments throughout the novel. I enjoyed every single one.

For fans who like the bedroom door open enough to enjoy confirmation that Laham was totally, completely under passion’s sway, they’ll be gratified by his complete seduction of Margaret and her wild and satisfying response. They might have differences of opinion on many things but in the bedroom, they are quite energetic and wonderful together.

Another cute addition that Ms. Frampton added was the tale of Georgiana and the Dragon which was told in a few paragraphs before each chapter. That was equally entertaining and I chortled heartily with the publisher’s final plea. Margaret, like her creator, Ms. Frampton, flaunts convention and tells the tale their way and knows how to keep their audiences enthralled.

One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild was one of most romantically satisfying books I’ve read in a while. I think it was how Ms. Frampton presented the Duke of Lasham. I just wanted to hug him and love him all over; he’s such a wonderful man but he never had the chance to fly. Margaret gave him figurative wings and the rest was pure magic. This was a great read.

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

Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash

December 14, 2015 By 2 Comments

GEIST
Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (239 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Sometimes life, as well as death, is about second chances. Luckless Telly Martin doesn’t have a clue. An awful gambler trying to scrape by as a professional poker player, he becomes the protégé of world famous poker champion Clutch Henderson. The only catch…Clutch is a ghost.

Patients are taught these exercises to order cialis online browse that web-site get rid of old life, there is no place for new and fresh.” I hope you will succeed with your partner and solve problems that plague you. robertrobb.com levitra 10 mg It can be some physiological disorder. After all, how many of you are questioning tadalafil buy canada the, supposedly, new developments of previously unheard of diseases, super bacterial infections that are resistant to modern day antibiotics, and the nowhere money trail failures to healing cancer? I borrowed this example of what a huge impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle can have on your overall health. In this variety of therapy, the individuals are asked to take only during the wish of sexual intercourse not on daily basis. prices levitra Telly and Clutch must navigate the seedy gambling underbelly of Las Vegas learning to trust each other in order to win the elusive International Series of Poker, repair their shattered personal relationships and find redemption in this life and the hereafter.

This is not a typical ghost story. Usually ghosts are either scary, freaky or out to cause mayhem. In Pokergeist this particular ghost wants a bracelet. Not just any old bracelet. No, this one is the ultimate poker prize, the dream all poker players strive to reach. Such is the draw, not even death can stop a determined poker player. Clutch has a second chance to win, even if he has to use the hands and body of Telly, the hapless hero. At least, that’s the basic gist of the story but it’s not the whole story, not by a long shot and that is why this novel was so interesting.

Telly is the epitome of the man who dreams big, who thinks he has what it takes to play with the big guys, but when he joins them, he gets a rude wake-up call. It’s very disheartening and the author made it very clear that the hero is at the tipping point. He’s not so addicted that he can’t stop, but he’s not far off. It’s the love of his life, Gretchen, that’s his anchor. But can he really stop gambling?

Their relationship bears the strain of his dream and it’s very gripping, gritty and true-to-life. When you love someone, you want to help them, support them and encourage their hopes and ideas and Gretchen does that the best she knows how. Sometimes, there’s a breaking point and the author explored that a little bit. Telly’s dream comes close, very close to destroying one of the best things in his life, his relationship with Gretchen. The major complication comes from Clutch, the ghost.

Clutch’s influence is a good thing/bad thing. There are times I cheered and others I thought he was a jerk – which is sort of how he was in life. Because he dealt with loan sharks, Clutch qualified for the ‘j’ word. It wasn’t just the fact that he owed money, it was who they went after to recoup their ‘investment’. I wonder if people ever think about that – that loan sharks don’t accept death as a reason to bring the balance sheet to zero. That messed up the subplot rather nicely. The subplot was about the people Clutch left behind and the author interwove their lives with Telly and Gretchen seamlessly.

As the reader approaches the final few chapters, the author starts bringing all the players in this drama onstage for the big finale. I am happy to share that I ended up being stunned. The ending did not happen as I expected. What did happen ended up being a very savvy, clever and surprisingly funny wrap up. The angel that kept trying to get Clutch to ‘cross over’ finally got his way, but again, the why and how was greatly amusing, and yet, there was a lesson to learn, a moral to the story that was really sweet and poignant. The final showdown with Ant and Telly was a class act. The epilogue was perfect and sweet with a hint of that ol’ Clutch sass.

Pokergeist is a ghost story with depth, heart and grit. It follows a man who is basically good, timid and smart but loves poker and believes it’s the path to better things, mixed with a ghost who sees a second chance at that coveted bracelet and pursues it with a single minded purpose, and complicated by the love of a good woman who is wondering if Telly is still the man she fell in love with. Woven throughout this book is the story of real people in all their vices, darkness and passions. What redeems them are the good deeds, the integrity and the true love of Telly and Gretchen. This isn’t a fluffy book; it has teeth and it’s meaty, and it’s well worth spending time with.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »