Lord Sayer’s Ghost by Cindy Holbrook

July 2, 2020 By 1 Comment


Lord Sayer’s Ghost by Cindy Holbrook
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Historical, Romance, Mystery/Suspense
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Is he a ghost?

Outraged screams echoed through Shadow Hall, and Prudence was ready to kill…Lord Sayer. If he weren’t dead already, that is. His mischievous antics made help impossible to keep. Prudence wished the seductive spirit would simply take one step beyond…and stay there!

…A rake?

But no insouciant ghost was going to drive Prudence from this castle. Sayer’s will declared that any relative able to inhabit it for one year would inherit his estate. Prudence was only a distant relative to be sure, but she simply had nowhere else to go.

…Or a man to love?

Except into the arms of…Lord Sayer! The very-much-alive nobleman was just pretending to have passed on so he could unmask his would-be murderer. Now he had just stolen a kiss—and requested Prudence to host a séance. Dare she trust this rogue who was far from what he seemed? Could a spirited scoundrel properly woo her? Perhaps—with a little faith, a lot of love, and maybe some help…from the other side.

A ghost who happens to be very real and quite the rake? That’s Lord Sayer.

Historical romances can be hit or miss for me. I don’t know the history enough to know if the details are correct and I’d rather have the story take me away. I’d never read anything by Cindy Holbrok, so when I saw this book and there was a cat on the cover, I had to pick it up. I was intrigued by the premise. He’s pretending to be dead in order to prove someone wanted to murder him. Okay, I can go along with that. Prudence, who is sort of family, is the only one who can figure out if he’s truly been almost murdered.

I had to admit, this one was a tad slow in spots. I put it down and had a hard time coming back to it. I guess it’s because it seemed to drag. I wasn’t as caught up in the characters as I might have liked. It’s nearly four hundred pages.

Prudence could be a bit of a prude, but I rather liked her lack of experience and her getting flustered when she ended up in compromising situations. It was cute. Lord Sayer…I’m still not sure how I feel about his character. I liked that he wanted to find the person who wanted to murder him. He had money and the family didn’t like how he spent it. But he tended to get extreme with his strolls at midnight and his mood swings were a little much for me. I also had a hard time with the way the cat was treated. He isn’t hurt, but it just wasn’t my thing.

That said, there is some amusing romance in this book and the mystery was different. I didn’t figure it out until revealed at the end, so there’s that.

If you want a historical romance that’s got some mystery and a super slow burn, then this might be the one for you.

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

The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries

June 8, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries
Duke Dynasty, book 2
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (288 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family’s reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it’s Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate’s gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it’s torment to be so very close to the beauty he’s fought to ignore . . .

With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater risk: deflecting a scoundrel’s attempts to sabotage her—or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can’t resist . . .

She’s got a problem and he’s the only one who can fix it, but will he?

I’m a sucker for Sabrina Jeffries books. Why? The writing is always great and I get sucked right into the story. This book was no different. I had to know what would happen to the characters. Had to.

Gwyn and Joshua are great characters. They’re both strong and confident. They have great chemistry. I have to admit there were times I got irritated with Joshua for being so bullheaded, but it made me think about him after the book ended and I love that in a story. I got emotionally involved. Then there’s Gwyn. She could be a spitfire, but she could also be a bit too pushy. I don’t know. There was something about her that grated on my nerves, but it was okay because she grew through the story. I rooted for these people to get their happy ending.

If you’re interested in a good read to fill an afternoon, with solid characters sure to stick with you after the last page, then this is the story for you. Recommended.

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Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti

April 1, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (368 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .

MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .

MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .

MICHELLE
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.

I expected a lot from this book, because the quality of the authors’ previous works has preceeded them. Let me review this anthology one story at a time.

First, we have Against the Heart by Kat Martin (Meri’s story). She’s escaping a one-night-stand who’s also, unfortunately, the father of her daughter. This guy wants to bleed her dry for every penny she has, and threatens her kid on top of it. So Meri runs … right into Ian Brodie.

Man, I loved Ian and his father. I have this feeling they may have been in other of Ms. Martin’s books, but I’ve never “met” them before. Ian is steadfast, honorable and loving. His dad is heartbroken from his wife’s death, incorrigible and hides his heart pretty well, until he gets thawed out by Meri’s young daughter, who basically adopts him as a grandpa.

There is no question this story’s suspense was first rate. I was absolutely worried about Meri and, as I got to know the rest of the crew in Spokane, worried about them, too. It seemed her ex would stop at nothing (which included beating up a friend and kidnapping) and, even though I knew in my head this story would have a happy ending, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through reading about them getting there. I did. Barely, and with heart pounding.

The part I didn’t love as much was the romance. Not that I didn’t adore Meri and Ian, I just couldn’t buy they could fall in love–like the “let’s get married and live happily every after forever” love–in that short a time. Honestly a ‘happy for now’ ending probably would have contented me more (and I don’t say that often).

Next comes Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti (Michelle’s story) and this one really had it all. I felt it was the strongest, most well-rounded story of the trio. The suspense was great (though I really did struggle with why she felt ANY kind of responsibility to her mother…but that is what the entire story hinged on so it had to exist). Evan was a take-no-prisoners (and take no crap) kind of guy, and refused to let Michelle get away with much when it came to their previous and current/potential relationship. I also adored Wolfe…his character was honestly about the most well-rounded one in the story! I think several of the secondary characters are also part of other books the author has written, and I’m definitely going to hunt those down. If her other books are as good as this story, she’s going to be an auto buy author for me.

Lastly we have Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy (Melanie’s story). Another second chance romance! One of my favorite tropes when done right, and this one did pretty well. I did feel a bit of what I’m sure was a word count constraint here, so we weren’t able to see as much of their backstories as I would have liked. Still, the romance and the suspense both worked for me here.

All in all, I think this was a pretty solid romantic suspense anthology. I got to find two “new to me” authors that I’ll check out for longer releases and found a good amount of escapism and enjoyment from this well-written trio of inter-connected stories. If you’re a fan of any of these authors, or just the genre in general, you could do worse than grabbing yourself a copy and reading the day away.

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

Plaid Tidings by Mia Marlowe

February 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment

plaid
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.

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

COMES
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.

A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil – and a desperate race to save their love…

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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Shadows Strike by Dianne Duvall

August 31, 2015 By 1 Comment

STRIKE
Shadows Strike by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra Books/ Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (411 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The Immortal Guardians protect the innocent in secret. Sometimes the secret gets out…

U.S. law enforcement agent Heather Lane can read minds. But not the future. The dream of battle and blood that recurs every night must be a fluke, some obscure terror from her own mind. What its significance might be, she can’t guess: an attack from seven psychotic vampires at once, only separated from nightmare by an eighth very different immortal. A handsome, brave man fighting at her side, a man she misses when she wakes.

Then the dream comes true. Heather is flung into a war between predators and protectors of humanity, the man from her dreams beside her again. Except now that she’s awake, she isn’t sure she can trust Ethan, or the shadow organization he represents. The U.S. military doesn’t trust either of them. But against an onslaught of evil like the one that’s coming, it will take everything they have just to survive…

Ms. Duvall is the mistress of page flipping excitement. You have no idea how many breath stealing, heart pounding, nail biting chapters fill this latest book in her Immortal Guardian series. Shadows Strike is beyond the classic ‘must read’ recommendation. It’s so much better! Each chapter created an addiction for more, and the most wonderful part of that, is that Ms. Duvall delivered and satisfied that craving. This novel rocked!

The story starts with Heather’s premonition of her meeting Ethan. Right off the bat, the author creates an unusual way for a heroine and hero to meet. It makes an indelible impression but it’s only the beginning. The revelations, the action, the worries, the fears, the determination to survive and protect, the wonder, the beauty, the sword fights, and the camaraderie that populate most chapters simply astound a reader. All those things and more provide depth and breadth to the plot and characters that are on stage. Shadows Strike is a big book, a busy book but time ceases to have meaning when a reader is immersed is this extremely well written and awesome novel. Please give yourself plenty of time to sit and enjoy because if you’re anything like me, you won’t want to stop; you won’t be able to, it’s that remarkable.

I honestly have no negatives to convey. This book is perfect. The dialogue, the descriptions and most of all, the surprises, totally and completely worked. Not all the surprises were good, some were downright deadly. Some took the main characters completely unaware and they fought for their lives, more than once. One completely floored me and greatly affected Heather and her relationship to Ethan. I never saw it coming.

The most adorable moments came from a tiny baby. I simply adored those scenes because Adira was the bright spot that brought charm and levity in an otherwise serious story. Her little character showed that no matter how gruff, tough and deadly the immortals are, they are also capable of tenderness, affection, gentleness and love and it was proved every time they held her, or protected her. For such a wee thing, she had a strong presence.

Heather and Ethan as a couple are wonderful together. I enjoyed their dynamics, their dialogue and how they fell in love. When they finally succumb to their physical passions, it was hot, delightful and well written. I was very happy to see Ethan finally in love.

Secondary characters abound and most are from the previous books. I’m really feeling sad for Aiden. I hope he gets his happy ever after soon. He’s such a good guy, he deserves it. Then again, so does Seth. But what kind of woman would be his equal? I hope someday to find out. As it is, every single character, including Zach and Lisette, play pivotal supporting roles that help support and foster Ethan and Heather’s growing relationship.

Shadows Strike proves once again that Ms. Duvall is a masterful storyteller. Its drama and suspense kept me on edge but the romance made me melt. I can’t get enough of this world that Ms. Duvall has created. When I am reading her books, I feel like I’m right there, and it’s exactly where I want to be.

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The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander

April 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SISTER
The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (372 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The bride and groom request the presence of the bride’s sister, Delilah, proper widowed Lady Hargate, and Samuel Russell, groom’s friend, slightly improper bachelor, at their upcoming wedding. Lady Hargate and Mr Russell pretend to forget an unforgettable night in New York City. The lady plans to avoid love. The gentleman plans to change her mind.

This novel is certainly interesting as it takes place at the cusp of time when automobiles were being introduced as a potential progressive invention for the times. As with anything new, there are bumps and setbacks along the way, which goes hand in hand with the romance between Delilah and Sam. The dance of courtship is ever so complicated when one of them isn’t too keen on risk and the other thrives on it. How can the two come together? That’s the charm of The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride.

Appearances deceive and that’s the intent of Lady Hargate. No one can know about her need and eventual fulfillment of a grand amorous adventure. It’s … unseemly. However, it helps a reader understand just how constrained and suppressed Delilah is. She is a woman mired in tradition and convention, yet deep in her heart, she yearns for the ultimate adventure, love. What stops her is fear. She has good reason to fear based upon what a reader learns of her life thus far. But then, she uses it as a crutch and it almost costs her the very thing that she wants most, Sam.

Sam is an American and the hero of the story. He’s not too flummoxed by the British way of looking at things. What confounds him the most is Delilah. She says one thing, does another, pushes him away and yet draws him like a moth to a flame. What’s a poor guy to do? Sam isn’t averse to taking risks and a reader is treated to some fascinating scenes when his attempts pay off.

What helps Sam are the secondary characters; family and friends of Delilah’s, who believe he is the best thing that could happen to the very prim and proper heroine. Based upon references and scenes sprinkled throughout this novel, it’s part of a series and since I’ve not read any others, I’m comfortable with stating this is a standalone read. I did not become lost at any point because the focus remains on Sam and Delilah’s exploits.

That being said, and while I understand Delilah’s dilemma and emotions, I felt that the story was sluggish in parts. So much time was spent on her introspection of why she could not do a certain thing or pursue Sam for a husband – it became rather tedious. Her constant harping on being ‘proper’ and putting on airs, even though it was probably how things were done back then, drove me, a 21st Century gal, absolutely barmy. When Sam called her a certain profane name at one point when their emotions were quite out of control, I wholeheartedly agreed. I grant Sam a lot of points for apologizing to her later because I would not have. Especially since the revelations about her first husband proved without a doubt that Sam would never ever be so crass as to keep secrets from her. He treated her like a person with a brain, yet she didn’t want that from a “perfect” husband? Thank goodness saner heads prevailed in this story.

Despite some lapses with Delilah’s personality issues, she had some strengths, ideas and dialogue that redeemed her. She’s going to make Sam a very happy man because she’s a very energetic wife, competitive, intelligent, witty and once she opens up to her feelings, honest. It’s the honesty and trust that will be the glue that will keep them together.

The happy ever after is satisfactory. In fact, it was Sam that saved it. I liked the outline of his presentation and the way he handled it. It was so like the hero that I laughed. He’s got her number.

The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride, was entertaining. For historical romance fans, Delilah’s adherence to social conventions of the time might very well appeal because they’ll understand more than most how things were. And who knows, that might make the heroine come across as more deliciously wicked than I took her for. But, I liked Sam, I enjoyed the story and I’d recommend this to other historical romance readers who look for stories that take place in the latter part of the 19th Century.

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Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton

October 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

EYES
Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (392 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

Don’t Look

At first, they struggle to escape. Then a torrent of blows rains down upon their bodies until their eyes cloud over in final agony. The killer shows no remorse–just a twisted need to witness each victim’s last terrified moments.

Don’t Speak

Public defender Rachel Wainwright is struggling to reopen a decades-old case, convinced that the wrong man is in prison. Homicide detective Deke Morgan doesn’t want to agree. But if Rachel’s hunch is correct, whoever fatally bludgeoned young, beautiful Annie Dawson thirty years ago could be the source of a new string of brutal slayings.

Just Prepare To Die

Rachel’s investigation is about to reveal answers–but at a price she never thought to pay. Now she’s become the target of a rage honed by years of jealousy and madness. And a murderer is ready to show her just how vicious the truth can be. . .

I’ve never read a Mary Burton book I didn’t like and Cover Your Eyes was no exception. It had all the necessary elements of a first rate romantic suspense novel, secrets, danger, and of course, a budding romance.

I liked the character of Rachel, while tough; she showed a vulnerability for helping the people she believed in. Ms. Burton certainly kept me in suspense knowing if the DNA from a previous crime matched that of her now client, Jeb.

Deke was at times a little arrogant but you like him nevertheless because you know in the back of your mind he’s going to be right about his beliefs and maybe save the day.

I enjoyed the way this story unfolded. A clue here and there, another character thrown in just to keep you on your toes about guessing the story’s outcome. And while I did guess correctly on some of the clues, the ending was perfect for a die-hard mystery reader like myself.

And speaking of other characters, all the secondary ones in this story drew you into their tale. Ms. Burton made them as well rounded as Rachel and Deke.

I also liked the setting. So many stories feature New York, LA , New Orleans or Atlanta but I can’t think of a romantic suspense I’ve read that’s set in Nashville and the music industry. It was a refreshing change which I felt added another layer to the story.

Pacing is actually fast despite this book’s length and I think the “I have to turn the page” quality of Cover Your Eyes had something to do with that.

If you’re looking to add a romantic suspense story to your upcoming winter reading list, I’d recommend this one.

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

Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall

August 21, 2014 By 9 Comments

UNBOUND
Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (425 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For centuries, Lisette d’Alençon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can’t bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians’ command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for–and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.

Zach is an exile, a loner. He won’t defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he’ll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?

Fans of paranormal romance who haven’t discovered this series yet are really missing out on something extraordinary. Ms. Duvall has consistently proved her talent with every installment by delivering heart stopping action, thrilling escapes, sizzling romance and heroes and heroines that touch and engage the emotions of a reader. Every single book so far has been almost impossible to put down once I started and Night Unbound continues the tradition. I read it in one day, all 400+ pages. It was that compelling.

If readers like a bad good guy who is misunderstood, Zach is their man. If readers are looking for a romance that embraces sweet and naughty, that can be tender or frenzied, and defies all odds, including threat of death, then this is the book to read. If a race against time and the drama and suspense and all that that entails piques your interest, then a reader should feel right at home. If reading about a strong man who is not intimidated by a strong woman but is turned on by it, who acts like an adorable puppy with the heroine but can wield power better than Darth Vader, then Zach might be the man of your dreams. Zach’s personal growth in this story is tremendously painful but worth every angst filled page. What he turns into is worthy of a swoon – and a rousing cheer.

Lisette is the heroine who teaches Zach to crave a woman’s touch. She’s a warrior and has a wicked talent with swords. She’s also a very brave woman because she stood up to the threat of death in order to be with the man she loved. At no time did the author fall into the trap of making Lisette less than what she started off to be – a strong, independent woman with a confidence to match. Doesn’t mean she doesn’t make mistakes. But the make-up sheet fun was worth reading; every single scene. Well, there was that part that some would consider embarrassing, but I found tremendously funny. I don’t think her brother will recover any time soon. I giggle every time I remember that part.

Secondary characters are too numerous to mention. Perhaps a new reader might get lost when it comes to some of the deep emotional undercurrents between them, mostly because they are much more effective if a reader has the background. But Ms. Duvall did include enough backstory in the natural telling of this tale to catch a reader up to speed so I’m not too worried about calling this a standalone read. In any event, the secondary characters to keep an eye on for future stories are Seth and Aiden. I don’t know too much about Aiden yet but I recognize a wonderful hook when I see one. But Seth, Seth is special. In this novel readers will find out more about him then they ever dreamed they would all in one book. Now I know he is a man in need of love even more than the men I’ve met so far. It’s not too strong of a statement to say that I’m enamored of this series. It’s so rich and meaty!

As for bad guys, Ha! Get ready to be turned around upside down. I was as discombobulated as Zach and as frustrated as Seth. Who could do the impossible and do all that was done? The suspense and mystery of it all had me gripped by my short hairs. I’m still reeling from the ramifications. It was awesome writing.

Night Unbound isn’t just a story, it’s a profound experience. The editing, the characterization, the dialogue, the pace and delivery of the plot and all its environs were simply spot on. I am hard pressed to find anything that didn’t work for me. I adored how Lisette and Zach were together – watching their love grow made me happy. There is sadness too, and tenderness and even hope and joy woven in to keep things balanced. Night Unbound has everything a paranormal romance reader could possibly wish and then some. I cannot express enough my pleasure and satisfaction from having read this book but I encourage readers to discover the unique richness that abounds in Ms. Duvalls books. This book and the rest are treasures.

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

Laird of Ballanclaire by Jackie Ivie

November 25, 2013 By 4 Comments

LAIRD
Laird of Ballanclaire by Jackie Ivie
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (408 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Rebellion

Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire, has no respect for his father’s titles and treaties. They’ve gotten him naught but trouble—and a betrothal to a sickly Spanish princess. So when his latest peccadillo gets him transported to America to subdue the restless colonies, he’s ready to prove his worth as a man, not a figurehead.

Seduction

Constant Ridgely, seventh daughter of an upright patriot family, discovers Kam beaten senseless by a crowd of colonists. She must hide him or watch him die, but the strange, brawny Scotsman inflames passions she’s never guessed at.

Deception

Under Constant’s ministrations, Kam discovers a lovely, innocent woman whose hands stir his desires. But much is at stake and there is much to lose, and their happiness depends on a risk so great only the truly lost would dare…

What a shock to find a Scottish laird in distress in the American Colonies rather than fighting another clan in Scotland. I immediately wanted to find out how he had gotten himself into such a life-threatening situation. Even more importantly, I wanted to see how Constant Ridgley could possibly help him with all the other responsibilities she had, not to mention the appropriateness of it considering her religious upbringing and the political climate of the pre-revolution Colonies.

Kameron Ballan and Constant Ridgley are strong characters. They give the reader a vicarious experience that sends the adrenaline racing, stirs compassion, and takes the breath away with the “giving” love Constant offers and the determination Kameron has to find a way to the woman that is more to him than life.

My first inclination was to invite you in for coffee or tea and say let me tell you about this book I’ve just read; then give you a blow by blow account of the dangers, the clandestine activities, the amazing love that wiggles its way into the hearts of two people who could hardly be more different. But that would take some of excitement and anxiety away that is felt as these things are revealed in Laird of Ballanclaire.

Just imagine how it would feel to take your sharpest paring knife and peel tar and feathers off a naked man that had been beaten to a pulp before he had hot tar poured all over him. Constant came to know Kameron as she did this very thing. My goodness, what a specimen of a man she did find!

Kameron knows he owes her his life. Moreover, he finds something stir his very heart and soul as this innocent, young, overworked woman with such low self-esteem does all in her power to save him even to the point of ruining her good name. The fallout from their love for each other, their separation, the reuniting then another forced separation kept me turning pages until late in the night. Also, the ship passage and life in Scotland with all its intrigues they must deal with and how these two determined characters finally get to their happy-ever-after kept me on edge to the very end.

There is a side story of Count Rafael de la Garza Montagna and Princess Althea that is not to be missed. True love, patient and unwavering, finds a way even though the path is long, secret, and dangerous for these two people. This side story has an unique connection to the major love story.

The culture in the American Colonies and in Scotland comes alive as Jackie Ivie takes her characters on their perilous journey. She creates some antagonists that one can really come to abhor. Conversely, she creates other characters that creep right into the heart. Constant’s little brother Henry leaves a lasting impression and the babies Benjamin and Abigail do their part admirably and help propel the plot along at a fever pitch at times. Moreover, Ms. Ivie weaves in passion, romance, and sizzling sexual moments that help the reader know just how deep and caring a love Constant and Kameron have for each other. This author knows how to rev of the heart rate and also how to make the heart ache for the characters as well as make it soar with joy. Laird of Ballanclaire has some unique twists and turns that kept me totally intrigued. Good reading!

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