Monthly Archives: December 2012

The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair-a review

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The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair-a review

The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair


The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair


FROM GOODREADS: Her Only Hope For The Season

With their father gone this Christmastide, Bronwyn de Breton and her two younger sisters are utterly vulnerable at unprotected Hunswick Castle. And their troubles are compounded when a fearsome knight arrives on the king’s orders to take Hunswick as his own—and the youngest de Breton daughter as his wife.

Is A Man She’s Never Met

Bronwyn would never let her little sister be forced to marry a man as rough and wild as the new lord is whispered to be. Yet someone must form an alliance with him, or all of Hunswick will be at risk. So she steps forward, pretending to be her own sister.

And A Love She Never Expected

But the new lord is not so easily fooled. He knows Bronwyn is not the woman he has promised to marry. And yet, no matter how duty-bound he may be, there is no resisting the golden-haired beauty who so fearlessly gives herself to him…and awakens a passion unlike any he’s ever known

REVIEW

This book was an outstanding read. I absolutely loved it! Not only did I feel at home reading a historical romance book, but this book just had everything I could ever want in a book. There are little historical tidbits you learn in the beginning of each chapter about the festivities before, after, and during Christmas; and how it came to be and the customs for each event. I thought these little tidbits were very interesting so I found it fun that not only am I enjoying a great story but I am learning about interesting things about Christmas during the medieval times. And a little secret, I love reading historical books because you get to learn little bits about that time period I mean the historical lure to me is just too great.

There so much to love about the couple which is Ranulf De Gunnar who becomes the new lord of Anscombe and Bronwyn Le Breton of the story because not only were they totally perfect for each other but they both had such strong personalities that made a perfect match to lead the village together. None of them had any tendencies that annoyed me or anything like that which was an unexpected plus to me. What I really liked was that the romance didn’t move too fast as compared to some stories though I don’t have any issues with that but I just really loved how the chemistry grew slowly and really built between the couple as starting with Bronwyn taking care of Ranulf’s injuries from an accident to a growing friendship to a full fledge love though both of them sometimes had too much pride to admit their feelings readily. And the first time they made love, I just melted; the scene was really passionate yet at the same time innocent.

Even though both Ranulf and Bronwyn are very strong characters, they both have their insecurities about how they appeal to the opposite sex; what with Ranulf’s burn scars and missing eye while Bronwyn lives in the shadow of her two beautiful younger sisters. Something that is very relatable to me. Despite that Ranulf makes Bronwyn feel desirable, loved and beautiful while Bronwyn makes Ranulf feel accepted, loved and the sense of home and belonging he never knew that he longed for. Of all things in the book, this was the one that really killed it for me and I meant that in a good way.

You get learning tidbits about Christmas, a heartwarming love story, a tangled web of lies and truths, adventure, and festivities!!! The total package!!! I promise you that!!! I even read somewhere this book won some award and now I see why, this book was bomb-diggity awesome!! Merry early Christmas to me for getting read this book.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Reviewed By
Xtina X

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Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julie London-a review

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Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julie London-a review

 

Snowy Night with a Highlander is the November 27, 2012 release from Julie London.

This is an excellent story of young heartbreak, life-changing tragedy, love and renewal of life. A great read for a snowy cold night!

I don’t like to do spoilers… so let me just recap some of the highlights that make this worth the reading.

Lady Fiona Haines of Scotland has been living in London in an attempt to find a suitable marriage partner. Her debutante event, in Scotland, was spoiled years ago by a friend of her brothers that she admired when he likened her to a “woodchuck”. Embarrassed and broken hearted, she moved to London with her brother James (himself a noted rogue and womanizer). While she found many friends at court in London, there were still no real suitors for her hand as yet.

Her brother gets in trouble with the Prince of Wales (sleeping with the Princess of Wales was what the Prince accused him of) and even though he is visiting friends in Scotland the Prince sends men to find him. Fiona finds she must go to Scotland to find her brother and warn him to hide deep in the highlands of Scotland until the matter is settled.

To reach her brother, she must contact Laird Duncan Buchanan, the same friend of her brothers who broke her heart all those years ago. She is reluctant to do this, but must save her brother who has no idea he is being pursued.

Duncan agrees to let Fiona and her maid ride with a cargo wagon to Blackwood, his ancestral home where her brother is staying. She doesn’t actually see Duncan as he stays hidden behind a drapery watching. She and her maid must go with the wagon driver and another man covered with dark clothing and an eye-patch.
Just outside of Edinburgh her maid decides she doesn’t want to go and secretly runs away, back to Edinburgh, leaving Fiona to travel with just the tall dark stranger (the wagon driver must go find the maid and see she gets safely back to Edinburgh).
During the cold and hard trip to Blackwood Fiona grows to trust the dark stranger who is named Duncan…she believes him to be Mr. Duncan a tenant of Buchanan’s. Through mishaps with the wagon and her being saved from a wolf she becomes very attracted to Mr. Duncan. She begins to dream of a life of being his wife and having his children, only to find out (as they near Blackwood) that he is not Mr. Duncan, but Duncan Buchanan of Blackwood himself. Will she forgive him; can she forgive him, should she forgive him? Hmmmmm…

You need to read the circumstances and how this all comes about as well as the ending for yourself, it’s a very good story of life and personal growth and love all wrapped up for Christmas!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO 

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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Rise of the Gryphon (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love-cover reveal

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Rise of the Gryphon (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love-cover reveal

From Amazon: 

RISE OF THE GRYPHON (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love-Release Date: July 30, 2013

In the fourth novel of the bestselling Belador paranormal series, Evalle Kincaid must turn her back on the Beladors to protect those she loves, and the world, from annihilation.

To prevent a genocide, Evalle is forced to embrace her destiny…but at what cost?

As an Alterant who fights everything from trolls to demons, Evalle has lived as an outcast among the Beladors, but can now change all that…and find answers to her origins as well. Those answers and a traitor hide within the Medb coven, an enemy poised to destroy the mortal world and all that Evalle holds dear. While her best friends Tzader and Quinn want to help, they have their own conflicts and face unthinkable choices as relationships with the women they love twist in unexpected directions. With time ticking down on a decision that will compel allies to become deadly enemies, Evalle turns to Storm and takes a major step that only complicates matters more when the witchdoctor he’s been hunting now stalks Evalle.

Available for Pre-order: Amazon

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All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

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All She Wants for Christmas/ A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton- a review

All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

Description from website:

All She Wants for Christmas by Jaci Burton -The Kent Brothers Series book 1

Main Characters: Ethan Kent and Riley Jensen

Ethan Kent – Youngest of the Kent brothers, he was in love with Riley in high school, but made a foolish mistake and lost her. With Riley back in town, he has a lot of mistakes to make up for. But his heart has always been with Riley.

Riley Jensen – She followed her heart as a teenager, but when Ethan betrayed her, she followed her dreams instead. Now she’s back and everything about Ethan has changed. Is she willing to give him a second chance?

Review:

So far I’ve only read one Jaci Burton book (Taking a Shot from her Play by Play series) and enjoyed it, so I thought what the heck, lets check out her Christmas series about the Kent brothers. So far I’ve only read this one, but I plan to read the other two, as I enjoyed this one so much.

All She Wants for Christmas was a touching, heart warming story about love lost, heartache, forgiveness and love found again. The storyline, actions and the characters are real, and Burton did an amazing job of capturing them just right and letting them unfold on the pages. You feel the emotion of the characters and the storyline rolls off the page.

I really enjoyed the characters of Ethan and Riley. You can’t help but fall in love with them instantly and root for them throughout the book. Throw in a cute adorable seven year old Zoey to the mix (Ethan’s daughter) and you have yourself a winning combination for a holiday story. Not only are Ethan, Riley and Zoey lovable characters, but so too are the secondary characters. I absolutely loved the Kent’s mom, she is a no nonsense type person and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. The scene with her and Ethan talking about his feelings for Riley and what mom thinks he needs to do had me chuckling. I could just see that scene so clearly, I was actually waiting for her to take him by the ear and drag him over to Riley and have him admit his feelings to her. The ear pulling didn’t happen, but in the end Ethan does finally admit his feelings in a most touching and made my eyes mist up kind of way. His words to Riley were so beautiful and tender that it made me wish for an Ethan of my very own.

I think Burton did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of the holidays in a small town, as well as the magic the holidays bring. At times it reminded me of my own small city where everyone knows everyone, and you can’t blink without someone noticing. The interaction between the characters is well written, and makes you feel like you are there watching the events unfold from the sidelines. This story will definitely put a smile on your face, and have you thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts while putting you in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, sweet story just in time for the holidays then this one’s for you. This is one holiday story I highly recommend, and now I’m off to read the second book in this holiday series, A Rare Gift.

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / KOBO / Amazon

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton – Book 2 in The Kent Brothers Series

Main Characters: Wyatt Kent and Calliope Andrews

Wyatt Kent – Divorced and bitter about it. Oldest of the Kent brothers, he runs Kent Construction with his brothers, mostly keeps to himself and doesn’t get involved with women anymore since his bitter divorce. Until he meets the whirlwind that is Calliope, who refuses to let him drown in his bitterness and forces him to come to life again.

Calliope Andrews – Younger sister of Wyatt’s ex-wife, she had a crush on Wyatt years ago, but it’s the more mature Calliope who sees the potential in Wyatt’s sense of humor and how much he has to offer. She wants to help him let go of the past so he has a chance at a future.

Review

I knew after reading the first book I’d have to continue with this series. Let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed, and glad I followed my instincts. Wyatt’s story is just as cute and heart warming a read as the first book. Once again Jaci spins a story about love lost, trusting one’s heart again, yearning for love and finding true love with the right person.

At first I thought it might be a bit awkward with Calliope being the little sister of Wyatt’s ex(Cassie), but Jaci does an excellent job of dealing with that situation. It wasn’t awkward at all for me, in fact it was the exact opposite. Jaci had me captivated with Wyatt from the get go and had me cheering him on to shed his grumpy ways, trust in love again and give Calliope a chance. The way that Jaci wrote this book, and dealt with Calliope and Wyatt’s relationship allows the reader to settle back and enjoy a good story.

Watching Wyatt go from a grumpy, bitter man to one full of life, laughter and love with Calliope is a fun adventure. It was funny and sweet all at the same time watching Wyatt slowly fall for Calliope all the while thinking he shouldn’t be feeling this way about her because of his past with Cassie. Due to the way the situation was left between Wyatt and Cassie, it’s no wonder he’s a bitter, grumpy negative man. However, thanks to Calliope, her never say never attitude and fiesty personality, poor Wyatt doesn’t stand a chance. I really enjoyed Calliope’s character, who wouldn’t when the heroine can say this to the man she’s been in love with all her life;

“I can’t believe a big tough guy like you is afraid of a little thing like me, Wyatt.” Then she stepped back, her gaze traveling halfway down and staring at the part of him she had no business staring at. When she lifted her gaze again, she grinned.
“I know you have balls in there. Why don’t you try to find them? When you do, it’s your turn to come ask me out.”

LOL!! Calliope is a riot and just the right woman for Wyatt. She brings, love, trust and laughter back into his life. More then that she makes him realize he’s been wasting his life long enough being lonely and realizes that what he wants and needs is staring him right in the face.

As in the first book, Jaci once again captures her characters personalities perfectly and the emotion and playfulness between Wyatt and Calliope just role off the pages. You can’t help but cheer these two characters on throughout the book, hoping that Calliope’s plan to put the past between Wyatt and Cassie to rest succeeds, so that he can finally move on and have the life he was meant to have with Calliope. The ending of the book is wonderful and seeing Wyatt finally happy and in love with the right woman is just the icing on the cake. If you are looking for something fun, sweet, with a touch of Christmas tossed in for good measure, then this one’s for you. I also know I’ll be following up with the third book as soon as I have the time. 😉

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Happy reading and Merry Christmas

The Kent Brother’s Series;

All She Wants for Christmas
A Rare Gift
The Best Thing (Dec, 2012)

Reviewed by Marcie

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COVER REVEALS December 20, 2012

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COVER REVEALS-December 20, 2012

 

TITLE: The Seduction

AUTHOR: Lisa Renee Jones

SERIES: Rebecca’s Lost Journals Vol 1 (Inside Out Trilogy Companion)

RELEASE DATE: January 28, 2013

 

 

 

TITLE: The Contract

AUTHOR: Lisa Renee Jones

SERIES: Rebecca’s Lost Journals Vol 2 (Inside Out Trilogy Companion)

RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2013

 

 

 

TITLE: Blood and Sacrifice

AUTHOR: Jessica Gibson

SERIES: Blood Ties

RELEASE DATE: N/A

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Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth

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Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth

Ask Her at Christmas is a short story by Christi Barth.  It is part of a new Christmas  Anthology, Romancing the Holiday.  Below is the description from Christi’s website, and my review of Ask Her at Christmas.

Description:
Caitlin McIntyre’s heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee  and proposes.

Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she’s in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she’s never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he’s only practicing—he’s about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle’s determined to win the respect of the dying father who’s never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle’s always depended on Caitlin’s friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

Review:
This was a cute Christmas short story, that was a fast and enjoyable read.  Of course, as we are days away from Christmas, this story continues the Christmas spirit. 

We meet our heroine, Caitlin with her working part time wrapping gifts in a store, as her best friend goes down on his knees to propose.  Her best friend, Kyle is our hero, and he is just testing his planned proposal to another woman.  Who else would you want to test your proposal with, other then your very best friend?

Kyle and Caitlin have been friends forever, each always being there for one another.  But we learn immediately, that Caitlin has always loved Kyle from afar, not letting him know how she truly feels, for fear of losing this wonderful friendship.  Kyle is a hunk, something Caitlin constantly admires, but careful not to let him know she is appreciating his physique.  When Kyle practices his proposal to Caitlin, she does what a friend is supposed to do, takes him to different places where she suggests he should propose, and at the same time hides her emotions of despair. 

Kyle is planning to propose to Monica Selford, from the very rich Selford Hotel chain.  After being pushed to explain why he wants to marry Monica, whom he hardly knows, and Caitlin realizes, he is not in love with this woman; she learns that Kyle’s father is pushing for this marriage to help in a merger of both businesses.  Kyle admits he does not love Monica, nor does she love him, but the marriage will be a convenience for both of them, and help with the business side of things. 

Caitlin has just graduated art school, and now has two job proposals from major firms, one being the Selford Museum.  A few days later, Caitlin runs into Monica, whom Caitlin does not like, as she is a bit snobbish.  Monica ends up trying to pressure Caitlin into taking the Selford job.  As it turns out Monica already knows that Kyle will propose, and is determined to offer Caitlin everything in order for her to disappear out of their lives.  In fact, she more or less threatens to destroy Caitlin if she does not accept the job, as Monica knows that Kyle and Caitlin, love each other, even if neither know how the other feels. 

It is a fun story, nice to see how great their friendship was.  I really liked Caitlin, and thought Kyle though cute, was a bit too laid back, and not the strong type.  The last third of the book had you wondering where this was heading, and if there was any hope for the true couple in love.  Very nice short story by Christi Barth with a wonderful Christmas theme.  If you want a fast fun read, and you are in the Christmas spirit, read Ask Her at Christmas.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall-a review

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A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall-a review

A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall is a short story, all of 28 pages, set in the late Victorian England.

The herione is Cassandra Barnwell, weathy and not without wit. She was a suffragette and did not rank high on the “hotness” scale. She was, of course, also unwed. The hero is Brandon Russell, the younger brother of a duke and the next in line to the dukedom. He was also an archaeologist and spent most of his time “playing in the world’s biggest sandbox” in Egypt.

The beginning of the story sets the background for both Cassandra and Brandon. Cassandra had just turned down yet another marriage proposal from an eligible bachelor. She wanted to marry for love and the eligible bachelors loved her money. Brandon was back in old blighty because he was out of funds for his expedition, and to attend his sister’s wedding. Upon his arrival, he learned that his great benefactor was going to marry a showgirl, who did not want the said great benefactor to donate to Brandon’s expedition anymore. Brandon’s father left him an inheritance but he could not touch the funds until he turned thirty-two or got hitched. Brandon could not approach his duke brother as the duke wanted him to stay in London to take his rightful place.

Anyway, a story like that requires a meddling relative. This comes in the form of Cassandra’s great aunt Tilda, who was always throwing eligible bachelors in Cassandra’s way. Aunt Tilda wanted Cassandra engaged by Christmas because it would be so romantic. After a chance meeting at the British Museum, Cassandra came up with the idea of getting Brandon to pretend to court her to get auntie off her back. In return, she would fund Brandon’s expedition. Cassandra was also going to take part in a suffragett demonstration and Brandon was to ditch her because taking part in a demonstration was unseemly. That way Brandon did not really have to marry her. However, they fell secretly in love with each other in the pretend courtship.

Along with meddling relative, a story like that would need a big misunderstanding. This comes in the form of Brandon’s stupid ‘friends’. They made a bet, when Brandon first arrived in England, that Brandon would be proposing to Cassandra for her money. Incidentally, many of these friends happened to be the eligible bachelors Cassandra had turned down. Anyway, just as Brandon was about to declare himself to Casssandra (having found out that his duke brother had managed to produce a couple of male heirs and now the duke was in a good mood and willing to fund Brandon’s expedition), his ‘friends’ made the bet known to Cassandra. Cassandra was not pleased with that and left before Brandon could explain.

Then the suffragett demonstration took place and there was some suggestion that chaos had ensued. A concerned Brandon went looking for Cassandra and found her to be well, having just ‘rescued’ a little boy who was separated from his mother. Brandon made his explanation and all was forgiven. And they lived happily forever after playing in the world’s biggest sandbox!

ORDER NOW: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

Reviewed by 3 Dots…

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Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

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Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Just Remember to Breathe (November 2012 release) is an intricate love story between Alexandra Thompson and Dylan Paris. Issues resulting from dysfunction, among both the wealthy and the poor set these two star-crossed lovers on a journey to find themselves and their way to love and commitment.

The story is written under first person, but from both Alex’s and Dylan’s perspectives. However, point of view headings let you know who is telling that particular part of the story. It’s interesting to see both perspectives and how they relate and differ…

The lives of the two main characters are entwined around each other as if fate won’t let them be apart for long. We’re enticed by glimpses of memories of their first meeting (Junior’s in High School on a trip abroad)and how they fell deeply in love, only to have distance (she’s on the West Coast and he’s in Georgia), social difficulties, and fear of relationships put a strain on their budding love.

I don’t want to spoil the story so I’ll just say that it begins with Alexandra Thompson, daughter of an American Ambassador and controlling mother, now a pre-law student at Columbia. She’s still suffering from a broken heart when she finds that Dylan Paris is now going to be her partner in her work-study program.

Dylan is the son of a poor, alcoholic and abusive father and a reformed alcoholic mother. Hurting and scared after his and Alex’s first “break-up”, he joined the Army and was sent to Afghanistan. When he returned home after much trauma and severe injury, he enrolled in Columbia and finds himself to be Alex’s partner in a work-study program.

Unable to change their work-study programs, they are stuck working together and the rest of the story begins!

It’s a really good love story that deals with issues resulting from their differences and the ramifications of bad decisions and assumptions. The way issues are handled is fascinating and their growing love often compelling. Love stories are amazing in scope and this one covers a whole range of obstacles: fear, date rape, death of friends, PTSD, war injuries, parental pressure – and in only about 190 pages!

I found this story and style to be interesting and packed with action and emotion. A great book to curl up with!

ORDER NOW: Barnes and Noble / Amazon/ The Book Depository KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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