Monthly Archives: December 2012

The Devil’s Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1) by Samantha Kane

The Devil's Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1)The Devil’s Thief by Samantha Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Samantha Kane’s Brothers in Arms series for years. As a matter of fact, she may be the author that introduced me to the joys of a menage relationship (reading about it people, not living it!) I love her books, so I was excited to have the chance of reviewing her first book for a mainstream publisher. I was also nervous because I was afraid her style would be changed because the book was intended for a different audience.

I shouldn’t have worried.

The Devil’s Thief is a straight historical romance. There is no sexual kink involved, but the sex scenes are still hot. More importantly, the relationship between Julianna and Alasdair is heart warming. They got off to such a bad start and they have so many problems to overcome, you really, really want them to work things out.

Julianna is the more likable of the two characters. After her unconventional upbringing, she is determined to help other children who have no one to care for them. That is why she turns to thievery. She does not have the money to keep her foundling home afloat.

Alasdair, however, is a rake and an immature one at that. Although the heirloom belongs to his side of the family, he only really wants it to spite his cousin. That is until Julianna steals it. Fortunately, Alasdair realizes he must grow up if he is going to win Julianna and regain the heirloom. More importantly, he realizes that Julianna is what he really cares about, not the heirloom. He finally understands which is the true “pearl of great value.”

There are a number of characters introduced in this book who I am sure will have their own stories soon. The next book in the series, Tempting the Devil, is about Alasdair’s friend Roger. It will be released in July of 2013 and I cannot wait.

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Filed under Historical, Realistic, Romance

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry

The Other Side of UsThe Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: * The Other Side of Us
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Series: n/a
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ebook, paperback
Date/Year: January 2, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.

Summary from the publisher:

The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver’s new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he’s decided to keep his distance. After all, he’s in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn’t include working hard to get on Mackenzie’s good side—no matter how intriguing she may be.His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go…well, the humans must follow! It doesn’t take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes….

My Musings:

The first thing I want to say is this is not the book I thought I was getting. The publisher’s blurb is misleading, although everything it describes is true. I was looking for a light, funny romance. That is not this book.

This book is so much more!

The more I read, the more enthralled I became.

Oliver is recovering from a recent divorce caused by his wife’s unfaithfulness. He thought they had a good marriage and had no idea she was cheating on him. Because of that, he no longer trusts his feelings about the people he meets.

Mackenzie is recovering from a near fatal automobile accident. She has always been a workaholic and is driving herself to overcome physical injuries, so she can get back to her career.

Neither one of them is an emotional state to begin a relationship.

Enter Mr. Smith, the dachshund, and Strudel, the schnauzer. For them, it is love at first sight.

My description confirms the publisher’s blurb. What is doesn’t say is how intense the emotions experienced by both characters are felt.

Both Oliver and Mackenzie are their late thirties, each with a bad marriage behind them. The relationship that develops between them does not come easily . . . but it does come. Watching their love grow and their struggle to trust each other was heartrending and heartwarming.

If you are looking for a strong romance between two people with real lives, I highly recommend this book. It is definitely not fluff, but a solid story that I will remember for a very long time.

THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON SEDUCTIVE MUSINGS.

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Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance