Category Archives: Romance

May 25, 2013 · 8:38 pm

Winter of the Wolf (Wild Hunt Legacy, #2) by Cherise Sinclair

Winter of the Wolf by Cherise Sinclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t want to finish this book. I kept putting it down for entire minutes at a time. -grin-

I didn’t want to finish because I loved it so much. Unfortunately, the next book in the series is not due out until who knows when. The author has only just started on it.

Bree, Shay, and Zeb have all had terrible lives. When they join together, you think that finally things are going to work out for them. It’s never that easy though. One thing after another keeps destroying their happiness.

Of course, since it’s a romance, things do work out in the end.

You really need to read Hour of the Lion first. It is the first book in the series and really sets the scene for this one. Actually, you need to read it because it is just that good a book.

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May 22, 2013 · 2:54 am

Hour of the Lion (Wild Hunt Legacy, #1) by Cherise Sinclair

Hour of the Lion by Cherise Sinclair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Sinclair’s Shadowland series and she is equally as good at writing a shifter series. My only problem is she doesn’t write fast enough to suit me.

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May 5, 2013 · 9:24 pm

Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter, #1) by Nalini Singh

Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book. I knew I would probably love them since I am so crazy about Singh’s Psy-Changling series and I was right.

This is a totally different world from Psy-Changling, but there are some similarities between the ArchAngels and the Psy. The angels have lived so long they have forgotten their humanity. Of course, they were never really human to start with.

I loved Elena. She is a born hunter and definitely a strong heroine. She had a tragic childhood, but has overcome it for the most part. She has some wonderful friends who are closer than most families. I can’t wait to hear more of their story.

Raphael was very hard to warm up to. It wasn’t until the very end that I decided I could like him. It will be interesting to see how he is in the next book. He came a long way towards developing a sense of humanity in this one due to Elena.

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May 4, 2013 · 4:20 am

The Rancher’s Homecoming by Cathy McDavid

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Time To Rebuild It’s gone—everything Annie Hennessey, and two generations of Hennesseys before her, had worked so hard to build. The devastating forest fire didn’t just claim her family’s Sweetheart Inn—it also burned half a town whose livelihood is wedding tourism. Now the struggle to rebuild is just beginning, and Sam Wyler’s sudden reappearance isn’t going to make things any easier on Annie.

Nine years ago, Annie and Sam were deeply in love. When he left to seek his fortune, Annie couldn’t forgive him. Now Sam, widowed with a young daughter, is back and eager to help the town recover. But Annie needs more than bricks and builders to heal her proud and wounded heart. Could the love they once shared hold the key?

I can’t say that I enjoyed this book. It was well written, but there were no light moments. Everything was deathly serious. I like humor in the books I read. It doesn’t have to be one laugh after another, but there has to be some relief from all the seriousness.

Both of the characters had done things that made me dislike them. I couldn’t get past Sam getting another woman pregnant and marrying her right after he broke up with Annie. I didn’t like the fact that Annie pretty much caused the break up by refusing to even visit Sam in California. She was so tied to the family business, she was unwilling to leave it for even a short while.

I “seriously” doubt I’ll read anything else by this author.

(This book was offered for review from NetGalley.)

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April 28, 2013 · 5:56 am

Spank Me, Mr. Darcy by Lissa Trevor and Jane Austen

Title: * Spank Me, Mr. Darcy
Author: Lissa Trevor and Jane Austen
Series: n/a
Genre: Historical Erotica
Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: January 1, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

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

Summary from the publisher:

Netherfield, infamous for its debauched parties of excess and luxury, has a new Master.

After finagling an invitation to the ball, Elizabeth Bennet is introduced to the powerful and prideful Mr. Darcy, while her sister Jane has captivated the new owner, Mr. Bingley. Having contented herself with the pleasurable caresses of her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth is intrigued with the sensuality she finds at Netherfield. But it isn’t until her sister Jane is taken ill and Elizabeth stays at Netherfield to nurse her back to health that she finds the dungeons of Netherfield and the man in the black mask who becomes her Master.

By the time she leaves Netherfield, Elizabeth will have become disenchanted with her childhood playmate and obsessed with Mr. Darcy, her Master, who has told her that she would be more marriageable as a Netherfield submissive than as a curious virgin. Elizabeth holds on to her affront at his callous regard for her until Charlotte marries Mr. Collins and Jane is discarded by Mr.Bingley. Unwilling to save herself for a man who’ll make a good match and determined not to suffer Jane’s heartbreak, when she meets Mr. Darcy again at Rosings Park, she decides to become his slave and offers him her virginity.

But when she finds out that her cruel Master has destroyed Jane’s chance at marriage with Mr. Bingley, she rejects Mr. Darcy – even as he reluctantly proposes marriage to her. It isn’t until he saves her sister Lydia’s reputation and brings Jane and Bingley together, that Elizabeth realizes that she loves him. If he still loves her, she would be most willing to take her punishment for rejecting him – and live happily ever after.

My Musings:

The title page credits both Jane Austen and Lissa Trevor as authors . . . and that is exactly right.

Entire passages from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice were included in this book. Some were modified, but others were used word for word. I was impressed by how well Trevor’s material kept the flavor of the language.

Any fan of Pride and Prejudice will recognize the opening sentence:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” (Pride & Prejudice)

Trevor’s twist on this opening clearly shows that her version of the book is going in an entirely different direction.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a dominant man in possession of a good set of cuffs, must be in want of a much younger, submissive wife.” (Spank Me, Mr. Darcy)

I have to admit, in my opinion, it’s a much more interesting direction and I am already a fan of the original.

What can I say about the plot and characters?

This version follows the general outline of the original plot and the characters, for the most part, keep the same personalities. Darcy is overbearing. He is a dom after all. Surprisingly, Mr. Bingley is also a dom. He is so easily led, I expected him to be a sub.

Elizabeth still has the most character of all of the women and Jane is still a namby-pamby twit. Jane does have an interesting sex life though.

My only issue with the book is it needs closer editing. There was one entire scene in which I never did figure out what was going on.

All in all, this was a fun read which immediately caused me to pull out some of my other BDSM books. That’s definitely what it put me in the mood to read.

Ratings:

Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 5

(originally published at Seductive Musings)

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April 3, 2013 · 6:38 am

Bare it All (Love Undercover, #2; Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5) by Lori Foster

Bare It All by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: * Bare It All
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Love Undercover, #2; Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher:
Format: ebook
Date/Year: April 30, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

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

Summary from the publisher:

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire….

My Musings:

Lori Foster never disappoints and this book is no exception. With “Bare It All,” she has merged two of her Alpha male series: Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5 and Love Undercover, #2. It is not necessary to read the “Honor” series, but you really need to read book one, Run the Risk, of “Love Undercover” first. Otherwise, I think it will be difficult to follow the plot.

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVE NOT READ “RUN THE RISK”

“Bare It All” begins immediately after the ending of “Run the Risk.” Reese is a cop that helped take down the bad guys with Alice’s support. Reese has always considered Alice to be mildly timid until she shows up with her own weapon and demonstrates that not only can she take care of herself, she can take care of others as well.

Although they are next door neighbors, Reese has never been able to get close to Alice. She is too ashamed of her past and has too much to hide. It is only Cash, Reese’s puppy, who allows him to break through her barriers.

I loved this book. I loved the way it flowed directly from “Run the Risk.” I loved the return of characters that I know will be getting their own books soon. I really, really loved one of the characters from Foster’s “Edge of Honor” series showing up in this one.

Reese is your typical Alpha male. He is protective and very much a take charge personality. Alice, however, is not interested in trusting anyone to protect her. She can take care of herself.
She is a woman in hiding. As I said, she is ashamed of things she was forced to do in the past and is afraid to let anyone get close to her. That doesn’t keep her from noticing Reese’s “manly parts” however.

As always, Lori Foster writes great sex scenes. They are strictly vanilla, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t hot. Alice definitely becomes well acquainted with Reese’s manly parts.

When I read this book, I had not read any of the “Edge of Honor” series. I enjoyed both of the books in her “Love Undercover” series so much, I have purchased the other series as well. Alice’s story is introduced in this series, but not knowing that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

As I said, Lori Foster doesn’t disappoint.

Ratings:

Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3

(review originally posted on Seductive Musings)

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March 30, 2013 · 4:13 pm

Mated to the Devil by Eve Langlais

Mated to the Devil by Eve Langlais
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Title: * Mated to the Devil
Author: Eve Langlais
Series: n/a
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Amira Press
Format: ebook
Date/Year: March 29, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

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

Summary from the publisher:

Not all pleasures are a sin…

Mina wants to put her seduction by a golden-eyed devil behind her, but the birth of her son, Jacques, renders that impossible. She tries to forget the only man who ever roused her passion, but when she notices her son exhibiting strange behavior—and less-than-human characteristics—she must face her past and learn to trust, and love, again.

Howling drunk, the one thing Remy clearly remembers is seducing Mina. A pity he didn’t think to get her address, especially since he marks her as his mate. When she disappears, he’s got plenty of time to regret, but he doesn’t get a chance to atone until she comes back into his life with an unexpected surprise.

Thrust into the role of father, Remy works to bond with his son while gaining forgiveness. But will he get the chance to truly make Mina his mate before danger threatens their fragile happiness?

My Musings:

I had great hopes for this book. Unfortunately, the entire plot is based on what has to be the most objectionable trope in romance literature. The entire relationship originates with Remy forcing himself on Mina. He, of course, brings her to orgasm and she remembers that night as the most pleasurable of her life.

Mina and Remy meet when she is 19 and he is 22. Mina has been raised by parents who are religious fanatics, and she, of course, is a virgin. While visiting cousins, she attends a college party where she is almost raped by two frat brothers. Although rescued by an extremely drunk Remy, he proceeds to forcibly seduce her.

And that is where my problem with the book begins. Forcible seduction is just another way of saying rape. Mina fights him and begs him to let her go. Remy continues to be “seduce” her and ends up impregnating her.

The story picks up five years later. Mina has an adorable little boy who happens to snarl and growl and whose eyes sometimes glow. Because she could never find Remy when she discovered she was pregnant, she has been forced to survive on her own and has no idea what is going on with her son. Remy has tried to find her, but he never found out her name before passing out.

The entire forced seduction aspect negatively colored my opinion of the book which is a shame. After Mina and Remy finally find each other, their relationship develops into a caring and loving one. I loved Remy’s joy when he found out he had a son. Pierre, Remy’s father, is so proud to be a grandfather and the most likable character in the book. There are indications that a sequel may be coming and I hope it is about Pierre.

Obviously, I liked the book well enough to want to read the sequel. Without the objectionable beginning, I would have rated it a 4 or 4.5. Hopefully, her next book will not contain such jarring content.

Ratings:

Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 3.5 (MF vanilla sex, but the language is explicit)

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February 17, 2013 · 4:21 pm

Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2) by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: * Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: March 19, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by NetGalley for review.

Summary from the publisher:

In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

My Musings:

This is the second book in Maya Banks The Montgomerys and Armstrongs series and it is very much a sequel. The book could be read as a stand alone, but I don’t recommend it. To really appreciate the relationships in Highlander Most Wanted, you should read Never Seduce A Scot first. Many of the same characters appear and it is like a visit with old friends.

Bowen is the younger brother of his laird. He has been sent to take the McHugh Keep because of the crimes they committed against his family. Unbeknownst to him, even more terrible crimes have been committed to a captive of the McHugh’s . . . Genevieve. She has been tortured and abused by the McHugh laird’s son for almost a year. Bowen is her only hope of rescue and he doesn’t even know she exists.

Bowen is an honorable man and believes nothing is as important as protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Genevieve has had no one to champion her and has lost her faith in everyone around her. She is shamed by what has been done to her and only wants to be left in peace.

So, of course, they fall in love.

One of the things I like about Maya Banks’ heroes is that they are not afraid to admit when they fall in love. Many times, the men recognize their feelings before the women do. It does not matter how alpha they might be, when they fall for a woman, they fall hard.

Genevieve was raised in a strong, loving family and that is what has enabled her to survive the past year in captivity. However, she no longer feels worthy of any man’s love and is too ashamed to want anything but to hide herself away.

Considering her sense of shame, an issue I had with the book is how easily Genevieve fell into a physical relationship with Bowen. Although there were moments when she felt threatened, they were quickly overcome and she lost herself in his arms. That’s not a direct quote, but the sentiment was definitely there. I just find it hard to accept that after a year of rape and torture by multiple men, she is able to relax enough to enjoy herself with Bowen.

Obviously, this is not an light romance, but so much more. The strength both characters show makes you love them all the more.

Genevieve and Bowen had a lot to overcome and just when you thought everything was going to work out, there’s a twist in the plot. Don’t worry. They get their “happily ever after,” but it doesn’t come easily.

If you enjoy Highland romances with strong male and female characters, this is a series you do not want to miss. Maya Banks writes in a variety of genres and this is one of her best.

The setup for the sequel is hinted at and I have already preordered the book. Highland Ever After is due out on September 24, 2013 and I cannot wait.

Ratings:

Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3

This review was originally posted at Seductive Musings.

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February 14, 2013 · 4:19 pm

Wolf with Benefits (Pride, #8) by Shelly Laurenston

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: * Wolf with Benefits
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride, #8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Brava
Format: ebook
Date/Year: March 26, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Summary from the publisher:

Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…

My Musings:

I am a long time fan of Shelly Laurenston’s books, especially this series. I consider them some of my comfort reads. I know if I ever need a book that will cheer me up, all I have to do is choose one of these.

Wolf with Benefits is no exception.

Toni Jean-Louis Parker is surrounded by geniuses. Her entire family is extremely gifted either in the fine arts or in academics. What they cannot do is manage their lives. That has always been Toni’s job. She spends all of her time arranging things for her siblings and parents and has never had the opportunity to have a life of her own. She is driven and stressed simply because it is necessary in order to deal with the arrogant personalities in her family.

Oh, did I mention they are all jackal shapeshifters?

Enter Ricky Lee Reed. Ricky Lee is a member of the Tennessee Reed wolves and a more laid back wolf you have never met. He lives to be entertained. And he finds most everything entertaining, especially Toni and her family.

Toni’s experiences with her over achieving, arrogant, self-centered family makes her perfect for managing the shifter’s star hockey player Bo Novikoff. Nobody gets along with Bo and the team cannot win without him. Toni finds herself responsible for arranging a match with Siberian bears in SIBERIA! Bears who just happen to hate canines.

Well, obviously she needs protection and Ricky Lee is more than happy to look after her. Might he have an ulterior motive for following a sexy she-jackal around? Well, of course he does.

I had my doubts about this book at the beginning because so many new characters were introduced, it was difficult to keep track of who was who. After a couple of chapters though, things settled down and the plot and characters became as endearing as those in the other books in the series.

Speaking of the other books, this is not a book or a series that can be picked up at random. These books need to be read in order. Characters from previous books show up on a regular basis and you really need to know their stories. This book in particular felt like old home week in the shifter world.

Fortunately, reading all of these books is not a hardship. Most of the characters are shapeshifters and the way their animal traits influence their human personalities is hysterical. I particularly like the lion males with their “it’s all about me” attitude, not to mention their obsession with their manes.

Read this book, but more importantly, read all these books. If you want a funny, enjoyable read with plenty of hot sex, you want these books.

By the way, can you tell I really, really love these books. I think you will too.

Ratings:

Overall: 4
Sensuality level: 3

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January 8, 2013 · 4:16 pm

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard, #1) by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Title: * Beautiful Bastard
Author: Christina Lauren
Series: Beautiful Bastard, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: February 12, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by NetGalley.

Summary from the publisher:

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.

My Musings:

Chloe Mills has worked for the Ryan family firm for months and is highly respected for the job she has done. It’s only after Bennett Ryan returns to the home office that her problems begin. She is a professional, extremely talented intern and Bennett treats her like an idiot. I think the biggest insult is when he calls her an “office girl.” Think of the worst boss you ever had and double it. That would be Bennett.

Chloe does not take his attitude meekly however. She gives as good as she gets within the limits of the employee/employer relationship. The description of this book makes it seem so tame. It does not mention what a jerk Bennett can be. The term “bastard” does not even begin to describe how arrogant, dismissive, insulting, etc. he is to Chloe. Unfortunately, the beautiful term in the title is an understatement. Bennett is gorgeous and Chloe can’t help but notice.

To quote Chloe’s thoughts:

“If only he would keep his mouth shut, he’d be perfect. A piece of duct tape would do the trick. I had some in my desk that I’d occasionally pull out and fondle, hoping someday I could put it to good use.”

It was at this point that I had problems with the book. The first time Bennett touches her, they fall madly in lust. Sex in the office (and it is really good sex) is putting it mildly. From that moment on they can’t keep their hands off each other. Location doesn’t matter . . . his office, the stairwell . . . all places where they could be caught and professionally crucified, they attack each other. And attack is the right word. There is no making love, it is purely sex.

They still hate each other – Chloe because of the way he treats her and Bennett because she makes him want her. Like that’s her fault, right?

Their personal and professional relationship does develop, of course. Otherwise it wouldn’t be a romance novel. I even learned to like Bennett. The beginning however makes it hard for me to say I liked this book. The first time I read it, I only rated it a two. I couldn’t even write this review because my opinion was so negative. I let it rest for several weeks and then reread it. I liked it much better the second time around and upped my rating to a 3.5.

I doubt I’ll read the sequel, but the first book is worth your time. Just don’t let your initial opinion of Bennett keep you from finishing the book. He really is worth it and the sex scenes are hot!

Overall: 3.5
Sensuality level: 4

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