Category Archives: Romance

June 5, 2011 · 8:16 am

The Kiss by Emma C. Shortt

Title: The Kiss*
Author: Emma C. Shortt
Series: N/A
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Format: digital e-book
Date/Year: May 2011
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to the reviewer by the author for review

Summary from the publisher:

When Eva Diakou is offered a job on the Winterwood estate, she expects nothing but four months of back breaking work. Jobless and lonely, she has little choice but to accept. But things on the Winterwood estate are nothing like Eva was led to believe. Why has she been given one of the plushest rooms? Why is there nothing to do? And why is she so captivated by the strange statues adorning the estate?Adam Winterwood is paying for a crime he never committed. Trapped for so many years, he is waiting for the one person who can keep him alive…or set him free. When Adam and Eva meet, sparks fly. Yet, neither realizes the sacrifice they will both have to make.

And it will all be decided by The Kiss.

My Musings:

I have a policy of not reading book blurbs because I have been burned with spoilers before. This is, of course, only for books I know I am going to read regardless of the blurb.Anyway, I had no idea this book had a fantasy element to it. The fact that it does makes it just that much better to me. I was a little confused at first because the book switches from present day to the 1800s with no explanation. Although I was able to figure out what was going on after a couple of chapters, I think that aspect could have been handled better.

At the beginning of the book, I really felt that Eva was going to be one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) heroines. She agrees to take a job on a distant estate where she will have no contact with the outside world for four months. The interviewer questions her on whether there is any family or friends who will miss her or need to contact her while she is gone . . . and she tells her NO! Fortunately, it does work out for the best.

Adam and Eva (I cannot believe that allusion) are in lust with each other from their first meeting. The sex scenes are hot, but pretty vanilla. Adam definitely has a romantic side as well. If anything, Eva is the one being ruled by her hormones.

There is a witch’s curse and true love is the only way to break it. Maybe I should have classified this book as a fairy tale more than fantasy.

Either way, I really enjoyed it. The plot line was unique, the sex was hot, and the hero was built like a god.

What’s not to like?

Ratings:

Overall: 4 stars
Sensuality level: 4

(crossposted from Seductive Musings)

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Historical, Regency, Romance

June 5, 2011 · 3:46 am

The Kiss by Emma Shortt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adam Winterwood is paying for a crime he never committed. Trapped for so many years, he is waiting for the one person who can keep him alive…or set him free.

When Adam and Eva meet, sparks fly. Yet, neither realizes the sacrifice they will both have to make. A sacrifice that will bring an end to a centuries old curse, or to one of them.

And it will all be decided by The Kiss.

I have a policy of not reading book blurbs because I have been burned with spoilers before. This is, of course, only for books I know I am going to read regardless of the blurb.

Anyway, I had no idea this book had a fantasy element to it. The fact that it does makes it just that much better to me. I was a little confused at first because the book switches from present day to the 1800s with no explanation. Although I was able to figure out what was going on after a couple of chapters, I think that aspect could have been handled better.

There is a witch’s curse and true love is the only way to break it. Maybe I should have classified this book as a fairy tale more than fantasy.

Either way, I really enjoyed it. The plot line was unique, the sex was hot, and the hero was built like a god.

What’s not to like?

(cross posted from http://www.seductivemusings.blogspot….)

View all my reviews

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance

June 3, 2011 · 3:21 pm

Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling, #10) by Nalini Singh

Purchased

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Although I just discovered this series about eighteen months ago, I feel like I have been waiting for this book for years! You know how it is when you are being set up for a particular book when reading a series? Well, this is it. This is Sienna’s and Hawke’s book and it’s about time.

Hawke is all alpha which does not mean just dominant, but caring and protective . . . especially of his pack. Sienna, unbeknown to Hawke, may be the most dangerous thing the pack has ever had to deal with.

In the meantime, there is a subplot involving two other pack members, Lara, the healer, and Walker, a Psy, and Sienna’s uncle. Lara’s and Walker’s story was a nice addition, but I almost wished it had been saved for a separate book.

Speaking of which, I wonder when the next book will be released and who if will focus on.

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Filed under Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

May 31, 2011 · 8:23 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

Title: Two Out of Three*
Author: Dana Michelle Burnett
Series: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Format: digital ebook
Date/Year: May 2011
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

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

Summary from the author’s website:

He said that he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love? That was never part of the bargain.Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

My Musings:

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

I expected the book to be about adults. However, the main characters are in their late teens at the beginning of the book, but the situations and reactions seem more appropriate for adults. It was difficult to tell, but I do not believe they are older than their mid-twenties by the end.

None of the three characters are likable. Vincent, Sarah’s true love, has no backbone. Robert is a violent jerk, and Sarah is a bitch with a capital B. I have no objections to bitchiness in general. One of my favorite quotes is “you call me a bitch like that’s a bad thing.” However, Sarah takes it to the extreme. She is hurtful and controlling and proud of it.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

Ratings:

Overall: 1 star
Sensuality level: 4

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Filed under Contemporary, Romance

May 30, 2011 · 6:15 pm

The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal

Library

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia’s led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it’s revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she’s ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins – long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control – she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history, forever. (from Goodreads)

This is the first of the 2011 Teens’ Top Ten books I have read this summer and it is a wonderful beginning. Halfway through the book, I had to stop and email the author to tell her how much I was enjoying the book.

There is mystery and romance, magic and (a little bit of) swordplay. The setting appears to be roughly Medieval European, although that is just a guess.

This is a debut novel and yes the author’s first name is spelled correctly, Eilis.

I think the book will be a standalone. There is room for a sequel, but I don’t believe it needs one.

It is very odd to read a standalone novel anymore, particularly fantasy. Although I don’t think there will be a sequel, I will certainly look for any other books by this author. I truly enjoyed it.

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Filed under Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

May 25, 2011 · 2:35 pm

The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons (Light Dragons, #2) by Katie MacAlister

Ysolde Bouchier is still coming to terms with the dragon part of her, while at the same time trying to free a friend of Baltic-her Black Dragon lover-from the weyr, get Baltic to meet with the dragons who want him dead, rescue a half-dragon damsel in over her head, raise the shade of the man everyone says killed her, and once and for all clear Baltic’s name of the murder charges that continue to plague him.

For Ysolde, being a dragon is starting to bite.

I had to re-read Love in the Time of Dragons before reading the new book. It’s a good thing I did because I would have never been able to follow the story otherwise.

The best part of this book is the inclusion of characters from previous dragon series. Jim, the demon dog, plays a fairly large part. And yes, I said demon dog.

Although the ending is not a cliff hanger, it definitely leaves a lot of loose ends. I should have waited for the entire trilogy to be published before reading any of them.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance

May 21, 2011 · 3:50 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

He said he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love?

That was never part of the bargain.

Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She seals her fate with a bargain and she finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

(cross posted from http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/…)

View all my reviews

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Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance

April 30, 2011 · 12:22 pm

Abandon (Abandon, #1) by Meg Cabot

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can’t help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she’s never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she’s moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can’t. Because even here, he finds her. That’s how desperately he wants her back. She knows he’s no guardian angel, and his dark world isn’t exactly heaven, yet she can’t stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

This is Meg Cabot’s latest release and it begins a new series based on the Persephone myth. Obviously, this is not one of her humorous stories.

Although it is part of a series, the ending was not a real cliffhanger. There was one storyline that was not addressed that I wish had been explored further. It’s going to bother me until the next book comes out.

When you finish reading the book, ask me about it. I want to see if you have figured anything out that I missed.

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

April 28, 2011 · 5:56 pm

Mane Squeeze (Pride, #4) by Shelly Laurenston

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O’Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and . . . uh . . . well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don’t believe in forever.
At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She’s sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she’s a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she’s being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn’t like hybrids . . . and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn’t get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can’t simply walk away. Not when she’s come to mean absolutely everything to him.

How many times am I going to re-read this book? It doesn’t matter. I always love it.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Humor, Paranormal, Romance

April 27, 2011 · 5:17 am

Black Magic Woman (The Others, #4) by Christine Warren

Daphanie Carter is thrilled that her sister Danice finally found her Prince Charming—even though he’s not quite, well, human. Daphanie is trying to keep an open mind. Which is why she jumps at the chance to enter the hidden world of The Others when a friendly imp invites her to a non-human nightclub. Daphanie’s curious to see how the Other half lives—and parties—but soon, one handsome stranger has her bewitched, bothered, and beside herself…

Enter Asher Grayson. As a Guardian, it’s his job to protect humans who get mixed up in the affairs of Others. When he spots Daphanie in a club, going head to head with a notorious witch doctor, he steps in to cool things off. Now the heat is on. Daphanie becomes the target of strange magical attacks, and Asher’s got to undo the voodoo before it’s too, too late. But soon he starts to wonder if this beautiful, beguiling mortal has put a spell on him—because every little thing she does is magic…

I thought this was another re-write of of one her ebooks. I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t remember it. This was actually a completely new book. It just took place in the middle of the series.

I think this one is a little darker than most of the series. I hope that is not a new direction she is going. I really like the humor in her other books.

Christine Warren included a letter to the reader which lists the reading order of this series. It even includes books that are not published yet. She promises this is the order that will remain, so I guess I need to renumber my books. The original ebook title is in parentheses.

One Bite With a Stranger (Fantasy Fix)
Big Bad Wolf (Fur Factor)
Prince Charming Doesn’t Live Here (Faer Fetched)
Black Magic Woman
Not Your Ordinary Faerie Tale (Fighting Faer) – not published yet
Untitled
Fur for All (I am assuming this will be re-released under a different title in the future.)
Fur Play (ditto)
Wolf at the Door
She’s No Faerie Princess
The Demon You Know
Howl at the Moon
Walk on the Wild Side
You’re so Vein
Born to be Wild