The Book Reading Gals

Title: The Pleasure of Your Kiss

Author: Teresa Medeiros

Genre: Historical

Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he’s hired to rescue his brother’s kidnapped fiancée from a sultan’s harem. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.

The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey that takes them from the delicious intrigues of a sultan’s court to the glittering ballrooms of London, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.

This book reminded me of all the reasons I fell in love with Teresa Medeiros a long time ago. While I’ve enjoyed her recent books of the past few years, Ms. Medeiros’ voice and style really seem to shine with stories like this.

Clarinda and Ash were young lovers once, before Ash felt the need to go off on his own and prove himself worthy of her. Many years later Clarinda is engaged to Ash’s brother and travels to meet him for their wedding, but she and her best friend Poppy are captured by corsairs when their ship is attacked, then they are sold into a harem. Clarinda’s fiance has his own reasons for not being able to rescue her from the harem and instead makes a bargain with Ash to save the women.

This book was one of many surprises. First of all, the sultan who bought Clarinda and her friend from the slave traders was sent to an English school by his father and actually knew both Ash and his brother Max as children. Because of this, and because Ash actually saves Farouk when he first arrives at his palace, the question is not how Ash can steal Clarinda away from an enemy, but how he can still her away from a friend.

Secondly, I’m not usually a fan of secondary romances, but I really enjoyed and even looked forward to the development of the relationship between Farouk and Poppy.

As for Ash and Clarinda, the best word I can use to describe reading about their relationship is simply: fun. Per classic Medeiros, we have much banter and witty dialogue, and there are several sexy scenes where Clarinda must play out her role as guest of the harem in front of Ash. I read another review of this book in which the reader said that it reminded her of an Indiana Jones storyline, and I would definitely agree that there was a great aspect of adventure in this book. As Ash and Clarinda work together to try to escape the palace, secrets are revealed that show how each wanted to be with the other after their initial separation, but (believable) circumstances and misunderstandings got in the way. Reading about these failed reconciliations made me root for them all the more and made up for the occasional times I wished for more emotional depth between the two.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers who long for something outside of the ordinary. Teresa Medeiros remains one of the best storytellers of the genre.

Grade: A-

Tags: Grade A, Reviewed by Elise, Teresa Medeiros

Title: Trouble at the Wedding

Series: Abandoned at the Altar #3

Author: Laura Lee Guhrke

Genre: Historical, Edwardian

Annabel is about to marry the perfect man…

The last thing Miss Annabel Wheaton desires is true love. She learned the hard way that love makes a woman foolish and only leads to heartache. That’s why she agreed to marry an earl who needs her money. He’s got a pedigree and a country estate, and he won’t ever break her heart. There’s only one problem…

Christian isn’t about to let her marry that pompous prig…

Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, thinks this stubborn heiress is about to make the biggest mistake of her life, and he’s determined to stop her. Tempting beautiful women is Christian’s forte, after all. When her family offers him a nice sum of money to stop the wedding, he’s happy to accept. Falling in love with Annabel wasn’t supposed to be part of the bargain…

I hate having to write this review, because I have been a huge fan of Laura Lee Gurhke’s for a long time. I can’t remember a book of hers before this that I wouldn’t have heartily recommended. Sadly, I can barely recommend this one.

Trouble at the Wedding began with such promise. Annabel Wheaton is just the type of heroine that I love: smart, independent, and strong. She’s also a Southern girl, which I immediately liked, as it was refreshing to read a heroine who’s “different” from the typical Englishwomen born of the aristocracy and New York heiresses. I liked her immensely, and I liked the hero, Christian Du Quesne, immensely as well. In fact, I enjoyed the first half of this book immensely, when the question of whether or not Christian is going to be able to keep Annabel from marrying her scumbag fiancee remains unresolved.

And yet, when that question is resolved and she doesn’t marry him…well, the second half of the book just fell flat. The characters didn’t sparkle anymore, the plot was mundane and predictable and seemed to center on nothing but lust. To say it was disappointing would be an understatement.

With that being said, I remain a loyal LLG fan; she is still on my list of auto-reads. I just hope the next book can redeem this one.

Grade: C-

Tags: Abandoned at the Alter series, grade C-, Laura Lee Guhrke, Reviewed by Byrony

 Title: Sweet Enemy

Series: A Veiled Seduction Novel Book 1

Author: Heather Snow

Genre: Historical Romance

Geoffrey Wentworth, the Earl of Stratford, is a war hero focused on affairs of king  and country rather than on affairs of the heart.  Nevertheless, his mother is playing matchmaker, and has invited potential brides to visit the family estate.  Geoffrey resigns himself to playing host to a gaggle of husband hunters more interested in his title than in him – until he unexpectedly meets one notable and intriguing exception. 

        Miss Liliana Claremont has no interest in being an earl’s wife, least of all Wentworth’s – the son of the man she believes murdered her father.  Liliana is determined to find evidence of the crime, but her behavior rouses the earl’s suspicions as well as her own undeniable attraction to a man she thought was her enemy. 

         As Geoffrey and Liliana explore their growing passion for each other, the truth behind their fathers’ enmity threatens to destroy their newfound love..….

Whenever I read a debut book from an author I go into it a bit excited and a little hopeful that I will have found a new favorite, only to be disappointed too many times to count when it did not quite hit the spot for me.  Well I am happy to say this is not one of this times!  I picked up Sweet Enemy and at first thought it sounded a little familiar but that feeling ended after page 3, the next thing I know I am almost done with the book, could not put it down!  Not often do I pick up something that sucks me in so thoroughly  that I have no concept of anything else but the world in the book I am reading.  Thank you Heather Snow for transporting me somewhere else for a much needed escape!

I fell in love with Liliana, her bravery in the face of danger, courage to go after what she wants, and loyalty to those she loves.   And what a hero in Geoffrey; not only is he a war hero but fights for the basic rights of his fellow comrades, he knows what is important in life and is not afraid to put his heart on the line.  This is a couple that will go down as one of the best in romance and make you want to reread Sweet Enemy for years to come.

The book has it all: intrigue, romance, betrayal, romance, treasure hunting, romance, humor, romance, and a HEA of course.  I have to say I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.  Now to go clean off those shelves and make room for another keeper.

Grade A+

Tags: Grade A, Heather Snow, Reviewed by Melanie, Sweet Enemy

It is time once again to spotlight some of the fabulous authors coming to RomCon.  Don’t forget to keep track of all the books you are reading as one lucky winner will be receiving registration to RomCon; you can do this on the spreadsheet or you can join us over at Shelfari where you can actually post the books you have read and share some good suggestions.

Now on to our authors of the week:

Kimberly Killion is not only a fabulous author but I am lucky enough to have her as my cheerleader in the next Romance Biggest Winner 2 competition.  She is such an inspiring person and I look forward to the next few months getting to know her more.  I decided to pick up her newest book My Cursed Highlander and so far it is great, I am having a hard time putting it down and getting work of any sort done.  Here is a little more about her:

Do you remember the teacher who made a difference in your life?

I do. His name was Dr. Krantz. He was my mythology teacher. While attending college near Kansas City, I was working toward a Bachelor in Fine Arts when I discovered I had to take an elective. I pulled “Mythology” out of a hat, and it was there I found Dr. Krantz. The book wasn’t Romeo and Juliet, as you might suspect, but Dante’s Inferno-a Divine Comedy indeed. Talk about an intriguing read.

Sure, I bought Cliffs Notes—I was eighteen. With a three-hour block of nude figure drawing and rocks to sculpt, who has time to read? Well, I read it. Cover to cover, after which, I read Oedipus, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and a few other Greek tragedies.

I walked away with, not only an “A” in the class, but a love for all things tragic, passionate, and historic. I did receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with which I have enjoyed a rewarding career as a graphic designer for more than fifteen years. I moved on from the ancient authors of yesteryear and became engrossed in the writings of Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, and Gaelen Foley — just to name a few.

Although an artist by profession, I traded my paintbrush for a pen about ten years ago. After writing and illustrating a mystical world of fairies, I began to explore the realm of romance novels. Currently, I work part-time as a College Instructor in St. Louis, Missouri. It is here that I bring my passion for words and the arts into the grueling boredom of lecture to spark the lives of hundreds of young minds.

I reside in Illinois with my two children and a gaggle of cats. I’m a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Missouri RWA. In addition, I am a member of Hearts Through History as well as PASIC and Novelist, Inc. It is within these organizations where I have found a great deal of support, along with a wealth of knowledge from seasoned authors, workshops, critique groups, and friendly camaraderie.

Every day is a new beginning, as I discover a fascinating character in every person I meet. With every puckered brow or mischievous smile, there’s a hero evolving and a heroine fast at his heels.

Hillary Seidl  I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by Hillary yet but I will be changing that this week.

 I’m an avid reader of romance (since I could get away with it!) and a writer of contemporary/paranormal romance.  I start to freak out if I don’t see a paranormal or ghost hunting show in over a week.  

When I was a little girl, my parents owned a restaurant that was in a haunted building.  It was so amazing to see things happen right in front of me that could not be explained!  The situation flamed my love for the paranormal.  

When I was a teen I wrote a series of mini books.  As an adult, I worked a series of jobs, I never found anything that spoke to my soul.   

I will be honest… I’m a huge fan of Supernatural!  Hot guys solving paranormal mysteries?  I’m there!  That’s when I started writing fan fiction.  Fan fiction is very fun but something was missing. I missed the romance! That is when I started my writing journey.

 More than anything in this world I just want to write.  I am married to my wonderful husband Aaron, who is a Chef in Boulder,Colorado and we have two wonderful miniature dachshunds, Leela and Fry, who are both clever as they are long.  

Happy Reading Everyone!

Tags: posted by Melanie, RomCon Reading Challenge, RomCon Tuesday

Title: Beauty Dates the Beast

Series: Shifters bk 1

Author: Jessica Sims

Genre: Paranormal Romance

WANTED

Single human female to join charming, wealthy single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun – and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer.

Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.

Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.

Inside the book

Bathsheba Ward is human, which means dating supernaturals is strictly forbidden–unless the

interested party happens to be the powerful head of their Alliance. So when were-cougar Beau Russell insists that she join him for dinner at a fancy French restaurant, she agrees. Not because the man is so incredibly hot he makes her hormones sing. She’s more interested in saving her desk job at an exclusive dating service that caters to a clientele with rather . . . eclectic tastes.

But just try hiding a supernatural family secret when your would-be boyfriend has supersharp
animal senses. Then again, try protecting yourself from a bloodthirsty, home-invading mythological creature with just a bottle of liquid silver and a carving knife.

Maybe having an über-sexy supernatural partner isn’t such a bad idea after all. 

When I got this book I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by it. It is one of those really cute fun books that has you laugh out loud and the antics of the heroine Bath.

This book is told in the first person and I have got to say that in some instances the first person really works for me, especially in the paranormal world. Especially if the heroine isn’t a paranormal person. All of which are this book.

There is a lot I can say about Bath and Beau and their journey to their HEA but do that I will have to write spoilers and I don’t do that. So I’m just going to tell you that this is fun book with twists and turns and characters that make you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen.

This is a book that I think anyone who enjoys shifter stories with an interesting cast of characters will like.

Grade B+

Tags: Grade B, Jessica Simms, Reviewed by Heather, Shifter Series

Okay it’s Game Day and today we will find out who is going to the Superbowl. Carly Phillips and Shannon Stacey two of this blogs favorite authors are HUGE Patriot fans so today’s WoW Sunday is for them…

TOM BRADY YOU ARE THE MAN AND WILL DELIVER ANOTHER SUPERBOWL!

Tags: WOW Sunday

We have a couple of winners to announce.

Carly Phillips Serendipty – Aurore

Virna DePaul backlist book – Sophia Rose

Shiloh Walker The Departed – Stacy

Congratulations to our winners.

Tags: winners

Title: The Rogue Pirate’s Bride

Series: The Sons of Revolution

Author: Shana Galen

Genre: Historical Romance

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything…

The Marquis de Valère escaped certain death in the French Revolution and is now an infamous privateer. Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood…

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but it may be her only hope…

British Admiral’s daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé’s death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she’s not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways…

This book was a pleasant surprise – so glad I picked it up to read.  First off, I loved the beginning scenes with Bastien and Raeven.  Very witty, cute a funny.  She’s bound and determined to take revenge on him for supposedly killing her fiancé.  She dresses herself as a man and challenges him to a sword fight.  Then her hat falls off and Bastien is in instant lust.  Raeven came across as a strong, independent and caring heroine.  She was raised by her dad on a ship her whole life, so she does have a tom boy feel to her.

Bastien is not your average pirate.  Of course he has a hidden or secret identity.  It plays out well in this book and leaves room for more books with connecting characters.  Loved his rugged yet aristocratic flair to his personality.  The scene with him and Raeven at the ball when they are running from Bastien’s enemy was my favorite of this book.

There was a small lull for me of about 30 pages or so in the middle.  Otherwise this book read very smoothly and was a quick nice read.  Most of the book is set on Bastien’s ship – which was a great setting.  I haven’t read a pirate book in a while, so this was a nice one to pick up after a long pirate free reading span.   I will be looking to read more books by Shana Galen in the near future.

Grade: B

Other books in the series

The Making of a Duchess  Amazon   B&N

The Making of a Gentleman    Amazon    B&N

You can purchase the The Rogue Pirate’s Bride here..

Tags: Grade B, Reviewed by Janon, Shana Galen, The Sons of Revolution Series

Title: Last Man Standing

Series: BOI’s bk 7

Author: Cindy Gerard

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Black Ops)

A deadly mission.
A thirst for revenge.
One headstrong alpha hero
and one daring woman will
settle the score.

Special operative Joe Green has gone vigilante.  His mission, avenge his Black Ops.,Inc. brother’s death during a bloody ambush years ago in Sierra Leone.  He refuses to drag the BOI team or his lover, Stephanie Tompkins, into the hunt for the man responsible, so when he finds himself beaten, starving, and alone after being falsely imprisoned for the murder of a Freetown priest, he knows he’s as good as dead.

Joe meant to protect Stephanie when he walked out on their relationship, but he can’t stop her now from executing his escape.  Breaking him out of prison is the easy part.  After Joe’s explosive theory pans out and his cunning enemy emerges as the front runner for a high level presidential appointment, he and Stephanie must race to derail the traitor’s conspiracy if they are to save their loved ones, the nation and each other.

What a way to end a series. This book ties up all the loose ends of this series and in a spectacular way. When With No Remorse ended I tried my best to get Cindy to tell  me about this book. She resisted at every turn, and I have to say I’m glad.

Joe and Stephanie have been a couple for the last couple of books however it was never talked about, when this book picks up it has Joe breaking things off with Stephanie, and her finally washing her hands of him.

I loved this book from page one to the end. Joe is put in a position where he doesn’t have his team to fall back on and come to the rescue and has to rely solely on Stephanie when she discovers the real reason why he broke up with her and where he is. With the help of a young man Stephanie and Joe are able to escape and solve the mystery of what really happened when Stephanie’s brother died.

In the book With No Remorse Cindy introduced a new character Mike “DownTown” Brown and he once again makes his appereance in this book and it’s rumored that he will be the start of a new series and I have to say I can’t wait to see the woman that brings him to his knee’s.

If you have read this whole series then you will not be disappointed with this book and how it ends.

Grade A

You can purchase the book here

Tags: BOI's, Cindy Gerard, Grade A, Reviewed by Heather

There are videos in this post so if they don’t load just hit refresh  

One of my favorite people in the entire world is Jenn LeBlanc. Today we have her on to talk about her FABULOUS book The Rake and the Recluse.

Tags: Giveaway, Jenn LeBlanc