Tag Archives: Reviewed by Melanie

Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Posted on January 25, 2012 by TBRG| 4 Comments

 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+

 

Posted in Historical, Review

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Until There Was You by Kristin Higgins

Posted on January 12, 2012 by TBRG| 2 Comments

Title: Until There was You

Author: Kristin Higgins

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Posey Osterhagen can’t complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she’s surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something’s missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he’s back, sending Posey’s traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….

I don’t know if you have ever fallen into a Kristan Higgins book but you must do so.  A good one to start with is Until There Was You.  I love a book that you can’t put down and it makes you laugh out loud no matter where you are, even sitting in a room full of guys when getting your car serviced, yeah I got a few weird looks there but could not help myself.  One of the things I always love Is the new unique terminology, did you know that the newest words yelled out in frustration are Beiber and Holy Elvis Presley, you should try it sometime it completely changes the whole atmosphere in the room, although everyone does look at you as if you have finally lost it.

I have to also say that the world Kristan paints is so visual you wish you could just jump right into the pages and visit everyone. Her characters could be your family or a family you wished you had, their faults and all.  Top it off with a romance to beat all romances! A story between the misfit Posey and the bad boy Liam.  Posey has been secretly in love with Liam ever since they were teenagers but he was so out of her league and then she overhears him make disparaging comments about her on what should have been one of the most special nights of her life it end up turning into one of the worst that she still has not overcome.  She moves on with her life and guess who comes back into the picture almost 16 years later, all it takes is just one look and she knows those feelings never went away. Liam is back to build a better life for himself and his teenage daughter, he has dealt with the loss of his HS sweetheart and just want to make sure his daughter is safe and happy, although he is a little extreme to the point where he has panic attacks, rather good scene in a dark elevator with Posey.   It takes them both awhile to realize it is not only ok for them to have feelings for each other but they need each other to be happy. This like so many of Kristans books this leaves you wanting more, you fall in love with these people and it is like saying goodbye to a close friend when you read the last sentence. All I can say is keep them coming, as I can’t get enough!

Grade A+

Posted in Contemporary, Review

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Silver-Tongued Devil by Jennifer Blake

Posted on January 5, 2012 by TBRG| 1 Comment

 Title: Silver-Tongued Devil

Author: Jennifer Blake

Genre: Historical Romance

The Angel–He saved her life, then made her his prisoner. Now Renold Harden is demanding his due–as Angelica Carew’s new husband. How easy it would be to surrender to Renold’s name, his protection, his passion. But there is something unreal about his words of love, his determined seduction . . . .

The Devil–Renold had conspired to wed and bed her, forcing Angelica into a hellish marriage for the sake of the dowry bestowed upon her: Bonheur, the plantation stolen from his family. His bride would pay the price for her father’s greed and trickery, every day–and night–for the rest of her life . . . .
Only her love could save him–Days of torment melt into nights of searing ecstasy as Angelica helplessly surrenders to the man who deceived and betrayed her. For what began as an act of vengeance becomes heedless, burning love–as the devil who ensnared her heart with duplicity dares to show her the meaning of forgiveness and the magic of forever. . . .

This one started like quite a few others lately, rogue is out for revenge and the perfect target is his enemy’s daughter, who happens to be engaged to someone that frankly disgusts her. What to do, well it was taken out her hands when an explosion happens on the steamboat they were on.  When next she wakens, her family is gone and she is married to the rogue.  Next comes the push and pull from each of them, uncovering the secrets, and figuring out emotions all to end up with everything fine in the end.

With so many books out there you are bound to find ones that you just don’t connect with, this happened to be one of those for me.  I had no emotional connection to the characters and really pushed myself to even finish the book.  While it was not the best for me does not mean that others did not fall in love with it.  Were you one of those?  What did you enjoy about the book?

Grade D

You can purchase the book here

Posted in Historical, Review

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Warrior’s Redemption

Posted on December 5, 2011 by TBRG| 2 Comments
   Title: Warrior’s Redemption
    Series :The Warrior Series book 1
   Author:  Melissa Mayhue
   Genre: Paranormal Romance
 
 Will the magic of modern romance help him defeat an evil ancient power? MALCOLM MACDOWYLT sees himself a failed warrior, haunted by the death of the woman he  married to become laird of Clan MacGahan.  Neither his Viking heritage nor his claim to descend  from Norse gods can restore his confidence in his ability to protect his people.  His sister is held  captive, her life in jeopardy, and his Magically powerful half brother wants him dead.  The last  thing he needs is more responsibility, but that’s exactly what he gets when his Faerie mother-in-  law arrives seeking justice for her daughter in the form of an enticing woman from seven hundred years in the future. DANIELLE DEARMON has waited fifteen years to discover the life she is supposed to live.  She just never dreamed she’d end up in the thirteenth century with a handsome Scot bent on saving everyone but himself. With the lives of those most dear to him hanging in the balance, Malcolm sets out to battle a powerful evil Magic, only to learn that the redemption he seeks exists only in the arms of the woman he loves.It is hard to imagine but four years ago I was playing on Amazon, my favorite place to shop, and stumbled upon a cover of a book that just grabbed my attention, I did not know who it was or even what it was about but I had to get my hands on a copy and thankfully I did.  Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband sent me on a remarkable journey that I just could not get enough of and thankfully followed with seven more fabulous books in the Daughters of the Glen series. 

 Well Melissa you have done it again with Warriors Redemption!  Not only do you get to enjoy an extremely well written book, and of course the cover is to DIE for, but also we get introduced to new characters, to a new journey, and a story that has a few twists and turns that you might not expect.  
 
Danielle steals your heart from the get go, she has unshakeable faith in the fairies and goes out of her way to make sure they are kept happy, she just knows that eventually they will step in and help her when the time is right.  Malcolm is one tough, extremely handsome Scottish Lord with the heart of a warrior and the patience of a saint.  The two are thrown together and quickly the sparks fly, but of course it can’t be as easy as that so there is all kinds of trials to overcome and some feelings that must be acknowledged.  
 
You will really need to get your hands on this one to find out how it all comes together, you won’t be disappointed! I have to say it has become one of my most favorite books of the year. 
 
Grade A+ (to the extreme)       
 
 

Posted in Historical, Paranormal

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Kissing Kris Kringle by Erin Quinn

Posted on November 28, 2011 by TBRG| 4 Comments

Title: Kissing Kris Kringle

Series: Sexy Secret Santas

Author: Erin Quinn

Genre: Holiday Contemporary

Kris Kringle is just an average guy living in the tiny town of North Pole, Maine where Christmas isn’t just a holiday–it’s a way of life. But not for Kris. He might be named after the big guy in red, but Kris is more Scrooge than Santa. 

Until he wakes up from a night of partying with his friends to find himself in possession of a Santa suit, a toy bag and a puppy. Kris soon discovers that he’s been relegated to Santa’s naughty list and there’s only one way to get his name removed….put on the suit and spread some cheer.

Lucky for Kris every cloud has a silver snowflake and his quest to get off that list lands him in the arms of the woman he’s been lusting after for years.

It takes a little magic, but Kris is about to get everything he didn’t even know he wanted for Christmas. 

Once again I had the chance to read a nice little novella by an author that I have come to love; will even go so far as to say she is my all time favorite find of 2011 – yep Erin Quinn has done it again with a little Christmas magic.

What more can you ask for than a charming little town that embraces the Christmas season, even during the hard times, people who gather together to bring joy into each others lives, and miracles that happen when least expected.  Let alone characters that you quickly fall in love with and want to hear more about hint-hint Erin.

If you are one who loves these fabulous holiday romances than you will not want to miss this one!

Grade A

Other books in this series..

Naughty St. Nick by Calista Fox  Amazon   B&N

Romancing Rudy Raindeer by Mary Leo   Amazon     B&N

Places you purchase Kissing Kris Kringle


Posted in Holiday, Review

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Chosen By Fate

Posted on November 8, 2011 by TBRG| 1 Comment

Title: Chosen By Fate

Series: Para-Ops Series Book 2

Author: Virna DePaul

Genre: Paranormal

Although he keeps company with a vampire and a were, human Shaman Caleb O’Flare can definitely hold his own. But neither his psychic ability nor his healing powers can help his sexy-as-hell teammate, Wraith-a ghost with no memory of her human existence, who cannot experience touch without pain. No wraith has managed to exist past its tenth year, so her time is about to run out. She wants only two things before accepting her fate: to learn her human identity, and experience one night with Caleb…

 

 I was just able to spend a few hours with a special ops team unlike any other and it was so nice to revisit some wonderful new friends.

Of course I am talking about Virna DePaul’s Para Ops series which started with Chosen by Blood, Knox and Felicia’s story, in which we were also introduced to Mahone, Lucy, Dex, Wraith, and Caleb, one of the most eclectic teams you will ever find.  In book two, Chosen by Fate, Caleb and Wraith finally are thrown together, with a lot of tension and resistance from both of them.  Wraith is coming to terms with her existence, or possible lack of one, while trying to keep everyone in the dark about what will happen to her, Caleb is tired of playing games and is determined to find a way for him to be with Wraith without her suffering too much.  They both must figure out their needs and wants while trying to forgive themselves their pasts.

Don’t forget they are still on a mission to uncover who is attacking the felines and they are a little short-handed as Knox and Felicia are taking a little time off after their wedding.  We also find out a little bit more about who are trying to cause problems between the Others and humans.  Can you really trust anyone?

If you have not yet started this series you better jump on the bandwagon soon, you are really missing out!  Virna has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors and this series has joined my keeper shelf and will definitely be read over and over again.

Grade A+

Other books in the series..

Chosen by Blood

Chosen by Sin (coming soon)

Posted in FF&P, Review

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Genie Knows Best by Judi Fennell

Posted on November 4, 2011 by TBRG| 1 Comment

Title: Genie Knows Best

Series: Bottled Magic series book 2

Author: Judi Fennell

 Genre: Paranormal Romance

Be careful what you wish for…

Samantha Blaine is about to make a fateful discovery. A tall, dark, handsome, ohmygosh kind of fateful discovery…

Kal is very pleased to meet his attractive new master–especially since he intends to seduce her into granting him freedom. 

But when seriously dark magic spells trouble for both of them, Kal can’t help himself from falling for the woman who holds his fate in her hands…

Warmly acclaimed by readers and critics alike, Judi Fennell brings to life a fabulous world of magic and mayhem where wishes come true in the most unexpected ways!

Samantha has just lost her father and has just figured out she is being used once again by her boyfriend; she is distraught and feels that she is worthless.  Man does her life take a complete 180 when she discovers Kal and finds out she inherited a genie from her father.  Her wish is to disappear and not have to face reality and he soooo makes that happen.  Kal brings her to Izaaz, a magical land where magical beings live; everything from leprechauns to unicorns, gnomes, goblins, dragons, and the list goes on and on.  There are quite a few funny moments when all these characters get together; too many bored creatures and too much magic in one place makes for a lot of fighting.

Sam feels that she can actually do some good on her own, and proceeds to throw wishes around like candy, she wants to make everything and everyone happy and Kal is all to willing to grant her every wish.

Sam is his last master, if he completes this one he can than fulfill his ultimate goal of being head-master and will not have to be the servant any longer.  The problem is he has feelings for Sam and he is torn, does he really want to leave her, is he willing to step away from his dreams.  While chaos is ensuing Albert (Sam’s messed up ex-boyfriend) is trying to find Kal, he needs his own genie to get him out of trouble, forget Sam he has no more need for her with a genie around.

What makes things difficult is the moment when Kal and Sam start getting a little passionate, she realizes she is still wishing for things and decides to make one final wish to not be able to wish for anything again.  She knows that is why Kal is so HOT for her, if that were only the case.  Things get a lot more interesting after that final wish.

I actually enjoyed this book a bit more than the first one, have to say there was a short time in the middle of the book where I started to get a tad bored but things quickly starting picking back up and it ends on a high note.

Grade B-

 

Posted in FF&P, Review

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Finding Felicity

Posted on September 30, 2011 by TBRG| 1 Comment

Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

 

When Madeline O’Connor learns that her estranged sister is gravely ill, she leaves behind her life in Manhattan to be at her sister’s side in Italy. There, she discovers an ancient Benedictine monastery that accommodates travelers, and she decides to stay there, among the monks. Everything in her life turns upside down when she falls for Brother Anthony Lamberti, a soft-spoken Italian completely different from the men she knows in New York. Together Madeline and Anthony find love for the first time, and learn that life and love always find a way. When her sister dies, a new life for Madeline begins. A new life that she would never have imagined and yet is perfect for her in every way.

 

 

I was very mixed on this book, as I was reading it I was not sure how the review would go. First off there were two stories going on, one in the present and one in the past, I had a hard time jumping between the two, it was well noted which time you were in, but I would just start to get into the story and then it would switch to the past again, frustrating.

The first half of the book I was just trying to figure out how these stories would intertwine and if they actually would, I admit I was worried about this and almost gave up.  I stuck with it and was pleasantly surprised, I started to get involved with the storyline, the characters started to become real and the situations I could relate to.

There was reconciliation between the sisters and Madeline who is the main character finding herself and what true love can really mean. I understand that she needed to experience everything she did and that everyone who came into her life changed her for the better but I was so wishing for her to end up with a different person and it was heartbreaking what happens to a few of the main people who meant so much for her.

Overall, I liked some of the book, enough that I am glad I took the time to read it.

Grade B-/C+

 

Posted in Review

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Improper Gentlemen

Posted on September 9, 2011 by TBRG| 1 Comment

Improper Gentlemen

Talbot’s Ace by Diane Whiteside
To Match A Thief by Maggie Robinson
A Knack for Trouble by Mia Marlowe
 
A trio of wonderful stories all individually their own yet they have one very important thing in common, the title says it all, Improper Gentlemen.  These stories have some men who know what they want and will do whatever is necessary to get it.  Don’t rule out the women though they are willing to put up a fight to get what they know they deserve.  This makes for three HOT romances that you don’t want to put down.  

In Talbot’s Ace we are transported back to the wild west where we meet Justin who is willing to give up all to protect the women of his dreams who just happens to be completely misunderstood and in need of someone strong in her life.   
 
“Talbot’s Ace” by Diane Whiteside
He rules Colorado’s most glittering, anything-goes gambling palace. And Justin Talbot never does something for nothing. But if daring Boston aristocrat Charlotte Morland needs his protection from a dangerous enemy, he’ll have no choice but to make her business his pleasure…
To Match a Thief brings us to historical London where we meet Simon who has turned his life around after grieving for his one true love only to learn that she is alive and he happens to have just bought her along with a lovely townhouse.  How fortunate can one man be, now to only convince Lucy that he is and will always be in love with her.  

“To Match a Thief” by Maggie Robinson

Ex-pickpocket Sir Simon Keith can now afford the best of everything. But London’s most-desired courtesan is his lost love Lucy. Now Simon will need his wits and his considerably large…wiles to win his way back into her bed—and into her heart.

A Knack for Trouble happens to be my favorite of the three stories.  After their night of romance that should not have happened Aidan and Rose’s life completely turn upside down.  It is not until years later that they run into one another again and realize the passion is still there and cannot be denied.  Throw in a little murder mystery and Aidan’s little gift he inherited from his Irish father and I was hooked.  

“A Knack for Trouble” by Mia Marlowe

Lord Aidan Stonemere didn’t go from prison to a title by playing by society’s rules. If he wants something, he takes it. Rosalinde Burke didn’t object to being taken. Once. To keep her from marrying a proper viscount, Aidan will do whatever it takes to remind her how deliciously good being bad feels…

Overall a wonderful book that is nice to disappear into for a few hours.
 
                                                                                                                 Grade B 

Posted in Historical, Review

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My Fair Highlander

Posted on September 7, 2011 by TBRG| 2 Comments

My Fair Highlander

English Tudor Saga book 2

By Mary Wine

RD August 1, 2011

  Jemma Ramsden is a wild thing in a noblewoman’s body-so thinks Gordon Dwyre, Laird Barras, watching her galloping on horseback through her brother’s lands. Bold, headstrong, beautiful: the perfect bride for a lusty Scots warrior. He might be able to convince her, too, if she would hear his suit. But Barras doesn’t wait to be handed what he wants. When he’s forced to rescue her from English ruffians, he makes sure she stays safe-by locking her in his castle.

Jemma is hardly an eager captive. She has no horse and no freedom, and she is an Englishwoman in a hostile Scots keep: a stranger without work or friend. Barras seems determined to charm her-even tempt forbidden desires, a daring game that leaves Jemma desperate for more. But with passion, love, and a new life within her grasp, Jemma is in more danger than even she knows…

I once again am reading a new-to-me author and once again am really enjoying it.  I had to read Mary’s book after I met her an RomCon; she was so much fun to hang out with.  So as soon as I was able to get my hands on My Fair Highlander I pushed everything else aside.

This is the second book in the series, yes you read the name of it correctly up top, it is an English Tudor Saga. The first book is about Jemma’s brother who is English, you don’t need to have read it to know what is going on in this book but I am going to make sure I get a copy, as I liked this one so much.

Jemma has spent the last few years taking care of her dying father, there is nothing else she wished to be doing during that time, but now her grief has overwhelmed her and made her careless.  Her brother does not know what to do with her; in fact she does not know what to do with her.  When she finally starts realizing that something has got to give, she finds herself in a very bad situation and then she is rescued by none other than Laird Barras, their Scottish neighbor (can you say HOT Scottish Laird)!

Gordon knows that Jemma is the one for him; he now needs to convince her that she should trust him, he has been burned before due to lack of trust and will not let that happen again.  He finds one hot-tempered, passionate woman in Jemma which is a prize he is not willing to give up, even if that means not allowing her to return home, he just needs a little time.

You can’t put an English lady in a Scottish world without some drama, and there is a lot of it, along with intrigue and power struggles.  All wrapped together to make an enjoyable and steamy story.  Makes me want to find my own Highlander.

Grade A-

Posted in Historical, Review

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