Paranormal
Historical
Contemporary
Suspense
Saturday, March 29, 2014
New Releases in Romance - Week of March 30, 2014
Lots of Inspirational romances this week - but there's a few others mixed in as well. I've been having some fun with a couple of the Love Inspired books - they are great romances.
Paranormal
Historical
Contemporary
Suspense
Paranormal
Historical
Contemporary
Suspense
Friday, March 28, 2014
Review: Heart of the Wolf (Eye of the Storm #3) by Dianna Hardy
Title: Heart of the Wolf (Eye of the Storm #3)
Author: Dianna Hardy
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Menage
Length: Novel
Release Date: January17, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 5
Sexual - 4
Book Two: Cry of the Wolf
In book one we get to watch Lydia fall in love Ryan and are introduced to the werewolves of Surrey. In book two we get to watch Lydia fall in love with Taylor and learn more about his very sad past. In book three we get to know Lawrence better. Lawrence is the hard ass that has been resisting the mating bond with Lydia throughout the series so far. His past is incredible tragic - but Lydia knows that if she just keeps trying she can break through his walls and set him free - she hopes.
But all is not well in the Surrey pack. Lydia's presence is causing rifts that lead to a few wolves making horrible decisions. I really wanted to yell at them through the pages and tell them it just wasn't going to end well for them! This book brought out a gazillion different emotions for me. Please be warned that it is much darker compared to the first two and pushes the limits a few times, but it never really crosses any lines.
On top of the pack turmoil, the Trident is determined to take the pack out. The side story of Amil from book two continues, but I'm not sure where she was going with it, but she definitely has me wondering what's going on with him. I'm sure we'll find out more in book 4 (October 2014). With the Trident's very clever plan falling into place, Dianna Hardy had my heart racing wondering if all my people were going to make it!!! It was incredibly suspenseful and very memorable climatic scene.
At the end of the book I literally had to take a moment and just sit and think "Holy crap!" This was a brilliant addition to the series and I am desperately wanting more.
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Menage
Length: Novel
Release Date: January17, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 5
Sexual - 4
Book One: Releasing the Wolf
The third book in the erotic, dark paranormal fantasy series, Eye Of The Storm.
Lydia becomes ever closer to her three mates. However, with unrest all around, she is struggling to keep her wolves together for her first full moon, just twenty-four hours away.
A trip back home for Ryan could bring much needed support for them all, but at what cost?
As The Trident close in on Ryan's pack, the pack itself becomes divided over Lydia's presence and Lawrence is encouraged to return as the Alpha. But they don't know his secret, and he's doubtful of his ability to protect them. Can he fulfil his rightful role, or will his efforts prove fatal?
Meanwhile, among the arid plains of Egypt, in a long-forgotten city, one man is pitting himself against the beast inside him in order to find salvation, only to realise, so much more is at stake than his soul.
(Notes: Book three of a series - it is highly recommended that the books are read in order. This is an adult, paranormal fantasy containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements. Written in British English.)
Book Two: Cry of the Wolf
In book one we get to watch Lydia fall in love Ryan and are introduced to the werewolves of Surrey. In book two we get to watch Lydia fall in love with Taylor and learn more about his very sad past. In book three we get to know Lawrence better. Lawrence is the hard ass that has been resisting the mating bond with Lydia throughout the series so far. His past is incredible tragic - but Lydia knows that if she just keeps trying she can break through his walls and set him free - she hopes.
But all is not well in the Surrey pack. Lydia's presence is causing rifts that lead to a few wolves making horrible decisions. I really wanted to yell at them through the pages and tell them it just wasn't going to end well for them! This book brought out a gazillion different emotions for me. Please be warned that it is much darker compared to the first two and pushes the limits a few times, but it never really crosses any lines.
On top of the pack turmoil, the Trident is determined to take the pack out. The side story of Amil from book two continues, but I'm not sure where she was going with it, but she definitely has me wondering what's going on with him. I'm sure we'll find out more in book 4 (October 2014). With the Trident's very clever plan falling into place, Dianna Hardy had my heart racing wondering if all my people were going to make it!!! It was incredibly suspenseful and very memorable climatic scene.
At the end of the book I literally had to take a moment and just sit and think "Holy crap!" This was a brilliant addition to the series and I am desperately wanting more.
Review Dragons Don't Cry (Fire Chronicles #1) by D'Elen McClain
Title: Dragons Don't Cry (Fire Chronicles #1) Author: D'Elen McClain
Source: Review request in exchange for an honest review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by Laurie
Rating: 5
Sexual: 4
One pint sized human female who’s had too much to drink, not enough sleep, and absolutely no patience meets one stubborn dragon shifter with an attitude.
Bastian claims Acasia, his unwilling bride, after she spends the night carousing with friends. She’s not happy, he’s pissed off, and with a curse from a goddess thrown in, you’ll see Bastian breathe fire.
Add secrets, treasure, and unimaginable heartbreak for an emotionally humorous read and discover why Dragons Don’t Cry.
Review
Get ready
for a roller costar ride you won’t never forget. Dragons Don’t Cry is
suspenseful, sexy and downright funny and I loved reading every minute of it.
The
bickering between Acasia and Bastian will make you laugh your butt off. Acasia
thinks she is the dragon’s dinner and Bastian just wants a bride and his dirty
din.
Bastian is
nothing but an old pompous fire breathing dragon that needs to be bought down a
few notches and Acasia is going to do just that. The thing is Bastian’s has a
good reason for being so pompous, he is sick to death of the curse place on him
and the other dragons.
Both Bastian
and Acasia are strong characters and once love really starts sparking things
really gets heated between them.
You get a
great start to a world that is only going to build as each book is released and
great main and side characters that you’ll want to keep reading. If you love
humor, action and a hot read then Dragon’s Don’t Cry is a must read.
Excerpt:
Click. Click…
“Oh hell no.” I somehow managed to launch myself at the offending nail. It was bigger than the upper portion of my body but I landed on it with one goal… make that infernal noise stop.
His leg shifted beneath me but the claw I held didn’t move. A talon from his opposite appendage pushed, rolling me sideways but I held tight. He lowered his head and one red eye gazed directly into mine.
“Stupid human female named Acasia. Beg for your life.” The gruff voice sounded loudly in my head.
My stomach rolled again but I managed to speak, “Why should I beg when I can no longer take the smell. Dying would be a blessing.” A low groan left my throat.
“Humph.” The sound thundered through the room.
A dragon humphed me, the ass.
“What about the smell do you find displeasing?” he demanded, his voice rupturing every brain cell I possessed.
Was he serious? I couldn’t release his claw because he might continue the racket that drove me crazy but more than anything, I wanted to plug my nose. I looked away from his gaze, twisting so I could see what caused the repulsive odor. I also didn’t release his claw because for some strange reason, touching him calmed me.
What I saw turned my stomach upside down again and I swallowed back the bile in my throat. Partially devoured carcasses littered the floor—a leg here, thigh there—all in various stages of decay. Oh my gods, I was losing it again. I tried pushing away but didn’t make it. More chunky vomit spewed from my stomach landing on his talon and foot, or arm, whatever the hell it was.
When the heaving stopped, I finally answered, “Death, I smell death.”
“Humph. You smell of vomit and fermented drink. I don’t believe you are one to speak.”
“Gods do it, just do it you hulking jerk.”
“Do what, human female named Acasia?”
“Kill me, please,” it came out on a shriek.
“You humans are strange.” This time, his other talon shoved me farther away, moving me from his barf covered claw.
A deer hoof attached to a partial leg rested two inches in front of my face. I managed to scramble to my feet. I saw the dragon lift his middle claw.
Oh no he wouldn’t. “If you do that, I’ll puke on your other foot.”
“You have one last chance to beg for your life.” His jaws didn’t move but his grumbling voice threaded through my mind. Now, it was deep and husky like him calling my name when I waited with my claiming sisters.
Where my bravado came from, I don’t know. “I will not beg. Eat me.”
He reared up on his hind legs, his wings spreading out. I didn’t move, waiting for death—embracing it. The air moved when his wings flapped. For two seconds he hovered and then he rose until he rested on a ledge hundreds of feet above me.
He peered over his shoulder, “I will eat you tomorrow.” With a last look at where I stood, he went over the side, out of my view.
Click. Click…
“Oh hell no.” I somehow managed to launch myself at the offending nail. It was bigger than the upper portion of my body but I landed on it with one goal… make that infernal noise stop.
His leg shifted beneath me but the claw I held didn’t move. A talon from his opposite appendage pushed, rolling me sideways but I held tight. He lowered his head and one red eye gazed directly into mine.
“Stupid human female named Acasia. Beg for your life.” The gruff voice sounded loudly in my head.
My stomach rolled again but I managed to speak, “Why should I beg when I can no longer take the smell. Dying would be a blessing.” A low groan left my throat.
“Humph.” The sound thundered through the room.
A dragon humphed me, the ass.
“What about the smell do you find displeasing?” he demanded, his voice rupturing every brain cell I possessed.
Was he serious? I couldn’t release his claw because he might continue the racket that drove me crazy but more than anything, I wanted to plug my nose. I looked away from his gaze, twisting so I could see what caused the repulsive odor. I also didn’t release his claw because for some strange reason, touching him calmed me.
What I saw turned my stomach upside down again and I swallowed back the bile in my throat. Partially devoured carcasses littered the floor—a leg here, thigh there—all in various stages of decay. Oh my gods, I was losing it again. I tried pushing away but didn’t make it. More chunky vomit spewed from my stomach landing on his talon and foot, or arm, whatever the hell it was.
When the heaving stopped, I finally answered, “Death, I smell death.”
“Humph. You smell of vomit and fermented drink. I don’t believe you are one to speak.”
“Gods do it, just do it you hulking jerk.”
“Do what, human female named Acasia?”
“Kill me, please,” it came out on a shriek.
“You humans are strange.” This time, his other talon shoved me farther away, moving me from his barf covered claw.
A deer hoof attached to a partial leg rested two inches in front of my face. I managed to scramble to my feet. I saw the dragon lift his middle claw.
Oh no he wouldn’t. “If you do that, I’ll puke on your other foot.”
“You have one last chance to beg for your life.” His jaws didn’t move but his grumbling voice threaded through my mind. Now, it was deep and husky like him calling my name when I waited with my claiming sisters.
Where my bravado came from, I don’t know. “I will not beg. Eat me.”
He reared up on his hind legs, his wings spreading out. I didn’t move, waiting for death—embracing it. The air moved when his wings flapped. For two seconds he hovered and then he rose until he rested on a ledge hundreds of feet above me.
He peered over his shoulder, “I will eat you tomorrow.” With a last look at where I stood, he went over the side, out of my view.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Cover Re-Reveal and Giveaway: Honor Reclaimed by Tonya Burrows
Title: Honor Reclaimed (A Hornet Novel)
Author: Tonya Burrows
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Former Marine scout sniper Seth Harlan is new to HORNET and anxious to prove he can still do his job despite an ongoing battle with PTSD. He remembers all too well what it's like to sit inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. So when a black ops soldier contacts HORNET to rescue a buddy who was left behind, all sorts of nasty memories strain his newfound stability.
When an interview with a runaway Afghan child bride leads photojournalist Phoebe Leighton to an arms deal involving a suitcase bomb powerful enough to wipe out a mid-sized town, she realizes this is one battle she can't win on her own. Forming an unlikely alliance with a ragtag team of military and government delinquents, she meets Seth, a sniper carrying as many emotional scars as physical, who impresses her with his steely will and ignites passions within her she thought long dead.
Suddenly this mission is about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of HORNET struggle to stop that bomb before it reaches it's final destination: The United States.
Author Bio:
Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven't put down my pen since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I'm now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.
When I'm not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let's be honest, I'll take a bad horror movie too!) I'm a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I'm also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.
I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. I'm from a small town in Western New York, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Former Marine scout sniper Seth Harlan is new to HORNET and anxious to prove he can still do his job despite an ongoing battle with PTSD. He remembers all too well what it's like to sit inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. So when a black ops soldier contacts HORNET to rescue a buddy who was left behind, all sorts of nasty memories strain his newfound stability.
When an interview with a runaway Afghan child bride leads photojournalist Phoebe Leighton to an arms deal involving a suitcase bomb powerful enough to wipe out a mid-sized town, she realizes this is one battle she can't win on her own. Forming an unlikely alliance with a ragtag team of military and government delinquents, she meets Seth, a sniper carrying as many emotional scars as physical, who impresses her with his steely will and ignites passions within her she thought long dead.
Suddenly this mission is about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of HORNET struggle to stop that bomb before it reaches it's final destination: The United States.
Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven't put down my pen since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I'm now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.
When I'm not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let's be honest, I'll take a bad horror movie too!) I'm a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I'm also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.
I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. I'm from a small town in Western New York, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.
Review: Passionate Persuasion by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Title: Passionate Persuasion (A Date by Mistake)
Author: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Source: Entangled Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: March 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 3
Sexual - 3
This sweet but sexy novella follows them as Alex tries to prove himself to her. It was cute and I loved Kiara's character. She was quite the diverse one with a mix of likes and features that I hadn't really seen before. With such a short novella it's hard to get too much story in, but Rosemary Clement-Moore does a pretty good job by giving us just what we need without a lot of fluff inbetween.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Source: Entangled Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: March 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 3
Sexual - 3
Remember the one that got away? What if you found a way to have a second chance years later - and found out that they had grown in a way that made you want them even more. Enter Alex, determined to prove to Kiara that he has what it takes to be boyfriend material. Kiara, on the other hand, isn't so sure.
A Date By Mistake Novella
A hot playboy who has left a string of hearts in his wake can’t forget the cellist who haunted his fantasies. Now it is his turn to use his power of persuasion to prove he’s the only man to keep her satisfied.
This sweet but sexy novella follows them as Alex tries to prove himself to her. It was cute and I loved Kiara's character. She was quite the diverse one with a mix of likes and features that I hadn't really seen before. With such a short novella it's hard to get too much story in, but Rosemary Clement-Moore does a pretty good job by giving us just what we need without a lot of fluff inbetween.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Review: Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall
Title: Dyed and Gone (An Azalea March Mystery #1)
Author: Beth Yarnall
Source: Entangled Select
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 5
Sexual - 2
Dyed and Gone was everything it promised me. It was funny, romantic, and touching with just a dash of suspense mixed in with the mystery. Azalea March has some memorable friends with her when she goes to Vegas to a hair styling convention. The most memorable was Juan Carlos - I had to stop writing quotes of his down when I realized I was pulling one from every scene he was in - it was priceless. There were times he almost stole the show from Azalea. Now Azalea was written in the most perfect way I think it could have been done. She was a real person!!! She wasn't perfect, but her quirks and attitude made me love her so much. But when Dhane (a big wig in the hair community) is found dead, her curiosity gets the best of her and she just has to know who-dun-it. And so our story begins.
Along the way we meet a host of very, very, very strange characters. But there was something about the way they were written and something about the way Azalea just went with it that made them seem almost part of everyday life (maybe they are for her). So she follows the bread crumbs and lands in a heap of trouble herself. Super sexy cop, Alex, has to come to her rescue several times, but as long as he gets a date out of it he doesn't mind.
This was an incredibly humorous contemporary romance that will hit the spot for a multitude of genres. I love that it's a series because I must see more of Azalea (and hopefully Juan Carlos, too).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Author: Beth YarnallSource: Entangled Select
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 5
Sexual - 2
Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her
friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the west coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?
Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.
Dyed and Gone was everything it promised me. It was funny, romantic, and touching with just a dash of suspense mixed in with the mystery. Azalea March has some memorable friends with her when she goes to Vegas to a hair styling convention. The most memorable was Juan Carlos - I had to stop writing quotes of his down when I realized I was pulling one from every scene he was in - it was priceless. There were times he almost stole the show from Azalea. Now Azalea was written in the most perfect way I think it could have been done. She was a real person!!! She wasn't perfect, but her quirks and attitude made me love her so much. But when Dhane (a big wig in the hair community) is found dead, her curiosity gets the best of her and she just has to know who-dun-it. And so our story begins.
Along the way we meet a host of very, very, very strange characters. But there was something about the way they were written and something about the way Azalea just went with it that made them seem almost part of everyday life (maybe they are for her). So she follows the bread crumbs and lands in a heap of trouble herself. Super sexy cop, Alex, has to come to her rescue several times, but as long as he gets a date out of it he doesn't mind.
This was an incredibly humorous contemporary romance that will hit the spot for a multitude of genres. I love that it's a series because I must see more of Azalea (and hopefully Juan Carlos, too).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Psst...don't tell Laurie, but at the time of posting this it was only 99cents on Amazon - go grab it while you can I have no idea when it will go back up.
Book Trailer!! Her Secret, (Promise Me #6) from Tara Fox Hall
Tara Fox Hall treats us to another wonderful book trailer!
~Cerridwen
Her Secret ( Promise Me #6)
In a desperate effort to halt her transformation to vampire, and stop her longing for the sultry Devlin, Sarelle willingly takes a drug to kill her desire, even as Danial prepares for the introduction of their son Theoron at a Vampire Gathering on New Year’s Eve. Faced with Theo’s betrayal at the eleventh hour, Sarelle must either trust in Danial to save her, or join forces with Devlin, revealing her secret desire for him.
Promise Me
#1. Promise Me
#2. Broken Promise
#3. Taken in the Night
#4. Taken for his Own
#5. Immortal Confessions (a 'Promise Me' Origins Tale)
#5.5 Promise Me Anthology #1
#6. Her Secret
#7. Point of No Return (Coming January 2014)
~Cerridwen
Her Secret ( Promise Me #6)
In a desperate effort to halt her transformation to vampire, and stop her longing for the sultry Devlin, Sarelle willingly takes a drug to kill her desire, even as Danial prepares for the introduction of their son Theoron at a Vampire Gathering on New Year’s Eve. Faced with Theo’s betrayal at the eleventh hour, Sarelle must either trust in Danial to save her, or join forces with Devlin, revealing her secret desire for him.
Promise Me
#1. Promise Me
#2. Broken Promise
#3. Taken in the Night
#4. Taken for his Own
#5. Immortal Confessions (a 'Promise Me' Origins Tale)
#5.5 Promise Me Anthology #1
#6. Her Secret
#7. Point of No Return (Coming January 2014)
Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Deconstructing Lila by Shannon Leigh
Title: Deconstructing Lila
Author: Shannon Leigh
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Preservationist Lila Gentry returns to her small Texas hometown to restore the famous Chisholm Trial whorehouse where her great-great grandmother was a madam in the 1880s. On her agenda is winning back Jake, the one that got away. But how do you rope a man who doesn't want to be wrangled?
Jake lives by one creed: Keep it simple. His ex showing up in town complicates his life and makes him think about thing's he'd rather forget.
When Lila's restoration project is threatened before it even begins, she turns to Jake for help. Working together stirs up old feelings, but while Lila and Jake always sizzle between the sheets—or wherever the moment takes them—it will involve some sweet-talking and finesse to bring these two together.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author: Shannon Leigh
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Preservationist Lila Gentry returns to her small Texas hometown to restore the famous Chisholm Trial whorehouse where her great-great grandmother was a madam in the 1880s. On her agenda is winning back Jake, the one that got away. But how do you rope a man who doesn't want to be wrangled?
Jake lives by one creed: Keep it simple. His ex showing up in town complicates his life and makes him think about thing's he'd rather forget.
When Lila's restoration project is threatened before it even begins, she turns to Jake for help. Working together stirs up old feelings, but while Lila and Jake always sizzle between the sheets—or wherever the moment takes them—it will involve some sweet-talking and finesse to bring these two together.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Review: Wallflower Gone Wild by Maya Rodale
Title: Wallflower Gone Wild (Bad Boys & Wallflowers #2)
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Author: Maya Rodale
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel
Rating- 3
Sexual- 2
There were just too many misunderstandings and half-truths. It drove me crazy!
Olivia reminded me of a YA character. She's a bit too 'woe-is-me' and gullible. Phinn proves himself to her again and again but she constantly pushes him away because of outrageous gossip. You know the saying, 'Actions speak louder than words'? Well, Olivia obviously never came across that one because she was so stuck on Phinn being the 'Mad Barron' that if she had opened her eyes for one moment (BEFORE 3/4 of the way through the book!) she would have seen he was a great guy. I got so frustrated with Olivia I wanted to reach in the book and smack her!
For the relationship development between Olivia and Phinn I give Wallflower Gone Wild a 2. For me, the saving grace was the humor. Olivia's attempts at breaking the rules made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, which pushed the overall rating to a solid 3 :)
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Author: Maya RodaleGenre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel
Rating- 3
Sexual- 2
Ohhh, I wanted to love this book. I really did.In the second in Maya Rodale’s delightful Wallflower series, London’s Least Likely to Cause a Scandal is taking Society by storm…
Being good has worked out very badly for Lady Olivia Archer. All she has to show for four seasons on the marriage mart is the nickname Prissy Missy. Her prospects are so bleak that her parents have betrothed her to a stranger with a dire reputation. If Phinneas Cole—aka The Mad Baron—wants a biddable bride, perhaps Olivia can frighten him off by breaking every ladylike rule.
Phinn has admired Olivia’s poise and refinement from afar…qualities that appear to have vanished now that they are officially engaged. This Olivia is flirtatious, provocative, and wickedly irresistible. She’s not at all the woman he bargained for, yet she’s the only one he wants.
He’s determined to woo her. She’s determined to resist. But Olivia is discovering there’s nothing so appealing as a fiancé who’s mad, bad, and dangerously seductive…
There were just too many misunderstandings and half-truths. It drove me crazy!
Olivia reminded me of a YA character. She's a bit too 'woe-is-me' and gullible. Phinn proves himself to her again and again but she constantly pushes him away because of outrageous gossip. You know the saying, 'Actions speak louder than words'? Well, Olivia obviously never came across that one because she was so stuck on Phinn being the 'Mad Barron' that if she had opened her eyes for one moment (BEFORE 3/4 of the way through the book!) she would have seen he was a great guy. I got so frustrated with Olivia I wanted to reach in the book and smack her!
For the relationship development between Olivia and Phinn I give Wallflower Gone Wild a 2. For me, the saving grace was the humor. Olivia's attempts at breaking the rules made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, which pushed the overall rating to a solid 3 :)
Monday, March 24, 2014
Review: Rising Shadows by Bridget Blackwood
Title: Rising Shadows (World in Shadows)
Author: Bridget Blackwood
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: February 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 3.5
Sexual - 3
Once Rachel hooked up with the paranormals things got much much better. I love the world Bridget Blackwood has created. It was a great mix of reality and fantasy with the paranormal trying to fit in, but never quite being able to all the way. But Rachel is an anomaly, she doesn't fit in either world and her abilities and trust will be pushed to their limits.
I don't want to give too much away about the romance because it comes fast and sudden and is a turning point to the story. They are incredibly sweet and loyal to each other and seem like a great match. Their relationship was a great way to develop and really show off the good and bad of both characters.
There were tons of side characters that I would love to know more about. I think the politics and relationships Blackwood has started to develop here could turn into a very successful series.
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: February 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 3.5
Sexual - 3
I don't usually go with half stars on a review, but this book was too good to be considered average, but had just a handful of small things that kept it from a four. The beginning of the book was incredibly confusing at first. We are thrown into a world with very little explanation - very much like the main character is. The author does a good job of showing the reader the confusion Rachel experiences, but I just don't like being confused - a personal thing.
Rachel Ryan wakes up with no knowledge of where she is or how she got there. Thrown
into a world she thought only existed in myths, she finds more questions than answers. Shape shifters, faeries, and vampires hide in plain sight among humans. There’s a war quietly brewing in the shadows. Rachel stands between mankind and those creatures that live in the darkness. Enhanced with power she doesn't understand, she’ll tip the scales, but who is the real enemy?
Once Rachel hooked up with the paranormals things got much much better. I love the world Bridget Blackwood has created. It was a great mix of reality and fantasy with the paranormal trying to fit in, but never quite being able to all the way. But Rachel is an anomaly, she doesn't fit in either world and her abilities and trust will be pushed to their limits.
I don't want to give too much away about the romance because it comes fast and sudden and is a turning point to the story. They are incredibly sweet and loyal to each other and seem like a great match. Their relationship was a great way to develop and really show off the good and bad of both characters.
There were tons of side characters that I would love to know more about. I think the politics and relationships Blackwood has started to develop here could turn into a very successful series.
Keep an eye out for book 1.5
My review will be up soon.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
New Releases in Romance - Week of March 23, 2014
Here's some great new releases for the week of March 23, 2014.
Paranormal
Historical
Contemporary
Romantic Suspense
Paranormal
Historical
Contemporary
Romantic Suspense
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Lover, Divine by A. Star
Title: Lover, Divine (Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1)
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating - 4
Sexual - 3
The Greek gods are real - living in a realm called Myth. They have human agents on Earth, families that help them do their business in the "real" world. The members of these families are called Influentials; they have power, pretige, and loads of wealth. Siobhan Law is the daughter of one of these families. Protected and cherished, it is her destiny to marry the son of a family and run their household. Too bad, Siobhan has more modern ideas of how she wants to live her life.
For fans of the Oracle of Delphi series...and for those who aren't...
Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.
When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.
But Liam’s divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan’s heart forever.
WARNING: For readers 18+ only. Contains adult language and sexual situations.
While attending a practice for the orchestra (she's first chair violin), a new musician shows up and challenges her for her place. Liam Argyros is beautiful - too beautiful and Siobhan instantly knows that he's not an ordinary mortal. What she doesn't know is that he's really the god Apollo come to earth to win her heart.
Their relationship is a strained one. Siobhan hates that he lied to her about who is, and it repeatedly come up (a little too much). They are on agian and off again throughout the book, but their feelings for eash other always seem to trump their problems. Parts of their relationship were very touching and sweet, and parts were very overbearing and I was surprised Siobhan put up with any of it.
It ends with a bit of action that was very nicely placed and wrapped up many of the loose ends in the story and brings in some more of the mythology. With a happy for now ending, it still had enough resolution to leave me satisfied, but enough untold to keep me wondering "what next".
Giveaway is managed by the author
Tour Schedule
March 17th
March 18th
March 19th
March 20th
March 21st
March 22nd
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