Review of Kiss of Steel

KISS OF STEEL may be purchased here.

KISS OF STEEL
Bec McMaster

Honoria Todd has escaped the clutches of the Duke of Vickers by hiding out in Whitechapel.  Whitechapel is almost autonomous from the rest of London, which is ruled by the Echelon, aristocrats infected with a virus, that makes them hunger for human blood.  Unfortunately for Honoria the rookeries are ruled with a iron fist by Blade, who is, also, infected by the craving.  Then Honoria is summoned by Blade, has she gone from the frying pan into the fire?

KISS OF STEEL is an enjoyable steam punk romance with wonderful characters and an intriguing plot.  Although KISS OF STEEL flowed a little slowly in the beginning, once I grasped the world, I was hooked and grew to care for the characters.  Blade is a yummy hero, who has a bad reputation, but the heart of a true hero.  Blade has created his own family and is fiercely protective and loving of them, but he is, also, haunted by his sister's death and seeks revenge on Vickers for his part in her death.  This quest for revenge leads him to Honoria, but he soon falls for her and wants to keep her safe.  Honoria is a great heroine, who sacrifices for her family and is struggling to stay a few steps ahead of Vickers.  Ms. McMaster's world is grim and violent, but there is hope for the characters, and this reader couldn't help but be pulled into the characters' struggle.

NOTE:  I was given this book in return for an unbiased review.

Review of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU may be purchased here.

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU
Jessica Scott

Captain Evan Loeher, company commander, and Captain Clair Montoya meet and butt heads for the first time in 2005.  Evan is a follow-the-rules kind of officer, whereas, Clair is willing to fudge on the rules, if she thinks it will help her unit.  These two remain at odds for awhile, until they are sent to Colorado for a training mission and the sparks fly.

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU is an intense military romance, which delves into some weighty issues, such as alcoholism.  Evan is a great hero, who Clair calls "Captain America".  Evan has issues, which stem from the death of his sister in a car accident in which he was driving.  The guilt from that moment has made him seek control in all situations and to follow the rules almost excessively.  Clair on the other hand, has demons of her own.  Raised by an alcoholic father and, then, shuffled into the foster care system, it is easy to see why Clair has trust issues.  It is enjoyable watching these two work through their problems, in order to find their own happily-ever-after.

NOTE:  I was given this book in return for an unbiased review.

Review of A LITTLE MISCHIEF

A LITTLE MISCHIEF may be purchased here.

A LITTLE MISCHIEF
Amelia Grey

Daniel Fletcher Colebrooke, the Seventh Earl of Colebrooke, has inherited his title after the unexpected death of his brother.  Unused to his duties as the head of the family, Daniel goes to London to search for a bride.  When Daniel learns that his sister, Gretchen, has been attending a reading group called the Wallflower Society by the ton, he decides to put a stop to her association with the group.  Miss Isabella Winslowe has started her reading group in an attempt to get the shyer misses of the ton to come out of their shell.  Since Isabella fought shyness her first season, she hopes to help others overcome this disability.  When Gretchen is found by Isabella standing over the body of a notorious gamester, and then, the body disappears Daniel and Isabella must work together to save Gretchen's reputation and solve the mystery.

A LITTLE MISCHIEF is an entertaining regency romance with great characters and an intriguing plot.  However, if you are a real stickler for historical accuracy, this may not be the book for you.  There were a few inaccuracies as far as titles are concerned.  Luckily, this didn't detract much from my enjoyment of the book.  Daniel is a great hero, who thinks that he wants a biddable bride, but soon comes to reevaluate his criteria, after meeting Isabella.  Isabella makes a great heroine, who thinks she wants to remain an independent spinster but can't seem to fight the overwhelming attraction to Daniel.  It is hilarious how Daniel tries to keep Isabella out of the investigation, but she winds up in the middle of things.  These two make a great couple, and the mystery ends unexpectedly.

NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of HOT COCO

HOT COCO may be purchased here.

HOT COCO
Cindy McDonald

Coco Bearmore, a Barbie-like heiress, is having trouble with her horse trainer and her five thoroughbred horses, who get into lots of mischief.  When Coco tearfully asks Mike West for his help, he agrees to take on the training of her horses, and drama ensues, especially because Coco is very clumsy and her horses have very bad habits.

HOT COCO has romance, intrigue, and great characters, but it isn't like most mainstream romances.  HOT COCO tells the story of the West family and some of the people associated with them.  Mike West is the oldest son of Eric West, and he helps run the family stables.  Mike is attracted to Coco's outward appearance, but because of her clumsiness, has trouble getting close to her.  At first, I didn't like Mike much, because he seemed to be all about outward appearances, but as the book progressed, he seemed to realize that there is more to a person than their looks.  Coco has a good heart but is terribly clumsy and always getting into situations.  Toward the end of the book, Coco becomes more self-sufficient. 

All in all,  I enjoyed HOT COCO and became involved in the lives of the characters.  It was nice to see how they grew, and I look forward to reading more about this family.

NOTE:  I was given this book in return for an impartial review.  



 

Review of PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS

PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS may be purchased here.

PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS
Amanda Grange and Jacqueline Webb

Mr. Darcy's younger cousin, Edward Fitzwilliam, is obsessed with Egypt and finding treasure.  Edward's enthusiasm infects the Darcy family, and they decide to journey with him to Egypt and take part in a dig.  Along the way, they have adventures and, of course, there is a curse attached to the tomb that they are seeking. 

PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS is a delightful sequel to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which has a slight paranormal aspect, as well as the historical.  PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book, and I've always been fascinated with Egypt, so I read this book with great anticipation.  Luckily, PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS doesn't disappoint, although I wondered at Darcy taking such small children on such a dangerous journey-- this seemed a little out of character for him.  However, this is a minor quibble and doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book, and the Darcy children add greatly to the enjoyment of the book.  While some may be turned off by the paranormal aspects in this book, I enjoyed them and felt, that they added flare to the story.  Additionally, it is great to see how the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy has grown and matured.

All in all, PRIDE AND PYRAMIDS is an enjoyable sequel to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which I recommend.

NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

 

    

Winner of my Blogoversary

The winner of my blogoversary is


A nash

She has been notified and received the prize.  Thanks to everyone, who participated in my blogoversary!

Celebration Time!! Late Blogoversary!

It is, finally, time to celebrate my 2 year blogoversary!  I had to put the celebration off for a few months, because of my shoulder surgery.  Happily, I'm able to mostly use both arms, which is a big relief.  Anyway, I'm giving away $20 amazon gift card or up to $20 ordered from the Book Depository, so that international folowers won't be left out.  

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1.  Be a follower.  GFC, google+, or network
2. +1 entry for twitter follower
3.  You must be 18 or older and leave a comment telling me how you follow with the number of entries and an e-mail address.  Make sure to leave all pertinent info, so that I can validate following.
4.     Giveaway starts 6/13/12 and ends 6/30/12 at midnight.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review of UNTOUCHED

UNTOUCHED may be purchased here.

UNTOUCHED
Sara Humphreys

Kerry Smithson is a model, who stears clear of touching anyone, because she has psychic visions which cause her intense pain.  Little does Kerry know, that she is part Amoveo, a race of shapeshifters with special powers.  Dante is a member of the Amoveo race and knows, instinctively, that Kerry is his mate.  Unfortunately, Kerry has a stalker, who wants a pure Amoveo world, and Kerry knows nothing of her heritage.

UNTOUCHED is an enjoyable paranormal romance with great characters and an interesting premise.  Dante is a great hero with protective instincts, however, I wish that he had explained the entire situation to Kerry sooner.  It is, also, great that Dante has red hair.  I love red haired heroes.  Kerry has had a difficult time, thinking herself flawed, because of her inability to touch people.  Because of this Kerry is strong,but lonely, and it is a relief and upsetting to feel a connection to Dante.  There is a great build up of action and the ending is satisfying.  The secondary characters are intriguing, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

UNTOUCHED
Sara Humphreys

Review of ENRAPTURED

ENRAPTURED may be purchased here,

ENRAPTURED
Elisabeth Naughton

Orpheus, who is part Daemon and an unwilling member of the Guardians, is determined to rescue his brother, Gryphon, from the Underworld.  In order to do this, he must find the Orb of Kronos, a powerful artifact which the gods want too.  Meanwhile, Skyla, a siren who is an assassin for Zeus, is sent to retrieve the orb from Orpheus and kill him.  Unfortunately, the gods can be deceptive and Skyla may be biting off more than she can chew.

At first, I had trouble getting into ENRAPTURED, but once I did, I became "enraptured".  Perhaps the fact, that I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, accounts for my lack of affinity for the beginning of the book.  However, once I got into the book, I couldn't wait to turn the next page and find out what happened next.  The characters are memorable and the plot exciting.  I have always enjoyed Greek mythology, and Ms. Naughton has an intriguing take on this mythology.   Orpheus, who doesn't think himself worthy and has to fight his dark side, is a true hero.  Sklya, who is torn between her duty and her feelings for Orpheus, must follow her heart to find happiness.  The secondary characters are great especially, Gryphon, who makes my heart ache, because he is in such pain.  Because of this, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

MIA and Blogiversary

Hi everyone,
I'm sorry that I've been MIA so much lately.  The shoulder surgery and recovery really threw me for a loop.  I'm slowly recovering, but I'm still able to mostly use only one arm.  Anyway, I missed my blogiversary celebration, so I've decided to have a late one and combine it with finally being able to use my left arm celebration.  So be on the look out for a giveaway, probably in June or first part of July.  Thanks for being patient with me.

Review of Believe It or Not

BELIEVE IT OR NOT may be purchased here.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Tawna Fenske

Violet McGinn has moved away to the other side of the country and become an accountant, to be far away from what her psychic mother is.  Unfortunately, when her mother falls and has to have surgery, Violet must take over her business.   Drew Watson, the owner of the bar, which is a neighbor to Violet's mother's shop, makes his scepticism of psychics known.  These two are attracted to each other, but fight it. 

Humor is an individual taste, and while BELIEVE IT OR NOT has some amusing moments many scenes fell short of the intended humor for me.  With that said, I enjoyed the love story between Drew and Violet.  Drew is a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, who is handy with a tool belt and comfortable with his masculinity.  Violet is described as a high-strung, type a personality, but she seems a little ditsy at times.  My favorite character is Violet's mother, who appears flighty, but manages to get what she wants.

 NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT

TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT may be purchased here.


TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT
Amanda Forester

Morrigan McNabb isn't the usual Scots lass, because she dresses like a man and fights alongside her brothers for her clan.  Morrigan's clan is very poor and in danger of starving and to make matters worse Scotland is at war with England.  Sir Jaques Dragonet is one of the French knights, who arrived with the Duke of Argitaine to aid some Scottish in attacking the English.  Because the Duke paid for their help, Morrigan's clan is among the other Scots clans.  Morrigan, who knew Jaques as a minstrel, previously, is very attracted to him, and the feeling is mutual.  Unfortunately, Jaques has secrets, that will get in the way to their path to true love.

Ms. Forester has become a must buy author for me and her books are on my keeper shelf.  Ms. Forester seamlessly weaves historical events into a great love story filled with multi-faceted characters, action and adventure.  Jaques is a great hero, who is honorable and fervently religious.  It is great seeing him fall for the irreverent, head-strong, Morrigan.  Morrigan is one of my favorite heroine's of all time.  Any heroine, who at twelve, has the gumption to run the fat, elderly man, she is betrothed to, off at sword point, has my vote. 

All in all, TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT is a wonderful read, which I highly recommend.

NOTE:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS may be purchased here.

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS
Tes Hilaire

Roland can't believe that Calhoun, the only Paladin friend that he has left, would bring him a female to protect after what he has become.  Karissa, the last female Paladin and hope for the future of the
Paladins, whose bloodline has been weakened by breeding with humans, is sought after by the forces of good and evil.  Unfortunately, it appears that the only one on Karissa's side is Roland, a former Paladin turned vampire, but can she trust him?

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS is a great start to what looks to be an awesome series.  The world-building is intriguing and the characters are complex.  Before long, I found myself totally involved in this story, and by the end, wanting more.  There is one plot point, that I thought dragged on a little long, but that is a minor quibble, because I was really engrossed in the story and came to care about the characters.  I really can't wait for the next book!

Review of THE LORD OF ILLUSION

THE LORD OF ILLUSION may be purchased here.

THE LORD OF ILLUSION
Kathryne Kennedy

Drystan Hawkes, who has elf blood, has been raised in Wales to save him from a possible death sentence at the hands of the Elf Lords.   The Elf Lords rule England with an iron fist and bring children with elf blood to test them.  If the children are too powerful, they are killed, so that they won't be a threat to the Elf Lords.  When Drystan gets a vision of the woman, who may be the key to opening the portal to Elfhame and possibly sending the Elf Lords back, he knows he must find her.  Camille Ashton, the slave from Drystan's visions, is in a precarious position, when Drystan arrives and saves her.  This is only the beginning of the adventure for these two.

Filled with magic, action, adventure, and complex characters, THE LORD OF ILLUSION brings to conclusion Ms. Kennedy's wonderful fantasy series.  Drystan is determined to prove himself more than a scholar and to find Camille, whom he has fallen in love with through his visions.  Camille, who has known great struggle and degradation, finds it hard to trust Drystan, at first, but his true character shines through, and she grows to love him.  The secondary characters, many of whom appeared in previous books, capture your heart.   I, especially, love the dragons.

All in all,  THE LORD OF ILLUSION is a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable fantasy series. 

Review of STUD

STUD may be purchased here.

STUD
Cheryl Brooks

Tarq Zulveidione, one of the few Zetithians left after their planet was destroyed,travels around impregnating women, in order to help his species continue.  Lucinda Force is trapped working in her father's cafe, when Tarq walks in.  Lucinda has seen Tarq's ads about having his children and getting much pleasure in return, and she is intrigued.  Lucinda sees Tarq as her chance to have children and escape the stifling presence of her father and family.

STUD is a very entertaining science fiction romance with an interesting premise, and multi-faceted characters.  Although I haven't read the other books in this series, I had no trouble catching the gist of the book.  While the beginning felt a little slow, after Lucinda runs away from her family,the pace picks up and a great adventure commences,  Tarq is one of the most lovable heroes, that I have ever encountered,  I was apprehensive that Tarq would come across as a gigolo with a big ego.  However, there is nothing further from the truth, Tarq is handsome, appealing and strong but has insecurities, which make him all the more lovable.  Lucinda, who has been put down all her life, also, has insecurities, which make her think Tarq couldn't possibly want her.  These two must overcome their insecurities, as well as, many dangers to be together.

Overall, STUD is a great read, and I will be awaiting the next book in this series with great anticipation,

Review of COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY

COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY may be purchased here.


COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY
Nina Benneton

Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy businessman and company owner, goes to Vietnam with his friend, Charles Bingley, to help Charles' sister adopt a child.  When Charles is injured Darcy tries to oversee his care, but comes into conflict with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, who is wearing surgeon's garb.   After this incident, Elizabeth and Darcy meet again, but Darcy doesn't recognize her.  Elizabeth thinks Darcy pompous and demanding and mistakes the relationship between Charles and Darcy,  Later, George Wickham arrives to cause havoc.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book, and I love reading the different versions of it.  COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY is a modern retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which kept me thoroughly entertained.  Mr. Darcy didn't seem quite as arrogant and pompous as the orginal Mr.Darcy, however, this Mr. Darcy has many good qualitities,foremost among them, his protectiveness of those he loves.  The fact that Darcy has OCD makes him all the more likeable and humanizes him to a great degree.  While this Darcy doesn't take the original's place in my heart, I found myself falling a little for him, nevertheless.  Elizabeth makes a great match for Darcy, because she is intelligent, lively, and understands his disorder.  These two make a great couple, and I really enjoyed their courtship.  Perhaps my favorite character in this book is computer-hacking, militant, Mary Bennett.  The sense of family, that is enjoyed in the original version, is continued in this version.  When tragedy strikes, the Bennett family and Darcy pull together.

All in all, COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY is an entertaining modernization of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

Review of THE UNFINISHED SONG: INITIATE

THE UNFINISHED SONG may be found here.

THE UNFINISHED SONG:  INITIATE

Tara Maya

Dindi is different from the rest of her clan, which has never had a Tavaedie, a magical dancer, chosen from among them.  Dindi loves to dance and hopes to be chosen as a Tavaedie during her intiation, because dance will be forbidden to her, if she is not chosen,  Meanwhile, Kavio,the powerful son of the Rainbow clan's chief is found guilty of a crime and exiled.  Although Kavio did not commit the crime, he can't prove it and is forced to leave.  Dindi has powers, that she is unaware of, and Kavio has to journey to discover his purpose.

THE UNFINISHED SONG:  INITIATE  is an entertaining fantasy tale with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline.  I found myself caught up in Dindi and Kavio's tale, even though it seemed a little slow in the beginning.  The world-building is complex, but the continual jump from viewpoint to viewpoint tended to pull me out of the story.   I came to care for the characters, and since the ending is something of a cliffhangar, I have great anticipation for the next book in the series. 

FOLLOWER LOVE GIVEAWAY HOP WINNERI

I'm, finally, able to get online for brief periods of time.  Thanks to everyone for their patience,  Anyway, the winner as chosen by random,org is ...........................................................................









KARA D

Congrats!  Thanks to everyone for participating,

Update on Follower Love Giveaway

Hi, everyone,
I fell and broke my shoulder and must undergo surgery.  Unfortunately, the giveaway will be delayed until I'm able to get back online.  Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.  Thanks for understanding!

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Book Lover and Procrastinator is stop 12 on the hop. I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower. Just leave a comment with your GFC follower name. You can get an additional entry by following me on Google +. Just say you do and leave your Google name in a comment. Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only. Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts Feb. 7th and ends Feb. 14th. at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 7th. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!