Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WW28: Bride Of A Wicked Scotsman

  • First you grab our Wicked Wednesday pic.
  • Then you grab a book. Turn to page 28. Take the first sentence. And then you post it in your site with a link back to WW28.
  • Come back to Cherry Mischievous - WW28 and give us the url of your post (in a comment at a WW28 post) so that other WW28 readers can find your WW28 offering.




My WW28 Offering is from Bride of a Wicked Scotsman, pg 28, the first line:
------------------------------------------
One cannot help but wonder if the dashing Black Scotsman will capture the hearts our our Irish lasses as surely as he has captured many a heart in his homeland. 
-----------------------------------------
About Bride of a Wicked Scotsman:
A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell's life irreparably. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever, taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.

No woman . . . save Annabel McBride.


Annabel knows nothing of Simon's secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that smolders within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.


But Simon dares not love again--for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all . . .



Book Review-The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell


The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell
The McBride Trilogy
Samantha James
Avon,
375 Pages
Published April 2007
Victorian Historical
ISBN: 978-0-06-089645-4

Synopsis:
A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell's life irreparably. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever, taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.

No woman . . . save Annabel McBride.

Annabel knows nothing of Simon's secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that smolders within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.

But Simon dares not love again--for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all . . .


My Review:
Annabel McBride has always longed for the love and passion that she has seen within in her own family, and children of her own. When a almost accident puts Simon Blackwell in her path, she doesn't know if she should run away or draw closer. After sharing a passionate embrace and then having to be married when caught, Annabel hopes that she will be loved in this marriage, however all her hopes are dashed when it is more than obvious that Simon has no intention of sharing a bed with her let alone a lifetime. Simon after having a tragic past and losing most of whom he loved, is hesitant to be in love once more, and if he lost Annabel he knows he could never go through it a second time. So he goes about trying to avoid her, but her influence is everywhere on his estate, and when Annabel goes about to seduce her own husband, Simon knows he doesn't stand a chance, and when they both find a heightened desire and passion, the rulebook that Simon has placed on their marriage goes out the window, and true love will be replaced.

I found that even though I enjoyed reading Annabel's story, the first half of the book seemed to go very slow and there were times that I had a hard time getting through it. I have read many books of Samantha James and thought that this one I could get through easily, but I was wrong. I mean once it reached a certain point I could hardly put it down, however it was reaching that point that was the problem. I don't kow if it was me or the way the story was written, but that was a big issue for me. But I still recommend reading this book, it was a great read, and I am glad that I did read it. This is a fun series to read, so I do recommend reading it.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
The Seduction of a Unknown Lady
Bride of a Wicked Scotsman
 




Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme that I have just discovered, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others! Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like
 Here is My Teaser:
"What the hell are you wearing?" He demanded again 
"You might as well be wearing nothing at all."


What is your teaser?


PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesay or share your teaser in a comment here. 

Monday, June 28, 2010

Book Review-Mercury's War


Mercury's War
Breed Series

Lora Leigh
Berkley,
325 Pages
Published October 2008
Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-22418-2

Synopsis:
Someone has been slipping the Sanctuary’s secure information to a pharmaceutical company. Now it’s up to Ria Rodriguez to pose as a clerk and uncover the leak. Yet she has no idea of the danger she’s about to encounter—or the passion she’s about to ignite in one of the greatest Breeds ever created.
Someone has been slipping the Sanctuary’s secure information to a pharmaceutical company. Now it’s up to Ria Rodriguez to pose as a clerk and uncover the leak. Yet she has no idea of the danger she’s about to encounter—or the passion she’s about to ignite in one of the greatest Breeds ever created.


My Review
When there is a suspicion at the "Sanctuary" that someone is a spy in their own camp they decide to bring in Ria Rodriquez, a talented woman at finding leaks. Ria has grown up in foster homes and never having a "home" until she turns eighteen Dane Vanderale offers her a job, for both him and his father Leo. She finds a family and home with them, feeling like she has found she has a place where she belongs, even though Dane has been quite frustrating as most breed males only can be. When she goes to the "Sanctuary" she meets up with Mercury Warrant who is her bodyguard, and a sensual desire flames up between them, blazing hot. Ria knows that she has a job to do, but at the same time she is drawn to Mercury whose mate died years ago. She is looking for more than a one night stand, she wants a loving relationship and knows her heart will only be broken in the end. Obstacles get thrown in their way that will prove how strong their love really is.

I have realized I should have started reading Lora Leigh many months ago, this having been the first book that I have read of hers, I have found out that she is one of my favorite fantasy romance authors. I had heard such great things about her books, and they were all right. Lora Leigh delivers THE BEST in my book!!!!I found this book to be so sinful it should be awful it was so wonderful to read. I truly loved Ria, she is one of those heroines that stands up to the alpha type male, and stands her ground until of course his kisses melt her senses away, (which I have to say was thoroughly enticing) I also loved the conflict of when his supposed mate comes back to life, and doesn't know which one is really his mate. My heart ached for the position that they both were put in, and how its a classic story of how true love does conquer all obstacles, no matter what they may be. It was a thrilling ride of adventure and passion!!!

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Tempting The Beast
The Man Within
Elizabeth's Wolf
Kiss of Heat
Soul Deep
The Breed Next Door
Megan's Mark
Harmony's Way
Tanner's Scheme
Wolf's Hope
Jacob's Faith
Aiden's Charity
In A Wolf's Embrace
Dawn's Awakening
A Jaguars Kiss
Christmas Heat
Coyote's Mate
Bengal's Heart
Lions Heat
Styx’s Storm





Sunday, June 27, 2010

Lusting For Covers (9)

Lusting For Covers is a meme found on TBQ, that allows blogger's to share their current cover obsession.  Here's what you do:


1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.
3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked! (OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.  


-------------------------------------------------
My Current Craving For The Week:
Their marriage was convenient...

Simon St. James, fifth Earl of Trask, knows he could do worse in the marriage of convenience department. Sophie Stanton may be a bit of a social liability, with her ungovernable ways and flighty nature, but Simon has responsibilities as an earl that far outweigh happiness in the household. And as for happiness in the bedroom...he has to admit he sees Sophie's potential in that arena...

Their passion was not!

But Sophie isn't some bargaining chip to be traded, and she's not about to let Simon St. James tell her how to live her life -- even though she has nurtured a crush on the handsome young earl for as long as she can remember. If his idea of courtship is telling her what to do, then she is not interested, or at least she is trying not to be. But when his scolding words turn to scorching kisses, suddenly Sophie starts paying attention...



Book Review-Mine To Possess

Mine To Possess
Psy-Changeling(4)
Nalini Singh
Berkley,
328 Pages
Published February 2008
Fantasy Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-22016

Synopsis:
Nalini Singh pulls away another dark layer of sheer desire, revealing passions unknown, in her latest novel about the world of the Psy. A ghost returns from a leopard changeling's past, making him question everything-even his base animal instincts...

Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man, and lost his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.


Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare stalks her--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...


Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again and hungers to possess her with a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past... or lose everything that ever mattered.


My Review:
Talin McKade has known Clay Bennett since her childhood, but when one night she see's the true nature of what Clay could become she lives her life in terror. But she is now a grown woman and goes to find Clay to help her and innocents for she can no longer do it on her own. She needs help from someone that she knows that can. Children from the streets have been kidnapped and turning up dead on the streets, and Talin is at a loss as to what to do now. Now one of the children that she has grown very close to has dissapeared and she wants to find him before he turns up dead as well. So she finds Clay and is filled with fear once more. Clay is no longer the boy she once knew, who saved her from a monster. Clay Bennett is a sentinel of the DarkRiver, and has a young boy grew close to a young woman that he bonded close with. However when he releases the animal side of himself that he had tried to hide from, and kill the one that was abusing Talin, he loses the one person that he ever felt close to, his best friend, believing later that she died he is now faced with the fact that he was lied to, and Talin has been alive all this time.  Now a sentinel with responsibilities, Talin comes to him for his help and he has a great need to possess and claim her. Clay never wants to let her go, and vows to himself that she will never leave him again. But they must find the truth and find the lost children before it is too late....

I truly enjoyed reading this, and the more I read Nalini Singh the more and more I want to read the rest of her. She has such a great talent to portray her stories and relationships within them so vividly alive that you feel drawn into the book and taken into a new world with danger and passion that will excite and enthrall you. I just started reading her books and I am so glad that I decided to start reading her. At first I didn't know if I would like reading her, but I have heard such great things, and I have to say that they are all 100% true. Nalini Singh will surprise and delight you!

My Grade On This Book:
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat
Caressed By Ice
Hostage to Pleasure
Stroke of Enchantment
Branded by Fire
Blaze of Memory
Bonds of Justice
 Play Of Passion
Kiss of Snow





Book Review-Storm of Shadows


Storm of Shadows
(The Chosen Ones)
Christina Dodd
Signet, 374 Pages
Published September 2009
Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 978-0-451-22813-0

Synopsis:

When the world was young, twins were born. One brought light to a dark world; the other, darkness and danger. They gathered others around them, men and women destined to use their powerful gifts for good or evil. Today, their descendants walk the earth as the Chosen, and the ultimate battle has begun.

THE CHOSEN ONES

Brilliant but proper and predictable, Rosamund Hill has lived her life buried in universities and libraries, discounting the legend of the Chosen as a myth. Until Aaron Eagle shows up at her door. Aaron both unsettles and enthralls her. But she can't resist his offers of clandestine visits to private museums, the hunt for a mysterious prophecy. or a makeover that unleashes her untamed soul. With the promise of a love that will defy fate itself, Rosamund is forced to confront the truth about the Chosen...and the dangerous man who sweeps her into a world of dark secrets.



My Review:
Rosamund Hill lives her life in libraries, she is a expert in antiquities and knows how to properly treat them. Both her parents have passed away, and she is alone in the world. Then a handsome stranger comes in to visit her, Aaron Eagle, inquiring about a prophecy. Aaron Eagle is part of "The Chosen Ones" and in search of the prophecy. He brings Rosamund along with him to locations all over the world in search of it. But there is a evil force at work called the "Others" whose goal is to destroy the Chosen Ones. Its literally a fight between good and evil. Rosamund Hill never realized what she was getting into at first, but as they travel the world together and fight evil forces, she is drawn to the unsettling man beside her throughout the whole journey. There is also a passion that awakens between the both of them that neither anticipated. And a love that is so deep and strong can overcome any obstacle they face together.

This is the first book that I have read from the Chosen One Series, and I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. This was a surprisingly good read, I didn't know if I would like it as well as her other books that I have read. Most of what I have read from her were her historical's so this one was a good surprise to be sure. There were times that it didn't flow smoothly through the whole thing, but I really enjoyed reading most of it. I loved how even though Rosamund has no experience with men at all, and now she is faced with one and she doesn't know how to react most of the time, it was definitely at times very amusing. This definitely sounds like a intense and fun series, and looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
Storm of Visions
Chains of Ice
Chains of Fire



Friday, June 25, 2010

Requested Book Review By Author: The Devilin Fey

The Devilin Fey 
Jess C Scott
E Book Edition-Kindle
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
eISBN: 978-1-4523-5151-3

Book Description
A novella of two stories, featuring an incubus and succubus.
Story #1 features a demure young woman unleashing the “devil in” her, through the intimacy with an incubus. Story #2 features a voyeuristic succubus driven by jealousy and a dangerous fixation.
My Review:

This book is two short paranormal romances, and I found that I really enjoyed this book. The Author requested that I review this book and I am glad that she did. I love reading anything involving the world of the paranormal, which this one does at this. The first story starts out with a story of a young woman who gets used sexually at the beginning by a modern rake, and she finds herself hurting from being used so badly. Then she meets Lucien at night on the beach, who captivates her attention. When she first meets him she see's him with wings, however the next moment they disappear and she wonders if she is imagining things. As time goes on she finds out who Lucien really is, a incubus and after sharing some intense passionate encounters, there is something changing within in, when she realizes that she is part human and part incubus. She finds within herself something unleashing, that she never imagined would ever happen to her. There is a devilish quality that errupts within her, but she has a intimate connection to him that she can't resist. I found this story to be a very passionate and strong love story that ignites the feeling of intimate sensation that heats up the room. I found that I couldn't put this one down, and since it is the first one that I have read that involves a incubus, its pages were filled with passion, adventure, mystery and a love that pulls at the hear strings!!! The second story however it was a bit enjoyable, but not the kind that I usually read. This story has a male succubus who is a voyeur. Most of the book is how he follows Adriana and watches her day by day, including sexual encounter with a "male friend". It wasn't until the end that they start really connecting.  For me I like more interaction with the main characters, and there was toward the end but not enough to fully satisfy me. Overall it was a good book to read and I am grateful that this author chose me to review it!!!

My Grade On This Book:
4 Blossoms



Book Review-Tiger Prince


The Tiger Prince 
Iris Johansen
Bantam, 505 Pages
Published January 1993
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-553-29968-9

Synopsis:
From the shimmering cities of a faraway land to the heather-scented hills of the Scottish Highlands comes this passionate tale of adventure and dangerous desire by one of America's bestselling and beloved authors, Iris Johansen.

TIGER, TIGER, BURNING BRIGHT

In a locked room of shadows and sandalwood, Jane Barnaby first met the wickedly disturbing man whose searing blue eyes and brazen smile seemed to read her deepest desires-a man who exuded the mystery and danger of exotic lands. In his mesmerizing presence, Jane found herself instantly transformed from a hardheaded businesswoman to the willing slave of a passion she knew she must resist....

IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT...

A man of sensuous grace and smoldering sensuality, adventurer Ruel McClaren brought the independent beauty back to his native Scotland to spin a web of revenge. But once at Glenclaren Castle, he found it ever harder to play the unforgiving captor to this woman who touched his heart and made his blood run hot.


My Review:
It starts out with a scot Ruel McClaren head with his brother to Kasenpore, India in hopes to see the Mahajarah in hopes to buy a piece of property from him. A property that he would sacrifice almost anything for. His son, Prince Abdar asks him to spy on Jane Barnaby to find the location of the man by John Kartauk. Jane Baraby has come with her father to build a railroad for the Mahajarah in India. Jane is in charge of the job, even though on paper her father is but he is a drunk so she takes responsibility knowing how important this job is. Then she comes face to face to Ruel McClaren whose masculine magnetism entrances her and a passionate embrace they share awakens something within her that she never knew existed. Thus begins a riveting adventure that will take you from India, to the Scottish highlands, and to a beautifully island filled with elephants and treasure hunting, what more can you ask for?

This was a very exciting and enjoyable read, I love reading Iris Johansen's historical's they are filled with adventure, romance, a thrilling ride that you won't ever regret. I truly loved both characters Ruel McClaren is brother to a Laird of Glenclaren Castle. Ruel is driven by finding his fortune in gold, and knows that he wants more than anything a Island that is swimming with it, and he is the only one that knows of it. At first when he is called to spy on Jane he thinks nothing of it, but then he bonds with her and he starts to fall in love with this strong willed and beautiful woman. However when a tragic accident occurs Ruel is bent on revenge but despite everything nothing could change what he feels for her. Jane has worked most of life on railroads with her father, having been taken from a whorehouse where her mother worked, Jane vowed to her father to repay that debt. Even though he is far from the father she could have imagined, she has never known desire or that there was a sensual woman within her until she meets Ruel. Never knowing that she will change forever. I enjoyed this one although there was a couple of things I struggled with. And those of you who have read it, probably know what I am talking about. But it was  a matter that drove Ruel to revenge against Jane for a time, and it was never solved to my full satisfaction, so that really bugged me a bit. Just because I looked forward to when the full truth would come out, and it never did. But other than that I really loved this book, its pages filled with everything that will satisfy and delight you in a good romance.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms




Book Blogger Hop # 10

I cannot believe how the time flies, and its another great time for some hopping!!! So feel free to go on over to Crazy-For-Books and sign up!!! Find new friends and wonderful blogs!!!! LETS DO THE HOP!!!


Thursday, June 24, 2010

Book Review-Caressed By Ice


Caressed by Ice
Psy-Changeling (3)
Nalini Singh
Berkley
352 Pages
Published September 2007
Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-21842-6

Synopsis:
Nalini Singh explores new heights of sensuality, returning to the world of the Psy -- where two people who know evil intimately must unlock the good within their icy hearts...

As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now he is a defector, and his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins - cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna...

Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted - and had her mind violated - by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives...


My Review:
Brenna Shane Kincaid, after being kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer, is vulnerable. Brenna has been violated especially by her mind, and she can sense evil very easily. Brenna is one of the Wolf Changelings, but ever since her kidnapping she hasn't been able to shift, only use her claws and teeth. Brenna wonders if she will ever regain her wolf, for she feels lost. Having older brothers, who are very over protective and she want's to have space and freedom back.  Judd Lauren is a elite soldier of the Psy, and now having defecting from the council and the ranks knowing he doesn't want a future of having doing terrible things in the name of the Psy. Having been silenced ( feeling no emotion) he is a cold unfeeling being, however when he meets Brenna he finds his cold nature melting away. Passion and desire ignite between Brenna and Judd, that shock and delight them both. Judd unused to what he is feeling, feels the silence slipping away from him, and desiring the touch of the one woman that fires up his passions. Brenna seeks Judd at first to help her with what has gone on in her mind, however she seeks more with him than just mental assistance. She starts to care for him in a way that she never expected of a Psy. But will their connection and love they find together be strong enough to survive the upcoming dangers that could destroy everything they have built and what they have found in each other?

This was the first book of Nalini Singh that I have read. I wanted to read this Psy-changeling series in order, however since this one came through the library, I might have had to wait weeks, and I wanted to read her books, and I found that even though I wished that I could have read the series in order, I didn't need to. I can usually figure things out pretty fast, and I did with this one. It was a intense love story that mesmerized my senses. Brenna was the kind of heroine that I always love reading, her kind of character creates a kind of conflict that I love reading and enjoying their journey of healing. She has been defiled and treated abominably yet she remains strong, and despite her brother's wanting to protect her. Brenna doesn't want their protection, despite her love for them. The one that she wants protection from is the cold and ruthless Judd. I also enjoyed seeing how despite how cold he is at the beginning, he definitely starts to heat up throughout the rest of the story that captivated my attention. He knows that Brenna needs touch often, so he tries to accommodate her, to help her in her challenges, but Judd never expected to start feeling. I also loved the love scenes between these two characters, definitely heated and timed perfectly throughout the book. I am so glad that I finally was able to get drawn into the world that Nalini Singh has created and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!!!

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Beat of Temptation
Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat
Mine to Possess
Hostage to Pleasure
Stroke of Enchantment
Branded by Fire
Blaze of Memory
Bonds of Justice
 Play of Passion



Thursday Thirteen (2)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading  where each thursday you choose a theme, and list 13 things that fit that certain theme.


My 13 Favorite Authors:
Johanna Lindsey
Lisa Kleypas
Sabrina Jeffries
Nalini Singh
Christine Feehan
Kathleen Woodiwiss
Lorrain Heath
Connie Mason
Gena Showalter
Lynsay Sands
Kerrelyn Sparks
Kathryn Smith
Iris Johansen



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