Book Review-First Drop Of Crimson

First Drop of Crimosn
Night Huntress World (1)
Jeaniene Frost
Avon
371 Pages
Published February 2010
Vampire Romance
ISBN:978-0-06-158322-3

Synopsis 
The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows—her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield—and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness—and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.
He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human—even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .
Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost. 

MY REVIEW 
 
Summary:
Denise MacGregor has learned all too well how dangerous the creatures of the night can be. Her best friend, Cat, is half vampire and married to one. Denise lost her husband to vampires and ever since has steered clear of them including Cat, her closest friend. But now she has been branded by a demon and witnessed her cousin being killed right in front of her. No for her survival and that of everyone else in her family, she must rely on Spade, who is a very powerful vampire and she knows he is the perfect solution to help her. Spade is the only one she feels that she can turn to. But as they embark together to unravel the mystery and present danger surrounding them, a intense passion between them skyrockets, and a deep love is found when they least expect it...

The Hero (Spade)
Spade, once a baron and aristocrat in Englad, is now a powerful vampire. Spade feels obligated by duty to help Denise, who is the most alluring human and finds that the longer that he is around her, the more of a stronger hold she has on him. Spade once loved a human, but lost her and ever since has only used them for feeding and to have sex with. But Denise is different, and he feels at a loss as to the feelings she brings out in him. Because he will do all that he can to keep her in his life.

The Heroine (Denise MacGregor)
Denise, is slowly losing members of her family, and then she is attacked and branded  by a demon. So she turns to Spade, the only other vampire she feels that she can turn to. For the survival of herself and her family she must rely on Shade, but despite her feelings toward vampires...Shade is completely different. Shade overwhelms her, and the feelings for him only gets stronger by the day and start to wonder is she could ever let him out of her life.

My Thoughts:
First Drop of Crimson is the first installment in the Night Huntress World Series by Jeaniene Frost. I have read the second one first, and I fell in love with the book, and the same thing happened here. I have waited months and months to read Shade's story. From the first chapter, I was enthralled by the story. This a a thrilling story that will have you on the edge of your seat with every gripping moment. I was charmed by the characters and the romance that builds between them. It was also good to see Cat and Bones enter the story too. I truly loved reading this one, and I have a feeling I will be reading it again in the future, A FANTASTIC STORY!!!!!! I LOVED IT

My Favorite Quote 
His arm shot out,bracing against the wall unit and blocking her path.
"Spade--" She didn't get the rest of the sentence out because suddenly his mouth was on her neck, lips and tongue probing her pulse to send a luscious shiver through her.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Library Loot (12)

Eva with A Striped Armchair, and Marge with The Adventures of a Intrepid Reader, which you should check out both of them, they are great!!! This meme is created to encourage bloggers to share books that they get from the Library, and since I am a avid lover of Libraries this is going to be one meme I am going to love doing every week. And I got quite a lot of books since there was so many of them I wanted to read!! So here they are......

 I have truly enjoyed reading Garwood's historical's so I thought I would try out another one of hers!!! YAY!

I loved the cover and I haven't read this author yet, so taking a leap of faith and hoping this will be a fun one!!!

Kathryn Smith has written some of my favorite books, so since this was newly aquired at my library and came out this past year, and the cover is gorgeous, I thought I would pick it up!!!

Austin is the last in both the Mckettrick series, and I love cowboys so I am sure I will fall in love with this one!!

I love Johanna Lindsey's romances, and I have read this one before, but its been a long time!!!

I have read one book from this series last week and just LOVED it, so now I am going to try another one and see if its just as good as I hope it will be, and honestly who could resist such a cover???

I have been waiting months to read this one, and so I have already started it, and I love it so far!!! I have read the second one in this series, so I have been looking forward to reading this one as well!!

I haven't read much from this author, but when I do, I love reading her works, and the cover and blurb made it irresistable!

Teaser Tuesday (33)

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.

This was not a kiss of a gentleman. It was not respectful or chaste or descent. It was molten, lush and harsh. And Grace loved every moment of it...

Book Review-Honor's Splendor

Honor's Splendour
Julie Garwood
Pocket Books
374 Pages
Published December 1987
Paperback 
Medieval Romance
ISBN: 978-0-671-73782-5

Synopsis 

1099. In the feuding English court, gentle Lady madelyn suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton -- the Wolf -- unleased his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured ... but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Cuncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyn would stand fast ... as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for Honor's Splendour.

Summary:
 Lady Madelaine through the past years has suffered greatly at the hands of her brother, and has finally planned her escape from him. But on the day that plans on leaving her brother captures Baron Duncan of Wexton. And through a small act of kindness, an act that could have gotten her killed, she rescues him from being frozen to death, and even though Duncan knew his men were scaling the walls, in effort to locate the one woman who has landed right in his lap for the taking as revenge for what her brother did to him. So he takes Madelyne, even though she is more than willing to go along with him, but she plans to run away to find her relative that lives in Scotland. But the more time Madelyne is in her captors hands, the stronger her feelings have become towards him. A man who needs her love and her heart.

The Hero (Duncan of Wexton, Baron)
Duncan is desperate for revenge against Louddon (Madelyne's brother) for taking his sister and her ended up being beaten and violently raped. His plan is to take from Louddon, his sister just like his sister was taken from him. So what started out as revenge for Duncan, turned to possessiveness to have this woman and keep her. Duncan is very proud and a powerful warrior, and rumored as the "Wolf" and is very protective of his family and those that serve under him. At first he knows Madelyne is different from other women he has met, she is frustrating and he is always having to save her from close calls, and she nearly drives him crazy, but he also realizes how much he loves her.

The Heroine (Lady Madelyne)
Madelyne growing up always tried to be good enough so that her father and then her brother would come to love her, but it never happens. Her brother loved to abuse and frighten her, and turn her into someone that would always obey him. But Madelyne was determined to free Duncan, even though it was a great risk to herself, and that she could be killed because of it. Madelyne is a loving and caring young woman, one who has a strong spirit filled with courage and vitality, only needs someone to bring it out in her, which after she gets captured by Duncan, is exactly what happens. Her true self comes out, someone that won't let fear run her life anymore. When Madelyn realizes how much she fears Duncan less and less and starts to genuinely care for him, she knows she is falling in love with him, and knows she can be just as strong and determined as he is to keep what is his.

My Thoughts 
Honor's Splendor is a wonderful book by Julie Garwood. It takes place in 1099 and I just love this time period, such a romantic period in history, and I love Medieval romances, and this one just took my breath away. I think I was charmed after the first chapter, I just loved how Madelyne saves the one man that is determined to take her captive, even though she really doesn't mind it as long as he takes her away from her brutal brother. We see a story that will make you laugh yet still end up being a tender romance that will leave you aching for more by the last page. I have truly enjoyed reading Julie Garwood's historicals, and this one I definitely want to end up buying, a well worth it read!!! A Classic romance that will pull at your heartstrings, and make you wonder where your "Wolf" is, I know I do LOL A Fabulous read!!!


My Favorite Quote 
Before she could even think about pulling away, he looped the belt around her wrist and bound her hands together. And then he spoke "I didn't come for Louddon, Madelyne. I came for you"


My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Book Review-Tate

Tate
Mckettricks (11) Mckettricks of Texas (1)
Linda Lael Miller
Harlequin
360 Pages
Published Jan 2010
Contemporary Western
ISBN: 978-0-373-77436

Synopsis
There are barely enough hours for divorced dad Tate McKettrick to run the Silver Spur ranch, do the suit-and-tie thing for his business and run herd on his beloved six-year-old twin daughters. But time stands still at the sight of Libby Remington. When they were high school sweethearts, the wealthy McKettrick couldn't convince Libby he loved her. But now they're both back in Blue River, Texas. And cattle rustlers, a manipulative ex-wife and a killer stallion can't keep him from trying again.Libby has her hands full taking care of her mother—and running the Perk Up Coffee Shop. Caffeine, she needs. Tate McKettrick, with his blazing blue eyes and black hair? No. Oh, heck—yes. But can they really hope for a second chance?

MY REVIEW 
 
Summary:
Tate McKettrick runs a busy life with his work on the Silver Spur Ranch, his twin daughters, a ex wife who tries to manipulate him and his daughters lives. However his attraction to Libby Remington has never changed. Libby runs a coffee shop, and helps in taking care of her mother, and would rather stay as clear from Tate as she possibly can.  Tate once broke her heart, for his ex wife, and ever since Libby knows that she must be cautious where he is concerned, because she could easily fall in love with him again. But they keep running into each other and before Libby knows it, they are going on dates and hanging out with his daughters and the dogs and the passion between them is like a firestorm with no calming on the horizon. Libby knows that she needs more than sex from Tate, she needs love and commitment, and doesn't believe he won't break her heart again, but Tate is determined more now than ever to prove to her how much she matters to him.

The Hero (Tate McKettrick)
Tate McKettrick is one of the three McKettrick brothers, and the most sensible of the bunch. He made a mistake when he was younger that cost him the one woman he has loved more than any other, but can't regret it since he now has two adorable twin daughters. But now he wants Libby back into his life, but now he has a long road ahead of him, because he hurt her and must now earn back her trust and her heart, but McKettricks are known for the determination which he plans on using to win her back...

The Heroine (Libby Remington)
Libby has two sisters both of whom she loves dearly but could drive her insane. Libby loved her father, but has a hard time with accepting her mother as she is, for she was never a mother to them, or a real wife to their father. Now her mother is back in town hoping to make amends, but Libby and her sisters are far from receptive to their eccentric and difficult mother, who never really was there for her children when they needed her. Now their father is gone, and Libby has a hard time staying afloat with just her coffee shop, and a certain McKettrick who enters back into her life, who could easily break her heart again. Libby is a strong young woman, but her heart was broken for another woman, and doesn't believe that Tate could truly love and commit to her, but she feels herself fallling head over heels in love with this certain McKettrick!! 


My Thoughts 
Tate is the 11th installment in the McKettrick Series written by Linda Lael Miller. I have read most of the McKettrick series and have loved each and every one of them. This is a truly emotionally driven story about two people that once were in love, and mistakes were made, and their lives have taken different direction. But somehow through a twist a fate they are brought back together, and could have a future together if they learn to trust in the love they have always had for each other. Filled with adventure, vibrant characters, and  a tender romance that will have you aching to read more from this author!!! Such a fantastic read!!

My Favorite Quote 
Libby blushed, but then she had to laugh "I am not offering Tate Mckettrick stand up sex in the storeroom,"

" Now that's a damn pity" Tate said, Libby whirled around, saw him standing in the doorway, arms folded, grin wicked. 

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Highcountry Bride
Shotgun Bride
Secondhand Bride
McKettrick's Choice
Sierra Homecoming
McKettricks Luck
McKettricks Pride
McKettricks Heart
McKettricks Way
A McKettrick Christmas
Tate
Garrett
Austin

Author Requested Book Review-Toil And Trouble

Toil and Trouble
Jolie Wilkins (2)
H.P. Mallory
E Book-Smashwords
307 Pages
Published Nov 2010

Synopsis 
The Underworld in civil war.
The cause? A witch who can reanimate the dead.
A sexy as sin vampire determined to claim her.
An infuriatingly handsome warlock torn between duty and love.
Who says blonds have more fun?

After defending herself against fairy magic, Jolie Wilkins wakes to find her world turned upside down—the creatures of the Underworld on the precipice of war.

The Underworld is polarized in a battle of witch against witch, creature against creature, led by the villainous Bella, who would be Queen.

While Jolie has one goal in mind, to stake the vampire, Ryder, who nearly killed her, she also must choose between the affections of her warlock employer, Rand, and the mysteriously sexy vampire, Sinjin.

And as if that weren’t enough to ruin a girl’s day, everything Jolie knows will be turned inside out when she’s thrust into the shock of a lifetime.

  

-MY REVIEW-


Summary:
The underworld is in chaos and preparing for war, with Rand and Jolie at the head of preparing for a war against the one witch, Bella, that would like nothing better than to see them suffer. Even though in the past things have always been tense between the different factions in the underworld, this is the first time it has come down to two sides fighting a war. So as Rand and Jolie help unite their side, and prepare for the war that is about to come, they know they must do everything in their power to win, or if they lose this one, all will be lost. Jolie Wilkins not only has the war to worry about but her relationship with Rand, who has yet to fully commit to her out of personal fears, and there is a also a certain sexy vampire who is more than ever determined to have her, but the one she wants more and love is Rand, and she hopes that can make it through the tough battles ahead.

My Thoughts 
Toil and Trouble is the second and most recent installment in the Jolie Wilkins series written by H.P. Mallory.Toil and Trouble started off exactly where the last book ended, and I absolutely had such a fun time reading this one. I must have read it in two hours, I was so enthralled by the story and the lovely characters that made me fall in love with them a second time. This story is about two people that obviously love each other, but what they learn about each other and their relationship and what it needs the most is....trust. So we see these two take a journey preparing for a war that if it ends in a certain way could be grief and pain for the rest of their lives, however we also see they are both willing to fight for the one that they love, no matter the cost. Toil and Trouble was truly a delight to read, and I felt invigorated by it, and I can hardly wait for the next one....I feel like I am going to be twiddling my thumbs, anxious in the anticipation wondering what is going to happen and will it leave me hanging like this one did??? Overall a Fantastic read!!! I loved it!!!

My Favorite Quote 
"Kiss Me," I thought. Rand wasted no time in planting his mouth on mine. His tongue mated with mine in a passionate dance, and when he pulled away from me, there was fire in his eyes.


My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble

Merry Christmas!!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!! I hope all of you have a wonderful time with your families and loved ones!!! Have a magical one!!!

The Friday Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and its tons of fun to do these two memes and find tons of new friends and great blogs!!! So come and join in these two fun memes every friday!!!!
 This Weeks Question
What Are Your Plans For This Special Day?

For me just spending it at my parents house, as I am not married yet, so just spending it with my family. I still have siblings that are pretty young, so it should be a fun one!!! Let it be a magical day for us all!!!  

Book Review-The Viscount In Her Bedroom

The Viscount In Her Bedroom
Sisters of Willow Pond (3)
Gayle Callen
Avon
369 Pages
Published June 2007
Victorian Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-078413-3

Synopsis 
When all hope seems lost ...

Louisa Shelby's carefree life of elegant balls and beautiful frocks ended when her father died, leaving her penniless. With no hope of securing a proper marriage, the vivacious young miss accepts a position as a companion to an elderly viscountess. But temptation in a most unexpected guise awaits Louisa in the dowager's home ...

Once, Simon Wade was London's most eligible bachelor and most able seducer. But a tragic accident forced him into seclusion, away from prying eyes and questions. He thought he'd never again experience the tender touch of a beautiful woman. But while he yearns to hold the enchanting Louisa and taste the intoxicating nectar of her kiss, he will accept no woman's pity.

Louisa never desired a man the way she burns for Simon. And now her chance at happiness may rest in her ability to convince the stubborn viscount that her passion is real ... and her love is true.

MY REVIEW 
 
Summary:
Louisa Shelby, once enjoyed a life full of parties and balls, but after her father died, Louisa and her two sisters were forced to find a means of providing for themselves. So Louisa decided to be a lady's companion.  Now she has been requested to do a job as a companion to an elderly viscountess, only never expecting to find that she isn't really expected to be a lady's companion at all, since the Viscontess hardly needs one, but her granddaughter, is in desperate need to overcome her shyness around men especially. But there is also Simon Wade to consider, who after a accident with his horse, became blind. So now its obvious that she is there to help both of the younger wades, even though they don't know it. Louisa however never expected to fall in love with this man, who has stolen her heart from the first.


The Hero (Simon Wade)
Simon, has always been close to his grandmother much more than to his own mother, who has never truly cared about him or his younger sister, whom he is very over protective of. Simon after suffering from a fall from his horse, is now blind. Simon is a very proud man, and as such has had to hide from most of the world, even most of his friends. At first knowing of Louisa being his grandmothers companion, he was suspicous recalling her reputation being rumored to be "fast" but as he gets to know her and how Louisa interacts with his sister, he realizes the rumors were just that...rumors. And that even though he could never marry, he knows that he could easily fall in love with her.


The Heroine (Louisa Shelby)
Lousia was forced to find a occupation and decided to be a ladies companion, only her past jobs haven't turned out too well, but her most recent job she found something she was capable at and felt fullfillment, more than anything she has had in her life, something that gives her meaning. She helped a girl come out into society, and get married, a girl that was once very shy. Now she is put in a situation where she could help another shy girl, sister to Simon Wade. Louisa, seeing both her sisters settled in love and blissfully happy, has yet to find the same happiness, and wonders if she ever will. But when she starts helping out the Wade family, she starts to fall in love with the life in the country and with the family...especially Simon Wade, and wonders if her love for Simon could break her or bring her the highest happiness she could ever have.


My Thoughts 
The Viscount In Her Bedroom is the last in the Sisters of Willow Pond written by Gayle Callen.  I just love this author and I have loved this series, its such a tender filled romance, and even though I have read this before, its one of those that I could re read and still delightfully enjoy it. The Viscount In Her Bedroom is a story that involves two people that have both suffered, but in very different way, but they share a passion and as the story develops we see a enchanting love blossom. Such a beautifully written story with such detail it seemed at times that I was actually there in the moment, the characters were lively, and the story line very enticing, and before I knew it I was finished with the book. From beginning to end I was fully satisfied, and absolutely adored it!!!


My Favorite Quote
" I love you Simon, and I would be proud to be your wife. You see inside me where others only see what they want to see. You make me feel so precious and loved."
"Not damn near enough, and that will end right now" He drew her into his arms and kissed her. 


My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
The Duke In Disguise
The Lord Next Door

2011 3 R's Challenge

I found this challenge on Reading without Restraint website, and decided its something I would like to try for the upcoming year. I am so excited for the upcoming year, and I have found some great blogging friends, and am so grateful for them with their recommendations and reviews and opinions.  This challenge is hosted by three different bloggers
Gina with Hott Books, and Cheryl with Cmash
Loves To Read. This is a challenge for those of us that blog regularly and are influenced by our blogging friends.

Rules:

We are keeping this challenge very simple, and above all--fun!

1. Write an intro post stating how thankful you plan to be in the upcoming year. Link your intro post to the linky we'll have on the starting post.
2. READ a book recommended to you by a fellow book blogger. (Crossovers from other challenges are acceptable)
3. REVIEW the book & RECOGNIZE the blogger that recommended it to you.
4. Recommend the book in our Recommend Linky by linking your review and mentioning the blogger who recommended it to you.
   
   For more details on the challenge, click Here

Waiting On Wednesday (29)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.This week I’m waiting on,

COMING OUT FEB 2011!!!

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him. But when Steven takes on the pro bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel—beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O’Ballivan. It’ll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man’s heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he’s truly found home.

Book Review-A Woman's Innocence

A Woman's Innocence
Spies and Lovers (3)
Gayle Callen
Avon
375 Pages
Published April 2005
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-06-054396-5

Synopsis
In the final instalment of Gayle Callen's exciting Spies and Lovers trilogy, a mad–dash search for truth brings together an unlikely pair – a woman accused of treason, and the man who convicted her...
Now that he finally has the infamous traitor, Julia Reed, in jail, you would think English agent Samuel Sherryngton would be pleased to see justice served. But circumstances aren't always what they appear to be, and the facts aren't adding up. Soon Sam has doubts over her guilt which, of course, has nothing to do with the attraction for Julia he's been fighting against for so many years. Not willing to see her executed for a crime she may not have committed, Sam defies the laws of England and breaks Julia out of jail. What initially began as a search to find proof convicting Julia quickly turns into a quest to prove her innocence. Can this bold and dashing pair discover the truth and still find time for love?

Summary:
Julia Reed through the help of Sam Sherryngton, secret agent who assisted her in getting her arrested for something she didn't do. But can't even convince the one man that has meant more to her than any other. So she is shocked to find that he rescues her, and she realizes how much he still cares for her, even though it wasn't her testimony that convinced him of her innocence. So now both of them are on the run, and decide to try to find the proof of her brother being the traitor, but framing his own sister for it. But with the danger surrounding them, there is a passion that flares between the two of them, but will they be able to give in to the love they feel for one another?

The Hero (Sam Sherrynton)
Sam is a spy, and grew up in England, and was a gardener for the Reeds, and started falling hard for Julia. So he left, so his intense fascination wouldn't get the best of him. So its been years since he has seen his family. Now even though the evidence against Julia is astounding, he breaks her out, now that he has heard that her brother is behind it and the real traitor, and he must prove it, but in the meanwhile he breaks her out and they go into hiding, and his love for Julia comes alive once more.

The Heroine (Julia Reed) 
Julia Reed has never really felt a part of anything. The only person she has ever truly loved is Sam, and he is the one that helped arrest her. Now he has rescued her from her jail cell, and taken her off until they can prove their innocence. Julia when her brother left for India, followed him there, and has always never felt good enough for him. But then she is branded a traitor, and by the one she has adored for years. Now they are in hiding, and the love she feels for him only enhances.

My Thoughts 
A Woman's Innocence is the third installment in the spy series written by Gayle Callen. I have just loved reading this series, its full of danger and intrigue and all the romance that you need. This story involves two people that up till now have never been able to pursue the feelings they both have for each other, but have never admitted it to each other. But now they are together and hiding, and have to learn to rely on each other, ant their love. This is a book that will intrigue you, and I found my self througout the whole of the book, flipping the pages as fast as I could read them, not getting enough, yet at the end fully satisfied by how it turned out. Such a enjoyable read!!! I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical romance, this is the book for you!!!


My Favorite Quote 
"To new friendships, new families, new love" He looked at the door behind which Julia lay peacefully sleeping "And to a love that began long ago and never died"



My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
The Beauty and the Spy
No Ordinary Groom

Teaser Tuesday (32)

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.

"I'm avoiding you,Louisa," he said again, his voice gruff, deeper "Because all I can think about is kissing you," She stood on tiptoes and kissed him.
Then he leaned into her, pressing her body hard to the door, his arms trembling where they were still braced against the wood. His mouth slanted over hers as he groaned.
It was a kiss every girl dreams of, full of passion and temptation.

Book Review-The Christmas Brides

The Christmas Brides
Montana Creeds (4) McKettrick (10)
Linda Lael Miller
Harlequin
377 Pages
Published October 2010
Western Romance/Holiday
ISBN: 978-0-373-77502-6

Synopsis
Celebrate the holidays with these heartwarming family classics in one keepsake collection from New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael MillerA McKettrick Christmas
Lizzie McKettrick is on a homebound train with a Christmas Eve surprise for her family—a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down. But fate has a surprise for Lizzie—Dr. Morgan Shane. When their train is stranded by a massive avalanche on Christmas Eve the handsome doctor takes charge—with Lizzie by his side. Time's running out for the passengers. But with faith, hard work and some unexpected help, it just might be a joyous McKettrick family Christmas after all….
A Creed Country Christmas
In the Montana wilderness of 1910, Lincoln Creed is up against more than rustlers, wolves and winter storms. His young daughter, Gracie, has needs beyond the beans and bacon he can barely cook. The widowed rancher must find Gracie a suitable governess who won't set her sights on him. Disowned for her refusal to marry, the young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell seems like a perfect fit in the Creed home. As she gets to know Lincoln and Gracie, Juliana suddenly doesn't feel so strongly against marriage after all. In the season of miracles, Providence just might find a way to bring these souls together in a wonderful Christmas blessing.

MY REVIEW 
 
A MCKETTRICK CHRISTMAS 

Summary:
Lizzie McKettrick, is traveling home from San Francisco with a prospective future fiancee, and planning on surprising her family with Whitley Carson. But then a avalanche strikes the train they are traveling on and they are stranded witha blizzard outside and not much hope of surviving with a likely chance of them on the edge (which could tip their car over), and another avalanche that could down upon them at any time. Dr Morgan Shane takes charge and Lizzie is drawn to him in a way that she has never been drawn to a man before. Despite their current dangerous circumstances surrounding them, their is a spark that flares between the two, and Lizzie knows in her heart he is the man she would want to spend her life with if they manage to survive.

My Thoughts 
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.

My Favorite Quote 
Around and around they went, the doctor and the schoolmarm, waltzing to the beat of each other's hearts.

A CREED COUNTRY CHRISTMAS 

Summary:
Juliana Mitchell, a schoolteacher of an Indian school, and loves each of the children that she teaches. However because of her brother refusing to give her inheritance, she is unable to send some of the children, (which she could lose her job if she doesn't get them off) to their next destination. Then she meets Lincoln Creed who offers to take them in. Lincoln widowed and father to Gracie, who is in needs of a governess and more importantly a mother. So when Lincoln proposes to Juliana, she agrees when she starts to realize how much she is beginning to care for this rancher who is in need of love, and who also aches for him in her life.

My Thoughts 
I have now read all books from the Creed series, but I just love each and every one of the Creeds so far, and Lincoln Creed is no different. Lincoln loved his previous wife deeply and suffers from the loss. But when he meets Juliana he is charmed, as is his daughter. Gracie is in need of a mother figure and that nurting he feels he could never provide for her. Lincoln also has been lonely for far too long and yearns for someone to come home to. A Creed Country Christmas is a classic holiday story, where there are two people more in needs of love and the healing Christmas season, than they truly realize. A tender Christmas story, one I will never forget. 

My Favorite Quote 
She slipped her arms around his neck and rose onto her tiptoes, caught up in her response like a leaf swept up into a whirlwind.

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 

Mckettricks 

High Country Bride

Shotgun Bride

Secondhand Bride

McKettricks Choice

Sierra Homecoming

McKettricks Luck

McKettricks Pride

 McKettricks Heart

McKettricks Way

A McKettrick Christmas

Tate

Garrett

Austin

Creeds 

Logan

Dylan

Tyler

A Creed Country Christmas

 

Its Monday! What Are You Reading (16)

This is a great weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. We simply post what we finished reading over the the last week, what we plan on reading this week, etc .

Books I Read This Past Week 
The Highland Duchess-My Review
Be Still My Vampire Heart-My Review 
The Undead Next Door-My Review
Dark Embrace-My Review
A Woman's Innocence-Review Coming Soon

What I am Reading Now 

  What I Plan On Reading This Week 

Book Blogger Hop # 34

So come and join in on the fun and the hopping. Make new friends and discover new blogs!!! LETS DO THE HOP!!!! Come and check it out at Crazy For Books 

Question of the week:
What do you consider the most important in a story: The plot or the characters?

Well I would have to say both are equally important, you need a plot that will draw the reader in and be dynamic, but the characters are what make the story come alive for the one that is reading it. So overall I would say both are important, but its so much fun to get into a book and feel like the characters are your next best friend (am i weird or what???)

 The Friday Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and its tons of fun to do these two memes and find tons of new friends and great blogs!!! So come and join in these two fun memes every friday!!!!
 This Weeks Question

Carmel is studying web design... What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?

 Well I got my associates in general studies, but I just scrapbook weddings now.

This new Tag Along is hosted by Laurie @ Bitten by Paranormal Romance and here is a rundown of the rules:

 

Rules
1.Make a post for your blog to direct people to this post, you will find a code for the pic on my left sidebar. That way we get more bloggers involved.
2. Place your blogs name in the first box of the Linky
3. Then add your post that you made place that ULR in the second box.
4. When you find a blog that you like to follow please leave comment on the post the blogger made, so they can tag along to your blog.

Since there is no question for this week just putting up one of my favorite book covers for the week

Book Review-Dark Embrace

Dark Embrace
Masters of Time (3) Rose (1)
Brenda Joyce
Harlequin
370 Pages
Published Sep 2008
Time Travel/Scottish Highlands

Synopsis 

A HIGHLAND WARRIOR SWORN TO PROTECT INNOCENCE THROUGHOUT THE AGES...
Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years--until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her....

HER SEDUCTION. HIS SALVATION.
Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop--and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary--until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption...and his love.

EVERY ROSE WOMAN WAS HER DESTINY

MY REVIEW 
 
Summary:
Aiden, the Wolf of Awe was part of the brotherhood, Masters of Time. Then his father killed his son Ian, and Aiden has vowed to destroy him. And for over sixty years he has sought to destroy his father, and is only filled with rage, lust and power, and has never had a thought for another innocent. Aiden has been abandoned by his family, but when he hears a call from a innocent, he calls to him to the deepest of his soul, and it draws him forward in time to Manhatten, New York modern day. Brianna Rose, is a rose woman, with empathic abilities, and ever since meeting Aiden a year ago when he escorted her friend for a small amount of time, she fell in love with him. Now she wakes up feeling his pain and anguish, and wonders if she will be able to find him. But then when she is attacked by soulless creatures, he saves her and takes her back to 1502. At first Aiden is bitter and angry with everything around him, but Brianna is the only one that isn't afraid of him, and knows that there is still good in him, and that he needs a friend and to be loved, and proves to him and everyone that once cared for him, that he can be redeemed and loved...

The Hero (Aiden, Wolf of Awe)
Aiden, loved his son and did everything in his power to save him, and now is furious and full of bitterness trying to revenge his death. He keeps seeing images of a ghost of his son, speaking to him but he can't hear him. Aiden is strong, proud, and feels a need for tremendous power, and has been searching for a way to kill his father, who killed his son and gained powerful magical powers. But there is also a side of Aiden that he has buried deep, the side that Brie awakens in him, where he learns to love and care.

The Heroine  (Brianne Rose)
Brianne has empathic abilities, and at times has been more of a curse than considered a gift. Bri works at home in a basement, and hides from everyone where baggy clothes, and trying to hide her looks, for she doesnt want to be like her passionate and vain mother who destroyed everything in her path. Brianne is shocked when she feels the pain and anguish from the one man she has had a secret crush on for the past year. So when he saves her, she is ever more determined to get through his hard exterior and find that good heart that she knows is within him.

My Thoughts:
Dark Embrace is the first in the Rose Trilogy and the third in the Masters of Time series. This is the first that I have read from this author, and I can hardly wait to read more from the series. I have always loved time travel books, and this one was definitely at the top of my list of my favorites to read. Dark Embrace is a powerful story, with deep characters, exciting plot, sensual passion and a deep and instilling love. Such a great read, and evokes powerful emotions in the reader!! Amen to Brenda Joyce, she is definitely at the top of my list of favorite authors, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in these series!!!

My Favorite Quote 
I love ye so much, I need ye, Brianna, to sleep with every night an' wake up with every morning. I canna let ye go home, not now, not ever. If I take ye as my wife, to love an' to cherish, until death parts us, will ye stay here with me? I will try to make ye happy, lass..."

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Dark Seduction
Dark Rival
Dark Victory
Dark Lover