Book Review-A Wallflower Christmas

A Wallflower Christmas
Wallflower (5)
Lisa Kleypas
St Martins Press
213 Pages
Published October 2008
Hardback
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN 10: 0-312-53378-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-312-53378-6

Synopsis:
It's Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren't for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed.
Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants.

However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
This tender love story begins with a gathering at Stone Cross Park, including all four wallflowers, their husbands and families. Rafe Bowman, is coming from America to meet his future bride, that much to his dismay, his father has picked out for him, and the Wallflowers, including his sisters, go about in assisting him in this endeavor, not before having ever courted a Englishwoman before, and a member of the Ton as well. When he arrives he firsts meets her companion, Hannah and finds that from their first meeting, he has a fervent desire for this woman and their interaction with each other stimulates his senses. Hannah, companion to the woman he is suppose to marry, is surprised when he focuses his attention toward her. She finds him arrogant, bold, cynical, but soon entrances her in a whirlwind of his kiss. At first she think its just infatuation that is between them, but as Christmas time draws closer, she begins to realize that her feelings for him reach far beyond infatuation and toward genuine and passionate love...

The Hero 
Rafe Bowman, has lived in America, but now that his family has settled in England for the time being, he comes for Christmas and to meet the woman his father thinks is appropriate for him to marry. Rafe, a financial speculator, has made his own way in terms of success in the financial sense. Rafe grew up in a home with four siblings, yet was isolated from all of them, and was more alone than ever. Rafe's father thought that he should not experience happiness,, joy or love especially as a child. But despite his parents strict code, he ended up rebelling just like his other siblings, and become the rake of the century. Rafe loves machinery, gadgets, very fond of his sisters, and loves the act of drinking, gambling and bedding women. What he never expected was to fall for the one woman he can't have, for his father would cut him off permanently if he did so.

The Heroine 
Hannah, cousin and companion to Natalie Blandord, whose father intends for her to be matched with Rafe Bowman. Hannah however is determined that Rafe isn't good enough of a match for Natalie, who could pick any man she wanted. So Hannah goes about to prove what a rascal and a rake he is. But his kisses blind her with passion, and his tender ways at times break down all her defenses. Hannah is very beautiful, opinionated and impulsive. Perfect for another fit for the Wallflower clan. Hannah never expecting to find love at this Christmas party, and a love with a man that she could never hope to have no matter how much she deeply love him.

My Thoughts 
A Wallflower Christmas is the fifth and last installment in the Wallflower series that was written by astounding author Lisa Kleypas. When I first started this book, I didn't know what to expect out of this story, I thought it might be enjoyable, but after reading the whole story within a couple of hours, its a classic love story, with the enchanting Christmas scene that even makes it even more magical. The character interaction between Rafe and Hannah was playful, witty and very amusing for this reader, there was also a intensity about their relationship, both on a physical and emotional level. This was such a well written story, that I found the story seemed all too riveting and entrancing. From the first page to the last page I couldn't stop reading, I was so drawn into this love story, that I think I forgot my surrounding. A Completely unforgettable love story that you better get a box of tissues, you will need it, it will bring many laughs and at other times many tears, that will tie up your heart strings to no end!!! A Chanting Love Story To Remember!!!

My Favorite Quote 
"Then I will have to show you what happens to women who stand in my way." Before she could comprehend what was happening, one powerful arm had brought her against his hard masculine body. With his other hand, he grasped the nape of her neck, and tilted her head backward. And His mouth took hers. 

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Secrets Of A Summer Night
It Happened One Autumn
Devil In Winter
Scandal In Spring

Net Galley Book Review-In The Dark Of Dreams

In The Dark Of Dreams
Dirk & Steele (10)
Marjorie M.Liu
Avon
384 Pages
E-Book
Published November 2010
Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-202016-1

SynopsisShe could never forget the boy with the ice blue eyes . . .
She was only twelve when she saw the silver boy on the beach, but Jenny has never stopped dreaming about him. Now she is grown, a marine biologist charting her own course in the family business—a corporation that covertly crosses the boundaries of science into realms of the unknown . . . and the incredible.
And now he has found her again, her boy grown into a man: Perrin, powerful and masculine, and so much more than human, leaving Jenny weak with desire and aching for his touch.
But with their reunion comes danger. For Perrin and Jenny—and all living creatures—their only hope for preventing the unthinkable lies in a mysterious empire far beneath the sea . . . and in the power of their dreams.

MY REVIEW

Summary

In The Dark Of Dreams is by Marjorie M Liu, its the most recent in the Dirk & Steele series. Jenny at twelve years old found a boy upon the beach, and had dreams of him, dreams of peace and love and a friendship that made her ache to find him, and to never stop searching for the boy that held her heart in his hands. Now she is a adult, and is part of a family that is both good and evil. Half of her family has tried to destroy the life that she has built for herself, the other half is part of the Dirk & Steele company. When she goes to investigate a death of a woman, she never expected on the sea to have her life torn upside down and to be saved by the one that haunts her dreams, Perrin. After having her close friend betray her, she knows that now there is something dangerous yet she trusts him as she has never trusted anyone else. But there is a danger on the horizon, which will take both Perrin and Jenny working together  where they will have to trust in the love in each other, to save each other and to save millions.
  
My Thoughts:

In The Dark Of Dreams, was a thrilling ride and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read such a read. It was filled with all the kind of aspects that I enjoy in a good romance. Jenny has loved Perrin for a long time, and after finally having found him, she never wants to let him go. She would rather fight by his side, than be left on the sidelines. Perrin, having been exiled by his people and his own father, aches to return back to the sea. Then after realizing the great danger the world is in, he knows that he needs to find the one woman that has held his heart, mind and soul for so many years. All he knows is that he must do everything in his power to protect her at all costs. Both of these two strong characters will come to realize how powerful the love for each other, and how it will manifest itself in this enticing love story that Marjorie M Liu has created for her readers. Although the beginning started up slowly, it picked up pace quickly and I fell in love with the plot and the characters. There was such powerful emotions that were displayed so riveting throughout the whole book, that made the story and the characters come alive for the reader. Marjorie M Liu has done it again, she has created a story that will stir up your senses where you will only want to cry out for more, yet leaving you satisfied.

My Favorite Quote 
  "There was a girl who loved a boy from the sea" said Jenny, smiling "And they found each other in dreams."

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Tiger Eye
Shadow Touch
The Red Heart of Jade
Dark Dreamers
Eyes of Heaven
Soul Song
The Last Twilight
The Wild Road
The Fire King

Book Review-All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire

All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire 

Love At Stake  (5)

Kerrelyn Sparks 

Avon 

350 Pages

Published November 2008 

Paperback 

Vampire 

ISBN: 978-0-06-111846-3

Synopsis
Toni Davis's Christmas wish list
1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.
2. Living somewhere that doesn't have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.
3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn't so merry for Toni. Her best friend's been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she's taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.
Although Ian's nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk.
How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . .

Summary:
Toni is furious that her best friend is locked up in a mental hospital by her only relatives, and Toni is determined to free her at any cost. After she gets attacks by Malcontents, Toni has a hatred for vampires, but then is saved by Connor, who after seeing her fight them off, asks her to be a guard for them during the day. Toni promising her friend to find proof that vampires exist so that her friend can be freed, agrees. There is one man who she has a hard time resisting, Ian MacPhie, who stirs every sense in her and she feels herself pulled into two different directions. Ian, after taking the aging potion, a very painful process, now looks ten years older than before, and looking for ms. right to spend eternity with. After centuries of the guilt of being with mortal women and altering their memories to make them see him as older, he is determined to only fall for Vamp women, however fate sometimes gets in the way, and before he knows it, he can't resist Toni and even though he knows she is hiding things from him, he can't get her out of his system, and crave her even more, but there is a danger with the Malcontents and he hopes that he can be able to protect her...

The Hero 
Ian MacPhie was changed into a Vampire in the 1500's and was changed at the age of fifteen years old, and no one took him very seriously. Ian bears great guilt for what he did to women to make them see him as older, but he felt he had no choice. However after decided to go through the painful process and take the aging potion that Roman created, he now looks older and even more handsome than before. Ian after seeing his friends find happiness and love, wants the same kind of relationship with a woman, and wants to steer clear of them. But when he meets his bodyguard, Toni, his heart and body has other plans, and before he knows it he is willing to do anything to protect and keep her in his life...Ian is the kind of character that every woman wants to have a interest in her, he is handsome as sin, charming, romantic, and wants a eternal commitment of fidelity.

The Heroine 
Toni, has never felt a part of something, growing up she always felt alone especially after the only one that loved her, her grandmother, passed away, and Toni and even her own mother blamed her for her dear grandmother's death. Now one of her two best friends are in trouble, and she is determined to not let her down no matter what. What Toni never expected was that the one of the vampires she is suppose to guard and keep secrets from, is the one her heart is drawn to, and she feels herself being pulled into two directions, and not knowing which way is the true course. Toni even though beautiful and brave and can fight like hell, has a fear of Vampires and how they could control her mind at any time, she has a vulnerability about her that attracts protective men to her side, especially that of Ian MacPhie.

My Thoughts 
All I Want For Christmas is the fifth in the Love At Stake series written by Kerrelyn Sparks. As far as Vampire Series go, this is one of my favorites to read, I just have loved every one of Sparks books, and I just can't get enough of this amazing author, that draws me into stories, like bee's to honey. In This book was fun to read, and helped me to get into get into the Christmas season, with a bit of a bite about it :) Throughout the story, there seemed to be a emotional ring to it, yet still be full of action and romance....The characters had sparkling personalities that seemed very enchanting, and I kept cheering for these two throughout all of it. From the first to the last page, I found myself engaged and involved throughout all of it, that I could hardly keep my feet of the floor, such a fantastic read!!! I LOVED IT!!!!!

My Favorite Quote:
Ian stepped closer to her, gritting his teeth. "We're no' babies. We're seasoned warriors."

She affected a big shudder " Ooh, I'm scared"


My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms 

Other Books In The Series 

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire 

Vamps and the City

A Very Vampy Christmas

Be Still My Vampire Heart

The Vampire Next Door

All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire

Secret Life of a Vampire

Forbidden Nights With A Vampire

The Vampire and the Virgin   

Eat Prey Love 

Teaser Tuesday (29)

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.

He slipped a hand around her neck. 

Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and he couldn't resist any long. He kissed her.

2011 Audio Book Challenge

Welcome to the 2011 Audio Book Challenge.  The 2010 edition was hosted by Alaine of Queen of Happy Endings. but now is being hosted by Teresa;s Reading Corner   The 2011 Audio Book Challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. 

Here are the same levels that were previously established:

Curious:       3 Audio Books

Fascinated:  6 Audio Books

Addicted:  12 Audio Books

Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

The Level I plan on choosing will be Addicted with 12 books to read throughout the year!! 

Library Loot (10)

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 am in such of a mood for holiday stories especially when these two authors are involved!!! So very excited, and who can resist such a oh la la cover??? Not I!!!!

This is the only book out of the Wallflower series that I have yet to read, and since this is my favorite series by Lisa Kleypas, I am totally stoked to start reading it!!!

I think this is the only one out of the series so far that I haven't read apart from the most recent release, so bring on the romance and danger!!!

This is probably my favorite book out of this whole series, but I truly love every book in the series, and its been some time since I have read the Bridgerton series!!

As far as Johanna Lindsey goes in the realm of romance, she is at the top of the list..... and I just love this book, and its been awhile since I have read it so I am looking forward to it!

Karen Marie Moning is such a great paranormal author, and I have just loved being able to read this series, such excitment, danger and passion filled in these pages!!!

I just read the first one in the series, and so I am definitely anxious to read the next installment, and what a cover, I think I could look at this Scot all day!!!!! Where is my sexy studmuffin???

I love Karen Ranney, but I just dont get to her books very often, and this one just popped out at me, so after I read the blurb, I put it in my bag to take home!!!

Book Review-Texas Glory

Texas Glory
Texas Trilogy (2)
Lorraine Heath
Topaz
358 Pages
Published April 1998
American West

Synopsis

SHE WAS GIVEN TO A STRANGER
Cordelia McQueen was a virtual prisoner in her father's house. Until everything changed when she was shamelessly traded in a battle for land and water rights, and thrust into an unfamiliar world as the bride of Dallas Leigh.

HE BELONGED TO THE LAND
Dallas had given his life to the land. Now he aimed to put West Texas on the map. But as he gazed into the eyes of the lovely stranger who belonged to him, he caught a glimpse of another ambition--a warm, radiant desire of the heart. Was this the woman who would walk beside him as, together, they carved out a rich future with all the promise of love?

Summary:
 Cordelia McQueen has always been a virtual prisoner in her fathers home. Dee is shocked when her father agrees to give her over to marriage to Dallas Leigh, her family's enemy. Dee is scared to death of this man, and desperately wishes that she was more important to her father than water and land that her father needs for his ranch. Having caring for her mother, after a scuffle with her father, and losing her, and her father broke his promise to her. Now she is married to Dallas and everything is unfamiliar, and feels more alone than ever. Dallas Leigh is desperate to have a son, and is determined to find a wife, and when he hears that McQueen has a daughter, he trades water rights for Cordelia as his wife. But he never realized how opposite they were from each other, he despises the fear he see's in her eyes and wants to do anything he can to take it from her. Dee although in the beginning afraid of her husband, starts to look at him through her own eyes, instead of her brothers eyes, and slowly she starts to get to know him and the fear fades away from her, and a desire that sparks between them, and a tender love that will only strengthen their intimate bond with one another...

The Hero 
Dallas Leigh, is tormented by the war between the states, and he is still haunted by what happened during that time. Now he has built a empire, but he is desperate for a son. So when he hears that McQueen has a daughter, no many people even knew about, he marries her, but never expected that is wife would have a fear of everything in her life, including Dallas. Dallas is a proud and ambitious man, but his wish is for a son, however when Dee enters his life he starts to realize that she is the most important thing in his life, and would do anything to bring her happiness. Dallas doesn't think he deserves love, but he needs it more than any other...

The Heroine 
Cordelia McQueen, having grown up in a home where women were seen but not heard. Dee has always had a fear of what happens between two people when they are married, after seeing her father once abuse her mother, and ever since her mother ended up parlalyzed because of a scuffle between her parents, she has cared for her mother. But when they move to a new place, she is a prisoner in her father's house on the claim its for protection. Her father made a promise that she would never have to suffer any intimate contact with a man, but then her father broke his promise to her when he barters her for land and water. Dee is afraid of her husband especially at the beginning, and feels alone. But when she starts to see Dallas as who he really is, she realizes that he is the best things that her father could have ever done for her.

My Thoughts:
Texas Glory is the second in the Texas series by Lorraine Heath. This is my favorite book written by this author, I just love reading it, and could read it over and over and never be bored by this story. This story begins with two people that couldn't be more opposite of each other, and each one has certain dreams, but when they truly come together they manage to have both of their dreams come to life. I found this a powerfully emotional book, that will cling to your heart. It has such a charming note about it, the characters fully of depth and promise, this is truly a sparkling gem that will touch your soul.  

My Favorite Quote:
"You were my dream, Dee. I just didn't know it. The part of me that I was always searching for."

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Texas Destiny
Texas Splendor

Historical Romance Reading Challenge 2011

This challenge is to read historical romance novels. The basic requirement is that the books read have  some romance elements in the book. If you need more details on this challenge check out Danielle's site at Romance Book Junkies

However I for one am excited for this challege, especially since I love historical romance of any kind!!!

Paranormal Romance Challenge 2011

This is a challenge to read 20 paranormal romance books between Jan 1st through Dec 31st. Any books read before Jan will not count. 

You can pick any adult paranormal romance book as you go, new release or old release it doesn't matter. But remember this is only for paranormal romance. It doesn't matter if the book is vampire, witch, shape shifting, Greek gods, zombies or fairies just as long as it is Adult Paranormal romance, that's what you want to get to read. 

For more information concerning this Challenge feel free to check out Laurie's site at Bitten by Paranormal Romance 

I am very excited to start this challenge at the beginning of January!!! 

Men In Uniform 2011 Challenge

Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Men in Uniform Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:
     Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels  
     Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels  
     Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels    
     Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels  

2011 Outdo Yourself Challenge

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:
     Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books      Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books      Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
     I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

So for me I think I will be choosing I'm On Fire! Since I usually read alot of books anyway, I plan on reading at least 300 books this upcoming year, since I read over 100 this past year!!  

Gena Showalter Challenge 2011

I am going to take part in the Gena Showalter Challenge for 2011 from January to December!! This challenge is being hosted at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
 so feel free to check out her site, its great and sign up for it.  So the challenge is to pick a series written by this author, so the series I am going to pick is the Atlantis series, since that is my favorite of hers.

2011 1st In A Series Challenge

This is a challenge that I took part of when it was hosted at Royal Reviews, but now has been taken over by Few More Pages, so I am excited to do it for a whole year instead of half a year!!!


Here Are The Guidelines:




Guidelines for the 1st in a Series Challenge 2011

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. If you're not a blogger, leave your information in the comments.

2. There are four levels for this challenge:

• Series Novice: Read 3 books that are the first in any series.
• Series Lover: Read 6 books that are the first in any series.
• Series Expert: Read 12 books that are the first in any series.
• Series Fanatic: Read 20 books that are the first in any series.

You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you. Any genre counts.

3. The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.

4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.

5. If you're a blogger, write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to the post at Few More Pages so that others can join in. Feel free to use the button above. When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 1st in a Series Challenge sign-up post.

Lusting For Covers (26)

Lusting for Covers is a meme found on TBQ so come and join in on this fun meme!!!
 

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

All of Regency London knows that no Cynster male would ever walk away from a lady in distress...but their protection can come at a tantalizingly high price. And now, Stephanie Laurens has created her boldest Cynster yet--Gabriel--a man who has known the pleasure of many women, but who has given his heart to no one.
She was desperate for his help...
When a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him--in the form of a kiss.
He was powerlerss to resist...
Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel's desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultimate seduction...but what will happen when she reveals the truth?

Book Review-The Renegades:Rafe

Rafe
The Renegades (3)
Genell Dellin
Avon
376 Pages
Published June 2001
Paperback
American West
ISBN 0-380-810549-3

Synopsis
The Renegade
Half-Choctaw Rafe Aigner is no man to trifle with: dark and dangerous, he's survived by his wits and the turn of the cards. But now he has a young son who needs him, so the time has come to settle down. Fate has brought him to Texas, and Lady Luck has won him the San Antonio Star. But when Rafe discovers that the woman running his newspaper is the woman who once owned his heart, he's shocked -- and furious.

The Woman
If she hadn't believed Rafe was dead, Madeleine Calhoun never would have married the fool who lost her beloved San Antonio Star -- and then his life -- in a card game. Now Rafe is back -- changed by a harsh world into a dangerous stranger the young widow barely recognizes. Yet her heart still knows him and her traitorous body feels weak with wanting him. Will she ever be able to win back his betrayed trust...and get him to wager his hardened heart on their love once more?

MY REVIEW 

Summary:
Madeline Calhoun, runs a newspaper called the "San Antonio Star" having  recently settled in San Antonio and made a life for herself. Madeline has a passion for discovering the truth and writing about it. Now her husband, whom she thought she may have loved at one time, has now lost him and her newspaper in a card game, and the new owner is a man she fell in love with when she lived in New Orleans, but thought that he had died in Mexico, but now is faced with the one man that once had her heart. Rafe is furious with her, and Madeline is overwhelmed to see him again. Rafe is furious to see Madeline again, but so is Madeline with Rafe for not ever letting her know that he was alive when she believed him dead. So even though these two are at odds with one another, there is still a raw passion that awakens, and a love that is rekindled...

The Hero 
Rafe Aigner, half choctaw, grew up and fell in love with Madeline in New Orleans, but lost her once and has become a dangerous and hardened man. Now things have changed much for him since he once knew her. He has a son that he has a responsibility for, and brings him to San Antonio. Now he has won a ranch, and a newspaper and is at odds with Madeline, the one woman who hurt him the most. Rafe is unpredicable, and on the surface seems to have a tough exterior, but beneath all that, is a tender heart aching to learn to trust again...

The Heroine 
Madeline Calhoun, never believed that the idiot that she married lost her newspaper and his own life for a game, she never would have married him in the first place. Now she is stunned to discover the man that she has lost her newspaper to, is the one man that she loved once, but believed him to be dead. Furious that he kept that knowledge that he was alive all this time, when she mourned him deeply, and almost died herself from the grief alone, is overwhelmed with the emotions he draws out in her. And despite the chaos that surrounds them, her body still aches for his touch...

My Thoughts 
Rafe is the third installment in the Renegade series by Genell Dellin. I have only couple books from this author, but I found Rafe to be a compelling story. The story takes place in San Antonio Texas, where two people that once knew the meaning of the phrase "to have loved and lost" now comes face to face with each other, and tempers and emotions are very high, but there is a desire between them that has never died, and has awakened again now that they have worked out a compromise, that will only have their hidden love to come alive brighter than ever. Rafe and Madeline are endearing characters and their interaction with one another is will be entertaining to say the least. Throughout the whole of the story, there was one surprise after another, unsuspecting and full of emotion and intensity. So if you are a lover of romance this is one you don't want to miss out on.....

My Favorite Quote 
"You're a fair man, Rafe, and you're being treated monumentally unfairly. You're an honorable man and you're being treated with reprehensible dishonor. I will not let that happen as long as I have a breath in my body."

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Cole
Nick

An Award

I just recently received this award by Miranda with My Eclectic Bookshelf and Sugarbeat with Sugarbeatsbooks, so I want to say thank you to both of these great bloggers, it means alot to me, to receive a award, and to know that there are people that notice the work that I put into this blog!! So my hearfelt thanks to those that come over to my place and visit and leave comments, it means more than you could know!!!

7 Things about me:
My one favorite thing is football, I love love love it!!! But my favorite teams are BYU and Indianapolis Colts, and I follow them practically religiously!! 

I love the snow, I am so glad I live in a place where there is snow most of the year...

I am a very religious and spiritual person

My favorite color is pink and brown

I have a big fear of dogs and snakes 

My favorite book author is well I dont have one lol but here are my favorites Lisa Kleypas, Sabrina Jeffries and Christine Feehan. 

I have never been married, but definitely hoping that will happen soon...:)

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Now I know I am suppose to pass this on to 15 people, however I have been given this award a number of times, so I will forgo it especially since there is so much to do and little time but thanks to those two blogger's that passed this award onto me, I really appreciate it!!!

Book Review-Beauty And The Duke

Beauty and the Duke
Mystical Bliss (1)
Melody Thomas
Avon
371 Pages
Published August 2009
Victorian
ISBN: 978-0-06-147267-1

Synopsis:
The face he shows the world is not the face she sees. . .


Once, ten years ago, they were young lovers, sharing sinful touches and desperate ecstasy. But he was bound by his promise to wed another. Since that fateful time, Christine Sommers has grown into a headstrong beauty, the kind of woman who thinks nothing of daring travels to the ends of the world. But for all her achievements, Christine has never found anyone who makes her heart race the way Erik Boughton once did.


Since that fateful time, Erik Boughton, the Duke of Sedgwick, has become something of a beast, at least according to the gossips of the ton. They say that he's cursed, that any woman who shares his bed will meet an untimely end. But when he comes to Christine, desperate for her help to preserve his family and his title, she does not fear the devil duke. Enthralled by his ravenous desire, she would give him anything he wished, even her body . . . and her heart.

MY REVIEW 

Summary:
After ten years, Christine is shocked to see the one man that showed her passion and love, but ended their young courtship to marry someone else. Christine, now recently losing her father, has taken over her father's work and over the past ten years has dedicated herself to the work as a Paleontologist. Erik comes to her with a proposal, that there is a marvelous find on his land that she can't resist, since it is part of her dream of being taken seriously as a scientists, however she must agree to marry Erik first. Christine is shocked,, knowing that she could easily fall in love with him again, but his offer is too tempting for her to resist. Christine after marrying Erik, starts to realize that her feelings for him never died, that they are starting to come alive once more, but begins to doubt whether or not he will hurt her again like he did before...

The Hero 
Erik Boughton, Duke of Sedgewick, also to be rumored by the "ton" as the (BEAST) Erik having been married twice and losing both of his wives, and has yet to have a heir. He has one daughter who is  partially deaf but whom he cherishes. Erik is determined to investigate the mystery behind his first wife's death, and seeks Christine's help as she is a scientist and she is very different from the young girl he knew in his youth. She seems more logical and without emotion, and so he feels she would be perfect for the job. However after he marries her, he starts to come to the realization that she is far from cold, she is just as beautiful and full of passion and he finds it hard to resist her...

The Heroine 
Christine, met the Duke during her first season in London. Where, ten years ago, she felt the first stirrings of love at Eighteen. They had a secret and intimate courtship, however he ended it when he married another woman, even one that was a relation to her. Now ten years later, she has made a life for herself, trying to prove that even though she is a woman, she is a scientist to be taken seriously. But after being faced with Erik, all her feelings for him that she had hidden deep, start to surface once more.

My Thoughts:
Beauty and the Duke is the first installment in the Mystical Bliss series written by Melody Thomas. I haven't read too many books by this author, but the books that I have read from her I have fallen in love with. She has such a way about the way she writes and entices the reader. The characters in this story are deeply portrayed throughout the whole of the plot.There was one thing I didn't like about this book, was that the issue of what happened between them ten years previous, in their interaction with each other, they never really resolved it, and I was a bit disappointed however despite that  I found Beauty and the Duke to be mysterious and a sensational read, where history becomes alive for the reader. I loved the witty interaction between Erik and Christine, and as a whole was a memorable romance!!

My Favorite Quote:
We are not alone. We're with each other.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Claimed By A Scottish Lord

Book Blogger Hop #31

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 

This Weeks Question: What is your favorite book cover?

 

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 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.

This is a weekly theme, so make sure you come back next Friday if you can. 

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving this day!!! There are so many things that I am grateful for, my church, my family, this beautiful world that we live in, so many books that are available for us to read and learn, and many more things!!!! Let us have a thankful heart this day!!!