Chasing Fire

There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.

Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.

Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer...

What's not to love in a Nora Roberts book? It has it all. Great characters, interesting settings, suspense, intrigue and a dash of romance. So picking up Chasing Fire wasn't a hardship. And I read it pretty quickly too.

I truly enjoyed this book. I thought the smoke jumping in the book was definitely well researched, but I thought it to be too much at times. The suspense was definitely there and it had me jumping to conclusions all the time, and some of the times I was actually right. The main characters, Gull and Rowan, were what to expect in a Nora Roberts book, interesting, strong individuals with some issues here and there. Now to the romance, there was only a little bit of it. I wish there were more relationship moments, to see them grow as a couple, but I guess they were too busy fighting fires. Personally I thought that the secondary romance got more of a spotlight in the "romance" department.

Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts (4/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: Putnam Adult (4/2011); Source: Library; Books 2011 (41);

India Black

In the red-light district of London, India Black is in the business of selling passion her clientele will never forget. But when it comes to selling secrets, India's price cannot be paid by any man...

In the winter of 1876, the beautiful young madam India Black is occupied with her usual tasks - keeping her tarts in line, avoiding the police and tolerating the clergyman bent on converting her girls. But when Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, India is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.

French, the handsome British spy, discovers India disposing of Latham's body and blackmails her into recovering the missing documents. Their quest takes them from the Russian embassy to Claridge's Hotel, from London to the English coast, all the while dodging Russians intent to do them harm.

But it is their own tempestuous relatiosnhip they will have to weather as India and French attempt to resist the mutual attraction between them - an attraction that can prove as deadly as the conspiracy entangling them...

I first saw this book over at The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader. Marg has a wonderful review of the book and being a fan of Victorian mystery I couldn't resist picking this book up at the library.

I was hooked right from the beginning. I absolutely loved the first paragraph of the book. It is written the first person and it took a me little time to get used that but India's voice maintained my interest. And then the story truly began.

This book has a great deal of interesting characters. There's India, a young madam who is the proud proprietor of Lotus House, there's French a British spy who gets India involved in this whole scheme, Calthorp the clergyman that wants to help the ladies of the house, Rowena a Caribbean beauty who likes India a little too much, but Vincent was the scene stealer in this book. He kept on turning up in the most unusual places. Loved him!

The blurb mentioned the attraction between India and French. I didn't pick up on that...yet. There's a definite curiosity and I'm hoping to see that attraction spark in the next book...I hope.

India Black by Carol K. Carr (4/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (1/2011); Series: # 1, A Madam of Espionage Mystery; New Author; Source: Library; Books 2011 (40);

Austin

World champion rodeo star Austin McKettrick finally got bested by an angry bull. His career over, his love life a mess, the lone maverick has nowhere to go when the hospital releases him. Except back home to Blue River and the Silver Spur ranch. But his overachieving brothers won't allow this cowboy to brood in peace. They've even hired a nurse to speed his recovery. Paige Remington's bossy brand of TLC is driving him crazy. As is her beautiful face, sexy figure and silky black hair.

Paige has lost count of how many times Austin has tried to fire her. She's not going anywhere till he's healed—body and heart.

And by then her place in his life just might become permanent….

The final book of the trilogy and the final brother and sister. I know I've mentioned before but it still bothers me. This book also shares the theme of the first book, high school sweethearts.

Here's how I saw this one. Austin is a stubborn man, he knows what he wants and he isn't afraid to do the hard work to achieve it. But when he hurts himself bull riding his brother hire Paige as his nurse/babysitter. Paige is in between jobs and needs a distraction to all the wedding business going around so she accepts the challenge/job.

I found their story to be truthful. In the way that sometimes you carry these residual feelings from things that happened to you as a teen. Especially when you think you are in love. That being said, Austin and Paigeare good together, they have that connection that I didn't feel with the other two books. Plus their banter was very entertaining.

The secondary plot, which was develop throughout the series seemed to truly hit the high and low in this book. I found that too much happened too quickly. Maybe it could have been divided up a little better...but that's just my opinion.

Austin by Linda Lael Miller (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: HQN Books (6/2010); Series: # 3, The McKettricks of Texas; Source: TBR Read; Books 2011 (39);

Garrett

Fast track up the political ladder, fast cars, fast women - that's Garrett McKettrick. Make that was. A scandal has brought him home to Blue River, Texas, a place where a man can slow down, take stock and plan his next move. Which doesn't include staying at the family ranch with his brothers. A city boy, Garrett doesn't think he has the land in his blood.

But Blue River has other attractions, like his former high school nemesis, Julie Remington. Now a striking woman, Julie comes complete with a four-year-old cowboy, a three-legged beagle and deep ties to the community. Good thing they have nothing in common...except their undeniable attraction a future brighter than the Texas sun.

Another nice story starring a McKettrick and a Remington. Am I the only one that thinks it's strange that three brothers would fall for three sisters - the premise of the series. I think it is, but that won't stop me from reading the books.

Garrett is in a crossroads of sorts, the Senator that he worked for is involved in a scandal and Garrett is licking his wounds at home. I found him somewhat naive when it came the the "good" senator. Or maybe just idealistic about this person he put on a pedestal. Julie is a high school English teacher who is also in charge of the theatre program at school, she has a asthmatic child who she at times over protects. All of the sudden the absent father wants to be a part of the child's life and Julia is having a hard time adjusting. Garrett and Julia are instantly attracted to each other and suddenly the feelings run deeper than they thought they would.

Like I said above it was a nice story, the characters likable enough, the sex scenes were good but I found their connection to be lacking. I'm starting to sound like a broken record....

Garrett by Linda Lael Miller (2.75/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: HQN Books (5/2010); Series # 2, McKettricks of Texas; Source: TBR Read; Books 2011 (38);

Tate

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?

I tend to like the high-school sweathearts give it another chance theme. And I was pretty excited about reading Linda Lael Miller again. It's been years since I've read a book by her, she used to be a must read years ago. I loved her historicals.

I liked Tate and Libby. They are both very good characters, but for the life of me I cannot understand their attraction. There was something missing, and I can't pinpoint it either. So reading this book involved more skimming than anything else. I guess overall it was ok. Just ok.

Tate by Linda Lael Miller (2.5/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: HQN Books 1/10); Series: # 1, McKettricks of Texas; Source: TBR Read; Books 2011 (37)

Jane Austen Ruined My Life

English professor Emma Grant has always done everything just the way her minister father told her she should -- a respectable marriage, a teaching job at a good college, and plans for the requisite two children. Life was prodigiously good, as her favorite author Jane Austen might say, until the day Emma finds her husband in bed with another woman. Suddenly, all her romantic notions a la Austen are exposed for the foolish dreams they are.
Denied tenure in the wake of the scandal and left penniless by the ensuing divorce, Emma packs up what few worldly possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen. Locating the elusive letters, however, isn't as straightforward as Emma hoped. The owner of the letters proves coy about her prize possessions, sending Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closer and closer to the truth, but the sudden reappearance of Emma's first love makes everything more complicated.

In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people's expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, Jane Austen Ruined My Life is the story of a woman betrayed who uncovers the deeper meaning of loyalty.

Emma Grant is heading to England in search of Jane Austen's secret letters. She want to show the real Jane Austen to the world, in hopes of rescueing her academic career. But before she is able to get her hands on those rare letters, she needs to pass a series of tests.

I love the premise of the book. The idea of Jane Austen's romantic life is very appealing and it makes me wonder what person Jane Austen was, because there is very little known of her. I found the book very easy to read and by the end of it I wanted more. I even liked the way it ended.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo (3.5/5) General Fiction; Published: GuidepostsBooks (2/2009); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Books 2011 (36);

Driftwood Cottage

Single mom Heather Donovan's dreams of home and family are tantalizingly within reach when she settles in Chesapeake Shores. The welcoming arms of the boisterous, loving O'Brien clan embrace her and her son. But accepting their support seems to further alienate her son's father, Connor O'Brien. His parents' divorce and his career as a high-powered divorce attorney have left him jaded about marriage.

Then everything changes. Will the possibility of a future without Heather make Connor look at love and his career differently? Heather's just about given up on her old dreams—of love, of family and especially of Driftwood Cottage, the home she secretly wishes were hers. It's going to take a lot of persuasion—and some help from the O'Brien family—to make Heather believe that some dreams are worth fighting for.

Reading Sherryl Woods is like having comfort food. Soothing, satisfying and it hits the spot. And Driftwood Cottage definitely hit the spot.

Of all the quirky O'Brien's Connor is the least known. He's a very successful divorce attorney, and his job has left him jaded when it comes to marriage. Heather on the other hand, although she had a bad example for a god marriage growing up, she hasn't lost hope that marriage to the right person is magical and loving. If only Connor could see the light...

This book is all about Connor's reluctance to marry. And by the end of the book I was ready to scream. Enough! But overall it was what a wanted, cosy comfort.

Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Mira (3/2011); Series: # 5, Chesapeake Shores; Source: TBR Read; Books 2011 (35)

Heavens to Betsy

Blessed Are the Fabulous.

Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn’t until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself.

Is it really possible to keep a good woman down? Can Betsy reclaim her confidence while reconciling her clerical robe with high heels and the right shade of lipstick? A fun-loving look at a single girl’s life on the other side of the altar, Heavens to Betsy is also a hilarious and joyful celebration of strong, stylish, and faithful womanhood.

After the disaster of the previous book I needed a pick-me-upper. So I chose to read Heavens to Betsey.

Betsey is having some issues. She's in love with a man that doesn't notice her in "that way", her parish would rather have a male minister, money from Sunday collection is missing and she may just have a change of heart regarding her calling.

And it was just what I needed. It was a fast and funny read.

Heavens to Betsey by Beth Pattillo (3/5) General Fiction; Published: WaterBrook Press (6/2005); Series: # 1, Betsey Blessing; Source/Format: Library Ebook for OverDrive App; Books 2011 (34);

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart

She lives for passion.

Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society's rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London's most practiced gossips . . . and precisely the kind of woman The Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.

He swears by reputation.

Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening—risking everything he holds dear—he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety. She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.

What a mouthful!

The first book of the St John family series was amazing. It actually was my favourite read of last year. The second book was an entertaining read but it felt flat in comparison to the first. So you can imagine how much I was looking forward to the final book of the series.

I cannot tell you how disappointed I was with this book. It felt to me like it was written by the same author. Where in the first two books Juliana seemed to be fiery and exciting, in this one she came across as a klutz and attention seeker. Simon on the other hand was his usual self, you know the type...stick up you know where. A snob with a capital S-N-O-B! I couldn't understand their mutual attraction. I'm sure I'm missing something....

Bah!!

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean (2/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (4/2011); Series: # 3, St John; Format: Ebook for Kindle; Waste of Time; Books 2011 (33);

Any Man of Mine

What happens in Vegas . . . doesn't always stay there.

Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots—not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam LeClaire. The first moment she saw him eyeing her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her to run. And she did—right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality, and before she could say "pass the coffee," Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn hasn't clapped eyes on the heartbreaking hockey superstar for over two years . . . until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a big play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever?

I've been reading Rachel Gibson for years and she's always been a must read author for me; She used to be a must buy, but that's another story. I adore her hockey books, there's something about hockey players that make my heart do a little flip. Mind you there are some books that are better than others. And let's just say that this hockey just didn't do it for me.

I found Sam to be emotionally crippled and a jackass with a capital J. Although he did grow on me throughout the book. He made the effort to get to know his child and be a more active parent. But I just didn't buy the emotional connection to Amber, the physical one was awesome, but I didn't get anything other than that for their story.

Any Man of Mine b Rachel Gibson (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Avon (4/2011); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Books 2011 (32);

Not That Kind of Girl

Roxanne Bloom is through with love. Fresh on the heels of a bad break-up, she’s decided to devote all her time to her man-slamming website—and her man-hating dog, Lilith. But this pit-bull-Boxer is so good at unleashing her fury (and her owner’s) that the male victims keep piling up…and now it’s time to get some sensitivity training. Enter Eli Gallagher, one of the best—and hottest—canine experts in town.

The more Eli gets to know Roxie, the more he senses that she’s been hurt by men in the past—just like her dog. With a little gentle prodding, and a whole lot of patience, Eli hopes to gain Roxie’s trust and soothe her broken heart. Eli can see that Roxie’s bark is way worse than her bite. But she’s not putting her guard down just yet—even if she is falling deeply, madly, doggedly in love with him...

I'm making this short....well, shorter than usual...I didn't care for this story. Thing was I was really looking forward to this book, but I wasn't able to really get into the characters or the story for that matter. I found Roxie a pain the behind and Eli was ok but something about him didn't rub right. It was nice to see the rest of ladies though. And that little twist at the end just blew me away. Ewww....

This book was truly a waste of my time. And hate saying it, because I like the author. I was hoping for another He Loves Lucy and this one was anything but that. Grrr!

Not That Kind of Girl by Susan Donovan (2/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (11/2010); Series: # 3, Dog Walkers; Books 2011 (31);

Bury Your Dead

As Quebec City shovers in the grip of winter, its ancient stone walls cracking in the cold, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache plunges into the strangest case of his celebrated career. A man has been brutally murdered in one of the city's oldest buildings - a library where the English citizens of Quebec safeguard their history. And the death opens a door into the past, exposing a mystery that has lain dormant for centuries...a mystery Gamache must solve if he's to catch a present-day killer.

I'm a huge fan of Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series. I've loved all the books of the series, of course some more than others but to me the Armand Gamache series is awesome. The series has it all: great characters, great storylines and the best setting possible...Canada! Ok, Quebec. But it has the Canadian touch.

This book did not disappoint. The Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is in Quebec City to recover from a terrible accident. He needs time to recover pshycally and also psycologically. And the reader has a front row seat to his turmoil. It has an amazing experience seeing a great man remember and try to forgive himself his greatest mistake. Although Gamache's storyline is poignant, the scene stealer of the book for me was the history of the city itself. I think like many other English speaking Canadians I only know the minimal history of Quebec which is sad in a way, because it's a place full of rich history.

There was also the re-opening of the case involving Olivier, which was in The Brutal Telling. And what a twist in that story. My goodness I didn't see that one coming.

Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (5/5) Mystery; Published: Minotaur Books (9/2010); Series: # 6, Armand Gamache; Canadian Author; Source: Library; Canadian Book Challenge (3); Favourite Reads 2011; Books 2011 (30);

Hidden Away

A man who shoots first and asks questions later…

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who’s in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother—and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it…

…and the ultimate moving target.

But Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah’s dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe—even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn’t know exactly who, or what, Sarah’s running from, but whatever it is, she’s running for her life…

Seriously this is getting out of control. Funny stuff...couldn't help myself and bought the next novel of the KGI series. I really couldn't help myself.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love Garrett. In the previous books he always seemed to be the calm, cool, collected with heart of gold type of guy. And he was the same guy in this one, but don't get me started on the heroine, Sarah. There's nothing wrong with being timid, and it was totally understandable her being cautious but it wouldn't have hurt to see some backbone. Or maybe I just missed something.

But what I really loved about this book was Rusty. I adore her. And the Kelly family is wonderful!

Hidden Away by Maya Banks (4/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: Berkley (3/2011); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 3, KGI Novels; Books 2011 (29);

The Sweetest Thing

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

The Sweetest Thing is the second book of the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. I read the first book, Simply Irresistible recently and I've been waiting oh so patiently to get my turn with this book through my local library.

People, I inhaled this book in one sitting! One sitting! I was so caught up with what was happening to Tara and Logan, that I forgot everything around me. It was the perfect read for an afternoon.

Although I found Tara to be harsh at times there was a deep affection about her. And you could see that when she is concerned with her younger sister's health, you can see it when she cooks, and when she finally meets her daughter. It was beautiful to experience. And Logan, he's the type of guy that always seems relaxed and ready to hop off to the next adventure, but it wasn't always care free he felt deeply about what had happened between them when they were teens.

The only concern I have is that I now have to wait until December for the next book.

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis (4.5/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Forever (4/2011); Series: # 2, Lucky Harbor Novel; Source: Library; Books 2011 (28);

Love and Mayhem

Try getting married when your betrothed can wield an iron pot with deadly accuracy, her mad uncle thinks he's William Wllace, and her two maiden aunts can't finish a sentence - or a thought - on their own...

Sir Iain Armstrong is trying to wed Lady Marion, a convent-raised spitfire. All Iain wants to do is fulfill his father's wishes, appease two royal courts, and do what is best for the future of Scotland by putting an end to all the troubles in his part of the Borders. All Lady Marion has to do is agree to marry him, which is the last thing on her mind when Iain arrives at the convent. Until she realizes that Iain is a man of courage, intelligence, and seductively powerful shoulders. But now her eccentric family might do what she's already failed to do-drive him away forever.

I've had this book in my TBR pit for a very long time. I'm not sure when it was bought, but after reading the blurb I know why I bought it, funny historical MIK read. I love those!

And for the first half of the book I thought that I was correct, but somewhere it somehow just unraveled for me. I lost interest and I skimmed the rest of the book, and not even the mad rants of the heroine's uncle helped.

I hate when that happens!

Love and Mayhem by Nicole Cody (2.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Signet Eclipse (4/2006); New Author; TBR Read; Books 2011 (27);

No Place to Run

Sam Kelly was her first love.

The last person Sam Kelly expected to pull wounded from the lake was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She's spent the last months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child—Sam's child. Now she's resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he's the one in danger.

Now he's her last chance.

Sam has too many questions to let her slip away again—like why she disappeared in the first place. This time he vows not to be seduced. But one look in her eyes, and the passion burns again, and Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her and his child safe. However, Sophie’s dark past is more dangerous than he imagines, and the only way for either to survive it is to outrun it.

I recently read the first book of the KGI series, The Darkest Hour, and I just had to get my hands on the second book of the series, No Place to Run. So I broke down and bought the ebook.

I wasn't disappointed in buying it. I was hooked right from the beginning. Sam swept in my life and captured it for a whole weekend. And I'm not complaining one bit. Ok, just one little complaint...the heroine. Don't get me wrong I really liked her, although her age was never revealed, she was young and she knew what she wanted. She wanted to keep her baby safe, and I can totally relate to that. My problem was her name, Sophie. It's a beautiful name but it's also my young daughters name, and I was having trouble ignoring that fact whenever a sex scene came up.

Sam is one of those heroes that I will look back with having the whole package. The looks, the alpha type, the dangerous job, the stubbornness, and after being lied to so many by the heroine he still wants to protect her.

No Place to Run by Maya Banks (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: Berkley (12/2010); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 2, KGI Novel; Books 2011 (26)

Compromised

Miss Gail Alton was not having a good day. Or a good year. First, she's strong-armed into attending the Season as a foil to her beautiful sister Evangeline. Then, while riding her mare in the park, she gets toppled by a stuffy, self-important, too-handsome-by-half "gentleman" who has the audacity to blame her for their fall into the chilly lake! Little does Gail know that the very same man will soon be found in a compromising position with her sister...

Forced into asking for Evangeline's hand in marriage, Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, can't take his mind off the irksome girl who threw him from his horse and who can match wits with him at every turn. He's determined to follow through with his best intentions, yet he can't deny that Gail makes him want to cast propriety aside--and whisk away the sister of his soon-to-be bride...

I wasn't expecting too much out of this book. The book was recommended to me by a good friend, but we don't always have the same taste in books.

I was pleasantly surprised. It was one of those books that I managed to read within a couple of afternoons. I enjoyed the setting, Regency England, the characters were very interesting and there were quite a few of them. I thought that Gail and her sister Evangeline were great together, they had a very close relationship and I enjoyed their different ways on dealing with their stepmother. It took me a while to warm up to Max, at the beginning I thought that he was a somewhat spoiled and lazy sort of gentleman, but there was more than that to him.

Overall I thought that the book was charming and sweet, and I will be looking forward on reading more books by this author.

Compromised by Kate Noble (3/5) Historical Romance; Published: Berkley (2/2009); Source: Library; New Author; Books 2011 (25);

Lover Unleashed

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.

When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.

As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

It says that this book is supposed to be Payne and Manny's story, but after reading the book I think it was Vishous' book. A revisiting Vishous and Dr Jane's relationship...Truth be told their original wasn't all that appealing to me, but for some reason I truly liked them in this one.

Not all the usual characters were shown in the book, but mere mentions here and there which was okay with me. But I really wanted more with Blay and Qhuinn and of course Payne and Manny. But the moments with Payne and Manny were great, I just wished that were more of than.

And like the last few books of this series, I find that the book was more urban fantasy than a paranormal romance. But I love the overall series and I will continue on buying these books. I cannot wait to see what will come up next.

Lover Unleashed by JR Ward (4/5) Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance; Published: NAL Hardcover (3/2011); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 9, Black Dagger Brotherwood; Books 2011 (24);

Scoundrel in My Dreams

Some Mistakes Are Worth Repeating...
The child is his: Jack, or rather, Lord John Redgrave, knows it the instant he glimpses the blue-eyed girl who was abandoned on the steps of his gentleman's club. Her mother came to his room on dark night more than three years ago--and spurned his proposal the very next day. But when Jack visits Amaryllis Clarke to demand an explanation, he receives the shock of his life. For it wasn't proud, worldly Amaryllis with whom he spent that soul-stirring. It was her infatuated younger sister, Laurel.

Over and Over Again...

Laurel was only seventeen when she gave her innocence to Jack--and paid a steep price. She might be overjoyed with her reunion with little Melody, but Laurel won't surrender to her desires again. Jack, meanwhile, has no wish to give up the daughter he never knew he had. Nor will he part with the sensual woman who makes him feel alive with longing. He intends to use any means possible to convince Laurel to stay. After all, all's fair in matters of seduction--especially to a scoundrel in love...

After reading the previous two books of the series I really thought that this book would be spectacular or at least better than the others. The build it was there...the end result not so much. Jack and Lauren were great characters but halfway through the book, I couldn't deal with their bullcrap. There's only so much whinning and complaining about the injustice of "it all" that I could take. Oh why does this happen? Great characters but....at the end of it all it was just okay.

Scoundrel in My Dreams by Celeste Bradley (2.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (8/2010); Series: # 3, The Runaway Brides; Books 2011 (23);

Rogue in My Arms

Laconic Sir Colin Lambert isn't at all worried about the prospect of fatherhood--not if it brings the lovely actress Chantal back into his life! She refused him once, but now with little Melody to tempt her, perhaps she will return to him and be his wife at last!

The only problem is, Chantal has disappeared!

Prudence Filby isn't as lowborn as she seems, but no one would hire a lady as a stage seamstress. Now that the obnoxious Chantal has fled without paying Pru, she doesn't even have that income and her little brother Evan is getting hungrier by the moment! When the lovesick Mr. Lambert offers to pay her to help him find Chantal--and help him mind little Melody on the journey--Pru has no choice but to take him up on it!

Colin wants to fly to Chantal's side, but with Miss Filby and the little ones in tow, he finds his way hampered by mishap after mishap. Along the way he realizes that the woman he wants is not the one he's chasing!

The second book of the series, The Runaway Brides by Celeste Bradley.

In this book Colin continues the search for little Melody mother. He believes that there is chance that Mellie is his daughter with an ex-mistress of his, Chantal a famous actress. Along the way the meets Pru and her brother Evan. Pru worked for Chantal in Brighton in a theatre company. But Chantal has disappeared and Colin enlists Pru's help in locating her and also helping with Mellie. Well you can probably figure out what happens next...gorgeous hunk and a very pretty girl. Anyway add a dishonest inn-keeper, a troupe of traveling actors and a outspoken designer and you get a pretty entertaining story. I just wish I liked the heroine more, for some reason she got on my nerves.

Rogue in My Arms by Celeste Bradley (3.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (3/2010); Source: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 2, The Runaway Brides; Books 2011 (22);