Romance Books

Styx was only just more interesting than Dante in book 1. But there was a lot more that could have been done with this...it did not deliver based on his build up in book #2. This did not deliver like that book did with Viper and Shay.

This was kinda flat against expectations..for him to be such a serious awesome warrior and the king of vampires, it felt like the soda was flat in the bottle.


On a scale 1 to 5, Five is Best:

Villian: 3.2
Plot: 3
Creativity: 2.9
Uniqueness: 3
Humor: 0
Bringing the sexy: 2.7
Passion: 2 stars
Laughs & Amusement factor: 0
Silly Whiners who get on your nerves: 0
Lazy Author repeating too much prior chapters:0

Last year I stumbled across this author by a friend loaning me her book. Wow. I've loved the two first books in this series. Ivy can actually combine humor (I actually laugh out loud once in awhile) with suspense. This book did not disappoint. I hope she continues this series, at least until it is no longer fresh. I love her style of writing.

I love all of this author's books. I can't wait for the next Guardians of Eternity book!

Great book.. Keeps you reading so you can see what is going to happen in the end..can't wait for the next Guardians of Eternity book to come out.

Styx is an ancient warrior who has proven himself to be the baddest of the bad as far as the vampire community goes. However, it takes only one maybe human female to bring him to his knees. After reading Embrace the Darkness, I wasn't too sure if Styx had what it takes to make a good vampire hero. Ms. Ivy outdid herself with his story, though I wish we had more information on his life prior to become a vampire. This is the first time that I have read about a vampire from the Aztec nation, with his adversary being a Italian werewolf here to acquire Darcy for himself. Darcy is a wonderful woman who even though she doesn't know who or what her parents were, shines as the heroine. Now, I wonder how long it will be before we see the next book in the series? We can only wait.

Happy Reading.

Sweet Surrender

I just finished this book and thought it was awesome. I could not put it down. I was late for work trying to finish reading. I would love to be in Faith's position - WOW!!!

This is the first book I have read of Maya Banks and I will be looking for more.!!

The crime story aspect of this book was not well developed, and really, all we're interested in is the sex and the relationship between the two protagonists, but I guess the author needed something to hang the story of the relationship on. Fortunately, it reads quickly. I thought the developing relationship was pretty well done, although not filled out for Gray, the "hero," and the writing wasn't as bad as some I've read. So yeah, I'd recommend it. Strong man, woman wanting to be with someone who will take charge and also take care of her.

I loved this book!!! The journey that Faith goes on to find out what she needs and how Gray is there to help her figure it out. Throw in a little crime and lovin'. It's enuff to keep you warm for quite awhile. The secondary characters are amazing as well. I hope their stories will be told at later dates. Ms. Banks is indeed on my list of must haves.

Gray Montgomery is working on the biggest case of his life. His best friend and partner Alex was murdered, and he cannot rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice. The Dallas police department has been working on it without any forward progress, and Gray decides to follow the lead Alex's father uncovered. He takes a leave of absence from the police department, and goes undercover in Houston to find out what Faith Malone knows because their suspect was last seen in the company of her mother.

After just spending a few moments with Faith, Gray instinctively knows that she had nothing to do with the hit on Alex, but stays in hopes of finding a lead on her mother. Gray finds himself incredibly attracted to Faith, but fights his feelings because of her involvement in his investigation, and he is afraid she couldn't handle his darker sexual tastes. Little does Gray know that Faith craves a strong dominant man. She finds herself thinking about him constantly hoping he is the man she has been looking for. When Gray and Faith finally give into their desires, and it is explosive.

Maya Banks became a must buy for me after Colters' Woman, and her subsequent books never fail to hit the mark. I am always excited to see what she has coming out next. This book was sexy, erotic, and thrilling. I am hoping to maybe see this developed into a series. It sure was set up to. Superb read!

This book brings out everything, tension, suspense, desire, and restrained but uncontrollable passion. It will grip you from begining to end. The chemistry between Faith and Gray is electrifying, the pace of the story is such that it is crying out to be made into a movie. Great writing. Have a look at Maya's 'For Her Pleasure' and if erotic short stories tickle your fancy, try Suzie Van Aartman's 100 Percent Erotica

Let me count the ways that I love this book- 1, 2, 3, 100. Frankly, this book rocked. It is going straight on my keeper shelf. The story was charming and engrossing, it reminded me of how focused I get on a Linda Howard Story (Major Compliment). I couldn't wait to see what happened next- This is a Red Light Read.

Poor widow Anna is down on her luck until she talks herself into a secretary's position. The Earl is none too pleased when he sees who his new secretary is, which creates some witty dialogue between the two, and major tension. But this author steps it up a notch, not only are the h/h great, there are wonderful secondary characters, dramatic scenes, but yet entertaining. This book was pretty steamy, more detailed than most I've read.

Let me put it this way, I haven't received the other two books in the Prince Trilogy, so last night I went out and bought her book, To Taste Temptation- I just enjoyed her style of writing immensely. Her new book is the start to a Series about 4 soldiers. After one book, this author is an auto buy for me, so glad to have read this!

"The Raven Prince" was just as good as all the excellent reviews paint it to be...I was so enthralled that I read the first half one evening and finished it the next morning! I am so glad I didn't take the negative reviews to heart.....true, in the beginning of the book the earl is painted as an unattractive man but as the story unfolds he becomes more and more attractive to both Anna and the reader. He was tall, dark and muscular.... everything you could hope for in a hot tempered, brooding hero. The way he yearned for both Anna's body and her love was quite endearing. The sex scenes were explicit but tasteful, and brought meaning to the story instead of just being filler. The passion between Edward and Anna was palpable and made this novel a joy to read. The happy ending was the best part, and I was thoroughly satisfied at how this love story ends.

Anna is a widow living with her mother-in-law in a small town called Little Battleford. Anna must find a position since money has become scarce. Anna finds employment as secretary to Edward the Earl of Swartingham, a most unusual position for a female.

It is nice to have a heroine who is mature and a hero who is not perfect. Anna is practical and stands up for herself and the Earl is not only scarred from small pox but is also bad tempered.

I enjoyed the attraction between the two main characters. The interaction between them was witty and engaging. The sexual tension was ever present and Ms Hoyt handled the sex scenes extremely well. They were erotic and tasteful.

As a bonus, the beginning of each chapter included the story of the raven prince. This tale was well done.

Why did I give it four stars instead of five? It was the last chapter. I'm not going to include spoilers, but I will say that the ending was typical of many romance novels.

This was the first novel that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Bravo Ms Hoyt!

Anna Wren is nearly destitute, and the only solution she can think of is to find a job. Not an easy proposition in Regency England.

She lucks out when Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham, urgently needs a new secretary, his temper having rid him of his previous ones. The earl's steward is desperate, and hires Anna despite his misgivings.

It's a sweet story--the tortured hero (he's scarred from smallpox, his entire family including wife and child have died) and the valiant heroine first fighting their attraction, then liking each other, then falling in love, culminating in a disguised Anna meeting Edward in a brothel where he'd gone to... er... work off his attraction to her.

I don't have any real complaints, other than a vague feeling that the tone of the writing seemed rather more modern than I'm used to with a historical romance--there weren't any anachronisms or anything I can put my finger on, so maybe it's just my imagination or a taste issue. Mostly, the four stars is because it's a pleasant story that I enjoyed and am glad I read, but nothing extraordinary.

I love the fact that the herione in the story is an "older" widow and not another fresh faced innocent girl that is the usual. The hero is also not your average nobleman; he has had his share of tragedy leaving him with image issues - and a farmer to boot! The love story moves along well and the supporting casts have interesting side-stories and add punch to the main plot. Everything is well thought out, characters are nicely fleshed-out complete with hobbies and best friends. This was my pick for best book from this series.

This (audio) book was pretty good- it's Cal and Penny's story. HOWEVER, I do think that some parts were unnecessary, and you could really tell that the writer was setting up a series. I think that if I had not heard the audio this book would have received a 3, but since I did hear the audio, and got to hear the characters through the reader, I am giving it a 4. This is the first book in the series, and I will probably listen to the rest of the series. Brothers Walker and Reid and sister Dani get their own stories. Those who love reunited stories or second chances, this one will work for you!

This series of 4 books is the first time I have read Susan Mallery and I loved them all. Her characters are wonderful and you really get to know them. She draws you into the romance and leaves you hungry for more. I can't wait to delve into her other books.

Cal Buchanan needs some help and the only person that can help him is Penny Jackson, his ex-wife. Cal and Penny are working together, but she is keep a secret from, she is going have baby. Cal and Penny didn't work the first time but maybe they can the second time.
Okay I really wanted to like "Delicious" by Susan Mallery, but I could get pass what poor character Cal was! He was the most self-center character that I have seen in a very long. I have the other books in the "Buchanan" series, so I am hoping that it will get better.

It wasn't a perect, but it was close to it. The book was intresting until the very end. . Not very helpful I know, but the book was good light read.

I really wanted to like this book but the author wasted a good concept and servicable characters by delivering a standard romance novel instead of an insiders view of a bustling restaurant kitchen. I hoped for juicy kitchen drama, but received utterly predictable family drams instead. The worst written character was the grandmother whose motivations remained a mystery while she blew in and out of scenes like clock work to bedevil the other characters. Just another crazy old harridan who acts without rhyme or reason. I think I expected way too much from a book by this publisher. I hope an inspired writer will give us a book about a young, talented female chef someday, but this one is not it.

I WANT MORE !!! These books were so good I did not want them to end. Nora Roberts just puts you there !!!

Excellent book in the trilogy. Must read to get the ongoing, full picture. n Highly recommend.

Knowing Nora Roberts writing as JD Robb hooked me as a fan. I knew she was a romance writer but until her writing of the Circle Trilogy had no idea she had written a Sword and Sorcery/Fantasy nover much less a series. I highly recommend this series for anyone over 14 years of age. It moves along steadily and the characters and delightful. The plot has quite a few twists that add to the enjoyment and each book expands the Depth of Characters. Will not expound on the plot but leave it to you to read and enjoy.

I only read the second two books in this trilogy because I read the first book and felt obligated. I think she writes too many books and the quality is poor. There were so many typos in this book that I found it distracting. The language was poor and just didn't seem like much effort was put into this book. She dragged this story out into 3 books when it really could have been told effectively in one novel. I really don't recommend this trilogy at all.

This trilogy is probably the best I ever read. It has everything you could want, fantasy, love, war and a lot more. It ends just perfect. You are missing out if you don't read this series!

My thoughts where changed after reading IKDG and am wholy convinced that it was God who used this book to do what the bible teaches in Romans 12:2. Needless to say I have had alot of bad relationships that have left alot of scars. I can now say my focus is on Gods plan for my life, a message clearly stated in this book on dating. There are things God wants to do first. He wants you to see His plan first. He may have a Million dollar plan for your life!
Although I have not read this book, yet, I commend Joshua for the efforts he is making to turn the hearts of those God has chosen through Josh's ministry.
My message to anyone who reads these books is to ask God to reveal those things you need to see and teach you based on Josh's courageous ground breaking attempts to turn this big ship around.
Read Josh's books with a open mind in lieu of one that is set upon a tradition.
I challange this same mindset to search what your heart will say so that you to can reach out and touch the hearts of the hurting.

Didn't Mister Harris ask his future wife out on date the first time he met her?

I recommend this book to all my friends who are in relationships or are single but are wanting to look at how inter-gender relations ought to be carried out, biblically. My boyfriend and I read it and it has been a great "yellow line" (reference to an analogy Harris gives) for us.

If anyone has read the title "I kiss dating goodbye," then you are aware of Joshua Harris' ungodly and unbiblical stance against Christian relationships, and may know of the damage it has done to members of the church in modern times. Young Christians have been leaving the church in droves after discovering it is "sick and ungodly" to have coffee with friends, go on dates, or pine after someone unless God "magically" steps in.

"Boy meets Girl" is a hypocrits' attempt to defend the relationship that he entered into soon after penning his original blasphemous piece of filth. For those who don't follow modern theology or have no notion of biblical applications, this would be as if Al Gore wrote "Why I trash the world, a polluter's attempt to foul the atmosphere." after "Inconvenient Truth." It really is that much of a turn-around. Unfortunately for him, this brazen attempt by Harris to cover his tracks merely points to how scandalous, misguided and damaging his first attempt at perverting the Bible was.

I've read some mixed reviews on this book, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this book. It was clear cut, honest and based on the Word. This book was great. I am currently in a relationship "with a purpose"- and while we agreed on it's purpose from the start, I was unsure of the specifics. This book was so thorough- it answered all my questions, and shed light on the gray areas. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering courting, in the midst of a Courtship, or just wondering what it's all about. The author uses real life examples to illusrate the principles being discussed. It also provides insight on everything from broaching the subject of courtship/marriage to how to handle it if your interests is not reciprocated to discussing/accepting one another's pasts. Simply stated, this is a great book. It tells the truth without preaching at you.

This installment of the Grave Valley Trilogy sets up a love triangle between the heroine and two men, both named Jim.

Very Good Book...She has you crying on one page & laughing on the nest one. I agree with Debbie Macomber..."Robyn Carr writes books that touch the heart and the funny bone."

What a wonderful series! I started Deep in The Valley on Sat. morning, finished Just Over the Mountain on Sun. at midnight, I just didn't want to put the books down; can't wait to start Down By the River and see what happens next. Dr. June, John, Elmer -all the characters are so well developed, and Jim Post, whew, wouldn't I like him to show up at my place in the middle of the night! Five stars all the way!

Robyn Carr just seems to bring out the best in me. Her writing style is remarkable and she once again hits on life in the small town of Grace Valley and centers on the life of Dr. June Hudson whom we came to love in Deep in the Valley.

There is just so much to love about this novel but the one that I find interesting is that June's in love with a man no one in the "nosey" town of Grace even knows exist and she can't tell anyone, not even her father, as her lover happens to an undercover DEA agent.

If you're expecting a novel filled with violence and sex, this isn't the novel for you. But if you're looking for a novel about caring and sharing, where people actually about family, friends and neighbors -- usually whether you want them to or not, go pick up Just Over the Mountain. You're bound to be caught up in the magic as I was.

Grace Valley physician Dr. June Hudson awaits the return of her secret lover, DEA agent Jim Post, and gets a shock when her first love, Jim Forrest (yeah, two leading men named Jim...) returns to town divorced and ready to resume their relationship with his rowdy teenage sons in tow. Since she has remained single, everyone in town assumes she'll take up with Forrest, but she'd rather wait for the other Jim. When mysterious bones turn up, finally the small town has something else to keep them occupied besides her love life.

Not realizing that this story was part of a series, I was at a disadvantage. Undeveloped characters kept popping up in the story, and felt out of place. One main character was absent throughout most of the novel. And the romance itself was minimal. When compared to her later novels like "Never too Late," this one just falls short at 2.5 stars.

Honestly, it wasn't a terrible read. It was quite good and sweet compared to like stories. I loved both characters and thought they had well written chemistry. My only complaint is that I didn't care too much about Cat's troubles with her clan. But other than that good book.

I haven't read a romance novel in a very long time that caused me to sit down and read...and read...and read. I read this entire 372-page novel in less than 24 hours. I just enjoyed it so much that I could not put it down. I'm a Teresa Medeiros fan to begin with, but I have to say that this is the best novel out of her last three or four.

Catriona Kincaid is a proud, naïve, dreamer of a girl. She's been in love with Simon Wescott since she clapped eyes on him at 15 years old. As for Simon, he could never forget the wisp of a girl with her large gray eyes, intriguing lilt, and proud demeanor. But in the last five years, Simon has spent his time chasing debauchery in all forms while Catriona has been plotting a way to find her long lost brother, Connor. When the Lord Eddingham threatens to come back to ask Catriona's uncle for her hand in marriage, Catriona hatches her own plot and finds Simon in Newgate. It is there that they make an arrangement between them: Simon will marry Catriona and escort her to the Highlands to search for her brother. In exchange, Catriona will pay half of her dowry to Simon...and her virginity.

Medeiros has a talent for witty dialogue, wry observation, and beautiful description. And in Some Like It Wicked, Catriona has an uncanny ability to anticipate Simon's own plans before he even comes up with them. This makes for some laugh-out-loud action. Simon is a lovable rogue who thinks he isn't a hero when that's all Catriona wants him to be.

I can say with thorough enthusiasm that I am looking forward to the sequel, Some Like It Wild.

Catriona Kidcaid is a loyal Scot's women who wants to return to Scotland to find her brother. She was shipped off to England after her parents were killed to live with her Uncle the Earl. She talks Sir Simon Wescott (born on other side blanket to Duke) into helping her with plan to save her Kidcaid Scottish Land.... I like the connection between the main chacaters.

Looking forward to Connor Kidcaid's (Catriona's sister) story Some Like It Wild.

Some Like It WIcked is one of Teresa Medeiros's classic hostoricals with a feisty, intelligent heroine, a dashing hot hero and the kind of adventure that kept me galloping through the book, reading as fast as I could, yet hating it to end. The other reviewers have written about the plot, but I want to say it was fun, it was funny, it was relaxing, it was the kind of story I love and always get from Medeiros. She writes what I want to read, and I can't wait for Some Like It WIld to come out next year. A great read!!! Some Like It Wicked (Avon Historical Romance)

Catriona Kincaid has spent the better part of her life living with her uncle's family in England. Having been sent to them as a young girl, Catriona has never really felt welcome, especially since her uncle refuses to allow her to even think about going home to Scotland.

To her uncle, their clan name and their Scottish kin mean less than nothing. But to Catriona, they mean everything. For years she has strived to not forget anything about her childhood before the Red Coats came and shattered her entire world. Upon her arrival at her uncle's home years ago, Catriona vowed to one day return to Scotland and find her brother - she had no idea that she would have to follow through with her plans so suddenly and without much planning. Evidently her abusive cousin's ex-fiancé is suddenly desirous of a union with Catriona. A union Catriona neither wants nor needs given the way the purported groom feels about the Scots. Escaping her uncle's watchful eyes for an afternoon, she travels to Newgate Prison to make the deal of a lifetime with whom she thinks to be the devil himself.

Simon Wescott is the illegitimate son of a nobleman. Dishonored and disreputable for his romantic exploits alone, he is also held in the public eye as a war hero. Thrown into Newgate Prison for supposedly running up debts, he is actually there because of an angry father. When Catriona Kincaid comes to him with her plans and offers him half of her dowry in exchange for his help, Simon doesn't hesitate to negotiate the terms to his best advantage. Two days and one seduction later, Simon and Catriona are headed to Scotland to be wed.

Simon and Catriona wed at Gretna Green and while Simon wants nothing more than to leave Catriona in Scotland, he IS a rake after all, he can't make himself leave her. More than once he has to play hero to her damsel when enemies show themselves and threaten Catriona. Passionate by nature, Simon does not understand how or why Catriona affects him. And affects him she does.

SOME LIKE IT WICKED gave me several hours of reading pleasure. From the first scene where Simon and Catriona meet when she is young girl to the last scene of the epilogue, I found myself more than once in stitches and laughing out loud at Catriona's and Simon's witty repertoire with each other. Simon fully intended to leave Catriona in Scotland alone and while I knew in my heart he wouldn't do it, I liked reading about his fight with his conscience over his plans. Catriona was a strong heroine and while innocent in body, her heart belonged to Simon. Their passion was heady and sensual and I loved seeing the love between them grow.

Teresa Medeiros has written a highly entertaining and passionate novel with SOME LIKE IT WICKED. I was swept away to the highlands of Scotland and I cherished every word. Now my wait begins for the next installment, Some Like It Wild, set for release spring of 2009. *** Natalie for Wild on Books***

This is your typical chic lit. Great for a lazy summer day. As a lawyer working in banking and finance just like the main characther, I'm very impressed by Kinsella's background check and how she captures the work in lawfirms. This book will not change your life but it will make you laugh.

I'm fussy, but love funny books. Sophie is spot on with this laugh out loud book. People at the beach must have thought I was insane, but it was very funny! Loved it! Nothing life changing, just sweet entertainment. Well done Sophie!

The Shopaholic series is fabulous, but in the Undomestic Goddess Kinsella takes a different turn on learning a life lesson in a fun, fluffy way.
In this book Samantha is high powered lawyer living in the city who has been working her way toward a partnership in her law firm. When this seems in grasp, her life takes a turn. She runs off the the country and is mistaken for a housekeeper, and she does not tell anyone else otherwise. In this new life she makes for herself she realizes what really is important is spending time with friends and family and having time for yourself.
This one will have you taking a step back and examining what you really want out of life.
A funny and uplifting read, I could not recommend it more!

Can you Keep a Secret was much funnier and, if you can believe it, more believable. I found Samantha Sweeting a little too flippant for a life-long workaholic. And without giving anything away,

Samantha is a high powered lawyer who is happily working her way up towards a partnership then everything goes wrong at work and she runs off to the country. She is mistaken for someone applying for a live-in housekeepers job. Samantha needs somewhere to stay and maybe she could hid here for a while. Housework she hates and is not good at.

A funny, romantic, light story. A solicitor client of mine said she had already read it, loved it and loved all of the Sophie Kinsella series.
So even solicitors appreciate this story.

A light sunday afternoon read at the beach or infront of the log fire.

She gets gang raped when young, and as an adult, goes back to get revenge. She exposes her beloved rape son to the poisonous tongues of a small town. Hard to swallow. She is terrified by well meaning men, but not by her rapist when she stops her on a lonely road close to the place where the dirty deed occured. The book has a lot of nice moments but the inconsistencies are overwhelming. I gave up on page 337 so I do not know if it gets any better or even worse at the end.

I read this book a number of years ago, and decided to read it again. The second time around, it was still very interesting reading. Sandra Brown is definitely my type of author.

I personally thought this was her best work. That said, the format was a MP3 audio. If I had to read it, then maybe I wouldn't have felt so strongly. But I have no way of knowing.

I've read about 5 or 6 Sandra Brown novels, and this one was my favorite yet. A lot of Brown's novels follow the same template especially for the mystery/suspense ones. Where the killer/bad guy turns out to be a very minor charactor who you know nothing about until you find out who he is and then it goes into this big explaination about why he was the bad guy. Then of course the happy ending with the unprotected sex that they hope results in a pregnacy..haha. It gets kind of old. But this one isn't like that AT ALL. I'm not going to summarize it or anything, but if you are like me and enjoy reading Sandra Brown but find her books a little repetive, you should really read this one.

Jade Sperry is a happy high school senior with her whole life ahead of her. She thinks she is blessed and has more than anyone could hope for. She is pretty, popular, smart, and has a boyfriend that truly loves her. In one moment Jade's life takes a drastic turn when she is brutally raped and left for dead by three of her peers. This event shapes all her decisions and how she lives her life. Jade decides that she will extract her revenge on those that harmed her.

This is a really well written story. The one thing that was hard to deal with was that just when you thought Jade's life couldn't get any worse, it does. It is very intense and emotionally draining.