Scandal in Spring (Wallflower Series, Book Four): Lisa Kleypas

“ “I want you to do everything you’ve ever imagined doing with me…”

“With those scandalous words, Daisy Bowman, the sole “Wallflower” yet to be married, seals her fate with the last man she ever expected to tempt her.

“…And so Daisy Bowman seals her fate with the most unlikely man to stir her passions and inspire such scandalous behavior in the dazzling must-read conclusion to Lisa Kleypas’ best selling Wallflower quartet!

“It’s been three long London seasons, and still Daisy hasn’t received one declaration of affection. Should she not make the perfect match soon, her father has promised to arrange her wedding to the cold-hearted and maddening Matthew Swift.

“Despite alternating feelings of grave desperation and sheer panic, Daisy the last “wallflower” standing, will do anything to avoid marriage to Matthew. Yet when he unexpectedly turns on the charm—and leaves her breathless after her very first kiss—Daisy wonders if the man she has never liked could possibly be the only man she can ever love.”

After finishing this book, all I could do was smile! This was the perfect way to have the final “Wallflower” meet her match. It was sweet, believable, and stayed true to the past books from the series. Lisa Kleypas has a knack for linking every one of her stories and she does it so beautifully! I am always so impressed with her works, but this one was exceptionally good because there were just SO many different characters and plotlines—some of which are from prior series of Kleypas’. I didn’t know how she was going to do it, but she did!

As always, I am thrilled with Lisa Kleypas and look forward to the next book!

The Pirate Lord (The Lord Trilogy, Book One): Sabrina Jeffries

“A Splendid Opportunity

“A shipload of women—theirs for the taking! Pirate captain Gideon Horn couldn’t be more delighted. His men are tired of wandering the high seas and want to settle down with wives on the uncharted island paradise they’re discovered. And the women are bound to be grateful to be rescued from the life of drudgery awaiting them in New South Wales…Lord, he’s so clever!

“A Splendid Passion

“Married? To pirates? Sara Willis couldn’t be more appalled. First she demands proper courting—at least a month. The darkly handsome pirate lord gives them two weeks. Then Sara insists the men vacate their huts for the women—Gideon demands her kisses in return. As the demands heat up, so do their passions—and soon Sara can’t remember just why she’d fighting the devilishly seductive captain so hard…”

This was the first book by Sabrina Jefferies that I’ve read and I really loved it!!! Her characters were fun and fascinating to follow. The plot was so captivating that I just COULD NOT put the book down! I devoured it!

The storyline flowed so well that I just didn’t want it to stop. It was creative, witty, and funny. I found myself laughing and smiling and feeling for the characters. This book genuinely made me happy. Sara had so much fire, but it wasn’t to the point of being obnoxious; while Gideon was a powerful, masculine character with secrets of his own.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am genuinely looking forward to read more of Jefferies’ works in the future!!!

Hot Blooded Anthology: Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly, Angela Knight

***This book contains the first part to Angela Knight’s Mageverse Series, Book Fourteen in Christine Feehan’s Dark Series, and number Six in Emma Holly’s reading order!***

“ “Dark Hunger” by New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan

“In a dark jungle, a beautiful activist liberates animals from a secret laboratory—and stumbles across an unexpected prisoner. She releases the Carpathian from his bonds—only to unleash his voracious appetite on herself…”

This was the first work by Christine Feehan that I’ve read. I’ve been meaning to read her—I have a list of her books all set to go—and it just worked out that I was reading Angela Knight once more and this short story by Feehan just happened to get caught up in the mix.

Overall, it was good. Her writing style is different and I liked it. The story itself was a little bit difficult to understand—though I am fairly certain that has to do with the fact that this is actually the fourteenth installment in a series… My fault for not having read the other thirteen… Anyhow, the characters were nice and I loved the descriptions of the environment.

I must admit, however, that this was fairly similar to one of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s short stories: “Winter Born” in the Stroke of Midnight anthology. I’m not implying that one author copied the other; I’m just saying that if you liked one, you’ll probably like the other.

This story was interesting and I’ll be reading more of Feehan in the future!

“ “Awaiting Moonrise” by New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne

“A science professor enters the steamy bayou to find a new species of animal, convinced that its presence is behind the stories of lycanthropy in the region, but finds herself tempted by a legendary creature straight out of her most sensual nightmare…”

I’ve only read Maggie Shayne once before, but the more I read her, the more I find that I like her. The first one I read by her was good—it wasn’t my favorite, but parts of it were really good. This one, however, was VERY good! I loved the plot and the story behind it all. It was so interesting and I really devoured it! Again, there was that element of gruesomeness, but it really ended up enhancing the story. Her characters have this mystery about them that only seems to work with Shayne’s writing. I have seen other writers attempt creating characters in this manner, but none seem to pull it off nearly as well as this one.

Of course, I will be reading more of Maggie Shayne in the future: especially after this short story!

“ “The Night Owl” by Emma Holly

“Little ever seems to stir in the sleepy woods of a small Vermont town, until a new owner takes over the exclusive local inn. He is centuries old and has traveled far and wide to find his queen—and now nothing will stop him from claiming her…”

As with Christine Feehan’s short story, this was a later installment in a series. I have been meaning to read Emma Holly’s works and was excited to see her name on the cover of the anthology.

I will admit that I have discovered another author whom I would be thrilled to read again! Her writing was unique, yet it maintained the style that captivates me. The characters were extremely likable and the plot remained interesting throughout. Even though this is book six in a series, I felt as if I was able to understand a good enough amount where this short story could stand alone. It was really impressive. I loved the new twist that Holly has thrown in to the mix and—I really don’t want to give it away—but it may either thrill or completely turn off the vampire-lover.

You’ll be sure to read more reviews of Holly’s works in the future!

“ “Seduction’s Gift” by Angela Knight

“All’s fair in the war between desire and resistance when a lady cop pulls over a speeder—and finds an immortal lover who is determined to seduce her into accepting her own passionate destiny…”

I’ve read Angela Knight before and this book definitely lived up to my expectations. The writing was captivating and it flowed very well. I had a bit of a hard time following the plot in the beginning, but it was quickly clarified. It was so cool to see a different side to one of the Knights of the Round Table! (Actually, part of the story actually rang of the research paper that I wrote for my Honors English Comp. I class… Pretty neat if you ask me.)

Of course, I will be reading more of Knight’s works in the future!

“When the sun goes down, each woman will discover the man she desires—within the beast that drives her wild…”

Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget Series, Book One): Lyn Kurland

“With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls…Rhys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a surprise offer comes his way—bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love and…Another Chance to Dream”

This is the first of Lynn Kurland’s works that I’ve read and it certainly was an experience. Her writing style is different from what I normally read and it was actually a refreshing change. The book was a bit on the long side and probably could have ended sooner, but it was nice to see such a thoroughly developed plot.

The characters were very interesting and I REALLY liked how their histories were introduced. (***AND SHE HAD SOMETHING THAT NO ROMANCE NOVEL THAT I’VE READ BEFORE HAD!!! A hero who wasn’t an experienced lover! It made for some smiles and I was very impressed at Kurland’s bravery!) It was new and grabbed me to the point where I really couldn’t put the book down. Also, I must admit that I’m impressed with Kurland because—as you’ve probably seen from previous blogs—I’m not all that impressed with romance authors who skim over the “juicer” parts of the stories. This was a love story and not a typical romance, if you catch my meaning. It was more rated “PG” than anything, but I actually found myself enjoying it.

I’m not in love with Kurland, though I did really enjoy her work. I will read more of her work in the future. She has a true talent and I will look for more of her books.

Seize the Night (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twelve): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Hail, Glorious Reader:

“I was born the noble son of a legendary Roman senator. I walked through the ancient world as a general, admired and supreme until a brutal betrayal caused me to bargain my soul. Now I’m an immortal Dark-Hunter, bound to protect mankind from the evil scourge that haunts it. Over the centuries, I’ve seen many frightening things: plagues, pestilence, disco music…

“And now Tabitha Devereaux. A human, she has trained herself to fight vampires every bit as capably as any Dark-Hunter. Idiosyncratic and off-beat, she is my personal bane—and yet she beguiles me. There are only two small problems. She happens to be the twin of my mortal enemy’s wife. More than that, Tabitha and her sister are being stalked by a power that will not rest until everyone she holds dear is dead.

“Unlike my Dark-Hunter brethren, I rely on no one but myself. They spurned me and I turned my back on them. But the only way to save Tabitha and her family is to find some way to bridge a two-thousand-year-old feud.

“They say opposites attract, but can they stay together when even the Fates conspire to keep them apart? Then again, the Fates have never dealt with the likes of Tabitha Devereaux before. They’re going to be in for quite a fight…

“—Valerius Magnus”

Having read previous books with Valerius in them—and I will grudgingly admit that—I wasn’t entirely certain just how much I would like Valerius as a main character. Sure, he seemed strong and infallible, but there was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way…even more than Zarek! Now, however, the only Dark-Hunter book that made me cry more than this one was Zarek’s story: Dance With the Devil. This book was touching and it grabbed me in a certain, painful place in my chest and just wouldn’t let go.

I was fascinated at how Sherrilyn Kenyon made the readers care about Valerius. It was a huge feat and she accomplished it with her usual finesse. Tabitha was another character that I wasn’t too sure about. In previous books, she was so pushy and never seemed to think things through and—to be perfectly honest—she was actually almost annoying. It was good to see a whole other side to both of these character and I really don’t want to give anything away, but it was SO cool to learn more about Ash—though it was a bit on the confusing side and I’ll probably have to read it again to fully comprehend it. Happy reading!

Devil in Winter (Wallflower Series, Book Three): Lisa Kleypas

“Four young ladies enter London society and band together to each find a husband. Has the third “Wallflower” now met her match?

“A DEVIL’S BARGAIN

“Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

“Sebastian’s reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden’s good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

“But Evie’s proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another od the dashing libertine’s callously discarded broken hearts—which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions…or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.”

This book is the third in the Wallflower Series from Lisa Kleypas, and it was a perfect addition! I was worried how Evie would overcome her shyness in a believable manner and this book was perfect! Also, the readers learn to really dislike—dare I say despise—St. Vincent after what he does to Lillian in the book prior to this one.

I’ve never read a book with such a disliked character who becomes such a hero! It was wonderful! Normally there is a “bad boy”, but Sebastian brought a new meaning to the phrase. I loved watching him soften towards Evie and try to become a man who is worthy of her. It was beyond touching and fascinating to read. Not to mention his dialogue was so well-written, I could almost hear him speak his taunting, joking words. That’s not easy for a writer to do and I must commend Kleypas on her brilliant work.

Overall, the book was fantastic and I love this author’s work. She has a knack for writing beautiful plots while keeping the readers enthralled. I’m excited about getting my hands on the next in the series!

A Breath of Scandal (Sin Series, Book Two): Connie Mason

“She claimed him as her husband without even knowing his name. Now she will risk everything to keep his secret—but can she give her heart without having his love in return?

“A Dangerous Man of Mystery

“Lord Julian Thornton, Earl of Mansfield by day and a secret agent of the crown by night has sworn never to love another woman. But then a mission goes wrong and Julian is left for dead, his only hope a seductively mysterious gypsy woman named Lara. And when she marries him under gypsy law for his own protection, Julian is too entranced with the dark beauty to deny himself the benefits of their “marriage.” Yet even as he longs for their idyllic interlude to last, Julian knows his presence alone puts her very life in danger. Until he discovered Lara is the one place he never expected to see his wild gypsy enchantress…the one place where he isn’t sure he can protect her—or his own heart.

“A Wild Gypsy Enchantress

“From the moment Lady Lara, half-gypsy daughter of the Earl of Stanhope, finds a wounded stranger wash up on Scotland’s rugged shore, she knows their destinies will be forever entangled. So when a band of smugglers comes looking for the dashing stranger, Lara doesn’t hesitate to claim him as her husband “Drago.” But when her mysterious husband goes back to his own world—and its dark secrets—Lara returns to her father to take her place as heiress…never expecting to see Drago across the earl’s crowded ballroom. And although he still enthralls her, Lara is determined that she will never truly be his wife until he surrenders his heart as well.”

This is the second book in the Sin series and it was wonderful! The characters were so much fun to follow—I love it when an author has a knack for incorporating characters from previous books. The language was eloquent and everything was very well-written. However, I must say that the last chapters were fairly similar to A Taste of Sin. I won’t give anything away, but if you read it, you’ll know exactly about what I’m talking about. Other than that, I loved the book and kind of wished there was more to read about the brothers!

Connie Mason has a wonderful ability to write characters that are so easy to love and feel for. I highly recommend any of her books and cannot wait to read more!

Stroke of Midnight (Contains Dark-Hunter Series, Book Eleven): Sherrilyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L. A. Banks, Lori Handeland

“In an unseen world that lurks in the shadows, they roam the night—feral, passionate, and dangerous. And when their world touches ours, a primitive desire takes hold, leaving mere mortals powerless in its wake…

“Four of romance’s most intriguing authors have come together to create a mesmerizing anthology—unforgettable tales of vampires, shapeshifters, and werewolves. At the heart of these deeply sensual tales are everyday people facing extraordinary events—men and women thrown together by fate and an irresistible desire. In this world, your eyes can betray you as myth becomes reality, curses are vanquished, and love is the only weapon that can stand in the face of evil. In this world, there is a moment when passion and forbidden desire collide at the…Stroke of Midnight”

“WINTER BORN BY SHERRILYN KENYON

“Two enemy Were-Panthers discover that fate has destined they become lovers. Pandora must learn to trust Dante’s foreign nature. But as she slowly succumbs to the truest passion she has ever known, dark forces have already set out to reclaim her…”

I’ve said this before, but I must say it again: I love Sherrilyn Kenyon’s work! Her characters are so easy to care for and follow and it’s amazing how she NEVER leaves out anything previously mentioned about a character. As soon as I was reminded about who Dante was, I knew that this was going to be interesting. The animalistic emotions and characteristics were FASCINATING to read about. I’m not going to go on and on, but I do have to say that this book would be a bit difficult for someone who hasn’t read about the Katagaria and Arcadians.

“BORN OF THE NIGHT BY AMANDA ASHLEY

“When Lady Shanara Montiori is taken hostage, she learns that the rumors about her captor are true. Lord Reyes is afflicted with the dark curse of the werewolf. Still, Shanara can’t fight the attraction they both feel. Will their love break the curse—or feed its powerful hold?”

I LOVED how descriptive this short story was. It was almost like I could feel what it was like to be Reyes as he changed into a wolf. The characters were wonderful and—as I said in my last review of Amanda Ashley, I’m really growing to enjoy her works more and more.

“MAKE IT LAST FOREVER BY L. A. BANKS

“An innocent mistake forces the beautiful Tara onto a mission to save herself from the dark fate that awaits her. Salvation comes in the form of a seductive biker with a heart of gold. But will surrendering to their ripe attraction unleash a danger even she cannot control?”

Well, this was the first story by L. A. Banks that I’ve read. It started out interesting enough…a little hard to follow, but it kept me interested. Then…it got more difficult. I had no idea what was going on and—it could have just been me—but it wasn’t much fun to read. Sections of the story would start off with “he” or “she” and I couldn’t tell if the author was trying to bring in a new mysterious character or what. The whole myth behind what was wrong with Tara was vague and difficult to understand. I feel like there could have been a lot more background. The ending was decent, but I still kind of felt frustrated with the writing. Maybe I’ll give Banks another chance in the future.

“RED MOON RISING BY LORI HANDELAND

“Novelist Maya Alexander’s peace is shattered when she is stalked by a Navajo skinwalker who has taken on the guise of a wolf. Her only hope is the mysterious Clay Phillips. In his arms, she seeks protection—but as the red moon rises, no one is safe from the danger that lurks nearby…”

The was the first work by Lori Handeland that I’ve gotten to read and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised! I can honestly say that I have not read a book written in the first-person since…like elementary school… But this author made it so there was a certain level of sophistication to it that kept my attention. It was actually kind of fun not knowing what the other main character was thinking. It made it all seem more real because you can’t know what someone else is feeling—what they know, what they think.

The background to the story was well-explained and very captivating. I will definitely read more of Lori Handeland in the future!

Nobody's Darling: Teresa Medeiros

“Dear Reader

“I never enjoyed being a wanted man until the day Miss Esmerelda Fine marched into the Tumbleweed Saloon and pointed her derringer straight at my heart. Who would have guessed some duke’s granddaughter—an awfully pretty one at that—would come gunning for the likes of me, a notorious bounty hunter with a taste for whisky and a fondness for peach pie?

“Lucky for me, she was a mighty poor shot. Instead of killing me, she hired me to find her runaway brother. Little did she know she was about to make the acquaintance of a flea-bitten basset hound named Sadie, the infamous Darling Gang, and my shotgun-toting kinfolk. And little did I know she was about to lead me on a merry chase that would take us from a bungled bank robbery to the very first Wild West show to tour London, England.

“I should have turned down her offer. I should have resisted her charms. But I didn’t.

“Because there comes a time in every man’s life when he’s got nothing left to lose…but his heart.

“Yours,

“Billy Darling”

As you all know, I LOVE Teresa Medeiros and read her every chance I get, but you may also have noticed that I don’t tend to review “Wild West” books…that’s because I usually don’t like them… Well, this book TOTALLY changed my mind! It gave me a new perspective on the setting as well as the time period (and I’m sure it helped my acclimation that part of the story actually took place in London). I don’t know why I was so apprehensive… Maybe because—since I live in America and all—I would have already heard a similar story a thousand times. The typical cowboy…outlaws…robberies…but this story had a whole new twist that made all of my apprehensions seem unfounded. I laughed and even got choked up.

The characters were SO endearing and I loved them! Billy was such a fun character to read and he made the West come alive for me. I particularly loved the Epilogue. I don’t want to ruin too much, but not many authors will take the time to go that far ahead into the future to follow their characters’ legacy. Overall, this book is now one of my favorite ones by Medeiros.

A Taste of Sin (Sin Series, Book One): Connie Mason

“Come hell or high water, Lady Christy would have her wedding night at last. But first she had to seduce the dashing rogue who has claimed her as bride—in name only!

“A SCORNED WIFE’S DUE

“Lady Christy Macdonald had been ordered to marry St. John Thornton when she was a mere child. But her wedding day was the last time the spirited Scottish beauty had set eyes on her English bridegroom, who has become the notorious rake they call “Lord Sin.” Now she is a woman, and under pressure to end her sham marriage in order to wed the Cameron chieftain. Yet fiery, independent Christy wants a new groom even less than she wanted the first. So she hatches a plan to secure an heir and deter a suitor by seducing the infamous “Sin.”

“A TASTE OF SINFUL PLEASURE

“Dashing St. John—or “Sinjun” as he is known—never recognized the wild Scottish girl he’d married in the mysterious lovely lady who swept into his life, and into his bed, before vanishing without a trace. All the charming rogue knows is that he has never tasted lips so sweet or experienced a night so rapturously satisfying in all his years of shameless carousing. Married or no, Sinjun must track the lady down to have her again and for all time, his bride in distant Scotland be hanged! But he cannot imagine that the wife he abandoned—the one woman he never cares to know—is the one love he cannot live without!”

I’ve read Connie Mason once before and this just solidified her place in my list of favorite authors!!! I laughed, smiled, and nearly cried with the characters. Her plots are SO different from the usual romance novel and it really is unbelievably refreshing.

Her characters are so interesting and real—though I tend to say that a lot, this time, I MEAN IT!—and I wish that there were even more chapters! I’m very excited to read the second in this trio of books and you will be sure to hear more about Connie Mason soon!

Night Play (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Ten): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Bride McTierney has had it with men. They’re cheap, self-centered, and never love her for who she is. But though she prides herself on being independent, deep down she still yearns for a knight in shining armor.

“She just never expected her knight in shining armor to have a shiny coat of fur…

“Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis isn’t what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride’s case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn’t looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatural is real of he will spend the rest of his life neutered—something no self-respecting wolf can accept…

“But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.”

Once more, I must profess my love of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s writing! She has such a way of writing her plots and staying true to her characters that it’s difficult not to fall for them! It’s not easy to have characters return for several books (some of them, all of the books) while keeping their personalities the same. It takes true talent and I can only hope that someday I will be able to write as well as Kenyon.

It was SO interesting to read more about the Katagaria and Arcadians because they had only been touched on in the previous books (if you don’t count Dragonswan, which is pretty biased because it focuses on more of the Arcadian side). Vane was a very interesting character to watch and I found him almost as dynamic as Zarek from Dance With the Devil. And those of you who read that book know what a feat that is. Anyway, I loved this book and really hope to read more about the Katagaria in future books!

A Darker Dream (Vampire): Amanda Ashley (Madeline Baker)

“HEART OF DARKNESS

“In all of his four hundred years, Rayven had never met a woman like Rhianna McLeod. She was a vision of light, of warmth, of everything he was not—nor could ever be. Doomed to live forever in darkness and solitude, he knew all too well the risk in getting close to her, yet he hungered for her with a fierce passion he swore he’d never allow himself to feel.

“Rhianna’s father had sold her to Rayven to put food on the table—so she had no choice but to go with the dark stranger. To her surprise, he gave her everything she wanted—the finest clothes, education, and the run of the castle—everything, that is, except his touch. For although she sensed danger beneath his soft-spoken manner, although even Rayven himself warned her away, she was drawn to this creature of the night, and loved him as she would no other.”

I finished this book last night and I must say that it’s my favorite of Amanda Ashley’s yet! To be entirely honest, I find myself liking her works more and more with each book I read. Her characters are eloquently written and the situations are very imaginative. The language is beautiful and I devour her books! The author has a way of keeping to the taditional (almost Bram Stoker-like) vampire while maintaining her own flair. However, this plot was similar to that of Embrace the Night and—though I can’t really describe it—a few of the descriptions reminded me of her short story “Darkfest”. Though, this story still had its own color that kept me riveted. In fact, the book had several poems in it and one of them (the one that is boken up into 6 sections and begins th first 6 chapters) is my favorite!!! It reads:

"I hide in the shadows

"and lust for the light

"For I am Vampyre

"forever imprisoned by the night

"The moon is my sun,

"the night is my day,

"Blood is my life,

"and you are my prey.

"I long for what I've lost

"For that which can never be.

"I cloak the horror of what I am

"and prey you never see.

"I shadow my gaze in your presence

"and pray you may ne'er be part,

"Of the hunger that claws at my vitals

"of the evil that blackens my heart.

"I look into her eyes

"and find forgiveness there

"and for a moment—

"one brief, sweet shinng moment,

"I see an end to my despair.

"Her touch has rendered me helpless,

"her trust weakens the chains of the past.

"Dare I believe in the love she offers?

"Have I found and end to this darkness at last?"

Isn't that beautiful?!? I was so creative and a brilliant way to keep me reading. And, of course, I will be reading more of Ashley’s works in the future!

Stranger in My Arms: Lisa Kleyps

“ ‘Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead…’

“With those words, Lara’s life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she’d been told. Their unhappy marriage—with its cold caresses and passionless kisses—was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn’t deny that this man with the smoldering dark eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never was before. Soon she desperately wanted to believe, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had this rake reformed—or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?”

Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it made me love Lisa Kleypas’ writing even more! Her characters are perfect and seem so human that it’s sometimes difficult to remember that you’re reading a book and not watching a movie. This plot was unique and very well-thought out. I was expecting to find flaws or catch on to the plot’s secrets too quickly to really enjoy the book, but Kleypas has once again given me something to rave about!

All-in-all, the book was WONDERFUL and I can tell that this book in particular took a lot of thought to make it all work out. Kleypas is such a gifted writer and I’m excited to read more!

Kiss of the Night (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Nine): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Dear Reader,

“What do you get when you have one immortal Viking warrior no one can remember five minutes after he leaves their presence, a princess on the run for her life, and one seriously
annoyed demigod? Basically, you get my life.

“It started out simple enough. One night I went to save a woman in trouble. The nest thing I knew, the doorway to hell had opened and out stepped Daimons—vampires the likes of which I’d never seen before. Led by the son of Apollo, they are out to end the curse that has banished them all to darkness. The only problem with that is they have to kill Cassandra Peters to do it and if she dies, so dies the sun, the earth and all who dwell here. Life’s just the bowl of cherries, ain’t it?

“Brought together by fate, it’s now my job to protect a daughter of the very race I have been hunting for centuries. Neither of us dares to trust the other. But she is the only one who remembers me… More than that, with her courage and strength, she is the only one who has ever touched a heart that I thought had dies centuries ago.

“The only way for a Dark-Hunter to regain his soul is through the love of a woman. But what happens when that woman isn’t exactly human?

“Wulf Tryggvasen”

I honestly have to say that I loved this book! The characters were so fantastic and I absolutely adored their personalities. They made me smile and laugh as well as tear up. Their emotions were so real and it was refreshing to have such passionate characters—not that Sherrilyn Kenyon always doesn’t always do that!

What was fascinating was learning more about the Appolites and Daimons. The readers go to see a different side to them and find out that there were different kinds of Daimons and it even made Wulf rethink his priorities. Overall, the plot was fascinating and was so much fun to read. I LOVED how Kenyon incorporated Ash (and we got to learn a bit more about him) and brought in Julian, Kyrian, Talon, and Zarek!!! It was AWESOME! I can’t wait to read more!

Dreaming of You (Gamblers Series, Book Two): Lisa Kleypas

“She stood at peril’s threshold—then love beckoned her in…

“A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven—handsome, tough, and tenacious—and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.

“Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London’s most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper “mouse” can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.”

This book was a wonderful conclusion to the Gamblers Series by Lisa Kleypas! It was so much fun to read about Derek’s story and learn more about what makes him tick. He was so driven and cold and it was fascinating to watch him change so drastically. As always, Kleypas has written characters that the readers can’t help but fall in love with.

The plot starts off with quite a bang and doesn’t stop its momentum. (Although, it did sort of seem to slow toward the middle of the second half, but that was probably just me because I got a Kindle and couldn’t wait to read a book on it instead of reading an actual hardcopy!) I really enjoyed how Kleypas brought in her characters from her previous book and made them more than just secondary characters. She is one of the few authors that I have read who seems to be able to do this without taking away from the main characters. Of course, I will definitely be reading more of Kleypas in the near future!

Then Came You (Gamblers Series, Book One): Lisa Kleypas

“Lily Lawson, a beguiling beauty with a maddening habit of playing by her own set of rules, decides to save her sister from an unwanted marriage to Alex, Lord Raiford. While Lily’s successful maneuvering saves her sister from the ties of matrimony, it brings Alex’s sizzling gaze to bear on Lily herself. Defiant as she is lovely, Lily vows to hold Alex at bay. But when Alex begins to stoke the flames of passion, Lily risks succumbing to a love that will consume them both.”

I REALLLY liked this book!!! It was awesome because not many authors are able to write their characters with such strong emotions and still make them seem real. I loved how Lily and Alex hated one another with such a passion and then grow to have a different passion entirely! It was fascinating to watch the plot play out and it certainly kept me enthralled.
This wasn’t the usual romance novel, however. There was an absorbing underlying current in the story that was so refreshing and so interesting to follow. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series!!!

A Dark-Hunter Christmas (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Eight): Sherrilyn Kenyon

***As I noted in the post just before this one, Sherrilyn Kenyon's site was updated and some of the stories were even completely removed from the reading order. This was one of them. In fact, in the list of a couple of weeks ago, this book was supposed to be in the back of Dance With the Devil, but it wasn't...I had to scour websites to find it and it was a HUGE headache... I'm really sorry, but I can't find the site where I originally found it because my laptop is freaking-out and I have been downgraded to the desktop. I do, however, have an electronic copy of the short story and can post the whole thing if you guys need me to. It wouldn't be too much trouble at all.***

Anyway, this is a short story (not technically a book...and therefore doesn't have a cover for me to post) that I had to find online. It was short and sweet. The readers were introduced to a more "modern" Dark-Hunter. His story was sad and believable for the time-period in which he was created. (Living in the Chicago-area myself, I know a good deal about its history and it was cool to see that come into play.) What was really neat was watching Acheron and Simi in this story. I don't want to give it away, but we get to read about a much softer side to them. The main character, Jamie was probably one of the Dark-Hunters who had to relive the most pain on a day-to-day basis. Since he was created in the first-half of the nineteenth-century, he actually has easily traceable and detectible relatives that he cannot come into contact with. I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been. Overall, the story was short and sweet. It had a very important underlaying lesson that rings true to all of the other Dark-Hunters and I think I might even like to see more of Jamie in the future!

Dance With the Devil (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Seven): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“ZAREK’S POINT OF VIEW:

“Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.

“Insanity: A condition I may suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don’t suffer from my insanity—I enjoy every minute of it.

“Trust: I can’t trust anyone…not even myself. The only thing I trust is in my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to put a hurt on anyone who gets in my way.

“Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I’m tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled—I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.

“Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?”

***Just a little bit of an update on Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books. For my reading order, I was going off of a list that…I guess…hadn’t been updated in a while and now I went to check it out and it was changed. According to the list from her site from a couple of weeks ago, there should be a story in the back of Dance With the Devil called something like “A Dark-Hunter Christmas”, but there wasn’t and that’s where my confusion started. The website has now switched around some of the reading orders and eliminated a short story altogether—the one that explains Acheron’s story. So, I’m a little confused and wondering what’s going on and this is a little bit of a heads up because my book numbers may not match with her site’s.***

Now, about this book…I LOVED IT!!! I thought I was moved by Talon’s and Kyrian’s stories, but nothing prepared me for Zarek’s story… I had flat-out sobbed three times before getting half-way through the book. That’s pretty impressive and it made me love the characters all the more. Zarek is a complete badass and I really didn’t care for him in Talon’s story. I kept thinking how difficult it would be for Sherrilyn Kenyon to make me want to care for Zarek. I thought “Well, he was a slave…Valerius is his brother…he was unloved…yeah, that’s terribly sad, but he’s such an ass to Acheron and everyone else.” And Kenyon has TOTALLY made me care for Zarek to the point where I fell for his character. I cried so many times and it was just SO beautifully written.

Astrid was a pretty interesting character too and she was fun to watch as she developed from an apathetic judge to a woman who wanted to help the man she believed to be innocent. I liked how there was more development of Acheron’s character and more Dark-Hunters were brought into this story. It gave depth to the plot without slowing it down and that’s not something that’s easy to do. All-in-all (though I’m a little confused by her site) I LOVE Sherrilyn Kenyon’s works and look forward to reading more!

Only With Your Love (Vallerands Series, Book Two): Lisa Kleypas

“Celia Vallerand fears for her life as she stares into the deep, arresting eyes of the dashing man who purchased her from the brigands who abducted her. But it soon becomes clear that it’s her virtue, not her life, that’s in danger. The rugged, powerful renegade known only as “Grifin” arouses desires in Celia as dangerous as they are forbidden. And though she knows she must resist him, she fears she may be unable to do so.

“But the magnificent adventurer is a man trapped in a perilous deception. And the shocking secrets he guards could deny him the love of the fair captive lady who enslaved his reckless heart.”

This book was the perfect conclusion to the Vallerand series! Lisa Kleypas did an amazing job of developing her characters in the first book--even though they were children. I could see a lot of their personalities early on and it added SO much more depth to this book. Justin was just as hot-headed as ever and the readers got to see different sides to both twins. I found myself smiling on numerous occasions and nearly getting choked up at other times. The action was beautifully written and I wanted to read more! All in all, I really loved this book and I'm almost sad that the Vallerand saga came to an end...

When Strangers Marry (aka Only in Your Arms) (Vallerands Series, Book One): Lisa Kleypas

***This was the back of When Strangers Marry and I’ll try to find a better synopsis, but it's difficult when this is a revamped reprinting of the same book with a different title.***

“Dear Reader,

“Nearly a decade ago, I published my first novel with Avon Books, Only in Your Arms. Since then, romance has changed—and so have I—so I decided to give the book a makeover—and a new title. First, it is in keeping with the new spirit of the book; second, no one—including my own mother—found the original one memorable!

“In When Strangers Marry, I had a great time rediscovering the story of Maximilien Vallerand and his stolen bride, Lysette. The promise of this handsome, though mysterious, man’s love proves irresistible to her, but she doesn’t know the secrets he hides.

“I hope you will enjoy revisiting the Vallerand family, or perhaps meeting them for the first time. And, as always, thank you for your support and encouragement, as we escape together into the magical world of romance novels.

“Wishing you love and happiness,

“Lisa”

I REALLY enjoyed this book! In all honesty, I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. There was something about the first few chapters that made me wonder how I was going to be made to care for Maximilien when he seemed to callous and coldhearted. I’ve obviously come across similar characters in other books that I’ve read, but he seemed somehow a little bit harsher. As the story progressed, however, I grew to like him. I loved his twin sons and thought that they added just the right amount of comedic relief as well as the perfect perspective for the readers to fully comprehend the depth of the Vallerand scandal. Lysette was a sweet character and I think she was written very well. Had she been meek or submissive in the least, I don’t think the book would have worked nearly as well.

I loved the plot twists and the book kept me completely captivated! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Suddenly You: Lisa Kleypas

“She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn’t about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettable handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never though possible…but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.

“Jack Devlin’s determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London’s most notorious businessman, refused to live by society’s rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected…but both soon craved.”

Again, I loved Lisa Kleypas’s work. Her characters were so wonderful and witty and entirely entertaining that I read the book in a day! What was hilarious to me was that I saw A LOT of myself in Amanda (though I’m not thirty and I don’t see myself hiring a male prostitute in the near future…) and it made me want to read more. Jack was a very fun character because he wasn’t the usual, brooding, moody male hero. He had such a sweet and fun side that it was hard not to fall for him.

Overall, the plot was refreshing and new and delightful to read. I liked how there was a good amount of background established on the characters, but it wasn’t redundant. Of course, I will be reading more of Kleypas in the future!

Midnight Peasures (Conatins Dark-Hunter Series, Book Six): Amanda Ashley, Maggie Shayne, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Ronda Thompson

“Handsome and sensual, surrounded by an aura of danger, mystery, and the forbidden, a lover steps from the shadows. But is he mortal? Or is he an ancient god, a sorcerer, or a mythical beast who can possess a woman’s heart…and her very soul?

“Four of romance’s most popular authors have created this spellbinding collection of stories filled with dark passion and desire. Under the cover of darkness, their heroes inhabit worlds haunted by ageless hungers and deadly forces stronger than any seen by day…and vanquished only by the power of love.

“Now travel into realms where dazzling wonders roam the night, where magic replaces reason, and where a kiss unleashes a raging fire in the blood. And here, if you dare, discover the seduction that begins at the bewitching hour when a man and woman partake in…Midnight Pleasures”

“DARKFEST BY AMANDA ASHLEY

“The price of saving her dying mother is Channa’s promise to spend a year at the castle of tormented nobleman, Lord Darkfest…to obey him as his servant or, as his secrets are revealed, to become his salvation. And her own.”

This was different from what I’ve read of Amanda Ashley in the past. Though this had a completely different plot, it stayed true to her unique style of writing. I enjoyed the storyline a lot and the characters were well-written. I tend not to read stories with magic in them, but this kept me captivated. Darkfest was an interesting character and I would have even maybe liked to see him in a full-length book. He had so much depth and mystery to his character that I found myself wanting to read more to find out what made him so special.

There was mention of a tapestry in the story and it was described in such detail that I thought it was some sort of foreshadowing (you’re going to have to read the story to find out what happens!) I really liked how Darkfest was able to shape-shift and had seemingly boundless powers. It was really creative and it made me want to read more. The descriptions were beautiful and they had the power to transport me that only really good writing can—though it was less than 100 pages. I’ll be sure to read more of Ashley’s work in the future!

“PHANTOM LOVER BY SHERRILYN KENYON

“Haunted by recurring nightmares of terrifying beasts, Erin McDaniels is afraid to sleep—until a hero arrives in her dreams to save her…and makes erotic, incredible love to her. But can she find him again when she is awake?”

Again, Sherrilyn Kenyon has worked her magic! She has a knack for making the readers fall in love with her characters in only a few pages. That takes some serious talent and I’m thoroughly impressed. This plot was a change-up from the other books of hers that I have read and I liked it. The characters were real and I really loved V’Aidan. He was a fun character to watch as he developed. I don’t want to give too much away, but as the plot takes a HUGE turn the readers just can’t hate V’Aidan—Kenyon did such a fantastic job at making him seem so touching and real that you can’t help but feel for him. As always, I will most definitely be reading more of Kenyon’s work as I go on to read the rest of the Dark-Hunter series.

“UNDER HER SPELL BY MAGGIE SHAYNE

“A consultant for a TV series about one gorgeous witch, “white witch” Melissa St. Cloud plans to make the show authentic. But once on the set she is pulled into the arms of a man who opens up a doorway to the dark side and chilling peril.”

Maggie Shayne was an author that I’ve never read before and it was refreshing. I liked the general plot behind this story a lot. Again, this was filled with magic, but it kept me captivated. I liked the characters and the background behind the story was interesting. I learned a lot about witchcraft that I didn’t know before and that was fascinating. There was some gruesome violence, but it really enhanced the climax of the story. Overall, I liked it and will probably read more of Shayne’s work in the future.

“A WULF’S CURSE BY RONDA THOMPSON

“Running away from an arranged marriage, Elise steals aboard a wagon in a traveling circus and finds herself in the bed of the Beast Tamer, Sterling Wulf, who is something other than he seems…and suddenly all Elise desires.”

I’ve never read Ronda Thompson before and this was a really good start for me. The characters were real and the situations were enthralling. I loved how the emotions of the characters were so well-written that it kept the story moving without becoming boring or too sappy. Sterling was very interesting to watch as he grew and changed because of his time with Elise. There was a new twist on an old tale—which I am NOT going to give away, so you’re just going to have to read it!—and that made it all the more fun to read. The only difficulty I had was with some of the dialogue/inner-dialogue. Sometimes it was difficult to comprehend what the characters meant or what was going on inside of their heads without reading and rereading the lines a few times. Other than that, it was a fun read. I liked Thompson’s work a lot and will most likely read more.

Touch of Enchantment (Sequel to Breath of Magic): Teresa Medeiros

“A LOVELY SCIENTIST WITH NO TASTE FOR MAGIC

“Heiress Tabitha Lennox considered her paranormal talents more a curse than a gift. So she dedicated her life to the cold, rational world of science. Until the day she examined the mysterious amulet her mother had left her and found herself catapulted seven centuries into the past—directly into the path of a rearing black charger ridden by a chain-mailed warrior.

“A FEARLESS KNIGHT WITH NO TIME FOR LOVE

“Sir Colin of Ravenshaw had returned from the Crusades to find his castle in ruins, his enemy poised to overrun the land where generations of Ravenshaws had ruled. The last thing he expected was to half trample a damsel with odd garb and even odder manners. But it is her strange talent that will create trouble beyond Colin’s wildest imaginings. For everyone knows that a witch must be burned…but it is Colin’s heart that is aflame, over an enchanting woman he must not love, yet cannot live without.”

This book was sweet and I really enjoyed this sequel to Breath of Magic. The characters were easy to like and it was fun to see what life was like for Tristan and Arian after the first book finished. I did find myself giggling at certain parts and almost crying at others.

This book did take a short while to get going, but it was well worth it. I really liked the character of Colin of Ravenshaw. He was likable and sweet…in a tough-guy kind of way. I think the plot was fun to follow and made sense (well, for this set of books it did!) and I liked the twists and turns it took. As always, I will definitely read more of Teresa Medeiros in the future because she keeps on making me smile!

Breath of Magic: Teresa Medeiros

"AN EXQUISITE ENCHANTRESS LOST IN TIME

"Arian Whitewood hadn't quite gotten a hang of the powerful amulet she'd inherited from her mother, but she never expected it to whisk her more than three hundred years into the future. Flying unsteadily on her broomstick, she suddenly finds herself among towers of glass and metal, then tumbling from the sky to land at the feet of a man with frost-gray eyes and a seemingly flint-hard heart.

"A SKEPTICAL TYCOON OUT OF HIS ELEMENT

"Reclusive billionaire Tristan Lennox didn't believe in magic, but he had his own reasons for offering one million dollars to anyone who could prove it existed. Now he finds himself besieged by fakes, frauds, and an old nemesis is ready to leap on his opportunity to destroy him. But the smoky-voiced beauty who appeared from the clouds into his climate-controlled existence is something else entirely--a woman able to enchant his lonely heart with wonder, but who can't possibly be what she seems....

So I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to update this blog for a bit, but I’m back! Anyhow, this book was sweet and had some wonderful twists to it. It made me laugh and cringe as well as feel for the characters immensely. Arian was a charming character and it was hard not to side with her. Tristan was a refreshing twist to the male lead roll. There was just something about him that made it easy to like and dislike him at the same time.

The plotline in general was new and different and I enjoyed it. I don’t usually read “modern” romances, but this had the whole historical elements that made it more to my tastes. Overall, I liked it and I have already started the sequel.

Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Five): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Dear Reader,

“Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I’ve protected the innocent and watched over mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me than one night.

“Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can’t remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments.

“But everytime I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness—not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both.

“Talon of the Morrigantes”

After reading this book, I decided several things. One: Talon has become one of my favorite characters of all-time! Two: Sunshine is EXACTLY like my friend Carolynn…it’s scary! Three: Acheron is beyond awesome! From reading the previous books, I pictured him to be this incredibly hot, muscular in his mid-to-late-twenties. In this book, the readers get to see a new side of him and realize that he’s younger than he seems.

Anyway, Talon’s story LITERALLY HAD ME BAWLING!!! The way this book was written really tugged at my heartstrings…hard… His pain was so terrible and I couldn’t imagine having to suffer through what he has. I found myself laughing along with the characters as well as crying with them. Once again, Sherrilyn Kenyon has worked her magic!

I did have some...I don't know...confusion about certain parts of the book though. After reading Dragonswan, I came to understanding that Slayers were very animalistic and were basically out to get everything and everyone. After reading this book, I came to a far different conslusion. The Slayers were very secluded (though they did say that they ate human flesh) and their main priority was to watch over their pack. They weren't the completely viscious creatures I thought they were. I thought this was interesting because it was from a different point of view.

Not to mention I found the ULTIMATE quote that defines the Dark-Hunter existence!!! Zarek (you meet him in this book) says, “…let me give you the job description. Me, Dark-Hunter. You, Daimon. I hit, you bleed. I kill, you die.” Yeah…Zarek’s pretty much the ultimate badass… ; )

Deeper Than the Night (Vampire): Amanda Ashley

“The townsfolk of Moulton Bay said there was something otherworldly about Alexander Claybourne. Some people whispered that with his dark, arresting features and mesmerizing eyes, the seductive stranger looked every inch a vampire. They never guessed how near they truth they were—or that after more than two hundred years of resisting temptation, Claybourne had found a woman he had to possess.

“Never one to be scared off by superstitious lore, Kara Crawford laughed at the local talk of creatures lurking in the dark. What harm could come of befriending the handsome stranger with the haunted look in his midnight eyes? No matter what shadowy secrets Alexander hid, Kara felt drawn to him, compelled to join him beneath the silver light of the moon, where the would share a lover…DEEPER THAN THE NIGHT”

So, I basically devoured this book! I loved the language and the how the settings were described. The dialogue itself was so believable—even if the situations were surreal.

I opened this book with one expectation and ended up running into the most unexpected plot turn that I’ve ever read! It was awesome! Normally I can kind of get an idea of what is going to happen (as you know if you’ve read my other blogs), but this book was entirely different! I was genuinely amazed with Ashley’s ability to hide what she was planning until the absolute opportune moment. (I’m not going to give it away, but it was AWESOME!) She even made the unbelievable situations believable and I was thoroughly impressed.

Again, there was the minimalistic romance scenes (…as I noted in a previous blog…), but this actually didn’t bother me at all. I think this was because Ashley manages to show the readers her characters’ emotions without being blunt in her language. As an author, I can really appreciate that.

I’m actually really excited to read her next book because her writing is such a refreshing change from what I normally read.

It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers Series, Book Two): Lisa Kleypas

“Four young ladies enter London society with one necessary goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So they band together, and a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

“IT HAPPENED AT THE BALL…

“Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren’t entirely “the thing.” And the most disapproving of all was the insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London’s most eligible aristocrat.

“IT HAPPENED IN THE GARDEN…

“When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn’t even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed…thank goodness they weren’t caught very nearly in the act!

“IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN…

“Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable…as his bride?”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were so many instances where I was cracking up over Lillian’s antics as well as the side of Marcus that the readers haven’t seen yet. In the past two books that he was in (Again the Magic and Secrets of a Summer Night), we got to see the protective, brotherly side as well as the nosy, overbearing side, but this is the first time the readers got to see that he’s actually a very complex and deep man. I love how Lisa Kleypas’s characters are so multi-faceted. It makes for some seriously interesting sequels!

The plot behind this book was sweet and very straightforward with some very interesting twists and turns! It was wonderful to see Annabelle and Simon Hunt return because no Wallflower book is complete without all of the Wallflowers! I can’t wait to read more!

***This book also has one of my new FAVORITE quotes!!! "There is nothing on earth more beautiful to me than your smile...no sound sweeter than your laughter...no pleasure greater than holding you in my arms. I realized today that I could never live without you, stubborn little hellion that you are. In this life and the next, you're my only hope of happiness." Awwww!***

Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Four): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Dear Reader

“Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking vampires that prey on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my exixtence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but I am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

“Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda’s case, one buttoned all the way up to her chin. She’d smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal—in other words, me.

“My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exists.

“Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there’s any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he’s not sure it will ever beat again.

“Kyrian of Thrace”

I officially LOVED this book! I found myself laughing so many times and Kyrian’s as well as Nick’s sarcasm was fantastic. It was so well-written that I could practically hear their actual conversations. Amanda was a pretty decent character—not one of my favorites, but I liked her nonetheless. Kyrian was fantastic and I REALLY loved how Kenyon brought back Julian and Grace’s family. It took me a while at first, but I finally got that this Kyrian was the Kyrian that Julian talked about in his book, Fantasy Lover. I thought that was neat and really awesome to have their stories meshed in such a way.

Kyrian’s past was one of the most violently descriptive I’ve ever read…it was fantastic and I found myself cringing on many occasions. His pain was at a whole new level I’d never before read and I really have to commend Kenyon for her brilliance.

The plot in general was AMAZING! I adore how Kenyon seems to have thought of everything! The whole Dark-Hunter thing is so fantastic and I could not find any flaws in her writing of it—and believe me…I’m a bit of a bitch like that where I try to find flaws…and I couldn’t!!! (I don't want to give too much away so I will just reiterate how great the plot was! She even brings back some other characters from stories...and you'll have to read to find out who!!!) I so look forward to reading the next in this TRULY captivating series!!!

*****UPDATE 12/18/2017*****

I can't believe it's been more than nine years since I first read this book!  How time flies!

I seem to be on a bit of a Sherrilyn Keyon re-reading kick lately, which is so odd because I NEVER re-read books.  I don’t think I am going to make a habit of re-reading books, but I’ve actually been enjoying doing this with Kenyon’s books for the most part (perhaps, mostly because it has been so long since I read them that it feels “new” enough).  One thing has remained true over the years:  I still feel like the overarching plot is brilliant.  Kenyon has created this amazing sub-world rich with history, backstory, and she put an astounding amount of forethought into it.  I have always enjoyed her angsty male leads and writing in their tragic backgrounds really rounds them out and, rather than make them pitiable, actually makes them rich and interesting – it’s a very fine line to walk.  She is so wickedly creative in the ways she develops their pasts and the natures of their very unique deaths.

I enjoyed Kyrian, but perhaps more so because of his past than anything.  I found his “present” character to be slightly lacking the attitude and impulsiveness Julian and other characters kept claiming he was known for.  Of course, it was there, just not to the degree that I expected.  Amanda is a decent character and she is a nice foil for her twin sister, Tabatha.  Rather than have her as another “weird” Deveraux sister, her normalcy (or, rather, “attempted” normalcy) and skepticism was a believable counterpart to the oddness of the world to which Kyrian introduces her.  Rather than have her jump into the world of the Dark-Hunters headfirst, she did seem to keep it at arms’ length for an acceptable amount of time.  I think I would have liked to have seen her feelings develop for Kyrian in a more rounded fashion.  They seemed to hit rather suddenly with little “provoking” on Kyrian’s part.  As she is pondering her feelings later in the book, she considers his laugh and his smile, though I don’t believe those things happened all that often prior to her contemplations – at least not to the degree that they could believably be parts of the reason she is falling for Kyrian.

Another comment I have to make is one I also made in my review for Fantasy Lover…I think the writing was not quite up to the level I remember it being, nor is it on par with other authors I’ve enjoyed throughout the different shades of the romance genre.  There were unnecessary words, odd (obvious) descriptions, and mediocre metaphors (I don’t have the book in front of me, but I there’s a line which reads something like, “He twisted like an agile cat;” on the surface, it seems fine, but it was inelegant and boring in the context).  Another issue I had was the sheer plethora of “afterthoughts” experienced by most of the characters.  I don’t believe I’m giving anything away, but forgive me if I am:  One of the greatest examples of this was when Amanda leaves Kyrian’s home after he instructed Acheron to watch over her.  After she’s already left, Amanda very briefly ponders why Acheron would have allowed her to leave after what Kyrian had said.  Okay. Fine.  It is what it is, but it felt unnecessary.  It could have all been avoided with one line from Acheron where he says something like, “I don’t give a damn what you do, little girl.  I’m no babysitter and I certainly don’t take orders from Kyrian.”  I think this would have fit in with the plot and Acheron’s character just fine and would certainly have avoided another instance of this awkward afterthought.  It was unnecessary and broke the flow of anticipation.  There are more than a few times this happens throughout the book.  I think Kenyon has such amazing talent that she doesn’t need all of this extraneous explanation and description.  She is a fantastic weaver of stories and brilliant crafter of characters that these things just brought this book down a hair.  I wonder if – as I continue making my way back through this series – that the writing will change a great deal.  This book is still one of her early ones, so I suppose we shall see!  Perhaps I’m just being hypercritical and a bit unfair…  I’ve sat here trying to find a better way to say this without sounding pompous, but I think my slight change in enjoyment of Kenyon’s writing style is because I’m so much further along in my education than I was the first time I read her works.  Since then, I’ve achieved a Master’s Degree in English and I’m much more used to really breaking down works of literature and performing thorough analyses.  I don’t think it’s necessarily fair of me to bring this lens to this application, but I don’t think I can un-train myself.

Regardless of my overly-critical analysis, I still enjoyed the book.  It took me a little bit to get going, but I finished it in a matter of a weekend once I did.  It’s a very, very entertaining read.  I truly love how I always loose myself in the world of the Dark/Dream/Were-Hunters whenever I pick up Kenyon’s books.  There are so many facets to the characters, stories, and the underlying plot that it’s easy to see how this might happen.  I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the world Kenyon has created.  I recommend this book as the first “official” Dark-Hunter installment and I look forward to moving on in the series.

Side note:  Even though Nick is a supporting character, I find him fantastic.  Kenyon managed to cram so much personality into him.  I find myself wondering if she was inspired by someone in her life when she wrote him.  His attitude and personality were entertaining and provided a breath of fun and sarcasm so needed in this otherwise intense story.  I loved him the first time around and I continue to feel the same way about him – this is the mark of an excellent character.