The Rogue and the Hellion: Connie Mason

“STAND…

“When an audacious highwayman held up his coach and pointed a pistol at a rather crucial part of his anatomy, the Marquis of Bathurst had a critical choice to make—give up his dead brother’s ring or lose the family jewels. Gabriel decided to part with the memento, but only temporarily. He would track down the thief with the unforgettable green eyes if it was the last thing he did.

“AND DELIVER

“Everyone knew of the scandalous reputation of the Rogues of London. So when their most infamous member took her in his arms at a society ball, Olivia Fairfax realized his intentions were far from honorable. Gabriel’s hot pursuit made her emerald eyes widen and her pulse race, but was he after a lover or the hellion who’d dared to roc him at gunpoint? Either way, Olivia knew it was now her turn to hand over the goods, and she was more than willing to give him both her body and her heart.”

I just finished this book and—as I’m pretty sure you are tired of hearing by now when I talk about Connie Mason’s books—I loved it… Plain and simple, it was fantastic. All of the other books I have read by Mason thus far have all taken place before 1800, so this was a change. I knew that Mason knows her stuff when it comes to Scotland, England, and their tumultuous relations, the 1700’s, and medieval warriors, but I was interested in seeing how she would write a book that was mainly situated in 19th century London, England. I must say, she pulled it off very well. Not many authors can cover such varied topics, settings, and time periods so well, but Mason impressed me.

Her characters were unique and it kept me reading. Olivia was a one-of-a-kind heroine and she kept the story moving. Not to mention Gabriel was far from the regular rake that one would read about in a typical romance novel. He tugged at my heart and his interaction with his friends was so well-written.

Overall, I loved this book because Olivia and Gabriel were such wonderful characters. The plot, itself, was riveting and made me so excited to read the next books in the series (there isn’t an official title to this series, but I affectionately dubbed it the Rogues of London series—in the back of the book, Mason says she plans on writing the next books as stand-alones, but I plan on reading them as a series in the order that they are on her site. Any questions, just ask me!)

Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Sixteen): Sherrilyn Kenyon

***Okay, so I have two different synopsies of this book: one from the hardcover and one from the paperback. The first will be from the hardcover and the second from the paperback. Just thought I would let you all know***

“Susan Michaels was once the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until a major scandal ruined her life and left her writing stories about alien babies and Elvis sightings. Life as she once knew it is over, or so she thinks, but then she gets a lead on a story that could salvage her extinct career. She heads to the local animal shelter, expecting a hot news tip, which she gets in the form of a major police cover-up...for a ring of soul-sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. So much for her credibility.

"And if that isn't bad enough, she gets talked into adopting a cat and finds she's allergic to it. A cat that turns out to be a shapeshifter who claims to be an immortal vampire slayer on the prowl for the same corrupt cops. Her first thought: seek professional help.

"But as Susan's drawn into Ravyn's dark and dangerous world, she comes to realize that there's a lot more at stake than just her defunct career. Now it's no longer a question of bringing the truth to her readers; it's a matter of saving their very lives and souls.

"Ravyn's life was shattered over four hundred years ago, when he mistakenly trusted the wrong human with the truth of his existence. He lost his family, his honor, and his life. Now, in order to save the people of Seattle, he's forced to confront that nightmare all over again, and to trust another woman with the secret that could destroy him.

"In the world of the Dark-Hunters, life is always dangerous. But never more so than now, when a very human woman can shatter their entire world with just one story. The only question is...will she?"

*PAPERBACK*

"Half animal, half man, wholly dangerous. Locked in eternal battle, a Were-Hunter knows everything about peril and pain. But the greatest threat is yet to come...

"Susan Michaels was the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until she walked into a setup that ruined her reputation. Now she's working for a small Seattle paper, penning stories about killer moths and alien babies, convinced that her life couldn't get any worse...

"That was before an idea for a breaking news piece brings her to a local animal shelter where she ends up listening to her source rant about vampires and gets coerced into adopting a cat despite her allergies. But when her new pet suddenly reveals himself to be a gorgeous--and lethal--shapeshifter, Susan realizes that there's far more at stake than a career-saving by-line.

"Born into a world of predatios, Were-Hunter Ravyn Kontis was betrayed by those he loved best. Soulless, pitiless, he has spent three hundred years battling the Daimons who seek to subjugate humankind. Against all odds, Susan evokes in Ravyn feelings of tenderness. Desire. Love. And with the ultimate battle about to begin, this one very human woman holds the power to shatter both their worlds..."

Now, this was the next in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter Series and I very much enjoyed it. There were quirks to it that made it its own special story and it kept me interesting. (I particularly loved the fact that Susan was allergic to Ravyn!) The story was different from the other books in the series, completely combining the worlds of the Were-Hunters and the Dark-Hunters. It was new and something that I was definitely not expecting.

However, I would have liked to see more of Acheron in this book. I understand how he doesn’t really show up much in the Were-Hunter books, but since Ravyn was a Dark-Hunter, I would have thought that I would have seen more of Acheron. It was a little sad, but I guess it’s all for a good reason. I’m sure Kenyon has a master plan for it all.

Also—I don’t want to give too much away—but this books marks the return to the real world of a DEARLY beloved character of mine! I was so excited, but it was a bittersweet return that brought tears to my eyes; especially at the end of the book…

Overall, it was a very good book and I liked it a lot. Can’t wait to read more!

Somewhere I'll Find You (Capitol Theatre Series, Book One): Lisa Kleypas

“All London is at Julia Wentworth’s feet. The beautiful, enchanting actress is the toast of the theater world—and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the incomparable leading lady guards a devastating secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention…and cannot love.

“For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his unscrupulous parents wed him to without his consent. Wanting no more than to be legally rid of the foolish chit, Damon is shocked to discover his “bride” is the exquisite stage performer whom he intended to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon’s—until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals…and the stellar lady’s proud, independent heart.”

I finished this book a while ago, but foolishly returned it to the library without copying down the back of it…oops… Anyway, once more, Lisa Kleypas worked her magic on this book. The storyline was unique and it flowed very well (though I am sure it would have been even better had I not already read the second in this series…). The characters were captivating and multi-faceted and their dialogue witty and enthralling. I really felt like I was in the theater with them during the performances at the Capitol! It was wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Lisa Kleypas (as always!).

Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Fifteen): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“It’s a predator-eat-predator world for the Were-Hunters. Danger haunts any given day. There is no one to trust. No one to love. Not if they want to live…

“An orphan with no clan that will claim him, Wren Tigarian grew to adulthood under the close scrutiny and mistrust of those around him. A forbidden blend of two animals—snow leopard and white tiger—Wren has never listened to anyone when there was something he wanted. Now he wants Marguerite.

“Marguerite D’Aubert Goudeau is the daughter of a prominent U.S. senator who hates the socialite life she’d forced to live. Like her mother before her, she has strong Cajun roots that her father doesn’t understand. Still, she has no choice but to try and conform to a world where she feels like an outsider. But the world of rich and powerful humans is never to meet the world of the Were-Hunters who exist side by side with them, unseen, unknown, undetected. To break this law is to call down a wrath of the highest order.

“In order to have Marguerite, Wren must fight not just the humans who will never accept his animal nature, but the Were-Hunters who want him dead for endangering their world. It’s a race against time and magic without boundary that could cost Marguerite and Wren not just their lives, but their very souls…”

Yet another of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s brilliant works! Once again, I love her style and her characters. Wren was wonderfully written and he rivals even Zarek in my book (and those of you who read my review of Dance With the Devil know what a huge honor that is!). The more I read, the more I enjoyed the characters and their stories.

Overall, the book was fast-paced and I read it in one day! It was wonderful! Though, I must admit, it was rather busy and a bit harder to follow than Kenyon’s other works that I have had the pleasure to enjoy. There were just SO many characters (including Dante from an earlier short story, Vane, Julian, Fury, Fang, and several more). It was difficult to follow at first, but I gradually caught on. I had to remember who each character was and what each of his stories was, but—once I did—I realized it was a VERY well-planned plot with a lot of different facets to it.

I VERY much enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more!

Second Chances (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Fourteen): Sherrilyn Kenyon

***Can be found in Exclusive Dark-Hunter Collectible booklet or in the upcoming Dark-Hunter Companion.***

*Since this is not an actual book, I don’t have a synopsis, but I can try my best to give one.*

Styxx has been trapped for three years, enduring a fate worse than death—reliving Acheron’s memories from his mortal life as if they were his own. Shut away in a constant state of nightmares, he lies in a hell until one day, his brother comes for a visit…

There you go! :) My own little interpretation of this short story. Hope you liked it!

Anyway, this was a very good short story. Though it was an extremely quick read, it was very insightful. The readers get an interesting look into Acheron’s past and the interaction between him and Styxx. Though it was simple, it was a good read.

A Touch so Wicked (Sin Series, Book Three): Connie Mason

“The bold English knight and the strong-willed Highland lady—their people were sworn enemies…but their passion had a will of its own!

“HIS PRISONER, HIS DESIRE…

“On ordered from his king, the landless knight Damian Stratton arrives in the Scottish Highlands to prevent the wedding that would unite two powerful clans against the English crown. But the intended bride—the wild, headstrong Elissa, Maiden of Misterly—cannot be so easily deterred. Though she is Damian’s captive, the proud, defiant, and dangerously alluring lady will never be confined to a convent, nor will she abandon her family or her determined goal of wedding the Gordon laird—leaving Damian little choice but to marry Elissa himself!

“…HIS BRIDE

“The brazen villain will soon learn that he has met his match! Yet Elissa Fraser can’t help but be moved by Damian’s tenderness and nobility…and by a most perilous desire that has no place in her heart. Nothing good can come from uniting with this knight, who first stole her freedom, and now takes her breath away. And though she has brought the dashing enemy warrior to his knees, it is Elissa who now must surrender…to her passion and to his love.”

I loved this trilogy of books by Connie Mason! This was the perfect finish for the "Sin Series" and I couldn’t be happier.

I was so captivated by the plot and the characters that I completely devoured the book in such a short span of time. Mason’s style is unique and abundantly fascinating—it’s hard not to get enthralled!

Her depictions of 18th century England and Scotland were beautiful and made me feel as if I were actually watching a fascinating romance film on the time period. Not many authors can pull that off and Mason succeeded once more.

Of course, I cannot wait to read more of her works as soon as possible!

Shades of Gray: Amanda Ashley (Madeline Baker)

“ALEXI

“Bound by chains of silver, the vampire had slept for a hundred years, locked in a world of pain and hunger, until the seductive scent of one woman’s blood recalled him to ravenous life.

“MARISA

“Unnerved by the sight of the carnival’s captive “vampire,” she stumbled from the tent—into the arms of the most striking man she’d ever seen. Mesmerized by his supernatural embrace, she believed him when he swore all he desired to drink were her kisses.

“GRIGORI

“Lost in darkness, Grigori found new sustinence in the light of Marisa’s love, and a new purpose in his life. Only he could protect her from the evil that stalked the night. Now, hungering for her bittersweet caress, he vowed to show her that not all of the undead were monsters, and that somewhere between the black and white of damnation and desire lay infinite…SHADES OF GRAY”

So, I read this book MONTHS ago and I have NO idea why I did not review it. Anyhow, this was one of my favorites by Amanda Ashley. The characters were so enthralling and I had wonderful time following them through the book. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from the story, but it kept taking twists and turns that maintained my interest. I really enjoyed it and I wish I had reviewed it earlier because my memory is failing me and I wish I was able to write more…

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: F. Scott Fitzgerald

***I don't have a direct synopsis of this short story, but I can give you the basic gist.***

This is the story of a man named Benjamin Button. On the day of his birth, everyone realized that he wasn't normal. Mrs. Button had given birth to a 70-year-old man... This story follows Benjamin Button through his life and the trials that a man must go through when he ages backwards...

I devoured this in an hour and it was absolutely fantastic. I have not seen the new movie with Brad Pitt, but I have been meaning to. Reading this only made me want to more! I've read a few of F. Scott Fitzgerald's works before, but none that I have liked nearly as much as this. I don't want to give too much away, but I cried at the end... It was a beautifully written story and I would gladly read it again and again...not to mention HIGHLY recommend it to anyone!

The Tiger Prince: Iris Johansen

“TIGER BURNING BRIGHT

“In a locked room of shadows and sandalwood, Jane Barnaby first met the wickedly disturbing man whose searing blue eyes and brazen smile seemed to read her deepest desires—a man who exuded the mystery and danger of exotic lands. In his mesmerizing presence. Jane found herself instantly transformed from a hardheaded businesswoman to the willing slave of a passion she knew she must resist….

“IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT…

“A man of sensuous grace and smoldering sensuality, adventurer Ruel McClaren brought the independent beauty back to his native Scotland to spin a web of revenge. But once at Glenclaren Castle, he found it ever harder to play the unforgiving captor to this woman who touched his heart and made his blood run hot.”

So, I thought I already wrote a review for this book, but I cannot seem to find it… Anyway, this was the first of Iris Johansen’s works that I have ever read and it was interesting. I got this book on a recommendation from a friend who has read almost all of her other books. I wasn’t disappointed.

The characters were very interesting and instantly captivating. However…I have to admit that I cannot say the same for the plot. Yes, it was interesting and very different from what I have read before, but there was just…something there that slowed it down. I devoured the prologue and the first chapter, but then it got really slow with all of the story and character development. It took me forever to read this book because I was a little hesitant to continue on. Then, the main characters finally met up and I was unable to put the book down.

The plot was tremendously complex and it ended up pulling me in. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I will admit that I ended up tearing up a lot at the end, but it was well-deserved. It’s hard not to feel for Johansen’s characters.

Overall, I did end up liking the book, but I must say that you have to get through all of the development to truly appreciate the book.

Because You're Mine (Capitol Theatre Series, Book Two): Lisa Kleypas

“Because the Dream…

“Young, high-spirited Lady Madeline Matthews is expected to wed an aging, lecherous lord. But she would rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom, and resolves to render herself unmarriageable by indulging in a torrid affair with Britain’s most acclaimed actor and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott.

“Because the Heart…

“He is a legend in the footlights and in the bedchamber. But when the curtain falls, Logan is an intensely guarded man still tormented by past betrayals that cut deep into his pride and his heart. Now a forward little minx who seems completely out of place in the bright, sophisticated world of the London stage is disrupting his orderly existence with her constant presence, her unspoiled beauty and vibrant charm. And what begins with an onstage kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real. But first Logan and Madeline both must be brave enough to drop the masks they hide behind…and reveal their true selves in the golden glorious light of love.”

So, being the dork that I am (and thoroughly excited to read another book by Lisa Kleypas) I didn’t stop to think that I may be reading them out of order… Well, I did. This is the second in the Capitol Theatre Series and I accidentally read it first. I had my suspicions, but—silly me—I still read the book.

Either way, this was a fantastic story! Once more, Kleypas ushers readers back to 19th century England. The settings were so beautifully written and the plot is so well-thought-out that I devoured the story. There were so many twists and turns that I had NO idea that some of the drama was about to happen—and that’s impressive for an author to be able to do that. Anyone who has read my blog before knows that it’s not easy to pull the wool over my eyes.

Also, the characters were very touching. They seemed remarkably real and their emotions were so moving. I simply was not able to put this book down!