Monthly Archives: January 2012

Tied With A Bow

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TIED WITH A BOW
Tied with a Bow, is a 4 story paranormal anthology from Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks and Kimberly Frost. Released November 1, 2011, three of the four storylines take place around the holidays, but not one is specific to the theme presented on the cover.

UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Virginia Kantra
This novella is a prequel to the Children of the Air series. Julien Hartwell, is an angel, assigned to earth to bring back the souls of the dying during the plague-riddled European 1700s. But when a young mother on the verge of death sees the spirit of the angel, she begs him to save and protect her 12 year old daughter Aimee. If Julien reveals his identity to protect the child, he will be banned from heaven for eternity and become one of the fallen. 9 years later, the now-fallen angel , once again rescues, the now adult Aimee from a series of misadventures and mistreatment at the hands of her extended family, only to realize this is the same Aimee, he sacrificed his immortal life to protect.

We meet Aimee’s extended family of aunts and uncles, as well as her cousin Howard, a manipulative, self-centered womanizer who has already impregnated one of the household staff, and continues to sexually harass the young Aimee, at every opportunity. Julien is presented as the epitome of beauty in both his ethereal and earthly forms, and we are introduced to Damon Carle, the Earl of Amherst, ‘father’ to eleven fallen angels.

I enjoyed this story. It was an easy read, with the usual compliment of improbable love, romance, beautiful people, a HEA and the potential for several more storylines.

FIRST LIGHT by Kimberly Frost
Another new series launch, Kimberly introduces Kate Devan, a Pulitzer prize winning reporter/muse who dreams of a beautiful stranger (from a time long ago) after she has found a blood encrusted ring. Fast forward, Kate stumbles upon the same man from her dreams, buried in the snow, now hunted by vampires and demons. Archangel Nathaniel and Kate begin their adventure, with no knowledge of who or what he is. All they have in common is the bloodied ring and group of otherworldly stalkers intent on taking both of the down, to get possession of the prized antique ring.

With the introductions of Merrick, Gadhreel, Ice and Gold, an explanation as to why archangels find it difficult to befriend a human, once again, the future holds several possibilities for love and desire in world of immortals, monsters and angels with wings.

HUMAN ERROR by Eileen Wilks
Human Error is the 6th novella and 14th storyline in Eileen Wilks “Lupi” series.
Dragons, demons, witches, skinwalkers, lupin and gnomes are only a few of the supernatural beings, added to the list of potential enemies and friend.

Arjennie Delacroix, from a family of Wiccan, and Benedict, her lupin mate return home for the celebration of Yule, only to walk into a force of power that upsets the peace and calm of the local countryside. When the local authorities approach the Delacroix family for assistance tracking a ‘strange’ killer, Benedict’s hackles are raised, at the mysterious scents and unfamiliar markings, not usually acknowledged by the humans. Searching for the killer, who is now believed to have abducted a small child, Arjennie surmises a ‘mythical skinwalker’ to be the prime suspect in a series of events, that culminates with Benedict getting shot, the Wiccans once again, involved in a ‘circle’ of protection and a surprising revelation, from the family pet.

I have never read any of the previous books in the World of the Lupin series, but is the other storylines are similar to this novella, I am going to be increased by TBR pile, exponentially.

AN INCONVENIENT MATE by Lora Leigh
Another installment in the Breed series, this novella introduces 25year old Isabelle Martinez, a member of the Navajo Nation and ruling council, and Malachi, the Coyote Breed male, who is destined to become her mate and lover. But the inconvenience of the mating heat and a hunger for more, between the two is the premise behind the title.

Malachi and Isabelle are both in town for a business meeting between the Breeds and the Navajo council regarding some missing children and adults. The Breeds suspect the Martinez family knows the whereabouts of the missing people, but are refusing to divulge any information, to keep secret the pacts and agreements. Enter Holden, a man from Isabelle’s past, who is intent on reclaiming a woman, who despises the ground upon which he walks. To further complicate the scenario, Holden works for a faction hoping to isolate the Breeds from society, and believes himself, the better suitor. If he can’t have Isabelle, no one will.

I have read and enjoyed all of Leigh’s Breed books, and this short story welcomes another Breed male who has finally found his mate. As with all of her storylines, there is explicit sex and violence. The inclusion of several of different characters including Rule Breaker, Lawe Justice, Ashley and Stygian, sets the stage for the release of December’s Breed book titled Lawe’s Justice. I can’t wait for December.

Sandy

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Dark Fire

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DARK FIRE

 

All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul.

Dark Fire is the 6th book in Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series, and without a doubt, I favor this book because of Darius “blushes”

Darius, the youngest of the Daratrazanoff brothers, has yet to find his lifemate, and is so close to the end, he continues to distance himself from his family of ‘lost children’, until the evening he returns to their campsite to find Tempest ‘Rusti’ Trine, a fiery red-haired auto mechanic and his lifemate. For close to 1000 years, Darius has been the leader and family patriarch, watching over, protecting, fighting vampires and resigning himself to a life of loneliness –one without a treasured and necessary mate to save his soul. But the life he once knew, is about to be turned upside down and sideways, and one fraught with anxiety, laughter and love. He finds love and life in another lost soul-one who will challenge his leadership, his arrogance and his patience-Tempest is the lifemate he never expected and will die for, in order to protect her.

As independent as Tempest is, her life has been difficult-raised by drug addicts, who exposed the young child to the dirty underworld of neglect and addiction, she ran away, only to find that there are those you can trust and those who will take advantage of a young woman. Not without her own talent to ‘read’ and ‘speak’ with the animals, Tempest is not surprised by the world of the Carpathians. Their need to feed, go to ground to heal and sleep, as well their ability to shape shift, speak telepathically, and create the necessities to survive, from the earth around, do not push Tempest away, but the love of a man, has her running for her life and away from the only person who would destroy everything to protect her and cherish her beyond life itself.

Darius is placed in the precarious position to continuously rescue Tempest from the almost comedic and life-threatening situations she seems to find. When a reporter, Matt Brodrick threatens to expose Desari, Julian and the other members of the band as vampires, Tempest takes it upon herself to defend her new family against a campaign to rid the world of evil vampires, and finds herself injured, bleeding and once again, running from the only man, who has sworn his protection and love. When Tempest boards a bus, bound for any place but where she is, Darius is beyond exasperation, and must claim, the only woman, who can save his soul.

Following a trip into town to buy supplies, Tempest is approached by Cullen Tucker, a man once associated with the group of extremists, trying to capture and destroy the Carpathians, but who is now, risking his own life, to save Tempest and her new family. Knowing Cullen has more information that could aid Darius and the others, Tempest must bring this human, back to camp, and risk exposing everyone, to the humans they have been trying to avoid for 100’s of years.

Throughout the storyline, we see Syndil, trying desperately to friend Tempest and guide her through the ever-increasing changes, much to the chagrin of Barack. But unbeknownst to Syndil, and many of the others, Barack is her lifemate. He has never lost his emotions or colors, but has been waiting a lifetime to claim his mate. Due to a horrific assault by one of their own ‘brothers’ , who had turned vampire, Syndil is slowly recovering from the rape and near-death experience. Barack’s patience snaps, when Syndil approaches Cullen, looking for friendship and a male companion.

When Darius and Tempest are left behind by the other band members, they are attacked by vigilante terrorists, seeking to expose and destroy the family. With only a severely injured Darius to guide her, Tempest must find her way to the other family members, driving the tour bus over rough terrain and through a storm of fierce Carpathian pride. When they are finally rescued, and Darius must go to ground to heal, Tempest declares her love for Darius, and offers her life for his.

But it is not until an ill-fated kidnapping attempt of Tempest, that, once again leaves Darius injured and bleeding, do we see Tempest’s true devotion and love for this man. She willingly gives of herself and her blood, to save his life. When he awakens to the sound of his dying mate, Darius must complete the blood exchange, and claim Tempest as his lifemate for all time.

Dark Fire is one of my favorite Christine Feehan storylines. I fell madly in love with Darius from the moment he saw his lifemate, and had no idea what to do with her. He was a man lost in a world of need and longing, and a world he knew nothing about. There are many humorous passages involving Tempest and her ‘inability’ for find her way home, but overall, their story of love and passion, is what draws me to this storyline……..everytime.

Sandy

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Deadly Game

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Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalkers are an elite group of men and women, psychically enhanced by the maleficent Dr. Whitney. 4 teams of specially trained soldiers, who are fiercely protective of those they love and the men and women who cover their backs.

Deadly Game is the 5th installment in the Ghostwalker series by Christine Feehan.

 

Ken Norton, a gifted sniper, with powers equaled only by his twin Jack, returns from a tortuous rescue mission in the Congo, to realize, not only his physical appearance has change. While on assignment to protect the senator who turned tail and ran in the Congo, Ken finds Mari, another enhanced soldier, who was also sent to guard the nefarious politician. Thinking Mari was a trained assassin, aiming her sights on the senator, Ken takes down Mari, in the first step on their trek of betrayal and love.

 

Ken soon realizes that Mari is the woman who has been paired with him through hormone recognition and attraction, but refuses to accept that there is any woman capable of loving a man, so brutally tortured and maimed. His all-consuming attraction to and need for Mari, only reinforces what Ken already believes-that he is more like his abusive and sadistic father than anyone could know. His sexual aggression towards the woman, who would be his mate, is anything but normal for a man once known to make a woman weak in the knees.

 

Marigold Smith is determined to return to the compound where she and several other enhanced women have been raised and trained as soldiers, but Ken will never let her go. On a rescue mission of hope, Mari is captured and returned to the isolated compound where her ‘sisters’ in life, must suffer through the indignities and abuse by the men who claim to be their protectors. But a humiliating physical exam for Mari and a fight to the death between Shaun and Brett, for the ‘rights’ to impregnate his mate, shake Ken’s resolve. He is falling in the love with the woman created especially for him.

 

Deadly Game is filled with passion and sorrow. The story brought me to tears, when Ken believed Mari chose the sister’s with whom she was raised over the life he was offering. But love does conquer all, when Mari returns to start a new life of love with the man who was made …especially for her.

 

Christine has researched the background information required to detail the military lifestyle and adventures of the men and women who battle along side those who fight for freedom. The Ghostwalker’s series is a salute to the rescue missions and lives saved from the rebels and dictators, whose only goal is domination over others. Deadly Game and its’ hero Ken Norton, is a departure from the normal HEA. The torture and abuses suffered by Ken, by both his father and an evil dictator, left me feeling anxious and mourning for a character so maimed, that I wanted to wrap myself in a blanket and cry. I was emotionally drawn into the storyline and experienced all the sorrow and anger. And to me, that is a sign of a great writer.

DEADLY GAME review by Sandy

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Christine Feehan Exclusive

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Today, January 9th, 2012, Christine Feehan released the book cover of newest Ghostwalker book, “Samaurai Game”, to be released in July. The Reading Cafe is pleased to give you a peek at the cover, as well as a short synopsis of the book. We do know, though it is not in the synopsis, that Samuarai Game will be Thorne and Sam’s story.

~In a world so dark and seductive, expect nothing less than a triple-cross in the explosive all-new Ghostwalker novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan

In an underground club, a high-ranking public official spends his secret nights indulging in fantasies as exciting as they are depraved. For a seductive employee of the Dungeon, it’s her job to fulfill them. But she’s playing a far more dangerous game one of blackmail, politics, and murder that reaches into the shadow world of the Ghostwalkers, and the creation of a spectacular, one-of-a-kind new weapon of defense.

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The Gallaghers of Ardmore

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The Gallaghers of Ardmore

“The Gallaghers of Ardmore” is my second favorite of Nora Roberts trilogies.  This series is absolutely wonderful, filled with love & romance, family, friendship, intermixed with a background story of the fae and fantasy. Nora has a number of books that take place in Ireland, and the “Gallaghers of Ardmore” was the first of the Irish themed books that I read.

Nora does such a great job in making us feel like we were indeed in Ireland. I fell in love with Ireland, and all three couples.  This is a great series, a fun and relaxing read.  The overall theme of this series is about three Gallagher siblings, and how they must find their true loves, and this in turn will free a pair of Fae lovers from the past. Below is a condensed review for each of the three books in this excellent series.

Jewels of the Sun – Book #1

With her life in turmoil after a failed marriage and fearing that she is having a nervous breakdown, Jude Murray sets off on a journey to Ireland. She has taken a three month leave as a professor in Chicago to research Irish folklore, and stays at her grandmother’s cottage on a faerie hill in Ardmore.

In the small village of Ardmore, Ireland, Gallagher’s pub is the center of the lively seaside community and the home of three passionate siblings: Aidan, Shawn, and Darcy. The oldest brother Aidan, a world traveler, finds himself very intrigued with Jude

Jude, who is shy, and very reserved, does not know how to handle the friendly and charming people of Ardmore, especially the handsome pub owner Aidan Gallagher.  Jude also must learn to deal with the female ghost who resides in her cottage.

She soon finds herself caught up in the charm and fantasy of the land and people around her, challenging her beliefs. Jude finds female friends she never really had before in Aidan’s sister Darcy, and their friend Brenna. By the time she embarks on an affair with Aidan, she starts to make a remarkable transformation that opens a whole new world for her, as she begins to become more confident, happy, in love and begins to find herself where she now feels she belongs…Ireland.   The charm and Irish humor flow freely, as you enjoy the fun and laughter, the singing in the pub, makes this an enjoyable story, as you watch the change in Jude.  The love between Aidan and Jude is wonderful to see.  Jude listens to the stories told by Aidan and others about the legends, including the story of Carrick, the Faerie Prince and Gwen, the lady who benignly haunts Jude’s cottage, and this begins her writing career.  It is this book that starts this series so well, and you will find the characters to become your friends too – Jude, Aidan, Darcy, Shawn, Brenna.

Tears of the Moon – Book # 2

The Faerie Prince, Carrick, who needs three couples to find love and happiness to be reunited with his Gwen, now turns his quest on to Shawn Gallagher, since Aidan and Jude are now happily married.  Shawn and Brenna are good friends.  But Shawn is not interested in any kind of relationship, certainly not Brenna, whom he looks at like a sister.  But Brenna, an independent tomboy and loyal friend, has always been in love with Shawn.

A talented songwriter, Shawn Gallagher spends his days manning the kitchen at the family’s pub, and writes music in his spare time. He loves his life and has no ambition to do anything else. His family and friend cannot understand why Shawn doesn’t put his musical gift to profitable use. When Brenna tells Shawn she wants to sleep with him, he is shocked. He always notices her cute figure, but he’s never thought of her in that way. But after she propositions him, that’s is all he thinks about. The two begin a sexual relationship with an agreement that when it’s over they will part friends. Shawn realizes fairly quickly that he has fallen in love Brenna, but since he does not know that she feels the same, he plots to make her think that marriage is her idea. Brenna’s desire to fix things makes her want to help Shawn to publish his music.  She goes behind his back to do this, and when he finds out it causes a problem between them.  But both come to realize how much they love each other, and Shawn realizes how much his music effects others and agrees to publish his music, with Brenna’s help.

The romance between Shawn and Brenna is very good, and we get to see all the others again. Aidan, is about to make a lot of money by expanding the family’s pub in partnership with a New York entrepreneur, and Jude, is pregnant. Darcy, continues to be the happy fun loving, singing, flirtatious self , and plans to eventually leave Ardmore to travel world.   Her story is next.

Heart of the Sea – Book # 3

Darcy, the fun loving gorgeous Gallagher sister, has always believed in the pull of fate, the magic of legend, and the importance of money. She has always wanted to see the world, much like her brother Aidan did. Because of that, she wants a rich and handsome man who will love her and give her all the luxury she deserves. Darcy likes to flirt, have fun, and knows she is beautiful, but no man has yet to touch her heart.

Trevor Magee, a wealthy businessman, has come to the small Irish village of Ardmore to build a theatre and try to discover the land his grandfather left many years before. Trevor isn’t interested in anything other then his new venture with the Gallaghers.  At least not until he meets Darcy Gallagher, who tempts him like no woman ever has. She’s gorgeous, intelligent, and she knows what she wants–and he’s more than willing to give it to her. He offers Darcy the world, not seeing that as much as she wants riches and luxury, it is his heart that ultimately matters to her

Darcy appears to be self-centered, but deep down she really wants love. She is devoted to her family and friends, and when she becomes worried by the realization that she loves Trevor, she goes to Jude and Brenna, her friends and sisters-in-law, to cry her heart out. Their friendship is a major plus in this entire series.  Darcy finally tells Trevor she loves him, and wants even if he is poor, though she is of course happy he is rich. Lol  It takes Trevor a bit longer to realize that it is his own insecurity with Darcy, that causes him to keep offering her fame and wealth, believing that’s the way to woo and win her, without realizing how much he is hurting her in the process. In the end, they end up a happy couple and Darcy much to her family’s happiness does embark on a musical career.  The Gallaghers of Ardmore was a great series, and this book was a fitting end to the series.

Barb

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The Circle Trilogy

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The Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts

The Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts is different then most things Nora writes, as it is Paranormal Fantasy with celtic lore, vampire legend, sorcerers, vampires, witches, time travel, shape shifting, and a mystical fairy kingdom and a fight of good against evil.  The premise of “Circle Trilogy” starts in 12th century Ireland, with a sorcerer chosen by the goddess Morrigan to be the leader in a battle defeat Lilith, the Queen of all vampires.  Lilith has gathered an immense army of vampires to take over the world. The Circle trilogy begins with Hoyt, the sorcerer, who must follow Morrigan’s instructions to gather the circle of six; himself, a witch, a warrior, a scholar, one with many forms, and the one he’s lost. Some will seek him out, others he will have to find.  Morrigan’s Cross is the first book in this series.

“Morrigan’s Cross” –  Book #1

Hoyt is the sorcerer, who is approach by the Goddess Morrigan to gather the circle of six to help defeat the Queen of the vampires, Lilith, as she attempts to take over the world. Hoyt has tragically lost his twin brother Cian to Lilith, who was turned into a vampire.  Hoyt now must travel through time to modern day New York, to begin his quest to find his team, to fight against insurmountable odds.

Glenna Ward, a witch and artist, goes looking for the ancient sorcerer who has haunted her dreams and finds him at the nightclub that Hoyt’s brother Cian owns.  She meets Hoyt, who was there looking for his brother.  There was an immediate attraction between Hoyt and Glenna, but each having their own equal powers were reluctant to work together. He being from the medieval times did not like witches, and Glenna, who though differently was as powerful in her own right.  But as they travel to modern day Ireland and find their circle of six, they begin to work together on magical weapons to use against the vampires, their love brings them together.

We get to meet the remaining members of the circle of six.  Blair Murphy is the warrior, descendant of Hoyt and Cian’s, a slayer that fights vampires. Blair is a killing machine and will be the one to train them and their army to fight. Moira is the scholar, who will replace her murdered mother as Queen of Geall, if they win the battle against the vampires. Larkin, a shapeshifter, who is Moira’s cousin. The last of the circle will be Cian, whom Hoyt must convince to help him destroy Lilith.

“Dance of the Gods” – Book #2

This book picks up where Morrigan’s Cross left off. The circle of six is preparing for their final battle with Lilith and her vampire army. The stone circle called the Dance of the Gods is their gateway from Ireland to another world, Moira’s kingdom, Geall, where the battle will take place.  Knowing they do not have much time, training is now in full mode, with Blair handling this aspect.  The circle of six consists of Hoyt the sorcerer, and Glenna the witch, whom we met in the previous book.  Dance of the Gods belongs to Blair, the vampire slayer, and Larkin, the shapeshifter. The next book will of course be about Cian the vampire, and Moira the scholar, the future Queen of Geall.

Blair, is tough and ruthlessly trains them and Geall army, to fight. She works closely with Larkin, who shapeshifts into a dragon.  They realize they are attracted to each other, but Blair is most hesitant, as she is a modern day hunter, and Larkin is a first cousin to the future Queen of the kingdom of Geall, not making their chances of having a happy ending good.  I really enjoyed Blair, she was an excellent warrior.  I found Larkin to be fun, as he was cheerful, loyal and brave. He has become an important member of his team, as he is able to take the form of any animal. Larkin works hard to woo Blair, to overcome her anxieties from her childhood.  He is sexy and very attractive in this book

During the story, as they traveled to Geall, we get to see a few horrific glimpses of Lilith,and her seconds, including torture and horror scenes.  The final battle gets closer, as we move on to Valley of Silence and Cian and Moira’s book

“Valley of Silence” – Book #3

Valley of Silence is the final book in the Circle Trilogy, as it continue’s the story of the circle of six’s preparation for the battle against Lilith and her army of vampires.  This final book will also finally see Cian and Moira discover their love.  With Moira becoming the Queen and leader of Geall, she must come to terms with what kind of future can she hope to have with Cian. Nevertheless, she finds herself falling in love him, and despite the probability of no future with the impending battle, as well as knowing there is no hope for her and Cian, Moira is determined to experience even for a short time, the passion of loving Cian.

Cian being an immortal Vampire, knows the difficulties they would face if they tried to make their relationship work, and though he loves her more than any other women in his long life, he fights off accepting Moira as his. He sees all the reasons he should walk away, if he survives the battle. One being that he could live forever, and as a human, Moira would have a short life span. He cannot have children and Moira, as the Queen, is expected to an heir.  Cian is tormented enough to willingly give up his life in this battle, to save Moira, and the circle of six he has become close to, not to mention his need to kill the hated, Lilith.

“Valley of Silence” is very exciting right to the climatic ending.  You find yourself rooting for the circle of six, to beat the  truly evil, Lilith.  They face insurmountable odds in this battle of good versus evil.  You marvel at how Moira has changed from the quiet young lady, to become Queen, garner the respect of her people, as well as learn to be a fierce and brave warrior in this battle. This was an excellent final book for the series, and the ending makes this well worth it.

Barb

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The Bride Quartet

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The Bride Quartet

 Vision in White

 “Vision in White” is the first of four books in the Bride Quartet series.  The series is about 4 girls, who have been best friends since their childhood.  As children, they loved playing weddings, each taking turns in different roles. “Vision in White” picks up with the four of them running a full service wedding event business.

Parker, who inherited a mansion with a ballroom, forms the company, and together with the other three girls runs ‘Vows’.   Lauren, the cake decorator; Emma, the florist; and Mackenzie, the photographer, the four have created the most sought after place for weddings in Connecticut. “Vision in White” is the story of Mackenzie and Carter.

When the girls were still very young, Mackenzie was the one always bored with the parts she had to do in the play weddings, then she was given a camera as a birthday gift. From then on, she was the wedding photographer, and as she grew up became one of the best capturing great photos. Laurel, was the baker, who can make any cake look terrific. Emma was in charge of the flowers, which always had a special flare.  Of course, Parker was the one who held it all together, especially the details, and keeping the girls in sync with one another.

Carter Maguire was the hero in this first book.  He was a shy, clumsy, smart English teacher.  He was perfect for Mac, as she was the opposite of Carter.  She was the independent, career minded strong woman, to Carter quiet simple ways.  It was fun to watch them fall in love with each other, as well as to see Mac begin to watch for the things that Carter would accidentally break.  Carter wanted Mac from the start, but it was Mac who was afraid of commitment, as she has issues with her mother. This is a big part of the story, showing Mac’s mother, who only comes around when she wants something and Mac cannot handle her.  It is Parker, who usually stands up to Mac’s mother, and the other girls are always there for Mac.  It has been this way since Mac was little, and she would always stay at Parker’s house.

I really enjoyed the entire concept of this story…the friendship of the 4 girls is showed very well.  We learn everything about them.  The other characters, like the men and other family who play a big role in this series.  You get to know them like they were your friends and family.  Nora does this so well.

The weddings were also great to watch.  The planning throughout, the way they each complimented each other to ensure the wedding went off perfect, and men who will play a part for each of them, are always called to help.  It was fun to see the details, the reactions of the bride and groom and their families.

Bed of Roses

“Bed of Roses” is the second book in the Bride Quartet series.  This story belongs to Emma Grant who is the florist at Vows.  Emma is the beautiful one, who always has men who are interested in her, but as much as she enjoys her fun, she has not found anyone she truly loves.  She wants a marriage like her parents, with children and love that will last forever. She just hasn’t found what she is looking for.

Jack Cooke is friends with Parker’s brother Del, and has been friends with them all for years, and considers the girls as family.  Jack is an architect, and is always helping with to do at Vows or for Del.  He begins to admit to himself that he has feelings for Emma that is more then friendship, but tries to avoid her in fear of losing their friendship. But one night, when Emma is stranded on the road, Jack comes to help her, and kisses her.  When she returns his kiss with passion, things change.

Jack has a reputation as a ladies man, with commitment problems. He is opposite from Emma, as his parents are divorced, and it has left him with a bad taste.  Not to mention, Del would not like if he became involved with Emma.  It is Del, who like Parker, makes himself the protector of the girls.  Though Emma is willing to have a relationship with Jack, he is hesitant knowing the danger of losing his friendships.

This book continued the fun reading about the friendships, the bickering, and the threats that could harm the friendship, as well as the romance that develops between old friends, like Jack and Emma.  The wedding planning, the actual weddings and seeing the things that can and do go wrong, is what makes this story fun.  This book was a great continuation of the series.

Savor the Moment

Laurel is the heroine in Savor the Moment.  She does all the baking at Vows, with her creative and wonderful special cakes for the weddings.  Laurel is tough, has a sense of humor that is direct, and though all 4 girls are close, she is probably the closest to Parker.  She lives in the mansion with Parker, as the other two live in their own houses within the complex.  Whereas, Del always treated Laurel like a family member since they have known each other since childhood, it is Laurel who secretly loved Del.

Del became the head of the family once his parents were killed, and he considers all of the girls like just like he would Parker.  He watches over them, handles things for them, and monitors everything pertaining to them.  He is the protective brother for them all. As well as being a good friend to men like Jack, Carter and Malcom. Del also likes to have fun, with the guys and the ladies.

Laurel always hides her feelings, as she felt the Del coming from the prominently rich Brown family, was out of reach for her, even if Parker was her best friend. But a one night impulsive kiss by Laurel to Del, changed everything.  Del couldn’t forget the kiss, and despite their qualms, they both agree to date and see where these feelings will take them.  The key…no sex for thirty days.  There is a lot of sexual tension, and many doubts on both sides that this could work.  All of their family and friends work behind the scenes to help them see how they belong together.  Another reason why this series is so good.  The love and friendship is wonderful to watch, and each book has more fun and details with Vows.

Happy Ever After

The 4th and final book in the Bride Quartet series belongs to Parker Brown. She is the glue that holds Vows together.  She is the friend who has taken care of them all these years.  Parker and Del come from old upper class money, but both learned from their parents, never to let money change how you treat people.  They both have big hearts, and love their family and friends.  Parker is poised, and comes across as stand-offish to those not her friends, but she is just a bit anal with details, and is determined to run the best business she can.  She is the one who has to deal with all the problems, such as crazy temperamental brides, nagging mothers, and even the scared grooms.  Parker is never without her trusted Blackberry, which constantly rings.

Malcolm Kavanaugh, the hunky mechanic extraordinaire, has been around early on in this series.  Knowing how Roberts sets things up in her series, we knew that Malcom would be the one for Parker.  He left home long ago, having had family issues with his father.  But after he made enough money, he returned home to run a local garage, which specializes in repairing, detailing, and fixing up older antique cars. His business has become very profitable.

Throughout the series, the Brown housekeeper Mrs. G has been a mainstay, as she loves all her girls, as well as the men.  It’s her special cooking that brings them together often.  In this case, Mrs. G plays a big part in helping Malcolm and Parker come together.

Malcolm has been watching Parker for awhile, though no one thought they could possible become a couple.  But finally, after much teasing, Parker agrees to go out on a date with Malcolm.  He takes her on his Harley, and they end up having a great time, and another date follows.  It is great to see the two of them discover love, and to conquer many issues for both of them. Parker tries to get him to open up and talk about his past, finally when Malcolm sees that he can lose Parker, he knows he has to trust her and be able to discuss his life. Malcolm understands Parker’s need for full control, and works with her to allow her to let go at times.

This was a great last book. I loved being able to see all the girls and their men constantly throughout the entire series.  They were a team, and the book portrayed that.  We also got to see Mac and Carter get married.   For a fun book, great couples…The Bride Quartet is a great series to read.

Barb

 

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Three Sisters Island Trilogy

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Three Sisters Island Trilogy

Three Sisters Island trilogy, which I consider my favorite of Nora Roberts’s trilogies.   The basis behind this the story begins in June 1692, when the Salem witch trials are in full stem, many innocent women were hanged. The legend goes that three women, who were in fact witches, cast a spell to distant themselves and form a piece of protected land where they could not be harmed and that each of their ancestors and descendants will have the gift and it will be a magical time when all three are gathered in the same spot, the three sisters reunited once again. The series takes place in modern times.

“Dance Upon Air” – Book #1

 Nell Channing is running away from an abusive life, changing her name from Helen Remington. She finds herself drawn to a quaint village on Three Sisters Island. It is on this island that she meets Mia, who is a witch, one of the true descendants of the original witches.  She runs a book store/café, and Nell, who is a great cook, asks Mia for a job in the café.  Mia immediately takes Nell under her wing and knows immediately, that Nell is running from something.

Mia knows she is part of the legend, and has been waiting for the other two to come forth for their destiny.  Mia’s childhood friend, Ripley, has refused to acknowledge she is a witch and she and Mia have had a split in their friendship because of this.  Nell, though determined not to get involved, falls for Sheriff Zach Todd and becomes close to his sister Ripley (she is a Deputy), who is the 2nd sister (witch) of the three descendants. In a short time, Nell will learn that she is in fact the third witch, and is drawn into the legend and the witchcraft. She learns about herself and her powers slowly and with much trepidation.  It is through her relationships with Mia, Ripley and Zach that Nell truly learns about herself. Zach after coming to terms with Nell’s secrets, gradually helps Nell overcome her fear to face Evan Remington, the husband she ran away from, who is indeed evil, and sets in motion for her to get divorced and enable her to marry him.  However, Remington is not about to let Nell go easily.  The ending is very exciting, with a lot of action, as Nell and Zach are in danger from a man who is evilly obsessed and only the power and magic of the three witches together can save them.  Love this book, loved all the characters, the village and mostly adored Nell and Zach.  The camaraderie between Mia, Ripley and Nell is what makes this series so great.  Next on the agenda is Ripley Todd and “Heaven and Earth”.

“Heaven and Earth” – Book #2

Deputy Sheriff Ripley Todd loves her home, Three Sisters Island and its people, but rejects the legend that she is expected, as a descendant of one of the witches in the 17th century, to help save the island. Ripley knows the truth, but refuses to openly acknowledge this, as she fears to embrace her powers, since she does not have control of those powers and will harm someone.

Mackenzie Booke (Mac), a paranormal scholar, loves everything supernatural, and he has come to the island to investigate the curse that threatens to destroy it.   He is also very rich. Mac is instantly attracted to Ripley, as she is to him.  But once she finds out who he is and what he wants, she backs away.  Both Mia and Nell welcome Mac, and have willingly worked with him to understand the curse and the coming danger.  Ripley allows her attraction to Mac to become involved in a “short term fling”, thinking once he gets his story, he will leave.  Mac did not expect Ripley to be so headstrong, feisty, and so adamant against him getting involved in the curse and in dealing with Mia or Nell. Mac, finds he is falling in love with Ripley, and encourages her to embrace her gifts, as well as let Mia teach her how to control her power.  She must eventually choose whether to use her powers to try to save the island that she has promised to protect

It was very emotional to watch Ripley come to terms with her gift, and to make peace with Mia.  Even after all these years, the two of them still cared deeply for each other. Slowly, things were beginning to loosen up between them, as Nell kept trying to bring them together.  Ripley and Mac finally allowed their love for another take control, and not let anything stop them.  The end was very exciting, emotional, and heart pounding, as Ripley with the help of her sisters, and Mac, came through to keep the circle intact and await the final battle for Mia.  This turned out to be my favorite of the three stories, mainly because I loved Ripley and adored Mac.  They were without a doubt, my favorite couple.  Moving on to Mia and “Face the Fire”.

“Face the Fire” – Book #3

Mia Devlin is the most powerful witch on the island, no charm or spell can keep her from having to deal with Sam Logan reentering her life eleven years after he devastated her, and broke her heart.

Sam returns, having bought his family’s hotel and he plans to stay on the island.  He also wants to win Mia back into his life, and take back what he threw away in his youth.  But Mia has moved on and reconciled the pain of losing him, she is not willing to forgive and forget.  His reappearance rattles Mia’s careful control at a most dangerous time. But the ties between Sam and Mia are stronger than her will, as over time, and with Sam eventually winning over Zach, Nell, Mac and even Ripley to help him regain Mia’s love.  It was a funny scene watching Ripley see Sam for the first time in 11 years, and run to punch him in the face….fortunately Zach stopped her.  One of the most emotional scenes in this series was when Ripley finally explains to Mia why she pulled away.  How she felt every emotion (empath) that Mia was feeling after Sam had left her.  She couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t handle the pain, and most of all could not control her powers.  She explained how she almost killed Zach accidentally drawing on lightening.  To see them hug each other crying, and Nell coming into it also crying was one of the best emotional scenes ever.

Sam begins his campaign even as Mia faces a deadlier test than her two sisters have recently gone through. Sam, who is also a witch (water), also tries to get Mac to help him find out everything about the threat, and to help Mia in the upcoming final battle.  The evil force continually is growing stronger and attacks those close to Mia, including almost losing Lola.  Even at the end, the evil force tries to stop each of Mia’s sisters and Sam, to stop them so that they would not there to help her in the final battle.

Mia, with the love of Sam, can thwart the curse only if she trusts him with her heart and soul, and expresses her love for him. However, she cannot totally trust him and fears he will leave her again, and she is not sure she could recover. She remains determined to fight the curse alone, even if she sacrifices her life. Sam, with help from the others, suspect Mia will try something, and he put things in motion to help Mia, without her knowledge. But it is Mia, who must resolve her feelings and make a final choice before she can save the island.  In the end, Mia stood firm against evil, and with the help of Sam and her sisters, the island was saved, and evil was destroyed.

Three Sisters Island Trilogy was a wonderful read.  Each of the books had great couples, and wonderful romances.  The love and friendship between Mia, Ripley and Nell was wonderful to see and be part of.  Each book was very exciting, with heart pounding endings.  Thank you, Nora Roberts for your wonderful writing.

Barb

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