Tag Archives: Marcie

The Bargain by Christine S. Feldman – a Review

Posted on by
10

The Bargain by Christine S. Feldman – a Review

The Bargain

Links to order The Bargain: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

Description:
Tomboy Shannon Mahoney has always been a lot more comfortable with things like power tools than she is with high heels or lipstick, and she often wishes she could reinvent herself and finally tell her perfect boss, Drew Kingston, that she has had a crush on him since high school.  But she is just as tongue-tied and awkward around him now as she ever was, and long-familiar patterns are hard things from which to break free…Until one day Drew’s estranged older brother Michael comes to town, bringing with him a surprising opportunity for Shannon.

Ladies’ man Michael is a former bad boy looking for redemption.  He is desperate to atone for past mistakes that he made with his family, but younger brother Drew has cut him out of his life and refuses to even speak to him.  Which means Michael needs help getting to Drew.And so he approaches Shannon with a proposition:  if she will get Drew to agree to hear him out, Michael will mentor Shannon in how to win his brother’s heart.  Suspicious of Michael’s motives, Shannon initially enters into the bargain just to make sure Michael isn’t actually in town to cause trouble for Drew, but the two unlikely allies are surprised to discover that despite butting heads at first, they are beginning to enjoy each other’s company far more than either of them expected.And Shannon starts to realize that maybe love isn’t about reinventing yourself after all.  It’s about finding your perfect match.


Review;

The Bargain by Christine S. Feldman is a short, cute and fun read.  Ms. Feldman draws the reader in quickly and keeps the fun rolling all throughout the book.  Even though the events happen quickly and there isn’t a whole lot of back story, or slowly getting to know the characters, the book flows quite nicely and before you know it, you’re hooked and feel like you already know these characters. 

We meet Shannon Mahoney, a shy and quiet girl who is pinning away for, her idea of Mr. Perfect, Drew Kingston.  Problem #1, Drew has no idea about her crush on him, back in highschool, or to this day while she’s working for him as his assistant in his office.  Problem #2, Shannon’s too shy, quiet and just plain awkward around Drew, and for all other purposes, the opposite sex.  I really felt for Shannon, I totally saw where she was coming from and could relate to her to some point.  I think we’ve all had our moments in life where we’ve felt just the same way and weren’t sure how to progress.  This was one of the things I liked about Shannon.  She’s a very real character.  You are able to connect with her from the get go and either relate to her, or know of someone like her.  I liked how Ms. Feldman wrote this character and enjoyed watching her blossom from that shy little wall flower, into a more confident and sure woman.  One who knew what she wanted and wasn’t too afraid to go after it, once she worked up the courage of course.  Go Shannon. 

Micheal Kingston, Micheal Kingston, MMMM, oops I meant, hmmm, what was I going to say now???  😉  This man definitely knows how to make an entrance, and he knows the effect he has on woman.  However, when he encounters one Shannon Mahoney his life as he knows it will never be the same again.  Everything he thought he knew about woman completely goes out the window here. I really enjoyed this character and the way Ms. Feldman wrote him as well.  He’s suppose to be your typical bad boy who’s known for sowing his wild oats all though high-school and even now.  However, once he meets Shannon and starts to open up to her about his life, we see that the high-school bad boy, really isn’t all that bad.  Deep down inside is a gentle soul, who knows how to treat a woman right and will stand up for her no matter what and won’t let anyone hurt her.  Swooooooooon, sigh.  Okay, okay, where’s my Micheal Kingston?????  Who’s been hiding him from me?  LOL, 😉 Sorry I digress, back on track here. 

I really enjoyed this story. I liked both Shannon and Micheal and enjoyed watching them both blossom into someone they didn’t realize was hidden inside themselves. I enjoyed their interactions and conversations.  It was nice to see how they slowly began to fall for each other, but weren’t sure the other felt the same way.  There were some humorous moments too that balanced nicely with the serious parts.  Ms. Feldman did a wonderful job writing both characters, in keeping them real, along with the storyline.  She makes it very easy for the reader to get hooked quickly and relate to her characters and feel as if you’ve known them forever.  Who would’ve guessed that the shy, quiet little wall flower would find her perfect match in the resident bad boy.  Like they say, opposites attract, and this case, they really do. 

Until next time. Happy reading.  

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

 

Share

Cloak & Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Posted on by
15

Cloak & Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

cloak & silence

Links to order Cloak & Silence:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

Description:
Setting: Ichidian Universe

SPOILER ALERT If you haven’t read Born of Silence, there are spoilers contained below.

One of the fiercest soldiers the Phrixians have ever produced, Maris Sulle has been an outsider from the moment he was born different from the rest of his family. He grew up with a secret that cost him everything—his birthright, his family, and his military career. In all his life, he’s only had one love, and he has sacrificed his own happiness to see his best friend reunited with the woman he loves. But now that his good deed is done, he feels lost and adrift. Even though they do their best to include him in their new family, Maris is once again on the outside looking in.

Ture has spent his life hiding from everyone around him—his family, the world, you name it—while trying desperately to fit in. Badly hurt by everyone he’s ever known, he trusts no one except his own best friend. And honestly, he can’t understand why he trusts her. Nor can he believe her when she describes a loyalty between friends the likes of which he’s never seen.

But when Ture is in his darkest hour, he’s saved by a hero he thought only existed in novels. A man who is every bit as scarred and mistrusting as he is—one who has no interest in being dragged into another relationship with anyone.

Having spent his life as a living study of doomed relationships, Maris is well aware of the courtship and fiasco that invariably follows. Still, there is something about Ture he can’t resist. Something that won’t let him walk away when he knows he should.

But when old enemies return to threaten them both, they either have to stand together or die alone.

 

Review;

All I can say is Sherrilyn Kenyon is forever amazing me with her writing and storytelling ability.  I absolutely loved Cloak and Silence and how she wrote this particular story.  You see, this is the first time I’ve ever read a story where the two main characters are male, and wasn’t sure what to expect from her with this one.  I shouldn’t have worried, because true to her nature, she wrote a beautiful story and had me hooked like a fish on a line after the first chapter. 

We previously meet Maris and Ture in Born of Silence, and it was from that point I was intrigued by them. Even though Maris and Ture had limited scenes together in that one, you saw something brewing there and by the end of the book it appeared they were together.  From that point on I wondered if we’d see more of them in their own book, or just as secondary characters in a future book.  I’m really glad Ms. Kenyon decided to listen to her fans and write this one.  She did an amazing job as the story just flowed from beginning to end.  The emotions between not only Maris and Ture, but also between friends, and the love and romance that takes place is very convincing and believable.  It’s no wonder I love this author, you feel and see the love she has for her characters in the way she writes their story.  

In Cloak and Silence, Ms. Kenyon does a wonderful job writing both Maris and Ture’s characters.  She wrote this story with dignity and class, and made my heart break for the cruelty shown towards both Maris and Ture for their sexual  orientation. She never once sugar coated anything, but instead gave us the reality of what their lives were like and will continue to be like.  I enjoyed the slow buildup to the romance between Maris and Ture.  Both had reservations because of their backgrounds but truly liked the other and knew they wanted each other.  Their interactions are funny and sweet at times, while other times are very serious and heartfelt.  She created a wonderful balance within their relationship.

Another aspect of the book I liked was seeing the friendships Maris has with past characters and how he brings Ture into that circle of friends.  This group of friends has a bond that is unbreakable and we see it in how they come together to help each other out no matter what. They would lay down their lives for one another no questions asked, and now Ture is part of that family. They may not be family by blood, but they are family none the less.  Ms. Kenyon has a knack for writing these kinds of friendships and relationships in all of her series.  It’s these moments in her stories that either have me howling with laughter, gasping in shock or screaming in outrage over whatever is going on.  In Cloak and Silence it wasn’t any different. There were many times she had me near tears over heartbreaking conversations, or in fits of laughter over the shenanigans taking place.  Never a dull moment in one of Kenyon’s books.

One final aspect I enjoyed in Cloak and Silence was finally learning more about Maris’ species, the Phrixians.  It was interesting to learn that they are amphibious by nature and shift appearances in water.  I loved the scene where Ture first sees Maris in his true form.  Maris expects revulsion and disgust to show in Ture’s gaze, but instead he’s floored to see wonder and acceptance.  The way Maris and Ture accept the other for who and what they are is wonderful to see.  Too many times society judges people by their differences.  It was a breath of fresh air to see how Maris and Ture are accepted by their friends and ‘true family’ no mater there differences. We get to see just how tight these friends are when Darling has a heart to heart with Maris towards the end of the book, when Darling realizes Maris is afraid of what he has with Ture.  The conversation that takes place is touching, real and you feel Darlings words to Maris deep down in your heart.  Ms. Kenyon definitely has a way with words and knows just the correct way to phrase them to evoke the most emotion out of her readers. 

Cloak and Silence was brilliantly written. If you enjoy a quick read filled with emotion, laughter and tears and of course danger then this one’s for you.  Kenyon truly out does her self with this one. She takes two characters who believe they are destined to be alone for the rest of their lives, constantly battling against the world, only to find each other and see that maybe they can have it all. With the help of their friends, against all odds, they are able to survive the battles that come at them and make it out the other end.  The emotion, conversations and romance is this book are real and heartfelt and like I said earlier, hook the reader like a fish on a line.  You can’t help but cheer on Maris and Ture and want to jump into the battle yourself and dish out a little beat down to the League Assassins who are gunning for Maris.  The fight scene in the end is well written and kept me on the edge of my seat every step of the way.  I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and was sad when I got to the last page. I wanted Maris and Ture’s story to continue.  My fingers are crossed that I see more of this amazing couple in the next League book Born of Fury which is Hauk’s book.  If the little snippet at the end of Cloak and Silence is any indication about what to expect, all I can say is we will be in for one bumpy and crazy ride with Hauk.

Until next time, happy reading    

Reviewed by Marcie

Share

Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas – a Review

Posted on by
15

Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas – a Review

FamouslyEngaged-new template

Links to order Famously Engaged: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

About the Book:
A chef and a rock star. They couldn’t be from more different worlds…

Rock star royalty’s favorite son, Jake Olsen, couldn’t help but interfere after listening to his future brother-in-law talk non-stop about his ex-wife, Beth Carlisle. Jake decides that the only way to get the groom’s mind off his ex-wife is to give her a fake fiancé.

Before Jake can convince Beth of his plan, he’s forced to move in with her to avoid the paparazzi. Their instant attraction makes for a sizzling “first date”, but soon Jake’s fame gets in the way and Beth wants out. Too bad Jake’s figured out just why her ex is so obsessed with her, and he’s afraid he’s not going to be able to give her up either.

Now it’s up to Jake to convince this chef together they make the perfect recipe.

 

Review:

It’s survey time.  Put your hand up if you’ve ever had this dream/fantasy.  Famous rock-star shows up on your doorstep claiming to be your fiancée from a bridal lottery he held, and he’s drop dead gorgeous(looks around the room). That’s what I thought, everyone has their hand up.  😉  Yes I think every woman has had a similar fantasy, but for Beth Carlisle it’s now her reality. 

In Robyn Thomas’ Famously Engaged that scenario is exactly what happens. Talk about the rug pulled out from you moment.  I know if it were me; first reaction, mouth hanging open, blank look on face, chill bumps breaking out all over, but I’d recover quickly of course, let out a scream while jumping up and down, and be all, that’s awesome, when do we get married, as I drag him to the nearest church.  😉  Okay, okay, enough about my fantasy, let’s move on. 

Famously Engaged is a fun filled quick read, where the catalyst of the book’s plot  kicks off from the get go.  Now I’m the kind of person who likes a slow build up between the two main characters as I just find it helps me better understand and connect with them. Somehow, I didn’t need this with Famously Engaged. The way Ms. Thomas sets up the storyline, develops her main characters and carries us away on this fun filled modern day Cinderella adventure between Jake and Beth, I found myself swept away on their adventure as if I were a member of the paparazzi chasing after them. 

For me Beth and Jake are two characters who are easy to like.  Heck what’s not to like about a famous, handsome and very charming rockstar.  Yes at times that part of Jake’s personality does show through, but how can it not when it’s his life, and the only thing he truly knows.  He’s sworn off love and romance after what happened between his mother and father, so this is all new territory for him .  It isn’t until he meets Beth, has to move in to hide from the paparazzi thanks to his brilliant plan, that he sees just what he’s missing out on.  As Jake falls more and more in love with Beth, and her life, I couldn’t help but feel for him and want to see the two of them figure out a way to be together.  Even though Jake is famous and enjoys his life, there is a part of him that yearns for the everyday normal, and he sees this in Beth.  For him the attraction is instantaneous and we see this in his comments and actions toward Beth.  I found myself falling for Jake and wishing for my own Prince Charming rock-star to show up on my doorstep.  Jake is a wonderfully written character, who pulls you in, draws you to his side, making you root for him to the very end, all the while hopping Beth can come to terms with the rock-star part of his life.  

Beth’s whole life has recently been turned upside down with the death of her grandmother. Feeling she’s at her lowest point in her life when suddenly boom, crazy-town hits her doorstep in the form of rockstar Jake Olsen.  I had to laugh at their initial meeting as she didn’t recognize him right off and he seem perturbed. It was perfectly written and I could picture the look on his face at that moment when I read that scene.  Once the introductions are made and the story laid out at Beth’s feet the fun begins.  Beth at first thinks he’s crazy and even comes up with a cute nickname for him, Famous Man, love it.  As Beth tries to come to terms with everything that has happened to her from her grandmother’s death, to Jake popping up un-announced on her doorstep she feels as though her world is going insane. However, once she starts to open up and spend time with Jake she finds that it’s as if he’s always been there with her and can just be herself around him, even when she gets the urge to cook like a madwomen at 4 in the morning.  As she finds herself being drawn closer and closer to Jake, and finally realizing that she does love him, she doesn’t know if she can handle the famous part of his life.  If she could lock the two of them away from the rest of the world I think she would’ve have.

Jake and Beth are a charming couple.  There scenes together are cute, touching and I really enjoyed their wit and charm towards each other.  Watching them fall in love and trying to figure out a way to make it work in each other’s lives was fun and at times heart breaking.  You really want these two characters to make it and have that HEA.  Just when you think they won’t make it, the light suddenly dawns on our Prince Charming regarding what needs to be said and done for both of them to be happy.  Like the rock-star Prince Charming he is, he swoops in and saves the day.  Being the romantic at heart that I am, I loved this part of the story and was happy to see an epilogue showing them 1 year later and how they’ve adapted to each other’s lives.  If you are looking for a fun filled romantic read that can satisfy your rock-star fantasy, then this one’s for you. Happy reading, until next time. 

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella – a Review

Posted on by
15

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella – a Review

wedding night

Links to order Wedding Night: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

Description:
Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don’t want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement—just a straight wedding march to the altar!  Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met. But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben’s rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene…


Review;

What can I say other then, Ms. Kinsella has done it again.  She’s scored another best seller with Wedding Night.  This book satisfied my need for a good chuckle from beginning to end.  I have no idea how Ms. Kisella does it book after book coming up with her crazy ideas that take place within her books.  It just seems there is one disaster after another for poor Lottie and Ben.  Little do they know, these disasters are all part of a plot to keep them apart by Lottie’s sister Fliss.  However, soon Ben’s co-worker/friend Lorcan, along with Lottie’s recent ex Richard all get pulled into this outrageously funny story.   You see, Lottie is known for going off on some hair-brained scheme after a breakup, and her most recent one in a very long list of hair-brained schemes is running off and marrying Ben, a former teenage boyfriend after all these years. 

I must say that I very much enjoyed the way Ms. Kinsella set up this book.  We get to see Lottie through two POV’s, her own, and her big sister Fliss.  So instead of having a book set around one heroine, we get a story that has two, each giving us separate viewpoints on the same situation.  Having the two POV’s doesn’t deviate at all from the flow of the story, but in fact helps to develop it even further, thus giving more depth and personality to the characters, well at the same time advancing the plot and sub-plots.  The main plot being Lottie running off and marrying Ben on a whim after breaking up with Richard, and Fliss still dealing with a bad divorce and placing much of her feelings towards men and relationships on Lottie, thus creating the catalyst for her plot to interfere with Lottie and Ben’s honeymoon. 

Instead of a honeymoon on a beautiful Greek island, while staying at a 4 star plus hotel Lottie and Ben get Disasters R Us, lol.  The events that Lottie’s sister sets in motion to keep the two love birds apart until she can get there and talk some sense into her sister had me howling out loud in fits of laughter many times.  My cheeks and sides hurt from laughing so hard during a couple of scenes.  As if Fliss and her scheming weren’t enough, enter Lorcan and Richard.  The addition of these two characters, allows for further plot development between Lottie, Ben, and Fliss, while at the same time adding to more funny situations. 

As the story progresses, we get to see Fliss begin to deal with and examine her life since her divorce, well Lottie finally, finally sees through her lack of judgement issues and realizes what a huge mistake she’s made. Has Lottie’s lack of judgement made it too late to be with Richard, or are she and Ben really meant to be?  Will Fliss finally accept her divorce and move on, is Lorcan the right man for her? Will Lottie find out that Fliss was behind all the disasters that happened to them, and if she does, will she forgive her sister? If you want to find out, you’ll have to read the book.  I wouldn’t want to spoil all the fun in this one by giving away the answers. 

 

If you are looking for a fast paced, funny read then look no further.  Wedding Night is well written, with well developed and charming characters.  You can’t help but become attached to all the characters in this one and hope that there’s a HEA in the end after all the disasters that take place.  It will have you turning page after page wanting to see what Fliss will do next to poor Lottie and Ben, well at the same time holding your sides from laughing so hard.  You might even want to make sure you are reading this one someplace quiet, or people might be looking at your strangely as you break out in fits of laughter over some of the events that take place.  Ms. Kinsella has definitely done it again, and I for one can’t wait for her to announce the title of her next release. I know she’ll have me in stitches once again.

Until next time, happy reading everyone.

Reviewed by Marcie

Share

Brave in Heart by Emma Barry – a Review

Posted on by
11

Brave in Heart by Emma Barry – a Review

roses2

Links to order Brave in Heart: Amazon / Barnes & Noble/ Kobo

Description:
Theodore Ward is a man of deep passions and strong principles—none of which he acts on. So Margaret Hampton ends their engagement, breaking both of their hearts in the process.

Years after their estrangement, ardent but frozen Theo attempts to reconnect with Margaret. She is no longer trusting of the idea of romantic love, having become pragmatic and wary during decades alone. But with the drumbeat of the early days of the Civil War in the background, how can she refuse?

The courtship that results is hasty, reckless, and intense, fueled by contradictions between Theo’s willingness finally to change and Margaret’s fears about the future. Two smart, stubborn, fiery people will need to overcome the hesitancies of their hearts and the perils of battle if they’re ever to find happiness.

 

Review:

Brave in Heart by Emma Barry is a short story that’s also a quick read. It takes place during the Civil War and the story between Margaret and Theodore revolves around it.  Upon reading the book’s little blurb I really thought it was something I’d enjoy in a story.  However, I found it wasn’t and because of that fact I find myself struggling as I write this review.  So please bear with me. 

Margaret is a female who knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything less.  Back in those days to break off an engagement and go your own way was basically unheard of, but Margaret knew she couldn’t marry Theodore.  She felt that as long as he was ‘stuck in a rut’ for lack of a better phrase, she just knew she couldn’t be happy in that life or marriage.  I do have to say I found Margaret to be a pretty good heroine, she’s brave and courageous and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and beliefs.  Thanks to Margaret and her strong personality, Theodore finally decides to make some changes to his life after years of being apart.

Theodore Ward for me is not typical hero material.  Frankly, he really did nothing to interest me.  He was too wishy washy at first, and then it’s like he’s on the fastest roller coaster in the world and doesn’t know how to stop.  He goes from being a man of no action, to a man of too much change to fast.  There were times he made my head ache from his sudden personality makeover.  I think this is where most of my problems with the book stem from, his character.  For some reason I just couldn’t connect to him at all.  Yes he truly loves Margaret and we see this throughout the story, especially in their wartime correspondences.  It just took him forever to see what she meant all those years ago.  I wanted to smack him in the head a few times is all. 

As for the rest of the story, the wartime correspondence between Theo and Margaret is nicely done. They really do love each other and it does shine through on the pages throughout the story.  Miss Barry does an excellent job of showcasing the Civil War and how it affected everyone at the time.  She made me feel like I was there and a part of the war well reading Theo and Margaret’s letters.  The characters are well written, I just wish the book were a little bit longer to better explore the characters and get to know them better.  I found at times because of the stories length I felt rushed through scenes and months of Theo and Margaret’s life.  They spend most of the book dealing with a long distance marriage well Theo is off at war, finally doing something he really believes.  The ending sorta fell short for me, I think so much more could have been said and done but it just ended.  Maybe an epilogue at the end to tie up everything and finalize everything that happened between Margaret and Theo during his time off at war, then coming home and re-adjusting to his everyday life again. I don’t know, I just felt like; that’s it, it’s done?  Okay, guess it is. 

As I said this one’s a short easy read, with a sweet love story.  If you are a fan of short stories, Civil War reads with a romance thrown in, then you will more then likely be a fan of this one.  Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Audra by Amanda Shalaby – a Review

Posted on by
16

Audra by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

audra

Links to order Audra: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

Description:
Audra Kingsley, a wealthy heiress, may not have seen much of the world, but she knows exactly how she wants her future to play out—and a coming out ball held at her country estate, Kingsley Manor, would suit her just fine. Her father’s wish that she be presented at St. James in London seems silly since she is to marry her neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Lord Crispin Brighton, but she obliges him.

Audra travels to London with her patroness, the eccentric Lady Sutherland, intending to return home as soon as she has curtseyed to the Queen. Unknown to her, Lady Sutherland is in no rush to leave London before the Season is over and intends to show Audra she has more options in the suitor department than Lord Crispin, a second son.

Audra finds herself surrounded by few friends and is forced to attend parties, balls, and operas—all while becoming the object of a secret admirer’s obsession. As Audra struggles to make her way home to her beloved, plans to compromise her into an unwanted marriage are underway.

 

Review:

After reading Rhianna by Amanda L.V. Shalaby, I knew if she wrote Audra and Crispin’s story I’d have to read it.  So when I was asked to review this book, there was no way I was passing on it.  Having enjoyed Rhianna so much and getting to meet Audra and Crispin, I knew their story had to be told and that it would be a fun, loving and adventurous story with these two characters.  Ms. Shalaby did not disappoint with Audra.  Although it was a fast read, her love of the historical genre shines through and she continues to wield her magic through her wonderful descriptive and lyric storytelling.  Once again, Ms. Shalaby transports the reader back in time to an era of fancy parties, royalty, Lords and Ladies, coming out balls and splendid Estates.  She makes me wish I lived back in that era, being the belle of the ball with a swoon-worthy and devoted man at my side.  I love all things romantic, fancy and girlie.  😉 

We first meet Audra, and her beau Crispin in Rhianna.  Both have known each other forever and have come to love one another desperately.  Audra although young, only 16 is very head strong, mature for her age, and knows what she wants and doesn’t let anyone tell her differently. She’s the type of heroine no matter her youthful age, you can get behind and root for. Audra is a joy of a character, one I thoroughly enjoyed reading about.  She isn’t a woman to sit by idly while someone else tells her what to do. Yes she goes to London for her coming out moment only to make her daddy proud, but plans to return to Kinglsey manor and Crispin as soon as she takes her bow before the Queen.  The scene with her father where she tells him her exact plans is quite priceless. The way she speaks her mind around others and carries on is not how you picture a young debutante from that era.  There is never a dull moment when Audra is in the room.  Yes she can be melodramatic at times, but that’s part of her charm and personality. It’s this part of her personality that has always drawn Crispin to her. He knows what she’s like and loves her all the more for it.  He’s always proud of the way she handles herself and let’s everyone know she’s her own person, one who can make decisions for herself and isn’t afraid to stand up to others for herself or her family. 

Crispin is Audra’s true love, always has been and he couldn’t be happier for that fact.  He loves Audra with an intensity that one can’t miss. She is his heart, without her he’s nothing and doesn’t care who knows it.  Like his brother Thayne, Crispin is another wonderful male lead.  He’s very much the heartbreaker and swoon-worthy champion. I’d let Crispin champion me and our love any day.  The way he treats Audra and cherishes her is nothing short of perfect.  I loved every scene between Audra and Crispin.  One of my favourite scenes would have to be the during the masquerade in London when Crispin sneaks away from home to find her and see if she has moved on without him, or if something else is going on that’s keeping her from him.  I loved the way they were reunited and it just proved even more just how truly in love they are and that they really are meant to be.  Crispin and Audra are the perfect romantic couple for such a story about true love and knowing what each other wants and going after it no matter what.  

Now of course a story about true love just wouldn’t be told properly if there wasn’t some dastardly villain out to keep the star-crossed lovers apart.  Enter Audra’s patroness Lady Sutherland.  Even though Audra outlines her plans to Lady Sutherland, her patroness has other plans for her. Poor Audra is thrust into a world of deceit, unsolicited attention and danger.  No matter how hard Audra tries to return to her Crispin, it seems Lady Sutherland always has some other reason for staying in London.  In my opinion Ms. Shalaby writes this villain perfectly and had me despising her at every turn, even wanting to slap her upside the head repeatedly.  I love a perfectly written villain in a love story, it just adds many more layers to an already great story. As our dastardly villain makes plans against Audra, the action really picks up and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next.  The last few chapters just seem to fly by as Lady Sutherland’s plans seem to fall into place against Audra’s wishes.  Just when you think all is lost, Crispin must race to his true love and remove her from the clutches of an unwanted suitor.  It’s every women’s fantasy, her knight in shining armour coming to her rescue. I loved the ending of this story.

Once again Ms. Shalaby has out done herself with Audra. I loved every minute of the story. The characters are well written, the storyline moves the reader along at a good pace keeping you entertained and wanting more.  The more I read, the more I felt like I was transported back in time to this wonderful era, donning beautiful ball gowns and attending extravagant parties, with dashing young vying for my attention.  If you are a fan of the historical genre then you won’t be disappointed with Ms. Shalaby’s  newest installment Audra.  Happy reading, until next time.   

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Raven’s Awakening by Ella Phoenix – a Review

Posted on by
15

Raven’s Awakening by Ella Phoenix – a Review

Ravens Awakening_FINAL_1563x2500

Link to order Raven’s Awakening: Amazon / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks

Description:
Since she was a child, Chloe has endured horrible nightmares about a Native American prince living in a time long forgotten. She never understood why, until she finds a stone that matches the one in her dreams. It has unimaginable powers, powers Chloe doesn’t understand. Fueled by memories of someone else’s past, she sets off on a wild quest for the stone’s birth place, hoping to also find answers to her foreboding dreams.

On the outside, Mason Green looks like a hard working, self-made millionaire, with too busy a life for romance. Very few people know the real reason for his self-imposed seclusion. It’s safer that way. But when a sexy historian shows him a supernatural stone from a forgotten tribe, Mason is intrigued – maybe the relic is the salvation he’s been waiting for. Ignoring the irrational attraction that threatens to crack the cask around his heart, Mason agrees to help Chloe.

As their wild quest becomes a dangerous mission, they must find the relic’s birthplace before Mason’s past catches up to them.

 

Review:

After reading the book’s synopsis I have to admit I was intrigued and knew this would be a book right up my alley.  I was right and have to say was not disappointed with Ella Phoenix and her storytelling.  Raven’s Awakening (formerly Manataka) is a quick read, full of drama, suspense, intrigue, danger, Native American Folklore, with a side of romance thrown in for good measure. The storyline is well developed, moves along at a good pace and allows the reader to settle in for a wonderful journey. 

Along this journey we meet Chloe and Mason.  Two characters who are very easy to like and connect too.  Ms. Phoenix does an excellent job of writing these two characters and merging them as a couple.  Sometimes in shorter novels I find it hard to connect with, and see two characters come together as a couple because there isn’t much background, or time to tell their stories before becoming a couple, but this doesn’t happen here.  Chloe and Mason’s characters are well balanced and easily blend together to form the core of the story. Chloe is a fun female lead you can’t help but like.  She’s feisty, strong, brave and smart.  Mason comes up with the perfect nickname for her; “his little blonde tornado”, and she is forever keeping him on his toes, all the while helping him to heal and come to terms with what happened all those years ago.  Mason, what can I say about Mason other then,(thud, picks self up off floor, settles back in her seat to continue typing), sorry where was I, oh yeah Mason, one word, swoon-worthy.  From his first description in the book I was captivated by him and wanted to learn more. The more I learned, the more I liked and became an instant fan of his. Mason’s character instantly drew me in and wouldn’t let me go till I found out everything I needed to know.

It’s through Mason and later his connection to Chloe that Ms. Phoenix weaves her tale of Native American folklore and mystery.  She seamlessly blends Mason’s past with Chloe and the present.  We learn of a Native American myth the Tula Tribe and the legend of Manataka.  Now if anyone knows me, they know how much I love a good story with a healthy dose of myth and folklore thrown in for added measure.  Thank you Ms. Phoenix for satisfying my folklore fix.  I truly enjoyed this part of the story, it was captivating, suspenseful, magical and action packed towards the end with just a hint of danger to spice it up enough. 

As I said earlier, for me this story had all the right elements.  If you are a fan of folklore/myth, drama, intrigue and a good romance then this one’s for you. Ms. Phoenix is a wonderful author with a great imagination and gift for storytelling.  I enjoyed every moment of this book, even though she leaves the book a little on the open ended side.  It looks like the legend of Manataka will continue in another book, and for me I couldn’t be happier.  I say bring it on and let the fun continue Ms. Phoenix.  Happy reading everyone. 

 

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Tempted by Trouble by Susan Arden-A Review

Posted on by
11

Tempted by Trouble By Susan Arden -a review

Tempted by Trouble

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ KOBO /

About The Book:   Release Date April 1, 2013

When a woman is the magnet for the wrong man, it takes a bad boy to break old habits.

Carolina Rodriguez is a large-animal veterinarian on a mission to escape South Florida. Willing to do just about anything, she accepts a job in Annona, Texas over the internet from a family connection. At her cousin’s wedding, she runs into-literally-a handsome Texan in the parking lot. Matt McLemore is more than gorgeous, he’s Carolina’s new boss, and needs her help to determine why his cattle keep dying.

Matt proposes to introduce Carolina to his family as his girlfriend, giving her the opportunity to work and stay at his ranch without arousing his family’s suspicion. Only when she learns she’s the last chance to help save his family’s cattle reputation (given his father’s refusal to listen to reason and modern genetic testing) does she agree to act the part of his girlfriend.

Matt’s instantaneous attraction to Carolina is an excruciating temptation but a roll in the hay may prove too volatile to handle. He attempts to keep a hands-off relationship until she arrives on his ranch and she is too hot to resist.

Carolina refuses to admit Matt’s raw sexuality is more than overpowering or that she’s the least bit tempted by a smooth talking bad boy. By the time the lab reports comes back, they’ve explored every inch of each other. All of a sudden, this fiery affair is more than just a fling. When a past flame threatens to overwhelm their newfound romance, Matt must find a way to stake his claim to Carolina’s heart before it’s too late.

Review:

(fanning self with her cowboy hat) Matt McLemore is one damn fine cowboy and can be my bad boy any day!! If you are looking for a book with a drop dead gorgeous, swoon-worthy alpha male lead then Susan Arden’s Tempted by Trouble is just the book for you. Being a cowboy on top of all that is just the icing on the cake for this little cowgirl at heart. 😉 I must admit at first I thought Matt was going to be a real arrogant jerk-type character I would want to slap across the head at every turn. Boy was I wrong. That whole macho bravado act he first shows to Carolina is just that, an act. He’s hot, good looking and pretty much sex on a stick and knows it, so he uses it to protect his already damaged heart. It isn’t until we learn more about Matt that underneath it all he’s a good man, with a good heart and knows how to treat a woman. His past played a number on his heart and he doesn’t want to go down that path again, until he meets Carolina and everything in his world is turned upside down.

For this little cowgirl at heart this book hit all the high notes. I love a good story set on a ranch with good looking cowboys, a little drama and romance. It’s a quick read, but the drama begins on the first page, draws the reader in from the get go, and there’s no turning back till the last page. For me, that’s something I enjoy in my reads, being pulled into the story from the first page. When this happens I know I won’t be able to stop till I turn that last page. The one thing I was worried about was that the author wouldn’t have enough time to delve into everything(cattle/breeding issues, ex boyfriend, romance angst between the two leads, etc) However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Ms Arden does a wonderful job of blending it all together to fit into a neat tidy story that just flows from beginning to end.

The issues with the cattle and breeding that Carolina is called into handle is well written and helps to draw the reader further into the story. Throughout the whole ordeal we get to see both Carolina and Matt try to come to terms with everything that is happening on the ranch and between them. There’s this push and pull chemistry between them that at times caused me some angst of my own, as I wanted to slap both upside the head and tell them; “look, stop being stubborn and just open your hearts to one another already” aaaaaaa!!!!. This whole back and forth thing can be a total pain in the butt sometimes for me as I read a book, but in this case only added to the already combustible chemistry between Matt and Carolina and gives us a clearer understanding of where to two characters are coming from.

It takes some time but finally, yes finally Matt and Carolina both are able to put their pasts to rest so they can have a future together. Let me tell you, Ms. Arden had me worried for a little while near the end, what, with the arrival of Carolina’s past flame, and neither Matt nor Carolina having the courage to own up to their feelings for each other, if it would all work out or not. Thankfully it did, but I would have preferred a little more after that final scene. Just something more to really tidy it up and make it more complete for my liking. It’s just how I’m wired when it comes to my books. Yes, I like a good declaration of love between the lead characters, but I also like a little more completion, like a short epilogue that shows them a few weeks, or months down the road etc. What can I say, I’m a sucker for romance and the happily every after stuff. 😉

Tempted by Trouble is a perfect title for this book. Carolina is definitely tempted by Matt, and he’s definitely trouble where she’s concerned thanks to her past relationships. However, it goes both ways as Carolina is also trouble for Matt and his already damaged heart. It’s a good, quick, fun, and steamy read. Both characters are well written and the chemisty between Matt and Carolina is off the charts. Keep a cold glass of water within reach well reading this one ladies. 😉 If you like a good romance, cowboys and alpha men, then this one’s a must read. Happy trails to you and happy reading.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Marcie

Share