I adored this book - it was damn close to perfection. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron is one of those wondrous books that take you to another place. I cI adored this book - it was damn close to perfection. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron is one of those wondrous books that take you to another place. I could have quite happily stayed within the pages for weeks. Sadly, I only got to spend two days there, but the book was the perfect length and the story beautifully paced.
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron has gone on to my rather exclusive "to-buy" shelf, because this is one of the vary rare stories I would like to read again. There really was nothing in this one that I didn't like. I had my doubts about the inclusion of the suspense plot, and I thought this one sounded a little silly. Not only wasn't it silly, but it was also resolved early on in the piece.
And who could possibly complain given that it lead to Ainsley being discovered hiding in Cameron's bedchamber - again! I loved that set-up! I also adored both Cameron and Ainsley, and Daniel has developed into quite the appealing young man. I absolutely adored the development of Cameron and Ainsley's relationship. It was, again, close to perfect.
As it stands, with two 5-star and one 4-star books, Highland Pleasures is shaping up to be one of my all-time favourite HR series. And with Hart and Daniel's books still to come, I can't see that changing....more
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Scoundrel was the experience I was hoping and expecting to have with Warrior. What a relief to know that there’s noNow that’s what I’m talking about! Scoundrel was the experience I was hoping and expecting to have with Warrior. What a relief to know that there’s nothing wrong with me after all! Now, I can completely understand the hype for this series. Loved. It. I may even consider joining the fangirl ranks if the next book hits me like this one did.
Before I go any further, if there’s anyone reading this review who, like me, was a little under-whelmed by Warrior, give the series another chance with this book. I complained in my review of Warrior that the book just didn’t grab me. Well Scoundrel grabbed me with both hands, gave me a good shake, and didn’t let go.
I also had some vague concerns about the pacing and narration of Warrior, but there was nothing vague about my complete and utter enjoyment of this novel, and the pace was absolutely perfect.
Blades of the Rose agent Bennett Day is dedicated to keeping the world’s magical Sources from the hands of the nefarious Heirs. That the cause provides him with action, adventure, excitement and danger on a daily basis is a very happy bonus. The fact that seducing women can sometimes get him the information or results he needs – well that’s just the icing on the cake.
Yes, Bennett is a scoundrel, and he loves every minute of it.
London Harcourt is the daughter of one of the Heir’s leaders. Being a woman, she has never been made privy to the work of her father and late husband, also an Heir and killed by the Blades of the Rose. Her life has been one of repression, first by her father, and then by her husband.
When London’s secretly self-taught linguistic skills become essential to the success of one the Heir’s missions, London discovers the truth about her family and herself. Despite the fact that they are potential enemies, Bennett and London cannot deny their fierce attraction to each other, and soon find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime through the Greek Isles.
Scoundrel is the perfect adventure romance, with the adventure and romance elements perfectly balanced and immensely satisfying. This book grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go.
Bennett was a wonderful hero. I absolutely adored him with his devil-may-care attitude. He was honest and upfront about his reputation and intention to continue as something of a ladies man, believing himself incapable of committing to just one woman. I really appreciated his honesty with London. He determined that London should leave the richer for having known him, and he allowed her the freedom to discover and be herself, guiding and encouraging her along the way.
Seeing London find her wings was a pleasure to witness. I shared in her joy of her long denied freedom and it was wonderful to watch her finally living and breathing unstifled life. Her pleasure was infectious, and her adventurous spirit once uncovered was a perfect fit to Bennett. And watching him fall was just... *sigh* Even better, we didn’t have to wait 'til the last page.
I’m really looking forward to Rebel, because this book.... Monkeys in hats. ...more
This is a spoiler-free review, because you really need to experience the magic of this book without knowing what’s ahead. And believe me, despite whatThis is a spoiler-free review, because you really need to experience the magic of this book without knowing what’s ahead. And believe me, despite what you think you might have worked out from reading the previous books, you probably have no idea.
I hate spoilers. Hate ’em. No matter what the book, I don’t want to know anything going in. Yet very early on in Shadowfever I found myself so tempted to look ahead, or find some other way of getting a hint about what I could expect. Thankfully, my GR friend AH jumped in to talk some sense into me. She was so right. Don’t do it!
Shadowfever is full of moments that will leave you gaping open-mouthed, saying ‘Get Out!’, ‘No Way!’, ‘OMG!’ and ‘WTF?’. Over and over and over. There are so many twists and turns and revelations that you never see coming. With the benefit of hindsight, you might recognise some clues from the previous books, but others will come out of nowhere and hit you like a freight train.
This book is one hell of a ride, and such a fitting end for this brilliant series. This is not a typical final book that’s devoted to wrapping everything up and tying it off with a nice bow, but one that rips the paper apart again and again. And yet it still gives a satisfying resolution, even while leaving some questions unanswered and some stories still to tell. That’s life.
I left wanting more, but not because I felt I was left hanging. There were some questions that didn’t need to be answered, and I got everything I needed from this book, and then some. I stand in awe of the author’s ability to weave such a complex plot over the course of these five books, and never lose any of the threads. Absolutely, brilliantly, amazing.
KMM hasn’t delivered another never-ending series, and it is all the more powerful and satisfying for that. Now that the secrets are uncovered, I can’t wait to go back and do a re-read, and experience this series with a whole new perspective. Wooo-hooo! ...more
I have never been so grateful for the OCD that requires me to read series in order. This book is an absolute gem that I otherwise may never have read.I have never been so grateful for the OCD that requires me to read series in order. This book is an absolute gem that I otherwise may never have read. It’s certainly not the kind of book I would normally pick up, and were it not for new_user’s review of The Forbidden Rose (the third book in this series), I highly doubt that I would ever have bothered with this one, and what a loss that would have been. I loved it!
Spies are not really my thing, especially in fiction. I pretty much never read mainstream thrillers and I’ll likely never pick up a John le Carré, Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum, so when I read that this one was about a French spy and British Spymaster, I was less than enthusiastic to say the least, but this grabbed me from the first page and never let go.
The Spymaster’s Lady is a rollercoaster that is well worth riding. Even if the plot doesn’t sound appealing to you, I strongly encourage readers to step outside their comfort zone like I did, and give it a go. It is so, so good. The Spymaster’s Lady has definitely earned a place on my keepers shelf.
This was so refreshingly and wonderfully different from any other Regency/Victorian historical romance that I’ve read, yet it was never gimmicky. There really wasn't anything I didn't like. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the writing.
Annique is a heroine like no other you have ever read, though her manner of speaking did take a little adjusting to. Where it would have been very easy for her character to be over the top, the author manages to walk that fine line and achieves a very delicate balance, providing depth and nuance.
If you like an enemies to lovers storyline that is complex and believable, you should be very happy with this one. I loved the romance here even though neither character was willing to compromise and their relationship was fraught with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. This is a romance that is hard fought and won, and I loved that the author stayed true to the circumstances and never took the easy route.
Even though at times I could have happily smacked him, I loved Robert’s character and the fact that he did his best to protect Annique while never confusing his priorities. The fact that the hero and heroine remained true to themselves was very impressive. I loved that author didn’t make any compromises and managed to create complex characters and a compelling plot filled with adventure and intrigue that really captured my imagination.
This book also has one of the most brilliantly executed twists I have ever had the privilege of reading that will come out of nowhere and hit you like a freight train. It was extraordinarily skillful writing. I loved the secondary characters, too, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. ...more
Broken is an amazing book that defies description and categorization. It is not your typical erotica, nor can it be classed as romaWow. Just..... wow.
Broken is an amazing book that defies description and categorization. It is not your typical erotica, nor can it be classed as romance, though it certainly contains elements of each. It is a complex and layered novel that is so much more than any synopsis could possibly represent.
Broken is the story of three people - Sadie, her husband Adam, and Joe. But this is not a love triangle story.
Sadie and Adam meet in college and fall in love in the sweetest way. They marry and have their whole lives to look forward to, until a tragedy shatters their existence and turns their entire world upside down in the most heartrending way.
Sadie, desperately needing some relief from what has now become her existence, meets Joe. Strangers, they fall into an unspoken agreement that sees them meeting on the first Friday of every month. There, Joe will tell Sadie the story of his latest sexual encounter. Having had sexual intimacy in her marriage brutally taken away from her, Sadie imagines she is Joe's sexual partner in each story.
Sadie remains desperately in love with her husband and, although she never cheats on him, is agonized that meeting with Joe is a form of emotional betrayal. For Sadie, life has become the ultimate no win situation.
Broken is told in the first person from Sadie's point of view, and wouldn't be as powerful any other way. I didn't feel any of the limitations often found in first person narrative because the story is written in such a clever way.
Even though Sadie was not present in any of the sexual encounters Joe describes, these are written in the first person from the female's point of view - a different character each time. We therefore get a different 'feel' each time. Joe, who begins as a complete stranger, also reveals more of himself in each encounter, so we get to know him at the same time as Sadie. The writing is so clever there is no way of knowing how much of the story comes from Joe, and how much from Sadie's imagination.
There is a whole critical element in this novel that I have not included because I don't want to diminish the powerful impact on the reader.
Broken is such an apt name for this novel. It is achingly sad, confronting and real - and different from anything I have ever read.
I didn't find the sex gratuitous or kinky (although there is one f/f/f/m scene), but an integral part of the broader story, which is so much more than just the sum of these scenes.
Broken will not be for everyone, but on the strength of this novel, I can see Megan Hart becoming one of my favorite authors....more
Sherry Thomas is an extraordinarily talented author. Her prose is letter perfect, and her study of a fractured relationship is second to none. She is Sherry Thomas is an extraordinarily talented author. Her prose is letter perfect, and her study of a fractured relationship is second to none. She is a master of the slow-reveal, feeding the reader the pieces of the puzzle with a brilliant sense of timing, steadily drawing the reader in, engaging their emotions exquisitely and placing them firmly and personally within the hidden, private depths of a broken marriage.
In Not Quite a Husband, Sherry will lead you to question your notions of right and wrong, and show you that sometimes there is no clear answer or even purpose to assigning blame.
How do you move forward, when, having long believed yourself the victim, you discover that the failure of your marriage could more accurately be placed upon your shoulders? That you can no longer claim the high ground? When your behaviours prove more abhorrent than that one misdeed of his? When you finally, finally realise what you never knew you had and were too blind to see?
She had a sudden vision of herself as a wizened old physician, her hands too arthritic to wield a scalpel, her eyes too rheumy to diagnose anything except measles and chicken pox. The wizened old physician would very much like to drink tea next to her wizened old professor, chuckle over the passionate follies of their distant youth, and then go for a walk along the river Cam, holding his paper-dry liver-spotted hand.
How ironic that when they’d been married, she’d never thought of growing old with him. Yet now, years after the annulment, she should think of it with the yearning of an exile, for the homeland that had long ago evicted her.
What if you made one stupid mistake, and it cost you everything you hold dear, your very future? If there was nothing you could ever do to make it right, no way to repair the damage? If you were forever destined to live your life as a shadow, trapped in the wanting of what you can never have?
Amazing what a man thought of, looking at a fully clothed woman who did nothing more provocative than sipping her tea while gazing thoughtfully into the distance.
For the thousandth time he wished he’d just met her. That they were but two strangers traveling together, that such lovely, filthy thoughts did not break him in two, but were only a pleasant pastime as he slowly fell under the spell of her aloof beauty and her hidden intensity.
There were so many stories he could tell her, so many ways to draw her out of her shell. He would have waited with baited breath for her first smile, for the sound of her first laughter. He would be endlessly curious about her, eager to undress her metaphorically as well as physically.
The first holding of hands. The first kiss. The first time he saw her unclothed. The first time they became one.
The first time they finished each other’s sentences.
But no, they’d met long ago, in the furthest years of his childhood. Their chances had come and gone. All they had ahead of them were a tedious road and a final good-bye.
And what then, when you discover this truth? That the carnage of your life, the years of torture and heartache, the loss of your dreams and future, all of this could all have been saved by the simple act of honesty and communication. Would you then be forced to live with the regret, which must surely be more powerful and devastating than all that has come before?
Neither Bryony Asquith nor Leo Marsden are as they first appear. The author gradually provides the reader with both Leo and Bryony’s perspectives on their disastrous marriage and the years since the annulment, along with details of their respective lives before they met. Thus you come to learn about the characters and understand their behaviour.
Not Quite a Husband is an extremely poignant and moving tale, plumbing the depths of emotions with heartbreaking insight and hindsight. Set against the majestic backdrop of India in rebellion, this book, along with the extraordinary Private Arrangements are must-reads for any lover of complex - and at times dark - historical romance. ...more
Wow. I must say a great big thank you to my GR friend Keri for sending me this recommendation. I REALLY enjoyed Seven Secrets of Seduction by this newWow. I must say a great big thank you to my GR friend Keri for sending me this recommendation. I REALLY enjoyed Seven Secrets of Seduction by this new to me author.
Miranda Chase, an avid book-lover, works in her uncle’s book store. Unable to overcome her fears and fully embrace the world at large, she fulfills her dreams through the pages of her beloved books. One day, an irritating, confusing, devilish man enters the shop and proceeds to turn Miranda’s life upside down. Unbeknown to Miranda, he is the notorious yet mysterious Viscount Downing.
And so begins a dance of seduction.
Seven Secrets of Seduction had one of the best opening chapters I have seen in a long time, and, having created such high expectations, doesn’t disappoint at any stage. This is despite, or maybe because of the fact, that the book focuses solely on the interaction between Miranda and Downing.
There is no cast of thousands or secondary romance to distract the reader, no lengthy separation of the hero and heroine, no Big Misunderstanding, and almost no action to speak of. Just Miranda and Downing, navigating the un-chartered territory in which they each find themselves.
I admit to expecting boredom and ennui to set in some point, but, thankfully, it never happened. Not even close. The dance between Miranda and Downing was fascinating to watch, and all the more affecting because of the intimacy the author created.
Downing was an intriguing, sensuous and extremely sexy character. He goes to great lengths to orchestrate circumstances where he can spend time with Miranda, who has fascinated him for longer than she knows; but despite the fact Downing believes himself the choreographer, he will find himself just as much a slave to the dance.
Downing employs the use of words in his seduction, using innuendo and double-entendres to confuse and arouse Miranda, knowing that she is able to compete with him in wit and intellect. Although Miranda at first believes he seeks to amuse himself with the lowly shopgirl, Downing demonstrates her worth to him in a myriad of subtle yet powerful and moving ways.
Miranda is a clever, sensible and pragmatic character, written in such a way that it is completely understandable that she has so completely captured the attention of this dark, powerful man. I loved them both.
The sexual tension fairly leaks from the page, a divine torture, and when words finally move to touches, it is worth the wait. The fact that the reader will likely know Downing’s secrets well before Miranda does not detract in any way, and the author still manages to include other surprises.
I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading more from this author. ...more
Firstly, I must thank Lady Jayne for recommending this wonderful book, and Catherine for endorsing Jayne’s rec. For some reason, this excellent read iFirstly, I must thank Lady Jayne for recommending this wonderful book, and Catherine for endorsing Jayne’s rec. For some reason, this excellent read is not one that I have seen come up in discussion very much, or if it has, I have missed it. Given the buzz that surrounds other books, I’m surprised this worthy title has not generated more chat and am grateful that it was brought to my attention.
The Duke of Shadows is not your average historical romance. It has elements that I adore in romance - heart-thumping action with the hero and heroine’s lives at stake, a couple that are perfect for each other and realize this early in the piece, a hero that is to die for and a worthy heroine, both of whom have seen more than their share of tragedy – all written in beautiful prose that is at times almost breathtaking.
The book is set in two parts – the first being 1857 India during the time of the sepoy uprising. Ahhh, what can I say but that this part was perfection. India made for a wonderful setting, expertly and at times gruesomely brought alive by a talented author.
The attraction between our couple during the initial period of peace is beautiful and, more importantly, believable. To then find themselves alone with each other and fighting for their lives makes their experience both more poignant and tragic. The author provides some exquisite moments of tenderness amidst the cruelest of brutality. Through it all, there can be no doubt that this couple were meant for each other.
The second part, although set in 1861 London during peaceful times, I found more difficult to read. Having seen how utterly right the love between these two could be, I had a hard time with seeing them apart. I love me some angst in my romance, no question, but at times I felt some of the magic was lost.
There were moments of brilliance in the writing, and I realise the trauma they suffered, but some of the actions and behaviour of the characters was still not convincing or understandable to me. I think we also would have benefited from seeing more from Julian’s POV. At times this left me feeling that this was just another good historical romance, instead of the outstanding read that it was initially.
Of course, the author would then craft a scene that again left me in awe of her writing talent, and I was reminded again that this really was something special.
I am wavering between 4.5 and 5 stars for this one. Either way, I highly recommend it....more
What a wonderful book. I really enjoyed Virgin River, and I’m not sure exactly why. It was just such a comfortable and pleasant read. Kind of like putWhat a wonderful book. I really enjoyed Virgin River, and I’m not sure exactly why. It was just such a comfortable and pleasant read. Kind of like putting on your comfiest slippers, your snuggly dressing gown and curling up in front of a fire with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows at your elbow, listening to the rain patter on a tin roof.. Maybe a golden retriever curled at your feet. Just…… comfortable. Nice. Peaceful. Relaxed. Rejuvenating. Content. In fact, that would be the perfect way to read this book. As it was, I read it heading into summer and the experience didn’t suffer.
I like to shuffle up my reading to keep things fresh, so I alternate between historical romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, fantasy and contemporary romance. The trouble is, it has been a long while since I read a contemporary romance that I enjoyed as much as the other genres. Nora Roberts is the only one who comes to mind that is consistently reliable, but even her latest quartet failed to impress.
Well, thank heavens for Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. The drought has officially broken.
When recently widowed Melinda Monroe is no longer able to cope living with constant reminders and memories of life with her husband, she desperately needs to escape and doesn’t allow herself time to over-think things. In the space of a couple of weeks, she answers a Help Wanted ad, sells the house and most of her belongings, and leaves her friends behind for a job in remote Virgin River, population six hundred.
It is immediately apparent that she has made a mistake. But, against the odds and Mel’s own expectations, life in this small town manages to weave its charm around her. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Jack Sheridan is quietly adding his own irresistible charm to the mix. Ahhhh, Jack. What a man. He is damn near perfect in every way. Surely too good to be true, but who cares? He has definitely earned a place as one of my favourite heroes of all time.
The author quietly and subtly immerses the reader into the town of Virgin River, with its rich landscape and people. The writing is somehow captivating, and I found myself just completely absorbed by the story. There are no convoluted plotlines, Big Misunderstandings or any of the other devices oft used. Just a straightforward, honest and entertaining read.
As an aside, you do not have to like babies to enjoy this story, any more than you need to like war to enjoy a military romance. Mel is a midwife, that is her job, so yes, it is integral to her part of the story to have the occasional celebration of childbirth. But these scenes are not lengthy or even frequent. I think there might have been three or four over the course of this nearly 400 page novel.
I am so pleased to have found another wonderful series that I have waited far too long to read. ...more
I swear, Pamela Clare cannot write a bad book. Why this talented author is not writing books full time is beyond me - and on a note of pure selfishnesI swear, Pamela Clare cannot write a bad book. Why this talented author is not writing books full time is beyond me - and on a note of pure selfishness, incredibly disappointing. And that is the only time you will hear the word 'disappointing' come out of my mouth (or fingers, as it were) in connection with Ms. Clare.
Breaking Point was possibly the I-Team series' most gritty and action-packed book to date. You can tell that the author knows her stuff, and researches her locations and scenarios expertly. I really felt like I was there with Zach and Natalie every step of the way, from their cells to their trek across the desert. The sense of place was superb.
I absolutely love the way this author writes - it just works. No matter what is happening, it always, ALWAYS, feels authentic. And Breaking Point, despite the extreme storyline, is no exception.
I've seen lots of comments about the cover, and the only thing I will say, is the story underneath far surpasses it in every way.
What a way to start the New Year with this absolutely wonderful book. To my great surprise given its age (1993), Then Came You is definitely my favourWhat a way to start the New Year with this absolutely wonderful book. To my great surprise given its age (1993), Then Came You is definitely my favourite Lisa Kleypas read to date. And not only that, I think it's one of my favourite romance books of all time by any author. I absolutely LOVED it!
There. End of review.
Oh, but I must add, I've heard much about Derek Craven, and I KNOW the power of this author to redeem any and every character, but I wasn't quite feeling the love after this one....more
This is not your typical Regency/Victorian romance, and it will not appeal to all readers of this genre.
It is not a heart-warming story of two people This is not your typical Regency/Victorian romance, and it will not appeal to all readers of this genre.
It is not a heart-warming story of two people falling in love and making a life together, but rather a story of the devastation that can occur when the happily-ever-after is shattered and seems forever out of reach.
Gigi Rowland is young, rich and uncompromising. Her experience with fortune-hunters, coupled with her mother's unswerving determination to see her marry a duke, has left her pragmatic and ruthless - both towards herself and others.
When she fortuitously meets Camden Saybrook, who has recently inherited the lands adjoining her family's holdings, Gigi wastes no time in proposing a union - Camden has need of her finances, Gigi has need of a future Duke for marriage. But Camden is not so easy to convince; he is a man of honor who has different ideals, and desires a marriage that is more that just a convenience.
The attraction between the pair, however, is undeniable. Gigi finds herself unexpectedly emotionally involved and is determined that Camden be hers. They soon find themselves falling in love, and planning their lives together with all the passionate sweetness of first love.
Marry they do, but Gigi has committed an act of extreme deceit and betrayal, to which Camden responds in an equally reprehensible manner. The repercussions leave a trail of devastation and destruction that is still alive 10 years later when they are reunited for the first time upon Gigi's request for a divorce.
The author presents characters that are layered and confronting. She embraces the shades of gray we have within us and presents real characters with undeniable flaws.
There is animosity on a scale such as you would never expect to see in a romance novel. Camden and Gigi are often brutal and callous in their interactions with each other, but the author allows us to also recognize the deep and abiding love they have for each other, could they only find their way back
Never has the line between love and hate been finer. These are characters you condemn even while your heart breaks for them. Heart-wrenching is a term that is often overused - I am guilty of that myself - but if you look it up in the dictionary you might just find a picture of Private Arrangements.
Gigi and Camden are unable or unwilling to recover from the mistakes they made a decade ago, either due to their own self-righteousness, or at times the capricious hands of fate.
The prose is evocative, captivating and unpretentious, as is necessary given the subject matter. The author provides moments of poignancy, particularly toward Camden, to lure the readers sympathy toward these often unlikable characters. Thankfully, she also inserts charming snippets of humor and wit to lighten the sense of bleakness that never manages to overpower the novel.
Private Arrangements is not a pleasant read. It is at times disturbing, but always compelling. There were times I found myself reading this book with my head in my hand, covering one eye as if I couldn’t bear to see what was going to happen.
Unfortunately, I felt a little short-changed by the ending. It felt almost rushed and anti-climactic. Having borne witness to 10 years of angst and anguish, surely we deserved better than a handful of pages worth of resolution. If ever we needed to see a couple living their HEA, Camden and Gigi are that couple.
But... A book that not only engages your emotions but physically manifests them through frowns, sighs, tears, gasps, and fist-clenching-nails-digging-into-palms tension deserves no less than 5 stars from me....more
I have been loving Pamela Clare's I-Team series, but Naked Edge just blew me away. This one wrung pretty much every emotion out of me, from laughter tI have been loving Pamela Clare's I-Team series, but Naked Edge just blew me away. This one wrung pretty much every emotion out of me, from laughter to tears and everything in between.
Clare is an awesome writer. Surrender is one of my absolute favorite historicals, and Naked Edge has just become one of my absolute favorites in RS. Not many authors can successfully navigate both historical and contemporary, but Clare has done so with extraordinary success, lending a unique voice to each.
As with all the I-Team books, Clare had me laughing out loud with her witty one-liners, particularly her brilliant use of internal dialogue for the characters. She has a raw, earthy, honest style which I love. Here are a couple I liked this time around:
*********************Possible minor spoilers****************
A virgin! When was the last time he'd used that word to describe anything other than olive oil?
That's right - Kat was never going to sleep with him. Hear that d*ck? His d*ck got harder, clearly not buying it. Then the absurdity of the situation struck him. Man, you're a f*cking mess - on the brink of losing your job, drunk in a bar in the afternoon, having a silent conversation with your own stiff c*ck. Well, he supposed that was better than talking out loud to some other guys wood.
Now, he was sprawled naked on his bathroom floor using the toilet as a pillow. Yeah, well if that didn't turn her on, nothing would.
The arm of the couch bent his neck at an unnatural angle. His feet hung off the other end. Worse, the seam of his boxer briefs cut into his nuts like piano wire.
Finding nothing but Viagra spam - the last thing he needed was another damned erection - he began to surf his favorite climbing websites.
The soap. She stared at it for a moment, the way he was looking at her making it hard for her to think. "It's honey soap. A friend of mine...She, um, makes it in her kitchen using honey."
Clare expertly blends humor with touching, heart-wrenching romance and carefully crafted suspense. The mix is perfect - no one flavor overpowers the rest - a rarity in this genre.
She understands human nature and emotion and presents believable, empathetic characters you come to care about, in situations that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Highly recommended. I can't wait for the next I-Team entry, but I don't see how Clare can possibly top this one.
There are already over 20,000 reviews on this one, so I wont add another. Suffice it to say that this time, the hype is well-deserved (IMHO). This is There are already over 20,000 reviews on this one, so I wont add another. Suffice it to say that this time, the hype is well-deserved (IMHO). This is without a doubt the best YA book I have ever read. If you're like me and reluctant to read much YA, then I encourage you to give this one a go. The superlatives heaped upon it are, for once, on the money (again, IMHO). Also, be ready to read the next in the series because the ending leaves you hanging. Hate it when that happens, but not enough to down-grade my rating for this one. A very worthy 5 stars....more
I am on a winning streak with series that just keep getting better. Having just read the latest in the I-Team series by Pamela Clare (Naked Edge) whicI am on a winning streak with series that just keep getting better. Having just read the latest in the I-Team series by Pamela Clare (Naked Edge) which IMHO was the best in the series so far, I moved straight on to this gem in the Wallflowers series.
I absolutely adored It Happened One Autumn and didn't think Kleypas would be able to top that one, but she just might have managed it. It's hard to say whether I like this one better, because the two are very different. Where It Happened One Autumn had me grinning like a fool, Devil in Winter was a much darker read. The heroes, too, are polar opposites and yet I would be hard pressed to pick my favorite (I would be happy to keep them both but neither would be inclined to share...)
I could kick myself for having waited so long before giving Kleypas a try. She has not disappointed this reader and has given me the pleasure of these very different but immensely enjoyable reads. I guess the good news is that I have so many stories of hers still to discover....more
'Delightful' is not a word I tend to use much, if at all, in my everyday life. However, were I to use just one word to sum up It Happened One Autumn, 'Delightful' is not a word I tend to use much, if at all, in my everyday life. However, were I to use just one word to sum up It Happened One Autumn, delightful comes immediately to mind.
The books I give 5 star ratings to are those that engage and elicit my emotions, provoking strong feelings. I generally prefer 'meaty' books with some requisite angst and torment, that are not necessarily always 'pleasant' to read. This does not describe It Happened One Autumn.
But I cannot deny that this book strongly engaged my emotions. It just so happens that prevailing feeling was, yep, delight. I found myself grinning like a fool non-stop while reading this. This never happens. If that alone isn't worth 5 stars then I don't know what is.
I'm surprised my how much I have enjoyed the first 2 books in the Wallflowers series (also my first Kleypas experience). Unlike many readers, I have never found Regencies to hold a strong attraction. The whole trying to marry a peer, not allowing yourself to be compromised, society, manners, men are the best chuck out the rest, blah, blah, blah and etcetera, just doesn't appeal.
Gee am I glad these books have put a great big dent in that opinion. Marcus and Lillian are now right up as one of my favourite couples of all time. I adored them both and they couldn't be more perfect for each other.
Thanks so much to my GR friends for your glowing reviews of this series, without you I wouldn't have had this delightful experience.
One thing does puzzle me, however. Sabastian, Lord St. Vincent seems to be universally adored. After what he pulled in this one, Kleypas is going to need to pull a rabbit out of her hat to make me join those ranks. Her writing is good enough that she may do just that....more
Claiming the Courtesan is one of those books that seems to polarize readers. I think there are a couple of obvious reasons for this:
1. Many readers doClaiming the Courtesan is one of those books that seems to polarize readers. I think there are a couple of obvious reasons for this:
1. Many readers do not like to read a courtesan/prostitute character as the heroine
2. This book does contain rape/forced seduction scenes
I can completely understand and respect the response of readers with these views and preferences. But Claiming the Courtesan was so much more.
It was beautifully written with an ease of style that had time losing meaning while the pages turned.
It was about the growth and healing of characters with deep emotional scars. Big mistakes and bigger redemption.
At it's core, it was the deepest, most gripping and honest love story I have read in a long time.
This is one of those books that when the last page is turned, you gently close the book and hug it to your chest, lost in the thoughts and feelings wrung out of you by this emotional and powerful journey.
This is one that will stay with you long after reading and I'm so glad I didn't miss it.
While I still found the language, acronyms and phrasing jarring at times (I’m outtie – Really? Mine’s innie. And 'za? Come on. That one justLoved. It.
While I still found the language, acronyms and phrasing jarring at times (I’m outtie – Really? Mine’s innie. And 'za? Come on. That one just irritated me for the rest of the novel), this is Ward back at her (OTT) best and I loved every minute of it.
Ehlena just might be my favourite female in the series. She really evolved from my first impressions and was a multi-dimensional character full of contradictions who really rang true to me. And Rhev? Oooeee!
I'm just sorry it took me so long to finally pick this one up.
There were definitely things I had forgotten from the previous books, and given I had borrowed these, I couldn't give myself a refresher. Wasn't Rhage's dragon unable to come out anymore? And where did Payne come from? Had we met her before?
And while I'd liked John Matthew in the other ones, his reaction and behaviour here made me lose a lot of interest. Immature and without the strength of character that we have come to expect from our BDB males. I was almost wondering whether I would bother with his story, when he started to redeem himself with this passage at the end of the second last chapter: Here was the thing: Xhex was his female, whether she wanted to be or not. And he was not the kind of male who was going to sit on his ass when his mate was out there in a world of hurt.
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