Review: The Way to a Duke's Heart by Caroline Linden

The Way to a Duke's Heart
Series: The Truth About the Duke #3
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Charles de Lacey, Lord Gresham, is running out of time, running from his responsibilities, and running from love.

Destined to be a duke, Charles de Lacey has led a life of decadent pleasure, free of any care for propriety or responsibility. It comes as a terrible shock to learn that he might be stripped of everything, thanks to his father's scandalous past. He has no choice but to find the blackmailer who would ruin him—and his only link to the villain is a woman who may be part of the plot…

To save his fortune and title, he vows he'll stop at nothing—in fact, he's all too eager to unravel the beautiful, tart-tongued Tessa Neville. She intrigues him and tempts him like no other lady ever has. With only his heart to guide him, and keenly aware that his entire future is at stake, Charles must decide: is she the woman of his dreams, or an enemy in disguise?

MY THOUGHTS

The Way to a Duke's Heart is the third and final book in the Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  The main characters are Charles de Lacey and Tessa Neville.

Charles is the oldest brother and the last one to fall in love.  He is also the brother who is known for being a scoundrel and bedding women without a care.  He could really care less about the family business and has now been handed over the job of finding out the truth and the blackmailer.  If he wants to secure the title of Duke of Durham, he needs to find out who has been sending the blackmail letters and proof that their fathers secret is found to be over with.  During his investigation of all this, he stumbles upon Tessa Neville in a small town.  He overhears about a letter arriving for her in a hotel from the man he is looking for.  While he tries to figure things out -- and if Tessa is involved in the blackmail scheme -- he finds himself falling in love with the outspoken and at times blunt bewitching woman.

After being tricked by a man before, Tessa Neville has sworn off men.  She is intellectual and could care less about society and the gossip the other ladies thrive on.  She would rather be reading or combing through accounting books for her family than deciding which ball to attend and what color dress is in style.  She finds herself in a small town to look at an investment opportunity for her brother and to see if it is profitable to invest in it.  She has no idea why the His Grace Charles de Lacey is showing an interest in her and her companion, Mrs. Bates.  She considers him to be indolent and just another handsome face.  What she discovers though is a man who enjoys her company, her mind, and eventually her body.

While the previous book is still my favorite in the series, I have to say that this one gave it a run for the money.  Charles -- or Charlie -- was sweet, fun and an all around gentleman.  While he has indiscretions he is not proud of, he loves the challenge that is Tessa.  When his usual charms doesn't work to catch her eye, he decides to approach her as just a fellow friend.  This friendship evolves into something more and Tessa is the one who can help him solve the mystery of the blackmailing scheme.

Each character in this series has been a delight to read about.  I enjoyed the suspense and mystery of who it could be that was spreading the rumors.  I loved the discovery of the blackmailer and the reasons behind it.  I also loved how the author's voice sucked me into the courtship of each couple while not overpowering the reader with too much detail and narration.

If you haven't started this wonderful series, you are truly missing out on the great journey.  Even though this book could be read as a stand alone novel,  I do recommend reading the series from the first book to get all of the details into the drama and mystery of the who-done-it.  Now if I can just convince the author to give Mrs. Bates a book!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Blame It on Bath by Caroline Linden

Blame It on Bath
Series: The Truth About the Duke #2
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny?

Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order--just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.

Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better--and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune--but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?

MY THOUGHTS

Blame It on Bath is the second novel in the Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  The main characters featured are Gerard de Lacey and Katherine Howe.

After finishing the last book in the series, I was a little curious about Gerard. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like reading about his journey.  He is the youngest of the bunch and he seemed a little hot headed.  I hoped the author would make him a little more interesting with some softer emotions shown to the reader in his book.

Holy. Freaking. HOTNESS.

Gerard de Lacey was one fine specimen who could be so dirty in the bed. Not only was the sexy scenes so much better in this book, but Gerard was swoon worthy.  He is faithful, dependable, sweet, and very sexy.  While he went into this marriage with Kate on the basis of an arrangement, he was completely changed by the end of the book.

While this book heavily focuses on Gerard and Kate exploring their marriage of convenience, the mystery of the blackmailer is still in question.  I wish there would have been a bit more focus on the mystery, I can't say I am completely disappointed in getting some lovely romance between the two.

So far this is my favorite of the series.  While it is only book two, the author did a much better job in focusing on the romance in this book for the swoon factor.  I am looking forward to seeing how Charles will handle being the one left holding the bag in unearthing the blackmailer.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: One Night in London by Caroline Linden

One Night in London
Series: The Truth About the Duke
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


A bargain that was all business . . . and pure passion.

Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart.

Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance.

MY THOUGHTS

One Night In London is the first full novel in The Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  There is a short novella that is considered book #0.5 as well titled I Love the Earl, but I decided to read the full novels first.  The main characters in this book are Edward de Lacey and Francesca Gordon.

Let me first state that I really enjoyed this book.  While there were a few things at the end that bothered me, overall this was a great start to a new to me series.

While Edward's father the Duke is on his death bed,  he asks for forgiveness from his sons.  Apparently, before he wed Edwards mother, he had married another young woman.  He has kept this a secret for years and now he is revealing it with his last dying breath.  Edward, along with his brothers Charles and Gerard, must form a search for this woman to clear their name and fight for the title to remain with them.  As Charles is the oldest, he has the most to lose including the title of Duke.  Unfortunately, Charles is a bit of player and really doesn't want to deal with the work involved of finding this possibly deceased woman.  Gerard is furious and worries about the scandal along with being considered a possible bastard.  He is intent on finding this woman, along with someone who might possibly blackmail them, and is seeing red.  Edward is the middle ground man.  He wants to resolve this, but he also knows that he must do it the smart and legal way. After he hires a lawyer to help get everything straightened out, he is confronted by Francesca Gordon.  Edward has just stolen her last chance at claiming her niece through the works of that said lawyer.  They strike up a bargain to help each other.

At first I got the same feeling about Edward that Francesca did.  I felt he was cold, emotionless and stiff.  But after he meets Francesca and begins the bargain, he really came out of his shell.  He was passionate, cared for his family, and had a soft spot that I wanted to explore.  Francesca was a ball of fire who could give as good as she got.  I loved whenever she would stick up to Edward.  I also enjoyed her way to bring out the laughter in Edward. The scene at the art gallery where they renamed famous artwork was funny and the key turning point to their relationship.

The ending was the only problem I really had with this book.  It seemed to wrap up too easily and kind of seemed like a cop out for the author.  The way the problem with her niece is resolved seemed too easy and something that could have been fixed from the beginning if the two would have just talked.  I was also surprised with the way Edward was so determined to figure out the truth of the Duke's previous marriage and save the reputation of his family then seemed to give up and hand the problem over to his brother.  I can understand it, but it seemed out of character for Edward.

If you are looking for a complete finished story line, it isn't wrapped up by the end of this book.  It is part of a series, so future books will explore it more.  The conflict and resolution of the romance though is satisfying enough though that I will continue in the journey of The Truth About the Duke.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston

What Happens in Scotland
Author: Jennifer McQuiston
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Lady Georgette Thorold has always been wary of marriage, so when she wakes up next to an attractive Scotsman with a wedding ring on her finger, it’s easy to understand why she panics and flees. Convinced that Georgette is a thief, her may-be husband, James McKenzie, searches for her. As both try to recall what happened that fateful night, they begin to realize that their attraction and desire for each other is undeniable. But is it enough?

Fans of Sarah MacLean and Mary Balogh will enjoy this utterly charming historical romance from award-winning author Jennifer McQuiston that features unforgettable characters and a satisfying mix of adventure and passion.

MY THOUGHTS

I picked this book up because someone on Twitter recommended it to me.  I was looking for a lighthearted and fun read that fell in the Historical Genre.  What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston fit this theme perfectly.  I couldn't stop laughing throughout this book.  From the moment Georgette hits James with the chamber pot upside the head, all the way to where they are bickering about the money bag he has lost.  These two make for an interesting and fun couple.

When they both wake up next to each other in bed naked, neither one of them can remember what happened the night before.  Before they can talk about things, she hits him with the chamber pot and runs.  The room is trashed and everyone in town is giving her bits and pieces of info to fill in the blanks.  The same is happening with James.  He is trying to retrace his steps and find out what the heck happened.  Come to find out that they are legally married now. I knew from the beginning who was going to be behind it and what caused their memory relapse.  The bad guy definitely gets caught and receives his punishment as well.

Overall this was a light, fun, and quick read that will make you want to learn more about the couple and side characters.  I do hope that James brother William will get his own story as well.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Guest Post with author Maya Rodale

Seducing Mr. Knightly
by Maya Rodale
Genre: Historical Romance

SUMMARY


He’s the only man she’s ever loved…

For ages it seems advice columnist Annabelle Swift has loved Derek Knightly, editor-owner of The London Weekly from a distance. Determined to finally attract her employer’s attention, she seeks advice from her loyal readers—who offer Annabelle myriad suggestions…from lower-cut bodices (success!) and sultry gazes (disaster!) to a surprise midnight rendezvous (wicked!).

She’s the only woman he never noticed…

Derek never really took note of his shy, wallflower lady writer. But suddenly she’s exquisite…and he can’t get Annabelle out of his mind! She must be pursuing someone, but who? For some inexplicable reason, the thought of her with another man makes Knightly insanely jealous.

Will Dear Annabelle find her happy ending?

But Knightly’s scandalous periodical has been targeted for destruction by a vengeful Lord Marsden, and the beleaguered editor now faces a devastating choice: either marry Marsden’s sister to save his beloved newspaper…or follow his heart and wed his Writing Girl.

-----------------------------------------------

A Special Letter featuring Annabelle!

Dear Annabelle,

I fell in love with a man who turned out to be a duke. Unfortunately, I don't think I would make a good duchess! I don't care for fashion, feel awkward in society, and prefer discussing business ledgers to gossiping about other people. What should I do?

Sincerely,

T. Neville from The Way to a Duke’s Heart by Caroline Linden

Dear T. Neville,

Most women are hardly vexed to discover their husband is a duke, but such are the problems romance heroines face. We care for kisses and conversation with handsome rogues and then discover that we must dazzle high society whilst running vast estates all in between those scorching kisses and sparring conversations.

I do empathize with you, T. Neville, as I have fallen in love with a man determined to conquer the Haute Ton. I am just not the right bride for such an endeavor! I haven’t the wardrobe required for impressing the ton gossips nor am I comfortable in society.

But I suspect all that matters are those kisses and conversation…that was certainly my favorite part of my love story and I’m sure it was the highlight of yours.

Yours,

Annabelle from Seducing Mr. Knightly

Reprinted with permission from The London Weekly

Question: Do you think you would make a good duchess? 

---------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

---------------------------------------------

BUY FROM AMAZON

AUTHOR WEBSITE

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire
Series: Love At Stake #1
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780060751968

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Nobody said love was perfect...

Roman Draganesti is charming, handsome, rich...he's also a vampire. But this vampire just lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop-sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan, either. After witnessing a gruesome murder, she's next on the mob's hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral, because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her?

MY THOUGHTS

I admit, I must be the last person in the world to read this series.  After seeing everyone rave about them, and even hosting the author on my blog, I decided to dive into the Love At Stake series by author Kerrelyn Sparks.

The first half of this book I thought was rather cliched.  While I found it funny at times, other times I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the story.  Not only was the dialogue cheesy, but so was the plot.  Then after I got past the first half of the story, it really started to pick up and really grab my interest.  I did like the authors writing style though and the side characters were ones I can't wait to read about -- especially those kilt wearing/sexy talking Highlanders!

While I am not completely sold on the series yet, this is definitely one that I am going to continue reading.  I am interested to know how the Vampire "Civil War" is going to play out now that there has been a dramatic change in hierarchy. With the fall of one and the partnership of another, you can't help but wonder what side is going to win.  I also like the side story of the Stake-Out Division of the CIA and the impact they will have for future stories.

For an old time paranormal romance mood, this one fits the bill on the quirky side.  Not one to take seriously, but one that will definitely leave you smiling.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

BUY FROM AMAZON

My Book Haul (26)

From now on I will be posting My Book Haul on Saturdays.

Feel free to link up in the comments if you would like to share your mailbox post 

with me (and others) to check out.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR REVIEW

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

-- Thanks to AVON/HarperCollins --

Speechless by Hannah Harrington (ARC)

-- Thanks to Harlequin --

Illicit by Opal Carew (ARC)

-- Thanks to St. Martin's --

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

So what did everyone else get this week?

A Love Untamed by Pamela Palmer

A Love Untamed
Series: Feral Warriors #7
Author: Pamela Palmer
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9780062107510

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The newest member of the elite Feral Warriors brotherhood, Fox is eager to prove himself on the frontlines of battle against the Daemons. When paired with the legendary Ilina warrior, Melisande, he expects the fierce beauty to quickly fall under the spell of his quite considerable charm. Instead, he finds himself spellbound by a woman who's his match in every way.

Beneath Melisande's brittle exterior lies centuries of pain and a violent hatred of all shape-shifters—a hatred that slowly crumbles after they're caught in a deadly and cunning Mage trap and she glimpses a surprising depth in her far-too-seductive partner. Their survival demands unconditional trust—and their salvation surrender to a wild, untamed love.

MY THOUGHTS

After the way the last book in the series ended, I had been stalking the sites waiting for my chance to pounce on the next book in advance.  When it became available for review, my fingers clicked faster than the eye could see.  Yes everyone, I was that anxious to read the next book in the Feral Warrior world.

We start the story eight days before the story ended in the last one.  Kieran is training new recruits into the Therian Guard.  It is then that he becomes marked as a new Feral Warrior along with one other.  From this point we also get to flash forward slowly up until the point of what actually happened those last few moments in book six.  We see who kidnapped Kara -- their Radiant and Lyon's mate -- and how it all went down.

I always had a soft spot for Fox even when it was the previous one.  I missed the Cub, but when Kieran was marked as his replacement I decided to give him a chance.  He still had the playfulness of the previous Fox, but he was also a born warrior.  There was no mistaking the good that is in him.  Melisande was never a favorite character of mine.  She was without emotion and just to hard for my taste.  Even though I wasn't a fan of her,  I tried to embrace her personality and give her a chance.  What we learn of her past though is actually what made her the cold and vicious warrior that she is today.  Only Fox is the one who has touched her tender side and he is the only one who can bring it out.  Mel is aware from the get go that he is her destined mate but she refuses to accept it.  She wants to stay cold and unfeeling without having to accept a Feral Warrior as her mate.  She has despised them for so long, she is afraid to even let one close enough to see her weakness.

The two become trapped in a Mage Labyrinth with no way out that they can find.  This where the story started to fall for me.  I enjoyed the small connections between the two characters and understand that this is their book, but I wanted the other Feral's included more.  Each book the author has had before this one has had a balance of main characters and side characters.  The reader received enough of each to stay satisfied.  With Love Untamed,  we are only given small glimpse's of the rest of the Warrior's and it didn't satisfy me as a fan of the series.  We were given small pieces of further story but not enough to get the reader as excited as before.  There are still some questions unanswered.  This fine since it is a series, but too many can lead to the reader becoming to frustrated to continue in the journey.

The rescue of Kara was also rushed and too easy.  I expected it to be much more with all Feral Warrior's included in the rescue.  Instead they only appear near the end of the rescue.  If they are rescuing Kara from the evil Mage's main stronghold, you would think it would have been a little harder than what it was.

Overall I was glad to have read this one early.  I am left guessing of what will come in the next one even if I felt a little cheated with it.  Not one of my favorites of the series like I was hoping, but one very worth the time and money especially if you are a huge fan of the series.  Now the only problem is waiting even longer for the next one to arrive!

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

PREORDER FROM AMAZON

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Contest & Guest Post with Kerrelyn Sparks

Today on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I have the very talented Kerrelyn Sparks!!
Lets give her a warm welcome and stay tuned after reading her Guest Post for an amazing giveaway hosted by AVON books!

A Different Sort of Hero

By Kerrelyn Sparks

            Not every romance hero can be born a duke...or a werewolf.  That was the idea behind the hero of The Forbidden Lady.  Can a normal guy succeed as a hero without the benefit of a title-- or in the case of my usual supernatural heroes, without the benefit of superpowers or fangs?

            Introducing Quincy Stanton, the hero of The Forbidden Lady.  He’s a sea captain from Boston in 1769, a tense time in American history that climaxes with the Boston Massacre.  Quincy is recruited by the Sons of Liberty to spy on the British. Instead of shifting into a werewolf, he transforms into the James Bond of the American Revolution.  With no superpowers, he depends on some super gadgets—a carriage rigged with special compartments and a booby trap, a magnifying glass lined with phosphorescence so it glows in the dark, and a submersible for sneaking about Boston harbor. (This is based on the Turtle, an actual submersible used during the Revolutionary War).

            So Quincy is a different sort of hero—or is he?  Like all my heroes, Quincy possesses what I consider heroic virtues:  honor, strength, intelligence, and integrity.  He also has something else in common with my supernatural heroes—a second identity he needs to keep secret.  He can’t admit to being a spy.  It would cost him his life.  So when he falls in love, how can he gain the heroine’s trust without revealing his secret?

            It’s the same dilemma that some of my vampire and shifter heroes face.  In Wild About You, (releasing November 27^th), Howard Barr is trying to win the heart of Elsa.  Would any woman in her right mind want to fall in love with a guy who occasionally becomes a real bear?  A huge, grizzly bear to be precise. 

            Whether it’s a sea captain hiding the fact that he’s a spy, or a guy who played for the Chicago Bears hiding the fact that he’s a were-bear, it’s still a hero with a dual personality. He’s both the prince and the beast, and it will take a special heroine (or Beauty) to see past the beast and recognize the prince.  In The Forbidden Lady, Quincy becomes a very different sort of beast—an obnoxious dandy in lavender silk and a lavender-tinted wig.  Only another spy, the lovely Virginia Munro, will manage to see through his Scarlet Pimpernel-like masquerade.  And along the way, there will be a lot of laughs, some adventure and suspense, and of course, some glorious romance.

            The Forbidden Lady goes on sale in e-book form September 25^th, then in print form October 25^th. Originally published as For Love or Country, it has now been revised to be funnier and sexier than ever.  Wild About You, the thirteenth book in the Love at Stake series, releases November 27^th.  For more information, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com. 

******************************************************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005.   Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USAToday bestseller.  When the fourth book, The Undead Next Door, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic.  So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.

******************************************************

CONTEST

Thanks to AVON/HarperCollins, I have:

5 copies of How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire (US ONLY)

1 $25 gift card to the e-retailer of winners choice (INTERNATIONAL)

RULES

-- Comment for your chance to win!

-- Please state if you are US or International so I know which contest to enter you in.

-- Leave an email address for me to contact you if you win!

-- Contest ends 9/30/2012

GOOD LUCK!

WOW: Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

WILD ABOUT YOU

Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Publisher: AVON

Expected Release Date: November 27th, 2012

***********************************************

SUMMARY

(From Amazon)

Handsome Howard . . .

Hunky Howard . . .

Hot Howard . . .

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick . . .

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

I have slowly been reading this series so that I could take the time to enjoy it.  I have been loving it so much that I don't want to end it so soon.  I figure by the time this book releases (on my birthday no less!) I will have a good fix going on from the rush of joy that the books are giving me.  Why does it have to be so far away??!!

Fact of Fiction: Sins of A Virgin by Anna Randol

Fact of Fiction is a new monthly feature here on My Overstuffed Bookshelf.

On the first of the month,  I will be featuring one book from AVON/HarperCollins that is releasing and is sure to be a big hit among readers.

Be sure to add this months new MOST WANTED to your list of purchases!

SINS OF A VIRGIN

Author: Anna Randol

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

ISBN: 9780062025791

SUMMARY

There is improper, there is scandalous… and then there is Madeline Valdan. To the world, Madeline Valdan is a scandalous courtesan, with society's most eligible gentlemen at her feet. But no one knows her shocking secret: she has never experienced the most intimate touch of any man. So she astonishes the ton by telling them the truth . . . and by announcing the auction of her virginity to the highest bidder. 

Handsome and disciplined, Gabriel Huntford knows his time is best spent hunting down criminals from the darkest corners of London. As a Bow Street Runner investigating his sister's death, he has no desire to join London's strutting peacocks in this competition when there are more important tasks at hand. Now, his quest leads him to one of Madeline's "suitors," so he agrees to help this sinful woman. But what begins as a business arrangement quickly turns into something more . . . and love blooms with a passion neither one expected.

BUY AT THE FOLLOWING

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

INDIE BOUND

BOOKS A MILLION

SONY

KOBO BOOKS

iTUNES

Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Ecstasy Untamed
Series: Feral Warriors #6
Author: Pamela Palmer
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: AVON
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 9780061794735

SUMMARY
(From Amazon)


Shattered by recent nightmarish events, Hawke feels his bond with his animal spirit weakening—and once it breaks, he’s finished. The arrival of Faith sends his life spinning even further out of control, for although she delights him and enflames his deepest primal passions, she’s promised to Maxim, the newest Feral Warrior.

Faith is drawn to Hawke from the start, but Maxim holds her in his thrall and has secretly bent her to his malevolent will. Though gravely damaged, Hawke is the only one who can end Faith’s slavery and protect the Feral Warriors from Maxim’s evil designs. But first they both must embrace the wild . . . and surrender body and soul to a forbidden, all-consuming ecstasy.

MY THOUGHTS

Hawke is back and be still my heart! I finally made it to my favorite Feral Warrior and his tortured story.  I think I didn't eat, sleep or do much of anything while reading this book.  Even my kids steered clear of me.

Hawke has been rescued from the spirit trap and he is not the same as when he went in.  His animal is fighting with him and causing him to shift.  Even though he is trying to fight the rage and the unwanted shifting, when the animal does take over it takes him to the sky for hours.  When he is in his hawk form, he isn't even remembering it.  If he doesn't get his animal under control soon,  he will eventually die.

Faith is a Therian living in Poland.  When out one night she is attacked by Daemons.  A handsome stranger comes to her rescue and convinces her that they are mates.  He sweeps her away to the Feral House to claim his animal that he is marked with.  Maxim is not what he seems though.  He is cold, cruel, and definitely not the next Foxx.  Some animals were never reborn into the next Feral intended until the spirit trap was breached.  Now they are finding themselves being introduced to them rather quickly.  In this we see the true nature of Maxim and the true evil he is capable of.  Seriously, by the end of Chapter 6, this book becomes dark, dirty and flat out suspenseful.  Be warned and be ready to have your heart flutter in fear.

As if the author couldn't torture us enough after that, the readers learn a secret about Faith that could change everything.  Will she reveal it to Hawke and the other Warriors? If she does, will she do it in time? Can she save Hawke and make him realize what is truly wrong with his animal spirit? Well, my lovely readers -- you will have to read the book.

The ending was bittersweet for me.  It is left with a climatic ending that makes me scream in frustration because we have to wait for the next book!  Release day will not arrive soon enough for this fan. I wonder if I could bribe author Pamela Palmer for some hints and secrets?

MY FAVORITE QUOTES

"His legs are regrowing.  Along with everything in between."
Several of the Ferals blanched.
"There's nothing in this world more painful than regrowing a penis." Kougar said quietly.
"It's taking longer than the legs." Olivia crossed her arms tight as if shielding herself as another of Jag's yells echoed through the house.
"That's part of the reason it's so painful.  It takes forever."
"How much longer?" Olivia asked.
"Another hour, maybe."
Every man shuddered this time.  Olivia squeezed her eyes closed. "It better come back as good as new, that's all I'm saying."
--page 195

Vhyper shook his head.  "You couldn't be the Wicked Witch of the West.  You have to be all Tinker Bell cute and sunny."
--page 236 / Vhyper talking to Faith

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

BUY ON AMAZON

Hunger Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Hunger Untamed
Series: Feral Warriors #5
Author: Pamela Palmer
Source: Personal Purchase
Publisher: AVON
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9780061794711

SUMMARY
(From Amazon)


They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

For a thousand years she has haunted him—Ariana, Queen of the linas, a beauty of mist and light. His love, his life mate . . . Kougar believed her lost to him forever, until the truth of her stunning betrayal left him bitter and hungry for revenge. Now she alone holds the power to save two trapped and desperate Feral Warriors.

Ariana, caught in a deadly battle of her own, is neither the soulless creature Kougar believes her to be nor the savior he seeks.

And when darkness threatens to annihilate both races, the greatest danger of all becomes the glorious love Kougar and Ariana once shared. A love that must never rise again. A love that has never died.

MY THOUGHTS

The first four books in this series blew me away! This one -- not so much.  While I still enjoyed the wild ride the author took me on,  I think I just had a hard time because of the main characters.

Kougar and Ariana were mated in the past.  They thought being from different races wouldn't hurt their love for each other, but fate had other ideas.  After an attack on the Iliana race that Ariana is the Queen for, they are forced to go into hiding and break communication with Kougar.

Kougar thinks that his mate died long ago, but she didn't.  Years later when he discovers the truth, he promises to keep their secret and walks away from Ariana.  In the years that followed, hate and contempt has formed in Kougars cold heart and Ariana has tried to control the secrets and pain while protecting her race.  When other warriors are trapped in the spirit trap, Kougar goes on the hunt for Ariana since she is the only one who has access to it.  He has eleven days to convince her to help.  Unfortunately, if Ariana does as he asks, she risks the extinction of herself and her entire race for real this time.

Ariana was not a great character for me.  I just couldn't connect with her as I did the previous heroines in the other books.  I am not sure what made her unlikable to me but I know she wasn't up to par as the previous ones.  Kougar had his good moments and you can't mistake his dedication and loyalty to his race, but he wasn't as strong as I thought he would be.  He is powerful and sexy, but he is lacking a certain punch for me to believable.  I think it is because I felt the relationship was being forced for me.  I just couldn't get the two to connect in my mind.  There wasn't much chemistry in my minds eye, but there was much begging and pleading from Kougar and many no's from Ariana.

I still enjoyed the book and I am glad to have read it for the simple fact that previous plot lines played out.  What I love the most is how the author makes sure we don't forget the previous characters because they are essential to each story for progression.  The next book features Hawke who happens to be my favorite Warrior so far.  I have been waiting patiently -- okay not so patiently -- for his book and I am glad to be starting it next!

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

BUY FROM AMAZON

Rapture Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Rapture Untamed
Series: Feral Warriors #4
Author: Pamela Palmer
Source: Personal Purchase
Publisher: AVON
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9780061794704

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The most combative—and tormented—of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone - until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill— one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

As Jag and Olivia's sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.

MY THOUGHTS

Let me tell you straight off the bat, Jag is one hot mo-fo! Seriously!  Yes he is arrogant and a pain in the wazoo at times, but he does not lack in sexuality and form.  Whew. I was hoping he would jump off the page and come alive before my eyes.

Author Pamela Palmer definitely upped the sexiness factor in this series with Rapture Untamed.  What starts out as a playful game between Olivia and Jag, slowly turns into an explosive -- and at times rough -- game of wills and sex.  Jag has had some things happen to him in the past that has shaped his personality.  He is hard to get along with and he can be pretty cruel at times to people and friends alike.

Olivia is part of the Therian Guard and has been called to the Feral House to help in the fight against the Daemons.  The only problem is that she is keeping a huge secret and could be the key in getting herself killed by the Feral's themselves.  When Olivia is forced to team up with Jag and his sexual innuendos, she has a hard time fighting her nature and secret.

This book rocked with the action, suspense, magic and romance.  Each book in the series is getting better than the last -- if that is even possible.  With each of the characters playing important roles in the series, we are getting a glimpse at future books with each one.

The ending was horrible in the fact that it is left on a cliffhanger and tortures the reader in having to wait for the next book.  Thankfully, I had the next book handy or I would have gone insane or stalked the author for little tidbits about the series. If you haven't started reading the series, get on it readers.  You are really missing out on talent and amazing writing!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

BUY ON AMAZON