Reviews: September 2015
Stars
1 Star: Did not like, not recommended.
2 Stars: Needs work but has potential, up in the air on.
3 Stars: Liked, recommended.
4 Stars: Really liked, recommended.
5 Stars: Fantastic read, highly recommended!
The Lion’s Embrace
By: Marie Laval
Publication Date: August 6, 2015
Publisher: Accent Press
Author Website: http://marielaval.blogspot.com/
5 Stars
When you open the book The Lion’s Embrace by Marie Laval be prepared to start an incredible adventure. This author’s skillful way with words literally paints in your mind’s eye breathtaking visuals and elicits strong emotions in the telling of her tale. The connection between the hero and heroine was intense, complicated and inevitable. Impressive and interesting the amount of history and detail Ms. Laval included in her work added to the richness of the story. This immensely enjoyable novel, full of action and desire set off against a background of treachery, betrayal and hidden secrets should be on everyone’s read list!
The Seduction of Lord Stone
By: Anna Campbell
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Anna Campbell
Author Website: http://annacampbell.com/
5 Stars
The singular combination of Anna Campbell’s enormously creative imagination and pen will stir your senses with the first novella, The Seduction of Lord Stone, in her Dashing Widows series. To be expected her trademark, in-depth, edgy character portrayals breakthrough for yet another standing ovation in this author’s latest work. Seduction by wit, charm, physical attraction and underlying love all vie against looming ties to the past and produce an impassioned courtship that will consume you as well as the story’s ensemble! A wonderful read, that is as close to virtual chocolate as you can get, this novella is one that should not be missed!
The Highwayman
By: Kerrigan Byrne
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Author Website: http://www.kerriganbyrne.com/
5 Stars
Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman is one for the keeper shelf! This book held me enraptured from the start and wrapped itself around my heart with its staggering emotions that ran the full spectrum of soul torturing agony to absolute bliss. The bond between the hero and the heroine was so well depicted by the author that you could not help but ache for them and all that they endured. I think it is safe to say that this is a romance that will stand out and remain with readers long after they finish it.
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
Hannah and the Highlander
By: Sabrina York
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Author Website: http://sabrinayork.com/
5 Stars
Hannah and the Highlander, the first book in Sabrina York’s Untamed Highlanders series, is an absolute treasure! With a standout hero, that elicited more than a few dreamy sighs, and a spunky heroine this was a great start to this author’s new series. Faced with a multitude of obstacles, both self imposed and external, the characters rose to the occasion again and again with integrity and often humor. A great supporting cast enhances this story. Smooth writing and a quick moving narrative will find you swept up into a highland romance that will wrap your emotions in plaid, heather and a smile!
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
The Rogue You KnowBy: Shana Galen
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Author Website: http://www.shanagalen.com/
4 Stars
The Highlanders BrideBy: Amanda Forester
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Author Website: http://amandaforester.com/
4 Stars
The Highlander‘s Bride, the first book in the Highland Trouble series, by Amanda Forester was an enchanting tale of gallantry and honor. Held to their own high moral standards the hero and heroine made a valiant effort throughout the story to distance their growing attraction and blossoming love. A well developed, fun and eclectic supporting cast brought further depth to this work. Full of action, this novel only built in momentum as the characters battled one obstacle after another. Engaging dialog and deeds made this expertly written tale a pleasurable read.
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
My Lady Faye
By: Sarah Hegger
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Author Website: http://sarahhegger.com/
4 Stars
It is always nice to find a well-written medieval romance and My Lady Faye by Sarah Hegger fits that bill! Strong undercurrents of past shared tragedy drive this story and ultimately unite the hero and heroine bringing to light long hidden feelings of love. Chivalry conquers evil in a true knight to the rescue story setting the stage for an exciting read!
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
Avelynn
By: Marissa Campbell
Publication Date: September 08, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Author Website: http://marissacampbell.com/
5 Stars
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
Tempted by a Rogue
By: Lauren Smith
Publication Date: September 21, 2015
Publisher: Lauren Smith
Author Website: http://www.laurensmithbooks.com/
4 Stars
How anyone could not be tempted and surrender to a story by Lauren Smith is beyond me! This author’s latest novella, Tempted by a Rogue, was passionate and sweet with a bit of emotional ouch thrown in. Ms. Smith has a gift for showing the not so flattering side of her characters and yet still making them appealing. A hero whose actions on the surface were despicable, but upon further discovery prove him to be a worthy suitor, and the ultimate loyal heroine set the scene for a hard earned love. This novella is a great way to spend an evening and experience a touching story.
Josette
By: Kathleen Bittner Roth
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Zebra
Author Website: http://kathleenbittnerroth.com/
5 Stars
The subtle nuances that Kathleen Bittner Roth interjects into her book Josette take her story from ordinary to extraordinary. In the third work in her When Hearts Dare series this talented author, with her wonderful written illustrations and research, will take you from the upper echelons of 1850’s Louisiana society to the culture of the bayous. The full on drama and revelations that are exposed throughout this read are nicely tempered by Ms. Bittner Roth’s facility at portraying these events in a believable manner. A notable secondary cast and a captivating hero and heroine will draw you into this tale of sultry love and intrigue. By the time you turn the last page of Josette this terrific author will have you anticipating what she has in store next for her readers!
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
By: Paula Quinn
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Forever
Author Website: http://paulaquinn.com/
5 Stars
Not only was Malcolm Grant tamed, but this reader’s undivided attention was captured in the latest work by the incomparable Paula Quinn! The fourth book in her Highland Heirs series, this was a lovely story of finding good in oneself and others. This author beautifully demonstrated how finding love does not require your eyes, but your heart. Creating more than a few misty-eyed moments, the purity and sweetness in the awakening of genuine love between the characters was remarkable and touching. Ms. Quinn deftly juxtaposed the hero’s outer strength against the heroine’s inner strength for a wonderfully symbiotic display of partnership at its best. Full of all the historic tidbits, past character updates and romance that this author is know for, The Taming of Malcolm Grant can be added as yet another success in this author’s illustrious body of work.
*I received this ARC via Netgalley.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*