According to Jane by Marilyn Brant

According to Jane
by Marilyn Brant

Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Romance

In Marilyn Brant's smart, wildly inventive debut, one woman in search of herself receives advice from the ultimate expert in matters of the heart...

It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett's teacher is assigning Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet "tsk" of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who's teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author's ghost has taken up residence in Ellie's mind, and seems determined to stay there.

Jane's wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the trauma of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go, but Jane's counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.

Still, everyone has something to learn about love -- perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie's head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond all she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending...

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Conquered by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

 Conquered by a Highlander
(Children on the Mist, Book #4)

by Paula Quinn 

Review on behalf of NetGalley
(via Grand Central Publishing)

Genre: Historical Romance

BOUND BY DUTY
Colin MacGregor was born to fight-for his beliefs, his king, and his family's honor. After years away from his beloved Scotland, he yearns to return to its lush, green hills-and he can, after he completes one final mission for the king. Sent to infiltrate a traitor's home, Colin is determined to expose the treasonous plot and triumph on the battlefield . . . until he meets a sensual lass who tempts him towards other pursuits . . . .

BETRAYED BY PASSION
Lady Gillian Dearly is no stranger to temptation. Cast out of her family for bearing an illegitimate child, she's now the ward of a barbarian conspiring against the king. Her only desire: freedom for her son and for herself at any cost, even if it means making a deal with the devil. Yet when a mysterious Highlander appears in their midst, his braw strength and smoldering gaze give her hope for a future beyond the castle walls-and promise a desire unlike any she's ever known. But passion comes at a price . . .

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The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea

( UK Title: Sophia's Secret )

by Susanna Kearsley

Genre: Contemporary | Romance | Historic

History has all but forgotten the spring of 1708, when an invasion fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown. Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors, and starts to write. But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory...making her the only living person who can know the truth of what did happen all those years ago - a tale of love and loyalty...and ultimate betrayal. 

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Moon Spell by Samantha Young

Moon Spell

(The Tale of Lunarmorte, Book #1)

by Samantha Young

Genre: Paranormal Romance | Young-Adult (16+)

 It’s bad enough feeling different among the human crowd, but feeling different among wolves? No one said returning to her pack would be easy, especially after ten years without them, but seventeen year old Caia Ribeiro is unprepared for the realities of the transition. Raised in a world where kids aren’t scared by bedtime tales of the bogeyman but by the real life threat of enemy supernaturals who might come creeping into their community to kill them in their sleep, Caia is used to the darkness; she’s used to the mystery and the intrigue of the ancient underworld war she’s bound to by chance of birth. What she’s having trouble with are pack members treating her with wary suspicion, the Elders tucking secrets behind their backs out of her sight-line, and her young Alpha, Lucien, distracting her, with a dangerous attraction, from her decision to discover the truth.But as the saying goes ‘the truth will out’ and when it does, Caia will only have so long to prepare herself before the war comes pounding on their door threatening to destroy the safe, secret lives of the wolves… and the girl they protect.

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Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Fantasy
 

Claire has everything she thinks she needs, until one day she wakes to find a stranger has moved in next door and a vine of ivy has crept into her garden... and her carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control.

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The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fantasy | Young Adult

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

One year after the death of their parents, Puck & her two brothers are getting by the best way they can within their little village of Thisby. When Puck's older brother, Gabe, declares he is going to permanently leave the island for the main land, Puck brazenly decides to participate in the Scorpio Races that occur ever November, in hopes that Gabe will stay on to assist for awhile longer. Yet, when all the odds turn against her (i.e. threats becasue she is the first female racer in a bloody sport dominated by men, eviction from the only home she has ever know, etc.), can her choice to join the races really help her get the outcome she so deeply desires, and if so - at what cost?

Honestly, I did not really know what to expect upon starting this book, but easily found myself absorbed in the fantasy story of the island lifestyle and the daily interactions of all the villagers and dangerous sea-creatures (i.e. water-horses: Capall Uisce). Puck's easy-going & stubborn temperament was enjoyable and the vivid descriptions of the island, Thisby, really created a reality that peaked both my historical and legendary/mythical interests. The book's narration was shared with a fellow islander, Sean, whose whole life revolves solely around the races. He takes on a very calm & level-headed POV within the book while Puck seems a bit lost & impulsive. It was delightful to slowly realize how much both Pick and Sean complimented each other as they accepted that fact that they could only really trust each other. As the races approach, the adrenaline speeds up for the reader and the tale becomes more gruesome and deadly - so expect a bumpy and entertaining ride!

Likes: Even though this was slated as YA, it carried a heavier subject matter (lots of death) than most and much of the dialogue was geared towards older readers.

Dislikes: I wasn't too pleased with how the story ended. I felt there were too many unanswered questions that an epilogue would have been much appreciated and unfortunately, I don't think a sequel/series will follow. Boo! From MS: Will there be a sequel to The Scorpio Races? -- I don’t think so. I mean, never say never, but I think I am pretty happy with how it ended.

Rating:

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Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Born at Midnight
(Shadow Falls series, Book #1)
by C.C. Hunter

Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal Romance

Kylie Galen has had a lot of crap tossed in her lap lately. Her parents are getting a divorce for who the heck knows why. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she wouldn't put out. And her grandmother died because . . . well, older people do that. But now, Kylie's acquired a stalker and she hasn't a clue what he wants or how to get rid of him . . . and she really wants to get rid of him because apparently she's the only one who sees him. Thinking she may be losing it, her parents send her off to see a psychologist who gets Kylie sent to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie and her parents think it's a camp for troubled teens.

They thought wrong.

Kylie's surrounded by vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shape-shifters. And if she believes what they tell her, she's one of them. They're just not sure exactly how she fits in. As Kylie struggles to cope with the realization that these creatures even exist, and the fact that she might not be human, she's got two hot guys, a werewolf and a half-fairy vying for her attention. And they can just keep vying. Kylie's determined that before she lets her heart loose on love, she needs to unearth the truth. What does the ghost want? Who can and can't she trust? And most of all . . . What is she?

Kylie gets innocently caught up in some questionable situations upon her parents sudden divorce and gets sent away to a delinquents (aka "freak") camp for the summer . . . or so she thinks. Yet, when fellow campers begin asking "What she is?" instead of "Who?" and magic/blood become something she shockingly learns to deal with on a daily basis--Kylie beings to examine her meaning behind the word "freak" and becomes worried she may just be one herself. Throughout the challenge of discovering her past in hopes of identifying just what her supernatural status is, Kylie becomes awakened by her new hidden talents (i.e. sensing/seeing ghosts, etc.) and easily gets infatuated with two extremely different guys: 1. Derek, a sweet-tempted half-fairy who was one of her first friends at camp and 2. Lucas, a darker older werewolf who Kylie actually has a history with. Thus, with so many things in Kylie's life crumbling, can Shadow Falls Camp actually become a bitter-sweet surprise?

At first, this story came off as a bit too juvenile for my taste, but as the plot progressed and Kylie's adventures in camp became more complex -- I found myself becoming more and more intrigued. The whole story timeline accelerates quickly, happening within the span of only a few weeks, thus it becomes easy to get caught up in the overall tale. Kylie has a lot of troubles becasue of friends back home, friends in camp, family, etc. that the story never goes dull, but it can become a bit too much at times. The romance in the book is all over with many of the side-characters (young and old) heating up the pages while Kylie herself gets captivated by two guys -- so yummy relationships throughout. All in all, this was a surprising read that I found myself jumping right into Book #2 as soon as I finished Book #1 -- plus Book #3 comes out this April, yayy.

Likes: If you're a fan of paranormal/supernatural characters--this is a fun read that pretty much covers them all!

Dislikes: Kylie can have only so much drama on her plate at one time before she gets spread pretty thin and then, due to becoming overwhelmed, avoids or cuts short different parts of the story that the reader would wish to have extended. Frustrating!!

Rating:

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The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test
(Goddess Test, Book #1 - Harlequin Teen)
by Aimee Carter

Genre: Young Adult | Romance | Mythology

Every girl who has taken the test has failed.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Katie is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll becomes Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails . . .

Kathrine Winters is in a difficult place right now. She's trying to keep it together even though her Mother is close to death and she has to start a new life in a new place, knowing she could be alone in the world within just a few months. She has no other family, thus she desperately clings to her Mother and knows once the cancer becomes fatal that everything will change and she's not prepared for that. Then one night she meets a young man who makes some outlandish promises and her life now takes her in a whole new direction. Can the myths of the past really change her future?

It's been awhile since I've read a book as quickly as The Goddess Test. I simply couldn't put it down!!! I highly enjoyed the mythology and the simplicity of the overall story. When a reader can engage solely on the protagonist without a lot of outside interference ( too many side-characters, side-plots, settings, etc. ) it makes the tale a lot more entertaining, especially for my reading taste. I quickly become engrossed in Kate's emotional struggles that before I knew it . . . it was over. Thus, I'm thrilled Book #2, Goddess Interrupted, is coming out soon on March 27th.

Likes: Kate was very down-to-earth and easy to identify with as a character, thus her tale quickly become emotionally gripping since it wasn't difficult to see the world through her eyes & experiences.

Dislikes: The ending somewhat surprised me and it will be interesting to see where this will lead in Book #2 since many of the "relationships" between the characters quickly got altered.

Rating:

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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern

Genre: Historical | Fantasy

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Two kids are raised to compete in an unknown magical challenge one day. Neither knows what will be rewarded to the winner or who is their competition ( or even much about the overall challenge itself ), but nonetheless, they both dutifully work on their magic under very different and very eccentric teachers. One takes a more physical force when learning about illusions while the other studies from books how to bend the imagination, yet they grown up into powerful figures who can easily enchant and delight through there impossible tricks. Thus, when Le Cirque des Rêves is created, both find themselves drawn to it and each other as the battles truly begins.

This was a refreshing read for me since it was something new to excite my romantic taste and yet satisfy my historical curiosity. The overall book covered many different genres throughout, thus sometimes it felt very mysteriously charming, other times like a young adult adventure, and then it would flip into a very unrealistic delusion of fantasy - so it will definitely keep the reader on their toes. The narration skips all over though, so you do have to pay close attention to the year and the characters since the book will easily go back and forth in time to expand on a tale related to the circus. In the end, it all comes together but it is a bumpy ride for all ( lots of side characters and settings...even within the circus itself ) until the final chapters, so expect lots of passion and excitement as The Night Circus does what it does best . . . enchants!

Likes: (( Spoiler )) Great name for the young male character, Bailey, since it instantly brings to mind "The Greatest Show on Earth" BARNUM & BAILEY ® Circus

Dislikes: Luckily I devoured this book in just a few days, but if this was something you kept by your bed for a few weeks, I could see how easily overwhelmed one could get with the numerous narrations and small stories intertwined within the larger tale. Lots to take in!

Rating:

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His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell

His Christmas Pleasure
by Cathy Maxwell

Genre: Historical Romance | Seasonal

Anything Can Happen at Christmas!

When her father threatens to marry Abigail Montross off to a man twice her age (and with thirteen children!), she decides to elope instead with the irresistibly handsome Baron de Vasconia. She know all abut his notorious reputaiton. He is the most seductive man in all of London, but he’s vowed to protect her, so she allow herself to be tempted into his bed, promising to guard her heart at all costs.

Andres believes he’s entered into nothing more than a marriage of convenience with a charming and very wealthy young woman. But the days–and nights–Abigail spends in his arms soon reform this rogue. He’ll do anything to gain her love–until they each discover the truth about the other and old wounds are revealed.

It’s the season of miracles and passion–when love not only awakens the senses but delivers the greatest gift of all . . .

Abby is cherished by her parents and foolishly in love with the wrong man, but she doesn't know that. She's been jilted, past the "marriageable age" and isn't the most popular lady at the ball, but things quickly change when one of the hottest bachelors in town, Andres, defends her beauty and causes a big hoop-la throughout the gossip scene. Yet, when both Abby & Andres find themselves in a sticky situation, they turn to each other for aid in a daring plan that could be a blessing in disguise - but only if they have enough courage and love to pull it off!

I was kind of taken back by how much I found myself enjoying this book. I started reading one night before bed and next thing I know, I'm staying up till 1am engrossed in the tale and having a grand time with Abby & Andres's adventures. I found myself relating very closely to Abigale (shockingly so!!!) and that really bonded me to the main characters. The way the story was written felt like there were almost three different sections: Part One in plotting to run away and following their fated dreams, Part Two in the actual escape & capture, and Part Three in dealing with the consequences and making the best of it. Each section had very different feelings for me, thus adding to the realization of how the characters were changing emotionally and really developing throughout. I loved it!

Likes: It was entertaining to watch how comfortable the two main leads were around it other, especially from the very beginning. They made scenes very comical and memorable without a lot of effort.

Dislikes: Got a little lovey-dovey cheesy near the end, but that didn't change my feelings toward an overall enjoyable book! BUT, I felt there was very little seasonal aspects in this story to really make it a Christmas themed book.

Rating:

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The Mating by Nicky Charles

The Mating
(The Mating Series, Book #1)
by Nicky Charles

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn.

Elise has grown up in the lap of luxury being the Alpha's daughter and even though her pack is very traditional than most, she's content to one day marry her long-time friend, Bryan, and settle down. Yet, things unexpectedly change when Kane, an Alpha from a local pack, shows up and Elise finds herself mated to him within a few hours. Life quickly changes as Elise has to leave the only home she's ever know to live with a practical stranger and be the new alpha female of a different pack. Somewhat pleased that her new pack members are more "modern" than her previous one and while settling herself into her new role, Elise suddenly finds herself involved in a deadly plot that begins to drag her down a dangerous road. Can she put her trust in Kane and stand up for herself as the new alpha female or will the darkness drag her under?

I quickly became absorbed in this story! It was written in such a way that it was a joy to read and hard to put down. Elise was very straightforward and easy like as a character because she displayed a nice balance between naivety and curiosity. Kane was also very likeable since he came off as macho but in a good (I'm charming and considerate) way that is just so yummy in male leads. Their budding relationship was very prominent in the story and not overshadowed by the overall mystery of the tale, which can sometimes happen in a whodunit type of novel. Overall, great read that has me itching to check out the next books in the series. Also FREE nook eBooks on: Book #2 & Book #3.

Likes: Elise was very open minded about life and I think that made her more enjoyable throughout the story. Plus, the book had a lot of plot twists which were nice to unravel in the end.

Dislikes: As in any other shape-shifter society stories, there are always those "set" roles when it comes to pack members: the women are in the kitchen, the men out hunting, etc. -- all very evident in this tale but not overwhelmingly irritating.

Rating:

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The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye

The Ordinary Princess
by M.M. Kaye

Genre: Fairy Tale | Juvenile Fantasy

All Across the Kingdom, excitement is running high: a seventh princess, always the luckiest and most beautiful of all, has just been born to good King Huldebrand and Her Majesty Queen Rodehesia. When the christening day arrives, the little princess is showered with the most extravagant, marvelous presents imaginable -- until her last, most powerful fairy godmother proclaims/gifts her as ordinary. And so she is. Princess Amy look so ordinary, so unprincesslike, that no prince can be found to marry her. The King and Queen are desperate. But Amy knows that she doesn't want to be wed to a royal stranger, and runs away from home, embarking on a most extraordinary adventure for the Ordinary Princess!

Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness. Unlike her six beautiful sisters, she has brown hair and freckles, and would rather have adventures than play the harp, embroider tapestries . . . or become a Queen. When her royal parents try to marry her off, Amy runs away and, because she's so ordinary, easily becomes the fourteenth assistant kitchen maid at a neighboring palace. And there . . . much to everyone's surprise . . . she meets a prince just as ordinary (and special) as she is!

"Lavender's blue,

Rosemary's green,
When I am King
You shall be Queen"

What an adorable book!!!! I've heard great things about this child's story for awhile now and never read it as a young girl, yet I picked it up from my local library and feel in love with the tale. Amy (aka Her Serene and Royal Highness the Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne) was born into pomp and circumstance, she had a "very grand nursery" (pg 5) and "had no less than twelve attendants all her own" (pg 6) She was also the youngest of her sisters who were all "blond, blue-eyed, and beautiful, with lovely figures and complexions and extravagantly long hair" Yet, Amy was gifted with "something that [would] probably bring [her] more happiness than all [the other] fal-lals and fripperies put together" . . . "You shall be Ordinary!" (pg 16) As she grew, gone was the use of her extravagant name, her curls became straighter & darker, her blue eyes became gray-ish-brown and "her nose got frecklier and frecklier in spite of all the Queen's lily lotions and lemon juice." (pg 27) Since she never had as much attention granted to her because of her "not-so-goodish" self, she was able to escape into the forest to play and feel in love with climbing trees and making friends with the animals and when she discovered a secret plot about her family and her future - she decided to run away to live a life she has always dreams off. She never expected to befriend a prince along the way and actually fall in love with someone who loved her for herself and not her royal-lifestyle. So sweet!

Expect a quick read that has lots of wonderful illustrations and rich detailed settings. Many of the characters are very likable, while some strongly annoying, but written well overall. The tale runs smoothly and interestingly enough that you easily become absorbed in Amy's easy-going agenda. The romance is sweet and innocent and I wish I had more upon finishing, great stuff!!

Likes: Amy was such an empowering character, she never let her "gift" become a bad thing in her eyes and thought of it always as a blessing when to everyone else in her kingdom, it was a curse.

Dislikes: It was sad how unsupporting the parents were, esp. her father's use of the word "rash" UGH!

Rating:

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When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

When Beauty Tamed the Beast
by Eloisa James

Genre: Historic Romance

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. He's a Beast.

Miss Linnet Thynne is one of the most exquisite young ladies ever to grace London's ballrooms. She's a Beauty.

But wait—there's more! Piers is a doctor: brilliant, lame, and impossible to get along with. There's a version of him on Fox TV, named after a habitation. Linnet has been involved in a scandalous flirtation with a prince, and everyone in the ton thinks she's carrying a royal child: she needs a husband.

Linnet estimates it will take two weeks—at the outside—to bring the earl to his knees. Piers knows that he will never fall in love, and definitely never marry.

Being seen with a prince is enjoyable, but that happens to be Linnet's downfall as well - that, and a poorly chosen dress that adds fuel to the "royal baby" rumors circulating around London. Now she is a ruined women, whether she was truly naughty or not, and is practically banished to Wales to marry a horrid doctor that she's never even meet. Sure, her family has given up on her and sure, her father & aunt lied about some things (ie. baby matters) to obtain this 'marriage' to the Earl, but Linnet believes her charms & beauty could actually win out against this brute of a man. What she's not expecting is for the doctor to spot her lie on their first visit and how much heat & chemistry to two actually share. Can Linnet actually carry out her original plan for a proper marriage or will she willingly become a ruined women as so many people believe of her already?

I liked this book. I liked it a lot actually. I enjoyed Linnet's innocent manners toward her 'maternity styled' clothing, her silly household servants, the vulgar memories of her mother, and her oddly non-existent father figure. They all added some comical humor to Linnet's life, which was hilariously spiraling out of control. When she finds herself in Wales, in a castle (mock hospital) surrounded by even more chaos, she bravely decides to take control of her "new" way of life and actually live a little - thus she takes up swimming at dawn, freely argues with Piers and so many other things she would never have done back in London. Since she's now a "ruined" women about to be married, she feels rejuvenated and adds some much needed care to Pier's drab hospital and his patients. Also, it was nice to see Pier's hard "tough" shell begin to melt throughout the tale. Overall, the two characters blend so well together that the book was hard to put down!

Likes: The bet between Linnet's & Pier's servants was fun!

Dislikes: Pier's is for sure a beast, lots of rude manners and extreme name-calling -- almost hard to see how Linnet kept her cool much of the time.

Rating:

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Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

Drums of Autumn
(Outlander Series Book #4)
by Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Time-Travel | Historic | Romance, etc.

DRUMS OF AUTUMN is the fourth book in the OUTLANDER series, following VOYAGER. Here Claire and Jamie, with Jamie’s nephew Young Ian, seek to find a place for themselves in the colony of North Carolina, treading a dangerous line between Governor Tryon’s patronage and Claire’s knowledge of the brewing revolution in America, between the help of Jamie’s Aunt Jocasta, last of his MacKenzie kin (“MacKenzies are charming as larks in the field–but sly as foxes with it.”) and the unwanted obligations of her slave-run plantation. As they find mountain land and begin to build their first cabin, their newfound life is bittersweet, with the thought Brianna–the daughter Claire has left behind, the daughter Jamie will never see–always near.

Brianna is thinking of her parents, too. And she’s discovered something dangerous in the historical record; a notice of a fatal fire on Fraser’s Ridge. The time-traveler’s ultimate dilemma raises its head once again: can the past be changed? If it can…what’s the price?

Roger MacKenzie has found the same newspaper notice–and after some soul-searching, has decided not to tell Brianna about it, not wanting her to risk her life for what may be impossible. She doesn’t tell him, either–and his first inkling that she’s found that notice is a shipment of boxes from Brianna, containing her family memorabilia and a note reading, “Everybody needs a history. This is mine. Please look after it ’til I come back.”

Roger follows Brianna into the past, where she has gone on a quest to save her parents’ lives, and upon discovering that she has sailed for America, he takes ship himself…with a Captain Bonnet.

How does time-travel work? Who can pass the stones, and how? What are the risks? And what would make those risks worth taking? Only love.

Jamie and Claire are trying to make their life together work, no more traveling to different countries, no more senseless/risky feats, no more dark/deadly lies, just their family and the land. But not everything goes as planned and along with all the hiccups that pioneer life brings, a blessing in disguise happens with even more struggles in tow. Can their bittersweet life on Fraser's Ridge survive the chaos when the past & future collide again?

I was excited about this book, for once the characters aren't spending chunks of their lives on boats, bunking with family members, or hiding out in caves, and the reader gets to focus on them creating not only a lifestyle but a superb setting for years ( this story does cover quite a few ) to come. Lots of everyday duties/chores ( i.e. the redundant everyday routine ) occurs which is fascinating from a historic viewpoint and adds to the realistic feeling to the story and ( Yayy! ) Brianna and Roger get a lot of storyline dedicated to them. A genuine family grouping is created when they all mix, with of course the revelation of some gut-wrenching truths along with life-and-death adventures --- all in classic Gabaldon writing style!

Likes: Brianna and Roger's romance is gloomy but very destined to happen!

Dislikes: A lot of characters this round were acting very impulsively throughout much of the tale, causing much havoc.

Rating:

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Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Pleasure Unbound
(A Demonica Series Book #1)
by Larissa Ione

Genre: Paranormal Romance | Dark Fantasy

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…

She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unshakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…

Eidolon is on the cusp of turning into a full succubus demon with no conscious between good & bad, but if he can find his soul-mate before the change - things won't become so dark and deadly. Thus, it's a bittersweet miracle that Tayla should arrive at his hospital in need of assistance but not so lucky that she happens to be a hunter of his kind and is hated by much of the hospital staff. Things between the two quickly heat up as the mystery of the underground demon market seller unravels. It's a bumpy ride overall, but in the end, both must let down some emotional guards and be willing to trust each other in order to survive.

I was in the mood for something hot & steamy, plus I'm taking a bit of a break from Highlander tales since I'm off to Scotland in a few days! ( Whoo-hoo! ) Anyways, this was a re-read for me and I'm glad I did - it was yummy! I forgot much of Eidolon's story since my first read and I could only remember him as the "older brother" from the later stories in the series. Plus, it was refreshing to have a likable female lead who was both stubbornly strong and emotionally distraught since the last few books I've read have been bummers in that department.

The relationship between the two was fun to read about not only because it was juicy, but also quite realistic. They had their moments of bonding through heated debates and comical conversations all while fighting to stay together when everything/everyone else around them was trying to separate the two. The brothers' interactions added much entertainment and were all very enjoyable and the plot ran smoothly throughout with a very satisfying ending. I can't wait to let a few months go by again before re-reading Pleasure Unbound again!

Likes: I'm usually not a fan of characters getting it on without much communication, but in this case - it was a very sexy read without crossing too much into the erotic genre! Plus, the demon/monster society was interesting to read about.

Dislikes: There were a few boring parts here & there - example : the demon-slayer society.

Rating:

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A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

A Certain Wolfish Charm

(The Westfield Wolves Book #1)

By Lydia Dare

Genre: Paranormal Romance | Historic

He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full . . . The rules of society can be beastly -- especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoore, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untameable as he is . . .

A women whose charms are stronger than the moon . . . When Lily Rutledge's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different from hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rouge. They both may have bitten off more than they can chew which each begins to discover the other's darkest secret . . .

Lily doesn't know where to turn when her nephew, 12-year old Oliver, becomes a different boy in just over one month. His growth is startlingly, his manners are astoundingly rude, and he is no longer the young sweet boy she raised after his parents passing at the age of 5; thus, she seeks aid from Simon - Oliver's legal guardian. Simon, on the other hand, doesn't have a care in the world; he's a notorious rake whose sexy scandals are in the weekly gossip rages and because of that, Lily is able to track him down and force his hand in assisting with Oliver.

Life for Lily becomes a bit mingled quite quickly though when her reputation becomes ruined by staying alone in the Westfield home without a chaperon and any available men begin to greedily seek out her hand solely for her false dowry. Surprisingly enough, a marriage proposal is placed before her by none other than the Duke himself and there quick marriage causes even more of an uproar for the ton. Yet, Lily knows not all is as it seems within her marriage and some dark family secrets are being kept from her. She desperately wants to discover once and for all the truth behind Simon's (and she even suspects Oliver's) wild mannerisms during the full moon and their shared family birthmark.

I've been on a historic reading fix lately, but YUM, I forgot how much I enjoyed Book # 3 by Ms. Dare; so I'm happy I got back into the series with Book # 1. I'm notorious for reading series all out of order! Lily was a great female character lead and I liked her immensely. Simon grew on me throughout the book, but I felt he became unrealistically enamored with Lily too early on which did keep the story flowing well throughout. The overall "secret wolf" plot was intriguing and kept me turning the pages late into the night and the romance between the two was just right (steamy, but not over the top!). I cannot wait to start Book # 2 soon and even more excited that this series seems to keep growing and growing. More books to come out soon . . . yayy!

Likes: Lily was very down to earth and realistic in her actions, which made it easy to become absorbed in her dealings with the Westfield family and young Oliver.

Dislikes: Oliver's instant infatuation with Lily was hard to fully accept at times, but he was a very dotting and loving husband.

Rating:

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