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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
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Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2013
Review: Making It Last by Ruthie Knox
Making It Last
Author: Ruthie Knox
Release Date: July 15, 2013
Publisher: Loveswept
Camelot Series, Book #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A hotel bar. A sexy stranger. A night of passion. There’s a part of Amber Mazzara that wants those things, wants to have a moment—just one—when life isn’t a complicated tangle of house and husband and kids and careers. Then, after a long, exhausting “vacation” with her family, her husband surprises her with a gift: a few days on the beach . . . alone.
Only she won’t be alone for long, because a handsome man just bought her a drink. He’s cool, he’s confident, and he wants to take Amber to bed and keep her there for days. Lucky for them both, he’s her husband. He’s got only a few days in Jamaica to make her wildest desires come true, but if he can pull it off, there’s reason to believe that this fantasy can last a lifetime.
What Nima’s talking about:
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Ruthie Knox has bookended her Camelot Series with Tony and Amber Mazzara’s story. Together the novellas represent the blissful beginning of their romance and then the reality of after “happily ever after.” Making It Last picks up Amber and Tony’s story fourteen years after the first book ends. We’ve seen them make guest appearances through sibling Caleb and Katie’s romances, but not enough to know more than the fact that they’re still married with children. We are allowed to assume that their love has given them the answers to wedded bliss, perfect hair, stress-free Christmases, a new car every five years, as well as expert parenting skills that make their lives the stuff of fantasy. So what’s there to write about? Knox bravely takes on the romance, or lack of it, inside of real married life.
I have to admit to a serious “This is Your Life” vibe that is no doubt coloring my glowing opinion of this story. I am an exercise instructor, stay-at-home mother of three high maintenance kids (including one with generalized anxiety disorder) who lives in a small suburb of Ohio, all things I share in common with lead character Amber. I even read the book at the beach with my family, not at a wedding, but a fiftieth wedding anniversary reunion. There are enough common markers, however, to give most married women with children that same feeling. We all struggle with fatigue, body image, being “the bad guy”, the economy, in-laws, eating all our fruits and vegetables, inconvenience, and guilt. We are also all human with finite resources and energy. Something’s gotta give.
Making It Last begins with Amber at one of those critical moments when if something doesn’t give, she will crack under the weight of her responsibilities… even when those responsibilities are desired blessings. I appreciate that Knox has woven her trademark humor into some serious themes and situations. It has always been my position that humor keeps us from becoming brittle, flexible enough to carry the stress of life without breaking into a thousand pieces. Knox treats the serious stuff with its proper due, it is poignant and thought-provoking, but it’s not over-worked into being a burden to read. Overall I found it to be a quick read, but one I wanted to return to again and again for validation and inspiration.
Especially significant to me as a reader was a personal note Knox tacked on to the end of the book. She talks candidly about some of the book’s themes and her belief in the romance of marriage. I’m giving this little novella my highest rating, which I rarely do, because it is difficult to write about this aspect of married life with authenticity, humor, and hope. We all love the newness of first love or the right love and the idea of finding our soulmate, but rediscovering the one you already have without being cheesy or cliché’ is a far greater challenge. Kudos Ms. Knox.
Nima’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
5 stars,
Camelot Series,
contemporary romance,
Loveswept,
Nima Review,
novella,
Ruthie Knox
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1 comments
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Chains by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Chains
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: June 29, 2013
Kiss Across Time #3
Publisher: self-published
ISBN: 978-1927423967
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (318 pgs), e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When dying becomes an act of love.
It is four years since Taylor and Brody almost lost Veris during the First Crusade. Now they know how to control time jumps, they have settled into a very nearly perfect, nearly human life, raising their daughter Marit.
When Brody defies Queen Tira to protect Marit, the three of them jump back three days in time to collect evidence the queen set up Brody for a drug bust in retribution. The jump sends them back to Brody's personal nightmare: Fifth century Constantinople.
While Brody survives as a flogged slave, Taylor masquerades as the wife of an aristocrat and searches for Brody to release him. They must wait for Veris to find them before jumping home and Taylor watches each brutal chariot race, wondering if this will be Brody's last. Brody once died in the Hippodrome and he is human this time, too....
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Ms. Cooper-Posey creates the perfect blend of present-day paranormal menage romance with history. Intriguing and indulgent of my desire to know the details, I found myself longing for stolen moments from ‘real life’ to spend with Taylor, Veris and Brody.
I was completely captivated with the third book in the Kiss Across Time series. Much like the first two. While I believe that Kiss Across Chains could work as a stand-alone title, I definitely would recommend the backstory that goes along with the series. Read. Them. In. Order. Ms. Cooper-Posey has done a phenomenal job weaving present-day and history in a seamless, silken web that keeps the readers ensnared.
I think what keeps me so engrossed in this trio is the inner conflict that the characters need to overcome in order to restore the timeline to some semblance of their present-day once they time travel. I really like their ‘today’. Marit, biological daughter of Veris and Taylor – conceived during a jump – is growing up, and naturally she has a nanny, Mia. Mia is definitely able to take care of herself as well as Marit. Alexander joins us from the last title. It seems as though Veris and Brody have created for themselves a tight-knit family, with Taylor as the matriarch.
Honestly, there’s nothing I didn’t like about this title. It took me up and down the roller coaster of emotions. It’s smokin’ hot!!! I’d rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for hotness factor; however, don’t pick up the series if you’re uncomfortable with M/M, or M/M/F menage action.
Veris was the ultimate savior. He literally saved Brody. Even though he had a lot to overcome in order to make that happen, Veris was able to keep it together when it really counted. Even though he wasn’t totally in the headspace to accomplish the task. He knew he had to do it for the greater good…for the present-day Veris-Brody-Taylor (and Marit).
Taylor, as usual, was the level-headed, quick-on-her-feet matriarch that seemed to be the glue that held everyone together. Even when it seemed like things were darkest. What I like the most about Taylor is that she is able to reign in her emotions and not broadcast them. I epically fail at that. The way she is able to quickly and seamlessly adapt to whatever is thrown at her is nothing short of amazing.
This book, for the most part, was Brody’s backstory. I absolutely felt for him. As a slave in Constantinople, as one forced to race the chariots… the beatings, and the moments of solace he found when he was with Taylor. They were all so vivid for me. Ms. Cooper-Posey painted a detailed portrait of Brody in this time in his life. By acknowledging his weaknesses, Brody was setting himself up for his future. With Veris and Taylor. His resolve to live with gusto – to go into the races and slave pits with the same tenacity he possessed during that time period, was nothing short of bravery at its finest. Brody knew what was going to happen. He suspected when, as well. If I knew the future, I don’t know whether I would be able to ensure that the timeline was as uninterrupted as possible.
Over-all, I really love this series. I know it’s going in my favorite of 2013. As much as I liked the previous titles in the Kiss Across Time series, I do believe that Kiss Across Chains might just have the dubious distinction of being my favorite title in the series thus far. Kudos to Ms. Cooper-Posey.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Review: Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley
Fire Inside
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Chaos Series #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (335 pages), e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .
For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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If anyone forgets to tell me to join the party with a FABULOUS author that can weave a tale like nobody’s business, I’m gonna have a drama! Kristen Ashley is definitely one of the new-to-me authors from 2013 that is hitting the auto-buy list! This Chaos Series of hers? Yeah. I bought the first book already. I have to find out about Tack.
Fire Inside is the newest offering in Ms. Ashley’s Chaos Series. When I read the blurb about this book, I was totally on-board. I have been looking for a way to pick up something by this author, and the second book in a series usually isn’t too late. O.M.Geee! I am not regretting one moment in the reading of this title.
There’s background info from the first book in the series, but I was OK jumping in here (I totally want to go back and read for myself, though!). Screwed up from the death of her fiancé seven years ago, as well as the near-death stabbing of her best friend, Ty-Ty, Lanie Heron was fighting inner demons. It was time she stopped. That’s where the one-night-stand on steroids with Hop Kinkaid comes in. All the inner conflict both Hop & Lanie endure to be together is simply REAL. No one is ready – especially the second time around – to open up and let someone in. It takes a lot of time and patience to win the heart of someone who’s been burned as badly as this couple. The conflict between Hop & Lanie was INSANE! I had to put my Kindle down several times because the emotion became simply overwhelming.
At the beginning, when Lanie was insisting this was a one-night thing, Hop knew better. From square one: “We shouldn’t sleep together. Sleeping is bad. Sex is good, sleeping together is something else,” she stated and she was right.”
One of the things I truly loved about this title was the copious mention of Bob Seger. *fans self* Any dude that can sing Turn the Page is simply panty-melting hot. And Lanie definitely was hot when Hop sang to her. If you think about the lyrics to that song, it’s definitely a literary device to foreshadow Hop & Lanie’s relationship. I. Lost. It. Sobbed like a baby later on in the book when I figured it out!
One of the most telling moments was when Lanie was rambling on in her own head about Hop. She talked about how he was invading her life, but she didn’t mind one bit at the 31% mark. In reality, I think that Lanie was ready to move on, but she had to wade through her baggage before she realized it was ok.
Seriously. As a 40+ reader, I appreciated the older H/H in this story. Hop is 40, and Laine is in her 30s. I mean, not everyone has a whirlwind romance with someone they dated in high school after a breakup with an ex-, and ends up with a HEA. Some of us are deeply rooted in reality, and reality is something that Ms. Ashley has in spades with Fire Inside.
There were so many favorite passages in this book… well, readers will need to simply pick up a copy of Ms. Ashley’s newest offering in her world of sizzling hot bikers with a heart.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Fire & Frost Anthology
Fire & Frost
Authors: Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child…but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed and rejected nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything…or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. Maybe Veronica can finally get some peace and quiet so she can work on her computer. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear—and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go…
What I’m talking about:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims
Midnight Liaisons series
Estrella is an anomaly in her pack--she is a liger: half tiger, half lion. While she doesn't really fit in with her tiger pack, she is not accepted at all by the lion pack. Estrella had always been told she was sterile, and she believed that right up until she realized that she was going into heat. Now with only a week's notice, she needs to find someone she likes to service her needs and be the father of her child.
The one man she truly desires is her alpha, Vic. But since she thinks he could never be interested, she goes through the motions of dating and looking for a mate.
Speed Mating is a fun and sexy little story. There is a bit of humor and light-heartedness throughout the novella. I liked that the story stayed in Estrella's POV for the duration of the tale because it elevated the tension without knowing Vic’s true feelings. The pair are a joy to watch as they come together.
Bottom line: Cute, sexy shifter story. Lots of fun.
4 stars.
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane
Code of Shadows 0.5
Readers of Ms. Crane’s first release in this series, Mr. Real, will recognize Vicky as Alix’s Great Aunt who left Alix all of her worldly possessions - including a computer program that brings to life objects from photos. One need not have read Mr. Real to enjoy this novella.
Vicky is in danger and in hiding from crime syndicate boss, Salvo. She’s used her knowledge of witchcraft and computer programing to bring to life Max, former Chicago police officer recently killed in the line of duty, to be her bodyguard.
The story opens about three months after Vicky first conjured Max. I liked that Max knows he's been conjured from a photo (and the “real” Max is dead). Max is more human that most as he contemplates life, the existence of a soul, falls in love with Vicky, and learns to let go of the daughter he orphaned after his murder.
The opening of the novella is very exciting. We have no idea why Salvo is after Vicky, only that he is relentless in his pursuit. The action is suspensefully written, keeping this reader glued to the pages. In addition, the book has a heart and tackles powerful emotions. The concepts of life, death and love are wonderfully interwoven into the thrilling tale.
The story switches POV between Vicky and Max. We learn of their mutual yet secret desire and admiration for the other. I loved how Vicky pushes Max and how Max teaches Vicky to learn to let go. As the story progresses you learn how perfectly matched the pair is. It's lovely to see the give and take between the individuals.
Bottom line: Exciting action with heart. As a fan of Mr. Real, I enjoyed “history lesson” about how the computer codes came to be.
4 stars
Wrecked by Meljean Brook
Iron Seas series
Five years ago, Elizabeth Jannsen ran from her powerful father, who subsequently sent highly-trained hunters to collect her and bring her home. Caius Trachter was the only one to ever capture her, but she was able to make a dangerous escape. (2 years prior to the start of this story.)
Now Elizabeth's father has caught up to her, and she must make a quick exit. Little does she know that Caius is watching, nor does she know that he has loved her since the day he met her.
I must share with you that I am completely in awe of Ms. Brook’s storytelling and of the tales she spins. She is simply a master at her craft. Wrecked is no exception, further cementing the Iron Seas series as one of the Top 5 series among the current romance genre.
Elizabeth has every reason to run from her father, and when you find out why, I imagine your jaw will drop just like mine. Knowing that she has little chance to escape Caius, Elizabeth makes the decision to trust the man that once tried to turn her in. The pain and heartache, loneliness and internal torment of both Elizabeth and Caius is portrayed with an absolute care for detail. Elizabeth loves her father, but he is a madman and she cannot see a way out of her situation without someone's death. She wants to trust and believe Caius, but she isn't certain how. This creates emotional conflict and amazing tension. The emotional depth of the novella is on par with a story two to three times its length.
In addition, the details of the ship, voyage and world are wonderfully woven into the tale. The action--hunt and chase--are thrilling and suspenseful.
The story reaches beyond the two primary characters without stretching thin the plot of and time allotted to the primary tale. For example, I adore Captain Harker who is the captain of the ship on which Elizabeth attempts her escape. He is a supporting character with a ton of integrity. His actions give Elizabeth the ability to trust another human. It is endearing how he cares for her in his own polite way.
The ending of the story was “perfect” for the situation and again brought forward an array of emotions, but this time a bit different from the earlier scenes. It was a touching, albeit simple, way to wrap up the tale... perfect.
I absolutely loved this novella. *sigh* I cannot say enough about how great the Iron Seas series is. This novella is a stand alone and can be enjoyed by all. It is a sweet romance, suspenseful action, exquisite steampunk world and all around wonderful story.
Bottom line: Amazing adventure full of rich detail and complex storytelling that will blow you away.
5 stars
Overall, Fire & Frost offers three wonderful tales, each very different, but all exciting, romantic and fun!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Liaisons
Code of Shadows:
Iron Seas:
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Time by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Time
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Kiss Across Time Book #1
ISBN: 1927423864
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback (162 pgs), e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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A single kiss can change more than one life...or two.
Taylor Yates is fired for insisting the 5th Century Arthurian poet, Inigo Domhnall, existed. When she hears Domhnall's lyrics in a death metal song, she engineers a meeting with lead singer, Brody Gallagher. An unintended kiss sends them spinning back to the poet's time, when Saxons were pillaging King Arthur's Britain.
Brody's all for kissing her again. More, he wants her to kiss his friend and lover, Veris, to see what will happen. When Veris' kiss sends them back to the time of the Vikings neither man is willing to let Taylor simply walk out of their lives.
But Brody and Veris are more than lovers and sexual playmates, as Taylor learns when they investigate the kisses that send them across time. The secrets they share have the power to completely alter her life.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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This is the paranormal version of The Time Traveler's Wife...except everyone can travel, and it happens DURING SEX!!!! How freakin' cool is that?!?! HEAT INDEX: 4.75 – Holy Smokin' Hotness! **fans self**
This is gonna be a down-n-dirty review, my friends. With only 162 pages, Kiss Across Time packs a powerful punch. World-building, character-building, and the construction of powerful and intricate relationships are carefully woven into the novella. Each fact, detail, sensory impression are purposeful and meant to tantalize the reader. And tantalize, Ms. Cooper-Posey did.
I'm pretty sure that the hot rockstar vamp and his partner-in-immortality were two of the most intuitive characters I've read in a long time. Brody and Veris are magnetic personalities. I was simply drawn to them, and cannot wait to read more about them! With Arthurian, Saxon and Viking references, the historical aspect wasn't over-done, and greatly added to my enjoyment of the title (because I'm a bit of a Viking, Saxon and Arthurian legend geek, naturally).
Taylor, the professor-next-door that was canned from her university position before being granted tenure because she dared to think differently. I was really intrigued by the premise of Taylor's thesis, and would LOVE to spend time hanging out with someone like her... except I'd want to discuss the literature aspect versus the historical aspect. Seemed like she'd be the type that would be able to discuss both. One thing that concerned me about Taylor was the fact that she seemed content to be 'bought out' of her theory... you'll understand when you get to that part of the story.
Menage. Smokin' HOTTTT! What I really enjoyed about this trio was the fact that Brody and Veris had an existing relationship, and Taylor appeared to fit seamlessly into what appeared to be a love and respect-filled pairing. It looked like they'd been traveling through time simply waiting for Taylor to arrive. Readers will love the time traveling, as well as what it represents for the trio.
I'm eager to read subsequent titles in Ms. Cooper-Posey's Kiss Across Time series. Book 2, Kiss Across Swords is available June 1, and a third title, Kiss Across Chains is slated for July 1. Sounds like I've got myself at least two fabulous titles to enjoy in the summer sun!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Review: Nightbound by Lynn Viehl
Nightbound
Author: Lynn Viehl
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Signet
ISBN: 978-0451239815
Lords of the Darkyn #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Beaumaris of York has many secrets. No human can know that he’s an immortal Darkyn assigned to Knight’s Realm, the Kyn stronghold disguised as a medieval theme park. And none of his brethren can discover that he’s a half-breed, rescued from slavery as a child. Lately Beau has been yearning for action—and he’s about to find it with his new mission.
Brilliant archaeologist Dr. Alys Stuart is infamous for her extraordinary theories—especially those concerning the mysterious Knights Templar—and she is unaware that her research is funded by the Kyn coffers. When the Kyn sends a vexingly good-looking man to assist—and protect—her, she doesn’t expect the surge of attraction she feels for him.
When a powerful Templar artifact surfaces, Alys and Beau must trust each other enough to stop mankind’s greed for immortality from sparking a war between mortals and Kyn that will destroy the world.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I am actually sad to see the Lords of the Darkyn series end! It was an action-packed, quick-moving off-shoot of her previous Darkyn titles. Guess I may have to pick 'em up for a fix!
Nightbound, the final title in Lynn Viehl's Lords of the Darkyn trilogy hit it out of the park for me! Replete with action, adventure, and a fabulous wrap-up for the spin-off series, this book definitely was an excellent 'closer'! Rarely do I enjoy the last book of a series as much – or more – than the first book. I am somewhat biased toward world-building, and generally fall madly in love with the world at that time. Other books seem like a bit of a let-down in comparison. Not so with this title! HEAT INDEX: 3.5 out of 5, but there was delicious sexual tension throughout!
Lords of the Darkyn was my first venture into Ms. Viehl's world of the Kyn, so I'm not sure whether any of the others mentioned in the series had backstories in prior titles, but it really doesn't matter. The trilogy presented three focus couples – one in each book – and I have to say that Beau and Alys were my favorite! I drooled over the Robin of Loxley lore in this book, and found that Nightbound expertly combined both worlds and left me with just a content sigh & a smile. Not many books can say that!
The Robin of Loxley lore was one of the plot points that drove me through this title. I'll be honest. Nothing compares to a good Robin Hood fanfic or re-imagining. Nightbound was no exception. From the first mention of Richard Tremayne, Nottingham, and Robin, I waited with baited breath for the next murmuring about this infamous tale. I loved the spin Ms. Viehl placed on the story. The addition of the Templars – a theory I'd always entertained with regard to the Sherwood tale – well, that absolutely drove home my **need** to finish this story. I'll be honest. I read it in about 4 hours. Four (pretty much) consecutive hours. The family insisted I go to a movie with about 20 minutes of reading left. The ending hovered over me the entire time I was at the movie. Theories running rampant in my head. I swear, the family KNEW exactly where I was in the book & decided that the 2:25 PM movie would be the perfect choice to rip me away from my book. **grumble**
Beaumaris, our dashing hero, was brilliantly described:
The crystal chandeliers overhead sketched him with thin slashes of amber light, from the tigereye streaks in his thick sorrel hair to the blunt toes and buckled straps of his dull black boots. His shoulders and chest filled out his leather jacket with enough bulge to make Alys think bodybuilder, but the elegance of his strong hands belonged to a musician, and the long, beautifully muscled stretch of his legs suggested an athlete. He was the tallest and most well-built male in the bar.
Formerly a Templar, Beaumaris (a.k.a. Beau) was now part of Jayr's garrison. He's over 700 years old, and he has been a phenomenal fighter for the duration. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised in a home with the head of the garrison who thought of him as a brother. Installed on a secret mission by Richard Tremayne, High Lord, Beau is charged with keeping tabs on an archaeological dig he's funded to obtain legendary Templar artifacts. Purported to have powers to create more Kyn. Um. Fountain of Youth was mentioned, too...Spanish missionaries, indigenous peoples... Yeah. A bunch of **my** topics! **happydance** Little did he know that he'd encounter Alys and her fabulous feminine wiles! What I liked most about Beau was the fact that he knew he was totally into Alys from the beginning, but let her take the lead. He put his machismo on the back burner, and let things develop at a clip that would keep the woman he loved comfortable with him and his eccentricities.
We had a fabulous description of our heroine, Alys, as well:
Tall and slender as a yearling filly, Alys had been graced with skin like sunlit snow, the eyes of a fawn, and the mouth of an enchantress.
Um. Wow. I think I have a girl-crush on Alys. She's smart, sassy, and fearless. Brilliant would better describe her, actually. Because of her upbringing – also orphaned at a young age – she has social skills & social confidence that are definitely far outside (below) the social norm. Oh, and she's my hero because she totally deals with her interns in a kind yet firm way. Jus' sayin'. I can't really discuss much about Alys without giving away this fabulous story, but suffice it to say that I love the way her brain works.
As for supporting cast, we had treason, attempted murder, and a phenomenal leader in Jayr with a sexy, protective partner in Byrne. As the bastard daughter of Robin of Loxley, Jayr was... well... you'll have to read about all the fabulous connections here! They all eventually circle back to the main conflict in the story, however. Mmmhmm. Love.
I'm really sad to see the Lords of the Darkyn trilogy end, but Ms. Viehl has quite a backlist of other Kyn stories to sate my hunger for this fabulous world she's created.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Review: My Wicked Nanny by Ann Mayburn
My Wicked Nanny
Author: Ann Mayburn
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Loose ID
Club Wicked #2
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Young nanny Anya Kozlov takes a job at the elite BDSM club, Wicked, in order to pay for her upcoming trip to Paris. Donning a mask to disguise herself she uses the fake name of Dove. On her first night she is shocked when she finds out that the man she is a nanny for and has an enormous crush on, Jesse Shaw, is also a member of Wicked. When Jesse expresses his interest in teaching her about the dark pleasures of Dominance and submission Anya is helpless to resist, even though she is lying to him about who she is.
Jesse can't seem to get Dove, out of his mind. It's been five years since his wife passed and for the first time he feels something beyond physical lust or friendship for a woman. He is angry and hurt when he finds out that Dove is really Anya, his meek and mousy nanny. With only a few weeks left before Anya leaves for Paris, Jesse is determined to get her to not only tell the truth, but also mark her heart and soul so that she doesn't forget him when they are an ocean apart.
What I’m talking about:
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Anya Kozlov has dreams to travel to Paris to become a fashion designer, and her salary as a nanny isn’t going to get her there soon enough. Her design mentor recommended Anya take a job as a server at a private, exclusive BDSM club so she can earn the cash needed to get to Paris. After passing their extensive background checks and training, Anya is ready to start her new job. She takes the name Dove and dons a mask, keeping the “real” Anya private. However, on her first night when she sees her boss (father of the children she cares for), she’s worried her cover will be blown.
Anya has had a crush on Jesse ever since he hired her. So when he doesn’t realize who Dove truly is, Anya takes up his offer of pleasure. Although Anya wants to come clean about who Dove is, she is too afraid he’ll fire her and hate her. She struggles between her growing feelings and her desire to do what’s right.
I absolutely LOVED reading My Wicked Nanny! The combination of the couple’s budding romance, innocent love and deliciously naughty sex made this story one of my favorites. Right from the start, I was enamored with Jesse and Anya and couldn’t help but get wrapped up in their mutual attraction. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a sweet romance with a healthy dash of smuttiness.
My Wicked Nanny shifts the point-of-view between both Anya and Jesse, allowing the reader insight to both characters innermost feelings. This enhanced every interaction, allowing me to understand both the characters’ desires and fears, creating a deeper connection.
Anya is written perfectly. I adore her mixed emotions when at first she struggles with the knowledge that Jesse doesn't recognize her and then later when she weighs her options of how to “come clean” with Jesse. I absolutely loved her first “morning after tirade” over getting intimate with Jesse yet not revealing who she was. Her warring emotions are well detailed with a pinch of sarcasm and wit to make it incredibly entertaining.
Again, I also love the mixed feelings of Jesse when he discovered the truth about Dove. He is angry and feels betrayed, but realizes he cares for her and wants more. Then he feels she needs to be free and not tied to him and a little ashamed he didn't see it sooner. The details Ms. Mayburn pours into the characters feelings is sublime.
There is one particularly intense scene when Jesse confronts Anya over her true identity. I admire that rather than drawing out the secrecy, the couple must deal with their situation head-on. The scene had me in tears, and my heart ached for them both. It is a very well-written exchange.
In addition to the beautifully detailed emotional journey, the story is filled with intense and erotic sex scenes. This story is not for those that prefer fade to dark and behind closed doors lovemaking. This is a BDSM story and the pair learn to enjoy each other and the joys of a Master/sub relationship. They engage in rough, kinky sex because it's what they like… it's not a tool used to punish or get over any messed-up past. This quote, stolen from Jesse’s thoughts, sums it up perfectly:
Sometimes his girl was in the mood for it rough and nasty-well, most of the time-but he also liked to make love to her.
Except he liked to make love with ropes and clamps.
In the end, I was just head-over-heels happy for Jesse and Anya. I adored their budding romance and friendship set along side their developing Master/submissive relationship. The romance is simple and sweet, and although there are a few minor complications, they are dealt with quickly, leaving any contrived drama behind. Their sex is mind-blowingly hot and kinky, but it’s the sharing of their inner-most feelings that makes My Wicked Nanny such a great story.
My Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
and has also earned the title of one of...
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