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15 new-to-me authors.
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Showing posts with label Signet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Signet. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Review: A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson
A Cursed Embrace
Author: Cecy Robson
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
The Weird Girls #2
ISBN: #978-0451416742
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other twenty-something girls—with one tiny exception: They are the products of a curse that backfired and gave each of them unique powers that made them, well, a little weird…
After Celia Wird and her sisters help master vampire Misha save his family, their powers are exposed to the supernatural community of the Lake Tahoe region. But fame comes at a price, and being “weird” isn’t always welcome.
To make matters worse, Celia desires the love of Alpha werewolf Aric, but his pack is bent on destroying their relationship to preserve his pureblood status. And once weres start turning up dead—with evidence pointing to the vampires—she must face the prospect of losing Aric forever. But the chaos only masks a new threat. An evil known as the Tribe has risen—and their sights are set on Celia and her sisters.
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una continue to enjoy the Weird Girls series. With the latest installment, A Cursed Embrace, we were stunned by the ending and feeling a little lost.
This urban fantasy series is from Celia’s point of view. In the last two books (well, the first novel, Sealed with a Curse and a prequel novella, The Weird Girls) we had a lot of interaction between Celia and her sisters; Taran, Shayna and Emme. One aspect that we love about this series is the connection and bond between these four very different sisters. Each one is not only unique in appearance, but in her particular curse (power) and personality. The way the sisters are able to live with one another is powerful – they even take each other’s moods and abrasiveness in stride. A Cursed Embrace, felt as if it didn’t have that. In some ways it parallels the feelings of Celia as she feels not just divided from Aric, but since she is no longer with the powerful Alpha, that she is apart from her happy wolf-dating sisters. The aloneness that comes across the pages is almost overpowering. We understand it and it is a powerful tool that Ms. Robson wields – but we didn’t like it. But isn’t that is the point?
There are two distinct moments in A Cursed Embrace where we hope (beg, plead, whine…) that Ms. Robson will give us novellas. The first is the relationship between Gem and Taran. Most notably where they finally connect – Taran and Gem are conflicted yet drawn together. The tension and release they experience in this novel (which is behind the scenes) would be a fun novella. The other is of course the events at the end of the novel. To avoid spoiling anything, there is a significant occurrence at the end that Celia is not privy to. It is that and the subsequent time after we would like to experience.
The world of A Cursed Embrace continues to keep us glued. The politics between the different groups of supernaturals – not to mention the inner politics, is fascinating. We appreciated that part of the overall conflict in this storyline was self-made. Because of internal politics and prejudice within the supernatural communities, they created the perfect environment for this new evil to rise. Yet in some ways it felt like they didn’t learn their lesson. This aspect along with the heartache Celia suffered at the close (along with the nature of her departure) creates a burning need in our desire for the next novel.
A Cursed Embrace also encompasses the love triangle that Celia has found herself in. We love the connection she has with Aric and that her inner tigress can relax. As much we love the passion and chemistry between them, we do not feel that Aric sees her as an equal. This grates on the ingrained personality that is Celia as the oldest sibling and most importantly her inner golden tigress (who has an overriding need to protect). Yet, there is no question that Celia is in love with Aric. Then we have the relationship between Celia and Misha. We love Misha and how he seems to respect her independent spirit. He allows her freedom of expression and her tigress the freedom to protect and hunt. However, he, too, has a need to protect her and wants more than friendship. The dichotomy between Misha and Aric is not lost on us. We know Aric cares deeply for Celia and we believe Misha does as well. For the first time in her life, Celia has options and it is heartbreaking to watch her choose. We would like to think that as the novel came to a close, Celia’s choice may not be binding…that maybe the future holds a glimmer of hope.
We apologize for the vagueness, but we certainly do not want to spoil this novel. Although we have a few reservations about certain aspects of A Cursed Embrace, we still liked the story. We really enjoy this urban fantasy. It is a great balance between light-hearted romance and gritty urban fantasy adventure and action. If you haven’t tried The Weird Sisters yet, please pick it up. You might be just as caught up as we are.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, July 5, 2013
Review: Dire Desires by Stephanie Tyler
Dire Desires
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Eternal Wolf Clan #3
ISBN: #978-0451240019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jinx is a Dire wolf without a pack. Kicked out of the house by his king, and living with a vampire named Jez, Jinx has been trying to undo the damage he unintentionally caused during the reign of the Dire ghost army, which unleashed some of Purgatory’s worst monsters on the world at large. But when he hears that an unshifted Were is being held in a psychiatric hospital, he immediately drops everything to help her.
Gillian Black has no idea what’s happening to her—and Jinx discovers that she’s not just any Were, but a Dire wolf from the original Greenland pack. He helps her escape and promises to keep her safe from the men—and the wolves—who are hunting her and to teach her everything about being a wolf.
He must also fight his feelings, wanting to claim her as his mate…at least until after he defeats the supernatural enemies that threaten all of them.
What I’m talking about:
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Gillian Black has been institutionalized for much of her teen years. Never knowing what was wrong, only that she didn’t fit, she yearns to run free, naked in the woods. When Dire wolf Jinx and vampire Jez investigate monster sightings at the institution, they discover Gillian and realize that she is a Dire wolf on the verge of shifting for the very first time.
Almost feral in nature, Gillian sees Jinx as an opportunity to escape, but doesn’t trust that he’ll keep her safe. The pair make it out of the hospital and to the Dire mansion, where the rest of the Dire clan welcome Gillian. However, she only feels comfortable with Jinx, so when he leaves, she escapes and follows him.
The third book of the Eternal Wolf Clan series starts at a fast pace and doesn’t slow down for quite a while. Not only do we learn about Gillian, but the story attempts to bring the reader up to speed with all of the happenings since the last book. One thing about this series is that there are always a few side stories that are featured almost as prominently as the “main storyline.” While I mostly enjoy this, sometimes it makes reading the story difficult to follow. For example, the first few chapters were choppy and the dialogue sometimes too vague, and if I didn't know the background it would have been tough to follow. But a recap was laid out and everything "big" from the previous two books was mentioned, so newcomers to the series could probably pick up Dire Desires without having read the first two books.
Even with the few difficulties I experienced reading the opening chapters, the storyline was pretty engrossing, and I really enjoyed the book overall. And after the first six or seven chapters, that roughness seemed to disappear, and the story flowed more smoothly.
I adored Gillian and Jinx. The fact that she is a full-blooded Dire (the first female one in the stories thus far) added dimension to her character and allowed the author to create a wonderful match between Gillian and Jinx. She was his equal (or better) physically, and her innocence and naivety never were the cause for Gillian to make poor decisions. The pair were sweet and romantic, but also hot and sexy.
The fact that Gillian was institutionalized for so long and that her parents are willing to pay an exorbitant ransom for her return when they have been so blatantly ignoring her creates quite the mystery. Trying to discover Gillian’s past and following her as she tries to remain free creates some suspense and a lot of excitement. The storyline was very entertaining.
As I mentioned earlier, there are other side storylines that are featured in Dire Desires. While it created some confusion for me at first, I enjoyed all of them. I won’t take the time to go into each, but I want to mention a couple that I discussed in my reviews of the earlier books. First, there is quiet a bit on the weres, and Liam’s quest to fulfill is place as king and reunited his packs. Together with the twins Cyd and Cain (who were trained by the Dires), the trio mature and make significant headway on their quest. Second, ex-FBI agent Angus Black is back in town, changed from his experiences detailed in the past two books. I am really happy with the direction his character is heading, and I enjoyed every moment he was featured on the pages. Well, there is one exception that comes at the very end of the book. Let’s just say I am EXTREMELY unhappy with the turn of events because Angus is left in a bit of a cliffhanger situation; however, I’m willing to overlook it for now, depending on the outcome in the next story. Even with that, both of these side stories add significant depth and interest to the book overall.
The conclusion of Gillian’s storyline was satisfactory, although a bit easy when it comes to her parents, but overall very enjoyable. As I mentioned above, some of the side stories are left open-ended, and there was an epilogue that I believe sets up the next book.
Overall I enjoyed Dire Desires, and it’s my favorite of the series thus far. Gillian and Jinx make a great pair. I liked the conflict caused by Gillian's parents and her perceived mental illness. I loved Cain and Angus, and I liked the heroic nature of vampire Jez. One great thing about the book is that much of the previous open-ended nature of the series was brought forth and either concluded, or there was significant progress made in a positive direction. Although I was not happy with what happened to Angus at the end of the book, overall Dire Desires is a wonderful read.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, June 21, 2013
Review: His Clockwork Canary by Beth Ciotta
His Clockwork Canary
Author: Beth Ciotta
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Signet
The Glorious Victorious
Darcys #2
Darcys #2
ISBN: #978-0451239990
Genre: Steampunk (Paranormal Romance)
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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History is repeating itself.
For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’ reputation.
Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers, and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it.
His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary, London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put their history behind him.
What Una is talking about:
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I have found that I love steampunk romance – that glorious mix of historical and science fiction all tied up with romance. It’s great escapism. Speaking of great escapism, the second novel in The Glorious Victorious Darcys is out! His Clockwork Canary is an exciting and passionate sequel to Her Sky Cowboy, leaving me salivating for the next book.
This second novel begins where the previous novel began, the death of Reginald Darcy. Unlike the first book that follows the path of Amelia, His Clockwork Canary follows Simon on his pursuit of the Triple R Tourney prize. What continues to be fascinating about this world is the blend of decades it represents. We get more of it in this novel than the previous.
The steampunk elements are related to a time machine that Briscoe Darcy created that sent him (during a world’s fair demonstration) to 1969. When the device returned, it was with the Peace Rebels – people from 1969 looking to stop the wars and devastation of the time by going back and urging the world towards peace. They had hoped to bypass those atrocities in our world’s history that took place after. However…things did not go as planned. Now this Victorian era has modern conveniences, some altered to work in this time period and Freaks. Freaks are those children who are the result of a Mod (a person from 1969) and a Vic (a person from the Victorian era). They are easily distinguishable by their rainbow sparkling eyes and they have a special ability (or more). Due to this, there are Old Worlders – those who wish to retain the Victorian era, and New Worlders – those who wish to embrace the new. In those two groups you also have the Flatlines – those that want to capitalized on the modern world and dominate. Not only does the Victorian era still have its social stratification, but now Freaks and Vics are forbidden to marry.
As the novel unfolds, we discover that Simon is feeling guilt-stricken by the situation the family finds itself in after his father’s death. Simon feels responsible for his family being near destitute and the fact that he was not assisting his father in his experiments. Simon has strived to make his mark on the world bringing pride to his parents and a little glory to himself. It’s tough growing up in the shadow of Briscoe Darcy, his cousin responsible for creating a time machine. Not to mention, Simon feels as if he is a shadow to his twin brother Jules, a war hero. Simon is compelled to win this competition as a means to alleviate his guilt and gain a little pride and glory back for his family and himself.
The notorious Clockwork Canary is Willie G. He is widely known for the titillating tabloid articles and being able to ferret out information. However, Willie hides a few deep secrets, one of which is that he is really a she. Even though this is a time period in flux, it is still restricting to women – meaning Willie would not have this job if she was a woman, and hence her deception. She works to keep her father afloat because ever since her mother was killed, her father has not been mentally stable. To complicate matters, she is estranged from her brother, Westley, who has taken off and cut ties with her and her father. Another secret Willie keeps is her connection to Simon. We discover that someone knows all of Willie’s secrets and uses those secrets to blackmail her into shadowing Simon on his quest. Once he finds something of merit for the Triple R Tourney, she is to contact the blackmailer at once so he can obtain it.
As His Clockwork Canary progresses, there is an undeniable connection between Simon and Willie – but they are both nursing their hurts and guilt from their own issues. However, watching them overcome these different obstacles was heartwarming. Just when you think they are past the point of no return, they come together again. There are a few cliffhanger moments that make this novel a nail bitter to the end. It was difficult to put down.
I will admit I felt that the sibling rivalry was not as noticeable or severe as it was built up to be. There is great love and affection between Jules and Simon, making it difficult to surmise he would feel a sense of lack as compared to his brother. It never seemed to come across that strongly – this deep rooted sibling rivalry. Part of me is pleased by it since I felt it was not necessary to the story. Also, I really liked Simon and just didn’t see the rivalry in his character. One thing I had hoped to be explained was the emotional connection or tie that existed between Simon and his brother because I felt he had that same emotional connection with Willie. I loved it, as it enhanced the rightness of their relationship, but I did wonder how that was possible.
All in all though, I really enjoyed His Clockwork Canary. Being able to see Amelia and Tucker was the icing on the cake. While researching for this review, I discovered a 1.5 novella, His Broken Angel, which I will be picking up. I have my suspicions on who it is focused on (I am so excited) which is why I am eager to get it downloaded to my Kindle. If you are looking for some fun, a bit fluffy, but exciting steampunk – pick up The Glorious Victorious Darcys. However, I really recommend you start with Her Sky Cowboy, it’s just as fabulous.
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed – Strongly Recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Beth Ciotta,
romance,
Signet,
steampunk,
The Glorious Victorious Darcys,
Una Review
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Thursday, May 9, 2013
Review: Time Thief by Katie MacAlister
Time Thief
Author: Katie MacAlister
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Traveller #1
Time Thief #1
ISBN: #978-0451417428
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Outcast due to their ability to manipulate time, shunned by the mortal and immortal worlds alike, a Traveller’s life is anything but easy.
Peter Faa is a member of the Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, all clues seem to point toward his own estranged family of Travellers. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but which one? They’re all experts in the art of stealing time...
After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs on a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu...
When Peter discovers his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.
What G & U are talking about:
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Time Thief is the debut novel in the new Traveller series. Overall, Gikany and Una enjoyed this campy paranormal romance with some detective drama on the side.
Maybe it is the similarities that Una has to the heroine, Kiya, but the light-hearted and rambling dialogue did not frustrate us during our read. It is actually quite comical to see our heroes, Peter and Kiya, go completely off topic bantering while in pressing danger. It reminds us of those silly slap-stick comedies we loved as we were growing up. The characters are in many ways stereotypical and occasionally lacking depth… but oddly it adds to the story rather than detracts. We feel it is because there are the one dimensional “bad” or “evil” characters, the one dimensional “good” characters and then there is a group of one dimensional characters that could be good or could be bad – we just aren’t sure. With this variety, it allows the reader to suspend reality and just enjoy the story.
The world that Time Thief takes place in is an interesting one. We found the idea of the Traveller intriguing along with the usual cast of “otherworldlies”. The mythology is not terribly complex but it is fascinating in regards to Travellers – we are quite ignorant on the subject. The existence of the Watch and their role in this alternate world is not surprising. However, how they work is a little strange. Also, Gikany and Una have to question the training program their agents endure since there were moments we had to question Peter’s powers of observation and his ability to connect the dots. Yet again, these little “elements” add to the relaxed and light-hearted feel of the novel. We would say it is akin to situational comedies like Friends, Three’s Company, Frasier, etc.
Although the mystery in Time Thief was very easy to figure out, we doubt anyone would have imagined the convoluted way our heroes finally figure it all out and save the day. Suffice to say, it is pretty funny as they all bumble around with the clues being fairly obvious. But the mystery is not the focal point. The crazy romance between Peter and Kiya is the main driving force. Gikany and Una had a difficult time in classifying this new series. We are unsure of what the next book holds, but we were torn between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Due to our statement above, we feel this is a paranormal romance series and should be delightful to anyone looking for an irreverent, paranormal detective romp.
Time Thief is a quick and fun read for anyone looking for light literature – something to while away an afternoon or evening. We would also recommend it as a break between the more gritty urban fantasies. Gikany and Una found this series to be a bit refreshing and look forward to the next novel in the Traveller series.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Review: Whisper's Edge by LuAnn McLane
Whisper's Edge
Author: LuAnn McLane
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Cricket Creek #4
ISBN: #978-0451415578
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Cricket Creek, Kentucky, is a sweet river town known for its theater, shopping, and cuisine. But tough times are affecting the residents of the local retirement community—until a handsome hero shows up
Savannah Perry loves her job as social director of Whisper’s Edge, a retirement community on the picturesque waterfront of Cricket Creek. Raised in foster care, twenty-nine-year-old Savannah feels treasured and loved by the retired residents, who treat her as their adopted granddaughter and rotate having her over for dinner. But the community is struggling to stay afloat financially—until Tristan McMillan swoops into town, rescues a dog, and, well, saves the day
Business-minded Tristan bought Whisper’s Edge from his estranged grandfather to prove his worth to the curmudgeon and to turn a quick profit. He never expected to fall for the charms of a village of crafty retirees—or to fall hard for a small town girl like Savannah. Suddenly the man who knows all about making money finds himself needing lessons in love and what really matters in life
What Ang is talking about:
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Whisper's Edge is part of the Cricket Creek Series, and although I was completely unfamiliar with the series it didn't keep this novel from being fun and engaging. The back stories of the other characters weren't overwhelming or distracting from the main storyline, always a plus when one comes in in the middle of something.
The synopsis tells us this story is about Savannah and Tristan; however, I felt like Kate and Ben's tale was just as strong of a storyline, which was why I was disappointed when Kate and Ben's story stopped so suddenly, and why I found it frustrating that we never really deal with their story completely. Maybe Ms. McLane is planning to save them for her next novel, but if that's the case then they should have been introduced and given the role of secondary characters rather then having so much of the novel focus on them.
Another issue I had with the book is the lack of in-depth background for many of the characters. For example, we never really understand Tristan's issues with his grandfather or his lack of a father, or why it is that Savannah, despite a difficult youth in foster care is so optimistic and upbeat. There were a lot of holes in the background that I would have like to have seen addressed. I would have better understood them being glossed over if the novel was running long or a slow read, but neither were the case with Whisper’s Edge. So it felt like Ms. McLane teases us without really giving us any answers, something that never sits overly well with me in a book.
Despite all of my issues, I must admit the book was enjoyable, light-heated and a perfect pool side read. It was super sweet, surprisingly funny, and poignantly real in its depth of emotion. I felt like it captured the struggle of life and love, and the baggage of both without getting overly heavy. It made me laugh out loud several times and was a lovely diversion into a quaint southern town for an afternoon. If you're looking for something to take to the beach, pool or read while waiting for the kids’ summer activities to finish, then this Cricket Creek Novel will work perfectly. Enjoy!
Ang’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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:
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Review: A Most Improper Rumor by Emma Wildes
A Most Improper Rumor
Author: Emma Wildes
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Whispers of Scandal #2
ISBN: # 978-0451239587
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (314 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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What is society to do when the diamonds of the first water are caught in compromising situations, one after the other? Can the young ladies survive the season with their reputations intact…or will the scandalous whispers surrounding them bring about the ultimate ruination?
Once the toast of the ton, Lady Angelina DeBrooke is no longer known just for her exquisite beauty, but more for her notorious marriages. Dubbed the Dark Angel, she has fallen in love for the first time and wishes to marry, but fears finding herself a widow for the third time. With two poisoned husbands and a cloud of suspicion hanging over her head, she turns to the only man in England who might help her…
Benjamin Wallace, Lord Heathton, isn’t interested in playing detective again, but when Lady DeBrooke approaches him in a quest to clear her name, he finds the challenge irresistible. Her second husband was an old friend, and when he takes a closer look, he catches the scent of a foe he has hunted before—and knows this is his chance to finally trap the elusive prey...
What Una is talking about:
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To me is nothing better than combing a good mystery with your historical romance. Ms. Wildes does another excellent job in her second novel in the Whispers of Scandal series, A Most Improper Rumor. The plot thickens between Lord Heathton and his most nefarious and sly opponent.
In A Most Improper Rumor we are introduced to Angelina, Lady DeBrooke – shunned by the haut ton for allegedly murdering her previous two husbands, she lives a quiet life in exile. That is until she meets Baron Lowe. Christopher never believed in love at first site, neither did Angelina, but when they first meet, they just knew. However, as much as Christopher wishes to make Angelina his wife, she fears that whoever murdered her husbands, will kill Christopher. Sadly, they live apart, living for those moments when they are able to secure their secret trysts.
Love can not only heal, but give hope, which can lead a lady to finding her inner strength and courage. Angelina, against her better judgment, approaches Ben, Lord Heathton in order to secure his assistance in discovering any information that might lead to the actual culprit of the murders. Much to Angelina’s surprise (she has been sufficiently snubbed by her previous peers), he agrees. Thus begins this next chapter in Heathton’s hunt for the very clever society/debutante stalker.
It seems this enemy has struck before, not just in his attempt to ruin Alicia, Lady Heathton’s niece’s debut (the previous novel, Ruined by Moonlight). As Heathton looks into Lady DeBrooke’s case, he discovers this foe enjoys exerting a control over the brightest star in each season’s debut; ruining one lady after another. But as Heathton uncovers more, the foe turns his attentions towards Heathton and what he holds most dear.
As captivating as Ruined by Moonlight was, A Most Improper Rumor was even more gripping. I thoroughly enjoy the continuing relationship between Alicia and Ben. The nuances of their relationship as they work to find common ground and happiness are poignant. Showing that the best relationships do require work – and how rewarding that work can be. It is also intriguing to see the comparison between Alicia and Ben’s relationship verses the relationship of Angelina and Christopher. The way Ms. Wildes is able to compare and contrast the relationships – whether intentional or not – is thoroughly fascinating.
Although it seemed to me that the instigator of this case is obvious, the conclusion of the novel was not. I hope there will be another Whispers of Scandal novel in the future, because I am very much enjoying this series. If you enjoy a little mystery/detective drama with your historical romance, you’ll love this series!
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Emma Wildes,
historical romance,
Signet,
Una Review,
Whispers of Scandal
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