Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

Last night I was able to finish Thief of Shadows. I have been hearing a lot about this book. The main thing I kept hearing was the hero was a virgin. I know. You don't find too many virgin heroes. Instead of focusing on the fact that the hero is a virgin let me tell you what the story is about.

Well, this is the fourth book in the Maiden Lane Series. All the stories of Maiden Lane take place in St. Giles. Not the safest place in London. We meet up with Lady Isabel Beckinhall who is to meet up with Mr. Winter Makepeace, the manger of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children. Yeah, I know a mouthful. Unavailable at the time she arrives she decided to head home, but Lady Beckinhall finds something in the road. Not really a something, but a someone, The Ghost of St. Giles.

The mysterious Ghost of St. Giles, goes around St. Giles saving the people while prancing around in a Harlequin outfit. No one knows who this masked man is, but the one who wears the mask. Which would surprise everyone. No one ever figure that the mild manner man, Winter Makepeace, would be the Ghost of St. Giles. Until he came across Isabel started figure out who the masked man is.

An amazing book by Elizabeth Hoyt. I love Winter's and Isabel's chemistry, each of them wears a mask in front of society not wanting the world to see their true selves. However, they are able to break down the walls for each other. Conquering fears that they both have to find their ultimate happiness. Such a wonderful book, which y'all should check out if you have a chance.






ARC from Netgalley

ARC: Pleasures of a Tempted Lady by Jennifer Haymore

Today's selection comes from Jennifer Haymore's Donovan Sisters series. We are checking out the fourth book in the series which is Pleasures of a Tempted Lady.

Eight years ago, Margaret Donovan was lost at sea and never seen again until she was spotted in a little floating boat by Captain William Langley. Will and his crew rescues Meg and the little boy with her. Will is in utter shock to see the love of his life alive. A miracle.

Meg has a hard time trusting Will, after all she just escaped a horrible wicked man by the name of Caversham. She is reluctant to share the secrets she keeps, but Meg gives a modify version to Will. Will's first mate, David Briggs, doesn't trust Meg and fears that Will be hurt helping her.

Meg is returned to her family and Will sticks around to rebuild the relationship they once had. By rebuilding the relationship they had before, Will had to drop a bombshell and Meg has a hard time with the information that she receives. In essence, Meg is learning to trust people again.

I liked this book. Pleasures of a Tempted Lady is an enjoyable read. Will is a hero you can love and he plays the hero part well. You have Meg's younger sister, Jessica trying to help her sister get out of trouble which leads her into trouble. Towards the end was a nail bitting experience. Overall, you might want to check out this book.

On a side note I plan to read the other sisters stories. So long and happy reading.

ARC: Touch Of A Scoundrel by Mia Marlowe

Touch of a Scoundrel is the third installment of the Touch of Seduction  series. Let me just say I do have the first book and I haven't gotten to read it yet. I know; shame on me. However, you know me and my habit of reading books out of order. I thought it would be fitting to do my review on Touch of a Scoundrel by Mia Marlowe, since it comes out this Tuesday. So, here's what you are in for:

You meet Emmaline Farnsworth and her foster father Montague Farnsworth who are trying to swindle Theordore Nash out of money. Little do they know that Teddy's coffers aren't exactly filled to the top.

Then you have Teddy's older wiser brother, Griffin Nash, the Earl of Devonwood, who doesn't trust Emmaline or her father at all. However, he can't seem to help the pull he feels toward her. Griffin tries to entice Emmaline to go after him, but Emmaline wants nothing to do with him after all it would jeopardize her future. No matter how hard they try to avoid there attraction, fate has already decided what the outcome should be. 

AMAZING book! I loved Touch of a Scoundrel. It's a definitely a page turner you don't want to miss.  Honestly, when I was reading it I couldn't put it down, I just needed to know what happen to Emmaline, Teddy, and Griffin and how it played out. Mia Marlowe is an amazing author that I plan to go back and read other works by her. 

So, what do you think of the cover? Isn't it fabulous?

Temptation and Twilight by Charlotte Featherstone

Yesterday I just finished Temptation and Twilight by Charlotte Featherstone. The third book in The Brethren Guardian series.

In the story, we see our hero Iain Sinclair, the Marquis of Alynwick, in his chambers of  with a woman who supposedly has information about the man called Orpheus. Debauching his way to get answers, Iain is emotionally closed off from the rest of the world, except to one. However, he never wants to reveal that information.

Lady Elizabeth York, a strong, beautiful, intelligent, and innocent woman. Well, not so innocent, after all she had a love affair with Iain 12 years ago and would love to forget that ever happen. Believing she's firmly on the self being almost 30, catches the eye of Lord Sheldon. She never thought she would have a suitor after loosing her eye sight around the age 19.

Iain is not to please to find Lizzy hanging on the arm of another man and decides to make his presences know. Basically marking his territory. However, Lizzy wants nothing to do with him after all the pain she suffered from him. Iain has information Lizzy has been dying to know and is willing to use it to get her back.

I liked Temptation and Twilight. However, I did find some of the parts of the story a bit slow at times. Overall, the story was well written and I didn't feel like I was missing information, because I hadn't gotten a chance to read the other stories. Towards the end it does pick up and I was shocked by some of the information revealed. Let me say, I would never have guess the ending and that makes it amazing. I hope you might get a chance to check out this book and possibly the series too. 



ARC copy provided by NetGalley

The Sleeping Night by Barbara Samuel

Today's pick is an amazing book to read. It's not something I would have picked if I had read the back of the book. The main reason I picked this book was because of the author and I like her work. So, when I saw that Barbara Samuel wrote The Sleeping Night, I had to read it.

The story starts off in Gideon, Texas in 2005 at a bookstore. These ladies are gathered there to hear a reading of Angel Corey's experience growing up in Gideon. As Angel starts reading her story, we go back to 1926 where we meet a young Angel and her friend Isaiah High and there special friendship. A friendship that would be looked down upon during that time, giving the fact that Angel is white and Isaiah is black. We jump ahead 20 years in the story, we find Isaiah returning from World War II and trying to keep his feelings for Angel hidden from everyone including himself. However, circumstances throw Isaiah in the path of Angel. They rekindle there friendship.

AMAZING! Giving the fact that there love for each would be forbidden in the 1940s or given any other decade until after the civil rights movement. I love how Angel loved him no matter what his skin color was, she truly saw him as a person she could admire. Isaiah trying to keep them both safe by hiding his true feelings for her. What a powerful and moving story that is really worth reading. It gives hope to true love.



ARC courtesy of Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley

Camping Adventure at Yellowstone

Entering the Yellowstone

This past weekend I got a chance to view the beautiful majestic Yellowstone National Park. I haven't seen anything like it before. Granted I haven't really travel that much. My parents told me I have been to Yosemite when I was a wee bit. Of course, I can't remember. I don't expect my youngest to remember this trip, but who knows we might make the trip again. I kinda hope so that way we can fix what went wrong on this camping trip.

First of all, we had to leave right after my husband got off work. I don't think that was the best laid plan. We ended up arriving at Yellowstone around 10pm. Granted we only live about 4-5 hours away and there was no traffic. Still not the brightest idea. Plus, we had a cranky 17 month old, who loves his bed and bedtime. I understand that my husband was excited to see his sister who lives in Texas.

We arrived at the campsite and the boy is screaming like a banshee and is ready for bed. We hand him off to grandma and grandpa and they cart him off to their hotel. Now that is how they camp. That doesn't seem like a bad idea with a little one. My daughter gets to sleep with her cousin in a trailer, while my husband and I get to sleep in a tent or the Bravada. Let me just tell you it is not comfortable to sleep in Bravada with a 6 foot tall guy. I think I would have enjoy being in a tent and freeze to death.

The next day waking up sore, not my idea of fun. However, we got to see some cool stuff for example:

We saw buffalos and crazy people trying to get close to the wild animal. Hello, Wild Animal.

Old Faithful

We also got a chance to see Old Faithful. I have to say that was pretty cool.

Chimpmunk

After viewing some of the sites at Yellowstone, we stayed the night with my in-laws. I must say was better than sleeping in a car. The next day we decided to spend the day checking out other sites and then head home. I think the 17 month old appreciated this idea.

another waterfall

Steam Boat Geyser 

Waterfall

So, here are the other things we got to see while we were there. I'm sure I can fill this with a ton more pictures, but I think that would be over kill.

Next time we do a trip like this again. I want to plan a little more and be better prepare. I personally like a plan of action. Hopefully the next time we go camping we can have that. Here's hoping.

I better get back to some reading.

Captured By A Rogue Lord by Katharine Ashe

After finishing Swept Away By A Kiss, I decided I needed to continue reading another book from Rogues of the Sea Series. The next book in the series is Captured By A Rogue Lord.

In this book, we meet Miss Serena Carlyle, the best way to describe her would be a day dreamer. If have met her family you wouldn't fault her for being a day dreamer. For example, she has vindictive step-mother (however, that is being nice and would rather call her something else) who cares only for herself and neglectful father. However, Serena would love to see everyone happy that she cares about; especially her step-sister Charity. Well, her step-mother decides that a match between Earl of Savege would be the best thing for Charity. Alexander Savege thought it might be a good idea to marry Charity Lucas until he meets Serena Carlyle. Alex finds Serena so much alluring.

Oh my gosh, I loved this story. Who wouldn't want to cheer for Serena to find her happily ever after. I mean she learned how to survive her nasty step-mother. Then you have Alex trying to decided if love is worth sacrificing his secret life. An amazing story worth giving a try. However, you need to remember this is my opinion.

Swept Away By A Kiss by Katharine Ashe

This weekend I made a plan to read all of Katharine Ashe's books. Well, that didn't happen, but I was able to finish Swept Away By A Kiss. If you haven't read any of Katharine Ashe's book, get yourself ready for a journey across the sea.

Lady Valerie Monroe is ready to return to her native England and she boards the ship that  will take her home.  When she boards the ship comes across Viscount  Steven Ashford. However, he is masquerading as Jesuit priest across the Atlantic. Trouble occurs while on the high see and they are taken captive by a crazy pirate. Let me be honest, crazy is putting it mildly. Steven has a mission to catch a peer who is involved in slave trading. Then we have Valerie who is caught in the middle of all this. While all this is happen Steven is trying his hardest to keep Valerie safe from all things, even him.

I adore this book. I found Valerie to be someone we can all look up to. She is strong willed and brave; she is willing to risqué everything to find her happiness. We have a reluctant hero, who is afraid to let fate take its course. With that said, if you get a chance, check out Swept Away By A Kiss you might enjoy it as I did.

Twice Tempted by Marquita Valentine

I'm excited to share a new debut that I got a chance to read these past couple of days. Let me just say that Twice Tempted was amazing and I loved every minute of the book. I couldn't put the book down.

In Twice Tempted, we meet Zoe Ambrose a small town girl, who happens to be an author on her way to a book signing in VEGAS. Yep, that's right we are heading to Sin City. Once there she runs into the hottest actor alive Ian Romanov, literally she runs into him. Ian is smiting by her, so much so that he even gives her permission to use his real name, Christian. Christian realizes that this is the girl to help him clean up his image in Hollywood and Zoe wants nothing to do with it. However, Christian uses his charm to break down Zoe's armor. After her adventure in Vegas, Zoe heads back home to Holland Springs to lick her wounds and try to get her life back to the way it was. Christian decides to man up and try to fix things with Zoe. Is Christian able to do so? Hmm, I guess you just have to read Twice Tempted to find out.

Oh my gosh, I loved this story. I adore that Zoe is a walking disaster, not your typical female lead, which makes this book a lot of fun to read. You have Christian and his family, if you want to call them that. Plus, a lot trouble that happens in VEGAS.

FUN, FUN, FUN that you should check out. Which you are in luck, this week I'm gifting one lucky reader a chance to get Marquita Valentine's new book (in ebook format) Twice Tempted. All you have to do is answer the question and leave your email address. Next Wednesday, I will draw one lucky reader and gift them a e-copy of Twice Tempted.

So, here is the question: Have you gone to Vegas and done something crazy? If you haven't, would you do anything crazy?

Good luck.

The Bargain Bride by Barbara Metzger

Good morning everyone. I was trying to decide what book I wanted to write about today. Since I have so many books that I have read and want you all to know about them. Todays pick is The Bargain Bride. I read this about three times when I was starting my collection of romance novels  again. Let  me share the history.

When I started to reading romance novels again, I always got embarrass at some of the covers.  I got over that fast, since some of the covers are accompanied by some pretty good stories. Well, The Bargain Bride has a modest cover, so of course I bought it.

I love how the story starts out with a marriage agreement made when Persephone Goldwaite was 13 years old. Thirteen years later she still hasn't married Kendall Westmoreland, Viscount Westfield and she's fed up and has decided not to marry him. Come on 13 years is a long time to wait for a guy even if he has a titled. However, her father says no and they have to marry each; after all its in writing. Gotta love a forced marriage. Well, Persephone has a lot of insecurities due to the fact that she has been place firmly on the self for so long; when West finally marries her, she figures he couldn't get out of the marriage contract. However, he slowly falls in love with her.

Ok, if that was all to the story it would be pretty boring, but its not. In the story you have scummy step-brother who just wants Persephone's money, a wastrel brother-in-law, a conniving step-mother and bitter ex-mistress. You gotta love a bitter ex-mistress. I liked the story after all I read it three times. However, this my opinion of the book. So, if you want to check out The Bargain Bride it's a pretty good book.

The Medium by C.J. Archer

Most of y'all were probably at a BBQ, cookout, or whatever you do on the Fourth of July. Not me. I actually was a homebody yesterday and decided to read a book. Ok, I didn't  stay indoors the whole day I actually went to a couple of stores, but that's beside the point. So, by spending most of my day indoors I got to read a fun book that made me think of the Ghost Whisperer. Which by the way was my favorite show, but it was after it came to its conclusion 2010; you gotta love re-runs. While most of you were preparing your celebrations I was reading The Medium, which is the C.J. Archer's new book which is set in Victorian England.

 Emily Chambers is a girl in the 1880 who has a special talented, which is she can speak to ghost. After all, that would freak some people; what am I talking about the ability to speak to ghost would freak a lot of people out. Even though her talent freaks a lot people out, she is still called to help love ones and there ghost to move on. During one of there séance, her sister accidentally unleashes an evil demon to heart of London. By doing this, Emily ends up with a little help from the other side by the name Jacob Beaufort. While they are demon hunting Emily starts to fall in love with Jacob. Loving a ghost makes things kinda of complicated.

Since this is the start of a new series, I really like it. I hope that we get to see more of Jacob Beaufort in the series, because he's an interesting ghost with an interesting back story that still needs to be uncover. I love how outspoken Emily is, but when you talk to ghost I guess you need to be an outspoken kinda gal. I look forward to reading more adventures of Emily Chambers.

Too Tempting to Resist by Cara Elliott

Early this morning I got a chance to finish Too Tempting to Resist by Cara Elliot. Honestly I could put it down, it was an amazing read. Here's why:

You have an amazing, strong-willed heroine, Lady Eliza Brentford, who is trying to keep her brother's estate afloat. However, the dissolute brother has no clue whats going on and only cares what his cronies think of him. He invites the Marquess of Hadden, Gryffin Dwight, to the Abbey. Hadden could careless of what Leete does or say. On the other hand there are two reasons to go to the Abbey: first to have a chance to look at the landscaping and second to have another chance to see Leete's sister. After all Hadden understands plants and there secret meanings, but he wouldn't want that to get back to the Ton which would destroy his image of a notorious rake.

Absolutely amazing story! Who doesn't love a notorious rake with a secret love of plants and there meaning? Just to let you know that this is book two in Lords of Midnight series, but I was able to read this without having to read the first book. Since I have read this book I'm going to go back and read the first book, because the story line was incredible and worth the read. I mean it was emotionally moving and you just fall in love with the hero and heroine. I really suggest you guys to go and get this book, because I think you will fall in love with the story too.