Possession: A Little Harmless Military Romance by Melissa Schroeder

This past weekend I wanted to read something short and quick read with a little steam too. I have definitely found that this weekend with Melissa Schroeder's Possession: A Harmless Military Romance.

In the story you have a Navy Seal, Deacon Berg who is attending a buddies wedding when he see's his ex-wife Samantha. There issue was never about sex, actually that was the best thing going for them. The problem lied with Sam's insecurities which were cause by her parents. One thing leads to another and they end up in bed together. Deke realizes that his biggest mistake was leaving her and so he vows to fix it.

I can't really go into too much detail after all it is a quick read and I might give too much away. I loved it. The story was amazing and it was a lot of fun. So, if you are looking for something quick with a lot steam, I would say look no further.

A Gentleman Undone by Cecilia Grant

Alright everyone, I got the opportunity to read A Gentleman Undone by Cecilia Grant which was provided by Goodreads. I was really surprise that I was selected to read this book. I mean what were the odds.

If you are looking for a happy, cheery romance novel I wouldn't suggest this book. The story line is a dark one, however, well written. You have Will Blackshear basically coming home from the war on the continent with some heavy, dark secrets that he would like to carry with him to the grave. One night he notices a woman, Lydia Slaughter, who happens to fleece him out of 180 pounds. Lydia is one smart cookie who knows how to play the game of life. She especially knows how to play a good game of cards. She sees an opportunity and takes a chance on Will. So, there adventure together begins. 

For most of the book, I had a really hard time with it. Let me be honest,  I don't have a problem hanging out in a gaming hells; my issue was with Will being so noble and trying to be so good. When you have a character who is trying to keep his past from anyone else it gets a bit trying. 

With all that said, I probably still would have bought the book, because of the plot; it intrigued me. Would I have finished the book, eventually. I would had to read a couple books in-between to get me through this one. Is it well written, absolutely. So, if you are looking for a darker romance novel, look no further.  

Beyond Seduction: A Bastion Club Novel by Stephanie Laurens

As you all know I occasionally will listen to a book on tape, which Beyond Seduction was my book of choice this go around. Ok, I got this book sometime in the middle of May and I'm just finishing it. Heres the reason why: my daughter is out of school and I just can't tune her out on a walk. I don't think she would appreciate walking for at least 30-40 minutes while I listen to a chapter. I would never finish the book, because she would whine and complain. No fun. So, I have been squeezing in times to listen to this book. Really, squeezing in. Almost a month later, I finish the book. It wasn't I didn't like it. I actually loved it. Just trying to find the right time to listen to it with out the interruption of children, which is a little difficult.

Remember in a previous post that I have this habit of jumping in a series, well it has happen again.  However, this time it was book six. Almost to the end of the series. However, through out the book it could have stand alone, but it wasn't until the end of the book where it might be important to read the other books before this one. Majority of the book focused on the budding relationship between Madeline Gascoigne and Gervase Tregarth, the Earl of Crowhurst. Let me say the this relationship was entertaining, because Gervase didn't believe he could find a local girl that would fit his criteria. However, to his surprise Madeline actually fits his criteria. I'm guessing that the villain makes an appearance in previous book, because he gets away in the end. Sorry if I ruined that for you. It was the one way to keep you reading this series.

When I have finished the pile of books that I currently have, I plan to go back and actually read this series. I really liked the one book that I listened to and it has enticed me to read the rest. Another thing I found interesting, with this audio version was a guy reading it. I don't know, but it was awesome to hear a male voice reading a romance novel, it just kinda melts your heart hearing it. Overall, loved it and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the stories and finish the series, one day.

Secrets of a Scandalous Bride by Sophia Nash

There are two things I do the most. The first is I look for a good deal. I love when books are on sale. It makes me want to do a happy dance. I also love that when I find a good deal and its a great read. The second thing I do is find a book that is in a middle of a series. I don't do this on purpose; it just happens. Trust me I'm notoriously picking a book in the middle of series I don't know why or how. However, I find out  when I get close to the end of a book. Then I notice it's book three or four in a series. Oops! So, I enjoy it when I can read it and not worry I didn't read the first couple of books. However, there are some books you can't do that. However, Secrets of a Scandalous Bride can be a stand alone book. For those that are wondering what book it is; it's book four in the Widow's Club. With that said heres what it's about.

Miss Elizabeth Ashburton is masking around as a widow trying to avoid General Leland Pymm. Let's say even though he is a revered war hero, he is a bastard of the first order. Everyone loves him and he is about to become a duke. At a friend's wedding she notices General Pymm and Elizabeth makes her great escape. However, you know the old saying out of the pan into the fire, well, it applies here. She ends up in the coach of a notorious Mr. Rowland Manning. He's the bastard son of the former Earl of Wallace and half brother to the current Earl. So, there is a price Elizabeth must pay in order for Mr. Manning to keep her safe. I don't know how safe that could be, after all how can you trust a scoundrel?

Ok, let me say I loved this book. It was amazing and I couldn't put it down. The book was highly entertaining and with some twist I would never would have seen coming. It was worth the time I took to read it. I would even recommend you guys to read Secrets of a Scandalous Bride. 

More Than a Stranger by Erin Knightley

Last week I headed to my local Barnes & Noble to pick up Erin's debut novel, More Than a Stranger. So, I scour up and down the romance isle in search of her book. To no avail I couldn't find it. What! How can this be, it was suppose to be out that Tuesday. Determine to make my purchase that day, I sought the help of an employee and asked if they had a received Erin Knightley's book. I informed the employee it was to be release that day, so we mosey on over to the computer. The book in question showed up in the system, so the very nice employee checked the back to see if was ready to be shelved. To my relief, it was. YAY!  Before I could meander over to the check counter, I asked the employee who helped me get the book if she could take my picture with the book. As you can see, she was sweet enough to do that for me. She probably thought I was crazy and that's fine with me. As you can see there's a cheesy picture of me with Erin's book. Now you know the crazy story, here is what I thought of the book.

We have the first book to a new novel to a brand new series. It's always interesting to see how the characters will develop in the story. We have Lady Evelyn Moore (aka Evie) who starts writing to her brothers friend when he went of to Eton. She was so sick and tire of hearing how great his new best friend, Benedict Hastings, was. Evie decided to take matters into her own hands and decides to write him a letter to state that he was not Richard's best friend, but she was. So this starts a friendship between Hastings and Evie. They wrote to each other and then all of the sudden the letters start, which causes Evie's broken heart. We jump ahead and we meet an older Evie and Hastings. So, we see the inner struggle that Hastings is dealing with trying to keep all his secrets from his friends and family. At the same time, trying to keep up the facade that his name is James Benedict, while trying to keep his feelings for Evie at bay.

Overall, it was a sweet story of two friends who come to realize that love can start at a tender young age. And with that said, love at that age can be a tad bit fragile.  I liked the book and I look forward to reading more books from this up and coming author.

Congratulation Erin for your new book. 

Impetuous Innocent by Stephanie Laurens

First of all, I haven't really had too many experience with reading Stephanie Laurens. This was the first book I read of hers. Well, I have a friend who has read a number of her books and has said that she was a fantastic writer. Let me say this, it is well written book. However, if you are looking for hot and steamy, this is not the story for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sweet and warm romance, look no further.

Georgiana Hartley leaves her home in Italy after her father's death to live with her Uncle. Once she reaches England, she comes to find out that her Uncle has passed away and now in the care of her  lecher of a cousin. So, she decides to escape his grasp early in the morning to seek the help of Dominic Ridgeley, Viscount Alton. Well, he's not much better, because he is a know rake. Dominic is in no hurry to find himself leg-shackle at anytime soon, so he sends her off to live with his sister. During the course of the season Dominic has to save her from her naïve self and in the process starts to fall for her.

Ok, the first time I read through this book, I didn't care for it. However, I did get a chance to re-read this book and to my surprise I really enjoyed. The story wasn't that bad. After all, it was really sweet. So, let me re-iterate if you are looking for a hot steamy romance, this is not it. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sweet romance check this story out.

Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half by Samantha Grace

Last night I finished Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half. Let me tell you, I have been waiting for this book to come out. First of I loved her first book and was excited that I got my hands on her second book. Now, I'm anxiously waiting for the next book, and I'm sure its going to be great.

Definitely, different from the first book. Where Drew is a scoundrel of the first class, Jake Hillary is the complete opposite. Jake tends to put family first and looks out for everyone he cares for. His over-protective nature tends to get him into trouble at times. Lady Amelia Audley is still upset from Jake's treatment the year before. However, his brother sees Amelia and wouldn't mind jumping in her bed. However, Jake would rather see Amelia with him than his debauched brother. So, the brothers have a "friendly competition" to see who can get close to Amelia. Fortunately, Amelia would rather be with Jake, because she still carries a torch for him. Jake and Amelia finally come to an understanding and beginnings to clear the air of the past.

Ok, if that was the end of the story it wouldn't be a very good story. However, it's not. Samantha Grace tends to throw a twist here and there in her stories, so I was trying to guess what it was. Well, my guess was completely wrong. Oh my goodness, the twist she had in there was amazing, and let me say I would never have guess the twist she picked. So, go check out Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half its definitely a fun read.

The English Lieutenant's Lady by Ava Stone

This last week Ava came out with her new book. I'm always excited when she comes out with a new work, because I just love her work. In my last blog entry I talked about her first book in Heroes Returned. I wondered why Philip ended up with an injury and he didn't have it in A Scandalous Pursuit. Well, my internal question was answered in The English Lieutenant's Lady.

Well, the Avery boys and Moore were call back to duty. Now they are returned again. We know that Captain Avery is engage to Miss Phoebe Greywood. However, he seems to forget about her and she  starts to question the reason she's engage to him. Lieutenant Tristan Avery can't stand his brother's whoring around and can't stand the treatment of the girl. Phoebe and Tristan have this animosity towards each other that stems from a misunderstanding in a previous book. Even though Tristan isn't too fond of Phoebe, he still can't stand his brothers treatment of her. However, Tristan and Phoebe find themselves drawn to each other. Who would have guess that one?

Overall, I love this book. Tristan is such a great guy and too bad more guys aren't like him. He does the honorable thing even when it hurts him so much. I can't wait for the last book in the Heroes Returned and it should be interesting to see how Captain Avery learns to cope with his humiliation. So, I hope you get a chance to check this book out. By the way, out of Cordelia's brothers Tristan is my favorite.

My Favorite Major by Ava Stone

Well, good morning y'all. Well, I have finished My Favorite Major, and decided to write about it today. Ok, let me be honest I read it when it first came out in early March and I hadn't decided to start my blog yet. However, I decided to re-read it again since book 2 of the Heroes Returned just came out. I needed to be prepare myself for the next book. So, let me get on what I thought of the book.

Major Philip Moore is still suffering from a broken heart, since we read about his return in A Scandalous Pursuit. Where he lost the girl of his dreams to the wicked Duke of Kelfield. However, his buddy Russell Avery thinks he needs to get over Olivia and move on. Russ thinks that Miss Amelia Pritchard is the perfect solution to the problem. Amelia decided to come stay at her cousin's house to escape an ex-fiancé. While in London she meets Major Moore and has decided to become his friend. No use getting high hopes since he has a broken heart. However, situations throw them together and they might find out that they actually suit each other.

I like this story, because I love happy endings. I'm so happy to see Philip find love. You wouldn't think he would after reading what happen in A Scandalous Pursuit. This is really sweet story with a an honorable, kind major and a sweet tenderhearted girl. However, you do have a psycho ex-fiancé roaming around. I hope you enjoy this book as I have.

Because of You by Jessica Scott

Last night I finished Because of You due the fact I couldn't sleep. A lot of it has to do with, we were in a tornado watch. Let me just say I don't do well with that. I'm surprise how well I handle the north west part of Louisiana when we lived there. However, I need to write about what I thought about the book.

In the story we meet we meet  Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison, he's about ready to head back to Iraq and he wants to go. He pretty much has nothing left in the states until he meets Jen St. James the night before he leaves for his assignment. Instant sparks between them. While he's over there, a mission goes completely wrong and he comes back to the states not the same person. Shane and Jen have issues from there past that they need to overcome before they can move forward.

I really liked this book. I personally, think that it gave a perfect description what happens on both ends of war. You have Shane over in the sand box fighting for what he believes will make a difference. Then you have Jen who is stateside trying to help friends in need, because they need that extra support. At times we are at a lost of what a family might be going through while a love one is away. Truly a fantastic read and glimpse in military life. 

On a personal note, no matter what branch of the military these families might be serving in, they each have there own trials. However, the trials might vary from branch to branch. It truly takes a special person to live with the demands that may come with the service of ones country. I'm thankful for all the men and women who serve this country. Even my husband; even thou I don't tell him often. But I think he gets the picture, because I'm willing to support him.

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Ok, I bought this book when it was good deal not knowing it was an inspirational romance. I loved premiss of the book, so I got it. I mean a girl accidentally kills her father, because he was abusing her mother. So, she was just trying to save her mother. In the process of running away, she over hears something that she shouldn't have and tries to run away from that situation. Well, she ends up getting strangle to the point that she loses her voice and so she becomes the silent governess.

Overall it was a good book, however, it was lacking the steam that I like to have in my romance book. Don't get me wrong it was written well. However, it wasn't what I wanted at the time. Would I re-read this book, no. I know that it would be perfect some people, just not me. If you are looking for an inspirational book, this is a good book to read.

The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen

I have to say I'm starting to really like pirate stories and here's why: I get to use words like swashbuckling. Now, who doesn't love the word swashbuckling? I mean come on that word is a lot of fun to say.

In the story we have two strong will people. First off we have Miss Raeven Russell, a daughter of British admiral who seeks vengeance for her dead fiancé. Sébastien Harcourt, marquis de Valère (aka Captain Cutlass throughout the book), is trying seek out vengeance for a friend who took him in when he was just a lad and was killed by pirate another. Both seeking vengeance for someone they cared about.

You have to love Raeven, I mean at the beginning of the book she issues a challenge to Captain Cutlass, because he's the one to kill her fiancé. However, there is one problem with accomplishing this task. Now you are wondering what could be the problem, I mean all she has to do is killed the bastard. It's kinda hard to kill someone who you're attracted to. Which happens to be a serious complication, but a fantastic read for you and I.

I love this story. It was a swashbuckling good time. Even though I get use my favorite word for pirate story it was a fantastic read. I honestly couldn't put it down. However, I do require some sleep in order to function throughout the day. If I didn't, I would have definitely forgone sleep to finish The Rogue Pirate's Bride. It is definitely worth getting and reading.

Three Weddings and a Murder

When I read on Twitter that Tessa Dare, Leigh LaValle, Courtney Milan, and Carey Baldwin were writing an anthology to raise money for the Avon Walk, I was excited. If you don't know the Avon Walk fundraises for breast cancer research. They actually plan to participate at the one in Santa Barbara, CA, which is near my hometown and I think that is so awesome. So, I hope that they do well with there fundraising efforts.

With that said I should tell you what I thought about the book. I loved it. I loved the stories and how they all focus on second chances and a new release on life. You start off with Tessa Dare, The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright, which is a fun story with the old saying that appearances are not always what they seem to be. Next you read Leigh LaValle, The Misbehaving Marquess, which is really about second chances and new beginnings. Afterwards you have Courtney Milan, The Lady Always Wins, which is all about seeing the big picture. And you have Carey Baldwin, Solomon's Wisdom, let me just say I didn't know what to expect and was shocked.

I hope that you all get a chance to get this ebook, because it is going towards a good cause. All the profits will be going to the research and treatment for breast cancer.

Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Another adventure out of the Regency period. Gasp, I know. Yep, this time my adventure is off to a new young adult book. Today's review is on Grasping at Eternity. I was amazed on how much I liked the story. I would call this book the essences of true love.

We have two main characters that have been together for many lifetimes. However, Maryah has no recollection of her previous lives with Nathaniel and the other kindrily. Nathaniel is coping with a broken heart and wondering why Maryah has erased her memories of their life together.

A sweet story of soulmates and everlasting love. As I said at the beginning I liked the story, I would even say love the story. Since this is the first book in the Kindrily series, I'm so excited to see more books to come out. However, I need to learn patience, because I have to wait. I hope that you will go check out this book, because it was such a wonderful read.

A Scandalous Past by Ava Stone

We are drawing to the conclusion of the Scandalous series. It's always sad to see an end of a series. However, I'm always hopeful that this is not the end. After all, there are a couple of characters from the series I would love see marry and have there own happily ever after. However, this is not the place to mention which ones need there need there own stories. Today we are focusing on A Scandalous Past. You remember how I said that the first and second book go well together. The same can be said with the third and fourth book.

In this book we find Miss Cordelia Avery wanting to escape her mothers house and for good reason. She figures that if she marries a guy like the Duke of Kelfield everything will be all right. She believes she found it in Kelfied's best friend the Marquees of Haversham, Marcus Grey (another scoundrel I love). Marcus is just looking for a certain kind of action and he figures he's found it with Cordie. Then we have the honorable Brendan Reese, Earl of Clayworth (a.k.a Lord Adonis among the ton, which he hates that name). Brendan is looking for these secret letters his mother wrote years ago and he figures that the Avery's have it due to the fact there family crest has a lion in it. In a way, he starts courting Cordie and realize he can't live without her. Cordie is torn between here the feelings in heart and freedom the freedom she wants.

However, if you really think about it, following your heart will usually lead you to the freedom you are searching for. Key word usually. What you will find here: A mad dash to Gretna Green (those are always fun), blackmail, and missing secret letters.

After reading this book for a third time, I think this book is number two in favorite in the series. To be honest, I think it has a lot to do with Marcus Gray. He is just... well, words just can't describe him. However, the fight over Cordie's affections between him and Brendan make it worthwhile adventure. I do hope you have enjoy my little reviews on my favorite series and I really do hope you guys go and pick it up.

Renegade Passion by Lisa Renee Jones

If you don't know by now I do occasionally jump out of my comfort zone in reading you should. Yes, I know I mainly read Regency or Victorian romance novels. However, not this time. I got a chance to take a look at Renegade Passion. I don't know how to really describe where it would fit into the world of romance, because it can fit into a couple of the sub-categories.

You have Kelvin Smith (Kel for short) who just got back from an assignment and is about to start a new assignment, which is a special unit at Area 51. Little does he know what it all entails. However, we jump ahead three years later to find out the girl he left behind is in trouble. Sonia Carmichael is a girl with a special gift, whose life is in jeopardy cause of it. Kel is a GTECH which are super soldiers that have had there DNA alter and they are trying to put a stop to this happen to other people. 

Honestly, I really like this novella. Novella's are great if you are unsure if you want to get into the series, particularly something like this. After reading Kel's and Sonia's story I really want to go back and read the others story. I mean who doesn't like a super soldier who is trying to save a world from a crazy mad man. I do plan to read the other books. It doesn't hurt to give this try since it's a quick short read that you might actually like.

A Scandalous Pursuit by Ava Stone

If anyone who knows me would know that the third book in the Scandalous Series is my all time favorite book. Come on my favorite scoundrel is in this book. I'm so excited to be writing my review about A Scandalous Pursuit.

Well, it all starts out at a house party at Prestwick Chase and if you remember it's mention in A Scandalous Charade. The house party is not going so well, and the young ones are bored. A lot can happen when the young are bored, most of the time it's not good. Which it is are good fortune that trouble is a brewing. Alexander Everett, the wicked Duke of Kelfield hears something that leads him to his wardrobe. Of course the wicked Duke would be naked when he opens the wardrobe and out comes a wide-eye innocent  Miss Olivia Danbury. What a fun way to start a book? Alex has decided to make it his goal to capture Olivia's heart before the rumors of her ruination hit the fan. Too bad things never go according to plan. Now they need to marry in haste to save Olivia reputation. Is that really enough, who knows? With a marriage of convince, will it work and will the wicked Duke and his wife find love in the process? Who is to say?

However, what you will find in the book is a hurried marriage to a very wicked Duke, which makes it oh so fun. Olivia's ex-betroth coming home from France, yes that can make things a little complicated. You have to love finding a duel in the book. I'm afraid if I say anymore I might tell you the whole book, because I love this book. As I said at the beginning this is MY FAVORITE book in the series. So, I hope you are getting a chance to read this series and will continue on.

A Scandalous Secret by Ava Stone

I'm so glad that Ava wrote this story, heres why: In the third book you see that Astwick acquires a wife somewhere along the line between the second and the third book. BeforeI read the third, I always thought Astwick needed a wife, because he was such a great guy. Then come to find out he has a wife. Hold up, where did she come from? That always puzzled me.

Heres the sum up of the novella: We have Lady Hannah Campbell coming back to England after being on the continent for 12 years and bringing back two sons. Chester Peyton, the Marquess of Astwick needs a wife after he made the bargain with the dragon (his mother) last year. However, Hannah's brother James MacFadyn, the Earl of Carteret has this animosity towards Astwick, which is explain in this story. A love so pure that was destroyed by a hateful dead brother.

Can there love be rekindle? Well obviously it can, if you read my opening. However, the story bridges the others together. Plus, its a quick read and won't take you very long to read. I hope you are enjoying this series and if not. Why not?

A Scandalous Charade by Ava Stone

Here is my excuse for this week on why it has taken me so long to finish a book. Well, this week I have been sucked into the Game of Thrones. I started watching season 1 sometime last week and I made it my goal to get all caught up before the next new episode. In doing so I have slack off in my reading (as I hang my head down in shame).  Now I am all caught up my watching, I can get back to business to review books I read.

The previous blog talks about A Scandalous Wife, and now we are moving on to book 2 A Scandalous Charade. I would call this a sister book to the first book, because they share some of the same timeline. However, they do splinter off nicely and you do have two separate stories from each other. By the way was done very nicely, I did not feel like I was reading the first book.

In this book, we focus more on the relationship of Juliet St. Claire and Lucas Beckford. Juliet is described as the "Ice Princess" to all that know her and an heiress. Luke is a scoundrel of the first order. Luke's buddy Hayward enlists his help to melt the "Ice Princess" so he can marry her and get her money. Luke gets to know her and decides that he wants Juliet for himself. Not to marry of course, what scoundrel does that, right? They strike up a bargain, so they can pretend to court each other. However, it goes horribly wrong. She had the audacity to fall in love with him. After making a biggest mistake of her life she does what most do in her circumstances, flee to the country. That's when her life gets turn upside down and needs to flee for her life.

What you will find in this book: compromising situations, attempted murder (who doesn't like that), death, a bastard of an uncle, and of course a scoundrel.

As I said before I love this series. And if you followed my advice about the first book you need to get the second one to see if everything works out with Juliet and Luke.

A Scandalous Wife by Ava Stone

I'm so excited to do a review on this book. Lets be honest I'm excited that I will be reviewing this series in the next couple of weeks. I LOVE this series. You get see why in todays post.

Let me give you the background on how I came across this book. About this time last year Amazon was suggesting this series to me. I have been reading romance novels for about a year now (I took a hiatus on reading them), and was looking for something new to read. I told myself what the heck the story plot sounded interesting to me.

At the opening of the book you meet Robert Beckford, the Earl of Masten at his sister's ball. He catches a glimpse of a beautiful woman. Little does he know that it is his wife, Lydia. Five years earlier Robert marries the girl to save the reputation of his family. After the vows were said and done he dumps her off at one of his country estates never to think of her again. A little older now, Lydia decides that she is tired of being cooped up in her gilded prison. So, Lydia makes her way to London to enjoy a season, no longer caring what her husband thinks. Robert has an urge to get the situation under control again and get his wife back to her place back in the country. He comes up with a plan that no man of his standing could fault him.

What you will find in this book will be a scoundrel of a brother, a bastard of a brother, a vindictive ex-mistress, and an unfortunate past that makes this book a worth while read.

ALL my really good friends know that I LOVE this series. After reading the first book I told each of them (the ones who love a good romance) to get this book. So, you really should check this book out and I'm sure you will love it.