Friday, December 31, 2010

When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer

When Harry Met Molly (Impossible Bachelors, #1)When Harry Met Molly, they both hated each other. They soon become friends, and from friends, into lovers. It was truly a sweet and wonderful read, seeing as to how the two experience emotions for one another. Which is why Kieran Kramer has officially established a spot on my Top Debut Authors of the Year, riiight next Sarah Maclean! I absolutely adore Harry because I love seeing rakes like him, reform themselves. As for Molly, she was just an awesome heroine. I love how she is so witty, brave, funny, and kind-- perfectly compatible with Harry. This is definitely one book that I'll treasure on my shelf forever.

I saved this book to read last, after the three that I bought for Christmas, and I'm really glad that I did! It was the best one out of the three because it had a combination of comedy, romance, steam, and even heartbreaking moments. If you love Julia Quinn, then I say you should seriously consider this book! There's not much I could say that would express my feelings about this book because I'm just overwhelmed with feelings. The story starts off with a prologue that introduces the moment when everything just went wrong for Harry and Molly. Because of what she did, it eventually caused Harry to join the army and she, to go to a boarding school in Yorkshire instead of London. After that, Harry and Molly have been enemies for years; pulling silly pranks and bantering with one another at every chance they meet. How cute is that! The story truly begins when The Prince Regent decides to hold a competition for the Impossible Bachelors, which includes Harry, Lord Maxwell, Captain Arrow, Lumley, and Sir Richard. The bachelor with the 'Most Delectable Companion' will win a year free of hassles from debutantes and the likes.

Well, I'll just say that the romance was the most enjoyable aspect of the whole book! Molly reluctantly becomes Harry's mistress for a week after being abandoned by her... supposed fiance. It was a very amusing moment but enjoyable nonetheless. After that week, nothing will ever be the same between then again. I'm always a shoe-in for romances that has childhood enemies into lovers! But yeah, during that one week of being false lovers, Molly soon realizes that Harry is her one true love forever. Heartbreaking moments everywhere after that confession to herself, and mind you, the romance was very well played out. I think Kramer definitely has a talent for writing because of that. Plus, it was very sexy and sweet! Juuust like chocolate and cake, heh. Cake... ;D

To conclude, When Harry Met Molly is a book that will make you laugh at one moment, and cry the next. Truly, this was a delectable debut that will have romance readers eat it right up! I'll be looking forward to the other Impossible Bachelors' books, especially Lumley! He is so cute and adorable. A solid 5 stars for this amazing debut by Kieran Kramer!!

Rating: ★★★★★

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Duke's Temptation by Jillian Hunterr

A Duke's Temptation (The Bridal Pleasures, #1) Despite some of the "controversies" about this book, I found this one to be rather funny and very romantic. A Duke's Temptation was my first book by Jillian Hunter and I'm looking forward to read more from her. Although this was not the greatest historical romance that I have read, I did find it to be enjoyable and the characters to be rather charming, witty, and also sweet! Sadly, I had a few unanswered questions that I did not understand... For example, what happened to Captain Jack Grace, Lily's ex-fiance? How exactly did he die? And, I would have liked to know more about Lily's reaction to the incident between Samuel and the villain of the story.

Something that I did love about this book was the romance between Samuel and Lily. It was very romantic-- which was quite obvious because he is a writer and she, a hopeless and romantic reader. When they finally got together, the love scenes was very sensual and hot! Samuel is sureee one good seducer. ;) As a reader, I wasn't really into the love at first sight thing (if you like that, this is the book for you), but it worked well for this book. Samuel and Lily both had an instant connection the first time they met at a masquerade party and they both shared a kiss. Even though Lily forgot to mention that fact that she was engaged! Gasp. Well anyway, Samuel found out and "gave up" on her but of course, something happened that caused Lily to break her engagement and have her reputation ruined in the process. She ends up deciding to relieve her family of her presence and lands a job as a housekeeper. Mind you, she did not know that her master would be the one and only, Samuel, the Duke of Gravenhurst. Coincidence? Naah, haha. After that, the love story truly gets started! I did love how the author combined Samuel's story, The Wickbury series that Samuel wrote, with his own reality. It was very amusing and interesting to read Lily's reaction after finding out that he was no other but Lord Anonymous!

To sum it all up, I give this book a 4 ½ stars. It was much better than the previous book that I had read, A Most Scandalous Engagement by Gayle Callen-- in which I gave a 4 out of 5 stars. Both the H/hr were strong and witty, even if the villain was not as strong as I would have liked. This book was an enjoyable read and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the Bridal Pleasures series!

Rating: ★★★★☆

Friday, December 24, 2010

Lust by Charlotte Featherstone

Lust (The Sins and The Virtues, #1) I truly have mixed feelings about this book. While reading it, I couldn't help but think that some of the things that Chastity was "enacting" with Thane... was wrong. Apparently, I let my morals get the best of me. Which is why I wasn't able to finish this book as fast as I thought I would have. But even with some issues concerning Chastity, the foreplay and the sexual tension between the two was hot-- as always from the one and only, Charlotte Featherstone. You have to admit that the description of the book and series itself is quite fascinating. Two faery courts, the Seelie and Unseelie. But in reality, which court is good and which court is the bad one? You'll just have to read it to find out! I'm truly looking forward to Mercy's story with Kian because with kindness, there is always jealousy lurking around the corner...

We all know that in most faery books, the Dark Fey is the bad guy right? But in this book, it actually questions the goodness inside of the Seelie. Even though they are described as pure beings basked in light and good, Lust explores the two courts, but sets the stage for the Unseelie instead. It's quite ironic, really, because the Unseelie is known for it's dark pleasures but readers will soon find themself questioning whether the Seelie is truly the bad guy and the Unseelie, the good. Anyway, even though the heroine urked me a little, I soon came to an understanding that it wasn't exactly easy for her to be the first one to stray. She had absolutely no one to talk to about the situations happening to her and Thane is just a very good seducer, lol! She did try desperately to make him go away but in the end, he always win... Yeah, a lot of head desking right there.

Now, we shall talking about the sexual tension between Thane and Chastity and the foreplay that goes along with it! Whoo, was it hot and steamy! A big applause for the author because she always seems to amaze me with her works. I loved Addicted so I often compared that with Lust but there really was no comparison at all. They were both unique in their own way; Addicted had more drama while Lust had more angst and sexual tension, haha. I also had many unanswered questions while reading this book... but that's understandable because this is afterall, the first book of the series. For example, who is Mary anyway? Where is the real virtue? I sure hope these questions will be answered as the series progresses. But I did question Chastity's love for Thane... To me, it happened too fast. There wasn't a lot of romantic development between the two, and it was more like a lot of groping and touching. *face palm* BUT, I did love, love, love this quote between them because I thought it was very emotional:
"Why?" She asked in a confused whisper. "Out of all the women in the world, why did you choose this mortal?"
"Because fate drove me to you."
So for my final thoughts, I would have to say I did like this book. The writing, the characters, and the plot itself was amazing and very sensual. I'm truly looking forward to read more of Charlotte Featherstone's books so overall, I'll give this book a 4 ½ stars! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal, erotica, and historical romance. Even to those who just love to read books about faeries! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this wonderful book.

P.S. Aw, crap. Prudence, watch out for Mary and Crom!!! I sure hope her Dark Prince will come and save her. ;)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Date of release: February 1st, 2011

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Stroke of Midnight by Bonnie Edwards

Stroke of Midnight This was a rather quick and very short hot read. I love how the story has a Cinderella-esque theme to it and the happily ever after in the end. Even though I thought that the ending was a bit rushed, it was still a good ending! For my first book by Bonnie Edwards, this is a pretty good impression. The sex was amazingly hot so you might need an ice cold drink near by... Just saying. Lots of dirty talk and foreplay, so if you like that, then this is the book for you lol!

Aanyway, this was rather a "generic" erotica romance book for me. It's not that bad, but neither was it great. It was just an okay read but I liked it nonethless. It was however, very sexy and I've got to give the author a thumbs up for that. Now, we shall talk about the characters! Jaye is a single mom who believes in working her butt off in order for her son to live a happy and comfortable life-- well, that's basically how it goes. Alex is a rich playboy who lusts at first sight after seeing Jaye and has never truly worked hard to get anything he wants. (I find this rather amusing, but hey, it's fiction). It's attraction at it's best, so they both decide to give each other two weeks of a no strings and no attachments relationship. Eventually, they both begin to realize that they have grown feelings for one another... so she ends up leaving him before the two weeks is up. SO, what do you think will happen next? Yeeep. Not really original... but the love scenes made up for it. :D

Overall, I'll give this book a 4/5 stars. If you're out on the look for a short and quick e-book to read full of hot sex, a fairy tale-esque theme, and a HEA, then you should read this book!

Rating: ★★★★☆
Date of release: January  24th, 2011

Beyond Eden by Kele Moon

Beyond Eden (Eden #1) The words wow, wonderful, and beautiful pretty much describes my feelings after finishing Beyond Eden by Kele Moon. This is definitely one book that you don't want to miss out on, I can guarantee you that. When I first started reading this book, I came unprepared because not only was I not expecting the tears... but also the heart-breaking and heart-wrenching emotions that these three people have for one another. This is truly a wonderful masterpiece that I'll never likely forget. Any book that brings tears to my eyes is a 5+++ star book to me!

This book was not only a fascinating read, but it also shocked me to the core. Kele Moone definitely knows how to write stories that will move readers through tears-- and I absolutely love that. I can't say enough how marvelous this book was to me because of how the author has truly captured the essence of her characters through the raw attachments, and the love between the three. I admit that I did not like Danny Boy at first. I'm not an exactly a big fan of BDSM so Danny's cruel tactics for Eve and Paul made me cringe at times. But alas, he grew on me and I began to feel for him. I did go for Paul and Eve at first because they had a special connection that even Danny himself, was not able to break. And I loved that. It eventually came to and end when I realized that Paul, Eve, and Danny all belong with one another. One struggle that made my heart ache was the struggle between Paul and his "reluctance" to leave the marriage between his fiancee and his true "Master," his father.

I have to agree that this book is not for all readers. If you love BDSM, kink, steamy and erotic love scenes, and threesomes, then this is the book for you. Not to mention it will make you bawl like a baby, I'm not kidding about this. I laughed, cried, and had my heart broken by these three people. But other than that, each and every one of the characters had some serious issues inside of them that needed fixin' so I'm really glad that everything worked out in the end. Other than this, Beyond Eden was a story about true love, friendship, sacrifice, desire, and even pain. Every word was beautifully written, packed with emotions and I give this book a full five stars!!

Rating: ★★★★★

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Heir by Grace Burrowes

The Heir (Duke's Obsession, #1)(Windham, #1) I can honestly say that my heart broke for Anna and Gayle. Their moments together were not only special, but it also signfies that they are perfect and complete for one another. Regardless of their social status and mistrust, in the end, everything will eventually work out. Miss Grace Burrowes, I am officially you're new fan. I can't wait to read The Soldier, the second installment to this series when it comes out next!

First off, I'd like to point out how oddly this story reminds me of Unveiled by Courtney Milan. No, I'm not saying that it's the same, but the concept is very similar and I loved Unveiled so it's quite obvious why this book picked up my interest. "Mrs. Anna Seaton" is not who she says she is and to be frankly honest, I did find the secret through the entire book interesting. It kept me thinking and deciphering out who Anna truly is. Anna herself, is a strong character full of wit, and it was quite amusing seeing as to how she interacted with Gayle! And oh Gayle... God, I love how he has a sugar tooth. I have to admit, he's one of the reason why you just have to adore the hero and have your heart break the next. I wanted to SLAP him in the end. The other reason is because of Anna and well, their love story was really sweet. It took him awhile to realize that he loves her even though she kept insisting that she must leave him due to the "burden" that she carries. This quote really signifies how heartbreaking it is for her, and also for him, when he realizes that he never wants to let her go.

"Even when I cried,” she said, a world of resignation in her tone, “I was glad to be here with you, Westhaven. Believe that, if you believe nothing else of me.”
What she had meant was: Even when I cried because I must leave you, I was glad to be here with you… Believe that if you believe nothing else of me when I find the courage to finally go."


As much as this book is a regency and historical romance novel, the love scenes... whoo! Wow, I would have to say their passion for one another almost set the sheets on fire. It was almost erotic, let me tell you that and I really did enjoy it. Gayle was generous and I loved how his main goal was to pleasure her and only her. That isn't something any man in his time would do for their lover. Anyway, other characters were introduced in this book; for example Valentine and Devlin! Devlin's book will be out next so I'll definitely look forward to that. He has a sort of devilish characteristic, while Valentine seems much more soft-spoken and sweet... which is no wonder because he is a musician and paired with Morgan?! In all, I really did enjoy this book because of the wonderful and heart-felting romance between the hero and heroine. It was very charming along with the mysterious aspect of it as well. Thumbs for for The Heir and another five stars from me!

Rating: ★★★★★

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

If you must know, there were quite a few people that I wanted to strangle while reading this book. Two of these people were Nick, Haven's ex husband, and Vanessa, Haven's boss. God, these two people made me so mad because they kept of abusing Haven in every single way. But nonetheless, they both got the ending that they deserved and I am happy for that! It definitely took me awhile to finally read Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas, and I'm really glad that I did. Even if I did read the series out of order... heh. I must agree with other reviewers that this book seems to be more of a chick-lit then a contemporary romance, buuut, it's all good. Although I didn't exactly find the first person POV comforting at all, sadly. I think the book would have been better if it was either from Hardy's POV or even third person.

Let's talk about the situation that happened to Haven that made me cringe, shall we? Wow, it was definitely one emotional roller coaster of a ride alright and I congratulate Lisa Kleypas for pulling it off. Throughout the entire book, I kept on thinking that Hardy had some kind of ulterior motive... but apparently that wasn't the case so I was slightly a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I liked him but the relationship between he and Haven just clicked too fast and easy? At times, I felt that Haven was just too innocent and it was frustrating. Their relationship wasn't exactly realistic in my opinion, but I did like the outcome if it because they both had great sparks with each other!

Overall, I did like this book but it wasn't exactly my favorite from Lisa Kleypas-- even if I did give it a 5 star. Sure, the making love scenes were hot and the sexual tension was off the charts... but I loved Smooth Talking Stranger even more. ;) But either way, it was still another great book by this amazing author!

 Rating: ★★★★★

Once Upon A Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

 There are quite a few things I didn't like about this book... and that is no other but the person Victoria, the main heroine of this book, became. Although she does change for the good and I'm very glad that she did! My heart broke for Remington because despite all of the misfortunes that he has endured for five years after his disappearance, he has always and will still love Victoria no matter what. Just because he broke her heart after he left for Venice and stopped contacting her for all these years, she became a cold-hearted person. It's really amazing that I still feel compassion for her, but I do. I don't blame either of them, Remington nor Victoria. It's just things happen at the wrong place and time-- especially, concerning to what exactly happened to Remington during his stay in Venice... Which I'll let you readers figure out what happened once you read this book. For one, I definitely cried my heart out in the beginning because of the beautiful and blossoming relationship between them and the situation that eventully broke it.

Anyway, at least there were quite a few things that I loved about this book and that is Viscount Jonathan Remington and his best friend and Victoria's cousin, Grayson. I would like a story for him, definitely. He's one entertaining character, that's for sure! I adore Remington because of his belief in magic and hope. It really gives the story a Cinderella-ish sort of theme doesn't it? He has loved Victoria since forever, when he was merely nineteen years old and she, seventeen. To be honest, Victoria came off as a spoiled brat in the beginning because even though Remington declared his love for her, she ignores it and tells him to wait for her coming out and then she'll think about it. Wow, that's pretty cold. But oh well, brats will be brats. Thankfully, she grew up to be a much better person... I guess, lol.

Either way, Once Upon a Scandal was my first book by Delilah Marvelle and I have to say, I really liked it! She really does have a way with her stories and I love her hero because unlike other Regency romance novels that I've read, the hero actually believe in soulmates and fate. Isn't that just cute? Although he also has his dark side... be so forewarned. I can't believe it, but this is almost borderline erotic for a historical romance! Wowzers. Overall, I shall give this book a five stars! As for the rest of the book and what'll happen between the two after Remington comes back (dun, dun!)... why don't you read it and find out. ;) It's definitely a twist that I didn't expect to have happened.

Rating: ★★★★★
Date of release: February 1st 2011

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

I do believe that this book is my second favorite of the Bride Quartet series. First will always be Vision in White because I love Carter and Bob. Oh god, BOB. Anyway, it got so bad that I started having DREAMS about this book... it was just a continuation of the story. And I'm not going to lie, you have to give props to Nora Roberts for making it this good. Mostly one of the reason why I liked it so much was because of Mal and Parker's relationship. From the very beginning ever since Mal was introduced, there was this spark between them that Parker refuses to acknowledge. Throughout the entire book, she eventually struggles with it and later falls in love with him.

To be honest, I'm rather sad that I won't be able to read about these four wonderful ladies and their men anymore but hey, it's life and we move on. Just like how they all eventually will move on later in life with the one that they love. In the last installment of the series, readers actually get a glimpse of Mac and Carter's wedding and it was rather sweet. I just wish that we would be able to read about Emma and Jack's wedding, Laurel and Del's wedding, and lastly Parker and Mal's wedding. Maybe Nora will make a book that features their wedding later on! Who knows, but I can always wish it.

I admit that this book made my heart hurt a little because of Mal's past and his refusal to let Parker in at first. But it all worked out in the end and boy, were the love scenes hot! To me, it's hot but possibly to others, it's actually mellow. Anyway, I'd like to say that Nora Roberts has done it again and she has officially made me a fan. Loved the last book and I can't wait for more of her releases. A big 5++ stars for this amazing book!

Rating: ★★★★★

Vision In White by Nora Roberts

Let me just point out that Vision in White, the first book of the Bride Quartet series, has the power to melt you heart because of how sweet the hero can be. Carter has officially became one of my favorite GERD (geek and nerd all in one) heroes of all time. I absolutely love him and his character development throughout the entire story. The romance between Mackensie and Carter was just... heartachingly beautiful. Throughout the entire book, I've looked forward to every single one of their dates and meetings. For being my first Nora Roberts book, I'm really looking forward to her other books as well. ;)

CARTER, oh Carter. You are adorable for one. It's so bad that there were moments where I want to pinch your cheeks and you're older than me! He is the perfect husband material and I'm not going to lie, I have a soft spot for smart, clumsy, and patient fellows like him. Everything that he does for Mackensie is so sweet that I fell in love with his character more and more. What's not to love, huh? No wonder Mac had such a hard time trying to keep their relationship "simple," aha! It took awhile for her to realize her love for him... it was rather slow, but it was all worth it in the end. Carter's patience really did benefit him in the end, ya know. Anyway, I really did love the high school crush thing developing into true love. It's quite typical but really? It never gets old-- especially when the gal never notices the guy when they were teenagers, but when they meet again as adults, she falls pretty hard for him while his love for her has always been there. But yeah, the ending was perfection and let me forewarn you, it will cause you to feel all bubbly and warm. JUST SAYING!

And now, let's talk about Mackensie! I went for her and Carter all the way because I love how she is with him. They're perfect for one another, even though Parker once said in the beginning that they were complete opposites. Although there's one thing that I find frustrating most of all about her, and that is her relationship with her mother, Linda. I didn't like how her mother had the power to control Mac's life and influence her relationship with Carter. It really wasn't fair and Mac just let it happen! What?! *Shrugs* Seriously, her mother was a whiny, selfish bitch but either way, she got what she deserved in the end, sorta. Mac finally toughened up and kicked some major butt! LOL.

I have a lot of favorite quotes in the book and let's just say they include Carter's moments with Mackensie AND BOB. OH GOD, BOB. He's like the best fail friend you meet at work, who gives you dating advice while Carter just face palms. It's so ridiculously funny that I love it! An example of such would be:
"If it winds up earlier, you should have a movie picked out. This is assuming she isn’t sending you the ‘let’s go back to my place’ signals. In that case—”
“Don’t go there, Bob. Let’s just not go there."
Overall, I think I'm in love with this book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. Giving a five-stars for this lovely book full of laughter, smiles, and most of all? An all consuming love that slowly grows and develops into a beautiful picture. :D

Rating: ★★★★★

Unveiled by Courtney Milan

I have to say, Courney Milan did an excellent job making the perfect hero in her newest installment, Unveiled! Everything I thought Ash would become as a character, was entirely different as to how he truly became later in the book. He was sweet, loveable, protective, and very endearing-- even if some of the things that he did made me want to smack him for hurting Margaret. And Margaret, oh she was a strong heroine all right. From the very beginning, she was smart, full of wit and a backbone; which I absolutely adore about her! The story began with the two as enemies but slowly and surely, they both begin to fall in love with one another.

As for the secret, I felt as if the "lie" would eventually lead to many heartbreaks along the way. But... Ash proved me wrong, again. He actually embraced it and didn't blame her?! Which I thought was very sweet and touching. See how different he is from other males during that era? Instead, he blamed Margaret's brothers because they were the ones who left her alone and unprotected! And, I couldn't possibly agree with more. As for others characters in the book, I also really liked Ash's younger brother Mark. He was so awkwardly innocent and very wicked at the same time. Just read the book and find out why. ;)

Now, let's talk about the romance! It was rather very cute and very sexy at the same time. I can honestly say that Ash is an Alpha/Beta male who could be very sweet to his lady love one moment, and yet very possesive the next. I loved the forbbiden romance feeling that these two characters have for one another because of that fact that they can never be together... or can they? Even though Ash didn't realize she was supposedly a daughter of his enemy until halfway through the book, my heart broke for Margaret because she was stuck in a situation that she didn't want to be in. She never meant to fall in love with him, but it was just too great to stop. In the end, there would be only two choices that she could make: Her family or her love for Ash?

Overall, I loved the ending for this book because it was very heart-warming... and sweet! The characters were great, the romance was lovely, and I even forgave Margaret's brother (well one of them anyway) in the end. This was truly another great book by Courney Milan ever since Proof By Seduction. I will definitely be buying my own copy once this is published!

Rating: ★★★★★
Date of release: January 25th 2011

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

There are absolutely no words after finishing this beautiful, beautiful book called The Iron Queen. I loved every single moment of it and I am happy to say that Julie Kagawa has done it again! It was full of action, romance, slight humor, and a questionable ending that will lead us straight to the next sequel, The Iron Knight-- which by the way, I simply can't wait to read!

I can honestly say that this was my favorite book out of the entire series so far. There was far more action than in any of the previous books because of the war that is taking place in the NeverNever. The main villain is twice as tougher than ever, and the false king is someone who you would never even possibly imagine to be! And, as in any other previous reviews of this series, I will say once more that all of my favorite characters are back in this book, along with new ones from the Iron Kingdom as well: Glitch and Razor. But obviously, the one who I looked forward to seeing and hearing about the most, was no other but Ash. My heart cried out for him in the end and I'm just so delighted that he finally got his chance to shine and be with the girl that he loves once more.

Speaking of love, the romance in this book was off the charts! It was beautiful in every single way-- even if Ash and Meaghan had a couple of fights here and there that made me squirm. I admit, Ash did have some jealousy issues but Meaghan was the one who caused most of them... and the words that came out of her mouth sometimes made me want to grab and shake her. BUT, everything worked out in the end and I'm sure that these two will finally get their happily ever after soon. Puck did get a little angsty in this book, which I don't blame him for because Meaghan did use him in The Iron Daughter and broke his heart in the process, and he did get over it though.

Last but not least, the ending and the battle that came with it... Holy cow! It was so intense and just, heart-breakingly sad that I cried my eyes out for Meaghan and Ash. I mean heck, I did have a suspicion that something was going to go wrong, but not like this. Which is why I'm dying to read The Iron Knight and I'm also praying for the two of them to be together again. Overall, another great book by this amazing author, and another five-stars by her once again!! I'm definitely buying my own copy to support her when this releases. ;)

Rating: ★★★★★
Date of release: February 1st 2011