Review: Charming Ophelia by Rachael Miles

Print Length: 

Publisher: Zebra (May 30, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: Ophelia Elliot has delayed marriage long enough. Now, for the sake of her future, she must choose between three impatient suitors. But she’s determined to use only the most rational of methods to make her decision. And when her dear friend, Sidney Mason, offers to help, how can the discerning debutante resist? Besides, spending time with him is no hardship—his dashing looks and irresistible laughter have delighted her for years. Not that Sidney is a suitable prospect. As a member of Parliament, he’s already married to the state. No matter how chivalrous his attentions, falling in love with him would be most unreasonable . . .

The fact is, Sidney finds Ophelia infuriatingly stubborn—and yet there is no other woman for him. Convincing her that she must marry for love—his love—will be a formidable challenge. So he concocts a clever strategy to expose her suitors’ true natures—and show the strong-willed beauty that when it comes to marriage, it is imperative that she follow her heart—straight into his strong and loving arms . . .

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a wonderful addition to The Muse's Salon series! One of the things that I enjoy most about this series, is that you do not have to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy the next.

For a novella, these characters were well developed, and the story-line moved just fast enough to keep and hold the reader's interest. I enjoyed watching the romance between Sidney and Ophelia bloom, and I was definitely excited to find out that these two characters will appear in a later (hopefully full length) novel. I can't wait to read more about their love story and their adventures together!

I believe this story will still appeal to a lot of romance fans and I will definitely continue on with The Muse's Salon series!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                               Charming Ophelia is available from Amazon.com

Review: Lord of Pleasure by Erica Ridley

Print Length: 350 pages

Publisher: WebMotion (May 2, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: In the Rogues to Riches historical romance series, Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses… Sigh-worthy Regency rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind romance with rollicking adventure.

Nondescript “good girl” Miss Camellia Grenville only ever opens her mouth when forced to sing at her family’s musicales. That is, until the night she infiltrates the ton’s most scandalous masquerade ball on behalf of her sister, and finds herself in the arms—and the bed—of the one man she’d sworn to hate.

Irresistibly arrogant and unapologetically sensuous, infamous rake Lord Wainwright always gets his way. When he accepts a wager to turn his rakish image respectable in just forty days, he never anticipates falling for an anonymous masked lover...or that discovering her identity would destroy them both.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Oh this story!  I absolutely adored these characters! It was funny watching Lord and Lady X as they were called while attending the masquerades open up to one another and foster a deeper connection, while then seeing their "real life" selves go at each other verbally. I kept wondering how long it would take them to figure out who they really were, but even I could not have guessed how the story would play out.Each and every time these two were on the pages together, it was nothing short of magical and entertaining.

There may be some elements of this story that fans of a more true to the time type stories may have issue with. Not only are the masquerades themselves quite scandalous, but there are a few other announcements along the way that some may feel wouldn't have happened in the time period in which this story is set.



Overall, I do think this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novel (and those who can suspend a bit of the social  protocols). I would read more from this author! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                  Lord of Pleasure is available from Amazon.com

Review: Burn by Dawn Altieri

Print Length: 

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (May 1, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: Chloe Addison is on the verge of a promising career in real estate development until an explosion destroys her first major project and casts suspicion on her in an arson investigation. Her career is suddenly at risk—and possibly her life. 

Firefighter Ryan Monroe wants a spot on the arson team, and getting close to Chloe might be the best way to solve his first investigation. Despite a painful past of his own, Ryan has dedicated himself to saving people, and when he realizes Chloe is in danger, she’s no exception. He just might be the perfect guy to rescue her, but their attraction could bring them both down in flames.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This story had so much potential that I am very disappointed to only be rating it three stars. However, I just couldn't get invested in these characters. While I could to some extent sympathize with where they had been (in terms of the inner demons they were both facing), I could not understand what kept them together other than lust for one another. I wish there had been more drama between them, for Pete's sake Ryan is ready to throw his career on the line because he "believes her", even when the evidence seems to stack up against her. 

I will say that on a good note, the "who is really behind all of this" aspect of the story kept me guessing, and I was pleasantly surprised how it played out. 

Overall, I believe this novel will still appeal to people who like flawed characters who help each other face their inner demons. I would read more from this author! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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COVER REVEAL! Ethan by Rae Rivers

I have had the pleasure of being with The Keepers since the start of their journey. Therefore I am stoked to not only be able to share with you the BRAND NEW COVERS, but also my thoughts on each book and where you can go to purchase a copy for your very own (either hardback or kindle).

FROM GOODREADS.COM: A portal to another world has opened, unleashing dangerous creatures on earth. A dark witch is out for revenge. The stakes are high, a war inevitable.

One person can stop the madness. Jenna. She’s a Keeper to a powerful hybrid witch but she harbours a secret and if Jenna steps through the portal – seduced by the whispers of her hidden past – she may never return.

Fortunately, she has company… infamous Bennett brother and fiercely protective Keeper, Ethan. Their whip-cracking banter makes them perfect sparring partners in training, but how will they manage when their lives and everything they were born to defend are on the line?
When the battle lines are drawn, will Jenna and Ethan stand side by side – as friends, protectors, lovers … or as traitors?

MY REVIEW:

Let me begin by saying that even though I have been lucky enough to have been able to read this novel from the beginning, I have noticed that the basic story itself is easy enough to follow even if this is your first time meeting the Keepers and their witches. That being said, this was an epic conclusion to an amazing series. Everything came together beautifully - right down to the final showdown (which revealed a twist that I did not see coming)!! This story had everything that makes a story gr Let me begin by saying that even though I have been lucky enough to have been able to read this novel from the beginning, I have noticed that the basic story itself is easy enough to follow even if this is your first time meeting the Keepers and their witches. That being said, this was an epic conclusion to an amazing series. Everything came together beautifully - right down to the final showdown (which revealed a twist that I did not see coming)!! This story had everything that makes a story great - page turning action, romance and betrayal all woven together in a spectacular way. In fact, I was so caught up in this story that the night I received it - I stayed up past my bedtime and read nearly half before I finally managed to put my kindle down and go to sleep (and since I'm always honest, that only happened because my kindle went dead and my charger was in the other room). One of the things I most enjoy about her writing is that it not only moves at a steady pace, but it also is detailed in such a way that you can see the action as it unfolds on the page. In fact, I have to say I would be first in line to watch if they ever turned this series into a movie. I would highly recommend this novel (as well as this entire series) to anyone who enjoys a well-written and highly captivating story.

You can purchase your copy of The Keepers: Ethan from Amazon! 

COVER REVEAL! Declan by Rae Rivers

I have had the pleasure of being with The Keepers since the start of their journey. Therefore I am stoked to not only be able to share with you the BRAND NEW COVERS, but also my thoughts on each book and where you can go to purchase a copy for your very own (either hardback or kindle).

FROM GOODREADS.COM: Declan Bennett has zero tolerance for thieves. He and his brothers, the Keepers, are fiercely protective of their witch, Sienna, and their privacy.

So when Kate Carrigan breaks into their estate, he'll be damned if he lets the little wildcat get away with it – especially after she seduced him three months ago, leaving him buck-naked in a New Orleans hotel. Declan wants payback – and some answers.

Before she was murdered, Kate's mother ingrained it in her not to trust anyone. Kate’s magical powers make her a pawn in the war between good and evil, a war she’s always avoided. Declan is everything she’s been taught to fear, even if she can’t forget the memory of his touch that one night…

Trouble is brewing as the powers of evil regroup – bolder and hungrier than ever – and Kate is forced to choose a side.

MY REVIEW: After reading the previous novels in this series, I was eagerly awaiting this one - and thrilled beyond belief when I was granted an advanced reader copy.

Just as in the other stories, this one was well-written, engaging and full of action, chemistry and page turning events. Not only are the characters impossible not to like, but they are so completely believable that its hard to remember that this is in fact a paranormal novel, and that these things don't exist in the real world.

Rae Rivers has a gift with words that allows you to not only be completely drawn into the world she has created, but to also be able to see the story in your mind as it unfolds.

This book will definitely appeal to not only fans of paranormal romances, but regular romances as well. I can't wait for the next installment so I can continue on with this amazing journey.

You can purchase your copy of The Keepers: Declan from Amazon  for kindle! 

COVER REVEAL! Archer by Rae Rivers

I have had the pleasure of being with The Keepers since the start of their journey. Therefore I am stoked to not only be able to share with you the BRAND NEW COVERS, but also my thoughts on each book and where you can go to purchase a copy for your very own (either hardback or kindle).

FROM GOODREADS.COM: Central Park. Sienna Beckham is out jogging in the autumn sun, feeling almost ordinary. Trouble is, she'll never be. She's on the run from her life as a powerful witch and the three Keepers blood-bound to protect her.

Evil is hot on Sienna's tail and Archer Bennett is searching for her, desperate to find her before they do. As one of her Keepers, he will fight to his death to defend her.

Sienna must return and defend her hometown, Rapid Falls – but she has to face the past and master her powers. And as forbidden feelings blossom between Sienna and Archer, will their love survive the ultimate war?

The Keepers: three strong and handsome warrior brothers, born to protect.

MY REVIEW: The premise of this book drew me in from the start. I was expecting what I've come to term the "normal" of a paranormal romance (at least for the most part)... little if any drama, characters that are under developed and make you roll your eyes every few seconds - you get the idea. However, I am happy to say that this book contained NONE of that! 

The action starts immediately, and doesn't let up. In fact The Keepers: Archer takes you on an unpredictable and fast paced ride that you will find hard to put down (in fact I read it in a little under two days). The characters as well as the overall plot of the book were obviously well thought out and planned making it more believable than some of the other paranormal romances that I have read. The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable as well, you can practically feel sparks fly whenever they touch.

Overall, The Keepers: Archer is a wonderful blend of witches, keepers of magic and intense story-telling that I would definitely recommend!

You can purchase your copy of The Keepers: Archer from Amazon either as a paperback novel, or for kindle! 

Review: Dangerous Behavior by Nancy Bush

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: Zebra (April 25, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: SOME COUPLES

Just one look, and it s clear they re perfect together. It s in the way they touch, talk, and kiss. They share the same interests. The same twisted passions. They do everything together. Even kill 
ARE TOO GOOD
Julia St. James Ford has washed up on a beach near her home in Seaside, Oregon, with no memory of how she got there or how her husband, Joe, died. The police rule the case an accident. But Joe s brother, Sam Jules rescuer and her first love suspects otherwise. While Sam tries to piece the facts together, Jules fears someone is watching, determined to find out how much she knows. 
TO BE TRUE
Behind closed doors, behind Jules neighbors smiles, are terrifying secrets. A string of sordid thrill kills and one survivor who never should have got away. And as she and Sam close in on the events of one tragic night, and the truth comes flooding back, remembering a killer s face may be the last thing Jules ever does 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a very interesting read that will leave you guessing! The characters are well-developed and the story-line complex enough to draw you in, but not so much as to become confusing. And the twists at the end? Wow. I never saw them coming! 

I also enjoyed the way that Sam was relentless in his pursuit of what happened to his brother, despite no longer being a police officer, he was able to piece together things that the regular police missed and aide them in their investigation (although at times I did wonder why the local police didn't do more to keep him away from things). 

The complex relationship between Sam and Jules was an unexpected element that made the story more personal, and finding out that they had a shared history and the details therein added to my overall enjoyment of the story. 

Overall, I am sure this story my still appeal to those who enjoy a good thriller novel. I would definitely read more from this author. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                Dangerous Behavior is available from Amazon.com