Review time! ~ Temptation in a Kilt

Temptation in a Kilt

By Victoria Roberts

3.5 out of 5 STARS

ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablana

Release date: September 4th, 2012

This hot new series follows a trio of Highland lairds, who are driving King James crazy with their constant clan battles and uproarious way of life. 

Laird Ciaran MacGregor discovers the beautiful, wounded Lady Rosalia Armstrong while journeying to the king's court. Already burdened with the task of maintaining the peace in his lands, Ciaran has very little patience for this headstrong woman. She's as fearsome as the men trying to kill him for his lands, and their verbal sparring leaves him burning for a more intimate relationship. And if Rosalia's not careful, she'll soon discover his prowess...on and off the battlefield.

This historical romance follows the story of Rosalia and Ciaran.  The year is 1603 and we are first introduced to the character at  a Royal Court in England.  We meet two of the three MacGregor brothers.  Laird Ciaran and his brother Aiden.  Away from the highlands for political reasons, Ciaran gets his first glimpse of Rosalia, and not under lighthearted circumstances.

Rosalia is 21, unwed, and attending with her parents.  Her mother is truly a horrible person.  Belittling her in front of people, playing matchmaker for profit instead of love...  Under horrible circumstances, Rosalia leaves to try to make a new life for herself when she is betrothed to a very despicable man.

The journey begins as a chance encounter puts Rosalia in contact with Ciaran.  For being so self conscious, she is still a strong, independent woman and finds it hard to accept the help that is offered her from Ciaran.  But as Laird, he is very honorable and courageous  and doesn't think twice about helping her out.  Soon, we have a budding attraction that moves at slow pace but is more believable for it.  After all, he has her lack of self confidence to work around.

"Stop, Rosalia.  Just cease this now."  Seeing she was not going to relent, he bent closer, placing his lips so close to her ear that he was sure she could feel his breath.  "The only reason I had discomfort was because I saw your bare, creamy bottom in front of my eyes.  Ye are beautiful and ye almost unmanned me, lass."  Ciaran kissed her lightly on her cheek before returning to his blanket.

Delayed on her trip to Glengarry, she is a guest in Glenorchy meeting the third brother, Declan, and Aiden's wife Aisling.  Declan is a rogue who likes to drink and wench around.  He is the youngest brother and lacks discipline.  His story-line is not so unique to read about but he is a great addition to the main cast of characters regardless. 

Aiden and Asiling are a wonderful couple, they are very much in love and just had a baby boy.  Aisling becomes a great friend and confidant to Rosalia.

As their attraction grows, we have some great interactions between the two.  And kilts are involved. ;)

He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.  "Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking.  I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt."

I felt the pace of the book was slow.  A lot does happen as Rosalia's life changes so completely yet it takes a while for the bigger picture to be revealed.  There are a couple of factors that come into play as to what she is running from and who has it in for her.  Cairan also becomes a target as the plot is interwoven.

Overall, I liked the book enough.  I finished it over a two day period but had to force myself near the end just for the lack of action and heat.  There is nothing wrong with the book.  The writing is well done, the use of language seems authentic, the character developments are well planned out...  This is a wonderful romance in the making... just don't expect much sex.

"Ciaran, ye truly saved me."

"Nay, lass, it was ye who saved me."

Review Time! ~ Kiss of Steel

Kiss of Steel

(London Steampunk #1)

By Bec McMaster

5 of 5 STARS

He craves her like no other...

Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?

Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca.

Release date: September 4th, 2012

This was a pleasant surprise.  Honoria is a young woman taking care of her younger sister and sick little brother.  Their father died around six months before this takes place and whatever he was doing, caused his children to escape and go in to hiding.

Whitechapel is home to the infamous Blade.  Rougue Blue Blood who has staked his claim in Whitechapel.  You don't do anything without him knowing it and often people pay for his protection from rival gangs.

But first lets define what a Blue Blood and a vampire are in this world that Bec McMaster has created.  Blue Blood's are infected with a virus.  This virus is gradual but there is a craving for blood that is necessary for their health.  They aren't vampires, they can go out during the day and have extra strength and longevity.  Vampires are nasty creatures.  The virus has gone too far and they lose all sense of reason and humanity.  

Honoria is called upon by Blade, coming to a reluctant agreement for protection.  As she meets Blade on a regular basis, we see this quirky relationship unfold.  Blade is something else.  He's bold and authoritative but very kind and caring to those he is close to.  Honoria is very secretive and really reluctant to open up to Blade at all.  For one, he is master of the rookery which she sees as untrustworthy.  He can take what he wants and doesn't have to answer to anyone.  Second, he is a Blue Blood.  Poor guy has two strikes against him already.

Her gaze flickered his way.  "You're staring." 

"Can't 'elp meself," he replied.  "You were made to be stared at."

He's unapologetic in his demands but they are reasonable.  Honoria wouldn't get herself in the position to owe him such things if she could just accept a gift.  But no, she's headstrong and likes to pay her dues.  She starts to see a different side of Blade and gets confused with her own feelings along the way. 

Will groaned again, this time there was no mistaking the sound.  He was enjoying this.  Honoria glanced up.  A mistake.  For Blade was staring at her, his mouth locked against Will's throat, his hand fisted in the shaggy hair and the other arm wrapped around the man, clutching him hard.

One of the highlight for me is the great character development.  I like Honoria and I love Blade.  He sets the stakes high by making his intentions known.  And he doesn't play fair to get it.  Honoria is still trying to hold on to self preservation but he's just so charming, in a lippy fashion.

"I'm afraid you've got me at a bit o' a loss," he replied, leisurely moving around behind her.  Sheets rustled and then she heard the unmistakable sound of leather sliding over his skin.

"Are you decent?"

"Rarely," he said, with an ironic drawl.

"Are you clothed?"

"Aye."

He has a way with words that would have me shivering in anticipation if I was Honoria.

"I don't want you."

"Aye.  That's why your scent changed.  You smell all plump and lush, my little dove.  I knows when a woman's got 'er eyes on a man.  One of the advantages o' bein' a blue blood."  He held his arms out, displaying his magnificent body to full effect.  "Do you want to touch me?  Is that what's got your heart poundin' in your ears and your breath thick in your throat?"  A little smile touched his lips.  "I'll let you, you know.  You can run those pretty little fingers all over me if you want.  Or that sweet little mouth, if you'd prefer."  He took a step closer.  "Do you want a taste o' me, Honor?  Do you want to lick the sweat from my body, taste the salt o' me skin?"

No.  This book is not just about a growing relationship.  There is a really good plot that is set immediately and moves at a satisfying pace.  A murderer is on the loose in Whitechapel and Honoria is in a rush to understand the half finished work left behind by her father, and dodge the man who has a price on her head.

Overall thoughts:  Great plot, great character development, intense steamy moments and a great ending.  I can't fault a thing.  I was captivated from start to finish.  Kudos Ms. McMaster on your debut novel!  You can be sure I will be on the lookout for any future installments.

Review ~ Moonglow

Moonglow

(Darkest London #2)

By Kristen Callihan

5 of 5 STARS!!!

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

ARC provided by Grand Central Publishing

Release date July 31st, 2012

Moonglow follows Daisy and Ian as they try to track down an unknown were that is running around killing people.  Daisy is thrust into the company of Ian, grudgingly I might add.  Poor Ian has a bad rap for his meddling with her sister Miranda and Archer's relationship in the previous book Firelight.

Right off the bat I liked Daisy.  She's cheeky and takes no gruff from anybody.  Her interactions with Ian are highly entertaining.  They have great chemistry right away.  Even if it is constant barbs at each other.

Very correctly, he caught up her hand and bent over it, his lips brushing her knuckles.  His dark hair was the one wrong note in his otherwise flawless attire.  It flowed in shining waves to the top of his shoulders.  Barbaric.  "If you're not careful," he said, "I'll soon be blushing."

He flashed a quick, practices smile.  "Oh, I don't know."  He reached out and tugged a curl dangling by her cheek, the action making her insides jump.  "You exude quite a shine yourself."

Neither of them wore gloves, and his skin was dry and very warm.  A stir of feeling wisped through her insides, and she fought the urge to back away.  "I doubt that.  I am certain you are quite used to such accolades."  She gave a careless shrug as she retracted her hand.  "In truth, I should take care not to stand too close or risk being eclipsed by you're splendor."

As we learn more about Daisy, we see great transformation.  She's so strong after being kept in her place for so long...

Temptress of man, harbinger of lust.  You are a worthless vessel whose only use is to receive man's sin.

It's great to see her find her footing in the world, taking charge of life.


Ian.  What can I say about Ian?  He's awesome.  He's viewed as a rogue with a penchant for redheads but really, nobody really knows him.  As the story unfolds, we learn such heartbreaking things that really make Ian stand out as a tortured and lonely soul.  My heart aches for him.

For a moment, they simply breathed, then Northrup's raw voice broke over her.  "I cannot think."

She closed her eyes and concentrated on the cool feel of his shirt against her hot cheek.  "Why?"

"My mind is filled."

Her free hand, heavy with languor, drifted along his arm and he trembled softly."With what?" she whispered. 

"You.  All the time.  You."  He sighed.  "Daisy has taken up residence here."  Yet it was to his heart he pressed her hand, to feel its pounding.  "How to keep you safe.  How to keep you out.  How to keep... you."

This really is a beautiful romance in the making.  The way this relationship grows from the barely concealed tolerance to finding trust and understanding to finally, acceptance and companionship with each other.

The whole book is amazing.  The character developments, the pace, the language used for a historical setting.  I enjoyed every aspect of this and though Firelight was great, this surpassed it in my opinion.  I really like Daisy and find her a great choice for Ian but it is Ian who stole my breath away.  I love him all around.  He truly is one of my favorite heroes to grace the pages.

Waiting on Wednesday {#9}

Hosted by Breaking the Spine, a way to share upcoming highly anticipated releases.

The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow with a releases date of August 7th, 2012. 

Emma Bannon, Prime sorceress in the service of the Empire, has a mission: to protect Archibald Clare, a failed, unregistered mentath. His skills of deduction are legendary, and her own sorcery is not inconsiderable. It doesn’t much help that they dislike each other, or that Bannon’s Shield, Mikal, might just be a traitor himself. Or that the conspiracy killing registered mentaths and sorcerers alike will just as likely kill them as seduce them into treachery toward their Queen. In an alternate London where illogical magic has turned the Industrial Revolution on its head, Bannon and Clare now face hostility, treason, cannon fire, black sorcery, and the problem of reliably finding hansom cabs.

The game is afoot…

First of all, I like the cover.  Second, I can't seem to get enough of historical paranormal books lately and this one includes magic.  I've had such good luck finding spectacular books in this genre so far and I have high hopes for this one.  

What's your WOW?

Teaser Tuesday {#9}

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

• Open your current read and choose a page at random. 
• Share two sentences (or more) from anywhere on the page, being careful to avoid spoilers. 
• Be sure to share the title and author.

This weeks teaser comes from Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster with a release date of September 4th, 2012.

Will groaned again, this time there was no mistaking the sound.  He was enjoying this.  Honoria glanced up.  A mistake.  For Blade was staring at her, his mouth locked against Will's throat, his hand fisted in the shaggy hair and the other arm wrapped around the man, clutching him hard.

This book is really fantastic so far.  So much to possibly tease you with but this was my first choice.  ;)

What's your teaser?

Review ~ Firelight

Firelight

By Kristen Callihan

4 of 5 STARS

London, 1881

Once the flames are ignited . . . 

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . 

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

(via Goodreads)

Wow.  That was an amazing book with a very unique premise!  But why only 4 stars?  I hardly ever give 5 stars to a first in a series though I really am torn on this one.  We meet Miranda and Archer briefly 3 years before this book takes place.  From the get go Archer is cloaked in mystery and shadows while Miri is fiery in spirit.  Fast forward 3 years and the mystery and intrigue continue.

Miranda, the youngest of 3, is the only one still living at home with her father and his questionable business ethics.  Soon Miranda is whisked away, by arrangement, to marry Lord Archer.  

“What is beauty or ugliness but a false front that prompts man to make assumptions rather than delving deeper. Look at you.” His hand gestured toward her face. “Not a flaw or distortion of line to mar that perfect beauty. I have seen your face before, miss. Michelangelo sculpted it from cold marble three hundred years ago, his divine hand creating what men would adore.” He took a step closer. “Tell me, Miss Ellis, do you not use that beauty as a shield, keeping the world at bay so that no one will know your true nature?”

Archer is quite the character; a masked man of few words but so eloquent when he speaks.  Miranda has her hands full of his evasive nature but she's no shrinking violet.

“Wish to fatten me up, do you?” 

“Mmm.” Gray eyes skimmed over her form. “How does the fairy tale go?” He rested an elbow on his chair arm. “Ah yes, I have lured you into my luscious house of candy and gingerbread to tempt you with sugared delights. And when you are nice and plump, I shall gobble you up.”

I immediately fell in love with the interaction between these two but it's not all fun and games.  Mysterious murders keep happening to known associates of Archer and soon we are taken on a journey from Museums to high society events to the darkest streets of London.

This book really has it all: A great romance, hot Hot HOT scenes that had me fanning myself.  No seriously though, the chemistry between these two is intense.   A great mystery to solve, bad villains, side characters that you just aren't too sure what side they are on and a great ending.  I may have had guesses how this could play out but I really didn't see it coming.

I love how we really don't know about Archer, his "condition" and what is behind the mask til near the end.  It made him all the more mysterious and sexy, as if his words weren't enough.

“And I’m afraid of wasting my life always being in control,” he whispered. “But no matter what direction I take, all roads lead to you.” Gently, he rested his forehead to hers once more. “Let me come home, Miri. If only for one night.”

Though I am sad that Miri and Archer's story has come to an end, I am excited for Moonglow, book 2 in the Darkest London series, coming out on August 1st.

Teaser Tuesday

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

• Open your current read and choose a page at random. 
• Share two sentences (or more) from anywhere on the page, being careful to avoid spoilers. 
• Be sure to share the title and author.

This weeks teaser comes from Firelight by Kristen Callihan...

She made a noise under her breath. “Liar.” She was at his left hip now. “Your form doesn’t feel elderly in the least.” If she only knew. “You’re musculature is quite—”  

He felt the precise moment when everything changed— the subtle increase in tension in her hand, a stutter in the efficient way she moved, the shift in her breathing from strong and determined to light and agitated. The answer in him was instant, painful arousal. For a moment, he couldn’t think. He hadn’t been noticed as a man in so long that his mind barely held the echo of such memories. But his flesh… his flesh remembered the pleasure of touch all too well.

Callihan, Kristen (2012-02-01). Firelight (Darkest London) (p. 12). Hachette Book Group. Kindle Edition. 

Barely in this but I can tell I'm going to love it!  What's your teaser???

Teaser Tuesday

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

• Open your current read and choose a page at random. 
• Share two sentences (or more) from anywhere on the page, being careful to avoid spoilers. 
• Be sure to share the title and author.

This weeks teaser comes from Soulless by Gail Carriger.

".... Do you ken?”


Alexia was going to get defensive and angry and explain quite severely that she was practical enough to avoid fisticuffs, especially when she had no brass parasol to protect herself with, but instead she said, “Did you just ask if I kenned?” She could not help grinning.


Lord Maccon looked ashamed of the verbal slip and muttered something about Scotland under his breath.


“You did! I was just kenned!” Miss Tarabotti’s grin widened.

Carriger, Gail (2009-09-04). Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) (p. 292). Hachette Book Group. Kindle Edition. 

I enjoyed this book! I still need to review it but Alexia is just too funny! Her dialogue really is fantastic as you can guess from above.  And who doesn't like a sexy Alpha thrown in the mix?