Friday, April 26, 2013

After Math (Off the Subject #1) by Denise Grover Swank



Before she agreed to tutor Tucker price, college junior Scarlett was introvert, struggling with her social anxiety and determined to not end up living in a trailer park like her mother and her younger sister. A mathematics major, she goes to her classes, to her job in the tutoring lab, and then hides in the apartment she shares with her friend, Caroline.

After junior Tucker Price, Southern University’s star soccer player enters the equation, her carefully plotted life is thrown off its axis. Tucker’s failing his required College Algebra class. With his eligibility is at risk, the university chancellor dangles an expensive piece of computer software for the math department if Scarlett agrees to privately tutor him.Tucker’s bad boy, womanizer reputation makes Scarlett wary of any contact, let alone spending several hours a week in close proximity.

But from her first encounter, she realizes Tucker isn’t the person everyone else sees. He carries a mountain of secrets which she suspects hold the reason to his self-destructive behavior. But the deeper she delves into the cause of his pain, the deeper she gets sucked into his chaos. Will Scarlett find the happiness she’s looking for, or will she be caught in Tucker’s aftermath?

I'm very excited about this book !!!!!! When I first started reading this book I thought it might be YA but then I got to a sex scene and changed my mind. This is not your normal romance book it has a young love kind of feel to it. This was the first time for me to read any of Denise Grover Swank books but this won't be the last. The book is in first person of Scarlett a college math student that has a high social anxiety disorder. Scarlett is almost forced into tutoring Tucker Price the man whore of Southern University. Tucker at first raises Scarlett's anxiety but it's not long until that changes. Scarlett gets a glimpse of a very different Tucker then what he shows everyone else. She sees the sadness he hides from everyone else. It's not long and you can almost see the bond between them jumping off the pages. After Math had a different feel to it I think because of the setting and ages of the characters. Tucker is so sweet to Scarlett he knows what sets off her anxiety and does what he can to help her. The love scenes were sweet and gentle, really perfect for the feel of the book. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. A bad boy that is so much more than he shows the world how can you resist !

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks



Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

I wanted to cry within the first few chapters of reading the book. I believe that Eveline has the sweetest family I may have ever read before. The Mongomerys and Armstrongs have fought against each other for decades so long that no one even knows how it started. Graeme is forced by the King to marry Eveline hoping this will bring peace to the two strongest clans in the Kingdom. Eveline is scared for she has always believed that Graeme was a monster that would abuse her. When she sees him that changes for she was a feeling that he will be kind to her. Graeme has heard what they say about Eveline but begins to doubt what is said shortly after meeting her. Graemes clan is not nice to Eveline at all but she keeps trying to prove her worth to them. There were times I wanted to jump in the book and beat some of the women of the clan for the horrible things they did to her. She trust them and they abuse that trust and hurt her. Graeme tries to understand his clans concerns but the finally straw comes and he stands up to his clan. I think if I could fall in love with a character it happened then. I loved this book. I also liked that when a old emeny from Evelines past tries to set the clans against each other they both stop and think before charging into a war that will kill both clans. This is just a great book that I can see myself rereading in the future. One of the best books I've read.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Masters at Arms (Rescue Me #1) by Kallypso Masters



Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath--forging an unbreakable bond--will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them?

(Book One in the Rescue Me series about the men who own the Masters at Arms BDSM Club)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is an introduction to the series, but does NOT have the Happily Ever After endings that will come in the next three romance novels in the series. Being the back-story that usually is not told in "real time," there are some intense themes in the book, including death of a spouse, incest, torture, a battle scene, and amputation.

This is another lovely lady I meet last month. This is a prequel to the series in which you meet Adam, Damian, Marc, Karla, and Savannah for the first time. I liked getting to read the back story because it's not something you get often when reading. Adam had me wanting to read more about Karla and him from the beginning. Adam is older than the normal men you read about but he was no less strong and sexy. Damian and Savannah are so sweet together you just can't wait to read more of their story. Adam, Damian, and Marc meet in the war and forge a bond nothing can break. This book is a must to read if you want to read the rest of the series because it sets up everything else to come and it's FREE on Amazon.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Relentless Seduction by Jillian Burns



When her best friend disappears during Mardi Gras, microbiologist Claire Brookes is determined to find her. Her only lead is a bar called Once Bitten—a haven for the dark, melancholy and vampire-obsessed. And while Claire generally prefers science nerds over the Gothy children of New Orleans, something about the bar’s tall, dark and delish bartender makes her mouth water….

Bar owner Rafe Moreau is pretty sure that there’s more to Claire than uptightness and frumpy clothes. And as they delve further into the dark, seedy underworld of the Big Easy, Claire and Rafe turn to each other, discovering a sizzling hunger that won’t be satisfied.

But will one taste be enough?

Bein’ bad in the Big Easy...

Jillian Burns was a joy to meet and very nice lady. This is another author I've never read before but so glad I found. Claire is not the kind of woman you get used to reading about in romance books, she is shy and nerdy dressed in baggy clothes but under is a beauty that Rafe has no problem seeing. Rafe tries his best not to be pulled into Clarie's trouble but he can't help but be her knight coming to her rescue. Claire just wants to find her friend and won't stop until she does. Rafe is street tough but likes the way Claire makes him feel. The emotion between Rafe and Claire was so strong it jumped from the pages. I was worried a couple times that about them getting their HEA but they did. This book keeps you on edge wondering what has happened to Julia (Claire's friend). I didn't want to put the book down between the mystery and the chemistry the book has it all. If you like some mystery with your romance than you have to get this book. Mystery, romance and steamy love scenes what more could you ask for.....

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Texas Haven (Dawson Ranch) by Kathleen Ball



Everything in Annie Douglas' life has taught her that men can’t be trusted. Although Burke is big, strong, and not seemingly gentle, Annie feels drawn to the handsome Texas cowboy. Upon discovering Burke’s advertisement for a wife, Annie shyly asks if he might consider her. Burke Dawson wants children; unfortunately, that also includes a wife. His first wife was a citified hellcat who stole half of his ranch. Now Burke’s determined to find an honest country girl with no expectations of love. Misunderstandings, accidents, and treachery leads to Annie leaving shattered and alone. Can their shaking start lead to the possible loving relationship they both desire but neither is sure of?

Kathleen Ball was another lovely lady I got to meet and being from Texas I do love a good Cowboy romance. First time to read any of her books and boy am I glad I picked up her book. This book was full of emotion. I couldn't help but to feel bad for poor Annie that just wanted some love and affection. I couldn't image living a life without either but that is what she survives. Annie makes it impossible for you not to root for her. Burke is a good ole cowboy that is Texas tough and caring. He's been hurt but tries to be soft with Annie. Burke and Annie were a joy to read about and I didn't want to stop. When Annie cries you feel close to tears yourself. I wanted to hit Burke upside his head at times. Most books I would be yelling at the book when a main character was so blind to what was right in front of his face but something about Burke kept me from doing that. After many ups and down Burke finally sees the light and gets his act together. I loved reading how Annie went for shy and bullied to strong. Also adored reading her take in so many strays and help anyone she could. I have to say Cowboy romance isn't something I read alot of but I'll have to change that after reading this book. Texas Haven isn't a very long book it's under two hundred pages but that doesn't affect the book at all. This was a great start to a series and can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Highland Healer (Highland Talents #1) by Willa Blair



He needs her for his clan.
He wants her for himself.
Can he have both?

Toran Lathan never expected to become Laird, and never expected to meet a woman like Aileanna Shaw. Her healing ability is just what his people need, but Toran cannot resist her beauty. Yet will loving him destroy her ability to heal?

Aileanna Shaw has a healing touch - and a special talent she must keep secret. Stolen from her home by a marauding army, she's kidnapped again by the Highland Laird she heals. Is she a prize of war, or the prize of his heart?

While Toran battles the invading lowland army, he also battles his desire for Aileanna. And Aileanna must decide if she can trust her secrets to this fierce warrior who needs her talent, but wants her love.

I had the pleasure to meet Willa Blair several weeks ago. Willa Blair is one of many authors I got to meet that I will be reading and reviewing. Aileanna Shaw is a healer forced for the pasted two years to follow Colbridge. Toran Lathan is taken to her tent to be healed after being captured in a battle. When a chance to escape comes Toran takes Aileanna to his Aerie in the mountain's. Aileanna has a hard time trusting what Toran says after being around Colbridge for so long. I really liked this book and can't wait to read more in the series. Toran was the kind of alpha male any woman loves to read about. He was strong and tough but caring with his people and Aileanna. Aileanna had me almost in tears at one very emotional part in the book. If you like historical books or Highlander books then you will love this book. Highland Healer was a great start to what I'm sure is going to be a brilliant series.