Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, by Kresley Cole

Format: Paperback, 359 pages

Published: First published October 30, 2007

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Back cover blurb: Her breathless kiss haunts him… Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed — until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible…

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction…

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul — or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

My review: Oh, Bowen! What a scrumptious beast you are! You may be my new favourite IAD man… it’s a tough choice between you and Bastian. This story had me frustrated and then hot, and frustrated some more, and then surprised – the whole gamut of emotions, which is great in a book. I couldn’t put it down, and that ending was quite a finale. Mariketa was another kickass heroine I loved, and I also enjoyed the introduction of the new demon characters who I see will get their own stories later in the series.

I’ve said before I love the new covers, but here is my only gripe: the dude on this one doesn’t look anything like a Lykae. In fact, the guy on the previous book did, so maybe they got them mixed up and this is meant to be Bastian? He looks more vamp than were to me. Not a big problem, though. This is still a winner.

My rating: 5/5

MORE, by T.M. Franklin

Format: e-book

Published: October 4, 2012

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House

Back cover blurb:

Ava Michaels used to think she was special.

As a child, she fantasized about having magical powers . . . making things happen. But Ava grew up and eventually accepted the fact that her childish dreams were just that, and maybe a normal life wasn’t so bad after all.

Now a young college student, Ava meets Caleb Foster, a brilliant and mysterious man who’s supposed to help her pass Physics, but in reality has another mission in mind. What he shows Ava challenges her view of the world, shaking it to its very core.

Because Caleb isn’t quite what he seems. In fact, he’s not entirely human, and he’s not the only one.

Together, the duo faces a threat from an ancient race bound to protect humans, but only after protecting their own secrets—secrets they fear Ava may expose. Fighting to survive, Ava soon learns she’s not actually normal . . . she’s not even just special.

She’s a little bit more.

My review:

This book is FANTASTIC!!!!! The characters are amazing, the story is thrilling and twists in all the right places, and the budding romance is just perfect! It isn’t often I love a female character from start to finish, but I did with Ava. The bit where she lies in bed wondering what he’s doing… I die! Seriously, I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. A stunning debut novel, and I love the cover!

My rating: 5/5

Cover reveal: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Here it is: the cover we have all been waiting for! J.R. Ward revealed Blay and Qhuinn’s book cover and title on her Facebook page today, and I think we can agree it is a winner I particularly like that arm gripping the dagger

There have been a few comments bemoaning the fact the cover doesn’t have two men on it, but Ward has said this:

“I do think it’s going to be important for people to realize the story’s going to be written as it comes (came) to me, and that they’re not getting special treatment either for or against them because of their sexuality- to me, this story has always been about Qhuinn coming around and accepting who he really is and who he really loves- so the title and the cover was always about him in my mind. This is not to dimish Blay or his journey or his role- not at all. And it is not a case of the book focusing solely on Qhuinn and ignoring Blay’s feelings (because he’s going to have some big issues to deal with, too.) I just think Qhuinn’s the one who’s fought against their HEA and is the one who has to travel the most to get there. If that makes any sense?”

Well, in any case, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of this, the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, in about nine months’ time!

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• Lover Reborn, by J.R. Ward (mrsaubergine.wordpress.com)

The Governess Affair, by Courtney Milan

Format: Kindle Edition

Published: April 22, 2012

Publisher: Courtney Milan

Back cover blurb:

She will not give up…

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake.

He cannot give in…

Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love…

My review:

Courtney Milan is fast becoming a favourite with me. First of all, her covers are gorgeous, but more than that, she can write in such a way to make you fall for even the most vilest of scoundrels.

Hugo Marshall is a coalminer’s son who is the Duke of Claremont’s “fixer” – he makes things go away – but when he is confronted by Serena Barton, a governess who was raped and left pregnant by the duke, he finds she is not so easy to pay off and dismiss.

I loved Serena and her stubborn persistence, and the way in which Hugo eventually gets her to reveal her story to him. She gets under his skin to the point where he cannot just leave her and her child to rot. Oh, the meeting in his office, and the game with the pins… *sigh*… and the letters! Milan really had me with the letters.

I couldn’t put this down, and cursed when I had finished and realised the next book isn’t out yet. The series seems to pick up next with the duke’s (legitimate) son, Robert, but I seriously hope we go back to find out what happens to Serena’s sister, Freddy. If anyone needs to get laid it’s her.

My rating: 5/5

About That Night, by Julie James

Format: Kindle edition, 304 pages

Published: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Back cover blurb:

HE’S PLAYING GAMES

Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face to face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful Assistant U.S. Attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.

BUT SHE’S MAKING THE RULES

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case — but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants — and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten…

My review:

Julie James does it again! This series is such fun to read, and Ms James knows how to craft a story so the pacing, characterisation, humour and smoking hotness is just right. Kyle was one of my favourites from the previous book, and here we get to see him reunited with a woman he met nine years previously, who just turns out to be the prosecutor in his Twitter hacking case.

What I love so much about this series is that the scenarios don’t seem contrived, unlike with some other contemporary romances. There’s an old boyfriend on the fringes, but no silly love triangle developed, and despite my fear at one point, there was also no switcheroo with the courtroom drama coming back to bite them on the bum. We also get the added bonus of all the old characters featuring, too, like Cameron and Jack and Nick and Jordan. Next up in the series just might be the lovely Agent Wilkins and maybe Rae? I hope so! Cade Morgan should also be in line for a book if I had any say about it

I preordered this and am so glad I did. Julie James should be on everyone’s auto-buy list. Highly recommended.

My rating: 5/5

Free Four: Tobias Tells the Story, by Veronica Roth

I feel like I’m the last person in the world to know about this, but when Divergent author Veronica Roth got 35,000 preorders for her sequel Insurgent, published last week, she promised fans a scene written from the point of view of our beloved Four, aka Tobias.

The scene – the one from Divergent where Four must throw knives at Tris’s head – is free HERE and it is totally worth reading. I love Four, and being in his head is just swoonworthy. My only complaint is that it isn’t long enough! Roth needs to do this again. And I really need to start reading Insurgent – it’s next on my TBR list

Cover reveal: Gabriel’s Rapture

The lovely Sylvain Reynard today revealed the cover and release date of his sequel to Gabriel’s Inferno, to be called Gabriel’s Rapture.

It will be released on May 22, and I for one am very excited!

The cover intrigues me, as I’m sure I recognise the gentleman in the top corner – Michael Fassbender, or maybe Tom Hiddleston? Either way, he is yummy!

FYI, Gabriel’s Inferno is on special at the moment at the Amazon Kindle store for $US4.99. I urge you  to read it – it’s fabulous! Click HERE to read my review of it from last year.

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Virgin River, by Robyn Carr

Format: Kindle Edition

Published: March 9, 2007

Publisher: Mira Books

Back cover blurb:

“Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.”When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she’s made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans…and a former marine cements them into place.Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

My review:

LOVED Jack – he is now my latest fictional boyfriend – and, in fact, all of the characters in this lovely little town. Possibly the best bit: when Mel and her sister are talking about Jack and they muse about the size of a man’s shoe being related to his *ahem* … and Mel says Jack must wear size 23 *giggle and swoon*

The story is funny, sexy and sweet, and definitely realistic. Rick’s “first time” had a huge ring of truth to it, and I was so glad Jack had another relationship, even after Mel came on the scene, and that he wasn’t just a cliched lonely guy pining away for his one true love like so many other romantic heroes.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series to find out about all the other inhabitants.

My rating: 4.5/5

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Format: Kindle edition, 398 pages

Published: September 13, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Back cover blurb:

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire, fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil… until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.Her Family think she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don’t exist), and they’re shocked she survived. They’re even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl’s Family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the king’s feast — as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl’s starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends — especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache — to be slaughtered? Then again, she’s definitely dead if she lets down her Family. What’s a sunlight-loving vamp to do?

My review:

Sarah Beth Durst had me at the were-unicorn. She really didn’t have to add the sparkly vampire references or the Twilight-themed prom to make this book even more awesome. I laughed and was scared and went “awww” throughout the whole thing, and I honestly was surprised by how much I loved it.

Pearl is a snarky teenage vampire who likes to eat her icecream via the blood of an awkward Dairy Hut worker. After sucking on his neck one night she is impaled by a unicorn – yep, she didn’t believe it either – and as a result she is able to walk in daylight. Her nasty family see this as an opportunity for daytime hunting, especially given they have to provide a meal for the vamp king’s visit, so they send her off to high school to find juicy young prey.

It’s not too hard to figure out who the unicorn is, but what happens when Pearl discovers her humanity is unexpected and gripping. Evan is a swoony love interest, and I absolutely loved every time wannabe vampire hunters Zeke and Matt came on the scene. Their dialogue almost stole the show for me. A fabulous book, and the cover is just to die for.

My rating: 5/5

One For The Money, by Janet Evanovich

Format: Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published: December 1, 2011 (first published January 1, 1994)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Back cover blurb:

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash–fast–but times are tough, and soon she’s forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family.Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie’s bail bonding company. She’s got no experience. But that doesn’t matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants to the time Steph hit him with her father’s Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water–wanted for murder.

Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn’t. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she’ll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight–and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man.

My review:

Great one-liners – I laughed out loud on so many occasions, and not just because of Vinnie and the duck. Stephanie’s hilarious relationship with Morelli is really the key to the story. They have so much bad history and yet they come to work together so well and the UST is clearly present. I liked Ranger, too, and look forward to reading the rest of the series to see what happens to all these larger-than-life-but-very-Jersey characters.

PS: Yes, that is the movie tie-in book I have, but in no way could I picture Katherine Heigl in my head when I read Stephanie. It doesn’t surprise me that it appears this movie is going straight to video here. Never judge a book by its movie.

My rating: 4/5