Devil of the Highlands

So this is going to be a quick review, cuz I'm sick. The fever is making it difficult to type here as I'm buried under a mountain of blankets one minute and trying to ice myself down the next. **grimace**

I read Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands for the Angel/Devil title of the Readers of Romance Spring Readers Challenge. It was really good. I gave it a 4.5 stars. I like her characters. They have misunderstandings and miscommunications but Ms. Sands does not do the typical romance thing and drag it out or have the characters do really stupid stuff to "protect" each other from their feelings.....

I liked the interplay between the Hero/Heroine! I liked the passion. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but there was a twist for me. Good solid book.

Dark Lover

by JR Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood~1)

Rated 4 stars

#11 Title read/reviewed in Winter Challenge

Back Cover:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

My Thoughts:

I'll say, there were parts of this book that were dry. I understand the need for that since this is the first in the series and she is setting up her entire culture with all its lengends and myths and beliefs and laws. So, I'll give her some space to do that. Besides that, I found the Lesser POV to be almost a distraction from the story. I don't know, if they play a real role in future books, but honestly I think the lessers could have been almost the invisible enemy and the story would have been just as good, maybe even better. Am I supposed to bond with them, feel sympathy for them, hate them? I just could have done without them really, or rather without having to read from their pov. Anyway......

Wrath, I loved. I loved the interplay between all the fellas. I loved Butch. I loved the wise-a$$ remarks between all of them. I'm already more than a little in love with Z and Butch for sure. The others are close behind. I'm glad that Wrath steps up, and does the right thing over and over. (with Beth, Marissa, the Scribe Virgin...)

Beth, well what's not to love. First of all, she has an awesome name....(heh heh!) I liked that she was a "guys girl". I like that she is drawn to this type of guy before she even meets them (all the cops, ya know?!) She's not a patsy, she has a backbone and is not afraid to use it...I'm hoping she'll be a good influence on Marissa and hope that she and Wellsie become great friends.

I've had this book for a couple of months but for some reason hesitated to read it. I'm glad I did and am already looking forward to the next ones. I know that the rest of the series is supposed to be even better than this one, and that means they will be great, cuz this one is really good.

Sun Kissed

by Catherine Anderson

# 3 Sun/Moon/Stars Title

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

When Samantha Harrington attends the local rodeo, she doesn't expect to wind up in jail. But that's precisely what happens when she tries to stop a drunkard from abusing his horse. At least she isn't alone. Tucker Coulter, a handsome local veterinarian, comes to her defense--and is arrested too. The charges are dropped, but Sam's troubles have only started. Her champion quarter horses are falling ill and the culprit is poison--and a bad guy, of course. Tucker, saves the day, sparks fly, sweet story.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyes this story. It was my first Catherine Anderson. It's a contemporary western-ish romance about a woman from a wealthy family who is a Quarter Horse breeder and a super large animal vet. There is a lot of horse jargon, and some of the details of the symptons of the horse's ailments are...."earthy". So if bodily function/medical talk icks you out, you will not like parts of this. I think it's done well, and is part of the story. There is only 1 "love" scene. So it's not a "Steamy" book, but I loved that as their afterglow stars, so does the chaos. As her father starts banging on the doors and looking for our heroine. They hop up like busted teenagers, and scramble to get dressed and act like nothing happened. (very cute scene if you ask me!!)

The mystery was just so so. I figured it out by chapter 2 before it even started. But, that's ok, for me cuz that's not why I read these. I did enjoy the relationship between Tucker and Samantha. I also enjoyed that where many authors would have increased tension by miscommunications and anger where it wasn't necessary, Ms. Anderson didn't do that. She believes him, and trusts him, and he believes in her.

I'll read her again, but am not sure yet if Catherine Anderson will be a favorite/auto buy or not yet. Overall this was a solid book, and a quick read. A definate 4 stars for me.

The Serpent Prince

by Elizabeth Hoyt

#9 Title from AAR top 100.

Rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

Lucy Craddock-Hayes thought the man lying in the ditch was dead, but he survived the assault. With the help of her servant, Lucy brings the gentleman home, and learns that he is Viscount Simon Iddesleigh. As Simon slowly recuperates, he finds himself falling in love with sharp-witted and surprisingly sharp-tongued Lucy, but he also knows that the longer he stays, the more likely it is that his quest for vengeance will endanger Lucy and her family.

My Thoughts:

Elizabeth Hoyt does it again. She wrote a steamy novel about the redemption of love. Simon is a lost soul bent on vengeance. Lucy is his angel of mercy, who attempts to save him from himself. I enjoyed the scenes at her home. He acts all unaffected. He blathers, she ignores his blather. He is astonished that she seems to see right through him. I like her cast of secondary characters. Here's what I didn't like. So, Ms Hoyt writes them steamy. She writes hotter than what I normally read. That's fine. I mean hey...a little steam is good for you, right?! Here's my issue....her Juicy scenes...are a little to "juicy". Now I'm not talking about steamy, sexy! I'm talking about juicy. She's describing the often wet details of their love. Her juices, coating, dripping/ his juices, spraying. Everything is slick and wet. Dewd! Made me want to hand someone a towlette. A little too slimy, oozey for me. I enjoyed when she got a gander at his, "mini me" the first time. She's all " Ooh, I finally get to see him. He's a shy fellow. Oh, and look here are his 2 friends to say hello as well." Cracked me up. Then she gets down to business.

Scandal in Spring

by Lisa Kleypas (4th in Wallflower series)

#6 "Spring" Title/Cover

rated 4 stars

Back cover:

After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses--the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone...anyone...other than Matthew. But she doesn't count to Matthew's unexpected charm...or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she was always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered...one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

My Thoughts:

I liked this alot. I know that it was 4th in a series of 4, and I haven't read the other 3. I know that everyone I know, who've read these, liked the others better. So, that tells me that I'm really going to like them. Don't get me wrong, this was not a perfect book. It did well until the end, when the wrap up seemed kind of rushed. ...reveal big secret...tragic accident...miraculous discovery...then fast forward and everyone lives happily ever after. I'd have much preferred some of the angst, and relationship development that should have taken place during the fast forward.

I liked Daisy and Matthew. I liked Evie (who intrigues me!!) and Annabelle. I found Lillian...overbearing. I'll give her some space since she was pregnant and all, but geez get over yourself. Maybe I'll like her better upon reading her story. I liked Marcus very well, but had no real engagement from the other 2 fellas. I'll have to meet them when I read their stories. This was my first historical by Lisa Kleypas and it won't be my last.

The Secret

by Julie Garwood

#10 "Secret" Title

rated 4 Stars (easy)

pages 379

Back cover:

Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud, as purposeful as she was loyal. The dear Scottish friend of her childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland. Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melging bloss of Iain's serching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprighly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan...not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!!

My thoughts:

So, Julie Garwood is awesome! She's done it again with this book. I enjoyed the interplay between the Iain and Judith. I also enjoyed the engaging secondary characters. I especially liked Broderick. (the scene where they are at his sister-in-laws parents house, and she (Judith) takes him outside to give him a piece of her mind....then when they return she's trying to act like nothing has happened and he looks remotely like a small boy whose been put into timeout....then he begrudgingly has the conversation he didn't want to have. He feels like a chick...talking about clan gossip...) I enjoyed the banter, and the quirky humor. Classic Julie Garwood. Love it!!!

Sisters Found

by Joan Johnston

#1 Western or set in the west...

rated 3.5 stars

pages 377

Back Cover:

Three Sisters. Three Lives. Three Hearts. Reunited in a Stunning Drama of Passion and Secrets.
Charity--Beautiful, bold and uncertain of love after being abandoned as on infant, Charity is bewildered by Kane Longstreet's marriage proposal. Despite her misgivings, she agrees to go home with Kane for the holidays. But at his cousin's engagement party at Hawk's Pride, she gets the shock of her life when she comes face-to-face with identical twin sisters Hope and Faith Butler, and sees a mirror image of herself.
Hope--The stunning discovery that she is a triplet does little to distract Hope from her own personal heartbreak. The man she has loved all her life, Jake Whitelaw, is about to marry someone else. With only two weeks until the wedding, she needs a miracle. And thanks to her determined sisters, she might just get it.
Faith--Fearing that her parents gave Charity up for adoption because of her own special needs as a child, Faith is consumed by guilt. She vows to see both her sisters happy, no matter what it takes. That means she's got to break up one wedding, arrange a couple more . . . and seize her own chance for happiness.

My Thoughts:

this was a pleasant read. Jake was a tortured hero, although I'm not really sure why...Hope was ok, but there were times when things just didn't add up. In one scene, Hope and Jake are starting the Mack, then she decides she doesn't want to lose her virginity this way, but with someone who loves her. So she's all...No, I should leave, this will never work. Then a few minutes later she's decided that oh, yea this is going to happen this way and don't try to stop me... I liked Faith and Randy although we really didn't get to know them that well. Now, Kane and Charity were ok, but we don't know anything about Kane from this book. Charity has some issues to work thru and keeps waffling about whether she's forgiving her parents or trying to hurt them. Very split personality. Now I know that we all have emotions that waffle from time to time however I didn't feel like Ms. Johnston wrote this inner emotional turmoil very well. It didn't translate well. It was a quick read and pleasant but not a keeper.

To Tame a Highland Warrior

by Karen Marie Moning

#2 Read a book set in Scotland

rated 4 stars

pages 366

Back Cover:

Only her love could gentle his savage soul--He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side -- into a competition to win her hand in marriage.

Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him -- even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both....

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a solid good story. Grimm was a great tortured hero. Jillian was not a pushover, but wasn't a b*!@h either. I liked Quinn although I think he could have been a little more developed. Ramsay, was ...I didn't like him too much at all. I'm not sure if Balder will get his own story since he seemed quite taken with Missus Twillow at the end of this one. I wish we could have seen a little more of the character's sense if humors. At least between Quinn and Grimm. I'll be reading more from this series. For Sure!!

DarkFever

by Karen Marie Moning

#8 favorite/5 stars from Friend's shelf

rated 3.5 stars

Back Cover:

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death-a cryptic message on Mac's cell phone-Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister's killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed-a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae....

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister's death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane-an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women-closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac's true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book-because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands....

My Thoughts:

So I was expecting a paranormal romance. I got a paranormal/suspense. It was a good book, but not was I was expecting. It's kinda like going to the drive thru and expecting a burger when you leave but getting a grilled cheese sandwich. Now, grilled cheese is good, but not satisfying when I want a burger. That's kinda how I feel about Darkfever. (Can you tell I'm hungry??) Anyway, it is a perfectly good book, but I really wanted some love connection. As far as I'm concerned there is no emotion whatsoever. Even the erotic scenes with Vlane left me wanting, because there was only manipulation and humiliation. Not passion, just again with the oogy factor.

Anyway, I'm really hoping the emotion and passion amp up in the next installment Bloodfever. I really (really really) hope Barrons is a good guy, and a love interest for Mac. Some or many of you have already read Bloodfever and will know the answer to that. It's a solid book, but a grilled cheese for me.

C'mon Ms. Moning I got a "fever" for some lovin'.