All posts by skyebjenner

A Man in a Kilt by Sandy Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Man In A Kilt (Castle Blackstone, #1) by Sandy Blair

Title: A Man in a Kilt
Author: Sandy Blair
Series: Castle Blackstone #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance, Time travel
Dates read: 20th – 22nd May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Zebra Historical Romance
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: He knew that Angus and Douglas would insist on following him.

Synopsis

A Lonely Laird
Duncan MacDougall, the laird of Blackstone, was cursed centuries ago to wander as a ghost wihtin the echoing walls of his island castle – and only one woman can free him. Can it be the new mistress of Blackstone, just arrived from over the sea? Duncan has heard that pretty Miss Elizabeth Pudding is no more than a cook – and she haisl from a barbarous land called the Bronx. But she must learn the ways of a lady all the same – and she must stay at Blackstone for six long months to inherit. ‘Tis time enough to teach her – and time enough to woo her…

An Enchanting Lady
Beth has seen the handsome spectre from the day she crossed the threshold of Blackstone. Duncan MacDougall is a tall, translucent figure with black hair and piercing blue eyes. Yet a mist separates him from the land of the living… a mist as strong as cold steel. It is said that only love can dissolve it – and bring the man of her dreams to warm, breathing life…

Thoughts

The blurb of this book made me have certain.. expectations. And what I ended up getting was wholly unexpected. And seriously fun and enjoyable. Every twist and turn in this was a surprise and left me feeling very happy.

I thought there would be a bit more intensity in the time travelling aspect of this story. I mean, it’s been sitting on my shelves for this exact reason. It probably belongs I’m the historical romance shelf though. I mean, the ghost and time travel are both paranormal. But all of the setting and storyline… purely Scottish, historical fiction.

Almost all of the romances I read feature a strong woman who is also beautiful. I love that Beth is considered plain throughout and there are no hints of her being a particularly good looking woman. That, and the fact that one of the vipers in this story is the ridiculously good looking woman. There’s also the fact that although she is a virgin, there’s pretty much no fuss made about it. Rather, it’s a plot line to indicate her trust issues.

Duncan is dense. The combination of Beth and Rachael constantly bringing him to task honestly had me laughing loudly and for a long time. I mean… we women do have a tendency to run our men ragged at times, and I love the loving fear that they instill I their men. That, and the great combination of past and present in this incredibly cute romance.

<- More Sandy BlairA Rogue in a Kilt ->

Image source: Goodreads

Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Death by Diamonds (A Vintage Magic Mystery, #3) by Annette Blair

Title: Death by Diamonds
Author: Annette Blair
Series: A Vintage Magic Mystery #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Cozy mystery, Mystery
Dates read: 18th – 20th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Mystery
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “You get me in the stupidest trouble.”

Synopsis

The latest entry sparkles in national bestselling author Annette Blair’s enchanting series starring Madeira Cutler and her charming Vintage Magic boutique. This time Maddie needs to find out why a famous actress faced her final curtain call…

Madeira loves her vintage clothing store, but the visions she gets from the garments can be hard to handle, especially when she knows the garment’s owner. At first she’s thrilled to receive a package containing the beautifully bejewelled dress she designed for actress and old friend Dominique DeLong while in fashion school. But the dress comes with a disturbing note from Dominique, who it seems took her last bow under very mysterious circumstances. Now Maddie needs to use her second sight to shine a spotlight on the actress’s entire entourage – including a bitter ex, a rival ingenue, and a very catty “best friend” – and make sure that this was the killer’s final act.

Thoughts

I love a good cozy mystery. They have all the intensity and joy of a good thriller or crime novel. Just none of the horror, can’t sleep at night feelings that my other crime novels inspire. Which, thinking about it is a little weird… Death by Diamonds still has a murder, and it should be scary. But mostly it’s just enjoyable.

Admittedly I’m not one for fashion. But I do appreciate all of the intricacies that are around for people who are. And, honestly, after reading this, I kind of wish that I was into vintage fashion. There are so many beautiful nuances throughout this book.

Dom is maybe my favourite murder victim ever. Whoch is supremely weird, I know. But from the very beginning, she is manipulating and twisting things in a way that is kind of humorous. I love the gumption of the woman and the pizzaz that she shows, even from beyond the grave. It gives you a hint of the woman that you never get to meet within the storyline. And I loved it.

I have most definitely got a favourite leading man in this series… Weiner. Nick is not bad, per se, just “eh”. Which meant that I was incredibly happy to have Weiner take a little more centre stage in Mad’s attentions. Hopefully in the next book this relationship will start to develop more!

<- Larceny and LaceSkirting the Grave ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bloodcircle by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bloodcircle (Vampire Files, #3) by P.N. Elrod

Title: Bloodcircle
Author: P.N. Elrod
Series: Vampire Files #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Gangsters, Paranormal fantasy, Vampire noir
Dates read: 18th – 19th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: His pockets were turned out and a few stray coins littered the floor.

Synopsis

Detective-cum-vampire Jack Fleming’s quest for the mysterious woman who made him a vampire takes him to the palatial estate of a wealthy widow, where a two-hundred-year-old gigolo tries to throw him off the trail. Reissue.

Thoughts

I forgot about how much I enjoy P.N. Elrod’s writing. It did take me a little while to get into Bloodcircle, partly because I spent a lot of time trying to place who people were and the politics of the whole story line. But once I got everything straight in my mind’s eye… I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I most definitely couldn’t stop turning the pages.

I love this vampire noir feeling throughout this story. Not that I’ve read many noir stories or tales which are set in this time. But with the vampire twist… this is just amazing. I’m transported into a world that I rarely get to spend much time in. One that I’m kind of eager to rejoin again.

I love that this story is a quest for Jack Fleming’s lost love. A quest for answers that he really needs. I feel a lot of Bobbi in this, because I have a lot of hope for them as a couple in the future. But it also shows how much care Jack has for those he loves.

This is a fantastic mystery that will hook you quickly. It may have taken me about 3 chapters to get hooked, but once I did… it was almost impossible to look away. Just what I want in a good mystery / noir genre novel.

<- Vampires Prefer BlondesArt in the Blood ->

Image source: Goodreads

Beyond the Dark by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for beyond the dark angela knight book cover

Title: Beyond the Dark
Author: Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside
In: Beyond the Dark (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 4th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: No, I’ll just… I’ll just…

Synopsis

Go beyond your wildest fantasies.
Go beyond your most forbidden dreams.
Go further than any woman has ever dared to go…

Four bestselling authors of paranormal romance and erotic thrills take readers into a seductive midnight world of demons, mages, vampires, and knights, of queens with devilish secrets, and of devils with secret desires. Going this far is so dangerous, so exciting, so captivating, you may never want to come back down to earth.

Thoughts

I really, really enjoyed this collection. It was full of romance, fun and lust. A little more intensely erotic than some of my romances. But also not overbearingly so. The perfect balance for the type of stories that I enjoy.

I did buy this because at the moment I’m devouring the Breeds series by Lora Leigh. However, it did get bumped up my wishlist because I know and thoroughly enjoy the other three authors. I also like that the story by Emma Holly is also part of a series that I’m already half reading. Then the other two novellas were beautifully pleasant standalones.

This collection was darkly sensual and seriously wonderful. I loved jumping into these four worlds and being swept away. A collection that I will definitely read again.

<- In a Wolf’s EmbraceDragon Dance ->

Image source: Amazon

The Sin-Eater’s Promise by Michele Hauf

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance 2 book cover

Title: The Sin-Eater’s Promise
Author: Michele Hauf
Series: Of Angels and Demons #1.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance
Dates read: 18th May 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: The sin-eater was female.

Synopsis

She’s a sin-eater and he ferries the dead to their final destination. But sometimes the job gets in the way of romance… And romance gets in the way of the job.

Thoughts

I liked this story. I’ve vaguely heard of sin-eaters before, but never really known much more than the title. It was incredibly amazing and fun to read a story that featured such a creature. The fact that it also had demons and all other sorts of horrors in it… well, that just made it all that much better.

The romance aspect of this story really didn’t take centre stage. At least, not for me. For me, this whole tale was about the role of a sin-eater and the debate of morals. It is a great story that shows you that sometimes what you think is right, isn’t necessarily correct.

I love the discussion of morals and what is actually right and wrong throughout this story. The idea that consequences exist for every decision. Regardless of what the motives behind such a choice are…

<- Mr SandmanFragile Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Night Like This :HarperCollins Australia

Title: A Night Like This
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 11th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She saw only him, watching her as if she were the only woman in the world.

Synopsis

ANNE WYNTER MIGHT NOT BE WHO SHE SAYS SHE IS…

But she’s managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge – in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy – no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he’s the first man who has truly tempted her, and it’s getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

DANIEL SMYTHE-SMITH MIGHT BE IN MORTAL DANGER…

But that’s not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family’s annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she’s a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending…

Thoughts

As with all the Julia Quinn books in my shelf. I loved this. Quinn just has such an amazing talent for sweeping you away to a happy, content world that you know everything will turn out well in.

This story reminded me a little of the Benedict Bridgerton story in that it is a man falling for a woman below his station. And he happens to glance at her at a society event, and become instantly infatuated. The similarities do stop here though, for which I I glad.

I love how aware Anne is of how wrong things can go and how she is constantly trying to make Daniel see sense… it works brilliantly well. And it feels a little more realistic. I mean, this is a Regency romance, so it’s not exactly going to be realistic regardless… but it does make it feel a little less far fetched I suppose.

Daniel and Anne are a fun couple, and the villain they have to face in this is a lot more evil and intimidating than any Julia Quinn book so far. This, combined with the constant awkwardness of Harriet and her younger sisters had me smiling throughout. There was a great sense of lightness to match that feeling of horror that the villain lent

A fantastic novel that let me float on a happily ever after for a while. One that I will definitely read again.

<- Just Like HeavenThe Sum of All Kisses ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Book Review, ,
Overview
Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Title: Charmed by Charlie
Author: Amanda Uhl
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 16th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: ARC, eBook, Novel
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Year: 2021
5th sentence, 74th page: “What… why?”

Synopsis

PAINT, PROMOTIONS & PERFECTION

Creative genius Charlie Solanger has it all: good looks, money, intelligence, charm. And when he swoops in to save Reynolds Paint Company with a brilliant marketing campaign, he has all the ladies in the office vying for his attention. Everyone except math whiz Valerie Wilson.

Val’s not happy Charlie stole her promotion. Worse, his brand of flirtatious charm is reminiscent of her cheating ex-fiancé. So, how come she can’t get him out of her head? The more she challenges him, the more interested—and interesting—he becomes. What secrets is Charlie hiding, and who or what is behind the sudden mysterious drain on their company’s funds? The only way to find out is to join forces. Then it will be a battle of wills…and a triumph of hearts.

Thoughts

I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I seriously enjoyed this office romance. It was such an easy and light read with just enough twists to not leave you feeling a little bored. The fact that not just the lead couple, but all the secondary characters got their happily ever after most definitely left me feeling content at the end of this.

I must admit, I’ve read very few “office romance” stories. And even fewer that involve corporate espionage and the mystery of missing money. I really liked how this twisted throughout the romance to raise the stakes. Plus, the whole office setting was a brilliant backdrop to the while tale.

Val was a fun lead in this story. She was scared to trust (and who hasn’t been there?), brilliantly mathematically inclined and just generally a great narrator voice. It meant that I absolutely adored the first person point of view that was presented and, although you don’t necessarily always agree with her decisions, you can understand her motives.

All in all, I seriously enjoyed this and would most definitely read another Amanda Uhl book. It was such a lovely world in whoch to spend a few hours and left me feeling happy and content. And seriously glad I don’t work in an office…

<- More Amanda UhlMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Goodreads

In a Wolf’s Embrace by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for beyond the dark angela knight book cover

Title: In a Wolf’s Embrace
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #10.5
In: Beyond the Dark (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 18th May 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: “Has it happened often since you were a child?” he questioned, easing from her, shuddering at the snug grip of her pussy as he slid out.

Synopsis

Lora Leigh does it… in the domain of a strange Breed, part man, part wolf, on the hunt for the woman he craves – and needs – to fulfill a hunger clawing at him from within.

Thoughts

This was a fun and intriguing little novella. One that pulled me all that much further into the Breeds series. Plus, it was also a great way to end the Beyond the Dark anthology. I like that the Breed in this was aware from the very beginning of the story what was going on with him. And how to try not to let this affect his mate’s life.

Although I love how accepting Mathias is of what is going on, and is trying to ease Grace into her new reality, it is the family factor that I truly loved. I mean, being someone who has close ties to her own family, I understand how important it is to put family first and have a partner who is accepted by them. The scene in which Mathias finally realises that he has that acceptance… I started crying then and there. It was so beautiful.

Relationships are always a negotiation and a way to rejig and compromise on what you already do in your life. Both Grace and Mathias are forced to face up to this in a very short time. And, somehow that works brilliantly. It’s a reminder that change isn’t always bad, but sometimes seriously worth pursuing.

<- Aiden’s CharityDawn’s Awakening ->

Image source: Amazon

Edge of the Moon by Rebecca York

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Edge of the Moon (The Moon Series, Book 2): York, Rebecca: 9780425191255: Amazon.com: Books

Title: Edge of the Moon
Author: Rebecca York
Series: Moon #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Werewolves
Dates read: 12th – 16th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Her lungs burned like fire.

Synopsis

His power grows with every sacrifice. Now he has chosen his final victim. And soon, they will meet in a dreamworld of ecstasy and agony – from which there is no escape…

The first person to disappear was an older woman. Then it was a child… then a teenage boy. When Kathryn Reynolds’s tenant and friend goes missing, she has no idea that her vanishing could be part of a larger, sinister pattern. But the moment she meets Detective Jack Thornton, time seems to stop – literally. The attraction between them is so strong and undeniable, there’s almost something dangerous about it…

Jack Thornton had assumed that this was just a routine missing persons report, but there was nothing routine about his response to Kathryn. He’s never reacted so quickly or so strongly to any woman before, and the erotic dreams they share threaten to overwhelm his control. But the more he investigates her friend’s disappearance, the more uneasy he feels. For he’s starting to sense that he and Kathryn are being manipulated by someone… or something. They seem to be playing cat-and-mouse with an unseen enemy – but what Jack doesn’t realize is that a killer is on the hunt, and he will stop at nothing to attain his goal. And that the killer is convinced that Kathryn is the key to his dreams of unholy power…

Thoughts

It’s been a while since I picked up this series, and I honestly forgot just how good it is. There is just something about it that draws you in from the very beginning. The suspense / crime angle creates a story line that is impossible to put down and has you racing to see just who done it…

Then there’s the great paranormal spin. I mean, it’s not enough that you want to have a happy ending and find out who the dang criminal is, you also have a whole heap of paranormal insanity to go along with it. In the case of Katherine and Jack, it’s a demon messing with them, shifting time about and just generally being a pain.

I like that Jack is a father and widower in this story. It gives an extra layer of maturity to his character and risk to the formation of a relationship. That, and there’s also much more at stake than just Katherine and Jack’s lives. Partnered with a fantastic housekeeper… and its honestly a winning family combination.

Ross and Megan also make a great reappearance in this story that reassures you that they also got their happily ever after. But, they don’t get the chance to steal the show either. All in all, I loved how York continued to expand on this world and just generally draw you in… now to find the next book to add to my reading pile…

<- Killing MoonWitching Moon ->

Image source: Amazon

Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Book cover of Aiden's Charity

Title: Aiden’s Charity
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #10
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 16th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: As he started to stalk from the porch steps, the door to the cabin was flung open.

Synopsis

The forces of survival and destruction swirl in the darkest corners of men’s minds. The nature of the beast cannot be harnessed, and survival is the purest of all instincts. Survival of the species itself goes soul deep.

But can the human heart accept and adapt as easily? Can Charity bestow the love and the acceptance that has always been a part of her, to the man whose very survival depended on the hardening of his heart, of his soul? And can Aiden maintain that cruelty now, in the face of the sacrifice she made? Only time and nature can tell.

Thoughts

I had a bit of concern at the outset of this story… I mean, the ending of Jacob’s Faith, Aiden is told that Charity is his mate and he just… doesn’t seem to be taking it well. I was expecting a whole heap of darkness and horribleness to this story that I wasn’t sure I wanted. I mean, none of the Breeds stories are full of happiness and roses… but I thought this one would be even more difficult to stomach.

Luckily, it wasn’t quite as horrifying as I had expected. Although the beginning and their re-meeting went kind of how I expected… the relationship quickly developed. In a way that didn’t feel contrived and forced, but rather, people just… accepting. I liked how Charity was a bit different from the other women too. She fought Aiden just as much, but in her own unique way.

It was super fun having a story in which the lead female is a scientist. I love how Charity is constantly analysing things and trying to figure out the science behind what’s happening to her. She might be hiding behind her logic, but it was a great contradiction to many of the women so far in this series. Sometimes I find romance writers tend to write similar characters in each of their stories, I love that this isn’t the case with Lora Leigh.

Aiden’s Charity is great. Not just for the two leads and the storyline. But it also brings some of the Coyote Breeds further into this story. That, and it gave an extra layer to the world – the majority of the story revolved around the science of the Breeds and their ability to, well, breed. Rather than the politics and the war that is brewing. It was a great change of pace, one that helped keep drawing me further and further into this world.

<- Jacob’s FaithIn a Wolf’s Embrace ->

Image source: Free Book Library