Review: In the Wake of the Wind by Katherine Kingsley

It was Amanda’s review of this book made me want to read it.

Yes I know Amanda’s review wasn’t that great but hey one person’s wallbanger is another’s keeper. The part that caught my eye was

… Aiden confesses all to an innocent maid in a wood the day before his marriage

I was interested to see how the author tried to come back from that big of a screw up on the heroes part. It is one thing to think your betrothed doesn’t want you, it is another thing to have him tell you point blank. Even if he doesn’t know he is telling ‘you’.

So you start the book with the bride all happy happy joy joy about the wedding and the groom facing death, to have the wedding happen, and completely turn that around. The thing I didn’t understand was Aiden was happy with who his bride was and figured out pretty quickly she wasn’t at all what he had been told. He knows he got the better end of the deal and feels for her but god damn if he is gonna fall in love with the chit.

Marry her - sure
be faithful to her - sure (as long as she is warming his bed)
create a home with her - sure
use her money to pay off his debt - sure

but love? eh? What is this four letter word you speak of? God save me from the rake afraid of lurve. whatever…

The other thing that completely rang false was when Aiden found out what Auntie and the Serafina’s maid had been up to, to uh… get him up. I really would have expected more of a reaction from a man, any man, when he found out he was being drugged. Then again I would have expected him to throw out sister dear on her ear when he found out about her lies.

So does the book have its faults, sure, but all in all I found it an enjoyable read and am looking forward to my next Kingsley. And of course after I finished this and started googling I remembered that meljean has great love for No Greater Love. So that has been added to the list, beta hero and all ;).

Do we really have to go to work tomorrow?

So not fair!

Books I want to blog on:

Against the Wall by Rhyannon Byrd
Bite of Magick by Rhyannon Byrd
Ordinary Charm by Anya Blast
A Valentine Wedding by Jane Feather
Jamie by Lori Foster
One Night of Sin by Gaelen Foley
Texas Embrace by Rosanne Bittner (might wait until I finish the sequel)
In the Wake of the Wind by Katherine Kingsley
The Rogue by Celete Bradley

And does anyone have any opinions on Geralyn Dawson?

Oh since and I need them, new books:
Mr. Impossible - Loretta Chase (don’t think it will be the first I read of hers but it was at the usb all nice and shiney so I took it home. I am so sure I have read LOS but I don’t remember it at all)
The Twilight Before Christmas - Christine Feehan
The Pirate and the Puritan - Cheryl Howe (loved loved loved her After the Ashes, have been looking for this forever)
Lilies on the Lake - Katherine Kingsley (not what I wanted but hey it was there)
Deceive Me Not - Eve Byron (I ssssssssqqqeeeeeeee’ed)
The Deed - Lynsay Sands
Into His Arm’s - Paula Reed (someone bloged about this the other day, I really should write where I get rec’s from so I don’t have to hunt them down after I read them)
Fire Hawk - Justine Dare (kristiej made me do it, even if she doesn’t know it)

Aspen Gold Contest

So my four books came for me to read. They were sent sometime last week but I just got them cuz I never remember to check my mail.

Four books - score (I need to see about judging more stuff, I love free books)
Four authors I have never read before - score
Three books that are apart of a series - that sort of sucks

So I am guessing I need to read these as if they stand alone. Which I am not sure how that will work but hey I will try anything once. I am not sure if I am allowed to blog about the titles or not. I will ask the coordinator.

Anyway - if you signed up, go forth and check your mail ;).

Review: Men of August - long ass post

Men of August by Lora Leigh or how to hit at least one hot button for every reader in four books.

These are the first books by Lora Leigh I have read and do intend to read more. But these books still leave me with a huh, what? sort of feeling.

If threesomes, anal sex, child abuse, sex toys, group sex in a family way, incest, guardian turn lover, or voyeurism squicks you beyond your comfort zone, these would not be the books for you.

Otherwise I am not sure. You might want to give em a try or not. I can’t say I would rec’ed them across board but I can see how some people would enjoy them. Or like to pick them to death. And I can see how some people would go eeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww and hit the delete button as fast as they can. I can honestly say I was really annoyed with how the books ended because I thought Heather’s Gift was the last in the series but I was much happier with the ending in August Heat

K so if you want to know nothing else about these books leave now.

ok

you gone yet?

Still here?

cool

We start with Marly’s Choice and this is the only blurb I am putting up. The link will lead you to the others if you are interested:

Marly’s love for Cade has spanned her teenage years, and survived strong and intact into womanhood. Her fantasies and daydreams have sustained her, but she’s no longer content with merely imagining the touch of his hands, the taste of his kiss. It’s time to seduce the tough, sexy cowboy.
She’s heard the rumors for years, the tales of his sexual preferences. She’s prepared herself to accept his desires. Prepared her body for his touch. But she wasn’t prepared for the choice to come…
Cade’s dark desires, his sexual excesses are based in the past. In a time when pain, shame, and blood stains his very soul. He carries a secret shared only with his brothers. A secret that has scarred the bond, the ability to be a brother or to accept the love of the men he was raised with. He knows the only way to prove his loyalty, his love for those brothers and Marly will be the key.
She has a choice. She can surrender to Cade’s needs, his soul deep desires, or she can walk away. A choice only Marly can make. A choice that will change her life forever.

So the gist of it is… you love one brother you love em all. And in a hmmm do I want three sexy men at my beck in call to fuck me sort of way that could be nifty. But the three men in question are brothers and they ‘love’ the woman. Oh and while the sexing up is happening there is a stalker mad man/woman on the loose trying to kill them all… que my evil laugh.

See I have no problems with threesome or even foursomes but it takes a whole hell of a lot to make me believe in love, happiness and happy ever after. To say a person is your heart, your love, the other part of you and then say and by the way, I want to share you, makes me go what the fuck. A drunken night out of fun is a whole other story, but I digress.

I like how Lora Leigh uses the ‘wives’ to voice just about everything that is going though the readers’ minds. Marly’s, Sarah, and Heather honestly try to understand the why of it and if they can learn to deal. The really shitty thing is Marly, the first heroine and wife of the oldest brother, is the last one to get the full story on why the boys feel they need to do this. I also like that the bros - Cade, Sam and Brock know they are a lil twisted and question if they should or even have the right to do this to the women they love. A one-night stand is one thing, your soul mate is another.

They never really answer it. It just is. But I liked that it is brought up and the situation isn’t presented in a ‘this normal kind of way’.

And honestly, I think I could have went with it as a reader a little easier if the author had just gone with a more, we do this cause we can or because we want to. The factors that get set in place, the we do this because we have to, because it is the only way we can connect as brother after what the warped bastard of a father allowed to happen to us, didn’t really work for me. And as sad and probably fucked up as it sounds (yes you are saying sybil you think you are just now hitting fucked up) is I might have been able to buy into it more if the summer of sin had happened when they were children.

I mean 18 (sam and brock are twins) and 20 (cade) just seemed too old for the plot. NOT that I am saying give me a 14 year old brother being forced to fuck his 12 year old brother story. But does 18 and 20 count as child abuse? Or was the author trying to get across the degradation, loss of control and rape caused the switch to flip? But if that is so, then what? Are you taking women you love, respect and cherish and doing to them what was done to you - does that make you feel better? And how does that make you feel love for your brother? Why the hell aren’t these guys in therapy!

I mean I wanted to buy into it. I did. And as much as I have thought about these books has to mean there was something there. That or I am just one sick fuck, which could be true as well.

I didn’t understand where in Marly’s Choice Cade made the decision to try to Marly into the happy foursome. And the book was pretty choppy. One min you have Cade telling the bros - hands off, she is mine, I won’t lose her and this will send her screaming from the room. Next you know he is telling her to take off her clothes for Sam. I didn’t get where her choice came into play. Then again Marly was just as fucked up as the brothers. To be throwing yourself at a man one min and then saying oh wait stop, ok now, hold on, go, wait! I was really waiting for her to start playing red light green light.

And it is stated Cade hadn’t been laid in over a year, so the brothers went without this ‘need’ for that long and then suddenly ‘needed’ to do it like bunnies. Really you needed to bring in Sarah and Heather or Marly wouldn’t have been able to walk.

Each time, each man says if the woman can’t accept it, they would try and deal. But they never ever do! When the women resist, they just push them into it. Which I honestly think was the shitty part of the deal.

Oh that and the entire time, well over three books, there is someone trying. to. kill. them. I mean if they had kept their cocks in their pants they might have figured the whole thing out in the first book.

But anyway, I could go on another fifty pages with things that pissed me off or things that I liked or things that made me go wtf but if nothing else - it wasn’t your typical romance novel.

Review: Devil Takes a Bride by Gaelen Foley

Devil Takes a Bride

In the quiet English countryside, far from the intrigues of London, Lizzie Carlisle slowly mends her broken heart, devoting herself to her new position as lady’s companion to the Dowager Viscountess Strathmore— until her peaceful life is turned upside down by a visit from “Devil” Strathmore, the old woman’s untamed nephew—a dangerously handsome man whose wicked reputation hides a tortured soul.

Devlin Kimball, Lord Strathmore, has spent years adventuring on the high seas, struggling to make his peace with the tragedy that claimed the lives of his family. But now he has uncovered the dark truth behind the so-called accident and swears retribution. He has no intention of taking a bride—until his eccentric aunt’s will forces he and Lizzie together, and Devlin finds his path to vengeance blocked by the stubborn but oh-so-tempting Miss Carlisle. Her passionate nature rivals his own. But disillusioned once by love, Lizzie will accept nothing less than his true devotion. . . .

I ended up rereading this book when I started Foley’s new book One Night of Sin (more on that book later). I enjoyed it as much the second, or maybe third time as I did the first. This was the first book I read by this author and it was a book I picked up and put down about 6 or so different times before I figured it really wanted to come home with me.

Devlin Kimball is tricked into coming home to visit his aunt, in a rather mean way by her ‘lady’s companion’ Lizzie Carlisle. If you had, unlike me, read the series in order you would have known going in why Lizzie was licking her wounds in the country. But I didn’t have any problems follow the story and learned along with Dev why Lizzie was hurting.

Dowager Viscountess Strathmore trick is a well-used theme I have seen in many a romance novel but the ol ‘they have to get married because of the will’, works in an off the wall way.

There are two side plots going on beside the romance of dev and lizzie. Devlin trying to make peace with his parents’ death and find out why they died. It involves the Horse and Chariot Club, which I *think* was real and should really read up on to see if that is so as often as it makes an appearance in romance novels. And you have the wrap up to Lizzie and Alex’s relationship (hero in One Night of Sin).

Some of the prose is purple, some of the antics are over the top and your bad guys are evol wick men, not to mention this is one of those series books that some of you guys hate. But I love it.

I adore how Lizzie tries so hard to make it on her own and picks herself back up when something fucks up and tries something different. Although I might have screamed if the word bluestocking was used one more time. I love the dressing down she gives Alec and Dev after they cause her to lose her job.

Don’t you see, Alec? Don’t you understand anything? I am so sick and tired of being a poor relation - of having to rely on the charity of my friends for my food and shelter! That’s why I took this job, why I work so hard. You two don’t know what it’s like. You, Devlin, with your estate you never even visit and your fine town house - and you, Alec, with your tres fashionable rooms at the Albany and your innumerable family homes. All I ever wanted in life was a home and a place of my own, but I’m never going to have it. I’m, always going to be Lizzie the friend, Lizzie the glorified servant, Lizzie the caretaker. Well, I have news for you, boys,” she wrenched out in sarcasm. “Sometimes I wouldn’t mind someone taking care of me for a change!”

LOVE that! It is so true and something you want to scream at many a romance hero. The whole idea that a ‘gentleman’ is called a gentleman because he didn’t have to work is laughable. Rat bastards. Dev and Lizzle are perfect for each other. They fill a space that completes the other person, I love the time they get to spend together in Bath. Honest. They had each other at hello ;).

The ending is a lil much. At that point dev should have been thinking a lil more about lizzie than the killing the baddies. But hey he didn’t want lizzie! And you prolly know who Sorscha is why before ‘the big surprise’. Again, didn’t care. I just happy sighed, closed the book and put it back on the shelf.

Who knew….

My ubs had books that I had heard of and had thought of getting in a eh maybe kind of way. BUT I resisted. I walked out without:

The Runaway Heiress Brenda Hiatt - get an eh feeling
That’s Amore Anthology Contemp - never read the people in it
The Chase Cheryl Sawyer - never read her
Close to You Christina Dodd Contemp - 2nd one sucked but I am drawn to the red cover
When Dashing Met Danger Shana Galen - I have four debut avon authors tbr
Wait Until Midnight Amanda Quick - never read her
Seeing Red Jill Shalvis - read the first one have the second tbr
The Prince Next Door Sue Civil-Brown - no idea why I even knew of this one
Jigsaw Kathleen Nance - someone blogged on this
Wicked Nights Nina Bangs - it got such a bad review I was tempted
Lips That Touch Mine Wendy Lindstrom - on hold though…
The Dangerous Protector Janet Chapman - keep picking this up and putting it down
The Paid Companion Amanda Quick - wanted this when it was in hardback
Till Next We Meet Karen Ranney - it was brand new and pretty

We won’t even get into the FIVE books they have that I bought new that are sitting tbr.

I left them in the store to find homes with others. Too bad nicole is on vacation and can’t be here to be proud of me and shit. In all honesty if I didn’t have so many new books I just bought that I want to read this weekend I would have been tempted.

I think I like buying books almost as much as reading them…

Gena Showalter

Anyone have any rec’s? What type of books does she write? Is she any good? I saw a few of her books listed on Beverly’s site and am interested.

oh and I updated my want list with a few I had forgotten to write in my notebook but the wonderful beverly had up.

Tags: Gena Showalter

I want I want I want

erika did a list of upcoming books she wants and I stole it and fixed it to be books I want
* read reviews first
** need more info
*** will buy used

What is the difference between * and ** you say? Well a * I want a review first but a ** means I have no clue what the book is about, either the title or author caught my eye. So I might start to lust after a ** book without a review.

Yes I put too much thought into this, why do you ask?

JUNE
(turns out books I thought were july are late june)
* Redemption - Linda Broaday
Haunted - Kely Armstrong
** Beyond the Pale - Savannah Rusee 6/7
* The Lady Lies - Samantha Saxon 6/7/5
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue - Jillian Hunter 6/28/5
The Marriage Bed - Laura Lee Guhrke 6/28(might be used depends on reviews and such)
*** Sins of Night - Sherrilyn Kenyon (unless I read at least ONE of these on my tbr, must be used)
* A Perfect Hero - Samantha James 6/28
* More Than a Scandal - Sari Robins 6/28

JULY

* Lyon’s Gate - Catherine Coulter
Only for a Knight - Sue-Ellen Welfonder 7/1
*** Undead and Unappreciated - MJD 7/5
** Passion - Lisa Valdez 7/5
** Seduction of Sara - Cynthia Clement 7/5
Wicked Fantasy - Nicole Jordan - 7/26 (auto-buy)
One Night with a Prince - Sabrina Jeffries 7/1(auto-buy)
A Perfect Hero - Samantha James
*** Before Sunrise - Diana Palmer
* More Than a Scandal - Sari Robins 7/1

AUGUST

Extreme Exposure - Pamela Clare
A Season to be Sinful - Jo Goodman 8/5 (auto-buy)
Too Hot To Handle - Cheryl Holt (was an auto-buy but iffy after the last book)
Spell of the Highlander - Karen Marie Moning (auto-buy even if she can’t seem to update her damn website ever)
A Fine Passion (Bastion Club)- Stephanie Laurens
The River Devil - Diane Whiteside 8/5 (auto-buy) I want I want I want

SEPTEMBER

** Kiss of Death - Josie Litton
Kick Ass - MJD, Angela Knight, Jacey Ford (never heard of her), Maggie Shayne 9/6
Really Unusual Bad Boys - MJD
Mackenzie’s Honor - Linda Howard (Mackenzie’s Pleasure and A Game of Chance - reissue)
Born to be B.A.D. - Sherrilyn Kenyon (after Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down I might not get this or wait for used)

OCTOBER

Surrender to a Wicked Spy - Celeste Bradley 10/4 (Royal Four)(auto-buy)
One Little Sin - Liz Carlyle (auto-buy)
Undead and Unreturnable - MJD (new depends on the Undead and Unappreciated)
** Grave Sight - Charlaine Harris
Courting Midnight - Emma Holly (auto-buy)

NOVEMBER

Games of Pleasure - Julia Ross
Hot Spell - Emma Holly, Meljean Brock, Lora Leigh and Shiloh Walker 11/1
The Royal Pain by MJD - 11/5
* The Music of the Night - Lydia Joyce 11/1
** This Rake of Mine - Elizabeth Boyle

DECEMBER

The Lord Next Door - Gayle Callen (not sure about this one - post upcoming on her)
Scandalous Miranda - Susan Sizemore
Mercenaries - Angela Knight

***don’t have dates****
Duke of Scandal (working title) by Adele Ashworth

Question

Anyone have any comments on Redemption by Linda Broday. Or on Linda Broday books in general?

I have never heard of her before and I had the book in my hand yesterday (along with Confessions Of A Lingerie Addict by Jennifer Ashley) but I didn’t get it. I feel guilt because I think it is a western and I try and support romance westerns and buy them new. And I feel double the guilt since I haven’t bought the HH for this month - they just seemed eh and I haven’t read a rec for them to change my mind.

So anyone…. anyone…

Waldenbooks vs Walmart

this time is it personal

hee Why is it that Waldens says no we will not put out The Rogue by Celeste Bradley until 5/31 but Walmart has it out? I hope this is better than The Charmer, I just wasn’t feeling the love for that book that I have for the other three liar books. But I did enjoy To Wed a Scandlous Spy, so good thoughts!

hmmmm

Not that it matters since Walmart is cheaper and they also had One Night of Sin by Galen Foley (the author that will always make me think of beth while reading) and The Love Affair of an English Lord by Jillian Hunter.

I had Confessions Of A Lingerie Addict by Jennifer Ashley in my hand but ouch. Someone needs to read this and tell me it gets better. Someone other than Harriet Klausner…

so sssssssqqqqqqquuueeeeeeeee I have all three now!

And Star Quaility on the way. Of course this does move Jamie down on the list to read for the weekend but I shall get to it as well. LONG WEEKEND!

Oh I also picked up at the ubs:
Her Heart’s Desire by Rene J Garrod - maili rec’ed Her Heart’s Embrace and well I am working my way toward finding it Vanity by Jan Feather - need violet and that is that for the v’s, no don’t ask me how many I have read
Wild Wind by Patricia Ryan - no clue why I bought this other than I had another title of hers on my list and had never heard of this one - go figure
Stargazer by Colby Hodge - maili and kristiej jumped so I had to
My Surrender by Connie Brockway - don’t think I am gonna even like this but I have the other two with the second still tbr so I needed it.

Anyway I think - THINK I am set for June. Well until the July books start popping up at walmart
I really wanted to talk about August Men since I finished the August Heat last night. I really need to finish Maili’s email. And find some place for all these books. But I am gonna go read One Night of Sin.

wwwwhhhheeeeeeeeeeeee

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