Review: Book of Scandal

The Book of Scandal (The Scandalous Series #1)

by Julia London

 Blurb:

The Princess of Wales has cataloged the shocking exploits of the outrageous Princes Regent and many of his noble friends in a book that has all of London aflutter...

Nathan Grey, the Earl of Lindsey, is infamously known as the Libertine of Lindsey for his scandalous ways with women. But when he hears gossip that his estranged wife, Evelyn, is about to be named in The Book of Scandal, he has no choice but to remove her from London to protect her and himself from charges of treason—even if it calls for abduction!

While Evelyn has no legal recourse against the man who broke her heart years ago but is still considered her lord and master, she is no longer the immature girl Nathan married. Her enforced homecoming quickly turns into a battle of wills that tears down her husband's defenses and lays bare the passion that still burns between them. Before it is too late, Nathan must confront powerful adversaries as he convinces Evelyn that she is not only his wife, but the one woman he will love for all time.

Review:

Book of Scandal is the first in a series revolving around the scandalous marriage of Prince George of Wales and Princess of Caroline and the delicate investigation undergone during their time.  Set in England during the early 1800s, the scandal revolving around Princess Caroline and Prince George has begun to spill over into the “friends’ that they surround themselves with.  Worried about the scandal causing him to lose his lands, Nathan, Earl of Lindsey, travels from his estate into London to bring home his wayward wife, and so the chaos begins.

After the death of their son, Evelyn escaped to London, attempting to bury the grief in the bustle of the Haute Ton.  Serving as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Mary, Evelyn has been hiding her grief and thriving in the world she has chosen in London. Away from Nathan and leaving him on his own to sink into the life of debauchery that everyone in England knows he leads as the Libertine of Lindsey.  Evelyn has even begun to have feelings for another, and is considering asking for a divorce so she might start a new life with him. 

When Nathan suddenly appears at a ball Evelyn is attending, she is surprised and appalled to see him.  When Nathan explains why he’s come to London, to bring Evelyn back to their estate, she become livid inciting an argument and causing great speculation among the Ton.  Evelyn continues to defy Nathan, refusing to return home or to even really give him the time of day.  During an outing to see her new beau, Nathan snatches her right off the street, paying no mind to her desire to stay in London, and secrets her away, taking her home.  Back where she belongs.

Evelyn is furious to be stuck traveling to their estate with her long deserted husband and is extremely vocal in her arguments.  Nathan, on the other hand, is slowly remembering why he once loved Evelyn so much.  Still full of fire and passion, Evelyn fights his decrees at every turn, only making him want her more.   Faced with the sudden change in his feelings, Nathan is left floundering as the one woman he’s ever loved denies any feelings between them and sinks deeper into her sorrow as she’s faced with memories of their lost child.

Evelyn and Nathan battle back and forth as she works to pay him back in subtle ways for his “kidnapping” her and beginning her to the one place she never again wanted to be.  But there is a dark shadow over their reunion.  As Evelyn works to improve the grubby house her formerly pristine home has become, strange accidents start happening.  Evelyn is almost killed in a fire that takes down the Orangery she is refurbishing, and though she swear it couldn’t have been, Nathan believes that it in fact and accident, but decides to investigate further. 

With Nathan back in London investigating the threats against his family, Evelyn starts to see a new side of her husband as she learns that the rake the rest of the world sees might not be the truth of Nathan’s heart.  As she explores the changes of her husband and home, the grief Evelyn has been dealing with is slowly stating to fade as she accepts the loss of her son. 

Even being set in Georgian Era England, there is plenty of passion and heat between Nathan and Evelyn.  Nathan is definitely a very sensual man and he pulls out the sexual side of Evelyn as well.  There are lots of fun scenes where Nathan corners Evelyn and forces her to embrace the passion they share.  There is some doubt in Evelyn’s mind about Nathan’s desire being truly for her or just any available woman, but his tenacity and hope finally convinces Evelyn that his love is real and that she can trust him and their love once again.

I really enjoyed this story with all the fun little plot twists, even though there were some very melancholy moments as we learn how their marriage fell apart in the first place.  It’s always interesting to me to see the lives of the Ton in historical England and this was no exception.  I really loved seeing the way Nathan and Evelyn were able to overcome their grief and finally see each other as they once were: a happily mated couple. I was thrilled that Nathan finally convinced Evelyn that his love never faltered and never will.  I'm looking forward to seeing the next book in the series to find out if Jack was able to escape the scandal that chase him out of England.

Rating:  3.25 stars

Rose Rating:  

Mini Review: Last Chance Bride

Last Chance Bride

by Hope Ramsay 

 Blurb:

Dear Reader,

My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he's got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can't see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans--plans he didn't share with anyone. So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon's meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .

There's Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut 'n' Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Review:

To start this was just a short novella about Sharon and Stone, two young lovers planning to begin their lives after high school.  Both Sharon and Stone have their own ideas of how their lives will move forward, but they are clearly in love and want to stay together after high school.  When Stone decides he doesn’t want to follow along with Sharon’s plan, she feels a bit betrayed and let down.   Working through their issues, in the end they decide that just because their paths have veered into different directions doesn’t mean they can’t travel those paths together. 

 The story was very cute and full of youthful love.  Both Stone and Sharon had to deal with their inner desires and get over any selfish and adolescent attitudes so they can make the mature decision to move forward together and hopefully build a good life together.  I enjoyed the story itself very much.

Rating:  3 stars

Rose Rating: 

Small side note:  While this story was very cute, I was looking forward to reading a more in depth and grown up story of Sharon and Stone at some point down the line. But I must say a lot of the enjoyment of this story was lost for me when I realized that Stone does get his own book later on... but Sharon is not the woman in the story. I have no problem with widowers finding love again, but this little novella built me up for a life-long love between Sharon and Stone and, when I read the blurb for the next book, I was crushed. The story itself was good and I’m sure if you've read other books in the series you'll enjoy it, but for fair warning don't read this novella thinking they will have a true HEA.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran’s Day to All. 

 The history of veteran’s day is very interesting and something you should all look into, but the most important part of today is recognizing those who have given their lives in proud service to keep us all safe. 

As a member of a large and proud military family, I just wanted to extend my thanks and well wishes to all who have served, on this special day.  Not only has every service branch been represented in my family one way or another, but the legacy of proud military services goes back generations.  I am proud to say I currently have my brother serving actively in the Air force and his wife, my sister-in-law, just moved from active duty into the reserves.  Along with them I have several retired and deceased veterans in my family as well. 

Whether you agree with the politics behind decisions made about our military or not, honoring those who proudly serve should be something you always devote yourself to and not just on this one day a year.  But as this day is set up as a special day, I am going to honor those military friends and family I have with a special shout-out. I am proud of them all and love them immensely for all they sacrifice for us all.

So if you know a military member, or just see one on the streets, stop for a moment and offer your thanks to them.  Remember that for them a single thank you can often remind them the reasons that they enlisted in the first place and brighten their lives and service time just a little bit.  

I also encourage you to donate to these wonderful military members in whatever way you can.   Time, care packages or simply thank you cards are always welcome for a soldier far from home (or even ones stationed stateside). www.supportourtroops.org/ is a great place to start if you’re not personally acquainted with, but would like to extend thanks to a military service member. 

Have a great Veteran’s day!

Many Blessings,

Michelle

The Romance Witch

Review: Forbidden

Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers #1)

by Jacquelyn Frank 

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.

 The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn't turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers

Review:

I can honestly tell you I had no clue what to expect when I began this new series by Jacquelyn Frank.  Being a loyal Frank fan I assumed I would love the story like I have always enjoyed her novels.   There is always such rich imagery and imagination in her worlds.   I have read all of her series starting with the Nightwalkers and was thrilled to begin this spin off series.  Before I get into the details about the story itself I will say that I just loved the Prologue.  That little glimpse of past characters and a small lead-in to the connection between the new and old series, was just what was needed to whet my interests.  Now on that note, time to tell you what I loved and maybe just liked about the new Bodywalkers series.

The story begins with Docia, a sweet but slightly naïve woman walking to work and arguing on the phone with her older and considerably overprotective brother.   Rather sadly Docia is mortally injured and travels into the ether where Docia comes face to face with an unknown entity.  This being offers Docia a simple choice: live or die? Docia of course is not ready to die and jumps feet first into the unknown, accepting this “ghost” into her body and together they venture from the ether back to the real world.  

When Docia returns to the world of the living, she is faced with the truth of the choice she has made.  Her soul is slowly blending with this Bodywalker and expanding her understanding of herself and the world around her , with the unfortunate side effect of people now out to kill her.  Healing from her ordeal, Docia escapes her overbearing brother for a brief walk and is attacked by a knife-wielding thug.  Luckily, she has a savior on her side. 

Ram (inside the body of extremely handsome and virile Vincent) rescues—or kidnaps depending on viewpoint—Docia and takes her to the safest place he knows, the local safe house of the Bodywalkers.  Believing that Docia is now housing the spirit of the Queen of the Bodywalkers, Hatshepsut, Ram is determine that he will protect her from any and all dangers inside and out of the world of the Bodywalkers, so that she is alive and ready for the return of the King Menses.

As they are repeatedly thrown together in extremely intense and terrifying circumstances, Ram and Docia both feel a sizzle erupting between them.  Ram resists the heat he feels for Docia, believing he is betraying his king and best friends by feeling this way about her.  But as time goes by, Docia/Hatshepsut and Ram/Vincent succumb to their desires and discover a startling truth.   Docia isn’t who he thought she was. Dealing with new truths, captures, escapes and a slightly ditzy Djynn, the H/H face the changes in their world and the changes within themselves with courage and aplomb, reminding us that the best solution to any problem we face is our own will and inner strength. 

The passion between Ram and Docia runs hot as the two of them grow together and individually.  The love connection is definitely secondary to the changes in the overall world of the Bodywalkers and the coming of Menses back into the real world.  I will say that when the connection finally sparks, the love scenes are intense and detailed, as we all expect from Ms. Frank. And definitely don’t leave you disappointed.

As a side note, Docia’s brother Jackson is an extremely integral part of this book, mainly because he’s the Hero of the next book.  A good bit of time is spent on Jackson and how he deals with the details of his missing sister and his relationship with Marissa, the police psychiatrist in charge of keeping him in line.  Normally I don’t care for so many passages in a book that don’t deal directly with the H/H, but in this case I know that the buildup was integral to the series and it was so well written that I didn’t really mind.  Plus, really, the way Forbidden ends for Jackson is worth every second of distraction from the main storyline.

Overall a very good story and the beginning to an awesome series.  Can’t wait for Forever, book two in this series coming soon and I sincerely hope that the series continues for a while like the Nightwalkers series did. Another hit Jackie! Just keep ‘em coming.

Rating: 3.5 stars      Rose Rating: 

Review: Untouched

Untouched (The Amoveo Legend #2)

by Sara Humphreys 

Blurb:

SHE SHOULD BE SEEN, BUT NEVER TOUCHED...

Kerry Smithson's modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar, which is essential since mere human touch sparks blinding pain and terrifying visions.

EVERY GOOD MODEL NEEDS A HEAVENLY BODYGUARD...

Dante Coltari is hired to protect Kerry from those who know who she is--or more importantly what she is--and want her dead because of it. Nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of keeping her safe. But, strangely, his lightest touch brings her exquisite pleasure rather than pain, and Dante and Kerry have an otherworldly connection that might just pull them through.

Review:

Since the first book in this series, the wonderfully rich and entertaining world of the Amoveo has kept my attention and interest. Untouched was another wonderful addition to the Amoveo world. 

Kerry, a hybrid Amoveo-human, has always dealt with the major downfall or having psychic power: she can’t touch a person without seeing their darkest emotions and thoughts and feeling excruciating pain. The only exception was her neighbor and best friend, Samantha, though Kerry never understood why Sam was unique. Kerry protected herself the best way she knew how, becoming mostly a recluse, and has never been able to have a relationship with any man.

Dante, an Amoveo of the Fox clan who has been searching for his mate for many years, chanced across Kerry while assisting his friend Malcolm as he and Sam mated. At first sight, Dante knows Kerry is his destined and long awaited mate.  

When the threat of a new group of Amoveo, calling themselves Purists, come after Kerry and Sam because they are hybrids, Dante refuses to leave Kerry unprotected. Even if she resists his every attempt to have any kind of relationship. Following Kerry to New Orleans as her bodyguard, Dante is determined that no danger will ever get near Kerry.  Together they delve into the mystery of Kerry’s hybrid nature, the threat of the Purists, and the dangers lurking around every corner to attack not just Dante and Kerry, but their friends as well.

Passion is never a problem for any Amoveo and Dante is at the height of sensuality.  Pursuing Kerry intently, Dante sets out to seduce her and make her accept his love and his touch.  Kerry, never having been able to enjoy the touch of another, is awed by not only the lack of pain that accompanies Dante’s touch, but the extreme pleasure that always floods through her when they touch.  

Once Kerry begins to accept their connection and learns the truth about her background and who she really is, the story begins to move quickly.  The passion between the lovers flares with the power of the sun and the love slowly becomes the binder for the couple and their story.  Unfortunately, as the passion between the lovers spikes, so does the danger they face from the Purists.  When Kerry and several of their Amoveo friends are kidnapped, Dante throws all caution to the wind and knows that giving his life to save his mate and friends would be a small sacrifice in the long run, but losing his mate is something he can never accept. The ending of this story is full of fantastic plot twists, hilarious sarcasm, and the deep abiding love between Dante and Kerry.  Their mating is definitely one for the record books.  

I will say my biggest gripe with the story is that it ended rather abruptly.  I would have loved a bit more wrap up and maybe a lead in the next story.  And of course I really want to know where the hell their Coyote pal is.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rose Rating: