REVIEW: The Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent

My enjoyment of the book was definitely enhanced by Alison Kent's superb writing which flows so effortlessly. She brilliantly captures all the subtle nuances in Michelle and Todd's relationship: sharing, respect, trust, commitment, intimacy and passion. Her narrative is so evocative and she is able to paint such wonderful pictures with her words. For example, I love Todd's impressions of Michelle when he first meets her and I could just imagine his mouth watering at the sight before him!

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REVIEW: The Wanderer by Jan Irving

Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by Celine

The Wanderer has something that other books only pretend to offer. It has a perfect balance--between characters that feel like real people, action and suspense, romance and last but not least, sex. It is one of the best books in this genre I have ever read...I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for an erotic romance with a well thought-out story. It's fast-paced, very nicely written with clear descriptions, and is just a great book overall. Its bitter-sweet ending was absolutely perfect. You will not be disappointed...

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REVIEW and GIVEAWAY: Meet Me in Manhattan by Judith Arnold

ISBN 9780757315336

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Reality-Based Romance™

(c) September 2010, Health Communications Inc

Judith Arnold's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available at Book Depository (print).

Meet Me in Manhattan isn't your ordinary romance novel. It's more than that. More than fiction, certainly, as it's based on a real-life romance, where the HEA did happen. Awesome, isn't it? Makes you wonder how come nobody thought of this before.

Reading Meet Me in Manhattan is no different from the usual romance novel. There's conflict and tension and suspense, everything that makes a story really good. However, this story makes me believe--really believe--that true love does exist in the real world, and that despite the obstacles and trials that come your way, true love will triumph in the end. After all, Ted and Erika have experienced it and are in fact, living examples. Every so often as I read the book, I was thinking, "Wow, this truly happened. It happened to Ted and Erika." When I came to the last page, I couldn't be happier when everything turned out so well for them.

Young lovers who made the decision to part (okay, it was Erika who decided) only to meet again sixteen years later, this time as adults. Were the sparks still there? But while Erika was free, Ted was committed to another woman, with whom he has been living together for three years...

Judith Arnold wrote Erika Fredell and Ted Skala's story, and she is an amazing and talented storyteller. She kept my interest and attention throughout the entire story, and her writing style could be partly credited for that, but another part is also because Erika and Ted's story is so compelling. A sense of magic permeated their entire story, especially when you think of the love that wouldn't die even after so many years.

I really like the way Ms Arnold sketches the complexities of human nature and emotions with a deft and delicate hand, the way she takes us back into Ted's and Erika's past and gives us a greater understanding of how the love developed between them and the ensuing ambiguities Erika experienced as she was conflicted between her dreams and Ted's love and her relationship with him. Certainly, these are things we ourselves have gone through at one time or the other, which makes this story so relatable.

And for their love to survive sixteen years of separation! That is certainly an inspiration. Like Ted, I thought that if love wasn't nurtured, it died. Yet, theirs remained alive and the embers burning. Perhaps it just needed the right time, the right mood, the right moment to flare up once again. It's gotta be fate, something along the lines of, if you're meant to be together, somehow you'll find each other even though it's years later and you're miles apart.

Of course, Ted and Erika probably wouldn't happen without the help of their friends. We also see Ted's point of view in italics, and it was quite interesting to see how Erica and Ted both gave different interpretations to the same events. I thought the epilogue done in Ted's voice was just right and gave the perfect ending to this wonderful, fairy-tale-like yet true story. I'm looking forward to read more books in this genre! Recommended for all lovers of romance.

Note: This review copy was provided courtesy of the publisher/author.


Book Cover Summary:

A classic love story told only as Judith Arnold can tell it—with a deep grasp of the complexities of the human heart and unforgettable tales of love lost and then unexpectedly found again.

Ted Skala and Erika Fredell were the perfect New Jersey high school sweethearts. Like many teens Ted and Erika spent plenty of time in parked cars under the stars, but there was so much more between them than the chemistry that ignited their courtship, and Ted couldn't imagine a life without Erika. By graduation he was ready to get engaged. Erika, however, was ready to spread her wings and faraway she flew to college. She broke his heart. She sailed the world.

Fast forward 15 years.  When fate intervenes and their paths cross, the result is emotionally explosive and that old black magic is back with the force of a super nova. But Erika once ravaged his heart: How can Ted ever trust her again? And now that he's seriously involved with another woman, how can Erika hope for a second chance with the man she never should have let go? 

Interesting Links: 

Meet Ted and Erika.

Read the first chapters.

About True Vows.
Blog tour from September to November.
Submit your own story.

Next stop on the tour: Simply Stacie (September 22)

  
  *Click here to register for the Twitter chat.

Please join us for a super-fun Reality Romance Twitter Chat with MEET ME IN MANHATTAN author Judith Arnold, as well as the real couple the book is based on! We’ll be giving away signed copies of MEET ME IN MANHATTAN every 10 minutes during the hour-long chat!

Register to attend the live Twitter chat by going HERE and receive 5 free chapters of the book to check out in advance of the chat!

The chat will take place on Tuesday, October 5th, at 6pm PST/9 pm EST.  Remember to use the hashtag #TLCbookchat.  We hope you can make it!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!

One lucky commenter will win a set of three books: Meet Me in Manhattan, Hard to Hold, The Icing on the Cake. Check out the stories. Believe me, you don't want to miss this!

US/Canada only, and no P.O. Boxes. 

How to Enter/Rules:

1. The giveaway will run from September 20 to October 26, where we'll be posting the review for Hard to Hold by Julie Leto.

2. You must be a follower (GFC, at least).

3. Comment in this post by answering the following questions:

What do you think of this new sub-genre of romance? Of True Vows, Life...Romanticized, Reality-Based Romance™? Would you submit your story? 

Note: Not a follower + no comment = no chance to win 

Additional Chances to Win: 

1. Each time you spread news of this contest (via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.

2. Follow us! Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads. Each "follow" earns you one point. (Old followers are automatically entered.) 

Contest Duration: September 20 to October 26, 1159pm EST 

Contest Winner Announcement: October 29

The winner will be selected via Randomizer.org. Please send your name and mailing address to caroletrr(@)gmail.com, so be sure to come back and check because we won't hunt you down. If we don't receive the email within twenty-four hours, a new winner will be chosen.

REVIEW: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

ISBN 9780425235447
Genre: Paranormal Romance
(c) July 2010, Berkley
Nalini Singh's website
Rating: 5 stars

Available at Book Depository (print).

Sheer genius. Nalini Singh writes with amazing skill as she depicted the delicate balance of the growing attraction between the woman who cannot be touched and the man who aches to do so. By page 70 of this book, there are already several poignant scenes between the main couple that would tug at your heartstrings and make you root for an HEA for them. But most especially for Sophia Russo, who just about breaks me whenever I think about her past and her life, what it meant to be a J Psy.

Sophia Russo is a Justice Psy, able to walk the twisted pathways of the criminals' minds and retrieve the needed memories to take them to justice. However, this exerts a great toll on her shields. Though she goes in every now and then for reconditioning (strengthening her shields), she's nearing the point where she'll crack and go insane, when no amount of reconditioning would help and and then, her personality--her very self--would be erased and it will be as if she never was. As a Psy, they are trained not to feel, but each moment spent with Max Shannon, a detective, as they work together on a case made her shields crack that little more. Skin contact may be normal to us, but to Sophia, each touch is magnified a thousand-fold and threatens her shield. Yet, she didn't hesitate. If she'd go, then she wanted to go knowing how Max felt against her skin.

To Sophia, her near eventual demise was real, and to the reader, it felt real. There were some real touching scenes that blurred my eyesight, and I'd like to quote one of them, though it would probably be out of context to those who haven't read this and thus, wouldn't be able to grasp the richness of the emotion behind the words:

"Max?"
"Yes?"
"Will you remember me?"
His heart broke into a thousand pieces. "Always."

I couldn't remember a couple who fought as fiercely and desperately for their HEA as Sophia and Max. It seems like every chapter contains some new information that contributed to the growing conviction of Sophia's eventual demise and how Max couldn't bear to lose her. I don't know how I was able to hold on to my will not to turn to the end of the book and have a peek. But I managed. Somehow.

Though I know some miracle would happen to bring about Sophia's HEA with Max (this is a romance, after all), at the moment of reading, I could believe there's no hope anywhere for Sophia, that she's probably going to have one intimate, glorious moment with Max and then she'd die. That's how powerful Nalini Singh's writing is. I can feel Sophia's fragile state like a tangible object. I think it's in the careful way Sophia holds herself, the way she takes care not to touch anybody, and also in the way Max acts around her, the way his thoughts contrast with his actions. There is so much feeling going on on both sides, but because of Sophia's condition, these feelings are controlled and subdued, repressed. This, coupled with the murders that Sophia and Max are taxed to solve and the build-up regarding Sophia's end fate, increased the tension and page-turning quality of the book.

As for Max, early on in their acquaintance, somehow, Sophia was able to touch something in him that no woman had ever done. He didn't know what to make of it, but he did know he was attracted to her. Recognizing her fragility as a J Psy, he didn't rush her, willing himself to slow down, to go at her pace, to introduce her to sensual delights at each opportunity. Not only that, but he also acquainted her with the light teasing that exists between (would-be) lovers and all the other stuff that Sophia missed in her childhood. I like that Max is sensitive in this manner, that he was willing to wait and to meet Sophia at her level. And, of course, he wouldn't accept Sophia's eventual demise without a fight. He wanted to make it so that she was his to keep forever. Like all heroes, this fierce protectiveness he has toward the heroine just about makes me melt.

"I know who you are," he said, holding her gaze. "I'm not going to be scared away because of your 'imperfections'."

A sheen of wet in her eyes, turning the midnight irridescent.

"We fit, you and I," he whispered, looking into that haunting gaze. "Two broken pieces making a whole." It wasn't the most romantic of statements, but it was torn from his soul. "I am not losing you."

And--

"No one will dare hit on me after I mention my wife is a J with a jealous streak."

Wife. Her composure splintered. "Max, no matter what, we could never--"

"I told you, Sophie. You're mine. End of story."

No games. I thought it was heartbreaking when Sophia confessed she didn't know how to play games like how the woman was playing with Max (a woman they'd met in the elevator flirted with him and gave him her card), and also when Max decided that yes, he would pursue this attraction between them to the end and there would be no games between them. Just honest emotions and frank speaking.

I also haven't seen a couple who loved each other as Max and Sophia. Their intimate scenes are hot and steamy, sure, but there's more than lust and attraction. Though the word love may never have slipped past their lips, but you could see it in the other words that they do say, the way they care for one another, the way they take care of the other, the way they're willing to die for the other, the way...Argh! You have to read this book!

And I hadn't even talked about the worldbuilding yet. Astounding, complex, superb. I could believe such a world existed. It was that real.

Regarding how Sophia became well again, I don't believe I know enough of this world yet to judge with any knowledge whether it was believable or not. Certainly, for me, at this point, it is. It didn't feel like the solution came from out of the blue. There had been hints as the story progressed, but the realization came at the end.

Sascha and Lucas (from the first book) make an appearance here, due to Sascha's connection to Councilor Nikita Duncan, the councilor who needed Max's and Sophia's help on a case. I think fans would enjoy seeing this couple together and be updated on how their romance has progressed. I certainly enjoyed seeing the dynamics of Lucas's pack as they relate to Sascha, as well as other characters like Dorian, Clay, Faith and Vaughn.

Bonds of Justice is the first book I've read in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series, and I can assure first-time readers that you won't get lost at all if you start here! This book is totally stand-alone, yet I'm sure you'll feel as I do--I'm going to read this series in order, starting with Slave to Sensation (the first book which features Sascha and Lucas) all the way to Bonds of Justice (again!) to get the full flavor of Ms. Singh's world and her amazing characters.


Book Summary:

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned to is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor's closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of catastrophic mental fracture...

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max's liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people's nightmares, other people's evil, she's standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury...and executioner...

REVIEW: Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin

ISBN 9780373296149
Genre: Historical Romance
(c) October 2010, Harlequin
Jeannie Lin's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available at Book Depository (print) for pre-order.

Jeannie Lin's writing is vivid and filled with the color and flavor of the times, making Ancient China (Tang Dynasty) come to life from the pages of the book. The story began with swords clashing together, and I swear I could hear them clanging in my ears. The author also dropped a few Chinese words here and there to lend authenticity, along with clear descriptions of the places and events that it felt as though I was there. Not only that, but Ms. Lin also presented the customs and culture that were distinctive to the time and place with a delicate hand and through the characters' interactions, just enough so that we'd understand why the heroine behaved as she did. Yet, the history, the culture and the description of the setting didn't overpower the story; instead, they functioned as should be --- background to Ailey's and Ryam's burgeoning story of love, courage and honor.

Ai Li (or Ailey) was escaping from an arranged marriage and surrounded by villains when Ryam came upon her. He rescued her and was instantly smitten with her, especially when she proved to be as skilled as he was in combat fighting with the use of her butterfly swords. He decided to escort her back home, knowing the danger to him should he do so, yet unable to resist the temptation that was Ailey.

As for Ailey, she needed to get home to warn her family of a treacherous plot against them, and so she was grateful for Ryam's company and his sword, but she couldn't have known the lessons of love she'd learned at the hands of this handsome barbarian.

This is the first historical romance I've read that is set in Ancient China and I love it! I love the fresh setting and the cultural conflict, the way honor and duty was so ingrained in Ailey that an outsider, a foreigner like Ryam, couldn't understand and may not be able to accept. Yet, love and passion were the same, no matter the century or the country. They have the ability to transcend barriers such as race and tradition and culture.

How to describe Ailey? I commend the author for creating such a complex, well-rounded and rich character such as Ailey. She's a complex blend of her needs and wants and principles and family upbringing. She holds the concepts of honor and duty close to her heart, much like most people of honor did in those times, and was prepared to sacrifice her love and what she wants for them, but also for her family and her country. She was truly patriotic. Moreover, shame as brought about by broken promises (like not going through an arranged marriage), was very big at that time. It could cause dishonor to her family, so Ailey's escape from her arranged marriage was for a very good reason. She also looked up to her parents, as all dutiful daughters should, and it was only when there was a crack in the family, specifically in her parents' situation, that she started to crumble and to question whether their uplifted position (her father becoming the reigning Emperor) has changed them all. Yet, she held true to the fundamental principles she'd believed in and lived by all her life, even when her entire family seemed to be against her.

Ailey is a strong heroine, strong in terms of her will and confidence, in the clearness of her thoughts and the path she should take, and also in the physical strength by which she wields her butterfly swords. Finally! A female warrior who could fight like a man, wouldn't be bested by a man, yet despite all, she retained her femininity and allure.

As the youngest and a daughter, she was virtually "insignificant". The Chinese want sons more than daughters, and most often than not, daughters were seen as pawns to further the family position (not unlike historical England) or, in the case of Ailey, to secure alliances. That was partly why Ailey was so entranced with Ryam, because he listened to her as though her opinions had merit, and he saw her for what she was, a beautiful, desirable woman with her own mind and with strengths and weaknesses of her own. And of course, there was attraction between them, a chemistry that sizzled from the first time Ryam saw her when she was in the disguise of a boy. Not that Ryam ever mistook her for such.

Ailey was so stunningly portrayed that Ryam was a bit overshadowed, though he did go through his own character arc. He was a soldier in the foreign legion that was stationed in the Gansu corridor at Yumen Gate. He was a man shaped by his past, most specifically, his father's actions. Wracked with guilt over an incident that led to his men being killed, he wandered the empire for a time to get his bearings. And in his wandering, he came upon Ailey. In my opinion, Ailey was the stronger of the two, not physical superiority of course, but in terms of clarity of purpose.

Yet, I like the way the author brought events around full circle for Ryam, where he recognized the past for what it was and how he resolved to break free of it. Of course, Ailey's situation was what prompted this revelation, but hey, we all know that behind every great man is an equally great woman who inspired him. But his resolution to fight and preserve Ailey's honor was all his own. Throughout the book, we see a man who understands Ailey, who knows the things Ailey holds dear, and here at the last, we see a man willing to compromise to learn the things that are important to his beloved.

Can you tell how much I love this book? I was literally swept away by the rolling vistas described, the majestic mountains, the vast sweep of lush greenery, the bustling cities and the harshness of the land, especially at the empire's border, but most especially, I was captivated by the action scenes. Jeannie Lin sure know how to write a good fight scene. The details were so vivid they came alive, and she captured the tense moments perfectly, such that in that last fight scene, I wasn't sure who would win, Ryam or his rival, as both were equally matched.

I was so sad when I reached the last page. In fact, I couldn't believe there wasn't more as I felt some of the minor story threads remained open, making me wonder if there was a sequel in the making. I am certainly looking forward to more offerings from this amazingly talented author.

(Update: Oh my God, there is!!! I've just been to Jeannie Lin's website and the next book is entitled The Dragon and the Pearl, featuring two secondary characters from Butterfly Swords. Can't wait! And if I'm not mistaken, Ailey's grandparents are the characters from Ms. Lin's short story, The Taming of Mei Lin, as the story sounds eerily familiar.)

Reviewed by Carol

Note: This review copy was provided by author/publisher.

Book Summary:

JOURNEY TO THE VERY EDGE OF HONOR, LOYALTY...AND LOVE

During China’s infamous Tang Dynasty, a time awash with luxury yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty, betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding. Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for defense, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior....

Battle-scarred, embittered Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li’s innocent trust in him and honorable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her—which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted....

(Winner of the 2009 Golden Heart for Historical Romance.)

Review: Call of the Wilds by Gale Stanley

ISBN 1-60601-800-0
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance
(c) May 2010, Siren Publishing
Gale Stanley's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available at Book Strand (ebook). 

The author did a great job writing this story. It was a page turner that kept me up late at night. The story flowed beautifully. It felt believable and made me feel like I lived the story. I felt all of the characters' emotions including fear, joy, anger, frustration and passion, not to mention how smoking hot it was. I also have to warn you that I cried, so have your tissues ready.

This was a new author for me and I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved this book! The story is about a woman named Karin who moved to a small town in the country after being assaulted in the city where she used to live. She is a veterinarian working for the wildlife department and they have found a hiker who appears to be killed by a wolf. In the small town, she is not respected because she's a woman. Yet she's tough and always keeps her head held up high, even if aggressive town members bring back memories of being assaulted in a dark alley. During a town meeting to discuss the fate of a wolf, one man gets out of hand and Malcolm jumps in to protect Karin even before they had met. 

Malcolm is a quiet man who doesn't normally get involved in town business but the wolf attack hits close to home. He is the only one left of his kind. His mate and family were murdered by humans because his sister fell in love with a human and told him their secret, which got out after they divorced. He suffers from guilt of being the only survivor and because he was unable to save his family even though he was severely injured. He has been deeply scared emotionally and physically.

For Karin and Malcolm it's almost love at first sight. Malcolm feels instantly protective of her. Their relationship is extremely hot and intense. Of course they have a few road blocks along the way but you never question their chemistry. The only thing throughout the whole book that didn't feel natural to me was that Karin admits to herself that she's in love a little too soon in their relationship.

This book is definitely for those who love a good paranormal romance with a little erotica and mystery. I highly recommend this book. This book gets 5 stars from me. I do feel like I should mention that I am a big cover person and I love a good cover. Having said that, I didn't feel that the cover of this book gave the book justice. But please don't be swayed by the cover of this book. It is a must read. 

Reviewed by Danielle

Romance Book Junkies


Book Summary:

Veterinarian Karin Stone escapes the crime-ridden city for a quiet life in the Pennsylvania wilds. Surrounded by acres of unspoiled forest, she tends a pack of relocated wolves. But the wolves aren't the only endangered species in Black Wolf Gorge.

Wolf-shifter Malcolm Connor believes he's the last of his kind, left for dead by the same hunters who murdered his family. When he catches the scent of the new wildlife manager, he can't deny the attraction, but he knows getting involved with a human woman will only lead to heartache.

The mutilated remains of a hiker are discovered, and a black wolf is captured. Karin protects the quarantined wolf, and the locals are angry. When Malcolm steps in to defend her, sparks fly. Karin loses her heart, but can she convince the man she loves that they belong together? Or will a jealous rival tear them apart forever?

*Note: This book was provided by the author/publisher.

REVIEW: Demon Forged by Meljean Brook

ISBN 9780425230411
Series: The Guardians, Book 9 (inclusive of novellas in anthologies)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

(c) December 2009, Penguin Putnam Inc

Meljean Brook's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available in Book Depository (print).

Meljean Brook astounded me with her complex worldbuilding and amazing story arc. She has a talent for keeping you on your toes and on the edge of your seat, where you couldn't help but keep on turning the pages. Not only that, but she drew her characters with a bold pen, making them stand out, especially Irena. Her writing style has also improved a lot since Demon Angel and Demon Moon. I was one of those who couldn't follow the jumps in her thoughts and I hated reading a story that didn't flow, that required me to reread passages just so I could understand what the hell was going on. I was tempted to give all of her other books a miss, but at several bloggers' and friends' urging, I decided to give her another chance. I'm glad I picked this up.

Irena and Alejandro are Guardians, those who protect humans and vampires from the demons. (Meljean Brook's website contained a Guardian primer if you want to have an overview.) Irena once bargained with a demon for Alejandro's life, and the shame she felt made her believe she'd lost whatever she could have had with Alejandro. From then on, she hated demons with a passion and she couldn't understand how Alejandro could work for one. As for Alejandro, he couldn't stop blaming himself for Irena's decision and thought Irena hated him for the position he had put her in, that he'd destroyed whatever could've developed between them. Thus, for four hundred years, their contact was purely on a professional level, until a vampire's call for help brought them together on a case.

Irena is brash and blunt. Her temper rises all too quickly to the surface and she is the type to settle an argument with a fight. I thought the cover depicted her all too well. She is just what I imagined Irena to be. Yet, she is likeable, and underneath her tough exterior and bad-ass attitude, she has her own vulnerabilities, most of which stem from the horrific nightmare she experienced at the hands of the demon. She is strong, but not so strong that she is not receptive to change. And she has worked her way into me early on such that I was rooting for her all the way. No one deserves her hero more than Irena.

Alejandro was a Spanish nobleman in his past, and after being transformed into a Guardian, he is around eleven hundred years younger than Irena. Wow, talk about age difference. Though younger than Irena, Alejandro holds his own around her and he is able to meet her fight for fight. Her anger ignites his passion, but what I found to be profound about their relationship was that he knew her, really understood her--her moods, her reactions, even the things she wasn't saying. It speaks much of Alejandro's love for her, even four hundred years ago, that he would take the time to know her to that extent.

The tension, sexual and otherwise, between Irena and Alejandro sprang right out at you from that first time they met in Rome when they heeded the vampire's call and never let up. While they may not express their feelings for the other, their actions and words speak otherwise. Romance at its best. Sweet and bitter, poignant to the core. Then, as I had said, there's the way Alejandro understood her, the way he knew where she would go to meditate and to think, and the way he could pre-empt what she wants or needs.

What I found amazing about the story was that Irena's and Alejandro's story is but a part of a bigger tale. In fact, their story is woven seamlessly into the series story arc, and it's the series arc that has gotten me hooked and fascinated by this world that Ms Brook has created that I am seriously considering reading the previous books in the series just so I'll know the entire story. Something foul is going on in the Guardian universe--betrayal and uprisings and danger to humanity. Though Irena and Alejandro attained their HEA (read it to indulge in their romance), the book's ending has a bittersweet quality that tugged at the heart. I am definitely following this series and will be picking up the next book, Demon Blood.

REVIEW: The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne

ISBN 9780425235614

Genre: Historical Romance

(c) June 2010, Berkley Sensation

Joanna Bourne's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available at Book Depository (print).

"A great story of adventure, romance, passion and courage in one of the most dangerous times in history"

I've read Joanna Bourne's first book, The Spymaster's Lady, and loved it. She has a way of writing that is fresh and unique among all the historical romance novels out there. Not only that, but she has the ability to write strong, complex characters and a love story that is able to transcend difficulties and overcome obstacles that would have felled lesser men.

However, when I heard that she'd written about Maggie and Doyle in The Forbidden Rose, I wasn't inclined to read it, for these two had appeared in the first book and I wasn't too impressed with them. I mean, they didn't leave much of an impression, as I was too busy being impressed with Annique and Grey, the lead characters. As should be. But when reviews extolled this book's virtues, I decided, what the hell. I might as well give it a try.

I wasn't disappointed.

Ms. Bourne held me in her grip from the first page all the way through to the end. She has a way with words that held you spellbound, and I would've read the book in one sitting in one day if time had permitted.

Ever read an opening chapter where the heroine was having a conversation with a rabbit and be intrigued and hooked by it? No? Then you haven't read The Forbidden Rose.

Marguerite de Fleurignac leads a dangerous double life as a French noblewoman and as the Finch, the leader of an organization that smuggles people out of France to safety during the French Revolution. She came up against English spy William Doyle when he was hunting for her father in her burned down chateau. For his own purposes, he agreed to escort her to Paris, where she meant to flush out the mole who was betraying them.

From the start, both Maggie and Doyle lied about their identities to protect themselves, yet nobody was fooling anybody. I love this twist in the usual concept of hidden identities, yet their personalities shone through the facade they're employing, causing Doyle to decide he liked this woman. Very much. Thus did their romance start, not with lust for an appreciation of the other's physical attributes, although there is that, but much more, there's the appreciation of each other's intellectual capacities and abilities. Both of them were sly and cunning and masters in their field, and it was a joy to watch them gang up together to outdo the enemy and to see the silent rapport they had established as they bonded on the way to Paris.

I like Maggie. She's smart, really smart, not pretending-to-be-smart like some of the other heroines, but she was really clever and able to think on her feet, because well, how else could she devise strategies to bring so many "sparrows" out of France and get them out of so many jams? Only someone as sharp as William Doyle could match her cunning and her strength. He was described as a great lummox of a man, a "walking lump", yet there is kindness in him, something that also drew Maggie to him. Alone, they are capable of a great many things, but together, they were invinsible.

The humor is sly and subtle, much like the characters themselves, and the action is fast-paced and gripping. The characters intrigued and engaged me so much I didn't want their story to end. In fact, I'm going to pick up my copy of The Spymaster's Lady and browsed the parts that contained Maggie and Doyle.

The back cover summary is a tepid teaser to a great story of adventure, romance, passion and courage in one of the most dangerous times in history. Ms Bourne brought the situation and chaos of the French Revolution to life, making this book one that is steeped with the flavor of the time without overpowering Maggie and Doyle's story. Recommended for all lovers of romance.

REVIEW: Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

ISBN 9780451225856

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7

Genre: Paranormal Romance

(c) May 2009, New American Library

J.R. Ward's website

Rating: 5 stars

Available at the Book Depository.

"Chock full of danger and excitement, and at the heart, a sweet romance between Rehvenge and Ehlena"

Rehvenge, Bella's brother and owner of ZeroSum club that the Brothers frequented, is half-symphath, his heritage a secret for fear of deportation to the symphath colony up north. Suffice it to say, symphaths and vampires don't get along, and any vampire who has knowledge of a rogue symphath has the duty to report such to the king. However, someone does know the truth about him and Rehv is asked to assassinate the king, Wrath.

In the midst of this upheaval in his life, his former professional relationship with Ehlena, a nurse at Havers' clinic, turned personal, but he couldn't risk Ehlena finding out the truth about him for then, she would be in danger...

I was charmed by Rehv's and Ehlena's developing relationship. It was sweet and romantic, and reminded me of the uncertainties and hopes that I went through when embarking on a new relationship. I couldn't get enough of their scenes together and I want more (This sentence is going to be a recurring theme in this review. Don't say you weren't forewarned.)

We have seen evidence of J.R. Ward's willingness to tackle issues that other authors wouldn't or to take on unsavory (how we perceive them usually, anyway) characters and give them a valid motivation and dress them up as a hero. It's no different here.

Rehv is a pimp and a drug lord, and every month, he whored himself out as part of a blackmail, and really, how could such a man, er, vampire, be seen as a hero? Yet, he is. He's a vamp who was forced to go into those avenues in order to raise blackmail money (although we're never told what Xhex ever did to the princess of the symphaths, only that Xhex fucked up), to ensure his and Xhex's survival, and within the boundaries of his life and his business, he did his best. His saving grace was that he cared for his girls and there was a regret in his soul at the things he's been forced to do. A feeling of dirtiness that clouded his soul, that no matter how much he washed, he never felt clean. This, I feel, is very different from an out-and-out villain who pimps and whores and is a drug dealer with no conscience at all. To borrow a phrase from the book, at his core, Rehv is a good vamp, and he's just trying to survive with what life has dealt him. Much like you and me, if you think about it, only that we're dealt with different, maybe kinder, hands.

As for Ehlena, I like how she accepted Rehv as he is. When he's embarrassed because of his impotence (due to the medication that he takes), she was matter-of-fact about it and just said if he could get it up, then fine. If not, then it's still fine. That kind of total acceptance is just what Rehv needs, and no wonder that he should fall in love with her. She's one of my favorite BDB heroines, and I truly wish there was more about her and Rehv in this book, but I guess I should be contented. After all, there's more interaction between her and Rehv, making the romance and eventual "I love you's" more believable than in the previous book, Lover Enshrined.

Aside from the expected showdown with the symphath colony, given Rehv's background, we see a lot of Beth and Wrath too, how it's not easy being king when the lessers are killing off your people day by day. It makes you angry and frustrated and like Wrath, will make you itch to do something. You couldn't just sit inside the Brotherhood mansion and do nothing. This, of course, led to problems between Wrath and Beth, especially after she found out that he'd been lying to her. I like this realistic look of a couple's life after the HEA in their own book (Dark Lover) and it made Beth and Wrath more real to me. (I found Dark Lover to be so-so, and like any other vamp romance out there.)

There are also the requisite John Matthew updates, leading up to his story in the next book. I feel for JM. That boy has really been dealt several bad hands since his birth. Being the adopted son of a Brother didn't turn his luck. Still...I think...the level of emotion I feel for him as a reader still couldn't match up to what I felt for Zsadist or Vishous or Rehvenge when I was reading their books, but we'll know for sure when I get my hands on Lover Mine.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Perhaps Love by Madison Blake

ISBN 978 14199 16113 (ebook)

ISBN 978 14199 58663 (Erotic Emerald anthology paperback)

Series: Gem Immortals, Book 1

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy Romance

(c) May 2008, Ellora's Cave, Jasmine Jade Enterprises

Madison Blake's website

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Link (ebook): Jasmine Jade Enterprises

Buy Link (Erotic Emerald anthology trade paperback): Jasmine Jade Enterprises, Book Depository

"Great love story, hot sex scenes. Not to be missed!"

Esmeralda desperately needed the Life-Bringer, purported to be a magnificent emerald, to cure her sister of a lingering illness. For this, she travelled to seek Orin, the Emerald Immortal, said to be the keeper of the gem. She was willing to pay any price he asked for the chance to make her sister well again.

The story is very simple and I could almost predict the way the events would turn out. Well, from the moment Orin made his demands known, that is. This being an erotic romance, it was a no-brainer to guess what would ensue. However, I was pleasantly shocked at the twist toward the end. Did I mention that I love twists in my books?

Oh, did I also mention that it was hot? Scorching! Not only that, but I can empathize with Orin at the final scene wherein he agonizes about Esmeralda's return. Being lonely for so long (and I mean long, like a thousand years or more) and having Esmeralda for such a short time yet realizing just what she meant to him, his agony and tormented hope at this crucial stage in this life is in line with his character and experiences thus far.

Great love story, hot sex scenes. I love that there's a sequel (Pleasure Trap, which is now available), and I hope Ms. Blake will continue to write about this world. Looking forward to more Gem Immortal stories.

Perhaps Love can also be found in the Erotic Emerald anthology (print).

Reviewed by Shana

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thanks to Madison, we have three print copies of the Erotic Emerald anthology for an international giveaway! She's also giving out two card decks that has all those luscious covers on the backs of the cards. The card decks are usually given out at book conferences, so if you win, you'll have one set without stepping foot outside your house! That's five prizes in total!

How to Enter:

1. Comment here or in the next posts (until July 12).
2. If you've nothing to say, check out Madison's website and tell her which among her books caught your eye and why. Or, if you've read her books before, which you love the most and why.

Note: If you don't comment here or in the posts from July 8 to 12, you aren't fulfilling the basic requirement, which means you aren't entered into Madison's contest.

Additional Chances to Win:

1. Each time you spread news of this contest earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.

2. Follow us! Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads. Each "follow" earns you one point. (Old followers are automatically entered.)

3. Join Madison's newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thelovechronicle . It's a low volume, bi-monthly (that's once in two months) mailing list.

Contest Duration: July 8 to 12 (up to 12 midnight EST)

Contest Announcement: July 13

Winners will be picked via Randomizer.org. Instructions will be given then on how to claim your prize, so be sure to come back and check because we won't hunt you down. If prizes are unclaimed after 3 days (by July 16), new winners will be chosen.

REVIEW: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

ISBN 9780451222350
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
(c) October 2007, Signet Book
J.R. Ward's website 

Rating: 5 stars 

"One of the best books, if not the best, in the BDB series!"

Vishous, the hard, cold-hearted brother, met his match in Dr. Jane Whitcomb, human surgeon, when he was brought into the hospital for a gunshot wound. His instincts just kept on screaming "mine" whenever he looked at Jane. However, his destiny could not include her, for he was destined to be the Primale of the Chosen, a worthy endeavor that would see him filling the ranks of the Brotherhood for the war against the lessers.

J.R. Ward pens a moving story of love and sacrifice. There isn't much about the lessers here (yay!), but a lot of romance between V and Jane. Though more would be great. :) As in previous books, some of the pages was also devoted to John Matthew's progress (he's got his transition here!) and laying the foundation for the next book, Phury's story in Lover Enshrined.

I have to admit that I didn't feel anything for V in the first three books and I didn't like him much in Lover Revealed. If you feel the same way, give him a chance! Here, we learned so much more about V--his horrendous childhood in his father's war camp, the negligence of his mother, his horrible background and past that shaped him to be the man that he is. And we see his vulnerability and insecurity where Jane was concerned, and that scene where he made her some hot chocolate at her apartment before leaving her ("he didn't know what to say, but he knew what to do") just about made me cry. In V, we saw how a bonded male cared for his female and it would make every female reader yearned. I know I did.

And Jane. Jane is just so precious with the way she accepted V and stood on his side. I like her doctor-take-charge attitude and the fact that she has purpose and ambition and how she was able to find a way to reconcile the two with V's life in the end. I like the matter-of-fact way she accepted V's proclivities (BDSM) and how she matched him in every aspect of his life. I did raise an eyebrow at how fast Jane wholeheartedly accepted BDSM, even though she's never experienced it. Considering also that her sex life consisted of two past lovers who were not satisfactory at all in the bedroom. Or elsewhere.

I'm glad Ms Ward put a closure on the possibilities between Butch and V, otherwise people will just keep on wondering, not to mention Butch and Marissa. Since this is fiction, I like my HEA's neat and tidy. :)

Regarding the ending, I have to admit to feeling a little out-of-sorts, because I thought V wasn't getting the real deal like the other Brothers. But on second thought, it's the best possible ending for V (a vamp who lived long years) and Jane (a human with limited life span), because at least, as my friend said, this way they're together forever. And I think V was okay with it because it meant he would have Jane with him for always, as opposed to not having Jane. And as he said, "it's the new reality" and they're learning to deal with it. It made me think how life doesn't always turn out the way you want it to. Compromises and sacrifices have to be made along the way. What you have to decide though is what are the things that are important to you, that you absolutely cannot live without? Once you have those, the rest are just a bonus. I think V and Jane have learned that.

Like Z and Bella (Lover Awakened), I didn't want to let go of V and Jane when the story ended. I hope (hope hope hope) there would be more stories of V and Jane in the succeeding books. And, as someone once said, when she found herself thinking of the characters long after she has closed the book, she knew it deserved the highest recommendation. I couldn't agree more with this book.

REVIEW: Sex by the Numbers by Marie Donovan

ISBN 9780373794072

Genre: Contemporary Romance

(c) June 2008, Harlequin Blaze

Marie Donovan's website 

Rating:  5 stars

Available in Book Depository (print).

"Very romantic and a joy to read!"

I'm currently on a Harlequin Blaze craze, so here's my next one.

Former stripper turned accountant, Keeley Davis was hired to conduct a fraud examination at a friend's company, but in order not to sound the alarm to the culprit, who might know her, she sexed up her image in her position as the personal secretary to Dane Weiss, who was hired for the same purpose. From the start, when Dane first saw her in her frumpy attire, the two had the hots for each other and working closely as they did only made sure they could do nothing but give in to their attraction.

This book is a joy to read, being well-written, and Ms. Donovan's voice is engaging and fun and sexy, with humor appearing in several places in the book. The same can be described for her characters and their attitudes toward sex and life. No sexually repressed/falsely modest heroine here. Hey, it's a Blaze after all, and moreover, Keeley was a former stripper.

Oh, regarding that Blaze comment. It's been my impression that Blaze stories are hot, well, way hotter than a Presents or Superromance, for example. But I guess I've made the mistake of thinking the story's not so much romantic as sexy. Well, this book is both romantic and sexy.

Back to Keeley, she wormed her way into my heart and you can really feel her chemistry with Dane. Their relationship is how I imagined a true love relationship is like--lovers taking joy in each other's presence.

Dane is also one sweet and romantic hero. Many times during the story, I find myself wishing I was in Keeley's shoes! The things he said...wow, guaranteed to make a woman feel cherished and wanted. How could you not love a guy who said something like this to you: "You've haunted my dreams since we met, and I wake up to find reality even better."

I also love her cast of supporting characters, notably Lacey and Dane's mom. Lacey, Keeley's sister, is down-to-earth and sensible. I especially like the scene wherein she talked some sense into Keeley. However, I like Dane's mom even better. Though she only had two lines in the entire story and appeared only toward the ending, I love her warmth and ready acceptance of the girls. Wish I have a mother-in-law like that!

Harlequin category romances had always been a hit or miss with me. Blaze romances are more often than not, misses than hits. So I'm very happy to have discovered three Blaze authors whose romances--the characters, the plot, the sexiness, oh I should say the entire package--resonate with me. You all know about my Sarah Mayberry craze and now there's Marie Donovan. There's also Karen Foley, whose story, Flyboy, I also enjoyed a lot (review coming). I don't have auto-buy authors, but these three certainly made it to my "authors whose backlist I have to glom while waiting for new releases". LOL

Available in Book Depository (print).

REVIEW: Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews

ISBN 978-1-60504-574-0
Genre: Romantic Science Fiction
(c) 2009, Samhain Publishing

Ilona Andrews' website

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Link (ebook): Samhain Publishing, Fictionwise

For many years, Meli Galdes serves as her family's "unofficial" assassin, and she is a very good one at that. Her family's last assignment for her was to do away with Celino Carvanna, the man who has hurt her in the past.

When Celino saw her, he didn't remember her from the awkward girl he knew from before. All he was aware of was being captivated by her, and he would do anything to possess her.

I picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend, and I'm glad I did.

Though Ilona Andrews introduced a new world in this short read, the setting wasn't hard to understand, perhaps because it was patterned after the Mafia of our world, but it's more than that. The author gave just the right amount of description in order to help the readers understand the Kinsmen world, and she did it without info dumping or sounding tedious.

I also like her characters, especially Meli who is the quintessential strong woman, and who rose from the ashes of her vulnerability and past pain without turning hard, enabling me to sympathize with her. I like that Meli didn't immediately fly into Celino's arms when he declared his feelings for her, as had happened in so many books I have read in the past. To the end, Meli was her own woman, forged in the fire of her experiences and the situations life—or people—has dealt her. I have long wanted to read a heroine who's strong like Meli and this story didn't disappoint. I was expecting a twist, but when it came, I was still caught by surprise. It was brilliant and oh-so-right for this story. Get this book, and you won't be sorry. Suffice it to say, I'm looking forward to more books in the Kinsmen world.

Buy Link (ebook): Samhain Publishing, Fictionwise

REVIEW: Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

ISBN 9780451219367

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3

Genre: Paranormal Romance

(c) September 2006, Signet Eclipse, Penguin Putnam

J.R. Ward's website 

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Link (paper): Book Depository

"The best and most romantic BDB book!"

Zsadist was stolen as a baby and became a blood slave for a woman who sexually abused him. He cut himself off from everyone and tolerated only his twin brother, Phury. However, when he met Bella, she got under his skin and when she was taken by the lessers, he couldn't rest until he rescued her or avenged her death.

Zsadist could rival Mary (Lover Eternal) in terms of insecurity. For him though, it was because he'd been abused and he thought of himself as dirty and contaminated and not worthy of a woman such as Bella. He is the most tormented, fucked-up hero that I've ever read thus far and of the three (Wrath, Rhage and Zsadist), I love Zsadist the best. He certainly got under my skin. I think it's the contrast between his being the strong, powerful warrior outwardly and the vulnerable, hurt, abused man that he was on the inside. Yet, his love for Bella made him reach out to her, and it also made him want to be better and worthy of her (according to his concept of "better" and "worthy").

And Bella, I just gotta love her for seeing the man beneath Zsadist's outward appearance, for being steadfast in her wanting of him despite his pushing her away almost every time and simply, for bearing with him, for working with him through all his issues, knowing that the road ahead of them wasn't easy.

There is no doubt this is one of the most romantic stories I've read where the roles are reversed--the hero needing rescue (psychologically, emotionally) and the heroine being his saving grace. I love the epilogue and I'm itching to read the novella of Zsadist, Bella and Nalla in the Inside Guide. I absolutely love the title: Father Mine. There's something so powerful about Zsadist's growth from a sick, tormented man to one who is loved and is capable of loving, not only with the woman who is his mate but also with his child. I guess it's because it's telling us a message of hope, that no matter how low you've fallen, there is always a chance you'll rise up from the ashes.

I just have to mention Phury. His actions left me with nothing to say. I was both astounded and shocked and humbled. Like Zsadist, I feel Phury deserved his own HEA. I can't wait until I get to his book!

And we have more on John Matthew. I love his scenes with Tohr and Wellsie and the way he treasures the family life he's come to have with them. They're moving without being mushy. I also like the way we see how he fares at school and how he relates to his peers. He's the underdog and it's nice to see the brothers standing up for him. However, I would love to see the day when John Matthew stands up for himself.

Oh, and the tragedy in this book. Sad, sad, sad.

Another thing I have to mention is that I love the continuity in this series, that there's an overall story arc at play here. The series is not just a number of books about these warriors finding the love of their loves, but you get the sense that time is really moving onward for the characters. We see this in the little things: Wrath, having ascended as king, is bringing back the old ways, firstly in the celebration of the winter solstice festival. John's change of circumstances, from living in that squalid apartment to living with Tohr and going to school. Even the villains, the power play among them, contributed to this.

Great book. Lots of romantic and emotion-charged moments, and I love them. The series is certainly looking up!

Buy Link (paper): Book Depository