Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 368 pp
Isbn: 9780060562519
Published: February 2006
Challenge This covers #5 Read a book borrowed from the library or a friend for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge. (Now I checked it out from the library and started to read it. I happened to be going through my own books and found that I owned a copy of this one when I didn't believe that I had. So since I had the libraries copy I count this as a library book.)

First Sentence or two: As Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, stared at the young woman who had just barged her way into his London residence, it occurred to him that he might have tried to abduct the wrong heiress last week at Stony Cross Park.

Synopsis:

A devil's bargain

Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts — which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions...or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Random Thoughts -This case of opposites attracting is Fabulous! Even the bad guy needs to be loved. LOL I felt so bad for Evie. I was glad to see her take charge of her own destiny. Deep down she had some spunk. As for Sebastian, I love him. He is a tortured Hero. I don't think things would of worked out between Evie and him had she played it any other way. Nothing like telling a Man what he can't have to make him Want it that much more.

Favorite Scene - I liked the scene where Sebastian taught Evie how to play billiards. This scene was very sexy. I also highly enjoyed the wedding scene. Nothing like a Scottish blacksmith to marry you, while his daughters sing to you. LOL

Favorite Quotes- St. Vincent said in a clipped voice, "It's not a love match. It's a marriage of convenience, and there's not enough warmth between us to light a birthday candle. Get on with it , if you please. Neither of us has had a proper sleep in two days." Then the blacksmith's heavy brows lowered. "I don't like ye," he announced.
St Vincent regarede him with exasperation. "Neither does my bride-to-be. But since that's not going to stop her from marrying me, it shouldn't stop you either. Go on."

Rating - 4 Stars

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 382 pp
Isbn: 9780060562496
Published: Sept. 2005
Challenge This does not cover a Challenge at this time.


First Sentence or two: Two young women stood at the threshold of the perfumery, one tugging impatiently at the arm of the other. "Do we have to go in there?" the smaller one was saying in a flat American accent, resisting as the other pulled her forcibly into the quietly lit shop. "I'm always bored to tears in these places, Lillian-you stand there and smell things for hours-"

Synopsis:

It happened at the ball . . .

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It happened in the garden . . .

When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously–swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed . . . thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It happened one autumn . . .

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable . . . as his bride?

Random Thoughts -I loved the way Lillian and Marcus sparred with words. I thoroughly enjoyed being privy to their secret thoughts and emotions when they each were slowly figuring out that, they cared for the other no matter how impossible it may seem. Especially Marcus, a man so sure of himself and set in his ways, rigid in all things proper. It was great to touch bases with the old friends known as the "Wallflowers". This quartet is so unique and fun to watch as they grow in love and friendship. Can't wait to read the next one.

Favorite Scene - How can you not love a scene where the heroine gets drunk and loses all her inhibitions. When Lillian was alone in the library and the party had left the estate for the day, she found a bottle of clear liquor with a pear in the center of the bottle. She tasted the liquid. The next thing, Marcus was summoned from a servant to inform him of an out of control guest, "Lillian". She made me giggle getting her hand caught in the EMPTY bottle trying to get at that pear. This whole scene was funny to me. The fact that Marcus took advantage of the whole situation shocked me to my toes, and THRILLED me to no end!

Favorite Quotes- "Dear," Daisy said softly, "the next time you face a room full of strangers... you might tell yourself that some of them are just friends waiting to be found."

Isn't that the sweetest thought. I want to hold that quote in my head and remember it for myself.

Rating - 4 Stars

How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 313 pp
Isbn: 9781416525035
Published: January 2007
Challenge This covers #15 Read a book from the backlist of an author you enjoy for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: Jack Kincaid died as he had lived: awash in a haze of fine bourbon, his perfectly tailored coat pockets stuffed with his winnings from a night of wild gaming, and reeking faintly of the perfume of another man's wife.

Synopsis: It's hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who's been dragged -- literally -- to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she'd sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart....

Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but...married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever -- body and soul....


Random Thoughts -This book was cute. I love it when the women show the men that she can do just as he does. The old phrase "What's good for the goose is good for the gander". Which leads us into my favorite scene of the book....

Favorite Scene -When Fiona goes to a gambling house with another man. See Jack thinks since they are married all they have to do is procreate and the marriage doesn't have to change his carousing ways. So tired of sitting home alone Fiona decides to attend one of these places and tells the butler to tell her husband when he asked, that she went out "carousing". I was laughing so hard. Then when Jack finds her and Campbell he doesn't approach them but proceeds to make her jealous with talking with his ex lover. So Fiona and Campbell (who is very game) procede to do the same on their end to make Jack Jealous. Campbell even gets Fiona 3 drinks in a short period of time. They go to hit the dance floor when Jack has had enough and approaches them. He decks Campbell and grabs Fiona and throws her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I had the biggest smile plastered on my face while reading this scene. To me it shows he cares more then he wants to admit. I love the fact that Fiona was spunky enough to not act like a lady and do something about it.
Favorite Quotes-

As Fiona is being carried out of the gambling establishment she says "Your Hell on a woman's hair, Kincaid! I hope you know that!"

Rating - 4 Stars

Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 405 pp
Isbn: 9780671027575
Published: June 2001
Challenge This covers #12 Romantic Suspense for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: "This is ridiculous!" Clutching her purse so tightly her knuckles were white, the woman glared across the desk at the school principal. "He said he didn't touch the hamster, and my child doesn't lie. The very idea!"
Synopsis:
...the deliciously racy topic that Jaine Bright and her three girlfriends are pondering one night at their favorite after-hours hot spot: Mr. Perfect. Would he be tall, dark, and handsome? Caring and warmhearted -- or will just muscular do? As their conversation hears up, they concoct a tongue-in-cheek checklist that becomes an overnight sensation, spreading like wildfire at work and sizzling along e-mail lines. But what began as a joke among friends turns deadly serious when one of the four women is murdered....Turning to her neighbor, an unpredictable police detective, for help, Jaine must unmask a killer to save her friends -- and herself. Now, knowing whom to trust and whom to love is a matter of survival -- as the dream of Mr. Perfect becomes a chilling nightmare.
Random Thoughts -I personally would of been more racier with my Mr. Perfect list. LOL
*ut oh husband over shoulder* I of course married my Mr. Perfect. *giggles*
----Seriously though this book was great fun to read. The romance between the Hero and Heroine was fun and titillating to read. The only down side was I did correctly guess who the murderer was early on. Never the less this still was a page turner for me. It kept me very engrossed.
Favorite Scene - Who doesn't love to spray someone with the hose while washing their car?
That was the cutest scene when Jaine had enough of Sam frightening her and she lost it all and sprayed him on purpose. I had to giggle and it made my heart beat faster as they finally got to the kissing it lead to.

Rating - 4 Stars.

Review: 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 374pp
Isbn: 140221085X
Challenge This one covers one challenge. #1 Read Around The Genres

Back Cover:
Jazz can’t decide whether to scorch him with a fireball or jump into bed with him

Jasmine Tremaine, a witch who can’t stay out of trouble
Nikolai Gregorivich, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop on the trail of a serial killer

The sizzling love affair between Jazz and Nick has been off-again-on-again-for about 300 years. Mostly off, lately. But now Nick needs Jazz’s help, and while Jazz and Nick try to figure out their own hearts and resist their ever-increasing attraction, they must steer clear of a maniacal killer with super-supernatural powers. They are surrounded by a hilarious cast of oddball paranormal characters, including Norma, the chain-smoking ghost who haunts Jazz’s sports car, Dweezil, her ghoul of a boss, and Fluff and Puff, a pair of bunny slippers with sharp teeth and short tempers (watch your ankles!).

Random Thoughts -At first I had a bit of a difficult time getting into this book. I am not sure if it was due to me getting sick or what. Just prepare yourselves for "Offbeat and Quirky" regarding reading this book. This is definitely not a book of the cookie cutter variety. That is also what makes this book wonderfully fun to read as well. Once I read a few chapters I got into it and started to understand what was going on. I enjoyed reading this book even though I was having major Headaches and my eyes hurt to read I could not put it down. If you love paranormal then you will enjoy this fun, likable read.

Favorite Scene - For me a week after I have read this book to remember a scene is very remarkable. I remember a couple but the one of those I enjoyed the most was, the scene in the kooky bar where Jazz was looking "Smokin Hot" in her all black and leather corset, pants, and duster combo. She caught Nick there on a meeting and he in turn caught her there on a meeting. Like two moths drawn to a flame. He of course is enchanted by her looks and they end up Dancing.

Rating: I give this a 4 solid stars.

Author Tidbit: This is Linda Wisdom's first book of the paranormal variety. I applaud her work she did great!! Her books have appeared on various romance and mass market bestseller lists and nominated for a number of Romantic Times awards and Romance Writers of America Rita Award. Her novels have been published worldwide. She lives with her husband, one dog, two parrots, one tortoise in Murrieta, California. When Linda first moved to Murrieta there were three romance writers living in the town. At this time, there is just Linda. So far, the police have not suspected her of any wrongdoing.

Next up: Jazz will be starring in "Hex Appeal" coming out October 1st.

Review: Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 256pp
Isbn: 155166948X
Challenge This one covers two challenges at the same time.
#1 Read Around The Genres
#2 Fall 2008 Reading Challenge

First Sentence or two: Friendly fire. It was called friendly because it came from the U.S. bombers and missile launchers, but it sure as hell didn't feel friendly to Navy SEAL Lieutenant Joe Catalanotto, as it fell from the sky like deadly rain.

Back Cover Blurb: Veronica St. John is facing the challenge of a lifetime. The media consultant has two days to teach a rugged Navy SEAL to impersonate a European prince who has been targeted by terrorists. It's a tough assignment, but Veronica is sure she's up to the task — until she actually meets Joe.

Despite his physical resemblance to the handsome prince, Lieutenant Joe Catalanofto is nothing like the stuffy aristocrat. Everything about the combat-hardened Navy SEAL — from the arrogant gleam in his eyes and streetwise attitude to the New York accent — says regular guy, not royalty. One conversation and Veronica knows nothing could turn this military man into nobility. Joe, on the other hand, is confident he's got what it takes to complete his duty.

But neither of them expects their assignment to include falling in love . . .

Random Thoughts Well truth be told, I am not a huge fan of contemporary books. On that note though, I somehow find that I am reading them almost as much as the historical. Enjoying them too. So, that said. I enjoyed the book even though I was HUGELY distracted this week. It took me twice as long to read this book due to the setting up of my Blog.

Favorite Scene My favorite part was when Veronica told Joe she loved him in front of God and everybody. He had his secret ear piece on as well as a few other SEALS and many other agents who were there to protect, and she says into the ear piece that she loves him. I thought it was cute. He couldn't stop smiling like a fool. Not to mention guys in the service tease each other mercilessly. So I know his SEALS will never let him forget that.

Rating I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*Note This is part of a series she has written. She has a few different series. This book is the first book in the "Tall, Dark and Dangerous" series. The rest of the books feature the rest of the SEALS on Joe's team. We got a peek at some of the guys so now it will be fun to read their very own books.