Review: Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 336pp
Isbn: 0446619124
Challenge This one covers one challenge, Read Around The Genres


First Sentence or two: Kate Campbell looked her enemy square in his lifeless face and then swung.

Synopsis:PROTECTING HER WAS HIS PASSION

High-born though she is, Kate Campbell isn't afraid to draw her sword. When raiders strike, she rushes into the fray...and is lucky when a mysterious Highlander shields her from a deadly blow. Swept onto his stallion, she soon discovers that her rescuer is her clan's most hated enemy: Callum MacGregor, the man they call The Devil. Yet she cannot ignore his achingly tender touch or the way his fiery gaze leaves her breathless.

POSSESSING HER WOULD BE HIS PLEASURE

Callum MacGregor has taken many Campbell lives, but he's never saved one--until now. Mesmerized by this spirited lass, he wants her by his side, even if it means holding her for ransom. As his fingers graze her sumptuous curves and tangle in her unruly tresses, Callum realizes Kate Campbell is his most dangerous foe of all. For he can't make love to her without betraying his kinsmen and his honor...and surrendering his heart forever.


Random Thoughts -This is the ultimate tortured alpha male hero. As far as romance books go this was more then a romance book. This book was about a battle for survival. There was love but it really felt as if a sideline story to me. I love my highlanders though they never do disappoint.

Favorite Scene - I loved it when Kate had to drink the brew to get ready for the wound in her shoulder burned. Callum was talking to her afterward and she was sloshed and slurring her words. She called him Clalum MacKeglor instead of Callum MacGregor. LOL

Rating - I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. The writing was superb and flowed well. Not ever single in between scene was spelled out for us since it didn't need to be. This author knows its ok to skip a day or two of uneventful traveling or such. The book kept me engaged and not bored.

*Author's Note- In gratitude for the MacGregor's support in his struggle to regain the throne, Charles II repealed the laws against the MacGregors in 1661. Their name was restored, but their lands were not. In 1693 the prosciption was fully imposed once again by William of Orange. The persecution of Clan MacGregor finally ended in 1774 when the proscription against them was lifted once and for all, 171 years after it was enacted.

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.

Read Around the Genres Challenge

Here’s the Deal:

-Challenge will run from September 1 – December 15 (That means you started reading the book after 9/1)-Post reviews on your blog for all 10 books
-Leave a comment when you are done with your 10 and post a Challenge Wrap up of your list

Trophies up for grab: (trophy will be a cute little computerized trophy!)
-First Person Completed (leave me a post when you’re completely done)
-Most Pages Read (applies to these 10 books)
-Least amount of Authors read (JD Robb and Nora Roberts count as 2 authors)
-Challenge Winner (a random drawing will be held for all who complete the challenge)

Here’s the list
1. Pirate or Viking
2. Vampire
3. Contemporary
4. Chick Lit
5. Medieval
6. Time Travel
7. Romantic Suspense
8. Inspirational
9. Historical
10. Paranormal

You can always check out allaboutromance.com if you need some help. They have a powersearch tool that you can search genre only! Good luck and Have fun!
The Queen Plans to or already has read these books:
Red=Completed Green=Going to read
1.Pirate or Viking-
2.Vampire-I burn for You by Susan Sizemore
3.Contemporary-Heaven Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
4.Chick Lit-
5.Medieval-
6.Time Travel-
7.Romantic Suspense-Prince Joe by Susan Brockman
8.Inspirational-
9.Historical-Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn
10.Paranormal- 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

Review: Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 384pp
Isbn: 0380776847
Challenge This one covers two challenges at the same time.
#1 Read Around The Genres
#2 Fall 2008 Reading Challenge

First Sentence or two: "A bodyguard! I don't need any damn bodyguard!"

Synopsis: From the author of It Had to Be You comes a deliciously, sexy contemporary romance. Former pro-football star Bobby Tom Denton has agreed to lend his fame and his name to a movie. But when he doesn't show up, the film company sends straight-laced Gracie Snow to bring him to the set—with surprising results.
Come heck or high water, Gracie Snow is determined to drag the legendary ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton back home to Heaven, Texas, to begin shooting his first motion picture. Despite his dazzling good looks and killer charm, Bobby Tom has reservations about being a movie star -- and no plans to cooperate with a prim and bossy Ohio wallflower whom he can't get off his mind or out of his life. Instead, the hell-raising playboy decides to make her over from plain Jane to Texas wildcat.

But nothing's more dangerous than a wildcat with an angel's heart in a town too small for a bad boy to hide. And all hell breaks loose when two unforgettable people discover love, laughter, passion -- and a match that can only be made in Heaven.


Random Thoughts - I loved this book from the first page on. I could not put it down. I read this in one day. This may be my favorite one of the "Stars" series. This is another "INSIST" read. No recommending about it!

Favorite Scene - I had several so it's pretty hard to nail down just one. I think I will go with the scene in his trailer on the set. The one where she had like 6 of his fans in the trailer just to annoy him. Then he turned it around on her and announced to the girls that he was engaged to her. After the girls left and they got into an ice cream fight with each other. That to me was the first physical step they took in getting together. I was so happy and excited with that scene. Not to take away from any of the other many scenes in this book.

Rating - I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*Note This is part of a series she has written about the Stars Football team. The first book is "It Had To Be You". To see the rest of the books in this series, or to see what order. Go Here

I Am Participating In This Challenge

Read Around the Genre Challenge


My friend Cindy is hosting this challenge. Come check it out. Play along. This is gonna go nicely with the Fall Challenge about to start.