[Review + Excerpt]: "It Takes Two to Tangle"

Historical romance author  Theresa Romain is kicking off a new historical romance trilogy with the release of IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE. In this passionate Regency take on the tale of Cyrano de Bergerac, a wounded ex-soldier has no luck with his courtship of the ton’s beauty until he begins receiving secret letters. But are they from the woman he imagines…or from her widowed companion, who just might be everything he dreams of?

Please join Theresa for a release-day Twitter party, featuring an hour of chat, Q&A, and prizes!

This excerpt stop is part of the IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE Twitter party celebration and does not have its own giveaway. You can find the pre-registration event with full giveaway information at http://events.litconnect.com/twitter-party-it-takes-two-to-tangle-by-theresa-romain-historical-regency-romance/  Please note: This giveaway ends on 9/3 at 6pm EST.

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It Takes Two to Tangle by Thersea Romain

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 3, 2013)

Series: The Matchmaker Trilogy, 1

Genre: Historical Romance

WOOING THE WRONG WOMAN…
Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit…

IS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE…

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that’s only going to break her own heart…

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site

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My Review:

[Review]: "Anything For You"

Anything For You by Jessica Scott

Publisher: Tormia Creatives (February 1, 2013)

Series: Coming Home, 1.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

  From the author of Because of You comes an all new Coming Home short story.

Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison has spent a year recovering from his combat injuries. A year spent in the arms of the woman of his dreams. But loving Jen comes with a price: every time he touches her, he faces the uncertain fear that loving her might mean losing her forever.

Jen is a breast cancer survivor and with Shane, she’s found a man who loves her despite her scars. But her scars may be too much for their love to survive.

As their love grows, so does the risk to Jen’s life. And Shane must make the toughest decision any man can make to save the woman he loves.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

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My Review:


A quick, but well done, add on to Jen and Shane's HEA, Anything For You will please any fan of the first book. I loved this one, and I was happy to see the two work things out. Scott's humor came through again, especially from Vic (Carponti) while giving Shane a bad times about his vasectomy decisions:

 

“Jen is going to kill you. You know that, right?” Vic Carponti took a long pull off his ever-present Dr Pepper. “I think she has first dibs on your balls. You don’t have exclusive use over them any more.”

 

  (And a few pages later...)

“So, back to the more pressing matters, are you going to gift wrap your nuts and put a little bow on them and say, ‘Here baby, for Valentine’s Day, I’ve sacrificed my manhood’?”

 

Shane shook his head and tried not to laugh. “There’s something the matter with you. You know that, right?”

 

“Sure. My traumatic brain injury is acting up again.” Carponti turned toward the door as it opened. “Speaking of nuts, here’s my wife. I need to get mine out of her purse.”

Really, I've already said it, but I'll say it again--I'd love to have a novella about Vic and his wife. Some sort of prequel perhaps. Anything. I love Vic and his gruff-ness and humor.


4 STARS! If you haven't picked up Scott's books yet, I highly recommend doing so--you could even start with this novella, you won't be lost, but I would say reading Because of You first will make your reading that much more enjoyable. For funny, yet very emotional, military romances, pick up these books today!



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I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

*Note: The quotes used belong to Jessica Scott; TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them in anyway.

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Have you read any of Jessica Scott's books yet? What did you think of them? If not, are they on your list now? They should be! :)

Enjoy!   



Until Next Time


,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Drive Me Crazy"

Drive Me Crazy by Marquita Valentine

Publisher: Marquita Valentine (February 2, 2013)

Series: Holland Springs, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

NASCAR racer, Carter Ambrose, has finally decided to take his doctor’s advice and find a new occupation before another wreck on the track kills him. Only his doctor hadn’t counted on his little sister’s best friend, Melanie Ann Smith, crashing his weeks of solitude with her short skirts and platform heels. And that’s not the least of his problems. His mother has decided that she wants grandchildren and the only woman that's good enough for the job-his ex-fiance.

Twenty-four year old Troublemaker Extraordinaire, Melanie Ann Smith, isn’t asking for much out of life: a house without wheels, to travel further than her home state and her best friend’s older brother, Carter Ambrose. Only three things stand in her way: juggling all of her odd jobs, keeping her daddy from gambling away all of their money and getting Carter to see her as a woman.

Soon Melanie and Carter agree to a temporary relationship. One with benefits that is mutually satisfying in every way, or so each believes. And just when they are ready admit their feelings, family secrets are exposed, threatening Melanie and Carter's fragile relationship.

Will Carter risk it all for love, or will Melanie be left holding the trophy for second place?

 

Where to  Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

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Author's Site

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My Review:

[Review]: "Mystic Cowoby"

Mystic Cowboy by Sarah M. Anderson

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (January 1, 2013)

Series: Men of the White Sandy, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

One good man could drive her all kinds of crazy.

Just who does Rebel Runs Fast think he is? Dr. Madeline Mitchell, the new doctor on the White Sandy Lakota Indian Reservation, knows there’s a good answer to that question. Somewhere.

Sure, the Lakota medicine man is every cowboy-and-Indian fantasy she ever had, but he sends patients to sweat lodges instead of clinical trials, talks them out of flu vaccines. Even more irritating, he makes her heart race.

Rebel swore off the white man’s world—and its women—years ago. Madeline doesn’t speak the language, understand the customs, or believe he’s anything more than a charlatan. Yet she stays, determined to help his people. And he keeps finding excuses to spend more time at the clinic.

When he discovers her in the throes of dangerous heat stroke, Rebel’s efforts to cool her down set fire to a passion neither thought they wanted. But when the people start falling violently ill, the cultural gap stretches the connection between their hearts to the breaking point…

Product Warnings
This book contains smoking-hot skinny dipping, emotional and emotionally satisfying sex, and a shirtless cowboy who is also an Indian.

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site

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My Review:

My first time reading Sarah M. Anderson...and I loved it! :) Mystic Cowboy is a wonderful story about a man who's trying to remain true to himself, and his people, and a woman who's trying her hardest to make a difference in the world, one sick person at a time. When Rebel sees a vision of his people all dead, he asks Madeline for help; she may not believe in the spirit world and visions like he does, but she realizes that he does believe, and isn't that what matters? Together, they must find out what the ranchers just off the rez are doing...before it's too late.

 

I loved Rebel! He's trying so hard to be the right person—his tribe needs a medicine man, which he can be, while the outside world wants a Native America artist, one they can more or less parade around like a prize show dog. He doesn't want to be that person...but if it means he receives money to help his whole tribe, how can he say no? But it's just a part he plays, it's not who he is, and it never will be. He's already tried his hand at being that man, and it didn't work out... Nope, his duty is to his tribe, keeping them alive and well, and helping to keep the traditions of the Lakota alive as well. Really, what's not to love in a hero like that? He puts so much of himself into helping everyone else!

 

Madeline is, in a way, much like Rebel. She gives and gives, often until there is no more to give. She works hard, very hard, to heal the people of the rez. With no supplies, no room, and very few people to help, she manages to do it. And while many of the people may look at her as an outsider at first, I think by the end, after seeing how well she does her job, they start to see her as more than that. It may not seem like they'd match together (two people who give everything they have to everyone else) but they do. Rebel takes care of her, and when she sees that he is the one who needs the support, she'll be there for him. Will their relationship be easy? No, of course not. But it's real, and they're willing to work through it, for love, and that's what matters.

 

4 STARS! A sexy tribal cowboy for a hero, a cast of wonderful characters to help bring the story alive, and a heroine who won't take any crap, Mystic Cowboy kicks off Anderson's new series and left me wanting more! I especially look forward to Nobody's story. Oh my. Dark, quiet, mysterious...and with an air of “deadly” about him, I'm dying to know more! :D

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I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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I'll definitely be looking forward to Sarah's other books! :)

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,





*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Confidence Tricks"

Confidence Tricks by Tamara Morgan

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (February 12, 2013)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Asprey Charles has always assumed he would one day take his place in the family art appraisal and insurance firm. “His place” meaning he plans to continue to enjoy his playboy lifestyle, lavish money on his Cessna, and shirk every responsibility that dares come his way.

But when a life of crime is thrust upon him, he is just as happy to slip on a mask and cape and play a highwayman rogue. After all, life is one big game—and he excels at playing.

Poppy Donovan vows that her recent release from jail will be her last—no more crime, no more cons. But when she learns that her grandmother lost her savings to a low-life financial advisor, she’s forced to do just one more job.

It’s all going smoothly until the necklace she intends to pawn to fund her con is stolen by a handsome, mocking, white-collar thief. A thief who, it turns out, could take a whole lot more than money. If she’s not careful, this blue blood with no business on her side of the tracks could run off with the last thing she can afford to lose. Her heart.

Warning: This book contains masked crusaders, a remorseless con woman, and plans to boost a ten-million-dollar painting. Expect high speeds and fast hands.

 

 

 
Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Publisher

More Info:

Author's Site

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My Review:

The trust-fund boy and the sassy ex-con....extreme opposites, yet in the end they're perfect for each other. Can they help each other out...without ending up in jail?

 

I'll admit that Morgan surprised me a few times. I was just as clueless to what was going to happen next as the characters. For throwing in a few plot twists that even I didn't see, I'm giving Morgan two thumbs up. Just when I thought I knew what the plan was, and which side the characters were on, she'd change it. Well done!

 

I loved Morgan's last two books, absolutely loved them. She has a great writing style that flows. I've come to expect plenty of great laughs, great wit, and raunchy jokes.

 

But that was missing from much of Confidence Tricks. Sure, there were a few small jokes, but nothing like the previous books. And that, I think, was my biggest disappointment

 

4 STARS! Overall Confidence Tricks is a great choice if you want a contemporary filled with cons and thefts, sneaking and spying. Plenty of twists, a few witty spots, and a hero the reader will no doubt fall for. I liked it, but I think my favorite Tamara Morgan book still involves brawny Highland Game competitors. :) But perhaps I'm just biased...

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I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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Enjoy!




Until Next Time,

 

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "A Wild Night's Bride"

A Wild Night's Bride by Victoria Vane

Publisher: Breathless Press (April 25, 2012)

Series: The Devil DeVere, 1

Genre: Historical Romance

What happens when a struggling actress and a grieving widower come together in a night of unbridled debauchery orchestrated by a bored and machinating rake? With the devil in charge...there will be hell to pay!

She’s a lonely lady down on her luck... Phoebe Scott, alias Kitty Willis, is a struggling Covent Garden actress with a bruised heart and a closely guarded secret.

He’s steadfast and eminently respectable.. Sir Edward Chambers, Ned to his intimates, is guilt-ridden over his beloved wife’s death and avowed to live out a rustic and mundane life … of celibacy.

With the devil in charge — there will surely be hell to pay. Devil in disguise, Viscount Ludovic DeVere, is determined to return his best friend, Ned, to the land of the living. His meddling machinations result in a night of mind blowing passion after which “dull dog Ned” awakes to find himself in the King of England’s bed!

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe

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My Review:

A Wild Night's Bride is a quick historical romp, one filled with scandal and wagers.

I had a few doubts about the way Phoebe went about to get a protector, as well as Ned's failure to remember anything about their night together (although he knows he loves her), but overall I still really liked this book. I look forward to the rest of the series, curious to see how some of the other characters' stories turn out.

Random Rant---It didn't really hit me until the very end of the book, but Phoebe is only 4 years older than Ned's daughter. That's just...wrong, in my opinion. Or perhaps “odd” is the more accurate word. After realizing this, it changed my opinion on the couple a bit. That would make her (Phoebe), only a toddler when Ned married and had a child. And now they're married. o.0

3 STARS! Although I may not have loved this one, I still liked it; it was a quick read and I found it entertaining at times, what with all the scandals going on. If you want to try something a little different, pick this one up!



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I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I will still continue this series, it's kind of interesting the way so many of the characters' stories tie in. :)

Enjoy!





Until Next Time,


 


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Demon's Curse"

Demon's Curse by Alexa Egan

Publisher: Pocket Books (December 26, 2012)

Series: Imnada Brotherhood, 1

Genre: Paranormal Romance (Historical)

A fast-paced and captivating debut—the first in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood series about shape shifters in Regency-era England.

A rising star on the Covent Garden stage, Bianca Parrino believes she has everything she wants. Independence. Wealth. And a life finally free of her violent, abusive husband. But when her close friend, Adam, is murdered, and Bianca is suspected in his death, she is unwittingly drawn into the search for his killer, and soon must question everything she believes—about her friend, about herself, and about a world she never knew existed.

A member of the mysterious race of shape-shifting Imnada and part of an elite military unit, Captain Mac Flannery gathered intelligence during the Napoleonic wars. As a result of a savage massacre, Mac and the men he served with are cursed. Now one of them has been found murdered, and Mac suspects the existence of the Imnada has been discovered at last. His only link to unearthing the truth is the beautiful actress who turns up unexpectedly at Adam’s funeral.

Before long, Mac has more to contend with than Bianca’s overt mistrust, his ill-fated attraction to the haughty and beautiful actress, and his ongoing search for an end to the curse. Because Adam’s killer is back, and Mac is next on his list.
 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

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My Review:

Reviewer's Note: Writing a review is never easy, but the worst review to write is for a book that was simply “ok”. But, as both a reviewer and a reader, I must be honest. Here, then, is my honest review of Demon's Curse.

 

Shifters. Magic. England in the 1800s. Yes, please!

 

I was excited when I first saw the cover for Demon's Curse earlier this year. When I was lucky enough to win an ARC from the author a few months ago, I literally did a little happy dance.

 

But after actually reading the book, I found myself...disappointed.

 

It's not that Demon's Curse was a bad book. No, it was good. But it wasn't quite as great as I had built it up to be in my mind.

 

The main flaw in the book was the lack of character development and world-building; I was left wanting more! I wanted more from Bianca and Mac. I wanted more about the Imnada and the Fey-blood. In short, really, I just wanted more.

 

What really got to me though was Bianca. Long before the book began, Bianca was married, but her marriage was anything but great. From what little is said, it appears that he was abusive and simply used her. She mentions, ONCE, that she finally killed him, though no one ever suspected her. And then it's never brought up again. Not once!

 

And even worse, she still suffers from the demons of her past, has a hard time trusting men, and never takes a lover. Until Mac comes along, and suddenly one roll in the bed with him and she's cured of her personal demons. No talking it out, no explaining her fears to him, nothing. She simply goes from flinching when he tries to kiss her to suddenly forgetting about her dead husband's abusive nature.

 

These two things pissed me off. Really? That's just not right, nor believable, and honestly I had a hard time liking Bianca. Perhaps if there had been more of her character shown to us my thoughts would be different.

 

However, despite my problems with the characters and world-building, I still liked the story, and I felt that Alexa Egan's writing style was actually pretty good, and I will be coming back for her future books. I really liked the idea behind the book, and even though it wasn't a “wow” book for me, I still enjoyed the journey and I am glad that I had the chance to try this new author!

 

 

Favorite Quote:

 

Her hands unconsciously curled into Mac's fur, her tears falling upon his face as grief spiked painful and bitter against her heart. “Can you change back Can you be . . . be Mac? I need . . . I need arms round me right now. I need to know this will turn out alright.”

 

Gods, Bianca. If I could do this for you, I would in half a heartbeat. But I cannot. This, you see, is my curse.

 

3 STARS! Alexa Egan's debut may only tell us the bare minimum about the Imnada and Fey-blood world she has created, but I am sure that future books in the series will truly make the world come alive. For shifter fans who want to try something new, especially one set in a historical setting, pick up Demon's Curse!

 

 

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I recieved an ARC of this book from the author (giveaway).

*NOTE*: The quote used in this review is the property of Alexa Egan. TBQ's Book Palace does not claim it.

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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,





*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Blog Tour Review]: "Broods of Fenrir"

Broods of Fenrir by Coral Moore

Publisher: Bared Teeth Publishing (November 19, 2011)

Series: Broods of Fenrir, 1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shapeshifter Brand Geirson was raised to rule the Broods of Fenrir, but he refused his birthright. Instead, he killed their brutal leader–his own father–and walked away.

For hundreds of years he’s avoided brood society, until a werewolf kills an innocent human woman and Brand finds himself dragged back into the violent politics of the shapeshifters. When the two brood women who mean the most to him come under threat, he must take up the throne and risk becoming the kind of vicious bastard his father was, or let the broods descend further into chaos–taking the friend he swore to protect and his lover with them.
Contains Strong Language, Violence, and Sexual Situations.
  

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

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My Review:

I am a huge fan of fantasy in any shape, but especially when it comes to shifters. I can honestly say it's been a while since I came across one that made me excited for the genre again. Broods of Fenrir did just that, and I couldn't put it down! Now, this may sound cliched, but coming from me, it's not. Lately I've been picking up and putting down books like crazy because not many have held my interest.

This one did and then some!

Brand can be the King of the broods...if only he can step forward and take the crown. His sire, the previous king, was a viscous bastard of the worst degree. When Brand finally broke free of his father and killed him, he walked away from the throne, vowing never to take the position. Now, centuries later, he finally realizes that by turning his back on the throne, he turned his back on his people. Can he fix the clans, who are stuck in the past and treating women and weak members as slaves, or will he die trying?

I truly loved this book. The writing pulled me in from the very start. There's just something about Coral Moore's writing—it flows very easily, and makes the reader wish to continue. I'm definitely adding her books to my list in the future!

 

Brand's tale does have a bit of romance to it, but it doesn't take center stage all the time, and I was okay with that. I loved his possessiveness, not just to Dagny, but everyone under his protection. He could have easily been like his father, drunk on power but with no honor. Instead he became very much the perfect hero.

 

4 STARS! For a captivating shifter tale, one that pulls from old Norse tales a bit, Broods of Fenrir is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre! I will be recommending it to others, and I am anxious to read book two ,as I'm hoping many of the secondary characters pop up again, or better yet get their own tale!

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I recieved an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Be sure to follow the rest of the tour! :)

Enjoy!




Until Next Time,

 

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "Offside"

Offside by Juliana Stone

Publisher: Juliana Stone (September 30, 2012)

Series: The Barker Triplets, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie's talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their 'men's club.'

Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn't seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.

She's got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?
 

 

 
Where to Buy*:

Kindle

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My Review:

Offside is my first Juliana Stone book, and even though it wasn't a perfect score (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun!), I'll still be coming back for more from this wonderful author!

I've not read many hockey romances—in fact, that only one I can think of was years ago, one of Luanne Rice's novels. Offside managed to add “sexy hockey players” to my endless list of book boyfriends. Even though Billie-Jo was meant to be the star of the arena, Logan wasn't too bad himself, though I do wish we could have seen a bit more of his talent and passion for sports. Billie's personality and presence came through pretty clearly, but Logan's didn't, which disappointed me a little.

The chemistry between Billie and Logan was great, the scenes very sexy. I loved that. And even outside the bedroom their relationship was done very well, and I loved watching the two of them fall for one another. Besides the steamy factor of the book, I also enjoyed some of the lighter, funny moments sprinkled throughout the book (such as Logan's one-eyed cat who has a thing for, ahem, watching the couple).

* Spoiler ahead! *

The one thing I wasn't too happy about was the drama over Logan's supposedly sleeping with Billie's triplet, Betty, in highschool. When, in reality, it was Billie pretending to be Betty in order to have sex with Logan, whom she had a huge crush on, but he never noticed her. She won't tell him, he won't tell her, so for most of the book they're tiptoeing around this big “secret” between them, and when the news is finally broken to Logan (by Betty, of course), he yells at her, believing that Billie must have done that often over the years to sleep with men who really wanted her other sister. I just couldn't stand the drama, and Logan pissed me off to no end when he reacted this way, especially since he should have known Billie would never do that.

Speaking of Betty, she's a real bitch, and a slutty one at that. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to like her when her story is finally told, but who knows? Perhaps Stone can make me reconsider. I'm definitely curious about Bobbi and Shane's story, and I think I'm looking forward to it the most.

3.5 STARS! If you want a sexy sports romance with an interesting twist (the heroine as the sports star), pick up Offside! I truly enjoyed following Billie and Logan to their HEA, and although I have problems with one of the Barker triplets, I'll still pick up the next books in Juliana Stone's new contemporary trilogy!

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I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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Enjoy!




Until Next Time,

 

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "A Highlander Christmas"

A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman

Publisher: Pocket Star (October 26, 2010)

Series: Pine Creek Highlanders, 7

Genre: Contemporary Romance--Magic

Camry MacKeage has absolutely no intention of telling her parents that she left her job as a NASA physicist for the small-town life of a dog-sitter—which is why she's spending the holidays alone in coastal Maine with her furry friends, Tigger and Max.

Unfortunately, her irresistibly handsome rival, scientist Luke Pascal, accidentally spilled the beans. Now he's on a mission from her mother to tempt Camry home for the family's annual winter solstice celebration. But Luke is hiding his own secret, and he'll need a little bit of magic to earn Camry's trust...and a whole lot of mistletoe to seduce his way into her heart.
 

 

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

Janet Chapman has done it once again, weaving a tale of magic and family, miracles and love. Full of wit, not to mention romance and passion, A Highlander Christmas will pull you right back into the crazy but lovely world of Pine Creek, and their infamous family, the MacKeages.

I loved the chemistry between Camry and Luke, it was sweet yet very steamy, playful yet very serious and touching. And not only did we get to watch these two fall in love, but we also saw glimpses of some of our favorite past couples--I love seeing how, even after all these years, Grey and Grace are still just as wild about each other!

"Do ye honestly believe that in all our years together, I haven't known what you're up to when you go all soft and pliable in my arms during one of our little discussions" he asked setting her down on the bed, then quickly covering her damp body with his.

She trailed a finger over his smile. "I prefer to believe that I merely point out a reasonable course of action and, being the wise man that you are you simply see things my way."

"And you've taught this trick to our daughters?"

"All seven of them." she said with a delighted laugh.

"May God have mercy on your soul, woman." he muttered, covering her mouth with his.

 

~Grey and Grace

 

 

Chapman proved to me that sometimes it's the simple things that make me smile while reading a book...like childish fights!

Camry grabbed an orange off the tray to throw at her. "You little brat!"

Luke snatched it out of her hands before she could throw it. "Not the food!"

 

 

And at the opposite end of the spectrum, Chapman makes me giggle and laugh like a crazy woman while reading the more...adult jokes! :)

She snapped her mouth closed, opened it several times, as if she were searching for words, then finally whispered. "Are you for real?"

Luke shifted uneasily, then suddenly flinched when she shot out of her chair and rushed up to him. He sucked in his breath when she just as suddenly pulled out his belt and looked down his pants!

He sidestepped away in alarm. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking to see if you still have your balls."

"My what?" he yelped, stepping even farther away.

She walked back to her chair, say down, and folded her hands on the table again. "Don't worry, they're still there."

 

 

And this one. It's definitely a new way of looking at, ahem, that time of the month....

 

 "...It wasn't exactly the time or place for slap and tickle. And besides, I thought you were...um, off the market for a few days."

 

Her smiled turned downright cheeky. "Hey, just because the Ferris wheel isn't running, doesn't mean the entire amusement park is shut down, "she said with a laugh, opening her door and hopping out.

 

 

 

Perhaps the one thing I loved most about the scenes between Camry and Luke was their ability to truly have fun during sex. It wasn't so serious, and it made me smile and smirk, while still making my heart beat a little faster....

"Vroom! Vroom!"

 

Luke snapped his gaze to the tent.

 

"Oh my God, Luke, did you hear that? The Ferris wheel is starting without you! Get in here before you miss the rides!"

 

Luke dropped his chin to his chest, the knot in his gut unraveling on a strangled laugh what was he doing standing out here worrying about his lovemaking living up to Camry's expectations when he should be worried about surviving hers?

 

He unzipped his jacket and ran to the tent. "You keep your hands away from the controls, lady!" he barked out, dropping to his knees in front of the tent. "It takes an experienced operator who knows what he's doing to start up that Ferris wheel." He pulled his sweater and long-john top over his head, then unbuckled his belt and shoved down his pants. "If you push the wrong button, it could take me all night to get it running correctly."

 

"Vroom, vroom," she purred with a giggle. "Oh! I think I found it, Luke. Quick, get in here and tell me if this is the right button!"

 

He had to sit on his jacket to unlace his boots, but instead of undoing them, he ended up with a handful of knots. "Stop playing with the equipment!" He tugged on the mess he'd made of his laces, which only served to tightened them. "That's my job!"

 

 


4.5 STARS! In short... If you haven't tried any of Chapman's books yet, what are you waiting for? I promise you, you will love them! :)



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I picked this book up for my own personal reading.

*NOTE: All quotes used in this review belong solely to the author, Janet Chapman. TBQ's Book Palace does not claim any of them.*

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So...have YOU read any of Janet Chapman's books? Which one's your favorite? Personally, I love them all! And if you haven't read one of her books, might I suggest you pick one up ASAP. You *can* read the books out of order, but I think they are better when read together. :)

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
 
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "The Way to the Duke's Heart" + Giveaway

The Way to the Duke's Heart by Caroline Linden

Publisher: Avon (August 28, 2012)

Series: The Truth About the Duke, 3

Genre: Historical Romance

 

 

Charles de Lacey, Lord Gresham, is running out of time, running from his responsibilities, and running from love.

Destined to be a duke, Charles de Lacey has led a life of decadent pleasure, free of any care for propriety or responsibility. It comes as a terrible shock to learn that he might be stripped of everything, thanks to his father's scandalous past. He has no choice but to find the blackmailer who would ruin him—and his only link to the villain is a woman who may be part of the plot…

To save his fortune and title, he vows he'll stop at nothing—in fact, he's all too eager to unravel the beautiful, tart-tongued Tessa Neville. She intrigues him and tempts him like no other lady ever has. With only his heart to guide him, and keenly aware that his entire future is at stake, Charles must decide: is she the woman of his dreams, or an enemy in disguise?

 

 

 
Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN

More Info:

Author's Site | Excerpt

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

This was my first time reading Caroline Linden's work, and The Way to the Duke's Heart was actually a good book. I was intrigued by the blackmail and family secrets, and I flipped the pages to find out how everything turned out.

I liked the hero and heroine—they may not be in my top 10 list, but I still enjoyed reading their story. Tessa was very strong, very intelligent, and I respected her for that. I also came to respect Charlie for understanding her, and not just seeing a beautiful woman, as many other men have seen.

The romance was great, very passionate, and I loved every minute of it. I was happy when Charlie realized that he had made a mistake when he was younger, thinking himself in love with Maria; the fact that it took finding Tessa, and realizing that he not just wanted her, but needed her, to realize that he had never really loved Maria...I loved watching him come to terms with this!

4 STARS! A wonderful historical, with just the right amount of mystery and romance, but also with a dose of wit and sexy, The Way to the Duke's Heart is a great choice for any fan of the genre! Now I'm only sorry that I didn't wait and read the previous two books in this trilogy, but I will definitely be doing so soon. I look forward to seeing what Linden will write next!

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I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
~* ~ * ~

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Thanks to the wonderful people at Avon, I have

 

FOUR copies of The Way to the Duke's Heart
 
to share!

 

US only, sorry!

How to Enter:

• Fill out the Rafflecopter's first option [Mandatory]
• Leave a comment [Optional, extra entry]
• Fill out the rest of the Rafflecopter [Optional, extra entries]

Giveaway ends Oct. 8th!

 

Winners will be picked by Rafflecopter on the 9th, and announced soon after. Winners will be sent one email from me and will have 48 hours to reply or another winner(s) will be picked.

 

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Are you a historical romance fan? I am, and

I'm always on the look out for a new

author/book to try. What HR have you read

lately that you loved?





Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

 



   *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Until There Was You"

Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

Publisher: Loveswept (October 8, 2012)

Series: Coming Home, 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance--Military

He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.

He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Publisher

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

I knew going into this book that I would love it. I've heard nothing but praise about Jessica Scott's first book (Because of You). And everyone was right—Scott is truly talented, creating a wonderful, emotional story. I look forward to going back and reading her debut, as well as anxiously awaiting her next novel!

Claire and Evan's story is anything but easy. They each have a lot of personal baggage to overcome before they can have their HEA. At times, it seems almost impossible—between their demons and loyalty to the army, how can they work through their relationship? But in the end they do, of course, and the journey to that point is touching.

I loved that Evan wasn't a perfect hero. As Claire jokingly called him, he was Captain America, practically perfect, a man who follows the rules. But this is how he deals with his mistake from the past, the one that haunts him to this day—the one that he has inked onto his skin, both in memory and as penance....

Claire has her own secrets, and they've defined who she is today. Tough, but underneath it all she's unsure, lonely, and terrified to trust anyone again. I liked that about her, it made her more believable.

Plus, let's not forget Reza (Iaconelli), Claire's one true friend. He's very flawed.

Evan watched as Iaconelli worked his way through the formation. He trusted Iaconelli more than any other warrior in his formation. His skill on the battlefield was unnatural, but it kept his men alive, and Evan couldn't help but wonder at the cost of that skill. Had the descent into hell been worth it? Iaconelli was the warrior Ajax personified and more deeply flawed than any Greek hero. A nagging voice whispered in Evan's ear that Iaconelli was a grenade with the pin already pulled, simply waiting for the handle to be released to explode. "He needs help," Evan said.

 

Like Claire, I was frustrated with him, wanting him to stop. But she doesn't know how to help him without hurting him, their friendship, or his position. Evan, although not quiet as good a friend as Claire is, also cares for Reza, and struggles with how to help him.

Evan approached Iaconelli after the last vehicle rumbled out of the assembly area. He didn't know what he was going to say or even how to start.

It was an uncomfortable feeling for him. His goal was always to do the right thing. To follow the rules. But with Reza, the rules were no longer clear cut. Sure, it would look like an easy choice to someone who hadn't served. Turn him in, get him sent to rehab. But that would mean disregarding the combat awards on his chest, ignoring the nearly fifty months in combat he had served and reducing the hero who stood before him to little more than an alcoholic

 

I'm very curious about Reza—and I would love to read his story! :)

Until There Was You also had a playful air to it at times. Here are a just a few of my favorite quotes.





"Rexa said I should just tell you I'm crazy and ask you to put up with me." She pressed her lips together, biting back the sting of emotion. "But that's not really the entire truth." She breathed deeply, smiling tremulously. "I miss your cock when it's not around. And the rest of you isn't half bad, either."

 

And a few pages later (after a very nice smexy scene)...

Shaking her head slowly, she reached between their bodies. Slowly she slid her hand over his erection. "Does this mean I get to keep your penis around?"

"You can do whatever you want to it, so long as it doesn't involve hot wax or shaving."

"I shaved for you."

Evan laughed. "You've never seen a bald cock. It looks like a plucked chicken."

4 STARS! Jessica Scott has captured my attention, and I'm now a fan for life! Sexy yet playful, emotional and complex, Until There Was You is a great book to read, and one that I will be recommending to others! I'll admit I probably understood very little of the army lingo used, but I didn't mind—it added a depth to the story and showed me that this was written by an author who knows this world, rather than someone who just Googled a phrase or two. I look forward to many years of new books from Ms. Scott!

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I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All quotes are property of the author, I do not claim them.
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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
 



*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!