TBR Challenge:The Nine Lives of Christmas

The Nine Lives of Christmas
Sheila Roberts
Contemporary Romance
St. Martin's Press/October 25, 2011

When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe.  He’ll do anything—anything!—if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him—and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who’s in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it’s bound to earn him a healthy ninth life.  Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought.  Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he’s all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee.  Now it’s going to take all of Ambrose’s feline wiles—and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle—to make them both realize that what they’re looking for is right in front of their eyes.

Didn't think I was going to make it this month.  I actually read the book last week but then forgot to write the review.  Not sure how this made it's way into the TBR pile.  The most likely scenario is that I was trying to get in the holiday mood last year and picked this up at the Friends of the Library book sale.  They always have a display of holiday themed books right before Christmas.  My guess is people read them, then in the holiday spirit, pass them on by donating them.  Then the library sells them to someone like me who thinks she'll have plenty of time to read the dozens of holiday themed books she has because it's not busy at all right before Christmas. *rolls eyes*

The blurb gives a pretty good idea of the story.  And yes, we do get part of the story from the Point of View of Ambrose the cat.  He's actually quite amusing most of the time.  I thought it might become annoying, having Ambrose's thoughts on the page but he's a wise cat who's on his last life.  He's learned a thing or two from his past lives and past experiences with humans and is more than willing to share his opinions.

Zach is a hero who has sworn off serious relationships of any kind.  He doesn't even want to keep Ambrose, who he renames Tom, since having a cat is too much of a commitment.  And he definitely doesn't want to get involved with Merilee because she is most certainly the relationship type.  So this attitude of Zach's causes him some trouble when he can't seem to stop making up excuses for seeing Merilee.  Like so many heroes who have come before him, Zach is a goner and he doesn't even know it.  

Merilee has a strong affinity for animals.  She works at the local mega pet store as well as the animal shelter.  She is a walking encyclopedia of animal facts.  She's sweet, compassionate but not at all Zach's usual type.  Then she goes through a metamorphisis when her sister decided to take Merilee on a shopping spree.  It was a sweet bit of sister bonding but I do wish Zach and Merilee's relationship had been further along before she went from ho-hum to totally hot.  

The romance has a bit of a stop and go feel to it.  Just when you think these two are making progress, they backpedal a little.  It's a very sweet story, possibly a little sweet for some.  And although Zach is a firefighter, there isn't too much focus on his job other than a few scenes that show how much he enjoys and is dedicated to firefighting.   

The Nine Lives of Christmas was a funny, sweet romance.  I could easily see it as a made-for-TV holiday movie.  It's not a type of romance I would want to read too many of for fear of a sugar overdose.  But if it sounds like your kind of romance then give it a try.

Rating:  B-

TBR Challenge Review: The Saint

The Saint
Monica McCarty
Historical Romance
Scotland/1308
Highland Guard/Book 5
Ballantine Books/March 27, 2012

Robert the Bruce consolidates lands and loyalty in a bold war for Scotland’s independence, as his elite team of warriors, the Highland Guard, fight for king, country . . . and love.

Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain and to best his enemies. Called “the Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus hides a painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.
 
A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret in her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s the kiss not of a saint, but of a sinner, that can save them.

In case you've notice, the blog has been very quiet lately.  I've tried to write a post about what has kept me from blogging but it's a difficult post to write.  So when I realized the TBR Challenge was coming up, I thought I'd try getting back into blogging with the familiar.  This book hasn't been on my TBR pile for very long but it's a series that I've enjoyed in the past and Ms. McCarty is a gifted writer. 

This is a favorite series of mine.  I love the time period as well as the premise of a group of secret military warriors with wicked weapons and espionage skills.   Such is the case with Magnus MacKay.  

Magnus has been fighting with the Guard for many years.  He keeps his private life private so none of the men know of Magnus' lost love, Lady Helen.  It's after they are reunited that Magnus realizes his feelings for Helen are just as strong as they were years ago.  But he can't have her since she belongs to another.  It's a very touching romance with Magnus and Helen at a distance of both the physical and the emotional.   I totally understood why Magnus tried to keep his distance - he was trying to be loyal to his best friend.  Helen realizes she made the wrong choice and wants to correct her mistake but she doesn't take into account one of Magnus best traits, his loyalty.  It felt like Helen pushed the issue too often and expected the past to be forgotten all while a war is being waged.  

The women in this series are strong, intelligent and conform to the expectations of the time period all the while trying to break free of those expectations.  It's an interesting illusion the heroines create.  The men of the series are all real heroes - meaning they are brave, loyal, intelligent and flawed.  They're also very different from each other, enough that it makes it easy to differentiate one from the other.  

The Saint is another solid addition to the Highland Guard series.  I do wish there had been more time spent on the relationship of Magnus and Helen with fewer big conflicts and hurdles for them to overcome.  Everything seemed to resolve itself rather quickly and neatly.   

Rating: B

Highland Guard Series ~

The Chief
The Hawk
The Ranger
The Viper
The Saint
The Recruit
The Hunter (June 25, 2013)

TBR Challenge Review: Winter Kiss

Winter Kiss
Deborah Cooke
Paranormal Romance
Dragonfire/Book 4
Signet/November 3, 2009

*Possible Spoilers for Previous Books*


For millennia, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as the Pyr have commanded the four elements and guarded the earth’s treasures. But now the final reckoning between the Pyr and the dreaded slayers is about to begin…

The mysterious Dragon’s Blood Elixir gives immortality to Magnus, the Pyr’s greatest enemy, and his minions—so it must be destroyed. Outcast from the Pyr because of his own dangerous impulses, Delaney will do anything to vanquish Magnus—and vows to complete a mission which will either redeem him or end his suffering.

But his plans don’t take into account his sudden firestorm—or the hot-tempered Ginger Sinclair. The firestorm reforms Delaney closer to his old self. And when Ginger learns about Delaney’s scheme, she cannot resist a strong man with a noble agenda.

This month's possible theme was Paranormal Romance or Romantic Suspense.  I decided to attempt to catch up on one of the PNR series I've let fall by the wayside.  The Dragonfire series, as you can guess, is about shapeshifting dragons.  One of the things that I enjoyed about this series is the beautiful descriptions of the men in their dragon forms. 

Delaney has distanced himself from the Pyr because of what he believes is his darkness and his need to destroy the Dragon's Blood Elixir, the cause of his darkness.  So he's gone rogue, set himself apart and decided on a suicide mission against the Pyr's worst enemy.  Then, fate steps in and Delaney's firestorm occurs.  The firestorm is the instinct in the male telling him this is his mate and he needs to get her pregnant - pronto!  Delaney, bless his heart, is more than willing to fulfill his destiny.  

Ginger Sinclair is a chef who is determined to make a go of the family dairy farm.  When she meet Delaney she's attracted to the tall, good looking guy who just happens to be a great dancer.  When the sparks literally fly between these two, Ginger gives in to the attraction, taking Delaney home with her.  Yep, the firestorm is a powerful thing!

If you're not a big fan of the "destined mate" trope, then you're probably going to have a hard time with this romance.   I'm fine with the "one and only mate" romance but I have to believe the hero and heroine belong together with or without the cosmic pull of whatever deity is in control, in this case the Great Wyvern.  With Delaney and Ginger I found it difficult to believe in their deep feelings for each other happening overnight.  Sure, there was plenty of lust but nothing to base a relationship on let alone start a family.  

So while the romance didn't work very well for me, I do like how the dragon mythology is handled along with that male camaraderie that we see so often in these type of books. Get a group of single guys who, one by one, find their true loves while they fight a common enemy.  I also like how the heroes have different viewpoints on being a Pyr.  Some are old school and believe strongly in everything the Great Wyvern tells them.  Others, respect the old ways but feel it's time for a change, moving into the future while respecting the past.  These are not cookie-cutter heroes but instead have their own lives and their own interests apart from being dragons.

The Dragonfire series continues to move along with the Pyr's goal of fighting off the Slayers (evil dragons) while building lives with their found mates.  For the single guys, you know their time will come along with their firestorms.  I'm glad I choose to get back into this series, I'd forgotten what fun it is!

Rating: C

Dragonfire Series ~

Kiss of Fire
Kiss of Fury
Kiss of Fate
Winter Kiss
Harmonia's Kiss (e-novella)
Whisper Kiss
Darkfire Kiss
Flashfire
Ember's Kiss
 

TBR Challenge Review: Blood Ties

Blood Ties
Lori Armstrong
Mystery
PI Julie Collins Series/Book 1
Medallion Press/May 1, 2005

Julie Collins is stuck in a dead-end secretarial job with the Bear Butte County Sheriff’s office, and still grieving over the unsolved murder of her Lakota half-brother. Lack of public interest in finding his murderer, or the killer of several other transient Native American men, has left Julie with a bone-deep cynicism she counters with tequila, cigarettes, and dangerous men. The one bright spot in her mundane life is the time she spends working part-time as a PI with her childhood friend, Kevin Wells. 

When the body of a sixteen-year old white girl is discovered in nearby Rapid Creek, Julie believes this victim will receive the attention others were denied. Then she learns Kevin has been hired, mysteriously, to find out where the murdered girl spent her last few days. Julie finds herself drawn into the case against her better judgment, and discovers not only the ugly reality of the young girl’s tragic life and brutal death, but ties to her and Kevin’s past that she is increasingly reluctant to revisit. 

On the surface the situation is eerily familiar. But the parallels end when Julie realizes some family secrets are best kept buried deep. Especially those serious enough to kill for.

I've read Lori Armstrong's two Mercy Gunderson mysteries, enjoyed them.  So when the suggested topic of non-romance came up for this month's challenge it seemed like a good idea to give Armstrong's Julie Collins series a try.  If you're not much for mysteries but enjoy erotic cowboy romances, Lori Armstrong also writes steamy, sexy cowboy romances under the name Lorelei James.

So, it turns out the Julie Collins series was a mixed bag for me.  I found the story interesting but the characters, well, I can't think of any that I liked.  As in, would like to hang out with in real life.  Julie is a mess in both her personal life and her professional life.  She is 34 but acts much younger, turning to the bottle for her comfort when her one and only friend Kevin, isn't always available to keep her company.  They have an odd relationship, friends since they were kids, with some attraction going on but they're too afraid to act on it.  Plus, they're both seeing other people. 

The mystery had clues all over the place but piecing them together took a lot of doing.  There were times when it felt like Julie and Kevin were running around in circles, overlooking some obvious leads.  I was also surprised at how much Kevin had Julie doing when it didn't seem she had very much training.   Julie does have this uncanny ability to attract trouble.  Her smart mouth doesn't help but I couldn't help but feel sorry for her and wish she would not push people so much.  She's hit, punched and smacked around a number of times.  The way Julie reacts to the violence is telling in how she isn't shocked so much as practically expecting it.

As the story progresses, Julie reveals and relives more of her past and we get to see why she acts the way she does.  I do hope she learns to value herself more as the series advances.  She has potential to become not only a likeable character but one the reader could actually root for.  Even without feeling any personal connection with a character, the story kept me reading, wanting to know the answers to the many questions of the murders and how everything connected.   For now, I'm curious to see where Julie takes her relationships and her career.

Rating: B-

PI Julie Collins Series ~

Blood Ties
Hallowed Ground
Shallow Grave
Dead Flowers novella (Guns and Roses anthology)
Snow Blind

TBR Review: Wicked Intent

Wicked Intent
Lora Leigh
Erotic Romance
Bound Hearts/Book 4
Ellora's Cave/April 2004

Control has meant everything to Tally Raines. Control of the office she ran as Jesse Wyman's secretary, and now control of Lucian Conover's office as well. But Lucian isn't content to be controlled by his fiery secretary. As a matter of fact, Lucian thinks she needs to loosen up and let the sexy, sensual woman hiding beneath her cool exterior free. And he will dare her to do just that. With a little help.

Lora Leigh was one of the first erotic authors I read eons ago when I finally got back into reading romances.  I was use to the historical romances of the 80's so to say I was shocked as how graphic not only the sex scenes were but the dance leading up to them was putting it mildly.  Wicked Intent is classic Leigh in that it's all about the sex and the dominance of the male.  But there is the underlying power the female holds over the male.  He simply thinks he holds all the power when in reality the power struggle is there until they find that balance that allows them to be everything to each other.   

Tally Raines thinks she has the worst boss ever.  He's arrogant, demanding, and as beautiful as an angel.  And that's just in the office!   She's also very attracted to him but in denial about the attraction.  He's far too much an ass for her to want anything to do with him.  Right.  Tally is a strong heroine but like all submissives she eventually crumbles under the pressure that not only Lucian puts on her but his twin brother Devril adds to the mix.  Yep, this is one of those novels.  Two brothers, one woman. Tally was okay as a heroine and she didn't give the brothers an easy time, making the boys work for their woman. 

First there was Lucian, then Devril.  Twin brothers whose looks are night and day but whose sexual tastes are very similar.  They are both members of The Club.  A exclusive club primarily for men, but with a few female exceptions, that caters to very specific taste in sexual adventures. Mainly, sharing women.  Which fits nicely when you have twins.  Their tastes in women and sex are not the only things these brothers share.  They also share a psychic link, allowing each brother to feel any strong emotions the other is feeling.  Yeah, you know where this is going.  Erotic novel plus brothers with psychic link equals steamy scenes that don't require all three participants in the same room.   

The premise is fairly standard and the plot moves in the expected direction with little to no deviation.  I didn't feel the strong sexual tension I would have expected.  From the first, I knew where this was going and how the characters would get there.  The writing is descriptive regarding physical attributes but there wasn't much in the way of emotional depth other than sexual frustration and anger.  All in all, this is merely a standard erotic romance.  If you're into brothers, then read it for the hot sex scenes.  If not, then pass.  

Rating: C

Bound Hearts Series ~ 

Surrender
Submission
Seduction
Wicked Intent
Sacrifice
Embraced
Shameless
Forbidden Pleasure
Wicked Pleasure
Only Pleasure
Guilty Pleasure
Dangerous Pleasure

TBR Challenge Review: The Conqueror

The Conqueror
Kris Kennedy
Medieval Romance
Britain/1152
Kensington/May 1, 2009

England, 1152. Henry II is king. The country is wracked by bloody civil war. Griffyn Sauvage is a valiant knight with a strict moral code of honor. But when his family's estate and vast treasures are seized, he becomes hardened by the betrayal. Now he will go to any lengths for vengeance— even if it means forming a union with his most despised enemy by marrying his daughter, Lady Guinevere de l'Ami. Then, Griffyn lays eyes on Gwyn and is completely disarmed. . .

As war strikes, Gwyn is left alone to fight her enemies who want control of her ancestral lands. When Griffyn comes to her rescue, she is grateful that the mysterious, brave knight has risked his life to protect hers. With each passing day, she finds herself drawn to him even as she senses he's hiding a dark secret from her. And when another dangerous adversary closes in on both of them, Griffyn and Gwyn's trust in each other will be put to the ultimate test. . .

I ventured away from this month's theme of "How did this get here".  While I don't know exactly what prompted me to add The Conqueror to my ever growing TBR pile, whether it was a review, talks on Twitter or the look in the cover models eyes.  It's more than likely someone said "this is a really good medieval romance" and that's all it took for me to add it to my list. 

Griffyn Sauvage has grown up knowing war, fighting and espionage.  He's been away from his home since he was eight years old.  Seventeen years have past and now he's back with a vengeance. Griffyn is such a wonderful hero!  He's smart, brave, wicked quick with a sword and funny.  Yes, he's funny!  For the most part, The Conqueror is a fairly serious story but there are amusing moments, mainly between Griffyn and Gwyn or Griffyn and his men.  Griffyn has this quality about him that lets you know he's in command but he also has a kind side to him which came through well in the writing. 

Lady Guinevere de l'Ami, Gwyn, has suffered a number of losses in her life.  Most recently is the death of her father.  Gwyn wasn't close with her father, he was not a man given to closeness, but she did need him and the protection he offered.  Now she is on her own for the most part and must rely on her wits to keep her and her people safe.  Gwyn does come across as smart but boy does she find trouble easily! It seems like everyone is after her.  It turned out well for her since Gryffin comes to her rescue twice in one night!

The romance starts out pretty good but without any intentions on either Gryffin or Gwyn's part for it to continue beyond that first night.  Circumstances or fate continue to place both Gwyn and Gryffin together and their romance grows.  I did like how their romance was portrayed realistically within the politics of the times.  It's rough going and when you have two people with opposing loyalties trying to be loyal to each other, there is bound to be some difficulties.  Kennedy does well in providing the right amount of growing tension and affection between Gryffin and Gwyn. 

I really enjoyed the setting, time period and political intrigued woven through the story.  It takes me back when I would seek out medieval romances because I loved getting lost in those dangerous times and knights in shining amour.  The Conqueror gives the reader all that and more. 

Rating:  B+

TBR Challenge Review: Mail-Order Bride

Mail-Order Bride
Maureen McKade
Historical Romance/Western
Avon/January 5, 2000

A MATCH

Kate Murphy arrives in the Rocky Mountain mining town as a mail-order bride— just in time to discover she's a widow before she's a wife. Looking to earn the stagecoach fare out of this dangerous town, Kate never expects the true peril to come in the tantalizing form of Trev Trevelyan. 

MADE IN HEAVEN

The handsome mine superintendent desperately needs someone to care for his two young, motherless children, and Kate is delighted to take the job. But first the children capture her heart...and then the leaping attraction between sweet Kate and the smolderingly handsome Trev is too powerful to deny. Although Kate longs for the safety of his arms, will she ever be able to accept the danger of his life?

This month's suggested theme is Westerns and boy do I love a western! I had plenty to choose from and decided to go with one of my favorite tropes - the mail-order bride.  I've read a couple of books from this author so I was curious to see how well she could make me believe in the mail-order bride romance.

A mining town is a dangerous place, not only for miners but for single women. Kate Murphy doesn't plan to stay single long, she just needs to find her fiancé. When Kate learns her intended has just been killed in a mine accident she is desperate to get out of this rough town and to the nearest city, Denver.  Fate places Kate in the path of Trev Trevelyan and she is hired to care for his children.  It's funny because Kate has no experience but Trev doesn't have a lot of options so he trusts Kate. I think her looks helped her get the job if only on a subconscious level since Trev definitely noticed Kate's looks.  I did like Kate's tenacity that was balanced with her ignorance of mining and the culture of the mining town.

Trev Trevelyan is a very busy mining supervisor, putting in long hours with little time for his children.  The time he does spend with them, he cherishes which made me like him.  He did come across as very driven to succeed at all costs.  This was due to him growing up the very poor son of a miner in Cornwall.  If it hadn't been for his relationships with his children he would have felt distant, a character with little warmth.  Eventually that warmth was shown towards Kate but the convenience factor did play a role in their romance.  Kate was there in Trev's home with no other respectable options for earning money.  They did make time to talk and get to know each other but it felt contrived.

The town itself, the mine in particular, play an important role in Kate and Trev's romance.  Trev being the superintendent for a number of mines has his future tied to the wealth and future of the mines.  Kate doesn't like the danger of the mines or the violence that springs up with the miners and talk of unions. The tension between Kate and Trev is fueled by the drama surrounding the mines.  Even with that drama, the plot moved fairly slowly and predictably.  The antagonists were obvious, even the one(s) who were not suppose to be.  The romance too was predictable with Kate determined to leave and Trev wanting Kate to stay and take care of his children and him as well.  Kate was portrayed as an independent woman wanting to make her own way but this was after her fiancé died which didn't fit with a mail-order bride scenario.  

Mail-Order Bride might be suffering from predictability but that won't keep me from trying more western romances from this author. 

Rating: C

TBR Challenge: Secret Admirer

Secret Admirer
Susan Napier
Contemporary Romance
A Year Down Under Series
Harlequin Presents/May 1993

Grace under pressure
 

Running into a potential business partner late at night in a broken elevator - when one was wearing a glamorous fur with nothing on underneath - was awkward, but Grace Blair was cool enough to handle a hot situation.

Her poised, controlled demeanor belied the insecurity she felt taking over her late husband's business empire, but Scott Gregory was able with one caressing glance to strip away all her pretenses. Especially since the handsome New Zealander had made it clear from their first inauspicious meeting that in business, knowledge was power - and that he knew exactly what he wanted.

This is not the first book I picked up for this month's challenge.  I started with a historical western but after a week and only 125 pages in, I decided to set it aside.  Unfortunately, I decided this yesterday morning which meant if I was going to make the challenge deadline, I would need to pick something I could read and review in a day.  So I dragged out the underbed storage box filled with Harlequins and came up with a Susan Napier romance.  I've not read Ms. Napier but have read some positive reviews of her work which is how she landed in my TBR pile.

 What a memorial impression Grace leaves on Scott Gregory upon their first meeting!  She is mortified, he is intrigued.  Fast forward a few months and Grace is trying to keep her late husband's company afloat, learning as she goes.  It turns out Mr. Gregory is in the same business  Grace now finds herself in and he has an interesting business proposal to make.  

Scott Gregory is not only known for his amazing business ventures but also for escorting a variety of beautiful women about town.  He can be either a ruthless competitor or an asset to Grace's company.  Right off you know Scott has plans that extend past the boardroom when it comes to Grace.  His fascination with her may have started in the elevator but it has gone beyond there.  He does have this tendency to show up everywhere Grace goes.  Stalker-ish or a man who goes after what he wants?  It didn't feel like Scott was a stalker simply because the intent was not malicious.  Yes, he does want to get to know Grace and she says she wants to keep things business only but the vibes she's sending out say something else.

Grace Blair has gone through a lot in the past months.  Her husband's death left her feeling alone and insecure in running the business he left to her.  She doesn't give up but instead is determined to learn what she needs to know to run the business. Grace is a former model, starting in childhood with a stage mother who focused all of Grace's time and energy on her career.  We see how Grace's modeling experience only feeds into her insecurities when it comes to business.  Grace was too indecisive when it came to her personal life and her feelings for Scott.  When she did make a decision, I was merely waiting for her to change her mind.

There is a big ol' WTH moment about two-thirds of the way through.  It was plausible, given the character's childhood but believable?  Yes, but ... I still had to remind myself that this is fiction.  Speaking of childhoods, both Grace and Scott has some bumps from theirs with Scott's bumps being far more traumatic.  Looking back, it is surprising how much detail was put into this category.  The focus does stay on Grace and Scott with little to no development on the secondary characters.  That didn't really bother me since it is a short format.

Even with the less than stellar heroine, the WTH shocker and the potential stalker moments, Secret Admirer turned out to be a engaging, short romance. 


Rating:  B-

TBR Challenge Review: The Wild Marquis

The Wild Marquis
Miranda Neville
Historical Romance/England/1818
Burgundy Club/Book 1
Avon/March 9, 2010

The Marquis of Chase is not a reputable man.

He is notorious for his wretched morals and is never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though some of them have welcomed him into their bedchambers. Ejected from his father’s house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure. So what could the Marquis of Chase possibly want with Juliana Merton, a lovely, perfectly upstanding shopkeeper with a mysterious past?

A moment’s indiscretion?

A night’s passion?

Or a lifetime of love?

Even the wildest rakes have their weaknesses...

Little history on how this book landed in my TBR pile. Last summer Romance Writers of America(RWA) held their annual conference in New York City. The wonderful Nath from Books, Books and more Books ventured across the border to join in the craziness that is RWA. After braving the insanity of the author signings, Nath was a sweetheart and sent me a box of delicious books she got at RWA. Hilcia from Impressions of a Reader was kind enough to add The Wild Marquis to the box. I love getting books but this was especially nice since it was from two of my favorite bloggers!

bib·li·o·ma·ni·a
   [bib-lee-oh-mey-nee-uh, -meyn-yuh] noun excessive fondness for acquiring and possessing books.

With a heroine who loves books it was easy to relate to Juliana Merton. Juliana grew up literally surrounded by books. Her guardian was a collector to the point of obsession. She gained her love of books early and it continued when she met and married Joseph Merton who owned a bookshop. After her husband is murdered Juliana takes over the shop but it isn't easy for a woman in trade. I did like Juliana, very much. She's smart and witty but practical when it comes to her position in society. Her reaction to the Marquis of Chase is realistic but he does bring out a romantic side of her, which I loved!

The Marquis of Chase has made a name for himself among the ton as being The Wild Marquis. He's not the type of man you would expect to have an interest in rare and collectible books which is why he needs Juliana's help. Cain is smart but he knows when to seek assistance. He's surprised when he finds J. C. Merton is a woman. But he's quick to see the potential in obtaining Juliana's help. Cain is an enigma of a hero. His background is shady but he is a titled lord of the realm. He enjoys allowing others to think he is nothing more than a rake but there is much more behind that rakish grin.

The plot centers around an auction of rare and collectible books, all from the same collector. As the days of the auction progress, Juliana and Cain spend more time together with both revealing little bits and pieces of their pasts. When Cain's family commitments encroach on their time, we see another side of both Cain and Juliana. Cain and Juliana must also deal with an unknown enemy who is after what they are not sure of. So there is a mystery to solve as well as the romance running throughout the story.

The look into the world of book collecting is fascinating. With the collectors bidding against each other, trying to determine who is after what and how to win against their rivals. It's a small, inclusive world and with Juliana's help Cain is able to fit right in. I really enjoyed solving the mystery of who was after Juliana and how she and Cain discovered her link to the auction's collection.

The romance is a fun one with Cain and Juliana far more similar than you would imagine. Juliana shares her love of books, teaching Cain about the various bindings, origins and histories while he shows Juliana that she is far better than she believes. She was a little too stubborn when it came to her feelings of inadequacy regarding her relationship with Cain going beyond a working relationship and into a more romantic, permanent one.

Overall this was a lovely romance with an absorbing mystery to solve. It was also my first Miranda Neville but will not be my last since I have the next two books in the series sitting not so patiently on the TBR pile.

Rating: B+

The Burgundy Club Series

The Wild Marquis
The Dangerous Visount
The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton
Confessions From an Arranged Marriage

TBR Challenge Review: Guns & The Girl Next Door

Guns and the Girl Next Door
Helenkay Dimon
Mystery Men/Book 2
Romantic Suspense
Harlequin/January 11, 2011

Before the recovery project was even up and running, its first case exploded on the scene Agent Holden Price didn't have to go far to find his next case--it crashed right into his living room Not only had the beautiful blonde lost control of her car, but if she was telling the truth, someone was also trying to kill her. As a recovery agent, he had an obligation to investigate. And he couldn't deny that Mia Landers interested him more than she should.

Nothing made sense to Mia--especially not the attempt on her life. All she could do was trust Holden, the tall, dark and devastating agent who discovered that he and Mia had a common enemy...and a fierce attraction. But in order to act on it, they'd first have to come face-to-face with their darkest fears and a deadly revelation that might put their newfound love on the line.

Confession Time: I picked this one mainly because it's short. Yep, see I totally messed up and thought the challenge was last week so I read a book for it about ten days ago. Then, when someone (Nath) clued me in that I still had a week I went ahead and reviewed that book thinking I would simply pick another book for this week. But this week got here really fast so I had to pick one that I actually had a chance to read and review in two days. Good thing Guns & the Girl was fast paced and an easy read.

This one started out fast and kept up that momentum for most of the story. There was some downtime, the characters do need some sleep after having hot sex but the pacing overall was very well done.

Mia Landers has found herself in a boatload of trouble. Good thing she practically runs into Holden Price. The first impression of Mia was one of a woman completely out of her element. She's being chased in the woods and she's not sure why. She reacts in a panic and ends up in Holden's living room, car and all. From there the action doesn't slow down as Mia has really pissed some people off. Mia's moments of panic give way to some moments of composure when Holden needs her help. I did like how they worked as a team even though for the most part Holden was in charge. Which only made sense since he has the experience.

Holden Price is trying to relax and it's not working. He hasn't worked in two month, ever since the government agency he works for, Recovery Project, was disband. It's one of those "be careful what you wish for" moments for Holden when Mia comes bursting into his life. No more sitting around as Mia has brought some serious trouble with her. Neither Holden or Mia trust each other but that doesn't stop them from teaming up against the guys who are trying to kill Mia and anyone who gets in their way. Holden is a typical alpha hero but he does have some weaknesses which made him less than perfect and more human and easier to like.

The whole team from the Recovery Project gets involved and that team camaraderie is in full force when these guys are around. It's surprising how well Dimon has developed the bonds between the guys so quickly in this category series. You get the brotherly bonds along with a solid romance. Not easy to do given the shorter format. The romance is fast paced along with the action and given different circumstances Mia and Holden could have certainly falling for each other in a more normal time frame but these are stressful situations and Mia and Holden's quick romance was written in a believable way.

If I had any issues it was with the antagonists. Whiny, incompetent and naive, Mia's boss was an annoyance that I could have done without. The other was smart but not smart enough to handle the Recovery Project team. Which seemed out of sync since he had resources that the team didn't.

Guns & the Girl Next Door left me wanting more of the Mystery Men series. Even in the shorter format, Dimon gives the reader plenty of action and romance.

Rating: B+

Mystery Men Series ~

Under the Gun
Guns and the Girl Next Door
Gunning For Trouble
Locked and Loaded
The Big Guns

TBR Challenge Review: Conor's Way

It's the third Wednesday of the month and you know what that means - TBR Challenge Day! This month I did a little something different and did a Buddy Review with Nath from Books, Books and More Books blog. It turns out we both read the same book for the challenge and decided to do a Buddy Review of Conor's Way by Laura Lee Guhrke. No surprise, the Kristie influence is everywhere. :)

Head on over to Breezing Through to read our Buddy Review of Conor's Way and find out what we thought of this beloved historical romance.


A courageous woman

In the aftermath of the Civil War, beautiful and stubborn Olivia Maitland was determined to save her family and their new-bankrupt Louisiana plantation no matter what - even if it meant taking in cynical ex-boxer Conor Branigan in exchange for help. It wasn't long before she discovered the secret pain hidden beneath his rugged ways. And his ache touched something in her, lighting a fire in her heart.

A hard-fighting man

Conor Branigan had seen his family and his hopes destroyed in Ireland and had sworn never to care for anyone again. But now he dared hope for a love greater than any he'd ever dreamt of, with Olivia and her three adopted children - and a future that he would fight to keep forever.

TBR Challenge Review: The Mistaken Widow

The Mistaken Widow
Cheryl St. John
Historical Romance/1869
Harlequin/August 1, 1998

I'M NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM!

Sarah Thornton wanted to shout, but revealing her true identity could only bring disaster on herself and her infant son. Still, sorrowful circumstance had turned a mistake into a miracle. She suddenly had a home, a family --- and Nicholas Halliday, a man as dangerous to her as he was desirable!

His newly widowed sister-in-law wore mystery as elegantly as an evening wrap, rousing more than suspicions in Nicholas Halliday --- for this beautiful stranger had a claim not only to the family fortune, but also to his heart and soul...!

Another year, another chance to conquer, or at least tame the ol TBR pile. Thanks to Wendy for once again hosting. It not only helps reduce the TBR pile, it also helps to confirm why certain books are in that pile when other participants post positive reviews of those books. I have a number of books by Cheryl St. John on the TBR pile but decided to go with The Mistaken Widow because it's a stand alone and I liked the mistaken identity premise.

Sarah Thornton's life has taken a tragic turn when she finds herself pregnant, alone and thrown out of her father's house. She's traveling west, trying to start a new life when another tragedy strikes. Sarah is then mistaken for the widow of a man from a wealthy family and is taken under the protection of his brother. It's easy to understand why Sarah doesn't tell the truth. If she had she would have been left destitute with her newborn child and no means to take care of him. Instead she is welcomed into a beautiful home where she and her son have everything they need. St. John does well showing how Sarah is pulled between her guilt and her desperate situation. But the longer Sarah lives the lie, the harder it is to confess.

Nicholas Halliday knows something isn't quite right about his brother's widow. She's sweet, quiet and his mother adores her. But Nicholas is suspicious and is determined to find out more about the woman his brother wed. Nicholas is not in an ideal situation - falling for his dead brother's wife. Talk about uncomfortable! I liked how he continued to question her story even as he was falling for her. He tries to keep his role as family protector, there's money involved, even as he continues to see Sarah as a wonderful person. He's certainly conflicted in his feelings for Sarah, thinking she's his late brother's widow along with his gut feeling that she can't be trusted.

Sarah is walking on a tightrope as she pretends to be someone she's not. It was inevitable the tightrope would become shaky and Sarah would start to fall. The cause of the fall didn't come as a surprise, neither did Sarah's reaction. So in that sense the suspense was not very suspenseful. The romance is slow moving, with Sarah and Nicholas having some huge obstacles to overcome. Even with those obstacles I was surprised at how long it took Nicholas to make his move and follow through.

The Mistaken Widow was a touching story of one woman's desperation to find a safe home for herself and her child. Instead she finds a family and love. It's sweet and tender, sad at times but ultimate a lovely read.

Rating: B