Whispered music and Beguiling Bridget

Whispered Music (London Fairy Tales #2)

byRachel Van Dyken (Goodreads Author)

 

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Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he dis-covers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.
But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?

She didn't know how hard it would be to love the broken.
Isabelle Hartwell's mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He's mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he's willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it's too late?

Find out if love prevails in this regency retelling of how Beauty tamed the savage Beast…

 

I just have to say, I am a sucker for Beauty and the Beast themed books. When I started to read for some reason I felt that I was not going to like it, I don't know why. Then it started to get more interesting. I found there was times I wanted to yell at the characters, like "why don't you just tell him you love him again, you did it before or why doesn't he remember that she told him that she loved him also?" I don't feel that this is a clean read. The innuendos where to much and there was things I didn't really need to know.
I give it 3* stars

 

 

Beguiling Bridget (Waltzing with the Wallflower #2)

byRachel Van Dyken, Leah Sanders

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother's challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

This time the main character Bridget is not like the other wallflower in the previous book. She is not shy but she stays by the wall mostly to not be bothered. She is not afraid to turn anyone down. I was happy that the hero was the other twin named Anthony. This is another nice quick book to read.
I give it 3*stars.

Savage Winter (Seasons of Paleo, #1)

Savage Winter (Seasons of Paleo, #1)

by Rachel Van Dyken

If they take you, you don't come back. You either die...or wish you had. The Western Empire was ruthless. The only reason I survived was because he gave his life for me--a life that might as well have been mine, for when they stole his last heartbeats, they silenced my own. They call me princess, an answer to the prophecy, but I'm nothing more than a prisoner...awaiting my lifelong punishment. Marriage. To the Prince of the East. But it's the Royal Protector who reminds me of what I lost. He threatens something I never thought I'd have again...my heart.

 

This book cover is beautiful. I felt that Kyle's heart was being played with a little. It was still a sweet story and I want to read the rest of the books in this series. I give it *4 star*

The Gangster's Daughter

The Gangster's Daughter

by Kendall Evans

Jack Malone has one mission in Chicago—apprehend notorious gangster, Antonio Donnatelli. It shouldn't matter that Donnatelli is using his daughter, Maria, to get close to Jack, to find out his weakness. Jack knows the man's ways, and he can ignore the beautiful Italian lady with her mysterious brown eyes and soft voice. Until the gunfire starts. Then his need to protect her overcomes his duty.
 
It was very brief, did not give a lot of details about the characters and I didn't feel like I knew them. I liked the setting, gangster's daughter falls for the cop, very nice. I give it *3 stars*

The Peculiar Princess

 

The Peculiar Princess

byChristina Graham Parker

Lexy Newberry knows she's adopted, but someone forgot to mention her birth parents are sixteenth-century monarchs who sent her to the future to escape certain slaughter. Now Lexy is back in the past, charged with reclaiming her homeland. She's not the normal storybook princess, but Lord Lukas Reynard, the nobleman enlisted to help her, isn't a charming prince either.

As her feelings for Lukas grow, she becomes torn between the place she knows in the future and the place she was born to rule in the past. If she leaves the sixteenth century, she may lose a love she only dreamed of. If she stays, she may lose her life. For Lukas has a secret so shocking, it could topple the hopes of Dresdonia and shatter her heart.

 

I enjoyed seeing how Lexy and Lukas relationship grew. I really believed that they loved each other. I was reading this book all night wondering what would happen next like will Cara ever find out what happened to Lexy? I give it 4* stars.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Imperfect Beauty

A visit to the Highland games goes awry for Alasdair Buchanan when his cousin abandons him in the crowd. His guide dog is terrible at describing the sights, but he does a great job of finding the river. Too bad Alasdair has no clue where that river is in relation to his cousin's apartment.

When Trisha Wright stops to speak with him in her angelic voice, Alasdair is certain his cousin did him a favor by abandoning him. Trisha loves the Scot's flirtatious ways and basks in his compliments, but she can't shake the fear that he'll hate her when he learns the truth about her—a truth everyone can see but him.
 
 
This book caused me to want to visit Scotland and go to a highland game. I really liked Alasdair and I could understand the different emotions Trisha went threw. It was a cute story that was finished to soon. I wish that there was more details about Alasdair and Trisha's relationship it was kind of to fast.I give it 4* stars.

Trusting the law

 
Chicago
November 1922

The last person Grace needs to fall in love with is a police officer, especially since she breaks the law every day. Running a speakeasy wasn't her first choice, but making money is. With the price of hooch at an all-time premium, the money is more than enough to pay for her uncle's expensive medication and the bills. She doubts Officer Paul Gordon will see things the same way.

Paul is enchanted with the chestnut-haired woman he runs into on a cold, Chicago street, and that enchantment quickly turns to more. If someone were to tell him she was a criminal, he'd never believe it. Then he sees it for himself. When Grace is arrested, he must make a decision—protect her or his badge.

 

I don't come across stories that are taken place in the 20's but I loved it. The characters were well put together. I will be honest I was a little upset on how short it was, but it was a nice story to read in between reading novels. I am interested in reading more of Kendall Evans's books. I give it 4*stars.

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Book review request

The Mine byJohn A. Heldt
In 2000, Joel Smith is a cocky, adventurous young man who sees the world as his playground. But when the college senior, days from graduation, enters an abandoned Montana mine, he discovers the price of reckless curiosity. He emerges in May 1941 with a cell phone he can't use, money he can't spend, and little but his wits to guide his way. Stuck in the age of Whirlaway, swing dancing, and a peacetime draft, Joel begins a new life as the nation drifts toward war. With the help of his 21-year-old trailblazing grandmother and her friends, he finds his place in a world he knew only from movies and books. But when an opportunity comes to return to the present, Joel must decide whether to leave his new love in the past or choose a course that will alter their lives forever. THE MINE follows a humbled man through a critical time in history as he adjusts to new surroundings and wrestles with the knowledge of things to come
 
One of my favorite movies is Back to the Future, so I was happy to read the Mine. I loved the time period, the 40's and the 50's are so interesting to me. I think it was neat that Joel was able to see his grandmother. This book had me on the edge of my seat. It was a great read. I didn't like all of the bad language but everything else was good. I give it *4 stars.
 

Reviews

The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)byRachel Van Dyken
When the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James, appeared unexpectedly at his boyhood friend's home, he had but one goal: Find a suitable wife as soon as possible. However, his impeccable reputation made him a prime target for ambitious mothers of debutante daughters. He needed a plan.

Help came in the form of an unlikely alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy viscount, who has deemed herself on the shelf, and only wants to marry in order to appease her parents. Together they could sort through the mire of would-be mates to find their perfect matches. That is, if they could keep their hands off each other long enough to pursue likely candidates.

When a man from Emma's past makes a play for her hand, the truth about her life threatens to destroy Sebastian's reputation, a reputation he has carefully guarded since his youth. In the end, the Angel Duke has to make a choice that will end up changing his reputation forever.(
 
This is another book cover that got my attention. I didn't understand why Sebastian kept pushing Emma way? I don't really think that this would be considered a clean read, I would rate it pg-13. I give it *3 stars
 
 
The Redemption of Lord Rawlings (House of Renwick #3)

byRachel Van Dyken

Phillip Crawford, the eighth Earl of Rawlings and notorious rake of the ton, has come to the end of his rope. Out of money, out of favor, and out of luck, he wanders the streets of London in the rain, hoping to be hit by inspiration...or a runaway carriage. Something has to give. It is his father's final cruel trick to hold his inheritance just out of reach, requiring him to marry by his next birthday in order to claim his full rights as earl. His step-mother refuses to offer him any more support. With no money, no prospects and no other place to turn, he has only two options.

Marriage or debtor's prison.

Book Three of the House of Renwick Series:

The better choice seems clear enough, but with his name and reputation being attacked daily in the society papers, there's not a proper lady in all of London desperate enough to accept him. It isn't going to be easy, even if the reports of his exploits and rakish lifestyle are greatly exaggerated.

On the other hand, debtor's prison does start to look much more appealing when the only friends he has left decide to help him in his search for the perfect bride. Matters become much more complicated when the only woman who shows an interest in him just happens to be the young sister-in-law of the Duke of Tempest; the same man who, just months ago, had been tempted to kill him.

One thing is for certain, as the Season draws to an end, Lord Rawlings will have to decide once and for all, if his wicked ways are enough to bring him contentment in life, or if a leopard really can change his spots. Or in Phillip's case—can a devil truly be redeemed?

 

Out of all three House of Renwick books, I liked this on the most. The plot was good. I don't think that this one is a clean read either. I gives it *3 stars.

 

 

A Lot Like A Lady

by Kay Springsteen , Kim Bowman

Ladies' maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn't nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who's completely out of reach.

Graeme "Grey" Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he's a man who is not easily fooled...except when he tries to convince himself he's not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

 

LOVED IT! I loved everything about it. I found a new favorite. *4 1/2 stars.   The Sentencen byElaine Cantrell How could he do it! How could her father bring the guy who burned the church into their home for six months? Yeah, it was an accident and her dad's a minister, but if he wanted to save this man's soul why didn't he go to the prison to do it? Spoiled and slightly judgmental, Rachel has almost as much to learn as their unwilling guest.   At first I didn't like the male lead but then he started to grow on me. In the end I really didn't like Rachel. This book is very religous. I liked the way it ended. I give it *2 1/2 stars.

Waltzing with the Wallflower

Waltzing with the Wallflower

by Rachel Van Dyken, Leah Sanders

Title: Waltzing With The Wallflower
Author: Rachel Van Dyken and Leah Sanders
Genre: Regency Romance
Heat Level: Sweet
Length: 92 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62135-022-4

But Link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=10712818

Blurb: The Season has only just begun, but already Ambrose Benson Earl of Hawthorne is bored. That is, until his brother offers him a challenge. Something worthy of his particular talents.
The object: The girl hiding behind the potted plants: the one in the horrible dress.
The Goal: Turn her into the envy of the ton. A lady suitable for a duke.
But there is just something about the lady. In spite of all her social misgivings, something inexplicably draws him in, making him want to waltz with the wallflower.

 

It was a sweet romance. I love reading about wallflowers. One of the reasons I enjoyed it might be because I am 21 and also a wallflower and I could relate with the characters' feelings. It made me think that I want to find a Ambrose or his twin. I love that they took time to talk to the girls who were on the side lines. I finished this book in a few hours, I give it 4* stars.

The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)

The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)

byRachel Van Dyken

 

Since childhood Sara has lived with the reality of being ugly. Something her awful family never ceased to remind her. After her sisters run off to Gretna Green, she's left with one choice--go to London and take their place for a Season. It's up to her to marry well and save her family from financial ruin.

A distant aunt decides it's in her best interest to sponsor Sara for the season and help her snag a husband by any means possible.

Nicholas Devons, Earl of Renwick, is a retired rake and consequently bored with life. He's given up beautiful women and carnal pleasures. Desperation makes him decide to give his massive fortune away and marry the first country girl he sees.

Lucky for Sara she's that girl. Unlucky for Nicholas, he's to be her new tutor in the ways of the ton. Two waltzes, one masquerade, a violent carriage ride, and two duckless ponds later.... and all that's left is a fun twist on one of the oldest stories ever told.

 

 

 

When I saw the authors name I knew I had to read it. There was more drama in this story and conflict with the two main characters. Over all I enjoyed reading it. I saw that there is two more books in this series. The book cover was what caught my attention first. I give this 3.1/2 *stars

A Bright Particular Star

A Bright Particular Star

byElizabeth Hanbury

 

 

What happens when a rebel meets a runaway?

He's not looking for love...

Confirmed bachelor Theo Cavanagh is dashing and free-spirited. Not for him a career in the clergy, the military or politics - he's more interested in wine and horses. But when Theo happens upon a pretty but thoroughly exasperating young fugitive, he soon finds himself caught up in her adventures, and in a passion that can't be denied.

She has to search her heart...

Unconventional Sophie Devereux is more comfortable climbing trees than the social ladder. An audacious escape from scheming relatives is only the start of Sophie's mission to achieve a long-held dream, but Sophie carries a secret that inspires hatred, envy and greed. She can't outrun the danger that stalks her, or her powerful response to Theo which leaves Sophie shaken to the core and questioning her deepest, most enduring desire

 

 

 

What to say about this book... I loved it. It was a fast read and I was hooked from the start. I also enjoyed reading about all the other characters. I have never read a book from this author but I hope I come across more of her books. I give it 3.1/2*stars
 

Blog Love Question

Hi,

The other day I was looking at your website, and I wanted to know if I can add it as a bookmark on my travel blog; which covers lighthouses from all around the world. I hear its good for quality websites to do this for each other for the benefit of their visitors. So can we connect our sites this way? If interested, please let me know when you have time. Thanks.

Murris

Coming soon

 
I hope that some time this week I will have time to put up a list of my favorite authors and books, and also books I want to read.

Swim The River by Stephy Smith

 

 

Swim The River

Author: Stephy Smith

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 108 pages

ISBN: 978-1-62135-013-2

Release Date: 3-8-2012

Buy Link: Not Yet Available

Blurb: Since Amelia 'Falcon Woman' Tucker was a small child, she heard the stories of how her mother was Rescued from the River by her father. Rising Wolf held her heart captive for years before he asked for her hand in marriage. Although the river had always called to her, she never knew how much she loved the stalwart Indian until she had to Swim the River to save him.

I liked this book. I was caught up in wanting to know what would happen next with these characters. One of the reasons I liked this book is because I am part native american and it was interesting to see a glimpse of how life was like back then. I have never read a book in the native americans' point of view, the ones I saw did not look interesting. I do wish this book was a little longer it was a very quick read. I give it* 3 1/2 stars*.

 

 

Compromising Kessen by Rachel Van Dyken

Title: Compromising Kessen

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 253 pages

Release Date: February 2012

Buy Link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=9449890

ISBN: 978-1-936852-98-7
 
 
The last thing career-driven Kessen Newberry wants is to leave her home in Colorado to spend a Season in London, far away from her job, her friends and the memories of her mother. However, her father, the Earl of Newberry, threatens to disinherit her unless she gets in touch with her British roots. She complies, but has no intention of enjoying the experience.

That is until she meets Christian Vandenbrook, the arrogant and irritatingly handsome future Duke of Albany and her father's business partner. Unfortunately, Christian hates Americans. And coffee. And apparently, Kessen.
A hatred this passionate can only lead to one thing… marriage.

Caught in the middle of a Regency-inspired nightmare, Kessen and Christian are forced to marry in only one week's time. Resigned to their fate, the two resolve to give the relationship a chance—which would be much easier if everyone would stop interrupting them every time they found a moment alone.
 
 
There was a time in the book that I was a little frustrated with the characters. Also I would forget that the character are suppose to be older then me, I am 20 and they seemed like teenagers. This was a cute book and is also clean even though the title seemed a little misleading. I will say i is a pg-13 rating.  Different from other contemporary books with a mix of historical fiction. I loved the cover. I give it *3 1/2 *stars.

The Lure of Shapinsay

 

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From: tweeelfin@live.com
To: tweeelfin.bookworm@blogger.com
Subject: The Lure of Shapinsay
Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:16:57 -0500

 
 
Blurb:

Ever since Kait Swanney could remember, the old crones of the village have been warning her to stay away from the selkies. They claim that like sirens of old, the seal men creep from the inky waters, shed their skins, and entice women to their deaths beneath the North Sea. But avoiding an encounter becomes impossible when Kait is spotted at the water's edge, moments after the murder of a half-selkie infant.

Kait is woken unexpectedly by a beautiful, naked selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure.

She obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder-is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?

 

There is also a trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXqeRPKaoqw
 
 
 
 When I was starting to read this I remembered that I actually don't care to much for selkie books. Mostly because they always have a bittersweet ending or are sad and I hate those types of endings. I was really happy with the ending and it was different from the others. I would read it again and look for more books from this author. This is a clean read but I would rate it a little on the pg-13 side. I give it a high 4* stars

The Lure of Shapinsay

 
 
Blurb:

Ever since Kait Swanney could remember, the old crones of the village have been warning her to stay away from the selkies. They claim that like sirens of old, the seal men creep from the inky waters, shed their skins, and entice women to their deaths beneath the North Sea. But avoiding an encounter becomes impossible when Kait is spotted at the water's edge, moments after the murder of a half-selkie infant.

Kait is woken unexpectedly by a beautiful, naked selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure.

She obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder-is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?

 

There is also a trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXqeRPKaoqw
 
 
 
 When I was starting to read this I remembered that I actually don't care to much for selkie books. Mostly because they always have a bittersweet ending or are sad and I hate those types of endings. I was really happy with the ending and it was different from the others. I would read it again and look for more books from this author. This is a clean read but I would rate it a little on the pg-13 side. I give it a high 4* stars

An Unlikely Alliance by Rachel Van Dyken

 

 

Title: An Unlikely Alliance

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 123 pages

Release Date: 2-1-2012

Buy Link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=9158231

Blurb: Spoiled New York rogue Royce Mc Arthur lives a charmed life. He sees no reason to settle down, until his mother issues her decree that he must grow up, find a wife and produce some grandchildren?preferably before she dies of old age. But his choices are quite limited considering the only women of his acquaintance are ones of ill repute.

Meeting the beautiful Evelyn DeJarlias at a ball gives him hope he may have found the one. Her southern blue collar outspokenness and lack of refinement draws him like a moth to a flame. Unfortunately, she does not find him nearly as endearing -- consistently refusing his lavish gifts and his attentions, she poses a challenge he simply cannot ignore.

When his mother and her widowed father begin to keep company together secretly, it provides theperfect excuse for him to spend time with Miss DeJarlias. But figures from Royces past threaten to destroy the blossoming love between the couple. Evelyn must decide if she is willing to trust the man or hold his past indiscretions against him.

 

I enjoyed this book. At first when I saw the cover I was not sure if it was a clean read, but I was happy to find out that it mostly was. This was the first time I had ever read any books by this author but I came across one of her books on Goodreads that I wanted to read. I thought this was a good story to start with. I know want to read more of her books. I give this book 4*stars.

MY FIRST 2012 REVIEWS

 

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From: tweeelfin@live.com
To: tweeelfin.bookworm@blogger.com
Subject: MY FIRST 2012 REVIEWS
Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:43:01 -0500

From Now Until Forever by Sherry Gloag

Sweet Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Length: 21203 words

Publisher: Astraea Press

Buy Link http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=7105194

Blurb: For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom. Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?

Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window?

 

When I first started to read it I was a little confused on what was going on, it was a little hard to follow. I also didn't really feel any connection with the characters. I am happy it was a clean read. I will give it *2 1/2* stars

 

 

 

Title: The Painted Lady

Author: Felicia Rogers

Published in January 2012 by Astraea Press

Genre:Inspirational Romance

Length: 283 pages

Publisher's web site: www.astraeapress.com

Purchase links: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=8347303

Blurb: John Tillman, a simple man, has died. His wife seeks justice. By pure happenstance, Bruce Malone, a famous criminal attorney, receives the case. Unfortunately, it's going to take a miracle to win. But that's just what he gets.

Elizabeth Smith is a preacher's daughter. An "ugly Betty", she transforms her look like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. Because of her change in appearance, her position of employment changes and she becomes the 'miracle' Bruce Malone needs. Not only for the case, but for the salvation of his family and his own soul.

 

I am a very picky reader and it can be hard to keep my attention if the first chapter is not interesting. I was happily surprised that when I first read this book it kept my attention. I give it *3* stars

 

 

Title: Aegean Intrigue

Author: Patricia Kiyono

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Mystery

Length: 84 pages

Release Date: 2-1-2012

Buy Link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid%3acategory%3d662245%26mode%3dproduct%26product%3d8347324

Blurb: Someone has been stealing priceless Greek artifacts and it's Alex Leonidis' job to uncover the thief. His prime suspect is beautiful archaeological graduate student, Francie Vasileiou. His plan is to join in an archaeological dig and catch her in the act. All he has to do is keep his mind on his job, and not on the way his lovely suspect warms his heart. He's learned the hard way not to trust fragile-looking women who seem to need his help.
Francie wants to get her PhD and become an archaeologist, like her famous father. The sudden invitation to participate in a dig on the beautiful Greek island of Paros is a wonderful opportunity. She has no time for distractions like Alex, the handsome Project Director. Experience has taught her to stay clear of handsome, charismatic Greek men.

On the shores of the Aegean Sea, Alex and Francie work together, searching for treasures from Greece's past. While pursuing their goals, they discover some of the truths they had believed to be carved in stone may have been flawed.

I liked this book. I wish it wasn't a short story, I also loved the location. In the future I would read more books from this author. *3 1/2*stars

 

 

MY FIRST 2012 REVIEWS

From Now Until Forever by Sherry Gloag

Sweet Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Length: 21203 words

Publisher: Astraea Press

Buy Link http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=7105194

Blurb: For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom. Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?

Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window?

 

When I first started to read it I was a little confused on what was going on, it was a little hard to follow. I also didn't really feel any connection with the characters. I am happy it was a clean read. I will give it *2 1/2* stars

 

 

 

Title: The Painted Lady

Author: Felicia Rogers

Published in January 2012 by Astraea Press

Genre:Inspirational Romance

Length: 283 pages

Publisher's web site: www.astraeapress.com

Purchase links: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=8347303

Blurb: John Tillman, a simple man, has died. His wife seeks justice. By pure happenstance, Bruce Malone, a famous criminal attorney, receives the case. Unfortunately, it's going to take a miracle to win. But that's just what he gets.

Elizabeth Smith is a preacher's daughter. An "ugly Betty", she transforms her look like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. Because of her change in appearance, her position of employment changes and she becomes the 'miracle' Bruce Malone needs. Not only for the case, but for the salvation of his family and his own soul.

 

I am a very picky reader and it can be hard to keep my attention if the first chapter is not interesting. I was happily surprised that when I first read this book it kept my attention. I give it *3* stars

 

 

Title: Aegean Intrigue

Author: Patricia Kiyono

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Mystery

Length: 84 pages

Release Date: 2-1-2012

Buy Link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid%3acategory%3d662245%26mode%3dproduct%26product%3d8347324

Blurb: Someone has been stealing priceless Greek artifacts and it's Alex Leonidis' job to uncover the thief. His prime suspect is beautiful archaeological graduate student, Francie Vasileiou. His plan is to join in an archaeological dig and catch her in the act. All he has to do is keep his mind on his job, and not on the way his lovely suspect warms his heart. He's learned the hard way not to trust fragile-looking women who seem to need his help.
Francie wants to get her PhD and become an archaeologist, like her famous father. The sudden invitation to participate in a dig on the beautiful Greek island of Paros is a wonderful opportunity. She has no time for distractions like Alex, the handsome Project Director. Experience has taught her to stay clear of handsome, charismatic Greek men.

On the shores of the Aegean Sea, Alex and Francie work together, searching for treasures from Greece's past. While pursuing their goals, they discover some of the truths they had believed to be carved in stone may have been flawed.

I liked this book. I wish it wasn't a short story. I also loved the location. I will give it *3 1/2*stars