Sunday, November 11, 2012

Whispered music and Beguiling Bridget

Whispered Music (London Fairy Tales #2)
by
 
Whispered Music (London Fairy Tales, #2)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)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Savage Winter (Seasons of Paleo, #1)

Savage Winter (Seasons of Paleo, #1)
 

The Gangster's Daughter

The Gangster's Daughter
The Gangster's Daughter
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*

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Peculiar Princess


 
The Peculiar Princess
The Peculiar Princess
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Imperfect Beauty

Imperfect BeautyA 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

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.


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Book review request


The MineThe Mine by

 

 

Reviews

The Seduction of Sebastian St. JamesThe Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)by
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)
 
 
 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Waltzing with the Wallflower

Waltzing with the Wallflower
 

The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)

The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)
 
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
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
 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

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

Monday, March 19, 2012

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 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*.

 
 


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Compromising Kessen by Rachel Van Dyken


Compromising Kessen
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.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Lure of Shapinsay


 

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


 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

The Lure of Shapinsay


 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

Monday, February 20, 2012

An Unlikely Alliance by Rachel Van Dyken


 

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.



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

MY FIRST 2012 REVIEWS


 

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
From Now Until Forever by Sherry Gloag
Sweet Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Length: 21203 words
Publisher: Astraea Press

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
 
 
 
The Painted Lady by Felicia Rogers

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

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
 
 
Aegean Intrigue by Patricia Kiyono
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
From Now Until Forever by Sherry Gloag
Sweet Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Length: 21203 words
Publisher: Astraea Press

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
 
 
 
The Painted Lady by Felicia Rogers

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

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
 
 
Aegean Intrigue by Patricia Kiyono
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