BOOK REVIEW- HIS RUTHLESS BITE

 
The Lord Vampire of Rochester doesn’t do a favor without a price. And now it’s time to collect. 

Gavin Drake, Baron of Darkwood is being pestered by nosy neighbors and matchmaking mothers of the mortal nobility. To escape their scrutiny, he concludes that it’s time to take a wife. After witnessing the young vampire Lenore’s loyalty to the Lord of London, he decides she is sufficient for the role.

After surviving kidnapping and abuse from rogue vampires, Lenore Graves wants to help other women recover from their inner wounds. She befriends physician John Elliotson and uses her vampire powers to aid him in using mesmerism on his patients. When the Lord Vampire of London declares that Lenore is the price the Lord Vampire of Rochester demands for aiding him in battle the previous year, she is terrified. Will all of her healing and hard work be destroyed by Ruthless Rochester? And yet, she can’t suppress stirrings of desire at the memory of their potent encounter.

After Gavin assures her that the marriage will be in name only, Lenore reluctantly accepts Gavin’s proposal rather than face potential animosity from her new lord. Determined to continue her work, she invites John Elliotson to Rochester. As they help women recover from traumas, Lenore explores her own inner turmoil and examines her attraction to her husband.

Gavin quickly realizes his marriage is a mistake. His new baroness’s involvement with the mesmerist is damaging his reputation among mortals and vampires alike. He knows he should put a stop to Lenore’s antics— yet her tender heart is warming his own and tempting him to make her his bride in truth.

As Lenore and Gavin’s relationship blossoms, the leader of a gang of rogue vampires embarks on a quest for vengeance against Gavin… using Lenore as his key.    AMAZON

Although this story did have potential, it was so slow that I had a problem with that. I know that it takes time to develop the people and the cultures but it was really hard for me to stay involved in the story because of the pace. I will say that "Ruthless Rochester" (Gavin) had more to him that most people around him knew about or even suspected.   He had some good things going for him and Lenore Graves brought more of the good in him to the surface.  There were also some good secondary characters but sadly it wasn't enough to save it for me.

BOOK REVIEW- WAR BRIDE (BATTLE BORN) by Cydi Friberg

 
Battle Born Prequel: Skyla's prophetic dreams aren't enough to keep her from being captured by a fierce Rodyte general, but they help her understand what he wants and why he needs her so desperately. She's now his helpless captive and must decide if she's brave enough to teach this embittered soldier how to love again.

Tragedy, and years of war, have hardened Kryton Lux, made him ruthless and unfeeling. He's fascinated with his new captive, ready and willing to seduce her curvaceous body. His heart, however, isn't part of the bargain. She will submit to his sexual demands and when their time together has concluded, she will return to her homeworld and he will never think of her again. Luckily for Skyla, fate has a far different plan for this stubborn general.

Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.   AMAZON   4 STARS


A pretty good story underneath all of the expected sexual tension, sexual foreplay and interaction. Which also was pretty well done.  There was also the plus of really interesting cultures on both sides and really good main characters.  Even Kryton's sidekick,  Tonn was a good addition.  Totally likable even though he has a duty to Kryton as a military underlining and as his friend.  There is also a twist or two to the story which I enjoyed.  Everything was NOT as it seemed. 

BOOK REVIEW- WAKING UP SLOWLY

 


What if we are stubbing our toes on the sacred every day and not realizing it?
We are the most connected culture in history but arguably the most disconnected from the awareness of God’s presence. Waking Up Slowly is author Dave Burchett’s personal challenge to live “in the moment” and find the everyday joys he misses in disconnected busyness.

What moments of joy do we inadvertently miss as we stare at our screens? What performance idols destroy our ability to appreciate God’s gifts?

Dave Burchett sets out to find out how life might look differently if he awoke each morning consciously looking for the easy to miss “postcards from God.” Waking Up Slowly is an intimate, warm, and touching story of discovering how to more fully appreciate living in the moment. During his discovery, the author finds regular reminders of daily joys from his Labrador pal, Maggie.

Waking Up Slowly challenges the reader to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the ways that God reveals himself daily. Through regular people, everyday situations, cuddly creatures, and stunning nature, God’s presence is real and discoverable. We just need to wake up to it.   AMAZON BOOKS 4 STARS



Living more fully in the moment. That's the first thing that hit me as I read this book.  And it was part of the theme as the book went on. 
I really enjoyed the insight that the author offered in the introduction. His early morning, "before coffee" Good Morning prayer.  He mentioned that he wrote it down so that he could remember it when he might still be  getting over his early morning waking up fog.  At the end of each chapter is a short section called, "God's Take" and " A Dose of Grace." 

One of my favorite chapters had to do with "stinking thinking", it was quite the revelation.  There was even a list of symptoms, which I didn't expect to see.  Another thing that I liked about this book was that there were suggestions made but there weren't overwhelming.  
And yes to answer people's questions, there will be scripture

Another favorite chapter is about seeing life through the eyes of a child. The author made mention of a statement by Betty Smith from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".  It really got my attention because its something that has been brought to my attention more than once lately.  And this is it, "Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first time or the last time."  That is the part I am trying to keep reminding myself.  The quote did go on to say that, "Thus is your time on earth filled with glory. '' 

On another note, I did notice that each of the chapters weren't really long but they did contain nuggets, that made it worthwhile.

How have I woken up to the ways God reveals himself in my life? This may sound kind of ironic when it comes to waking up to God but one of the major ways, is that I pay attention to my dreams at night.  When I wake up in the morning, I often find that God is trying to speak to me as I sleep.  I have a pen and paper next to my bed to jot things down. 
I also keep an eye on God showing me patterns in things happening around me.  Lastly, I on purpose look for little surprises throughout the day.  Things that made me smile, a bit of favor shown here and there.  Anything good, I know came from God.  It makes me even more thankful.   God knows what I like. 

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I need to mention that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

BOOK REVIEW- LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE, THE RAKES OF ST. JAMES

 

Could finding love be his greatest scandal of all?

The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind--until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity.

Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can’t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters’ debut Season. . .unless one of London’s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride in Last Night with the Duke, the first novel in the brand-new Regency Rakes of St. James series by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.   AMAZON  3 STARS

It had an interesting start. And both Griffin and Esmeralda meet each other and the word "clash" isn't really the right word to describe it.  Challenge each other, is probably a better way to explain it. Challenge in a good way; they are kind of intrigued by each other.  Esmeralda is direct, honest and hardworking.  She also has a fierce dislike and distrust of the peerage.  She has good reason but it also felt like that point was belabored a bit too much.  I did like both Griffin and Esmeralda. Griffin had grown up and become more responsible, he also has regrets for past youthful pranks with the other Rakes.   Esmeralda's sister was a nice addition to the story.
   It did have a few funny moments, some kindness and tenderness on Griffin's part towards others and Esmeralda and her sister in particular.  That part I did enjoy. even his relationship with his twin sisters and his aunt were loving and protective. 

I wanted to like this story more than I did but I found it was just okay.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- THE WARD'S BRIDE

 

Their marriage is forced. Their passion is real.

The Ward-  English knight Sir Adam Dayne is offered the ultimate prize by the earl who raised him: lordship of Langford castle. All he must do is accept a betrothal to the Scottish Marcher warden’s beautiful daughter, a match made to keep peace at the tumultuous Anglo-Scottish border. Sir Adam relishes the prospect—until he meets the woman he is to wed.

The Bride- Lady Cora Maxwell hates everything English, including the self-assured new lord who has claimed her hand in marriage. Desperate to return home to Scotland, Cora displays increasingly outrageous behavior in the hopes of dissuading the Englishman from the marriage. But when Adam proposes a unique challenge, Cora is forced to face her greatest fears and the burgeoning desire he has awakened in her.

The Ward’s Bride is a prequel novella in a historical romance series. If you like strong female heroines, alpha male types, and sizzling romance, you’ll love the first installment of the Border Series. Transport yourself to the medieval world of The Ward’s Bride today!   AMAZON  4 STARS

I liked this book and forgot that it was a Novella until I began to write this  review. The story felt full and interesting and I liked the main characters a lot. The story did move along pretty smoothly and before I knew it, it was over. The wheels in Cora's brain were always moving.  She was doing her clever best to get out of being married to a stranger that was forced in order to keep the peace.  Her main drive was to leave and return to her beloved Scotland.  She hated the English.  And as it was mentioned that she probably hated them more than anyone else in her whole clan.  And that was before she was forced to marry one.   Adam was a fair man who was well thought of by those who knew him.  I felt for him more than once when Cora began to stir things up.  Adam didn't let Cora have things all her own way but he wasn't cruel either. He did find some ways to get and keep her attention even though she didn't want to weaken towards him.  I'd say a fair amount of the story is about the battle of wills between the two.  But I enjoyed it. 

BOOK REVIEW- SHEIKH'S UNTAMED HEART by Kylie Knight

Sheikh Rohit Bahri’s biggest concern was finding the right lead trainer for his Arabian horses. He never expected than when Katrina Andrews showed up for her interview that he’d find someone who was not only up to the challenge of the horses, but could capture his heart and fascination so quickly.
Katrina was excited about the possibilities that the interview with Sheikh Bahri could bring her. If she was hired and successful, she’d be able to open up her own horse training academy, and her dreams would come true. When she arrived in Saudi Arabia and saw that the sheikh she was meeting was handsome and completely captivating, she became conflicted between her heart and her career.
With Rohit and Katrina’s strong-willed personalities, they both find themselves wondering if two worlds such as theirs can even unite into one. 
Can they overcome intense odds and Rohit’s scrutinizing family and build a life together where they celebrate their passion for horses, as well as their passion for each other?
  AMAZON 3 STARS

The first story in the book, "Sheikh's Untamed Heart" was okay. I give it 3 STARS.  The main characters were nice but the story was also somewhat predictable.  No real surprises and it felt kind of shallow in some ways.  I was kind of disappointed.

And only one or two of the Bonus books were all that interesting either.  Pretty much predictable.



Bonus Book 1- "Loving my Bad Boy"  - This one I liked a bit better than the main story.  I liked the main people in the story and it did have a surprise or two in it.  Especially towards the end.  Shawna's life definitely got more exciting when she met the bad boy, Clark.  He definitely appreciated her more than her 5 year engaged to man, Ben.  And Ben is one who had something to do with one of those surprising twists.

Bonus Book 2- "Bachelor for Hire" - Okay
Violet, personal assistant to Kade Steele was funny, but not in the story long.  And the rest of the story while sweet was also pretty predictable.

Bonus Book 3- " Billionaire Biker"-  This one was pretty good.

Bonus #4-" Billionaire for Hire".- Just barely okay.

Bonus #5   "Score"-  Okay.This girl was a little harder to get and she wasn't playing.  She didn't like the guy as he appeared to be.  While he hid behind his persona, he wasn't all that likable.  Later that changes with her but still, the story was pretty predictable.

Bonus #6 '' Billionaire Cowboy's Bride"-  It's just okay. Everything thing moves along pretty quickly.

Bonus #7 "Russian Billionaire's Secret"- Okay.  The set up for this story was a little bit different although the story was somewhat predictable in other ways.

Bonus #8  " Bad Boy for Hire"- No, just No.  Shallow and kind of crude at times. I didn't like it at all.

Bonus #9 " Billionaire's Unexpected Crush"- Just okay,


Bonus #10- " Snowed in with a Billionaire"- It was okay.  It had a few sweet moments, with a nice lead in to the main characters interacting before they actually meet in person.

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