Lost Truth (Truth, #4) by Dawn Cook

Lost Truth by Dawn Cook

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff

This is the final book in nationally bestselling author Dawn Cook's magical ''Truth Series''. One last lesson. Alissa is steadily advancing in her magical studies with the last surviving Master at the legendary Hold. But she's haunted by dreams--dreams revealing that other Masters have survived. Alissa's dreams lead her to a distant island where she and a rescue party discover countless Masters, alive and part of a flourishing magical society. But instead of being welcomed, Alissa finds that she herself may need to be rescued. The Masters' leader, Keribdis, believes that she should be Alissa's teacher, whether Alissa likes it or not. When Alissa rebels, she endangers not only her magic but also her life.



The final book was my favorite! We have a love triangle throughout this book. This was action packed and a perfect ending to the series. I don't want to give anything away so I will just say keep reading until you get to the end, it is well worth it.

Forgotten Truth (Truth, #3) by Dawn Cook

Forgotten Truth by Dawn Cook

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff


This third book of the enchanting Truth Series is a tale of magic and love. Alissa is the only student living in the Hold, learning a millennium's worth of magic from the last surviving Master. Even shape-shifting to her dragon-like raku form is becoming second nature. But when a spell goes awry, Alissa is transported back four centuries to an era when the Hold and its city thrive with magic students and their tutors. Separated from the man she loves by four hundred years, Alissa's distress and confusion are causing her to lose control of her shape-shifting. If she can't return to her own time, Alissa will be permanently transformed into her bestial form with no memory of her human life--or her love.



I read this and the the last book Lost Truth back to back so it is hard to remember where this one stopped. Another great book in the 4 book series and still highly recommended! It was completely clean and in no way lacking because of it.

Hidden Truth (Truth, #2) by Dawn Cook

Hidden Truth by Dawn Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating : Fluff 


Alissa never believed in magic. But then she went to the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers once learned magic from enigmatic Masters. Under the tutelage of the last surviving Master, Alissa discovered that she had inherited her father's magical ability.
       But the Hold is ruled by Bailic, the renegade Keeper who seized the First Truth, a book of magic he will use to harness the might of the city of the dead and wreak a war of total devastation. The book has thwarted Bailic's every attempt to access it, while it continually calls to Alissa—who must summon all her will to resist it. For if she gives in to the First Truth's ultimate power and knowledge, she will be utterly changed—and the man she loves could be lost to her forever.


The second book in the "Truth" series starts up right where the first book finished so abruptly. As I said with my review of the First Truth, the author still has problem keeping time in order while this is easily overcome, I wonder that it wasn't caught after editing the 1st book. I was happy to see Strell and Alissa grow closer but still they are so far apart. .. I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a clean fantasy romance.

First Truth (Truth, #1) by Dawn Cook

First Truth by Dawn Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff


Alissa doesn't believe in magic. Her father's stories about the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers learn magic from the enigmatic Maters, are just that―stories. But her mother insists that Alissa has inherited her father's magical ability, and so she must go to the Hold―the only place her talents can be trained. 
      On her way, she crosses paths with Strell, a wandering musician from the plains. And though Alissa is not sure she can trust a plainsman, Strell has something she needs―one of her father's old maps. Traveling together, they can reach the Hold before the snow sets in.
      But they don't know that the Hold is nearly empty. Something is very wrong and someone believes that Alissa and Strell knows about a book called First Truth.



This was a very good book. The writing aggravated me a little because it seems the author had troubles keeping the time throughout the story.  There is an undertone of romance running very deep under the surface and I look forward to seeing where it will end up. All in all I would recommend this book to historical romance, time travel, mythical and magic story lovers. Very clean and entertaining.

A small disclaimer: This should have been one book together with the 2nd book ... it feels like the author took one book and split it in two so be sure to have the Hidden Truth before you finish this book or the suspense might rip you apart. :-)

Dragon Blood (Hurog, #2) by Patricia Briggs

Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Hot





      With this second installment of the Hurog series we follow Ward as he is caught by the snare that we thought he escaped in the 1st book. Ward is able to escape seemingly impossible situations because he is surrounded by loyal friends and mystical creatures that know of his reputation.

       This book had a lot of talk/act of homosexuality(not explicit), which is not my cup of tea.(as well as pedophile acts not described but referenced) We are pulled into torture sessions and murder, deceit and love. How can a story have all of this in one book? This was an action packed sprint and then it was just over. I was disappointed with the abrupt ending and felt cheated after all the horrible evil done. This is not one of Briggs books I would read again or recommend to anyone unless they were already a Patricia Briggs follower.

Dragon Bones (Hurog, #1) by Patricia Briggs

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Slightly Hot


Riding into a war that's heating up on the border, Ward, the new lord of Herzog, is sure he's on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones could prove to be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them.



I will start by saying this is not my favorite series by Ms. Briggs. I enjoyed this book and thought it was worth reading if you have nothing else to read. Our hero is a strong and competent young man but due to some bad choices his home is stripped away from him. Due to a survival instinct taken to far our hero has to prove himself to earn back what is his already. I personally did not like the relationships of the king and queen as we dealt with adultery and homosexuality. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a historical highlander book with lots of mystic tales and magic.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Clean/ Some Violence


Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.



This book was both wonderful and heartbreaking. I couldn't stop until I knew how it was going to end. Poor Katniss, Poor Peta, Poor Prim, Poor Gale...the list goes on and on... there were so many twists in this book. I don't want to give any spoilers but I was happy with the ending and would definitely recommend this series.

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Clean/ Some Violence


Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

Wow! What a series. We start this second installment of the Hunger Games Trilogy with a bang. Katniss has to convince everyone her love for Peta is true and wasn't meant to start a rebellion... After some big twists and turns we finish the book with a HUGE cliffhanger... do not start this book unless you have the last book Mockingjay ready to go before the end. Highly recommended!!

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Clean/ Some Violence


In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
       Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.



The concept of this book is a lot to swallow but Ms. Collin's tells a story that only a masterful author could make it seem natural. WOW! This is an excellent book! Couldn't put it down. I understand why Stephenie Meyer recommended it.

**NOT RECOMMENDED** Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5)

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: HOT (NOT Recommended)


Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price . . .



Disclaimer: Once again, the cursing in this book is atrocious. While it is "cleaner" than the last 4 books in the series, the cursing was so distracting for me that it slowed me down on reading this book. There was 1 detailed sex scene and 2 implied.



In this adventure of Kate Daniels we get to see a lot more tender moments between Kate and Curran, the beast lord, and her mate. The emotional connections displayed were much needed to carry out this series. I am not planning on reading anymore of this series due to the graphic language. I hoped that the author was using it to draw in followers and would tapper off but it appears not. I was happy with the ending of this book and feel like Kate still has a long journey ahead of her.

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Hot


Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?



**Strong Language - multiple "GD" and "F" words**



We start of with the shock that ended the last book. Rose has murdered the Queen... Or at least that's what it looks like. This book has many different trails to follow before we get to the end. While we end up with a HEA, the journey is rough. There were multiple times while reading that I couldn't help but question "Why is he doing that?" "Why would he say that?" "How are they going to get out of this?"


There was a sex scene with no details and had the language been better I would have given this a 5 star rating! It's a shame

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated - Barely Hot


Salvation has its price.

The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s — and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.



**Strong Language- multiple GD's and F words**



The 5th installment of the Vampire Academy Series was quite a roller coaster. While things were accomplished in this installment that you hoped for there was heartbreak around the corner. When beginning this series I was hoping that the foul language would diminish with the story becoming more popular, unfortunately that was not the case. There was an almost sex scene that was not overly detailed with an unexpected ending.......

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff - Heated


How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?



** 2 uses of "GD" and 2 "F" words **

 
         Rose gets into a lot in this book. She travels half way around the world set on a mission. There were so many up and downs in this book and I couldn't help but think "How will she be able to get through this mission" ... It was heartbreaking but at the same time I could see there was no way she could leave without completing it... Hold on to your seats because the last 2 chapters have some big twists!

          While the cursing was improved I was disappointed with the cursing because once again it was completely unnecessary. I felt like the author did a great job on avoiding too much intimacy but enough to break with Rose...

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri, some rules are meant to be broken...

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.

Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing but suddenly there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmare, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most..but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

***Mild Language- This book was MUCH improved on the cursing compared to previous books in the series and that makes me happy! There was one sex scene but it didn't go into details other than to say they had sex.

Book 3 did not disappoint. I was shocked with the ending and must start book 4 ASAP. The relationship between Rose and Lissa is becoming more and more strained as they are growing up and making more decisions without the other considered. I felt like Lissa was a bit selfish in the last two books and I can see that Rose really isn't as much of a best friend as she claims. WHY wouldn't Rose tell her about the feelings she has for Dimitri? That's what best friends do...

*There was one sex scene but it didn't go into details other than to say they had sex and that is why it is 3 stars.

This book did not end in a HEA but I have been assured that it gets better so I will continue the series.

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality: Heated


Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…
 
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…



**The unfortunate part is that this is a YA novel but the language is rated R and the sexual content is between PG-13.


The second in the series did not disappoint. While Rose is continually trying to cope with her feelings for Dimitri.. While Rose is dealing with the possibility that a happy ending may not be possible for her, learning all she can to protect Lissa and deal with her issues and trying to move on, you are pulled in for a gripping story. The language was major for YA novel and would have earned itself 5 stars had it not been in there. The sex scene was minor and not needed but didn't take away or add to the story.

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.



**Adult language in a YA Novel!



The beginning of the Vampire Academy series sets a stage with two runaway high school students being dragged back to boarding school. As the reasons for their departure unfold I had to refer back to others in the series to be sure I was reading the 1st book. Rest assured that all is explained eventually and you end up in a world filled with Royal events and a love that appears doomed from the start. What will happen next? I can't wait to find out.

There was an ALMOST sex scene that was brought through a charm but the characters stopped before anything MAJOR happened. Throughout the book there were innuendos.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.


This was a cute YA romance. I thought it was very original and am very interested to see where the author will take us next.

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Keep your eyes wide open for romance in Lookout, Texas. Jody Chapman, aka Butch Laird, returns to town determined to make up for past misdeeds. Will reporter Jacqueline Hamilton uncover his secret before Jody can capture her heart? With nowhere else to go, ex-con Carly Payton returns to the Lookout boardinghouse. Garrett Corbett is looking for an upstanding wife, not some jailbird. What will he do when overpowered by Carly’s appeal? Twice-widowed Christine Taylor isn’t looking to get re-hitched. Will love-stricken Rand Kessler find a way to woo her into wedlock? Does love deserve a first, second, or third chance?



I received this book as a pre-publication from netGalley






        This was my first book by Vickie McDonough and I am impressed.  I thought it was very sweet and moved along at a nice pace. I like the fact that we could see what both Jack and Noah's thoughts were... I love knowing the H/H's thoughts! The side story between Carly and Garret was sweet also but a little distracting and I caught myself skimming through to get to Noah and Jack. I personally thought is was VERY unlikely that Jack wouldn't have recognized Noah and that point was hard to get over since it kept going back to that.

         This was definitely a inspirational/Christian book and referenced back to God's plan enough to make it a little excessive even for a someone that has a relationship with Jesus Christ. I enjoy a Christian romance but it causes me to feel miffed when the dialogue has to re-explain that the person in question is born again and no longer the same as they use to be over and over again.


         That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone because it has a positive and uplifting story with a great outcome. The story itself is very entertaining and it was hard for me to put down. It goes to show that when someone willingly commits their life to Jesus they have to change from their old ways, no matter how major or minor, to truly follow Him.

Marrying The Captain by Carla Kelly

Marrying The Captain (Channel Fleet, #1) by Carla Kelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated



Ever since her father tried to sell her as a mistress to the highest bidder, Eleanor Massie has chosen to live in poverty. Her world changes overnight when Captain Oliver Worthy shows up at her struggling inn. Despite herself, Nana is drawn to her handsome guest....

Oliver planned to stay in Plymouth only long enough to report back to Lord Ratliffe--about Nana. But he soon senses that Lord Ratliffe is up to something, and Oliver will do anything to keep this courageous, beautiful woman safe--even marry her!



What a sweet book, I truly enjoyed it and look forward to Ms. Kelly's next book. Marrying The Captain was a breath of fresh air for an adult romance. While I cannot claim it is clean due to a few love scenes, the H/H were married and I am always able to personally get over those when they are not explicit. I was so glad that Nana and Oliver held true to their own moral convictions. While it was touched on that the Captain is not a virgin Nana was.  Had she been a promiscuous woman this story could have been taken down an entirely different road.

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff - Heated (somewhere in between)

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.



An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...



Another great installment in the Mercedes Thompson Series. River Marked had everything I enjoy in a book and couldn't have been better! There was great growth in Mercy and Adam's relationship and while the original supporting characters were almost non existence, we learned much more about Mercy's Indian relations and had some new characters introduced. I look forward to the next book!!!

Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer

Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Miss Judith Taverner and her brother travel to London to meet their guardian, Julian St. John Audley, Lord Worth, expecting an elderly gentleman. To their surprise and utter disgust, their guardian is not much older than they are, and is determined to thwart all their interests, hoping to return them to the country until they reach majority and his job is done.

But Miss Taverner begins to move in the highest circles of society and Lord Worth can't do a thing about it ...

        While Heyer's sparkling Regency romances usually depicted the secondary nobility, with an occasional Duke, in Regency Buck, Heyer mixes her fictional characters with real-life personages of the highest of the haut ton-the circle of the Prince Regent and his brothers (all huge men with huge appetites), and Beau Brummell, the famous dandy who single-handedly set the fashions for male attire and manners.

Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, is a polished bachelor who has stringent requirements for his future wife—she must be well born, intelligent, elegant and attractive. And of course she must be able to present herself well in high society. But when he is encouraged to consider Phoebe Marlow as a bride, Sylvester is taken aback by the coltish woman who seems to resent him.



When Phoebe runs away, circumstances find the two striking up an unusual friendship. Phoebe discovers that the duke isn't the villain she first thought. And Sylvester stumbles upon something he never dared hope for.



Great Book! The reasons I love Heyer are all in this book! So good!

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


The prolific Georgette Heyer--author of more than 70 novels--is perhaps best known for her Regency romances. A consummate storyteller, Heyer was also an astute historian of the times she wrote about; every detail of the language, dress, and customs rings with authenticity. Arabella is one of Heyer's most charming Regency novels. In it, young Arabella Tallant, the beautiful daughter of an impoverished clergyman, comes to London for her social debut and almost immediately runs afoul of Robert Beaumaris, a wealthy, eligible aristocrat. Beaumaris suspects that Arabella engineered a carriage accident in order to meet him; Arabella, in a rage, leads him to believe that she is the heiress to a massive fortune and thus quite uninterested in his own riches.

Having set the stage for inevitable misunderstandings between this arrogant Romeo and hotheaded Juliet, Heyer then peoples it with unforgettable secondary characters. Arabella's warm heart and strong principles lead her to befriend such unsavory types as an abused apprentice to a chimney sweep, a stray dog, and a fallen woman happily known as "Leaky Peg"--all of whom she foists on the reluctant but gallant Mr. Beaumaris. Arabella is an intelligent, witty romp--both a romance with a hearty sense of humor and a historical novel that remains true to the times it depicts.

A great book! This is the reason Heyer is one of my favorite authors. Funny and sweet... with everything working out in the end in a realistic way! GREAT!

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Her beauty rivaled only by her sense, Venetia Lanyon is nearly resigned to spinsterhood, thanks to the enormous amount of responsibility she inherited with a Yorkshire estate, an invalid brother and the lackluster efforts of two wearisomely persistent suitors. Then she meets her neighbor, the infamous Lord Damerel, a charming rake shunned by polite society--exactly the type of man that a woman of quality should stay away from.

Though his scandalous past and deepest secrets give Venetia every reason to mistrust him, a rogue always gets what he wants. Without warning, his demanding kiss threatens to become a bachelor's undoing…and a spinster's most passionate awakening.



GREAT!

Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer

Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Miss Annis Wychwood, at twenty-nine, has long been on the shelf, but this bothers her not at all. She is rich and still beautiful and she enjoys living independently in Bath, except for the tiresome female cousin, who her very proper brother insists must live with her.



When Annis offers sanctuary to the very young runaway heiress Miss Lucilla Carleton, no one at all thinks this is a good idea. With the exception of Miss Carleton's overbearing guardian, Mr. Oliver Carleton, whose reputation as the rudest man in London precedes him. Outrageous as he is, the charming Annis ends up finding him absolutely irresistible.



Another classic Georgette Heyer. When Lucilla Carleton runs away from an unwanted marriage she finds Miss Annis Wychwood to take her in. Little does Miss Wychwood know but her life is about to completly change because of one young girl.

This book was full of witty humor and quips and a sweet building romance. I would recommend this book for Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse lovers as well as anyone looking for a good clean romance.

The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer

The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


A dashing hero, with an equally dashing rival, and a sword fight that will take readers' breath away.



Horatia Winwood is a plain girl with a stutter. When she rescues her sister from an undesired marriage to the Earl of Rule by proposing to him herself, he is thoroughly impressed by her spirit and enjoys watching her take the ton by storm. When Rule's archenemy, Sir Robert, tries to kiss Horatia, she spurns his advances, and in the ensuing scuffle loses an heirloom brooch. Horatia's brother's hare-brained scheme to recover the brooch fails, and then the Earl himself must step in, challenging Sir Robert in a sword fight that is Heyer at her most stirring.



This book was classic Heyer!! I listened to this in audio book format and it was So Funny! Horatia gets herself in trouble ofter but her husband Lord Rule is always there to save her. Everyone should read it at least once!

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sensuality Rating: Heated (due to the Heroines life changing experiences)



Best-selling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel's life to draw her into the Savior's redeeming love. This remarkable novel has sold over a million copies globally and has been a fixture on the CBA bestsellers list for nearly a decade. A six-part reading guide, suitable for individual use or group discussion, is included in this best-selling novel.



This was a really good book. It was a deep read and at times you felt really sad for Angle and other times you just wanted to smack her and tell her to wake up. This was a good parallel to God's love for His people and while it was definitely a Christian book it wasn't all roses and censored life experiences. It wasn't a preachy book and I would recommend it to any and everyone that loves a good clean romance that has a marriage that is Christ based.

The Tide of the Mermaid Tears by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Tide of the Mermaid Tears by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Ember gasped as she looked forward up the shore to see a man struggling in the water. He was coughing—spitting water from his mouth as he crawled from the water and onto the sand. As he collapsed face-down on the shore, Ember lifted her skirt and ran toward the man, dropping to her knees beside him.

“Sir?” she cried, nudging one broad shoulder. The man was stripped of his shirt—dressed only in a pair of trousers—no shoes…

Ember shook her head, rolling her eyes at her own foolishness.

“Sir?” she called again, nudging his broad shoulder once more. The man lay on his stomach—his face turned away from her. “Are you dead, sir?” she asked. Placing a hand to his back, she sighed with relief as she felt he yet breathed.

“Sir?” she said, clambering over the man’s broad torso.

The man coughed. His eyes opened—his deep blue eyes, so shaded by thick, wet lashes that Ember wondered how it was he could see beyond them.

“Sir?” Ember ventured.

He coughed, asking, “Where am I?”

“On the seashore, sir,” Ember answered.



A sweet story. More of a 4.5 but overall a classic Marcia book. Read it in one sitting.

Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure

Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Civil War-no one could flee from the nightmare of battle and the countless lives it devoured. Everyone had sacrificed-suffered profound misery and unimaginable loss. Vivianna Bartholomew was no exception. The war had torn her from her home-orphaned her. The merciless war seemed to take everything-even the man she loved. Still, Vivianna yet knew gratitude-for a kind friend had taken her in upon the death of her parents. Thus, she was cared for-even loved. Yet, as General Lee surrendered signaling the war's imminent end-as Vivianna remained with the remnants of the Turner family-her soul clung to the letters written by her lost soldier-to his memory written in her heart. Could a woman ever heal from the loss of such a love? Could a woman's heart forget that it may find another? Vivianna Bartholomew thought not. Still, it is often in the world that miracles occur-that love endures even after hope has been abandoned. Thus, one balmy Alabama morning-as two ragged soldiers wound the road toward the Turner house-Vivianna began to know-to know that miracles do exist-that love is never truly lost.



This was an excellent book!!! A story of a loyal girl in love that finds when her love returns is no longer the man he once was. Now she must make a choice to stand by him or follow her heart in another direction.
SO SWEET! Marcia's writing is so clear. She can weave a story that is so endearing and creative and that you finish the book with all your questions answered! GREAT BOOK!

The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


An instant before the sea swallowed her, Cristabel Albay gasped her last breath. She was certain it would truly be her last breath… Yet, mere moments later, her head broke the surface of the sea and she exhaled the breath she had been holding—the one that had not been her last—gasping for another.

“Do you swim, woman?” the pirate Navarrone growled.

“Y-yes,” Cristabel stammered. Her thoughts were muddled—for panic was her only ally. Yet, she was cognizant enough to know that her life was still in danger—not from pirates perhaps—but from the sea.

“Then swim!” the pirate growled. “If you want to live to see another sunrise, then swim for The Merry Wench.”

…She glanced up to the Chichester where pirates and British sailors yet battled. The Screaming Witch was already sailing, and Cristabel would rather have died than be the victim of the atrocities that would have met her aboard it.

Yet, to abandon one pirate ship for another? It was madness! Still, she could not fathom drowning—for drowning terrified her more than any other fate of death. Her only hope in surviving was to do as the pirate ordered. …She had heard tales of The Blue Blade Navarrone—tales of mercy. …Perhaps he would take pity on her… Thus, with no other venue to follow, Christabel began to swim—to swim for The Merry Wench and whatever fate awaited her there.



This was a very good book. I am not a pirate story kind of girl but would still recommend this. Trevon and Cristabel were a very sweet couple and I absolutely loved their interactions and thoughts about one another . .

Mini Spoiler(don't read if you don't want to know)

It was heartrendingly sweet and sad when he took the beating for her from the cat of 9 BUT how could he leave her there!!!!! WHAT ON EARTH!!I wanted to scream for her! If he died after he left her she would have had no closure... or she would have been waiting the rest of her life for him to possibly show up when he knew there was talks of war!!! Thank goodness it worked out but those where the things I was thinking when he said he was leaving her.

The kisses were as wonderful as ever and VIRTUE was still upheld. . . so 5 stars!!

The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Total Humor

Since his first appearance in print in 1919, Jeeves has become synonymous with British tongue-in-cheek humor. Valet to bumbling aristocrat Bertie Wooster, Jeeves is continually helping his employer out of scrapes. In this debut novel, Wooster's lovesick pal Bingo Little decides to marry and enlists his friend's help. Luckily for Wooster, Jeeves comes to the rescue.



This book was very funny and totally clean! Not my usual but definitely recommended.

**Not Recommended** Water For Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 2 of 5 stars




Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.

Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.



(Let me explain that the reason I read this book was because of the upcoming movie and more specifically the actor in the movie.)



          This is not my typical book to read due to the fact that it has animals in it. Animals always seem to be the victim of a tragic accident or inhumane act by a villain in books and movies and they makes me feel sad. I read to feel happy and be entertained. This book was no exception, the animals were abused throughout and the language was atrocious. I don't understand why authors choose to use crass language as I feel it "dumbs down" the feat of writing a book.
           The romance was a side line in the story and and was not explicit.  The heroine being married while "getting to know" the hero left a bad taste in my mouth regardless of her reasons for being married.  While this was a very interesting story I cannot recommend this book due to it's low moral characters, horrendous language and animal abuse.

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet




One of Heyer's funniest Regency romances, and one of readers' favorites.

The Talisman Ring is one of Heyer's funniest and fastest-paced romantic comedies, telling the story of a fugitive heir, a tempestuous Frenchwoman, and the two sensible people who try to keep them out of trouble.

"... A long-lost family heirloom, a young heir falsely accused of murder, a band of smugglers, two utterly delightful Heyer heroines, a taciturn, but highly resourceful older gentleman - all play their parts in a tale funny enough to have you laughing aloud."

Publishers Weekly



This book is hilarious!!! I absolutely loved it!

The Importance of Almack's by Denise Patrick

The Importance of Almack's by Denise Patrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet

Banished and disowned for saving a stranger's life. In Regency England, lineage and vouchers to Almack's are everything, but Pamela Clarkdale has neither. After her father casts her out, she considers herself fortunate to have obtained a position as a companion to an elderly widow. Kitt Covington has sworn off Almack's and marriage. Why attend one when he has no interest in the other? Guilt, however, is a powerful motivator. Knowing he caused Pamela to be thrown out of her home, he proposes a sham betrothal between them to ease his conscience. Kitt's offer is tempting and Pamela agrees, with the caveat that the betrothal will disappear at the end of the season. But not only is Pamela refused vouchers to Almack's, her family is scheming to destroy her to protect a secret she doesn't realize she knows. When the twenty-year-old web of lies and deceit begins to unravel, will Pamela and Kitt discover that Almack's isn't really that important after all?



This was a very good book! I loved both the H/H and the little twists and turns were very believable and truly added to the story! The best thing about this book is that it is TOTALLY clean!!! Thank you Ms. Patrick!

Wolfsbane by Patricia Briggs

Wolfsbane (Aralorn, #2)(Sianim, #4) by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


Shape shifting mercenary Aralorn leads a dangerous existence. Now she must return home for her noble father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they find he's not dead, but ensorcelled by the ae'Magi, using him as a conduit to destroy Aralorn and Wolf. She must overcome this mysterious mist or fall to the blackest of magic.


Love Briggs!


       This continues the story of Aralorn the mercenary and her Wolf. This is not your typical romance by any means. The romance is very much side story.

      When Aralorn travels to Lambshold for a funeral she is alone and upset with the death of her father. Without giving anything away, she is prepared to say her goodbyes when an unexpected "miracle" is brought to her attention.

       Wolfsbane is action packed. It is a little more violent then I prefer to go but in no way explicit just revealed afterward. I was able to get over the violence for the fact that it was a very important part of the story and didn't last very long. I recommend this book to Brigg's lovers and fans of The Host by Stephenie Meyers.

Masques by Patricia Briggs

Masques (Aralorne, #1)  by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Minimal Kissing



Said to be heavily rewritten from the original story of 1993.

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy.Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi.But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is-or where he will strike next?



I truly enjoyed this book. It was SUPER creative and left me happy and feeling like I had just watched a new movie! I am continually impressed with Ms. Briggs writing and can almost promise to continue to be a long time follower. If you enjoy other Briggs' book then this one is NO EXCEPTION!!

*Some War Type Violence

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .



Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.



When I saw all the great ratings on this books I went online right away and bought the audible version. I listened to this book in a day and while I thought it was a very good story I was hoping for so much more. ( keep telling myself not to read series that are not already finished being written but I never stay with my own rule.) Honestly I read this book in hopes of finding the next "Twilight"! There really is no comparison with the two. The romance that was needed to draw you in was really skipped over. Sadly, we started off with one hero and then half way through the book the original hero goes away and a new hero moves in. Then at the end of the book the original hero return but there was really no connection with him to make the reader care. When i finished Unearthly I did not sigh with satisfaction but disappointment. SO MUCH was left open!

I would recommend this book but only once the series is complete to prevent the frustration of waiting. I will probably have to reread the book since the next book does not come out until 2012.

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, #2)  by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff

Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son -and enforcer -of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer -or Charles will take the fall.

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega, #1) by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


Now Briggs begins an extraordinary new series set in Mercy Thompson's world but with rules of its own.

INTRODUCING THE ALPHA AND OMEGA NOVELS...

Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf; an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member;and as his mate.



     Great Series!! I enjoyed this book! I love that it is was in two person perspective because I enjoy "knowing" what the H/H are thinking about each other! This is something I wished the Mercy Thompson books had in them. Briggs is one of my new authors that I will follow all of her series! Highly recommended.

No Cure for the Broken Hearted by Kenneth Rosenberg

No Cure for the Broken Hearted by Kenneth Rosenberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Katherine Spencer is an up-and-coming architect in New York City. Her professional life is on the fast-track. Her personal life is a shambles. Katherine compares every man she ever meets to Nick Bancroft, the billionaire’s son who broke her heart one summer long ago. Now, twelve years later he’s suddenly reappeared, asking her to design a house at the cove where they shared their first kiss. Is he looking for an architect, or something more? And should she forgive him?



This story takes you on a journey through Katherine's life from 16 years old to 28 years old. There is obviously a gap in which she finishes school and college and make a career for herself. She has know Nick for a brief span in those 28 years but the brief period has molded her life choices... and his!


I started this book on a late Sunday evening and that was a HUGE mistake. I HAD to finish and know how the story would end so I ended up reading until 4AM. The writing flowed like a movie in your head and you could actually imagine the conversations like you were there. The biggest plus side to this story was that it is completely clean!(and not lacking)


My only upset was the ending

.**(See Below)** While I understand that all books must end I felt like we had come along on the journey of Katherine and Nick to have it pan out as it did and then end. I would have liked to see a little more Nick and Katherine time together. Building their "grown-up" relationship. ALL in all I would recommend this book to EVERYONE! Great Love Story.


****UPDATE**** Since my original review above the author has revised the ending chapter to give the reader more closure. Thank you Mr. Rosenberg! A MUST READ>>>!!

By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne

By Heart and Compass by Danielle Thorne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?



This was a sweet book and completely clean. The beginning was a bit slow and I found myself getting irritated with Lacey's thought process and while I knew that there needed to be some meat to the H/H attraction it was unrealistic that Lacey would have held such strong feelings for someone that blew her off on her first meeting (after seeing him once). The rest of the story was great and I got over any irritation I felt at the beginning. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Take a Walk With Me by Marcia Lynn McClure

Take a Walk With Me by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


“Grandma?” Cozy called as she closed the front door behind her. She inhaled a deep breath—bathing in the warm, inviting scent of banana nut bread baking in the oven. “Grandma? Are you in here?”

“Cozy!” her grandma called in a loud whisper. “I’m in the kitchen. Hurry!”

Cozy frowned—her heart leapt as worry consumed her for a moment. Yet, as she hurried to the kitchen to find her grandma kneeling at the window that faced the new neighbors yard, and peering out with a pair of binoculars, she exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Grandma! You’re still spying on him?” she giggled.

“Get down! They’ll see us! Get down!” Dottie ordered in a whisper, waving one hand in a gesture that Cozy should duck.

Giggling with amusement at her grandma’s latest antics, Cozy dropped to her hands and knees and crawled toward the window.

“Who’ll see us?” she asked.

“Here,” Dottie whispered, pausing only long enough to reach for a second set of binoculars sitting on the nearby counter. “These are for you.” She smiled at Cozy—winked as a grin of mischief spread over her face. “And now…may I present the entertainment for this evening…Mr. Buckly hunk of burning love Bryant…and company.”





WOW!!! This book had some HOT kisses in it! Some of the BEST kisses I have read in a LONG time!



This is a great book!! I absolutely LOVED JESSE and COZY! It makes me happy to read books where the characters have real morals and actually live by them.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

The Season by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued — in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.



When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!



WOW!! This was an excellent book! I read it in one day and am prying it out of my hands to put it on my shelf next to the Jane Austen collection! I loved this book! Thank you Sarah for making such a sweet romance to dream in for a day, I cannot wait for the next books.

The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas by Lauren Willig

The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas by Lauren Willig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating:Fluff


Arabella Dempsey’s dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls’ school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies…



Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle”, the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate 12-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? And is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella and Turnip’s hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?



My favorite in the series!!!! Loved it! I hope that Ms. Willig will stay with this new formula of writing.

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Hot


A New York Times extended list bestseller in hardcover-the sensational sixth book in the national bestselling Pink Carnation series.

Whisked away to nineteenth-century India, Penelope Deveraux plunges into the court intrigues of the Nizam of Hyderabad, where no one is quite what they seem. New to this strange and exotic country- where a dangerous spy called the Marigold leaves venomous cobras as his calling card-she can trust only one man: Captain Alex Reid.

With danger looming from local warlords, treacherous court officials, and French spies, Alex and Penelope may be all that stand in the way of a plot designed to rock the very foundations of the British Empire...



This is my least favorite in the series but still an interesting book! I never like Penelope so an entire book about her is hard to take... I didn't like the adultery and felt like to ending was kind of tied of quickly and weak.

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Hot


After years abroad, Robert, Duke of Dovedale, has returned to England to avenge the murder of his mentor. To uncover the murderer's identity, he must infiltrate the infamous, secret Hellfire Club. But the Duke has no idea that an even more difficult challenge awaits him-in a mistaken, romantic-minded young lady.



Charlotte Lansdowne wistfully remembers the Robert of her childhood as a valiant hero among men. Too aware of his own flaws, Robert tries to dissuade Charlotte from her delusions, even as he finds himself drawn to her. When Charlotte takes up a bit of espionage-investigating a plot to kidnap the King-Robert soon realizes that she is more than the perfect partner in crime.



Caught in a dangerous game full of deadly spies and secret rites, Robert and Charlotte must work together to reveal the villain...and confront their true love.



Once again Ms. Willig is going for a darker plot. This is my least favorite in the series. Charlotte and Dovedale had terrible communication skills and that was quite frustrating. Most of the previous books have had the heroine being equally quick witted and self sufficient but not in this books. Disappointing but love still prevailed and we ended happy.

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women—his “petals” of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies.



And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects.



Our hero, Lord Vaughn, was darker and more sinister than previous hero's in Willig's book. While this was not my favorite in the series I still enjoyed it and will continue to read the series.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


The Barnes & Noble Review

Lauren Willig follows up her two earlier engaging romances with a third rollicking historical about British spies and romance in the early 19th century, set against the background of a possible Irish uprising. It stars the trustworthy Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale, determined to woo the beauteous Mary Alsworthy, and her younger sister, Letty, who is equally determined to break up an elopement that would mar the family's good name. As a result, Geoff and Letty wind up in the same carriage at midnight, which means, in 1803, that they are very much compromised -- and forced to marry immediately. Nonplussed by marrying the wrong sister, Geoff sets off to Ireland on a mysterious voyage; secretly, he is a spy, high up in the League of the Purple Gentian. Letty decides to track him down, falling right in the middle of his secret life, with wonderful comic and romantic results. Once again, this is set as a story-within-a-story, with a contemporary romance slowly blossoming between historian Eloise Kelly and Colin Selwick, whose family papers star in The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Ginger Curwen



This one had some cute humor in it and only one sex scene. Letti had a cute way about her and Geoff balanced her out.

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


The Pink Carnation, history's most elusive spy and England's only hope for preventing a Napoleonic invasion, returns in Lauren Willig's dazzling imaginative new historical romance. The Masque of the Black Tulip opens with the murder of a courier from the London War Office, his confidential dispatch for the Pink Carnation stolen. Meanwhile, the Black Tulip, France's deadliest spy, is in England with instructions to track down and kill the Pink Carnation. Only Henrietta Uppington and Miles Dorrington know where the Pink Carnation is stationed. Using a secret code book, Henrietta has deciphered a message detailing the threat of the Black Tulip. Meanwhile, the War Office has enlisted Miles to track down the notorious French spy before he (or she) can finish the deadly mission. But what Henrietta and Miles don't know is that while they are trying to find the Black Tulip (and possibly falling in love), the Black Tulip is watching them.

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated - Hot


"Pride and Prejudice lives on" (USA Today) in Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series, which has been hailed for its addictive blend of history, romance, and adventure. In The Orchid Affair, Willig introduces her strongest heroine yet. Laura Grey, a veteran governess, joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling exploits in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of Andre Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police. Jaouen and his arch rival, Gaston Delaroche, are investigating a suspected Royalist plot to unseat Bonaparte, and Laura's mission is to report any suspicious findings.



At first the job is as lively as Latin textbooks and knitting, but Laura begins to notice strange behavior from Jaouen-secret meetings and odd comings and goings. As Laura edges herself closer to her employer, she makes a shocking discovery and is surprised to learn that she has far more in common with Jaouen than she originally thought...



As their plots begin to unravel, Laura and Jaouen are forced on the run with the children, and with the help of the Pink Carnation they escape to the countryside, traveling as husband and wife. But Delaroche will stop at nothing to take down his nemesis. With his men hot on their trail, can Laura and Jaouen seal the fate of Europe before it's too late?





While I truly enjoyed this book I was very disappointed by the choice Andre and Laura made to consummate their relationship without being married or intending to be. I can reason it out in my mind why an author takes to step to put a love scene when the couple is married but this would have been so much better had the H/h had all the sexual tension and kissing instead of leaping in bed with each other. While the love scene was very mild it mentioned the "N" word and it made me cringe!!!!!! Had there been only kissing or a marriage I would have given this book a 4-5 star. My favorite is still the previous "The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas"