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.

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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


I FELT LIKE I WAS TRAPPED IN ONE OF THOSE TERRIFYING NIGHTMARES…

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning. . . .

Legions of readers entranced by the New York Times bestseller Twilight are hungry for the continuing story of star-crossed lovers Bella and Edward. In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural spin. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.



If you have only seen the movies and liked them even a little, you MUST MUST read the series.



The second book in the Twilight Saga was hard for me to read due to the heart-wrenching breakup at the beginning of the book. This was the beginning of my personal dislike for Jacob because I was already all the way Team Edward. Thankfully Edward returned and I was no longer distraught.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife—between desire and danger. Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.



This book was the start to my adult reading habit! I absolutely LOVED this book. I have read it 4 times and can still say I will read it again. I loved the devotion and sweetness to Edward and Bella's relationship. It goes back to the age old saying "Love Conquers All"

This is a MUST READ!

Highwayman of Tanglewood by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Highwayman of Tanglewood by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Faris gasped as a gloved hand of a sudden covered her mouth from behind Be still. The Highwayman of Tanglewood owns ya now. Faris smiled...as he whispered, Do not struggle. Ill not harm ya, lass Come away with me, sweet Faris, the highwayman whispered. What say ye?

I say, who are you, highwayman? Faris breathed...All romantic thoughts of knights riding to win the fair lady were driven from her mind. A rogues manner was vastly more delightful!

Aye! But that ye should know, sweet Faris, the highwayman whispered.

I know you not, sir, Faris said in a whisper. Surely I would remember such a shape of a man.

"Indeed, would ya, lass? he asked.

"I would, sir." she answered

Tis well ya know who I am, fair Faris, he whispered, kissing her neck again. I am the Highwayman of Tanglewood.

A chambermaid in the house of Tremeshton, Faris Shayhan well knew torment, despair and trepidation. To Faris it seemed the future stretched long and desolate before herbleak and as dark as a lonesome midnight path. Still, the moon oft casts hopeful luminosity to light ones way. So it was that Lady Maranda Rockrimmon cast hope upon Farisset Faris upon a different patha path of happiness, serenity and love.

Faris abandoned the tainted air of Tremeshton in favor of the amethyst sunsets of Loch Loland Castle and her new mistress Lady Rockrimmon. Further, it was on the very night of her emancipation that Faris first met the man of her dreams. The man of every womans dreams. The rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood.

Dressed in black and astride his mighty steed, the brave, heroic and dashing rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood stole Faris heart as easily as he stole her kiss. Yet, the Highwayman of Tanglewood was encircled in mystery mystery as thick and as secretive as time itself. Could Faris truly own the heart of a man so entirely enveloped in twilight shadows and dangerous secrets?



A very good book! At times you would think you knew who the Highwayman was and then she would throw a kink in it. I truly enjoyed this story!