Lover Awakened by J R Ward

Rating: 5 stars

Published 2006

464 pages

Lover Awakened is the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This was Zsadist's (Z) story. I love how J R Ward doesn't just give you one brother's story. You know who the story belongs to, but there is so much more given. She doesn't just tease you with glimpses, all the brothers get a significant amount of face time in these books.

Z is the most tortured brother. I say the most because I really think that all of them have their own little private hell that they are faced with, Tohr being the only exception to this point. In Lover Awakened you are privy to Z's private thoughts and memories; learning what he went through as a blood slave, how he was rescued, and how he survived. You see Z for the broken vampire that he is, understanding where the anger and isolation comes from. I loved watching Z grow in this book and really understanding what he was battling on the inside.

This series is really working on becoming the best one that I have ever read!!!

Lover Eternal by J. R Ward

Rating: 4.5 stars
pages: 464

Blurb:

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

Review:

This is the second book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It took me a little while to get into this book. I don't know if it has to do with the months in between reading Dark Lover and starting this one, but I am so glad that I waited to read until I got all of the series. I have a feeling that I will be reading nothing but the BDB books.

Rhage was one of my favorites from the first book. I was intrigued by his demon. I wanted to know why it was there, if he would ever be rid of it, how it really affected (or is effected) him. I am completely in love again... I am sure I will fall in love with each brother as I read. Rhage did a complete turn around in his behavior after hearing Mary's voice. The tenderness and the protectiveness that he showed her was such a treat to read about. Then you have the very sick Mary, who has been through so much that has given her a strength that I don't think she even realized she had. In order to be together these two must over come some pretty big obstacles, breaking the rules and beating down self inflicted barriers.

In a way I feel like this book could have actually been the first book. It gave so much more information on each of the other brothers. You are able to get glimpses into each brother's history and start to understand the idiosyncrasies of each. You meet a potential new brother, John Matthew has not been through the change yet but he bares the mark of a warrior.

I was brought to tears a couple of times while reading this. I don't know if it because it is an emotional time or if it was the story itself, but I was definitely touched by the kindness Wellsie and Tohr showed this 20+ yr old orphan and John Michael's feelings while sitting at the dinner table. I thought I was going to have to undergo a round of ribbing from my husband for crying out loud when Mary received the information from the doctor and Rhage contacted the Scribe Virgin. I got so immersed in this story that I can't wait to read the rest of the books so I can't make sure that this HEA remains an HEA.

I'm off to start Lover Awakened!!

Dark Lover by JR Ward

Published: 2005

393 pages

Back Cover: In the Shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers- six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only Purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed- orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate- Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead...

Racked by restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both...

Review: I had never even heard of this series before meeting up with the people on Shelfari. I have been missing out on some serious action with these brothers.

Dark Lover started out a little slow, but once it picked up it did so with a BANG! The scenes are hot and passionate. There is a lot of action. It sets you up very well for the next several books in the series, introducing you to all the key players. I am definitely hooked and can't wait to get to the next one in the series. I might just forsake the rest of my reading list just to read this series!!!

A definite must read for anyone who loves a good Vamp book!

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Published 2007
400 pages

Back Cover: Chicago quarterback Dean Robillard is the luckiest man in the world. But life in the glory lane has started to pale, and Dean has set off on a cross-country trip to figure out what's gone wrong. When he hits a lonly stretch of Colorado highway, he spies something that will shake up his gilded life in ways he can't imagine. A young woman...dressed in a beaver suit.
Blue Bailey is on a mission. As for the beaver suit she's wearing... Is it her fault that life keeps throwing her curve balls? Witness the expensive black sports car pulling up next to her on the highway and the Greek god stepping out of it.
They're soon heading for his summer home, where their already complicated lives and inconbenient attraction to each other will become entangled with a charismatic but aging rock star; a beautiful, fifty-two -old woman trying to make peace with her rock and roll past; an eleven -year-old who desperately needs a family; and a bitter old woman who hates them all.
Natural Born Charmer... for anyone who's ever thought about leaving their old life in the dust and never looking back. Susan Elizabeth Phillips takes us home again... and shows us where love truly lives.

Review: I have been wanting to read a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book since some of they lady's in a Shelfari group started raving about her. I must say that this must not have been the best one for me to start with. Had I not checked this out on audio I don't know that I would have finished this book. The first two chapters were really rough for me, not only was the story really bad but the the reader was awful. I hated the voices that she put to some of the side characters.
Fortunately the book and the reader did get better! I can at least rate this book at a 3. The relationship between Blue and Dean was just so-so. I hated the nickname "the Beave" that Dean insisted on calling Blue during the beginning of the book. Blue reminded me of a mix of Sandra Bullock characters in Two Week Notice and Miss Congeniality, you know the ones where she is a constant smart ass and not particularly smart or pretty person... the one you kind of feel sorry for but in the end you are certainly rooting for her. There are abandonment issues in both courts, but what Dean demanded of Blue to prove herself was selfish and mean.
It was just OK. Not a book that I recommend running out immediately to read this book. I will eventually read another SEP book, it just won't be anytime soon.

The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

ROR Winter Challenge #2. Title read and reviewed during the Fall Challenge (Cindy W)
SRC: Book two (book 1: The Raven Prince, read '08)
Published 2007
345 pages
Rating: 5 stars

back cover: THE ONE THING A LADY MUST NEVER DO
Wealthy Lady Georgina Maitland doesn't want a husband, though she could use a good steward to run her estates. One look at Harry Pye, and Georgina knows she's not just dealing with a servant, but a man.
IS FALL IN LOVE...
Harry has known many aristocrats- including one particular nobleman who is his sworn enemy. But Hary has never met a beautiful lady so independent, uninhibited, and eager to be in his arms.
WITH HER SERVANT.
Still, it's impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when poisoned sheep, murdered villagers, and an enraged magistrate have the county in an uproar. The locas blame Harry for everything. Soon it's all Georgina can do to keep her head above water and Harry's out of the noose... without missing another night of love.

My Review: I had a rough time of getting started with this book. I don't know if it was all the activity that comes with the holidays or if it was just slow getting started. Being stranded in a car for eleven hours definitely cured me of whatever it was holding me back in getting into this Hoyt novel. I must say that it was definitely worth the wait!
I enjoyed the relationship between George and Harry much more than I did with Anna and Edward from The Raven Prince. I think it may have to do with the idea of forbidden love. George has waited so long... well not really waited so much as prolonged what seems to be the inevitable, only to find love in the arms of her "servant". George definitely knew what she wanted. You could definitely feel the internal struggles that both George and Harry experienced. This novel will definitely put you into a great big SIGH mode...sweet, passionate, and mysterious! The mystery surrounding this couple definitely added a little umph to the story line! While I wasn't completely taken by surprise with who was guilty of poisoning the sheep, it was rather surprising nonetheless.
The Loepard Prince is by far my favorite of the three Elizabeth Hoyt novels that I have read. It definitely earns a spot on my keeper shelf.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell

Winter Challenge Title: #7. A book that reminds you of Christmas

Published 2008

Pages:358

From the moment Fiona spies Holburn across the room she feels a connection. Fate is not on her side that night, she has to leave the ball immediately to help her brother and his wife flee to America. Fiona chose to stay behind. Her decision has cost her more than she expected or bargained for.


After her failed attempt to hold Holburn hostage and ransom him for 500 pounds she finds herself relying on him for her life. Holburn has promised to keep Fiona safe from the murderous Irishmen that are hell bent on pinning his murder on her. They are drawn to each other like moths to a candle. Fiona fears her past will prevent Holburn from ever being able to give her what she desires most in life.


Holburn must figure out who is trying to kill him and what better way but to draw the would be killers on to his own turf.A Seduction at Christmas had a decent story line full of deceit. Maxwell keeps you guessing to the "who dunnit" throughout. I didn't feel the passion between Fiona and Holburn though.

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Title#: 11. First Published in 2008
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 362

Back cover: Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social cirlces, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.

Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.

But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameles man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control...

My Review: It was no accident that Samuel rented the house next door to Lady Emeline. His business has brought him to London and to her. Samuel boldly seeks out Lady Emeline and inquires after her expertise in chaperoning his sister Rebecca for the few months that they are in town, not letting on to his hidden agenda. He fully expects to right the wrongs done six years ago, he does not expect the impact that this Lady will have on his soul.
Haunted by demons, Samuel pursues his agenda, enlisting the help of Emeline's unofficial fiance, Lord Vale. As the search for the traitor persists, Samuel finds himself falling in love with Emeline.
I was not overly fond of Emeline. Something about her personality just didn't sit well with me. It was almost as if she has been made out to be a martyr, all the men she has ever loved have left her and now she will marry a man only because it is the right thing to do. Her prickliness towards Samuel grated my nerves on more than one occasion.
To Taste Temptation has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it...Lady Emeline is the daughter, sister, and mother to Earls while Samuel is a base born American with money. A match between these two would be a huge faux pas in society's eyes. I enjoyed the story. I really liked Samuel's character and his fight with the demons that could ultimately destroy him if he allows it.
I really liked the Iron Heart tale.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 stars
Title#: 6. Book by Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 368
Published: 2006

Back Cover: Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!
Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.
But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts- which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions... or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Review: This is the third book in the Wallflower series. I have heard that it is by far the best of all. I wanted to be different so I went into reading this book with the thoughts that I thought It Happened One Autumn was the best and there was no way that Devil in Winter would top it. Boy was I wrong, I have fallen into the hordes of people who all believe that Devil in Winter is the best one!! After what Sebastian attempted in It Happened One Autumn I could not believe that he was going to be the hero of this book... surely Evie would come to her senses before reaching Gretna Green. I enjoyed watching Sebastian struggle with the unknown feelings and being brought to the brink of insanity by sweet little Evie. Who would have thought that this "tangle-tongue" mild tempered woman had it in her to tame the most notorious rake in London. I absolutely loved this book!

I must point out that I have read three books for this challenge and all of them have been top notch 5 star ratings... I must be on a roll this month!!

The Peacemaker by Lori Copeland

Inspirational
published 2005
298 pages

I read The Peacemaker for the Read Around the Genre challenge. I had a hard time finding a title that fell under Inspirational as this category is definitely one that I don't frequent. On vacation on year I was need of a book and the resort just so happened to have books available for check out. I ran across a Lori Copeland title and really enjoyed it. So when I came across her while searching the inspirational authors and titles I figured I would give this one a try.

The Peacemaker is the first in Copeland's Men of the Saddle series.

Wynne Elliot is hell bent on finding Cass Claxton and shooting on the spot for stealing her blind and leaving her at the altar. She takes off across the country to River Run Missouri only to have the stagecoach she is traveling on robbed 5 miles outside of town. She has had it with men, you can't trust any of them! When Beau and Cole come up to aid the displaced travelers she pulls a gun on them and ultimately ends up making a complete fool of herself. She unknowingly excepts help from Cass's family.
When Cole finds out what Wynne is really up to he tells himself that he is only following the pain-in-the- you know what to prevent her from killing his baby brother. Why should he help out this spitfire, she is liable to get them both killed.
Reminding herself of one of the Ten Commandments, Thou shall not kill, she is constantly at battle with herself and asking God's forgiveness. Cole is asking the good Lord for enough strength to do what is right and not abandon this "Addlebrained woman" on the side of the road without the means or skills to survive.

While not my normal cup of tea, I did enjoy this book. My interest is definitely piqued enough to want to continue with the series eventually.
Rating 4... I know it is inspirational, but no where near enough passion or steam for me!