Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

Rating: 5 stars

Title#: 1. Readers Choice

Pages: 374

Back Cover: In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton- The Wolf- unleashed his warriors against Louddon's domain. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured... but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast... as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for ...HONOR'S SPLENOUR.

Review: From the moment Madelyne warms Duncan's feet she is bound to him, but Duncan is using her as a pawn in his feud with Louddon. Madelyne has practiced hiding her emotions from all, seething inside she appears to be very serene on the outside. Duncan has been the only one to see past her barriers to the insecure little girl that hides beneath. He promises that he will not harm or dishonor her, yet he uses her for his own purposes.

Honor's Splendour was funny, sweet, and passionate. This was definitely a page turner and one I could not put down. I think it is by far one of the best books that I have read this year and by this author.

A Pirate of Her Own by Kinley MacGregor

Winter Challenge #10 Read a book that has a Viking or Pirate in it!

RATG 1. Pirate or Viking: A Pirate Of Her Own by Kinley Macgregor
1999
371 pages

Rating: 5 stars

Back Cover: Few know Morgan Drake's true name- but many fear the Sea Wolf, the scourge of the ocean, a fearless pirate who frees impressed American sailors from British vessels. Mow a beautiful reporter is willing to risk her life, her innocence, and her heart to reveal the secrets that Morgan is determined to protect at any cost...
A headstrong and courageous young woman in a man's world, Serenity James knows she is barely tolerated in her father's newspaper office. An exclusive story about the dreaded Sea Wolf, however, will earn her the respect she so fervently desires. But she never expected to be kidnapped by the sexy and dangerous brigand whose bold exploits have fired her imagination- or to discover the adventure she's always longed for in Morgan Drake's passionate caress.

My Thoughts: This was an absolute delight to read. I could not put it down and was sorely disappointed to have it end. Serenity is definitely headstrong, her father has often asked why her mother gave her the name Serenity and said that she should have named her Incense. Her greatest trait is that of being able to antagonize a person who is ready to strangle her. These traits do not fade in the face of Morgan Drake, who she should fear to her very last breath.
Serenity and Morgan butt heads from the moment they meet in her father's newspaper office. Morgan is at a loss as to how the woman is constantly able to back him out of a room and close the door in his face before he realizes which way is up. The banter between these two is hilarious. I actually marked a few pages to go back to this time around!! Serenity's lecture on why woman are equal to men and her response to Morgan's comment " why God made women the fairer sex who faint at the slightest scare" was priceless. I have to say that it is a must read for all of you readers out there that love Pirates!!!

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!