Unwrapping: Review of UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp

Catherine Sharp is new to the romance genre and she’s picked a fab era with which to start – the Old West. Because I love a good western romance and a debut author, I eagerly accepted the assignment to read and review UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp.

***eCopy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for UNTAMED HEART:

Shane Cordell, raised by the Cheyenne, is savagely handsome. Women are drawn to him like a moth to a flame, and he's every bit as dangerous. His heart never gets involved...until now. Ashley Clayton is beautiful and independent. She was raised without a mother's touch, having only her father and ranch hands to ease her into womanhood. She is naive in the ways of etiquette but not in the ways of the flesh, horseflesh mostly. Upon her first encounter with Shane, she feels a strong attraction immediately, but there is a lie...a lie she is sworn to keep. A lie that seems so innocent now bodes heartache for their future. Shane must face his past in a courtroom where he is charged with rape and murder. Just as he's found not guilty, Ashley's innocent lie sends him running again, this time into a prostitute's arms. 

*               *              *               *               * 

Ashley Clayton heads out into a blinding snowstorm when her prize stallion jumps the fence and goes missing. Foolish and unprepared, she finds herself in a dangerous and nearly fatal position. Fortunately for her, Shane rescues her just in time.

When we first meet Shane Cordell, he’s saving his brother’s life. Immediately we are made aware of Shane’s independent and loyal character. Much later as he makes his way through the same snowstorm that has stranded Ashley, he comes upon her half-frozen body and proves he’s a gentleman as well.

After recovering from her near death experience, shock at finding herself in a strange man’s company and not having been ravished while wearing nothing but a blanket, Ashley allows Shane to take her home once the weather clears. The attraction is there but Shane has a fear of commitment, no trust for white men having been raised by the Cheyenne and having experienced his own misfortunes at the hands of their enemies, but he’s encouraged by his attraction to Ashley and so puts some faith in her. Ashley, however, starts out with a lie that threatens to tear apart any hope of a relationship even before it can begin.  

UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp had great potential to be an amazing story with strong, resilient, and intelligent characters. The reader is treated to lots of action including gunfights and shoot’em ups, an evil bad guy who is determined to exact revenge on Ashley and Shane, and even some historical tidbits that make the story all the more fascinating. However, as good as the plot line is, as strong as the characters are, and as helpful as the historical accuracies and Cheyenne language were, I had such a problem with the dialogue, the innocuous banter, and the constantly changing point of view, that I couldn’t enjoy the amazing story that Catherine was trying to tell.

I believe that with some tighter writing, more attention to changes in point of view, and directing the dialogue to create a more accurate portrayal of the language of the Old West, UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp could have been a home run. I look forward to whatever she brings on next because the potential is there and I’d love to see her grow as a writer. 

Although I had problems with the technical part of UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp, I will recommend reading it if you love a good western romance. The story is wonderful, if you can stay with it, and it contains all the elements including a little suspense to keep you reading to the end. I thought about quitting it a couple of times, but kept picking it back up because I continued to be intrigued.

Happy Reading Everyone!

UNTAMED HEART by Catherine Sharp, BookStrand – Siren Publishing, available now in print and ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links or cover below for purchasing information

   

Spotlight for HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, a Night Huntress novella by Jeaniene Frost

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

a Night Huntress novella

by

Jeaniene Frost

(originally appeared in 

The Bite Before Christmas anthology)

Releasing Today from Avon Romance

‘Tis the season to join Cat and Bones for some holiday cheer in this Night Huntress novella by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost.

They were looking forward to a normal holiday - at least as “normal” as it gets for vampires Cat and Bones and their other-worldly friends and family. But their yuletide plans are shattered when a mysterious stranger shows up and reveals long-buried secrets that threaten to take a bit out of their holiday cheer…and lives.

Happy Reading Everyone!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, a Night Huntress novella by Jeaniene Frost, Avon Romance, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information

   

Spotlight for ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER by Lecia Cornwall

ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER

by

Lecia Cornwall

Releasing November 5, 2013

from Avon Impulse

An ancient curse, a pair of meddlesome ghosts, a girl on the run, and a fateful misunderstanding make for the perfect chance at true love.

Lady Caroline Forrester is on the run from her brother’s scheme to marry her off to the highest bidder. An escape to Scotland offers a chance at employment as a governess and freedom from an unhappy marriage-it’s the perfect solution. But Caroline wasn’t prepared for the feelings that her new employer brings out in her.

Alec McNabb, the reluctant Earl of Glenorne, never expected to return home to Scotland. But now that he’s there, he realizes he has obligations that he cannot escape. Alec needs to marry well, and quickly.

When a case of mistaken identity-coupled with the sensual, magical atmosphere of Glenorne castle-results in a passionate encounter, Caroline and Alec must decide whether their attraction is enough to overcome the problems of their pasts, or whether this one chance at true love was over before it began …

*                  *                  *                   *                   *

Feel free to follow Lecia Cornwall all this week as she takes readers on a tour of her lush Scottish historical e-original, ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER, on sale from Avon Impulse 11/5.

All week, you’ll find out about the romantic setting, the lively characters (both alive and…otherworldly), and the Scottish romance genre in general!

Visit each blog on its designated day to get the full behind the scenes picture of ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER, and to enter for a chance to win a signed book by Lecia Cornwall. Simply click on the blog name:

11/4 — Rakes, Rogues, and Romance  Find out all about the hero and heroine of ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER

11/5 — Crystal Blogs Books   Lecia shares pictures from her firsthand research of the Scottish setting

11/6 — For the Love of Bookends  Learn more about the ghostly matchmakers who bring our hero & heroine together

11/7 — Romancing the Readers  Lecia names some of her favorite Scottish-set historicals

11/9 — Coffee Time Romance   The Top 10 Best Scottish Romances of All Time!

Happy Reading Everyone!

ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER by Lecia Cornwall, Avon Impulse – Avon Romance, releasing November 5, 2013 in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobobooks, and iTunes. Print version coming December 10, 2013.

***click on the links above or cover below for purchasing information

   

Promo for TRUST ME?, book 1 of the Trust Me? Trilogy by K E Osborn

Trust Me? 

Book One of The Trust Me? Trilogy

by

K E Osborn

Now available for purchase for $2.99 until November 30, 2013

at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

Jenifer Taylor is content with her life, dull and boring as it is. Being absent from the dating scene means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men that stem from a controlling and aggressive ex-boyfriend and an absentee father. She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.

When Jeni starts a typical day in the big city of Mornington Vale, California, it turns from bad to worse when she’s involved in a chain collision on her way to work.

Her world changes forever that day because she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial corporation. Aiden is an up-and-coming young businessman who's ready to take on the vice presidency of his father’s company. He is the good son, and it’s imperative to Alistair that Aiden succeed and follow in his footsteps. Life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else.

After the accident, however, Aiden’s world changes as well. He finds Jeni irresistible and instantly pursues her. With some coaxing, she eventually agrees to a date, and the attraction is mutual.

Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue. When to trust is tested in many different ways but comes to a head when Aiden is investigated for a serious crime. As her trust issues spark, she is forced to go through a journey of self-discovery.

She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”

This is book one in a series of three. Book two, LOVE ME? is coming November 18, 2013 – so be on the watch for it.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Happy Halloween! SMITH HOUSE, a ghostly tale by Amy Valentini

SMITH HOUSE

A Ghostly Tale

by

Amy Valentini

The cool night air carried an ominous vibe as the cautious victims approached the dark, cold, and unlit edifice of what some have said is haunted – Smith House. Even during the day, warmed by the brightest sun, Smith House carries a feeling of the something not of this world. No one ever seemed to enter or leave the rundown structure, at least not in daylight. Even the ivy had not wished to grow up the peeling paint of the dull gray clapboard in so many years that there was no one left alive who remembered it ever being green with life.

A couple members of the small group of adventurers nudged each other teasingly as the heavy clouds suddenly parted as if expecting them and moonlight spotlighted the decrepit old building. Large gables outlined in the light from the sky, glowered over them like heavy knitted eyebrows scowling as if to warn them away. The small assembly halted their forward progression through the gate with a unified gasp.

“I don’t think this is such a good idea. I want to go home,” one quiet voice announced beneath a large brimmed Fedora.

“Don’t be such a sissy, it’s only a house,” the tallest explorer of the group growled as he shoved the smaller Fedora clad fellow forward. “You can go first.”

A loud sound echoed across the distance from the gate to the dilapidated porch and everyone halted once more. Fedora explorer shook in his over sized boots and started to turn back but everyone grabbed him this time, huddling around him. No one spoke but when the sound rang out again, the youngest and sweetest of the group giggled.

“It’s a bell,” the little one exclaimed. “Look, there!”

The group glanced high along the silhouette of the structure to a narrow tower near the top. There in the light of the moon, they witnessed a bell reflecting a sparkle of moonlight as it swung back and forth ringing out a dull, deep resonating tone.

“But who’s ringing the bell?” The tall one asked in a sinister voice.

“I’m going home!” Fedora explorer called out as he pushed his way through the huddled group.

“No! You’re not, sissy boy, you’re leading the way.” The tall one grabbed Fedora explorer by the back of his denim jacket and dragged him forward toward the rickety old house.

The others followed close behind, a few of them muttering about how the tall one was treating Fedora but failed to intervene on his behalf. Fedora fought the grip of the tall adventurer but to no avail. When his feet landed squarely on the broken steps of Smith House, Fedora froze. His breath caught tight in his lungs, his eyes wide with the fear that the others wouldn't admit to.

“Go on! You agreed to do this if we allowed you to come along tonight,” the tall one argued in a threatening voice. “What are you waiting for?”

Fedora stared at the rough, scarred wood of the massive front door. The doorknocker was worn and rusted but he could still make out the monstrous face that peered back at him from the copper-colored bronze. His voice cracked and groaned as he managed his words.

“There’s no doorbell.”

“Use the knocker then,” the group hissed in unison.

Fedora explorer stepped forward with two slow steps until he stood before the door. He swore he could hear the wood breathing for his own breath was permanently trapped in his lungs. Slowly, he raised his hand but even fully extended, he was unable to reach the knocker. With a great exhalation, more of relief than disappointment, he stepped back and announced his dilemma.

“I can’t reach it.”

“For heaven’s sake, must I do everything,” the tall one exclaimed as he shoved Fedora aside and took his place before the door. He glanced over his shoulder at his fellow adventurers as if hoping one of them would rescue him and take his place, but none stepped forward. Fedora was the only other one to stand on the crumbling porch with him. He gave Fedora a weak grin that he hoped looked confident, but when the wind blew cold across his face, he knew it hadn’t.

Slowly, the tall one raised his hand toward the green-hued doorknocker. A unified inhalation echoed through the air like a crackle of lightning and caused the hair on the back of his neck to stand erect. He noticed his fingers shook as they drew closer to the monster’s face and when they closed around the ring that hung from its large bulbous nose, he felt his bladder weaken to the point that he drew his knees together. He, too, was beginning to think this adventure wasn’t such a good idea. No one had conquered Smith House, not in his lifetime anyway. No one seemed to be able to him what lie behind the closed walls and for the first time, he knew he wasn’t the one to find out.

The tall one was about to release the ring when the door handle rattled. He froze, his bladder let go just enough that his face flushed with heat at the thought of the stain that would show on the front of his trousers. Why ever had he thought he could do this?

The great scarred and angry looking door clicked open. The tall one slowly released his fingers but they took their time letting go and by the time he was loose, the door had opened enough that he could see a faint glow emanating from inside the seemingly dark cold house.

The tall one wanted to run. He needed to run. He wanted to run so much that in his mind, he was already clear down the lane and nearly home, but he couldn’t get his feet to move. Fedora stepped forward. He could see him just out of the corner of his eye approaching the door. What was he doing?

The tall one was just about to yell at him to stay back when a blue-veined arm, deathly pale in color in the moonlight, and boney like a skeleton reached through the door opening and grabbed his arm. The touch was cold and amazingly strong. The tall one screamed and promptly fainted.

“Trick or Treat!” The group of adventurers yelled in unison as they stepped over their fearless leader and quickly gathered their goodies from the old woman who smiled and cheerfully filled their sacks.

Fedora was the last to step up. He picked up his tall friend’s sack and asked the smiling woman with the laughter in her eyes if she would put some in his also. She laughed and nodded before filling both her hands with a plentiful bounty of treats and dropped them into the tall one’s sack. Fedora thanked her with a tip of his broad-brimmed hat and as he moved away, he kicked the tall one in the foot.

“Come on, sissy, or I’ll tell everyone you peed your pants.” Fedora explorer laughed happily as he dropped the tall one’s treasure onto his prone body and ran down the steps to join his friends as they continued their adventure further down the lane.

The lesson to be learned is, if you’re not ready to face your own fears don’t push others to do it first, for they just might jump out and say …

BOO!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Unwrapping: Review of THE WICKED WALLFLOWER by Maya Rodale

Unwrapping Romance came about because of something I read regarding a view on romance readers written by an already favorite author of mine, Maya Rodale. Well now my amazing muse has stepped up and created a new series that gives historical romance a whole new look, and future. I hope it will bring some former readers back to the fold because something tells me that Maya is getting ready to take us for a wild ride with THE WICKED WALLFLOWER as a most delightful introduction.

***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for THE WICKED WALLFLOWER:

Maya Rodale's captivating new series introduces London's Least Likely—three wallflowers who are about to become the toast of the ton…

Lady Emma Avery has accidentally announced her engagement—to the most eligible man in England. As soon as it's discovered that Emma has never actually met the infamously attractive Duke of Ashbrooke, she'll no longer be a wallflower; she'll be a laughingstock. And then Ashbrooke does something Emma never expected. He plays along with her charade.

A temporary betrothal to the irreproachable Lady Avery could be just the thing to repair Ashbrooke's tattered reputation. Seducing her is simply a bonus. And then Emma does what he never expected: she refuses his advances. It's unprecedented. Inconceivable. Quite damnably alluring.

London's Least Likely to Misbehave has aroused the curiosity—among other things—of London's most notorious rogue. Now nothing will suffice but to uncover Emma's wanton side and prove there's nothing so satisfying as two perfect strangers…being perfectly scandalous together.

*                *                 *                *                *

Emma Avery has spent three seasons in the wallflower corner and she sees no truly constant prospect for marriage before Lady Penelope’s Anniversary Ball. No graduate of Lady Penelope’s Finishing School for Young Ladies has failed to match a good marriage match and Emma was not in want of being the first. Of course, she wouldn’t be alone for it seems that her two best friends, Olivia Archer and Prudence Payton, are still unmatched as well. It helps not that each has been nick-named cruel monikers – London’s Least Likely to Cause a Scandal (Olivia), to Misbehave (Emma), and to Be Caught in a Compromising Position (Prudence). Emma despises her additional name given to her by her nemesis from school – Buxom Bluestocking – because of her love of reading. And so is the reason we find them sitting together in Emma’s bedchamber drinking far too much sherry after Lady Wrotham’s ball, which started the fourth season and drove it home that they were still among the wallflowers. The mischief begins - a letter is written in jest, tragedy strikes, the letter is lost, lost anyway until the contents turn up in the London Weekly. Emma awakes to find an announcement there that she is currently betrothed to Blake Auden, the Duke of Ashebrook, who happens to be the most infamous rogue in London, renowned for making women swoon with just a smile.

In need of some much-needed respectability, especially after a rather nasty affair regarding a set of twins, Blake Auden sees the bright side of this rather unexpected proclamation in the London Weekly of his betrothal to a woman he’s never met – well, rather to any woman at all. Blake is not the marrying kind. With a plan in mind, he sets out for Avery House to meet the woman to whom he is now publicly engaged.

Emma and Blake come together to protect reputations, build new ones, and compete for a fortune so that each may have their own happily-ever-after. Neither expected to discover that the happily-ever-after that each sought was with each other.

THE WICKED WALLFLOWER by Maya Rodale is a wickedly good time. Mischief and mayhem result when three, too smart for their own good, wallflowers indulge in an evening of drinking sherry and cause one of them to embark on a journey that will make her blossom into something far more appealing than a wallflower. Maya has a knack for creating believably smart, yet rebellious young heroines who manage to take the rogues on whom they set their sights by surprise every time. Emma is no exception. She allows Blake to chase her until he’s finally caught in her web of love. Secondary characters, among them Blake's Aunt Agatha, drive this story will delightful banter and create an environment that forces two personalities to recognize that they have more in common with each other than their peers. The Fortune Games are intriguing, imaginative, and for our couple, love inspiring.

I highly recommend THE WICKED WALLFLOWER by Maya Rodale to anyone who loves a story that intrigues, that manages to keep the reader a little off kilter as to what might happen, and to anyone who loves a wonderful, wickedly passionate, and romantically satisfying tale with a smiling happily-ever-after. I mean anyone – I recommend this one to those of you who aren’t partial to historical romances as well, for Maya has something splendid planned for contemporary readers and it all begins with THE WICKED WALLFLOWER.

Happy Reading Everyone!

THE WICKED WALLFLOWER by Maya Rodale, Avon Romance, available now in print and ebook formats from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links or cover below for purchasing information

   

Cover Reveal for BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasure Wars Novel by Jess Michaels

BEAUTY AND THE EARL

a Pleasure Wars Novel

by
Jess Michaels

coming April 15, 2014

Blurb for BEAUTY AND THE EARL:

Desire as essential as breath…deception as fragile as sanity.

The Pleasure Wars, Book 3

Liam, the Earl of Windbury, had everything when he held his secret lover in his arms. Until a feud between their families left her dead, his body broken, and his sister married to his bitterest enemy.

Wracked with guilt, simmering with rage, he’s spent a year in seclusion, seeing no one except a few servants as he does his best to forget the past and patently refuses to think about any kind of future.

When courtesan Violet Milford enters Liam’s lair, she’s on a secret mission to gather information for Liam’s desperate sister, who fears for his sanity, even his life. What she finds is a man scarred inside and out, whose dark, controlling sensuality hides the kind, wounded man within.

Violet awakens a sexual desire more powerful than Liam has ever known, and her stories weave a spell that begins to work its way past his defenses. But when the truth inevitably comes out, it could well destroy the love that is saving them both.

Warning: This book features a sexually experienced woman who will use every trick in her book to save a man from himself. 

About the Author:

Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella to Red Sage Press, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published (or has contracted to publish by the end of 2013) 37 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

In 2011, she and her husband moved to Tucson, AZ. There she enjoys hiking in the beautiful desert, spending time with her nephews, designing jewelry, reading and spending time with her awesome husband and cats.

To learn more about Jess Michaels and her books, feel free to visit her website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and at Goodreads.

BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasures War Novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available for pre-order at Amazon now.

Unwrapping: Review of CAPTIVE BRIDE, a Regency Ghost Novel by Katharine Ashe

I love Katharine Ashe’s stories! Simply stated and to the point, so when her Regency ghostly romance, CAPTIVE BRIDE released, I just knew I had to read it. Saving it so close to Halloween was just pure coincidence but a totally delightful treat.

***Purchased digital copy for my own personal reading but sharing my thoughts with you.

Blurb for CAPTIVE BRIDE:

Sensible, practical Beatrice Sinclaire has two secret passions: gothic novels and Lord Peter Cheriot, the man her beautiful sister left heartbroken years ago. When Bea’s scapegrace twin brother begs her help to rescue a maiden from a haunted castle, Bea seizes the chance for real adventure. If only Lord Cheriot didn’t insist on protecting her! How can she maintain a clear head in the face of terrible danger when all she wants is to be in his arms?

Lord Cheriot may be the catch of the London season, but he has only ever loved one woman, Bea Sinclaire. And he’s determined to have her. He doesn’t count on a meddling ghost whose demand for a virgin bride threatens Bea in the direst manner. But the specter has a deadline, All Hallows Eve, and it’s fast approaching. In the race to capture the heart of one daring lady, it’s every man—and ghost—for himself.

*                *                *               *                *

When Bea Sinclaire’s brother writes with a request for assistance that may or may not involve a ghostly presence, she doesn’t hesitate. But she is even more surprised when the man she secretly loves, yet consistently refuses, informs her that he will be accompanying her to Wales. Of course, her two great-aunts will be playing chaperone so the thought of being alone with Peter Cheriot is more a passing fancy than a reality.

Peter Cheriot is bewildered and frustrated that his offers of marriage continue to be refused by a woman who must perpetually care for a mother who holds no respect for her, and has no hope of finding a better match than him in York. He’s slightly more bewildered by the fact that it seems so important to him to obtain Bea Sinclaire’s acceptance. Now with a chance to attend her on an adventure, albeit foolish and ridiculous, Peter is as excited about the prospect as is his beautiful lady. His adventure is to win the woman who owns his heart.

Neither Bea nor Peter expect there actually to be a ghost at Gwynedd Castle. Therefore, when they discover that Lord Rhys Iversly is very real and very intent on taking a maiden as his bride by midnight on All Hallows Eve, together they embark on an adventure that brings forth more adventure than simply solving the problem of a wayward ghost.

CAPTIVE BRIDE by Katharine Ashe is a delightfully scintillating ghostly romance that lends an air of danger and mystique to a love story that would otherwise be fraught with worry as to whether or not there would be a happily-ever-after for the star couple. Even with a night of lovemaking to save Bea from a most wicked end, Peter is still frustrated with the sense that Bea will never truly be his while Bea thinks he merely acted out of pity to save her sorry soul.

Katharine has a wonderful talent for creating characters with substance and depth even when one of them is already deceased. If you haven’t read CAPTIVE BRIDE by Katharine Ashe, then by all means, do so. I highly recommend reading it within the next week or so because the timing is perfect as the ghostly hour of All Hallows Eve quickly approaches and you never know when a desperate Lord may haunt your space and seek a bride to save his soul from a warlock’s curse. Ooh, and the price is excellent!

Happy Reading Everyone!

CAPTIVE BRIDE by Katharine Ashe, self-published and available in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes& Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information