It's Monday! What Are You Reading??

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I read this week...

"Laying Down the Law"
By: Delilah Devlin
A lifetime ago, Zuri Prescott kicked the dirt off her boots and ditched her small-time small town for the glam city life—and lived to regret it. When she’s framed for a bank job, she lights out for home, seeking refuge with her old high school sweetheart while she figures out her next steps. Only she discovers that the boy she left behind is the last man she should trust.

Sheriff Colt Triplehorn knows trouble when he sees it, especially when it comes in the form of a familiar trespasser, caught naked between an angry bull and her underwear. Sure she’s up to her usual no good, he grants her sanctuary at his ranch—the better to keep an eye on her, and purge her from his system once and for all. 

Reconnection is sweet and hot, but the heat can’t hide the truth. When Colt inevitably finds out what Zuri’s running from, it’s too late to put the fire out, and he’s got a career-compromising choice on his hands. Follow the letter of the law, or follow his heart.


"Burning"
By: J.M. Gregoire
Lucas was a typical playboy - lots of alcohol and a different girl every night. 

One woman brought his emotional walls and the beliefs he used to build them crumbling to the ground. 

Now, an unexpected visitor is going to change both their worlds forever. 

Burning is the short story lead-in to the upcoming Demon Legacy series by J.M. Gregoire.


"The Mighty Storm"
By: Samantha Towle

It's been twelve years since Tru Bennett last saw Jake Wethers, her former best friend and boy she once loved.

Jake Wethers, sexy, tattooed and deliciously bad lead singer, and brains behind The Mighty Storm, one of biggest bands in the world, left Tru with a broken heart when he moved from England to America with his family when they were both fourteen.

Sent to interview Jake for her music column by the magazine she works for, they are both unprepared for the sparks that fly the instant they reconnect. Only, there’s a complication to their instant feelings for one another – Will, Tru’s boyfriend of two years. 

Then Jake makes Tru a job offer she can't refuse - travelling the world with him and his band. But taking the job means leaving Will behind, and being on the road with the band means spending an inordinate amount of time with Jake. 

Is Tru strong enough to resist the delectable bad boy who once held her heart so completely, or will she willingly risk it all for one night with the worlds most notorious womanizer?


I'm heading to Springfield, Missouri this week to go to the Missouri Library Association's 2012 meeting. 
I don't know yet what I'm going to pack to read while I'm there, but you know its gonna be epic. Three days of nothing but Missouri librarians? Oh yeah :)

The Week in Review

It's been a busy week on the blog this week so I thought I'd give a recap of all the cool stuff we've had going on! 

Monday 

• We were were talking about what we read for the week. "Loving David" By: Gina Hummer was fantastic!
• Also a review of "Lord of Temptation" By: Lorraine Heath went up - YUM! Published September 25th, run and pick this one up! 

Tuesday

• Book Blurb and Review of Delilah Devlin's "Laying Down the Law"

Wednesday

• I was Waiting on... "Hard Mated" By: Jennifer Ashley

Thursday

• Review of "Mate Claimed" By: Jennifer Ashley 

Friday

• Review of "The Great Escape" By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips - She's done it again! Excellent romance and stinkin' aweosme characters.

Saturday

• Review of "Valiant" By: Laurann Dohner

Sunday

• Review of "Poison Princess" By: Kresley Cole
• It's Banned Books Week! What's YOUR favorite banned book?

Banned Books Appreciation Week

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week officially begins today! 

For library folks, we love to participate in this weeklong celebration of books, the freedom to read and of course, why banned books should NEVER occur.

In our Library Lobby -
 We have Harry Potter, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twilight, TTYL 

Why celebrate Banned Books Week?

The American Library Association regards Banned Books Week as:

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. 

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

 In August 2012, the American Library Association released the top 10 contested books of 2011. 

A few of them surprised me and I cannot get over how people are still upset over To Kill a Mockingbird

2011 Most Contested Books as compiled by the ALA

1)      ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle Reasons: Offensive language; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group 

2)      The Color of Earth (series), by Kim Dong Hwa Reasons: Nudity; sex education; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group 

3)      The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins  Reasons: Anti-ethnic; anti-family; insensitivity; offensive language; occult/satanic; violence 

4)      My Mom’s Having A Baby! A Kid’s Month-by-Month Guide to Pregnancy, by Dori Hillestad Butler Reasons: Nudity; sex education; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group 

5)      The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie Reasons: Offensive language; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group 

6)      Alice (series), by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Reasons: Nudity; offensive language; religious viewpoint 

7)      Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley Reasons: Insensitivity; nudity; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit 

8)      What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones Reasons: Nudity; offensive language; sexually explicit 

9)      Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily Von Ziegesar Reasons: Drugs; offensive language; sexually explicit 

10)  To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Reasons: Offensive language; racism 

*A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that a book or other material be restricted or removed because of its content or appropriateness.

For more information on this list and other challenged books, please see ALA's website

As a librarian and frankly, as a reader, I don't feel ANYONE has any right to tell me what to read or to prohibit me from reading what I want. 

Fight for your right - to read!

ttyl was the #1 most contested book of 2011

Read a banned book today  

Celebrate our freedom AND our right to read! 

Check back on Tuesday, October 2nd for a BBAW giveaway

"Poison Princess" By: Kresley Cole Review

"Poison Princess"

By: Kresley Cole

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

My Thoughts
     Kresley Cole can write a book. She can write a damn good book that makes you run to your computer to anxiously await the sequel when you’ve only just put it down in the first place. Poison Princess is a young adult novel and fairly different from what Cole has wrote in the past, but nonetheless a damn good book! A kick-ass heroine, handsome alpha hero, tarot cards, mysterious strangers, high drama and a little romance...what more do you need?
     Evie is pretty much your average high school girl with the same insecurities we all have, with one little catch; she’s having very vivid dreams and hallucinations of fire and death. Instead of her family being understanding or trying to talk to her about her issues, they send her off to a mental ward to be committed and when she returns, they act as if nothing has happened. Beyond having distant parents, at school she is being strangely attracted to a new and of course mysterious boy, Jackson Deveraux.
      So how much do you want to know? Because boy howdy, is there a lot going on in this one. I love the Immortals After Dark series (I’ve reread Lothaire so many times now, I can almost recite the book in my sleep) and when I originally heard that Cole’s new YA book would take place in somewhat the same world, I was wary. How could a YA interpretation ever fit in with my naughty werewolves and smart assed witches? Yet, it works out pretty well with Cole’s signature wit very apparent throughout.
      The characters in Poison Princess represent the Tarot decks of cards. Each character represents a certain card and in turn, will use those powers and characteristics in the apocalypse. An ancient fight of good vs. evil, with teenagers battling it out. Who do you want to win? The answer may seem easy but as with Kresley Cole, her books are so intricate and emotionally draining, you just don’t know. Her so called “bad” characters can turn in an instant to be so gosh darn good that you don’t know what happened (again Lothaire!) and someone who may be perceived as good could be so evil it turns your stomach.
      Evie and Jack are wonderful characters, complex yet simple, strong yet in some ways are just teens with teen problems. I’m not going to go into the plot too much because to tell you the truth, I’m still processing everything that went on. Suffice to say, Cole hasn’t jumped the shark with her new series even though it is aimed towards a younger crowd. That same quick wit is very evident and the foreshadowing for the upcoming series was phenomenal. Different characters with different problems but very much a fun, interesting, and intriguing new series by one of my favorite authors!

Want to read an excerpt of Poison Princess 
before it comes out on October 2nd?

I couldn't believe my good luck, but I found one you can try! 

And of course, Daisy Jane shared my excitement!! 

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

For more information on Kresley Cole and information on her books check out her website and The Arcana Chronicles

Be sure to check out Kresley on Facebook and Goodreads

Shadow’s Claim comes out on November 27, 2012

Who else is excited????

"New Species: Valiant" By: Laurann Dohner Review

"New Species: Valiant"

By: Laurann Dohner

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Tammy has always tried to be prepared for any calamity life might send her way but she never imagined a sexy, lion man-beast in her future. He's huge, got the most exotic, golden cat-eyes she's ever seen, and she's so terrified she's speechless for the first time in her life. He's stalking closer, growling at her, and she's too terrified to even flee.Valiant hates humans. But when he gets a whiff of the adorable human female who has invaded his territory, he starts rethinking. Her fear scents of pure, sweet temptation and the closer he gets, the more appealing she becomes. Once he's got his hands on her, he isn't about to let her go. One thought will change his life. MINE Before Tammy can regain her senses, she's flat on her back in Valiant's bed. Now he just has to use every inch of his big, buff body to convince her that she should stay with him forever.

My Thoughts

     Without a doubt, this is my favorite of the New Species series. Sure it follows the normal formula, but the characters really really work in this one. Valiant hates humans, seriously HATES them. He hates them for his past, the problems of his present, and threats to his future.
    Like many of the other books, Valiant scents Tammy and suddenly knows she is the “one” for him. Sure its hokey, and sure its been done, yet it works for me in this one. Tammy was pretty indepdent and unlike many of the other heroines, she doesn't just acquiese to Valiant. Sure he's scary, sure he's strong, yet Tammy isn't nervous around him.
     I know I'm not describing it the best, but the characters really make this novel. Its almost a cookie cutter of most of the other novels and has strong similarities to the Lora Leigh books, so beware. An excellent addition to the “New Species” series, I strongly recommend this one if you've read the others.

Have you read the New Species series yet? What did you think?

Book Details
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Date of Publication: September 14, 2011
# of Pages: 241
ISBN: 978-1419936005

"The Great Escape" By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Review

"The Great Escape"

By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     Lucy Jorik is a champ at never embarrassing the family she adores—not surprising since her mother is one of the most famous women in the world. But now Lucy has done just that. And on her wedding day, no less, to the most perfect man she's ever known.
     Instead of saying "I do" to Mr. Irresistible, Lucy flees the church in an ill-fitting blue choir robe and hitches a ride on the back of a beat-up motorcycle plastered with offensive bumper stickers. She's flying into the unknown with a rough-looking, bad-tempered stranger who couldn't be more foreign to her privileged existence.
     While the world searches for her, Lucy must search for herself, and she quickly realizes that her customary good manners are no defense against a man who's raised rudeness to an art form. Lucy needs to toughen up—and fast.
     Her great escape takes her to his rambling beach house on a Great Lakes island. Here, she hopes to find a new direction . . . and unlock the secrets of this man who knows so much about her but reveals nothing about himself. As the hot summer days unfold amid scented breezes and sudden storms, she'll also encounter a beautiful, troubled beekeeper; a frightened young boy; a modern-day evil queen; and a passion that could change her life forever.

My Thoughts:
      I am a librarian and read over hundreds of books a year that cover a wide array of topics, genres, and authors. It’s a wonderful job, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have too many favorites in the long run. There are very few authors and books that I write on my calendar the day they come out; Kresley Cole, Rachel Gibson, Sarah MacLean, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Seppies are a wild bunch but we are many and we are proud!
     “The Great Escape” is the 7th book in the Wynette, Texas series and does not disappoint in the least. The tale of Lucy Jorick (the daughter from “First Lady” and runaway bride from “Call Me Irresistible”) and Panda, her security escort and wild man on a motorcycle. Just a small warning, this book can be read by itself but I highly recommend you reading the previous book where Lucy runs away just to understand a bit of the back story.
    Lucy was to marry Ted Beaudine but ran away at the last minute. Standing in the alley behind the church, and not knowing where to go or what to do, Lucy hops on the back of a motorcycle of a complete stranger named Panda.
    Ms. Phillips is an absolute Queen of romance, the absolute ruler! She can write a road trip romance like nobody’s business and this one is simply fantastic. Panda has been secretly hired by Lucy’s parents to be her bodyguard. He’s ornery, funny, definitely hunky, and a perfect counterpart to Lucy’s crazy life.
    The duo finally ends up at Panda’s house in Minnesota. A wild array of supporting characters and funny situations finishes out this amazing romance of two wildly different people. Lucy is impulsive, yet smart and caring for those around her. Panda is tough to understand or truly know, but once you get to know him, he’ll love you for life.
    In this whole blog post, I have missed out on mentioning one of my favorite things about the book, the hilarity of it. Ms. Phillips can write funny like nobody’s business. Check out this funny scene that actually made me laugh out loud!

“Those awful bumper stickers are bad enough,” she said, “but at least a person has to be close to your bike to see them.”

He watched an alligator lolling in a patch of sunlight on the far bank. “I told you about the bumper stickers. 

She turned around in her seat, resting the paddle on her knees and letting him steer. “You said the bike’s previous owner put them on. So Why didn’t you let me peel them off?" 

He shifted his paddle to the other side. “Because I like them." 

She frowned at the message on his T-shirt: IT ONLY SEEMS KINKY THE FIRST TIME. 

“It was a gift,” he said. 

“From Satan?” (Phillips, 43)

     In case you haven’t realized it, I loooooved this book! The plot, the characters, the emotions, the romance of it all were perfect. I do realize reading the previous books was probably pretty necessary for the enjoyment of this one, but I think it would also be a fine read alone, you just may not love it as much as I do. Run and get this on, you won’t be sorry! Great characters, wonderful story, a steamy romance destined to leave you with a smile on your face.

Book Details 

Publisher: HarperCollins Publication 

Date of Publication: July 1, 2012 

# of Pages: 384 

ISBN: 9780062106100

"Mate Claimed" By: Jennifer Ashley Review

"Mate Claimed"

By: Jennifer Ashley

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Eric Warden knows that half-Shifter wildcat Iona is passing for human, living without a Collar in the human world. He also knows that if she does not acknowledge her Shifter nature and her mating hunger, it could kill her. Iona finds the mysterious and dangerous Eric, a wildcat and leader of his Shiftertown, haunting her dreams, but she vows never to "come out" and take the Collar, fearing backlash against her mother and sister for hiding the fact that she's Shifter. But Eric is a compelling Shifter male, and Iona's hunger calls to him.

My Thoughts:

     So I’ve been a fan of the Shifter’s series since the very first full length book, "Pride Mates." Something about a half human, half wildcat barely tamed kind of makes me happy. Weird but its such a neat take on a tired theme (Lora Leigh anyone?) that I jumped at the chance to read this one when it appeared on Edelweiss.
     Eric is the head of a shifter town we haven’t been explored very much. “Wild Cat” deals with Eric’s sister, if you were wondering how the books were related. Back to the shifters - Eric stops in at a bar one night and notices this girl. He knows she’s part shifter, but no one else seems to. When he confronts her about it, she’s shocked because no one else had ever suspected besides her mom and her sister.
    In Ashley’s world, all of the Shifters had to take a special collar in order to be tamed. The collar keeps their adrenaline levels down and ensures they don’t hurt one another or in particular, humans. So an uncollared shifter, with no training or family to fall back on, is a pretty big deal and Eric isn’t about to let loose Iona on the world. So he takes it upon himself to help her transition into the Shiftertown culture.
     Eric and Iona are two pretty special characters. This may sound strange, but I loved Eric’s love for his family. Having had a fairly hard life and a wife to die during childbirth, Eric should be pretty hardened individual. But he isn’t. He is open to the future, wanting things to change for the better and fighting off those who would have them go back to the dark days of before. Iona is so free, it would be lovely just to be that open and free with people.
     “Mate Claimed” is a fantastic addition to Ashley’s Shifter Series. Utterly original and really fun, fans of the series will cheer when Eric and Iona finally find what they’ve been missing in one another. Can’t wait until the next title, “Tiger Magic” arrives in 2013!

I received this title from Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Penguin

Date of Publication: October 2, 2012

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-1101611470

Jennifer Ashley’s Shifter’s Unbound Series

Shifter Made

Pride Mates

Primal Bonds

Bodyguard

Wild Cat

Hard Mated

Mate Claimed

Tiger Magic (Coming in 2013)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine


"Mate Claimed"
By: Jennifer Ashley

Eric Warden knows that half-Shifter wildcat Iona is passing for human, living without a Collar in the human world. He also knows that if she does not acknowledge her Shifter nature and her mating hunger, it could kill her. Iona finds the mysterious and dangerous Eric, a wildcat and leader of his Shiftertown, haunting her dreams, but she vows never to "come out" and take the Collar, fearing backlash against her mother and sister for hiding the fact that she's Shifter. But Eric is a compelling Shifter male, and Iona's hunger calls to him.

Expected Publication: October 2, 2012

What are you Waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Blurb & Review with Giveaway -- "Laying Down the Law" By: Delilah Devlin

"Laying Down the Law"

By: Delilah Devlin

The TripleHorn Brand, Book 1 

A lifetime ago, Zuri Prescott kicked the dirt off her boots and ditched her small-time small town for the glam city life—and lived to regret it. When she’s framed for a bank job, she lights out for home, seeking refuge with her old high school sweetheart while she figures out her next steps. Only she discovers that the boy she left behind is the last man she should trust.

Sheriff Colt Triplehorn knows trouble when he sees it, especially when it comes in the form of a familiar trespasser, caught naked between an angry bull and her underwear. Sure she’s up to her usual no good, he grants her sanctuary at his ranch—the better to keep an eye on her, and purge her from his system once and for all.

Reconnection is sweet and hot, but the heat can’t hide the truth. When Colt inevitably finds out what Zuri’s running from, it’s too late to put the fire out, and he’s got a career-compromising choice on his hands. Follow the letter of the law, or follow his heart.

Product Warnings: When a sheriff captures the girl who got away, expect revenge so hot it leaves brands on two lonely hearts…

About the Author

 Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred stories in multiple sub-genres and lengths with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. In January 2013, she’ll add Montlake Romance to her list of publishers when SHATTERED SOULS releases! 

Website: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DelilahDevlinFanPage

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DelilahDevlin

My Thoughts

** I want to apologize to Ms. Devlin for not getting my review up on time. First our electricity went out and then as soon as I got to work I began to get sick, which ended up in a trip to the doctor, a shot, prescription medications and sleeping 20 hours. As soon as I woke up this morning, I jumped up and realized that I hadn't updated the blog post and for that, I deeply apologize!**

    Devlin has done it again! I pretty much gobble up anything she writes and “Laying Down the Law” is another hit. Zuri is caught up in a bank robbery and ultimately is framed for something she didn’t do. What else can she do really but go back to her small hometown and to the only person she has truly loved?
    Colt Triplehorn is surprised to find Zuri back and can’t help himself when he decides to be her protector. His family is against the idea and feels he should leave well enough alone, but he goes against their advice and brings Zuri back to his home and his life.
    I think the magic in Delilah’s character’s are in their simplicity. You feel like you know Zuri, know her motivations and understand why she does the things she does. it creates a likeability factor and you root for the couple throughout the whole story. Plus, Delilah writes in such a hot way the pages almost burn your fingers. Fun and fast, “Laying down the Law” is great for fans of western romances or someone looking for that great next “hot” read! Desperately waiting for the next in this series, I can't wait to know what happens to Colt's hot brothers!

Excerpt

She’d landed on her knees, her pantyhose shredding on impact—the long, fat ladder that rippled up her thigh as strangely upsetting as the masked man behind her who grabbed her by the hair and pulled her up to face the security alarm.

She’d pressed the buttons on the key pad, disarming the premises alarm and dropped her hands. But another nudge of hard steel against her back, and his hushed, “The vault alarm too, sweetheart,” had her punching a second set of numbers before he hustled her around the corner toward the vault, out of sight of her manager who waited in the parking lot for the all-clear signal.

The vault operated on a timer. At any other time of day, she wouldn’t have been able to open it—a fact that didn’t register until later. She’d spun the two combination locks, heard the inner mechanisms clang as they released, and he’d reached around her to grab the lever and push it down. The large steel door swung open.

The thief had shoved her through the anteroom with security deposit boxes lining both walls, heading straight for the locked door at the rear. Again, he’d waited while she found the key and opened the door, then shoved the mesh interior gate inward.

Forcing her to her knees, he’d wrapped her wrists and ankles in duct tape, and pulled a hood over her head.

Then she’d been left to shiver on the floor, listening to the sounds he made as she followed him in her mind through the gate while he scooped stacks of cash into a bag. One side only. Later, the assistant manager pointed out that the thief must have been timing himself, a real pro, because he’d skipped the temptation of pausing to finish the sweep.

Less than five minutes had passed since they’d entered. Another two and the manager would call the police.

Giveaway Details

Delilah will be awarding a $20 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

Leave a comment with your e-mail to be entered!

Check out the other stops on the tour! 

September 24:  My Odd Little World
September 25:  The Brunette Librarian
September 25:  Delighted Reader Book Reviews
September 26:  SnifferWalk
September 27:  Where Love and Destiny Collide
September 27:  Reviews by Molly

"Lords of Temptation" By: Lorraine Heath Review

"Lord of Temptation"

By: Lorraine Heath

Synopsis from Goodreads:

      Once upon a time, he was Lord Tristan Easton—now he is Crimson Jack, a notorious privateer beholden to none, whose only mistress is the sea. But all that will change when exquisite Lady Anne Hayworth hires his protection on a trip into danger and seduction. . .

      Desperation brought Anne to the bronzed, blue-eyed buccaneer. But after the Captain demands a kiss as his payment, desire will keep her at his side. She has never known temptation like this—but to protect her heart, she knows she must leave him behind. Yet Tristan cannot easily forget the beauty—and when they meet again in a London ballroom, he vows he won't lose her a second time, as fiery passion reignited takes them into uncharted waters that could lead the second lost lord home. . .

 My Thoughts:

     I found this book on Edelweiss and having never read Lorraine Heath, I thought it was about time to find out what all the fuss was about. I was so surprised to find I have definitely found another must-read author. Oh my gosh. Be prepared because I’m going to get all fan-girl for “Lord of Temptation.”
    First off a disclaimer, this is the second book in the Lost Lords of Pembrook series. The first title, “She Tempts The Duke” tells the story of Sebastian and Mary, two very pivotal characters in this title. I haven’t read it but have purchased it from Barnes and Noble so it is definitely on my TBR list! Having not read the first book, a few things in the second were a little confusing but did not diminish my enjoyment in the least.
     Now to the meat of this amazing historical romance! Tristan and his two brothers ran from England and their murderous uncle as young teens. Years later they return to claim what is rightfully theirs. Sebastian returns to be the Duke, Tristan is now a Captain of a ship, known throughout the world as Crimson Jack, and the youngest and perhaps most affected by this forced separation is Rafe, a gambler.
     Our hero, Tristan, is approached by Lady Ann as she requests his services and ship to take her across the seas to her fiancee. Intrigued, Tristan agrees but instead of the money she offered as payment, he requests one kiss. Lady Ann agrees but little does she know that this dashing Captain will undoubtedly sweep her off her feet.

“A kiss.”

She spun back to face him. “Pardon?" 

“A kiss. That’s what I want you to barter for passage on my ship.” 

“A kiss? That’s all? A kiss?” Surely she’d misunderstood. 

Slowly he prowled over the thick carpet, silent as a wraith, until he was standing before her, his gaze smoldering as it dipped to her lips briefly. Then he was looking into her eyes, holding her captive as easily as if he’d bounded her with silk. 

“A long, slowly, leisurely kiss,” he whispered in a velvety smooth voice that sent a shiver of something that resembled pleasure scurrying along her spine. She suddenly felt so remarkably alive, so engaged. “On my ship, the moment of my choosing. If you draw back, then I get another until I am the one who ends it.”

     I really enjoyed this charming semi-piratical love on the sea story. (I hope piratical is a word, but if not you know what I mean!) Sure it had most of the traditional romance plot points, but done in such a fun way that I rushed through to find out what would happen next. Tristan had been through so much and Ann had held heartbreak in her hands and stared death in the eyes. They both needed one another and I SIMPLY loved it!

Anne walked to the vanity and discovered a small paper-wrapped parcel. The paper was more suited to serving as stationary but it had been crumjpled and folded, secured with string around an object. Slowly she untied the string and pulled back the paper to reveal a starfish.  

On the paper was written: For making a wish when there are no stars to be seen. 

Tears stung her eyes. So many things to wish for, but only one mattered: Be Safe, Captain. Please always be safe on your travels.

      Lorraine Heath was a new to me author but I am definitely checking out some of past titles. “Lord of Temptation” was a fun fanciful story with great characters and an insanely rich backstory. Highly recommended, check this one out as soon as you can!

I received this book from Edelweiss free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: September 25, 2012

# of Pages: 384

ISBN: 978-0062100023

It's Monday! What are you reading??

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I read this week...

"Loving David"

By: Gina Hummer

What would you do if someone like Ryan Reynolds or Robert Pattinson jumped into your car? That’s what happens to Charlotte when out of nowhere, gorgeous movie star David King becomes her surprise passenger. Not recognizing him at first, the startled Charlotte’s initial impulse is to mace him. But once she realizes who he is and that he’s making an escape from a crowd of zealous fans, she puts away her pepper spray and thinks what a great story she’ll have to tell her girlfriends! 

From there, the impossible happens: the two take tentative steps toward romance, and a relationship blooms. But Charlotte is a behind-the-scenes romance writer, and David is an in-the-spotlight and in-the-tabloids celebrity. Could it ever work?

Charlotte’s defenses drop one by one. Their age difference doesn’t really matter, and though their realities are worlds apart, they begin to become one. Just when everything seems to be leading to a storybook ending, David’s past intrudes, and Charlotte has to wonder if his romance with fellow star Olivia Hudson really is over.

"Beyond Shame"

By: Kit Rocha

All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond–beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman’s daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.

The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal–men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four’s ruthless leader, and he’ll defend the O’Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.

What I'm Reading Now...

"The Poison Princess"
By: Kresley Cole

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux. But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him? Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

Be sure to
checkout the great giveaway 
this week!

Daisy Jane modeling with the funniest book of the year!

I'm lucky enough to offer a copy of "Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know" 
Click here, leave a comment with your e-mail and win :)