Follow Friday

FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS:  PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.

Q:  What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

I've been officially blogging for three months! Which I am immensely proud of...its not a long time, but boy has it been pretty fun. I've loved visiting with other bloggers, reading books recommended, and just the whole blog culture has been so wonderful. So...a huge Thank You from me to you!

As far as things I'd like to do in the future, I'd love to have some author interviews or some guest bloggers. We'll see what the new year brings!

Happy 2012 everyone!

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" By: Mary Ann Shaffer Review

"The Guernsey Literary and

Potato Peel Pie Society"

By: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

January 1946: writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.

My Thoughts:
   This is one of the most amazing books I have read all year. Anyone who has read it will tell you they love it, so I don't know why I am so surprised. It's an amazing read that focuses on the good in people and life's simple pleasures.
     The book is really about two women, Juliet and Elizabeth. We never hear Elizabeth's voice, we just know her actions and the love she left behind. Juliet is an English author who lived during World War II in London and starts corresponding with people from the island of Guernsey. Both are courageous, funny, and caring; becoming, in the end, part of the glue that holds Guernsey island together.
     "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a love story at its basis. A love story between people...from friendships to family to actual romantic relationships. I really enjoyed reading as these relationships developed through letters. It is easy to forget how influential letter writing used to be in our crazy, high tech worlds but it is true. The story easily unfolds through nothing but letters and it is clear the path the story is taking.
      I really enjoyed this story. The world of World War II was fascinating with a wonderful story about the real island of Guernsey - which I knew nothing about before this story. Dramatic, romantic, fun and heartwarming, this story is for anyone who believes life is worth living - even in the most horrific of conditions. Love, Life, and Friendship...what makes the world go round!
 

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. 

"Rainshadow Road" 

By: Lisa Kleypas

Releases February 28, 2012

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington.  She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal:  her fiancé Kevin has left her.  His new lover is Lucy’s own sister.   Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life.  

 Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

"Raising Kane" By: Lorelei James Review

"Raising Kane" 

By: Lorelei James

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

When a patch of ice sends attorney Ginger Paulson head-over-high-heels down a flight of stairs, she has no one to care for her young son and her invalid father—until lethally sexy Kane McKay shows up at the hospital, determined to prove his cowboy chivalry. Past experience has inoculated her against take-charge men, but even Ginger isn’t immune to Kane’s invasive charm and Built Ford Tough body.

For two years rancher Kane McKay has followed the Little Buddies mentoring program’s cardinal rule—hands off his Little Buddy Hayden’s mama. But one look at Ginger’s bruised body and Kane is through watching the stubborn woman take care of everyone but herself. The feisty, curvy redhead needs his help, and he’ll give her the hands-on type whether she likes it or not.

After Kane throws out doctor’s orders and issues his own demands—her full sexual submission—Ginger realizes Kane’s caring nature extends beyond just fulfilling her physical needs.

Can the former hell-raiser convince the gun-shy single mom to look beyond his past…toward a shared future?

My Thoughts:   

     I really liked this book! I feel that Lorelei has really hit her stride with this series and I am loving each new book that comes out. Raising Kane is book 9 in the Rough Riders series telling the story of bad boy twin Kane and lawyer, Ginger.
     Kane has been a central character in several of the past books so you feel like you really know him. He has went from a crazy 20-something boy to a fairly reclusive reformed cowboy throughout the series. As a reader I have enjoyed the transformation, because I hated him near the beginning of the series.
      Fast forward several books and now Kane has his own story. He falls in love with Ginger, a lawyer in town who's son is Kane's "little brother." It was fun to watch this relationship change and grow as well as see Kane interact with this ready made family.
      As with all of Lorelei's books, there is tons of naughtiness so be prepared. However, it is a wonderful story about redemption, family, and friends in times of crisis. A wonderful, easy to read story for a cold wintry night. A great addition to the Rough Riders series.

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.

Books I Read This Week:

"Past Perfect"

By: Leila Sales

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

"Shadow's Stand" 

By: Sarah McCarty

Shadow Ochoa is lying low in the western Kansas Territory, waiting for his fellow Texas Rangers—the Hell's Eight brotherhood—to clear his name. That is, until he's unjustly strung up for horse thieving…and pretty Fei Yen intervenes. Invoking a seldom-used law, the exotic lady prospector claims Shadow as her husband and rides off with the bridegroom shackled to her buckboard.

Savvy, fearless Fei is single-mindedly devoted to her hidden claim and all it promises: wealth, security and freedom. A husband is just a necessary inconvenience and a name on paper to hold the claim she cannot.

Shadow isn't a man to take orders from anyone, especially from lovely Fei—except that the daily friction between them ignites into nightly blazes of all-consuming passion. Soon Shadow is dreaming a little himself: of the life they could have if only Fei could see past the lure of independence. If only bounty hunters weren't closing in on him. If only he's left standing when the impending showdown has ended….

"Orange is the New Black" 

By: Piper Kerman

When federal agents knocked on her door with an indictment in hand, Piper Kerman barely resembled the reckless young woman she was shortly after graduating Smith College. Happily ensconced in a New York City apartment, with a promising career and an attentive boyfriend, Piper was forced to reckon with the consequences of her very brief, very careless dalliance in the world of drug trafficking.

Following a plea deal for her 10-year-old crime, Piper spent a year in the infamous women’s correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, which she found to be no “Club Fed.” In Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison , Piper takes readers into B-Dorm, a community of colorful, eccentric, vividly drawn women. Their stories raise issues of friendship and family, mental illness, the odd cliques and codes of behavior, the role of religion, the uneasy relationship between prisoner and jailor, and the almost complete lack of guidance for life after prison.

What I'm Reading Now...

Book Blogger Holiday Swap

I received my package from my Secret Santa a few days ago. 

No batteries in my camera until today but I was incredibly thrilled!!

"Captain of All Pleasures" By: Kresley Cole (YAY!!!)

"The Perfect Rake" By: Anne Gracie (Woot Woot!)

Some adorable notecards and a very sweet and happy Christmas card.

Thank you soooooo VERY VERY much Alyssa from the Book Blogger Holiday Swap. 

I love it all and am so very grateful!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody!

"The Christmas Train" By: David Baldacci Review

"The Christmas Train" 

By: David Baldacci

Tom Langdon is a former war reporter who now writes feature articles for various magazines. Banned from flying on airplanes after a hostile incident at an airport security checkpoint, Langdon is forced to take a cross-country train from Washington, D.C., to L.A., where his girlfriend is waiting to spend Christmas with him. As he begins talking to the passengers and staff aboard the train, he meets an eccentric older woman who seems to be a regular rider, a young couple preparing to marry on the train, and a former Catholic priest. To Tom's shock, the former love of his life, Eleanor, is also aboard the train. Sparks fly between them, bringing up old feelings along with the unresolved issues from their relationship. Tom realizes this might be his second chance with Eleanor, but a series of unexpected events may derail his plans. 

My Thoughts:

     I am so embarrassed to admit this, but this is one of the few books that I did not finish this year! I read "The Christmas Train" for one of my reading groups and simply didn't finish.    

     While it was a cute story in the beginning, I cannot tell you how boring it was in the middle! Tom Langdon (the main character) has been kicked off a plane for being rowdy - so he's traveling by train to see his girlfriend in California. On the train he meets up with his ex-girlfriend, whom he still has feelings for. That's the basis of the book...sure there are quirky characters and Baldacci shares his feelings of love for the railway system but that's pretty much it. For 200 pages it's the same boring thing...over and over. 
     I don't want to put it down too much, everyone in my book group loved it. I just didn't see the appeal and stopped around page 103. If you are a fan of Baldacci or just love trains, definitely pick this one up...it just didn't appeal to me.

Holiday Hop Winner!

The time has come to announce our winner for the "Holiday Hop!" 

Up for grabs was "To Pleasure A Duke" By: Sara Bennett

And the winner is... Kathryn Merkel!

Follow Friday

FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS:  PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.

Q:  If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

I would most definitely choose to live within the "Brotherhood" of the J.R. Ward series. 

Vampires, romance, a little adventure and a whole lotta hotness = a happy girl. 

Amazing series if you haven't read 'em!

"A Redbird Christmas" By: Fannie Flagg Review

"A Redbird Christmas"

By: Fannie Flagg

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

      Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it.

My Thoughts:

      I had never read a Fannie Flagg story and I am so glad this was my first! We read this title for one of my book clubs and we all loved it so much. A GREAT Christmas read, this story has a little bit of everything for everyone.

     A wonderful, country Christmas read, "A Redbird Christmas" tells the story of Oswald T. Campbell and his unfortunate diagnosis of cancer. Thinking he is going to die soon, he sells most of everything he owns and moves south to a quirky little town filled with all sorts of interesting people. From the mailman who delivers mail down the river, to the crazy creole people living down the way - the town is filled with people who have their own wild stories.

     Intermixed with these characters is the story of a little girl who is severely handicapped and her dedication to the town's mascot redbird. The redbird had been hand raised by one of the town's inhabitants and the little girl just connected with him.

     It's an utterly lovely story of life, love, friendship, connecting with people, and happiness. If you are going to read one book about Christmas this year, make it this one. I promise you, you'll be smiling when you finish!

"The Christmas Secret" by: Donna VanLiere

"The Christmas Secret" 

By: Donna VanLiere

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

When a struggling young single mother saves the life of an elderly woman, she sets into motion a series of events that will test her strength, loyalty, and determination, all the while setting her on the path to finding true love. Christine Eisley is the mother of seven-year-old Zach and five-year-old Haley. Her ex-husband provides little, if any, child support and makes life difficult for Christine by using the children as pawns. She works long hours as a waitress to make ends meet, but her job is in jeopardy because she’s often late to work due to the unreliable teenaged sitters she’s forced to use. When Christine saves the life of a woman who works in Wilson’s department store, the owner of Wilson’s wants to find her, to thank her, but Christine has disappeared, losing another job once again. He sets his grandson, Jason, to the task of finding the mysterious “Christy.” Jason, an accountant by trade who has lost his job to downsizing, thinks he is “above” working at Wilson’s. Soon, he discovers that this new task gives him more than he bargains for. The Christmas Secret is a novel for anyone who wants to see how love is a gift that keeps giving back; that hope is a treasure that never runs dry, and that faith is a miracle that is reborn with each new day.

My Thoughts:
     I read this book for one of my bookgroups...it's December so we had to read a Christmas selection! I had never read a Donna VanLiere title but she is a very popular author. She had written over 10 Christmas themed books, so it was kind of surprising to find an author that was new to me.
     Christmas Secret is definitely an inspirational title although its not marketed as that. A sweet book, "The Chrsitmas Secret" tells the story of a single mom trying to make it in our rough and tumble world and the people who surround her both good and bad. I think the heart of the story is in the townspeople and its where I found the most enjoyment. The secretive waitresses, the onery old ladies, nosy neighbors, excited children, evil ex-husbands, and honest friends created the makeup of the town. I enjoyed hearing how these characters came together to help this family during the Holiday season...and there is even a little romance to tide you over too!
     The only thing I really disliked about this story was the author's assumptions that we knew more than what she actually told us. Several instances I had to reread passages to understand who was doing what and why. As the reader, you had to infer quite a bit. Some of the character's motivations seemed to come out of left field while other things I would have enjoyed hearing about were glossed over.
     The Christmas Secret is a cute, quick Chrsitmas read that I enjoyed. I probably won't pick up another one of her stories unless it is a Book Club selection but this one I'm happy I read.

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. 

"Taking a Shot" 

By: Jaci Burton

Releases: March 6, 2012

If you want to score, you have to get in the game...

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

"The School for Brides" By: Cheryl Ann Smith Review

"The School for Brides"

 By: Cheryl Ann Smith

It's never too late to live happily ever after...

Miss Eva Black spent her life concealing her mother's past as a courtesan. Now a spinster, her beauty hidden away under a dour disguise, Eva spends her days schooling courtesans to be suitable wives. But one vengeful duke does not appreciate Eva turning his mistress into a lady. He plans to seduce Eva into becoming what she detests: a courtesan. But he doesn't expect her to be a woman of such beauty and so many secrets.

My Thoughts:
     Finally I have found a new author! It's been months since I've read a new author and because of book blogs, I was lucky enough to find Cheryl Ann Smith! Yay me!!
     "The School for Brides" is a unique concept I've not seen in romance novels yet. Eva is the daughter of a courtesan (which we've seen) who runs a school for courtesans who want to become ladies (which I haven't seen). She comes into a bit of trouble when Nicholas Drake, a Duke, accuses Eva of stealing his mistress. He decides if he can't have his old mistress back, Eva will do.
      It sounds a little wild, but the execution is wonderful. The romance is funny, sweet, and I loved Eva! You dislike Nicholas in the beginning, but as the book progresses, Nicholas seems to as well. By the end you are cheering for Eva and Nicholas to be together, no matter what stands in their way. You will also giggle, I promise you, as you read about the crazily funny courtesans that Eva is teaching to become ladies.
     This is one of those rare authors that you find and you want to get your hands on everything they are writing. Cheryl has a second book in this series, called "The Accidental Courtesan" that I am going to start this weekend. It features Noelle, Eva's sister from the first novel. An excellent romance and a must-read author all rolled into one!

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.

Books I Read This Week:

"The Christmas Train" 

By: David Baldacci

Tom Langdon is a former war reporter who now writes feature articles for various magazines. Banned from flying on airplanes after a hostile incident at an airport security checkpoint, Langdon is forced to take a cross-country train from Washington, D.C., to L.A., where his girlfriend is waiting to spend Christmas with him. As he begins talking to the passengers and staff aboard the train, he meets an eccentric older woman who seems to be a regular rider, a young couple preparing to marry on the train, and a former Catholic priest. To Tom's shock, the former love of his life, Eleanor, is also aboard the train. Sparks fly between them, bringing up old feelings along with the unresolved issues from their relationship. Tom realizes this might be his second chance with Eleanor, but a series of unexpected events may derail his plans.

"Cowboy Casanova" By: Lorelei James

In Sundance, Wyoming, you can't throw a boot without hitting a McKay cowboy, so Ben McKay is used to fading into the background. Except on weekends, when he's Bennett, imposing Dom at The Rawhide Club, surrounded by a bevy of female subs eager for the attention of his long…whip. 

As for the curvy brunette eying him from across the room? He'll eat his Stetson if she's the experienced Domme she claims to be. Bennett offers her a deal—he'll let her call the shots for one night. But the next night he gets to prove to her how freeing it'll be when he takes the reins. 

Ainsley Hamilton is amazed by how well Bennett read her every secret yearning during that one explosive weekend—and she's stunned when they come face to face in their everyday lives as rancher and new bank president. Now Ben's urging her to explore her submissive side outside the club, and there's something in his commanding gaze that makes it too easy to let him take control—of her desires and her pleasure. 

"Unlocked" 

By: Courtney Milan

A perpetual wallflower destined for spinsterhood, Lady Elaine Warren is resigned to her position in society. So when Evan Carlton, the powerful, popular Earl of Westfeld, singles her out upon his return to England, she knows what it means. Her former tormenter is up to his old tricks, and she’s his intended victim. This time, though, the earl is going to discover that wallflowers can fight back.

Evan has come to regret his cruel, callow past. At first, he only wants to make up for past wrongs. But when Elaine throws his initial apology in his face, he finds himself wanting more. And this time, what torments him might be love…

"Storming the Castle" 

By: Eloisa James

When Miss Philippa Damson runs away from home to Pomeroy Castle, she is far from a princess…she’s an extraordinary beauty with ordinary dreams — to live a quiet life as a nursemaid. 

Jonas Berwick, rakish son of a grand duke, has vowed never to wed.

He offers Philippa everything—but his hand in marriage.

Philippa has stormed the castle, but now she faces an impossible Challenge: To win the love of a prince, she may have to risk everything that makes her a lady.

"The Madness of Lord IanMackenzie" 

By: Jennifer Ashley

The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz. 

The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women. 

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband. 

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her. 

"The School for Brides"

 By: Cheryl Ann Smith

It's never too late to live happily ever after...

Miss Eva Black spent her life concealing her mother's past as a courtesan. Now a spinster, her beauty hidden away under a dour disguise, Eva spends her days schooling courtesans to be suitable wives. But one vengeful duke does not appreciate Eva turning his mistress into a lady. He plans to seduce Eva into becoming what she detests: a courtesan. But he doesn't expect her to be a woman of such beauty and so many secrets.

What I'm reading now...

"Past Perfect" By: Leila Sales

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

Chilren's Book Flash Review

"Chocolate Me"

By: Taye Diggs and Illustrated By: Shane Evans

I picked this book up because I met Shane Evans (the illustrator) last year at a Missouri Library's Convention.

Shane Evans was incredibly nice and has an utterly unique way of drawing. Notice the cover, isn't it awesome?

A very cute book about a young African American boy who is completely comfortable with his race. That's ok, it's just Chocolate me!

A great story about accepting yourself and others while also being funny.



Actor Taye Diggs - the Author
Shane Evans - the Illustrator
"Chocolate Me!"



"Honestly,

Red Riding Hood was Rotten!"

 By: Trisha Speed Shaskan

I received this book from Netgalley for no compensation.

Very cute story with wonderful illustrations!

This Red Riding Hood story is told from the point of view of the wolf. He's a vegetarian, but just can't help himself - since Red Riding Hood looks like his favorite fruit - an apple!

I think kids will enjoy a different take on the fairy tale. The illustrations are full and vibrant. Perhaps the best part of the book, even if a child is unable to read the words they are easily able to keep up with the story through the pictures.

"I Want My Hat Back"

By: Jon Klassen

Ha - This is an utterly funny children's book that takes about 3 minutes to read...but the illustrations, even though simple, will make you laugh.

And the ending - oh my gosh!

Wonderful children's story that definitely will make you giggle.

 Great for any age!

 

Seriously, how cute is this?
No text, but the picture is worth a thousand words!



"In Bed with a Highlander" By: Maya Banks Review

"In Bed with a Highlander" 

By: Maya Banks

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

     Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.
      The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

My Thoughts:
     I put this book on reserve at the local library because I saw this on several "Best of 2011" lists and I have never read a Maya Banks book...which is kind of wild considering how many romance books she has written. So I picked this one up, and was somewhat surprised by what I read. If this was Ms. Banks finest book, sadly I doubt I will be picking up any of her other books.

Things I liked:
--Mairin the heroine at the beginning of the story is courageous, smart, and was interesting
--Crispin, Ewan's son from his first marriage, is incredibly cute and definitely behaves like kids his age

Things I didn't like:
--Ewan, the hero, is completely domineering. He just decides they will marry after learning who Mairin is and her family connections. He basically rapes her (which I haven't seen anyone mention) after their marriage. There isn't any romance or getting to know one another. Wham, bam thank you ma'am stuff and suddenly oh wow, we love one another so much. I just didn't buy it.
--Meroine at the end of the story is just a doormat. It's basically a feeling of: men are smarter so I'm just going to go with what they want me to do.
--The storyline itself was really farfetched. Illegitimate daughter of the King, that no one knew really existed, is supposed to inherit some special property that people are fighting over so its worth a lot of money...and it all hinges on this one girl with a weird birthmark. Ugh.

     I doubt I will read any more books by Maya Banks. My mom just loves her, but there are too many books out there to read poor literature! Life's too short baby!