"Lord of Wicked Intentions" By: Lorraine Heath Review

Lord of Wicked Intentions

By: Lorraine Heath

Synopsis from Goodreads

Lord Rafe Eason may be of noble blood, but survival taught him to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he sets his eyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, and earl's illegitimate daughter, he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress. 

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home.

My Thoughts

      I have loved the Lost Lord of Pembrook series from Lorraine Heath this past year. She started strongly with a wonderful back story of three young lordlings having to make their way in the world because of a despicable Uncle, and I can confidently say she finished strongly with the youngest and possibly the most sensitive brother, Rafe.

     Rafe was left behind more than a decade before when his Uncle seized the Dukedom from his father. The three boys deciding it would be best to separate and come together later when they were older, smarter and stronger. While his older brothers went into the military and on a ship, Rafe was left behind in a work house in truly appalling conditions. Never forgetting nor forgiving his brothers in adulthood.

     Rafe meets Evelyn (Eve) as her brother is trying to sell her off to be a mistress. She doesn’t understand this at all and thinks her brother is simply trying to arrange a good marriage for her. She’s quite surprised really when she is delivered to Rafe’s home and his intentions, while better than the others, are not quite honorable. Raised as an illegitimate daughter of a lord, Evelyn is lost and abandoned when her father dies leaving her in the hands of her despicable older brother.

      I really enjoyed both Rafe and Evelyn. Rafe wanted a normal life so bad, but events from his past seemingly prohibit him. When he brings Eve into his house, he’s surprised about how she affects him. She has a way different outlook on life, while having had a difficult past herself, she hasn’t let those events shadow her future. At times I wanted to yell at her perceived naivete, I think it helped highlight how different Rafe and she truly were and how far apart their worlds were located.

      Beyond having highly complex characters, the plot moved quickly. As I was reading I was surprised to find myself more than halfway through when it felt like I had just started. Lord of Wicked Intentions was an excellent finale to the series. Each book was strong in its own right and i loved how each brother had a distinct attitude and weren’t just cookie cutters. Can’t wait to see what comes next from Lorraine Heath!

Book Details

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: April 30, 2013

ISBN: 978-0062100030

# of Pages: 384

Source: Edelweiss - Advanced Reader Copy

Lost Lords of Pembrook

She Tempts the Duke

Lord of Temptation (My Review)

Deck the Halls with Love

Lord of Wicked Intentions

Challenges

#25 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge

#27 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge

#29 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge

#29 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge

#5 for the 2013 Historical Reading Challenge

#25 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {London, England}

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've Read this week...

Grabbed By Vicious

By: Lolita Lopez

Hallie has never run so fast in her life. One of the frightening sky warriors from the warship Valiant is hot on her heels and intent on capturing her as his new bride. He takes her down and places his collar around her neck. With one word, he claims her.

Mine.

Born and bred for the military, Vicious has spent the last twenty-four years rising through the ranks. This dark-haired sprite ensnared him with one glance. Now she is his reward.

Despite her fear of Vicious, Hallie surrenders under his skillful hands and mouth. Vicious makes a promise to her. If she’ll submit to him, she’ll know only pleasure and comfort. After a lifetime of hardship, his offer tempts her greatly.

One night with Hallie and Vicious feels his protective instincts flaring. He’ll do anything to make her happy and keep her safe, even if that means surrendering his heart. Though he intended to master her, Vicious realizes it may be his sweet Hallie who masters him.

After Hours

By: Cara McKenna

Erin Coffey has been a nurse for years, but nothing’s prepared her for the physical and emotional demands of her new position. Needing to move closer to her dysfunctional family, she takes a dangerous job at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital, where she quickly learns that she needs protection—and she meets the strong, over-confident coworker who’s more than willing to provide it.

Kelly Robak is the type of guy that Erin has sworn she’d never get involved with. She’s seen firsthand, via her mess of a sister, what chaos guys like him can bring into a woman’s life. But she finds herself drawn to him anyway, even when he shows up at her door, not eager to take no for an answer.

What Erin finds even more shocking than Kelly’s indecent proposal is how much she enjoys submitting to his every command. But he can’t play the tough guy indefinitely. If they want to have more than just an affair, both will have to open up and reveal what they truly need

Stranded With a Billionaire

By: Jessica Clare

The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success – at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…

Billionaire Logan Hawkings needs a vacation. 
He’s had a rough time after the death of his father and the betrayal of his fiancée. But with a visit to a recent business acquisition—a private island resort in the Bahamas—he has a chance to mend his broken heart.
When a hurricane blows in, a misplaced passport and a stalled elevator bring Logan together with an unusual woman named Bronte. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met—down to earth, incredibly sensual, and even quotes Plato.
She also has no clue that he’s rich…

Bronte Dawson, a waitress from the Midwest, is stranded with the hotel’s domineering yet sexy manager Logan. What’s the harm in a little fling when it’s just the two of them, alone in paradise? But after several steamy island nights in Logan’s arms, Bronte’s ready to give her heart—and her body—to the man in charge.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Logan than he’s told her…a billion times more. Now, Bronte’s caught in a whirlwind affair with one of the world’s most powerful men. But can their love endure their differences or will it all just blow over?

Kind of in a rut this week...

What are you reading?

Giveaway & Guest Post: "Claimed By Him" By: Red Garnier

Claimed by Him

By: Red Garnier

Synopsis:

Graves Buchanan has had to climb farther and higher than any of his friends, singlehandedly becoming a billionaire in less than two decades, with no education to speak of, and with a rotten poor childhood in the streets. He likes sex the way he learned it; animal, raw and without any strings attached. He doesn’t even do kissing, and he doesn’t like to be touched. But even as fucked-up as he is, he cares deeply for his best friend’s baby sister, Chloe Lexington. But Chloe is an heiress, a ‘princess’, and no matter how much he wants her, Graves doesn’t think he has it in him to handle a girl like her. 

But Chloe is not going to take no for an answer. She’s been warned against Graves by her brother, Daniel, and against all of his eccentric billionaire friends, but Chloe has merely been biding her time. Now that she’s almost twenty-five, she’s determined to have the man she’s always wanted, even if it means using jealousy as an incentive. 

But Graves isn’t allowed to allow any of his friends set a hand on Chloe. This stubborn billionaire is now going to have to do something he'd never thought he'd do, and he's going to have to claim his girl once and for all.

Guest Post from Author Red Garnier - When I’ve been asked ever since I was a little girl what my favorite color was, you betcha I said RED! I love how bright it is. It makes me think of love and passion and the blood coursing through my veins. It makes me think of red roses, superhero capes, and cherries. Of course, we’ve all heard about colors having meanings in psychology, so let’s look at a few and tell me: what’s your favorite color??

 Red: Passion, determination, boldness, anger, love and warmth

Orange: cheerfulness, enthusiasm, creativity, food, affordability

Yellow: liveliness, comfort, intellect, energy, look-at-me, summer

Green: relaxation, environmental, luxurious, affordability, nature, calm, well-being

Blue: peace, honor, loyalty, melancholy, trust, and winter

Purple: nobility, elegance, magic, royalty, sophistication

Gray: conservative, intelligent, serious

Brown: confident, endurance, Autumn, nature, casual, reassuring, confident

Black: elegance, formal, powerful, strong, depressed, death

White: snow, cold, virginal, pure, peace, innocent, simple

When I think of my characters in my latest release, Claimed by Him, Graves Buchanan, the hero seems to me a combination of black (due to his power), gray (his somberness), brown (his confidence), and red (his passion). The heroine, Chloe Lexington, on the other hand, seems to give me a combination of green (luxurious), yellow (summer), orange (enthusiasm) and red (passion and warmth). I love their combination—the sparks literally leap off the page when they interact! I hope you take a moment to read them, and if you do, please stop by my website to participate in one of my ongoing contests where you could win a Nook or a Kindle Fire (winner’s choice!)

In the meantime, let me know what your favorite color is! One random commenter will win their selected print book from my backlist! Thanks for visiting!

~Red Garnier ~ 

 Website Twitter Facebook

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've Read this week...

Wrecked

By: Shiloh Walker

In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

King of Hearts

By: Lorelei James

Deputy Cam McKay deals with a murder/suicide case on Valentine's Day.

Short Rides

By: Lorelei James

Short Rides is an anthology compilation of two novellas and one short story in the Rough Riders world. These are NOT meant to be read as standalone stories, but are a peek into favorite character's lives after the happily ever after...

The stories included in the Short Rides anthology are:

Rough Road -- Chassie, Trevor and Edgard Glanzer spend a romantic weekend away from the ranch and kids celebrating their anniversary...only to return home to face their biggest challenge yet.

All Knocked Up -- Keely and Jack Donohue are having a baby. Given Keely's raging pregnancy hormones, will Jack need to wear a cup in the delivery room?

What are you reading this week?

Giveaway: "Dare Me Forever" By: Paige Edward Blog Tour

Dare Me Forever

By: Paige Edward

Synopsis from Goodreads

It’s the beginning of her new life . . . 

Twenty-three year old Amy Miller has been responsible for her little brother ever since their dad dropped dead and their mom took off six years ago. Now that her brother is eighteen, Amy's ready to fulfill her dream of opening her own stationary store.

But the past has a way of sneaking up on you . . . 

Then an old friend comes back to town--Amy's high school boyfriend, Hunter Morgan, to be exact. The same guy who dropped her a week before prom, leaving her a sobbing mess in a sequined Jovani dress. The same gorgeous man who now wants Amy back and won't take no for an answer.

And the future has a way of getting complicated . . .

But when Amy meets Ryan Anderson, an irresistible Brit and powerful businessman tied to Hunter's company, their instant attraction and chemistry awakens a passion in her she never knew existed. Ryan is dangerous and sexy, pulling her deeper into a new world of desire where anything goes, while Hunter is determined to use all his old tricks to posses her again—body and soul. Soon Amy is torn between her incredible first love and the most desirable man she has ever known, but is she just a pawn in a wicked game? And if she surrenders herself to passion, will she be left a loser in love all over again?

*Ages 17 plus, due to sexual situations and mature content*

Biography of Paige Edwards

I'm a romance reader and writer with my first book DARE ME FOREVER (April, 2013) and mom. I love sweet, steamy, happy endings! And complicated men.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6936938.Paige_Edward

http://paigeedward.blogspot.com/

@paige_edward

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paige-Edward/602636419763678

Excerpt from Dare Me Forever

“Penny for your thoughts,” I said, surprising myself.  I never say things like that, but he looked so serious, sitting there in the midst of the party, pensive and alone. I was determined to lighten his mood, though maybe the four wine coolers had something to do with it.   I smiled and moved closer to the bench “I’m Amy.  And you are?”

“I’m busy and don’t have time for this now,” his said tersely in a British accent.  I couldn’t believe my ears.  How rude.  And if he was so busy, why did he bother coming to the party anyway?  He turned towards me, and right after being taken aback by his perfect green eyes, I noticed an iPhone pressed up against his ear.

All at once I realized how foolish I was--he hadn’t been talking to me at all.  He’d been so quiet earlier, and through the noise of the party, I hadn’t noticed that he was obviously in a deep conversation.  How many of those wine thingies had I had?  Who knew, but it must have been a lot more than usual. I had better be careful as I was coming to realize that maybe, just maybe I was a little bit trashed.

He looked up at me slowly and held one finger to keep me at bay, the way you would gesture to an errant assistant when interrupted. Ew. No thank you. “What am I, one of your subjects?” I murmured.

He turned toward me, obviously hearing the snarky remark I’d just made.

“Hang on Jason,” he put his hand over the phone.  “No, you’re not, but you could be,” he said, an incorrigible grin on his face.  What a condescending ass.

Now I wished I hadn’t wandered over. Sure he was good looking--well actually he was gorgeous--but I wasn’t going to wait for someone I didn’t even know, no matter how well-built he was or how sexy his accent. But as I was about to turn and walk away, he ended his call and looked up at me, straight in my eyes.  It was a sweet look, nothing like how he had sounded a moment earlier, like we were in on some private joke together. I could feel heat spreading through my chest, and I almost felt like giggling. The way his eyes sparkled, it felt like he already knew me.  

Paige put together a playlist for Dare Me Forever. 

Here's a note from Paige:

While writing the book I listened to a bunch of different music.  

Here is a playlist of some of the top songs.

1. I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift

2. Fade Into You by Mazzy Star

3. You don't Have to Call by Usher

4. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

5. Set a drift on memory bliss by P.M.Dawn

6. Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne

7. Ho Hey by Lumineeres

8. This Love by Maroon 5

9. One More Night by Maroon 5

10. Losing You by Solange Knowles

11. Give Your Heart Break by Deemi Lovato

12. All About Our Love by Sade

13. Master and Servant by Depeche Mode

Want to Win??

Paige is giving away a grand prize of two gift cards for $30.00 each to either Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There is also a chance to win three copies here:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/48115-dare-me-forever

"Until Fountain Bridge" By: Samantha Young Review

Until Fountain Bridge

By: Samantha Young

Synopsis from Goodreads

Ellie Carmichael had a crush on Adam Sutherland, her brother, Braden’s, best friend, for years, and although Adam treated her with proprietary concern he made it clear he thought of her only as a little sister.  

Over the years, as Ellie’s crush develops into love, her romantic idealism makes it difficult for her to move on. To make matters worse, as she’s gotten older,

Adam’s attitude has changed toward her. His affection for her is now joined by attraction, but his loyalty to Braden, and his fear of losing the only family he has, stops him from claiming Ellie the way she wishes he would.  

But one night his attraction is put to the test, and as much as Adam would like things to remain the same everything changes between them in a simple brush of the lips.

Soon lust, love, jealousy and heartbreak combine to force change upon their relationship… and Adam discovers the hard way that life is too damn short to spend it on regret.

My Thoughts

     Ellie Carmichael and Adam Sutherland are the “other” couple in On Dublin Street. About as central to the story as the two main characters, the reader finds themselves immersed in their love story as much as Braden’s and Joss’. With Until Fountain Bridge, we get a first seat look at their incredibly and long lived love story with bits and pieces we all remember from the first book.

    Ellie has loved Adam as long as she has known him. As a teenager with a crush and growing into a woman in love, Ellie strains to become more than just a friend. Adam is resistant and even though he feels an attraction and a deep friendship for Ellie, he is ultimately resistant because Ellie’s brother is his best friend.

     Ellie and Adam’s story is basically told through On Dublin Street, so readers won’t find anything explosive in this new novel. With that said, I absolutely loved the look at the early years of the Ellie and Adam friendship and behind the scenes looks at different parts of the book. Sure we knew they were arguing at this point or that, but why.

     Samantha Young does a fantastic job of writing characters. What happened, two people fell in love, we know that. But why read this book? The characters absolutely sweep you away and jump off the page. I thought I knew Ellie but I saw an entirely new dimension within these 80 pages.

Note: Until Fountain Bridge is a special novella Samantha Young is offering to people who preorder Down London Road (available May 2013). Check out her website for more information.

Book Details

# of Pages: 80

Date of Publication: March 2013

Source: From the Author

Challenges

#35 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge

#38 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge

#41 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge

#41 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge

#35 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Edinburgh, Scotland}

#28 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge

Giveaway & Blog Tour: "Chasing Mrs. Right" By: Katee Robert

Chasing Mrs. Right

By: Katee Robert

Roxanne Stokes doesn’t believe in love. She does, however, believe in the sexy-as-sin stranger who literally knocks her off her feet in front of a nightclub. The chemistry sparking between them takes her breath away, and she’ll do anything to ease the pain in his eyes…until she realizes the handsome stranger is her best friend’s older brother who’s just come home from war.

Ian Walser had no idea the gorgeous woman he slept with the night of his homecoming party was his little sister’s best friend—or that she’d be gone before morning. Roxanne’s touch soothes him in a way nothing else can, and he’s not ready to walk away from that yet. Not when spending time with her gave Ian a glimpse of everything he’s ever wanted.

When his sister unwittingly pushes them together, he sees his chance. But convincing a woman who doesn’t believe in love that she’s his Mrs. Right might be harder than any mission Ian’s undertaken. Good thing this soldier likes a challenge…

My Thoughts

      I enjoyed this book from the very first page when we first meet Ian. A broken soldier returned to civilian life and lost, he finds his missing pieces in Roxanne. At times cute, and others utterly romantic, I found my heart hurting for Ian as he comes back to life and tries to adjust. I loved that Ian didn't have to be a so-called bad boy to get the girl, he could just be a genuinely good guy. Fiesty Roxanne doesn't want Mr. Right yet but falling them fall in love was pretty dang fun. Filled with funny situations, cute characters and just a fun story, I enjoyed Chasing Mrs. Right immensely. A great read for this summer, you should check it out!

Read the first chapter here!

Links

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iTunes

About Katee

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Where you can find her...

Website- http://kateerobert.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/katee_robert

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateeRobert?fref=ts

And for exclusive content, deleted scenes, and the most up to date news on all of Katee’s books join The Rabble! 

Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

4/8/2013              Love to Read for Fun      

4/9/2013              The Brunette Librarian  

4/10/2013            ReadingBetween the Wines 

4/11/2013            Ashley's Book Nook       

4/12/2013            Cocktails and Books       

4/13/2013            Harlequin Junkie           

4/15/2013            Ex Libris               

4/16/2013            RhiReading     

4/17/2013            Shortie Says    

4/18/2013            The Reading Cafe 

4/19/2013            CaribbeanAccent Book Reviews      

4/19/2013            Fic Talk  

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've Read this week...

Lone Wolf

By: Jennifer Ashley

Ellison Rowe, a Lupine Shifter, makes it his goal to protect Maria, once held captive by ferals, from male Shifters looking for mates. He likes Maria's resilience and fire, but she's been broken, and Ellison wants more than anything to heal her. When a new danger threatens Shiftertown's cubs, Maria partners with Ellison to stop a cold-blooded criminal.

Tight Quarters

By: Samantha Hunter

In the years since a horrific car accident left her with a long list of phobias, Brenna Burke has overcome them all except one. Crippling claustrophobia—not a good trait for an aspiring travel writer.

With an interview for her dream job looming, Brenna forces herself to board a train for a weekend tour through New York State…only to find her berth has been double booked.

Retired NYPD detective Reid Cooper isn’t happy about the mix-up, or his attraction to his petite, sexy roommate. But as their up-close-and-personal weekend progresses, something remarkable happens. Being with Reid makes Brenna feel normal, unafraid of anything.

After one passionate night, both are thinking beyond a mere weekend fling. But when Brenna’s last phobia pounces at the worst possible time, she could miss the last boarding call for happily ever after.

Warning: This book contains a hot-to-the-touch hero and sizzling sex at high speeds.

Own the Wind

By: Kristen Ashley

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos--the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more--much more--he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn..

Currently Reading...

Wrecked

By: Shiloh Walker

In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.