"Everything Forbidden" By: Jess Michaels

"Everything Forbidden" 

By: Jess Michaels

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     For summers Miranda Albright has watched—aghast, yet shamefully titillated—as her wicked neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, "entertained" a succession of lovers on the grounds of his estate. Now that her father has passed on, leaving behind a mountain of debt, Miranda must do the unthinkable. For Ethan has promised to sponsor her younger sisters, financially and socially, at a scandalously dear price: Miranda must offer herself to him completely for three full months, with no remorse and no restraints.
      Ninety days and nights of unbridled sensuality await her in the arms of a rogue who views her submission as no more than a grand erotic game. But neither Miranda nor Ethan realize that fire blazes behind her innocent blush. And once her passion is unleashed by his lips and his touch, it is the student who will school the teacher in the ways of forbidden pleasure ... and love

My Thoughts:

     I read this book years ago and recently picked it up again, remembering how much I had enjoyed it the first time I read it. Jess Michaels is unique in that she writes historical romances with a little naughtiness thrown in. Her characters seem a little over the top, but I think that's what I like most about her novels; the grand declarations, gestures and of course, the heart break.
      Miranda Albright has all of the responsibility for her family in regency England. Her father gambled away the family's fortune, her mother has no idea how to save money, and she has three sisters needing ot have their seasons in London society. With no idea how to make money or stop the huge financial debt her mother insists on putting the family through month after month, Miranda comes up with an idea. Miranda approaches her neighbor Ethan, a rake of the highest order, and asks him for help.
      Ethan, intrigued of course, decides to help Miranda with the bills and her sisters in exchange for 90 days as his “mistress.” Ethan is very take charge, which I love, and sure of himself. When this young neighbor comes to him, he is amused and interested, yet you never felt he would take advantage, and he didn't.
     We all know what happens next, love and then marriage, just without the baby carriage. Miranda has had a crush on Ethan throughout her young life and Ethan was intrigued by Miranda. He is impressed by her utter lack of selfishness and wants to give instead of take, which is pretyt much the only thing her family wants. Two utterly different people drawn together by fate in a truly fantastic scene and all the reader wants is that happy ever after.
     “Everything Forbidden” is one of those books that you'll read and think about later and smile. Fun, flirty, yet serious and heartwrenching, Miranda and Ethan will draw you in. Each vulnerable in their own way, when the two meet and fall in love, you will fall a little in love too. Gorgeous story!

Book Details

Publisher: Avon Red

Date of Publication: October 30, 2007

# of Pages: 262

ISBN: 978-0061283940

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


"Lover At Last"
By: J.R. Ward

The eleventh novel in the stunning #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series--the hotly anticipated story that finally unites Blay and Qhuinn...forever.

Expected Publication: March 26, 2012

What are you Waiting on this Wednesday?

Giveaway and Blog Tour - "Seven Sexy Sins" By: Serenity Woods

Welcome to a blog stop 

on the awesome 

"Seven Sexy Sins" tour! 

"Seven Sexy Sins" 

By: Serenity Woods

     Faith Hillman is in a bit of a pickle. She’s been commissioned to write a series of magazine articles on spicing up your love life. She’s got the theme—the “Seven Sexy Sins”—but there’s one major problem. She hasn’t experienced any of them.
      Ever since Faith’s older brother gave Rusty Thorne a black eye for kissing her on her eighteenth birthday, he’s kept his distance, waiting for the right time to make his move. This is it. She needs a research partner? He’s the man for the job.
      When sex-on-legs Rusty offers his services, Faith is all over it—with one caveat. The notorious heartbreaker must sign a confidentiality contract. Just to keep him safe from her brother’s wrath, of course…and her heart off Rusty’s long list of conquests.
      As they work their wicked way through the list, the implications of the contract hit Rusty as hard as the handcuffs binding his wrists to the bed. It isn’t just Faith’s touch that rocks his world. It’s the way his heart likes it that blows his defenses out of the water. And makes him wonder, when the contract ends, if he can bear to let her go.

Author: Serenity Woods

Serenity Woods lives in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand with her wonderful husband and gorgeous teenage son. She writes fun, flirty, and sexy romances in a variety of romantic sub-genres. She’s won several romance writing competitions and is a member of the Romance Writers of New Zealand. She would much rather immerse herself in reading or writing romance than do the dusting and ironing, which is why it’s not a great idea to pop round if you have any allergies.

You can check out all her books at http://www.serenitywoodsromance.com.

My Thoughts:
    “Seven Sexy Sins” sucks you into its world and doesn’t let go. An interesting plot driven by complex characters in the world of New Zealand. Really, what can go wrong?
     Faith is a reporter writing about...you guessed it, sex. She already has a popular blog but now she is commissioned to write about the seven sins but in a delightfully naughty way. When she talks about the project with her friends, they all laugh it off, except for one, her brother’s best friend, Rusty.
     As with most of these friend turned lover stories, Rusty has had a crush on Faith for years. It’s not until he hears of her project and decides maybe he could help her in secret that he finally reveals his true feelings.
    Faith and Rusty were really fun characters to read about. They seemed so light and happy to me, you could truly see the friendship. When things did get naughty, it didn’t seem out of character and was totally plausible, which I enjoyed. The plot is simple and easy to read while the magic lies in these two characters coming to care for one another. A cute read for a summer afternoon, “Seven Sexy Sins” may want you to try out one or two sins of your own! 

Book Details

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication: August 7, 2012

# of Pages: 238

ISBN: B007TOJB9Q

Buy Links

Samhain         Amazon         Barnes & Noble 

Serenity Woods' Website 

Serenity Woods' Facebook

Twitter: @Serenity_Woods

Amazon Page

Barnes & Noble Page

Goodreads Page for Serenity Woods 

What can you win??

Your choice of a Serenity Woods book from her backlist or a $5 Amazon gift card. Your choice! 
Leave a comment with your e-mail 
for a chance to win! 
Winner will be chosen August 15th.
~~~~AND~~~~

Serenity is offering a $20 gift card to one commenter from the tour. 
Fill out the form below to enter

Check out the other blog hop stops!

8/6 - My Secret Romance and The Brunette Librarian

8/7 -  Queen of the Night Reviews and Guilty Pleasures

8/8 -  My Odd Little World

8/9 - Fictional Candy

8/10 - The Black Raven Erotic Cafe

8/13 - Harlie's Book Blog

8/14 - Simply Ali

8/15 - Under The Covers 

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...

"Defying Destiny"

By: Olivia Downing

She is a Huntress, the last of a long line of warriors who protect the human world from man-eating immortal Wolves.
He is a Wolf Guardian, the only of his shape-shifting kind who can break the 500-year old curse that drives his brethren mad beneath the full moon.
Blinded by duty and vengeance, Maralee chases her destiny determined to rid the world of the monsters that massacred her family and continue to haunt her nightmares. Desperate to end the slaughter, Nash is certain he can prevent Maralee from slaying his people by showing her their humanity. He invites the Huntress into his life and falls for her. He hides his Wolf form from her, knowing he is everything she hates.

"Promises Prevail" 

By: Sarah McCarty

Wyoming Territory 1870 Widowed and barren, Jenna sees the newborn left on her doorstep as a priceless gift worthy of any sacrifice. She knows she'll need a husband to keep the baby, but nothing prepares her for the man who offers. Big and dark, simmering with a deadly intensity, Clint McKinnely could put fear into the devil. He certainly strikes fear into her. But Jenna soon discovers that the man behind the reputation is the one man she longs to trust. A hard man burned out by the choices he's made, Clint is looking for a reason to go on. He finds one in Jenna Hennessy. Lushly plump, sweet and shy, she calls to him on every level. When it looks as though Jenna might lose the daughter she loves for lack of a husband, Clint steps forward. Having Jenna in his home brings Clint a peace he's never known, but even as he ferrets out the secrets that haunt Jenna's nightmares, Clint keeps his own close to his chest, knowing this marriage is temporary because there are some sins a man can't expect his wife to forgive

"Promises Keep" 

By: Sarah McCarty

eing kidnapped into a bordello has a way of changing a woman's focus. On the day Mara Kincaid escapes the Pleasure Emporium, she vows to start living for herself. Rebuilding her life isn't easy as the town isn't fond of reformed fallen doves, but she's a Kincaid and Kincaids are known for their stubbornness. She's successful right up until the notorious ex-marshal Cougar McKinnely comes into town. As big as a mountain, dark as sin, and wearing a reputation as deadly as the knife strapped to his thigh, McKinnely is a man who knows what he wants. By rights, Mara should be shaking in her shoes when he approaches her. But when the powerful half-breed turns his dark gold eyes on her, it isn't fear that has Mara trembling, but rather an overwhelming desire to be the kind of woman Cougar needs to satisfy his deepest desires.

"Dream Lake"

By: Lisa Kleypas

Dream Lake takes readers once again to the exquisite setting of Friday Harbor, and tells the story of Zoe Hoffman, an innkeeper who has all but given up on love. She’s a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan. Alex is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers. He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoe and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. Dream Lake is classic Lisa Kleypas: romantic, powerful, emotional, and magical.

What I'm Reading Now...

"Firelight" 

By: Kristen Callihan

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

"Cherished"

By: Maya Banks & Lauren Dane

What are you reading this week??

Children's Book Saturday "Dog Loves Drawing" By: Louise Yates

"Dog Loves Drawing"

By: Louise Yates

Synopsis from Amazon:

Dog loves books, but one day he receives a strange one in the mail—it's blank! Soon, Dog realizes that this book is not for reading, but for drawing. Before long, Dog is doodling and drawing himself into a new world, full of friends and surprises.

My Thoughts:

      Who doesn't love a book about a dog who loves books? This adorable book shares the story of a dog who owns a book store. He's so surprised to find in the mail one day, a book...with no words! A whole book just filled with blank pages. Well, turns out this blank book is a drawing book just ready for Dog's imagination.

      The story and the drawings from this book are impressive. The story is cute, complete with drawing a ship to take you to an island where you meet a monster, but you quickly draw a door with a chain to keep that mean old monster out. The drawings are exquisite, honestly looking like the scribblings of a child, only done really well. They appeal to me as an adult and will easily appeal to children who love to draw. 

      All in all, "Dog Loves Drawing" is a really cute story. For Librarians, this book probably wouldn't be the best read aloud with a large group. I think much of the story relies on the pictures. This book will be great for parents reading with little ones who have the time to digest the illustrations. Great story that makes you look forward to seeing what else Louise Yates will come out with!

For more information or see what upcoming books she has up her sleeve, check out her website! 

I received this e-book in exchange for an honest opinion from Edelweiss.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: August 14, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375870675

Follow Friday - Moods?

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.

 Do your reading habits change based on your mood? 

It's weird to say, but my reading habits DO change. While I do not necessarily change genres, 

I do re-read books when I'm kind of depressed 

or in a funk. 

I find myself if I have had a bad day, picking up an old favorite rather than reading something new. 

Maybe it soothes me, who knows...but I prefer to re-read rather than read something new when I'm in a weird mood. 

How about you?

"The Theory of Attraction" By: Delphine Dryden Review

"The Theory of Attraction"

By: Delphine Dryden

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons”

My Thoughts:
      What started out with a promising premise, “The Theory of Attraction” left me feeling a little flat when I finished. The story had promise, but I never really connected with the characters. Honestly though, when you are reading the description, doesn’t it sounds a bit like the Big Bang Theory??
     Camilla is attracted to her downstairs neighbor, Ivan. Ivan is extremely intelligent and works at a college, but he definitely has a few quirks. Extremely uncomfortable in social situations, Ivan worries he will lose his job and asks his popular neighbor Camilla for help.
     Neither Camilla nor Ivan ever really clicked with me. Camilla seemed a little needy to me and was easily manipulated. Ivan was a huge jerk! He wanted things his way continually and the “oh I don’t know how to act in social situations” angle was played a little too much. Even going so far as to not call Camilla his girlfriend but his submissive. Ugh.
     I've read many other positive reviews, so I know this book works for others, just not for me. The plot may have worked but the characters ruined it for me. Check out the reviews on Goodreads and Netgalley for more information!

Book Details

Publisher: Carina Press

# of Pages: 136

Date of Publication: July 9, 2012

ISBN: 978-1426894046

I received this book from Netgalley free of charge and in exchange I promised a honest review.

"The Duchess" By: Jude Deveraux Review

"The Duchess"

By: Jude Deveraux

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     Claire Willoughby risked losing her millions in her inheritance if, as decreed by her grandfather, she did not wed an "acceptable" man. Harry Montgomery, the eleventh Duke of MacArran, seemed perfect. He owned a historical castle, he looked manly in a kilt, and he was as much a titled Scotsman as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. 

      Their engagement announced, Claire's future as a duchess was assured --- and she set off with her family to meet the Montgomery clan in Scotland. Bramley Castle was a damp, chill place, overflowing with eccentric relatives. But there was also Trevelyan, a secretive, brooding man who lived in Bramley's ancient halls. Whoever he was, he wasn't at all like Harry: Trevelyan was the most exasperating, arrogant, know-it-all of a man Claire had ever met. And the most fascinating ..

My Thoughts:

      Guess who just re-read one of her favorite romances of all time? This wild librarian did! “The Duchess” is one of the first real romances that I can remember reading and loving when I was going through High School. I am a huge re-reader, but surprisingly I hadn’t read this one since I was in college, so this past week I picked up my nook and ordered this fabulous book!
      Claire is a rich American heriess that has went to England to marry well. Her family relies on her inheritance to live in the manner they are used to, so Claire must marry, must marry well, and must marry someone her family agrees with. So lucky for her, a Duke appears (Harry) and wants to marry her and her money. Unfortunately, when Claire meets Harry’s brother, Trevelayn (the real Duke) she understands what true love really is.
      Trevelayn is one of the worst heroes ever. He’s egotistical, knows everything about everyone, and has little patience for people in general. He is intrigued by this young American girl who goes against almost every principle he was raised with. She likes to drink, dance, and be happy...all concepts that are fairly removed from his family.
      This book is one of my favorites for a multitude of reasons. The romance is overwhelming, you hate, you love, you hate and then are smiling by the end. Trevelayn is hard to understand, hard to truly know, yet at the end of the book you know his heart. Claire is so open, so giving and the journey they take together is simply wonderful.
      My favorite point in the book...perhaps any romance really, is the moment Trevelayn realizes he is in love with Claire. It’s gorgeous and simply beautifully written.

   “You love her,” Nyssa whispered, and there was wonder in her voice. She had tried to make Captain Baker love her, but she’d had no success. “You are in love with her." 

    “Yes” was all Trevelyan would say. “Yes, I love her. I love her mind, her body. I love her sense of humor. I love her thoughts. I love the way she thinks and what she says.”

    He gave a sound that was a cross between hopelessness and despair. “I love her to the smell of her breath.” He turned to Nyssa and for the first time she saw what few other people had: she saw that little boy who used to climb into bed with Leatrice and cry. “I love her as I’ve never loved anyone or anything. Were she to love me in return, I’d give her whatever she wanted.”

      See what I mean? Well written with excellent characterization, I’d recommend this book to fans of Eloisa James and Julia Quinn. “The Duchess” is filled with romance, adventure, and just a plain old great story destined to make you in love with it, just as I did.

Book Details

Publisher: Pocket Books

Date of Publication: January 1, 1992

# of Pages: 362

ISBN: 978-0671689728

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...

"Seven Sexy Sins"

By: Serenity Woods

The road to passion is paved with guilty pleasures.

Faith Hillman is in a bit of a pickle. She’s been commissioned to write a series of magazine articles on spicing up your love life. She’s got the theme—the “Seven Sexy Sins”—but there’s one major problem. She hasn’t experienced any of them.

Ever since Faith’s older brother gave Rusty Thorne a black eye for kissing her on her eighteenth birthday, he’s kept his distance, waiting for the right time to make his move. This is it. She needs a research partner? He’s the man for the job.

When sex-on-legs Rusty offers his services, Faith is all over it—with one caveat. The notorious heartbreaker must sign a confidentiality contract. Just to keep him safe from her brother’s wrath, of course…and her heart off Rusty’s long list of conquests.

As they work their wicked way through the list, the implications of the contract hit Rusty as hard as the handcuffs binding his wrists to the bed. It isn’t just Faith’s touch that rocks his world. It’s the way his heart likes it that blows his defenses out of the water. And makes him wonder, when the contract ends, if he can bear to let her go.

"Lord of Temptation"

By: Lorraine Heath

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

"Take It Like a Vamp"

By: Candace Havens

Vampire Nick Christos might have been born in the Middle Ages, but those days seem tame compared to the last eight years spent ruling the Supernatural Council. The only respite in his long days of governing is with his sweet neighbor Casey Meyers. Sure, he’s forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but no way will he risk anything more with a human. Not with his blood thirsty ex on the prowl and out to ruin Nick’s life.

But when said crazy ex shows up at the ball and flies her freak flag high, Nick has more to worry about than keeping his hands off his neighbor. He’ll have to stay closer than ever if he hopes to keep her alive, but will she want to leave him forever when she learns the truth?

What I'm Reading Now...

"Dream Lake"

By: Lisa Kleypas

Dream Lake takes readers once again to the exquisite setting of Friday Harbor, and tells the story of Zoӫ Hoffman, an innkeeper who has all but given up on love. She’s a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan. Alex is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers.

He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoӫ and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow.

But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. Dream Lake is classic Lisa Kleypas: romantic, powerful, emotional, and magical.

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: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

Hmm...this one is a hard one!

 I think I have two favorites.

When I was a sophomore in high school, 

I fell in love with 

Julius Caesar By Shakespeare.

Then my Junior year, 

I remember reading and absolutely loving 

The Glass Menagerie 

By: Tennessee Williams

After looking at both of these, I realize they are plays, which I normally do not gravitate towards. I think most of the novels we read were just so weird, that I enjoyed the plays more. 

Kudos to wonderful teachers and amazing literature!