Archive for the Category &raquo;4/5 &laquo;

Review: HOLLY’S INBOX: SCANDAL IN THE CITY by Holly Denham

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy 2 Comments

Aug

63564624 From the back of the book:

Dear Holly, isn’t it shocking…?

Things are finally going Holly Denham’s way: she’s in love, she’s getting the recognition she deserves at work, and her friends and family have graciously opted to avoid disaster for the moment.

Just when Holly is starting to settle into her new life, scandal erupts and Holly finds herself - and her inbox - at the center of a gossip whirlwind that threatens everything she’s worked so hard for.

Written entirely in emails, this follow-up to the UK smash hit HOLLY’S INBOX will keep you glued to its pages as the scandal running rampant in the city threatens to ruin Holly’s hard-earned and long-awaited happiness.

I loved this book. There were a few times I wanted to email Holly myself and tell her to grow up, but that’s what makes the book so great. She DOES grow up through the course of the book. A lot of things happen to Holly and she learns to stand on her own (and with others) for what she believes in. The book moves incredibly fast. It only took me a couple of hours to read the 535 page book. The only thing that bothered me was that there are emails to Holly detailing her financial crisis, but she never addresses them. There are only a few, but I wonder why even have them if they aren’t really a part of the story. These emails stuck out like a sore thumb, but luckily there weren’t many. HOLLY’S INBOX: SCANDAL IN THE CITY is a fun chick-lit book that readers who like BRIDGET JONES will love.

the book girl gives HOLLY’S INBOX a 4/5!

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Review: ON THE STEAMY SIDE by Louisa Edwards

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, review copy One Comment

Aug

55921276 From the back of the book:

She’s never met a man so mouth-watering

When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses…

And he can’t resist her down-home spice

Devon’s not sure he can handle one more surprise ingredient in his life- he left his popular TV show, his culinary reputation is on the line, and now the son he barely knows is back for seconds. Lilah’s Southern sass is supposed to keep the boy in line, but soon enough she’s teaching Devon a thing or two about homespun food…and turning up the heat.

This was a fun read, but not quite the escape I was hoping it would be. As the wife of a restaurateur I get enough of that at home. The one thing that I really loved about the story was how Lilah calmed Devon down. I do know a lot about the chef mentality and it was very realistically written. Lilah was the bright spot in the story for me. I couldn’t help but like Devon as I saw him through her eyes. By himself Devon wouldn’t be likable at all. His son, Tucker, is another bright spot. I loved how much the relationship between Devon and Tucker changes throughout the story. As in the first book in the series the secondary characters are fantastic. I love Frankie and Jess - and wasn’t pleased with the way their portion of the story ended. I will be reading the next book in the series because I have to find out what happens next to secondary characters Frankie and Jess.

the book girl gives ON THE STEAMY SIDE a 4/5

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Review: The Cat Star Chronicles HERO by Cheryl Brooks

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Aug

54644725 From the back of the book:

HE IS THE SEXIEST, MOST IRKSOME MAN SHE’S EVER ENCOUNTERED…

Micayla is the last Zetithian female left in the universe. She doesn’t know what’s normal for her species, but she knows when she sees Trag that all she wants to do is bite him…

HE HAS SEARCHED ALL OVER THE GALAXY FOR A WOMAN LIKE HER…

Trag has sworn he’ll never marry unless he can find a Zetithian female. But now that he’s finally found Micayla, she may be more of a challenge that even he’s able to take on…

The Cat Star Chronicles is one of those series that I just can’t get enough. I was anxiously awaiting Trag’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Most of the book was fantastic - my favorite part being Trag’s reaction when Micayla hisses at him. The only thing that I didn’t like was Trag’s feelings for his sister-in-law. For more than half the book Trag believes himself in love with his brother’s wife and it bothered me. I don’t think it is an admirable trait and couldn’t help but dislike Trag a little because of it. Other than that one thing, I really did enjoy the story line. This book wraps up the story line of what happened to the Zetithian planet and gives closer to the characters.

the book girl gives HERO a 4/5

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Review: LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Jennifer Ashley

Category: 4/5, Paranormal Romance, review copy Leave a Comment

Aug

50828257 From the back of the book:

Only one man could match a lady like this - scandal for scandal.

Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by eloping with the notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie on the eve of her debut ball. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again - this time by leaving him.

Now Mac has resurfaced, every bit as charismatic, and with one goal to seduce Isabella back into his life and his bed, even if it means acting like a real gentleman. But when Isabella rises to the challenge of posing nude for Mac’s erotic paintings, her pent-up hunger for the decadent rake is exposed as well, and she finds herself unable to resist the smooth strokes of an artist at work.

But someones been watching them - dangerously close. This ingenious forger with designs on Mac’s paintings also sets his sights on Isabella herself. Deciding to become Isabella’s protector. Mac vows to never leave her side, whether his independent and proud lady likes it or not.

I had been waiting to read LADY ISABELLA since I finished THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. I wasn’t disappointed. It took me a while to get into the story, since I couldn’t remember exactly what had happened between Bella and Mac, but once I was acquainted with the story I was completely drawn into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Mac is such a great character. He has an artist’s mentality and jumps into things before he has thought it through. One of the major problem’s that Isabella has with Mac is something that she loves about him too. I think a lot of married/committed people feel this way. Sometimes the little things that you initially loved about the person turns into something that really bugs. The thing I liked the most about this book is that the couple is still in love. The reader isn’t expected to believe that the overcome intense dislike or hatred. Neither one has done something that can’t be undone. I was fantastically happy with the way this book turned out and can’t wait to read more about those sexy Mackenzie brothers.

the book girl gives LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE a 4/5

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Review: A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Jul

63578957 From the back of the book:

HE IS NOT WHAT SHE HAD IN MIND.

Jude Bertrand is not an excellent dancer. Nor does he wear the most fashionable coats. But when Marissa York’s brother approaches him, desperate to preserve Marissa’s tenuous reputation, Jude does prove heroic enough to offer to marry the girl. In fact the union should more than make up for his lack of social graces - and his own scandalous past…

BUT MINDS CHANGE…

Marissa knows that betrothal to the son of a duke - even one as raw and masculine as Jude - will save her from ruin, but that doesn’t mean she’s happy about it. Soon, though, she finds that Jude has a surprisingly gentle touch - and plans to use it to persuade Marissa that their wedding day cannot come soon enough…

If you are a regular reader here at the book girl then you know all about my love of anything and everything Victoria Dahl writes. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of A LITTLE BIT WILD and read it during Romcon. I know that some people will have a problem with Marissa, because she is more like a contemporary heroine than a historical one. However, I loved her and probably for that same reason. She is curious about intimacies between men and women and doesn’t seem to feel any remorse for her exploration. Jude is also a fantastic character. The way her relates to Marissa and doesn’t try to pressure her into anything is fantastic. I could tell from the very beginning that he really loved her. The only thing I didn’t really care for in the book is what happens with a note that is received asking for money or Marissa’s action would be revealed. At that point, I just wanted to get to the happy ending and didn’t need the added intrigue. A LITTLE BIT WILD is a fantastic romance with an unconventional heroine and a sexy hero!

the book girl gives A LITTLE BIT WILD a 4/5

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Review: Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Barnes and Noble

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, review copy Leave a Comment

Jul

56527299 From the book jacket:

Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them,

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die. (Not that you’re going to believe her. No one ever does.)

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets - then makes the mistake of falling in love with - Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It’s a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, Lucien’s already dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future…

If she even has one.

I haven’t read a Meg Cabot book since the last Heather Wells book, but Insatiable sounded to good to pass up. I really enjoyed the story, but Meena was a little annoying at times. She is also a little too pessimistic for my taste - although it does fit the character perfectly. Alaric and Lucien are both quite fun and I never could decide who I wanted Meena to end up with. I was a little sad when the book ended, because we don’t find out if Meena gets her happily ever after or not. I can’t wait for the next book so I can find out what happens to Meena, Alaric, and Lucien.

the book girl gives INSATIABLE a 4/5

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Review: Ain’t Too Proud To Beg by Susan Donovan

Category: 4/5, Paranormal Romance, puchased book 3 Comments

Jul

47726519 From the back of the book:

CAN MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.

HELP HER FIND MR. RIGHT?

All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring that puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past - and a secret that could put the woman he loves in series danger…

AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG is a fun contemporary romance. I liked both Rick and Josie. I did feel that they both jumped into the relationship too fast for people who had such issues, but enjoyed the story enough that it didn’t bother me too much. Rick was an interesting character - celibate because of an accident in his past, he is completely focused on his business until he meets Josie. He almost immediately tumbles head over heels and it was fantastic to read. Josie’s friends and fellow dog lovers are so much fun! They work to find out everything about Rick to protect Josie from another doomed relationship. AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG is a fun, summer read with excellent characters and fantastic dialogue.

the book girl gives AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG a 4/5

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Review: Sinful Surrender by Beverly Kendall

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Jul

41250787 From the back of the book:

Millicent “Missy” Armstrong is entering her third London Season, but not for lack of suitors. Since her debut three years ago, Missy has received twenty marriage proposals. But she is interested in only one man - her brother’s best friend, James Rutherford. As a child, Missy looked up to James. As a grown up, her admiration has blossomed into the longings of a beautiful, sensuous woman - and she won’t rest until James admits his love - and desire - for her…

James Rutherford rues the day he let his physical weakness get the better of him by kissing Missy. His best friend has made it clear that Missy is off limits, and though he’s avoided her for three years, he hasn’t forgotten the feel of her soft lips pressed against his - and it seems neither has she. for no matter how much James tries to discourage Missy, he keeps winding up in her arms, sharing heated caresses that promise the most delirious pleasure...

This book has been on my shelf since was released, but kept getting buried, and I’m mad at myself for letting it sit so long. I started this book around 11pm, thinking I would read a few chapters and then fall asleep. I stayed up until 3am reading. I couldn’t put it down and had to find out what was going to happen between Missy and James. This is an almost perfect romance. I could have done without James’ behavior. There were times he was downright mean to Missy “for her own good”. Missy is the kind of stubborn heroine that I love. She knew she was in love with James and no one was going to convince her otherwise - even James. These two take a very long and at times not-so-pleasant road to their happily ever after, but it was very satisfying for me when they got there. I’m hoping that we will get to read James’ friends Thomas and Alex’s stories in the future. Next time I won’t let Beverly Kendall’s book sit on my shelf for so long.

the book girl gives SINFUL SURRENDER a 4/5!

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Review and Giveaway - TO SURRENDER TO A ROGUE by Cara Elliot

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, puchased book One Comment

Jun

47219044 From the back of the book:

An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins - only to find herself caught in the web of a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James “Black Jack” Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can’t help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other’s trust. For if they don’t work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy - and their own simmering passions - may destroy them and everything they cherish.

TO SURRENDER TO A ROGUE is the second book in the Circle of Sin series. I didn’t really care for the first book (TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL), but decided to give this one a chance. I really enjoyed this book. Alessa and Jack are an interesting couple. I loved their fighting and bickering. This added to the sexual tension of the story! Alessa has a terrible secret in her past and no one to lean on until Jack comes into her life. My favorite part of the book was when she finally lets him in and he doesn’t flinch at what happened in the past and promises to help her no matter what. It is so romantic. My only problem was how long it took for the couple to come to their senses about each other. It was at least 3/4 of the way through the book. I would have liked for that to happen a bit earlier. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

the book girl gives TO SURRENDER TO A ROGUE a 4/5

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