Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 12/6/10
How I got this book: NetGalley

Five miles of leather-clad leg is all it takes to lure Kyle Branegan out from his carefully hidden lifestyle as part of the Cougar Corp, a secret branch of the Shifter Enforcer League. He’s hoping for a night of fun and frolic, cat-style, no strings attached. With a sultry swing of her hips, Eloise Scott tangles him up in her ball of tricks, and just when he thinks he’s about to get lucky, she cuffs him—naked—to her bed.

An undercover cop in the human police force, El’s been given a top-secret mission to keep the big cat under her paw until he’s needed to testify in court in the New Year. Her decision to take him home for a quiet Christmas in her sleepy hometown turns out to be far more interesting than she expected. Her parents are suddenly rich, her old boyfriend is sniffing around and all six-feet-plus of sexy cougar male is sleeping in her bed.

And that’s before they announce their fake engagement…
*Blurb from author’s website*

Holy cow does Vivian Arend know how to write some smokin’ hot shifters. Her Granite Lake Wolves Series is a fav, and now she is coming out with one about cats. MEOW! *This novella can be found as part of the Winter Wishes Anthology by Carina Press, sold with stories from Moira Rogers and Vivi Andrews.*

Kyle is a part of the super secret Cougar Corp, investigating cat shifters who get a little wild and reveal their dangerous sides to the human race. But with one look at El has him panting and trailing after her. Although he is working, he decides to take some time off to see if El wants to come out and play.

Eloise is an undercover cop on the human police force, and has been tasked with keep Kyle underground while awaiting some big trail he is needed at. She uses her cat powers of seduction and captures him, literally chaining him to her bed. But, as that is the last place she wants to keep him, he agrees to attend her family Christmas celebration instead.

Between the hilarious family antics, jealous ex-boyfriend, fake engagement and potentially guilty uncle, Kyle and El realize that love really can come when you least expect it.

These cat shifters are ME-OW! Kyle and El smoke up the pages with their always roaring attraction. I loved the way El was able to capture Kyle in the beginning, and then the way Kyle was able to capture her heart at the end. The chemistry was off the charts, and although El tried so hard to resist, it was only a matter of time before she fell for his never ending charms.

I loved the crazy family of El’s and their holiday traditions. Watching Kyle, the somewhat reclusive loner, have to go through many different family bonding was hilarious. Although we don’t get exact answers to the case Kyle is investigating, I enjoyed watching him and El try to find out all the details possible.

This new world that Arend created was super interesting, and I hope that she continues to write within it. There were a few questions left open, and I can only pray that they gte wrapped up in a future book. I love the concept of shifters living out in the open amongst the humans. Plus, having Kyle working for a group that keeps the more nefarious ways of shifters hidden, it’s priceless. When asked, Arend said she didn’t know if she would make this a series, but I’ve got my fingers cross. (PLEASE VIV???? PLEASE!!)

All in all, I give Tangled Tinsel 4.5 out of 5 undercover cat cops!

Waiting on... Dreams of a Dark Warrior

I love all things Kresley Cole, and her Immortals After Dark Series is one of my all time favorites. The 11th installment, Dreams of a Dark Warrior is out in February 15th and features Regin!!

He vowed he'd come for her. . .

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives—only an endless yearning.

She awaits his return. . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals, unaware that he belongs to their world.

To sate a desire more powerful than death. . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan's torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?
*Blurb from author's website*

Trailer Tuesday - My Fair Succubi

The always fabulous Jill Myles posted the trailer for her 3rd Succubus Diaries book the other day. Her equally fabulous husband is an amazing artist, and creates all her videos for her. Check it out.

First Gift Blog Hop

When my husband and I first started dating, we were working at a department store and in college. One day while walking around campus, there was some kind of arts and crafts sale on the mall (the very central part of the University of Arizona campus, with long wide strips of grass that is a favorite place for students to hang out).

We were joking around that the had yet to buy me anything, and sorta trailed behind me and my best friend Beth as we hopped from table to table checking out all the wares. When we got to this silver vendor, I just about drooled all over the place. I’m obsessed with silver rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, you find a piece of silver jewelry and it’s a guarantee I’ll love it. After I ohhed, ahhed, cried, and cooed over this one ring in particular, I hinted to my man he should get it for me.

Well, let’s just say the man flat out laughed at me and told me the only ring he would ever get me would be from a crackerjack box. (Little liar has bought me three rings, SO HA! Joke’s on you hubby!!) Needless to say, I went on to class, thinking about that damn ring, counting down the hour until I could get out of class, head to the ATM, and go pick up the beautiful silver piece.

Once I got out of class, I called the hubby to tell him I would be late meeting him because I was going to go and get the ring myself. He offered to meet me on the mall again, and when I got there he was holding out a bag of crackerjacks. After I mentally swooned, I opened it to find that not only had he bought me the ring, but he had taken the time to peel open the crackerjack bag, replace the toy with the ring he got, and reseal the bag.

To this day, I still think my hubby is the most romantic man in the whole wide world! And although I don’t wear the ring anymore, (really slimy sales woman, silver plated is not the same as silver. Thanks for turning my finger green beotch!) I do still have the ring he got me. I really do have the best husband ever!!



Although you can’t see it very well, after the ring started losing its silver plate, I began wearing it on my necklace around my neck. You can’t see it very well, but there it is. It has little offset bubbles like the picture below, only it had purple and clear crystals offsetting. Love it, just wish it had lasted a little bit longer.

Hands On by Christina Crooks

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: 11/16/10
How I got this book: Author requested review

Want to make Fate laugh? Try telling her who’s in charge.

Talented, down-on-her-luck puppeteer Ginnie Anderson’s life seems destined to fall down around her ears. Much like the rented bungalow that’s just collapsed in a heavy rainstorm, endangering her precious collection of marionettes.

Her livelihood in need of protection and repair, she can’t refuse her landlord’s offer of temporary shelter in his magnificent home. Under his roof, though, she finds her hard-won grasp on her independence slipping—and herself falling into his arms.

The hallmark of Harry Barrett’s business success: he never makes the same mistake twice, particularly when it comes to manipulative women. So why is Ginnie, who pulls strings for a living, like a siren’s song in his blood? It’s best to put temptation as far out of reach as possible.

Yet when Ginnie’s past threatens to destroy the life she’s built for herself, Harry must decide which is more important. Holding tight to his sense of self preservation, or letting go to capture Ginnie’s fragile heart—before it breaks into a thousand pieces.

Warning: Contains sizzling sex between a powerful hero who likes to be in control, and a heroine whose talented hands teach him the pleasure of giving up the reins.
*Blurb from Goodreads*.

Crooks creates a short romantic story featuring a hero scared to trust a woman, and a woman who wants nothing more than a commitment from the man who just can’t give it to her. The book starts with poor Ginnie, trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, who rents a house that takes all of five minutes and a strong windstorm to collapse in on her. When a stranger shows up and pulls her out at the last minute, she finds herself taken under his wing.

Harry is a reclusive business man, upset by a recent betrayal by the woman he thought he loved. His business took a hit, as did his personal self esteem. When he realizes that one of his rental properties is a run down POS, he runs in and rescues the odd girl living in the home. Harry’s attraction to Ginnie is instantaneous, and although he wants absolutely nothing to do with her, he can’t seem to pull away from her.

As Ginnie’s world continues to crash around her, Harry is there to help pick up the pieces, but will he be able to put his own heart on the line to save hers?

While I had some trouble getting into the story at first, it did pick up as it went on. Ginnie seemed somewhat helpless at the beginning of the story. There was just something about the character that made me think of her as a helpless little kitten: absolutely adorable but somewhat needy. I did think though, that throughout the story, Ginnie did do a little growing up. She seemed more willing to stick up to herself after a little boost and help from Harry.

Harry also didn’t click with me as a character, at all. While I felt bad for him for what he had to deal with in regards to his ex-fiance, he never really became real to me. I didn’t like that although he was drawn to Ginnie, and seemed to do right by her half the time, the other half of the time he was being a jerk, thinking like a jerk, and just unsure of himself.

I was extremely impressed with the amount of knowledge Crooks gave us about the world of puppeteering. I can only imagine the amount of research was involved, and I loved that Ginnie had an interesting hobby/career choice. It was obvious to me that Crooks must either really love, or have a strong dedication to showing the wonderful world of puppets, because that shown through the pages to me.

Although the characters lacked at times, I loved that the main focus of the story was Harry and Ginnie’s relationship. The ending was great as well, and I did find myself liking Harry when he finally allowed himself to fall for Ginnie, and how he went about proving it to her.


All in all, I give Hands On 3 out of 5 marionettes.

Waiting on... My Fair Succubi

Jill Myles writes the Succubus Diaries, and the 3rd book, My Fair Succubi comes out December 28th!! For those who haven't started this series yet, it follows the hilarious Jackie and BFF Remi through their adventures. I can't wait for the next installment! Check out the cover and blurb below.

It Sucks To Be Her…

Living as a succubus has a bit of a learning curve, but with sexy fallen angel Noah to scratch her sensual Itch, Jackie Brighton is finally starting to feel ahead of the game. She almost doesn’t miss her gorgeous vampire master Zane – or his sinful, teasing mouth. She’s trying to convince herself of that, anyway.

But Jackie’s past mistakes catch up with her, spinning her life out of control once more. Just as her friend Remy’s inner demon comes out to play, Noah and Jackie are arrested by the angelic Serim Council. When Jackie seizes the chance to escape, she falls right into Zane’s waiting arms. As she’s pulled into a game of cat and mouse between vampires and angels, she finds she must also finally choose between the two men in her life. Can she decide between Noah and Zane, or will she lose everything she’s ever wanted? Because there’s more at stake than just her heart…
*Blurb from author's website*

Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven

Publisher: Harlequin Nocture
Publish Date: 10/1/10
How I got this book: Requested from Publisher

Daughter of the war god Ares, Kyra had been born into darkness—a darkness she'd vowed to annihilate. Just as she'd destroy the notorious Greek arms dealer Marco Kaisiris for feeding the bloodlust she despised. She'd use her nymph's carnal powers to seduce him, then slay him. But Kyra wasn't prepared for Marco's secret weapon.

For millennia Kyra had avoided mortal men, but she couldn't resist Marco's magnetism, his raw sexuality. Time and again his sculpted body took her to heights to which only the gods soared. That he was a shape-shifting hydra she could forgive, but not his one fatal flaw—his poisoned blood could kill her. Kyra had fallen for the only being who could destroy her…. Yet how could she spend eternity without him?
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Draven creates a unique new story in which the ancient Greek gods and goddesses literally come alive on the page, and rock the story from start to finish. Kyra is the nymph daughter of Ares the war god, and doing everything in her power to NOT be like good old dad. She is on a mission to find the hydra Marco and destroy him, as fate says she is supposed to do. But when her plan to use her prowess of seduction backfires, she finds herself falling for Marco at every turn.

Marco is the arms dealer to the underdog, and while he has no problem providing guns to kids, he does have a problem with his abilities as a hydra. Knowing the danger his blood has to those around him, Marco is constantly on guard with everyone, and although Kyra keeps popping up, he keeps being drawn to her while trying to push her away at the same time. When Marco gets pulled closer to a war gods clutches, he and Kyra set off to try and bring peace to not only the Congo, but a small piece of each of their souls.

I really enjoyed this book! Draven starts off with a bang and never stops the whole way through. The different spin on the paranormal, having nymphs, hydras, and gods come to life was fresh, exciting, and a blast to read. The spin on the hydra myth, with Marco being able to change his “faces” was neat, and Kyra as a nymph being able to have sexual prowess, but also having the ability to fall deeply and tragically in love.

I thought both Kyra and Marco were great characters. While Kyra was somewhat sheltered and naive, she was also passionate, caring, and had a pure heart. The whole right versus wrong, good versus evil theme throughout, and Kyra’s dedication to stay on the “right” side of the line was a consistent and prevalent point in the story, and because of that, I really respected her character. While Marco had no problems toeing the line, while jumping across to one side then the other, I was amazed at the depth that Draven gave his character. With his history and past, he makes a phenomenal tortured alpha male hero.

The romance between Kyra and Marco was almost fairytale like. The obstacles in the way of forming their relationship were huge, but the desire to be together was just as big. I loved the feeling of the two of them needing to “slay the dragon” together in order to move forward. It was fun, flirty, and romantic all at the same time!

I was impressed with the way that Draven brought some world issues to the forefront, without being too preachy or political. With the history of Rwanda, and constant ongoing problems in Africa, I liked the spin she put on both sides of the issue. It was very, very well done.

While I personally wish the story would have been a little longer; it didn’t feel rushed, like it ended abruptly, or was leaving out any pertinent information to the story line. I can only hope that Draven continues to write stories set in this world in the future. Maybe featuring some of the other gods and their kids? Draven is an author that I will definitely have to add to my list of great paranormal authors!


All in all, I give Poisoned Kisses 4.5 out of 5 nymphs and hydras!

Cover Love... Wolfsbane

Ok, I will admit that I have yet to read the Nightshade books by Andrea Creamer. But Oh My God, her covers are so beautiful! This past week she released the cover for the 2nd book in the series, Wolfsbane. It's just as amazing as the first. Take a look:

Kiss of Snow Blurb

Nalini Singh posted on her website today the back cover blurb for the next Psy-Changeling book, Kiss of Snow, featuring the one and only Hawke. So, incredibly, unbelievably excited. I think this might be my #1 CAN NOT miss book of 2011 (Although that is a toss up with Magic Slays. Curran, need I say more?) Check out the blurb and cover (because that is one sexy set of abs) below:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s exhilarating world of shapeshifters and psychics is “paranormal romance at its best” (Publishers Weekly). Now comes the story of an alpha wolf named Hawke used to getting exactly what he wants--and of the only woman who dares tangle with him.

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…
*Blurb from author's website

Waiting on... Alien Tango

Ever since reading Touched by an Alien, I've been anxiously awaiting the next
installment in the Kitty & Martini saga. It doesn't help that Gini is a great friend of mine, and teases me almost ever time I see her with snippets and hints about books to come. So to countdown to Alien Tango is now at 27 days... Time? Please hurry up!

It's been five months since marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt started working with the aliens from Alpha Centauri, and she and Jeff Martini are getting closer. But when an experimental spacecraft is mysteriously returned to the Kennedy Space Center, Kitty and the rest of her team are called in to investigate. Now the team must survive murderous attacks, remove a space entity from a group of astronauts, and avoid an unhinged woman with a serious crush on Kitty's high school boyfriend. And that's all before evil masterminds decide Kitty's extermination is vital.
*blurb from goodreads*

Song of Scarabaeus by Sara Creasy

Publisher: EOS Books (Harper Collins)
Publish Date: 4/10/10
How I got this book: Local Library

Trained since childhood in advanced biocyph seed technology by the all-powerful Crib empire, Edie's mission is to terraform alien worlds while her masters bleed the outlawed Fringe populations dry. When renegade mercenaries kidnap Edie, she's not entirely sure it's a bad thing . . . until they leash her to a bodyguard, Finn—a former freedom fighter-turned-slave, beaten down but never broken. If Edie strays from Finn's side, he dies. If she doesn't cooperate, the pirates will kill them both.

But Edie's abilities far surpass anything her enemies imagine. And now, with Finn as her only ally as the merciless Crib closes in, she'll have to prove it or die on the site of her only failure . . . a world called Scarabaeus.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

This Sci Fi book first came to my attention through the Supernatural Underground Blog, and with my 2010 Sci Fi Romance challenge needing a few more reads, I immediately went to my local library to see if I could get my hands on it. (It was a Library Recommended Read for two months running, and the waiting list was INSANE!)

Song of Scarabaeus follows the story of Edie, a biocyph tech that is leagues above the others in her field. When she is kidnapped and somewhat forced to work for a team of mercenaries on terraformation, she sets off on an unexpected adventure.

She ends up leashed to a bodyguard, the reclusive and secretive Finn, through their minds. If he gets too far away from her, he dies. If she dies, he dies. Edie and Finn soon realize they have an ally in each other, and do everything they can to escape the mercenaries hold on them. When they are sent to the planet Scarabaeus, Edie’s first adventure in terraform, the two must do everything they can think of just to stay alive.

Like I said, I was super excited for this book, and for the most part, I really enjoyed it. I absolutely adored Edie. She started the book as a shy, reserved tech just doing what she has to do to survive. But throughout the story we watch as Edie grows and really comes into her own. She isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in, she isn’t afraid to stand up to others for those beliefs, and she genuinely cares for those around her. I loved watching Edie evolve from a somewhat timid character, to a strong leading female.

Likewise, Finn was awesome. He was so reserved and secretive that at times I wanted to pry his secrets out of him. But like Edie, we really get to see his true colors come out. As a slave, Finn was used to being mistreated, but overtime Edie’s kindness breaks down his walls and he begins to really care about her, not just her life force keeping his alive. I definitely fell hard for Finn by about chapter four!

The imagination and imagery that comes with this one is amazing! I was completely drawn into Edie’s world, and the pictures of the planet Scarabaeus were like vivid pictures of some incredibly amazing stuff! The descriptions of what the planet was like, their ship, even what space looked like as they went to their destination was so unique.

While at times I had a little bit of difficulty keeping up with the technology, the science, and the amazing imagination of Creasy, it didn’t change the fact that I really enjoyed the story. The action seemed to be non-stop, the romance was sizzling, and the emotions gripped my heart. This book will definitely speak to those who like a lot more science in their Sci Fi romance, but is also engaging for those of you whose eyes gloss over at the hard stuff.

I am really looking forward to the sequel, Children of Scarabaeus, out in April 2011. While Creasy did a good job of not leaving any major cliff hangers, I can’t wait to find out where Edie and Finn will go next.


All in all, I give Song of Scarabaeus 4 out of 5 exotic beetles.

Cover Love... Magic Slays

Ilona Andrews revealed their new cover for the 5th Kate Daniels book, Magic Slays this past week. In the comments, Gordon (half of the dynamic duo, for those who don't know) said that this rendition of Kate is actually closer to how he and Ilona view her. So while she has changed a bit through the series covers, I think she keeps looking better and better! Check out the cover (and new mega boobies!) below:

Undeniable Yours by Shannon Stacey

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 11/1/10
How I got this book: NetGalley

One-night stand + two percent condom failure rate = happily ever after?
Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn’t gone so badly...
Beth’s tending bar at a wedding when she comes face-to-face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she’d see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can’t say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.
Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he’s not the player she thinks he is. But she’s not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it’s going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child...
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Shannon Stacey has become one of my favorite authors, and her Kowalski books from Carina Press are some of my favorites from 2010.

Kevin Kowalski is a sports bar owner, and has recently watched his brothers get the girl of their dreams. Granted, he isn't starved for female attention, but none of those females are ones that he would want to spend his life with. When he meets Beth, he knows right away that she is different, and when he finally gets her into bed, he wakes up the next morning all alone, with no way to contact her.

When Beth realizes that she is pregnant, she knows that she has to let Kevin know about the baby. Amazed to be one of the few that use protection and still get stuck in an awkward situation, she worries how Kevin will react to the news. To her surprise, after a few moments of shock, Kevin was stoked at the idea of becoming a father, and getting to find Beth again. These two will have to decide if they want to be just neighbors raising a baby, or a real family.

Loved, loved, loved this book. It was so great. I'm not usually a huge fan of stories that are based on an unexpected pregnancy, but I enjoyed the fact that Stacey changed it up a bit, and had Beth so adamantly against getting married or even dating just for the sake of the baby. To me, that is the smartest thing a couple can do when stuck in a situation like that, and I enjoyed that Stacey didn't romanticize the situation.

I absolutely fell for Kevin when we first met him in Exclusively Yours, and he just became so much more loveable as the story unfolded. I always love stories about men who are ready to settle down, start a family, and “grow up” who have trouble convincing the women they love to settle down. Kevin was such a great guy in my mind, he was supportive of Beth, while trying not to be too demanding. He wanted to care for her, provide for her, and love her. Much to her dismay.

I loved how he tried so hard to woo Beth into being with him. He so obviously wanted to be with her, and tried so hard to not only show her, but tell her as well. At the same time, I was glad to see when Kevin finally threw in the glove and told Beth he wouldn't wait around for her forever. It was a perfect combination of pride and a willingness to throw it all down the drain for Beth.

I felt so sad for Beth at times. She has such a hard time getting involved in the lives of those around her. Her fear of settling down caused her to live a crazy nomadic life. Because of that history, I can understand why she was so scared to really make a home and life with Kevin. I was glad to see her really break out of her shell though and come to the understanding of how wonderful life can be when you share it when someone you love.

I also really enjoyed the sub-plot surrounding Kevin's bartender and manager Paulie. I so enjoyed everything about Paulie and her history with Sam. It was a great little story weaved through. Likewise, the Kowalski family is back again in full force! I loved getting another glimpse into their fun family. Keri and Joe's wedding, another annual camping trip, and some fun holiday traditions. I know we've run out of single Kowalski brothers, but I can only hope that Stacey will bring these characters back for another story in the future.


All in all, I give Undeniably Yours 5 out of 5 accidental pregnancies!

Waiting on... Shadowfever

The queen of cliffhangers, Karen Marie Moning, will be releasing her 5th and final book in the Fever Series on January 18, 2011. This series is amazing, full of twisted plot lines, an amazing heroine, and a hero who may or may not be the bad guy. This series has some of the worst cliffhangers, and anyone who hasn't read it yet will luck out, being able to read them all in one shot. And let me tell you, this series is a MUST read for all your Urban Fantasy fans out there.

"Evil is a completely different creature, Mac.
Evil is bad that believes it's good."

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals that have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief, while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh--a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King that contains the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac, and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.

Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman that haunts her dreams? More importantly, who is Mac and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master's penthouse, to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover, to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac's journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and make a choice that will either save the world...or destroy it.
*Blurb from author's website*

Passions of a Wicked Earl by Lorraine Heath

Publisher: Avon

Publish Date: 11/1/10

How I got this book: NetGalley

Known throughout London for his prowess in the bedroom, Morgan Lyons, the 8th Earl of Westcliffe, cannot forgive an unpardonable affront to his honor. Discovering his young bride in the arms of his brother was a staggering blow–so he banished the beautiful deceiver to the country and devoted himself to the pursuit of carnal pleasure.

Claire Lyons was an innocent, frightened girl on her wedding day, seeking chaste comfort from a childhood friend. Now, years later, she has blossomed magnificently and has returned to London with one goal in mind: the seduction of her notorious husband. Unskilled in the sensual arts, she burns nonetheless for the kisses too long denied her. And she has but one Season to win back the heart of the rogue she betrayed.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

I am on such a historical romance high, and Lorraine Heath kept me on Cloud 9 with this one! The first in her London’s Greatest Lovers Series, Passions of a Wicked Earl tells the story of Westcliffe, and his poor wounded ego. When Westcliffe decided to marry, and took a young wife in his neighbor Claire, things went downhill quick.

Claire was petrified at the thought of her wedding night, and asked that Westcliffe’s younger brother and her best friend help her. When Westcliffe caught her in bed in the arms of his brother, he was furious and banished her to the country while he went to London. Now, Claire is back, trying to provide a season for her younger sister Beth. While trying to find Beth a suitable husband, she will try everything to get her own back as well.

I really enjoyed this one. Westcliffe with his huge ego occasionally got on my nerves. There were times I just wanted to shake him to get him to see what he had in front of him. He was also incredible selfish when it came to Lady Anne, his mistress. It was good to see his opinions of Anne and their relationship as the book progressed, and as he got to know Claire better.

I really loved Claire’s character. She was fun, free spirited, and an all around great character. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to show her temper in front of Westcliffe, and that she wasn’t afraid to fight for her right to be his wife, regardless of their past. I enjoyed her interactions with Beth. It reminded me of a loving sister relationship, kinda like the one I have with my younger sisters. The amount of scrutiny and ridicule she endured from the Ton, while doing what was best for her sister, had me wishing I had an older sister like that of my own.

Unlike Claire and Beth, the interactions between Westcliffe and his two brothers, Ainsley and Stephen were at times heart breaking. While it seemed as if they did truly wish to be a family, none of them could take the steps to actually become said family. I wished for Westcliffe’s sake throughout the book that they would be able to put aside the past and focus on being brothers to each other in the future.

This is one of my favorite historical that I’ve read of late, and Heath tells a great story. Between the love story with Westcliffe and Claire, the heartache between brothers, and the suspense of what will happen with Westcliffe and Anne, this book will forever be on my keeper shelf!

All in all, I give Passions of a Wicked Earl 4 out of 5 estranged marriages!