The Sinner.

Author: Margaret Mallory

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 2 of 4 in the Return of the Highlander Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.

Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex's past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their new found passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

My Review:
Much the same as with the first book in this series, while I was reading this I don't remember enjoying it that much, but, something definitely captivated me enough to bring me all the way through to the end. That something, is what I pin solely on our hero: Alex.

The Guardian.

Author: Margaret Mallory

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 1 of 4 in the Return of the Highlanders Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.

As a young lass, Sileas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sileas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sileas - and he won't take no for an answer.

My Review:
The thing about this novel, is that while I was reading it, I don't remember enjoying it that much. But, I couldn't: Put. It. Down. I don't know what it is about Scotland settings and men running around in kilts, and those men being described as tall and muscular and wielding dirks and swords, but goodness it certainly always catches my attention. Not to mention strong-willed heroines and that feeling of gah! how does this story turn out?!If I had to describe Ian to someone wanting to know more about him, I think I would say that he's certainly a fierce and deftly brave warrior, caring to those he loves, and, unfortunately, somewhat of a disappointing pig. Rarely am I so immediately turned off by the leading romance hero.

Mine Till Midnight.

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 1 of 5 in The Hathaways Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men's dreams, Cam has tired of society's petty restrictions and longs to return to his "uncivilized" Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship--but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter.

My Review:
(Once again I found the synopsis on the misleading side, but not completely.)
I don't really know where to begin, I guess I will start with the hero. I only found one extremely interesting thing about Cam Rohan: He is a Gypsy. Before picking this book up, I had only read one book (that I remember) that had gypsy characters in it. Honestly, I wasn't that fond of them. I'm still not. But Cam Rohan, and a secondary character - Merripen, are exceptions. I love these two men. But right now I am only talking about Cam. Not to say that he was plain, or dull but, his being a gypsy the most interesting thing about him was because, I had never come across that in a regency romance before. I really liked that because it was different. He was a different type of character. Not some lord of the ton that would be easily scandalized and well, full of himself in a way. Cam was caring, gorgeous, (mostly) unrestricted in his ways, and intelligent.

The Christmas Secret: A Novella by Julia London.

(I originally wasn't going to post this review anywhere but on my goodreads, but I decided that since I am spotlighting Julia London today, I would go ahead and post this review here. This novella was only released as an e-book as far I know, and it takes place after The Year of Living Scandalously: a story about Declan's younger sister, Eireanne.)

The Beautiful Stranger.

Author: Julia London

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 3 of 4 in The Rogues of Regent Street Series.

Synopsis from the Author's Website:

Arthur would never forget that tragic day: Lord Phillip Rothembow, his cherished comrade, killed senselessly in a duel. In an attempt to clear his late friend's name, Arthur leaves behind England - and the woman who broke his heart - to journey to Scotland. How could he know that his travels would lead him to the most enchanting woman he has ever met?

Desperately fighting to hold on to the land her late husband lost in a foolish business venture, widowed Kerry McKinnon cannot believe that this beautiful stranger has come to seize her home and leave her to a horrible fate. Yet from the moment they meet, something powerful ignites between them. Theirs is a passion that is reckless, scandalous... and impossible to resist. But a shocking crime will force Kerry to flee with Arthur to England, where propriety rules, and where desire can show a world-weary rake that a life without love is the greatest scandal of all...

My Review:
I actually really liked this story, but, it was because of a part of the story that it didn't get that fourth star. I don't want to give it away because I think it was an important part that really sealed the hero and heroine together, so I will only say that it was just too dramatic a part for my tastes lately. Also, while I guess it kind of made sense, I didn't really find it necessary for something that extreme and serious to put them together.

The Year of Living Scandalously. (Short Review.)

Author: Julia London.
Genre: Historical-Romance.
Source: Nook Book.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Book one in The Secrets of Hadley Green.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
In 1792, the village of Hadley Green executed a man for stealing the Countess of Ashwood’s historic jewels. Fifteen years later, questions still linger. Was it a crime of greed—or of passion?
When Declan O’Connor, Earl of Donnelly, arrives at Hadley Green to meet with Lily Boudine, the new countess of Ashwood, he knows instantly that the lovely woman who welcomes him is not who she pretends to be. In an attempt to avoid an unwanted marriage, Keira Hannigan has assumed her cousin’s identity and is staying at the estate while Lily is abroad. When Declan threatens to expose her, Keira convinces him to guard her secret, then enlists him in her investigation of the missing jewels, for she now believes an innocent man was hanged.
Unable to deny the beautiful, exasperating Keira—or their simmering passion—Declan reluctantly agrees. But neither is prepared for the dangerous stranger who threatens to reveal Keira’s lies . . . and Declan knows he must protect Keira at all costs, for she is the woman who now owns his heart.

My Review:
Normally, I rave about Julia London, but this one, it just didn't really do anything for me. But that doesn't mean that I didn't see the potential for the characters and plot for the next book in this series. This one felt mostly like a "leading up to..." book. And well, honestly, I wasn't all that excited about the hero and heroine (Declan and Keira). It just felt like something was missing. I can't quite put my finger on what though, but I'm leaning towards not enough of a connection between them in the first place. Looking past all of that for a moment, this was a little funny and of course a little charming, otherwise I definitely would have put this down. (Yes, even so it being a Julia London novel. lol.)
I would actually like to see more go on between Declan and Keira, see their relationship grow more, especially since at least half of Keira's problems have gone away, at least for the time being. I also cannot wait to see what happens with Lily. Once she returned, at the end there was a very shocking surprise, and, I want to know as well as all of the characters in the story: what happened all those years ago and find out where those jewels went!
I haven't really much else to say, so I think I will just cut this one short, and hope for the better in book two. (Due out in Feb. 2012, ugh!)

Tempted by the Night.

Author: Elizabeth Boyle.
Genre: Fantasy, Historical-Romance.
Source: Nook Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Book two in The Marlowe Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

A Secret Admirer . . .
They say he's a shameless rake who cares for nothing but pleasure, a rogue who spends his nights in London's lustiest locales, gambling and carousing until dawn. But Lady Hermione Marlowe refuses to believe that the handsome gentleman she's loved from afar for so long could be so wicked. If only she had a way to prove to the ton that Lord Rockhurst is as proper as the rest. If only she knew what he really did under cover of the night . . .
A Clandestine Encounter . . .
Lord Rockhurst knows what they say about him, and he doesn't care. Let them think his nights are filled with craven debauchery. Only he knows his true purpose, his dangerous goal. But when a mysterious woman falls into his arms—and thereby saves his life—Rockhurst will struggle to save his secret. Who is this creature with such tempting curves and an enticing touch? Rockhurst can only wonder how he can trust her . . . for he knows he cannot resist her.

My Review:
To be honest, if I were to go by the synopsis alone, I would have passed this book by. But I have read the first book, and if I hadn't I wouldn't have gotten to read this lovely love story. I wouldn't have seen another side to Lady Hermione's character, and I would not have learned Lord Rockhurst's extremely surprising secret. The synopsis isn't exactly on the mis-leading side, as it just plainly leaves a few key factors of the story out, which I greatly appreciated, because it made finding out what was in this book that made it so special, and well, surprising - that much more fun.
Elizabeth Boyle is one of my new favorite authors, because a) she can write really lovable and relatable characters, and b) her writing style is just really fun/funny at times.
I could not wait for Lady Hermione to find the ring and see what her wish would be, and once it was granted, I could hardly wait to find out what Lord Rockhurst was really up to, but I was also a little worried for Hermione and what she might find out. I didn't want to end up as horrified as she could have been with the possibilities of what he could have been up to. While she did end up horrified, I was a little...wary. Because that aspect of the story was totally unexpected. Once I got over it though, it was a fun little adventure I could hardly wait to get to the part I really wanted to read; where Lord Rockhurst finds out who his mystery lady was. I was also a little scared of that part though, because what if Hermione's (and okay, mine as well) worst fears were confirmed? I would have been so heartbroken for her, and completely mad at Lord Rockhurst - which I honestly did not want to be since I liked his character so much.
Overall this was as much a fun and entertaining read as the first book in the series was - which I am glad I picked up.

His Mistress by Morning.

Author: Elizabeth Boyle.
Genre: Historical, Fantasy-Romance.
Source: Nook Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Book one in The Marlowe Series.

When shy Charlotte Wilmont makes a wish after one particularly devastating afternoon with her best friend Hermione Marlowe and her handsome older brother; Sebastian - Viscount Trent, she has no idea that the inherited ring she is wearing has the power to grant it, and change her life forever. When she awakes the next morning, she finds herself in quite a shocking situation, not to mention that her wish has come true.

I don't really remember the synopsis that I first read for this book that made me want to read it, but once I began this book, and realized what kind of story was hidden inside of it's pages, I was very surprised. In the sense that I was not expecting what it offered. I daresay I was even as surprised as poor Charlotte was at first. But once the story really began to pick up and move forward (which was quickly) this became a very enjoyable and fun read.
I really loved all of the characters, especially Quince. Sebastian and his family were very lovable as well, if not a little on the odd side of the fence. But I think the character that had the biggest transformation, was our heroine Charlotte. Not just because of her magical ring, but because of the things she discovered in her new life that were hidden in her old one. Not only did she come out of her shell, she used her new knowledge to obtain the things she wanted, including Sebastian.
If you're looking for a light-hearted read, filled with interesting characters - some that come back in the second book with shocking secrets of their own, one you could read in one to two sittings as I did, this could just hit the spot.

Vampire Mountain.

Author: Darren Shan
Genre: YA, Fantasy-Horror.
Source: Nook Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Book 4 of 12 in Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan.

When Larten Crepsley comes to Darren one night and tells him to pack his bags, Darren is automatically filled with curiosity. They are about to make the long, hard trek to Vampire Mountain to attend council with the Vampire Princes. But before they can leave, Mr. Tiny has a message for them to deliver to the Princes, which he sends through two of his little people - which Larten is less than thrilled about. On that road they encounter many obstacles and surprises, and once they reach their destination, Darren finds he must face challenges he never even dreamed he'd be up against.
Pulling away from my "old friend" way of reviewing these books, this book didn't really give that feeling at all. It felt more like one of those "leading up to..." reads, a set up, if you will, for the next book which looks even more promising. I still enjoyed this book though, very much. It was familiar, and I think Darren really faced things head-on, not backing down, and did what he had to do to prove himself.
Larten on the other hand, stayed almost the same as he has always been in previous reads. But there was something different about him, and the reader notices it right along with Darren - he showed some excitement, and just a peek inside of himself, which was refreshing. I hope in the next books he continues to grow a bit more and becomes more of an understandable character.
So, even though this book fell a smidge on the flat side in the way that it wasn't as exciting as the others, I just enjoyed reading more about Darren and seeing the way he takes things as a young half-vampire. Doing his best, no matter what the challenge and how hard it may be.

The Awakening.

Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal.
Source: Nook Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Book 2 of 3 in The Darkest Powers Trilogy.

While I was happy to be reading my very first e-book, I was not happy about the book itself. It seemed slow and a little, well, dragged. To be perfectly honest I don't even really feel like reviewing it, but I will do my best.
Book two picks up where book one left off: Chloe and Rae are back at the Lab with the Edison Group, contemplating escape. Well, Chloe is contemplating escape, and also dealing with, and learning a little, from a demon that has contacted her there. To make a long story short, Rae has to stay at the lab, while Chloe and Tori and a few of the Edison Group people take the girls out to try to make contact with Simon and Derek - who have managed to stay out of reach of the Edison Group. Chloe and Tori manage to get away and find the boys, while trying to find a way to save their friends back at the lab, and themselves - with the hopes of finding the one person they think can help them: Andrew, a friend of Simon and Derek's father.
I liked the fact that Derek and Chloe's relationship began to soften a little when they got separated from Simon and Tori. It was kind of interesting seeing both their reactions to Derek's (almost) changing. But it was a little confusing. It almost seemed like they had a love-hate thing going between them. They had to stick together, but it seemed so hard for them at times. I guess I just didn't really understand where Derek was coming from. I think the author may have been trying to make him the take-charge guy of the group, but I think he was a little too "take-charge" at times. I couldn't really tell if that was his personality, or what he felt was simply his responsibility.
I know Chloe was afraid of her powers, but I wished she would have tried harder to...embrace them. I realize she is just a teenager, but definitely not a normal teenager. Not just because she is a genetically altered necromancer, but in the way that she wouldn't even seem normal if she weren't a necromancer. If she truly was just ordinary and normal, I don't think I would care for her character at all. It's just really weird for me, because in the first book I really liked her, now I'm not so sure. Of course I'm considering all of the obstacles she is going through, but the other characters are going through them right along with her, she just doesn't cope very well to me in this book.
I've actually already read the last book, so it's a little hard for me to go further and explain more about how I feel about the characters and the journey they are taking, so I think I will end this review here, and just say that while I wasn't exactly wild about this book, I wouldn't say it was totally a let down.