Unwrapped by: Katie Lane

Synopsis

GOOD THINGS COME IN SEXY PACKAGES . . .
Jacqueline Maguire has a problem tying the knot. After fleeing the altar (again), the runaway bride drives off with no particular destination in mind. Which is how Jac finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with a hot, hard-bodied stranger who treats her to the naughtiest night of her life . . . but come morning, he's long gone.

Contractor Patrick McPherson is deeply committed to his bachelor lifestyle. No strings, no rings. As the Christmas season approaches, however, Patrick still can't quite forget his curvalicious one-night stand. Then Jac shows up unexpectedly, and all holiday hell breaks loose. Because this year, Patrick is getting the biggest Christmas surprise of his life . . .

My Review

This novel was such a treat to read and just in time for the holidays... Honestly, I couldn't put it down. It was the right mixture of hot romance mixed with a good dose of humor and a little bit of fantasy mixed in. I definitely want you to read this novel so I will try my hardest not to give away too much of the little nuggets that made this novel a pleasure to read. Keep in mind that this story is a holiday novel set over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The fantasy part of the story is wrapped into that aspect. We also discover that Jacqueline  or 'Jac' is also a dreamer of sorts and some of her imaginings and thoughts can sometimes go in the direction of fantasy. There were times when I wasn't sure if things being discussed in the story were actually happening - but nothing that would totally confuse me and make me lose interest in the book. Through character dialogue, I was often still grounded in the story. I had to be careful not to think of Jac as a ditz because it could come off that way if you're not really paying attention to the storyline. 

The Reluctant Duchess by: Sharon Cullen

Synopsis

Lady Sara Emerson was jolted out of her dull provincial life by her cousin's murder. Now that the killer seems to be targeting her, Sara seeks help from the man who was once her cousin's fiancé, Gabriel Ferguson, Duke of Rossmoyne. With his towering frame and fiery personality, Ross cuts an intimidating figure. Living under his protection, however, has its own hazards—like the sudden urge Sara feels to take their relationship in new, exquisitely inappropriate directions.

Dazzled by the social graces of his betrothed, Ross never noticed her shy, blushing cousin. Looking at Sara now, though, he's drawn to her lovely eyes and calm disposition. Funny how a year away from the hustle and bustle of the ton changes a man. But Ross has no intention of allowing a woman to interfere with his plan to return overseas. He will simply capture the murderer and set sail once again. The problem is, with her beguiling lips and heavenly touch, Sara makes him never want to leave home—or his bed—again.

My Review

Right off, this novel had me going. The pace was right and the fire between Sara and Gabriel was apparent from the beginning. This is a historical romance so it encaptures certain "rules" of the times while maintaining a level of "steamy-ness" pleasing to us as readers. I enjoyed Sara's character because she reminded me of myself - a shy bookworm who has a feisty and sassy spirit underneath. With that comes just the appropriate amount of tease that Sara apparently only feels comfortable showing to Ross. Ross quickly becomes enamored with Sara and sets his sights on having her to himself. Ross is definitely an alpha male who likes to boss people around and is used to getting his way - Sara is definitely not letting that happen without a little bit of a fight. Ross finds that he is turned on in ways with Sarah that he has never been turned on before. What is really nice about this novel is the subtle way in which Cullen has Sara and Ross engaging romantically. Cullen just barely has Sara and Ross actually engaging in certain scenes, but what's most intriguing and adds sizzle is the possibility of something more happening between the two characters - a look here, a stolen kiss there, the physical signs of arousal, etc. Aside from that Cullen crafted a wonderful back story that is well articulated, believable and has some of the richest secondary characters I've read in romance novel in a while. Very nice indeed. I would definitely recommend this novel.

Colours of Love - Unleashed (Colours of Love Series Book #3) by: Kathryn Taylor

Synopsis

Finally, it's what all the COLOURS OF LOVE fans have been waiting for: the continuation of Jonathan and Grace's captivating love story.

Unleashed is the third book in the COLOURS OF LOVE trilogy.

My Review

After having read the 1st and 2nd installments of this trilogy, I had high hopes that the 3rd novel would bring the story home and go out with a bang. Unfortunately, I couldn't be more wrong. I was disappointed in this last book. It ended hastily and lost much of the steam Kathryn Taylor seemed to work hard setting up nicely. The story picks up after some significant amount of time has passed. The plot and storyline is pretty weak - I think I was looking for more suspense and a more believable plot. Without giving away any spoilers for those of you who want to read it yourself, the story opens with a big surprise that is supposed to set the stage for the storyline. Being in a romantic frame of mind from the other two novels, I was excited to see where Taylor would take the characters Jonathan and Grace with this surprise. To me, it fell a little flat. Finally, I noticed that the last book was short and seemed to end abruptly. My recommendation: you can definitely enjoy the story of Jonathan and Grace's love without reading the final installment of the series. But, you can always read it for yourself and form your own opinion.

Filthy Rich by: Virna DePaul

High finance and a sizzling office affair raise desire and passion to the boiling point in Virna DePaul's seductive new contemporary romance—perfect for fans of Carly Phillips, Lori Foster, and Molly O'Keefe.

Cara Michal has had to fight every step of the way to earn her place in the glittering seven-figure world of Wall Street. Years ago her hardworking father, a small-time investment adviser, was wrongfully accused of fraud. Now Cara is at the top of her game, supporting not only herself but her mother and brother. The occasional night out dancing soothes Cara's soul, even as a bitter need for revenge against the man who destroyed her father makes inner peace elusive.

Then, in a moment of heat, Cara kisses a sexy stranger at a party—only later to discover that the man is Branden Duke, her new boss, an infamous operator with a wicked reputation in bed and on the Street. Branden is a man who seemingly has it all—except a woman who connects with him on a physical and emotional level. Now that he's found Cara, he's not sure he can let her go, even if he should.

In spite of herself, Cara is drawn to this charismatic guy. He is a challenge like none she has ever faced in her life. Their passion for each other is unquenchable, surprising them both with its ferocity. Even as Cara wonders if she can trust this man with her heart and soul, the ecstasy of their love cannot be denied. But when the past threatens the present, the two are faced with a truth from which they may never recover.

I must say this was an interestingly different kind of read in Filthy Rich by Virna DePaul. I mean it had the Alpha man in Branden Duke, the heroine that was smart and hardworking with a troubled past that haunted her present in Cara Michal. With a familiar scene set, things are not always what they appear to be.

Ugly by: Margaret McHeyzer

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to see.

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to feel.

If I were dead, he'd never raise his hand to me again.

If I were dead, his words wouldn't cut as deep as they do.

If I were dead, I'd be beautiful and I wouldn't be so...ugly.

I'm not dead...but I wish I was.

*This is a dark YA/NA stand-alone, full-length novel, which comes with a warning for triggers. Please do not read if abuse of any kind disturbs you.

My, my, my... This book was EVERYTHING! It gave you everything good, bad, and oh so ugly about the human condition. Domestic violence is all so very real for many. It  is a daily norm, a common occurrence, that for anyone who has never experienced a taste of it can not possibly understand the psychological warfare at play in these situations. Ugly by Margaret McHeyzer told the twisted ugly tale of domestic violence and how it transforms a person into thinking right is all wrong and how all the wrong is distorted into being right. This story is told form the point of view of the main character Lily as she goes from adolescent, to teen, and to an adult victim and eventual survivor of domestic violence. 

This story was difficult to read at times. The story begins with a 12-year old Lily and the physical and verbal abuse her father is afflicting on her. As a teen Lily meets Trent, who appears to be her savior and his family takes her in and you quickly see that things are slightly off in this new environment. With Trent's mom having random umps and bruises and Trent's father treating his mother like she is a second-class citizen. But please, don't get me started on Trent's creepy uncle, who can't seem to keep his hands to himself and his mean-spirited aunts. There is no wonder why Trent is the way he is, because being abusive to women is like breathing in his family. 

Under My Skin by: J. Kenner

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner's beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

He's the only man I've ever loved, and the one man I can't bear to lose. 

 

Jackson Steel is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we've tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won't let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There's no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I'd do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we're in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

I finished reading Under My Skin, by J. Kenner a while ago but it has taken me some time to come to terms... to find the words if you will, to describe this third and final installment of the Stark International Trilogy. With Under My Skin picking up right where book two. On My Knees, left off the mood was definitely melancholy as Jackson and Sylvia were dealing with the pending charges awaiting him in Los Angeles. 

Colours of Love - Uncovered (Colours of Love Series Book #2) by: Kathryn Taylor

Synopsis

She's fallen for him - hook, line, and sinker. Grace knows exactly how dangerous her feelings for Jonathan Huntington are, but her love for him nevertheless grows stronger each day she spends near him. Is he really as indifferent as he seems? Does Jonathan only see her as a willing plaything? When Grace tries to force him into showing his true colors, it leads to disaster ...

My Review

Continuing with the second novel in this Colours of Love series, I was very pleased! Still set in London, this novel has an altogether different feel - more romance than erotica. Wonderful character development shows Kathryn Taylor's range as an author. Taylor begins to break our sexy, handsome and in control Jonathan down a little bit and we get to see a more vulnerable side while Grace begins to show off her self-confidence in the relationship. The second half of the novel shows Grace taking control and setting things ablaze in the Jonathan and Grace saga. Taylor does a great job creating the tension between romantic emotion and lust - very steamy and hot in some sections combine with sweet glances and "love" looks in others.

The ending was a bit predictable, but makes you feel OK about the novel ending and sets a beautiful stage for what is sure to be exciting drama in the 3rd installation of this series. I love this series and can't wait to share my review on how it ends!