Pursued by a Werewolf by Selena Blake

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 9 December 2013
Provided By: Myself
Series: Mystic Isle

Fun and flirty vampiress Avery Cooper has met her match in werewolf Hunter Ciolek. Watch the sparks fly in New York Times Bestselling author Selena Blake’s much anticipated novel, Pursued by a Werewolf, Mystic Isle book 4.

Avery Cooper knows firsthand how love can destroy a person. She vowed to enjoy every moment of her second chance at life while keeping a wall around her heart. But a chance meeting with the ultra-dreamy, smooth talking Hunter Ciolek threatens her carefully constructed rules.

Werewolf Hunter Ciolek knew Avery was the woman for him the moment they met. He negotiated and seduced, befriended and pursued her. But nothing changed her mind about love. Now he’s got a new plan and only a few short weeks to make her see things his way.Because living without her is not an option and this werewolf always gets what he wants.

- My Review -

When Hunter Ciolek (werewolf) and Avery Cooper (vampire) met two solstices ago during their trip to Mystic Isle they thought one fling would be enough. But when Avery's coven mate (Ceara) and Hunter's brother (Maxim) end up becoming a couple that one weekend fling turns into more. And Avery must deal with being Pursued by a Werewolf. 

Determined to move out of the friends zone, Hunter makes a plan to win Avery's heart. His plan might or might not included attending her yoga classes and pulling in several favors from friends. But in the end he knows his heart is Avery's, now all he has to do is get her on the same page.

Avery's life isn't as simple as it seems to the outside world. Her life before becoming a vampire ended with heart break, and she never wants to feel that way again. So when Hunter continues to pursue her Avery puts her foot down. But his pursuance might just create a crack in her hardened heart.

Pursued by a Werewolf is one of my favorite Selena Blake books by far. Selena took her time with this book and for me as a reader it paid off. Even though readers have been introduced to both Avery and Hunter before I now understand so much more about them. Selena's character development of Avery and Hunter kept me reading when I should have been studying for finals. I connected with Avery in such a way that I thought she was a friend and I was almost in tears when I finished reading.

The Mystic Isle series also includes: Fangs, Fur & Mistletoe (#1), A Werewolf to Call Her Own (#2), and Games Demons Play (#3). The fifth book of the series, Bound to a Vampire is scheduled for Spring 2014.

- Links -

Goodreads | Selena Blake

Games Demons Play by Selena Blake

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 25 April 2013
Provided By: Myself
Series: Mystic Isle

The emotional and sinfully sweet third book in the Mystic Isle series.When Izzy Lukin wakes up in the arms of a sinfully handsome stranger, she’s immediately sure of two things. She wrecked a really expensive car and the man holding her is not human.

Shade has won enough card games in his life to know when to hold. The beautiful vamp hell bent on paying for the damage she caused is definitely worth holding on to.

But what will happen when she finds out they’ll be going head-to-head in the poker tournament…and he never loses?

- My Review -

Izzy Lukin's impulse to drive her coven leader's Bugatti Grand Sport should have probably stayed home in it's bed. Especially since, crashing it, facing a multi-million dollar bill, and waking up in a hot demon's home were not in the plans for the evening. But vampires will have their ways, and in Games Demons Play we find out that demons do too.

Shade, a demon, has everything and anything he wanted, but doesn't have someone to call his. So when he meets up with Izzy on a long strip of deserted highway, a race ensues. Whether that race be done with cars or hearts, Shade has yet to learn. But when Izzy crashes, he knows he has to do something to protect her from the approaching sunrise.

Upset at what has happened Izzy only see's one answer to fix her problems, and that is to win the million dollar poker tournament at Mystic Isle. The only problem, Shade who has never lost a game in his life, was invited to be part of the tournament. Now it comes down to a deck of cards, to determine if Izzy and Shade's hearts will win out over their minds.

Selena Blake's third installment in the Mystic Isle series,Games Demons Play is one heart pounding race to romance, leaving readers wanting more. Returning to the Mystic Isle readers meet up with old friends, and with a few other not so savory characters. Nevertheless, the Mystic Isle series is one series that paranormal romance fans cannot miss. Especially since each book holds charming, witty and sexy characters, which is of course true for Games Demons Play. Izzy's story, like her coven sisters' own, will capture readers and make them just want to read it over and over again.

Other books in the series included: Fangs, Fur & Mistletoe (#1), A Werewolf to Call Her Own (#2), and Pursued by a Werewolf (#4).

- Links -

Goodreads | Selena Blake

A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Release Date: Aug 2013
Provided By: Myself
Series: Night

Who is Aidan Callaghan? Mary Ellen James is intent on uncovering the truth about the mysterious man. But as she soon finds out, some things are best left buried in the past.

- My Review -

* SOME SPOILERS FOR A NIGHT OF SECRETS *

Mary Ellen has seen her life go from a poor vicar's daughter to the sister-in-law of wealthy ship owner named Grayson Bellamount. When his friend Aidan Callaghan arrives at the home she shares with her older sister, she might just have experienced love at first sight. But the mysterious Aidan doesn't fit Mary Ellen's expectation of marrying a wealthy man with a title. A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton is the follow up novella to A Night of Secrets the first of the Night series, entailing the story of the second James sister.

Aidan, like his friend and comrade Grayson hides a dark secret. But when he encounters Mary Ellen something keeps drawing him back to her, even though Aidan knows he's no good for her. The same seems to be happening to Mary Ellen, as she finds herself constantly staring at him. But he's not what she expects in a man. Aidan throughout this short novella must however overcome his personal issues, for Mary Ellen's life counts on it. With a passionate romance brewing between the two however which will be the first to give in?

As a short novella, if you haven't read the first book you may be slightly confused when you pick up A Night of Forever. But I believe readers can easily understand the underlying tale outlined by Lori Brighton. She keeps the novella short, and simple, including only essential characters, while keeping the plot moving easily along. I personally read A Night of Forever before I decided to buy A Night of Secrets and it enticed me to do so, just so I could both follow along with the family, but also understand Grayson and Meg's story. A Night of Forever is preceded by A Night of Secrets and is followed by the soon to be released book #2, A Night of Redemption.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lori Brighton

A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Release Date: Feb 2011
Provided By: Myself
Series: Night

Grayson Bellamont has spent years on the Continent, fighting a war he cares nothing for. It is only while in the chaos of battle that he can hide what he truly is, a vampire. Returning to England, he finds his sister murdered and his seven-year-old niece missing. All over the country vampires are mysteriously dying. Grayson sets out to uncover the truth and locate his niece before it's too late. All leads point to Meg James, a vicar's daughter. Instinct tells him Meg is innocent, but the clues he uncovers warn she's guilty. One thing is clear, Meg awakens a warmth inside of him he thought long dead and Grayson is torn between a sense of duty and his desires.

Vowing to honor a promise, Meg concocts a lie to keep a stranger's child safe. She had no idea that protecting the child would mean putting her own life in danger. When Grayson arrives asking questions, Meg's unease flares. Who is this mysterious man who seems to appear and disappear as quickly as a spirit? A man with strength like no other? As he pushes ever closer, taking over her senses with his touch, his kiss and his unexpected honor, she realizes she has even more to lose. Meg is falling in love with Grayson, but will he believe her when the truth will condemn the one person he trusts the most?

- My Review -

When a woman mysteriously dies in front of Meg James one night in London, she vows to keep that women's daughter safe. As country vicar's daughter, Meg must cover up this girls identity and origins. Several years pass, and she has kept the secret for years, hiding the girl. But when dead bodies begin to show up, conveniently as Grayson Bellamount appears in town, Meg begins to fear her secret maybe let out. A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton is a historical romance that will take readers through the mystery of "who done it", while also making you root for Meg all the way through.

All Grayson Bellamount wanted to was find his niece who had disappeared after his sister's and parents deaths, not be mixed up with a murder investigation. But when he bought the mansion next to the quiet stream and the James' cottage, this mysterious man was apparently asking for trouble. And Meg James never imagined swimming with a dead body, but she has and it just happens to be her best friend's abusive husband, Lord Brockwell. Questions begin to be asked and Meg becomes the center of the investigation. With a drunken father, and three siblings (Mary Ellen, Sally, and Hanna) to provided for she must make her case for freedom, not be hung by the constable. However, the whole town seems to be against Meg and her family, and the only ally lies with the speedy man whose kisses set her on fire: Grayson. Attraction begins to bloom between the two despite the desperate circumstances, and Grayson must ask himself the tough question: is she the one?

A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton will keep readers interested and wanting to see Meg to safety just as much as Grayson. Its one of those books you'll stay up late reading, because of the pace and also the urgency of the story. Overall, the story is well put together, and the overlying plot line of the murder investigation never overly covers up the secondary plot, Meg's secret. In the end we see everything come together, and Lori Brighton does a wonderful job. A Night of Secrets is followed by a short novella (#1.5) called A Night of Forever (Mary Ellen's Story) and book #2 in the Night series is soon to be released called A Night of Redemption.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lori Brighton

One Night With You by Candace Schuler

Published By: Author
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 2013 (Repub.)
Provided By: Myself
Series: Heart of the City

For Desi, it was a chance to make her fantasies come true. For Jake, it was a night of mind-blowing sex. It wasn’t supposed to lead to anything more.

Now Desi and Jake must decide if that one night of passion—and a baby girl—can turn into a lifetime of love.

- My Review -

Desi, or rather Desiree Weston, is surprised to learn she's pregnant. She only had a night of passion with one rather handsome and famous actor, and nothing more. With the pill, she thought she was safe, but that 0.01% screwed her over. But seven month's later her baby girl arrives, a premature fiery red head like her mama, and chocolate eyes like her dad. With a baby and a career as a make up artist that she loves, Desi must make the choice to work along side her child's father or to give up the biggest opportunity of her career.

Jake Lancing remembers the night of passion that Desi and he had, one that he can't forget. But with no word from her he's tried to move on with his life. Trying to prove that he's not just a handsome young actor he's taken on the task of directing, producing, and acting the lead role in the movie production of the year's biggest bestseller, Devil's Lady. But when Desi or as he knows her Desiree shows up on set he has to fight every emotion to hold himself back from taking her.

A fight of the wills, One Night With You, previously published as Desiree's Child, shows that to find love you need to take leaps. Candace Schuler, created each character to become unforgettable, even the secondary ones. Even though for some this book might be lacking in plot, it was an enjoyable quick read. One Night With You is the first installment in the Heart of the City series.

- Links -

Goodreads | Candance Schuler

The Fairy Tale Bride by Kelly McClymer

Published By: Author
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Release Date: October 2010
Provided By: Myself
Series: Once Upon a Wedding

The Fensters were like many other proper Victorian families—in every way but one. Ignorning the grim convention that one married for wealth and title, these spirited siblings followed their hearts...and vowed to wed only for love.

Happily-ever-after is all she ever wanted...

Even though society thinks her all but unmarriageable, Miranda Fenster still believes in true love. She'll do anything to advance its cause, even confront the man whose disapproval is all that keeps her dear brother from making a romantic match. But Miranda's impetuous meeting with the Duke of Kerstone has a far different outcome than she intended. For when the cynical nobleman realizes she's been compromised by their tryst, he insists on nothing less than marriage. Now suddenly, the champion of fairy tale endings finds herself a most unlikely bride!

- My Review -

Vowing to marry for love, Miranda Fenster finds her own while fighting for her twin brother's true love. With a failed elopement, Miranda's brother Valentine is in a hopeless position, teetering on scandal. So Miranda does what any good fairy tale romantic sister would do, ask for help. But when she attempts to request help, it goes all wrong, and in the process Miranda is forced into a marriage of her own. As the first book in the Once Upon a Time series, The Fairy Tale Bride begins the stories of the seven Fenster siblings, and it is only proper to start with Miranda.

The Duke of Kerstone, Simon, has kept away from the marriage marked since his father's death for a reason. And when he is forced to submit to marrying Miranda, because of the scandal that might occur, things are not as he planned. With an "incurable illness" Simon must prepare Miranda for life without him. And with a rather wild spirit Miranda will be a hard on to prepare, especially since she must face being a grieving widow within months. However, Simon's plans for death, are slowly being to change course, for the arrival of Miranda has slowly led to him developing feelings.

Kelly McClymer with her first book in the Once Upon a Time series, did a honest job of recreating a romantic tale. Their might be a few flaws within the historical or fairy tale content here or their, but to be honest I read this for the plot, not the historical content. And I intend to read the rest of the series, to follow Miranda's crazy family. The series included seven books in total, the second follows Valentine and is titled The Star-Crossed Bride, while the rest follow the other Fenster girls.

- Links -

Goodreads | Kelly McClymer

His Captive by Diana Cosby

Published By: Zebra
Genre: historical Romance
Release Date: 1 November 2007
Provided By: Myself
Series: MacGruders

With a wastrel brother and a treacherous former fiancé, Lady Nichola Westcott hardly expects the dangerously seductive Scot who kidnaps her to be a man of his word. Though Sir Alexander MacGruder promises not to hurt her, Nichola's only value is as a pawn to be ransomed.

Alexander's goal is to avenge his father's murder, not to become entangled with the enemy. But his desire to keep Nichola with him, in his home—in his bed—unwittingly make her a target for those who have no qualms about shedding English blood.

Now Nichola is trapped—by her powerful attraction to a man whose touch shakes her to the core. Unwilling and unable to resist each other, can Nichola and Alexander save a love that has enslaved them both?

- My Review -

Loyalty lines have split up romances for centuries, and in the end either this split brings couples together through desire or draws them apart. When Nichola Westcott is kidnapped by a Scot wanting revenge on England, because of the on going war the lines become blurred. In Diana Cosby's His Captive, Nicola's adventure begins with a kidnapping that will result in more than just a ransom amount being paid.

Alexander MacGruder is on a mission for the rebel Scottish, to kidnap Lord Monceaux, the consort for the King of England in all matters involving Scotland. With a war that needs to be funded, Lord Monceaux's kidnapping ransom will afford rebel weapons. Miss information though has leads Alexander to kidnap the Lord's sister, Nicola. Attempting to stop her kidnapping has left Nicola at the mercy of the monstrous Scot, because everything she tries leaves her needing his help. Her need for help though will soon turn into more, and it becomes hard for the two enemies to keep apart as a romance blooms. But with their arrival to Alexander's home the two are at odds, for the war is just about to start between their hearts and their lands.

His Captive is the first in the MacGruder series by Diana Cosby, following romances that are potentially brought down due to split lines. It's an interesting book that l enjoyed due to the fact that I'm always looking for a historical romance fix, especially if it includes Scotsmen or men from Wales. Their are points when the book is a little slow, but overall Cosby's flow of writing and depth of characters are well developed. The series includes two additional books that follow Alexander's brothers Duncan (His Women) and Seathan (His Conquest).

- Links -

Goodreads | Diana Cosby