Review: Where's My Hero? by Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn & Kinley MacGregor

Where's My Hero?

by Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn & Kinley MacGregor

#2.5 Gamblers



I love the idea of this anthology, short stories about secondary characters from other books getting their HEAs. I find I end up loving a well drawn secondary character almost as much as the main ones so I thought this was a fabulous idea!

Against the Odds by Lisa Kleypas

This novella was the reason I was so eager to read this anthology, I am a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas, and Dreaming of You is one of my favourite books, so seeing a novella that has my book husband Derek Craven in it had me very excited. Lydia, is Derek and Sara's daughter and like her father she is very mathmatically minded but also very sensible and makes decisions using her head and not her heart. But, could this be the right thing to do when chosing a husband?

Although short I did really enjoy this. With a relatively small number of pages Lisa Kleypas created a likable hero and heroine who had explosive chemistry and deep feelings for one another. And, it was not only great to see a new romance blossom, but also to see Sara and Derek 20 years later and still just as much in love. If you are a fan of Lisa Kleypas this is a must read, and if you haven't read her before this is a nice taster.

Midsummer's Knight by Kinley MacGregor aka Sherrilyn Kenyon

Before I start this review properly I should warn you that I am not really a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing style, and that is the main problem I have with her books and unfortunately this book was no different. I liked the idea of two people falling in love through letters and then finally coming face to face, it was very sweet, but, as I always do, I found the writing over the top and a little cheesy.

If you are a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor though you will love this book, and you shoudl definietly read it, even as someone who isn't a fan I still liked reading it, but I did find myself a little relieved when it ended.

A Tale of Two Sisters by Julia Quinn

I love a good Julia Quinn book! She can write the most amusing light hearted banter and sweet romances, making her books so readable that I find I have finished them before I have even realised I have begun! A Tale of Two Sisters is very much the same, a funny smart girl and a sightly wicked but essentially nice guy who fall in love with eachother. If this were a full length novel I would have a few issues with how quickly they managed to fall in love, but as it was a novella I find that it is much easier to forgive.

A great quick read that will have you chuckling to yourself!

Review: Scottish Brides by Julia Quinn et al

Scottish Brides

by Christina Dodd, Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, Karen Ranney

Fairchild Family #2.5



An anthology full of hot Scottish dudes...how was I supposed to resist?

Under the Kilt by Christina Dodd


One slippery Scottish lass with abandonment issues and the wily Englishman determined to catch her, let the fun begin!

I know this one is part of a series, and if the series is as cute, romantic and a touch naughty like this short story was then I think I need to look for the first book! It was a good start to the anthology.

Rose in Bloom by Stephanie Laurens

Rose was always a thorn in Duncan's side when they were children, but now they are all grown and now Duncan wants to turn the tables and play a few adult games with his delectable thorn...

Och I love a broody Scottish hero and Stephanie Lauren delivered and it was fun watching Duncan and Rose realize their attraction for one another. Although not my favourite story it was a good quick read with a satisfying *waggles eyebrows* ending.

Gretna Greene by Julia Quinn


Margaret is looking for her imbecile of a brother who has decided to run off to Gretna to marry a very unsuitable bride, instead she finds Angus, a vexing, gallant and very attractive Scotsman. Angus is looking for his moronic sister who has decided to runaway to London he never meant to come to the rescue of a bedraggled, beautiful and argumentative Englishwoman...

I got this anthology when I saw that Julia Quinn had a short story in it, I love her books they are always funny, sweet and a little quirky. This one was no exception, I loved it! My only complaint...why wasn't it longer? Before I knew it I had finished it.

The Glenlyon Bride by Karen Ranney


A classic tale involving a case of mistaken identity, a prophecy and...whiskey!?

I liked this, but I think I was still flying high after having read the Julia Quinn story so it didn't really capture my attention. But it was okay, the hero and heroine were likable and it had a air of mystery and almost magic with their clandestine moonlit meetings and a prophecy weighing heavily on the hero's mind. A solid addition to the anthology, but not my favourite.

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Angels' Flight by Nalini Singh

We are all such big fans of Nalini Singh here at Under the Covers so for this review, we'll be doing something different. Each novella will be reviewed by one of us. I hope you enjoy and if you haven't read Nalini Singh before, then what are you waiting for?

Angels' Pawn 

 

(more like 3.5 feathers)

Reviewed by Angela

This short story is a prequel to the Guild Hunter Series. This is not my first book of the series that I have read. It is actually the third. I have read Angel’s Blood and Angel’s Kiss and enjoyed them very much. Against all my beliefs to read in order, I, for some reason failed to start with this one. *shrugs*

Ashwini a hunter of the guild who is hired to rescue/find a missing vampire, one from a well-known family. As a hunter, Ashwini is human with special powers that help her to do her job well. In this special assignment, she seeks out help from a vampire named Janvier whom she had hunted before. I found that odd in the beginning but as you read on, you will find out that it is probably more a personal preference.

Janvier is a hot, confident, two hundred forty five year old, over six feet tall, vampire with a Cajun accent. Sexy IMO. This guy has lived a long time and just about done with games but continue to play them in the account of love. It is obvious, his actions, his words, the way he looks at her.

These two obviously have a past that goes beyond hunter/pray relationship. Though there was not a strong romance aspect in this book, you feel the tension as they work together. Unfortunately, we do not see a HEA for this couple but it’s a cute little teaser of what is to come of this world.

I do not believe this novella compares to the full length books, not by a long shot. Although I loved both Ashwini and Janvier, I felt the story was too hard to follow if I was reading it for the first time. I felt like I was expected to know the plot from the start. The action was good though and the side characters were very interesting. Though I do not recommend reading this as a prequel, I recommend reading this after book 1 (Angel’s Blood) when you have a better understanding of series.

Angels' Judgment

Reviewed by Annie

I have absolutely fallen in love with the world that Singh has built where vampires, angels, and humans co-exist. Though it’s beautiful, it’s also dangerous as hell.

Angel’s Judgement is the story of Sara Haziz, another hunter-born Guild Hunter who later becomes the Guild Director for America. But before she takes her rightful spot behind the Director desk, Sara is set on a mission to end a hunter who is on a vampire killing spree. But this time, she isn’t alone.

A sexy – and I mean really, really sexy – man named Deacon is there to help her. Sara is suspicious to find this towering and dangerously seductive man with her. But when she calls in to verify his Guild Hunter status, Simon the former Guild Director says that Deacon is there for a mission and to offer her protection from any Archangel threats. Because she is the most likely candidate for the Guild Director position, the Cadre of Archangels want to make sure she is capable enough to withstand their wrath. And also to prove that they are powerful and above all else.

The action is gritty and I loved every moment of it. There is more investigating in this novella than in Angel’s Pawn, but that’s because Sara uses knowledge to her advantage. Her mind is her weapon, along with her crossbow made by the hands of her lover.

Speaking of her lover, Deacon is so freaking amazing! I love his personality. He does his job well, but he can also be light and funny. I love the control he is able to manage. But when he loses control, as Sara said, he loses control.

Again, Singh writes what I would call a perfect novella. She has included action, danger, blood and romance. But I would love to read more about the love scenes between Deacon and Sara. What? I’m human! Sue me.

Favourite Quote:
Sara smiled, knowing her face was a blotchy mess. “Can you see him in a tux?” Her stomach tightened at the idea.
“Let me get the visual. Okay, I have it.” Elena sighed. “Oh, baby, I could lick him up in a tux.”
“Hey. Mine.” It was a growl.
Ellie grinned. “I have a pulse. He’s hot.”

Angel's Wolf
 

 (more like 4.5 feathers)

 Reviewed  by Francesca

Noel, a vampire who used to work at the Tower for Raphael, and who was one of the victims in a previous Guild Hunter book, is sent to New Orleans to serve Nimra. At first he thought he was being cast out because of his weakness. He is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of his past, he feels almost dead inside. But then he realizes Raphael sent him here to help and protect Nimra. Someone close to her wants her dead. It's his job to make sure they don't succeed and to figure out who is responsible. But Nimra somehow manages to wake him from the state he's been in.

The story, as always, is amazing. Nalini Singh can weave an intricate web perfectly. Even for a short story there's so much going on it felt like a complete story. All the characters were pretty well developed, the relationships between all of them was very real, and the chemistry between Noel and Nimra was amazing. Excellent story!

Angels' Dance
 

(more like 4.5 feathers)

 Reviewed by Suzanne

I want to live in a Nalini Singh world. It has gorgeous men in abundance, if your tastes run to dark and dangerous you have Dmitri, if you love golden eyed charmers, there is Illium and now if you have a taste for red haired barbarians there is the rugged Galen. Ms Singh really knows how to spoil a girl.

This story is set 400 years before the events in the Guild Hunter series and when Galen first joined Raphael and meets for the first time Jessamy, the teacher, the historian and tragically of the crippled wing. But Galen also sees her as Jessamy the woman, something no one else has.

What a story, it was so beautiful, Nalini Singh has a poetic way with words that can turn even the simplest things into something spectacular. And Jess and Galen's story was spectacular, watching them both risking their hearts and overcome the fears that life has taught them so they can be with one another was so romantic.

It was also a treat to see Raphael and a few of the guys from the Seven; Dmitri, Jason, Aodhan and Illium, we get to see the origin of his Bluebell nickname! Although there wasn't much a small storyline that ran aside the romance it was rather small and this book basically focuses on Galen and Jess, and was better for it. It was a fabulous read and as always, Ms Singh has left me wanting more.

*ARC provided by publisher

 

ARC Review: Kiss Me, I'm Irish by Roxanne St. Clair, Jill Shalvis and Maureen Child

 

 Kiss Me, I'm Irish

by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis

and Maureen Child

This anthology is a compilation of previous released titles by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis and Maureen Child. I have read only one of these authors (Jill Shalvis) so I was interested in reading some of her older titles, as well as reading works of the other two authors I haven’t had the chance to read as of yet.
As you can tell with the title, this has a St. Patrick’s Day theme, which is very, very cute!

The Sins of His Past by Roxanne St. Claire

I found that I enjoyed Roxanne’s writing style. It’s fun, sweet and also sexy. Deuce and Kendra were a good match for one another. For a shorter story, there was quite a lot of character development, so that impressed me a lot. I’ll have to look into St. Claire’s work since this one was a fun read.

Tangling with Ty by Jill Shalvis

Shalvis’ story was my favourite of the bunch. Immediately upon starting this book, I loved the heroine Nicole. She is a doctor and a workaholic and she meets her match in Ty Patrick O’Grady. I loved Ty! I thought it was sweet and funny, a perfect example of a lot of Jill Shalvis’ heroes. Jill never fails to make me smile as I read her books. Her charm comes across with each word and build up of character until you are swept away, falling in love, just like the hero and heroine.

Whatever Reilly Wants by Maureen Child

I haven’t read anything by Child before so I had no expectations going into this book. I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It was fun and the whole idea with the bet was interesting and funny! $10,000 goes to whoever can abstain from sex for 90 days. Money and male ego and sex put together always makes for a fun time!

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Bad Boys in Black Tie by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and Morgan Leigh

Bad Boys in Black Tie

by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and Morgan Leigh

(Watson Brothers # 3)

Good With His Hands - 4 Stars

How come I didn't know about this series by Lori Foster?  Well, I really enjoyed this story, which is # 3 in the Watson Brothers, and believe me I'll go back and read the rest.  It was cute, funny, sexy and hot.  There's the girl next door, Cassidy, who's a bit of a tomboy, doesn't worry too much about how she dresses or what her hair looks like.  She works with, and now lives next door to, hunky and to-die-for hot Pete Watson.  They've been best friends for over a year, they have a great routine together, almost as if they're married, but it's not sexual between them.  Until Pete decides that he wants it to be sexual.  And of course, Cassidy had been drooling over him the whole time and torturing herself by being so close and not having him so she's all for the idea of them together.  Pete was just too cute.  The guy just had no clue sometimes about things and it was adorable to see him wonder how his charms might not be working on Cassidy.  She's the girl with the plan of where her life is going and what kind of guy she wants to marry.  And that guy is so not him.  But maybe he can make the effort and be what he feels her ideal is.  Or make her realize that she wants him instead as he is.  Because he realizes he's been falling for her this whole time.

Miss Extreme Congeniality - 3.5 Stars

I'll tell you what with this Erin McCarthy story.  It was hot!  The sexual tension was there constantly BUT I was not sold on the heroine of the novel, nor was I sold on how quickly they "fell for each other".  Let me explain.  CJ and White are undercover cops on a case.  They've been working this case for a while and she just hates his guts, she thinks he's a playboy chasing after skirts and has no respect for him as a person.  But she wants him.  Wyatt on the other hand seems to not have noticed her much, she gives off a very don't-mess-with-me vibe and he's kept his distance.  So they haven't had a chance to even get to know each other in the slightest.  Then one night while on assignment working at a party they decide to have sex.  As a deal.  She will go to Wyatts' house for an all-night sex-fest and then after that he will transfer to another city when they're done with the case.  But it turns out that the wild night of passion turns into I love yous.  But still a very hot story and an enjoyable read.

Last Call by Morgan Leigh - 3 Stars

Tess is a singer at a local bar in Justice, North Carolina.  She's recently moved to the town (and I'm not telling you why).  One night she catches the eye of a really good looking, if a bit rough and greasy at the moment, bad boy.  Fletcher felt that connection, lust and need, at first sight.  Recently divorced from his gold digging wife, he's still a bit careful with women but he can't not go after Tess that night.  But he's keeping a secret from her.  Tess and Fletcher definitely have sexual chemistry, but here's another I-love-you-the-morning-after-I-met-you situation.  I think I would've been happier to see them have a happy for now ending to this story.  Personal choice.

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay and Katie Lane

 

Small Town Christmas

(Lucky Harbor #2.5)

by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay and Katie Lane

Kissing Santa Claus by Jill Shalvis

This is Logan and Sandy’s story. In book two of the Lucky Harbor series, Tara’s ex-husband, Logan fights for his chance to get his wife back. Tara is in trouble because the man is a charming one - which makes him dangerous because although I was rooting for Ford and Tara to get together, it was hard to push Logan out of the way because he is so nice!

Finally, Logan has his own time to shine with this novella. He finds the girl of his dreams in Sandy Jansen and after their hot-as-hell fling five months ago, Logan made the big mistake of leaving Lucky Harbor. And Sandy.
So when he turns to Lucky Harbor, the small town welcomes him with open arms. Unfortunately for him, Sandy doesn’t.

It’s up to Logan to fight for what he wants. And boy, does the man know how to charm. He had me swooning a few times.

I thought this novella was very well paced and the only complaint I have is that I wished it was ten times longer than it was. Logan and Sandy deserve their own full-length book, but Shalvis did a fantastic job of incorporating heat and heart into his warming Christmas story.

I’ll be Home for Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Annie Roberts is expecting a dull Christmas. And Army sergeant Matt Jasper is thinking the same thing.
But it’s little kitty, Holly that seems to think that maybe these two could have a merry Christmas if they weren’t so alone...

Matt finds the small kitten in the Christmas display, crushing baby Jesus. Thinking that good fortune will be coming his way if she saves baby Jesus from this feline, he takes the small kitten inside a church, hoping to find its owner.

There he hears the voice of an angel. Or, rather Annie Roberts as she sings her favourite carols and the both of them hit it off.

This would be my first delve into Hope Ramsay’s books. I enjoyed the story but didn’t feel like the characters stood out for me. Matt was memorable and I really enjoyed the presence of his fallen brethren, Nick throughout the story. It was very heartfelt.

I liked how two lost souls found peace within each other. Very romantic.

O’ Little Town of Bramble by Katie Lane

Samantha Hendersen has returned to Bramble, Texas and stumbles upon Ethan Miller. While I haven’t read anything by Katie Lane before this, I found that I enjoyed her writing style. I could tell right off the bat that there was a solid friendship between the hero and heroine. They definitely had that vibe going on, but there was also undeniable attraction. The way Lane plays it out is very cute and interesting and I found myself becoming more intrigued by the characters as the story went on. I hope to read more of Katie Lane’s books in the future.

 

 Purchase Links: Amazon