ARC Review: Hell Hath No Fury by Jamie Brenner

Hell Hath No Fury

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 6)

The moment has finally come!  The last installment in the Gin Lovers serial.  If you haven't been reading this along, like me, then I think you're missing out.  The world Ms. Brenner created is addictive and alluring.  After the past few episodes, I was very excited to read this last one.

The events leading up to this book, and then everything that happens in this last episode, had me biting my nails and pulling my hair.  This series is full of intrigue.  I admit there were times reading this episode that I didn't know which way the author was going to go with the ending and our main love interest.  But rest assured there is a HEA.

Basically Jake is going to jail and the only one that can do something to save him is Charlotte.  She has the big fish the cops need to drop the charges against Jake.  And yes, that would be her husband.  Incredible how much Charlotte has changed throughout this serial and has come out of her shell and sharpened her claws.  She is feisty but smart, knows when to push and when to let things go.

We get a resolution with all the characters in the series and I was happy with everything.  Obviously the one I was most anxious about was Jake and Charlotte.  But this was actually my reason for giving this 4 stars instead of 5.  Rafferty, who has been Charlotte's silent ally in the house, was showing feelings for her in this one.  To bring this up this far into the story I thought was unnecessary.  It had me scared that out of nowhere Charlotte would end up with someone that she didn't have feelings for.  And on that same token, how could Rafferty stir anything in Charlotte when she's in love with Jake and doing everything she can to help him?  OK rant over.

That one minor thing aside, I think this serial is a must read.  If you are not into serial books, then make sure you pick up a copy of the full length book which will include all the episodes, which comes out in February.

I was so excited to know how it ended but now I know I'm going to miss reading it!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: No Greater Glory by Cindy Nord

No Greater Glory

by Cindy Nord

When Yankee soldiers take over widowed Southern Belle, Emaline McDaniel's plantation home in Falmouth, Virginia, she has no idea what she is in for when she comes face to face with Colonel Reece Cutteridge of the 6th Cavalry. Holding a rifle squarely at the Colonel, Emaline stands firm is protecting all that she has left. But Reece has a job to do and this stubborn female won't get in the way of getting his orders done, or will she?

Both the Colonel and the Southern Belle had lives before the war. Lydia had her marriage, not a happy one, but it was something. Once she meets Colonel Reece Cutteridge, all bets are off. The passiojn that stirs between the soldier and the lady is something than cannot be denied, and even when duty calls, love can prevail.

First, I must say that I am a history nerd. The Civil War holds great interest for me. Having said that, this book is not just about the Civil War, it's about two people from two different worlds, coping with the times and what life has thrown at them. Colonel Cutteridge is a true gentleman, and from history we know that is not always the case where women are concerned in situations with war. I love Reece, a character with such depth and such conviction. Emaline is a character who changes for for better. Leading a life of privilege at first then being tossed in the middle of the war has brought out the true woman she was meant to be.

This is Cindy Nord's first published book, and I enjoyed it immensely. I would love to see Reece and Emaline in the future. Ms. Nord really made you care for them and the outcome. I hope to see more from this author soon!

*Review copy provided by author

  Purchase Links: Amazon  You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at Book Obsessed Chicks.

ARC Review: The Scottish Witch by Cathy Maxwell + GIVEAWAY

4.5 Feathers

The Scottish Witch

by Cathy Maxwell

(Chattan Curse # 2)

"Watchers of the threshold, Watch of the gate, open hell and seal Chattan's Fate.
When a Chattan male falls in love, strike his heart with fire from above.
Crush his heart, destroy his line; only then will justice be mine".
~Fenella, Lyon's Bride/The Scottish Witch

Fenella cursed the Chattan line to never find happiness. Her daughter Rose had committed suicide due to broken heart caused by Charles Chattan. True to her words, as soon as any of the Chattan men falls in love, death comes soon after.

The last of the Chattan’s; Lyon, Harry and Margaret had promised not to fall in love and to finally end the curse. But love will always find a way, as they say and it has found Lyon. Now, love will work its way to Harry’s heart.

Unfortunately, the Chattan curse continues to exist and now Lyon' health deteriorates. Harry is determined to find a way to save his brother. It is great to see him really come out of his “daze” of drinking and nights out gallivanting with women. Unlike in Lyon’s Bride, Harry is not just in limbo. He now has a purpose and swears to find a powerful witch that would break the curse.

Portia, this selfless heroine, is determined to support her self-centered, single mom and beautiful sister. After her father past away, she felt obligated to do the right thing by them. On a verge of eviction, she must do what she can to earn extra cash even if it means to pose as something she is not.

I was captivated in Harry’s journey to finding ways to break the Chattan Curse. Though the curse was not broken in this installment, Harry and Portia found their HEA, which was the least they had expected. The romance was moderate and there was a fair amount sexual tension between the lead characters.

The only thing is that I wish Harry realized he is in love with Portia sooner. It broke my heart that his proposal was initially due to obligation. I thought he was too comfortable with their status that commitment was the least of his intensions though it was obvious that he felt more for her.

There were two side stories that I thought was a sweet addition to this book. It’s Portia’s mom, Lady Mclean and sister, Minnie’s story to their HEA. Their love stories slowly brewed in the background but woven nicely into Harry and Portia’s Story. Ms. Maxwell also revealed Charles Chattan's POV and I thought that was an interesting treat.

Oh and I cannot forget a very mysterious, very cute cat named Owl. Ms Maxwell actually posted a picture of a "Scottish Cat" and it really looked like an owl, very cute! I have a feeling this feline will have quite an impact on what is to come of the Chattan Curse.

Ms. Maxwell is a talented storyteller and I cannot wait what she has in store for Margaret in The Devil’s Heart. Seems like she will be the very thing to finally break the tragic curse.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Avon Books is graciously giving away 2 print copies of THE SCOTTISH WITCH!  US only!

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ARC Review: Dangerous Games by Jamie Brenner

Dangerous Games

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 5)

This serial just keeps getting better and better.  Every new episode has me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat.  I can't wait to see how it's all going to turn out.

DANGEROUS GAMES, much like the last installment, was full of intrigue and revelations.  Things are moving full speed ahead and getting more tangled by the minute.

Jake Larkin might be going to jail, Mae might be marrying, and Charlotte...well, she's in the worst spot of them all right now.  Married and not able to trust her husband but with little choice on what to do about it.  Loving Jake and trying as best as she can to save him.

It almost brought me to tears and the writing was so well done that for the amount of time that it took me to read this, I was living in this world.  I think that's what I'm liking the most about it.  Other than the danger and mystery and overall sex appeal of the era this is set in, I love how the writing just flows and involves you, draws you in and holds your attention until you finish it.

Of course, then you are only just so much more anxious to get to the next installment to find out what happens next.  Great endings for each one!  Now bring on the last chapter!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James

 

Seduced by a Pirate

by Eloisa James

Fairy Tales #4.5

 

2.5 Feathers

Sir Griffin Barry has come home to England after over decade of being a pirate, his first though to see the wife he left on their wedding night when he was nothing but a scrawny 17 year old boy and hasn't seen since. When he sees her, he knows he will do anything he can to win her after years of neglect.

This is a novella in Elosie James' Fairy Tales series, and in Seduced by a Pirate it looks as though she has taken The Ugly Duckling and given it a twist! The duckling in question, Griffin, has grown from a scrawny man-boy in to a large, gorgeous and imposing pirate. I thought this was a fabulous idea; however, I did have a few problems with this novella.

The biggest issue I had with this novella was how quickly they went from having just met to Phoebe saying she wants an anullment to ohmygosh-i-love-yous, it happened far to quickly, literally in the space of hours. I understand that this is a novella so it isn't going to have the longer drawn out love story, but for me it seemed a bit forced and out of the blue. The other point I didn't like about this novella was that the hero was a bit of a hypocrite, and although he did own this, it still bugged me, he was angry when he thought his wife might not have been virgin, even though he left her unsatisfied) on their wedding night and gallivanted off to the sea for over ten years and was he celibate and faithful...NO! I wish she had had a love affair, I think I would have liked the heroine a lot more for it.

But despite these things, it was still a quick enjoyable read, especially if you are a fan of the series, it had some great funny moments in it, as well as a few tender ones.   

*ARC provided by publisher

Review: A Study in Seduction by Nina Rowan

A Study in Seduction

by Nina Rowan

(Daring Hearts # 1)

Lydia Kellaway has a brilliant mind. She is a master with puzzles but not so brilliant when it comes to managing her life. When Lydia's Grandmother pawns a unique locket that Lydia held in high regard, trouble begins. Lydia discovers that Alexander Hall, Viscount Northwood has purchased her locket, and so begins the game of retrieving it from him.

Alexander Hall, Viscount Northwood is constantly bothered by his family to find a bride and settle down to his duites, which include ofcourse, producing and heir. Scandal in his family's recent past has already seen to ruin his marriage plans. His Russian mother ran off with another man leaving all of Londoners with their tongues wagging. In addition, tension between Russia and the rest of Europe doesn't help any of his public dealings. All said, Alexander is put off by marriage, and with reason.

Lydia is not Alexander's type of woman at all, but that being said, she stirs something deep inside him that makes him want to know what makes this brilliant woman's mind tick. Lydia gives Alexander a series of puzzles to solve in exchange for the coveted locket and so begins a series of mishaps and mysteries that evolve into a relationship. As feelings begin to grow between Lydia and Alexander, he finds that he wants more from her than she is willing to give. Lydia has a deep, dark secret that if and when it is revlealed, will likely ruin the lives of many involved.

A new reader of Nina Rowan, I cautiously began this tale with even expectations. I was so pleasantly surprised with A Study in Seduction, that I am so looking forward to the next book in the Daring Hearts series. I like a good mystery entwined with the romance, and that's exactly what you get here. Lydia's secret is quite a shocker, making this a total must read. I love how Lydia, the brilliant mind, is a fish out of water when it comes to love. Alexander on the other hand is such an open character. Once he decides what he wants, he goes right after it. I enjoyed A Study In Seduction by Nina Rowan, and I hope you will too.

*Review copy provided by publisher

  Purchase Links: Amazon  You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at Book Obsessed Chicks.

ARC Review: Vice or Virtue by Jamie Brenner

Vice or Virtue

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 4)

If this serial had been published as a full length book to begin with, this is where I would scream "Now we are talking!".  Why?  Because everything is coming to a head, all the different strands of individual plots are entangled and have now created a perfect storm and chaos.

Jake is trying to make more money by going deeper into his bootlegging businesses so he can offer Charlotte enough money and security that she could leave her husband and still support her mother.  I have to say that their star crossed lovers story warms my heart.  Everytime they are in danger or have another obstacle to face, I keep sitting here rooting for them to succeed or not get caught.  I love how they are both fearless and single minded in what they want and will stop at nothing to get there.

Then there's Mae, now being forced to straighten up her life, ends up engaged!  And what an unexpected and unlikely alliance there.  I am curious to see how this will affect the final plot and what role he will be playing.  Can't be anything good.

Charlotte's husband, William, really ticked me off in this book.  His high handed behavior with everyone makes me despise him.  He's got Charlotte trapped in her own home and his sister being forced into a marriage so he can access his inheritance.

The level of mystery and intrigue in this book escalates, what with Charlotte sneaking behind her husband's back so she can see Jake and the cops closing in on getting names to shut down the speakeasy.  As well as a heart stopping ending!  Ms. Brenner, I did not see that coming!  I can't wait to see what happens next.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Society Sinners by Jamie Brenner

Society Sinners

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 3)

Again, the author takes us on a journey back in time and we find ourselves back in 1920s New York.  How amazing of a job she does at making me feel immersed in this world. 

And ohhh how the plot thickens!  This installment in the Gin Lovers serial brings a lot more betrayal.  Seems like everyone is getting themselves in trouble and entangling with people that will lead them to their own ruin.

Starting with Charlotte's husband who is starting to show his ugly colors, with his sister and with his wife.  I was extremely upset with him when Charlotte went to him for help with her mother. 

Charlotte again seems to be the good girl that has to sacrifice but with enough of bad girl in her to still seek her thrills.  I am anxious to see how she keeps growing and how she keeps defying her husband.  I can't wait to see her playing all these high members of society at their own games.

The relationship between Charlotte and Jake feels pretty well cemented, but they will have to jump through some big obstacles to end up together.  Especially after the ending of this installment.  Definitely left me wanting more.

These just keep getting better and better.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon