ARC Review: In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks

In Bed with a Highlander

by Maya Banks

Historical Romance

In Bed with a Highlander is the first in a new historical romance trilogy by Maya Banks. First off, the covers of this trilogy are amazing, not to mention they all feature the hottie that is Paul Marron. Cue swoons.

But there is more! Banks introduces three McCabe brothers who are simply delicious. In Bed with a Highlander is Ewan McCabe’s story. Ewan is the laird of his keep, where his brothers Alaric and Caelen are his second in command. While Ewan himself is strong and mighty, his keep and clan are not. They are dwindling in resources and food and a war is threatening to rise among clans.

The book starts off with Mairin Stuart, the niece of King David, praying that her enemies do not find her. However, her prayers are not heard because Duncan’s men find and capture her, bringing her unwillingly to his keep where he commands her to marry him. Mairin bears the crest of Alexander on her thigh, which was placed upon her at birth so that no one would ever mistake her identity. With a wealthy dowry and power, Duncan wishes to wed her immediately and consummate their marriage, thus gaining power and an advantage. But Mairin is a tough woman who doesn’t go down easily. She fights with all her might, even using her body as a shield to cover a young eight-year old boy who had the unfortunate luck of crossing paths with Duncan.

The young boy turns out to be Ewan McCabe’s son and when Mairin and the boy escape Duncan’s keep for McCabe’s, that’s when the story really begins...

I was really surprised with how quick I read this book. Banks crafts an intriguing story with her strong characters and fast-paced dialogue. So much happens within the first few chapters that I didn’t really have the chance to put the book down. It was that good.

Mairin, for me, was the stand-out star. I loved her tenacity and wit. She seemed to never show fear, even in the face of Duncan who beat her mercilessly. And I have to admire a woman who is able to keep a man like Ewan on his toes. As a Laird, Ewan is certainly arrogant and is not used to being disobeyed. Mairin matches him well and while it took me awhile to get into the romance, it was all worth it in the end.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Banks sets up Alaric’s book perfectly in this one. Rionna is from the McDonald clan, a clan that had possible alliances with McCabe. And so, to strengthen that alliance, Gregor McDonald wishes for her daughter, Rionna to marry Alaric. I am dying to know how this plays out since Alaric isn’t too keen on the idea of marriage and Rionna is a warrior herself.

Bottom line? READ THIS BOOK!

*ARC provided by author

 

Purchase links: Amazon

Review: Dangerous Pleasure by Lora Leigh

Dangerous Pleasure

by Lora Leigh

(Bound Hearts # 12)

Erotica Romance

Who would've ever thought I'd be reviewing a Lora Leigh book and saying "What the hell happened??? Noooooo steam!!!!". But I am sad to say I was extremely disappointed with this book. After the last few books in this series have been really good, really steamy, with great plots, great characters and over the top excellent sex, I expected a really good read.

Instead we get this washed out story, with like 2 or 3 sex scenes TOTAL in the whole book, and that weren't even that steamy! First of all, I didn't like our heroine Paige. She is too immature, and being paired up with an older guy (I think he's 37?) I really thought she would be a little more grown up mentally. We've had much better heroines in this series, and she just can't compare.

Abram is the hot, brooding alpha male, who has been through a whole lot and doesn't want to form any more attachments. He has been the cause of the deaths of his previous wives, and to think that if he gives in to his weakness and takes Paige he would be endangering her, more than she already is, is unthinkable.

Paige is actually Khalid's half sister. Abram is Khalid's half brother. But no, Paige and Abram are not related! However, it does make for a messy situation, and Khalid, who I loved in his book Guilty Pleasure, was starting to piss me off with how he was handling their feelings for each other.

Is it really bad to say that the hottest sex of the whole book was the opening scene, when Abram and Tariq are actually having sex with a different woman? I just didn't feel the chemistry between the two.

The rest of the storyline was a bit boring in general. I miss the Club!!!!! Please, let's just go back to what works best! Ms. Leigh also introduces more members of the Mustafa extended family in this one, and I think they are hinted as possible future books (like maybe Chalah and Tariq) but I wasn't that interested in their characters either!

You know what I really want to see? I want to read Daniel's story! Now he seems intense! I think we need some fresh blood in the characters of this series!

As usual, I find inconsistencies in the story, and one that kept bugging me was the fact that at the beginning of the story (opening scene) Paige is about 21. It is then mentioned (as a passing thought) that Abram started noticing her as a woman when she turned 18. Then after the events that happened at 21 there's a "8 YEARS LATER", but instead of Paige being 29, she is 25. But what happened between them was when she was 21! It should've said 4 years later!

Anyway, I will still, of course, continue to read this series. I do have faith that this was just a little mishap and it will not be repeated! 

Dirty Little Secret # 7

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Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.  We hope that you will all join us!

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!!  Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

This weeks question:

"If you were the heroine of a novel, 
who would be your sidekick?"

Our answer:

Suzanne: At first I couldn't think of ANYONE and then three came to me all at once! Either Billy Joe, Cassie Palmers ghostly sidekick in Karen Chance's series, Pickwick the Dodo from Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde OR Kate Daniel's attack poodle Grendel. Hmmmm decisions decisions! I think I am going to go with Grendel, who doesn't want their very own attack poodle!?

Annie:  Gighul from Jaye Wells' Sabina Kane series. What? Don't mess with the demon cat!! He'll mess you up! And then maybe pee on you.

Francesca:  Tink's a Disney whore! Jenks from the Hollows by Kim Harrison. No question about it. I want my very own, resourceful, foul-mouthed pixie! Armed with a tiny sword and pixie dust and drunk on honey! Watch out!!!


Now let's hear it from you!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  The pre-publication release we are eagerly anticipating this week is:

 The Lords of the Underworld return in this enthralling tale of an immortal warrior determined to win and the beautiful seductress he can’t resist.

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor’s edge of surrender.

Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can’t afford because he has an agenda of his own – steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter – the love neither had thought possible…

I am so excited for this next installment in the Lord of the Underworld series! Kaia is one of my favourite heroines and I just adore Strider as well.  Annnnd, who else loves the cover? Mmm, check out those abs!

Release Date: September 27, 2011

Author Override: Gena Showalter (and the Lords of the Underworld)

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

 

Today we have Author of the month, Gena Showalter, with us and she has brought with her the Lords of the Underworld!!!! *squee* We're all trying not to hyperventilate here, but failing miserably. We'll try to compose ourselves so we don't look like fools in front of all of them. We're not doing a good job...

BUT we hoped we asked the questions that our maidens would've wanted us to ask the Lords. So check out our interview with the Lords below!

1. Hi Gena! *looks seductively at the Lords* Hellooo boys. *ahem* Ready for this interview? How is it having your house full of your friend’s wives/women now? Do you think it has improved things?

Kane: Bleep that! Wait, can I say bleep?
Gena: No.
Kane: Whatever. Everyone is driving me bleeping crazy. When is it my turn?
Strider: Oh, goodie. Someone brought whine.

2. For Torin: How many times have you watched Carrow’s video on Youtube?

The same number of times I’ve thanked the gods for her creation.

3. For Paris: How do you feel about having had sex with Kaia now that you know your friend Strider is in love with her?

Shit, you just had to go there, didn’t you? But no way in hell I’ll start spilling details. Strider will try to spill my guts. Again.

4. It's not a secret that Nix from Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series has a thing for the Lords of the Underworld. Does the sexy sooth-sayer catch any of your interests?


A collective: Hell, yes!
Paris: That’s not even a question. Girl is straight up hot.
Strider: You say that about everyone, P-man. But in this case, you’re right. So if Nix and Kaia want to do a little fighting over me, I say go for it.

5. Lords, time to fess up. Give us the dirty on Gena Showalter. Got any secrets you'd like to share about the wonderful person who writes your books?

Paris: That little witch loves to torture us, but that’s hardly a secret.
Torin: I’d do her.
Aeron: I caught her crying over a commercial once. I won’t say I was disgusted by it, but I think we’ll all know I’m lying.
William: She’s my true love, I just know it.
William: Scratch that shit right now, Showalter. I’d give you a go, sure, but true love? Please.

6. Where would the ideal vacation spot for the Lords be and what would you do?

Gideon: Pits of hell. For real.
William: Gena’s bedroom.
William: For the love of all that’s unholy! Stop answering for me, woman.
Paris: Making love to the same woman over and over again. And I think we all know who I’d pick as mine.

7. What do the Lords do for each other's bachelor party?? We won't tell anyone!

Paris: Not that he appreciated it, but I tried giving my man Stridey some tips about pleasing his woman.
Anya: Lucien will have strippers at his, and I’ll kill those strippers at mine. It’s win/win!
Kane: Since I can see where Showalter is headed with my “happily ever after,” I’d rather gnaw off a limb than get engaged.

8. If you could trade demons with another Lord, which demon would you rather have?

Maddox (Violence): Paris
Lucien (Death): Paris
Reyes (Pain): Paris
Sabin (Doubt): Are you kidding? I’m made of awesome! Right? Right!
Aeron (Wrath): Paris
Gideon (Lies): Anyone but Paris
Strider (Defeat): Screw that! Everyone had better pick me, or their last encounter with Hunters left them stupid
Paris (Sex): Anyone but Strider
Kane (Disaster): If I could kill every single demon, I would. So trade? Bleep no! (Why are you letting everyone else cuss, Showalter, but censoring me?)
Cameo (Misery): Did you know 8.6 million women die from heart disease every year?
Torin (Disease): Paris
William: Gena
William: I give up! Fine, whatever. I want Gena, can’t get enough of Gena.

9. If we could have a contest where a loyal fan would get to have a date with you, what surprise will you have in store for her?

Paris: Me, naked.
Strider: Like that’s really a surprise, Sex. Me? I’d do the whole candy, flowers and candlelight thing. (snicker) Okay, okay, I almost gagged even saying that. The truth? Me, naked.
Gideon: A hot air balloon ride through a rainbow. Yeah, I’m romantic like that.

10. Which do you prefer football (NFL), hockey (NHL) or basketball (NBA)? Any big Superbowl parties at the Lords place?

Strider: Dude, I can’t believe you even have to ask. Naked oil wrestling. Or so Paris thinks, I’m sure (snicker).
Paris: What’s with you and the snickering, you ass? Never mind. Don’t answer. I don’t care. Because if your balls are what we’re kicking around, I’m for the sport, whatever it is.
Strider: Someone clearly needs a massage to release some tension. With oil.

11. Pick your poison . . . What’s your drink of choice?

Paris: single malt
Maddox: And isn’t that a shocker? I thought you preferred ambrosia-laced wine that nearly kills my woman.
Paris: shut it, Violence.
Strider: God, the arguing. Both of you shut it, ‘cause it’s my turn to answer and I say Harpy blood. What? It’s good.
William: Gena. Of course.

12. And because our maidens are dying to know. . . Boxers, briefs or commando?

Paris: what do you prefer, beautiful?
Gideon: women’s underwear
Aeron: Someone mentioned gnawing off a limb. Yeah, I’d rather gnaw off a limb than answer that.
Strider: Whatever Paris’s mom prefers.
Paris: You are such an asshole.

13. Finally, What does it take to be a Lord of the underworld?

Anya: Me, me, I want to answer this one! The recipe is as follows: two cups of evil mixed with two cups of not so evil. Avoid adding “honorable” or the beefcake will come out lame. One cup of smartass remarks, 3 TBS of muscles, 2 litters of sexy, and balls the size of boulders.

And there you have it! The ladies at UTC with Gena Showalter and the Lords of the Underworld! Hope you enjoyed this as much as we did!

Gena Showalter has offered a signed ARC of "Lord of the Vampires" + swag to one very lucky reader!  All you have to do to enter is:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Fill out the form below

Remember to come back every day between now and August 7 for our Gena post of the day!

Sexy Snippets

Sexy Snippets is a weekly meme hosted by Secrets of a Book Lover and Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participates can add the book to their TBR lists if they like.

An Offer From a Gentleman

by Julia Quinn

She was here, with him, and she felt like heaven. The soft scent of her hair, the slight taste of salt on her skin - she was, he thought, born to rest in the shelter of his arms. And he was born to hold her.

"Come home with me," he whispered in her ear.
She said nothing, but he felt her stiffen.
"Come home with me," he repeated.
"I can't," she said, the breath of each word whispering across her skin.
"You can."

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.  Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read, open to a random page, share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!  Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Desires Edge by Eve Berlin

She'd never experience a broken heart before. She hadn't ever allowed anyone to get close enough to really hurt her. She'd had no idea it would hurt so much. That it would feel as if her heart were made of glass, and had shattered into a thousand pieces, each one piercing her, burrowing deep.

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong


"She must have just been away, then. I really wanted to meet her. Is it true that she" - she lowered her voice again - "likes girls? That's what I heard. And she's really cute. She's Japanese, right? I think Japanese girls are so pretty. I don't, you know, swing that way. But for a vampire?" She grinned. "I'd totally make an exception."
Cassandra inched back. My phone vibrated. I checked discreetly and saw that I had a message - from Cassandra.
How badly do we need to speak to this woman?
I texted back, Wondering the same thing.