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Breath of Magic was a surprise to me. It didn't happen exactly how I thought it would, but it turned out to be a great book. It had likeable characters and it all flowed very well. All in all I give it a 4 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: Lucifer, it's not only the devil, it's the name of my cat. ****
I had high expectations for Heartmate after reading that it was supposed to be like a Dara Joy -- Matrix of Destiny -- book (see below.) It did not turn out that way, and the only real thing that connected the two was that they shared 'Familiar' characters. Although Heartmate was a decent book, and I didn't hate reading it, it would have been much better if some of the scenes weren�t so drawn out. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: Don't you hate it when your cat wears more jewelry than you? ***
Knight of a Trillion Stars was the first romance book I ever read, and my personal favorite of the three Matrix of Destiny books. The book stared Lorgan and Deana (the two on the cover) and I loved EVERYTHING about this book. The characters where loveable, the sci-fi mix was great, the love scenes where steamy, and the humor she fit into this book with artful precision. The only thing wrong with this book is it recently went out of print; so if you see a copy at the store, or at ebay, get it! It is SO worth the money. 5 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: Watch out for microwaves! *****
Rejar is the second of the Matrix of Destiny series. Staring the brother of Lorgan from the first book and Lilac, you get to see a Regency England from a Familiar's point of view AND a Regency Englander's view. Other characters from the first book also make appearances of course. The humor in this book is also wonderful and, of course, the love scenes are always red HOT. I give Rejar 5 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: Sewing Circle; otherwise known has gossip HQ. *****
The third Matrix of Destiny book stared yet another Familiar, Rejar's uncle, Gian, and Jenise who is NOT an earthling from any time period. Other characters from the first two books make small appearances, while Tried made a bigger one similar to the second book. Again, humor in this book is classic, and the love scenes are still sizzling. I really liked this book, like all of them, and give it 5 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: I'll never look at trees the same way again... *****
Another book from Dara Joy, although NOT connected to Matrix of Destiny, this book is unlike any I have ever read. Dara created a world where women are in charge and have been since anyone could ever remember; men have to hold their tongues and do what they are told. The story that unfolds with Green and Jorlan is unlike any other, and I thought it was perfectly molded. Since it IS a book by Dara Joy, the love scenes are the most intense that I have read so far, and it has sweet parts that I just loved. This book rightfully deserves 5 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: You say Klee, I say Kloo, let's call the whole thing off. *****
The Wizard of Seattle was better than I expected it to be when I finished reading the back cover. The story of Merlin and Serena having to go back in time to try to fix the current day laws of wizarding society really kept my attention through the whole book. I liked the characters, the adventure, and thought it was really great the way the last part of the book ended. All in all I give it 4.5 stars!
Final Thoughts: Did anyone else think they used the word 'wary' a lot? ****.5
The Cat's Fancy was a really cute book. It's kind of a cross between the musical CATS and The Little Mermaid. The two main characters fit together well, but I liked the supporting ones, being Deana, Hoop, and the Ice Queen (you'll understand after you read it,) even better. Anyway, there's not much else to say about it accept that it's a cute, fast read with big writing. It's also good if you like cats! I give it four and a half stars.
Final Thoughts: This book will always remind me of the day I got my first pair of glasses. Oh they joy. ****.5
Temptation's Tender Kiss by Colleen Faulkner was a wonderful book! At first I thought the size of the book and the tiny writing was going to make it a long read, but I truly loved it from the moment I read it! Even thought it was a big book, the wonderful characters and great overall story line was perfectly planned. Although it is a historical romance, taking place during the American Revolution, it didn't bother me at all like some other ones I've tried reading did. Anyway, this book is stupendous and has a lot of heart. Unfortunatly, like some of the other books on here, it was written several years ago and could be quite difficult to come by. I even had to take my own picture of the book because I couldn't find one online (sorry it came out kind of bad.) The only reason I got to read it was because one of my best friends lent it to me. Thanks a TON by the way, you know who you are! This book is highly recommended! 5 of 5!
Final Thoughts: How can you not love a book that has hunky twins with long blond hair, and kitties in it!? *****
Prince of Charming was very good. It had the perfect mix of romance and fantasy and those are the kind of books I love best! The main character really reminded me of myself, and not only because we share the same name! The main male character sounds so handsome that now I'm going to be looking for a portrait of a cute guy to free! It was a fast read and it didn't have an epilogue, which I thought made it have a solid ending. Although I read that this book was supposed to have a sort of sequel, I never found it when I searched online. If anyone knows if Queen of Hearts by Karen Fox is out there, let me know! Anyway five out of five!
Final Thoughts: If I had the power of charm I'd charm my parents into getting me a Porsche full of kittens. *****
The Passion Ruby was a good book. It's about a woman (Sienna) who runs into some unfortunate circumstances. The main male role (Hawk) was a character full of brooding that Sienna meets during one of the first mishaps. From there they meet and their quest is on! They have to try to crack through the mystery of the Passion Ruby to save Sienna's best friend who was kidnapped. This was a very good book with a wicked twist when the story unfolds at the end. Special thanks to my friend for lending it to me! Four out of five stars!
Final Thoughts: So.... Whatever happens to Aunt Jessie's house? ****
Reviewed By: Courtles
A Summer To Remember--Mary Balogh
This is a sort of historical romance set in England where the perfect women were prim and proper. These are the exact qualities Kit Butler is looking for in his future bride. Although Lauren is considered to be past her prime, (she's only 26!), and cold as an iceberg with no wish to marry, Kit takes a bet to win her as his bride. Lauren eventually turns the tables on Kit and turns his whole world upside down�or right side up to be honest. There bargain, a temporary engagement for the benefit of Kit's demanding father in return for a summer of adventure and resulting freedom for Lauren turns into something neither expected. This book was pretty good and I loved Lauren's transformation through the story. I give it 3 out of 5 pandas.
Comments: Crap! My summer is nowhere near as good as I though it was!
Reviewed By: Courtles
Tonight or Never--Dara Joy
This was an absolutely fantastic story...as are all Dara Joy's books. The "Lord of Sex", John the Viscount Sexton, is deserving of his title. He was definitely not a disappointment. Chloe, John's best friend since her childhood, returns from the American colonies with plans to take their relationship to the next level and to tame his wild ways. She convinces him to marry her so that he can teach her everything he knows about the art of...You know what. He eventually warms up to the idea of being her teacher, but is driven crazy at the thought of Chole using her newly acquired "skills" on other men. With the help of hilarious family members and friends, Chole capturers him forever, even though he didn't realize it. This book was very funny and also included actual historical matters of the French Revolution in a suspenseful way. As they say in the book, �The thing speaks for itself�, SO READ IT!! 5 out of 5 Pandas
Comments: Where exactly might I find one of those wardrobes?
Reviewed By: Courtles
Night Pleasures--Sherrilyn Kenyon
I never knew there could be so much humor in a vampire story. Actually, they aren't vampires. There are Dark Hunters, who resemble vampires (ex. allergic reaction to sunlight, fangs, etc.) and Daimons, who you want to avoid at all costs....that is if you like having blood and a soul. Kyrian of Thrace becomes a Dark Hunter after his wife betrays him to the Romans and trades his soul for revenge. His is forced to walk the earth for over two thousand years hunting Daimons and protecting the innocent. One night, Kyrian wakes up to find himself captured by a Daimon named Desiderius (or Desi-do-wrong as he calls him) and handcuffed to Amanda Deveraux, who was mistaken as her vampire-slaying twin sister Tabitha. This story is wrapped in Greek mythology, which I have never seen incorporated with vampire novels. Kyrian must battle Desi in order to protect Amanda. During these adventures Amanda must tap into her own powers and decide whether she loves Kyrian enough to give him back his soul. I absolutely loved this...not just because I am in love with vampire fiction. 5 out of 5 Pandas!
Comments: "You're eyes are green!"......."I know what you were up to!:)~"
Reviewed By: Courtles
Spellbound in Seattle--Garthia Anderson
Vorador is a powerful wizard, whereas Petra hasn't a speck of magic in her body. This story is increasingly funny as Petra struggles to keep up with strange wizards, flying pigs, evil rugs, holes to different dimensions, a moody-man-hating cat, a homicidal suit of armor, and her irritating and overwhelming attraction to Vorador. There is really no way to describe this so you'll just have to read it. 4.5 out of 5 pandas
Comments: Petra: "What in blue blazes is that?!".........Vorador: "Dammit, Petra; Not Again!"
Reviewed By: Courtles
Always-- Lynsay Sands
This book was confusing and funny all at the same time. Rosamunde's life is completely thrown off track when one day before she is to take her vows and become a nun, her father arrives at the convent and presents the man she will marry. To make things stranger, after the ceremony, Aric is given five minutes, in which he has to "consummate" the marriage with his new father-in-law standing outside in the hall shouting encouragements. Confused? Good; because it gets stranger. "Marital relations are forbidden on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays along with other special occasions. If that's not bad enough Rosamunde must receive her first sex ed. course from a nun...if that doesn't make you laugh I don't what will. Poor Rosamunde and Aric must come to terms with falling in love while dealing with Rosamunde's severe miss education and threats on both of their lives, but as always it is worth the effort in the end. I give this story 4.5 out of 5 pandas.
Comments: This brings a whole new meaning to barnyard style...and cucumbers.
Reviewed By: Courtles
Hearts Aflame--Johanna Lindsey
I absolutely loved this story. Kristen is a headstrong Norsewoman out for adventure...and a husband. She hides aboard her brother's ship without the knowledge that her adventure includes an attempted raid. Before the Vikings can raid their target they are attacked by Saxons and Kristen's brother is killed. Kristen and the other survivors are taken to Royce of Wyndhurst. Kristen is disguised as a boy, but is later found out. His new �slave� takes the master, Royce, aback. She openly defies him and just doesn't conform. Royce must go through many troubles before he gives up and finally accepts his love for her. His ride to that point is pretty funny. They also have some pretty steamy scenes together too. This book has a great ending and is consistent with the great quality of storytelling. And it shall have.....5 out of 5 pandas.
Comments: Finally!! Someone I can wrestle!!!!
Ah yes, Pure Temptation. What can I say about this book? I read the description initially and thought it was going to be something quite different than what it turned out to be. So anyway, here's what it was about. Jack Graystoke is on his way to perdition when the meddling family ghost, Lady Amelia, appears to put him on the straight and narrow. She gets him to meet a run away servant girl, Moira O'Toole and the story goes off from there. It's full of their ups and downs, their trust, then distrust, and then trust of each other again until you get a bit sick of it. I just couldn't stand the constant repetitiveness in it. All in all it wasn't THAT bad, but I've read better. Somehow it managed to interest me enough to finish the nearly 400-page book and not hate it, so go figure. This is another case of 'If I had read the summary right then I probably would have enjoyed it more.' You'll probably enjoy it more than I did. Ok, so here's my rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. I hate giving out halves, but it was necessary here.
Final Thoughts: This was the second book I've read that had a character with my name! Albeit a small part, but who cares! ***.5