King of Darkness by Elisabeth Staab (Terra's Review)

ETERNAL COMMITMENT IS NOT ON HER AGENDA...
Scorned by the vampire community for her lack of power, Isabel Anthony lives a carefree existence masquerading as human--although, drifting among the debauched human nightlife, she prefers the patrons' blood to other indulgences. But when she meets the king of vampires this party girl's life turns dark and dangerous.

BUT TIME'S RUNNING OUT FOR THE KING OF VAMPIRES...
Dead-set on finding the prophesied mate who will unlock his fiery powers, Thad Morgan must find his queen before their race is destroyed. Their enemies are gaining ground, and Thad needs his powers to unite his subjects. But when his search leads him to the defiant Isabel, he wonders if fate has gotten it seriously wrong...

(Terra's Thoughts) I love a good paranormal book as good as the next person but this one just didn't give me the oomph to say it's a five star. I would most likely give this a three and a half. It was okay but needed a bit more of something.

Isabel Anthony is a rogue vamp who basically has grown up on her own without any help. Her parents died when she was young thus leaving her knowing that she needed certain things for the vamp life but not having the proper training to realize her full potential. She is a beauty with some scruples though and doesn't just feed off anyone. She actually gives back as much comfort to the donor as she gets for her meal.

Thad Morgan is I don't know....hmm...maybe a bit dim witted and self absorbed. He is the next ruler of his people but has no powers without his life mate. Searching finally brings him to her only to have what should be a bit more dialogue but ends up being a bit more steam under the covers. With more work I think Thad could be much better developed.

The story has some action, quite a bit of steamy sex, confusion and misunderstandings that could get you killed and a whole can of worms that will explode on contact should it leak out that the King is powerless at the moment.

Not my favorite cup of tea but no two opinions are alike. Give this a chance as you may find you like it better than I did. I'm more into intense action than steamy sex so that could explain alot.

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402263155
ISBN-13: 978-1402263156

A Cowboy Comes Home by Barbara Dunlop (Terra's Review)

After years of being the black sheep, an unexpected inheritance has finally drawn Caleb Terrell home. But that doesn't mean the cowboy-turned-CEO plans to settle down on his family's Colorado ranch. His single-minded goal is to sell and get out…until he's reunited with the sexy girl next door, Mandy Jacobs.

Her mere presence reminds him of happier times. Denying Mandy seems impossible, but seducing her can lead only to heartbreak. There's no room in Caleb's agenda for such a delectable distraction. Because once he gives in to temptation, he may not be able to walk away.

(Terra's Thoughts) This is an adorable little romance with a country twist and a bit of one of those awe stories. I enjoyed it as it was quick, to the point and an easy read.

Caleb is ohhhhhhh so handsome in a suit and it's been some time since he was in jeans and a flannel shirt with cowboy boots and a Stetson on but oh just the thought is enough to heat the blood and sizzle other parts off limits. He left his home and ranch at the age of seventeen penniless to escape a life that would break even the strongest of bullies. Now he's back since his dad has parted from a miserable life. Caleb is the new owner of the ranch that his brother coverts so much but will they be able to patch up a rocky sibling relationship in time or will the ranch be a piece of history past?

Mandy is a cute little filly and more of the cute girl next door type. She cringes when she sees Caleb's assistant and feels inadequate in all feminine ways. After a few monkey wrenches thrown into the story will Mandy come out a winner to the man she has looked up to since she was in her early teens.

These little Harlequin books are a great in between quick read and perfect so as to break up the genre' or subgenre' you've been reading. This has some action, lots of loving, jealously and rivalry that will surely make you sit up and pay attention. Who says surprises don't come in small packages.

Mass Market Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373731477
ISBN-13: 978-0373731473

Miss Hillary Schols a Scoundrel by Samantha Grace (Terra's Review)

There’s no taming the wicked. Jaded heiress Lana Hillary learned this lesson the hard way when the dashing man of her dreams turned out to be a lying scoundrel. With two Seasons behind her and the memory of his betrayal still fresh in her mind, Lana seeks a match with a respectable gent. But why must they all be so properly boring? Unable to rein in her bold nature for long, Lana flirts with trouble and finds herself entangled with the exact type of man she’s vowed to avoid.

Love ‘em-and- leave ‘em Lord Andrew Forest lives for pleasure and offers no apologies. But he receives a dose of his own medicine when his family’s innocent houseguest beds him then disappears without a by your leave. Rejected by the most captivating woman in England, Drew is determined to intercept Lana Hillary before she reaches London and convince her to marry him. Then he’ll teach the little vixen a thing or two about how to love a man.

(Terra's Thoughts) Oh what a way to start a series. Whew....!

This story is delightfully romantic, silly, and a give them a dose of their own medicine type of romance. More romance than carnal lust I found this a treat to cherish. Even good girls have fun sometimes, LOL!

Lana Hillary is a red haired beauty who has been stuffed to the sidelines for two seasons of the tons best parties. Her mother is desperate to find someone for her and I don't think I would wish this man on even my worst of enemies. Luckily Lana's heart has a mind of it's own and over rules her sense of propriety.

Lord Andrew Forest is a devil of a rake and too handsome for any woman to ignore. Known as the best of the worst of rakes with his gaming and women won't help him out one little bit when he finally finds a fire haired beauty who can give him a run for his money. Must be the appeal of the chase that makes our Drew chase this lady as if her skirts were chocolate flavored with a buried surprise just waiting for the daring.

The story is everything we could possibly want from a delectable romance that sizzles with heat. A story that turns innocence into scorching need, a wall flower into a lustful siren and a debauched man into a caring lover. I really can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us after this book especially when there are three more to come. YUMM!

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402258313
ISBN-13: 978-1402258312

The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen (Terra's Review)

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything...

The Marquis de Valère escaped certain death in the French Revolution and is now an infamous privateer. Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood...

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but it may be her only hope...

British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

(Terra's Thoughts) "Merde"! Our wonderful Shana Galen has done it again with another ripping romance that's sure to tickle your fancy plus some. The last of the Harcourt brothers has been found by a beautiful wild woman of the sea which leads us to a soul searing romance that will leave scorch marks instead of love bites.

Raeven Russell has a vendetta to act on and now only to find the man that shall see that Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn or hurt for that matter. Raeven is a small delicate beauty to behold but none looking at her would expect this petite to breath Brimstone and Fire should you hurt someone she loves. This is a woman that is a perfect match for any rogue.

Sebastien Harcourt, Marquis of de Valere has been at sea for more years than he would care to count. Having lost his family at a young age during the Revolution, young Bastien left to find himself and try to bury all the horrors and memories that plague him. What better way than to find himself saying, "A pirate's life for me, ha ha, he he".

Our story starts out with a challenge issued for the death of one's love in a tavern of ill repute. More of less a Pirate's Cove that the average person would avoid at all cost but not for our lass petite.

Disguise and lies begin our adventure to an action packed romance that will rival the rolling seas. Every now and then a whitecap appears in the way of soul searing lust that will curl your toes and redden your nose. Ah....to be young and unpredictable looking for love, trouble, revenge and a little tit for tat. Sigh...........!

To say I loved this book is an understatement! I think this is the best of the trilogy and I would take a Bastien of my own any day of the week. My heart aches though as our storyline has ended with this book but I do so hope that our author will dream up something new for us very soon.

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402265557
ISBN-13: 978-1402265556