ARC Review: The Trouble with Vampires by Lynsay Sands

Yay Santo!! Book 29 in the Argeneau series brings us to a suburban Albany, New York neighborhood. The Enforcers got a lead that may end up being the mad scientist they have been trying to track down since he escaped from his private island off the coast of Venezuela where he had been experimenting on immortals and humans in a Dr. Moreau kind of way. After being held captive by the mad scientist Santo is ready for a swift justice. Petronella Stone is babysitting her nephew but soon after she gets there strange things start to happen someone tries to break in to the house luckily the neighbors intervene before anything can happen. The visiting neighbors, Marguerite, Julius, Zanipolo, Jason, and Santo are there to track down the mad scientist who maybe hiding out in his cousins house right next door and the attempted break in at Pet’s house is just too coincidental. They find out early on Pet knows about immortals due to a traumatic past experience which makes things easier for the Enforcers to protect her and her nephew, Parker. Once Santo realizes that Pet is his life mate and she already knows about immortals he thinks the rest should be easy, but it’s never easy!

Overall, this was another very entertaining read. Santo and Pet are hot, it gets very steamy and Santo is very deserving of a life mate. Parker is adorable. I foresee something happening with the Brass Circle in the future (finger’s crossed). This one wasn’t as predictable as some of the past books I didn’t guess what exactly happened and it was good, it had a very nice ending. I think this could be read as a standalone but if you need to read the previous one to catch up on the whole mad scientist plot you don’t have to go back to the very beginning just maybe back maybe six or seven to Runaway Vampire or Immortal Nights. I am also anticipating Zanipolo’s book to be next, I’m hoping. I always enjoy Lynsay Sands writing, her characters are always quirky and Pet and Santo’s have very dark emotional past they have to deal with which lead to them connecting on an emotional level as well as physical.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Tiger Catcher by Paulina Simons

The first novel in a beautiful, heartbreaking new trilogy from Paullina Simons, the international bestselling author of Tully and The Bronze Horseman.

Can true love ever die?

Julian lives a charmed life in Los Angeles. Surrounded by friends, he is young, handsome, and runs a successful business. Everything changes after he has a fateful encounter with a mysterious young woman named Josephine. Julian’s world is turned upside down by a love affair that takes him—and everyone else in his life—by storm. For the two new lovers, the City of Angels is transformed into a magical playground.

But Josephine is not what she seems and carries secrets that threaten to tear them apart—seemingly forever.

A broken man, his faith in tatters, Julian meets a mysterious stranger who tells him how to find Josephine again if he is willing to give up everything and take a death-defying trip from which no one has ever returned.

So begins Julian and Josephine’s extraordinary adventure of love, loss, and the mystical forces that bind people across time and space. It is a journey that propels Julian toward an impossible choice which will lead him to love fulfilled…or to oblivion.

The Tiger Catcher takes readers from the depths of despair to the dizzying heights of joy in the first novel of an unforgettable trilogy of love lost and found. For all fans of Outlander, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and Jojo Moyes.

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ARC Review: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

I could not wait for this book! When I was reading “Devil in Spring” Phoebe’s character kept grabbing my attention and I could not wait to see what Kleypas had in store for her. West Ravenel was introduced in the first book of the Ravenel series “Cold-Hearted Rake” and ever since then I have been waiting for his story! What an amazing series! I must confess I have not read all the books in the series but I was anticipating this one!

For anyone that has not read Kleypas before (gasp), she also wrote “Devil in Winter” one of my all time favorite stories. I have read it so many times I have lost count. Here she introduced Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. He marries a stammering wallflower in which with the Ravenels we have a chance to see how their life has unfolded as a married couple with children. Phoebe is the daughter of Sebastian and Evangeline.

Phoebe is beautiful and a widow. She married her childhood sweetheart but he passed away before he could see the birth of their second son. Phoebe has always hated West because he tormented her husband as a child. West is by no means perfect and he is his own worst enemy. When a young man he was often found drinking, womanizing and making mayhem in society. In the first book of the series, he begins his transformation and dedicates himself to helping his brother and his decaying estate. Now in, “Devils Daughter” he is admired by the people that work alongside him and has changed his ways. Phoebe doesn’t think that he has changed from the brute that use to terrorize her husband and West refuses to forgive himself. When Phoebe attends her brothers wedding, at the door to greet her is none other than West.

Phoebe quickly loses her reservations about West and realizes that he is a very changed man and one that she wants to get to know quickly. West does not find himself worthy of her and doesn’t see himself worthy of her love.

This story was everything! It was full of emotion, ache, chemistry, sweetness, love, beautiful scenes, beautiful storyline, beloved characters from previous books. I have to confess that I expected Kleypas to make Phoebe and West more adversary but she did not and it worked beautifully. The one scene at the dinner table where they are sitting together was so sweet and loving that I just instantly knew this story was going to be heartbreaking and sweet and it was! Sebastian plays a very prominent role in the story and in many ways help West find his worth in the love that he does not think himself worthy of! I read this book quickly then slowly and then I skimmed it again. I loved it so much and is already a top read for 2019. I cannot recommend or love this story enough.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he’s a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband’s life a misery, and she’ll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself...as none other than West Ravenel.

West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire...not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn’t bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She’s the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England.

Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past? Only the devil’s daughter knows…

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Sealed with a Kiss Event with Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is the bestselling author of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series, the Scoundrels of St. James series, and the Hellions of Havisham series, among others. 

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Sealed With a Kiss Event with Lenora Bell

Lenora Bell is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. A teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing, Lenora has lived and worked on five continents. She currently lives in New Zealand with her carpenter husband and two tiger-striped rescue kitties. She loves to hear from readers! Sign up for her mailing list to hear about new books, sales, and giveaways!

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ARC Review: Moonlight Scandals by Jennifer Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout has been on my to-read list for a long time. By sheer luck I entered a giveaway and won all three of her books in the “de Vincent” Series. I have not read any of the books in the trilogy so I thumbed through them an decided I would be interested in starting with “Moonlight Scandals.” This is the last book in the series but I was completely intrigued by the story line. It goes without saying that Jennifer Armentrout is a very popular author and after reading this book, I can see why!

There were a few reasons I wanted to start with the last book in the trilogy. The de Vincent family is very famous in New Orleans for many different reasons. One is the spooky myths surrounding the family curse. Two is that they are a very wealthy family and major players in New Orleans. Three the very handsome de Vincent brothers. There are three brothers and all three get their book. The first book, “Moonlight Sins” is about the youngest brother Lucian. The second, “Moonlight Seduction” the second brother Gabriel. The last brother, Devlin; his book is Moonlight Scandals.”

I was intrigued by the third brother, Devlin who is also the oldest and is often to referred to as “the devil.” Devlin is known for being very mean and even his brothers have a difficult time connecting with him. Devlin is the oldest brother of the family and in many regards the head of the family. Rosie Herpin is a complete opposite to Devlin. She was madly in love with her high school sweetheart and has nursed a broken heart when he committed suicide. She lives a simple live, works, has a great group of friends and also studies paranormal activity. The de Vincent house is as spooky as it gets when it comes to paranormal activity. Rosie and Nicolette are friends ( Nicolette is the love interest of Gabriel in the second book) and through Nicolette Rosie meets the famous Devlin. To say that they clash is an understatement. Where Rosie experienced great love, Devlin has never been in love. Where Rosie is very warm and caring. Devlin is cold and cut off from practically everyone.Because this book is the last in the trilogy many secrets get revealed and even though I have not read the first two books, I didn’t feel lost and I also was completely absorbed in the story, the family and the hero and heroine. I loved Rosie and Devlin as a couple. They challenged each other and really made the pages sizzle! I loved the background storylines as well. Armentrout is a craftwoman with words. I couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait to dive into the first two books to read more about the de Vincents!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Duke That I Marry by Cathy Maxwell

The Duke That I Marry is the last (I believe) in Cathy Maxwell's Spinster Heiresses series, and it was unfortunately also my least favorite of the bunch. While still a decent novel, several parts and bits weren't to my liking.

Against her normal character, Miss Willa Reverly is taking her life into her own hands and doing something bold. The day before her wedding, she sends her betrothed a note releasing him from their engagement. She knows there will be a scandal, but seeing as how the man has been absent since their engagement party, and honestly didn't even propose to her but talked with her father, Willa believes it's the best course of action. She agreed to the marriage originally because she got a copy of romantic poems he wrote years before that made her believe he was capable of loving her, and she has always been the obedient daughter. But now with his absence and rumors of his affair with a married woman, she wants out.

The rumors are true that Matthew Addison, Duke of Camberly, was in love with a married woman. And it was because of her rejection of him as well as business in his newly acquired estate and dukedom, that he left London. Matt has quite a morning when he gets Willa's note right after he learns that his family lost their entire fortune due to blackmail. It looks like the blackmail turned into murder, and Matt now wants vengeance for his family. But first, he must get Willa back on board with marrying him for her funds.

Matt makes all haste to confront Willa and convinces her to continue their betrothal. From there the couple must jump hurdles of jealousy, and Matt's quest for vengeance. Willa struggles with the marriage, but Matt keeps working at it. Willa wants love, and Matt is nervous to fall in love again after the disaster that happened the first time.

I struggled with the entire love story. I felt Willa forgave Matt way too soon, and that he didn't express his apologies well enough. As with most relationship issues, the two mostly just need to communicate better. Otherwise, I really wasn't convinced of their romance. The vengeance/mystery side of the story was intriguing and honestly was the only part of this book that kept me going. Also, without giving away spoilers, I was disappointed with the Epilogue as it didn't really touch on things I believe it should have.

While this wasn't a grand slam in my opinion, it was still a pretty pleasant read. I still love Cathy Maxwell as a writer, and I am curious to see what she has in store for her readers next.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

The Other Miss Bridgerton is Julia Quinn's third installment to her Rokesby series. Julia Quinn will always have a special place in my heart because it was reading her first Bridgerton book, The Duke and I, that started my obsession with Historical Romance. Since then, I've learned that I dislike some of her books, love some, and anywhere in between. However, I always read anything she releases. The Other Miss Bridgerton fell into the "loved it" category.

Poppy Bridgerton is visiting a friend on the coast who is pregnant. She is an adventurous young lady, so she likes to explore the shore line. Usually she brings along a lady's maid as her companion, but because she doesn't want to be held back, she convinces the maid to leave her be and take a break. Poppy discovers some caves and whilst investigating some crates she finds, a couple of sailors find her. They capture and take her to their captain on their ship.

Captain Andrew James (secretly Andrew Rokesby) finds himself in quite a pickle. He has a young lady on his ship, and the gentleman in him must try to keep her safe and her reputation intact, especially since her cousins are his family's neighbors. Also, he has no time to send her back to her friend's home since he has time critical cargo to be delivered. On top of that, Poppy is no mild miss. She is a fire pistol and becomes the bane of his existence during their trip to Portugal.

Both characters cannot deny their attraction for each other. However, Poppy continually has to remind herself that despite Andrew's charm, he is still her captor and is confining her to one room for at least two weeks. He is trying to keep her safe, but it isn't good for her adventurous heart. Andrew knows he may have to marry her at the end of the trip to save her reputation, but he tries everything in his power to not pressure the two of them into a loveless match. Of course matters of the heart don't listen to silly things like logic.They cannot stop thinking of each other.

I don't want to give too much away of the story, but I will say that the plot definitely spices up. There were a few heart stopping romantic scenes that took my breath away. I loved how the two characters became acquainted with each other. I adored Poppy to no end. Parts of her personality reminded me of me, so I connected with her quite a bit.

This isn't your typical ballrooms and trips to Gunter's for ices kind of historical romance. It takes you onto a ship and then to Portugal. This book was a joy to read, and I am happy it fell into my "love it" category for Julia Quinn's books. I am excited to read the next book in the Rokesby series! ( I am also excited for the Bridgerton based show coming to Netflix!!)

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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A Historical Christmas Event with Christy Carlyle

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

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A Historical Christmas Event with Lorraine Heath

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®, two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, and a Pioneer of Romance Award.

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ARC Review: A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle

Christy Carlyle has been on my to-read list for a very long time. When “A Duke Changes Everything” became available to read I jumped at the chance to not only become introduced to her as a writer but also see the kick-off of the series Duke’s Den.

In this series we are introduced to, I believe, three friends. One of them Nicholas Lyon. Nicholas runs a gambling hall, “Lyon’s Gentleman Club.”. He is an outcast in society. Nick is the father of a Duke but he was disowned. He is seen as illegitimate in the eyes of the ton. Nick could care less. He is wealthy off the gambling of the highest members of the ton and their gambling addictions. Nick is partners with two other members and they run the gambling house in different ways through investments. Nick wants nothing to do with the ton, other than their vowels and loses, and mostly nothing to do with his family. When he gets news that he is now the new Duke Tremayne is he is shocked and determined to get rid of all that is a part of his childhood past, even the family home in Enderley estate. Enderley is where Thomasina Thorne has lived all her life. Since her fathers passing she has served as the estates steward. When Nick returns to a place that holds terrible childhood memories he is shocked to discover that his steward is a woman. Soon they are at odds when Nick is determined to sell off the estate and Mina is determined to protect it.

Mina and Nick were at the Enderley estate when they were children but Nick was quickly taken away and he never returned. Nick has many terrible memories of his father, his brother and Enderley. The only joy or excitement that Nick finds is in Mina. He finds her interesting and confusing at the same time. Although Mina loves her home she soon discovers that Nick suffered there and much of his childhood still haunts him. Mina soon sees that there are many layers to Nick and becomes intrigued with the new Duke of Enderley.

Overall, this was a good story. I liked both Nick and Mina but felt that there were many parts where the story dragged. I also felt that there were many parts where I could just skim because it felt unnecessary and also boring to read. I liked both Mina and Nick just didn’t find their romance captivating. I will however continue to read Carlyle and am looking forward to Iverson’s story which is the next one in the series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan

When I spotted “Beautiful Sinner” on my Kindle I immediately jumped into reading the book. I really enjoyed the previous book in the series, Devil’s Rock, “Beautiful Lawman.” It was my first book by Sophie Jordan and I could not put it down. Although these are only books four and five, I did not feel lost in the storyline and could immediately pick up any events that shaped the characters in the previous books. When I read about Cruz I was immediately interested. Although the previous story was about Piper, his sister, I was intrigued by “badboy” Cruz and his time in prison! I couldn’t wait to read about him.

Cruz was sent to prison for murdering a woman who happens to be the cousin of the heroine, Gabriella. Gabby, or “Flappy Gabby” as she was called in high school always had a crush on Cruz. They didn’t interact in high school even though they had classes together. Gabby was terrorized by a bully and was often on the receiving end of the mean girls in high school and their taunts. Gabby leaves behind her home town and starts a new life as a reporter. When her grandma becomes ill she returns home to take care of her. But Gabby holds many of the same scars from her high school years and is determined not to set up roots. While attending a high school graduation for her niece she bumps into Cruz. Cruz is freed from prison and exonerated for the crime he never committed. But much like Gabby he still carries the wounds from his past with him. Although innocent many of the towns people still see him as guilty and an outsider.

I was really torn with this story. There were parts I enjoyed and parts that I felt impatient with. I was so eager for Gabby and Cruz story that my expectations fell a little short. I liked both the hero and heroine but felt that their chemistry lacked. Gabby has since learned to embrace her curves but carries many of her insecurities with her. She lets the people in her life bully her. Everyone from her boss at the coffee show where she works temporarily, to her sister, to her boss back at the Texas newspaper where she worked. I liked Cruz also but I felt there was a connection missing with him. He made a good life for himself after prison but he was very closed off. Once he realizes that him and Gabby share a connection from high school he is determined to give into his feelings for her until he gets scared and backs off. I was really looking forward to the story between these two but many times their troubles seemed overly dramatic the people overly immature and the chemistry a bit flat. I’m sure fans of Sophie Jordan will enjoy reading this installment in the series and if there are more books left, I will read them. But for now, Gabby and Cruz were just ok for me.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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