Thursday, January 28

Happy Birthday Monroe!

Photobucket

From Chantal, Nath and Ames

Tuesday, January 26

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

First off I think I should start out with why I chose this book…well b/c Ames told me to! ;o) lol Yes I do everything my little buddies tell me to do! But boy was I ever glad I did! Not to mention…HELLO look at that cover! HAWT!


***Warning: review contains spoilers. Read at your own risk!***

She is his last chance for a future of happiness . . .

Jenny Keeble has never let her humble upbringing stop her. She’s made her way in the world as a fortune teller, one who convinces her clients her predictions are correct by telling them what they most want to hear. Business is good… until she meets her match in the form of Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a scientist and sworn bachelor.

He just doesn’t know it yet.

Broodingly handsome, Gareth is appalled to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of "Madame Esmerelda," and he vows to prove her a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth's calculated plan— until he can’t decide whether to ruin her or claim her for his own. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they know . . . and the boundless possibilities of love.

Ames: Ok, Proof by Seduction. What did you think? Overall, I really enjoyed it! The romance was good, I liked the banter, back and forth between the h/h, trying to outsmart each other. But most especially I liked the fact that Jenny wasn't your typical virginal heroine, daughter of some duke or earl - she was a woman alone doing what she could to survive - she relied totally on herself through work. I really liked that part. All her worries, those seemed real.

Monroe: YES! It was a very “real” book for me too. Both didn’t have perfect lives yet they stood up and survived! I loved this book! Gareth was such a typical guy that needed to learn a few lessons…of course it was no problem with Jenny being there to guide (and aggravate) him. ;o) Also I love how Jenny really learned a lot about herself. She learned that there are other options in life and that you just gotta make it happen! :o) You know what I didn’t expect? Ned to NOT really fall for Lady Katherine (was that her name?). The entire time I was like ok they will SO fall for eachother…but it ended up being more of a friendship and a acceptance. Idk I wish they would’ve REALLY fell in love.

Ames: I don't think we're done with Ned and Lady Katherine. I hope we see some more from them. But friendship is ok, it can turn into love. :P And yes, Jenny did learn a lot about herself. I like that the fact that she can rely on herself no matter what was reaffirmed for her. Yeah shitty things are going to happen, but she knew she was strong and that she could survive. Now Gareth. I felt bad for Gareth. His past and how his grandpa treated him. I liked his interactions with White, trying to befriend him. And how all his servants didn't know what to do with the fact that he was smiling. Haha!

Monroe: Ya that thought crossed through my mind…it would make a good book. Forced into a marriage, falling for the first time, yet they are already married! :o) I felt bad when Gareth didn’t know how to talk to his sister! OMG when they finally made up and he hugged her I grinned so big! I loved how touching that part was. And ya what his grandfather did was CRAZY, yet I guessed it showed his girl that she was a hizzo! ;op You know what part I REALLY enjoyed? How Ned and Jenny cut their hands to be brother and sister! :*) I loved their relationship. How she was like an older sister to him. They both really loved each other! OH and when Ned punched Gareth for treating Jenny wrong! HA!

Ames: Oh yes, they really were like brother and sister. I like when she confronted him in the gaming hell - sitting on the table and betting everything she had against everything he had. I liked that. I also like that Gareth saw how his actions affected Ned, and that it wasn't all about his winning and being right. I liked Laura too - imagine month after month, going through that horrible tea with your horrible older brother. LOL But I like how despite the way he acted, Jenny whittled down that hard outer shell and revealed to his own self that he was human. That's why I liked this book - because Jenny and Gareth in the end were better people for having known each other. Awww.

Monroe: Yes I love when even just having the other person touch into their life changes them! :o) I love how Jenny approached everything she did. Just like you were saying with Ned, she knew how to get his attention and pull the right strings. When she gave up everything she had just to save and prove something to him, well that was remarkable! He truly learned his lesson and straightened back up! I LOVE the convo where Jenny talks to Laura about sex! Lol I DIED!

“The thing he puts in me, is it big?”
“If you're lucky,” Jenny promised.
“And he’ll make me do it every night? Sometimes more than once?”

Jenny tried not to think of Miss Edmonton’s older brother.
“If you're lucky.”

“And he'll want me to do all sorts of wicked things with my mouth?”

“If you're lucky, hell do them back.”


I giggled like a little girl!

Ames: Yeah! That's was a good talk too. And then telling her to rely on herself, that she's stronger than she thinks. Jenny was such a good character.

Monroe: Oh yes I really loved Jenny! So overall this book was great! I was SO happy it wasn’t the typical historical romance! It was super refreshing and I give it a solid B+. How about you?

Ames: Yeah, I'm giving it a B+.

Monday, January 18

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles

Our review today is a three-way with Ames, Monroe and myself.
I wanted to read this book because the premises reminded me of Georgina Kincaid (Succubus series by Richelle Mead).
Originally it was Ames and I doing the review, but then Ames told Monroe about a church confessional sex scene and, of course, that type of thing is too good to pass up, so Monroe sent her hubby out to buy the book so that she could read with us. Hehe.

As always, even though we call these posts here a Breezing Through 'reviews' they are not really reviews. They are email discussions between friends. So be warned that there will always be spoilers.

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles
The Succubus Diaries, Book 1.

Who knew an angel could get a girl in so much devilish trouble?

Jackie Brighton woke up in a dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. Her breasts grew overnight, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever . . . with a fallen angel.

Of course, she only remembers gorgeous Noah’s enormous, er, package. And their steamy shower sex. Hmm . . . and the dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a seductive Itch.

With help from Noah and fellow succubus Remy Summore, Jackie adapts to her new lifestyle—until she accidentally strikes a deal that sends her lover into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands Jackie, Remy, and the queen’s wickedly hot right-hand man into the middle of a fierce battle for an ancient halo.

But how’s a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy’s so hard to resist?



Chantal: I'm done!

Ames: I'm having SO MUCH FUN!
She just had sex with Noah in the confessional. LOL Totally blasphemic but a jolly good time.

Chantal: LOLOL!!! I came THIS close to emailing you about that scene to say "OMG, did you get to this part yet???" But I was having too good of a time reading, LOL

Ames: I like Noah. I thought immediately of Georgie and Carter getting it on, that's one thing I really want them to do. LOL

Chantal: Oh yeah, Carter is yummy.

Ames: Woohoo I finished it!! I had to laugh at the camera she used in Egypt - they should have updated that to be a digital camera, ya know?

Monroe: I didn't even catch that but now that you mention it I do remember her having to develop film! lol Too funny!

Chantal: Yay!!!
Did you LOVE the ending? With her dating BOTH? And her thinking about a threeway? Woohoo!
Oh man, I hope there is a Noah, Zane, Jackie threesome.

Ames: I KNOW! I like how she forced both of them to agree to be with her by saying she'd rather be without either of them. That's the first time a heroine has said that to the two guys in her life. Know what I mean? And yes, I want a threesome.

Monroe: One thing I'm worried about is that the author ALREADY gave us what we want (her choosing both guys) in the first book! Dont get me wrong I LOVED the book...L-O-V-E-D I-T but I cant help but worry that we already getting what we want. Think...how many books have a love triangle that keep the book interesting...keep it going?!?!? Guess time will tell!

Chantal: Who do you like better, and who do you think is on the cover?

Ames: I think Zane is on the cover. :P And he's the one I prefer, I just feel like we know him better. Noah was just the guy she slept with a few times and he said some nice things, but I don't know if he meant them, how could he? They don't even know each other! But Zane has seen her in action, he's spent more time with her!

Monroe:
Well I originally was Team Noah...but Idk b/c they are both so hot and lovable! ;o) BUT maybe I'm leaning towards the goody (Noah) lol Hes just so wholesome! And when he says he wants her to come to him with her "needs" I totally melted. But then again Zane was such a dream boat about wanting her to not have to do the dirty work! ;o) BUT BUT BUT she cant really trust him! Ugh! Oh and the cover... I think its Noah!

Chantal: I think it's Zane on the cover. The dude has a leather jacket on, I think.

Monroe: Idk...Zane has dark hair...and I remember that she said Noah had long-ish hair...and didnt he have more than one symbol on his arm?!?!?

Ames: I don't recall any mention of someone having more than one mark on their arm. Who does?

Chantal: Zane's arm has a series of marks. That tattoo thing.

Monroe: I thought Zane only had one symbol?!!? Maybe not!

Chantal: Did you notice the two big inconsistencies, though? At the end of the book...

Ames: Something was bothering me, but now I can't recall. Tell me!

Chantal: Ok. two of them.
One minute Zane has no trench coat because it was destroyed in a fight, and then he all of a sudden has a trench coat--with no word on how he got the replacement. He had been in his Vampire sleep between the fight and having the new coat appear, so it's not like he went out and purchased it himself.

Also, Zane is Jackie's Master, so she can't not do what he says--it's impossible. Her body will do anything he says. At the end of the book he tells her not to answer the door, but she answers it anyway. Argh! Doing as your Master tells you is a big part of the book, so it's not very good that on the last few pages, that part of the story is totally ignored.

Ames: I noticed the coat thing - but figured maybe he was just carrying it back with him? LOL The door thing totally went over my head. Maybe there are some power issues going on now that he's had her blood? You know how her blood affects him?

Chantal: But he had her blood before the show down with the halo and she was forced to do as he says then.
He didn't bring the coat back with him, she asked where it was, and he said it was destroyed. If he couldn't use it to cover his wings before (even one handed he could have gotten it on) then I doubt the coat had its own powers and self healed.

Ames: Ok ok. You're right.

Monroe: Well I think (or at least this is how I looked at it) that they can choose to REALLY persuade them to do things. Like they can tell them (free will to choose to do it or not) or they can "TELL THEM" and they have to do it. So maybe that's why she answered the door?!??! I missed the coat deal. I remember him losing it but that's about it! lol

Ames: How obvious that he was her maker? And he liked her when she was chubby. Awww. LOL. I don't know why she just didn't make her a curvy chick to begin with, ya know? She could have just had a warped body image.

Monroe: I LOVED that he loved her at a bigger state! I hope we get more in sight as to why he changed her. They only touched on it! And she was a size 16...that's not BIG but it is curvy! Sexy curvy! ;o) Oh and him being her maker...ya I knew from the very beginning! lol That wasn't a surprise AT ALL!

Chantal: Yeah, Zane being her maker was pretty obvious. I wish that part had not been so 'in your face'. It would have been nice for the author to write it as a twist instead of setting us up to already know about it.

Okay, I forget her name already--the other Succubus--the porn star. I want to learn more about her relationship with her Vampire maker.

Do you think we will see more of the Vampire queen and the angel in the next book?

Ames: I think so. I want to know who Remy's maker is too! What if it was the queen? Remy is 400 years old.

Chantal: Oh! That blows my mind. That would be an interesting read.

Monroe: Ya I wanna know who it is too. And what kinda "deal" did she make? I think we will see the vampire queen again... maybe not in book 2 but soon!

Chantal: Did either of you wonder why Jackie's boss was such a bitch to her? I've been thinking about that.

Ames: I wanted her to have a showdown with her boss. Especially when she got so good looking.

Monroe: I wanted her to confront her boss when her and Zane was there! OH, how did yall feel when Zane left Jackie high and dry then we find out 15mins later he took a lover!??!?! UGH! I didn't like it one bit!

Chantal: Hmm, I didn't read it as Zane taking a lover. I thought he just fed on someone. She needs sex, he needs blood...

Ames: I don't think he took a lover, I think he just sucked some blood. Without sex.

Monroe: I thought it was with sex b/c he said something about HE didn't see it as a problem like she did using them for what they needed...but then again that could mean just blood too...she was jealous either way! And so was I! lol

Chantal: I like the jealousy.

Monroe: Yeah I can't wait to see how that jealousy is going to play out in the next book! I loved how Zane was like "do you need me to find you someone to fill your Itch? and he asked what about Noah" in a cold voice" lol

Chantal: What do you girls think of Jackie's reluctance to being a Succubus?
I find her rather prudish. Even though she has Noah and Zane, I wouldn't mind seeing her use a stranger every now and then to scratch the itch.

Monroe: lol idk...I have to say it would take a while to get used to so I can see where she's coming from. I mean she did say she had only one other lover b4 Noah!

Ames: Yeah, it was a big change of life for her, so of course she's not going to be sleep around right away. But I wouldn't mind seeing her loosen up a bit.

Monroe: Well you could tell she did by the end when Noah noticed her silver eyes (her being freshly "Itched" ;op) and then her saying he was up in about 2 hours! lol LOVE IT!

Chantal: Yeah, that was hot. And her thinking that she wants to do them at the same time.
Woot, woot. That's me dancing around. Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah.

Monroe: LOL You crack me up!!! But you know it won't last...she's gonna have to choose!

Ames: Why? I think she can have both. LOL

Chantal: Shut up, Monroe! No she won't, no she won't have to choose.

Monroe: lol Come on guys...do I gotta be the rain on yalls parade?!?! You KNOW it wouldn't make for a good storyline if we got everything we asked for...and us being hussies we ask for BOTH men! lol She will have to choose...and in my head I'm like: Will Noah show to be not the greatest guy he looks to be, or will Zane show once again we can't trust him...hmmm...think about THAT! lol

ames: If we don't have Jackie being with both men, I want her to be with Zane in the end.

Chantal: I'd rather think about Jackie on a bed while Noah sucks her breasts and Zane licks her... you know what.

Monroe: Jeez Chantal I think you just made me blush! :*)

Chantal: Haha! My work here is done now, I made someone blush.

Oh hey, how much did you compare it to Georgie? I did. Lots. They are both first person, they both have red hair, there are Vampires, Heaven is not really "good". They both have long first names that are shortened to 'ie' names. What else is the same?

On the other hand there are big differences.
Georgie chose to be a Suck (as they are called in this book :-) Jackie did not.
Jackie gets to have sex with someone she cares about. Georgie can't or won't.
Georgie drains some life force out of the men she screws. Jackie doesn't.
Jackie can enter dreams. Georgie can't.

IMO, there are a lot of differences between the two series'. They are similar, but not the same.

Monroe: Almost like we are getting all the things we'd want to see Georgie get! lol I didn't find myself comparing TOO much but its hard not to see the similarities! I say we all read the 2nd book next week... yall in?

Ames: I'm in.

Also though, I did compare to Georgie only at the beginning. And I have to agree with Monroe, it feels like we got all the things we didn't get with Georgie.

Chantal: Yes, I'll be getting it as soon as it is out. :)

I'm going with a B+, how about you ladies?

Monroe: B+...can't wait for the 2nd book!!!

Ames: I gave it a B.

Monday, January 11

Lover Enshrined and Lover Avenged by JR Ward

So Monroe and I both read the last two Black Dagger Brotherhood books recently and finally got around to discussing them.

Beware - spoilers GALORE!
Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

ames: After Lover Unbound, I seriously needed a break from the Brotherhood. I read spoilers for LU, so I wasn't shocked at the one things went down, but I was disappointed. Thus the break.

So imagine my surprise when I ended up really enjoying Lover Enshrined!

I liked the balance of it, the romance was no longer the main story and that let Ward focus on everything else. Plus I love John Matthew.


You?

Monroe: Well of course I love JM…we've already had it out over him…UGH you're so selfish! ;op But of course I loved that we got more into his story and for me when I read a BDB book I eat them up!

BUT BUT BUT…this one has to be my least fav (in the aspect of Phury and Cormia). Idk it was all weird. And the ending just plain didn’t fit with the feel of the other books…OTHERWISE I loved the other stories with JM and Lash etc.

I also loved Cormia's first outlook on life…it was like a child’s outlook. Seeing everything for the first time. And for a tick I wanted JM and her to be together! I mean come on how cute would that be?!?!

(I miss Beth and Wrath…but we will get to them later on ;o)


ames: See, that's why I think a break was a good thing. I wasn't so focused on the romance. Seriously, the only romance I'm thinking about now is John Matthew's and then Blay and Qhuinn (OMG! I CANNOT WAIT). I just found everything else so interesting because I agree, what went on between Cormia and Phury was...meh. And I even found the parts with the lessers more interesting - whereas in the past, I used to skim over everything involving them.

Monroe: Ya but I still feel the romance should be good…it's an aspect of the book and it should be good! Lol But idk…I could say it was like a filler book for me…something to get me to the next book! :o)

Blay and Qhuinn…OMG that’s one man sandwich I'd love to be in! I can't wait to see what all is going to happen in their story! And JM…Im still on the fence about him and Xhex. I think its b/c I picture her TOO butch.

And I'm such a moron (in fact I think you practically slapped me) concerning the story of Tohr. I couldn’t believe I wasn’t picking up on him being the mysterious person the book kept going back to! LMAO! I'm a moron! But after I figured it out I was totally excited! I missed Tohr and love that man!


ames: Oh yeah! LMAO I completely forgot about that. hahaha Like who else was it going to be?

And speaking of Tohr, what did you think of his tormenter, Lassiter? (was that his name? the angel? am I going crazy?)


Monroe: Lordy idk who it was supposed to be…I hated it b/c I was seriously like WHO THE HELL IS THIS? LMAO!

What do you mean by his tormentor??? (I skimmed over those parts b/c I didn’t know what the hell to think) but I knew it was an angel and was getting him back home. (Which btw thinking more into the next book and we see more of him I wonder if by some reason he will ever get a book or something?!?! I know hes not a brother but still…or wait does he jump into the other series by Ward?)


ames: I was being facetious by calling him his tormentor - because he was keeping him alive, which was the last thing Tohr wanted, you know?

I think there's going to be a connection to the other series. I think I saw that somewhere.

I felt bad for John Matthew when Tohr came back but was still shut down. Like John needed you, you selfish jerk!


Monroe: Ok I'm slow…lol it’s a Monday!

Ya the more I seen him in the next book the more I liked him! :o) I need to read Covet!

JM and Tohr, that relationship breaks my heart! Its like they can't seem to get back on track! :*( And I love Tohr so I can't wait till he finds love again!

ames: I know, it'll be good to meet his woman. I wonder if the Virgin does something similar to what she did with JM and Darius? Like to go back in time with Wellsie's soul and stick it in a baby so that she'll be all grown up for Tohr? Know what I mean?

Monroe: Oh Ames you just made me so hopeful! I want that too happen b/c I loved Wellsie. I loved how sweet she was to JM!!! I just want their family back together!!

ames: I wonder...I wasn't that torn up by her death. Like I didn't get mad that she died. Ah well.

Ok, final word on Lover Enshrined: I enjoyed it and am giving it a B-.


Monroe: Ugh I can't even believe I'm saying this b/c I love these books and its always a joy ride when I read them but book wasn’t the best for me. The side stories kept me going. Also the ending was weird and uncomfortable, so for me…C



Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King, and leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

ames: Ok, this one was kind of explosive for me! It truly wrung some reactions out of me and this is the book I like to call "Where John Matthew did a bad thing." LOL

Monroe: Ok what JM did didn’t REALLY bother me. Was it wrong, yes and that point was a big turn for him but I guess we are living his “broken” time and in his book we will see his “fixed” time! :o)

Mmm…lets get to Rhev! I LOVED this book and the cover makes me weak in the kness!

How did you like this book?


ames: It was wrong, but it didn't bother me either. And I think Xhex being as butch as she is is sexy. LOL That's just me though. I think she's going to be a good heroine for him. AND with all that's going to go down after the events of this book, you know she's going to be tortured and whatnot too. So you have these two individuals with a lot of hurt to get over.

Rhev, ok that whole situation with his HALF-SISTER was messed up! And I was having some horrible images of that princess! She sounded like an alien or something. *shuddder* I'm glad she got her comeuppance in the end and that Rhev was free of her. Again, his romance wasn't a main focal point for me. I was more into everything else. The new lesser, finding out more about John, the shizz going down between Quinn and Blay. And OMG I CANNOT WAIT to meet Saxton. Woot woot!

I feel like rereading this book again. LOL


Monroe: I think I got closer to Xhex in this book, I admit but I think I'm not getting a good view of her. Like I see her as a dude but I think she's still supposed to be pretty just really tough looking. Maybe in their book I'll fall more for her. At first I didn’t like them together but by the end of the book I think I was ok with everything. He REALLY feels for her and that makes me smile! :o) He WILL find her! EEP!

I KNOW! I cant wait to meet Saxton but I have to say I'll be sad once their story is complete b/c they’ve really been steady in all the books. I want to keep going with them!!!

Rhev- yowza! How he approached Ehlena! Lol I never knew he had that playfulness in him! It was nice to see a softer side to him. And once he turned himself over I freaked! While they were at that horrible place I was on the edge of my chair! But that makes for a good book!

Ok so Ive read around blogland about how some people didn't like the degree that Wrath's blindess went to in this book. I think it's all fine. He is the blind king afterall and I really don’t think it was overdone. Most people think that Ward took it too far with putting the dog in the picture but it didn’t put me off one bit. I think it was great stepping back into Wrath and Beth relationship and his sight is a big part of it!

What do you think?


ames: Oh I loved the dog. LOL I've always wondered in paranormals about pets, no one ever has any. You'd think vamps would like cats or something right? Yeah Beth had a cat, but it's not a character in and of itself, it's just there. I like the added drama of Wrath's blindness. Everything can't be rainbows and puppies.

Oh gosh, when Rhev was in the sympath colony? EEK! Horrible horrible place.


Monroe: I know my heart broke for him and then when El got there he was so scared, but not for him for her! :*) Awww…I loved him!

Oh and Lash has really turned into a character I don’t mind! Lol Normally I skim over lesser stuff but I don’t mind Lash!


ames: I know! Lash is a real villain and he's definitely going to give the Brotherhood trouble! LOL The lessers until now have been too easy to defeat.

Monroe: I like it…I like how he changed!!! And how funny was it when he was weirded out that he was attracted to the princess (when he thought it was a guy?) lol

ames: Oh yeah, that was funny!

Ok I am giving Lover Enshrined a B. There was way more going on in this book than any others in the past. There's the assassination attempts and the politicking and the new lesser guy. Also, there are the sympaths and it just created a tension in the series, like you feel like evil is getting a step up over good.

And really, cannot wait for the next book!

Monroe: I say B+ and I too CANNOT WAIT for the next book to come out! I wish she would hurry already! ;o)

ames: Oh I KNOW!!

John Matthew is the best, for real. :P


Monroe: And hes mine! ;op

ames: Um NO.

Do I need to smack you around again?


Monroe: Yes please do I got really excited last time! ;o) LMAO!

ames: Haha I know you did. LOL