Review: Heart of Stone by Jill Marie Landis

Our foursome review today is a new to us author. An inspirational historical by Jill Marie Landis. We have free copies to give away to our lovely readers. All you have to do is leave a comment which will enter you into the draw. Giveaway ends May 12th! Good luck and enjoy the review!

***Warning: As always, there will be spoilers.

Heart of Stone by Jill Marie Landis
published by Zondervan (March 1, 2010)

Laura Foster (aka Lovie Lane), wealthy widowed owner of a refined boardinghouse in Glory, Tex., is running from her tainted past and ruined childhood in a tale set in the 1870s. Laura does everything in her power to overcome the odds and create a life free of shame and abuse. Partly succeeding, she is thrown off-kilter when handsome Rev. Brand McCormick, a widower, takes a romantic interest in her. Laura knows with dead certainty that Brand would never come calling if he knew the truth of her past, so she rebuffs his attention at every turn. But the good reverend just won't be put off. Both characters have much to reveal that will test their love, faith, and loyalty to one another.

Genre: Western/American colonial romance, inspirational romance
Series: Irish Angels series, Book #1

Chantal: I'm done :)

Nath: I’m done as well :D

Ames: I’m still reading. I got a bit irked when I saw Jane Austen was spelled wrong.

Monroe: I’m done!! I didn't even realize that they misspelled Jane Austen! lol But then again I'm oblivious to so much at times! ;)

Nath: I wonder if it's the author who spelled it wrong or a typo during printing of the book or something. Actually, how does that work?

Chantal: It was not the printing. It was the author and editing.

I almost put it down when Laura asked God to forgive her. Wtf? She was forced into that life, and then SHE is begging for God to forgive her?

I want to know what happened to the other sisters.

Ames: I know what you mean, Chantal. SHE didn't set out to become a prostitute, it was forced on her. I'm about halfway through but I'll finish today. Brand's son just showed up.

Chantal: Oh! I liked him!

Monroe: Personally I think, yes, she was forced into that life but not to stay in it.. .but then again when some people go into that lifestyle at a young age their thoughts are tainted into thinking it’s ok. But she persevered so I was happy! :)

And YES I loved his son! lol

Nath: Well, it's a inspirational printing house no?

I think what she wants to be forgiven for is the fact that she remained a prostitute to amass money instead of walking away.

LOL, I liked all of Brand's kids! :D

Chantal: The forgiveness--that's still shitty. It's all she knew. It's not that easy to simply walk way from something like that, especially back then. Besides, I don't think it was that bad.

Ames: Well I would rather her do something to improve her life (which she did) than to have quit hooking as soon as she could without a back up plan. How many people back in the day would have helped out a former prostitute?

Chantal: Very true. Just walking away from if as soon as she stopped being forced to be there wouldn't have been a wise choice.

Nath: Oh, I'm agreeing with both of you. Her choice was logical and on some level, I'm pretty sure that Lovie understands it as well, but it doesn't mean she wasn't ashamed of it.

Monroe: I see both sides... whether she was forced into it or not she still wanted forgiveness for her sin...and you know I don't think she only wanted forgiveness from God but herself as well. She was ashamed of what she became. But yes she was pushed into it...

Chantal: I knew going into it that it was an Inspirational book, I just didn't think it would piss me off so much to read that asinine stuff.

Ames: OMG, why is Brand looking for Laura in whorehouse when he KNOWS she's not that kind of lady anymore. Yes, I'm still reading...LOL

Monroe: You know I really was disappointed in Brand for looking for her in those places. So what...he thinks just because he shook her world a bit she would break?!?! Ugh! I meant I wouldn't blame him for wondering but to actually go in assuming she was in those places! :o(

Ames: Totally doesn't make sense. Like yeah right buddy, she's going to run away from YOU and go back to hooking? WTF? GRR

Chantal: I know! I read that part back to myself, because really, there is no way he would actually think she went back to whoring... but he really did look there. :-(

Did you read the very back, the start of Megan/Maddie's story? I'm very interested in hearing how their lives turned out, but I don't want to read this genre again.

And did you wonder about her friends, I forget their names--the newspaper guy and healer--I kept flipping to the front to re check that this was indeed the first book in the series. We kept being reminded about how they fell in love... but I didn't read that book.

Monroe: I didn't read the back part about the sisters but I'll read the next book! I really enjoyed it! It had so many twists I loved.

I know what you mean about her friends. I was kinda wanting to know more about how they met, feel in love...etc.

Nath: I think perhaps the newspapers guy and healer love story was a previous book by Ms Landis with a different publisher.

Chantal: If it's not an Inspirational, then I want to read it.

Nath:It's published through Harlequin.

Chantal: Yeah, but it's published under their steeple hill (inspirational) line.

Anyone else going to read the next book?

Nath: I'm not sure yet if I'm going to read the next book or not. I guess it'll depend on the blurb and whether it is different from this one enough.

The thing is I enjoyed the writing of Ms Landis and the characters. Especially the kids, they were so fun :) The main storyline though between Laura and Brand, that was a bit too predictable. Jesse's appearance added some twists, but not enough. I felt the book was a bit short. There was a nice setting, but suddenly problem appears and is resolved almost immediately...

Monroe: I personally really enjoyed this book so I will be picking up the next one! =) and I loved his kids!!! Including Jesse! I hope he gets his own book!

Ames: You know what? I really wanted Brand to defend himself to the people and to the church board. Like WE knew about his youth and how he tried finding Sarah, but did he tell anyone else? I don't know, small minded people just frustrate me and I really wanted Brand to explain. That being said, I do understand why the author didn't do it.

I like the children too Nath. I like how they really wanted to get to know Jesse. When they ran away? Too cute!

Monroe: I wanted him as well but I thought :maybe he didn't because he knew they were small minded and closed off. That they only seen what was in front of then and that was their preacher having an illegitimate half native son. He knew it wouldn't do any good...maybe.

Nath: What I liked is the fact that Brand didn't deny it at all. That he immediately embraced Jesse. I thought Jesse's appearance was a nice surprise in the story.

LOL, with their bags! The scene where they locked Jesse in the barn - that was cute too :D I just like the whole acceptance that Sam and Janie had.

Chantal: I really liked his reaction to the kids. They had some hero worship going on, and you can tell he enjoyed it.

Monroe: Oh I loved the part where they ran away and then she caught them and the girl just started crying! lol It was too adorable!

You know one of my favorite things in this book was the simplicity of it all. Maybe this is piggybacking Nath saying it was predictable etc but I liked that it was in a way. I loved Brands innocent love for Laura and how he looked at her as a woman who could not only care for him but his kids. I loved that through it all Laura found her faith when she though God had given up on her and I though above all the book was very uplifting! :)

Nath: I get what you mean by simplicity, Monroe. To me, the simplicity came through her writing. It was very fluid and to the point. That I enjoyed :)


Ames: I thought this book was just ok. From a storytelling standpoint, a few things didn't make sense for me. First of all, Brand falling for Laura. I don't think we really get the WHY. I mean, he just made up his mind one day to start courting her? She'd been aloof before the events from the book took place so what exactly did he see in her? And then Laura running away. That really bothered me. It was the easy way out - for the author. And her stopping where she did with a crap job. What was the point of Laura remaining a prostitute to earn enough money to set herself up to run away when things get tough and go work in some small outpost as a waitress? I'm sorry, that's just wrong to me.

In the end, I have to give Heart of Stone a C+. It was just an ok read.

Chantal: I'd like to echo everything Ames just said. Although I give it a C.

Nath: Heart of Stone is a B- for me. I enjoyed the characters and the writing; however, the plot was simply too predictable. Also, to answer your question Ames, I don't think Brand was in love with Laura when he started courting her. It was more like she was a good candidate to be a wife and a mother to his children. Not very romantic, but very true in that time. Then, he just started appreciating her more and more...

Monroe: I have to go with Nath...very predictable but enjoyable non the less! =) I gve it a B-.

Review: Lessons from a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

Ouf! Just in time, LOL. We're trying to post at least once a week, but for some reasons, it's much harder than with our regular book blogs. I seriously don't understand why it's so hard given that the books discussions are already done... Okay, I know why it's so hard... because putting the review together is a daunting task and I'm lazy LOL. I'm a procrastinator at heart :P But we're good for this week :)

Hope you enjoy the review as much as we enjoyed this book :) and have a nice week-end!


Lessons from a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes
published by New American Library in January 2010

No real lady should take lessons from a scarlet woman...

The Duke of Rolthven's new wife, Brianna, is the perfect aristocratic bride. So what would society say if they saw her with a copy of Lady Rothburg's Advice -- a courtesan's lessons for the boudoir? When his innocent wife suddenly becomes a vixen in the bedroom, the proper Duke is truly astounded by her seductive powers. Following a courtesan's advice might lead to trouble - but will it lead to Brianna's ultimate desire: winning her husband's love?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: none

The Story: The back blurb is pretty much dead on for Lessons from a Scarlet Lady. Brianna and Colton have been married for 3 months and while Colton very meticulously chose a bride that had all the requirements to become a duchess, their marriage was also a love match... and Brianna intends to keep it that way. Brianna fears that Colton will tire of her and take a mistress like so many other nobles. In order to prevent the eventuality, she decides to follow the advice found in Lady Rothburg's Advice, a book about women/men relationships written by a courtesan, to add some passion into their marriage bed.

Meanwhile, Rebecca - Brianna's best friend - feels lonely now that all her friends are married. Her parents want her to choose a groom among the men courting her, but the man that has caught her eyes is the only one she cannot have... Robert Northfield, Colton's younger brother as well as a notorious rake and one that her father strongly disapproves of...

Ames: Ok, so what did we all think?

Nath: Lessons from a Scarlet Lady was a pretty good book, very enjoyable, and I thought the premises were refreshing :D

Monroe: LOVED IT! I did (at first) think that the author spent a lot of time on Robert and Rebecca (is that her name? lol) but in the end it evened out pretty well. I’ve never read a book that had two VERY strong story lines.

Ames: Emma Wildes did something similar with her other book, an Indecent Proposition. I felt the same way as you at first, I didn't want any time taken away from the main couple but then I got into Rebecca and Robert's story.

Chantal: I actually liked Rebecca and Robert's story better than the main one. So much so that I skimmed over many parts of the main story so that I could get to Rebecca and Robert again.

Ames: LMAO! Chantal, you always do the opposite of what I expect. And I love it!

I actually really liked Brianna and Colton's story. I like a woman to take charge of her own sexuality, especially in historicals.

Nath: I was going to say the same as Ames, Chantal, you always have a diverging opinion! LOL :)

Me, I liked Brianna and Colton better. I'd have preferred to have less Robert and Rebecca. I liked the characters and especially Rebecca's character. How she felt, especially on the lack of freedom she had due to convention because she was unmarried as opposed to Brianna who was younger, but married. Very interesting. I simply think Rebecca and Robert could have had their own book instead of having their story crammed in with Brianna and Colton.

Chantal: Hehe. I didn't not like Brianna and Colton, I just liked the other couple better.

Brianna was cool. And my favourite part was when Brianna got on her knees and shocked the hell out of Colton. He didn't know if he should enjoy it or be pissed that she even knew about that sex act. LOL.

Monroe: Ya I loved that at every turn there was a shock in what Brianna would do next! I also loved that Colton really had it in him to do all these things to her but he was scared he would scare her off! LOL.

I like Robert and Rebecca but I too wouldn’t have minded if they got their own book b/c I would’ve liked more of BOTH couples lol Speaking of Robert and Rebecca’s story... I loved that he was a rake but a caring one! He really cared about Rebecca’s reputation! :o) And he was scared to hurt her!

Ames: I loved Colton's reactions to everything Brianna did!

Also, when she asked him to stay - and he had no clue what she was talking about! I thought that was very indicative of Colton's attitude towards marriage. He didn't think it would change the way he lived his life all that much but Brianna sure proved him wrong!

Monroe: YES! I lol’d at the fact that he didn’t know what she meant by stay! Lol I was like how can you be so clueless?!?!? But that proves how far they were able to carry their marriage. They truly BOTH learned a lot about what a real marriage means!

Chantal: I agree. And this is one of my favourite kinds of book--already married couple who find love together again (or for the first time if they have yet to love each other)

Colton took his role as Duke very seriously. This is how a Duke acts and this is how a Duke does not act. He carried that over to his bedroom with his proper Duchess wife. She sure has shown him, though.

Nath: In a way though, I find Colton's attitude very indicative of how men must have thought during that time period. I mean, Colton's attitude towards marriage was not casual. He really intended to have a good marriage with Brianna and it is said that he married for love. I guess these men are really raised not to show too much emotions.

Ames: I think what made the encounters between Colton and Brianna so hot was because we know he took his duke-ish attitude to the bedroom. Like Brianna melted his cold exterior and that really worked for me.

That bath scene. I love bath scenes, they're so sensual!

Monroe: Oh! The part where he washes her then ends up just getting her out of the water soaking wet and throwing her on the bed?!??! YOWZA! I loved when he started playing into it all!

Chantal: The best thing about Colton is that even though he has this chilly exterior, he still showed warmth when it was needed. And yeah, having a good woman melted him.

Monroe: Ya underneath Colton's cold exterior is a soft-hearted family man. I don’t even think HE really knew it. But you're exactly right Chantal, it took the right woman to warm him up. Any other woman wouldn’t have even tried! But Brianna wanted the man she KNEW was inside him!

Nath: What did you think of their family background of the Northfield? I enjoyed it. I mean, seems like they had a good father and their mother remarried - that was a surprising tidbits in my opinion.

Ames: Well I liked how Colton realized he missed his grandma and his brothers and that he couldn't stay mad at Brianna over the house party, especially since it brought them all together.

Monroe: They did have a pretty decent family it seemed! And I liked the grandmother!

Ok... we all know I turned back flips when she got preggers…:o) How did yall feel? (Ames we know you and your anti-baby in books rule lol)

Chantal: I giggled. I'm very pro baby in books :-P

Ames: Well I don't think a baby is necessary for an HEA. However, in historicals, it's kind of guaranteed. So I didn't mind it. And I thought it added to the story. Since we missed out on Brianna's and Colton's courtship, it was good to get more out of their marriage.

Nath: I agree with you Ames. I think it was a given she'd get pregnant eventually. It's just embarrassing when as a woman, you cannot recognize the signs and you have your BIL tell you ^_^;

Monroe: If none of the signs told her anything the missing period should have! Lol But then again back then they were so clueless to their bodies... so maybe that’s why.

Ames: I don't think Brianna's mother told her about the birds and bees. Remember she mentioned her mother only talked in metaphors and to do her duty?

It was SO CLEVER how Emma Wildes made the pregnancy somewhat of a conflict, what with Colton doubting the baby's parentage a bit and being truly suspicious over how Brianna gained her knowledge.

I like when couples fight in my books. :P

Chantal: Me too!

Monroe: I get stressed when they fight! LOL

But ya I never thought that Colton would question whose baby it was! I would’ve never thought that he would hire a spy to follow her either. BUT that just shows how our imaginations can go wild and how we overreact. They needed TRUST... and she got that when she tied him up! EPP! lol

Ames: Oh yeah, trust was a big issue.

I like how it all came together.

And I LOVED the fact that once Brianna found out about the spy, she confronted her husband about it. I found her actually communicating with her husband to be very refreshing. I'm sick of characters not talking to each other. Look at how that wound up working for Colton. It DIDN'T.

Nath: I'm not taking Colton's side on this, because really, nobody can't... However, I think that Colton's reaction was quite realistic. Brianna must have learned these things somewhere. It's just sad he didn't ask her and instead, thought it was another man. However, I loved the parts where Colton "asked" advices to Robert LOL :)

Monroe: Yes I hate that too. Most the times a problem can be fixed by just facing it head on! Brianna did that! Yet another great marriage tactic.

Chantal: I was proud of her when she confronted him. Communication is key, and we seem to lack that in books.

Monroe: It is VERY lacking... but then again they would make for uninteresting books. Because then you wouldn’t get your fighting you like so very much! lol

Nath: Very true, Monroe.

So, overall, what grades would you give to Lessons from a Scarlet Lady?

I really enjoyed it: the characters, the storylines and the writing style. Like I said, I could have done without Robert and Rebecca's side story, because I wished they had their own book. Still, I thought the book was fun and enjoyable, so B+.

Ames: I liked it too - a B+ from me. It was hot and I found myself somewhat emotional by the last page. LOL Not crying, but touched.

Nath: True. you kind of get attached to the characters. I liked how well they were developed :)

Ames: Especially Brianna. She was such a great heroine!

Monroe: I gotta agree with the two of you! B+! This book was so great! We got to see two really great relationships blossom before our eyes! I will be coming back to this author!

Chantal: This is really hard for me to rate. I'll go with a small B-, but I think that is generous. As much as I liked the story, I liked the secondary story better.

Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Today's review of Moon Craving is with Holly from Book Binge. We are both big fans of this author, and I was thrilled when Holly said she would chat with me about the book.

As always, there are spoilers.

Moon Craving by LucyMonroe
Book 2 of Children of the Moon series

If it were up to him, Talorc—laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack— would never marry. But when the king orders that Talorc wed an Englishwoman, the lone wolf is shocked to find his mate in the strong-willed Abigail. And after an intensely climactic wedding night, the two fiercely independent souls sense an unbreakable bond…

Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible. And for his part, he has no intention of telling her about being a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she’s begun to love has deceived her, it will take all of his warrior’s strength—and his wolf’s cunning—to win his wife back. And Talorc will have to face his biggest challenge yet: the vulnerability of a man in love.

Holly: Finished!

It really was easy to fall into the story. I kept getting annoyed at my family for interrupting my reading time.

Chantal: Yay! Did you cry when he exposed her secret in front of his men? And yeah, LOL! I told my dogs to "just go on the floor" when they barked to be let out while I was reading.

Holly: I definitely got teary eyed. That was such a heartbreaking scene.

I was annoyed that Talorc never realized what a double standard he was setting by keeping secrets from her but being angry that she didn't reveal hers.

Chantal: Yeah, I know, I was thinking the same thing. Like, you jerk, you have your own secret!
You know how Lairds are. They think that the rules don't apply to them.

Holly: Is it just me, or did Talorc seem like a different person from the first book? Maybe I only noticed because I read Moon Awakening immediately before starting this book, but he seems a lot less bitter in this book.

Chantal: Yes! I thought to myself that he was different. He was much moodier and reserved in Moon Awakening.

I loved the book, Lucy Monroe is one of the few authors who make me feel like I am part of the story, like *I'm* the heroine living that life, however, as much as I adored this book I found the epilogue to be disappointing. Sure, it wrapped up a few questions I had, but it felt like it was thrown in there at the last minute. Almost as if somewhere down the line someone realized that there were things left unanswered, so they made the author take a few seconds to write that epilogue.
At least that is how it felt to me.
Maybe I am just bitter that I didn't get to see Talorc banish Una or that Osgard was left unpunished after almost killing Abigail--twice!

Holly: I don't think you're bitter. I was really annoyed over the way it ended. I wanted to see Abigail stand up for herself with both of them and then have Talorc back her up. That epilogue was frustrating.

Chantal: Did you find the goat thing started to get over used? I did.
Yes, it was funny the first time we were reminded that Emily called him a goat, but it was mentioned several times. It lost its appeal.

Holly: Yes I did think the goat thing was overused. It was funny the first time, but then..eh. I was over it.

Chantal: One of my favourite things about this author is that she writes great protectors. The Hero is there to save the day and stand up for his woman. We didn't get to see that with this book. He was a good Hero, I just wish we could have been shown more of it instead of that peek in the epi.

Holly: I agree that we didn't get to see Talorc in the protector role, but I like that he was willing to let Abigail work things out for herself. I do think the fact that they were mates was used as a crutch to help the story along. For example: When Talorc reveals Abigail's secret I expected that to be a major thing. But the fact that she was his true mate took most of his anger away. That seemed kind of convenient to me.

Chantal: That reminds me. Her thinking that 'mate' was friend, and the looks they would give her when she brought up the word 'friend' LOL.

Holly: The mate thing was funny, until the end that is. Then I just felt bad for her.

Chantal: I was pleased to see a little bit of m/m in this one.

Holly: The mm was a pleasant surprise.

I liked Abigail's friendship with Niall and Guaire too. It isn't very often that the heroines befriend members of the opposite sex in historicals.

Chantal: Yeah, that friendship was surprising, and I am glad that Talorc didn't try to end it.

Normally when there are secrets I get upset when they don't just communicate with each other, but this time I understood both sides for not coming clean. Abi's mother was such a bitch. All that stuff that she said about not letting her husband find out about her being deaf or else he would banish her, mixed in with the letters that Emily sent explaining Talorc's demeanor. I understood her fear about not telling.

Same with Talorc's secret. He had his reasons for keeping mum, but I don't forgive him as easily for not telling as much as I do with Abigail. Abi had a genuin fear of being thrown away. Talorc was just being bullheaded.

Holly: I agree on all accounts. I also think it was harder to forgive Talorc because of the double standard. He knew he was keeping a secret from Abi even as he got pissed at her for keeping a secret.

Chantal: Yeah. Typical pig headed male.

Holly: What did you think of Abi overall? I really liked her. I thought she'd be kind of annoying based on her description in the first book, but she wasn't.

Chantal: Oh, I liked her! I tend to find fault in heroines, but I thought she was great.
One of my favourite parts was the first time Abi heard Talorc's voice in her head. She grabbed his face and said "say my name again."

I also liked when Abi's mother was demanding they consummate the marriage, so Talroc cut his hand to show blood on the sheet, and then Abi said to cut her hand too because they are in it together.

Holly: Those were two of my favorite parts. Especially when she demanded he add her blood to his. His reaction was priceless.

I'm still annoyed over the Una thing.

Chantal: Yes. I so wish we could have seen Talorc go off on her. Sigh.

Holly: So, what are your overall thoughts and grade?

I liked it a lot. I know it seems like I complained a lot about it, but truthfully it totally sucked me in. I was emotionally invested in both main characters and really wanted things to work between them. I love the Highland setting and the love story. It was flawed, but worked. I'd give it a 4.25 out of 5.

Chantal: I couldn't have said it better. It's a B from me. If issues had been cleared up outside of that epilogue it would have been perfect--An A+, but that epi... not good.

Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles

So Monroe, Chantal and I enjoyed Gentlemen Prefer Succubi so much, we just had to read the sequel as soon as it was available.

Unfortunately, I am sick and it was my turn to put our review together. I somehow got it into my head (I blame my sickness) that the review magically put itself up. I completely blanked!

Fortunately, I have wonderful friends who smack me around and told me I was derelict in my buddy review duties and so here you have it, our review, FINALLY. LOL

Also, as usual, there are spoilers.

NOBODY SAID SUCKING WAS EASY.

With a hot new figure, her dream job as an archaeologist, and two gorgeous boyfriends to scratch her seductive Itch — an angel and a vampire — Jackie Brighton is totally getting the hang of life as a succubus. Then she accidentally knocks the pizza guy unconscious with her touch. Great — she's cursed. After striking a deal to get the curse lifted by a crafty demon, Jackie and her best friend Remy take a road trip to deliver a cryptic message to the nation's oldest succubus. Unfortunately, neither of her jealous lovers is talking to Jackie right now, and due to the curse, she's desperate to get her Itch scratched very soon. Their journey gets weirder with every mile — demonic possession, a charming stalker, a cryptic warning — and when they get to New Orleans, Jackie discovers a dangerous catch to her supernatural bargain. Someone wants her dead — again. Can a brainy vixen in a miniskirt outsmart the forces of evil?

Ames: I'm finished!

Monroe: I'm done, too. I had tears in my eyes at the end.

Chantal: I'm finished too.

So I remember you said that you were mad at the guys around chapter two? Probably because they were not there for her?

I wasn’t mad at them. Noah didn’t know that she was forced to scratch her itch more often. If he did then he would have helped her, no matter how pissed or green he was about Zane.

It didn’t bother me that Zane was out all night doing whatever he does.

Also, I knew that when Zane took off and left the note that he was gone to try and help her. I wanted to shake Jackie for her woe is me attitude.

She should know him better by now and she needs to stop holding the past against him. Really, get over it you lucky bitch. If you don’t trust him then dump him! (and then give him to me) it’s that simple.

Ames: Ok, the reason I was pissed off at both guys is because neither of them were communicating with her! Noah didn't tell her about the trouble he was in for making her and Zane said zilch about the vampire queen. So of course Jackie gets in trouble because of lack of information and then the guys come in at the last minute and she forgives them. Seriously, Jackie needs to make them realize she's their equal, not just a sexual play thing for them. GRRR.

That's why I was mad at the guys.

I knew Zane was doing something to help, but it still pissed me off that he just took off. Why couldn't he take the time to tell Jackie that he was going back to help her?

Monroe: Well I was upset like Jackie! Lol She was scared of dying and felt abandoned. Now I think she should’ve told Noah when he asked what was wrong and we know he would’ve helped! Now as for Zane…I just feel he should’ve told her. Opened up to her so she wouldn’t have any doubt as to his intentions.

That’s one thing that killed me in this book…the guys expect her to live this long life and get used to what she is YET they can’t trust her at all to take on what’s going on around her! They want her to act like a big girl, they need to treat her like one! Lol

So were y’all happy to see more of Noah? I totally was!!! And ya that shower scene…OMG! ;o)

Chantal: I still like Zane better. Noah is cool, but Zane in my man. He sacrificed everything for her. *sniff*

Oh that shower scene wasn't at all as hot as I thought it would be. Come on, oral in the shower is a given (at least here it is, LOL) I was expecting something different.

Ames: I was very happy with Noah in this book. :P That shower scene was yum.

And that scene when he catches up to her in the hotel? When her hair is falling out and she's freaking out? I was really touched by how caring Noah was. I heart Noah.

However, neither guy is on top right now. I'm pissed at both of them. LOL

Monroe: Ya I loved that shower scene! And I’m glad we got SO MANY tender moments with him. We really got to see how much he loves Jackie! :*) I think its funny how she is scared to love them! UGH I’m like how could you NOT?!?!?

I’m ok with both the guys now I just hate it ended how it did and I DIDN’T read the excerpt to the 3rd book…too much of a tease for me! lol

Ames: Oh, I only read part of the excerpt. Her and Noah are on that dig.

I liked how her new boss was defending her to Noah, like she can sleep with whoever she wants to, even him if that's her choice. LMAO

Monroe: Ya! Lol I liked how her boss was all into her! And did y’all think her boss was gonna walk in on them in the beginning? I TOTALLY DID! Lol

Oh and how sad was it for Noah to look at the pic of the fallen angel? SO SAD! Just like when they were in the shower and she soaped up where his wings were and he was like “not there”!

Speaking of wings, I love how Zane always wraps his around Jackie for protection etc! YUM!

Chantal: I liked that part, when Zane wrapped his wings around her.

Did either of you wonder why Zane was so worried about the other succubus hurting Jackie? He seemed to think that Jackie would be harmed by her.

I LOL'ed when Jackie was trying to pull the demon off of her and she gave her the finger, LOL!

Monroe: What other succubus? The one who helped-I forget her name? Maybe he thought that b/c she has powers??? Idk?!?!

Ya I laughed when she gave the finger too! Lol

I kept feeling bad for poor Remy! That demon inside of her…UGH! I wanted more of funny Remy!

Chantal: Yeah, the old one. I forget her name, too.

Ames: Delilah

I laughed at the giving of the finger too. I bookmarked it! And poor Remy! Ewww, that truck driver!

I liked how Noah was showing Delilah he was with Jackie now. :P Cuz sometimes guys act dumb when another girl is after them. But not our dear sweet Noah. LOL

Chantal: Yes! I liked that part. Delilah was totally bitchy, so I liked that Noah just pulled Jackie closer and showed that they were indeed an item.

Monroe: Oh I loved that Noah clearly showed Jackie and him were an item! :o) I love my Noah!

Ames: OH MY GOD! I totally forgot to mention this - remember when she was coming out of the woods in the middle of nowhere? I was like, how the heck is she gonna get herself out of this mess?? And then she used her Suck powers and did it! I was so impressed with her for that.

AND I found Remy switching up vehicles kind of inconsistent. She comes off as street smart and for her to give away a hummer for another car and get taken in by those guys saying that it never broke down on them? That kind of bugged me.

Chantal: Yup, much impressed with how she handled herself in several situations. She is taking charge, but not being stupid about it and putting herself or others in danger.

Remy confused me, too. The Hummer thing wasn't that smart of her. Sure, switch the cars, but make sure it runs.

Monroe: YES I too was happy that Jackie was owning up to what she is and taking control! She got herself out of a tight spot and thought quick! Just like later on when she called the demon when she was with Luc!

Ya Remy was off when she took the clunker in place of her Hummer!

How funny though was it when she started to lick the guys at her signing! Lol I DIED! She wanted to EAT THEM! ROAR!

Chantal: Oh! Let's talk about Luc. I was totally fooled! I thought he was going to be a good guy. I thought he was going to shower Jackie with attention and then Noah and Zane would get jealous, etc.

I kinda figured that wasn't going to happen after she freaked out in the car.

Sooo funny how she got off and just left him hanging, LOL!!

Ames: I at first thought that about Luc too! Because he warned her she was being followed. So I thought maybe he'd watch over her from someone else! He seemed so hot. But it came to me in a flash - he's gotta be an incubus.

Chantal: I never thought Luc was a Incubus, but after he acted weird in the car I thought that he was a Warlock. Which he turned out to be, an incubus AND a warlock. There has got to be a neat story behind that.

Monroe: Lol ya I liked Luc ALL THE WAY until he kept wanting to force her to say she liked what he was doing to her…he kinda creeped me out then! Lol Do you think we will see him again? Remember Zane was saying the Queen would want him back! He was a hottie though FO SHO!

I just thought he was a warlock! I had never figured him to be an Incubus…and you figure he would take pity on Jackie. I mean she’s sorta in the same position. Ok she’s not TOTALLY ruled by her masters BUT she’s a Suck and she’s a prisoner to sex and living forever etc.

Oh and what up about Zane being a prince! Lol YIPES!

Chantal: I already miss Zane :-(

He probably wont be in the next book to much. At least Jackie will have Noah there to cheer her up.

Monroe: True…I’m wondering (and don’t hurt me) if one of them will die…or maybe we think he’s dead and get worried that if the other dies so will Jackie?!?!

Chantal: *GASP* Don't even!

Ames: What is it with you and trying to get rid of one of the guys? Deal with it! There are two men in Jackie's life! LOL

Monroe: Lol I’m always the downer with you two! ;op~

Hey it could happen!

Chantal: You stop it or else I will break a halo over your head and you'll be possessed!

Monroe: I’m not trying to get rid of them I just look for what will worry us down the road! Lol I’m a worrier at heart!

Oh one more thing…Zane and Jackie in the bathroom right before he left! WOOWEE! Lol Even though it wasn’t a full blown interaction it was effing HOT!

Alrighty grades…? I give it an A! I loved this little book and can’t wait to read the 3rd!

Chantal: I'm going with a B+.

It's going to be a long wait for the next book. Maybe we should beg for an ARC.

Ames: I'm giving it a B+ too. I can't wait for the next one.

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.

Review: Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

When Monroe first joined us back in August (already!!), we said we'd do a four-way review. We discussed books we wanted to read and kind of left it at that. Then, around mid-October, during one of our email exchange, Chantal reminded us that we still haven't decided what book to read for the ultimate buddy review LOL :) Discussion started again, with updated titles... and then, there it was... the perfect book to be reviewed: Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts. All of us had read Vision in White and liked it more or less. (Chantal insert: Not me, it was DNF for me, lol. But I'm a sport and took one for the team with BOR.) Bed of Roses seemed to be the perfect book, as it was coming out soon and therefore ensured that we'd read it more or less at the same time.

So here it is, our first 4-way review! Hopefully, not our last either :P

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


Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
published by Berkley in October 2009

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe "I do" moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman's dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet shares each woman's emotionally magical journey to romance.

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion-kiss for blistering kiss-they must trust in their history...and in their hearts.

Genre: contemporary romance
Series: Bride Quartet, Book #2

Ames: Oh, I'm really enjoying it so far! The whole friends to lovers things really revs my motor. Rowr!

Monroe: LOL I can't wait to read it... I hope someone gets preggers! LOL

Ames: NO. No preggers in this book. LOL

Monroe: LMAO, I just said that because I know how you hate that! LOL

Nath: LOL, girls, do you think we sound like the ladies at Vows in the Quartet series? :)

Monroe: Of course...we after all are all great friends! :o)

So what did you think of Bed of Roses?

Ames: I enjoyed it! I don't know how many times I can say I like the friends to lovers theme.

Monroe: Oh I loved it too!!!! Jack was a hottie!

Ames: I liked that this was a straight up contemporary romance. No crazy paranormal stuff going on, no nasty villains. This is how I imagine people could fall in love realistically.

Chantal: I started to skim about half way through. I really liked Jack and Em, but their scenes together were rather bland to me. The stuff happening around the love story--the friendship with the girls, the wedding business--that was all interesting, but the relationship between the H/H wasn't up to par. Disappointing because I liked them as characters on their own but when they were together I was just skimming on through.

Nath: I'm in between Ames/Monroe and Chantal. On one hand, I really enjoyed the book - the friendship, the business, Jack and Emma's relationship. I thought that Jack and Emma's relationship had a lot of sweet and cute moments, but I understand why Chantal thought it was bland. The scenes were more day-to-day and like Ames said, more realistic. It's two people knowing each other for years and finally acting on their attraction. There was no real trigger as to why they got together and no real suspense/mystery/villains, etc. to make the relationship more exciting. However, I didn't mind that. Instead, my issue with this book was the conflict.

Ames: With Jack, you kind of new what his issue was going to be. I saw their "fight" coming a mile away.

Monroe: Ya true...I was waiting for it! OMG when he put those keys in his pocket I flipped! LOL He WAS kinda a jerk BUT she did let herself into his house. BUT then again they've known each other for years. I was on the fence about that! LOL

Ames: Well she went into the situation KNOWING that she was crossing a line. But how else do you move forward? She was going to tell him how she felt anyway.

Chantal: For what it's worth, I didn't have an issue with her going in to his place.

Ames: I didn't have an issue either, like I said, they needed to move forward.

Nath: I don't have an issue with Emma going to Jack's place. I do agree that Jack was a bit of a jerk, but I do think that Emma really over-reacted in that scene. They've been going out for a few months only, she let herself in his house without his permission and he had a shitty day. I mean, seriously, put yourself in Jack's place. You got a shitty day, a headache. You come home and find someone has invaded your place - whether it's your parents, siblings or lover, it doesn't matter. I'd be pissed like Jack too. I don't think his reaction was at all about their relationship moving forward.

Also, Emma is the one who always felt conscious about being over at his place - the toothbrush and so on... but then, again, I blame Parker for all that! LOL.

Chantal: I agree. As much as I thought his reaction was a bit hurtful, I would have taken it for what it was--him just having a bad day.

Nath: Aside the fact that I thought Emma over-reacted, I didn't like the conflict at all. I think that fear of commitment has been over-used as a conflict. In Vision in White, it passed because it was the woman with fear of commitment... but seriously, it's time authors come up with something more original... or actually, could a book still be interesting without a conflict between the H/H at the end?

My other issue, which is kind of related to the conflict, is that the ending was really rushed. I think that if Ms Roberts had an extra 50 pages, it'd be better.

Any of you had any other issue?

Monroe: Oh one hang up for me though was after the fight when Del and Jack were talking and Del asked Jack if he loved Emma and it was just kinda like "hmmm...well ya I guess I do" LOL like it wasn't a bigger deal. I don't know I felt that part needed to be stronger.

Nath: You think so? I don't think so. They're just starting a relationship. Yes, they care for each other and they are attracted to each other. Isn't that enough to start? This was not a "I've been in love with him/her for 10 years" friends to lovers plot... so I don't see why Jack would need to say right away that he loved her. It was the same for Parker, when she told Emma: "You do realize you're in love with Jack, right?" I really wanted to smack her! I thought it was pretty insensitive on Parker's part, because I don't think Emma was ready to acknowledge that she was in love with Jack. I think Emma needed more time and it would have been better if she processed her feelings on her own, than having Parker tell her. I know Parker meant well, but sometimes, you need to back off.

Ames: But he's not saying he loves her right away. They've been dating for a few months now and they have known each other for a really long time. So I have to agree with Monroe, I wish there would have been more to Jack realizing how he felt about Emma.

Nath: However, isn't Monroe referring to the fight between Jack and Del, which is at the start of their relationship? But I completely agree with you, Ames. I wish Jack would have realized his feelings for Emma on his own, but then Emma broke up and you had all the noisy friends intruding.

Ames: No, I think Monroe is referring to the fight Jack and Emma have. Remember Jack goes to see Del because he's all alone and feeling mopey? That's when Del asks Jack if he loves Emma.

Chantal: I have one more issue. I didn't like seeing Carter in this book. He is the main reason I stopped reading VIW, so it was annoying to come across him so much in BOR.

Ames: Are you crazy? LOL Well you know I love nerdy heroes. But I enjoyed seeing him in this book. I thought his scenes were funny.

Monroe: Oh I love Carter... no complaints from me! LOL

Nath: Come on Chantal! LOL, he wasn't so bad! He's actually super cute! And he didn't appear that much :(

Now, what worked for you in Bed of Roses?

Monroe: I loved the friendship in this book! That's one thing I really enjoy about these books... It always warms your heart and makes you wanna go hang with your girls! :o)

Ames: I know! I agree about the friendship. That scene when Emma cries? Towards the end? Perfect example of good girlfriends. :P

Nath: True! :) Ms Roberts definitively excels at writing interactions and dynamics. I love the friendship between the girls, but also between the guys LOL :) It's fun to see Del and Jack welcoming Carter in their group and hanging out together.

Monroe: I also loved how Emma loved though. She had such a romantic heart! *sigh* I just loved how sweet Emma's ideal love story was in her head.

Nath: Emma and Jack were great characters :) I really liked them. They were different enough from Mac and Carter not to confuse them with each other... and I agree with you, Monroe. Emma was so romantic and giving, she was very lovable.

Chantal: What were your favourite parts in the book? Mine wasn't with the H/H. It was at the beginning with the Monster Bitch Bride. I LOL'ed when they talked about her and read the email she sent.

Ames: I love that first scene from Jack's POV when he sees Emma at the party. He's still trying to deny his feelings for her.

What I would have liked was a scene on the beach - remember what Jack told Emma? So I'm thinking that since that trip for them to the beach is in August, we'll get that scene!

Monroe: Oh maybe!!! I loved the soccer part! lol It was so cute afterwords how Jack was so turned on by her "sporty" side! lol

Nath: Hmm, I really liked all the scenes that involve more than 2 persons LOL A good scene was the first meeting between Parker and Mal - you can already see he's a man who can handle a woman like Parker :) Oh, and that scene at the end when Carter meets Jack and says he feels like a double agent and he kinds of like it? Too cute!!!

So what grade are you giving Bed of Roses?

Monroe: I have to admit I teared up a few times in this book! lol I have to give it a B+. I love these types of reads... ones that you don't stress out on or get overly pissed about! LOL Relaxing and lovable!

Ames: I wasn't as emotionally involved as that - Nora writes a good story but I just felt like this book was a pleasant way to pass the time. A purely fluffy read. Which is fine, everyone needs that. I'm giving BoR a B+. The perfect way to pass a pleasant Sunday.

Nath: I agree with you ladies. A fluffly read, very pleasant and enjoyable. Still, I had issues with it, so a strong B for me.

Chantal: Not counting the In Death series, I realized that I have only been able to enjoy one Nora Roberts book. I do believe I will give up on this author now. I just don't enjoy her books like most others do.

I'll give this was a C . I want to say C minus-ish, but I'm afraid of all the crazy Nora fans.

Monroe: I've ONLY read these two books by her! lol I'm so far behind... but I CAN NOT WAIT till Laurel and Dels book! :o) EEP! Oh and Parker and Mal... now THAT'S gonna be a funny story! I love these books!

Chantal: High Noon was awesome. It reminded me a lot of her In Death series, so that's probably why I liked it.

Ames: It sucks Chantal that you're giving up on NR. But glad you liked High Noon. I've got that one in my TBR Pile. LOL I like some earlier NR books myself - I cut my baby romance teeth on them. Public Secrets is one of my faves.

Nath: If you don't enjoy her fluffy reads Chantal, stay away from her trilogies :) Instead, read her stand-alones, they are more mystery and thus, closer to her In Death books.. If you've enjoyed High Noon, I'm sure you'd like Angel Falls as well :D

For now though, I'm also looking forward to Laurel and Del :) I'm curious about Laurel, I had an image of her from Vision in White, but she seems quite different :) And Del is so clueless, LOL :P

Chantal: Thanks, Nath. I'll keep that in mind. :-)

Review: Would Be Witch by Kimberly Frost

In the small town of Duvall, Texas, the only thing more troublesome than gossip—is magic.

The family magic seems to have skipped Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets in the way of the supernatural are a few untimely visits from the long dead, smart-mouthed family ghost, Edie. But when her locket, an heirloom that happens to hold Edie’s soul, is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it’s time for Tammy to find her inner witch.

After a few experiences in dysfunctional magic, Tammy turns to the only one who can help; the very rich and highly magical, Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers—and a 007-savoir faire to boot—but the locket isn’t the only legacy passed down in Tammy’s family. She also inherited a warning…to stay away from anyone named Lyons.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Southern Witch Series Book 1


Monroe: So what’s up?!?! How’s the book going?

Chantal: It’s good. I read half last night.

Monroe: Ya I liked it. It wasn't WONDERFUL but I really enjoyed it! I think there is a second one too! I love Tammy Jo and Merc! Lol

Chantal: I liked the book; I want to read the next one. I didn't love it though. Do you have a favorite of the two men?

Monroe: Ya I agree with you. It was a cute and fun quick read and I REALLY do want to read the next one, but not the strongest book I’ve come across.

Man that's a hard question...ok...

Bryn: I love this guy, he’s charming, sexy and you know deep down he really does care for Tammy Jo BUT he’s also sneaky and you're not quite sure if you can trust him.

Kyle: What a bonehead! Lol to me he’s like your typical male. Oblivious to so many things! But overall he truly loves Tammy Jo and even though they are divorced he watches out for her and you know that will never stop!

Who's your fav? I couldn't believe Bryn and Tammy have sex! OMG! Lol

Chantal: I agree with what you said about both guys. And wow at the sex. That was a shocker. I'm not sure who I like better. I think that Bryn is smarter, and Kyle is for sure a bit of a dunce. I don't know why he doesn't believe her about the magic, there was proof when a corpse came back to life and attacked people. If my husband told me something like that (about magic, witches, etc) I would believe him. I may need some convincing at first, but I would not write him off and get into fights about it. Yeah, for that reason I think I like Bryn better.

I wouldn't say that the story is great. There are some holes and eye rolling moments, but it was cute.

Monroe: Ya it pissed me off he didn't believe her. BUT I think he does now after ALL THE EVENTS and he seen what's her name that lives in the necklace b/c he asked what she looked like. So ya I think he might be more open in the next book.

I truly can't pick one over the other! Lol they both appeal to me...its hometown hottie redneck against charming rich stud! ;o)

And I too found parts in the book where I rolled my eyes or even thought it was easy to set down but I felt like by the end it ended up being a pretty good page turner!

So what did you think about Merc her cat??? He’s so adorable! Lol AND I loved that he came from Bryn! I wonder if they will bring in her family for the second one.

Chantal: I didn't like Merc at first. I hate cats. I can't say that I came to like him, but I don't hate the thought of reading any more cat scenes anymore. Although, it would make me happy if he vanished from the story all together.

LOL you sealed the deal in me liking Bryn more than Kyle. Redneck is so not my thing. Now I'll picture him with missing teeth, wearing overalls and living in a dump with a fridge full of beer. Icky!

Did you laugh when Jenny got the hiccups at the end? Remember she tried to give Jenny hiccups at the start of the story but it didn't work? Hehe, can't wait to see what else she does to Jenny in the next book.

Monroe: LMAO! I don't like rednecks either...wrong choice of words I mean more of country boy/I'll change your oil in your car without a shirt on/and drink beer while I grill outside kinda guy! Lol

I LOVED Merc! I have a cat! Lol I thought it was cute how she would talk to him and I swear he totally understood her! :o)

OMG I HATED Jenny! Lol I loved it when she got the hiccups! OH did you FLIP when she pawned her wedding ring? I flipped out and then she never got it back! She BETTER get it back by the next book.

Chantal: Ok, that's better! lol

I think that she will get all the jewelry back in the next book. Now that her witch powers are working she can curse Jenny some more.

By the way, did we ever get an explanation as to why her powers did not work before?

Monroe: Hmmm...No we didn't. Well the only thing I can think of is that Bryn had mentioned that maybe she just didn't have the proper people working with her. Like when he was trying to get her apprentice him. Like maybe working with him helped her tap into her powers?!?!

Maybe I was dumb about it but I really didn't expect his father to have been behind everything did you?

Chantal: That's what I mean about holes in the story. No real reason for her not being able to use her powers. It's not like she didn't have help. Her mom and aunt are seasoned witches.

No, I didn't expect the dad, but it was one of those “eye rolling” moments. Why didn't Bryn feel the magic his father was doing? And what was with the spell "bouncing back" when Bryn tried to find his watch? What did that mean? The spell worked but it kept him drawn to his own home because that's where the watch was? Or the spell didn't work? Grrrr.

Back to Kyle for a minute. He really believed that a gang was after her? How many clues does that man need for him to see what is right in front of his face? He sure is dumb.

Monroe: Well every dumb man needs a smart woman! Lol Ya and think he’s supposed to be a cop! Lol He must not get many raises! Girl you are SO making me pull for Bryn EVEN MORE! Lol

You can tell that the story should’ve been more thought out and maybe it’s fixed in the second book. I do believe this was KF's first book so maybe it will all come together!

And you know I thought that Kyle turning into a Were would've made for an interesting twist don't you?!?!

Chantal: YES! I wish he had been turned. You can't deny there is magic if you are able to turn furry.

I'd have liked to learn more about "the list" You know, the families that she is not supposed to go near. Since she went and had sex with someone on the list, what is the punishment? And WHY can't she be around them? I suppose it will all be answered in future books, but I HATE THAT!!! I don't like being forced to buy a sequel in order to get my questions answered. The more I think of that the madder I am getting. It's sneaky! I'm getting more pissed by the second.

Monroe: Lol ya I wish we would've AT LEAST learned more about it. Maybe not the full explanation but SOMETHING so it would want to make us want to dig more into the whys of the family. I’m not asking them to close door on subjects at least just give us a peek in! They mentioned stuff and never came back to it.

I’ll read the next one. I really like Tammy Jo and am curious and I HOPE that all the kinks are worked out by then. Let’s just say it was her "first book fluke" lol :op

Chantal: I'm going with a C+. I'll hold off on getting the next book until I see what you have to say about it.

Monroe: I think I’ll rate it about a B-...I’ll read the next one and let you know! :o)