Review: Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead

The Georgina Kincaid Succubus series by Richelle Mead is one of my top favorite urban fantasy series ever.  And Succubus Revealed is the final book.  Needless to say, I put off reading this book for quite some time.  I really didn't want it to end!  Monroe felt the same way.  As this is the final book in the series, there are definitely some spoilers.  But here's our review!

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
Published by Kensington in August 2011
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Series:  Georgina Kincaid #6

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations. . .to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it—no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for. . .

Monroe: ....NOOOOOOO!!!!! I refuse to believe it's all over! =(

Ames: LOL I felt the same way, but I really really wanted to know how things would turn out for Georgina. It's always sad to see a series come to an end and Georgie's in particular, she was such a great character.

Monroe: I love how no matter what happened in her life she was so kick ass! She was a character who learned from her mistakes...this was no helpless heroine!

Ames: She was kick-ass, that's how she remained so plucky after thousands of years as a succubus.

Okay, so what did you think of Succubus Revealed itself?

Monroe: Loved it! I honestly felt that it gave me everything I was wanting but at the same time kept you guessing what the outcome would be! The only thing we didn't get was Roman...but I have a feeling we will at some point...maybe her next series??? *fingers crossed*

What about you? Were all your I's dotted and T's crossed? Was it what you expected?

Ames: Yes it was. I liked how there was a slow build-up to Georgie realizing something was wrong with the whole scenario of her being moved to Las Vegas. She was a bit naive to think hell didn't have something up it's sleeve, but I liked how Roman smartened her up. And I had the same thought about Roman too - that he might get his own series.

One thing that seemed unexplored was Doug. Remember how he said he always seemed to be aware of what she was feeling? I wonder if they had a connection in a previous life or something.

Monroe: Hmmmm...I didn't think about that! Wonder if it too might come up down the road?

As for Vegas I was fooled for a second but then everything was just falling into place too easily for her. I hated her old buddy what's his name was in on it. But I guess that's Hell for you.

I love how we are so used to her everyday life at the book store etc in all the past books and yet this one were pulled put of that aspect so we can focus on getting to the nitty gritty ya know? So for me it was sad not getting to finish the series in our normal setting but I see why it had to be done. And it shows the story itself (just like the character) evolving.

Ames: I missed the bookstore too and all the characters there. But I agree, the focus was more on the main characters in this one. I love how much we saw of her friends. And that even though they all work for hell, they were willing to go out on a limb for a friend.


Now Seth. I loved how much his family played a part in the book too. And his niece! The psychic one. And Carter, playing Santa for them. That's one of my favorites. I love Carter.

Monroe: Yes! I love that the niece was the one to break everything open with the cancer! And when Carter helped her mother I had tears! Just such a touching moment.

As for her friends...yes I loved that when it came down for it they felt she deserved so much more and decided to put their necks out for her.

My favorite part is Seth being hypnotized! Just all the past lived coming out...And I forgot about the priest! Out of all the past lives I loved that one the most. I always hoped we would get like one book that touched on all those lives....that would be awesome!

Ames: Seth being hypnotized, now that was a great scene. Just Georgie's reaction and then his reaction when he wakes up. Imagine Seth having to remember all that, and then the last thing he sees before he wakes up is when she cheated on him, in their very first life together. Harsh stuff. His reaction was believable.


One thing I was worried about was Seth's soul. In the previous book, we find out that if he died, he'd go to hell, he'd sinned so much. I was glad to find out he'd redeemed himself. Awww.

Monroe: Yes I was so happy Seth gained his soul back! I mean I just don't get him going to Hell he's too good for that!

Ok question...were you sort of hoping Carter and Georie would have something? I totally did...I mean I live in the land of Oz most days so I know it's not possible but a girl can dream right? I mean that last scene with them at the wedding? Sigh...

Ames: Throughout the whole series I always thought Carter and Georgie had something connecting them. That if Carter wasn't an angel, they'd totally hook up. LOL So yeah, I thought that last scene with Carter was very touching and I liked it. And I understand why they couldn't have something.

Monroe: Yeah, forbidden love and all that mess *eye roll* lol

You know who I still hate? Maddie! ha!

Ames: I don't hate her. I felt bad for her, falling for a man who loved Georgie. I kinda want to reread those books, where Georgie finds out Seth was with Maddie and then when Seth was with Georgie when she was human. LOL

Monroe: Omg I don't....remember how upset I was? It took me FOREVER to continue the series! Obviously I'm glad I did but still. That heartache sucked. And I know if it happened in real life it I would hate it for Maddie but because it's a book and fake I hate her lol I'm so glad she didn't really get brought up in this book except for like once.

So, grade?

Ames: Oh a solid A. I enjoyed it and thought it wrapped up the series in a good way.

Monroe: An A for me as well. Sad to see everyone leave but what a great send off!

Ames: I hope Roman gets a book or story at least.

Monroe: Me too! He was yummy!

Review: The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
Published by Berkley in February 2011

The last thing event planner Tara Lincoln needs is the jet-set lifestyle of a football pro like Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand proved that Mick is an all-star-both on the field and in the bedroom. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a certified heartbreaker. But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind to catch this sultry vixen.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Play by Play #1

The Story: The blurb does a good job of a very general outline. Mick and Tara meet at a team party that Tara plans. But her and Mick had a run in right before the party when she got lost in the team's arena. He was fresh out of the shower and she got quite an eyeful! So she thinks when she takes Mick up on his offer of some casual sexy-time that it'll be a one time thing. And when he says he wants to see her again, Tara tucks tail and runs for the hills. But Tara has her reasons. She raised her son all by herself from a young age and now she's concentrating on building her business. She doesn't have time for a relationship -or whatever it is that Mick wants- and she's mucho afraid of getting her heart broken. But Mick is persistent and he slowly breaks through Tara's walls.

~~
**There will be some spoilers**

ames: All right Monroe, aren't you glad I recommended this book to you?

Monroe: Girl YES! The simple fact that the cover gave me the shivers itself was a clue that I was going to ADORE this book! You know what’s funny is I’m not drawn to his chest etc in the cover..but his hand on the ball..it's just so...manly. HA! ;P

ames: I have to admit, this cover totally sold me on the book. LOL I've read two books by Jaci in the past and loved one and was so-so about the other, so I was bit torn. That cover totally clinched it for me and I'm SO GLAD that it's as drool-worthy as it is, otherwise we both would have missed out on a fun book!

Monroe: See this is a TOTALLY new author for me. And you know how I love getting into new ones!

One thing that threw me in the book was the blurb..it made him out to seem like a total player STILL...and he isn’t in the book. Did you notice that about the blurb and the book? But then again it might not catch too many eyes if they said he was a “reformed” player.

ames: Well I think it goes to show how he appeared to everyone else. And come on, the beginning, the way he came onto Tara at the football team's party, it's totally set up to look like he is a player. But I did enjoy that he was the one who kept going back and pursuing her. She was up for a fun one-night stand but he wanted more. I liked that!

Monroe: I guess you’re right...everyone did think he was even though he wasn’t. And I have to agree with you about him pursuing her. I love that about a man!

I was about to say he knew what he wanted and went after it but really he kind of didn’t know what he wanted...at least not in the long run. I loved that the “real” relationship stuff didn’t come up until the end. They were just in the moment at the time and didn’t think about the future.

Ugh ok...let’s talk about his PR agent Liz. You hated her, I already know this...and honestly I didn’t like her much at all with stepping in their relationship SO MUCH! And I kind of hated how hot everyone thought she was (Gavin, his brother, and him…). But the things she did...I’m wondering if people will find it hard to like her in her book (book 2). Like is she redeemable???

ames: I know what you mean about him not knowing what he wanted. I liked that, here are two mature adults with careers and responsibilities and they're together while it's fun but they're both afraid to think of the future - because they were. She was worried about the football season starting up and her party planning career finally taking off. And that's why this book worked for me, because this is stuff people worry about in real life.

Liz. Ugh. I do not think this character is redeemable. For those of you who haven't read this book - Liz is Mick's PR agent. She always set him up with some hot actress who needed a date for a movie premiere kind of thing. And she kept trying to set Mick up even after he told her and showed her that Tara was in his life. Let's just say she took things a bit too far and hurt Tara, her teenage son and Mick with her actions. I just don't like characters with blind ambition like that. I guess I'll wait to see what others think of her book (she's the heroine for Mick's brother's book) before I think about reading it.

One character who's book I want to read is Mick's sister's book! She's such a kick-a$$ character!

Monroe: Lol BUT BUT BUT at the end of the book she realized that she was taking things too far...and does a ballsy move and kisses Gavin, Mick’s brother she’s crushing on...that TOTALLY made me want to read her book. Even if she is a little bitty.

Ya I think Mick’s sisters book will be cool. I wonder if she'll meet maybe one of Gavin’s teammates or something!??! I love the fact she has piercings and tattoos and runs their bar...yet is beautiful.

Back to Tara...I love she had a older son. And I loved that Mick was into him so much. One thing you KNEW was coming I'm sure (b/c I'm me) I wanted her to get preggers but danged if he didn’t pop a condom on EVERY TIME. Lol

ames: I'm dead set against Liz right now. LOL That's why I like Mick and Gavin's sister. She's ballsy, she's rockin' the tattoos, she has real attitude. And I think she might be a bit biased against jocks. So I think her book will be interesting because yes, I want her to fall hard for a football player. :P

Tara. Tara was a good character. I liked that she had a teenage son, even though she's quite young still and that's part of what I liked about her. She clawed her way out of an extremely bad situation and you have to respect a character like that. She didn't let the bad stuff drag her down. Mick also hit the nail on the head when he told her to quit apologizing for her son. I liked that about him too. That he knew she came with a son and he embraced both of them and they fit into his life so well. I like how he did all these things like taking her home to meet his parents without second guessing himself. He just did what felt right.

And LOL at you wanting her to get preggers. She will...probably in one of the later books - once her party planning stuff is more secure.

Oh, remember the island getaway he won? Man I loved how hot this book was! It was the perfect contemporary, don't you think?

Monroe: YES it was the perfect contemp. And WOOWEE when they were on that island I drooled the entire time! Lol

What about Mick’s past...did you see that one coming? I can HONESTLY say I didn’t. What did run in my head was like omg...he’s ALWAYS using a condom and he has a secret...he has an STD…AIDS idk. Ya I was WAY OFF!

ames: LOL Yeah you were! I kinda figured it out, what his past was. Seriously though, I'm glad they always used protection. Nothing drags me out of a story faster then unprotected sex. Because I'm always thinking of STDs and pregnancy.

Monroe: You know what I TOTALLY loved about this book...they didn’t do the typical pro athlete proposes at a game after a win or in front of a tone of people like sports books do all the time. It was all low key...LOVED that it wasn’t corny.

ames: Oh I know what you mean! I liked that too. And as much as I love sports romances, I glad that the football aspect of this was in the background. Like he was in training, not into the season yet.

Monroe: YES! Although we did get a little of it and I loved that she got to meet the team's wives etc.

ames: Yes, I liked that part too. I hope we see more of Tara and Mick as the series goes on.

Ok, so now we have to talk about what I didn't like about this book. I felt like Tara judged Mick too quickly a few times and she annoyed me just a wee bit. You?

Monroe: She did yes...BUT I would too and I also think she just had a lot of insecurities too. I mean hes a pro ball player…he’s in the public eye and always has some hot young miss priss on his arm. But at the same time she needed to let go of those thought and enjoy the relationship. So ya I see where you’re coming from. Don’t you think he accepted her apologies too easily?

Hmmm...what I didn’t like about the book...not much really. Honestly I’m stretching to find something but I can say that I thought it was unrealistic for her to get mad at Mick about the whole drinking thing. Mick picking her son up from a party drunk...taking him home...how is ANY of that his fault? I understand her being upset at herself for not being the one to be there (even though that wasn’t her fault) but Mick did the adult thing. Took him home etc...idk kinda silly.

ames: Yeah, I agree. Like she was looking for things to go wrong with Mick and getting mad at him for things he had no control over. That's part of my annoyance with her. She was afraid of getting hurt and she was trying to keep him at a distance. She wasn't doing a good job of it though. LOL And that's the only problem I had with this book.

Even Liz. Yeah she ticked me off, but it made what happened with her all the better. She got what she deserved.

I'm evil. LOL

Monroe: You are…and just because you hate Liz I shall love her! I think she'll be a diamond in the rough.

ames: She's a dang snake in the grass!

Monroe: She's reformed now...get over it already! Lol I wouldn’t doubt if Mick hires her back.

ames: No he won't. She broke his trust. All right then. What grade would you give this book?

Monroe: A- I guess…or B+…nah…well what's better A or A-

ames: I'm giving this a B+. :)

Monroe: Ok I'll go with A-...everyone knows I'm the softy ;)

ames: Yeah, it was a good fun book, if the heroine didn't annoy me i'd have given it a higher grade too. :)

Review: Nothing but Trouble by Rachel Gibson

All right, Nothing but Trouble has been getting a lot of good reviews around blogland... but it wasn't a hit for me... So please, hold back the tomatoes! LOL. Luckily, there's Monroe to balance it out :)

Nothing but Trouble by Rachel Gibson  
published by Avon in April 2010

Trouble...

Chelsea Ross's acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as "Pretty Dead Girl #1." But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

More trouble...

Injured superstar Mark Bressler's glory days are over. The bad-boy ex-jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn't need the money, she'd be running from the world's biggest jerk as fast as her feet could carry her.

Big trouble!

Chelsea can deal with Mark's rotten attitude and dark moods. The problem is those biceps and that red-hot bod! And when the bad boy starts to put the moves on her, Chelsea knows it's time she banished him to the penalty box... if only she could resist the kind of trouble he has in mind!

Genre: contemporary, sport romance
Series: Seattle Chinooks, Book #5

The Story: Chelsea Ross needs a break from Hollywood. Her career is going no where and she's tired of seeing talentless people making it. Thus, she's visiting her sister Bo who works in the PR department of the Seattle Chinooks. Despite her family pressure, Chelsea is not giving up her dreams. She actually has a plan, but needs some money. Therefore, she accepts to become the personal assistant to Mark Bressler, even though she knows it's going to big challenge - the 10,000$ bonus to last 3 months makes it obvious. Mark Bressler was the captain of the Seattle Chinooks until a car accident ended his career and he can't help but feel bitter that his teammates claimed the Stanley Cup. He wants to be left alone and so far has chased away 3 home care workers... He's determined to do the same with Chelsea. However, this colorful and optimistic woman is determined to fulfill her job...


Nath: What did you think of Nothing but Trouble, Monroe? I thought it was better than Ms Gibson's last release, True Love and Other Disasters, but still a weak book.

Monroe: As you know I'm a huge Rachel Gibson fan and all in all I thought this was a pretty sturdy story! I enjoyed Mark AFTER he got over himself and I truly adored Chelsea! I loved how Chelsea was a free spirit and Mark was the total opposite! Now... does that make this story typical... somewhat yes I think it does but it all pretty much worked for me! =)

Nath: Hmmm, I'm not sure about the solid part, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did like Chelsea. I like optimistic characters and she definitively was. I'm glad that she wasn't moping around because her acting career hasn't gone as she wished. Although Chelsea was a bit down on her luck, she had a plan :) She enjoyed life and did her best at being Mark's assistant. I didn't feel that Chelsea was such a free spirit though... I mean, yes, she likes to dress flashy, but that doesn't exactly equal free spirit :) While Mark wasn't as fun a character, it was understandable though considering what he's been through in the past few months. Of course, understanding doesn't mean his attitude endears him to us. However, I felt his character wasn't very consistent and there are things that I don't really get. I think it would have helped if we had more details about his accident. For some reasons, I kept having the feeling it was drunk driving or something like that - but really, it wasn't. Anyway, inconsistency - I find it bizarre that he didn't have more contact with his father and grandmother, even when he was healthy. I found it weird that they didn't move temporarily to take care of him, etc. Mark seems such a loner, but it didn't really fit his personality.

Monroe: It was really odd that he didn’t have more contact with his family and I too wondered about the accident. So in that aspect I felt a bit disconnected from him in the beginning. Like we didn’t know too much about him. I learned to love him once he opened up more and started to like Chelsea. I felt as a reader I got more out of his character.

Nath: I wonder if there was a way for Ms Gibson to make the readers a little bit more sympathetic to him... One thing I do wonder though. Mark was 35 years old already. He might have played a few more years, but realistically, his was at the end of his career... Didn't he think about his future after hockey. I mean, there is a difference between having your career ended abruptly at 20 and 35... I can believe that Mark was very focused and wanted to win the Stanley Cup, but seriously, I find it hard to believe that at 35, he didn't have a back up plan. That his whole life was only woman and hockey.

Monroe: One thing that bothered me was the main plot about how she didn’t tell him about the bonus money. I mean like really... was that an issue?!?!? It was part of her pay. He claimed that was the only reason she stuck around but if he said that he could also say that about her wages in general ya know?!?! So I think the plot could’ve been a bit deeper than that.

Nath: I don't think the bonus money was such a big deal either; however, it was obvious the author wanted it to be. Personally, I don't understand why Chelsea kept it secret or why he'd be so angry about it. Like you say, it would be part of her wages and he knew she was getting paid. Seriously, did he think that she initially stayed for his sunny disposition? That part didn't make much sense to me either. Personally, I felt the ending was rushed. There were a couple of issues such as the breast reduction, Chelsea's acting career, Bo and Jules relationship... and instead of wrapping those loose ends, Ms Gibson focused on a conflict that shouldn't have been a conflict and popped up out of no where :(

Monroe: As for unresolved issues. I felt the only thing I wanted elaborated more was for Bo and Jules story.

Nath: Perhaps they'll be the secondary relationship in the next book as well? What did you think of the whole Derek thing? I don't know, a kid finding his way to a superstar home - I can believe... but to actually get access to that home and even have the superstar train you? It wasn't very realistic, although I liked the interaction between the kid and Chelsea LOL.

Monroe: Ok... the Derek thing... Yes very unrealistic but then again I don’t always look at realistic things when it comes to my books ya know?!?! So that didn’t bother me one bit BUT I will say I read into that MUCH more than what care out. I thought the woman that emailed him about having sex with Mark and him not calling and the Derek thing would’ve been related. I almost thought Derek (while emailing) was the woman trying to trick him. Remember Mark saying he (at first) didn’t remember a Derek??? So I thought that there would be some crazed fan plot…WRONG! Lol But hey it would’ve made for a good twist! ;)

Nath: LOL, you totally read too much into the whole Derek thing! I don't need everything to be realistic, but in a contemporary setting, it's harder to suspend disbelief ^_^; I felt Ms Gibson had an idea with Derek, but she just didn't carry it out. Either she should have taken out the whole Derek episode and focused more on Mark and Chelsea or she should have integrated Derek and kids more into the storyline.

Sigh, am I too harsh? LOL.

Monroe: No, I see all your points!! Are you too harsh or am I too sweet? LOL The world may never know! ;)

Nath: LOL, we need Ames!! She'd be the voice of reason! LOL. So, final say?

Monroe: Overall I thought this was an enjoyable read! Do I like it better than her other hockey books? No, but it did give me my fix of contemp romance like RG always seems to do. There are some areas I felt could’ve gotten more attention like his accident; his family. Like what is Chelsea got to meet them? And maybe we learned about his past and accident through his grandmother? Oh and I kinda wanted to see time go by and her move back to Cali before he came to his senses! lol

Nath: LOL, that would have been a whole different book, Monroe! :) Nothing but Trouble was a fluffy read. This is sometime a good thing, but not in this case. I personally felt that Ms Gibson had a good premise. I think it's always interesting to see how an athlete copes with a career-ending injury, but in this case, it's even more dramatic for Mark, because it was an accident not involving hockey. I would have liked to see Ms Gibson focuses more on that. I felt that Nothing but Trouble lacked depth and as a result, it was pretty superficial. It was a C+ for me.

Monroe: Yes Nothing but Trouble was a fluffy read but I have to say that it overall worked for me. I didn’t read too much into the down plays of the book b/c I thought the ups overshadowed them! =) So I guess we differ in that aspect but hey…makes for good reviews! Lol HOWEVER that being said I have to give Nothing but Trouble a B-.

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.

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.

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+.

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.