Nauti Dreams by Lora Leigh

Today, our buddy review is between Ames and Chantal.
As per usual at Breezing Through, our review is not a review in the usual sense of the word, but a series of emails between friends discussing the book.


Nauti Dreams by Lora Leigh
Genre: erotic contemporary
Series: Nauti Boys Book 3

Natches Mackay separated himself from his family years ago, except for the two cousins who gave him the only family he’d known. Now he’s being dragged back into his father’s life in ways that could destroy him and the one woman who tempts him beyond reason: Government Agent Chaya Dane, who has fought to put her own past behind her. A mission in Somerset, Kentucky, brings her back into the dreams of Natches—and into the shadows cast by his father, suspected in the theft of government missiles. And it could cost Chaya more than she ever imagined.

Chantal: I gotta say, things are not looking good. I am skimming more than anything.

We've said this a bunch of times already, but it doesn't make it any less true... Same story as almost every other LL book. Just differnt names for the Hero/Heroine.
Same storyline, same internal struggles. How many times can a man DESTROY you? I love LL, but she needs to come up with some fresh material. Destroy destroy destroy has been worn out.

Ames: Yep, I agree with you 100%. There are two types of stories - the hero wants the heroine, but stays away from her to protect her. And the second type of LL story is where the hero wants the heroine, but she's afraid of the power of his cock...er afraid of his love so she tries to deny the inevitable. It's pretty frustrating. And yeah, a girl can only be destroyed so many times until there's nothing left.
I'm not surprised you're skimming. And like I said, Kentucky as a terrorist breeding ground? I don't think so.

Chantal: I don't believe the plot either. That could be the reason I am skimming so much of it. Just too unbelievable.

Very sad that LL is getting stale in her writing. All the same Hero's with the same looks, same personality, they say same the same things during sex. It's all so repetitive.

Ames: AND what bothered me is that the characters knew stuff, but absolutely REFUSED to tell anyone else. That just bothered me, not coming clean.
And why did (Rowdy or Dawg) keep saying Chay was plain? Bastard.

Chantal: I know! Ugh. There was no communication whatsoever.
You're right. Bastard. He was even asked why he thinks she in plain, but he never had an answer. It was was weird.

I'm trying my best not to skip too many parts. All this investigation stuff holds to appeal to me though.

Ames: The investigation stuff meant nothing to me. LOL I did read towards the end though, to see what happens.

Chantal: This is terrible. I have never skimmed a LL book before. I fear that I might be hit by lightening the next time I go outside.

Ames: I know! But I still love her other stuff. It's just her last couple of releases have melted together.

Chantal: Alright, well, I finished it. Sorta. I skipped pages at a time, skimmed some, then skipped some more pages, did some more skimming. I did read then entire 3 or 4 pages though.

It wasn't very good. I don't even know what to give it. D or Did not finish? Not a C. C for me are books that are just okay. This was way below just okay.

What do you think?

Ames: I gave this one a D.

Chantal: D it is.

Review: The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Wow, it's been a while since we last posted something up! We'll try to post reviews more often and it should be easier now that summer and vacations are over :)

Today, our buddy review is The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn. This book came out in the beginning of the summer and I think it's the perfect time to review it, since the sequel, Mr. Cavendish, I Presume? is coming out later in September.


The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
published by Avon in May 2008

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

Genre: historical romance
Series: Duke of Wyndham, book #1

The Story: Years ago, Jack Audley left his family and hometown and fought in the war. However, instead of going back home to his family once the war ended, he becomes a highwayman. Then, on a fateful night, he and his accomplices decide to rob the dowager Duchess of Wyndham's carriage... and the dowager immediately recognizes in him her favorite second son who's been dead for years. If Jack's parents were married and he was legitimate, then Jack should inherite the title of Duke of Wyndham instead of his cousin, Thomas Cavendish... which the dowager is determined to prove.

Ames: Ok, I read The Lost Duke of Wyndham on my roadtrip. I was sitting in the backseat and giggling. My dad and brother kept giving me funny looks. Then I cried. So yeah, I really enjoyed The Lost Duke of Wyndham, which is only my second ever Julia Quinn novel.

Nath: What?!? Only your second Julia Quinn? And I thought I was last to jump on this bandwagon! LOL :) So what did you like about this book?

Ames: I like the humor - Jack didn't try to appease his grandmother, so that was good. And it definitely made for some good laughs. I like how the duke stepped back and the friendship that developed between him and Jack.

Nath: I agree, the humor in this book was great and a lot of it is due to Jack. Such a nonchalent character :) I also thought The Lost Duke of Wyndham had a refreshing storyline - I know, I know, we've seen lost heir being found, but Ms Quinn was able to create a different atmosphere and circumstances. Like you, I liked how the actual Duke Thomas Cavendish didn't go bonkers at the idea of losing his title and actually stepped down.

Another thing I liked is how the characters weren't stereotyped and didn't turn out better than they really are due to some heart-breaking circumstances. For example, the dowager. Man, was she a mean old biddy, LOL, and she stayed mean till the end. Seriously, the way she acted and behaved, it was hard for readers to summon any sympathy for her and that's it, we weren't supposed to feel sympathy for her.

Ames: Jack really made this book for me. I like how he was attracted to Grace and he didn't deny it to himself. He's such a good charming guy.

Nath: I agree with you, Jack really made the book here. He was so charming. I think if he's been different, the whole book would not have been as good and it would just be a plain old: lost heir found to become noble titled storyline. I also liked the fact that there was a lot of depth to his character. There is really more to Jack than being a highwayman, soldier and/or rogue.

What did you think of Grace? Do you think that Thomas actually loved her? I'm glad that Ms Quinn didn't drag out the book by having the: I'm a duke and I can't marry you because you're not a lady storyline.

Ames: Thomas didn't love Grace. He was her friend though. And Amelia, I think Amelia is going to surprise him. Grace was a good character too. I liked her.

I can't wait for the next book though.

Nath: I'm looking forward to it too. I'm interested in Mr. Cavendish, I Presume? because we've all read about Mr. Nobody becoming a noble, but it's rare to read the opposite story, a noble becoming Mr. Nobody :) I agree with you that Amelia is probably going to surprise Thomas. I just can't wait :)

So your grade? This was definitively a B+ for me!

Ames: I'm giving it an A. It freaking made me cry! (For those of you wondering, it was the scene when he finally came home and his aunt was giving him the news. It was very touching.)

Review: Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker

Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker

Chantal: Ames was supposed to review this with us, so if you can all harass her to hurry up and finish it, so that she can comment, then I can cut back on my harassing time. I'm sure she will appreciate being bugged by someone other than me for a change :)

Found wandering in a field as a child, Lee Ross was given a name by the state and placed in a foster home—without anyone realizing she wasn't entirely human. All her life, she's tried to dismiss the odd dreams that have plagued her, dreams of monsters creeping through the night and a man fighting demons by her side. But the bruises she wakes up with are all too real to ignore...

Then the man from her dreams appears—in the flesh. His name is Kalen, and he insists that her destiny lies in his world, the world of her dreams. To save their people, he must convince Lee to give up everything she knows, follow her heart, and cross over into the Under Realm—even though once she does, she'll never be able to return...

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: ?

Chantal: I was excited to start Through the Veil. Every review that I read for it was really good, and the book got a lot of exposure in blog land. Once again though, that doesn't always mean the book is going to be a good read to me...

I made it to chapter six, how about you ?

Nath: I don't think I even made it to chapter six ^_^; See, I've read 2 books by this author. The first one was a the first in her Hunter series which was okay, but didn't wow me enough to read the rest. The other book was an e-book called Beautiful Girl which I enjoyed. So when Through the Veil started getting a good buzz in blogland, I thought I'd give Ms Walker another chance, given this was also a new series.

Chantal: I have the first Hunter book, but I have not read it. The way things are going I don't think I will any time soon. I've read, or tried to read, a few from this author. There was a story in an anthology that I read, and liked very much. Then I read one of her Ellora's Cave releases, and it was a DNF. I read it again when I had my re read month last year, and my review was mostly negative.

We were supposed to buddy review Beautiful Girl,, but it ended up being a DNF for Ames and I. I was waiting and waiting for Through the Veil to get good, but after reading that much of it, it didn't happen. *shrug* My TBR is way too big for me to waste my time on boring books. The concept for Through the Veil is exciting, and unlike any other paranormal on the market. At least not like any that I have read. It just didn't do anything for me. There was no wow factor. Nothing that kept me wanting to turn to the next page.

Nath: I agree. The concept and world building was good. I think the part I enjoyed the most was the glossary!! Reading about the world was quite interesting. However, it didn't come together for me which I suspect have to do with the characters and the writing. First, I didn't click with the heroine. I actually thought she was annoying, for all her denial. However, I was willing to continue despite her, because the hero was hot... but the story just got confusing ^_^; So I skimmed the ending a bit, then put down the book and frankly, hadn't had the urge yet to pick it up again.

Chantal: Yeah, the glossary was cool. There were times when I went back to read it just for the fun of it. I also liked the back cover blurb. It's one of those cases where the summery is so much better than the story.

I agree about the Hero, he was indeed a hottie. His POV was much more interesting to me than Lee's was. The thing about Lee is that it was hard to figure out the type of person she was. One second she came off sounding weak and naive, the next she was proud and strong willed. I wanted to know more about her, learn how she ended up on our world in the first place. Through the Veil was too slow paced. If we had some sort of background story on her a lot earlier than chapter six, then I probably would have been more into it. I wanted to know more about her, but I wasn't up to reading something that didn't interest me in order to find out.

Nath: I think you nailed it Chantal when you say that Lee was hard to figure. I personally didn't have the patience to see her 'Earth' dimension personality and 'other' dimension personality come together and become the strong, kick-ass heroine I was expecting.

It's unfortunate, because I really wanted to enjoy this book and I had high hopes after reading the glossary; how cool it was going to be. It just never happened :(

Chantal: I was also expecting a kick ass heroine. I just got sick of waiting for it too happen.

I do wish I had purchased this in e-book rather than print. First, I would not have as much buyers remorse about it being a DNF. Second, I'd have gone through it and changed all the 'magick' to 'magic'.That's ones of the things I like so much about e-books. It's easier to fix little things that annoy readers. 'Magick' has always been way up there when it comes to setting off my cringe factor.

Final Grade: DNF

Lessons From a Courtesan by Jenna Petersen

Chantal: This is a new to me author. I read a great review for it at Book Binge, which is what prompted me to buy it. I was excited to hear from Ames that she had this in her TBR. It has been so long since the two of us have done a buddy review.
Keep in mind that this is not a review in the traditional sense. It's a discussion between friends.

Ames: And as such, it has spoilers.

Blackmailed into a marriage five years ago, and forced by their overbearing families to consummate that union so it could never be legally questioned, Victoria and Justin Talbot have been more than happy to live apart ever since, although neither one has quite forgotten the one night they shared.

But now Victoria has been forced to come to London in the disguise of London’s most talented and sought after courtesan. Invading Justin’s world, she is on a desperate search to find a missing friend and stay clear of her very angry, suddenly possessive husband. Only this time, one taste is not going to be enough for Justin. He is determined not only to uncover Victoria’s secrets, but to claim her, body and soul.

Chantal: What did you think of it? I loved it. It was the first Avon book I bought since I went off my protest. Okay, not really a protest, but I did stop buying anything from that publisher. Until now, that is.

Ames: I didn't like it. LOL

Chantal: *Gasp* Really? Tell me why you didn't like it.

Ames: It just didn't impress me. It was a "meh" read for me, not bad, just not my cuppa.

Chantal: Ok, fair enough :-) Did you like the love scenes? I thought they bordered on erotica. Very hot. The carriage scene was my favourite. I always like lovin' in a carriage with historicals.

Ames: I didn't like the love scenes. I thought the prose bordered on purple. I just couldn't understand the bond between them. I mean, they're hot in the sack, but they do not trust each other at all, so where the heck did the love come from?

Chantal: And here I thought all that mushiness was romantic, lol. I can see how he fell for her. She was very strong willed in wanting to help her friend, and once each of their secrets was out in the open, the trust was there. But you're right, it did take a while for both of them to fully trust the other. Although, I think that if you don't trust someone, you can still love them. It's like those women (and men) who hire decoys to see if their husband/wife will cheat. If you have to go as far as to hire someone to test your mate, then you clearly don't trust him/her, but that doesn't mean you love them any less.

For me, Lessons From a Courtesan was really good. It was nice to have a page turner in my hand. Sucky that you didn't love it though. Do you think you'll want to read more from this author?

Ames: You know, I think my problem stems from the fact that I read this author just after completing two Georgette Heyer novels. So of course there's going to be a comparison. Due to that fact, I think I will read something else by this author.
I don't think Victoria was strong willed. I mean, she did what she had to do because she was basically alone. Justin comes into the picture and she let's him kind of take over the investigation. One thing I want to know - how the hell is Victoria going to be able to show her face in London again? I don't think changing hair colour is enough to disguise her looks. So when she is unveiled as Justin's wife - the men at least are going to know she was Ria because if she was the most hottest thing around, they're going to remember what she looks like.

Chantal: Gosh, I don't know. Thats a great question.

She did hand it all over to Justin, but I don't think she would have done it as easily if she had not have gotten the creepy vibes from whats-his-name. At that point she started to get scared, and I think was happy to hand it over to someone else. Someone with a lot more power than she had, who was able to conduct a real investigation.

Ames: Yeah, that wasn't working for me. LOL I just got annoyed too with the way these two were acting. Saying things to constantly hurt each other. And Victoria melting everytime Justin touched her? Nah, it just didn't work.

Chantal: This is the first time we have ever not had the same opinion here on Breezing Through. It's kinda refreshing in a weird sorta way. LOL

Ames: LOL Yeah it is. We should read a Colleen Gleason book next to keep it up. hehe

Chantal: *snort* If you want to pay me, then I'll attempt to read another CG book. So not my cuppa, LOL.

Looking forward to this summer...

Ames: Since I'm not supposed to be buying books this summer, I've been doing a lot of wishing and anticipating - because there are some books I'm definitely going to buy. LOL So I asked Nath to do this post with me. Here are the books Nath and I are looking forward to summer...

Chantal: And Nath asked me to join, so I am too :-P

Ames: Well I wanted you to do this post too Chantal. LOL

Chantal: LOL ;)

Nath: LOL, ladies, let's just get to the books :P I don't know, but I seem to be looking forward to too many books :P So here goes...

July

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Nath: Can't wait for this one and it's coming out soon!!! :) I've just wolfed (LOL) down the Mercy Thompson series and I need more of that world. It's really interesting and I like that Ms Briggs is going to explore the storyline of different characters, especially Charles. So mysterious... It's going to be interesting to see what happens in this book, especially to Anne.

Ames: I'm super excited for this one! And it's coming out this month! Woot. LOL

Chantal: I love a wolf plot, thats for sure. I've finally started the Mercy series :) (ames says YAY to this news)


Lyon by Elizabeth Amber

Chantal: This will be the third book in the erotic series about the brothers who each have 2 penises. I've not even read the second book, although I do have it. I plan to read Lyon. The first book was flawed on many levels. My review was full of complaints, but come on, I'm not the only one who sometimes likes to read the weird stuff, no matter how bad it is. lol

Ames: Ok ok, I have the second one too (still unread), but I don't know if I'm looking forward to Lyon. LOL


Delicious by Sherry Thomas

Ames: I really enjoyed Private Arrangements and Delicious just sounds hot. Can't wait for this sophomore effort from Ms. Thomas.

August

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Nath: Seriously, who among Dark-Hunter series readers isn't waiting for this book? Although I haven't really read the last few books of the series, I'm still intrigued and looking forward to Ash's book. I think this is quite a gutsy move on Ms Kenyon's part, not to wait till the end of the series for the big main character to have his book. I hope with this one, Ms Kenyon will answer some questions and end some of her storylines... especially the conflict between Ash and Nick. Either way, it'll definitively be interesting to see what direction the series takes after this book as well.

Ames: Like you Nath, I haven't read the latest books Ms. Kenyon has put out. I think I'm 5 or 6 books behind. But Ash is the one character that draws me back to this series, so for sure I'm going to check this out. I don't know if I'm going to buy it, but I have it reserved at my library. LOL

Chantal: Oh, Oh, Oh, me too! This is odd for me, but the Dark Hunter series is the only one where I can read the books all mixed up. Every other time I have to read in perfect order. Not with the Dark Hunters though. Ash is an uber yummy character. I can't wait to read his story.


If there be Dragons by Kay Hooper

Nath: What can I say? I'm a fan of Ms Hooper and this is a re-print of one of her earlier works.



Cutting Loose by Susan Andersen

Nath: I've always enjoyed Ms Andersen's books. Of course, some more than others... but to me, Ms Andersen is a sure winner :) The storyline sounds good as well, so that's a plus. Also, this will give me my much needed contemporary fix :) I just hope there are no stalker in the plot! LOL :)

Ames: I enjoy Susan Andersen too, so for sure I'm looking forward to this one. :P


Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery

Nath:I didn't enjoy the first in the series, Sweet Talk, however I'm still looking forward for this book... all because of the hero!! :) What can I say? I can be such a glutton for punishment sometimes LOL :)

Ames: I read one of Susan's books last summer and I've been buying them like crazy, but not reading them. So I don't know if I'm going to pick this one up - I guess I'll wait for what others think.

Chantal: Not I. I have been disappointed the last several Susan Mallery books I have read. :(



Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins

Nath: I've discovered Ms Higgins books not too long ago and enjoyed them ;) This one has also a favorite plotline of mine: the tomboy turning into a woman to catch her long-time crush :) I just home it'll be more romance-y and less chick-lit-y.






Grace Valley trilogy by Robyn Carr

Nath: Ms Carr was a revelation to me last year. After reading Virgin River, I had to have more of her books and was lucky enough to find book 1 (Deep in the Valley) and 2 (Just Over the Mountain) of her Grace Valley trilogy. However, book 3 (Down by the River) has always eluded me. Lucky for me, with the recent success of VR, the Grace Valley trilogy is being re-print and released all at the same time :) Youppi!!! Of course, I'll be buying the whole trilogy, since they have new covers ;)

Chantal: Well gee, I had no idea that there were Grace Valley books. Right on. I'll look for them for sure.


Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer

Ames: I've been on a real GH kick lately and Jennie reviewed this last year and I've been anxious to read it ever since.

September

Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

Nath: Seriously, who has read the Psy/Changelings series and is not anxiously waiting for Dorian's story?!? Surely not me. Ms Singh has been a constant winner for me with this series, so I'm definitively looking forward to this one :)

Chantal: Yes! And after Dorian I want Hawk's story. The thing I love about her heroes (Except Judd because he sucked) is how much I can see myself being with them in real life-if the world the author created was real of course. It's real enough in my dreams, hubba hubba!

Ames: Yeah, I haven't caught up on the series, but I know I'm still going to buy this book.


Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Wiggs books and so, waiting for this one.


Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

Nath: The sequel to The Lost Duke of Wyndham which I really enjoyed. I thought with this one, Ms Quinn was back in the game... and I'm really looking forward for Mr. Cavendish, I presume. Seriously, we've seen so many books where a man gets a titled unexpectedly... but how many books have we read where the hero - the good guy - loses his title?

Chantal: Cavendish... as in the brand of fries? Seriously, I love Julia Quinn. She is an auto buy for me, so I will be reading this book. She is one of the few authors who's books I buy and read without even flipping it over to see what the story is about.

Ames: Again, I bought the LDoW but haven't read it - that still isn't going to stop me from buying this one either. It's funny how an author is an auto-buy even if I haven't read lots by them. Am I the only one that does this?


Mercury's War by Lora Leigh

Ames: *sigh* I cannot ever get enough of Ms. Leigh's writing. I don't need to explain why I want this book. After reading Dawn's Awakening, it's a must.

Chantal: This is also on my list. Even though a lot of these books are just the same story over and over again, I'm addicted to Lora Leigh sex.






So here is our list :) What about yours? Any new releases that we missed?