Review: Jade Lee's "TEMPTRESS"

 

TEMPTRESS
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jade Lee

RELEASE DATE:
September 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCLF8WKF

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://kathylyons.com/

 

 

Chen Ji Yue is the daughter of a poor bannerman. Her family’s survival depends on Ji Yue becoming the next Empress. On the way to the Forbidden City, she discovers a man in her palanquin. Ji Yue discovers later the stranger’s identity. Sun Bo Tao has the power to destroy her chances of drawing the emperor’s notice. Will Bo Tao be Ji Yue’s downfall? Can she prevail in her goal?

Sun Bo Tao is the emperor’s best friend. He has been chosen to be the Master of the Festival – the person in charge of all the Imperial Virgins. Bo Tao searches through all the candidates to find the perfect bride for the emperor. His success guarantees him an official position. Chen Ji Yue stands out among all the virgins. Can Bo Tao complete his task? Or will he risk the emperor’s wrath to have Ji Yue?

I admire Ji Yue for not resorting to the other virgin’s cattiness and petty machinations. She tried to help a couple of the girls and befriend them with little success. I also like how Ji Yue did not endure their cruelty and the eunuchs’ passively. She fought only when necessary.

I admire how Bo Tao wanted an official position than continuing as a hanger-on. He strived to help both his friend and his country. Sometimes I questioned the friendship between the emperor and Bo Tao. I did not like how the emperor treated Bo Tao most of the time. It did not feel friendly. However, despite that, Bo Tao remained loyal to his friend.

TEMPTRESS is the second book in Jade Lee’s historical- Chinese romance series, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES. The story can easily stand alone or be read out-of-order. I found myself flying through this book much faster than the first. The storytelling is much smoother. I like how the author does not go too deep into the corruption or the politics of the harem. It is alluded to.

Review: Sherrilyn Kenyon's HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC

 

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC
Fantasy Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
September 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781648396946

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

  

Deciel Coeur de Noir (Dash) is a unicorn. He is not an ordinary unicorn but the High King of the Thirteen Kingdoms. When someone murders his sister, and takes her horn, Dash rushes to find the one responsible. He encounters Tanis along the way. Dash realizes that they share a common goal: to find the ones responsible for their siblings’ death. Will Dash find the culprit behind his sister’s death? And is Tanis someone he can trust?

Tanis Dragomir is an outcast dragon princess. When her brother is beheaded, and his skull stolen, she vows to return it. Tanis’ path crosses Dash’s. She begs him to turn her human, so she can kill the human who murdered her brother. Tanis never expected to become Dash’s ally. Or fall in love with him. Will Tanis find her brother’s killer? But at what cost? And can she be an asset to Dash? Or hindrance?

Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kerrigan Byrne are two authors who I feel excel at writing tortured/wounded characters. They never fail at creating heroes and heroines that I cannot help but love. Tanis and Dash are both tortured. They both have endured such agonizing and horrendous situations. I like how they recognized a kindred soul in the other. This helped them build a tentative bond of trust.

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s new fantasy-romance series, MYTHS & OUTLAWS. The story has all the elements that the author is known, and loved, for: tortured characters and snarky humor. It reminded me of the early days of her DARK HUNTER books.

Kenyon does a great job introducing this new world of hers without bogging down the story’s momentum. I like the direction she took with the unicorns. They are not the stereotypical pure, white, and golden horned creatures. They come in all colors, and their horns’ colors have special meaning.

I cannot wait to see what other creatures Sherrilyn took creative license with. I always like it when an author thinks outside the normal with mystical creatures.

Review: Donna Grant's "STILL OF THE NIGHT"

 

STILL OF THE NIGHT
Paranormal Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
September 10, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353363

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Ariah is a Druid from the Isle of Skye. She owns and operates a tea shop in her community. Strange things have been dodging Ariah’s every move, even keeping her from sleep. Then the man who broke her heart nine years ago appears suddenly at her shop. Whatever targeted Ariah moved onto Killian. Can Ariah forgive Killian? And what part does she play in the upcoming battle on Skye?

Killian Flanagan is a lawyer from a wealthy and powerful family in Ireland. He returns to Skye for Ariah. Killian regrets breaking things off with her. When Ariah is injured, he offers to help at her shop. Strange incidents start to occur that places Killian’s life in jeopardy. He learns a new facet about Ariah. Can he make amends with her? Or will Killian be another casualty in the trouble brewing on Skye?

Ariah and Killian did not really grab me. Perhaps it was the whole second-chance angle. That trope always dampens my enthusiasm with a story and its characters.

I understand Ariah’s reluctance in telling Killian about being a Druid. It would open her up to ridicule. Plus, she did not want to involve Killian, a normal, in Skye’s magical trouble. I like how Killian had a rough time accepting Ariah’s world. He refuted it at first. Then slowly, once faced with proof, he started to open his mind to it. Killian also accepted that he was practically useless in the upcoming fight.

STILL OF THE NIGHT is the fifth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series connects with the author’s other books (DARK KINGS; DRAGON KINGS; DARK WARRIORS; DARK SWORD; REAPERS) Characters from the other series do appear in this one, such as Henry, Esther, Melisse and Nikolai.

I recommend new readers to start with either the DARK KINGS or DARK WARRIORS. This allows them to assimilate the author’s world-building, the enemies that were faced and overcome, and the world’s current situation. It is not exactly necessary. Donna Grant highlights the important parts from the past books, sometimes to the point of repetition. I did skip over the sex scenes. I just felt they were not necessary to the story’s momentum.

Review: Suzanne Enoch's A KISS IN THE DARK

 

A KISS IN THE DARK
Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Thrillers

 

  

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
October 08, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Independent Publishers Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781641972901

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Samantha “Sam” Jellicoe, reformed cat burglar extraordinaire, faces her latest challenge as a security specialist. She needs to install security in an auction house good enough to keep out her notorious father. Failure is not an option Sam can entertain. However, the job reveals some long-kept secrets. Can Sam outwit her father? Will those secrets jeopardize her freedom and her relationship with Rick?

 

Richard “Rick” Addison, English aristocrat and billionaire, follows his fiancé to New York. He worries that this latest job will expose Sam’s hidden criminal past. Rick is determined to protect her at all costs. He and Sam never expected the unexpected twist the job tosses their way. Will this latest surprise jeopardize Rick’s future with Sam? Or will it prove beneficial in keeping her safe?

 

Sam and Rick are total opposites, but they make their relationship work. I like how Rick is Sam’s “voice of reason”. He is her sole reason for staying on the straight and narrow.  Sam refuses to do anything to jeopardize Rick’s reputation and standing in society. I also like how Rick is still battling on compromising with Sam. I also like how Rick still battles with compromise with Sam. He is used to having things go his way. Rick fights against his inner need to protect Sam while letting her do her own thing. It is not always easy for him to give up control.

 

A KISS IN THE DARK is the second installment in Suzanne Enoch’s romantic suspense series, SAM AND RICK. It is a continuation of the author’s SAMANTHA JELLICOE series. I recommend starting with the first series before jumping into the new one. It reveals how Sam and Rick first met and the many trials both faced in their relationship.

 

I have always loved this series. Heck, I still own the five original cover Harpercollins paperbacks from 2005 to 2007. When I saw there was a new book, I literally squealed (in delight and anticipation). I cannot wait for future Rick and Sam adventures!

Review: Loretta Chase's My Inconvenient Duke

 

MY INCONVENIENT DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Loretta Chase

RELEASE DATE:
January 21, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063111387

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lorettachase.com/

 

 

Lady Alice Ancaster is the sister of one of the three Dis-Graces. She wants to safeguard her future by finding a respectable husband. Alice has a perfect candidate in mind. When trouble arises, the wrong one keeps appearing when she needs him most. Giles is all wrong for Alice, but she cannot ignore how scintillating he is to be with. Which duke will Alice choose? The upstanding one? Or the scandalous one? Will she regret her choice?

Giles Lyon, the eighth Duke of Blackwood, is known as one of the three Dis-Graces. He dislikes the many rules and regulations his social class must abide by. Blackwood offers to discreetly look after Alice during the Marriage Mart. Giles knows he is the wrong sort for her, but he cannot resist playing the hero for Alice. Can Blackwood give up his wild and reckless ways for Alice? Or will he give her up a second time?

The main reason I picked up this book is because of the heroine’s name. Alice was my late grandmother’s name. She has always been my hero and staunch supporter. It is why I like reading stories with heroines that share her namesake. This Alice did not disappoint. She annoyed me near the end by choosing her causes over Giles. It is good to have something you are passionate about, but I feel she could have devised a better balance.

Giles made the story entertaining. I understand his reasons for shucking Polite Society’s strict rules and regulations. However, Giles never really forgot them. He knew the right time and place to employ them. I only have one nitpick about Giles.  I disliked how he felt that he needed to be his friend’s caretaker in the end. It is good to worry about your friends but not at the expense of your marriage.

MY INCONVENIENT DUKE is the third and final book in Loretta Chase’s historical romance series, DIFFICULT DUKES. This is my first foray into this author’s works, so I have not had the pleasure of reading the previous two. Something I plan to remedy. Even though I started late, it did not hinder my ability to follow the characters and storyline.

Honestly, I believe this series could be read out-of-order. The first half of the book takes place way before Ripley and Ashmont encounter and fall for their partners. It is not until close to the end that the three books mesh in the same timeline.

The story’s momentum fell off during the second half of the book. Most of it was told through letter-writing between Blackwood and Alice. It got boring quick, not enough for me to quit reading.

Review: Ella Quinn's "A WORTHINGTON WEDDING"

 

A WORTHINGTON WEDDING
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Ella Quinn

RELEASE DATE:
November 26, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kensington Publishing / Zebra

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781420156959

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/

 

 

Charlie Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood, disapproves of any gentlemen willing to gamble away their dependents’ home. He enters a particular card game with plans of signing the property over to the man’s family. Charlie discovers the place does not really belong to the gentleman but to the man’s cousin. Miss Ognon is everything Charlie wants in a wife. First, he needs to win the wary lady’s trust before he can properly court her. What other trials stand in Charlie’s way?

Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family of gamblers, a fact that she despises. She inherits property from her maternal grandmother that is not a part of her late father’s estate. That does not stop her cousin from attempting to gamble it away. When yet another gentleman comes to collect, Oriana promptly shows ownership and sends him on his way. Charlie proves to be different from the other men. Can Oriana trust Charlie with both her heart and her property?

Charlie came off as “too perfect”. I understand, being raised and surrounded by sisters, he would understand a woman’s likes, dislikes and worries. Sometimes what he did, like the hair and picking colors best suited for Oriana, felt too much. What I admire the most about Charlie is how he insisted Oriana maintain her belongings, even after marriage.

Oriana often got on my nerves. She played hot and cold. I get that she has trust issues with men. Who wouldn’t be in her situation, aka her gambling father and cousin. Oriana got hurt or angry at the smallest mishap or opposition. I would think she would give Charlie the benefit of the doubt, especially how she surmised “how different he was to other gentleman.” No, she instantly thought the worst.

A WORTHINGTON WEDDING is book one of Ella Quinn’s new historical romance series, HERE COMES THE GROOMS. It is a spinoff from her THE WORTHINGTONS and WORTHINGTON BRIDE series. This is my second jaunt into this author’s works. I only read the last book (THE GROOM LIST) from the latter series (WB). The story can standalone. It felt like all the couples from the prior books made an appearance. It bogged down the story’s pacing, especially when their titles are constantly mentioned.

I like to give new-to-me authors two or three chances. There is always one or two books in a series that just does not appeal. I understand that. However, I just could not get into Ella Quinn’s writing style. It did not click with me.

The first half of the book I moderately enjoyed, enough to continue reading. The second half, however, lost my interest completely. I had a lot of nitpicks that kept me from liking the story or the characters.

 

Review of Hono Natsuna's "PUPPOSITES ATTRACT" volume 1

 

PUPPOSITES ATTRACT, Volume 1
Romance, Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Hono Natsuna

RELEASE DATE:
August 6, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888772898

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Chiharu is a petite elementary teacher who owns a large yet timid Rottweiler. She has a problem controlling her strength. Kiyotaka is a tall and strong firefighter who adores his small yet energetic Pomeranian. He is shy and tentative. The two meet by accident in the dog park. Then they start to run across one another more frequently.

What I enjoyed the most about this manga: I like how the mangaka shows the natural fear (and prejudice) people show towards Rottweilers. People assume, just by their appearance, they are aggressive and scary. This is untrue! It all depends on the dogs’ upbringing and owner.

I also adore how the dogs’ personalities are opposite of their owners! It is cute how Chiharu and Kiyotaka treat their canine babies, especially Kiyotaka. His entire world revolves around Monjuro.

This manga is so cute and heartwarming! It is a nice change-of-pace for me. The romance between Chiharu and Kiyotaka is slow, which is fine with me. I cannot wait to see how these two canine parents’ relationship evolves. I plan to add this series to my collection. It is a nice series to re-visit for a pick-me-up.