The Royals of Cordina: Bennett & Camilla (The Playboy Prince & Cordina's Crown Jewel) by Nora Roberts

Synopsis from Goodreads: #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Nora Roberts presents two timeless stories of happily-ever-afters in these classic tales about Cordina's Royal FamilyThe Playboy Prince
When it comes to women, Prince Bennett has always enjoyed a challenge. So after meeting the quiet and beautiful Lady Hannah Rothchild, the dashing playboy cannot rest until he breaks through her careful reserve. Love had always been a game to Bennett, but with this elusive, mysterious woman he discovers his heart is on the line, and he's playing for keeps.…
Cordina's Crown Jewel
For a few precious weeks, Her Royal Highness Camilla de Cordina could be just plain Camilla MacGee. Working in rural Vermont for the devastatingly handsome and utterly cantankerous archaeologist Delaney Caine is the perfect refuge. But Camilla's irritation with the man soon turns into fascination, then desire, and the royal runaway knows she'll have to confess. Would Del see her as a woman to be loved, or dismiss her as a royal pain?

Number of pages: 475
My review: This was another Nora Roberts book that had two romance stories in one. So I’ll review them separately and then compare the two.

The first one “Bennett,” or, “The Playboy Prince” was not as good as “Camilla”, or, “Cordina’s Crown Jewel.” Both stories take place within a fictional country named Cordina and Bennet is a royal prince and Camilla is a royal princess. Bennett is Camilla’s uncle.

The Playboy Prince really confused me. The two love interests, Bennett and Hannah, didn’t suck me in as much as Camilla’s story, or even any other Nora Roberts romance. I was confused as to what Hannah’s purpose was within the Cordina palace. I wasn’t sure if she was on their side or not (Hannah is sort of an undercover agent who works for her country and also works as a double agent for the enemy, Deboque). However, it wasn’t until halfway through the story that I really realized she was not working solely for the enemy. However, that could have been my own incompetence. Harhar.

Overall, I liked Bennett’s story though. There was more action and adventure than I was used to in a Nora Roberts novel. It was sweet and not totally overdone. It didn’t feel like she was trying too hard.

Camilla’s story on the other hand simply blew me away. I LOVED it. Basically Camilla takes a break from here palatial life and goes off on her own to try to tough out her own life. Moving from town to town until she gets into a car accident and the grouchy, yet sexy, Dr. Delaney Caine picks her up and gives her a place to stay until her car gets fixed. He also gives her a job and slowly they get to know each other even though Del stays grouchy and, at times, unresponsive. Obviously, they begin to develop feelings for one and other, but Del still doesn’t know that she is a princess. And the rest? Well read it to find out. I just loved their confrontations with each other and enjoyed reading about the two of them. There was never a dull moment.

If you love romance and royal prince and princesses than you should totally pick this up. These are actually the third and fourth books in the Royals of Cordina stories. I can’t wait to read the first two!

See you soon!

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The MacGregor Grooms by Nora Roberts

Synopsis from Goodreads: The Matchmaking MacGregorIt worked with his granddaughters. Now Daniel MacGregor, powerful patriarch of the MacGregor clan, wants to see his three handsome and eligible—but stubbornly single—grandsons married. So he's found just the women to tempt, tease and torture D.C., Duncan and Ian all the way to the altar!
And you can be sure that if Daniel MacGregor wants something, he will stop at nothing to get it! 

Number of pages: 368
My review: Gosh you know I just love a good Nora Roberts book. I flew through this in a day. The first series I read by her was the Bride Quartet series and I absolutely loved it. The MacGregors also rank really high up there for me.
It's just such easy and quick reading, and the romance! Oh my! Can I just live in a Nora Roberts novel and have all these handsome men running around and being ready to sweep me off my feet?
This specific edition had three mini-stories in one. So the different stories delved into the romances of D.C., Duncan, and Ian. I loved all of them, but Ian was by far my favorite. He was that smart, handsome, bookish guy who really knows how to respect a girl and treat her the right way. D.C. and Duncan were both more...aggressive and forward with their actions. Fun to read about but I could never picture myself with them.
At first I didn't think I would like the idea of the matchmaking grandfather, but it actually wasn't as overpowering of a plot line as expected. He would just pop up every once and awhile and gradually guide a couple towards each other. Speaking of the MacGregor family members, I totally wish I could be apart of their family because it just sounds so fun, welcoming, and charming. Yay for Scottish men!
Sometimes I was confused by how everyone was related, but I think that was because I hadn't started the series off with book one. I definitely want to go back and read the other books that are apart of this series. I just had to read this one for a feminist class I'll be taking in college.
So, if you love romance, Nora Roberts, and extremely attractive and sexy men, then definitely pick this up! Also, I just love this cover. I think it's so beautiful with the combination of colors.
See you soon!

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The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Synopsis from Goodreads: Powered by the dreams and struggles of three generations, THE THORN BIRDS is the epic saga of a family rooted in the Australian sheep country. At the story's heart is the love of Meggie Cleary, who can never possess the man she desperately adores, and Ralph de Bricassart, who rises from parish priest to the inner circles of the Vatican...but whose passion for Meggie will follow him all the days of his life.

Number of pages: 692
My review: Wow. What a novel. I can't even begin to explain the feels I have for this book. It's like I love it, but also hate it...but in a good way. There was just so much death and heartbreak! Just when I thought everything was okay, things would completely do a 180 and become not okay at all!
At times I wanted to scream at the characters for doing what I wanted, but in the end some of them triumphed. I guess what I really liked about The Thorn Birds was not only the forbidden romance, but also the struggles of the characters. It just really conveyed that in life things don't always go perfectly and as planned. We must perservere and battle not only our inner demons, but also fight against social norms.
I read in a review somewhere that this was like a Gone with the Wind, but Australian, and I'm not sure if I agree with that 100%. I would compare this more to Roses by Leila Meacham, which is another long epic that also delves into forbidden romance, family ties and obligations, and injustice.
This is one of those books where you'll cry for the characters and scream at the author like "IT'S JUST NOT FAIR. WHYYYYY."
Or maybe that was just me.
It may be a little slow getting into, but once you have progressed through the first 20 to 30 pages, you'll be sucked into the stories that this fictional family has to tell and show.
See you soon!

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The Aristocrat's Lady by Mary Moore

Synopsis from Goodreads: "An Unexpected Encounter"For a few moments on a moonlit balcony, Nicole Beaumont was just a beautiful woman catching the eye of the handsome Lord Devlin--but she knew the illusion couldn't last. If the enigmatic aristocrat knew her secret, he'd realize that her disability left her unfit for love. So who could blame her for hiding the truth a little longer?

Devlin had never met a woman like Nicole. Her unique combination of innocence and wisdom left him utterly intrigued. Yet what was she hiding? For a man who did not trust easily, discovering her secret was devastating. Overcoming their pasts and forging a future would take faith, forgiveness and trust. And second chances could lead to new beginnings...

Number of pages: 288
My review: This is the second Love Inspired Harlequin Historical Romance I have read, and I have to say it was a huge let down after the first one I read. It was just so mediocre. I couldn't connect to any of the characters and the story line dragged on and on. I just couldn't get into it.
I almost gave up on the whole thing, but I figured I might as well finish to see if it got any better towards the end. And I have to say that there was literally one scene in the whole book I found "exciting." I didn't feel the romance, the characters had no chemistry, and the whole novel I just kept wondering what are all these secrets from both Lady Nicole and Lord Devlin? That was so distracting and I guess the secrets were revealed later in the book to build suspense, but I found that when everything was being revealed I just didn't care.
At one point I just jumped about 50 pages just to keep the book moving and to get further into the book, and I didn't miss much. From what they talked about later on I figured out what had happened when I skipped. Also around the 200-250ish page mark I was simply skimming the novel and not really reading.
Overall, I think it was just dull, and could have been filled with more romance and action. The only part I really seemed to like was the fact that it was historical fiction.
See you soon!

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Deadly to Love by Mia Hoddell Blog Tour and Giveaway

Hey everyone I just want to take a moment to talk to you about the novel Deadly to Love by Mia Hoddell.
Check out all the info below: 

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenseless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Teasers

She only took one look at my face when her eyes creased with concern and worry.
“Serena what’s wrong?” ~ Page 17

As I took my notes out he continued to stare, and I tried to calm myself, not wanting him to know that sitting near him was making me want to flee the room. ~ Page 66

When the bus reached Chloe’s house she simply got up saying, “remember what I said about Kai,” before she walked off the bus without the usual hug and smile.
Sighing I stayed on the bus until my stop and when I reached my house I trudged to my room, nervous about what I would or wouldn’t find. ~ Page 100

We arrived on the outskirts of the city, quicker than I thought possible, to find smoke billowing above the buildings. I could just about see the enormous flames dancing in between the houses, while the smoke spiralled up. ~ Page 193

I turned my head, searching all the possible places he could be hiding but saw no sign of him. That’s when I felt two strong hands plant themselves firmly on my shoulders, causing me to yelp in surprise and fear. ~ Page 246

Buy Links:  

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog: http://miahoddell.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mia-Hoddell-Author/421368247889610?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiaHoddell

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/miahoddell

What people are saying:

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action.  As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.”  ~Brianna 5/5

Tour Wide Giveaways

•        1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love  through amazon kindle (INT)

•        Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY)

Swag giveaway code

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much to Mia Hoddell for hosting the tour and asking me to be a part of it! Enjoy everyone!
See you soon!
Paige

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Sanctuary for a Lady by Naomi Rawlings

Synopsis from Goodreads: The injured young woman Michel Belanger finds in the woods is certainly an aristocrat. And in the midst of France's bloody revolution, sheltering nobility merits a trip to the guillotine. Yet despite the risk, Michel knows he must bring the wounded girl to his cottage to heal.

Attacked by soldiers and left for dead, Isabelle de La Rouchecauld has lost everything. A duke's daughter cannot hope for mercy in France, so escaping to England is her best chance of survival. The only thing more dangerous than staying would be falling in love with this gruff yet tender man of the land. Even if she sees, for the first time, how truly noble a heart can be….

Number of pages: 281
My review: Holy cow. This was really, really good! I was surprised that it was so good to because I have never read a romance novel before so I expected it to be all sappy and lovey dovey but it wasn't! This is a historical romance, so there was definitely more explaining needed for the historical side which I really liked because it was like I was getting a history lesson right along with the story. I also love historical fiction anyways so anything with a smidge of romance is always good.
I also didn't expect the novel to be so deep and well written. I guess I have a lot of incorrect prejudices towards romance novels and this book pretty much dispelled them all. Like I said it was deep, well written, great characters who actually had some depth, and a believable plot. I think the believable plot was what sold me the most on this book. It wasn't something where I kept thinking "That would never happen!" I actually felt like this story was stolen right  from the diary of some French lady during the late 1700's and early 1800's and that I was reading all about her life.
I loved the plot twist in the last quarter of the book. Total shocker (read it to find out what it is!) Isabelle sounds like such a sweet and sincere girl and I found myself connecting with her a lot. She was so selfless and always wanted to help others out and I found that very admirable. I also liked her spunky spirit where she never took no as an answer and she didn't back down to a challenge.
Michel was a great male lead. I really liked how the story would sometimes switch over to his point of view (not directly, but third person) and he would voice why he was going through these mood changes. Of course, it was confusing for all the other characters, but I liked that he had valid reasons behind his actions, and didn't do things willy nilly without an explanation.
Overall, I really loved this book and gave it five out of five stars on Goodreads! I think this would be appropriate for teens who are in high school or a little older, and for adults as well. Very sweet story, with awesome history context, and relatable characters. Also, the novel has religious references throughout it, but as a non-religious person, I didn't feel at all like they took away from the story, in fact I rather liked how their devotion towards God affected some of their actions and helped move the plot along smoothly. Job well done Naomi Rawlings!
The one thing that I didn't like about this book? The cover. That is not how I imagined either character and I found it was tacky and typical romance novel-esque. But that's how most romance novels are and I'm not sure if the masses like that, or if it's a marketing tool, but don't let the cover scare you away it's a really great read!
See you soon!
Paige

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The Husband List by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly

Synopsis from Goodreads.com: Based on the family from the bestselling Love In A Nutshell, the story of an heiress longing to marry for love or not at all

From The New York Times bestselling writing duo Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly, comes the story of a young woman’s search for true love. Caroline Maxwell would like nothing more than to join her brother, Eddie, and his friend, Jack Culhane, on their adventures. While Jack and Eddie are off seeing the world, buying up businesses and building wildly successful careers, Caroline's stuck at home frightening off the men her mother hopes will ask for her hand in marriage.  When her mother sets her sights on the questionable Lord Bremerton as a possible suitor, Caroline struggles with her instincts and the true nature of her heart.  She longs for adventure, passion, love, and most of all . . . Jack Culhane, an unconventional Irish-American bachelor with new money and no title. A completely unacceptable suitor in the eyes of Caroline's mother. But Caroline's dark hair, brilliant eyes and quick wit have Jack understanding just why it is people fall in love and get married.

Set in New York City in 1894, The Husband List is an American gilded age romantic mystery. It evokes memories of the lavish lifestyles and social expectations of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers—a time when new money from the Americas married Old World social prestige and privilege. Dresses by Worth, transcontinental ocean voyages, lavish parties, a little intrigue, and a lot of romance await in, The Husband List.

Number of pages: 309

My review: When I read the synopsis of this, I thought it would be something along the lines of The Luxe series (they sound a LOT alike) but once I started reading I realized just how wrong I was. 

While The Luxe series has good quality writing, and plot and character build up, The Husband List completely lacked in all aspects. It was just so bland. What surprised me most was I typically really like historical fiction, especially stories like these, but it just had no build up. From the very beginning it was so boring and I kept thinking, "Just keep reading it will get better." It didn't. 

Do I feel that everyone would dislike this book? No. I think people who really enjoy Harlequin romances would like The Husband List extremely. Me on the other hand? It just wasn't working. And even my mom read the book and I asked her a couple of times if it would ever get better and she kept saying no that it stays the same and is so predictable. 

To be honest, I didn't even read the whole book. I got to about page 60 and gave up and read the last couple of chapters and pretty much pieced the rest of the story together myself. My mom called the middle of the book "fluff." It was only there to make the story longer and to attempt to make it more interesting. 

This is considered an adult book (or I guess now it would be "New Adult," a name which I just abhor, but that's something I'll save for another post) but I can still see older teens reading this and maybe enjoying it. It all really depends on your different tastes and preferences. 

So I would say try it for yourself and see but don't put a lot of faith in it.

See you soon!

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Songbird by Syrie James

Synopsis from Goodreads.com: When Southern California radio deejay Desiree Germain hosts a contest on the air, she is immediately taken by the smooth, deeply masculine voice of caller number twelve, Kyle Harrison. Later that afternoon, the man behind the voice walks into her studio, and Desiree is instantly smitten. 

Kyle Harrison is not only devastatingly handsome, he is a brilliant, extremely wealthy entrepreneur from Seattle who is used to getting what he wants. Desiree can't help her attraction to Kyle—and if the intense way he looks at her and keeps delaying his flight back to Seattle is any indication, it seems her feelings are more than reciprocated. 

They embark on a thrilling, passionate love affair that plays havoc with the life Desiree has struggled so hard to carefully control. With a divorce under her belt and her career finally going places, she is concerned that their whirlwind romance is doomed to long-distance failure.



It might take a Maserati, dozens of red roses, and a lot of airplane tickets, but Kyle is determined to sweep Desiree off her feet and claim her as his own—forever. Can Kyle convince Desiree to risk her heart and her career for love? 

Sexy, witty, tender, and deeply poignant, Songbird is a page-turning tale that will ignite your senses and bring a smile to your heart. 

Number of pages: 236
My review: I have read three of Syrie James' other books and I have loved all of them, and this being the fourth it was just as good! When I was contacted to read and review this book I was ecstatic because I can always rely on Syrie James' works to be a breath of fresh air, so to speak, in the reading sphere. She writes flawlessly and clearly and it doesn't seem fake or overdone at all. Her words roll right off the page and causes you to finish her novels quickly not only because the plots are so good, but because the writing itself is an excellent piece of art too.
And Syrie James has lived up to my expectations once I again! I flew through Songbird! It was amazing on all sorts of levels; there was really good plot and character development, so you actually felt for the characters instead of just lazing along wondering what would happen to them. The setting was believable (extremely believable for me since I have been to/live around the Southern California area and I have been to Seattle as well). However, for people who hadn't been to either area, Syrie James did a good job of describing what each setting looked like including all the sights, sounds, and hustle and bustle of each city.
The romance between Kyle and Desiree sometimes became a little too unbelievable for me (they fell in love after only 3 weeks? Seems a tad fast) but overlooking that their relationship was very adorable (I especially loved the scene where Desiree met Kyle's family).
Anyways, it was truly a great read and perfect for February and that Valentine's Day feel! I would recommend this for older teens and adults since sometimes it gets a little...saucy; let's put it that way.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Paige

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Top 10 Tuesday #7

Check out all the info here at The Broke and The Bookish's blog.
February 12: Top Ten Favorite Romances


1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My all-time favorite book. Enough said.


2. Night World Series by L. J. Smith
I LOVE these books and I always reread them because they are such easy reads and just so amazing!



3. Leaving Paradise Series by Simone Elkeles 
I read this a couple years ago and it is still one of my all time favorite series'.


4. Perfect Chemistry trilogy by Simone Elkeles
I read this about the same time as the Leaving Paradise series and it is just as good.


5. Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts
These are really great!


6. Any Rachel Hawthorne book
Really quick and short reads that usually center around a season or a specific area in the world (theme parks, cruises, etc.)




7. Teen Idol by Meg Cabot
It's a Meg Cabot book. This fact alone should be enough to describe why it's awesome, but if it doesn't, I read this book in like two hours a few years back and reread it about a million times.


8. Elixir series by Hilary Duff
I didn't expect to like this series but I LOVED it and read both books in only a few days.


9. Nocturne by Syrie James
Yet another novel that I just flew through, and I love all of Syrie James' works!


10. Jason and Kyra by Dana Davidson
Really great book!


As always, leave a comment below with your own list and I'll come check it out and make sure to follow!
See you soon!
Paige

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