Love Romance Passion » Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs http://www.loveromancepassion.com Because Books Don't Fall Asleep Afterwards! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: Encompassed (Immortal Series, Book 4) by Em Petrova http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-encompassed-immortal-series-book-4-by-em-petrova/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-encompassed-immortal-series-book-4-by-em-petrova/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000 Sandra Scholes http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=13738

Reviewed by Sandra Scholes

It is interesting the amount of cross genre fiction there is out for readers to have a look at. Encompassed, book 4 is Em Petrova’s chance to show how she can weave a ship’s captain and a Mayan Princess into a loving relationship.

There is a reason Dante and Maria are together and it is to do with the Calling, a way of them bonding with full knowledge of whether they are good for each other. They love each other very much, and their immortal companions notice that too. After a while though, that feeling of love and affection starts to leave them and while others like them are only just getting that feeling, they long to get it back and have the fulfilling relationship they once had.

It isn’t long before a love triangle develops with Dante being distracted by Gracie, another immortal who is influenced by the Calling too. Before this can happen and Dante is torn away from her, Maria has to go back to the place where their feelings were first felt.

I liked how Em Petrova had the original concept for Gracie, the heroine in this new novel. Originally she was under another name and in a contemporary spanking story. She gives her heroines a comical aspect and isn't afraid to create unusual stories in order to somehow make them seem real to others. She has a great descriptive mind and can make the reader truly believe they are there in her chosen world.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy: Encompassed

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-encompassed-immortal-series-book-4-by-em-petrova/feed/ 0 Review: A Clockwork Fairytale by Helen Scott Taylor http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-a-clockwork-fairytale-by-helen-scott-taylor/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-a-clockwork-fairytale-by-helen-scott-taylor/#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:09:09 +0000 Lynn Reynolds http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=13331

Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

This is book 1 in the “Sorcerers of Arco” series.

We see Melba trying to escape from being captured. Master Turk appears to be a Robin Hood of sorts. Mel wants to pledge her service to him. He’s impressed by her skills but doesn’t realize that not everything is as it appears.

They have Jinn that inhabit their world. Master Turk has an Earth Jinn that tends his plants. He also has a very smart housekeeper, Gwinnie. No one can pull anything over on her – not even Mel.

Gwinnie is someone you need to get used to. She’s very gruff and brusque. She is a character that takes some getting used to. She also appears to hate Mel – and why is that. You’ll have to keep reading to see if that ever changes.

For some reason Melba wants to be a spy and she feels that Master Turk can do that for her. He also has some special abilities – he can track people and listen to their thoughts just by them having a special stone. If you had that kind of ability, whose thoughts would you want to listen to?

He wants Mel to start acting like a girl instead of the boy he was raised to be. We have to wonder what his motives are. You’ll just have to read the story to find out. We watch as Mel grows into a young lady and that includes the feelings that go along with it.

If you’ve watched the Mummy movies, there is a scene that just reminds you of some of the creepy scenes – it will make you shiver. It definitely makes it a different type of fairytale. Very different from the fairytales that I grew up with.

Vittorio seems to be the evil in this story. He wants to be king and will do anything to make that happen. He also knows how to change his looks that can fool people. He feels that Turk is getting in his way of getting what he wants. How does he accomplish this? This is what will keep you reading – you need to have this question answered.

You’ll need to read this book as a fantasy and not as a romance. If you are looking for a sexy fairytale, this book is not it. There are plots and twists in this tale just like a suspense novel. We have questions that need to be answered – what will happen to Turk, Dante, Vittorio, and Melba? Will good overcome evil? Will we ever see Turk and Melba fall in love?

If you are a softhearted person, this story may not be for you. Even I cringed at some of the cruelty written into the storyline. You will be surprised at how the story ends. This is what will draw you in to reading the second book.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy: A Clockwork Fairytale

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Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

This is the second story that is in the double book ("Lord of the Abyss") by Nalini Singh.  You will not be disappointed if you buy this double book.  It is a reprint of her August 2003 Silhouette Desire book.

Jasmine Coleridge seems to have a self-esteem problem.  She also wants to design clothing. Tariq al-Huzzein Donovan Zamanat is the Sheik of Zulheil and knows what he wants.  They also knew each other 4 years ago.

There is an intensity between Jasmine and Tariq right from the start.  Mina is the lamb to Tariq's lion.  Tariq treats Mina as a possession and Mina just wants to be loved.  The story appears to be contemporary but because of where the story takes place it would also fit in as a historical romance.  The desert doesn't seem to change very much.  Almost like time stands still - the desert is almost untouched by the outside world.

Tariq's claiming of Mina is very sensual.  You see Mina blossom under Tariq's touch.  The reader also gets a chance to see how romantic sleeping under the stars can be.  It may give you some ideas about getting romantic with your significant other.

The past keeps getting in between Tariq and Mina's relationship.  You will have to keep reading to see if the couple can "weather the storm".  There is a saying "Love conquers all".  Will their love be able to?

The hunks in some of the romance novels always have a way of saying the wrong thing and his lady-love ends up slipping back into her shell.  As I was reading, I had hoped that Tariq wouldn't follow suit - but he did.  Now I have to hope that Mina puts him in his place.

Nalini likes to tease her readers.  Will Mina's love be enough?  Will Tariq realize what he has before it's too late?  Nalini also adds in the evil sister.  You will have to read the story to find out what she does and if she destroys the love that the couple has for each other.

If you are a hopeless romantic, you will love this book.  I'm used to reading Nalini's paranormal romances but this was a very nice change.  The only disappointment I had was that the second story doesn't have its own cover.  With Nalini's description of what Tariq looks like, you would love to see an actual picture.  But you will not be disappointed if you go and buy the double book (unless you already own the original from 2003).

Rating: ★★★★½

Buy: Lord of the Abyss & Desert Warrior:

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Heroine: Elena Knightsbridge lives in the 21st century and until the age of 12 grew up in America before the tragic deaths of her family. Despite that she refuses to leave creeper uncle until the start of the novel even though he wants to marry her so he can have lots of rough painful (on her end) sex with her all because she has no money and he’s a police chief in their hometown of Romania/Transylvania/some vampire country? Say what?! Excuse me. No. Hell No.

Hero: Drake Sherrad is a vampire prince in line for a throne he doesn’t want because the coven lives by rules he can’t abide. His oasis is the crumbling Wolfram estate and even though it’s forbidden when he discovers Elena in his lair he wants to claim her as his own… forever (cue scary/but happy music… and a ton of vicious vampires, including one that would love to and does neck/blood/bite “rape” Elena because he likes getting his blood in the most violent way possible)

Review: Why oh why did Elena and her cousin, Jenica, stay with the sick twisted uncle when his own daughter says he’s raped her repeatedly and violently? I have a big BIG issue with that. Major WTF. I struggled to get past the first several chapters because there was all sort of crazy going on... ridiculously cheesy lines, setup, etc. I just didn’t buy it. I read on because I wanted to get to the part in the story that I had read about a kiss. Needless to say it wasn’t worth reading the book for.

Rating: ½☆☆☆☆

Buy: Bound by Night

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Reviewed by Sharon S.

Now, when I first saw this title I thought “Goblin, really?” but I liked the blurb. Boy, am I glad I took a chance! This was an original and dark fairy tale. And yes, a Goblin King can be sexy <G>. More on him later…

This is a paranormal romance, but Husk took the old tried and true PNR plot formula and chucked it out the window. You still have your tortured alpha male and your strong human female, but there is more to the story than a lover’s tale and the characters don’t behave in the predictable PNR fashion. There are secondary characters, like Eliza’s controlling fiancé Steve and Roan’s brother Dai that are as well developed as our hero and heroine. We even get their POV in the story. She also meshes a fairy tale like feel with the elements of a smexy PNR giving the story a wonderfully dark and desperate feel. If I had to choose I would say it could be compared to Beauty and the Beast.

I don’t know much about Goblin myths, but Husk took these and combined them with a magic twist to create a savage and unique world where Roan and his men live called the Shadowlands.

Roan, The Goblin King, is a delicious hero. He is fighting to keep his humanity for the sake of his men, even though he wants to give in. He is always putting others needs before his, even Eliza’s who he desperately wants. Even his appearance is a break from the normal PNR hero. What I wouldn’t give to hear those beads in his hair chime <G>. You will have to read the book to see what I mean ;) I don’t want to give anything away about the book so I won’t go into plot, but if you have been looking for something a little different in the PNR genre then give this one a try.

Rating: ★★★★½

Buy: The Goblin King, The Goblin King (UK)

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by Carla F., guest reviewer

Summary: Sheikh Ashmit bin Sultan al Nashan is sent by his father the King to rescue an English schoolteacher, Russ Edwards, who is being held in the desert by terrorists. When Ashmit finds the chained Englishman in the terrorist camp, he is overcome with lust. This is unacceptable! He is stunned and appalled that he is attracted to a man. His duty has always been to marry the beautiful Ashwarya and have an heir for the throne. Until then, his father has said that he must remain a virgin. Purity “in mind and body is essential to maintain the authenticity of our bloodline.”

Russ cannot believe how beautiful his rescuer is, and he doesn’t understand why he is so cold one moment and definitely not cold at all in the next.

Review: It was fun reading a gay version of the typical Sheikh romance novel. Like those it has the intelligent, handsome, and sometimes arrogant leader/prince of a mythical non-Muslim country falling in love with a foreign commoner. At first I had trouble dealing with the idea that a King would send his heir to the throne out alone to save a foreigner from terrorists, but it fits into this type of story. (Later is it is revealed that the King had a very good reason for wanting his son to do this.)

Ashmit definitely has issues, but it is understandable considering how he was raised to believe in his duty to his father and country. I liked how his plan for dealing with his pending marriage allowed him to fulfill that duty.

Hot scene: There’s a temple in the desert that has some interesting carvings and an alter.

Overall: A quick fun read suited to those who like Sheikh and/or LGBT stories.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy: Desert Nights, Desert Nights (UK)

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by Susan S., guest reviewer

High praise for Cooper-Posey’s Heart of Vengeance. A touching love story of two lovers willing to risk it all (titles, lands, imprisonment, torture, even death) just to be together.

Summary:

Ah, Lady Helena of York, beautiful daughter of the late Earl of Wessex. Pretty Saxon maiden with the most beautiful blue eyes-you’ve ever seen. While she may look angelic, this is a knife carrying, strong heroine who can expertly yield a bow and arrow. She’s going to find her father’s killer come hell or high water! And when she does…well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out.

The plan: Helena (heroine) will pose as Lady Isobel of Brittany; a Norman. Lady Catherine and Sir Hubert Fitzwarren will be sponsoring her return to court. Nothing! Absolutely nothing, will stand in Helena’s way. She simply must find the man responsible for all her anguish. That the Fitzwarren’s plan to marry her off, well…she’ll cross that bridge when she gets there.

Who’s Stephen, Count of Dinan, Earl of Northumbria, often referred to as the Black Baron? Stephen, yes, he’s what I like to call, the law of unintended consequences. The one’s Helena didn’t foresee. When their paths cross, a continued acquaintance would be foolish, not to mention deadly. She’s posing as someone she’s not, and he’s seen as trouble to be avoided. A medieval bad boy, no wonder he appealed to me! Helena has a bit of a trilemma on her hands: 1. How to keep her real identity concealed/ avoid drawing the present king’s ire 2. Steer clear of marrying a repugnant man named Savaric/ circumvent the future king’s wrath, and the most troublesome of the three 3. Can she stay away from a noble knight who’s stolen all she had left…her heart?

Who said a woman’s life was easy?

Recommendations: Do you fancy stories with dashing knights, beautiful maidens, and forbidden love? Did the characters and power plays in The Lion in Winter appeal to you? In the movie Romeo & Juliet (the 1968 version, of course) did the clandestine meetings between lovers make you gush? If so, I recommend you pick up a copy. Same goes, if you read romances in “any” subgenre, but more specifically historicals, romantic suspense, and medieval love stories.

Historical Elements: I’d like to touch on a key point; accuracy. 1. King Richard’s use of kingdom’s resources to support his crusade (check). 2. King Richard married Berengaria (check). 3. As well as Richard’s use of Château Gaillard (check).

My Thoughts: Reading is subjective, yes. But, I’m convinced the author’s beautiful story, coupled with historical accuracies intertwined in such a way, you couldn’t possibly debate its winning outcome.

Complaints: Yes, I have them.

Number one, it’s a single title. I want a Vengeance Series! Can’t I get Marked by Vengeance? Where William of Worcester is the hero; all grown up. Secondly, Robert of Loxley (my goblet clashes against the table) I want him. Sorry, I forget myself, strikethrough. Replace the word him, with more. Or, more of him!?

Comedic Element: Stephen doesn’t know Isobel’s real identity, and she’s not telling, so he calls her not-Isobel.

Where shall I place this novel? In my re-read pile, of course!

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: Heart of Vengeance (Kindle), Heart of Vengeance (Paperback)

eBook, 2010, Cerridwen Press
Medieval Historical Romantic Suspense, 227 pages.
ISBN# 978-141-992-4040

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Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey Series is addicting, delicious, and outstanding. While Winter’s Passage is a short novella it packs a punchy story.

It opens with Ash coming to collect on Meghan’s promise from Iron King. She asks to see how Puck is doing before going with him to Tir na Nog and the Winter Court. A quick look in on Puck shows he’s still healing from his wounds in Iron King.

Their journey into Unseelie territory is not without its dangers. Following them is the Hunter, an ancient enemy, one so powerful, it’s literally unable to die. He’s feared by humans and fey alike and if you’re unlucky enough to hear him calling for you, chances are you won’t survive to tell the tale.

What I liked best about the novella was the expansion of Meghan and Ash’s relationship. It really gains a lot of depth here, some of which is retold in Iron Daughter. That said, you shouldn’t skip this novel, because while Iron Daughter keeps you up to date you miss the romance and the action.

There are some truly clever, poignant, and sigh-worthy moments in Winter’s Passage. One of my favorites is when Meghan stays with Ash and tries to save them even though she could have run and saved herself. Ash is equal parts bemused and angry. This isn’t the behavior of a fey and he knows it will get her hurt, killed, or worse once under Queen Mab’s thumb. He tries to warn her, love her, and distance himself from her all at the same time. It makes for a fantastic struggle.

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: Winter's Passage (Kindle)

PS - For a limited time this novella is a free ebook.

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Kagawa’s storytelling and world-building keeps getting better and better. The Iron Daughter is book two in the Iron Fey series and packs a delicious punch. I can tell you upfront that I can hardly wait for Iron Queen, the third and final installment to the trilogy. I wholeheartedly recommend everybody to read it, the series is that amazing.

All the old characters are back. Puck is healed and finally declares himself to Meghan, fleshing out the love triangle a little bit more. Ash is still his gorgeous royal brooding iciness. Grimalkin comes along for the ride, snarky as ever. Even Iron Horse reappears on the scene declaring he won’t serve a false king.

Queen Mab is keeping Meghan Chase imprisoned in the Unseelie Court deep in the heart of winter territory. This wouldn’t be so bad if Ash was around to help her navigate all the politics, but he hardly shows his face and when he does he’s back to that harsh icy demeanor that says he could care less. It confuses Meghan and hurts her too. She doesn’t understand and she doesn’t put two and two together from what Ash told her in Winter’s Passage.

On the night the Scepter of the Seasons is passed between Seelie and Unseelie courts, Meghan finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Iron Court makes a secret attack, killing the crown prince in the process. Meghan tried to help him fight but she couldn’t reach her magic and ends up using the Scepter to bash in some heads before she gets taken down. The Iron Fey leave her alone and disappear, taking all evidence with them. Queen Mab doesn’t believe Meghan for a minute and freezes her in solid ice before declaring war on the Summer Court.

There’s no way for Meghan to get out of the ice prison on her own, if only somebody believed her! She had to stop what was happening and stop it fast before the Summer and Winter courts destroyed each other.

Favorite Scene: Easily the end sequence when Ash and Meghan make their biggest decision about their relationship. Swoon.

Bad Gal: Virus – is a wickedly drawn character and very scary.

Fey Glamour: Meghan’s power over fey glamour is blocked or is it? Her discovery of Iron glamour is essential. If only she could wield it better.

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: The Iron Daughter

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I am in love with the Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Her novel is full of sumptuousness. Its details and world building are lavish and exciting. Her characters draw you in like Satyr pulls in unsuspecting humans to dance until they collapse from exhaustion, except in Kagawa’s case you come out happy and anticipating the next installment.

If I had to guess, the future of the story will involve a love triangle. At the moment I am 100% completely for Team Ash. He’s the type of character I just love to love. He’s aloof, slightly moody, hard to figure out and of course the more forbidden love interest, being an Unseelie prince. He’s Winter to Meghan’s Summer. The best thing about him? He’s unwilling to give up where others would quit without a second thought.

Puck (aka Robin Goodfellow) is the other love interest and as he’s yet to declare his feelings toward Meghan (if he truly has any of the romantic sort) I am afraid I’m not rooting for him. However, he is an excellent character and would make a good hero, far better for Meghan than Jacob Black for Bella Swan. He’s the merrymaker, the best friend, and the one most likely to fully have Meghan’s interests at heart.

Meghan is a great heroine. She rises to the challenge of rescuing her younger half brother from the fairy world and faces each obstacle with determination to not let it be the thing that stops her from completing her self imposed mission. Her greatest weakness is in fact her greatest strength. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to save those she loves (kind of like Harry Potter in that respect) and is unwilling to leave her friends behind. It will get her into trouble, but it’ll also be her salvation in the end.

This is just one novel from Harlequin’s new Teen line and honestly, they hit the nail on the head when it comes to young adult romance. Iron King was perfect in all aspects. I have no complaints other than that it ended and I must wait to read Iron Daughter.

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: The Iron King (Harlequin Teen)

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