Have My Baby (Dirty DILFs #1) by Taryn Quinn

  Have My Baby by Taryn Quinn

Blurb: 

Have my baby.

That was what my single dad best friend Seth said to me while I was waitressing at the diner.

His little girl wants a sibling. But Seth is a workaholic millionaire and doesn't have time to meet someone.

Someone who won't screw him over, like his kid's mother.

Only problem is this someone has secretly been in love with him since high school. I've been hiding it forever, not wanting to risk our friendship.

Sleeping with him is my biggest fantasy. And I've fantasized plenty, being a virgin. Another thing he doesn't know.

Now I have to make the biggest decision of my life.

Is having a no strings attached affair just to make a baby better than never having him at all?

 
Okay, if I read a book like this, I expect there to be some foreseeability and not necessarily some competition to Jane Austen's books so if this kind of book is what you are looking for, it is definitely the right one. It is well written and I got more than I had expected. I got a book that kept me glued to my reader and that made me feel with the hero and the heroine when they try to find out what they really want and meet with some bumps on the road on their way there.

I really liked the hero and the heroine even if it took them a (very) long time to realize how much they really care for each other. Ally is sweet and you just want her to finally find a family of her own. Seth, well, we'd better NOT talk about his family because his father is horrible and his twin...I might end up liking him. One day. I'm not there, yet, but he might have some redeeming qualities. I'm still trying to find them but...anyway. Seth and Ally are very sweet together and their love for Seth's daughter Laurie is simply touching. Lauries is so cute and sweet, you can see her and you simply get why all of them fall for her. Of course, it is a bit drastic to plan on having a baby because your child wants a brother or a sister but perhaps...well, perhaps there is more to it than that...

I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read it and other books by this author again.

★★★★

The VIP Doubles Down (Wager of Hearts #3) by Nancy Herkness

  The VIP Doubles Down by Nancy Herkness

Blurb:
 
In the witty, sizzling finale to award-winning author Nancy Herkness’s Wager of Hearts series, a haunted writer conquers his demons with the help of a feisty muse and a passion that doesn’t play by the book.
Gavin Miller, the billionaire author of a bestselling thriller series, struggles with a grim secret: he hasn’t written a word in more than a year.
Writer’s block is killing his spirit and jeopardizing his contracts with his publisher and his Hollywood producers. Prodded by his agent, Gavin reluctantly agrees to see Allie Nichols, a sassy physical therapist tasked with treating the novelist’s severe neck and shoulder pain—and maybe his writer’s block, too.
The tempestuous Gavin and no-nonsense Allie soon find themselves entangled in a steamy affair that sparks Gavin’s creativity again. But their manipulative ex-lovers and Gavin’s lingering childhood scars threaten their happily ever after. Can Gavin and Allie find their way to love when the stakes are high and the obstacles are overwhelming?
 

This was another great book with amazing characters and a wonderful and very romantic story. When Grumpy Gavin turns into this much more human (and very lovable) happy camper, he has already taken us - and Allie- on a roller coaster of emotions. This book had it all. I cried, I laughed, I sniffled, I was furious, I giggled and - well, I might even have swooned a bit.

It all started with a wager - but it didn't end there and, to tell the truth, the wager was never important anyway. Letting go and finding love was. Getting rid of something as despicable as a writer's block was (DEFINITELY!).
And they did and I loved to see Allie and Gavin, whose chemistry is amazing, right from the start, fall in love and help each other realize how special they are and how good they are for each other. Oh, it's not Gavin's wealth or his celebrity but, well..., his snark, maybe? Or his....okay, he is pretty gorgeous and pretty amazing, so that might be a part of it. But most of all, it is their deep love for each other that makes them special and that makes them reach their goals.

This was the first book by Nancy Herkness that I read but not the last. I'm really looking forward to exploring her other books!

★★★★★

The Scotsman Who Saved Me (Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #1) by Hannah Howell

  The Scotsman Who Saved Me by Hannah Howell

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell comes a brand new series featuring the MacEnroys, a family of seven strong, seductive Scottish brothers who have come to America with nerves of steel—and who will take no prisoners when it comes to love…

A brutal attack on Emily Stanton’s family has left her for dead . . . until she is found in the woods by a handsome stranger with a thick brogue who vows to protect her. There’s only one problem: As a woman with a noble English background, she has no business keeping company with such a man.

For Scotsman Iain MacEnroy, Emily’s high-tone accent is a bitter reminder of the oppressive regime he left behind. The last thing he needs is to be burdened by the needs of a beautiful, blue-eyed Englishwoman. But taking care of elegant, educated Emily begins to transform Iain in ways he never imagined. Could it be that the deep divisions from the old world no longer apply in the new—and that Iain and Emily can share a passion as lush and wild as the Scottish highlands themselves?


Ohhhh, I loved this book! Admittedly, it was a bit irritating at first to find my Scotsmen living (and loving) in America but as the setting was amazingly well done, a perfect blend of Scottishness and, well, the stories of America in the time after the highland clearances.

Yup and that's exactly why we find this bunch of Scots in America as well, but those clearances are not the reason why Emily Stanton and her family found their way to it. In contrast to our Scots, Emily's family as English nobles represents everything Iain MacEnroy and his brothers have learned to hate.
When Emily fled England with her sister and her brother-in-law, she hoped to be able to keep them safe. You can't keep someone safe who doesn't really understand what - or rather who he is fleeing from...

Finding an English noblewoman in the middle of nowhere, wasn't exactly what Iain had planned to do but when he and his brother come across some murdered settlers, they stop by to find out whether there is someone left who needs help. Despite being severely wounded, Emily recovers under the care of Iain's (expanded and rather large) family.
When those that are responsible for the murder of her family come back to finish what they have started, will Iain be able to protect this sassy and courageous woman who has somehow managed to catch his heart?

This is by far not the first book by Hannah Howell that I've read and it definitely won't be the last! I can't wait to find out a bit more about Iain's brothers and of course, there are also some other books of hers left that I haven't read - yet.
I love the atmosphere and the characters in her books as much as the wonderfully plotted stories and the captivating style. "The Scotsman who saved me" is another brilliant example of it and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

★★★★★

Savage Rising (Redemption Harbor #2) by Katie Reus

 Savage Rising by Katie Reus

Blurb:

From USA Today bestselling author Katie Reus comes the second book in the ALL NEW Redemption Harbor series where sparks fly and so do bullets…

He's a former Marine, her new fake boyfriend, and the only way to escape her dangerous past. 

Having a child changed everything for Olivia—she vowed to keep her little girl safe from the mistakes of her past. But when the most dangerous person she ever met blackmails her into doing one last heist, the world she’s so carefully built goes into a tailspin. Frantic, she heads to Redemption Harbor in search of help. Sparks fly when she meets Savage, a man who will do anything to keep Olivia and her daughter safe. He’ll help her get her life back, but can he handle seeing who she once was? 

Can they pull it off? 

Savage poses as her obsessive ex during a daring undercover operation—and soon the line between reality and their cover story becomes blurred. He’ll use every trick he knows to keep the sensual woman alive and out of jail—and in his life. But the clock is ticking and if they can’t find a way to trust each other, no one will make it out alive.


Wow, this book kept me on my toes - and glued to my reader - from the first page on! I loved the first book in this series "Redemption Harbor" and knew that I'd have to read the other books in this series as well. Aaand - "Savage Rising" didn't disappoint, not at all! I was hooked the moment I started reading it.

When Olivia's ex threatens her daughter in order to get her cooperation for a crime, she turns to her friend Skye and her husband for protection. Enters Zac Savage, the guy who will pose as her rather obsessed and protective boyfriend when they gon in to do the job - and hopefully catch the guy while they are at it.
The moment Olivia and Zac meet, sparks start to fly and you can feel their chemistry. Nevertheless, both of them have issues of their own and trust doesn't come easily. Throw in Olivia's daughter Valencia and the fact that Savage and Olivia are on a rather dangerous mission, yup, things aren't exactly simple and it might take them some time to sort it out.  Well, I might also add that they'll have to survive their mission first...

I loved the interaction between the characters and I loved how everybody in this tight-knit group of friends has started to learn ASL to be able to communicate with Valencia. Valencia is sweet and cute and you have no problem to realize exactly why everybody adores her. Olivia is pretty bad-ass - and is there anything better than a heroine with a strong personality? Yup, a strong female character with an equally strong and amazing male counterpart - like Savage.

Amazing characters in a gripping story that makes me want MORE! I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out!

 ★★★★★

Reckless Hearts (Reckless Hearts #1) by Heather Van Fleet (

  Reckless Hearts by Heather Van Fleet

Blurb:

Between boot camp and two TOD’s in Iraq, my buddies Max, Gavin and me have been through some serious hell. So the last thing I ever expected was to find the biggest challenge of my life back home.

My girlfriend died. I couldn’t even attend her funeral, let alone tell her goodbye or that I’m sorry I wasn’t there like I should’ve been.

But she left me a gift. The best and scariest one I could’ve ever asked for. One I didn’t think I could handle…until the day I saw her tiny blues looking up at me in that airport. Chloe.

Now here I am, raising my baby girl—with the help of my two best friends. Things couldn’t be better. Until she walked into my life.

All I wanted was a nanny. Someone to take care of my girl when I couldn’t. What I didn’t count on was Addison, the brown-eyed temptress with a body of sin, and everything I didn’t need, but suddenly wanted.


Seriously? I loved this book! It is funny and heart-warming, sweet and frustrating and those characters? Well, they are simply amazing!

This was one of those books that I read and very soon reread because I loved those people and their stories. I mean, how could one not fall for Collin and his sweet daughter? And Addison? She is a very complex and very strong character as well but you still feel that you have to protect her. Her family? Wow. What a bunch of ... ooops. At least, Collin, has a nice family to make up for her bad one but most of all, he has those two amazing friends and roommates who watch out for him and who help him care for his daughter - pink Rugby jerseys included.

Following Addi's and Collin's story, I fell in love with the whole lot of them and I am so looking forward to the next books in this series. I just have to know more about Gavin and, well, then there is Max and his obvious, uhm...let's call it a ...problem with Lia, Collin's sister. And of course there's also McKenna, I'd like to know a bit more about her and I'd love to see her fall in love again. But perhaps, well, it might be a bit better or even safer, if she wouldn't try for romance or romantic surprises, as those have a tendency to become a bit dangerous at least when she plans them....

To cut a long story short - I really loved reading this book and can definitely recommend it.

 ★★★★★

To say Goodbye ...

...is never easy. To say Goodbye forever is so much harder.

Ednah Walters

Tonight on Bookin' Around Town

Fot those of you who, like me, couldn't listen live:

Listen to "Celebrating the Life, Legacy and Love of Ednah Walters" on Spreaker.

 

An Inconvenient Beauty (Hawthorne House #4) by Kristi Ann Hunter

   

An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter

Blurb: 

The Duke of Riverton has chosen his future wife with the same logic he uses to make every decision. However, his perfect bride eludes his suit, while the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge seems to be everywhere. When the time comes, will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and initial notions to embrace their very own happily-ever-after?
 

I really enjoyed reading this book.

The story itself is nice and well plotted and, well, I really loved to see a man like Griffith being felled by love. All his logic, all his reason - puff. Gone. Love isn't logical and love isn't something that you can control. Some people have to learn the hard way... Griffith definitely is one of them.
Griffith and Isabella are wonderful together. You can feel their chemistry, even though they try to resist and I loved how both of them tried to protect the other one and do what they thought would be best for the other one.

Frederica, Isbella's cousin, is amazing as well. Her loyalty and her willingness to help her counsin find love is wonderful. Her father on the other hand.....well...... he is definitely not my favorite person. Nope. Not at all. I could understand his motivation and I felt for him as well. He is not evil, he is just...ruthless and somewhat fanatic. Never a good combination, at least not for those around you.

"An Inconvenient Beauty" is the second book in this series and I can definitely recommend it. If you liked the first book, "An Uncommon Courtship", you'll like this one as well. If you haven't read the first book yet, well, don't worry, "An Inconvenient Beauty" can also be read as a standalone.

★★★★

 

 

Her Book Boyfriend (The Awkward Duckling #1) by K.R. Grace

  Her Book Boyfriend by K.R. Grace

Blurb: 

She believes the secret to love is in the tropes of her favorite romance novels. He’s the best friend prepared to prove her wrong.
Then comes the bet.
If she can’t land a boyfriend for prom by recreating the ten popular tropes in her favorite romance author’s books, she has to go to the prom with her.
The glitch?
They’ve been close their entire lives. He’s the rock god and school legend, while she’s the brainy sidekick who does all his dirty breakups. Thus, finding a guy who doesn’t think they’re already an item is going to be a lot harder than she thinks.
Will she land the book boyfriend of her dreams? Or will she be forced to go to prom with her best friend.
The truth is in the pages.


This was one of those really sweet and nice books that make you feel good. The moment I finished the book, I went and told my daughter that she has to read it as well. Cam and Mace are really cute together and I absolutely loved the humor and the wit that made the book entertaining and simply fun to read.

When Mace tries to find a boyfriend by using her romance novels as a guide, well, let's just say that not every concept that works in a novel works in real life. Or does it?
Perhaps her scheme isn't as crazy as it looks - or perhaps it is? No matter what, I love to see her end up with the perfect guy despite all her wonderful plans and schemes and strategies!

This was the first book by KR Grace that I've read but definitely not the last!

★★★★

 

 

 

Ednah Walters - author and friend

So many stories left untold... 

An amazing author and wonderful friend has left us.

Unexpectedly and far too soon.

Ednah Walters

Like many others in the indie community, I met Ednah online. Ever since 2014 when I "met" her first, we've talked and celebrated our love for books and I fell in love with her books and the worlds she created.

Ednah was not just an amazing author but also a wonderful friend who encouraged, whom you could talk to and whose wit and humor I loved. 

I had been looking forward to meeting her in London in February where she planned to be at the RARE London. This would have been the first time that we met since meeting online in 2014. I must admit that I had been luring her with the promise of a real cider lately to make sure that she would really come ...and who could resist real cider, right?

Unfortunately, I won't be able to meet her in February and I won't be able to tease her and chat with her anymore as she passed away last night.  Like many others out there, I will sorely miss her. She made my life brighter and her death leaves me devastated and shocked.

My heart goes out to her family who lost someone very special and very dear.

Oh, and Ednah - yeah, at least for once I'll admit: You ARE awesomER 😉 than I am. 

Love you and will miss you. Deeply.

Ednah's Obituary

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Whittling Book, Gift Edition: Fun, Easy-To-Make Projects with Your Swiss Army Knife by Chris Lubkemann

   

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Whittling Book, 

Gift Edition: Fun, Easy-To-Make Projects with Your Swiss Army Knife 

by 

Chris Lubkemann

Blurb:

With this pocket-sized guidebook and a trusty Swiss Army Knife, readers will be ready to whittle wherever they go. World-famous whittler Chris Lubkemann shows how to carve 43 useful and whimsical objects using nothing more than a stick and an Original Swiss Army(R) Knife. Chris offers step-by-step instructions for all the traditional whittling favorites like spoons, forks, and flowers, plus some decidedly funny animals and the classic curly tail rooster. He also provides sage advice on how to choose wood, sharpen a blade, and safely control your knife. Published in collaboration with Victorinox(R) AG, makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife.


When I was a kid, I loved to whittle away and had a whole set of woodcarving knives.

This book shows how to sharpen you swiss army knife just right for whittling and tells you a number of tricks and things worth knowing if you want to make some amazing and pretty things.
What is more important - you learn that you don't need more than this one knife to have fun and to make some great stuff. You just have to sharpen your knife and start whittling - after chosing the right kind of wood, of course.

This book includes many examples of things that you can create just by using some wood and your swiss army knife likes forks and spoons, sailboats, owls and other things to name must a few of them.
Any question you might have, will be answered in this book and it'll help you create wonderful and unique things for yourself or as gifts for friends and family.

I really liked this book and can recommend it!

★★★★

 

 

Turbulent Intrigue (Billionaire Aviators #4) by Melody Anne

   

Turbulent Intrigue by Melody Anne

Blurb: 

The final novel in bestselling author Melody Anne’s Billionaire Aviators series finds Ace Armstrong back home after years away in the CIA. Faced with the stipulation in his father’s will to find a wife or lose his inheritance, the “black sheep” of the family takes to the skies like his aviator brothers. Soon Ace encounters temptation in the form of the sexy and confident Dakota Forbes, a female pilot who just so happens to be his new sister-in-law’s best friend…and should be off-limits. But Dakota is used to getting what she wants—and she makes it clear she wants Ace.
Ace’s previous line of work is not so easily left behind, and soon someone from his past threatens both him and all he holds dear. As Ace’s relationship with Dakota heats up, he’ll be forced to choose whether to walk away in order to keep her safe or risk it all on the breathless high of passion.


I really really loved this book, especially Dakota is a wonderful heroine but I was a bit surprised as the story is very different from the one described in the blurb. Nevertheless, it is fast-paced, full of action and amazing characters and I just couldn't put the book down once I had started reading.

Ace is troubled due to everything he experienced in his time working undercover for the CIA and well, getting blown up wasn't a very good way to reunite with his family. Okay, it might have made things a bit more emotional but, seriously, there are definitely better ways to reconnect.
Dakota is simply wonderful. I fell in love with that girl right away I think. She is funny, sassy, sweet, charming and courageous. You can easily see why Ace falls for her and would do everything to keep her alive no matter what happens. And there is a lot that happens. Sometimes it is not easy to leave the past in the past where it belongs, sometimes it comes back to haunt you...

I loved the chemistry and the interaction of Ace and Dakota and I loved to see how Ace reconnected with his family. Slowly, tentatively but when things get rough, his family is there for him.

I really enjoyed reading this book and can definitely recommend it - and even though this book is a standalone you should be prepared for desperately to read the other books in the "Billionaire Aviators" - series as well when you have finished "Turbulent Intrigue".

★★★★

 

 

 

Sadie's Highlander: A Highland Protector Novel (Highland Protectors) by Maeve Greyson

Sadie's Highlander: A Highland Protector Novel by Maeve Greyson

Blurb:

The Highland Protector series brings to life four mouthwatering Celtic brothers in twenty-first-century North Carolina—where the lasses are anything but tamed.
 
Highland warrior Alec MacDara and his brothers traveled forward in time to protect the sacred Heartsone. Their cover? Owners and operators of a theme park called Highland Life and Legends. As the chairman, Alec has been fending off requests to film at the breathtaking property. It’s only because of the charming correspondence from an enterprising production assistant that he agrees to a meeting at all. That’s when Alec meets a woman whose lush curves make him forget, for the first time, all about tenth-century Scotland.
 
A lowly assistant for her sister’s motion picture company, wannabe screenwriter Sadie Williams is shocked when Alec agrees to let them film at the park upon one condition: that she report to him daily. Sadie’s sister always told her that their parents only adopted her because they felt sorry for the ugly little stray. But Alec looks at Sadie like she’s the most tempting creature in the world. And with his gleaming, musclebound body stripped down to nothing but a hip-hugging kilt and boots, Alec clearly knows a little something about temptation.


An imaginative book that I really enjoyed and will definitely read again.
Alright, there were some parts where I thought that the heroine's feeling of guilt was a bit too much but, well, considering her upbringing and her history I fear that it might be rather realistic. I was upset though because I really really liked the heroine and I would have loved to kick her b*east of a sister in her b*eastly bony behind.

Okay, I think, it is obvious that the book got me and that the characters were interesting, even though not all of them are nice ones (nope, definitely not, this ....sister...is unbelievable, simply unbelievable....)
The whole story is  not really a time travel story at least only partly because the whole family was sent forward to a time where they and the heartstone were safe, well, at least the stone was considered safe till...yep, right, at least the family is safe - and trying to adapt to modern life. Quite a feat for someone from the tenth century but a good mentor and 15 years are a big help there.

When Alec reads the mails sent daily by Sadie Williams in order to convince him and his brothers to open their theme park for her sister's motion picture company, he wants to get to know the woman behind the mails. In order to meet her and get to know her, he'll even put up with her sister Delia, b*east par excellence,  and her movie company.

Delia's behaviour towards Sadie very often made me see red, such a spiteful, horrible woman - un.be.lie.va.ble. Fortunately Alec didn't tolerate her and her behaviour either and I just relished the moments when Delia has to realize that he is really interested in her supposedly plain and ugly adoptive sister and not in her bony, b*eastly beauty.
An interesting story with a nice setting and very likeable characters - I can recommend the book.

★★★★

The Traitor's Club: Hugh by Laura Landon

  The Traitor's Club: Hugh by Laura Landon

Blurb:

Hugh Wythers was a man of great promise, but none would know it. Recently returned from the Crimea, he found his only delight in the midnight playgrounds of London. And why not? War had taught him to live every day to the fullest. And then his father cut off his funds. Reeling from the predicament in which he found himself, he fell head over arse—literally—into the arms of the perfect wife. The homely, unmarriageable Lady Annalise Lyman.


This book was so sweet and Nellie and Hugh, our hero and our heroine are such wonderful characters, I really loved this book. From the first page on, it took me in and kept me glued to my reader. The only times I put my reader down was when I was searching for handkerchiefs or sniffing and grinning like a fool. Nellie or rather Lady Annalise is really sweet and I was very happy to see that Hugh is more considerate and more honorable than his reputation (and his lack of drunken charme) made me fear.

When Annalise is looking for the chance to help her brother and sister, she approaches Hugh who has some problems of his own to solve. Maybe her idea might be the solution to his problem as well?
You just have to love a woman like Nellie. She is so sweet and lovable, always ready to help and a hard worker and it makes me furious when she is insecure because she is not a beauty in the eyes of society. Seeing Hugh discover just how much of a gem she is and how beautiful she is at heart - I loved it.

Of course, I was upset when Nellie had this idea of protecting herself but I hoped (desperately) that everything would turn out well and that those two would find love and happiness.
And, well, let's just say that I started to reread the first book in the series the moment I finished this book and, well, then I reread Hugh's and Nellie's story as well, of course.
Well-written, well-plotted and absolutely charming - I loved reading this book and can definitely recommend it.

 ★★★★★

On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #2) by Katie Ruggle

  On the Chase by Katie Ruggle

Blurb:

After witnessing a horrifying crime, Kaylee is forced to flee to a small Colorado mountain town and take on a new identity. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel worker trying to avoid the dangerously attractive K-9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.

When an accident leaves Hugh and his K-9 partner, Lexi, on desk duty, both are anxious for Hugh to heal. Until then, the highlight of his day is teasing the beautiful but mysterious new kennel employee. Their simmering attraction fuels a passionate kiss—interrupted by a sniper’s bullet. With targets on both of their backs, Grace and Hugh will do whatever it takes to stay alive…not realizing the most dangerous threat of all is hiding right in front of their noses.

 
Oh my goodness, I really really loved this book! First thing I did when I had finished it, was to go online and look for the other books by the author and of course, the first book in this amazing series.

Fast-paced, witty, with a great story line and really amazing characters, this book drew me in from the first page on and I didn't put it down until the end. Since I've read it that first time, I've read the first book and I've reread this book, I have listened to the audio book of the first one and then I was waiting rather impatiently for the audio book of "On the Chase".

Hugh and Grace are a wonderful couple with lots of chemistry and sparks and I was either turning the pages faster and faster because I just needed to know what would happen next or I was laughing out loud because of something Hugh said or did.
And seriously? I just love all those other characters, Jules Jackson and her siblings, Theo Bosco, Otto - they are vivid, very much alive and lovable and, oh, don't forget about Lexi and Viggy, I think, I fell in love with those two as well.

Right now I can't wait till the next book in this series releases - soooo.....just in case, I haven't mentioned it before, I really loved reading this book and I can definitely recommend "On the Chase" as well as the first book "Run to Ground". Both books are part of the series but they can easily be read as standalones, well, apart from the fact that they are highly addictive, of course.

★★★★★

 

 

 

 

Falling for the Highlander (Highlanders #4) by Lynsay Sands (audio book)

  Falling for the Highlander by Lynsay Sands

 Blurb:

Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.

Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.


I tried, I really did. I loved many other books by Lynsay Sands and I had been so looking forward to this book and I really wanted to like it, especially as I had been worried about Lady Murine and wanted to know what happened to her ever since she left with her brother in "The Highlander takes a Bride".
Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the book.
Don't get me wrong, it is well-written, it is sweet and nice and the narration (I listened to the audio book) was really well done and I really like to listen to Ellen Newlands but I just couldn't listen to the rest of the book.

I am pretty sure that it would have been different if I hadn't read so many books by the author before I started listening to "Falling for the Highlander" but I felt like I was listening to some interchangeable book whose story was rather foreseeable, everybody was doing what I expected them to do, the heroine was sweet, innocent and rather naive whereas the hero was strong and honorable and, well, you know the rest, right?
Apart from the story line that seemed very familiar, I was missing the chemistry between our hero and our heroine. They seemed nice together, right, but there was nothing that made me feel as if they were made for each other or the next dream team in the making. Nothing.

I would have loved to learn more about Lady Murine and her future but I don't think that I will try again to read this book or to listen to it.
It is still three stars because the audio book is well done and I like the narration, the book itself - it is alright but ...

★★★

Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle #1) by Diana Wynne Jones

 Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 

 Blurb:

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.


A family's favorite for a long time now, "Howl's Moving Castle" is the one book my daughter still takes with her, when she travels because it feels like home.

We've read it as a family ages ago and still love it.


It is pone of those books that gets to you and that you read and re-read and that is never far from your mind because it is so special and so much fun to read!

Some quotations are still used in our daily life, everyone of us knows that it is better to hide when Sophie starts to launch an attack against the weeds or starts to clean. Oh, and of course all of us know when something can't be found that we had just placed somewhere safe, well, we know that Sophie has been on one of her tidying sprees... again.

Witty, imaginative and simply wonderful - this book never gets old and my family and I, we just love it!

★★★★★

 

 

 

Wovon du träumst - Kira Gembri

 

Wovon du träumst von Kira Gembri 

Inhalt:

Die 18-jährige Emilia hat eine ganze Liste von Träumen: Zum Beispiel möchte sie gerne Klavierspielen lernen, ein Konzert besuchen oder einfach nur wissen, wie der Regen klingt. Hinter jedem dieser Punkte steckt für sie eine große Herausforderung, denn Emilia ist taub. Nachdem sie ihr Leben fast ausschließlich unter Gehörlosen verbracht hat, muss sie sich in der Welt der Hörenden erst zurechtfinden – und dann begegnet ihr auch noch Nick.
Nick, der sich so locker und oberflächlich gibt, obwohl seine Augen immer müde wirken.
Nick, der als virtuoser Geiger berühmt war, bis ein tragisches Ereignis alles verändert hat ... 


Es gibt bisher kein Buch von Kira Gembri, das ich gelesen habe, das ich nicht begeistert verschlungen hätte - und dann am liebsten gleich noch einmal gelesen habe.

In ihren Jugendbüchern gibt es immer ganz besondere Protagonisten, immer die mit den "kleinen Macken" oder den größeren Problemen und Behinderungen. Immer nimmt sie sich dieser Figuren und ihren Probleme auf sehr sensible und einfühlsame Art an und zeigt, dass man auch unter widrigen Umständen sein Leben in die Hand nehmen und leben und lieben kann.
Liebenswert sind sie allemal, egal wie kauzig oder besonders sie auch sein mögen und was sie in der Vergangenheit erlebt haben.

Auch Emilia und Nick sind zwei sehr besondere Menschen. Emilia, die zwar unter Gehörlosen aufgewachsen ist und, selber taub, sich in dieser Gesellschaft, die, wie man sehr schnell merkt, eine ganz eigene Welt für sich darstellt, auch sehr wohl fühlt, die aber trotzdem Hören und Laute erfahren möchte.
Nick hingegen, dessen Leben sich lange ausschließlich um Töne und Laute drehte, als er als geigendes Wunderkind gefeiert wurde, ist der genaue Gegensatz zu Emilia.

Wie diese beiden zueinander finden, in ihrem Leben Raum schaffen für den anderen und dabei auch immer bisschen mehr über sich selbst erfahren undzu sich selbst finden, hat mich ebenso verzaubert, wie die kauzigen und liebenswerten Nebencharaktere und Kira Gembris wunderbarer Schreibstil.
Sehr schön fand ich auch die Einblicke in das Leben Gehörloser, die Kira Gembri dem Leser wie gewohnt sensibel und mit viel Hintergrundwissen ermöglicht, ebenso wie die eindringliche Beschreibung von Nicks Leben, das von seiner Liebe zur Musik und dem Verlust seiner Karriere ebenso geprägt ist wie von einem traumatischen Ereignis einige Jahre vorher. Es ist schön, zu lesen, wie er nicht nur seine Liebe zu Emilia entdeckt und erkennt, was wirklich wichtig ist, sondern auch die Freude an der Musik und seine Liebe zu ihr wiederfindet.

Alles in allem ist "Wovon du träumst" wieder einmal ein wunderbares Buch aus der Feder einer Autorin, die mich bisher noch nie enttäuscht, aber dafür immer begeistert hat!

 

★★★★★

 

 

 

Release Day: Rough Rider by Aria Cole

Rough Rider by Aria Cole

Blurb:

After years of living alone, Nash Campbell sets eyes on curvy beauty Eden Sutherland again, the day she steps out of her brother's pickup truck and falls directly into his arms. He may have made a promise to her brother to take care of her, but it isn't long before Nash is fixed on wrangling his best friend's little sister into his bed—and his life.

Eden Sutherland enjoys living alongside her brother in the old farmhouse where they grew up, but when he's deployed, she's uprooted to Circle C Ranch and dumped in the arms of her brother's best friend, irritatingly moody and maddeningly sexy cowboy Nash Campbell. The boy who pulled her pigtails and made the butterflies jump in her stomach for the first time when they were kids. She may have grown up running through the pastures at Circle C, but that doesn't mean seeing Nash again is easy on the heart. She's been purposefully avoiding this man for years, and now she has to call him roommate…

Warning: When this filthy-talkin' cowboy falls, it's hard and fast. Insta-love obsessed, countrified goodness is the best way to describe this rough rider. Sit back, relax, and grab a sweet tea, it's about to he heart. She may have grown-get sticky down south.


I must admit that this book wasn't exactly what I expected it to be and, well, actually it wasn't really my cup of tea.
I had expected a bit more of a story and even though both were adults, consenting adults and everything, I didn't really like the way how Nash forced his way into Eden's life.
To top that off there was a lot of talk about punishing and sometimes submission so don't get me wrong it's not a BDSM tale, it's just not my cuppa.

If you don't mind a story that consists mostly of sexual innuendos or sexual intercourse and that there's much talk about it and rather filthy talk to boot the story might be right for you. It is easy to read but somehow in my eyes it was lacking some substance.

 ★★★

Demon Flames (Resurrection Chronicles #2) by M.J. Haag and Becca Vincenza

  Demon Flames by M.J. Haag and Becca Vincenza 

Blurb: 

As hellhounds continue to roam and the zombie plague spreads, Drav leads Mya to the source of her troubles—Ernisi, an underground Atlantis and Drav’s home. There Mya learns that the shadowy demons, who’ve helped devastate her world, are not what they seem.

Trapped in Ernisi, Mya tries to convince Drav to return her to the surface so she can continue her search for her family. However, he’s determined to keep her where he knows she’ll be safe. When Mya falls ill, Drav must choose between her and his people.

**Recommended for adult readers
***Part 2 of 3

 
This is the second book in this series so you should make sure that you have read Demon Ember first. If you haven't read it yet, well, just do it - now! This series should definitely be read in the right order.
Demon Flames is a great sequel and I really enjoyed reading it even though I was really really upset about the cliffhanger at the end of the book.

Right, a cliffhanger, and a really bad one, at least that's what it feels like. Fortunately, we won't have to wait too long for the next book so if you have a problem with cliffhangers you should wait till the next book is out otherwise you might end the book bellowing out something almost unintelligible like "Oh no, you can't...!" (Nope. Never ever did I.... Yup. Totally did. I was really upset.)

Apart from that cliffhanger, the book is really great and I enjoyed getting to know our hero and our heroine better, especially as we learn a lot about Drav and his people in this book.
I loved the action and everything that happened with Drav's people but missed learning about the things happening. ..elsewhere.

Drav is sweet, a teeny tiny bit overprotective and unfortunately he has still a lot to learn about emancipation and women who... well, actually he has to learn everything about women because.....right, just because, you know.
I am really really looking forward to finding out more about everything that happens at the surface in the next and final book, though. Oh, and I absolutely have to learn more about Mya's family and everything that happened to them and of course, there's also Drav's people and their future. We learn a lot about their past in Demon Flames and I am looking forward to the next book in this series to find out more about their future.

I've read many books by Melissa Haag up to now and several by Becca Vincenza and I loved them all. Demon Flames is another one of those amazing books and I can definitely recommend it.

★★★★

 

 

 

 

 

Lie Down in Roses by Heather Graham (aka Shannon Drake)

  Lie Down in Roses by Heather Graham

Blurb:

 The willful and beautiful Lady Genevieve would do anything to save her beloved Edenby Castle
. . . even if she had to share the name—and bed--of her most treacherous foe . . .

He was Lord Tristan, nobleman and knight. Magnificent in battle, he would lead his invading army across the land, only to become captive to the sensual charms of the bold enchantress who was secretly plotting his destruction . . .

They were born to be enemies and destined to be lovers—players in a perilous game of intrigue and passion where the price was one woman’s innocence . . . and the prize was one man’s heart.


I had a hard time deciding whether I liked this book or not. I've already read several books by the author that I've really enjoyed. Heather Graham has a very unique style that I love and her characters are always interesting, complex and intense.

All of these things apply to "Lie Down in Roses" as well but....I simply hated the way the hero treated the heroine and no matter how good it felt in the end and how much they came to care for each other, I also hated that the hero forced the heroine to sleep with him. He didn't rape her but some kind of forced non-rape is not much better, at least in my eyes.

Yes, things were rather tough and she wasn*t exactly the kind of girl to give up and welcome him into her home, seeing that they were enemies and he had invaded her home, but....

Okay, and I must admit that I was completely shocked at the beginning when I read what Lord Tristan found when he came home (and I must also admit that this was the moment where I really, really started to hate the Duke of Gloucester, just saying) and it haunted me for a while.

I liked the story on the whole and I loved the characters but I didn't like their interaction. The end was very satisfying but I'm not sure if I will read this book ever again. Considering the fact that I've read all my other books by Heather Graham several times and that "Ondine" is one of my all-time favorites....well.
Well-written, interesting and intense story but a huge BUT when it comes to the characters and their actions so I decided to go for three stars
 

 ★★★

*This is a re-release of the book*

Aim: A Circle of Justice Novel (Circle of Justice #3) by L.P. Dover

  

  Aim: A Circle of Justice Novel by L.P. Dover

Blurb:

 *~* STANDALONE NOVEL *~*

When someone asks what I do for a living, I answer it plain and simple . . . I’m a hunter. I hunt the dregs of society and I’m very damn good at it.

I’m Ian Chandler, FBI agent and a member of the Circle of Justice, an organization of justice seeking vigilantes. My mission is to solve a string of ‘accidental’ hiking deaths occurring around my Wyoming town. When Grace Myers –a woman who’s been missing for days –shows up on my land, it turns out she’s the key to it all. Someone is hunting her, and I make it my duty to keep her safe.

However, the deeper I get into the case, the more dangerous it becomes; especially, now that I’ve fallen for the woman I have to protect. If hunting is the game, I won’t fail. I always hit my mark.
 

Yep, I really, really liked this book. Okay, I must admit that the story itself really gave me goosebumps but I was so proud when Grace shows just how strong and amazing she is, when she fights to get free and finds her way to Ian's place after having been missing for days.

You can feel the chemistry between Ian and Grace and I loved how much they respected each other and what they did, how they acted and that, even though he himself is a real badass, Ian can accept that Grace is not just a damsel in distress who has to be rescued all the time but that she is pretty tough herself. They respect each other, they help each other when necessary and, well, they fall for each other. Alright, Ian was much taken with her even before everything went down so it didn't take much, actually, to fall for her when they have to work together and have to rely on each other.

I liked both, our hero and our heroine a lot. Our tough, sharp-shooting hero Ian Chandler, who is not just an ordinary FBI agent but a member of a secret group and our equally tough, very lovable and competent heroine Grace Myers are both great characters and together, well, I think they are perfect together.

The story was thrilling and captivating and even when I knew what it was about and what they were dealing with, it kept me on my toes and kept me reading.
"Aim" wasn't my first book by L.P.Dover as I've read several other books by her already and it definitely won't be my last. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!

★★★★