My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson

  

My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson is the 6th book in the currently 12 book "Kendrick/Coulter/Harrigan Families" Series. You can check out the order here.  Miss Anderson does a great job of having each book stand alone in its series, so don't feel as though you need to start from the beginning to enjoy this book.  If you're an animal lover than this book is the book for you.  It had me crying at the sheer happiness and cuteness of some moments, and sadness at others.  Overall this was a very sweet book that kept me emotionally engaged the whole way through.

Book Blurb

   "Five years ago, Laura townsend's life was nearly destroyed when a head injury impaired her ability to use language and force her to abandon a brilliant career.  Despite her difficulties, however, she never lost her vivacious spirit or sunny dispostion.  Now she has a great new job at an animal clinic-- and a handsome new boss who fills her heart with longing.  But beterinarian Isiah Coulter deserves a woman who can meet all his needs.  Battling her feelings, Laura decides that sometimes a woman must love a man enough to walk away...

    When Isaiah first hired Laura, he was't expecting her to be such a breath of fresh air.  Impressed by her healing touch- and captivated by her dazzling beauty-- Isaiah finds himself falling in love.  And he'll move heaven and earth to convince Laura that she's the woman he needs... the only one who can bring joy to all his days."

Rachel's Ratings: 16

Plot: 6

   Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2

Characters: 6
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 2

Steaminess: 4

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1

    Number of Times: 1

Catherine Anderson Book List

Catherine Anderson Book List by Series

Comanche
1.  Comanche Moon
2.  Comanche Heart
3.  Indigo Blue
4.  Comanche Magic

Kendrick/Coulter Family
1.  Baby Love
2.  Phantom Waltz
3.  Sweet Nothings
4.  Blue Skies
5.  Bright Eyes
6.  My Sunshine
7.  Summer Breeze
8.  Sun Kissed
9.  Morning Light
10.  Star Bright
11.  Early Dawn
12.  Here to Stay

Related Books
1.  Keegan's Lady
2.  Beautiful Gifts
3.  Summer Breeze

Rosamund by Bertrice Small

   
     Well, the good news is that this book was better than the previous book by Miss Small that I read. The bad news is that it lacked another good 200 pages to end properly. This book had a lot of English history in it,and followed a similar plot outline as "A Dangerous Love".  Overall the book had a very good beginning, a strong middle and lacked an ending.  If the English history in the early 16th century appeals to you then I'd say this is the romance novel for you, if not, I would pick up another book.

Book Blurb:
    "Rosamund Bolton is the heiress to the manor of Friarsgate on the wild Cumbrian border between England and Scotland. More than a splended inheritance, Friarsgate will chart the fate of the orphaned beauty widowed at a precious young age. It will take her from the treacherous custody of a devious uncle, sweeping her in to the magnificent court of Elizabeth of York, into the confidence of Katherine of Aragon, and past the intimate chamber doors of a young, handsome Henry VIII. It's an adventure that will test the limits of passion and betrayal, change the meaning of the word enemy, and turn even the most daring fantasy into true love...."

Rachel's Ratings: 18

Plot: 6

   Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2

Characters: 6
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 2

Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2

    Number of Times: 2

How to Seduce a Duke by Kathryn Caskie

 

  How to Seduce a Duke is the first book in the Royle Sister Trilogy by Kathryn Caskie.  This book was confusing and very difficult to get into, I had actually tried to read this one a few times before and couldn't get past the first few pages.  The series has a rather unique plot and I'm interested in seeing how it plays out in the later books.  One thing that really bothered me in this book was that the lead's two sisters both had really interesting characters at the beginning of the book, but then they turned into shells about halfway through and were really quite boring by the end.  I'm worried that the Mary's character, which was quite interesting in this book, will get destroyed in the later books, I hope that Caskie proves me wrong.

Book Blurb:

    "Why is the notorious Duke of Blackstone ruining Mary's well-laid plans to marry his brother, the handsome Viscount Wetherly?  Every time she turns a corner, he is there-- tantalizing her, teasing her... and the more she tries to ignore him, the more insistent he becomes.  Mary knows she must make an advantageous marriage, but surely Blackstone is the wrong man for her.  Isn't he?

    Blackstone is not about to let his brother become bewitched by some wily blueblood pretender... even one as deliciously tempting as Mary.  But until she came along, no woman has ever resisted his smooth, well-practiced seductions.  Could it be that he's actually fallen in love with this infuriating chit?"

Rachel's Ratings: 15

 

Plot: 4

   Strong Beginning: 0

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 1

Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 3

    Number of Times: 1

The Princess and her Pirate by Lois Greiman

  Book Blurb:
     Passions' Prisoner- Princess Tatiana needs a groom to help her rule her vulnerable country.  So she embarks on a desperate mission-- traveling in disguise to a neighboring land to forge an alliance with the dashing Cairn MacTavish, the fabled "Pirate Lord". but instead of a marriage, a rude welcome awaits the brave, beautiful royal when she is accused of being a common thief-- and is taken captive by the rogue she had meant to wed!
    Not since his adventurous days on the high seas has MacTavish felt the sort of excitement this gorgeous hellion inspires.  He knows she is hiding something-- and each claim of innocence that comes from her lush, inviting lips only inflames his desire for a kiss... and for the passionate night that will inevitably follow.  Yet a past betrayal is still fresh in MacTavish's memory, and he dares not trust his heart.  Now he vows to learn this mystery woman's secrets... even if he has to seduce her to do it.

Rachel's Ratings: 19

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 7
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2

    Number of Times: 2

Maybe Baby by Elaine Fox

  

    I absolutely adored this book, although, I might be slightly biased.  The book takes place in Harp Cove, a small coastal town in Maine, population 5,000.  I'm from a decent size town in central Maine (population about 8,000) and am currently living in the farthest possible state away.  Consequently this book struck home for me and made me slightly home sick.  "Listening" to the town's gossip and knowing more about people then you really should, even getting "a-yea" correct, Elaine Fox did a fantastic job.  The book made reference to Bangor, the city by my town, and even the University I went to (although she did get the abbreviation wrong...).  All gave me warm the warm fuzzies and even more home-sick for the holidays.  

    All that aside the book was quite sweet, if not somewhat predictable.  One thing that bothered me, and it'll bother you mothers out there too, is that her baby wasn't mentioned as often as I thought it should be.  Also, the book blurb is slightly misleading and you'll notice that too when you finish the book.  

    I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Book Blurb:

     Dr. Delaney Poole thinks Harp Cove, Maine, will be ther perfect palce to settle down and raise her infant daughter-- though she can't say why.  something wonderful happened in this charming, two-stoplight coastal town on a previous summer night, when a sexy stranger stole his way briefly into her heart and then moved on.  But now single-mom Delaney has to invent a husband in order to deflect smalltown gossip-- buying masculine clothing that no one will ever wear, framing pictures she's cut from magazines.  Her foolproof plan has one small glitch, however: her one-time mystery man is Delaney's new landlord!

    Jack Shepard never dreamed he'd see Delaney again- and he doesn't believe for one minute her cockamamie story about a husband!  While he's exploring the leaks in Delaney's bathroom- and her alleged "marriage"- he's trying desperately to get her to admit that they share something special.  But when the truth does come out, can Jack and Delaney deal with the consequences?

 

 Rachel's Rating: 21

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3

    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 3
Steaminess: 5

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1

    Number of Times: 2

Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon

  This is possibly my favorite series to date.  Born of Fire is the sequel to Born of Night (which is my highest rated novel to date) and this one was just as good, if not better than the first one.  I probably enjoyed this one more because the heroine was kick ass which lead to some interesting times between her and the hero of the story. This was the type of book that I got angry when I had to go and do something else, and it was always in my purse in case I had a few minutes of waiting time that I could find out what happened next.  I'm very excited for the next one in the series Born of Ice.

Book Blurb:
    In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear-- except for Syn.  born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets.  But that was then, and the future is now...
    He takes no prisoners.  Syn was raised as a techthief until his livelihood uncovered a truth that could end his life.  He tried to destory the evidence and has been on the run ever since.  Now trained as an assassin, he allows no one to theaten him.  Ever.  He is the darkness that swallows his enemies whole.
    She offers no escape.  Shahara Dagan is the best bounty hunter in the universe.  when Syn comes back on the radar, she's the only one who can bring him to justice.  There's only one problem: Syn is a close family friend who's helped out the Dagans countless times.  But if she saves him, both of their lives will be on the line.  Is Syn's protection worth the risk?  The only hope Shahara has is to find the evidence he buried long ago.  Now it's kill or be killed-- and they, the predators, have just become the hunted.

Rachel's Rating: 23

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 3
Steaminess: 7
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Snowy Night with a Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London

   Snowy Night with a Stranger is a compilation of 3 stories in one book.  I figured that since its Christmas time I should read something accordingly.  Well, my mistake.  Do yourself a favor and NEVER READ THIS BOOK!  Each story is just around 100 pages long, not enough to give the characters much depth and not enough to develop sincere relationships.  Its like they meet, the give in to lust and do the nasty and then get married.  End of story.  The best of the three was "When Sparks Fly" by Sabrina Jeffries.  And then the other two were tied in awfulness.

Book Blurb:
     A Holiday Gamble-  Edward Vasey, Viscount Allenton, is journeying precariously through a snowstorm when his coach is overtaken by highwaymen!  Robbed of his money, Ned takes refuge at Selby Hall, where a spirited beauty with a shocking secret may steal something more-- his heart.
    When Sparks Fly- When a coach accident strands heiress Elinor Bancroft at the home of the notorious Black Baron, she discovers the Christmas Day heartache that darkened his soul years ago-- and her generous heart brings a festive air to his home and reawakens his spirit to love.
    Snowy Night with a Highlander- Searching for her rakehell brother, an earl lying low in the wake of a scandalous affair, Fiona Haines is led by a rugged highlander who obscures his scarred face.  As they journey on, Fiona draws closer to her brave enigmatic protector== but will fury or passion ignite when he reveals his identity?

I've broken the ratings down and did one for each story.

Rachel's Rating: Whole Book: 13

A Holiday Gamble              When Sparks Fly              Snowy Night with a Highlander
Rachel's Rating: 11              Rachel's Rating: 15             Rachel's Rating: 12
Plot:  4                                  Plot: 5                                      Plot: 4
    Strong Beginning: 1            Strong Beginning: 2                   Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2         Keeps You Hooked: 2                 Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability: 1                   Predictability: 1                          Predictability: 2
Characters: 4                       Characters: 5                             Characters: 3
    Believability: 1                    Believability: 1                           Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2              Intriguing Leads: 2                     Intriguing Leads: 1
    Secondary Characters: 1      Secondary Characters: 2            Secondary Characters: 1
Steaminess: 3                        Steaminess: 5                            Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 1                                 Mood: 2                                     Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1                              Hotness: 2                                  Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1               Number of Times: 1                  Number of Times: 1

Duchess in Love by Eloisa James

Book Blurb:

    A Duke in Retreat-  Gina was forced into marriage with the Duke of Girton at an age when she'd havebeen better off in a schoolroom than a ballroom.  Directly after the ceremony her handsome spouse promptly fled to the continent, leaving the marriage unconsummated and Gina quite indignant.
    A Lady in the Middle- Now, she is one of the most well-known ladies in London...living on the edge of scandal-- desired by many men, but resisting giving herself to anyone.
    A Duchess in Love-- Finally, Camden, the Duke of Girton, has returned home, to discover that his naive bride has blossomed into the toast of the ton.  Which leaves Cam in the most uncomfortable position of discovering that he has the bad manners to be falling in love-- with his own wife!

Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 1
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1

Dance of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffers

  

Well, it looks like I've done it again.  This is actually book 4 out of a series by Sabring Jeffries called "Swanlea Spinsters".  The other titles include: "A Dangerous Love" "A Notorious Love" "After the Abduction" and "Married to the Viscount".  This was a wonderful quick read that I couldn't put down.  I hope to get to the rest in the series quickly.

Book Blurb:

"The "gentleman" next door is surely a criminal who could undo all of Clara's good works.  So why can't the lady get the dashing rogue out of her dreams?"

 

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 8
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 3
    Number of Times: 2 

Stranger by Zoe Archer

  

Book Blurb:

"Looking for Trouble: Gemma murphy has a nose for a story-- so when she runs intoa  man of mystery discussing how to save the world from fancy-pants Brit conspirators, she's sensing a scoop.  Especially when he mentions there's magic involved.  Of course, getting him on the record would be easier if he hadn't caught her eavesdropping...

Lighting his Fuse: Catullus Graves knows what it like to be shut out: his ancestors were slaves, and he's a genius inventor with appropriately eccentric habits.  But after meeting a certain redhead, he's thinking of other types of science.  Inconvenient, given that he needs to focus on preventing the end of the world as we know it.  Yet with Gemma's insatiable curiosity sparking Catullus's inventive impulses, they might set off something explosive anyway..."

Rachel's Rating: 18

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Sweet Temptations by Maya Banks

Woooh, boy!  Was this a steamy book or what?  This is the first novel that I read that falls under the "erotica" category, and it did not leave me disappointed.  Although, I must admit that certain parts did make me uncomfortable, (some of the subject matter is not my cup-o-tea) which at times made me want to put the book down. However, the book had a very interesting plot and I had to see where it was going to.  Want a hot and steamy book with a decent plot?  Check this one out.

Book Blurb:

"He was a by-the-book cop who broke all the rules in the bedroom...
Micah Hudson has painful secrets he's tried hard to run from.  He has new friends and a new life, but he's about to be confronted with the one person who reminds him of all he's tried to forget-- angelina, the sister of his oldest friend, David.  She knows everything about Micah's past, including how he and David fell in love with the same woman, and how they decided that the best way to prevent her from tearing them apart was to share her.  But then a terrible accident left Micha alone...

She was willing to do anythign to make her see the woman she'd become...
Micah lost the two people who meant the most to him.  Angelina lost her only family.  And she's kept her deepest secret close to her heart: her love for Micah.  No longer willing to wait, she decides it's time to go after him and bring him to his knees.  She knows his secrets, his desires, his kinks and fetishes, and she'll use whatever it takes to reel him in.  Beneath Micah's easygoing exterior lies a man with dark needs and passions.  She can give him what he wants... but will he decide she's what he needs?"

Rachel's Rating: 20

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 9
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 3
    Number of Times: 3

Once Upon a Time by Marylyle Rogers

Book Blurb:
"A lovely lady fell asleep in a charmed ring of flowers and dreamed of Comlan, king of the fairy realm. She spent a few magical hours by his side, enjoying the company of the handsome king whose golden hair and green eyes could turn the head of any mortal maid... and whose charming attentions captured her heart.

But the year is 1850, and Amy Danton knows better than to believe in fairy tales.  However wonderful Comlan seems, he is nothing but a figment of her imagination, a dream to bel eft behind in Ireland when she goes to London to prepare for the marriage her parents have arranged. but any mortal suitor pales in comparison to the unearthly delight of Comlan.

Then, across a crowded ballroom, she sees the man of her dreams.  Their eyes meet, and she dares to hope that her fairy tale will end happily ever after... until she learns why Comlan has come to her world, and of the very mortal danger that threatens their enchanted love"

Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 4
    Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Featured Article: Romance Novels Bad for Women's Health

I came across this article by Rachael Rettner and thought it was interesting. 

http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/romance-novels-women-relationships-1680/

What do you think?

~Rachel

Pinot Grigio

Made from the pinot gris grapes, Pinot Grigio is the white form of Pinot Noir.  This wine can be light to full bodied depending on which region the bottle is from.

Cavit Pinot Grigio
    From the delle Venezie region of Italy this Pinot Grigio is a light bodied wine the has certain crisp flavors.

Sutter Home
    From California this wine is said to have a crisp taste containing hints of pepper and arugula.  However all I tasted was an aftertaste of gross cheese.  This brand is probably the least expensive for wine and I'm beginning to think there's a reason for it.  Do yourself a favor and spend the extra $2 on the other bottle.

Gewurztraminer

 Gewurztraminer is a dry, white wine that sometimes comes in a spritz, or bubbly, form. It combines the flavors of the Gewurztraminer grapes with lychee, passion fruit and some floral tones.  Its a smooth wine with no unpleasant after taste.  I've found that it pairs well with spicy foods, chicken and a few sweets.  What will you pair it with?








  
Chateau Ste Michelle

   A German Gewurtraminer and my first introduction to this type of wine. Delicious and inexpensive. 

Moscato D'Asti

Classification: Sparkling White Wine, Dessert Wine
Color: Straw, like white grape juice
Taste: Sugary Sweet

This is the sweet tea's of wines.  And according to Forbes Moscato D'Asti is the perfect picnic wine.  If you want a sweet wine, go for the Moscato D'Asti.  Personally I couldn't figure what types of food to pair with this wine, it seemed the sugary sweetness overran all the other flavors.  Whats your favorite pairing?


Brand: Piazzo Comm Armando
 I splurged on this bottle ($22!!) and it was well worth it.  This is the first wine that I've drunk and immediately thought, "Mmm, this is good!"







Brand: Cascinetta Vietti
    Not as tastefully sweet as the Piazzo Comm Armando, but nicer on my wallet.

Devil in the Dark by Evelyn Rogers

Book Blurb:
He rode out of the Yorkshire mist, a dark figure on a dark horse. Was he a living man or a nightmare vision, conjured up by her fearful imagination and her uncertain future?
Voices swirled in her head:
      They say he's more than human,
      A man's life is in danger when he's around...
      And a woman's virtue.
Repelled yet fascinated, Lucinda found herself swept into a whirlwind courtship. Yet even as his lips set fire to her heart, she could not forget his words of warning on the night they met:
      Tread softly. Heed little that you see and hear.
      Then leave. For God's sake leave.
Whether he was the lover of her dreams or the embodiment of all she feared, she sensed he would always be her... Devil in the Dark.


Rachel's Rating: 17

Plot: 7
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1
    Number of Times: 2

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Married by Morning got a pretty solid "meh" from me at the end.  While its definitely not the worst romance novel reviewed for the site, it was nothing to write home about.  And it looks like I read these books out of order.  But that's okay.  Married by Morning is actually the 4th book in the series.  I think I will have to go back and read them in order now.  Just so that you don't make the same mistake that I did, here is the book order for the Hathaways Series by Lisa Kleypas.

1. Mine till Midnight
2. Seduce me at Sunrise
3. Tempt me at Twilight
4. Married by Morning
5. Love in the Afternoon

Book Blurb:
"He is everything she wants to avoid... For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters-- a pleasant position, with one caveat.   Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating.  Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction.  But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response-- and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liason. 
She is not at all what she seems... Leo must marry and produce an heir withing a year to save his family home.  Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her.  But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again.  The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever-- unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires..."

Rachel's Rating: 17

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning:2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Born of Night is the first sci-fi romance novel I've read, and I loved every minute of it!  The book is longer than most, which was a nice change.  This space action novel will capture you from the first page and keep you hooked until the last!

Book Blurb:
    In the Ichidian Universe, the League rules all.  Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government.  But not even the League is immune to corruption...
    He was born and trained to kill: Command Assassin Nykyrian Quiakides once turned his back on the League-- and has been hunted by them ever since.  Thought many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to portect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father's political alliance has made her a target.
    She must accept his protection-- or die.  As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead.  Old enemies and new endanger them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

Rachel's Rating: 23

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 3
    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 7
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning will have you rooted in one spot from start to finish. Moning weaves a wonderful tale full of magic, fighting, well built Scotsmen and lusty moments. Be prepared with a beverage and snack of choice when you pick up this novel, because you won't be putting it down once you start!!

Book Blurb:
    When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century.  But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her wass only too real... and too dangerously arousing.  Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war.  How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her... plans that would save her from a tragic fate?  Or that this man who had long agao forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 3
    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1 

Much Ado in the Moonlight by Lynn Kurland

Victoria McKinnon has flown from the Big Apple to her brother's castle in Scotland to run her production of Hamlet. The castle is a perfect setting for such a play, there's just one small problem, its haunted. Throughout Much Ado in the Moonlight, Victoria must deal with unruly cast members, disappearing relative and meddling ghosts. Will her production go off without a hitch? Or will the affection of a Scottish laird cause unforeseen difficulties?

Rachel's Rating: 9

Plot: 4
    Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 0
    Mood: 0
    Hotness: 0
    Number of Times: 0

Accidentals Series by Dakota Cassidy

This series by Dakota Cassidy is currently a five part series comprised of fun, frou-frou, paranormal romance novels.

    1. The Accidental Werewolf
    2. Accidentally Dead
    3. The Accidental Human
    4. Accidentally Demonic
    5. Accidentally Catty

Each book follows a different woman and how she deals with the unfair hand fate has lent her.  Their reactions to being thrown into each's circumstances is humorous, and realistic, with class-A temper tantrums.  Luckily for each of them there is a strong, handsome man to help each of the ladies with their predicaments.

Rachel's Ratings: 17

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability:   3
Characters: 5
     Believability: 1
     Intriguing Leads: 2
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2 
      Number of Times: 2

A Dangerous Love by Bertrice Small

A Dangerous Love is a novel full of history, this story follows the life of Adair as she is forced to flee the home she loves, grows up in the royal courts, returns to her home and then gets captured by Scottish raiders.  Her new life in Scotland is one of a servant to the laird of of Clait, Conal Bruce.  Follow her tale as she faces trials, overcomes hardships and discovers love.

Book Blurb:
"Adair Radcliffe was a king's brat; a bastard born to King Edward IV and Jane, the countess of Stanton. Orphaned by England's War of the Roses, and betrayed by her half-sister, Elizabeth of York, Adair is taken from her home in northern England during a border raid, and sold into servitude to Conal Bruce, the laird of Cleit. The laird seeks a housekeeper, and a bedmate -- but instead he finds that beneath the girl's dirty, disheveled appearance is a proud and spirited beauty who refuses to be tamed. It is she who will teach the stubborn Scot that love recognizes neither borders nor rank. And Adair will learn at long last that home is where her heart rests, and not in the past."


Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 5
     Believability: 1
     Intriguing Leads: 2
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2
      Number of Times: 2