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

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

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

Sins of Midnight by Kimberly Logan

Sins of Midnight is a pretty good read.  Lady Jillian is a quick-tongued lady who works with London's police force to discover the truth behind a recent string of murders, and in doing so finds more than she was looking for.

Book Blurb:
    "My unladylike association with the Bow Street Runners has made me fair game for London's loose-tongued rumormongers, but I, Lady Jillian Davertry, promise to behave-- at least until my sister's coming-out season has concluded.  But my vow will not keep me from solving the mystery that overshadows my life-- nor, I reluctanty admit, will it keep my heart from racing madly in the presence of Connor Monroe.
    I cannot ignore Connor's request for assistance in solving a mystery of his own.  But the hungry fire of his gaze and the heat of his touch suggest the irresistibly handsome rogue wants so much more... I know I'm entering dangerous ground, but I'm tempted by his sinful kiss"

Rachel's Rating: 19.5

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 7.5
     Believability: 2
     Intriguing Leads: 2.5
     Secondary Characters: 3
Steaminess: 8
      Mood: 3
      Hotness: 3
      Number of Times: 2

One Night of Sin by Gaelen Foley

An amazing tale full of dangerous secrets, Russian Princes, English rogues and spirited ladies.

Book Blurb:
    "Lord Alec Knight, the most daring and handsome rogue in all fo London, is a smooth-talking aristocrat with an abundance of high-society lady admirers.  With his irresistible wit, lucky hand at the gaming tables, and enticing charisma, he can have any woman he wants.  But when the only girl he would have considered marrying ties the knot with someone else, Alec realizes he doesn't want to be with just any lady-- he wants to find the love of his life.
    The beautiful and boldly spirited Miss Becky Ward takes his life by storm after he rescues her from peril.  Alec soon learns that Becky is on the run, having uncovered a menacing secret about her cousin, the murderous Prince Mikhail Kurkov.  In the midst of danger, Alec and Becky find themselves deeply drawn to each other.  After the two spend an all-consuming night of sin, Becky's knight in shining armor vows on his honor to protect her until the end.  But before long, Alec is protecting her with more than honor-- and it seems the once untamed rake of London just may have found what he has been searching for all along... true love."

Rachel's Rating: 22

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

Duchess by Night by Eloisa James

Duchess by Night is a wonderful story that involves scandal, a cross-dressing duchess, risque parties and sultry scenes.

Book Blurb:
    "Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of her title and the responsibilities that come along with it.  Enough with proper tea parties and elegant balls; what Harriet really wants is to attend an outrageous soiree where she can unleash her wildest whims and desires.  But to attend such an event-- espcially if the even in question is Lord Justinian Strange's rollicking fete, filled with noble rogues and rotters, risque ladies and illicit lovers-- would be certain scandal.  That's why she must disguise herself...
    Looking forward to a night of uninhibited pleasure, Lord Strange is shocked to discover that beneath the clothes of a no-good rake is the most beautiful woman in the room.  Why is a woman like her risking her reputation at his notorious affair?  And can he possibly entice her to stay... forever?"

Rachel's Rating: 22

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

The Pirate Prince by Gaelen Foley

The Pirate Prince is a captivating tale full of pirates, sword fights, a lost heir, and lusty scenes.  Follow Lazar di Fiore as he tries to reclaim his kingdom and as he fights his feelings for Allegra Monteverdi, daughter of his enemy.

Book Blurb:
     When Allegra Monteberdi, the daughter of Lazar's sworn enemy, throws herself on his mercy, Lazar agrees to spare the lives of her family-- but only if Allegra sails away with him as his captive.
     Alone at sea with this dark, intriguing man, moving between seduction and fear, Allegra realizes it will take more than her growing love for this pirate prince to bring peace to her beloved home.  For Lazar must face the demons of his shattered past-- if he is to forge the destiny that is theirs to claim.

Rachel's Rating: 23

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

The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts

The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts consists three books: 

    (1) Key of Light
    (2) Key of Knowledge
    (3) Key of Valor.

The stories focus on a trio of women as they are search to discover hidden keys to unlock a great treasure.  Its fantasy meets contemporary with a cast of Celtic gods, goddesses, sorcerers, friendly dogs, annoying co-workers and attractive men.

Rachel's Rating: 23

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

A Beginning

 Whats not to love about romance novels?  They're full of adventure, love, handsome men, daring women, romance, villains, steamy sex and happy endings.  There are so many genres; historical, contemporary, paranormal, mystery and suspense.  I've read my fair share of romance novels.  I find that they're rather addicting, its like the Lay's chip advertisement "bet you can't have just one".  While some of the stories were wonderful and still have me thinking about them, others were just plain awful.  I got to the end and said "that was a romance novel?  Where was the romance?"  Another, even greater tragedy, is when I remember the plot of the book but I don't remember the author, or the title!  In this blog I will give a brief description on each novel that I read, the author, the title and then score it on a rating system that I have yet to come up with.  I hope this will help me and you discover some truly fantastic stories and authors.

Now, what pairs wonderfully with a good romance novel?  Why, that would be a glass of wine.  As a beginner taster I will be updating on my current choice and my thoughts on it.  I will also add in little factoids to help out other beginner wine tasters.