Review: GIVING IT UP by Amber Lin

Giving It Up
by Amber Lin
Publisher: Loose ID
Release Date: June 18, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it's not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren't enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

Allie is a survivor. She’s been knocked down and kicked over and over but still manages to pull herself together and move forward. What else can she do with a baby daughter to look after? Plus she has her ride or die best friend, Shelly by her side. And with the help of her new found love Colin, she begins to slowly heal from the tragedies of her past. 

Giving It Up was a deep and dark emotional read. I was rooting for Allie to get her happily ever after the entire time. Being raped by someone you trust is devastating enough but to then be taken advantage of again by an authority figure would have been enough to tip anyone over the edge of sanity. I loved Allie’s tenacity and her ability to cope with her demons. She picked up random strangers for anonymous sex. But her once a month “date nights” gave Allie the outlet she needed to exorcise painful memories. While her methods were probably not healthy or safe,  it allowed her to function.

I wasn’t so sure of Colin’s intentions in the beginning. He was the strong silent type that didn’t open up with his feelings so I never knew what he was thinking or what he was going to do. He’s had a pretty tough life and dark past as well. But his love for Allie and her daughter was heartwarming and made me love Colin in the end. 

I enjoyed the suspense in the novel and the tension between the characters. The flow of this story was great. The back stories were woven in perfectly. Each character that was introduced played their part and moved the story along. All of the characters were damaged which made the novel dark and much more interesting. Allie is a single mother struggling to support her daughter Bailey and keep her own battered psyche whole. Colin had a difficult childhood and has a criminal history. Shelly is the prostitute who would do anything to help her friend Allie but she seems to have demons in her past as well. Then there’s Colin’s brother, Philip who is deeply entrenched in some serious criminal activity. I suspect there may be stories for some of these other characters in the future. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Allie and Colin’s story. Their relationship was rocky and full of tension. At first I wasn’t sure they were right for each other but as the story moved along I could see the growth of trust and love in their relationship. Their love scenes were brutal, sexy and honest. Within those scenes was a window into Allie’s damaged soul. Giving It Up was an incredibly moving novel. It’s a dark love story that will make you gasp and cry and leave you emotionally drained but there is happiness at the end for these flawed lovers.

Review & Giveaway: GABRIEL'S RAPTURE by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel’s Rapture
by Sylvain Reynard
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Source: Review copy from publisher

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell.

Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the rapture of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.

When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he be forced to share Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?

Gabriel’s Rapture begins where Gabriel’s Inferno ended. Julianne and Gabriel are still in Italy. It’s the day after they’ve finally consummated their relationship. They are both giddy with happiness and deeply in love with each other. They have waited until their professor/student relationship ended to become intimate with one another. The policy against fraternization is taken seriously at the University of Toronto and the two have not wanted to risk Gabriel’s job or Julianne’s possible expulsion over their relationship. The pair continues to deal with the demons from both their pasts as they become closer to one another. 

This novel was much more romantic than the previous book in the series. In Gabriel’s Rapture we get to watch the relationship between Julianne and Gabriel become stronger. Gabriel has definitely become softer. There are still glimpses of his bad boy persona and dark side but it not as prevalent as it was in the last novel. Even though the pair has tried to be careful about keeping their relationship a secret they return to Canada and get wrapped up in a potential scandal that threatens the Professor’s job and Juliannes’ chances of getting into Harvard. It was worrisome to see how they would deal with this potential scandal. Would they rally together to fight the charges against them?  Or would they use each other as scapegoats? 

I enjoyed watching the characters grow as individuals and as a couple. Sylvain Reynard’s writing was incredible as usual. I liked the flow of the book and the numerous musical and literary references. The imagery of the Italian setting was vivid and made me feel like I was there with the characters. I recommend that you read the first book, Gabriel’s Inferno before reading this one. There are references to events from the first book that are sometimes explained within Gabriel’s Rapture but you will appreciate the novel more if you know the full back story. I really enjoyed re-visiting the Professor and Julianne. They had a beautiful and captivating love story that kept me enthralled throughout both novels. Gabriel’s Rapture is a must read sequel for those readers who loved Gabriel’s Inferno.

Giveaway Time:

Omnific Publishing is gifting a random commenter one Gabriel's Inferno mug and one Gabriel's Rapture mug AND an ebook copy of Gabriel's Rapture!

To Enter: 

Leave a comment and include your email address. 

Contest ends on May 30th, 2012. One winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified by email. They will have 48 hours to reply otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Good luck! 

Find Sylvain Reynard on the web:

Website
Twitter
Facebook Fan Page
Goodreads

Please click on the banner for a list of other tour stops. 

Review - RETRIBUTION: THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE: PART SIX

Retribution: The Rake and The Recluse: Part Six
by Jenn LeBlanc
Publisher: Iris Photo
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part Six. Perry must find the woman who has managed to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and breaths.


Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely

**This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.**

Retribution is the final book in this unique serial novel. Perry and Lilly continue to fall in love with one another but the class difference may make it difficult for the two to find happiness. Perry continues to give fantastic instructions on love making and is also teaching Lilly how to read and write. But the evil antagonist, Hepplewort has come back to London to find a wife and Perry and his cousins will not stop until they thwart his plans. Soon the vengeful and hard headed, Hepplewort decides to steal Lilly away from Perry. Will Lilly be able to rise above the fear of her rapist? Will Hepplewort finally get what he deserves? Retribution is full of tension and you will have to read this incredible last part to find out. The ending was spectacular and I loved how Jenn LeBlanc brought the story around full circle.

Final Thoughts -

I didn’t know what I was getting into when I agreed to read and review this illustrated, six part serial novel. The last book I read that had pictures in it was Last Tango in Paris. It had pictures of scenes from the movie. That was a very erotic read and the pictures definitely brought the book to life. With this novel though, the pictures were very tastefully done and added to the experience of reading this love story. It took me awhile to get used to the photos but I thought it was a lovely addition and I hope that Jenn LeBlanc continues with this theme. The writing was well done and the story was captivating. As I said in my review of Freedom, the pictures made it feel like I was watching/reading a television drama series. I do think that it would be worthwhile to place all six parts into one single book. The Rake and The Recluse was an enchanting time travel romance with a very unique story telling approach. I am rating the complete serial novel 4 stars.

Here are my reviews of the first five parts of this serial novel. The books need to be read in order - 

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse: Part One

Found: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Two 

Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three 

Ruination: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Four 

Submission: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Five

Review - SUBMISSION: THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE: PART FIVE by Jenn LeBlanc

Submission: The Rake and The Recluse: Part Five
by Jenn LeBlanc
Publisher: Iris Photo
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part Five Perry leaves Roxleigh House without a backward glance only to be tossed headlong into one of the most difficult trials of his life. How will he protect the very thing he is dedicated to pursuing? How will a man dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure survive a woman who refuses to relent, when he knows he cannot have her.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

**This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.**

Submission is the beginning of Perry Trumbull, Viscount Roxeleigh’s (The Rake) story. He has just left Roxleigh House on his way back to London. Partway through his travels he discovers a stowaway in his carriage. Hidden beneath the seats is Lilly Steele . She was one Hepplewort’s victims and miraculously lived to tell about it. But she is now damaged in body and spirit. She has decided to leave her family behind as she cannot bear to have them pity her. At first Perry is angry with her for running away but then slowly starts to feel an attraction and need to protect her. Lily wants nothing more than to be made whole again. She has dreams of one day marrying and having children. Because of her violent ordeal with Hepplewort, she cannot stand the touch of another man. As he is a well known rake, Lilly feels that Perry is the best chance she has to begin to heal from her traumatic experience. She implores Perry to make love to her and teach her how a real man treats a woman. At first Perry balks at the idea but eventually gives in and that sets the stage for the most love scenes in this serial to date. 

Wow – this was a super steamy read. Perry does not disappointment in his sexual instructions with Lilly. I think they are all over each other almost every waking moment. And the slow way that the two began to fall in love with one another was intense. There were some bumps along the way and misunderstandings but I loved how these two interacted with one another. One of these misunderstandings leads to Perry almost losing the one woman who could make him change his rakish ways. Will Perry find Lilly in time?

Part five is strictly focused on Perry and Lilly’s story. I really enjoyed finally getting to know “The Rake” in this serial novel. Perry was really yummy and I totally bought into the photos depicting Perry. So the hot photos in Submission: The Rake and The Recluse: Part Five are some of my favorites. I really need to move on to reading part six right now!

Here are my reviews of the first four parts of this serial novel. The books need to be read in order - 

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse: Part One

Found: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Two 

Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three 

Ruination: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Four 

Review: DARK MERCY by Zoe Winters

Dark Mercy
by Zoe Winters
Publisher: IncubuBooks
Release Date: March 3, 2012

1955, Las Vegas, Nevada

Angeline has been on the run from her sire, Linus, for centuries. She’s tired, and she’s lonely. High from mescaline-induced blood, she sees a sign—a church that seems to glow in the distance—and she knows. Her future mate is in that building.

Important Author’s Note:

Dark Mercy is the beginning of Hadrian and Angeline’s story, not the end. Their HEA will happen later in their own full-length novel. This story is important both for the overall series and for this couple, but it’s not their HEA. Just a mild disclaimer so no one goes in with false expectations for this story.

Dark Mercy was an incredibly engaging story with a noble sexy priest, and an evil bitchy vampire. Even though this was only76 pages long it was so full of events and details that it didn’t really read like a novella. 

Father Hadrian is the priest that Angeline has decided to turn into her mate. There’s a sense of darkness to Hadrian that Angeline finds intriguing. She has been alone for years and when she meets Hadrian she feels a kinship towards him. This story was heavy with Catholicism which added rich details to the characters’ story line. There’s a brilliant cliff-hanger ending that was cruel for the character as well as the reader. I enjoyed the twists that occurred in Dark Mercy and am looking forward to reading the rest of Hadrian and Angeline’s story.

Review - RUINATION: THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE: PART FOUR by Jenn LeBlanc

Ruination: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Four
by Jenn LeBlanc
Publisher: Iris Photo
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part FOUR has Gideon racing to find Francine before the unthinkable happens. Francine tries desperately to hold on, but her belief that Gideon will find her begins to slip. This is the fourth installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

**This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.**

Ruination is part four in The Rake and the Recluse serial novel. The story starts right where part three leaves off. Francine has been kidnapped by the reprehensible villain, Hepplewort. At the urging of his equally disgusting, mother, Hepplewort plans to wed Francine and keep her captive against her will. Jenn LeBlanc did a brilliant job of making me hate these antagonists. 

This part has to be my favorite so far as I appreciated the early tension and then the sweet resolution at the end. I loved the dialogue in this part as Francine now has her voice back and used it to tell Hepplewort and his evil mother in detail how Gideon ruined her in their field.

“I am ruined. This man lay me down in your field, and he ruined me. He took my – my maidenhead, and claimed my body as his, and I allowed him…My womb is for his children, my mouth is for his pleasure, my body is for his use alone…And with any luck, I am already with his child.”

The pictures that were featured in Ruination depicted more emotion than the previous ones have. I don’t want to give away too much more of what happens as I understand that this part is the conclusion of the original novel, The Rake and the Recluse. I will say that the love scenes multiply, more details of Francine’s time travel are revealed and the conclusion of Francine and Gideon’s romance is a nice segue into Gideon’s brother’s story. Parts five and six will feature Perry Trumbull, Viscount Roxeleigh’s story. 

Here are my reviews of the first three parts of this serial novel. The books need to be read in order - 

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse: Part One

Found: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Two 

Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three

Review -TAKEN: THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE: PART THREE by Jenn LeBlanc

Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three
by Jenn LeBlanc
Publisher: Iris Photo
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part THREE brings Francine and Gideon closer than they ever imagined possible, until the unimaginable tears them apart. What will Gideon do if he loses her, this time, forever? This is the third installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

**This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.**

Taken is part three in The Rake and the Recluse serial novel. This part begins with a great love scene between Gideon and Francine that was full of sensuality. I was surprised by Francine’s boldness and even more shocked by Gideon’s act of self-control in the midst of such wicked temptation. This scene was sexual tension written to perfection.

The romance intensifies as Gideon continues to court Francine and plans are made for her coming out ball. The two get to know each other better and fall deeper in love with one another. I was happy when Francine finally gets her voice back and with it returns her 21st century feistiness. 

The repulsive villain, Hepplewort returns in this episode and stirs up more trouble. And a few new characters are introduced as well. You can infer from the title that someone is taken during this part. Taking into consideration the events that lead up to the kidnapping, I found it hard to believe how the heroine, Francine was taken so easily. I wanted to slap the characters for letting it happen.

The pictures in Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three have been my favorite so far in this serial novel. As I stated in my review of Found I suspected the photos would get a bit sexier and I was not wrong. There were several bare chest photos of Gideon and pretty pictures of Francine in her ball gown. I am eagerly awaiting Ruination: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Four to see how Francine survives her captivity.

Here are my reviews of the first two parts of this serial novel. The books need to be read in order - 

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse: Part One

Found: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Two 

Review: YES, MR. COLLINS by Charlotte DeCorte

Yes, Mr. Collins
by Charlotte DeCorte
DelSin Publishing
Release Date:  November 4, 2011
Series: Natasha and Mr. Collins – Book One

"Take off your clothes, Natasha."

Natasha Reynolds has worked well under her brilliant yet demanding boss, Mr. Collins, for over a year. One night he accuses her of making a mistake and their dynamics take a dark but erotic turn. When Mr. Collins confesses to seeing Natasha as his prey she is forced to admit her submissive side can no longer be completely confined to their working relationship. Just how well will this bunny survive being a wolf’s carnal plaything?

*** This novella contains spanking and light bondage, along with dominance and submission themes. It is meant for adults who enjoy reading about unconventional relationships.***

Natasha Reynolds has been an administrative assistant in the IT department for two years when she is suddenly transferred to work as the assistant to Peter Collins. It seems Mr. Collins is unable to keep an executive assistant around for longer than a few weeks and has refused to accept any more temporary help. Unbeknownst to Natasha he has handpicked her to work for him. After several days of stress induced vomiting, Natasha resolves to get a grip on herself and do whatever she has to do to make this treacherous situation work. Instead of reacting with anxiety over every task given to her, she would stop being afraid and do the work just as perfectly as Mr. Collins did his.

I really enjoyed Natasha’s character. She was a bit feisty and even though she had a healthy respect for her boss she wasn’t a complete doormat. We got to delve into her mind and see both her fears and triumphs. On the other hand, I didn’t like Mr. Peter Collins very much. I thought he was a cold, unemotional jerk who thought he was better than everyone else. He was a very demanding boss that accepted nothing less than perfection from Natasha. But then I began to like Mr. Collins when he finally stopped being Natasha’s difficult boss and became her Dominant lover instead. I thought the scenes in which he got real personal with her and “showed her the way” were intense. Mr. Collins preyed upon Natasha for over a year while patiently weaving the net to finally catch her. The subtle ways he played with her mind was quite masterful. 

Natasha and Mr. Collins’ relationship was definitely not conventional. But none of the relationships in Charlotte DeCorte’s books are. I loved the interactions and the banter between these two characters.  Yes, Mr. Collins was another fascinating look into the psychology of a dark relationship. I really enjoyed this novella and am eagerly waiting to see what happens next with Mr. Collins and Natasha.

Review: FOUND - THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE by Jenn LeBlanc

Found:The Rake and the Recluse: Part Two
by Jenn LeBlanc
Publisher: Iris Photo
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Source: Review copy from Author

This is PART TWO of The Rake And The Recluse, it has been completely re edited with new scenes and new images and is being released as it was originally intended, as a six part serial novel. This is NOT a series it is a SERIAL, that means it has to be read in order.

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part two finds Francine in the world of the Duke of Roxleigh. The clashing of worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel continues as Francine finds her footing, discovers secrets about her elusive host, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

**This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.**

Found is part two of six in The Rake and the Recluse serial and it was awesome! Gideon is now at Roxeigh House, his home in London, taking care of business affairs. We are introduced to his younger brother, Lord Peregrine Trumball, Viscount Roxleigh. While Gideon is a bit uptight his younger brother, Perry is playful and doesn’t let Gideon take himself too seriously. Gideon starts to open up about his true feelings for Francine and once the business in London is taken care of the two brothers set off to return to Gideon’s house in the country. We also learn a little more about Francine’s back story as a foster child.  And in this installment Madeleine’s parents arrive in England from France looking for their daughter. The Larrabee’s take one look at Francine and are convinced that she is Madeleine. Francine adamantly refuses to leave with them as of course she does not recognize them at all. Monsieur Larrabee demands that she be returned to them so that she can be married to an evil Earl that she has been betrothed to since birth. But this betrothal is not as innocent as it seems and both Gideon and Perry decide to make a deal with the Frenchman to make sure Francine never has to marry Lord Hepplewort.

I said in my review of part one that this is like reading/watching a drama series and this “episode” was full of surprises. We meet some new characters that add some fun to the book. The sexual tension between Gideon and Francine has been ratcheted up as well. The cliff-hanger scene left me wanting more. Oh and the last photo of a naked Gideon in bed was very swoon worthy. The author, Jenn LeBlanc, was very mean to torture us like that. I am eagerly awaiting Taken: The Rake and the Recluse: Part Three to see what happens next and I suspect the photos are going to get a bit sexier. Part three is due to release on January 17, 2012. 

If you're interested here’s my review of part one -

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse: Part One

Review: ALL THE PLEASURES OF THE SEASON by Lecia Cornwall

All the Pleasures of the Season
by Lecia Cornwall
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release date: December 20, 2011
Source: Review copy from Publisher/NetGalley

On the first day of Christmas:

Lady Miranda Archer accepts a marriage proposal

On the first day of Christmas and 15 minutes:

Miranda realizes she’s made a huge mistake.

For the next 12 days:

Miranda must find a way out of her engagement, which is harder than it looks, especially when her fiancé is pompous, mean, and desperate for her family’s jewels… and convince her true love that all she wants for Christmas is him...

Lady Miranda Archer has just finished her debut season and has finally made her choice and decided to marry Lord Anthony Stanwood. Out of all of her suitors she knows that marrying the Earl of Kelton is the most advantageous to her and her family. Her sister, Marianne has been pushing for him since day one and she knows her Grandfather, The Duke of Carrington will approve of the match. Although, Anthony is gorgeous and the most eligible bachelor of the season, Miranda can’t seem to dismiss the fact that she is settling for anything less than love. 

The man that Miranda is in love with never asked for her hand in marriage. Gilbert Fielding is the second son of a minor baron with no title, no money and no land. There’s no way that Miranda’s grandfather will approve of a match between the two. It seems Miranda and Gilbert are doomed. Then Miranda’s betrothed is found in a dishonorable situation that opens the door for a possible reunion between the lovers. 

I thought this was a really sweet love story between and high born lady and a regular guy who have grown up together as friends who eventually fall in love with one another. I admired Miranda’s willingness to try to do the right thing for her family by going along with this aristocratic marriage even though she realized that Lord Kelton was a selfish, self-centered, ass who was only interested in her family’s jewels and money. I wanted to strangle Gilbert for waiting so long to go after his girl. But his eventual sacrifices to win her heart back made up for his earlier stubbornness. The Archer family members were not strangers to scandal and that made the story even more interesting and enjoyable. The setting of the story was lovely and I enjoyed the holiday traditions and festivities that took place at Carrington Castle. All the Pleasures of the Season is a lovely holiday novella and will definitely appeal to fans of regency romance.

Review: SOUL SEDUCTION by Lori Toland

Soul Seduction
by Lori Toland
Publisher: Loose ID
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher

Ashlee Bennett has her priorities straight. Fighting demons is at the top of the list until she meets her sexy neighbor, Luke Byrne. Even though he is human, she can't stop dreaming about his buff body and sexy grin, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

Her world is turned upside down when Luke follows her one night but instead of being afraid, he is only more determined to stand beside her and fight. Ashlee knows she needs to keep her distance from Luke, not just to protect her virginity but her heart as well. But Luke may be the only one who can save her from the night, and her dreams.

Ashlee Bennett is a nurse by day and a demon slayer by night. After losing her parents and her mentor, she decides to leave relocate to Liverpool, England and start a new life. One night, after one of her demon slaying sessions, she meets her extremely attractive neighbor, Luke Byrne. She’s immediately attracted to him and doesn’t know why because he’s only human. As a demon slayer she must mate with another slayer in order to increase her strength and survive past the age of thirty. Oh, and she also has to remain a virgin until she meets her slayer mate.

Ashlee starts having vivid erotic dreams of Luke shortly after meeting him. Around this same time she learns that her life is in danger. Some unknown supernatural creature is after her soul. With Luke’s help she tries to find out what it is.

I really liked Ashlee’s commitment towards ridding the world of evil demons. She took her job very seriously and wasn’t going to let her attraction towards Luke get in the way of her goals. The sexual tension between the two was great and Ashlee’s steamy erotic dreams brought the sexy without compromising her precious virginity. My one gripe with this story was that Ashlee sure did have a lot of orgasms for someone who was a virgin. Now I don’t know if this gripe is born out of jealousy or my disbelief that anyone can come so fast and so often. Needless to say there are several wet panty episodes in the story. But I did enjoy watching their relationship develop. I also liked Ashlee’s new mentor, Terry. He offered some comic relief in the story plus he owns a fun little sex shop and gives Ashlee free toys. I was kept in suspense  throughout the novel trying to figure out what creature was after Ashlee. There’s also some question as to what Luke’s real role is in her life. Is he really only human? 

I am looking forward to reading more about Ashlee’s demon slaying adventures and her hot new romance with Luke. Lori Toland’s writing style was fun and flowed well. I think Soul Seduction is a great start to a captivating new series. This was a great read and will appeal to the paranormal, urban fantasy junkies. 

Lori Toland is currently on a virtual book tour promoting Soul Seduction. She stopped by the blog yesterday to talk about her heroine, Ashlee Bennett. Click HERE to read Lori's  guest post and to follow her throughout the tour.