Brandy’s Blog

Lucas (Vampires in America) by D.B. Reynolds

All I can say is D.B. Reynolds knows how to write a vampire book. This is the sixth book in the Vampires in America series and I am amazed at how engrossing they are. I have read all of them and they keep getting better and better.

Lord Lucas Donlon is the vampire Lord for the midwest territory. He is not especially thrilled to have to meet with a FBI official and does so just to keep off the grid. He was not expecting the beautiful, tall and elegant Kathryn Hunter to walk in. Kathryn is looking for her missing brother, Daniel, who is a world famous photographer. He has been missing for several weeks and has made no contact with her. He was last seen leaving a blood house in Lucas’s area so she sets up a meeting with him. Sparks fly which sets both of these dominant characters on their toes. Violence and war between two vampire lords rocks the pages of this book, taking us all over the midwest. In between a love develops that puts our characters to the test. The search for her brother leads to a few hidden truths in Kathryn’s world and opens her up to a vulnerability she had never felt before.

I advise everyone who enjoys paranormal romance to take a look at D.B Reynolds Vampires in America series. You will not be disappointed.

The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville

This was an ARC that I received for review. I am a fan of Miranda Neville’s books and this one did not disappoint. Caro Townsend is a widow who shocked the ton by running away at the age of seventeen and marrying a bad boy. Now that her husband is dead and left her almost penniless she is struggling to find her place. She brings her cousin, Anna, who is an heiress to love with her. That is how she meets Thomas Fitzcharles, Duke of Castleton. Thomas pays a call on the ladies because he is searching for a wealthy heiress and Anna fits the bill. What he doesn’t expect to find is the beautiful and passionate Caro. Where Caro is exciting and loving, Thomas is conservative and ducal. It’s amazing to see Thomas fall under her spell and grow as a man.

This is a beautifully written story that involves amazing artists, beautiful hearts, crazy friends and love. I give it 4.5 stars and recommend it to all.

Wolfishly Yours by Lydia Dare

This was an ARC book that I received for review. What an amazing book. I was familiar with the Hadley family through previous Lydia Dare books. Livi is a wild hoyden from New Orleans by her father to be turned into a proper English lady by her grandfather who is an Earl. Grayson Hadley of the wild and roguish Hadley brothers is a Lycan with a penchant for trouble. When he sees Livi for the first time he is stunned by her beauty and when she tells him she is from a Lycan family he is floored.

I really do like this book and since I had already read some books by this author I was familiar with the Lycan families. I do think that the book should have included some Lycan history and information for those who are reading a Lydia Dare book for the first time.

I was intrigued by how many supporting characters were in this book and how many could get their own story.

Livi and Grayson share a passion that melts the pages. It’s nice to see a book that focuses on the characters and their interactions with each other. I give it 4 stars and recommend it for all romance and paranormal lovers.

How to Deceive a Duke by Lecia Cornwall

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book or not. The idea that one bride can be substituted for another kind of left a funny taste in my mouth but I have to admit that this one actually made it seem real.

Meg has been the strong sister in the family since her father’s death and has kept the family out of debtors prison. When the Duchess of Temberlay, asks her sister, Rose to marry her grandson Nicholas, the current Duke, she sees this as the answer to her prayers. Rose is not thrilled at the prospect of marrying the Devil Duke and elopes prior to the wedding. This puts Meg in the awkward position of marrying in her sister’s place. Since the groom had never met the bride or even knew her name, this worked at first. Turns out this was in the Duchess’s plans and Meg’s name was included in all the marital documents.

Lies and distrust do not a marriage make and Nicholas and Meg share a lot of lies between them. When Nicholas leaves to return to war they both realize theirs is a love for the ages.

This is a really good story and I recommend it to all.

View all my reviews

Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James

I really enjoyed Phoebe and Griffin’s story. There is just something about a pirate that says yummy. This is a novella that flows with or without the addition of The Ugly Duchess.

Griffin was 17 when he married the lovely and older Phoebe and with having some, let’s say difficulty, on his wedding night he jumped through the window and went to get drunk. He was pressed to join a ship and woke up in the middle of the ocean. He proceeded to begin the life of a pirate later to become a privateer. Fast forward 14 years and he has now been injured and realizes that he wants to go home to the wife he left behind.

When he left his wife, she was a virgin, when he comes home it is to find three children waiting for him. Griffin takes things in stride and realizes that he made a mistake leaving his wife unsatisfied all those years ago and vows to fix that as soon as possible.

An Eloisa James novel is always a good choice to read and this is no exception. The taming of a rake or in this instance, a pirate, is always a great story.

Devil’s Details by Regan Taylor

I was given this book by the author to review and I must say that I enjoyed it. The story begins with Courtney a newly contracted author who meets the devilishly delicious Luke Devlin. Luke is new to town and Courtney befriends him. Passion develops quickly between the two with a touch of sulfur thrown in. What Courtney doesn’t know is that Luke is actually Lucifer and the fun is just beginning! The concept of Luke’s story is a unique one and I would love to read more about these two characters!

10 Nights by Michelle Hughes and Karl Jones

I really enjoyed this book. I have been so excited and I can say that 10 Nights did not disappoint. Leah is a 24 year old who is struggling to find her place in the world. Her best friend takes her to a party and introduces her to a world that she had never experienced before. I have read a lot of erotica, BDSM and other books of this nature. I have to say that Ms. Hughes has done an amazing job of making it real. There are a lot of books out there that try to be erotic but are just vanilla with a touch of swirl and there are book that are just too raunchy to be read. This is the perfect balance. It made me want to go out and try a lifestyle party of my own! Rhett’s character was a true Dom which means he lived the lifestyle, he didn’t just play in it. It was interesting to see how his character developed to fit the way Leah was developing as a sub. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

P.S.  If you liked 50 shades of Grey, then you need to read this book.  I believe that it is better written and the characters are more real.  Enjoy!

10 Nights (Forbidden Desires Series)

What He Wants by Tawny Taylor

I have read a few of Ms. Taylor’s books and for the most part I enjoy them. This one left a lot to be desired. I was expecting a little more intense scenes between Shane and Bristol but they were lukewarm at best. I personally am not fond of the whole “Uncle” Shane part, even if there is no real relation. The scene in the parking lot was the most exciting part of the book and even that was a little vanilla in the realm of BDSM. Fingers crossed that the next one is more exciting.

The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James

What an amazing book! I am never disappointed when I pick up one of Eloisa’s books. Theo is one of those characters that you can not help but to relate to. How many times have we looked out ourselves and made comparisons to the Ugly Duckling? Most romance novels have the perfect English rose type girl and I love how she has stepped out of that mold and made someone realistic. James is a man that sees beyond what lies on the surface and appreciates Theo for the beauty that she holds within. Even though their marriage does not start out as it should and a lot of conflict, hurt and pain follows, love will rule out in the end. I love these two amazing people and hope that she includes them in stories to come!