Coffee Pot Reviews: One True Love by Lori Wilde & The Mad Earl's Bride by Loretta Chase

 
Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have two Avon books to share with you. I've got iced mocha coffee so grab a cup and enjoy! 

One True Love
by Lori Wilde
Series: Cupid, Texas 0.5
Publisher: HarperCollins/ Avon
Publication date: May 21, 2013
Genre: Contemporary/Historical Romance
Source: Avon in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases made through buy links help support this blog

In Cupid, Texas, they say everyone has one true love. And if you write a letter to Cupid, you will get an answer in return . . . Now, from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde, read how the legend of Cupid began . . . All it took was one great love story!  Too bad for pretty young housemaid Millie Greenwood that her one true love is John Fant, the handsomest, wealthiest man in town. But in 1924, a maid—no matter how lovely—isn't about to marry into the town's foremost family, and John is on the verge of becoming betrothed to another. Everything seems hopeless until Millie writes a desperate letter to Cupid, and the most romantic legend of all is born . . .

I have read and enjoyed some of Lori Wilde's Cupid Texas series books so I was excited to have the chance to learn how the legend of Cupid Texas began. Wilde take us back to 1924 in One True Love, and shares with us the sweet, heartwarming romance that started the legend. Millie was sweet and innocent and quickly fell for John Fant a wealthy landowner. It's an impossible romance as she is a maid but I enjoy these types of romances. The characters were sweet and a few like the maid and John's sister made me giggle. Wilde offered a sweet romance with some interesting moments regarding the period and I loved how the legend of Cupid Texas began. Fans of the series and those who are new to it will find this to be a delightfully sweet read. 

Three and half cups of coffee out of five 

The Mad Earl's Bride
by Loretta Chase
Series: Scoundrels #3.5
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Publication date: June 4, 2013
Source: Avon in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases made through buy links help support this blog

Originally appeared in the print anthology Three Weddings and a Kiss (1995). Gwendolyn Adams is about to propose to an earl. On his deathbed. Gwendolyn Adams isn't shocked at being asked to save a handsome earl's dying line, even when she learns the prospective bridegroom is seriously ill and possibly insane. She's quite a good nurse, after all, and her family is famous for producing healthy male children. Those stories about his riding the moors half-naked on a pale white horse? Extremely intriguing—especially after she gets her first look at the gorgeous lunatic. The Earl of Rawnsley wants only to lose what's left of his mind in peace and privacy. But his busybody relatives have saddled him with a surprise bride and orders to sire an heir forthwith. (And they say he's mad?) But with Gwendolyn, his health is returning, and his resistance ... crumbling. Is it possible that love is the finest madness of all?

As you know I love marriages of convenience and The Mad Earl's Bride has an unusual twist!  The Earl of Rawnsley is presumably on his death bed and will slowly go mad just like his mother. He suffers debilitating episodes that will only continue to worsen and his doctor believes he has only months before he goes completely mad and dies from the illness. As the last living son his death will be the end of his bloodline, so it is suggested he wed and while in a laudanum educed buzz he agrees. Gwendolyn Adams is a nurse and is asked to wed him and continue his line. The tale that unfolds is deliciously good with some wonderful medical history regarding the period which fascinated me. Gwen likes to solve medical mysteries and quite remarkable. She is outspoken, intelligent and resourceful. Dorian is rakishly handsome with long dark hair and the most unique eyes. I laughed, and even teared up as I found myself completely caught up in this predictable and sweet romance. I have not read the other books in this series but it works as a standalone. I finished this in one sitting and found it to be a delightful escape.

Four cups of coffee out of five 

Coffee Pot Reviews: Days of Rakes and Roses by Anna Campbell & Storm Force by Susannah Sandlin

 
Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have two yummy adult books to share with you. One is a novella and the other a serial/full length novel.  Adult books contain mature content and are not intended for readers under 18 years of age. I've got iced peppermint-mocha coffee so grab a cup and enjoy! 

Days of Rakes and Roses
by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sins 1.5 (novella)
Publisher: Grand Central
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Source: Publisher in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases through buy links support this blog

Lady Lydia Rothermere has spent the past decade trying to make up for a single, youthful moment of passion. Now the image of propriety, Lydia knows her future rests on never straying outside society's rigid rules, but hiding away the desire that runs through her is harder than she could have ever dreamed. And as she prepares for a marriage that will suit her family, but not her heart, Lydia must decide what's more important: propriety or passion? Simon Metcalf is a rake and adventurer. But for all his experience, nothing can compare to the kiss he stole from the captivating Lydia Rothermere ten years ago. Simon can scarcely believe he's about to lose the one woman he's never forgotten. The attraction between them is irresistible, yet Lydia refuses to forsake her engagement. With his heart on the line, will Simon prove that love is a risk worth taking?

I adored Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, the first Sons of Sin book and was excited to be able to read Days of Rakes and Roses. This was a short and sweet novella and perfect to hold me over until the release of A Rake's Midnight Kiss in August. In this delightful tale of rekindled love we meet Lady Lydia Rothermere who has spent the past ten years trying to atone for one moment of unbridled passion all while nursing a broken heart. She decides to marry a safe and reliable chap and perhaps give her heart to children. All of her plans are upended when Simon Metcalf the man who stole her heart returns and begs her not to marry. Campbell's characters quickly captured my heart and I fell in love with the irresistible and charming Simon. Lydia was humorous as she tried to think with her head and not her heart. This was a delightfully quick, feel good read that left me with a smile. A perfect rainy afternoon escape. While it is part of the Sons of Sin it can easily be read as a standalone. 

Three and half cups of coffee out of five 

Storm Force
by Susannah Sandlin
Series: Omega Force #1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publication date: March 19, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased 
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases through buy links support this blog

As leader of the elite counter-terrorism team Omega Force, former army ranger Jack “Kell” Kellison is always focused on getting the job done. So when a Houston high-rise is bombed and the governor killed or missing, Kell’s mission is clear: infiltrate the group suspected of the bombing and neutralize the threat by any means necessary. But once Kell meets beautiful chief suspect Mori Chastaine, he realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And more to Mori than any man—any human man—could imagine.  Mori Chastaine is running out of options. Suspected for a crime she didn’t commit, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, she sees no escape—until Kell walks through her door. A lifetime hiding her true nature warns her Kell might not be who he seems. But he could be the only one able to help save more innocent humans from becoming pawns in an ancient paranormal power play. If Mori reveals her secret, will Kell join her fight? Or will she become his next target?

I love Sandlin's Penton series and was excited to read Storm Force the first book in her new Omega series. Take one part shifter, one part human, and an ex-Army Ranger and shake - creating a secret elite-counter terrorism team. The results a dynamic team that you cannot help but fall in love with. 

I immediately liked Jack "Kell" Kellison the leader of this elite group. He is one hundred percent human and completely swoon-worthy. He is new to the idea of shifters and the paranormal world in general and this created some great banter and a little humor. The shapeshifting side of the team consists of brothers Archer and Adam who are jaguars, and Robin a snarky eagle shapeshifter. The human side of the team are Kell the leader, Garrett a computer/techie geek who is pure genius and Nik who has the unique ability to touch objects or people and get images and history. Nik is Kell’s best friend and I loved how they had each other’s back. The brothers are yummy but my favorite character was Robin. She is snarky, smart and fearless. The interaction between her and Kell was hilarious. Sandlin gave us a fantastic villian with his own elite team and they kept me on edge. 

When a building is bombed and the mayor assumed dead, the team is called in to investigate. An anonymous tip steers them towards Mori Chastaine the head of an environmental protest group. Kell goes undercover as a volunteer and quickly realizes there is something more going on. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful and action packed with a side dish of romance. Mori is complex and I enjoyed learning about her secrets, and seeing her grow throughout the novel. The romance was sweet, and felt genuine. I enjoyed the pacing, and the dynamic characters. Sandlin quickly had me invested in this elite team and its members; I cannot wait to dive into the next book. 

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

The Secret Vol 1-5 by H.M. Ward: Review/Excerpt/Giveaway

Today I am delighted to share H.M. Ward's Secret serial for the Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights Blog Hop. Check out my mini- reviews, read a scene between Anna and Cole from Volume One and enter to win the series, then go visit the other hop stops today!

Secrets
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #1
Publisher: Laree Bailey Press
Publication date: August 18, 2012
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Sex is supposed to be sexy, tantalizing, and completely erotic, but Anna never seems to find the right guy. This one seems to be a germ-a-phobe, and the previous boyfriend wasn’t much better. Anna just wants to be wanted. Is that too much to ask?  As she tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it’s forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, sexy as hell, and her boss. When Anna’s internship plans derail, she ends up interning at Cole’s elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole’s run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He’s nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.

In the first novel we meet Anna an ambitious college photographer interviewing for her internship all while dealing with her strange but sweet boyfriend; Edward. This was fun, evenly paced and filled with twists that made me laugh. I loved the interaction between Cole and Anna from the onset, and really felt their chemistry. 

Secrets 2
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #2
Published: August 25, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Sexy thoughts about Cole fill Anna's dreams. Every detail burns brightly in her mind; the way his hands feel on her bare skin, the soft brush of his lips against hers, and the way their bodies fit perfectly together. Anna awakes breathless, tingling as if it really happened. What caused her to think about Cole like that? It was completely forbidden. And Anna didn't feel that way about him, at least she didn't think she did. Cole was fun to flirt with, that's all, and the sexual tension between them was normal, right? Everyone has that from time to time with some super-hot guy. It made sense. Her mind was just telling her that she needs a boyfriend. But what if Cole's the right guy? What if he's right there and Anna lets him slip through her fingers? Cole's more than she bargained for, with enough sex appeal to make Anna realize everything she's been missing. 

In the second book of Secrets Anna begins to make decisions and step out of her comfort zone as she embraces the photography style Cole uses. Cole drove me batty with his cold/hot moods and I so want to know what is driving him. Anna needs to decide what she wants from Cole and go after it. The sexual tension between these two literally oozes from the pages. I am hoping more is revealed in the next volume. 

Secrets 3
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #3
Publication date: September 8, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

When Anna admits she's falling for Cole she can't believe his response. He pushes her away with an excuse that seems too flimsy to be real. Crushed, Anna continues working at Cole's Long Island studio, but she can't stop thinking about him. It isn't until Anna is called into the dean's office that the real trouble starts. To make matters worse, Edward keeps popping up at the worst times reminding her of everything she wants to forget.

Holy cow..so much happens in the third installment of Secrets. Cole is obviously tormented and we discover why. Poor Anna; everything is upside down for her in this one, and Edward is really starting to creep me out. Oh and there is a certain hoity-toity bitch I want to whack over the head with my heel. *too violent?*  We get some hotness and a whole lot of reason to quickly grab book four..LOL 

Secrets 4
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #4
Publication date: November 20, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

At night, when Anna closes her eyes, everything comes rushing back; the sensuous sound of Cole’s voice, his scalding touch, and the way his eyes roved over her body like he could never get enough. Flirtation, promises of passionate sex, and nights filled with Cole’s sexy smile are gone. Anna worries that her crush on Cole was something more, because her life is total agony without him.  Anna realizes she’s at a turning point. Someone burned her. This isn’t a little blister that would go away on its own, it’s an inferno that destroyed everything it touched. In a matter of minutes, Anna lost her future and the man who holds her heart. Anna has to decide how and when to get even with the person who destroyed her life—Sophia Sottero

We get some answers in Secrets 4, but things get complicated for Anna. Anna decides to put Cole behind her, but then as she uncovers the truth things get complicated. I found myself completely captivated. Who is trying to hurt Anna or are they trying to hurt Cole...so many questions eep! Upon finishing this one, I immediately began reading book 5 because I need answers and some resolution..please! 

Secrets 5
by H. M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #5
Publication date: December 21,2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

The pounding in Anna's heart rings in her ears as she sits naked in the tub. The bath water sloshes around her bare hips, even though she tries to stand without making a sound. All this time, Anna thought someone was following her, but every time she turned around no one was there. The chills that climbed up her spine those few times seemed silly, but not now. Now, they seem horrific. Cole is gone, Emma is at work, and Anna is completely alone. A shadow darkens the space under the door. The metallic clink of a hand touching the knob sends Anna out of her mind. Pulse pounding in her ears, Anna has no other option, but to open the bathroom door and come face to face with her stalker.

Secrets 5 the last book is very climatic and a lot is revealed. I love the way Ward threaded all of the piece together in this action packed and intense conclusion. Anna and Cole's romance was a whirlwind but I enjoyed every delicious moment. I am so glad I read this series.

I really enjoyed these serials. I think I would have just preferred one novel, but I am very glad I read them and certainly got caught up in Cole and Anna's story.

Three and half Irish creme coffees out of five for the series

Excerpt from vol 1

"I feel restless, like I won’t ever be satisfied. Cole’s hands are warm. His smooth skin slides over my bare waist as he kisses me harder. My lips burn, they throb as I pull him closer to me. His thick hair is tangled in my fingers, his strong arms around my waist, pulling us closer—tighter together. Heat fills me. A burning desire to feel him inside consumes every thought I have.

There is nothing but him and me.

My nails claw his back as his kisses leave a hot trail down my neck. Our clothes are gone. It’s just his slick body against mine, but he won’t take me. He won’t push inside of me. I cry out, saying his name, begging him to take me. The third time I plead, he answers me. Without a word, he flips me over. I land on the sheets, and look up at him. My legs are splayed before him, completely exposed.

Cole doesn’t hesitate. His hard body meets mine and he pushes into me, rapidly, over and over again. I can’t stop calling his name. I want him, I want him to fill me with come.

I want things I shouldn’t want. I feel things I shouldn’t feel.

There is no hesitation, no holding back. We move together like we were made for each other.

“Cole,” I say softly.

A hand shakes my shoulder. The dream shatters, and fades, but the emotions are still flooding my body. The spot between my legs is pulsating like he was really there, even though he wasn’t. Slowly, I realize I was dreaming and open my eyes.

Horrified, I’m looking up into Cole’s face, “Anna, you okay?” His eyes are concerned, searching my face for answers that I can’t say.

Pushing up, I shake the sleep from my eyes, “I’m fine.” My voice catches in my throat.

Cole nods and sits on the coffee table across from the couch. He’s still watching me. I feel his sapphire eyes on the side of my face, though I don’t look at him.

After that dream, I don’t think I can ever look at him again. Heat sears my cheeks and I wish I could hide, but there is nowhere to go."

 Rafflecopter Giveaway

The author is giving one luck US winner (or ebooks for International and those who prefer them) signed copies of all the books in the Secrets serial!!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Today's Stops on the Fiery Hot Reads for Ice Cold Nights Hop 

Check out these awesome posts and giveaways! Each day different blogs will be participating so be sure to check in daily for your chance to win and discover new Fiery hot reads!

Veronica@Mostly Reviews: Jessica Spotswood: Born Wicked

Christy@Love of Books:Jax Garren: Tales of the Underlight Series

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Juliet Dark: Water Witch

Coffee Pot Reviews: Love is Blind and Radiant

 
Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have a few novellas to share with you today..enjoy and stick around for a cup of mocha peppermint coffee! 

Love is Blind
by Elizabeth Cole
Published: SkySpark Books
Publication date: January 21, 2013
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

He was a walking scandal; she was a proper young woman... A rake’s cruel prank leaves the blind Olivia Blake ripe for humiliation on a ballroom dance floor. Then an even more notorious rake sweeps her into his arms. Soon she is seduced by the charm of Adrian Calwell, the scandal-chased Baron of Norbury. Adrian’s only goal in rescuing Olivia was to thwart his rival’s heartless trick. But Olivia is well worth rescuing, and Adrian is eager to put his life as a rake behind him. Can Adrian rise above his sordid past to win Olivia's love? Set against the backdrop of Regency London, Love Is Blind is a sweet and surprising novella that proves innocence and experience can be a perfect match.

Cole's novella Love is Blind offered up a delightful regency romance with bits of humor and a sweet, clean romance. When the notorious rake Adrian Calwell witnesses a young scoundrel cruel prank he steps in to save Olivia Blake from a humiliating situation and the tale that unfolds is sweet, full of humorous moments and likeable characters. I thought it was different that the heroine was blind and I like that she was also strong. Her companion was snarky and made me laugh. With doting parents forbidding them to meet, and a delightful companion helping to aid them I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. I would have liked more back story to all the characters, and of course this cannot always happen with a novella, but I easily consumed this and closed the book with a smile. 

Three cups of Flat White coffee out of five

Radiant
by Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #2.5
Publisher: Harperteen
Publication date: December 4, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . . For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about. Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

I love Cynthia Hand's Unearthly series and from the beginning have said, "I want to know more about Angela." I personally think she wrote Radiant just for me. *nods and winks*  We get to go to Italy for the summer and that in itself is delightful. Remember that boyfriend Angela had in Italy two summers ago, well we finally get the dirt on him and meet him as well. The tale is told in alternating perspectives that change with each chapter. One voice is Clara's and the other Angela's. In typical Hand fashion the tale flows wonderfully and I quickly discovered I had consumed it in a very short time. I do feel like I know Angela better and my suspicions about her have been alleviated. I am anxious to see if Hand folds certain aspects of this into Boundless the third and finally book. Boundless is sitting in my TBR pile and I plan to devour it and share my thoughts with you soon. I am certainly glad that I read this and think fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy it. 

Four Italian Iced coffees out of five

Today's Stops on the Fiery Hot Reads for Ice Cold Nights Hop 

Check out these awesome posts and giveaways! Each day different blogs will be participating so be sure to check in daily for your chance to win and discover new Fiery hot reads!

Christy@Love of Books: Victoria Scott: The Collector

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings:Lauren Morrill: Meant To Be

Ron@Stories of my Life: 

Melissa@Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Penny Watson:Lumberjack in Love