Book Review: Moonlight Scandals

Set in the heart of New Orleans MOONLIGHT SINS, the first book in the all-new de Vincent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, invites readers to enter the world the de Vincent family.

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she had her heart and confidence shattered by her manipulative ex-husband. For the first time in her life, she’s making major changes– new job, new town and a new opportunity to forget the past. But starting over in the Louisiana bayou isn’t exactly what she thought it would be…

Lucien de Vincent – the wildest, most unpredictable brother – is having a bad week. His father has been found dead in the most suspicious circumstances. His older brother is bribing the police to avoid a scandal. And the more he spends time with, Julia the new nurse taking care of his troubled sister, the more he can’t imagine being without her. Lucien may be the unrepentant bachelor of the family but there’s something about Julia that makes him want to lay himself bare. But family secrets are starting to emerge. And the past could not only bring down a dynasty but destroy Julia in the process.

Julia knows better than to get wrapped up in Lucian. He’s from a world she can’t relate to. Plus, he’s her employer. But his wicked touch and sensual promises are too much to deny. What starts with a kiss ends with so much more.

About the Book

Moonlight Scandals
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series
de Vincent Series #3

Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance

Publisher
Avon Books

Publication Date
January 29, 2019

Purchase Your Copy Today!
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My Review

 

Not liking Jennifer L. Armentrout would be the lie of a lifetime! I read the Lux series back when I was just discovering the immense sea of what we all know as Goodreads (I had no clue books can be reviewed on Amazon at the time, hell, I had no clue how to post reviews on Goodreads either). So I owe her books so much! (speaking of “Lux” – I need to reread that, I have no reviews posted for them) Now having the opportunity to read and review a book by this major author that changed me as a reader, being part of a blog tour promoting her book is such an honor!

“Moonlight Scandals” made me feel so much – pain, admiration, amusement, angst, confusion and many other emotions. I am as in love with the writing and with the characters as I would have expected. But it hurts me so bad to admit there were parts I did not like that much – plot related. Let me try and detail a little bit of something.

Our lady main character Rosie has had her life turned upside down in a blink. She has lost her husband to depression and is still dealing with his death, still unwilling to let go. At some point she meets Devlin – one of the most wanted, rich guys out there, soon to be married. Their attraction is instant, but their connection is not. He fights her on every opportunity, but she fights back. They are right there, at the same level. A romance filled with ghosts that teaches us to embrace the past and pain and take a leap of faith.

I loved so much the banter these two had. Their exchanges were so natural and full of amusement. It was a delight to read. I also loved Rosie’s determination to uncover ghosts haunting houses or places. She wears this “job” with pride, even though if you guys hear someone talking about haunted houses, you would think that person has some screws missing in the brain area. Devlin’s devotion for his family and his privacy is extreme. His protectiveness reaches the maximum levels, in a twisted way, but I liked it.

But (why do I have to mention a “but” ?!) I find the plot to be predictable to a level and some of the complications in the end seemed a little too much. I cannot detail on that because of spoilers, still it’s more than enough with that. I had an issue with Rosie not knowing what exactly triggered her husband’s suicide, but by the end of the story I understood we may never be able to fully grasp what happened in a situation like that. And one more item I need to comment is Devlin – he is presented as such a dangerous fellow, with a dark personality (the Devil, as they call him). But from his lines, he is not at all like that. He does not feel that dangerous – I wanted his lines to feel a little frightening sometimes.

With all these items, I am still in love with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s writing, with her books and characters. I have a little catching up to do with this series and I will get to that for sure. Until my next review, enjoy this amazing story by an incredible author J Happy Reading!

My Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded – 4 stars)

 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT is the #1 international and #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 40 books, including the Wait for You, Lux series, the Dark Elements series, and Til Death. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion, Harlequin Teen and writes steamy and fun New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. Jennifer is also the founder of Apollycon, a yearly reader event that brings in over 1400 readers and authors together each year. She currently lives in West Virginia with her husband and two dogs, Loki and Diesel.

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Book Review: The Viscount Can Wait

After five years away, Lady Eliza Cartwick isn’t relishing returning to the whirl of the London season. But the young widow knows to ensure the best future for herself and her young daughter Rosa, she must remarry. If only Lord Evanston, the dashing rogue who has haunted her dreams since she was sixteen, didn’t insist on distracting her with his searing looks and lingering touches at the most inconvenient times…

Thomas, Lord Evanston has wanted Eliza since her engagement ball all those years ago. His best friend’s sister has constantly been out of reach…until now. The forbidden has always tempted him, but when Thomas realizes he wants the object of his fantasies for far more than a dalliance, he must convince her that he’s not just a rake; he’s a viscount who’s worth the wait.

 

About the Book

The Viscount Can Wait
by Marie Tremayne

Series
The Reluctant Brides

Genre
Adult
Historical Romance

Publisher
Avon Impulse

Publication Date
October 23, 2018

Purchase Your Copy Today!
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My Review

Another beautiful regency romance, this time between a widow and her brother’s best friend. Marked as off limits by her father and brother, Lord Evanston has always held Lady Eliza’s attention.  On her day of her engagement, he steals a kiss from her and that memory has always been in their minds. Years pass and tragedy brings Eliza and Thomas together, in the same circle. Will they find love and passion in each other’s arms or will they realize they are not suited for one another?

She is a proper Lady, now with a daughter to take care of. After her husband’s passing she must now secure a future for herself and her child. She needs a new man by her side. Even knowing that Lord Evanston is not the proper husband for her, she cannot stop the thoughts crossing her mind and heart. She fights this attraction and the impulse to give into his words and charm. But maintaining her reputation and keeping the promise she’s made to her family is of utmost importance to her.

Thomas on the other hand has no such promise made. Whatever others don’t know can’t hurt them, right? If he is lucky enough to win Eliza, even for a short time, so be it. He is not the best man ever; he seems to have no moral compass. But his protective instincts towards Eliza and his affection for her daughter betray a kind soul.

 I loved the story, as I love all regency romances. I love the idea of being courted; I love the light flirting and the blush of a kiss. I love the innocence we see in such books. In this case, there are a few instances in which Lord Evanston acts like everything must be as he wishes and risks too much Eliza’s reputation. She, on the other hand, is too desperate to obey some rule that Thomas is not to be approached. I don’t know, it was just too much of that.

But with all my comments, I still loved this book and I will for sure add the entire series to my TBR. With Winter coming, I feel it’s the proper time to read more novels like “A Viscount can Wait”.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as well J

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of THE VISCOUNT CAN WAIT by Marie Tremayne, we’re giving away three paperback copies of Lady in Waiting!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. Three winners will each receive a paperback copy of Lady In Waiting by Marie Tremayne.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 10/26/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

 

 

About Marie Tremayne

MARIE TREMAYNE graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English Language and Literature. While there, a copy of Pride and Prejudice ended up changing her life. She decided to study the great books of the Regency and Victorian eras, and now enjoys writing her own tales set in the historical period she loves. Marie lives with her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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Book Review: A Notorious Vow

Joanna Shupe returns to New York City’s Gilded Age, where fortunes and reputations are gained and lost with ease—and love can blossom from the most unlikely charade.

With the fate of her disgraced family resting on her shoulders, Lady Christina Barclay has arrived in New York City from London to quickly secure a wealthy husband. But when her parents settle on an intolerable suitor, Christina turns to her reclusive neighbor, a darkly handsome and utterly compelling inventor, for help.

Oliver Hawkes reluctantly agrees to a platonic marriage . . . with his own condition: The marriage must end after one year. Not only does Oliver face challenges that are certain to make life as his wife difficult, but more importantly, he refuses to be distracted from his life’s work—the development of a revolutionary device that could transform thousands of lives, including his own.

Much to his surprise, his bride is more beguiling than he imagined. When temptation burns hot between them, they realize they must overcome their own secrets and doubts, and every effort to undermine their marriage, because one year can never be enough.

 

About the Book

A Notorious Vow
by Joanna Shupe

Series
The Four Hundred Series

Genre
Adult
Historical Romance

Publisher
Avon Books

Publication Date
September 25, 2018

Purchase Your Copy Today!
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My Review

This book touched my heart! And why do I always discover great series right with book 2 or 3???

Oh, it’s so hard to explain the amount of things I felt while reading it. We have a relationship in which both partners want to be much more for the other. They believe in perfection and they are imperfect and so, unsuited to be together. They agree, however on a platonic relationship, one that would benefit both in all ways except romantically, because they are not supposed to be romantically involved. She believes in what they have, but when only one is fighting, chances are slim to none.

We have internal conflicts as well as external ones. Things evolve around money. Everybody wants a part of Oliver’s money. All he wants is to be left alone, to work on his invention. Something that will change their lives forever, if all goes according his sketches. He is determined and nothing must stand against achieving his objective. Christina is shy and very insecure. She wants to have a future secured financially, so when she finds herself in the company of a powerful man, is imperfect as he may seem (in his own eyes, not in hers), she is afraid to state her desires. But he is deaf and she is poor. Somehow, imperfections become perfect. All it takes, it a bit of hope and patience.

The writing was beautiful an emotional, the side characters were amazing as well. I am so happy to have discovered this author, this series and to have met these characters. Loved it, 5 stars, no doubt!

 

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of A NOTORIOUS VOW by Joanna Shupe, we’re giving away one paperback set of the entire Four Hundred series!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Giveaway open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of the Four Hundred series by Joanna Shupe. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance.  Giveaway ends 9/25/2018 @ 1159pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

 

About Joanna Shupe

JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on and soon started crafting her own racy historical novels. In 2013, she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical. She now lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband. To connect with Joanna, visit JoannaShupe.com.

Author Links

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Book Review: Vampires Like It Hot

New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands brings the heat in this new Argeneau novel, as one woman is rescued by an irresistible immortal …

“Vampires…”

When Raffaele Notte pulls a barely dressed, disoriented woman from the ocean, the last thing he expects is for her to utter that word. The immortal has come to the island resort to help his cousin, but now, it seems, there are rogue vampires dining on unsuspecting tourists. And he soon realizes that not only is Jess a target, she’s also the life mate he’s been waiting for…

Vampires are real. Jess would’ve never believed it until she saw them with her own eyes. She knows she has to get off the island, and her gallant rescuer has offered to help. There’s something about Raffaele that’s unlike any man she has ever met, and his touch sends pleasure through her that is beyond all imagining. But when Jess discovers who he really is, will she risk life as she knows it for a chance of forever by his side?

 

About the Book

Vampires Like It Hot
by Lynsay Sands

Series
Argeneau Series

Genre
Adult
Paranormal Romance

Publisher
Avon Books

Publication Date
September 18, 2018

Purchase Your Copy Today!
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My Review

“Vampires Like It Hot” came at a perfect time for me, since I was missing a vampire book. Even if this was not quite what I had in mind, I still enjoyed my time with it. This is #28 in the series, but it an be read as a stand alone. From what I gathered in the first pages, a bigger story happened in the previous books. I am sorry I could not get to those before reading this one. I feel I would have enjoyed them even more.

But back to the book at hand. It has a lot of humor, it has great characters, but it also lacked credibility in one or two scenes. our female main character is being “invited” on a trip to feed the sharks. Little did Jess know that she was supposed to be the food and the sharks are closer to humans than animals. She manages to escape, but sadly after becoming the center of attention for our “shark leader” and after seeing too much of what happened really on this trip. Saved by our brave Raffaele, he realizes she is his mate – the woman he is destined to spend eternity with. But he has to win her trust, he has to show her the good sides of being what he is, this after witnessing the bad ones.

Vampires with honor, hysterical ladies and a female character who believes she can escape the powers of a vampire. While I liked the story and I liked the funny moments, I would have wanted so much more. there are scenes that contradict the powers of vampires and there are scenes in which Jess is completely out of this world. Her mind has nothing to do with reality. I mean, I would be completely freaked out if I saw a vampire and I didn’t feel her scared. I liked the mating part. I liked how Raffaele was trying to be close to Jess and try to win her confidence and her heart.

All in all, this was definitely not a bad book. I know there are characters in the series that have a much more interesting story and probably the most interesting is still to come (one of the cousins in this one, maybe???). I liked it, it was almost close to my expectations and I had fun reading it.I think that’s the most important part.

Let me know in the comments below if you have read any other books from this series and which one do you think is the best. Happy reading!

 

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of VAMPIRES LIKE IT HOT by Lynsay Sands, we’re giving away a paperback copy of Twice Bitten!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Twice Bitten by Lynsay Sands.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 9/28/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

 

 

About Lynsay Sands

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at http://www.lynsaysands.net.

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Book Review: Shameless

It’s a vacation Meredith Taylor will never forget. A sunny beach, good friends and good times. But when she overhears a couple having a passionate interlude on the balcony above her one night, she can’t get the man’s sultry voice out of her mind. Especially when she figures out exactly who that man is…

Cameron Moore always had an eye on his best friend’s little sister but considered her strictly off limits, choosing to satisfy his lust elsewhere. Now Meri seems to want to annihilate every wall Cam’s put up against her. The beach is hot, the drinks are cold, Meredith is irresistible, and something has to give. Will it only be the walls between them, or their hearts as well?

About the Book

Shameless
by Cherrie Lynn

Series
n/a; standalone

Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance

Publisher
Entangled Amara

Publication Date
September 10, 2018

Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon  |  Entangled Publishing  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iBooks

My Review

A novella right up my alley! I loved it and I loved the characters. It is my first story by this author and I cannot wait to try a full length book by her!

We have the sister falling for her brother’s best friend. We have the said best friend trying to keep both the brother and the sister close, suppressing his desires. Nothing new, but, if done well, it does not bother me at all. It’s a short and beautiful story that made my evening!

I loved how Meri and Cam tried for so long to keep appearances, but most of all I liked his attitude towards her and her brother. Like they say, bros before… the bros’sisters (or something along the lines). There are moments that would bring a smile to your lips and there are moments that will make you swarm with warmth. Best of all, we have a woman who knows what she wants and decides to act on it. It takes some courage to do it, especially knowing the risks. Having both POVs is really helpful as we are able to understand the struggles each character goes through and the battle that goes deep in their hearts.

Now, there is one reason and one only for which I am not fiving the full 5 stars rating and that is because some scenes felt a little too much and a little out of the character’s personality. For example (sorry for being vague, just trying to avoid spoilers), when Meri and Cam find the time to sit together, she does something that seems too bold, too forward. And there is a scene when Cam is apologizing too much and I will stop here. That’s all. These are things that can be overlooked, I may be too picky because I wanted a full story with these two beautiful people.

All in all, this is a novella that will make your evenings warmer and warmer and will give you sweet and (not so) innocent thoughts. I do hope you’ll give it a try and come back with your impressions.

Happy Reading!

 

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of SHAMELESS by Cherrie Lynn, we’re giving away for a $25 Amazon gift card!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open internationally. One winner will be chosen to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing.  Giveaway ends 9/16/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Entangled Publishing will send one winning prize, Pure Textuality PR will deliver the other. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

 

 

About Cherrie Lynn

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author CHERRIE LYNN has been a CPS caseworker and a juvenile probation officer, but now that she has come to her senses, she writes contemporary and paranormal romance on the steamy side. It’s *much* more fun. She’s also an unabashed rock music enthusiast, and loves letting her passion for romance and metal collide on the page.

When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to music or playing with her favorite gadget of the moment. She’s also fond of hitting the road with her husband to catch their favorite bands live.

Cherrie lives in East Texas with said husband and their two kids, all of whom are the source of much merriment, mischief and mayhem.

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