Melpomene

Review: The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne

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01 ahi Another epic romance filled with angst, excitement, and so much love I was basking in it. The Victorian Rebels series is proving to be epic and romantic and filled with such rich scenery that you feel like you’re actually in the Highlands.

From the very beginning you are sucked into this story. I’ll admit, the prologue packed a punch that I never saw coming, but it made me grip my kindle tighter and read faster. I just knew this story was going to be filled with lots of emotions.

Mena has to be the strongest woman ever. You met her in The Hunter, so you know what happened to her. Now she has a past that she is determined to keep quiet about. In fact, her very life depends on it. And not even the big scary Demon Highlander will scare her away. She is there to watch the children and find a way to keep the past from catching up to her.

Liam was raised to be this evil, non caring soldier, not to be a kind father. So he needs help in the form of a meek and mild governess. But what he gets is nothing of the sort. You could tell from the very first meeting that he was going to fall hard. Most men would. I mean when you’re forced to have a beautiful woman thrust into your life, something was bound to chip away his hard shell.

This story was was so rich in love, I was just floating in it. Between a father’s love for his children and then falling for Mena, I was a very happy camper.

Now of course life doesn’t always work out smoothly. There will be a fair share of hurt and trials. So much has happened in the past and it takes the love of these two to heal and be made whole.

~Melpomene

Buy The Highlander HERE.

Review: Dragon Fever by Donna Grant

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01 a1001 I just love this sexy dragon series. I mean, it’s dragons. And everyone knows dragons are cool.

Rachel is sent to get information on dragons living in our world and expose them for what they really are. She was picked specifically because she wouldn’t fall for whoever she was after. She’s a diehard reporter who knows how to get the story no matter what. But after her first glance of Asher, she knows that this is going to be harder than she thought.

Asher wishes he was back home at Dreagan instead in Paris. But after a chance meeting, he begins to think that maybe Paris isn’t so bad after all. That is until he finds out what she’s doing but still has trust her when things start to fall apart.

I really enjoyed this fast paced novella. These Dragon Kings move quickly in the romance department. When they find something they like, they go after it FAST. And I gotta say, I like their speed. They don’t mess around. We also discover who’s behind the trouble and learn a few things that I never saw coming.

Sometimes I don’t get to read novellas in some of my series, but I’m so glad I read this one. If you like this series, I highly recommend you read this one. Plus it’ll hold you over until the next one, in March.

~Melpomene

Buy Dragon Fever HERE.

Excerpt

Asher exited the car amid a flash of clicks from cameras as well as reporters doing their best to holler questions the loudest in the hopes he might answer.

“Is it true you’re a dragon?” one reporter asked.

Another yelled, “Shift for us.”

They had no idea how much he wanted to do just that, if for no other reason than to get everyone out of his face. Instead, he put on a serene expression, buttoned his jacket and gave a nod to a few spectators lined up along the entrance as he walked in.

Once inside the centre, there was no time to relax. Ms. Engel was right on his heels, directing where he was headed and giving him names of those he would be meeting.

He stopped outside of the closed doors of the room.

“Is something wrong, sir?” Ms. Engel asked.

“For one, my name is Asher, not sir.”

She held up a finger to stop him. “Mr. Constantine also tried to tell me the same thing. I work for Dreagan and whoever represents the company at the WWC. While here, you’ll always be ‘sir.’”

Asher could accept that. Blossom was beginning to grow on him. She might be a miniature drill sergeant, but she was damn good at her job. No wonder Con used her year after year.

He drew in a breath and released it as he looked behind them. “Is it always so…” He waved his hand around, looking for the right word.

“Crazy? Insane? Nearly fanatical?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Only when Dreagan is here.” Ms. Engel put the cap on her pen. “Before TVL, everyone just wanted a glimpse of those who were a part of Dreagan and get a taste of the whisky. After TVL, well, now they want to see what might happen.”

“TVL?” he asked, sorting through all sorts of words she might mean.

“The Video Leak.”

“Ah.” Well, that made sense. He turned his attention to her. “Did you see the video?”

“Of course.”

When she said nothing further, he asked, “What did you think?”

“It doesn’t matter, sir.”

Review: The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel VanDyken

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01 amatWhat if the villain turns out to be less villainous and more hero?

When Gabi starts to work for Wingman, she is forced to start get closer to her nemesis, Lex. She needs to be trained in the art of seduction and unfortunately that means she needs to be trained from the head villain himself.

Lex has always been the villain in this story, but somehow the more times he spends with Gabi, the more time he realizes that she just may be what he’s been looking for.

I love enemies to lovers. There’s a certain amount of angst involved that keeps the story going. I mean, the guy’s name is Lex. Of course he’s gonna be the enemy of the story! But even the villains can have soft spots for the heroine.

Watching these two interact was making me smile. I enjoyed the texts and banter so much. I loved the way that Lex cared, even though he didn’t want anyone to know. Deep down, he was a good guy who needed a good girl to bring it out of him.

“And the damsel fell in love with the villain. Write that, Disney.”

~Melpomene

Buy The Matchmaker’s Playbook HERE.

Review: Broken Prince by Erin Watt

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01 abr I am royally ruined.

After that shocking ending, in Paper Princess, we were left with a ton of questions. To be honest, we were left screaming and yelling. But once we calmed down, we were able to think and ponder and then come up with all our questions.

Ella is gone. The Royals are falling a part. The world is not what it should be. Who knew that a girl was the key to a smoother life in the Royal household?

Reed has been the king of his world for some time now, but when Ella walks into his life, she flipped a switch. And now that she’s gone, he realizes that he needs her more than he ever knew. He’s made so many wrong decisions and now they’re all back to bit him in the rump.

“I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to destroy everything around me. Who knew success would taste so bitter.”

This book had so many “Oh my gosh!” and “Holy crap!” moments, I could barely keep up. So many deceptions and new questions, it’s no wonder we can’t pick up a book for a few days. My stomach was in knots the entire time. This book turned me into one of those annoying people who use all caps to get their feeling across on social media. I mean, between Ella, Reed, evil Brooke, Callum and the rest of the Royal boys, how’s a person supposed to function with all that drama and deception flying around?

Again, this book will leave you wanting so much more. Too bad we must wait until October for Twisted Palace. And let me tell you, that name is PERFECT for this insane story.

~Melpomene

Buy Broken Prince HERE.

Review: Up in Flames by Abbi Glines

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01 aa3 I had so many preconceived ideas about how I thought this book was going to go and I was COMPLETELY wrong. From the very first page this book had me guessing.

Nan deserved a hea. Heck, everyone does!! But true to form, Nan doesn’t do things the normal way. She goes all out and makes sure it drama filled. I was never an official Nan hater, but I didn’t really like her. As we’ve seen her actions, in the past few books, we begin to realize that there’s more her than she lets on. And when this book was announced, I was so totally excited and curious as to who was going to tame this crazy girl. HA! As if she could be tamed.

To say that this had twists and turn would be an understatement. So without too much, I’ll say this, Hold on tight.

Nan had become a part of me even before I touched her for the first time.Watching her, I’d slowly started feeling things for the beautiful woman who was so alone yet so tough. The small things no one saw I began to cherish.

I never read the synopsis until after I wrote this review. I didn’t want any influence or ideas, so I had no clue what is was about except that it was finally Nan’s turn to shine. So, to say that this shocked the crap outta me, would be an understatement. But why did I ever expect Nan to do anything the easy way. As you come to expect, the drama queen of Rosemary Beach closes out this series with a bang.

I have been a fan of Abbi’s since July of 2012, when I happened to stumble upon The Vincent Boys and then immediately into the Sea Breeze books and from then on, I was hooked. She was officially an auto buy author. I enjoy her books as they have a way of making the world calm down. While they may be emotional at times, I look forward to the break they give me, from all the angst I read. So now we say goodbye to these characters and call me crazy, but I don’t think I’m ready to let go. But I’m still crossing my fingers that she surprises us with a little something in a few years.

Thank you, Abbi, for giving us such wild and crazy characters that made me laugh, cry and swoon.

~Melpomene

Buy Up in Flames

Get caught up with the whole gang, so you can fully enjoy the ride.

Fallen Too Far
Never Too Far
Forever Too Far
Rush Too Far
Twisted Perfection
Simple Perfection
Take a Chance
One More Chance
You Were Mine
Kiro’s Emily
When I’m Gone
When You’re Back
The Best Goodbye

Review: Ramsay by Mia Sheridan

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01 aram“Sometimes forgiveness meant letting go. Sometimes forgiveness meant holding on.”

Mia Sheridan is an autobuy for me. Her stories are so unique and always leave me in awe. Her characters are real. Far from perfect, but so very real. And Ramsay definitely fits right in with the rest of them.

Brogan Ramsay came from meager beginnings. He worked hard to provide for his family. But, in an instant, a deception took it all away. He then had to make tough decisions and choices in order to stay alive. But he never forgot who put him in this position. He vowed to pay them back ten fold. Revenge is his goal.

Lydia De Havilland made a mistake that cost her dearly. She has lived with the knowledge all her life and when the chance for redemption comes to her, she’ll do anything she can to get the boy she loved back. No matter how she is treated, she sucks it up and does what she needs to be done, in order to make amends.

Goodness, my heart was aching throughout this story. The heartache. The sheer pain of loss. The actions of loved ones was truly a sight to behold. Love makes you do things that any sane person wouldn’t. Let’s be honest, when you’re in love, you go a little crazy. Brogan did things for love. He spent his entire adult life doing things because he loved.

I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t tear my eyes from it. I was sucked in and I felt every emotion possible. There were times I wanted to scream and then I wanted to cry. Revenge has a way of making things intense. Intense and passion. Let me tell you. This story has passion. Man, oh man, did it ever. There’s a fine line between love and hate, and this story danced on that line.

“I wake up feeling hungry in that way I promised myself I’d never feel hungry again. Only this hunger can only be satisfied by you, and I’m…I’m not sure what to do about that.”

~Melpomene

Buy Ramsay HERE.

Review: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

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01 abit “She and I were a dangerous combination. We needed cautionary signs like the ones hanging in the tractor shed over the cans of diesel fuel. WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE.”

Honestly, this book shocked the crap outta me. I had NO IDEA I was going to like it so much. Who knew farmers would be so sexy? Plus silly thing, like learning some of the ins and outs of organic farming, was quite fascinating to me. Not to mention that this romance was a bit like a second chance romance, which I love, I was completely drawn in and fell for this entire family, extended and non. In fact, I found myself thinking of them, after I was done, forgetting that they weren’t real. In fact, I still am, and it’s been weeks since I’ve read it.

Now that the summer weather is here, I am looking forward to hitting up all those farmer markets and give them my support. Honestly, I never thought, when reading a book, that I would feel this compulsion. Who knows, maybe I’ll see some sexy farmers there. 🙂

Also I was completely taken in my Jude and his story. I can’t wait until the next book to see what happens next in his world. I have a feeling it’s going to be a bit more emotional than this one.

Buy Bittersweet HERE.

Interesting

Review: Only Beloved by Mary Balogh

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01 aonly It’s done. It’s over. I’m sad. This was such a beautiful and emotional series. It’s only fitting that we close it out with George’s book. I mean, he is the reason The Survivors’ Club was here in the first place.

After the death of his son and wife, George, the Duke of Stanbrook, took it upon himself to open his house to many men and women who suffered after the Napoleonic Wars. He grew close to six of them and watched them get healthy and find their happily ever afters. But after seeing them happy, he felt lonely. He was always content with just his friends, but now he feels that it’s time to see if he can fins happiness for himself.

Dora was content in her life. It didn’t turn out the way she was hoping, but she has no regrets. She has a job and a few close friends. What more does she need? Turns out, she needed George.

When she met George a year ago, she was dazzled, but didn’t think anything would come of it. He’s a friend of her sister and brother-in-law, and that’s it. But when he shows up unannounced, she must make a decision that will change the course of her life.

Now, of course, like all the survivors, George isn’t without a backstory. And his story is one of heartbreak and deception. But he hid it well, under the guise of friendship and mentor. He was the listener of the group, not the sharer.

So bittersweet to see this series end. But I am quite happy with how well everyone turned out. The epilogue is exactly what I needed to move on. Knowing these survivors are well loved and taken of, makes me very content.

I can’t wait to see what new series Mary has up her sleeves.

Review: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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01 at You can’t capture love in a bottle. You can’t hold on to it with both hands and force it to stay with you.

This is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book. I’ve heard many people rave about her books, but I just never got around to trying one, since she seems more like chick lit, and that’s not my usual. But I did something out of the norm and read the blurb of this book, and I was immediately punched in the gut. I knew I had to read this.

SYNOPSIS
In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.

Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.

Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly?

Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.

Oh my gosh!! Can you imagine this? What do you do? Here’s this poor girl faced with an impossible decision. He loves both men, but she must choose one. My nerves were all twisted up in this one. One can’t possibly just choose and be done with it. Emma has to learn who she is and what she wants before she can even think about making this choice.

From the very first sentence, I was sucked into this world. I could feel what Emma felt and it broke my heart. After missing her husband for almost three years, all those past feelings come flooding back into her. She must face her past and decide who she wants to spend her future with.

While this isn’t your traditional happily ever after, but rather a bittersweet ending, I am glad to have gone this journey of reflection and growth. I am happy to see Emma face this decision head on. While the journey did make me wince a few times, since I made my own choice, I can see that Emma did what needed to be done in order to make her choice.

There is nothing more romantic than this. Holding the very person that you thought you’d lost, and knowing you’ll never lose them again.

~Melpomene

Buy One True Loves

Review: Empire by Rachel VanDyken

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01 aemI can barely get my thoughts together after I finished this book. I’m emotionally drained. While I’m thankful this book had the comic relief sprinkled in, it did not help the amount of tears I shed.

“His love story is going to be epic.”

Sergio, sweet Sergio. He has just suffered immensely and I didn’t how much more he could take. Another arranged marriage may very well kill this man. I mean, what was going to be left of him if this went south again? He lost the love of his life and no one was going to compare to her. The last thing he wants to do is get close to another woman and possible fall for her. He loves Andi, and he will always love her. But he will do what he’s told even if that means living a life as half a person.

I loved Val. She was innocent in all things. She has no idea what she’s getting herself into, but she soon finds out that, no matter what, she’ll never compare to Andi. This poor girl has no choice but to hold on for the ride of her life and hold her heart is still in one piece when it’s over.

Without saying spoilers, this book had quite a few surprises. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, Rachel pulled the rug out from under me. The raw emotions pouring through practically every scene had me clutching my stomach. The utter devastation was almost more than I could take. But as Val did, I held on and had lots and lots of tissues nearby.