Perfect Strangers Review

Perfect Strangers by Rebecca Sinclair

 

 

In 1603, Gabrielle Carelton was a lady in Queen Elizabeth’s court for 6 years.  Black of hair, green of eye, heavy of weight, Gabrielle sees herself as a plain looking, plump woman. While she will devoted to her queen and her country, she is not afraid of speaking her mind when occasions warrant it. After the Queen compares her to a stuffed goose, she suffers even more from insecurities about herself.

 
When Queen Elizabeth calls a meeting with Gabrielle to take place in the early morning, Gabby is worried, very worried. Queen Elizabeth is not an early riser so Gabby knows that it can’t be good news. When Queen Elizabeth tells Gabby that she is to wed a Scotsman, she is shocked, when she discovers the Scotsman is Colin Douglas of the Douglas clan, she is horrified! Queen Elizabeth will not take no for an answer and Gabby, who has always been loyal to the Queen, knows that she will have to accept what she has been ordered to do.

 
The Maxwell clan and the Douglas clan have been enemies for decades. Gabrielle with her small drop of Maxwell blood is perfect for the Queen’s plan. Not only will it hopefully settle some of the strife on the borderlands by uniting the 2 clans, but it also rids the Queen of Gabby, who rumor has it, has been friendly with Robert Devereaux whom the Queen looks on as her special suitor. The only way Gabby can get out of this is if she goes against the Queen and that she will not do.

 
On the border, Colin Douglas’ twin Connor, known far and wide as The Black Douglas, devises a plan that will get him payback against his twin, and help to settle some of the unrest on the border. His plan includes kidnapping and then marrying Gabby, begetting a son, and having her die due to the harsh and uncompromising weather on the border (he believes that all Englishwomen are frail, helpless beings).

 
When a feverish and sick Gabby first lays eyes on Connor, she is instantly attracted. Little does she know, but Connor also sees something in her, something he wasn’t expecting. Gabby is slowly getting better and getting to know Connor. Things heat up when a kidnapping is carried out in Connor’s castle. Will he go after the kidnappers? What will happen to Gabby when she finally meets Colin? And if the rumor is true and the Queen is dead, is Gabby still obligated to marry?

 
Great scenes, good descriptions, and fun characters all make for an entertaining read. I enjoyed the historical facts that were incorporated into the story. A great historical romance novel.

Ransom (Light-Bearer Series #2) Review

“Ransom” (“The Light-Bearer Series” #2) by Emily Guido

 

 

Charmeine is a Light-Bearer sent to Earth by God to battle Lucifer‘s minions. By looking into your eyes she can tell if you are lying. Her powers are growing and no one, including herself, is aware of just how powerful she is. Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he needs blood to survive. While human blood is the best, he has given up human blood (unless it is given voluntarily) and exists on animal blood. He is very smart and capable and is trying to get all other Blood-Hunters to stop hunting humans. They are soul mates and together they are the Queen of Light and King of Darkness.

 
Charmeine and Tabbruis are at Castle Charmeine in Romania. They are there with their large family awaiting the birth of their child, nicknamed Baby Hunter. All the family are eagerly awaiting the birth. They aren’t idle while they wait, they are continuing to learn self defense and how better to use their unique powers.  Athena can see what you are feeling by the light radiating around your body; Hera, like Charmeine can see when you are lying; Neal is an extremely large and powerful blood-hunter and the other members of the family also have extraordinary powers. An attack by evil minions is always a concern, even with all the security measures and guards they have in place.

 
A group of Temple Guards arrive at the castle unannounced and demand to talk to the Queen of Light and the King of Darkness. They claim the Queen and King need to go to Athens to bring harmony and justice to the Blood-Hunters. It is actually a diversion so that the mysteriously alluring Bathsheba can enter the castle and get to Charmeine. Bathsheba says she is doing her Master’s bidding and then threatens Charmeine’s unborn child. Charmeine turns the tables on Bathsheba, however before she can get more information, Bathsheba injects herself with something and falls to the floor.

 
When Tabbruis and Dmitri come face to face with Bathsheba, it is as if time has stood still. Seeing her leaves both men in shock. As Charmeine demands to know who Bathsheba is and how Tabbruis knows her, Tabbruis turns on Charmeine, almost attacking her in his defense of Bathsheba. It is as if Tabbruis no longer sees Charmeine, only Bathsheba.

 
The action heats up as Charmeine and her family race to get answers to find and stop the Master before the next Blood-Hunter meeting.

 
Beautifully detailed locations from Romania to London to the shores of the Black Sea. interesting characters that are well fleshed out and who are slowly evolving from the first novel, and new characters that are both interesting and integral to the story are believable and very human but have surprising powers.  Add a well paced story and this all makes for a great read. A good mix of angels, blood-hunters (vampires), paranormal, action and romance. It continues the story told in the novel Charmeine, but also can be read as a stand alone novel.

 
The Light-Bearer Series will continue with the third novel “Conundrum”. I am really looking forward to the continuation of this series. I really enjoy how the characters are evolving and how the story continues to move forward, while containing additional information on the pasts of the characters.

Crimson Midnight Review

Crimson Midnight by Amos Cassidy

 

 

 

Six years ago, 15 year old Rose was mugged. The kids were never caught. Since then the petite blonde had learned all about self defense and was sure she could take care of herself.  Leaving home for the first time, Rose and her friend Faye, are moving to London. Rose is going to live with her godmother while Faye is renting rooms with several kids from university.

 

 
Rose meets and becomes friendly with several people including the brooding Harold, Kris the peace maker, Raven, Roman and his very strange girl friend, Thistle.
Not all of Rose’s friends are what they appear to be and to trust the wrong person can cost you your life. People are going missing and Rose knows that somehow she is involved and must stop whatever demons are haunting London.

 

 
A fine urban fantasy novel filled with the supernatural, werewolves, demons, vampires and other paranormal things that go bump in the night.

 

 
Great character descriptions and good mood setting are a few of the highlights of this book. I really enjoyed some of the twists the story took and look forward to the next book.

 

 
I didn’t like that some of the storylines appear and then just disappear making you wonder if they were just a product of your imagination. I also think it should have had a few less main characters, at times I found it hard to remember who was who.

 

 
Overall, a great read for magical, werewolf, vampire, supernatural loving, urban fantasy readers.

The Earl’s Mistaken Bride Review

The Earl’s Mistaken Bride  by  Abby Gaines

 

 

 

The Earl of Spenford, Marcus Brookstone,with his prideful arrogance, has made a bargain with God. In return for allowing his mother to return to good health, the Earl will marry a chaste, pious woman who knows her place. The Earl has a chance meeting with one of Reverend Somerton’s 5 daughters, the very pretty and charming Constance. Disregarding the slightly uneasy feeling he has when he thinks back to the encounter, the Earl speaks to Reverend Somerton about marrying Constance. The Reverend‘s surprised look is quickly replaced with a smile and an agreement that should Constance assent to the marriage it could take place. The surprised look and the comment about Constance’s assent being needed make the Earl wonder if he has perhaps made a mistake but worry for his mother quickly dispels those feelings.

 

 
Constance Somerton is the happy, pious, and extremely stubborn second daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. Somerton. At 20 years of age, she is slowly giving up on her dream to marry. Since a chance encounter with the Earl of Spenford, Constance has been half in love with him. Hearing of the Earl of Spenford’s request for her hand in marriage is a dream come true for Constance. She believes she will make a good wife to the Earl and that they will have a happy marriage.

 

 
The Earl of Spenford is late, late for his own marriage. Constance believes its a good thing her sister has suggested she wear a veil for the ceremony. It is a fairly new thing to do, but Constance is so nervous and anxious that she is happy that her face will be covered. Finally the Earl arrives. The ceremony is performed and he slowly raises the veil covering his bride’s face.

 

 
Can a marriage of convenience become a marriage of love? What of the bargain Marcus made with God regarding his mother? Will Constance have the chance to share her love with Marcus?  Will Marcus’ pride and Constance’s stubbornness keep them apart?

 

 
I enjoy a good romance novel every now and then. On a quiet rainy day, spent alone, I revel in being able to kick back, relax, and enjoy a nice, light read. I like knowing that at the end of the book, no matter what has taken place, there is a happy, positive ending. This is the first inspirational historical romance I’ve read, and I would definitely read another.

 

 

The Governess and Mr. Granville, Love Inspired Historical, September 2012 is the second of the Parson’s Daughters series by Abby Gaines and I have already put it on my to read list.