A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Title: A Rogue by Any Other Name
Author: Sarah MacLean
Pages: 400
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Amazon Vine Program

What  scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart. [via GoodReads]

Michael, the Marquess of Bourne, lost everything one night in a game of cards.  Ten years later, he has not only surpassed the wealth he lost, but he is also one of the owners of an exclusive gaming hell called The Fallen Angel.  Bent on revenge and the need to gain back all he has lost, he finds that he cannot pass up the chance at winning back his ancestral home, he'll do anything it takes to get it back, even if it means acquiring a wife in the process.  Lady Penelope Marbury understands that spinsterhood awaits her.  She's dealt with a broken engagement and boring courtships that have left her pining for something more.  When her childhood friend Michael, whisks her away one night promising adventure and the illicit pleasures of the London underworld, she finds his promises too hard to resist.

Sarah MacLean can do no wrong!!  I love and own everything she's ever written for a reason... she's awesome!!  Her books are awesome!! Her characters are awesome!!  Need I say more?

As a big fan of Ms. MacLean's Love By Numbers series, I was overjoyed to learn that she would have a breakout series - The Rules of Scoundrels:

"Four scoundrels, each whispered about in ballrooms across London.  Four aristocrats, each exiled from society, now royalty in the London underworld.  Four loves, powerful enough to tame the darkness... and bring these fallen angels back into the light."

Michael and Penelope were wonderful.  Michael was dark and brooding - he's tormented, sarcastic and jaded (I love 'em like that!) and treats Penelope at arms length.  He's a man with one thing on his mind... revenge, and nothing will stand in the way of him avenging himself.  Penelope is feisty and witty and so full of life. I loved how proper she was even when Michael had her at her wits end.

I adore stories of childhood friends becoming lovers and I especially loved reading Penelope and Michael's letters at the beginning of each chapter.  I think it was splendidly done how you get to know their past through their letters without getting full chapters reminiscing on their time as children growing up. 

As with all her characters, Ms. MacLean makes you fall head over heels for them.  Michael and Penelope's love story was swoon worthy.  Michael was such a tormented character - it was hard not to feel as emotionally wrought out as Penelope was when it came to her feelings for him. 

These are the types of characters you become invested in - feeling their hurts and joys just as much as they do.  Their happily-ever-after was a hard one to come by which made it even sweeter in the end.

I cannot wait to see what Ms. MacLean has up her sleeves for the other three scoundrels in the series.  I shall anxiously be awaiting the next in the series - One Good Earl Deserves a Lover.  eeek!

My Rating:

So Many Books, So Little Time [19]

Here are some of the books that I discovered over the past couple of weeks scheduled for release that I cannot wait to get my hands on. I will pay, beg and possibly steal (mwahahaha), just to get a chance at reading one of them.

The Husband Hunt
by Lynsay Sands
Releases on 2/28/12

Let the hunt begin…

Lisa Madison wants a husband, and she has just the candidate in mind: Robert Langley. Trouble is, the infuriating man insists on seeing her as the impish girl she once was—even as every other gentleman in London has taken notice of her womanly…charms. When her beauty lands her in danger, it’s Robert who comes to the rescue…only to announce his affections are not of the romantic variety!

Robert saw enough sorrow in his parents’ union to know he wants nothing to do with marriage, which is exactly what he’ll be trapped into if he acts on his desire for the irksome siren. And then Lisa does what Robert least expects: gives up on him! As feigned indifference gives way, blistering passion burns at last. But just before the pair can give in to hard-won bliss, an enemy with unfinished business lurks threatening to destroy them both.

Embrace
by Jessica Shirvington
Releases on 3/06/12


I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

The Duke's Perfect Wife

by Jennifer Ashley
Releases on 4/03/12

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.

Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.

Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

Masque of the Red Death
by Bethany Griffin
Releases on 4/24/12

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Until I Die
by Amy Plum
Releases on 5/08/12

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Hemlock
by Kathleen Peacock
Releases on 5/08/12

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Releases on 5/08/12

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

These are just some of the one's that I'm looking forward to. Which books are you dying to get your hands on?   

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Pages: 236

Genre: YA/ Contemporary

Source: Purchased

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. [via GoodReads]

What a heartwarming love story!  

When Hadley misses her flight (by four minutes!) to London,  she finds herself stuck at the airport waiting for the next one.  There she meets Oliver - charming, clever, British (I couldn't help but throw that in there since I love a man with an accent) and, luckily enough, also on her same flight.  Over the hours they spend from Connecticut to London you get to know them better - and trust someone as cynical as me, that they will have you believing that love at first sight might not be just a myth.  

Surprisingly, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight had more depth that I originally anticipated.  While I thought it was just going to be a cutesy love story (and, it was), it also had moments that had me at the brink of tears, that were bittersweet and emotional.  

The two protagonists were so easy to love.  Hadley is hurt and angry because not only did her father tear her life apart, but he is now moving on and marrying the woman that he destroyed their family over.  Oliver comes off as quite the charmer with his unique and random ideas, but when Hadley truly looks in his eyes, we can all see that there are some shadows lurking behind his cheerful facade.   

Although the story takes place over a 24 hour span of time, it did not feel rushed. Ms. Smith gives you plenty of insight to her characters and by the end of the story you truly get to know them.  The moments between Hadley and her father were so bittersweet and heartbreaking.  I tried to understand and tried to put myself in Hadley's shoes.  But in the end I found that I could not be as forgiving of her.  I stayed with the bitterness and anger that she felt for her dad.  I tried to understand his point-of-view, but call me vengeful, I just could not get over his transgressions.  I would have liked there to have been more moments of just Hadley and Oliver since those were the one's that stole the show for me.  Their interactions were swoon worthy.  

Have you ever seen the 2001 movie, Serendipity... you know, the one starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale?  The one that you always stop to watch should you happen to see it as you are clicking through channels... at least I do.  That is what I was reminded of while reading The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.  Like Serendipity, I found myself sighing and smiling all over the place while reading this one.  It was the perfect read to snuggle up with and just feel gushy over.

Overall, this was a wonderful read. Though I wasn't too happy with Hadley and her father's relationship, the moments between Hadley and Oliver were enough to make me really like this story.  A very enjoyable, light and fun read.

My Rating:

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry

Title: Dust & Decay
Author: Jonathan Maberry
Pages: 519
Genre: YA/ Horror
Source: Purchased

Six months have passed since the terrifying battle with Charlie Pink-eye and the Motor City Hammer in the zombie-infested mountains of the Rot & Ruin. It’s also six months since Benny Imura and Nix Riley saw something in the air that changed their lives. Now, after months of rigorous training with Benny’s zombie-hunter brother Tom, Benny and Nix are ready to leave their home forever and search for a better future. Lilah the Lost Girl and Benny’s best friend Lou Chong are going with them.

Sounds easy. Sounds wonderful. Except that everything that can go wrong does. Before they can even leave there is a shocking zombie attack in town. But as soon as they step into the Rot & Ruin they are pursued by the living dead, wild animals, insane murderers and the horrors of Gameland –where teenagers are forced to fight for their lives in the zombie pits. Worst of all…could the evil Charlie Pink-eye still be alive?

In the great Rot & Ruin everything wants to kill you. Everything…and not everyone in Benny’s small band of travelers will make it out alive. [via GoodReads]

As weird as some of you may think this is, I am a zombie lover. They scare the crap out of me but I can’t help watching and reading everything I can get my grubby little hands on. Even if it means losing sleep at night. Mr. Maberry’s Rot & Ruin remains one of the best zombie books evah (at least, in my book). I loved it! It wasn’t just guts and gore, but it surprisingly had depth and meaning.

Dust & Decay is the sequel to Rot & Ruin.  Our favorite characters are back! Benny Imura, his brother Tom, Nix Riley, and Lilah, the Lost Girl, are back out in the Ruin - this time in search of that mysterious jet.  After 7 months of training under the mighty Tom, the kids are now ready to take on what lies in the Ruin, a place where pretty much everything is out to kill you.  As always, things don't turn out as planned and sooner than expected they are split up and end up on quite the adventure. 

Benny, is a wonderful narrator.  I love his inner dialogues, how he still finds hope in a world where there really is none.  He's like a bit of sunshine on rainy day.  He's also quite the charmer.  His sense of humor and inner turmoil really make for good reading.  Mr. Maberry has once again impressed me in the depth he gives his characters.  Because while this story is zombie-infested and geared for teens (especially boys, I think), his characters go through a whole slew of emotions - giving the reader an adrenaline rush one minute and comtemplating humanity in the next. 

All in all, I thought this was a wonderful installment in the series.  It was full of action, adventure, laughs, tears... and zombies (of course), I found that I could not devour this one quick enough.

My Rating:

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson

Title:  The Fox Inheritance

Author: Mary E. Pearson

Pages:  294

Genre: YA/ Dystopian

Source: Amazon Vine Program

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.

Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.

Everyone except Jenna Fox. [via GoodReads]

The Adoration of Jenna Fox was a phenomenal book! Have you read it, if not, please do so. It was amazing! Seriously. And while I found myself really looking forward to something else relating to Jenna – I think as a standalone book, Jenna Fox was perfect.

With that said, The Fox Inheritance, made me hopeful that we would once again hear from Jenna and learn more about her world. And that we did! To my surprise we also learned more about the fateful night of the accident and the outcome Locke and Kara.

Locke and Kara have been in a suspended state of endless darkness where the only thing that kept them sane was each other’s voices. Centuries after being forgotten on a shelf they are found by – what I would call – a mad scientist. Who, with personal ambition in mind, resurrects their mind downloads and brings Locke and Kara back to life. 260 years after their death they are once again in human form with only one thing recognizable in this ever-changed world…. Jenna Fox.

While I can’t say I loved this sequel, I can definitely say I was intrigued. I liked the way the author brings back all the same questions, doubts, issues that Jenna went through while also giving it a more drastic doom and gloom feel. While Jenna woke up shortly after her accident, Locke and Kara have lost everything and everyone they knew in their lives. I liked the character dynamics and the emotional turmoil the kids were facing.

My Rating:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Title:  The Pledge
Author: Kimberly Derting
Pages: 323
Genre: YA/ Dystopian
Source: Simon & Schuster

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime. [via GoodReads]

Charlaina, lives in the kingdom of Ludania which is ruled by the ancient Queen Sabara. As all the citizens of Ludania, but especially as a vendor’s daughter, Charlie, has to follow the strict rules imposed by their queen. All the people of the kingdom are segregated by their class and even though they all speak the common language Englaise, they also have their own language depicting their class. Meaning if you are of a lower class and are speaking your tongue yet you look and act as if you are a member of a higher class you are instantly executed.

Charlie understands all the languages in the kingdom – even those of the immigrants that keep coming through her town who are avoiding the rebellion. Which is forbidden!! For she can’t show any reaction to any of the conversations going on around her. If she is confused and answers someone without realizing that they are speaking a language that isn’t that of her vendor class, she knows it can be very dangerous for her and her family. It gets harder and harder every day to hide her talent and should it come out she knows that it’s more than her life that’s at stake.

While I’m a big fan of Ms. Derting’s Body Finder series, I sadly wasn’t impressed with The Pledge. I liked the idea of this dystopian novel, but I somehow didn’t find it very convincing. For starters I had trouble relating to Charlaina and the other characters in the novel. I felt as if you really didn’t get to know them well enough to form that bond between reader and character. I also had some problems with the world building. I love dystopian novels. I even like those where there really isn’t much explanation as to how the world got the way it is – it’s understandable that things get lost in translation. But the little explanation we did get of Ludania was jumble and confusing.

I was intrigued by the storyline, I read the story, rather quickly actually. I’ve always really enjoyed Ms. Derting’s books and I was convinced that it would get better. But sadly, it just didn’t. And while I liked the ending, I especially liked it thinking this was a standalone novel, but I’m now a little disappointed to hear that it’s a series… one that I really don’t think I’ll continue.

My Rating: