reviews, buys and reads - oh my

Reviews coming this week.... in no order at all since High Stakes is going up today. Unleashed by Susan Kearney, Lucy Monroe, Diane Whiteside, Rebecca York In the tradition of "Hot Blooded" and "Hot Spell" comes an anthology that dares to unleash the most uninhibited fantasies imaginable featuring works by Susan Kearney, Lucy Monroe, Diane Whiteside, and York. The Stranger I Married By Sylvia Day They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson. Their union is a most agreeable sham, until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard away from Isabel. Four years later he comes back and will stop at nothing to win her love. The Sinful Nights of a Nobleman At a glamorous soiree in the romantic English countryside, Lord Devon Boscastle, one of the most elusive bachelors in London, is on the prowl for a willing and wicked lady to share a night of all-consuming sin. So he’s delighted to accept a mysterious invitation for a midnight rendezvous. Miss Jocelyn Lydbury, a demure young debutante, has her heart set on a marriage proposal from a certain respectable gentleman. Invited to a secret tryst at the stroke of twelve, she hopes to finally meet her longtime admirer. To her dismay, it is the heartbreaking Devon who lies in wait for his midnight lady. Before the pair can unmask their deceiver, they are caught in a passionate, if unplanned, embrace and forced into marriage. Although Devon claims he won’t change his roguish ways for anyone, upon returning to London he is surprised to find that his once-timid bride has become an alluring temptress. But little does he know that Jocelyn has vowed to tame her handsome rake–in the ballroom and in the bedchamber. The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter Lord Drake Boscastle has everything–smoldering good looks, extreme wealth, and devilish charms. Everything, that is, except true happiness. Hoping to satisfy his growing discontent, he is set to meet one of the most celebrated courtesans in England for a heated rendezvous. But on the scheduled night of pleasure, Lord Drake’s world is turned upside down by Eloise Goodwin, a wholesome, spirited governess with voluptuous curves and a beguiling wit. Even with an experienced seductress willing to satisfy his every need, Lord Drake cannot forget his encounter with Eloise. Although swept off her feet by the mysteriously handsome rake, Eloise has more pressing matters to address. Her rebellious young client has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must try to resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed? The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE... Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits. What is a gently bred lady to do? WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE... The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior. Dammit! How hard can it be to find a decent secretary? AND FIND EMPLOYMENT. When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his “manly” needs. Well! Anna sees red—and decides to assuage her “womanly” desires . . . with the earl as her unknowing lover. High Stakes by Erin McCarthy He's a bloodsucking freak of nature. But, unlike other politicians, Ethan Carrick is actually a nice guy. Not to mention a very hot, wealthy, casino-owning vampire. It's an election year for vampires, which means he'll first have to escape his opponent's hit men. Then he'll have to find a suitable First Lady, preferably here in Vegas. Brittany Baldizzi fits the bill. She's smart, pretty- and sweeter than a glass of diabetic O-Negative. But her protective sister Alexis steps in with a message for Ethan: Bite me. It's then that he realizes it's the sexy, no-nonsense Alexis who raises his stake. And as much as she denies it, Alexis wouldn't mind a romp in the coffin with him. But can a mere mortal, even one who risks her life for him, make a centuries-old, womanizing vampire feel something entirely new? New to me: Simply Love by Mary Balogh All Night Long by Melissa MacNeal The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd oh so not fond of that cover or title Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway What the Lady Wants by Jennifer Cruise The Naked Truth by by Donna Kauffman, Beverly Brandt, Alesia Holliday, Erin McCarthy Honk if you Love Real Men by Carrie Alexander, Pamela Britton, Susan Donovan, and Lora Leigh Master of Glen Crannach by Stephanie Howard (WHY do I know this name?) reading this week: Jingle Bell Rock by Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman, Susan Donovan, Janelle Denison, Alison Kent, Nancy Warren Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh Must Love Mistletoe - never read Christie Ridgway... really I can't even say I know of anything she has written.... she any good? Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh But with me who knows... something shiny could change my mind or I end up reading a Diana Palmer. And then there is the lil fact that out of the five apartment I saw yesterday. I liked one I couldn't afford and the rest really don't save me enough money or are close enough to work to make it WORTH the pain and suffering of moving. le sigh... So what about you? Any recs? New books? Something to squuueee about?