Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

I haven't read vampire novels in a VERY long time. I have been vamped-out, were-d out, and thoroughly exhausted by all the plots that add paranormalness of various flavors. Aside from the occasional YA paranormal (such as this month's book club selection) I haven't read a paranormal romance in months, possibly.

I'm not sure why I made the exception for this one. I was designing the ad for it and the tagline, about a woman who can control electricity and a vampire who can control fire, caught my attention. We hosted a giveaway with a firepit, so I had press materials about the book in my inbox. Then I saw a few positive tweets about it, and then I read the sample, and boom - it was "leave me alone, it's electric vampire time." I was honestly very surprised - my paraxhaustion was pretty entrenched.

This book is the start of a new series by Jeaniene Frost. I really liked book 1 of the Vampire Huntress series, and I usually like Frost's heroines. The heroine in this case, Laila, was part… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: How to Marry a Duke by Vicki Dreiling

This review was written by Polished Bookworm. This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical Romance and Best First Book categories.

The summary:      


Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love.

Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes

This review was written by Polished Bookworm. This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical Romance category.

The summary:     


Lady Sophie Windham has maneuvered a few days to herself at the ducal mansion in London before she must join her family for Christmas in Kent. Suddenly trapped by a London snowstorm, she finds herself with an abandoned baby and only the assistance of a kind, handsome stranger standing between her and complete disaster.

With his estate in ruins, Vim Charpentier sees little to feel festive about this Christmas. His growing attraction for Sophie Windham is the only thing that warms his spirits-but when Sophie's brothers whisk her away, Vim's most painful holiday memories are reawakened. It seems Sophie's been keeping secrets, and now it will take much more than a mistletoe kiss to make her deepest wishes come true...

And here is Polished Bookworm's review:

This book is an enjoyable bit of Christmas cheer, featuring a snowstorm, a baby, and… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: The Man from Gossamer Ridge by Paula Graves

This review was written by Jen. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance categories.

The summary:      To criminology professor Alicia Solano, serial killers aren't just academic. A very real one is stalking her now, possibly the same madman who brought Gabe Cooper to town. The sexy Southern lawman still blames himself for an unsolved murder and this time, he'll do anything to catch the killer—and keep Alicia alive. Not that the feisty prof wants his protection. Her protests prove useless when Gabe insists on moving in with her. And although Gabe senses getting Alicia to trust him—especially after surviving her own traumatic past—is going to be a challenge, it'll be worth it.

Gabe knows better than anyone just how far this murderer will go to get what he wants. But so will Gabe. And what he wants is Alicia.

And here is Jen's review:

I enjoy romantic suspense. I enjoy a nice category-length book to spend an. I… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: The Devil in Disguise by Stefanie Sloane

This review was written by Erin Satie, who noted that "Stefanie Sloane very kindly sought me out and donated a copy of the book, which was really awesome of her." This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical Romance and the Best First Book categories.

The summary:     

Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for Lady Lucinda Grey. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot. To do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must use his devilish charm to seduce Lucinda and convince her he’s worthy of her attention.

William never planned to become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or to lose his own heart in the bargain. Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. She’s tempted by his sinfully sensuous mouth and piercing eyes, and… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Taken to the Edge by Kara Lennox

This review was written by Lauren . This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance category.

The summary:     

Ford Hyatt thought he was done. He was all set to give up on himself and on Project Justice. Then Robyn Jasperson walks back into his life. His former bad-girl crush looks better than ever and needs his help getting a case overturned.

Robyn's got an ex-husband in jail, a murdered son and nowhere else to turn. Ford let her down before. But now he can find the truth, set matters straight and redeem himself. And time is running out. If he fails,she has everything to lose. If he wins, he has everything to gain, including Robyn's heart.

And here is Lauren's review:

The Setup:  Bad girl and good boy have crushes on each other in high school but never hook up.  They meet again years later and sparks fly. Girl is trying to prove that her lying, cheating ex-husband didn’t kill their… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

This review was written by KKJ . This story was nominated in the Best Inspirational Romance category.

The summary:      The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp.

The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

And here is KKJ's' review:

Serena Miller is a relatively new inspie author, and I think this is a good effort – but not quite award-worthy.

THE ROMANCE: The attraction between the heroine and her boss was predictable, but in a comforting sort of way. She has trust issues (abusive husband);… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Hidden Away by Maya Banks

This review was written by Holly. This story was nominated in the Best Romantic Suspense category.

The summary:     

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who's in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother--and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it...

But Garrett hadn't counted on falling for Sarah. He'd considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah's dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe--even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn't know exactly who, or what, Sarah's running from, but whatever it is, she's running for her life...

And here is Holly's review:

This the third book in Maya Banks’ KGI series.  I had read the first two prior to reading this one but feel it… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: I’m Not Her by Janet Gurtler

This review was written by Jennifer. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book category.

The summary:      "For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..." Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer.

Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. But, the smiles of her picture perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

And here is Jennifer's review:

This is a book that I read but stepped away from for a while before writing up a review. I felt I needed a perspective that time would give me, and yet I find I… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: I’m Not Her by Janet Gurtler

This review was written by Layla. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book category.

The summary:     

"For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..." Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer.

Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. But, the smiles of her picture perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

And here is Layla's review:

For readers who are reminded of Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, you’re not far from the mark. Both novels share a focus on the relationship between two sisters, and how illness both alters… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: I’m Not Her by Janet Gurtler

This review was written by Turophile. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book category.

The summary:     

"For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..." Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer.

Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. But, the smiles of her picture perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

And here is Turophile's review:

I'm Not Her is a coming-of-age tale reminiscent of  Jodi Picoult novels.  The heroine, Tess, and her entire family mature and develop a deeper appreciation for each other as they deal with the cancer… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: A Bravo Homecoming by Christine Rimmer

This review was written by Anne. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Romance category.

The summary:     

Travis Bravo was sick of his meddling mother and her matchmaking ways. So what better way to stop her than to bring a fiancée home for the holidays? One catch—he wasn't even dating anyone. But that was where his rough-and-tumble oil-rig friend, Samantha Jaworski, came in.

An unpolished tomboy, Sam was game for anything for a good friend. But after her girlfriend-ready makeover, she fell easily into the role of Travis's loving partner—and into his arms.

Would she be standing under his mistletoe…for keeps?

And here is Anne's review:

I chose this book because it has one of my favorite romance premises of all time: friends/coworkers falling in love.  And then it added a soupçon of “What Not to Wear” and I was pretty hooked.  I think I read the whole thing in a day or two, which is saying something… read more »

Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas:  A Guest Review by CarrieS

Of all literary genres, romance is the most personal.  Readers seem to connect to books less on the basis of writing quality as to how the nature of the characters and their relationship pushes their own emotional buttons. 

Keeping this in mind, Ravishing the Heiress is not my favorite Sherry Thomas novel because the nature of the character's relationship frustrated me.  However, her writing is as lovely and as nuanced as ever and the portrayal of a slowly growing friendship that comes from a shared life is beautifully done.

RITA Reader Challenge: Stranded with Her Ex by Jill Sorenson

This review was written by SonomaLass. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance category.

The summary:     

An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores. Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart…the passion between them more intense than ever.

But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most? Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands to study killer sharks. Now a real killer is on the loose, threatening the woman he's never stopped loving. And this time, he knows he can't walk away.

Marooned together during a deadly storm, Sean vows to go to hell and back to save Daniela…and for the chance to begin again.

And here is SonomaLass's… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh

This review was written by SonomaLass. This story was nominated in the Best Paranormal Romance category.

The summary:     

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…

As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who'd cursed Micah. She sees past Micah's armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.… read more »