Checkmate by R. L. Mathewson

Checkmate
A Neighbor from Hell #3

R. L. Mathewson
Contemporary Romance
Published in 2012

H/h - Connor O'Neil/Rory James
Setting: Present time.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                              [spoiler alert]

Hmm, what to write... what to write, hmmm... First of all, Checkmate was more of a disappointment for me. I spend at least 50% of it trying to like Rory and Connor really hard. I did enjoy here and there and sometimes their banters but mostly, it was hard for me to enjoy because no matter what, adults acting like kids, being insane and irresponsible, acting impulsively and not caring for other’s feelings is just not fun, certainly not for 300 or so pages. I’ve been thinking for the last 10 days about what to write in my review since the story was all over the place!

Carnally Ever After by Jackie Barbosa

Carnally Ever After (novella)
Ever After Novellas #1

Jackie Barbosa
Historical Romance/Erotica
Published in 2007

H/h - Alistair de Roche, the Earl of Holyfield/Lady Louisa Bennett
Setting: London, 1816.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                               [spoiler alert]

Carnally Ever After was a fun little novella, I must say! It had me giggling all through the way. But there were those scenes that had me shaking my head, too. Even though the initial novella was too short for me, I really loved the bonus epilogue. JB is an excellent writer no doubt.

Holiday Inn by Shelby Reed

Holiday Inn (novella)

Shelby Reed
Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Published in 2005

H/h - Jesse Proffitt/Anna Shea
Setting: Present time.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                [spoiler alert]

Ah... sigh! Holiday Inn was such a super little novella! It was a perfect blend of tears, laughter, the joy of Christmas along with a little magic to finish it off. I wasn’t sure what to expect seeing the one-night-stand tag, but of course, I should’ve known and trust in Shelby Reed.

The Emperor’s Conspiracy by Michelle Diener

The Emperor’s Conspiracy

Michelle Diener
Historical Romance/Fiction
Pub date: 27 Nov, 2012 (ARC review)

H/h - Lord Edward Durnham/Charlotte Raven
Setting: London, 1811.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                 [spoiler alert]

I must accede to this point that Michelle Diener’s The Emperor’s Conspiracy had great potentials. I liked the author’s writing. She was a new-to-me author before I read this novel, so I didn’t know what to expect. Although I enjoyed some parts of the story, some parts left me unsatisfied and somewhat disappointed. I’ll try to elaborate in my review.

The Priestess by Elliot Mabeuse

The Priestess (novella)

Elliot Mabeuse
Ancient/Erotica
Published in 2008

H/h - Prince Nekhet/Tianfhet
Setting: Ancient Egypt.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

 

                                                    [spoiler alert]

‘Weird’ and ‘meh’ are the two words I have for The Priestess. It’s a really short story, took me about an hour to finish.

Gabriel’s Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel’s Rapture
Gabriel’s Inferno #2

Sylvain Reynard
Contemporary Romance
Published in 2012

H/h - Gabriel Emerson/Julia Mitchell
Setting: Present time.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                                      [spoiler alert]

Gabriel's Rapture, book 2 in Gabriel’s Inferno series gave me loads of mixed feelings. This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2012, and that could be one reason. Why, you ask? I had ridiculously high expectations. I also have loads of complaints about the storyline, which left me heartbroken and frustrated to say the least. But there were things that I liked and appreciated too. Let’s see if I can elaborate in the following.

Unwanted by Kerrigan Byrne

Unwanted (novella)
Highland Historical #3/The MacLauchlans #3

Kerrigan Byrne
Medieval Romance/Fantasy/Paranormal
Published in 2012

H/h - Finn (MacLauchlan)/Rhona McEwan
Setting: Scotland, 1411.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                           [spoiler alert]

Just finished Unwanted and I’m already going on a withdrawal of sexy Highlander Berserkers! Book 3 of Highland Historical was excellent in one word. It had everything, even as a novella; love, passion, loyalty and a thrilling story with three sexy berserkers that got me hooked till the end. Yet again, Kerrigan delivers!

Unwilling by Kerrigan Byrne

Unwilling (novella)
Highland Historical #2/The MacLauchlans #2

Kerrigan Byrne
Medieval Romance/Fantasy/Paranormal
Published in 2012

H/h - Connor MacLauchlan/Lindsay Ross
Setting: Scotland, 1411.

Read in Nov, 2012.

My rating:

                                                      [spoiler alert]

Ah, yes! Another winner from Kerrigan! Unwilling is the second installment in Highland Historical series with another sexy berserker hero and a spirited heroine. What can I say? Loved it? Well, of course I did! Connor was my dream come true berserker with a name that never fails to make me w... erm, uh, shiver. *heehee*