Book Review: The Laird Who Loved Me

Title: The Laird Who Loved Me
Author: Karen Hawkins
Series: MacLean Curse - Book #5
Publisher: Pocket Books
Release Date: August 25th 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4165-6026-5
Source: Owned (Paperback)
Genre: Historical Romance

Synopsis
Handsome Alexander MacLean enjoyed his intoxicating flirtation with lovely Caitlyn Hurst...until she embarrassed him in front of the entire ton. Orchestrating Caitlyn's attendance at a fashionable house party, Alexander plots her downfall. But to his fury, her charm and wit thwart his plan to ruin her.

Her disastrous London season left Caitlyn filled with regret and determined to make things right with Alexander. She's delighted to find him at the house party to which she's unexpectedly invited - but it's clear that the sexy, arrogant Highlander hasn't forgiven her. So Caitlyn comes up with a bold scheme, proposing an unusual contest drawn from legend: each must complete a set of "mythic" tasks. If Caitlyn succeeds, Alexander promises to relent and forgive her previous rash behavior; if he succeeds she will join him in his bed! But can Caitlyn force Alexander to give up his quest for vengeance without giving up her heart in return?

 

My Thoughts

 

I absolutely love a good romance book and historical romance books at that and this book was no exception. I usually use a book in this genre as a pick me up after a really crappy day...or week and this book served it's purpose. I spent a matter of hours reading it, and the book left me in aura of belief that something like that could actually be out there.

 

The book was absolutely hilarious, the character's crazy antics were one that I haven't had the pleasure of reading about. Although this book is part of a series (number 5) this was the first of the series that I've read and I found that I don't really need to read the other ones to know what was going on previously. The novel hinted with the tale of the curse and mentioned small pieces of his families history but not enough to leave you clueless. The author gave you enough to get you through the book as a stand alone than leaving you clueless to read the series from the beginning.

 

I loved Caitlyn but I didn't like how all the men were attracted to her, really can anyone have that much charisma that they attract an entire room full of men? I liked her personality and spirit, how she never gave up and always was looking to prove people (Alexander) wrong. I didn't like Georgianna, But I felt like she didn't get a finish, unless I missed something. Sure she had a hand in the fight between Alexander and Dervishton over Caitlyn but was that it? yes she made Caitlyn feel two inches tall the night she left but Georgianna wanted to ruin Caitlyn and never missed an opportunity to nitpick about her and gossip - it felt like by the end of the book she didn't really try hard enough. I mean don't get me wrong I wanted Caitlyn to come out on top in the first place but after how nasty Georgianna was and wanting to go after Caitlyn because she was in love with Alexander it would have been nice to see Caitlyn knock her down a few pegs, if she had tried to ruin her like she had expressed.

 

I'm very glad that Alexander came back in the end because after everything they put each other through they really did deserve their happy ever after together. I even actually shed some tears at the end.

 

The end of the book hinted maybe abouther book with the next generation? Caitlyn and Alexander's Children, I think I would definitely read the rest of the series from start to finish.     

 

My Rating: 4.5/5

 

Goodreads: The Laird Who Loved Me

Author's Website: Karen Hawkins   



Book Review - Daughter of Oreveille

Title: Daughter of Oreveille
Author: Tricia Ballad
Series: Oreveille Cycle - #1
Publisher: Faeland Press
Release Date: November 16th 2013
ISBN: 978-0-615-910390
Source: Goodreads Giveaway (Paperback)
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis

Brianna will inherit everything - if she can play by the rules.

Instead she rejects yet another fine noble of the Faelands in  favor  of a half-Fae commoner.

The House of Oreveille has been without a Defender since her father's death in the jotnar wars. Her mother's drunkard second husband has neglected his duties; the estate has fallen into decay and rumors are flying that the grand house of Oreveille, protector of the border between Gaia and the Faeland for thousands of years, may soon fall.

How must will Brianna be forced to sacrifice to protect the life - and the man - she has chosen?

My Thoughts

First off I must express how overcome I was with emotion with this novel and I'm absolutely thrilled that Gabriel has come back...in the form of Gabe, yay!!

This novel was probably the quickest read (2 hours give or take a few minutes) that I've actually had the pleasure of reading in a long time, and the only regret that I have...well two actually is, for one that I wished it was longer. The story was over as fast as it began and I wished it didn't have to end. The other being that I hit a bit of confusion, when the novel jumped or so I thought into the future. The chapter page stated it was still the same time (month and year) as when the book started, even though on the second page in the chapter (Chapter 23) they talked about how it had been years. Left me a bit confused as to how much time had passed since they first left her home. < Now that, that bit is out of the way let me get on with what else I have to say that's positive.

The characters were so easy to fall in love with...well with the exception of Cordov and Brianne's mother...by the end of the novel I was kind of glad they ended up with each other because in a sense they deserved each other. They were both manipulative in ways that ended in Gabriel's death. Hell if Cordov hadn't of told Gabriel to pretty much kill Brianne's step father, then they would have never had to leave in the first place and Brianne could have had help to properly heal Gabriel's wound. Brianne however did become Madam of the hosue in the end. I can only assume her mother passed on, or shall we see her in the next book? The author for me left a lot of questions hanging. For instance what happened to Brianne and Gabriel's daughter Kathleen?

All in all it was a different kind of novel with Fae elements, a refreshing read for me and I can't wait to read the second installment when that becomes available.

My Rating: 5/5

Goodreads: Daughter of Oreveille by Tricia Ballad
Author: Tricia Ballad

Book Review - Hard As It Gets

Title: Hard As It Gets
Author: Laura Kaye
Series: Hard Ink - #1
Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: November 26th 2013
ISBN: 978-0-062-26788
Source: Owned (Paperback)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Meritt is warm, sexy, wholesome - pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left military behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigating turns ino all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...

My Thoughts

I don't know exactly what I was expecting with this novel, it was most definitely a quick read and was quite gripping. It kept me on the edge of suspense and I often found myself wincing when it came time for the bad guys to jump into the scene and hurt poor Becca.

I was quite sad with the ending, I think I expected more, a little bit more of the adventure and thrill with the crime plot and more with Becca and Nick's relationship. I quickly came to like Becca and Nick however there were times when I'd throw the book down whenever he decided to play the hardass card and became a complete prick.

I'm hoping there's more of their story in the sequel but from reading the synopsis of the second boo it doesn't look like there will be. I was quite interested in her tattoo even if it wasn't a permanent one. I will read the second novel and probably the third just to see the story continue since I love the plot so far. As far as being a contemporary romance novel, it sucked on my romantic scale. Sure they had their moments but the novel was mostly tied up in the kidnapping aspects and Nick dealing with his issues over Becca's father and bringing in his team and dealing with their issues with Becca and her deceased father. All in all it could have been a tad spicier.

My rating: 3.5/5

Goodreads: Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye
Author: Laura Kaye

Book Review - An Earthly Knight

Title: An Earthly Knight
Author: Janet McNaughton
Series:
Publisher: HarperTrophyCanada
Release Date: March 2nd 2004
ISBN: 978-0-006-39230
Source: Owned (Paperback)
Genre: Young Adult & Fantasy

Synopsis

The year is 1162. Sixteen-year-old Lady Jeanette Avenel has always enjoyed her freedom as second daughter of a minor nobleman in Teviotdale, Scotland. But after her sister, Isabel, disgraces the family, Jenny is suddenly thrust into the role of eldest daughter. Now Jenny has been chosen as potential bride to the heir of the King of Scotland. While learning the customs of the royal court, Jenny is drawn to the mysterious young man rumored to have been kidnapped by fairies, not knowing his past holds a secret that threatens everyone close to him - including Jenny.

My Thoughts

This book has been one I've read over a hundred times. I loved it growing up as a child and teenager and as an adult I still found the delight in the plot. It was gripping from beginning to end and just as it used to when I was younger I wound up dreaming of the setting and myself in Jenny's shoes looking for adventure. I've found a love for historical romance novels and though I can't be positive I'm pretty sure this book was the beginning one that started it all.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and hate. I could see myself as Jenny and sympathizing with her and her sister about the choices they had to make and the emotions that felt during the novel. It was also easy to hate William, from the start there was an air about him that said something wasn't right. The whole plot with fairies brought a magical element in, and I saw fairies in a different light. Normally when I think of fairies I think of small harmless mystical beings but the author cast a different light on them that was refreshing.

My favorite character had to be the nurse Galliane. She seemed to know everything...Jenny said through eavesdropping and the author hinted that a little bit but it seemed to me, she had good intuition when it came to her girls Jenny and Isabel. Just as Jenny has when it comes to the people who try to get close.

My Rating: 5/5

Goodreads: An Earthly Knight by Janet McNaughton
Author: Janet McNaughton

Book Review - Safe Haven

Title: Safe Haven
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Series:
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: September 14th 2010
ISBN: 978-0-446-54759
Source: Owned (Paperback)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draw her into two reluctant relationships: one with her plainspoken neighbor, Jo; and another with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. Katie slowly begins to relax her guard, putting down roots in the community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts her. With Jo's support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards...and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

My Review

First off I have to say that I did see the movie, way before I got a chance to pick the book up and finally read it. With that being said like most instances books are way better than the movies and well this novel was no exception. It was definitely way better than the movie and I only wish now that I had gotten a chance to read the novel before hand.

This book was hard to put down and even when I had to put it down it was never far from reach. I liked the characters from the beginning with the exception of Kevin; Katie's husband. But who would like a man like that, character or not. The characters were relatively easy to relate to in their everyday lives. I could feel the fear that Katie felt with the way the author put it all into words. Spark's painted a setting that I could easily see the characters in. It was like watching a movie, a fantastic movie. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat and it was interesting to see gradually mentally insane Kevin got as the story unfolded, while the opposite happened to Katie, it was like they switched roles.

I'd have to say that out of the whole novel my favorite character was Jo, the spirit of Alex's deceased wife. I loved her personality and the way she helped Katie realize that she doesn't need to keep hiding in fear. It was very interesting in the end to know that she had all along just been a figment of Katie's imagination and it wasn't until the end that Katie put all the pieces together and realized it when she read the letter.

My Rating: 5/5

Goodreads: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Author's Website: Nicholas Sparks