Book Blog

All right, it's been weeks and I've read about a kazillion books but I have to choose two so here we go.

(FYI: Due to new FTC regulations, this may be one of the last book blogs I do. I'm not sure cuz I'm not a lawyer but I am looking into it.)

When Seducing A Duke by Kathryn Smith

Rose Danvers has been in love with Greyson Kane, Duke of Ryeton, for years, but she believes he sees her as a burden. So she decides to seduce him. One night at a masked ball, she and the Duke give into their desires. She thinks it will only be one night but cannot resist his lure to come back the following week. The next morning when she arrives at the Duke's townhouse, she doesn't believe that he recognized her from their passionate night. She couldn't be more wrong.

Grey Kane has been in love with Rose for years but honor has kept him from pursuing her. Still, all of his lovers have to meet a specific criteria. They must look like Rose. So when he meets the best 'imitation' of Rose he's ever seen, his desire is instant and overwhelming. He lives for their stolen moments but once the secret is out, will he lay aside his pride, and his honor, to claim the woman he loves?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Smith but it definitely won't be the last. The chemistry between Rose and Grey is explosive and real. I felt and understood both of their plights. I was rooting for them to be together. Their relationship seemed real and genuine.

What I loved most about this was the fact that it read like a contemporary. No bad guy lurking in the shadows, no kidnapping plot, nothing more dangerous than both the hero and the heroine having to face their demons. I liked that both characters were flawed. Usually with a rake story, the woman is almost sickeningly perfect and this was not the case in this story.

RATING: RUN LIKE HELL!!!

Big, Bad Wolf by Christine Warren

Missy Roper had been attracted to Graham Winters since the moment they met but obviously he didn't feel the same because he's never even looked twice at her. Hell, he doesn't even recognize her when they meet just a few weeks after they were best man and maid of honor at a wedding! But that doesn't stop him from sweeping her off her feet and giving her the most incredible weekend of her life. Still, Missy doesn't trust his newfound desire. He's had plenty of opportunity to be with her, all of which he's passed on. What makes this weekend any different?

Lupine Alpha Graham Winters knows from the moment he 'meets' Missy that she is his mate and does everything he can to convince her of the same. But she's human and doesn't quite grasp the concept. He's determined to keep her even as factions within his pack are rising up to tear them apart.

I've read Ms. Warren before and I can say without a doubt that I've never been disappointed. This story is no different. Graham and Missy are hit together and while I'm not usually a fan of love at first sight books, because it's a werewolf book, I can hang. My only complaint was that Missy's objections about the reasons for them to be together seemed thin but genuine. Also, the plot seemed too compressed. I think it could have been stretched out and work as well, give Missy more time to understand the Lupine lifestyle.

RATING: RUN!

And because I can:

GABRIEL AUBRY!!

Okay, this guy is so fine, it makes you want to smack your mama. No wonder Halle Berry is keeping him!