Title: JANE
Author: April Lindner
Publisher: Poppy
Publication date: October 11, 2010
Category: Young Adult

Reviewed by: Jax Cassidy

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I’ve been obsessed with Charlotte Bronte’s JANE EYRE since a teen. It was one of the first classics I was forced to read in high school but actually really enjoyed. When I discovered there was a modern day retelling of the classic, I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve seen and read many adaptations of other beloved classics–some hit or miss–so it was refreshing to find Lindner’s contemporary young adult version of my favorite Gothic romance.

Truthfully, I feared the story would disappoint but JANE exceeded my expectations. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the storytelling and very happy Lindner stayed true and loyal to the tone and main elements of the original.

As much as I was sucked into the story, I’m concerned that most young readers who may not have read the original Jane Erye will find the age gap between Jane Moore and Nico Rathburn disturbing. That, along with a few other story elements which I don’t want to spoil…but I hope that readers will give this book a read. It’s extremely well-written and provided an intimate look into the world of two people who have found a bond through their own loneliness and desire to be understood. Loved.

I couldn’t put this book down! I hope that those unfamiliar with the classic tale will be eager to pick it up after reading JANE. It’s one of those rare books that I wouldn’t mind re-reading again and again. I’m excited about Ms. Lindner’s next project CATHERINE, which is a modern day re-telling of Wuthering Heights.

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BLURB:

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

But there’s a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane’s much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

Title: Butterfly Swords
Author: Jeannie Lin
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Publication date: October 1, 2010
Category: Historical Romance

Reviewed by: Jax Cassidy

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This is the first Harlequin Historical I’ve read and I’m delighted to say it won’t be the last. Jeannie Lin’s debut novel BUTTERFLY SWORDS is an incredibly visual read. Cinematic and as vivid as the characters she’s written. It brought back so many fond memories of my love for Chinese cinema growing up. This story was beautifully written and although it possessed a love story, the root of it was a personal journey of love and loss for the heroine Ai Li. She is a smart, sassy, and strong character with the ability to wield her butterfly swords with eloquence and surety. Her spirited fighting skills, while engaged with the handsome foreigner Ryam, managed to capture his interest and his heart.

The Tang Dynasty setting was a breath of fresh air–and who doesn’t love a sexy bad boy who is eager to tame the feisty heroine (at least in his bed)? This story had plenty of action, intrigue, loyalty and passion. I can’t wait to see more from this Golden Heart winner and I’m excited that she’s helped revived historicals outside of the Regency and Victorian era! Well done, Ms. Lin!

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BLURB:

During China’s infamous Tang Dynasty, a time awash with luxury yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty, betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding.

Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for defense, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior….

Battle-scarred, embittered Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li’s innocent trust in him and honorable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her–which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted….

Reviewed by: Jax Cassidy

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I’m new to the Harlequin Nocturne books and the few that I’ve read have been disappointing. However, Stephanie Draven’s debut novel POISONED KISSES is an exception. From page one, this book is action-packed and intense. The characters are deeply damaged and emotionally flawed…yet exceedingly sexy. Marco is the perfect brooding hero and Kyra is a kick-butt heroine that you’d want in your corner during a bar fight. Although I enjoyed the read, I felt it was weighted by the action and war in Rwanda storyline. I would have loved to see more of the relationship building and romance but I understood her motive and the importance of the action-driven storytelling. There was a purpose for these scenes and I understood why it was an integral part of the story.

Ms. Draven’s voice is smooth and engaging. The action sequences would make for a great television show and if you’re wanting a typical Harlequin romance, you won’t get it from this book. It’s high concept and high-octane with a splash of sexiness that will keep you entertained. I’m looking forward to reading more paranormals from Ms. Draven. I love her unique twist on Greek mythology and the creative characters she weaves.

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He can wear the face of anyone who has ever hurt him…

This former soldier-turned-gun-runner thinks his true identity is safe, but a mysterious woman is about to force him to face the tragic past he thought he left behind.

She can disguise herself as the only woman he’s ever loved…

It’s not easy to be a Daddy’s Girl when your father is Ares, Greek God of War. To thwart her father and all those who serve him, Kyra intends to assassinate a modern day hydra. To kill him, she needs to seduce him, but Marco Kaisaris isn’t the monster she thinks he is–and even if he doesn’t break her heart, he may still be the death of her.

Can they see past each other’s masks to find a love that’s more than skin deep?

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This Regency historical takes you on an emotional journey with Scher Martin, an actress and proprietor of the Green Room playhouse and tavern. From page one, you can feel the heated attraction between Scher and Lord (Brandon) Blackstone. Although the physical desires cannot be met, it’s not the only source of their troubles. It’s evident that Scher yearns for marriage and respectability due to circumstances stemming from her past, yet when she has the opportunity to marry Brandon’s cousin Kit, she realizes that everything she ever wanted isn’t what she wanted at all.

If you want to read a story about a sharp-witted heroine, an exceedingly sexy and brooding hero, WICKED SURRENDER is the right choice. Jade Lee is a strong writer and creates an intriguing ensemble cast that includes potential in-laws you’d want to run far away from, and a fiancé that you can’t wait to see grow into a man. Although I enjoyed the book, I felt the pacing picked up in the second half where the storytelling provided a juicier bit of drama and action. The Epilogue (and sneak peek) made me look forward to WICKED SEDUCTION, the next installment in this series.

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The daughter of an actress, Scher Martin feels she’ll never fulfill her dreams of acquiring a good home and having a respectable family, so she agrees to be the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackthorn.

But when Brandon’s cousin proposes marriage, Scher finds herself torn between the propriety she craves and the love of a dark and troubled man.

In Simply Wicked, Kate Pearce once again takes us to the House of Pleasure where we meet Anthony, a young man whose history of abuse has skewed his perception of sexuality into something dark and damaging. Determined to put the violence he’s craved for so long behind him, he leaves his lover and the world of bondage and dominance behind him. When he is asked to act as social escort to Marguerite, a young widow with secrets of her own, he sees an opportunity to distance himself from the pull of submission and a much needed distraction from a lifestyle that is destroying him.

Marguerite isn’t sure what to think about the intriguing and sensual man her family has procured as escort. He brings to life desires which have laid dormant since her husband’s death and she quickly acts on them. But Anthony’s past may be more than she can handle, and when his former lover refuses to let him go, Marguerite is pulled into a bitter man’s vicious game of revenge.

Ms. Pearce has penned a story of sensual elegance so lush and appealing, I didn’t want to put it down. The two lovers battle their private demons, trying to lay the past to rest and move on with their lives. However, they discover their pasts aren’t as separate and private as they believe and must work together to set things right before they can move on.

I was drawn to Anthony early in the book because of his vulnerability, his desperation to leave behind a lifestyle which left him filled with shame and degradation. He didn’t know what he wanted besides change, and this lost quality left him floundering, searching for some elusive sense of happiness. Anthony’s attitudes were frustrating, though. He ranged from one who seemed to enjoy wallowing in victim mode to sulky bratty-ness early in the book, however as he learned to stand up for himself and make his own decisions he matured.

I was not as attracted to the character of Marguerite. While she was a very sensual character, I was never sure what drove her or why she made some choices. She was, however, very sensual and surprisingly open to new sexual experiences. Sexually, she was the perfect match for Anthony, firm and demanding, yet still the picture of soft, feminine sensuality. This fourth book in the House of Pleasure series left me wanting more. Ms. Pearce’s luxurious writing is a decadent delight and I cannot wait for book five and its unexpected hero.

Hello, Divas!  Thanks for having me today.  I don’t usually write book reviews, but I just read Jackie Barbosa’s debut novel, Behind the Red Door, and it was so wonderful that I want to tell everyone about it.

The book is made up of three novellas, each involving a house of ill repute called the Red Door.  Before I continue, I have a few confessions to make.

1.  I love sexy Regencies.

2.  I adore novellas, especially when I’m busy

3.  I’m often in the mood for erotic romance, because I really like sex scenes.  I like early, frequent sex scenes.  What can I say?  I’m naughty.

Behind the Red Door was right up my alley, because it incorporated all of the above elements without skimping on quality writing or emotional impact.  Each story was excellent, which is rare in this format, from my experience.

In the first story, the hero is a dissolute rake and secret scholar.  The heroine is a recently jilted young lady who is also a bit of a bluestocking.  She doesn’t consider the hero a good match for marriage because of his scandalous ways.  Although she desires him physically, she’s also intellectually infatuated with his “friend,” the brilliant poetry translator she’s never seen.  Oh, the calamity.

Like the next two stories, this one has familiar themes, done well.  A unique point—the hero has had male lovers in the past.  I find sexual fluidity in women very appealing, in men not so much.  This is a matter of personal taste, however, and I think the author addresses the issue in a positive way.

The sex is explicit, and the hero talks dirty (mmm!), but there is a real tenderness between the characters.  He realizes that he wants a committed relationship before she does, which is a detail I always enjoy.

The second story also worked well for me.  A war hero with PTSD enters the Red Door with an odd request—a good night’s sleep.  He can’t stave off the nightmares when he’s alone, so he hires a prostitute to lie beside him.  She fancies him, of course.  In the morning, she wakes him in the best possible way.  He returns the favor, what a gent.

Again, we have steamy erotic encounters, and a marriage-minded hero who decides what he wants in record time.  My main problem was with the heroine’s profession.  She likes sex better than scrubbing pots, and has no negative feelings about her job.  Maybe some readers would find that refreshing, but I thought it unrealistic.  The story took an unexpected turn in the second half, and continued to hold my interest.  Nicely done.

The third story is the most explicit.  I liked it the best!  Lady Jane is in love with her betrothed, a seductive scoundrel who he sees her only as a friend.  Desperate to win his heart, she visits the Red Door, intent on learning how to please him in the bedroom.  Jane’s unsuspecting fiancé is there to relieve a hankering—for Jane.  But he doesn’t go through with it.  Before he leaves, the madam invites him to give lessons to a disguised Jane.  He readily accepts.  She won’t allow him to take her virginity, so they do everything else.  And I do mean everything!

Behind the Red Door has three very sexy, very enjoyable stories.  If you like well-written erotic romance, I highly recommend it.

ABOUT JILL:

Jill Sorenson writes romantic suspense for Silhouette and Bantam Dell.  Her latest release, Set the Dark on Fire, is in stores now.