Before the Larkspur Blooms by Caroline Fyffe

Before the Larkspur Blooms by Caroline Fyffe

Prairie Hearts Series, Book 2

Publisher: Montlake Romance (May 2013)

292 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

After spending eight years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Thom returns home to find many changes, some of them sad, and regrettably an ex-con's welcome from some of the townspeople, the only bright spot is that Hannah is still there, the girl he'd loved for as long as he could remember. Thom was a great strong character fighting against so much despite his youth with a wisdom derived from hardship, and Hannah was spunky, refreshingly blunt and easy to like. There are about four or five story lines intermingled in here, all seemingly as important as the others, and as it moves back and forth between them it gives it a nice soap opera type feel that I enjoyed. The characters from the first book in this series have returned, and have their own things going on, adding their own story lines, much better than the cursory update on past characters given in some series. Great read and I look forward to the next installment in this series!

The Recruit by Monica McCarty

The Recruit by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 6

Publisher: Ballantine Books(October 2012)

434 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After a marriage to a philandering hero dashed her girlish dreams, ripped away any chance of sharing in the childhood of her only son, and put her life in danger, Mary is determined to make her way with as little help from anyone as possible, but Kenneth has a fire that makes her want to find out what it feels like to really feel alive, despite the many commonalities he shares with her first husband. Mary fights her trust issues, while Kenneth, who has always had to fight to prove himself, many times coming in second, wants to come first with someone for once. The reluctant reform of rakish Kenneth was great to watch, and I couldn't help pulling for him, even while he still stubbornly clung to the lies he told himself, and his determination to fight for Mary was great, even when she was being so difficult. I'd be interested to read more about Mary's son, David, perhaps when he is a bit older. The next book in this series is The Hunter, due out next month, June 2013.

The Saint by Monica McCarty

The Saint by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 5

Publisher: Ballantine Books(March 2012)

448 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Magnus and his childhood sweetheart, Helen, were parted by clan feud, pride and misunderstanding, only to see her years later betrothed to his best friend. But, tragedy brought them together again, and Magnus, so overshadowed by the past, struggled to fulfill the promise he made to his friend. It was really hard to like Magnus here. I don't know how Helen put up with him or continued in her optimism, but it is clear she is the one deserving of the title, The Saint, not Magnus. Magnus was cold, stubborn, bitter and unforgiving the whole way, and it wasn't until the end when he actually started to fight for Helen that I started to like him a bit. Helen's naive optimism and self-sacrificing determination to win Magnus back was pathetic and demeaning at times, though she had moments of great strength as well and in that she really shined. There was a second story line between Helen's brother, Will, and the healer, Muriel, and though I found it interesting and in many ways paralleled Helen's story, I found it for the most part depressing. And poor William Gordon (Templar), he sure got the short end of the stick here, and I felt sad for him as well. However, I liked the idea of a female medic joining the men in battle/missions, and thought Helen's skills and presence of mind in protecting and caring for the King in the midst of battle, brought an interesting new element to the fighting, that I really liked. The next book in this series is The Recruit, about Helen's brother, Kenneth.

The Viper by Monica McCarty

The Viper by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 4

Publisher: Ballantine Books(October 2011)

416 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Bella believes the risk she took in crowning Robert the Bruce king is worth it, but she wishes Lachlan's taunts about her naive idealism didn't ring so loud in her head, as she sits in captivity looking back on all her decision has cost her, most importantly her daughter. Lachlan is such a complex, interesting character and it was awesome to get to see what lies beneath the harsh, seemingly uncaring facade that he displays to often, and find the man that hides within. Bella was great paired with Lachlan, just the right amount of strength and perseverance, mixed with pose and compassion, though a bit impulsive, irrational and foolhardy in matters concerning her daughter, their shared imprisonment experience and betrayal issues gave them great intimacy and chemistry. I liked how the rest of the guard ignored Lachlan's brush off and came to his aid anyway, reinforcing a bond of brotherhood that can't be broken so easily. Will there be a story in future between Dragon (Sir Alex Seton) and Bella's daughter, Joan? The next book in this series is The Saint.

Beneath the Beauty by Skye Warren

Beneath the Beauty by Skye Warren

Beauty Series, Book 2

Publisher: Skye Warren (May 2013)

66 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Facially-disfigured ex-solider, Blake, has captured some light to bring into his darkness in becoming his housekeeper Erin’s lover, but he fears he is on borrowed time with her, trying to grab as much as he can while she’s still around. Erin also has insecurities, but encourages him to break out of his reclusive shell and rejoin the world, only to have his ex rear her ugly head. This isn’t really a stand alone story, but picks up where the previous one left off and sets up for the installment to follow. This part lets you in a little further as you get to know Blake and Erin and their intricacies of character. I look forward to reading the next installment in Broken Beauty, due out next month.

The Ranger by Monica McCarty

The Ranger by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 3

Publisher: Ballantine Books(December 2010)

416 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Arthur has been sent by Robert the Bruce to spy on a key enemy chieftain, thinking it only too convenient that this chieftain is the very same one that he wants vengeance against for the death of his father, but upon arriving he finds his attraction to the chieftain's daughter, Anna, interfering with his ability to attend to his mission. This is definitely my favorite of the series thus far! More than the others I felt there was legitimate reason for Arthur to hold out as long as he did, struggling with commitment under the circumstances, not just delaying for the sake of being difficult. Anna was great! A bit naive, but strong and bold, never afraid to say what she means, preferring to get everything out in the open so everyone knows where they stand, which is why Arthur with his necessary secrets confounded her so much. The exploration of the question of loyalties, both Arthur's and Anna's, as well as the one-sided view we can sometimes have of some people, especially those close to us, was great! The next book in this series is The Viper.

The Hawk by Monica McCarty

The Hawk by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 2

Publisher: Ballantine Books(August 2010)

416 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Hawk, expert sailor, swimmer and lady's man, has never found a woman he couldn't enchant simply by breathing, until he met Ellie, and her seemingly effortless dismissal, as well as her ability to see beyond his superficial facade bothers him more than he'd like to admit. I really liked Ellie and found her easy to relate to (for once not a ravishing beauty), my only complaint with her was, I wish she hadn't given in so easily. Hawk's charm made him difficult to dislike, but his stubborn adamance about rejecting love, marriage and all it entails was as frustrating as it was with Tor in the first book in this series, and lasted just as long, right up to the very end. As there are a fair few of the guard left to go through, hopefully, one of these men will see the light a little sooner. The synergy of all things Highlander and Viking with the "Pirate Warfare" (SEALS and Special Ops training with Guerrilla tactics and warfare) in these books is awesome! More than any other Highlander book I've read, it gives you a glimpse into the warrior's training, battles and physicals struggles, showing the extraordinary abilities and talents of the hero, instead of just talking about them. Entertaining read! The next book in this series is The Ranger.

The Chief by Monica McCarty

The Chief by Monica McCarty

The Highland Guard Series, Book 1

Publisher: Ballantine Books(March 2010)

432 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Tor has been picked to head a secret elite group of fighters trained in a new fighting style Robert the Bruce hopes will change the tide in his favor, and Christina is offered as an inducement to accept the position, but when Tor refuses he not only finds himself trapped into wedding Christina but also accepting the position in return for political favors that are invaluable to him. Tor was a man in a tough position, trying to retain his appearance of neutrality for the sake of his clan, and his past provided him amble baggage to fortify himself, but even so, this man frustrated me nearly the whole way through being stubbornly unmalleable at every turn. Christina was awesome, and though her naiveté got her into a fair bit of trouble, her heart was in the right place and I felt bad she was trying so hard for so long with nothing to show for it. I was a bit surprised by Tor's sudden change of heart at the end, but glad to see it . . . finally. The next book in this series is The Hawk.

Shattered Souls by Delilah Devlin

Shattered Souls by Delilah Devlin

Caitlyn O'Connell Series, Book 1

Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 2013)

278 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Cait has struggled with and hidden her paranormal gifts since she was little, finding alcohol was the only small consolation as an adult to dull the voices in her head and the strange things that happen to her, but the alcohol and the secrets drove away, Sam, her true love, and finished her career as a cop. Then Sam shows up wanting her help on a case, and it seems like she might get a second chance, as long as she can lay off the booze and open up a bit about her secrets. This was a fast-paced, action-packed story set in a fascinating paranormal world that Cait has avoided, but finds she has to return to to help Sam. Cait's paranormal gifts are numerous, many of which she is just discovering, and the combination of her gifts with her background in witch lore was awesome. Cait can come off a bit abrasive at times, which I usually don't like, but it was almost jokingly so and clearly a defense mechanism, making it easier to take. Sam is all alpa male and was fantastic paired with Cait. I can't wait for their next adventure in Lost Souls, due out in June!

Vengeance Hammer by Jianne Carlo

Vengeance Hammer by Jianne Carlo

Viking Vengeance Series, Book 3

Publisher: Etopia Press (May 2013)

193 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Draddor has wanted vengeance for his father for years, but just when it appears within grasp, another claims the pleasure of exacting it. He must resign himself to marrying the dead Earl's daughter, Xara, and collecting the title and lands that are to be his, but it appears his new wife comes with problems and secrets of her own. All three brothers and their wives are reunited for this last adventure, and it was great to see all of them together. Xara, rendered mute by a witch, is slow to reveal her secrets to Draddor, but Draddor has secrets of his own and I thought it was great to see those few moments of vulnerability, making him a much more complicated and engaging character. The epilogue includes a little glimpse into all three brothers' happily ever after. Great series!