Is There a Difference between First Love and True Love?

LOVE is one of the most powerful words in the Dictionary and still the most difficult to fully understand and decipher. 
The dictionary describes it as:

1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2.a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, asfor a parent, child, or friend.

3. sexual passion or desire.

What is Love to you and is there a difference between first love and true love?
I would love to hear your thoughts on the current poll.

Midnight's Master

 by Donna Grant

Gwynn Austin has no idea why her father has disappeared on a mysterious trip to Scotland. When she goes on a desperate mission to search for him she finds more than she bargains for in a ruggedly handsome, wickedly exciting Highlander who exudes danger and mystery. And when she discovers her own link to Scotland, she’ll have to trust her heart to help lead her...

Propelled through time by powerful Druid Magic, Logan Hamilton uses his immortality and powers of the god inside him to help prevent the awakening of an ancient evil in the modern world. He never expects to find help in the form of a beautiful, alluring, and all too tempting woman whose passion and strength matches his own. Together, Logan and Gywnn must fight for their love—before a demon from the past destroys them both…


Review as on Goodreads by ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡'s 
This was actually pretty boring compared to her other series. This series is a continuation of her other series, but her villians have jumped from back in time to the present.

The premise is that there are druids & warriors with a god inside them trying to stop another druid, Dierdre, who has unleashed the bad god in the warriors.

This book is about Gwynn who is in Scotland looking for her father who has disappeared when he goes on this sudden trip from Texas quitting his job as a professor at a university.

Gwynn finds out she is a druid after running into Logan who had time jumped 400 years. He is a warrior. All warriors and their eventual wives compliment each other in their powers.

This one was low on conflict & they were searching for a tablet most of the time. I can't really say much except it seemed to be a forced continuation of a series that ended... so what??? just jump through time & start over? I dunno!!!
Rating:

More Than A Stranger

by Erin Knightley

When his family abandoned him at Eton , Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend's sister. Her letters kept him going--until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven....

After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams...and newfound desires.

Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of Benedict's world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have...


Book reviewed by Sara Anne Elliott
Characters who fall in love through letters is one of my favorite plot devices, so at the start of More Than a Stranger I was ready to love it unconditionally. However, as the story unfolded I found I couldn't completely ignore some of the weaknesses in the plot or characters, making this more of a mid-grade read for me.

Lady Evelyn Moore and Benedict Hastings began a correspondence during his early days at Cambridge, with their first letters being sharp tête-à-têtes with her trying to break his friendship with her older brother Richard while he was intrigued by the guile of a young woman writing to a stranger. Small excerpts from the letters open each chapter and through their words you see how each was opening themself up, forming a bond that was as close to friendship and love as possible though post. Sadly, when Benedict makes a choice about his future he severs all ties to Evie, leaving her stunned and betrayed by his actions.

I enjoyed Evie's character, a woman who was brash enough to write a young man and be as frank with him as if he were part of her own family. Yet for all of the bravado that Evie shows, she is quickly revealed to be a woman hiding her vulnerabilities and softer side. At twenty-six, she claims to want to put the marriage mart behind her and quietly fall into spinsterhood; however, inside she craves a relationship like she had shared with her pen-pal all those years past. When Evie meets her brother's “new” friend Mr. Benedict she is immediately smitten, wanting him to see her as a woman, and opening her heart to the flutters of romance that she meant to deny herself.

Benedict was a much harder character to like as he came across as ineffectual when he should have been intelligent for the line of work that he was in. For years Benedict has survived on his own, rarely forming new attachments. His relationship with Evie was supposed to stay a part of his past, something he could always look back on fondly but not anything to return to. During a moment of crisis in his life, Benedict turns to his oldest friend Richard Moore and they travel to Richard's family estate never thinking that the family may still be in residence. Benedict literally bumps into Evie and right away he does all the wrong things, lying about his identity and trying to keep her at arm's length when a part of him wants to hold her close. I quickly got annoyed with the back and forth of Benedict's feelings. One moment his honor, duty, and future are all standing in the way of their being together, the next he's spending time with her and encouraging her tendre for him all the while knowing that he's courting her under false pretenses.

Even though all of the component parts were there to make this a great read, the book never fully engaged me and I found myself putting it down for short periods before coming back to the story. For all of the positive traits that Evie displayed in the opening chapters of the story, at roughly the midpoint in the book she changes into an unforgiving shrew. Benedict, who wasn't the strongest of characters to start, became even weaker when all of his deceptions blow up in his face. It is a slow crawl back to the point where I wanted to see them both together again. The espionage plot that is running in the background of the story wasn't very interesting and it only reared its head when necessary to throw another roadblock between Evie and Benedict.

However, for as much as these parts of the book weren't my favorite, I do have to give the author credit for portraying more realistic reactions to the unusual situations the characters find themselves in. Most books would have the heroine just forgive the hero his transgressions because of that overwhelming love she feels and with a quick grovel on his part everything would be perfect again. In this book, Evie reacts with anger and a sense of wanting him to hurt as much as she was hurt. Benedict's apologies were heartfelt, with knowledge that he may have destroyed his best chance at happiness when making his mistakes with Evie.

Overall, with a strong start to the story and a satisfying resolution, I came away liking this book and happy to see Evie and Benedict slip back into the love they had shared before.

Rating:

How To Be A Proper Lady

by Katharine Ashe

The Rules of Being a Proper Lady
1) Never take steps greater than six inches apart.
2) Never look boldly at a gentleman.
3) And never, ever, kiss a man who is not your fiance.

But beautiful, bold Viola Carlyle doesn't care about the rules. And she desperately wants to kiss the notoriously tempting Captain Jin Seton, the man who brought her kicking and fighting back to English society. Kidnapped as a child, now she longs to return to that life of freedom where she was able to live—and love—as she wished. Having hunted Viola for two years, Jin Seton has finally found his good luck—for, by finding Viola, his oldest, deepest debt will at last be paid. And although he has vowed not to let her win his heart, this very improper lady might finally be the one who tames him.

Book reviewed by Lori Carroll
I read the first book in the series and felt like I was missing a ton of information, but since it was the first book, I assumed it would be revealed in this one. It was not, but I did figure out that this series was a spin off of Ms. Ashe's previous series "Rogues of the Seas." Alex Savege was the hero of the second book in that series, which would have provided the necessary backstory for this book. I was so completely frustrated reading this book and not having the previous information.

When I could get myself into the story and ignore everything I didn't know, it was a good story. Jin and Viola are like clashing titans. Both were used to always being in charge and both had to learn how to give up some of the power to be with the other. It was fun to watch the tug and pull. There were a lot of side characters, but most of them weren't completely flushed out. I will say I was happy that I didn't have to read so many of the cliched piratical characters that are always in these books.

Overall, a good book, but I would highly recommend reading the books prior for the background.
Rating:

Saving Grace

by Kate Hopkins

Divorced and pregnant, Grace Hudson thinks that her life cannot get any more complicated. She finds out how wrong she is when someone tries to kill her. With the help of a kind Samaritan, she manages to survive her ordeal. When her uncle, the Chief of Police, finds out, he hires bodyguard Matt Bolton to protect her. While Matt watches over Grace, he finds himself developing feelings for her. As he fights his feelings the police work to catch Grace's attacker. Will the attacker be caught and will Matt give in to his feelings?


Review as on Goodreads by Milena's Book Corner
It was an OK read, a simple storyline without any twists or turns and its elaboration was nearly simplistic. The serial killer was evil enough but the story lacked atmosphere, although being highly descriptive and sometimes even repetitive. Even though I don't usually judge a book by its cover, this one is really deceptive. The cover psyched me up for some sexual session between the two but I was quite disappointed. Sex was non existent in this book, and the few pecks the characters shared where just plain cold and depressing. Would I read this book again - NO!
Rating:

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Magic Mike

I realise this has nothing to do with books but I couldn't help myself... Aussies are a bit deprived as we always get new movies about 1 to 3 months later than the US which is a bit of a bummer.

Anyway, has anyone watched this movie yet? Is it good? Bad? please comment but don't ruin it for me by giving too much away.... The guys in it are such hunks! Hubba Hubba!

Browse Inside Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Browse Inside Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

The Wrong Sister

by Kris Pearson

Fiona Delaporte has an impossible assignment - to care for her newly widowed brother-in-law and his tiny daughter. (The newly widowed tall, dark and delicious brother-in-law she's secretly wanted for five long, frustrating years.)

Christian Hartley would rather spend time with anyone except the tempting woman who reminds him so much of his cherished wife. But she has six weeks leave from her cruise-liner job on the other side of the world, and seems determined to do her family duty. How can craving the wrong sister feel so right?


Review as on Goodreads by Milena's Book Corner
Different that's for sure. The short period in which Fiona and Christian got together after Fiona's sisters death really ruined it for me. To think that Christian was married to one sister but desiring the other - to me it's still the same as cheating - yuk! I found myself skimming a lot of pages just to get through it. At least the ending justified the means.
Rating:

CHANGELING By PHILIPPA GREGORY

Simon and Schuster is giving you the opportunity to participate in a live chat with #1 bestseller author Philippa Gregory where she will be discussing her new novel Changeling. Tweet your questions using #orderofdarkness & #chatss

So why not save the date!

 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Proposal

by Mary Balogh

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.

Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant's son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn't wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen's guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?

The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman's heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo's devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.

Book reviewed by Cheryl Sneed

Mary Balogh begins her "Survivors" series with a great cast of new characters and matches one of them up with a beloved old character.

Seven survivors of the Napoleonic Wars, six men and one woman, all recuperated together at the Duke of Stanbrook's country home, Penderris Hall, putting together their shattered bodies, minds and souls and forming strong bonds. Though they have all moved on with their lives to varying degrees, they return to Penderris for a few weeks every year to reconnect, to discuss their progress and to offer their support one to another.

This first Survivor up to bat is Hugo Emes, the son of a wealthy businessman who became a hero in the war. Hugo led a "Forlorn Hope" - a suicide mission made up of volunteers to breach the enemy's walls. While the mission was successful, only Hugo and a couple of others survived. In recognition of his extraordinary valor, Hugo was awarded the title of Lord Trentham. A month later he had a nervous breakdown and wound up at the Duke's home with the other Survivors.

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, will be familiar to Balogh readers from several books, most notably One Night for Love where she was the sister of that book's hero, Neville, Earl of Kilbourne. We know that years ago Gwen lost her unborn child in a riding accident which left her with a limp, that her husband died shortly thereafter and that she has remained a determined spinster ever since. It was nice to finally get the full picture of her marriage and life, and it is one filled with love and sadness, and more complicated than one might imagine.

Hugo and Gwen meet when Gwen severely twists her ankle on the beach below Penderris. He reluctantly carries her back to the house, from whence the doctor declares she is not to move. Hugo is not happy to have his reunion invaded by an upper class snob and Gwen would just as soon not have to spend time with a glowering boor. They snip and snipe at each other - which is very fun - but soon see beneath the other's facade and begin to tell each other their deepest, darkest secrets, in that way that strangers can sometimes do.

Gwen is just as you would have expected her to be from reading previous Balogh books: kind, contained, serene, and with a sly sense of humor. But lately she's been feeling lonely and thinking about ending her long widowhood. The grave and mostly silent Hugo was not what she had in mind, though there's something about him.

Hugo was a fabulous character, very different from your usual hero. His war experiences have made him very taciturn, but when he does speak, he is very blunt and outrageous things come out of his mouth. He is looking to marry as well, mostly for his sister's sake, and is looking for a woman from his own class, certainly not an aristocrat like Gwen.

There are all kinds of conflict between Hugo and Gwen, but this one of class and social status is a big one. Even as they acknowledge their feelings for each other, neither is at all sure that they could fit into the other's world - or if they even want to.

I loved The Proposal and I love the whole concept for The Survivors' Club - a whole group of tortured men? Bring them on! They all have unique problems and challenges and I can't wait to read each and every one of their stories.

Mary Balogh begins her "Survivors" series with a great cast of new characters and matches one of them up with a beloved old character.

Rating:

Murphy's Law

by Kat Attalia

Fear and intimidation work. Ask Customs Agent Jack Murphy. He uses both to hunt felons. But instinct and experience fail when he sets out to retrieve Lilly McGrath-- a blonde bombshell who is either a willing participant or an innocent pawn in her boss's smuggling scam. Until Jack knows which, she's just another suspect. . Now he just needs to get his hormones in sync with his head.

While working as an export clerk Lilly, stumbled upon her boss's illegal activities. After an attempt on her life, she flees to Europe to hide. Living on credit cards and her wits, she is constantly on the move—but no matter where she runs, she can’t lose the dangerously handsome stranger following her across the continent. In Genoa, Italy , her credit limit and luck finally run out. 

Once Jack grabs Lilly, Murphy’s Law dogs them at every turn. Someone is determined to see that Lilly never makes it back to the States to testify. The distrustful couple must learn to rely on each other if they are to survive. And for Lilly that means surrendering to a man who both infuriates and excites her.


Review by Wendy Livingston (The Romance Reader)
The setting, the dialogue and the interaction between characters is all very charming. The love scenes, at which the author excels, are hot without seeming forced. The pace of the book is smooth and fast and your brain just yums it right up.

It’s not a perfect book, however. I had a hard time understanding exactly what made Quinton so attracted to Ashley. She couldn’t have made it more clear that she wasn’t interested in any sort of relationship with Quinton, and the way her clothes are described made it seem as if she dressed like a third grader. Also, the final deciding factor in whether or not Quinton and Ashley would have a future didn’t ring true. The situation seemed very contrived and awkward.

If you’re reading preference is books with a little depth, this is not the book for you. It’s entertaining, but not involving. It’s fun, but is in no way profound. That isn’t to say that Ms. Foster hasn’t written a clever book, however. For all it’s fluff, Murphy’s Law is a perfect rainy afternoon read.
Rating: 

Playing for Keeps (A Neighbor from Hell, #1)

by R.L. Mathewson

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of. The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.


Review as on Goodreads by ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ 
Well... after all the hype & I expected it to be really good, it was kind of disappointing. BUT for $0.99 it was worth the read.
I have read some intense books recently & this book didn't even come close. It was good, but for a contemporary romance it just came in a little short for me.
I think the plain covers make the book. If it had a cheesy cover, I think it would be rated differently. Maybe this was the wrong thing to read right after Kristen Ashley... I dunno.
The premis of 2 neighbors living next door to each other & working together was good. I haven't read one like that before. It ended sweet as well.
I have a serious problem with food boundries though too, so that might have been a factor. who knows. I really wanted to like it based on the reviews & recommendations, it just didn't work. sorry.
Rating: 

Kade's Dark Embrace

by Kym Grosso

After a series of girls are ritualistically murdered on the cold streets of Philadelphia, seasoned detective, Sydney Willows, is forced to work with sexy, alpha vampire, Kade Issacson. While working the case, Sydney finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kade, fighting the passion she feels towards him. Kade, determined to solve the case and mete out justice, is captivated by the independent, fiery detective. As he attempts to protect her from a very real murderer, Kade grows concerned that the beautiful, but very human detective, could easily end up dead should she tangle with supernatural forces that are beyond her control.
The investigation leads them into a dark and dangerous world, deep in the heart of New Orleans, where together, they search for the perpetrators of the Voodoo killings. Sydney soon becomes the target of the killer and ends up fighting for her life and love in the Big Easy. Will she eventually give into the intoxicating desire she feels for Kade if she makes it out alive?


Review as on Goodreads by ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ 
This book started out pretty good. This was the intro to a paranormal world. The king vamp of new orleans goes to philly to help solve (actually look into) murders of women where all of their blood has been drained.

Vamp hottie Kade meets badass hottie philly cop Sydney Willows and she is forced to work with him. She likes him, he likes her and it goes from there. It's an easy relationship, but the problem was that the flip flop back and forth made it cheesy. It was then followed by... Oh, I love you & Oh I love you too. I don't understand it, but I do... Ookkayy!

It had way more potential & it was really short. I did find myself skimming over a bunch of pages because it did lack any real connection & read like one of those books you have to take at face value. I think the first half was amazing, but the second half went way too fast. It could have really been played out more. Oh well. For a first time PNR by this author, it was a good start. I hope it gets better. 
Rating: 

Her Latin Lover

by Katheryn Lane

Escape from danger with HER LATIN LOVER

When Mary Delaney is offered an all expenses paid, luxury holiday in South America with her journalist boyfriend, the last thing she expects to happen is to find herself stuck in the middle of nowhere with no boyfriend, no money and no way of getting back to London. When an irresistibly sexy landowner, Don Paulo de Castile, tells her that he has just won her in a game of poker, should she believe him, or try to find out what has happened to her missing boyfriend?

Paulo didn’t realise at the beginning of his poker game that he was playing to win Mary, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to a person he once loved. However, it takes more than a game of cards to win Mary’s heart and Paulo isn’t the only local man interested in her. As well as battling for Mary’s affection, he has to fight off the attentions of the local mafia in a fight that can have only one outcome . . .

Reviewed by Milena
Did I like it or didn't I?, that is the question... Mary seemed quite juvenile, didn't connect with her at all. It was a quick read and sexy yet mysterious Paulo managed to keep me intrigued. Mary's boyfriend or ex as it turns out is a real prick and I really had this need to punch his lights out. I can't go beyond giving this book a 3/5. Lucky it was a freebie otherwise I would have been disappointed in spending my money on an unsatisfactory read.

Rating:  

Can't get enough of

Kresley Cole

Check out the video message from Kresley cole and  Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night narrator Robert Petkoff to learn about an exciting opportunity for fans!

Her breathless kiss haunts him...Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible...

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction...

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

Ravishing Rose (A Naughty Novella)

by Andie Prime

One shy girl is about to start living! 
Francesca Ellison is swept off to an A-list party in a concealing mask, a decadent costume and sex-shop panties. There she meets the pirate, Captain Cool. Frankie tells him her name is Rose because for once she intends behaving very badly. The Captain outdoes her at every turn. 
As sky-rockets scream skyward and guests start to demolish the party venue, Frankie loses her panties and her inhibitions. ‘Rose’ is thoroughly ravished, and the Captain gets more (and less) than he hoped for.
This naughty novella is around fifty pages long - just right for a quick bedtime read.


Review by Milena
I found it quite enjoyable for a very quick read. AP did a good job in allowing the reader to glimpse into both Characters point of views. I loved "Captain Cool" wickedness at same time sweetness. Shy "Rose"  turned out not so shy. A well thought out plot with very funny moments. Bedding Brianna is next on my list.


Rating: 

How To Marry A Duke

by Vicky Dreiling

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

Book reviewed by Cybil Solyn
Ugh. I so much wanted to like this book. I really did. But with every page I turned I dreaded the ultimate outcome - our hero and heroine marrying. Tessa is a wholly unlikeable heroine. She is supposed to be this amazing matchmaker, but honestly I don't know how. She has no morals, no class, and no brain. As a matchmaker her priority should be to help people find the perfect mate in a quiet and no nonsense manner. But from her first interaction with Tristan, all she can think about are her needs (she wants to make a name for herself by finding a duke a bride), her wishes (she wants him to realize how important love is), and how this will help her (her emptiness will be filled when he's married to the right woman).

When Tristan straight up tells Tessa that he doesn't want anyone to know that she's helping him find a bride because he's sick of the limelight, what does she do? Publicly announces that he's going to be seeking a bride out of a pool of 24 women she hand picked. Mmmhmm. That'll keep him out of the limelight all right. Poor, poor, Tristan. All he wants is to have a regular marriage of convenience, and instead he discovers that he's fallen in love with a selfish, know-it-all, manipulative, idiot. Poor, poor man.


And really it just gets worse from here. At every turn Tristan is trying to be honest and upfront about his needs. But Tessa keeps manipulating him and putting him, and the 24 girls, into bad positions. When he finally realizes he loves Tessa (WHY??!?!?!), her "terrible secret" (yeah I bet you can guess what it is too because, like I said, she ain't bright and has a tendency to give into her own desires) gets in the way. *sigh* Really, it was all just terrible to watch unfold.

Rating: