Review Dark Embrace Masters of Time #3 by Brenda Joyce

Dark Embrace(Masters of Time#3)by Brenda Joyce
Mass Market Paperback, 376 pages
Published September 1st 2008 by HQN Books
ISBN 037377334X (ISBN13: 9780373773343)
primary language English
original title Dark Embrace (Rose Trilogy, #1) (Masters of Time Series, #3)
url http://www.brendajoyce.com/
series Rose Trilogy #1, Masters of Time #3
characters Brie (Brianna) Rose, Aidan of Awe
setting New York, 2008 (United States)
Scotland, 1502 (United Kingdom)
Source-Gifted My Copy

Amazon

Brenda Links
Brenda's Website
Masters of Time Website

Goodreads Summary:
Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her.…

Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary—until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption…and his love.

Review:
This book touched me in so many ways, Aidan, tough very rough around the edges master, who slips into a deeper darker side when he loses his son. Not caring about anything other than revenge until Brie pops into his life.

Brie, is a character that I can honestly say I could really relate too. A girl who has dates with her laptop- fighting evil from home all the while dreaming of the Master she only met once.

The emotions in this book was overwhelming, you could definitely relate to Aidan's pain, and Brie's frustration in trying to bring back the man she believe he could be back from the darkness he sunk into.

Did I like it better than book one or two? Yes though Malcolm and Royce's past was troubled and dark in some ways , Aidan's was 100 times worse and you see a man that no longer cared if he lived or died as long as he could act revenge on the person who responsible for destroying his son.

Would I recommend this book? Yes as well as Book 1 and 2 though you don't have to read in order but it does help.



My Rating for this book is 5 out of 5 stars



Book Trailer:



Masters of Time Reading Order:
Dark Seduction
Dark Rival
Dark Embrace
Dark Victory
Dark Lover

Teaser Tuesday # 7

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


(Donna/BLHmistress)My Teaser comes from Dark Embrace by Brenda Joyce-page 257


He dropped his hands. "Ye dinna think clearly...ye think only with yer female heat"


She quickly laid her palms on his chest. "Aidan, I am thinking with more than my body and you know it. Don't turn away from me,not now. Not after all this."






I am happy to say Kelly is going to be joining in on the meme's we do every week.





Kelly's Teaser Tuesday
Okay gang. Here we go from what I'm currently reading. An excellent book that many of you have already read.


"Yeah. Yeah, I think I want someone else."


"Just be here with the Goose when I get back. I'm going to need a drink."


'There you go. Give up yet?




p. 344 of Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward - Vishous talking to Phury and Butch.

Review Dark Rival Masters of Time #2 by Brenda Joyce

Dark Rival(Masters of Time #2)by Brenda Joyce
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published October 1st 2007 by HQN Books
ISBN 037377219X (ISBN13: 9780373772193)
primary language English
original title Dark Rival (Masters of Time, #2)
url http://www.brendajoyce.com/novels
series Masters of Time #2
characters Allie (Ailios) Monroe, Royce (Ruari MacLean) of Carrick Castle
setting New York, 2007 (United States)
Scotland, 1430 (United Kingdom)
Source: Gifted-My Own Copy
Amazon

Brenda Joyce's Links:
Brenda's Website
Masters of Time Website

Goodreads Summary:
Highland warriors sworn to protect Innocence throughout the Ages—A golden man, he is called Black Royce—a battle-hardened soldier of the gods. His vows are his life—until he is sent to New York City to protect a Healer from those who would use her powers for themselves. The moment Royce sees beautiful, feisty Allie Monroe, he knows she will be his only weakness—and he is right. Destiny is a dangerous thingAllie Monroe is more than an heiress. She is a Healer, willing to do anything to save victims of the evil that lurks in the city at night. But alone, she can do only so much—until destiny sends her the darkest Highlander of them all. Then evil strikes and Royce is destroyed before Allie's eyes. Now Allie will do anything to save Royce—even if it means going back in time to a dark, dangerous world. Confronting their enemies could cost not only their lives, but their love—for all eternity.

Review:
As many of you know I am a series addict. I read more in series than I do stand alone books and I think that is because if I truly connect and fall in love with the characters I want to see them over and over again.

After I finished Malcolm's book(practically read all night) I immediately dove into Royce's book and after another almost all-nighter (these books are so hard to put down), I found loved this one more than Malcolm's book.

My Character Synopsis:
Royce, a older Master determined to guard his heart and follow the code then walked in Allie bound and determined to save him from himself and show him that he can love again.

Allie is a healer never experienced love and had no plans too because she had to hide her ability from everyone except her closet friends that all changed when Royce leaped into her life.


Not to give anything away but this book brought tears to my eyes and there are some funny moments that will have you laughing out loud. For those who have read this book you know what scene I am talking about.

There was only one small problem I had and that was a part close to the end of the book.where I was slightly confused, there was alot of stuff going on at once and you really had to concentrate to what you were reading but other than that, it was a good fast read.


Would I Recommmend? Yes, Yes and OH Hell Yes! I can't wait to start Aidan's book which I will be diving into as soon as I am done writing this review. So if you love the tough don't get near my heart, stubborn Highlanders , Time Travel, Loads of hot smexy romance this book and series is for you.


My rating for this book is 5 out of 5 stars(very high 5)


Book Trailer:



Masters of Time Reading Order:
Dark Seduction
Dark Rival
Dark Embrace
Dark Victory
Dark Lover

(Special Thanks to Jackie for sending me this series)

Review Dark Seduction Masters of Time #1 by Brenda Joyce

Dark Seduction(Masters of Time #1)by Brenda Joyce
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published May 1st 2007 by HQN Books
ISBN 0373772335 (ISBN13: 9780373772339)
primary language English
original title Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, #1)
url http://www.brendajoyce.com/novels
series Masters of Time #1
characters Claire Camden, Malcolm (MacLean) of Dunroch
setting New York (United States)
Scotland, 1427 (United Kingdom)
Source: Gifted-My own copy
Amazon

Brenda Joyce's Links:
Brenda's Website
Masters of Time Website


Goodreads Summary:
Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary—and dangerous—powers. But he has already broken his vows—and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure…until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.

Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time—a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake—and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal….

Review:
Let me start by saying I chose this book for several reasons, one being hot cover, two I loved the premise and three I have been aching to get back to my original love which is historical romance. This book covers all that which I love and missed, Highlanders(my new found addiction), a bit of paranormal(well if you want to call Good vs Evil)Time Travel, and History(Yay!). It had been so long since I have read anything to do with history that when I turned the first page, I felt like I just slipped back into a favorite pair of comfy slippers.

Malcolm is the typical (hot I might add) He man warrior/highlander who's job is to protect the innocents, little did he know when he would meet Claire his world would be changed forever.

Claire is a woman who is used to defending herself, a woman of the now time so when Malcolm comes into her life- there is a constant battle between her heart and wanting to remain independent as well as keeping Malcolm safe.

While the Scottish accent through me for a bit, it didn't take me long to fall in love with this book and Malcolm who could not love a big strong warrior who just wanted to protect you.

What Did I Like:
I liked that the Author didn't confuse you with the time jumps, I have read some books where I was confused and this one did not do that it flowed smoothly. I also liked the world building she didn't get overbearing with it and I understood completely what and who the Masters of Time were.


Overall It was wonderful to go back into time to 1427 Scotland and picture how a modern Claire dealt with the differences between her world and his.

Would I recommend it Yes, if you love Highlanders, Time Travel and Steamy Romance this book is for you. Would I continue with the series? Yes!

My rating for this book 4.5 stars out of 5

Book Trailer



Masters of Time Series Reading Order:
Dark Seduction
Dark Rival
Dark Embrace
Dark Victory
Dark Lover

On My Wishlist #6

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too.


This series I found when I first started my blog and hopping around the blogosphere.


By Jill Myles
Mass Market Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (December 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416572821
ISBN-13: 978-1416572824
Jill Myles's Website
Amazon

Amazon summary:
Jackie Brighton woke up in a Dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. Her familiar B-cups have somehow become double Ds, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her fi rst one-night stand ever...with a fallen angel. All she remembers is gorgeous Noah's oddly hypnotic blue eyes...and then a dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a sexy Itch. With help from Noah, Jackie begins to adapt to her new lifestyle -- until she accidentally sends Noah into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands herself in a fi erce battle for an ancient halo with the queen's wickedly hot righthand man. Who just happens to be the vampire who originally bit her. How's a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy's so hard to resist?



By Jill Myles
Mass Market Paperback: 335 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 19, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141657283X
ISBN-13: 978-1416572831

Amazon

Amazon Summary:
With a hot new figure, her dream job as an archaeologist, and two gorgeous boyfriends to scratch her seductive Itch -- an angel and a vampire -- Jackie Brighton is totally getting the hang of life as a succubus. Then she accidentally knocks the pizza guy unconscious with her touch. Great -- she's cursed. After striking a deal to get the curse lifted by a crafty demon, Jackie and her best friend Remy take a road trip to deliver a cryptic message to the nation's oldest succubus. Unfortunately, neither of her jealous lovers is talking to Jackie right now, and due to the curse, she's desperate to get her Itch scratched very soon. Their journey gets weirder with every mile -- demonic possession, a charming stalker, a cryptic warning -- and when they get to New Orleans, Jackie discovers a dangerous catch to her supernatural bargain. Someone wants her dead -- again. Can a brainy vixen in a miniskirt outsmart the forces of evil?


By Jill Myles
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143918819X
ISBN-13: 978-1439188194

Amazon

Amazon Summary:
Living as a succubus has a bit of a learning curve, but with sexy fallen angel Noah to scratch her sensual Itch, Jackie Brighton is finally starting to feel ahead of the game. She almost doesn’t miss her gorgeous vampire master Zane—or his sinful, teasing mouth. She’s trying to convince herself of that, anyway.

But Jackie’s past mistakes catch up with her, spinning her life out of control once more. Just as her friend Remy’s inner demon comes out to play, Noah and Jackie are arrested by the angelic Serim Council. When Jackie seizes the chance to escape, she falls right into Zane’s waiting arms. As she’s pulled into a game of cat and mouse between vampires and angels, she finds she must also choose between the two men in her life. Can she decide between Noah and Zane, or will she lose everything she’s ever wanted? Because there’s more at stake than just her heart. . . .



by Monica McCarty
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 31, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345494369
ISBN-13: 978-0345494368
Monica McCarty's Website
Amazon

Amazon Summary:
Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance–to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald–a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn’t have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible–including seduction–to uncover her husband’s most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel’s deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she’s always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.



By Monica McCarty
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345494377
ISBN-13: 978-0345494375

Amazon

Amazon Summary:
Alex MacLeod’s virile physique, fearsome reputation, and renowned fighting skills have helped him master to perfection the role of a hardened mercenary. On a secret mission to protect his clan, he must keep his true purpose well hidden. But his dangerous endeavor is threatened by a beautiful woman he saves from outlaws, never dreaming she will appear at court and put his plans in jeopardy.

Meg Mackinnon needs a strong husband by her side to defend her clan’s holdings, but her search has been hampered by burning fantasies of the midnight rescuer whose smoldering blue eyes and raw sensuality left her breathless. Alex pretends to be a mercenary with no loyalties, yet he is clearly much more. As Meg challenges Alex to reveal all his secrets, the stakes grow perilously high, especially for the bold woman who dares to unmask a highlander.


Here is the rest of the Monica's Backlist I am eager to get. I haven't read any of her books but all the good things I have heard is why I have her on my wishlist.

Highlander Unchained
Highland Warrior
Highland Outlaw
Highland Scoundrel

The Highland Guard Series:
The Chief
The Hawk
The Ranger

So what's on your list this week?

Review: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

BEYOND THE HIGHLAND MIST

By Karen Marie Moning

Bantam Dell Books / Random House, Inc. / New York, NY 10020

First Printing: March 1999

ISBN: 078-0-440-23480-7

Amazon Barnes and Noble  Goodreads

Concept: “An Alluring Laird: He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart – until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm’s length – but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A Prisoner in Time: She had a perfect “no” on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from the promptings of her own passionate heart. Adrienne’s reservations were no match for Hawk’s determination to keep her by his side…”

Review: This is the first book in the Highlander series of books from Karen Marie Moning. Fairies and gods messing in our lives. That’s the story behind the story here. We are introduced to Adrienne and Hawk. They get things a little confused on the ladder. They marry before they meet (through proxy) and then fall in lust before love as often happens in romance books. There’s also Gypsies involved to help guide the mortals as well as to offer up sacrificial gals. There’s also a small story about “adult” love between Hawk’s mother and a castle keeper (I’m not sure exactly what his title is). In the beginning, Adrienne swears off the good looking guys which is why a naughty god decides to use her for his vendetta with Hawk. He stays involved throughout the story which adds a nice twist to this Highland romp. There is a nice story going on amongst all this and the reader will be held in suspense to the very end.

What I liked: I liked the “god” and fairy part of the story much more than the story of Adrienne and Hawk. I really wanted more of the story between Hawk’s mother Lydia and Travis (a castle worker). There was some interesting moments in the story. Some. For some reason, there was enough going on with this book to make me want to read more. I’ve been told they pick up later on so I am holding on to hope.

What I disliked: Unfortunately, I disliked a lot In this story. I went into this book after reading Darkfever and maybe I was anticipating too much. I found the story old. I didn’t think there was enough character build up because I didn’t really like the people I should have been liking. I have only read one other Highlander story, Outlander, but in that story, the author kept the reader in the story with the use of reading brogue. There was none of that in this story but, when describing a Cuban woman, there was some Cuban brogue. The sex wasn’t hot either. Okay, it was from 1999 and sex has gotten a lot hotter throughout the years, but really, it just wasn’t all that. The story was pretty predictable too except for the part with the gods and fairies. That was the only saving grace to this book. There are many, many other paranormal romance books out there that I would recommend before I ever think of recommending this one.

My rating: 2 stars.

Kelly

Review for Book Lover's Hideaway