The book starts with Prince Dietrich having a nice erotic dream about him being a shepherd who really ...
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The book starts with Prince Dietrich having a nice erotic dream about him being a shepherd who really likes his sheep. I mean really like them: I am trying to keep my review within PG-13 rating. He was about to see the most interesting part when he was awoken quite rudely and his disappointments with his current life were about to get escalated to a new unprecedented level: his father decided to marry him - a purely political marriage. Sufficient to say, his bride-to-be did not look any good even on her portrait which was supposed to be flattering.

The Prince was sent to his wedding immediately - it would take place at his in-laws kingdom. He was determined to avoid the wedding at all costs, and this is what he would do through the whole book. If you recall the first book of The Song of Ice and Fire, strictly speaking practically all the initial happenings could be attributed to just one person (who will remain unnamed to avoid spoilers). Well, what Prince Dietrich began here can easily rivaled the events of the series I mentioned. Let us just say he managed to involve the whole realm.

At this point I need to point out that a map would really help, but unfortunately it was not included in the book. Multiple kingdoms and independent cities were involved, but I was having problems understanding how they all fit together - geographically.

The book was not funny to me, but it has some amusing moments. It was very interesting to see the global consequences of Prince's bumbling. This was the most fun part of the book actually. This actually reminded me of Inspector Clouseau from Pink Panther.

For the negative part I already mentioned the absence of a map. I also could not care less about any single character of the book - this is not to say they were just two-dimensional as they are not; just not sympathetic.

So I would love to give this book 3.5 stars, but the rating system would not allow me. So 3 stars it is.
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Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

The Dream Thieves picks up in the summer. The boys and Blue are out of school, and all are excited about the prospect of finding Glendower being that much closer since they activated the ley line. However, amid concern for Adam, and waiting to see what his promise to Cabeswater will mean exactly, the story turns to focus more on Ronan and his dreams.

Ronan is the main narrator of this story, although everyone does get their own page time. We deal with Ronans secret about dreaming. Its something his father was able to do, and Ronan feels in his entire being that its the reason his father was killed as well. His father died before Ronan could learn all there was to know about this talent so he has to rely on himself to figure it all out. He comes to find that there are others like him, but does he want to learn what they have to offer? We really get to know and understand just what Ronan is all about.

In The Raven Boys he was mysterious, and here Maggie Stiefvater has managed to retain the mystery but subtly open up about who Ronan really is, and what is really important to him. Ronan seems to balance so precariously on the edge towards destruction that you just want to give him a little tip in the opposite direction. You don't want him to falter. Have faith.

Parallel to Ronans story is the mysterious Gray Man who pops into the narrative looking for an artifact called the Greywaren. Essentially it is an object that can pull items out of dreams. Little does he know the Greywaren is not necessarily an object but a person, and apparently hes not the only one interested in finding it either thus revealing new groups of people that may have a stake in searching for Glendower.

Adam and Blues fragile relationship is tested as complications arise from her prophecy and his promise to Cabeswater. Everyone can tell that something is different about Adam, and they view him as a bomb waiting to go off. Adam himself is scared of what is happening to him, he doesnt know if its because of Cabeswater or if hes becoming like his father. He wonders why Blue won't let him kiss her, but she doesnt want to reveal her secret in fear of the possibility that Adam isn't her true love. At this point Blue is stuck between her feelings for whether or not she wants Adam to be her true love. If so, it could eventually mean his death, and if notwell lets just say Blue may have to think more on what shes feeling and for whom.

Maggie Stiefvater starts out fittingly in the prologue when she states, A secret is a strange thing. I didn't realize until I got to the end how everything would fit back together in that one phrase, or even one word secret. For, in fact, The Dream Thieves is filled with secrets both revealed to others and acknowledged to ones self.

The Dream Thieves truly outshines its predecessor taking us even further into the imaginative world and ultimate quest for Glendower and what it all means. While the main storyline is resolved the book does end on a slight cliffhanger where its not yet apparent what the consequences will be. As always, in this situation, now we have the problem of waiting a whole year until we find out what happens! You can definitely expect to see this one on my list of best books of the year.

- See more at: http://vampirebookclub.net/release-day-review-the-dream-thieves-by-maggie-stiefvater-raven-cycle-2/#sthash. 8fsh4kjL.dpuf
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Basically a set of three stories within one "stand alone" yaoi manga volume which deals with the relationship between King Dietrich of Bern and his meister, Lord Hildebrand. Despite the frequent misunderstandings between them, eventually, Hildebrand's loyal adulation is rewarded when King Dietrich reveals his love. For someone looking for a "light" yaoi manga, this would be a nice choice. Only lightly is German medieval history intertwined with the story, aka frame work of, yet no real depth. The final story is a modern one.

I confess I found the switches between drawing styles annoying. You will have classic artwork on one page of beautiful detailing only to change to a "comic" look to express chagrin, for example. I think these changes take away from the main work, and were too frequent. I've seen this used to advantage before, but it must be minimal or it's overwhelming (read The Crimson Spell, an excellent example of classic with a splatter of comic images). Also I found the constant misunderstandings distracting after a while, with King Dietrich "under developed" in the emotional department.

"It's OK" totally expresses how I feel about this manga. It was on my wish list a long time, and finally I bought it, but I won't be keeping it. It was pleasant enough, and better than a lot of yaoi manga I've read, but it was too choppy and confusing, although the cover art is exquisite.
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Reda (short for Alfreda) was a beat cop in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts before her partner was killed on the job.  She blames herself for his death, and considers herself a coward.  Therapy hasn't helped her, it's only brought up memories of her mother's death when Reda was just a little girl, and caused her to have steamy dreams about the woodsman from her mother's version of Little Red Riding Hood.  These dreams compel her to seek out the book, which transports her to a strange realm where its fiction is reality, and the woodcutter is a handsome fairy tale prince.

Dayn is one of the lost royal children of Elden, trapped in the wolfyn realm for twenty years by his dying parents' spell.  He's spent two decades hiding his vampire nature, and waiting for the guide his father promised to send.  When Reda falls into his world, he's certain she's the one to help him return to Elden, a situation complicated by his intense attraction to her.

This is my first Jessica Andersen book, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really wanted to like this book.  I enjoyed the first book in the series, Gena Showalter's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Lord-of-the-Vampires-Harlequin-Nocturne/dp/0373618662/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Lord of the Vampires (Harlequin Nocturne)</a>&nbsp;very much, and Nalini Singh, who wrote the final chapter,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Lord-of-the-Abyss-Harlequin-Nocturne/dp/0373618727/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Lord of the Abyss (Harlequin Nocturne)</a>, is one of my favorites.  But, in the end, this book doesn't live up to its premise or the bar set by Ms. Showalter.  (Note: I have not yet read&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Lord-of-Rage-Harlequin-Nocturne/dp/0373618689/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Lord of Rage (Harlequin Nocturne)</a>, the second book in the series, but it is in my TBR pile.)

One of my first disappointments was the hint of a fairy tale retold, which amounted to nothing.  The lost book of Rotkppchen could have been a fabulous plot point, but after it brought up memories of Reda's dead mother and transported her to the wolfyn realm, it was forgotten.

Also, the heroine, Reda, annoyed me.  She is a cop who saw her partner die on the job, and blames herself.  That seemed reasonable to me.  What didn't seem reasonable was her extreme fear of EVERYTHING and her insistence that she was going crazy.  She just seemed like a whiny little wimp to me, and her maturation through the book seemed very forced.

Dayn was an okay hero, and I enjoyed his character development.  The plot, as related to him, was problematic to me as well.

****SPOILERS BELOW****
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For example, how is he a wolfyn again?  We hear about a curse in a couple of throwaway lines, and Dayn's need for revenge against the one who cast it.  But we never actually learn WHO cast it.  Was it the Blood Sorcerer?  The wolfyn he's chasing in the prologue?  Someone else we never meet?

Overall, this book is a shaky three stars for me.  I will certainly read the other two books in this series, but probably won't seek out any more of Ms. Andersen's books.
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If you want an intense and a dominating sheikh who demands, commands and expects respect and obedience then The Playboy Sheikh's Virgin Stable-Girls is for you.  In all of my years of reading the sheikh genre, never have I read such a book with a sheikh as bold as Kaliq.

One learns that Kaliq and Eleni met when he arrived at her father's to play cards.  Eleni's father has her posing as his servant girl and looses his prize race horse to the sheikh which actually is Eleni's horse whom she adores.  When he looks into her beautiful green eyes and sees that she has a special way of dealing with horses, he takes her from her childhood home and brings her back to his palace as his stable girl.  She fascinates him, especially her eyes and her innocence and he nicknames her "lizzard".

Sheik Kaliq is a very proud man and one who has a secret which torments him.  His sweet stable girl for some reason brings out feelings in him and one day she notices his physical scars and questions how they came to be.  Kaliq reveals that he and his brother years ago were held captive while watching their brother and he was swept out to sea and never found again, a secret he had never told to another woman.  He then realizes he's attracted to her and starts the seduction.

For Eleni, her life since her mother died has been a dismal one, waiting on her father and taking care of her horse have been her life.  Now she's living in the palace, working with horses, has a new wardrobe and a sheikh who tells her it's her duty to be available for her sheikh.  Starting with a slow seduction, she's afraid yet intrigued.  When he tells her he's taking her to England, she's overwhelmed.  However, being the master seducer that he is, he tutors Eleni in the art of love.  He also makes it very clear that he doesn't "do permanent" and she's determined to please him so much that should he leave her he'll be hurt remembering their time together.

At times this was hard for me to read as I felt she was being taken advantage of yet sometimes her character surprised me with her strength and insight into her lover.  In the end after this demanding sheikh realizes he's blocked out emotion and he understands why.  Somewhere along the way Eleni forced him to confront his deepest fears and when he realized that, the reader will forget how demanding and at times how cruel his remarks were to Eleni.  All in all, I enjoyed The Playboy Sheikh's Virgin Stable-Girl especially when I read about him coming to terms with his past and what Eleni had brought to their relationship.
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Title: Princess Ever After - Royal Wedding Series Book 2
Author: Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Zondervan/Harper Collins Publishing
Published: 2-4-2014
ISBN-10: 0310315506
ISBN-13: 978-0310315506
E-Book ASIN: B00DL0WQ3U
Pages: 358
Genre: Romance
Tags: Spirituality, Christian Fiction
Sensual Level: very low
Overall Rating: excellent

Tanner Burkhardt is thrilled to be back on Hessenberg soil.  Six months after HRH Prince Nathaniel appointed him Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg he still has a long way to go for when the heir to the throne of Hessenberg is found and brought home.  With the discovery of of a great-great niece of the last king, Augustine Saxon,  in America he thought she would soon be brought home and the independence of his country would be assured.  Then it is announced it was a false lead and and that the true heir is now verified.  Prince Nathaniel insist Tanner go to America and tell Regina Beswick of her new station and bring her home immediately before the one hundred entail between Brighton and Hassenberg time limit is up and Hassenberg becomes a permanent province of Brighton and its chance of independence lost forever.

Reggie has finally found her nitch after leaving her extremely well paying job at Backlund and Backlund Public Accountants.  Opening a auto restoration shop with her friends fills her with a happiness she has not felt since the death of her mother and Nanna.  With the rush of their first complete job racing through her veins she tries to mollify her friend, mark for running late she tries to tell him once again they are only friends, but he isn't listening.  Little does she know her life is about to question everything she thought she knew about herself and her family in the dust.  She is the key to saving a country she has only heard about.

Tanner is fighting demons fro a past failure and fears failing once again.  Reggie has fought and won her dependence and does not want to give it up for some unknown people and politics.  As Tanner tries to convince her to return with him to Hassenberg someone is doing everything they can to sabotage Hassenberg's chance for independence.  Danger grows as the unknown opponent raises the stakes.  Fighting the attraction between them and trying to understand one another, Reggie and Tanner seemed doomed.  Then again Cinderella seemed doomed to never have her Prince Charming either.  Follow their journey to see where it leads, Palace or grease pit.

Rachel Hauck has delivered a story equal to the first in the series, Once A Prince.  Believable characters, a touch of suspense and intrigue and a romance to warm the heart.  You will not want to put this book down.  I wonder where Ms. Hauck will go next?  This can be read as a stand alone but is much better with the reading of book 1 first.
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The beginning of this book actually starts at a good pace with Taylor our main character having this awful, scary dream that she has had all her life. Only now something has changed. There are new faces in this dream one seems to be good and the other seems evil.....

Taylor is looking for a four leaf clover on her college campus grounds when a mysterious guy names Gabrial approaches her and offers her (of all things)....a four leaf clover, and that isn't even the weirdest part, Taylor gets this funny feeling shes seen him somewhere. Could he be one of the figures from her dream? But which one is he the good or the evil? And how was he in her dream if she just met him?.....

This series promises to be very exciting. I liked Taylor right away, and her BFF Sam.  Gabrial keeps you guessing for a while, wondering if he is good or bad. The story takes off at a good pace but it seems a little hard to stay hooked to in the middle because for me it seemed that the wording or maybe the way the story is being told, doesn't quite flow smoothly. Never the less it doesn't really take away from the story because it is the story that hooked me.

I liked the chemistry between a couple of the side characters but felt that there should have been a little more steamy scenes and just romance between Taylor and Gabriel. Its implied that the chemistry and romance are there but we really don't get a chance to see much of it. I am a big fan of the kissing scenes and would love to have seen (read) more tender moments between them. It seemed like the side characters had a much more passionate attraction between them then the main characters.

That said, I still loved this book, and I could be way off, David Estes could just be hooking us in by withholding the steamy kissing scenes between Taylor and Gabrial just to keep us pining to see what happens, teasing us with the romance between the side characters (thats very sneaky of him,.... I like it).

I love that this book is a new take on the Angel/Demon genre. I had never thought of it in terms of evolution. It definitely puts a whole new twist on things. And the good vs evil that is going on in this book is very intriguing to say the least. I won't say to much because I want this to be a spoiler free review but trust me if you are into the Angel books, this needs to be on your TBR list, like right now :P

Over all I totally fell for this book and think you guys will to because the story is so compelling. I give it 4 out of 5 stars :) I can't wait to read the second installment in the series which is already on ebook Demon Evolution, and book 3 also out on ebook Archangel Evolution.

Thank you to David Estes for the chance to review such a wonderful book, I look forward to reading the rest of the series. You have a new fan in me.

Book one Angel Evolution is only $0.99 on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. They are only available in ebook formats. What are you waiting for go get your copy, its only .99 cents!!!! Also a little birdie told me that David is working on a new YA Dystopian story!!! I am excited about this one because I am a HUGE Dystopian fan, and now a David Estes fan :)
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I received this book for an honest review.  This is the third book in the series.  Christa wakes up not knowing anything about herself or her past.  Kheelan, a handsome fairy prince tells her shes his fianc. Although he keeps trying to heal her memory, nothing he does seems to help.  She keeps having nightmares about another prince, Jareth, who Kheelan says is trying to kill her. Christa is learning to love and trust him and her father, Rodri, even though some of the things theyve told her confuse her.  When she meets Jareth in person, he seems really concerned about her memory loss and tenderly kisses her. As the story unfolds, Christa must decide who she can trust and who she can love.
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Cute and sexy story.  Dr Ellie Swan has had a dream of happily ever after of husband, children and happy home since she was a child and from what she knows of Roger Reynolds, he can give her that.  Returning to Bluelick, Ellie learns Roger and his long time fiancee have broken it off and rumor has it that he wants a wild and sexy woman in bed so Ellie finds a book and a tutor to reach her goal. In comes Tyler Longfoot and he brings this story together.  Tyler is the real Prince charming but Ellie has blinders on and needs more than her inner sexy wild side awakened.  Tyler is the man for the job.
1247336
This is a cute fairy tale disguised as a contemporary novella. Ellen, recently turned 30, is ready to marry and have two children. Her mother, now on her third marriage, has drilled into Ellen the mantra that compatibility is the key to a successful relationship. To that end, Ellen has joined an online dating service to screen out anyone who might prefer paragliding over walks on the beach, and to include only honest, successful men ready for marriage.

As the story opens, Ellen has narrowed her choices down to two matches. She is prepared to meet them face to face and begin her lifetime of shared goals and political views. But wait! First she has to dog-sit for her best friend, which leads to an evening at the vet, which leads to dog-training school and Henry. Henry is an unscreened, unknown, dog-rescuing, gray-eyed hottie in sweatpants. What should Ellen do?

Ellen forces herself to meet the two appropriate men, all the while daydreaming about Henry. Because he has nice eyes and a nice dog. What's not to love? Over three nights of dog training she dreams, she doubts, she focuses, she despairs. In the end, everything works out, yay!

This is a short romance, I read it in about an hour. It introduces other characters who have their own full-length novels in the series. Based upon the writing style, the other books should be light, breezy, and fun. This story was pretty much building up to a kiss at the finale, so the heat factor was almost zero. I wonder how steamy the other books are? I probably won't read them because I felt this story was too fluffy, too "waiting for Prince Charming". But I bet my fourteen-year-old self would have fallen for it completely. Grade: B

This review also posted on Red Hot Books
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Beast was a book club selection and after reading scenes that would make readers of Fifty Shades blush, I knew some of our readers would faint.  Nevertheless, its a good story about a beautiful but overweight, light-skinned,African-American woman with low self esteem.  She sets out to change her life for the better  after her attractive boyfriend of two years leaves her for a skinny woman.  She meets a mysterious man during her daily workout who pays no attention to her and she can never see his face.  When she does, the reason for the book title becomes clear.  Christopher  is comfortable with his "different appearance"  and has settled into a lonely life surrounded by coworkers who affectionately call him Beast.  Thedse two develop a fairy tale relationship that is the bases for the story of two people falling in love and recreating themselves.  Sprinkle in her quirky friends and his Marine colleagues and you have an interesting cast of characters.  This is intense erotica so be prepared.  I was not.  I think the story could have been more compact and therefore shorter but the overall I enjoyed the storyline.  I liked the author's style of writing and the pace.
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We've been taking a lot about sexual harassment lately, Asking for It approaches the fantasy of harassment and one previous assault with every care and sensibility this subject deserves.

This book starts as "hard" erotica but develops into an erotic romance, something I didn't expect by reading the blurb.

Vivienne is a willing participant during their encounters, previously discussed by both parts,  in order to realize this fetish in a safe and healthy manner. Our heroine is worried and ashamed of this fantasy and looks for a psychologist - who acts as the voice against prejudice and towards acceptance as if she would be the author talking to us.

Doreen, the psychologist, shares with Vivienne that this fantasy may have "awaken" regardless of her past trauma. Isn't it what we might be thinking? What type of person, specially after suffering a rape, would have this type of fetish? I've read lots of BDSM that made me much more uncomfortable- that I would consider abuse, but Asking for It never goes down that path where we might think any of them is put in a position they might not enjoy.

 Wrapping up, its a book that pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me think about other books being published that have no respect towards BDSM or sexual abuse and go out of their way to create "impressive" scenes. The only thing that bothered me was the hero's trauma, I didn't feel that it brought as much reality as the rest of the story did.

The author handles such a difficult topic with class, penning a very well written story. I tend to like my romances with a HEA but again, this isn't a traditional romance, but don't worry, it has a hopeful ending that will be continued with second book in the duology, Begging For It .
2267657
Gordon Waybrook has been assigned by the Shillings Agency to protect Princess Isabelle VanGuard. He's not to happy about the assignment until he sees who he's protecting. What will happen between the Alpha protector and the desirable princess? Gordon is a complex hero. He's haunted by the deaths of his fellow warriors. He's not ready to commit to a permanent relationship, but he's attracted to Belle and lets her know his desires. She feels the same and they make love. Their passionate relationship leads to problems that threaten their chance at happiness. I was hooked. I wanted them to be together. Isabelle is a strong woman who has grown up knowing that her country came first. I cheered when she took a chance with Gordon. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. Her mother had meddling down to an art form. She made me laugh. Diane Alberts wrote an engaging story that had me alternately sighing and fanning myself. Seducing the Princess is a very sensual romance.
1106549
A quickie, an hot dream about a forbidden fantasy unveiling to being even more forbidden than expected. Like in that old television fiction where people are gathering in an enchanted island where they dream will become true, here the host is played by Native American Tavish Black and the dreams he makes true are sexual fantasies. Mitch came to Tavish expecting his forbidden desire of a mnages a trois to come true, what he is not expecting is for his twin brother to be part of it. Even if, what Mitch declared wasn't really his true desire and Tavish knew it.

This is a quick read, just a night in the life of the men involved in each fantasy, so you haven't to expect full development, or characters's life turning events. Nevertheless, the author gave a little of background to them and an hint of a possible future development. Other than that, this is simply to enjoy an hot, short story, to be savored when in the mood and quickly consumed.
362347
Touch of a Thief is an erotic romance with layers of suspense and paranormal in an international setting during 1857. It has three main characters without being about a love triangle. The romantic couple, Viola and Quinn. And Sanjay, whose story leads up the premise. Every one of them experienced a loss that marked their destinies. All of them know injustice, abuse and deceit. Being wronged by the successions laws of the time.

Lady Viola Preston loses everything when her father dies without a male heir, hence his title and possessions go to an uncaring relative. And she is forced to steal in order to support her mother, her sister and her niece. Viola becomes the Mayfair Jewel Thief.

Lieutenant Greydon Quinn is a British noble returning home after serving in India. He also carries a painful secret akin to being the heir of an aristocrat.

A worse fate has befallen Prince Sanjay of Amjerat, who has lost his princedom under the British rule in India, because he is an adopted son to the late prince. The loss of his principality coincides with the stealing of a rare and malefic red diamond from the temple of Shiva. The diamond must be returned to the temple where its evil powers are bridled, or the outraged people of Amjerat will be in uprising against the British authorities costing the lives of innocents. When Quinn and Sanjay learn that the red diamond is going to be added to the English Queen's royal collection, they follow its trail of sorrow and death, intending to bring it back where it belongs.

When Lieutenant Quinn  returns to England, Sanjay accompanies him posing as his Indian servant. They set a trap to catch the Mayfair Jewel Thief with the purpose of  blackmailing the burglar into stealing the red diamond for them. Surprised when he discovers that Viola is the infamous thief, Quinn coerces her into helping to retrieve the evil gem in exchange for her freedom and half of his personal jewels. Quinn needs Viola's abilities to open a safe, and other related skills of her profession, but he ignores her biggest gift of all, Viola channels gems's chronicles into voices and sometimes disturbing visions. Which is a blessing and a dangerous gift that threatens her  sanity and health. This paranormal element in the plot is one of Touch of a Thief's strongest original appeals.

At one point in the story, Viola demands to know more of Quinn other than his body. He refuses to reveal anything personal. In her quest for the truth, she touches one of his rings, the gem reveals a grievous secret from his past. I nearly cried reading those pages. Although, the heartbreaking event will be the catalyst that unites their souls.

The sexual attraction between Viola and Quinn leaps out of the pages, their sensuality and their camaraderie gifted us with a wonderful romance. The only part I didn't enjoy was the use of Sanskrit words for genitalia during some of the love scenes. This is a personal peeve of mine, but it doesn't take from the story as a whole. I love historical romance books, and I've read many this year. Sadly, due to lack of time, I can only write reviews for those which I like the most. Touch of a Thief is one of the best historical romances I've read in years. It has everything I enjoy in a book - a great history setting, romance, suspense, drama, wittiness, eroticism, friendship and adventure. I highly recommend it.
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Master of the Opera I (Passionate Overture) by Jeffe Kennedy
* I received this ARC free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Passionate Overture is the first installment in this new serial by Jeffe Kennedy. Christines dad got her an internship at the Santa Fe Opera House where strange things are going on. She wants to prove that she can be on her own and take care of herself, despite what her father thinks. She is concerned about what happened to her predecessor but she is determined not to let the rumors stop her.

She has reconnected with her childhood friend Roman, who finally sees her as the woman she has become. Things seem to be going well for her at the opera house, until a couple of bizarre incidents spook her. Weird noises, strange dreams and disappearing interns are among some of the issues that she is dealing with.

This story is a modern take on the beloved classic Phantom of the Opera with an erotic twist. The first book has very little erotic elements but it doesnt disappoint. The author does a wonderful job of setting up the story and scenery around the Santa Fe Opera House without over doing it. The reader has no trouble imagining themselves right in the middle of the book. You are instantly drawn into the ongoing serial wanting to see where the writer will take you next.

The main characters are engaging and evoke emotions in the reader. I like Christys character but hope she grows as the stories continues. She wants to prove herself to her family but she comes across meek when she deals with Carla. I am on the fence regarding Roman. I honestly think hes kind of sleazy and hope that he proves me wrong as we move forward with the storyline. The mysterious phantom definitely intrigues me and I want to see more of him.

Overall I enjoyed the first installment and cant wait to read the second one in this series. I give Passionate Overture 4 Flaming Hearts.
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**I received a copy of this book through NetGalley which does not affect my review**

The Land of the Iron Winds has its eye on the Barstadt Empire. The Ministry works to protect the empire from invasion, their tools are espionage and dreamstriding. Livia is the only dreamstrider in Barstadt, able to take control someone elses body while they sleep. But something is awry in the dreamland known as Oneiros and Livia finds herself fighting for Barstadt on both fronts. With her best friend, Brandt, at her side and help from representatives from the small Farthing Confederacy, Livia must discover just what plans the Land of the Iron Winds has in store and stop them before they invade her home.

I feel the need to start off by saying Lindsay Smiths Dreamstrider has one of the most interesting and gorgeous covers Ive ever come across. In this imaginative world, dreams hold a special place in the hearts of Barstadters, seen as a gift from the Dreamer, a divine being who protects the people and who is credited with slaying the terrible Nightmare. Livia, once a lowly tunneler, is discovered to have a gift for dreamstriding and now works for the Ministry as an agent. Because of her origins, Livia is regarded by many within the Ministry as inferior, despite being the only one capable of dreamstriding. She struggles with confidence, cognizant of her own limitations and the ever-present chasm between her and Brandt, her partner who is destined for an aristocratic life. I liked Livias growth throughout the novel as she learns to trust in herself and let go of past failures. Despite this, the novel does little to explore Livias past which subtracts from her character considerably. There are certain unresolved issues missing from her story, mainly what happened to the family she left behind when she joined the Ministry. I found her lack of concern for her siblings inconsistent with the generous nature she shows toward others.

I wasn't a big fan of Livias two love interests as neither is very interesting. Brandt, Livias constant for the past several years, comes across as one-dimensional. He has no character arc himself and his only function is to be the object of the main characters affections. Marez, a Farthing delegate Livia is assigned to work with as both regions try to find a way to stop The Land of Iron Winds, is supposed to represent different possibilities for Livia, not just romantically, but also philosophically. Unfortunately, his immediate interest in Livia comes across as disingenuous and with no natural progression to their relationship, I didn't feel at all invested in the two of them. Several other minor characters also felt incomplete and there were a lot of missed opportunities for many. Professor Hesse, the man who discovered Livias rare talent and whose experimentation led to dreamstriding, makes only a few appearances, but his expertise on Oneiros and manipulating this odd land would have helped with the world-building for this novel.

Overall, though I enjoyed exploring concepts like dream manipulation and possessing someone elses body, Dreamstrider could have been better if its characters were more well-rounded and the world-building had a more complete foundation.