Texty Ladies » Reviews by Betababe

BB’s Review: The Secret by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:50:33 +0000

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books Fiction

New York Timesbestselling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration f0r her powerful new novel, Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

From the back cover: Judith Hampt0on was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land…Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain’s searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan…not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

I loved this story. Julie Garwood once again grabbed my attention and made me care about all her characters in this story. The deep friendship two small girls cultivated into adulthood, not knowing until it was too late that they were supposed to be enemies, was the strongest of all bonds. Francis Catherine Kirkcaldy of Scotland and Lady Judith Hampton of England were best friends forever. When Judith’s friend is close to term with her pregnancy, she sends for Judith. She wanted her friend to be there with her. Francis Catherine had a terrible fear of dying while giving birth and Judith was too stubborn to let her. When Judith meets the leader of the highlanders who is escorting her to Scotland, she’s immediately taken with his beautiful grey eyes that stare through her soul. Iain Maitland is one of those big tough warriors who doesn’t have time for love…it makes a man weak. We all know the type ladies! But Iain falls hard, whether he wants to or not. There is a lot of background to this wonderful story and you’ll love it. This is a beautiful love story…and a pretty spicy one at that!

Because I will read this book over and over again…I give it 4 cocktails!

Just a note: this book has several different bookcovers. The one above is just one of several.

BB’s Review: A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

BetaBabe — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:40:12 +0000

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

Fiction – Warner Books

“A powerful tale of true love.” – Booklist

“A charming and thoughtful love story…don’t miss it; this is a book that’s light on the surface but with subtle depths.” – Bookloons Contemporary Reviews

“A moving story. Nicholas Sparks fans will love it.” – Bookhaven

“Sparks knows how to tug at a reader’s heartstrings.” – Chicago Sun-Times

“Sweet, accessible, uplifting…expect instant bestsellerdom.” – Publishers Weekly

“A Smoothly written and satisfying novel.” – Romantic Review Today

From the inside cover: Where does a story truly begin? In life, there are seldom clear-cut beginnings, those moments when we can, in looking back, say that everything started. I’m not sure why I feel compelled to tell my story in the first place. What can be achieved by unearthing the past? But I know I must try to tell it, if for no other reason than to finally put this all behind me.

This is above all a love story, and like so many love stories, it is rooted in tragedy. At the same time, it is also a story of forgiveness. And it is my story as well. I, too, played a role in all that happened…

From the back cover: Miles Ryan’s life seemed to end the day his wife was killed in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. As deputy sheriff of New Bern, North Carolina, he not only grieves for her and worries about their young son Jonah but longs to bring the unknown driver to justice. Then Miles meets Sarah Andrews, Jonah’s second-grade teacher. A young woman recovering from a difficult divorce, Sarah moved to New Bern hoping to start over. Tentatively, Miles and Sarah reached out to each other…soon they are falling in love. But what neither realizes is that they are also bound together by a shocking secret, one that will force them to reexamine everything they believe in–including their love.

This is a wonderful story. It’s about true love, moving one after a terrible tragedy–which we must to survive, and forgiveness. I’m sure you’ve heard of Nicholas Sparks. Many of his books have been made into movies…The Notebook (I loved that one!), A Walk to Remember (my favorite!), and Message in a Bottle (another goodie). He also wrote The Rescue, but I’m not sure if they ever made a move out of that one…haven’t read it yet. This story will keep you interested and tug at your heart strings…you’ll love it! I think in Nicholas Sparks previous life he had to be a woman…he writes so tenderly.

Because this man can write like no other, I give this story 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: The Infamous Rogue by Alexandra Benedict

BetaBabe — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:37 +0000

The Infamous Rogue by Alexandra Benedict

Avon Historical Romance

“A gift for storytelling. Cathy Maxwell

From the inside cover: “Do you want to hang from the gallows…Black Hawk?” She had whispered the last part, indicating her intent to out him if he outed her. She had changed. She would never have threatened him in the past with betrayal. Her own father had been a pirate.

“Do you really want me to hang?” James inhaled the tangy scent of her perfume: a sensuous citrus fragrance that reminded him of the tropical island–and their heated affair. “A man tends to confess his sins when facing death. Would you like me to confess my sins, Sophia?” He dropped his lips to caress her ear with his breath. “Would you like me to reveal my transgressions…with you?”

She shuddered. “You belong in hell, Black Hawk.”

In subtle strokes, he rubbed her spine. “With you at my side, sweetheart.”

From the back cover: They paid no mind to society’s prying eyes…the daughter of a wealthy bandit, Sophia Dawson once lost herself in the arms of Black Hawk, the most infamous pirate ever to command the seas. But now, determined to put her sinful past behind her, she prepares to enter society as the bride of a well-born nobleman who knows nothing of her scandalous youth. All goes according to plan until her ex-lover–now a respectable sea captain but just as handsome and dangerous as ever–appears and once again tempts her with desire.

From the moment he sees Sophia again, James Hawkins wants only one thing: Revenge. He’ll see to it that the reckless beauty pays for abandoning their heated affair. And so begins a battle of wills that can end only in utter ruin…or wicked surrender….

This is one red hot, passionate love story. Emotions run high throughout the entire story. The fine line between love and hate is crossed over and over again in this one. I have to admit…I dogeared more than several pages to go back and re-read them. That’s some pretty spicy writing! The story and it’s characters will keep you interested all the way through to the end.

Because I loved it and will read it again, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Memoirs of A Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle

BetaBabe — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:50:06 +0000

Memoirs of A Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle

Avon Historical Romance

“Wit, passion, and adventure, Elizabeth Boyle has it all.” Julia Quinn

From the back cover: What if all you have are the memories of a rake…and the scandalous red dress that nearly brought you to ruin? Reminders of the kisses he stole? Or his seductive, rakish smile as he charmed his way into your bed, stole your innocence and your heart? To proper and respectable Philippa, Lady Gossett, such memories are best locked away. At least, so she thinks, until a stranger arrives on her doorstep and offers her a chance to tempt fate once again…to tempt Dash back into her life and quite possibly into her bed…

But the man Pippin loved all those years ago and the man she discovers are hardly the same. Captain Thomas Dashwell has a score to settle with the now-unattached Lady Gossett, the vision in red who has haunted his life for so long–ever since that fateful night when she betrayed him and married another. She’s the one woman he’s vowed to hate until the end of his days…and the one woman he can never forget.

This was a very full story…it is full of colorful characters, brimming with adventure and scandal, love that lasts a lifetime, and sadness peppered in to tug at your heart… all rolled into one great read. Your heart will follow our heroine Lady Philippa Knolles (” Pippin”), now known as Lady Gossett, through her lifetime of ups and downs. You’ll fall in love the rake Captain Thomas Dashwell–or Dash, as Pippin calls him. The story is given to you in pieces. It starts in the present, London 1837, and goes back in time to 1814 when Pippin first met Dash. I have to say, I don’t usually like when stories go back and forth from present to past, but this one kept my interest. I had to know what all had happened. By the end of the book you have the whole story and you’ll make up your mind as to how you want it to all end.

Because I really liked this one and everything about the story made it worth reading–I give this story 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Puppy Love by Jane E. Jones

BetaBabe — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:46:10 +0000

Puppy Love by Jane E. Jones

This is one witty, hilarious, and fun short story! The main character, Sarah, has a missing dog named Casper Salt. The storyline is about just how far Sarah will go to recover her beloved dog. I loved the descriptions Sarah gave to her neighbors…one was “all kinds of crazy” (when I read that, I figured Sarah lived in MY neighborhood!), and another was described as a “hunky muffin” (okay, so maybe she doesn’t live in my neighborhood!). Anyway, I laughed out loud reading this one. I caught myself smiling and laughing throughout the entire short story. My only complaint is…it’s too short–I want MORE of a good thing. Loved it Jane. Please let there be a sequel. The readers will relate the main character to several of their friends…and maybe even themselves. If you are a dog lover…or any kind of pet lover…you will understand the lengths you would go to get your much loved pet back.

Because I’d like this story to continue on and on…I give this short read 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:42:20 +0000

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Pocket Book Fiction

“A mesmerizing tale…” – Publishers Weekly

“An extraordinary story.” – Rendezvous

“Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.” – Affaire de Coeur

From the back cover: Bestselling author Judith McNaught masterfully portrays a remarkable heroine, and an unforgettable passion, in this powerfully moving love story–one of her most beloved novels of all time!

The tempestuous marriage of Alexandra Lawrence, an innocent country girl, and Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne, is about to face its ultimate test of tender loyalty. Swept into the endlessly fascinating world of London society, free-spirited Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. But behind her husband’s cold, arrogant mask, there lives a tender, vital, sensual man…the man Alexandra married. Now, she will fight for her very life…and the rapturous bond the alone can share.

Judith McNaught never ceases to amaze me. Here again she writes a unique storyline with wonderful different characters whose lives are thrown together through no fault of their own. Our heroine, Alexandra Lawrence, saves the life of Jordan Addison Matthew Townsende, the Duke of Hawthorne, in quite a hilarious way. Of course, at the time she has no idea who he is. It sets off a chain reaction in both of their lives that changes their futures forever. This story has such detail and twists and turns that it will keep you reading to find out who is going to do what next. You will sympathize with Alexandra because of her treatment by her unloving father and mad mother. Together these two characters alone keep you hooked. You will truly love this one!

Because Judith McNaught once again made my heart melt in this wonderful love story, I give this story 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: After Midnight… By Maggie Shayne

BetaBabe — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:45:24 +0000

After Midnight by Maggie Shayne

Silhouette Romance

This book contains three complete novels!

From the inside cover: Miranda’s Viking: Yesterday, Viking warrior Rolf Magnusson had been perfectly preserved in a glacial cave. Today, he sat in scientist Miranda O’Shea’s living room, all six feet seven inches of him hot to the touch–except for his ice-cold heart. But Miranda knew one way to thaw it out…

From the back cover: What in the world was she going to tell the others? “Sorry, guys. The find came to life. I’m afraid you can’t have him.” “Miranda’s Vikingis a fresh, exciting work that crackles with originality and creativity.” – Affaire de Coeur

From the inside cover: Kiss of the Shadow Man: Her memory erased in an “accident,” Caitlin Rossi discovered a husband she no longer knew–yet fuzzy images of Dylan’s burning passion penetrated the darkness. Then Cait realized there had been no accident–and someone might try again!

From the back cover: “Please just say it. I’m never going to get my memory back, am I?” Kiss of the Shadow Man is “a crackerjack novel of romantic suspense.” – Romantic Times Magazine

From the inside cover: Out-of-This World Marriage: Thomas Duffy had lost his faith in everything–until Janella landed in his life. She was full of otherworldly charm and a purity that tugged at his rusty heartstrings. Though their marriage was a facade, Thomas might learn something about love from his out-of-this world wife.

From the back cover: “No one must ever know about me, Thomas. Not ever.” In Out-of-This-World Marriage. “Ms. Shayne demonstrates an absolutely superb touch, blending fantasy and romance into an outstanding reading experience.” – Romantic Times Magazine

Praise for Maggie Shayne:

“A major talent on the rise.” – Romantic Times Magazine

“Maggie Shayne is better than chocolate. She satisfies every wicked craving.” – bestselling author Suzanne Forster

“Maggie Shayne is a bright, shining star that makes other stars seem dim by comparison.” – Affaire de Coeur

This book contains three complete novels by the same author! The surprising thing is that they are all totally different stories and very entertaining. Each story is long enough to make you know it’s characters, but short enough to get to the “good stuff” quick! I enjoyed all three stories.

Because Maggie’s writing kept my interest from the very first page to the very last page of each story, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:35:47 +0000

Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

Pocket Books Fiction

“The ultimate love story, one you can dream about forever.” – Romantic Times

“A wonderful love story…fast-paced and exciting…great dialogue!” – Jude Deveraux

From the back cover: Under the dark, languorous eyes of Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore, Whitney Stone grew from a saucy hoyden into a ravishingly sensual woman. Fresh from her triumphs in Paris society, she returned to England to win the heart of Paul, her childhood love…only to be bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome, arrogant Duke. Outraged, she defies her new lord. But even as his smoldering passion seduces her into a gathering storm of desire, Whitney cannot, will not, relinquish her dream of perfect love.

Oh, what a great love story! I liked this one so much I caught myself going back to read the “really good parts” over and over. The dialogue for the two main characters, our heroine Whitney and the Duke, is outstanding. The quips back and forth are so very entertaining. The story will make you laugh, cry, love or hate certain characters, and want to read this one again. The romance is explosive. You will become emotionally entangled with what is happening to Whitney throughout this story–you can’t help it. I can’t go into the twists and turns–can’t give away the goodies! Need I say more!

Because this powerful love story is one of my favorites…I give this book 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

BetaBabe — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:31 +0000

The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

Avon Historical Romance

“Warm, witty, and fabulous!” – Suzanne Enoch

His life is in her hands…She’s willing to be fearless for a price…but what if the cost is her heart?

From the inside cover:

A rescued rogue…

Scandal has rocked the city of London. Colin Eversea, a handsome, reckless, unapologetic rogue, is sentenced to hang for murder and, inconveniently for him, the only witness to the crime disappears. Then again, throughout history, the Everseas have always managed to cheat fate in style: Colin is snatched from the gallows by a beautiful, clever mercenary.

A captivating captor…

Cool-headed, daring Madeleine Greenway is immune to Collin’s vaunted charm. Her mission is not to rescue Colin but to kidnap him, and to be paid handsomely for it. But when it becomes clear that whoever wants Colin alive wants Madeleine dead, the two become uneasy allies in a deadly race for truth. Together, they’ll face great danger–and a passion neither can resist.

The heroine in this story is Madeleine Greenway. Madeleine is forced to support herself after the loss of her husband and infant son to the plague. She herself gets seriously ill, but survives. She lost her world in that one day–her heart broken beyond repair. Madeleine started doing special jobs for people who could pay her well for her services. She had heard of a gentleman who needed to get a necklace back from his mistress, Madeleine got the necklace, returned it to him and was paid well. Word of her special type of work was passed around those who could pay for it and she was offered job after job. It kept her alive and she decided to save her money to get out of London and take a ship to America where she planned to buy land and start her life over there. She had to get away from the misery of London which claimed her husband and son. Then she was offered a job to save a murderer named Colin Eversea, the rogue of London, from the gallows. He is scheduled to be hung, a huge crowd has gathered to watch, and Madeleine’s detailed wonderful plan works…they get Colin just before he would have been hung. When Colin’s head is finally uncovered, he sees that he is in a small dark room with a woman. Happy not to be hanging from the gallows, he wants to know why he was brought here and why he’s tied up. Who is this woman? He questions her, she is not impressed in the least with who he is or how handsome he is…and Colin is not used to that. She won’t give him her name…says it’s not important or necessary…that they would not be together long. Madeleine is waiting for the gentleman with the final payment to come to get Colin so that she can be done and leave this place. There is a knock on the door, she cautiously unlatches the door and steps back into the dark room. The door opens slowly and through the darkness they see a man with a gun come in…he fires at Madeleine, but Colin manages to push her out of the way at the last minute. The man with the gun quickly backs out of the door leaving Madeleine and Colin wondering what the heck is going on. This is where the real story begins. Madeleine and Colin must flee from this place and find out who tried to kill Madeleine–why would the person who hired her, want her dead…and would he have killed Colin too? Who could they trust? They embark on an action packed journey together to answer the many questions which need to be answered. She saved his life from the gallows, and he saved her life from the man with the gun. Together they answer all the questions, and along the way get to know each other intimately. This story has action, adventure, colorful characters (especially Colin and Madeleine!), humor, and a hot romance. I think you’ll like it!

Because this story tugs at your heart strings, makes you laugh, and has a great mystery or two…I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Dragon Heat by Allyson James

BetaBabe — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:39:10 +0000

Dragon Heat by Allyson James

Berkley Sensation / Paranormal Romance

“A unique and magical urban paranormal with dragons, witches, and demons.”– Cheyenne McCray, USA Today bestselling author of Seduced by Magic

“Sweet, funny, and deliciously erotic.”–Romance Reviews Today

“Hot and steamy…just the kind of story I love to read.” Coffee Time Romance

From the back cover: Lisa Singleton has an unusual roommate–a fifty-foot dragon named Caleb who has glittering scales and a bad attitude. Little does she know that Caleb is actually a powerful warrior sent to protect her from those out to steal her magic and destroy the world. Lisa never knew she had any magic worth stealing…

Then Lisa’s life is threatened by a black dragon and an evil witch–and she suddenly finds herself in the arms of a tall, naked, sexy stranger with rippling muscles. Turns out the hunk is Caleb–in human form–and if he doesn’t stop distracting her with those gorgeous bedroom eyes, they may not have time to stop their enemies before all of existence is wiped out.

At least Lisa and Caleb will have savored every last minute…

This book was very different from anything I’ve ever read. This is the first I’ve heard of Dragonspace. It’s about a young woman who doesn’t know she’s very special. All the women in her family are special and her grandmother Li Na passes her gifts to her granddaughter, Lisa, when she passes away. Lisa was just a regular woman working for a living when her life totally changed. Once she moves into Li Na’s apartment, there is nothing regular about her life any more. Witches had sent a golden dragon, Caleb, to protect Lisa from an evil black dragon, Malcolm. The dragons can take on human form (and they do…take on really HOT human form). Caleb lives in Lisa’s spare bedroom which has a portal to Dragonspace–a whole other world. I didn’t think this book was really my “cup of tea” at first, but I quickly changed my mind and got totally engrossed in the storyline. Lisa and Caleb the dragon become best friends at first, then something more. Once he takes on human form to protect her outside of her apartment, they fall in love. Caleb is to protect Lisa until she is safe from the black dragon…which means he will be returning to Dragonspace. It breaks her heart to think she’ll lose him, so they make the best of the time they have together. Malcolm is the black dragon in human form–where Caleb is a tall, tan, gorgeous blond–Malcolm is a tall, blackhaired gorgeous man. This very detailed story includes good witches, bad witches, demons, dragons and lots of humor. There are two love stories in this book which are very, very erotic. I think you’ll be surprised by the detail and great storyline. To enjoy this book you would have to have an open mind and like fantasy!

Because this very erotic and unique storyline caught my interest–I give this story 3 cocktails! You’re going to want a dragon of your very own…YUM!