Book Review: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Twice Tempted

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Publication: Avon (March 26, 2013)

Description: Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges . . . 

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover Vlad has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever--especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her . . . 

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity . . .
 
Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust-- the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity . . .

My Thoughts: This action-packed and emotion-packed Night Prince novel has Leila and Vlad working on their relationship while an old girlfriend in trying to sabotage it. When Vlad offers to make her a vampire and a member of his line instead of proposing, Leila is so hurt that she is determined to leave him. He lets her go leaving her even more heart-broken and confirming for her that the relationship isn't going anywhere.

She runs back to her friend Marty and the carnie life only to learn that he has taken on a new assistant. Following on the heels of that discovery, someone plants a bomb the destroys Marty's trailer and a lot of the surrounding landscape too. Leila survives because she is still fireproof which was a consequence of her relationship with Vlad. She believes Marty is dead and is determined to avenge his death. Only Maximus, one of Vlad's close companions, suggests that the explosion might have been caused by Vlad to punish her because she left him. Maximus does have an ulterior motive -- he wants Leila as his lover. But his suggestion is enough to give Leila doubts.

When Maximus is shot with liquid silver and both are kidnapped by vampires who have been hired to deliver Leila to someone unknown, Vlad manages to track her down and return her to his home. Her attempts to protect Maximus and track down the perpetrator of the bombing and her kidnapping causes her to overuse her powers and almost die. Vlad's determination to save her gives her a better idea of how much he wants her in his life. They marry and then the adjustment period begins between Vlad who wants to protect Leila at all costs and Leila who wants to protect Vlad and be his equal partner.

When Leila's further investigations kill her, Vlad is there to bring her back as a vampire so that they can be together forever. And, together, they overcome this villain only to find out that she was not acting alone...

I can't wait to find out what happens next both in Vlad and Leila's relationship and in their determination to finally end Vlad's ancient enemy. This story was great urban fantasy and a great romance too. 

Favorite Quote:

He looked around, one hand on the wheel, another holding a large silver knife.

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" I repeated, days of pent-up grief and stress making my voice shrill. "You slapped a smoldering body part onto me without even a warning, that's what's wrong!"

His brows drew together. "But you asked me to get that."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here. 

Teaser Tuesday: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I had a chance to grab something from my TBR mountain for my teaser. I chose Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost. Here is the teaser I chose from the beginning of the Prologue:

This wasn't the first time I'd woken up as a captive. It wasn't even the second. I so needed to reevaluate my life choices.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 5, 2013)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

An unexpected (very unexpected!) snow day in May—dropping 11.5" in my town—added to my reading time this week and allowed me to finish six books. Here is what I read:

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost was an excellent urban fantasy story that continues the story of Vlad and Leila as a fourteenth century vampire and a modern woman try to build a relationship while being beset by enemies. My review will be posted on May 9.

To Wed in Scandal by Liana LeFey was a historical romance that was marred, for me, by the heroine's pig-headed determination to follow her plan for the future no matter who it hurt. My review is here.

Cuts Through Bone by Alaric Hunt was a mystery that, while modern, channeled the hard-boiled mysteries of the 30s and 40s. It had a complex plot with lots of threads that didn't get tied at the end and very little character development. You can see my review on May 11.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger was a fun romp filled with steampunk and Victorian manners. I was almost finished with the book before I realized that the plot had been so buried in all the other details that I wasn't sure what it was. My review is here.
The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston is a contemporary story about a girl whose family is in the Witness Protection Program. She doesn't know why but hates the disruption in all of their lives. This was a mystery and a thriller and also threw in a pretty sweet romance. My review will be posted on May 9.
The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead is the third book in the Bloodlines series. I love these characters and think I have a crush on Adrian. Sydney Sage, Alcemist, is a wonderful main character who is being pressured from all sides in this story. It was exciting and packed with emotion. And now I have to wait until November for the next book in the series! My review will be posted on May 11.
Currently

I am currently reading Bare It All by Lori Foster for my blog tour spot on May 15. This is a romantic suspense title and the sequel to Run the Risk which I read last fall. 

Next Week

The Last Girl is a mystery that I got through the Minotaur Books Early Reviewer program. It is the third in the Maeve Kerrigan series but will be the first I have read. It will be released on May 21.

The Caretaker by A. X. Ahmad is also one I got through the Minotaur Books Early Reviewer program. This one is a thriller that I chose because I thought the main character sounded interesting. It will also be released on May 21.

I picked The Rising by Kelley Armstrong from my TBR mountain because it is the third book in this series and I want to know what happens to the characters. I also have a week when there is a slot in my calendar for a non-review book. 

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross is also the third book in a series. I got this steampunk eARC from NetGalley. It will be released on May 28.

Future Plans

I am in an interesting spot right now regarding reviewing adult books. After I read the two above, I have a couple of books that have already been released that arrived after their publication dates or when my calendar was already full and a couple more that won't be released until August. That's it!
This finally gives me a chance to browse my own TBR shelves of adult books and review books I own for most of the summer. Between my shelves and my Kindle I have 1231 books to choose from but only 2 spots a week to fill. I won't be able to make much of a dent but anything will help those overburdened shelves.

On the other hand, looking ahead on my YA calendar doesn't show a spot for one of my own books until June 14. July is totally empty right now but, since I going to ALA the end of June, I don't expect that to last. The first half of August is already filled too. I guess the 389 YA books on TBR mountain are going to have to wait again.
This Week
It is time for another road trip. A friend and I are heading to The Red Balloon on Wednesday after school to attend Eoin Colfer's book signing. I liked his Artemis Fowl series and am eager to buy his newest book - The Reluctant Assassin and get it signed too.
What are your plans for the week?

Stacking the Shelves (May 5, 2013)

Tynga of Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

Five books managed to make their way to my house here in snowy Minnesota. Since four of them were ebooks for my Kindle, this wasn't really hard.

Here are my new books:

I have been hearing good things about Influential Magic by Deanna Chase and decided to buy a copy of this new urban fantasy for my Kindle for a reasonable $3.99.

Archie Meets Nero Wolfe by Robert Goldsborough was a Kindle Daily deal that I had to have. I have read all of the Nero Wolfe mysteries by Rex Stout many times. I am eager to read this prequel.

All the Paths of Shadow by Frank Tuttle has been popping up on many of the blogs I read. When I saw that I could get the Kindle version of this fantasy title for $1.99, I had to buy it. 

The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose is another title that I have seen on a number of blogs. I couldn't pass up getting a copy when it showed up as a Kindle Daily Deal this week. 

Finally, one print book did show up as a surprise in my mailbox this week. The Look of Love by Bella Andre is a contemporary romance. I read the ebook version in January and fell in love with the whole Sullivan series. Now Bella has sold the print rights to Harlequin MIRA (in a seven-figure deal!) and the whole Sullivan series will be published monthly starting in June in the US, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. 

What landed in your mailbox this week?

ARC Review: To Wed in Scandal by Liana LeFey

To Wed in Scandal

Author: Liana LeFey

Publication: Montlake Romance (May 7, 2013)

Description: For Lady Sabrina, it’s a case of too many suitors…

Lady Sabrina Grayson is determined to avoid the kind of reckless love that ruined her mother’s happiness, instead setting her sights on a very sensible alternative: Lord Francis Fairford. But before she can attract his notice, a very different sort of man enters her life. He’s everything Sabrina thinks she doesn’t want, yet her traitorous body says otherwise.

Once upon a time, he was her childhood nemesis. Now Henry Herbert, Viscount Montgomery, has grown into a darkly handsome and ruthlessly seductive man―a man who desires the woman he once called a pest. Soon their tempestuous kisses are the talk of London. When competition from other suitors results in a vindictive kidnapping, Henry races to rescue his beloved and convince her that the only fitting end for her scandalous Season is to surrender her body—and her heart—to him…

My Thoughts: Lady Sabrina Grayson has come to London for her debut with a plan. She watched her mother's heart break again and again as her father took mistress after mistress. Sabrina is determined to choose a husband that she will never love. Falling in love would be her sure path to heartbreak.

Henry, Viscount Montgomery, is the man who is determined to change her mind. He has known her since she was a child when she played many pranks on him to discourage him from courting her sister. She didn't know that he was just being polite and had no interest in the sister. Now that ten years have passed, they both look at each other differently.

Henry wants to court her but she is nothing if not stubborn. Sabrina's stubbornness leads to encouraging a young Lord Chadwick who obliging falls in love with her.  Her sights are set on Lord Francis Fairford who, already having a mistress, fits her criteria. However, his kisses leave her cold and disgusted. Henry also learns things about him that make him determined that Sabrina will never marry him. Sabrina also starts a relationship with Lord Percy Falloure who has a reputation as a man about town. She doesn't know that he is Henry's friend. 

Sabrina accepts Percy's proposal of marriage since she is determined to follow her plan. Percy realizes that she and Henry and in love and breaks the engagement. In a panic and afraid to trust her heart to Henry, she elopes with Lord Fairford sending Henry on a chase to rescue her before she marries.

I got a little irritated with Sabrina's blind determination to follow her life plan no matter who it hurt. She almost managed to mess up her life beyond repair. Liana LeFey made me care about her and about Henry and made me want the best for them. 

Now we just need to find a happy ending for Percy Falloure...

Favorite Quote:

In spite of her rancor at his having humiliated her in front of her peers, the moment their naked fingers touched, rivulets of fire began to snake down Sabrina's spine, traveling all the way to her suddenly curling toes. Time slowed to a crawl as if, like her, it needed to pause for breath.

I got this ARC through the Amazon Vine Program. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: To Wed in Scandal by Liana LeFey

Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This week I am spotlighting To Wed in Scandal by Liana LeFey which I received through the Amazon Vine program. This book will be released on May 7. Here is the description:

For Lady Sabrina, it’s a case of too many suitors…

Lady Sabrina Grayson is determined to avoid the kind of reckless love that ruined her mother’s happiness, instead setting her sights on a very sensible alternative: Lord Francis Fairford. But before she can attract his notice, a very different sort of man enters her life. He’s everything Sabrina thinks she doesn’t want, yet her traitorous body says otherwise.

Once upon a time, he was her childhood nemesis. Now Henry Herbert, Viscount Montgomery, has grown into a darkly handsome and ruthlessly seductive man―a man who desires the woman he once called a pest. Soon their tempestuous kisses are the talk of London. When competition from other suitors results in a vindictive kidnapping, Henry races to rescue his beloved and convince her that the only fitting end for her scandalous Season is to surrender her body—and her heart—to him…

Beginning (from the Prologue):

The oaf had finally left—but not without a parting gift. The thought of Montgomery finding the snake she'd secreted in his coat pocket brought a fierce grin to Sabrina's lips.

Friday 56:

Straightening her spine, Sabrina lifted her chin and ran the gauntlet. Let them gawk. It was only a kiss, after all. 

I'm in the mood for a good historical romance. I hope this one meets my expectations.

ARC Review: An Affair of Deceit by Jamie Michele

An Affair of Deceit

Author: Jamie Michele

Publication: Montlake Romance (April 30, 2013)

Description: Diligent attorney Abigail Mason doesn’t have a lot of time—not for the father, a legendary spymaster, who abandoned her years ago, and not for the charming CIA agent who’s suddenly asking questions about his whereabouts. But her interest is definitely piqued—just what has her father done to find himself in the agency’s crosshairs?

A trained psychologist, Agent James Riley doesn’t need his degree to figure out that the persistent, sexy Abigail will be a problem—both for his investigation and his heart. And while he needs her cooperation, he’s not ready for the hands-on, dangerous role she insists on taking in the search for her father.

As the two uncover startling truths about a secretive past, can Riley shield the woman he’s come to love from a madman who wants her to pay for the sins of her father?

This pulse-pounding sequel to An Affair of Vengeance tests the strength of love against the crippling power of lies.

My Thoughts: Abigail Mason is a driven lawyer who keeps her emotions well buried. She is still mourning her father's abandonment of her and her mother and self-identifying her feelings for her father as both anger and indifference. While she and her Chinese mother have made new lives for themselves in the USA, they are estranged.

When charismatic CIA agent James Riley comes to see Abigail, she finds that she isn't as over her father's abandonment as she had thought. James tells her that her father has recently disappeared in Europe and was possibly kidnapped by gun running loony Lukas Kral. While Abigail professes not to care about her father, she still wants some sort of closure and wants to know why he abandoned her. She decides to investigate herself.

She and James meet up again in Europe and combine their investigations. Each is fascinated with the other but, while James is more open in his feelings, both of them have hidden secrets. 

There were a vast number of coincidences in this story. James' and Abigail's parents knew each other when they were children. Both were raised by their mothers after James' father's death and Abigail's father's disappearance. Both have mothers who know a lot more than they are willing to tell their now grown children about the past. 

Abigail was a hard character for me to understand in this story. She was so closed off emotionally that I didn't really connect with her. James was apparently much more open, cheerful, and optimistic but he still had a lot of hidden depths.

There was something about this story that kept me from really engaging in it. I can't identify what is was though. The writing was nicely descriptive and flowed well but somehow I just wasn't swept into the story. While there was nothing wrong with the book, it just wasn't the book for me. 

Favorite Quote:

His freshly shaven face felt as soft as a kitten's nose as he leaned in. Over the trace of soap Abigail smelled his familiar cologne, something akin to an herbal bouquet simmering in black tea. Unusual, but it seemed natural on him. For a moment, she wanted to press her whole body against his and tuck her head under his chin like a child, safe and warm.

But she didn't. Aching with frustration at her self-imposed restraint, she kept her hands at her sides when his lips brushed like a butterfly against her cheek.

I chose this title from Amazon Vine. You can buy your copy here.