J.K. Coi

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

I must be reading too much, because this is the second recommendation blog I've done this month already. But what can I say? I've got a lot on the TBR pile and a writer's block to work through. (We'll talk about the new short story I started in a few days)

Tempt the Devil, Anna Campbell

For Olivia Raines, London's most notorious courtesan, and the infamous Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith falling in love will be the greatest risk of all in this wicked and wild romance from Anna Campbell.

Any man in London would worship her. Yet Olivia is, quite frankly, bored of them all. Despite her many dalliances, she's never felt true passion, never longed for any lover's touch . . . until Julian, London's most notoriously wanton rake, decides to make her his mistress.

From the moment he first sees her, Julian knows he must possess her. And when he discovers her greatest secret, a scandal that could ruin her reputation and end her career, he knows just the way to use this damaging information to his most delightful advantage. He offers Olivia a deal with the devil: he'll keep her secret . . . if she allows him the chance to show her true ecstasy.

But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his.

I found this book to be superbly crafted and beautifully told. I like the fact that Erith can be an uber-alpha and still humble himself for Olivia, understand her pain and seek to ease it in any way possible. I also like that Olivia is no child just out of the schoolroom, and that she's far from a blushing virgin, but still retains a sense of mystery. This is truly a love story and I'll be reading it again soon.

Burn, Anne Rainey

A woman scorned…can be damned delicious!

Ally Ryanaldo and Blake Steele were high school sweethearts, in love and inseparable. Ally always assumed she’d be his wife, raise his babies and live happily ever after. Those dreams were shattered the day Blake left her and his small town life for the bright lights of New York City.

Now, ten years later, Blake is back—and wants to pick up where they left off. Ally has other ideas. Naughty ideas. With the help of her kinky girlfriend, Heather, Ally shows Blake her wild side.

When her little plan backfires, though, Ally’s very much afraid she may lose the only man she’s ever loved—for good.

Anne's new short from Samhain was a great read. Hot, nostalgic and daring. I love an ebook like this that I can pick up and devour in one sitting.

Kiss of a Demon King, Kresley Cole

His obsession: the enchantress who surrenders her body, but not her heart.
After Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures and traps Rydstrom Woede in her lair, the ruthless warrior fights to resist her seduction.But his fierce demon nature lusts for her delicate body and won’t be denied. Even as Rydstrom plots to escape, he still intends to claim Sabine as his own—on his terms.

Her downfall: the battle-scarred demon who vows to keep her at all costs.
When Rydstrom breaks free, her abducts Sabine, turning the tables. Now she’s the one struggling to resist his delicious torment. With each relentless encounter, Sabine hungers more for her merciless adversary.

They were never supposed to want each other this much…
If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice to save her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to keep his sorceress?

Everyone knows I'm a complete fangirl for Kresley Cole. Ms. Cole's writing is vibrant and witty and her characters are intense and alive. I was so excited for this book, and I'm very pleased to say it didn't disappoint. In fact, it took me over the edge, dragging me ever deeper into the fascinating, magical world of the Lore.


And one that's still on my pile to read, but I have it on good authority that it is well worth the wait:

Land of Falling Stars, Keta Diablo

Penniless, her parents and brother dead, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved childhood home during the Civil War. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, but before Sophia allows him to rob and pilfer like the others, she shoots him. How was she to know it was Gavin, the dark knight of her youth, carrying secrets too horrific to imagine and a passion that ignites her deepest desires?

As Sophia gradually discovers Gavin's secret and falls under his seductive charms, she struggles to know her own heart. Can she survive in the Land of Falling Stars, or will she lose it all to the horrors of the War and Reconstruction? And will the Southern lady and the Yankee soldier be able to recapture the bliss of their youth - this time in each other's arms?

Keta has gotten wonderful reviews for this book, and I'm looking forward to diving into her world.