Nelle's NightStand
Review
0 Stars
If the Viscount Falls
If the Viscount Falls - Sabrina Jeffries
Hoping to get this on Netgalley.. I can't wait to read Doms' story!
Review
4 Stars
What a Lady Demands
What a Lady Demands - Ashlyn Macnamara
Originally posted on Ramblings from this Chick

What a Lady Demands is the second book in the Eton Boys trilogy. Old friends Sandford, Lindenhurst and Battencliff have had a severe rift in their friendships. This story centers on Lindenhurst and Sandford’s younger sister, Cecilia.

In What a Lady Demands we find two considerably damaged characters. The way they have dealt with their disastrous pasts are on two completely different ends of the spectrum. Ashyln Macnamara has presented quite a few uncommon twists that I haven’t seen in a Historical Romance.

At first Cecilia Sandford seems like a spoiled ‘on the shelf’ debutante when she applies to Viscount Lindenhurst for the governess positon for his son, Jeremy. We gradually learn that she has had a dreadful past. One in which I’d never have thought she’d have survived as well as did. She is a very resilient, independent, courageous woman. She has tried to overcome her past and not dwell on the bad.

Richard Blakewell, Viscount Lindenhurst, is an angry, revengeful, uncompassionate, and strict military man. He requires his servants to have very high morals. I can honestly say I couldn’t stand him and he was very hard to warm up to. Even after we learn how and why his wife betrayed him, I did not see him as a victim. I felt more sorrowful for poor Battencliff than I did for Lind.

Jeremy, is a tragically sad little boy. He’s lost his mother and then lost multiple governesses’ because his father has sent them packing due to a lack of progress on teaching him to read and write. (he’s only FIVE!) Cecilia becomes his best advocate and stands toe to toe with Richard several times to Jeremy’s benefit.

The fireworks between Lind and Cecilia start almost from the first. They both try to resist as they’ve both been burned in past relationships. Sensual and steamy, when they connect their passion leaps off the page. When Lin finally gives in to the attraction for Cecelia, we see an emotional thawing alter his character. “You haven’t had a champion for years. Your father died when you were still in the schoolroom and your brother was gone. Who is going to protect you from … if I do not?” My heart melted for Lind right then!

I loved how Cecilia stood up to Richard and didn’t back down on anything she felt so strongly about. The title, What a Lady Demands, certainly fits this novel. When Lind suggests marriage she replies with “When I’m not even suitable to act as your governess, because I’m so scandalous and impure, but you’re still willing to marry me?” I cheered her on! It really shows how much he really cares for her despite his attempt otherwise.

Ashlyn Macnamara has given us a message through this story of revenge, redemption and recovery. Love only flourishes when you can compromise. Revenge is never the answer. It will only come back on you. I truly enjoyed this novel.

*ARC provided by NetGalley*
Review
5 Stars
Snow Angel Cove
Snow Angel Cove - RaeAnne Thayne
I love Small Town Romances! Can't wait to see how this town gets rebuilt. Review to come...When I wake up tomorrow...or later today.
Review
3 Stars
The Look of Love
The Look of Love - Bella Andre
This was a quick easy read for me. I'd heard a lot of good things about The Sullivans series. I guess maybe I was expecting something more along the lines of the Callaways by Barbara Freethy. The chemistry between Chloe and Chase was definitely in your face. The sex scenes were hot and steamy, borderline erotica. I just can't quite wrap my mind around Chloe hitting the sack with a guy the two days after her drunken ex-husband hits her in the face. Chase was the ultimate good guy the instant he saw her on the side of the road. To go from a bachelor expecting a quick lay to forever in love is hard to believe, but it's not an uncommon story. There are some cute and funny parts to this story. I am going to give Marcus' story a shot, so we'll see if they get better :)
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The Darkest Touch - Gena Showalter

The Darkest Touch - Gena Showalter 

 

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.  

Review
5 Stars
In Your Dreams
In Your Dreams - Kristan Higgins
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Full Review at www.nellesnightstand.com

This story hit all my emotional buttons and kept me up late (or early) to finish it. Bullies, PTSD, clingy ex-wives, loving but annoying sisters, and a slow ride to true love. The 4th installment in Kristan Higgins, Blue Heron series, In Your Dreams, is emotionally riveting, slapstick funny, and at times very heartbreaking.
Review
5 Stars
The Prince Who Loved Me
The Prince Who Loved Me - Karen Hawkins
This Scottish rendition of the Cinderella fairy tell is witty, sweet, and clumsily romantic. Karen Hawkins excels at twisting fairytales! This was such an enjoyable read!

Bronwyn is a bookish, on the shelf, girl who even goes so far as to say “I’d rather own a subscription library than be a princess.” Who can argue with that?! The way she attempts to falsely woo Alexsey is hilarious.

Prince Alexsey Vitaly Grigori Romanovin, is a mischievous devil! They both enjoy books and dogs. When he reads to her out of her romantic novel…swoon worthy! The meddlesome grandmother returns to us from her previous series, The Duchess Diaries, and here she seems quite mean, but I believe it turns out sweet in the end.

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Review
5 Stars
Rogue with a Brogue
Rogue with a Brogue - Suzanne Enoch
Not your average Scottish rival clan romance. I was hooked from the beginning. What a wonderfully sweet read and such a strong heroine! It's nice to see a sweet lovable hero in a Scottish novel.
Review
4 Stars
The Songbird's Seduction
The Songbird's Seduction - Connie Brockway
Quirky, fun, and romantic in the Edwardian age! I love the unusual heroes and heroines of Connie Brockway's stories! She takes us on an adventure through Downton Abbey's England and France. A rising operretta star, Lucy Eastlake is used to conforming to everyone's expectations. Passed around to numerous relatives since her parents death at age 7, she has tried to be what everyone needs. Her 2 great-aunts were the last stop for her and she loves them dearly. When the chance to change their future occurs through an inheritance of her aunt Lavinia, she insists on going on the adventure of a lifetime to retrieve it! Professor Ptomley Archibald Grant is a stick in the mud anthropology genius and the grandson of Lavinia's old flame. The chemistry from Lucy and "Archie" (as Lucy says what every reader is thinking... Ptomley, what kind of name is THAT for a hero !), is off the charts romantic. They tumble into love on the road to France in a gypsy troupe. Wonderful writing, Ms. Brockway! This review is for a free copy courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley.
Review
4 Stars
Talk Sweetly to Me
Talk Sweetly to Me - Courtney Milan
Who would think a novella about a romance between a brilliant, young Black, mathematician Rose Sweetly and an outgoing,White, Irish Catoholic, Stephen Shaughnessy would appeal to me! This novel was short and sweet but never say Courtney Milan can't bring in controversy and still nail the romance! ARC was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Review
4 Stars
Knight of Love
Knight of Love - Catherine LaRoche
Amazing new author for me! I loved this strong heroine and how she stand on her own feet and insists she doesn't need a gallant hero! Poor lovesick Wolf! He's a strong alpha male who insists Lenora is a "damsel in distress" and he's the "Knight of Love" to save her! This is a break from the traditional Historical Romances. This heroine will go to great links to save her hero!!


I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review
Review
1 Stars
The Truth About Leo
The Truth About Leo - Katie MacAlister
This was not one of my favorites. It had humor, romance and mystery. It felt like there was almost TOO much going on and I couldn't keep track. The Jail scene was off the chain in a bad way. I understand the author was trying to be funny but it bordered on the ridiculous. Nicks and Phem's secondary romance felt like it was just thrown in there. I guess maybe I needed to read the first 3 books in the series but because I hadn't a lot of the scenes were over the top confusing.
Review
4 Stars
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Half Moon House Novella (Half Moon House Series)
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Half Moon House Novella (Half Moon House Series) - Deb Marlowe
A gutsy American heiress vs an English Viscount. Who will win? Or will they both? LOVED this short story!
Review
5 Stars
When You Are Mine
When You Are Mine - Kennedy Ryan
Reviewed on Nelle's Nightstand:
http://nellesnightstand.blogspot.com/2014/09/when-you-are-mine-by-kennedy-ryan-my.html

Below is my honest, emotional reaction from right after I finished this book last night. I don't like to read books without HEA at the ending of it. If I had known this book had a cliffhanger I wouldn't have requested it from Netgalley. I'm so thankful I did though. This is Kennedy Ryan's debut novel. She runs us though an emotional gamut. What happens when you fall in love with your best friends' girlfriend? With your boyfriends' best friend? This is a heart breaking, HONEST portrayal of when that happens. I'm am seriously excited for the next book. I want to say that you can tell an author is a suburb writer when you are so caught up in the book that you cry in front of the cable guy... (yes I got up and walked into the other room but still :) )



Blown away!!! I hate cliffies Honestly if I had read the reviews before reading this book , I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I would have missed such a thrilling ride!!! My heart aches. You know the writing is suburb when you can laugh and cry and get so angry at the characters. The characters are all flawed and so believable. Their choices stink!!! I didn't know if I was going to 5 star it or 1 star it. I'm still fluctuating on that. My hands were shaking when I started writing this. I screamed at the ending.. Going to end with BLOWN AWAY!!!! I received an ARC for an honest review from NetGalley
Review
5 Stars
Loving You Always
Loving You Always - Kennedy Ryan
Originally Published on NellesNightStand @ http://t.co/7DNSRIDK2J

When You Are Mine left me literally shaking with anticipation!
Loving You Always picks up right where we left off in book one. With all the angst and turmoil of the first book, I expected the same in the second. Kennedy Ryan delivers in spades! She takes you through the journey of tragedy, discovery, following your dreams and second chances. This series is not an easy read by far! Have your Kleenex's ready!

I am now HIGHLY anticipating Cam and Jo's story in Be Mine Forever!
Review
4 Stars
Return to Homecoming Ranch
Return to Homecoming Ranch - Julia London
Once again we are back in Pine River with Libby's story. Libby's live-in boyfriend dumps her and refuses to let her see his kids, who she loves with all her heart. She goes into a rage and takes a golf club to his truck and gets sent to a mental health spa. When she returns she tries to move on but it's a really difficult situation. Sam Winters is a recovering alcoholic who understands some of what Libby is going through. He is also the sheriffs deputy who saw her at her worst and keeps saving her. Julia London delivers a meaty story here folks! The characters have depth and growth and keep you coming back for more! This is not your average boy meets girl story here!