Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review: Moonlight Kiss by LuAnn McLane

Moonlight Kiss by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 5
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Contemporary Romance Moonlight Kiss Cover
ISBN: 9780451415585
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

After not one, but two very public broken engagements, Addison Monroe is ready to take a break from men, weddings, and the paparazzi. In order to do that, Addison escapes the Southern California spotlight to rest and relax in Cricket Creek. Yet while she might be able to avoid the media in this small Kentucky town, fate has a funny sense of humor when it comes to the other two things on Addison’s “avoid” list. It’s not long after she arrives in Cricket Creek that Addison finds herself opening a bridal boutique on Wedding Row, a job that throws her directly in the path of one sexy-as-sin farmer.

Investment consultant Reid Greenfield left Lexington to temporarily help out on his family’s farm. A farm that may just be turning into a wedding reception venue if his sister, Sara, has her way. Reid’s not about to let his sister lose everything she’s worked for on a foolish venture, and he hopes that Addison, as both a wedding consultant and the daughter of a famous financial guru, will help Sara see the light. Only Addison thinks Sara’s idea is brilliant. For a man like Reid – one who wants to avoid weddings – being at the eye of a wedding storm has a strange effect. Or maybe it’s just Addison who is turning his world upside down. Will a man who doesn’t like taking risks take the biggest leap there is and give his heart to a woman who has been burned by love more than once?

LuAnn McLane will charm your socks off with this fresh and fun tale! Moonlight Kiss is a sweet, sprightly story with charm to spare. Like Addison, I fell in love with Cricket Creek from the first moment. There’s a welcoming vibe to the town that just radiates off the page. From Addison to Reid to their loved ones, there’s not one person in Cricket Creek I wouldn’t love to get to know.

Endearing small towns aside, Moonlight Kiss features not one, but two romances that will leave you sighing. The primary love story is, of course, between Reid and Addison. These two are both understandably wary of deeper commitments, yet both learn that you can’t control emotion, no matter how hard you try. Ms. McLane made these two fit one another incredibly well without their pairing ever falling into “cardboard perfect” territory. The couple that almost steals the show from Addison and Reid are Maggie and Richard. Richard, the rock star who was almost Addison’s father-in-law, comes to Cricket Creek to try and make some of his son’s mistakes right. Instead he winds up finding love with Maggie, a single mother who is stepping out into the dating world now that her son is grown. I had a huge grin on my face whenever these two were together. Theirs was a beautifully understated romance that melted my heart more than once.

Moonlight Kiss is one of those comfort reads that is perfect for making you smile when you need it most. The only issue I had with the book was Addison’s seemingly endless streak of good luck and instant success in her professional life – it seemed a bit too unrealistic, and thus drew me out of the story. Even with that minor niggle, I adored Moonlight Kiss and I can’t wait to read more Cricket Creek stories!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Blog Tour: Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis

Rumor Has It Blog Tour

If you’ve visited Wit and Sin before, then you know I’m a huge Jill Shalvis fan. Her latest, RUMOR HAS IT was absolutely wonderful and I’m so excited that Berkley has invited me to be a part of the RUMOR HAS IT blog tour. RUMOR HAS IT releases on November 5th, but you can check out my review of the book here (no spoilers).

If you’d like a chance to win a copy of RUMOR HAS IT, you’re in luck! Berkley is generously allowing me to host a giveaway! Simply reply to this blog post saying you’d like to enter to win. US entries only and please include your email address so I can contact you for shipping information. You have until 11:59PM EST on Sunday, November 3rd to enter and I’ll pick one winner at random on November 4th.

Can’t get enough of Jill Shalvis? Check out the fantastic Q&A with Ms. Shalvis below!


Rumor Has It CoverWe’d like to give Jill Shalvis a warm welcome to our blog today!  Jill is the bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her upcoming sexy contemporary romance RUMOR HAS IT, book four in the Animal Magnetism series set in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho.  Jill is known for stories that are sexy, fun and full of heart.  The 4-time Rita nominee and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe.  Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

Q:  Can you tell our readers a little bit about the Animal Magnetism (Sunshine, Idaho) series, and where your inspiration came from? 

A:  I’ve always wanted to write a series where I could incorporate cute animals.  Cute animals and sexy heroes together, who can resist that.  So I came up with a series about a set of wildly alpha brothers running an animal center in Sunshine, Idaho at the base of the Bitteroot Mountains. 


Q:  What is your favorite thing about writing this series? The sexy men, the heroines, or the animals?

A:  All of the above, but okay, let me admit the truth – the combination of hot guys and adorable animals is pretty much irresistible for me.


Q:  What do you think makes romance readers and the romance community so strong?

A:  I think what makes the romance community so strong is that romance readers are awesome.  They’re loyal and dedicated and always so willing to help support our community by talking about the books and making it okay to read whatever you want, may that be straight contemporary, romantic suspense, erotica, whatever.  I love that.  As far as having a strong presence, that is an accidental cause of working alone most of the days out of the year.  Reaching out to romance readers and writers via social media is just a really great way to not always be alone.  J


Q:  Are contemporaries your favorite genre to read as well as to write? If so, can you give our readers some of your favorite recommendations? 

A:  Yes, though I love to read everything, across all genres.  Heck, I’m happy reading the back of a cereal box.  But as for my recommendations in the contemporary genre, you can’t go wrong with Robyn Carr, Kristan Higgins, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, Lori Foster, Rachel Gibson…


Q:  Do you think reading romance makes us expect more from our own romantic partners? What effect do you think romance has on those that read it?

A:  We’re writing fiction.  Not nonfiction.  But made up stories, fantasies really.  I’m not writing “How To Have A Hot Romance.”  Or “How To Train Your Significant Other Into Being A Perfect Mate.”  I’m writing a fictional tale.  I think our readers are sharp, and are well aware and capable of knowing the difference between a pat Happily Ever After and real life.  If I can provide someone with a fantasy, a little escape from her reality, then I am considering it a job well done. 


Q:  You write so many wonderful contemporaries, how do you keep each novel fresh and exciting?

A:  Keeping it fresh is a constant battle, and I struggle with that daily.  I just love writing, and this genre, and work hard to do the job so I can keep doing it and pleasing readers.  Also, I find that stalking neighbors and friends, and being extremely nosy about their personal lives and conflicts is very helpful.  J


Rumor Has It Cover
Q:  What’s your advice for a first-time pet owner?

1. Read up on your pet, on the specific breed. 
2. Be patient. 
3. Be patient. 
4. Be patient.  J 
5. Oh, and if there’s training issues?  Chances are it’s you, so revisit #1.


Q:  The interactions shared between you and Alpha Man always entertain; what is a recent “He Said, She Said” between you and Alpha Man that we may not have heard yet?
Me: What are you eating?

Him (mouth full): Nothing

Me: It smells like Oreos.

Him: …

Me: Are you … eating Oreos? I thought we were out of cookies!!

Him: There’s only four left.

Me: I need two.

Him: I’ll give you one.

Me: No! You can’t eat just one cookie!!! There’s a rule!!!

Him: Show me the book where this rule lives.

Me: I’LL WRITE YOU THE $%#!#$!@ book, give me a second cookie and no one gets hurt!

Him: Is it possible that you need something to go with that cookie?

Me: Milk?

Him: I was thinking Midol…

Q:  Your friendship with Kristan Higgins and your friendly battle for “Man Wars” has become infamous.  Why do you two connect so well?

A: I think our chemistry translates well because it’s genuine.  You can’t fake a real friendship.   We connect on lots of levels, such as competing for readers (kiddin!), and because we’re both raising aliens—er, teenagers.


Q:  What’s next for Jill Shalvis?

A:  If you read RUMOR HAS IT, you may notice a new vet is working at Belle Haven. Dr. Wyatt Stone.  He and his two sisters, Darcy and Zoe, are each going to get their own story next year. J

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I love Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series - it's highly entertaining, wonderfully imaginative, and is filled with characters I just plain adore. With the way things ended for Jack in the last book, Winterblaze, I'm more eager than ever to read his book. He and Mary already have fantastic chemistry, so I know their book is going to be great!

Shadowdance Cover Title: Shadowdance
Series: Darkest London, Book 4
Author: Kristen Callihan
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Kristen Callihan Reading Order and Reviews

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Once a heart is lost in shadow...
Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case—and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.
Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights—even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past...or risk losing Mary forever.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Monday in Review

It’s update time again :)

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written here on Wit and Sin. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

Reviews for upcoming releases:
- Barefoot by the Sea (Barefoot Bay, Book 4) by Roxanne St. Claire (available 10/29/13)
- Rumor Has It (Animal Magnetism, Book 4) by Jill Shalvis (available 11/5/13)
- The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas (available 11/5/13)

All other new reviews:
- Cursed (Fallen Siren, Book 1) by S. J. Harper
- Duke of Midnight (Maiden Lane, Book 6) by Elizabeth Hoyt
- His Lordship Possessed (Disenchanted & Co., Book 1, Part 2) by Lynn Viehl

Upcoming reviews:
- Christmas on Main Street by JoAnn Ross, Susan Donovan, LuAnn McLane, and Alexis Morgan
- Rise of the Gryphon (Belador, Book 4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
- The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, and Kimberly Kincaid
- Skies of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 3) by Zoë Archer
- The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Highland Pleasures, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
- Mystery Man (Dream Man, Book 1) by Kristen Ashley
- Wild Man (Dream Man, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
- The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker
- Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell
- Down and Dirty (Dare Me, Book 2) by Christine Bell
- Bolted (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 2) by Meg Benjamin
- Cowboy Waltz by Cameron Dane
- How to Ravish a Rake (How to Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Gossamer Wing (Steam and Seduction, Book 1) by Delphine Dryden
- Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- One Taste of Scandal (Redcakes, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
- Beauty Bites (Biting Love, Book 6) by Mary Hughes
- Reaver (Demonica, Book 6 / Lords of Deliverance, Book 5) by Larissa Ione
- Breathe by Lauren Jameson
- Archer (Hard Body, Book 1) by Debra Kayn
- Since You’ve Been Gone (Welcome to Paradise, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy
- Caught Up in You (Loving on the Edge, Book 4) by Roni Loren
- Moonlight Kiss (Cricket Creek, Book 5) by LuAnn McLane
- Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, Book 1) by Bec McMaster
- All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader
- The Heart of a Duke by Victoria Morgan
- Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce
- The Sum of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Book 3) by Julia Quinn
- Texas Outlaws: Jesse by Kimberly Raye
- The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed
- Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
- Nights of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 4) by Nico Rosso
- Secrets of a Gentleman Escort by Bronwyn Scott
- This Is Who I Am (Masters of the Shadowlands, Book 7) by Cherise Sinclair
- Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter, Book 6) by Nalini Singh
- Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, Book 12) by Nalini Singh
- Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim
- Sully’s Sweet Salvation by Sierra Summers
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Review: Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire

Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire
Series: Barefoot Bay, Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance Barefoot by the Sea Cover
ISBN: 9781455508235
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Tessa Galloway has a job she loves and a family-by-choice anyone would envy, but her life isn’t complete. Though she can make flowers bloom in the most difficult of circumstances, Tess can’t seem to grow the one thing she wants most in the world: a baby. Her friends are convinced she’ll find the right guy to make her dreams come true, but Tess believes they’re wrong. Until John Brown is hired as the new chef for the resort Tess and her friends run. John’s utterly irresistible and seems to be falling as hard for Tess as she is for him, but she can’t seem to shake the feeling that something about the man is too good to be true.

Ian Browning is a man with many secrets. Over three years ago, his life was shattered and he was forced into a witness protection program. Now living in the US and going by the name of John Brown, Ian is determined to do anything to be reunited with his children, who are in a different program in Canada. Thanks to a heavy amount of red tape, Ian’s window of opportunity for getting his kids back is closing fast. He needs to prove that he’s a model citizen, complete with a steady job and a wife. The first is easy, but the second leaves him conflicted. He knows Tessa’s deepest desire and he also knows he can’t possibly fulfill it. Nevertheless, he pursues her, all-too-aware that she’ll hate him forever when she learns of his deception. The more time he spends around Tessa, the more in love with her Ian is. But how can he be the man she needs without sacrificing his children?

Barefoot by the Sea is the beach read you’ll want to have with you all year long! The final installment of the Barefoot Bay quartet features secrets and heartbreak that can only be overcome by determination, love, and hope.

I loved this book, plain and simple. Tess is a heroine who spoke to me. She’s hardworking, loyal, and caring, but not perfect. She tends to be too focused when she sets her mind on something, and not seeing the bigger picture hampers her in some ways. She almost defines herself by her inability to have a child, and what made Barefoot by the Sea special was watching her come into her own over the course of the story.

Ian is definitely Tess’s catalyst for change, and man, oh man, does Roxanne St. Claire deliver when it comes to Ian. Much like Tess, I hate secrets and they’re normally a big red flag for me in books. However, Ian’s the exception that proves the rule. How can you hold his actions against him when the entire reason for his deception is rooted in a tragedy he had no part in creating? Ian’s a father willing to sacrifice everything to be reunited with his kids and his love and devotion to his children would alone be enough to make him a great hero in my eyes. Add in his culinary skills, innate sexiness, and obvious love for Tess and I’m a goner.

Neither Ian nor Tess live the lives they’d originally mapped out for themselves, but watching them find love and happiness in the lives they do lead was absolutely wonderful. Their romance was by turns sensual and touching and I was so drawn to them as a pair that I couldn’t put Barefoot by the Sea down.

Barefoot by the Sea is the fourth book in the Barefoot Bay quartet but it can be read as a standalone. Tess’s best friends, Lacey, Jocelyn, and Zoe (the heroines of Barefoot in the Sand, Barefoot in the Rain, and Barefoot in the Sun) all play strong supporting roles, as does Lacey’s daughter, Ashley. Tess’s relationships with these women is every bit as important to the story as her burgeoning romance with Ian is. And speaking of developing romances, fans of the series will undoubtedly be pleased to learn that Barefoot by the Sea provides a lead-in to Ms. St. Claire’s next series, the Barefoot Brides. Here’s hoping that Tess, Lacey, Jocelyn, Zoe, and their loved ones show up in the Barefoot Brides books.

Barefoot by the Sea is a compelling, emotional read that will grab you by the heart and not let go. I absolutely loved Ian and Tess, and their story is a shining example of Roxanne St. Claire’s talent as an author. I can’t wait to re-read Barefoot by the Sea over and over and over again.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Review: The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas

The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance The Luckiest Lady in London Cover
ISBN: 978-0425268889
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

By all outward appearances, Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrenworth, is perfection. Little does society know that “The Ideal Gentleman” is little more than a carefully crafted façade born from the ashes of pain and loneliness. Felix is content never to let anyone know the true him, until he crosses paths with Louisa Cantwell. The woman is nothing more than a fortune-hunting female, but for some reason Felix can’t seem to get her out of his mind. And the closer he gets to Louisa, the more Felix’s perfect mask begins to crumble in her presence.

Felix will never allow himself to marry a woman like Louisa – a woman he could all too easily fall in love with – but he could solve her financial problems and cure his obsession with her by making her his mistress. Now all he has to do is tempt the all-too-clever beauty to break all the rules in the name of pleasure…without losing his heart in the process.

The Luckiest Lady in London is a darkly seductive story that will have you reading late into the night. If Sherry Thomas’s gorgeous prose wasn’t enough to put her on my list of autobuy authors, her gift for creating complex characters and gripping yet understated drama would.

Felix is exactly the kind of hero I love. He’s a richly-drawn character who’s not exactly likeable in the beginning, but who is deeply compelling. Like Louisa, I found myself caught in his spell, uncertain of what he would say or do next, but desperately wanting to find out. Beneath the surface, Felix is a man whose life has been shaped by the cruelty of his mother and the heartbreak of his father. His upbringing and desire to protect himself from pain lead him to create the persona of The Ideal Gentleman, but make no mistake, he’s still very much a hurt little boy seeking love. The conflicting emotions his feelings for Louisa bring out are a significant part of what makes The Luckiest Lady in London shine. Because of his internal battle, Felix makes more than one mistake with Louisa, but the way in which he redeems himself had me sighing.

I could go on about Felix, but then I’d be doing the story a great injustice, for Louisa is every bit as fascinating a character as he. She’s incredibly intelligent and practical, and circumstances have forced her to be almost calculating in how she goes about securing her family’s wellbeing. Like Felix, there’s far more to Louisa than meets the eye. She’s a passionate heroine whose recognition and acceptance of her own desires make for some seriously hot scenes. And speaking of heat…Ms. Thomas is a master at delivering eroticism without sex. The sexual tension between Felix and Louisa practically made the pages of my book go up in flames. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, these two are a perfect fit. The scenes where they discussed astronomy were every bit as dazzling as their sensual circling of one another. No matter the scene, Louisa and Felix have such amazing chemistry that I couldn’t put The Luckiest Lady in London down.

A perfectly-matched couple, fantastic dialogue, internal strife, character growth, heartbreak, sensuality, and a happily ever after that’s worth fighting for – can you ask for more? This is the first book of Ms. Thomas’s I’ve read, but you can bet that I’m going to be buying up her backlist. If The Luckiest Lady in London is anything to go by, Sherry Thomas is (or should be) a shining star of the historical romance genre. Trust me, you don’t want to miss The Luckiest Lady in London!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Review: Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis

Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis
Series: Animal Magnetism, Book 4
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance Rumor Has It Cover
Release Date: November 5, 2013
ISBN: 9780425255827
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jill Shalvis Reading Order

At eighteen, Griffin Reid wanted nothing more than to enlist in the army and get out of Sunshine, Idaho. Now, having gotten far too close to an IED, he’s back in his hometown to recuperate and figure out what he wants to do next. Despite its name, Sunshine is filled with plenty less-than-sunny memories for Griffin, but the now ex-solider does manage to find something to smile about: Kate Evans. His sister’s best friend is all grown up and as sexy as they come. She’s also off-limits, by decree of his sister. Yet there’s no denying the sexual tension between Griffin and Kate, and before long he finds himself falling for the brainy beauty. But Kate’s at a crossroads in her life as well, and love might not be enough for the two of them to build a relationship that lasts.

Jill Shalvis has the magic touch when it comes to blending humor and heart! Rumor Has It has everything I’ve come to expect from a Jill Shalvis novel: a sexy alpha hero, a heroine I’d love to be friends with, sparkling dialogue, sensual love scenes, endearing secondary characters, and a story I simply couldn't put down.

Kate is one of my favorite heroines of Ms. Shalvis’s. She’s giving, caring, smart, and quite funny. Her propensity for spouting off science facts when she’s nervous made me smile and often laugh out loud. Kate always puts others before herself and one of the great joys in reading Rumor Has It was watching her overcome her doubts and go for what she truly wanted. Griffin, in turn, is a delicious hero whose wounds are more than skin-deep. His tempestuous relationship with his father has a bigger impact on him than he lets on and I was rooting for him to work things out with his dad. As a couple, Griffin and Kate have chemistry to spare. They complement one another perfectly and it’s easy to become engrossed in their romance.

Rumor Has It has some truly compelling scenes, but a lot of them are in the last third of the book. This made the story a bit of a slow burn read for me, but nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed Griffin and Kate’s book. I haven’t (yet) read the first three Animal Magnetism books, but that didn’t hinder my reading experience any. I am, however, extremely excited to read Animal Magnetism, Animal Attraction, and Rescue My Heart. All the past heroes and heroines appear in Rumor Has It, and if I didn’t already own their books I’d be rushing out to get them (Adam, of Rescue My Heart, was to-die-for).

Jill Shalvis never disappoints and Rumor Has It is a wonderful addition to any contemporary romance fan’s collection. I absolutely adored Kate, Griffin, and their loved ones (Kate’s brother, Tommy, stole the show for me), and I cannot wait to read more Animal Magnetism books!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: The Clockwork Wolf by Lynn Viehl


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I absolutely LOVED the first Disenchanted & Co. book, as you might be able to guess from my reviews of part 1, Her Ladyship's Curse and part 2, His Lordship Possessed. The world is wonderfully imaginative, Lynn Viehl's writing is superb, and I cannot get enough of Kit and Dredmore. I'm pretty much salivating for The Clockwork Wolf and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves steampunk, paranormal, and/or historical urban fantasy.

The Clockwork Wolf Cover Title: The Clockwork Wolf
Series: Disenchanted & Co., Book 2
Author: Lynn Viehl
Genre: Historical Urban Fantasy/Steampunk
Publisher: Pocket Books
Release Date: February 25, 2014

Book Description (from Goodreads):

As the proprietor of Disenchanted & Co. in a steampunk version of America, Charmian “Kit” Kittredge makes her living solving magical crimes. But when a snobbish lady begs for help, saving her reputation might very well cost Kit her life.

Doing a favor for deathmage Lucien Dredmore, Kit agrees to interview a newly widowed lady as a potential client. Upon meeting, however, she learns that the woman in question is none other than Lady Eugenia Bestly, president of the Rumsen Ladies Decency Society—someone who once led a vicious campaign to ruin Kit’s life. Ironically Lady Bestly now lives in fear herself, for the press is about to unmask her husband as the savage “Wolfman” who died while terrorizing the city.

As monstrous rampages continue to occur, Kit soon determines there is more than one Wolfman, and that they may themselves be victims of evil players. While avoiding both mechanized assassins and attempts by Dredmore and Chief Inspector Tom Doyle to take her under their protection, Kit follows a tangled path that leads from a prestigious gentlemen’s club fronting a hellish secret to a vengeful native tribe and dangerous, ancient magics.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Review: Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt
Series: Maiden Lane, Book 6
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance Duke of Midnight Cover
ISBN: 9781455508341
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Elizabeth Hoyt Reading Order

Artemis Greaves has a less-than-pleasant position as lady’s companion to her cousin, Penelope. As befits her employment, Artemis fades into the background. No one ever takes note of her…until she steps out of the shadows in a bid to free her brother from his wrongful imprisonment in an insane asylum. Artemis will do anything to rescue her twin, even if that means she risks everything by attempting to blackmail Maximus Batten, Duke of Wakefield.

Artemis knows the truth no one else would suspect: the cold, autocratic duke spends his nights disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, haunting London’s slums to rid the city of its ruinous gin trade and unmask the fiend who murdered his parents. But Artemis gets more than she bargained for when she sets out to blackmail the duke. Now that she has his attention, a dangerous attraction begins to build between the two. Surrendering to her passion for Maximus could take everything from Artemis; her position, her family, her reputation, and – if Maximus’s enemy has his way – her life.

Elizabeth Hoyt proves that still waters run can run very deep in Duke of Midnight. Maximus and Artemis are two people who are so much more than anyone perceives them to be, and only they can see the truth in one another. Artemis wears her companion’s garb like a mask, covering her free spirit and fiery nature. Her growing feelings for Maximus bring her true character to the forefront in an explosion of emotion that’s pretty reckless given the time period. As for Maximus, he’s haunted by the murder of his parents and has become a fairly Batman-like figure because of it. I liked watching Artemis peel back the layers to his character, but though I understood his quest for vengeance when it came to his parents’ murders, I grew frustrated with Maximus’s determination to sacrifice his heart on the altar of the dukedom when it’s clear that no one in his family – dead or alive – would want him to.

One of the things I love most about Duke of Midnight is the chemistry between Artemis and Maximus. Ms. Hoyt doesn’t back down from raw emotion and break-all-the-rules passion. And break the rules Artemis and Maximus do, almost ruining our intrepid heroine in the eyes of society in the process. A hearty dose of danger and the mystery of who killed Maximus’s parents rounds out Duke of Midnight, making it a compelling book on every level. Ms. Hoyt knows how to perfectly balance action, romance, and family drama, making her books impossible to put down.

Duke of Midnight is the sixth Maiden Lane book and the third in the Ghost of St. Giles sub-trilogy. While this book can be read as a standalone, fans of the series need not fear – past heroes and heroines do make cameos. I admit, Godric St. John (of Lord of Darkness) absolutely stole the show for me with only a few lines. More important than past favorites appearing in Duke of Midnight are the secondary characters Ms. Hoyt brings to the forefront. I’m absolutely dying for Ms. Hoyt to write a book for Maximus’s sister Phoebe, as well as a story for the honorable Captain Trevillion, a hero in his own right who almost seemed like the Robin to Maximus’s Batman. And don’t think I forgot about Apollo, Artemis’s wrongfully declared mad twin. Ms. Hoyt has me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next with him. I won’t spoil the story by revealing why I’m so excited, but suffice it to say that the epilogue of Duke of Midnight has put Ms. Hoyt’s Harte’s Folly series at the top of my wish list, whether or not it’s part of the Maiden Lane series.

Elizabeth Hoyt is one of historical romance’s brightest stars and Duke of Midnight shows why. I devoured Duke of Midnight in less than a day and I’m hungry for whatever Ms. Hoyt serves up next!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Review: His Lordship Possessed by Lynn Viehl

His Lordship Possessed by Lynn Viehl
Series: Disenchanted & Co., Book 1, Part 2
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Historical Urban Fantasy/Steampunk His Lordship Possessed Cover
Release Date: October 14, 2013
ISBN: 9781476722344
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Charmian “Kit” Kittredge makes her living debunking magic, but right about now she’d kill for a spell that would drop Lucien Dredmore like a stone. The darkly handsome deathmage has kidnapped her and imprisoned her in his home. To make matters worse, Kit had just begun to believe that she was falling for the wretch.

But nothing is as it seems, and not long after she escapes Lucien, Kit comes to believe he might have been trying to protect her. Mysterious forces are at work in Rumsen and they’ll do anything to eliminate Kit. If she hopes to survive – and save the people of Rumsen – Kit will have to open her mind to that which she believed was impossible. For magic is not only real, but also deadly.

Nonstop action, compelling characters, and a wonderfully clever world? Sign me up! His Lordship Possessed is the enticing second installment to the Disenchanted & Co. series, and trust me when I say that you’ll want to block out time to read this, because it’s not a book you can put down.

His Lordship Possessed starts right where the first story (Her Ladyship’s Curse) ends, and the two parts should be read in order. In His Lordship Possessed, author Lynn Viehl takes readers deeper into the realm of magic, further developing not only the incredible world she has created, but the history of our spitfire heroine, Kit. Kit’s beliefs are challenged in more ways than one over the course of the story. Almost no one is what they seem, and uncovering the layers to Kit’s character – as well as those she’s closest to – made for one compelling tale.

I can’t deny that, of all the characters in His Lordship Possessed, Lucien Dredmore is my favorite. I, like Kit, fell under Lucien’s spell the more I learned about him. Though I won’t spoil what is told, I have a feeling there’s more to learn about the seductive deathmage and I’m looking forward to finding out alongside Kit. And speaking of Lucien and Kit…the chemistry between them is undeniably hot. Their complex relationship makes the pages of His Lordship Possessed sizzle at times and I’m very hopeful we’ll be seeing more of them together in future Disenchanted & Co. books.

As I mentioned before, you should definitely read Her Ladyship’s Curse before beginning His Lordship Possessed, and I recommend reviewing the books’ glossaries if you don’t read the two back-to-back. I’m afraid I can’t reveal much of anything about the plot of His Lordship Possessed without spoiling both stories, and quite honestly, far too much happens in this book for me to discuss without writing a novel-length review. Suffice it to say that Ms. Viehl weaves spellbinding new information into the world of Rumsen as Kit’s initial case develops into something far larger than she ever could have imagined. The story takes twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Kit to defeat the enemy and save Rumsen.

Lynn Viehl is a phenomenal writer who has created something special in the Disenchanted & Co. series. I cannot wait to see where she takes Kit and her loved ones in the next book, The Clockwork Wolf.


Note: Her Ladyship’s Curse and His Lordship Possessed will also be sold as one book (Disenchanted & Co.) as of January 28, 2014.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

If you've visited Wit and Sin before, then you know I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan :) Some of my favorite series of hers are the trilogies set in Ireland. It's been a while since she's done one of those, so I'm excited to see where she takes readers in Dark Witch

Dark Witch Cover Title: Dark Witch
Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Contemporary Romance with Paranormal Elements
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Release Date: October 29, 2013

Book Description (from Goodreads):

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

Monday, October 7, 2013

Author Interview: Lauren Dane

What kind of man is a match for Brown Family bad girl Raven Smith? Well, last week readers got to find out when Lauren Dane's final (for now) Brown Family book, Drawn Together released. I was lucky enough to interview Ms. Dane for Wit and Sin and I have to say, I'm more excited than ever to see what Ms. Dane writes next.

Check out my review to see what I thought of Drawn Together (spoiler alert: I can't wait to read more Brown Family novels) and then scroll down to read my interview with Ms. Dane and to learn more about Drawn Together.


Interview with Lauren Dane

Drawn Together CoverWit and Sin: What inspired you to write the Brown Family series?

Lauren Dane: Erin was the heart of it from the very start. I had this scene come to me and it ended up being the opening scene for Laid Bare – a woman on stage, boots, dreds, tats and piercings. Music was a huge part of it as well. I wanted her to be bold and strong and vivid but also to have this darkness. Laid Bare was born and at the start it was just a one book sale to fill in a slot in the Berkley schedule so at the start I had no idea it would be a series. As I finished up Laid Bare though, I knew I wanted to do books for Brody and Adrian but as I was about halfway through Coming Undone, I realized I wanted a book for Cope and that he needed to be with Ella.

Eventually, I wanted to write Raven’s book but she needed a few years to be ready for her HEA. She’s a fitting close for this generation of Brown/Keenan/Copelands and friends.

I love this tight knit group of friends and intentional family. I love how colorful and artistic they are. I love how much they love and support each other while retaining their edges. I’m happy I wrote them all!


W&S: You've said that Drawn Together is the last Brown Family novel – for now. Do you have ideas for the next generation already? Whose child (or children) would you like to write about most?

Lauren DaneLD: Yes, I do have some ideas about the next generation. I’ve got a number of other projects to finish up first but eventually I’d like to write books for Alexander, Poppy, Martine, Miles, Rennie and Maddie (Cope and Ella’s daughter). They’re all manner of artists. I won’t spoil and say who does what, but there’ll be musicians, dancers, fine artists, a tattoo artist too.


W&S: Do you have any favorites of the characters you’ve written?

LD: Polly Chase is my all time favorite character and Rowan Summerwaite is a very close second.


W&S: What’s one thing about being an author you wish someone had told you before you were first published?

LD: The thing about hard lessons is that no one can tell you, you have to experience and learn it that way. Publishing is a hard business. It’s full of challenges at every level you achieve. You can’t understand it until you’re living it (sort of like childbirth or being in love).


W&S: When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
LD: I’ve got three kids so I’m usually feeding them, driving them somewhere, cleaning up after them, correcting homework, nagging about homework or showers or bedtime. I love to read and cook and watch movies with my husband too.


Lauren Dane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several dozen novels. Visit her online at www.laurendane.com, www.facebook.com/LaurenDane, and www.twitter.com/laurendane.


More on Drawn Together

Drawn Together CoverBeauty is more than skin-deep…
Tattoo artist Raven Smith is blunt and hard, broken and jaded, dark and beautiful. While she doesn’t hide her painful past, she does keep a wall around her heart. She’s free sexually—but no one gets to the real Raven beneath the prickly exterior.

With a voice like smoke, Jonah Warner is a smooth-talking, highly successful attorney, with a body that should never be hidden by a suit. He’s the kind of man who never takes no for an answer and always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Raven. She’s a survivor, and he finds that incredibly alluring.

Jonah gets under her skin in a way Raven has never experienced. He makes her break all her rules—including her no-monogamy rule.

But when a figure from Raven’s past shows up at the tattoo parlor and drops a bomb into her life, their relationship will face the ultimate challenge…


Excerpt from Drawn Together on Ms. Dane's website.


Purchase Drawn Together here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Review: Killer Librarian by Mary Lou Kirwin

Killer Librarian by Mary Lou Kirwin
Series: Karen Nash, Book 1
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Mystery Killer Librarian Cover
ISBN: 9781451684643
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

Minnesota librarian Karen Nash is about to embark on her dream vacation to London. The trip would be everything she’s fantasized about, except that she’s dumped by her boyfriend right before she’s due to leave, and to make matters worse, her ex is taking some hot younger woman to London instead. Karen’s not having any of it — she’s bound and determined to enjoy her trip…even if she does secretly wish Dave would be hit by the first double-decker bus he passes in England.

But Karen’s trip across the pond isn’t all that she planned. After spilling her heartbreak over a pint at the local pub, Karen discovers that she’s inadvertently put her ex in the crosshairs of an assassin. In the land of Agatha Christie, this modern day Miss Marple will have to figure out how to stop a murder. It doesn’t hurt that Karen has charming B&B owner Caldwell Perkins helping her solve the mystery and patching up her heart.

KILLER LIBRARIAN is a cozy mystery that’s as charming as Caldwell’s B & B. Author Mary Lou Kirwin has penned a story that is sure to delight bibliophiles and anglophiles alike. Neither Karen nor Caldwell will be the next great detective, but over the course of reading KILLER LIBRARIAN the two grew on me, and ultimately I found them to be endearing characters. The “assassin” mystery and the quirky secondary characters didn’t feel as grounded as the book’s protagonists so the mystery part of the novel wasn’t as enticing as I’d hoped it would be. That being said, Karen’s sightseeing, character growth and understated romance with Caldwell made KILLER LIBRARIAN worth the read. All in all, I enjoyed KILLER LIBRARIAN and I’m looking forward to reading Karen’s next adventure.


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi Madsen


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I admit I'm a sucker for an awesome title and - come on - how could I resist one like "Cinderella Screwed Me Over"? The blurb sealed the deal - I can't wait to read this!

Cinderella Screwed Me Over Cover Title: Cinderella Screwed Me Over
Author: Cindi Madsen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Select
Release Date: October 22, 2013

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She's sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she's happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she's culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.