Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sunday Salon: Vivid Adventures and Imagination

Sharing good books is one of the fun things about blogdom. Sunday Salon is a great way to find interesting new books each week that take you off on vivid adventures and stir your imagination.

Get comfortable, make sure you have your cup of favorite beverage handy, and we'll talk books. Today I have two interesting books to share. One is listed as paranormal romance, while the other is listed under historical romance but both contain mystery and suspense.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE by Lydia Dare

When the feisty Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay went with her brothers to Loch Calavie, she didn’t have a clue how drastic her life would change.

Her older brother, Aiden, had inherited Briancraig Castle and was eager to see it. With younger brother, Brannock, in tow off they went. At the castle, Blair soon finds James Maitland, Lord Kettering, imprisoned in the dungeon. By releasing him, she also discovered though her mother shared much about being a witch - she had secrets she had not shared.

The chemistry between Blaire and James is entertaining and keeps your pulse pounding from one encounter to the next. Though their history sees them enemies, they are perfect for each other.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is the first in author Lydia Dare’s new vampyre series. A number of characters from the author’s Westfield series help make the transition from werewolves to vampyres smooth. Readers don’t have to have read the Westfield series to keep up, but will be missing out on a lot of enjoyable reading if they don’t.

Blair and James, along with members of her coven, face not only the secrets from long ago, but demons chasing James. This is a fast pace adventure that will draw you in and keep you breathless till the end. Another tantalizing series with characters you can’t wait to learn more about.

Author Lydia Dare’s website is http://www.lydiadare.com/

It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-4507-7, Paperback, 416 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

HIGHLAND HEAT by Mary Wine

Acting first and thinking later has gotten Deirdre Chattan into trouble. This time she’s disgraced herself and her clan.

When her father gives her dowry to the church, there’s nothing left for Deirdre except to go to the convent where her sister, Kaie, is studying to be Mother Superior. Deirdre won’t become a nun, but at least she has a place to stay.

Highlander Quinton Cameron arrives at the convent searching for Joan Beaufort, queen of Scotland. It appears there are those who would hold the queen hostage in order to control the boy King, her son.

Deirdre and Quinton share a brief past or rather one passionate kiss. Sparkles once again fly between the two. Quinton, it seems, doesn’t disapprove of Deirdre but finds her independent streak intriguing.

Later the queen does arrive at the convent and ask Deirdre for help. The queen is trying to make her way to the man she loves. Since Deirdre looks a lot like the queen, she agrees to lead those who would harm her on a merry chase. Thus the adventure begins.

The chemistry between Deirdre and Quinton is electrifying. Author Mary Wine puts a great deal of feeling into her characters. In addition, her detailed description of the land and the era will have you believing you’re there. While the Scottish dialect is a little difficult at first, it adds authenticity to the story.

HIGHLAND HEAT will grab your attendance from the first paragraph and hold you captive until the very end.

Author Mary Wine’s website is http://www.marywine.com/

Highland Heat by Mary Wine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3739-3, Paperback, 384 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.


Any good books you'd like to share? What are you reading today?

11 comments:

  1. Great selections! I've read Lydia's and it was truly fantastic. Mary's book sounds exciting so I'll be adding it to my TBR list.

    Just finished Claire de Lune by Robert Appleton and Sloane Taylor. A fascinating erotic mystery set on the Moon. It was awesome.

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  2. Two hot books! Have a great week!

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  3. Mason - Thanks for these reviews. One of the things I like about both of these novels is that they take place in settings that are completely different to my own surroundings. I like settings like that, that allow me to imagine I'm somewhere else really exotic.

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  4. Wow, these both sound very tempting...I haven't read either author, but I think it's time to give them a whirl....

    Here's MY SUNDAY SALON POST

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  5. I definitely need to seek out It-Happened-One-Bite-ish or Highland-Heat-ish books this coming week. Too much sad reading for me during spring break.

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  6. Melissa, Lydia's books are fantastic. I've enjoyed them all. Claire de Lune sounds interesting too.

    Harvee, they are hot books. :) Hope you have a great week too.

    Margot, I agree with you. Books that transport me to other places are so much fun.

    Laurel-Rain, that's one of the good things about Sunday Salon and sharing books - we all find new genres to try and such interesting books to read. Hope you enjoy both of these.

    Deb, either (or both) of these books would be a good change for you from the sad books you've been reading. Both of these have bits of humor mixed in that will have you smiling and shaking your head. Time for some happy reading.

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  7. I'm reading Lisa Gardner's Love You More. Her books just keep getting better and better.

    I've really enjoyed Lydia Dare's other books and am looking forward to her newest.

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  8. As always, I enjoy it when you talk books on Sunday. It's so nice to come over to your blog and get these fresh ideas for books. Thanks.

    Lou

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  9. Great Books! I just finished Lydia Dare's It Happened One Bite and loved it! I'm glad you enjoyed it too! Highland Heat is new to me and I'm always up for a man in Kilts! Thanks for sharing this one too!

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