Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

• Title: Matched
• Classification: Young Adult (Ages 12 and up)
• Genre: Dystopia
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Speak; Reprint edition (September 20, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 014241977X
• ISBN-13: 978-0142419779
• Author's Website: http://www.allysoncondie.com/
• Notes: This was my second time reading this one and I expanded upon my original review. I reread this one with my online book club on Goodreads. It was one of our Books of the Month. 

'The goal of matching is twofold: to provide the healthiest possible future citizens for our Society and to provide the best chances for interested citizens to experience successful Family Life. It is of the utmost importance to the Society that the Matches be as optimal as possible.'

Somewhere in the future the Society now dictates who you will marry and what job you will hold. When Cassia is matched with her best friend, Xander, she thinks she's the luckiest girl in the world. Her happiness, however, is soon cluttered with confusion when the microcard containing information about her match changes from Xander's photo to Ky's. Even though she's told there was an error with her card and Xander is her true match, it sets off a whole lot of questions about how perfect the matching program is. When Ky and Cassia are paired together for an extra curricular activity she finds herself wondering if maybe Ky truly is her perfect match. She has been told he will never be paired with anyone because he's a Aberration - a person who has committed or is related to someone who has committed some infraction of the law and has been deemed unmatchable, essentially insuring the killing off of the offending party's line. The question now forming in Cassia's mind is, if they could be wrong about her match what else could they be wrong about?

_____________________

This one had The Giver (by Lois Lowry) type feel to it. The Society attempts to predict and control every aspect a person's life such as who they marry, what they'll do, when they'll die. They even try to predict the smallest aspects of a person's life right down to which dress and what color they'll chose for their match banquet with scary accuracy. It's to the point where most people trust the Society so thoroughly that they accept whatever decisions it makes for them without question. People aren't encouraged to think for themselves and have no outlet for any creative energy. Art, music, stories, etc have been reduced to only 100 paintings, 100 poems, 100 stories and 100 songs of the Society's choosing.

In the beginning, Cassia thinks the Society can make no mistakes and is perfect. She doesn't question authority or its decisions. I kind of see Cassia as someone awakening from a fog. The people who live in the Society are like robots who've been programmed throughout their lives. As the story progresses, Cassia slowly starts to grow and think for herself, although she does appear to be easily influenced. She's naive to the extreme, but I think that kind of fits with this story. She's had her whole life plotted out from little on. There were no surprises and now she's being thrown one surprise after another. I look at it from the view point that she has room to grow. A lot of room. I can't wait to see what she's like in Crossed, the second book of the series. She needs to be deprogrammed. 

Ky, is under no delusions. He was born in the Outer Provinces. He understands what the Society is doing and knows what they can do to a person and therefore keeps quiet. To do otherwise would be to face their punishment and for him, being that he's an aberration, it's best to keep under the radar and go unnoticed. His one weakness which could prove his ultimate downfall is Cassia. A girl he's admired and loved from afar for years. For aberrations are not allowed to be in a relationship and when Cassia finally seems to notice him after her match banquet, how can he resist? 

One of the things I loved about the book was the imagery Ms. Condie used. She subtly introduces symbolism through her descriptions of ordinary, yet not so ordinary as we look at them, items. For example, her description of new roses symbolizes what's been done to the people within the Society:

     "Newroses," I tell Xander." You probably have some growing in your yard. We have them in ours."

      I don't tell him that they're not my mother's favorite. She thinks the ones we have in the City in all the gardens and public spaces art too hybridized, too far from their original selves. The oldroses took a lot of care to grow; each blossom was a triumph. But these are hardy, showy, bred for durability.

Additionally, I felt the cottonwood seeds described at the beginning of the book represented the seeds of  doubt being planted. Later, toward the end, I felt they represented Cassia and Ky and others like them who will fight and survive despite the Society's best efforts to stamp them out. A tiny symbol of hope that they will persevere despite the odds:

     'You can't use cottonwood tress for fruit or fuel. And their seeds are a nuisance. They fly far, catch on anything, try to grow everywhere. Weed trees my mother says. Still, she harbors a particular affinity for them because of the seeds, which are small and brown but cloaked in beauty, in these thin white tendrils of cotton. Little cloudy parachutes to slow their fall, to help them fly, to catch the wind and glide them somewhere they might grow.'

Why did the illustrator choose to show Cassia in a glass globe on the cover? Well, I believe it has to do with this verse: 

     'I want to tell her everything but I can't. Not now. I am too fragile. I am trapped in glass and I want to break out and breathe deep but I'm afraid that it will hurt.'

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 Roses. I liked the characters, writing style, and symbolism used. I would have liked to have learned more about the Society and it's workings, but as this is the first book of a series I'm hopeful one of the next books in the series will contain a more in depth look into its inner workings.

 

Release Day Review of The Recruit (Highland Guard, #6) by Monica McCarty

• Title: The Recruit: A Highland Guard Novel
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 30, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0345528417
• ISBN-13: 978-0345528414

Author's Website: http://www.monicamccarty.com/

Mary of Mar knew what it was to be betrayed. To love someone who didn't return your affection. To suffer heartbreak and sorrow. To have no say in what transpired with regards to your life. To have no control over it whatsoever. Her husband had left her and their son to the mercy of England's King Edward while he had left to go fight for Scotland's King, Robert the Bruce. John said they'd be safe where they were, but it was only by luck that she and her son had managed to escape the King's wrath, although not completely. For her husband's treasonous crimes against the crown her son had been taken away when he was just 6 months old and raised in King Edward's household. If someone was to ask where her loyalties lie, she'd have said with her son. So while she considered Scotland her true home, her present home was where her heart (her son David) was which was England.

When her husband was finally captured and hanged for treason, she decided she never again wished to be at the mercy of another a man. So she did what she could to hide her beauty and not draw attention to herself. She dressed down in plain clothes and hid her hair, something she considered one of her best features, behind a veil. She hoped that by doing so she'd not draw the attention of any man or, more specifically, the King who had the power to marry her off against her will. Her plan had worked for three years and then she met Kenneth.

Kenneth seemed to be a mirror image of Mary's former husband. He was handsome, dashing, and had a way with the ladies. He'd never had a long term relationship with a woman in his life, but when Mary  first comes across Kenneth in rather a compromising position, well, there is just something about Mary he just can't seem to resist. Perhaps the man who can't resist a challenge sees Mary's drab and demure facade as just that--a challenge?

__________________

This was a highly entertaining read and I will definitely need to read the previous books in the series. This is the 6th book in the Highland Guards series, but I didn't feel lost by jumping into this series at such a late stage. Enough information was provided to let me know what was going on, but leaving me wishing I had the full story from the previous books in the series under my belt.

Mary was such a fun character. When we first see her she is twenty three years old and the type of woman who needs someone to lean on, and wishes she were more like her twin sister who is self assured and self confident. As the story progresses, we see her transform into someone who manages to support herself and who gains the self esteem and self confidence she was previously lacking. While she still isn't fully free of male dominance due to the time period she lives in and the hold King Edward has by holding her son, she feels more free than ever before.

Kenneth is heir to an earldom and wishes to become part of King Robert's Highland Guard. He's come to the Highland Games in the hopes of accomplishing that task through proving he's got what it takes to be part of the Guard. When he first meets Mary, he doesn't realize who she is and that makes the story so much more fun and entertaining. For Mary is King Robert's former sister by marriage, and the woman King Robert wishes Kenneth to marry. Mary has been commissioned by King Edward to be part of a truce delegation because of her familial connection to King Bruce. It is King Edward's hope she can spy on King Robert and, if possible, persuade him to return her son's Scottish lands. Mary isn't in the market for a husband, but the thought of a tumble with the man does entice her.

I enjoyed the merry chase Mary led Kenneth on, and how this is a little bumpier than most romances. I got a kick out of how seemingly clueless Kenneth initially was about his true feelings for Mary. He figured after a little time with her that his feelings for her would fade as they had with all the other women he'd encounter. I liked how Mary was able to see past her fear that she'd end up in another loveless marriage which would leave her once again lonely and wanting so much more. I additionally loved how she didn't cower to Kenneth and stood her ground when they disagreed. Plus, I loved the story that went on alongside the romance where Kenneth attempts to gain his place on the Highland Guard.

Why is the book called The Recruit? Well, it's because Kenneth is the new 'recruit' for the Highland Guard and he's earning his place on the team with his first mission. His mission is to infiltrate the enemy camp, earn their trust, and find out what King Edward's plans are so they can counter them.

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved the, albeit loose, connection to historic people and events. It's great to learn a little bit about history, and books like Ms. McCarty's inspire me to look up events I previously had no knowledge about. I loved the way the relationship between Kenneth and Mary started off with a strong physical attraction but grew into something much more. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. (I know it left Mary that way. lol)

The Series:

Early Review The Devil's Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1) by Samantha Kane

Title: The Devil's Thief: A Loveswept Historical Romance
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: eBook only
File Size: 1977 KB
Print Length: 289 pages
Publisher: Transworld Digital (November 12, 2012)
ASIN: B009PMBXCS
Author's Website: http://samanthakane.us/www.samanthakane.us/Welcome.html

     "Unless you care to be shot this evening, I wouldn't move from where you're standing." The deep voice was quiet but firm and it came from the shadows of the big bed...
     "...tell me what you found so irresistible in my bedroom in the middle of the night."
     "Let me assure you that it was the Stewart Pearl I found irresistible," she retorted, "and nothing else."...
     "You're a Woman," Mr. Sharp exclaimed in shock...
     "I'll give you the pearl, my dear."..."For one night in my bed. Tonight."

Julianna's heart was in the right place, but the rest of her? Well, not so much. Let's just say she's a little misguided. Determined to keep the foundling home she'd established for children running, she desperately sought out a way to pay the rent and had concocted a plan to steal the Stewart Pearl so she could hock it for the proceeds. In Julianne's case, the apple truly didn't fall far from the tree. Her father was a reformed thief and newly married. That is when all the problems had begun. Her stepmother hadn't approved of her foundling home and so her father had cut off his funding of it. Now here she was with a choice to make--was the home worth the price Mr. Alasdair Sharp was asking?

___________________

Have you ever read a book where the heroine keeps doing things that make you want to shout out, "No, don't do it."? lol This is such a book. Julianna is a fun character who doesn't think things through, or perhaps doesn't comprehend the consequences before she acts. I was constantly shifting between giggling and shaking my head at her. Perhaps that is partly what makes Mr. Sharp fall in love with her. She needed someone to keep her out of trouble. At one point he actually says, "If you ever do something so bloody stupid again, I will turn you over my knee and spank the living daylights out of you.'

Truth be told, I didn't really care for Alasdair at the beginning. He was basically a jerk after their initial one night stand. He got upset and embarrassed because he'd been bested by Julianne and probably because of his own stupidity, for he never truly intended to give her his pearl, he'd decided instead to make her his mistress. I guess his mama didn't teach him to mean what you say and say what you mean.

When he wakes up the following morning to find both her and his pearl missing, well, to put it mildly, he goes a little crazy and asks his friend to help find her. Once found, he takes his anger and frustration out on her and Julianna doesn't seem to even notice just how awful he's being. He basically demands she either give him back the pearl or grant him sexual favors whenever he wishes as comeuppance. While she reminds him that was not their official deal, Alasdair is simply not satisfied and starts to stalk her in an attempt to get the pearl back. The thing that redeemed this hero in my eyes is that at some point he takes a good look at himself, realizes he doesn't like what he sees or how he's been acting towards Julianna and does an about face. Some however, I fear, are not going to get past his initial bad behavior.

Why is the book called The Devil's Thief and the series called The Saint's Devils? Well, it "was a silly nickname their (Alasdair and Hil's) group of friends had earned years ago in school, based on Hil's surname." Hil being Sir Hilary St. John, one of the friends Alasdair recruits to help him find Julianne. Hil is a very well connected person who is very good at finding things out. Since Alasdair was considered one of the Saint's Devils it goes without saying that Julianna would be The Devil's (Alasdair's) Thief.

Overall, I gave this one 3 out of 5 roses. I liked the camaraderie of Alasdair's friends and found each of them intriguing. My favorite secondary character, however, was Wiley, a street wise 17 year old who already has 4 children by 3 different woman and takes his family responsibilities very seriously. Hil takes him under his wing, and I hope we see more of the delightful character as the series progresses. Likewise, I'd love to see more of Hil. He seemed the most level headed and interesting of the friends.

Besides the characters, I loved the writing and look forward to reading the sequels. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating-- too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. A couple of scenes, however, where Alasdair treated Julianna poorly do not fall into the STEAM category.

The Devil's Thief by Samantha Kane, Excerpt

 

Blood by Moonlight (Anthology) by Jocelynn Drake , Terri Garey, Caris Roane

• Title: Blood by Moonlight
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Supernatural/Contemporary Romance
• File Size: 369 KB
• Print Length: 100 pages
• Publisher: Avon Impulse (October 23, 2012)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• ASIN: B008XOA4YW

Of Monsters and Men by Jocelynn Drake

It's All Hallows' eve which marks a shift in power between the courts. A night in which the Winter Court celebrates their rise in power by conducting The Wild Hunt. This year the Elves have decided to conduct it in Low Town and the local werewolf pack is their target. The pack's alpha Jack has come to Gage, the town's local warlock, for help. Gage, however, is not an average warlock, he's one from the Ivory Towers, a group of the most feared, ruthless and powerful of warlocks. Jack had left the group 10 years ago due his objection to some of their practices. If those around him were to find out who he truly was, well they would probably try to kill him. Dare he risk all to save those in need? Plus, knowing something and seeing it aren't always the same. Will Trixie, his girlfriend, be able to deal with him in his full power?

________________

This was such a fun story and I want more!!! lol I adored Gage and Trixie and the world Ms. Drake created. I believe this is part of The Asylum's Tales series and I would love to read more about these two. I think those who like Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series might like this one as well. From what I can gather, Gage is limited in what powers he is allowed to use and works as a tattoo artist which I'm guessing incorporates magic within them. This magical industry is governed by TAPPS, the Tattoo Artists and Potion Stirrers Society. I'm intrigued and would love to get a better glimpse of this world. Overall,  I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses and will definitely be reading the other books associated with this series.

The Ghoul Next Door by Terri Garey

It's All Hallows' eve as well as the eve of Samhain. A time when the veils between this world and the hereafter is at it's weakest. Cassie Calloway has decided it's time to call in the troops, well, her grandmother in an effort to get her neighbor, James T. Falco, to leave her family land. Cassie's father had sold the land to James' and she wants it back. She felt since the land had been passed down from her mother's side of the family her father had no right to sell it. Now she hopes by raising the spirit of her grandmother, that she'll haunt James to the point he'll leave. Things, however, don't quite work out as she'd planned. 

_______________

This was a fun little story, but did have a little violence as someone is brutally murdered. It's perfect, however, for the Halloween holiday season. It includes witches, warlocks and ghosts. Oh my! lol I loved all the twists that were involved in this one and how the story didn't feel rushed. Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses.

Trick or Treathen by Caris Roane

A Treathen bond joins a human and  a vampire together until one dies. The name was derived from the first known woman to bind herself to a vampire. Treyne, a master vampire, who resides over the territory of  Prescott, Arizona was against them personally, but allowed them amongst those he presided over. To his utter dismay, however, he found himself extremely attracted to Jenna Shawe. A young woman who he'd come to know over the past year due to her wish to find information about her sister Britt's mysterious disappearance a year prior at a Halloween rave he'd hosted. Every time he is near Jenna he has a powerful urge to set a Treathen bond in place. Likewise, Jenna doesn't think much of human-vampire relations, but finds herself extremely attracted to Treyne. While Treyne has a good idea where Jenna's sister may have ended up, vampire law forbids him from interfering or disclosing anything that Jenna might use.  Will passion win out over beliefs? Well, you'll just have to read the story to find out.

_______________

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. I liked the world Ms. Roane created. I also liked how both Treyne and Jenna both were torn between their feelings toward one another and their beliefs that humans and vampires shouldn't mix. I also loved the drama created by Britt's disappearance and how Treyne's beliefs were put to the test and he ultimately had to choose between them and her.

My overall rating for the anthology is 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. A great value at only 99 cents for the eBook version. Plus, a nice way to be introduced to three authors whose books I'd personally never read before. This is a great read for the Halloween season. I totally recommend this one. 

The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle (Fraternitas Aureae Crucis, #3)

• Title: The Bride Wore Pearls
• Classifications: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Format: Paperback, 432 pages
• Publisher: Avon (July 31, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0061965774
• ISBN-13: 978-0061965777
• Author's Website: http://www.lizcarlyle.com/

Fifteen Years ago, Rance Welham, The Earl of Lazonby, narrowly missed death by the hangman's noose. He'd been accused of murdering Lord Percy Peveril. It was his membership in the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis that had ultimately saved him. He vowed he'd prove his innocence in the matter and was determined to find the identity of the real murderer. 15 years long years later he still hadn't discovered the truth of what happened that ill fated night. He had hope by now to have restored his life and reputation. But the clues just weren't forthcoming.

A year ago Lady Anisha Stafford came to England shortly after her father and husband died. She wanted the best for her two sons and decided England had more to offer them. So she uprooted them all from India, the place they'd always thought of as home, to live with her brother, Lord Ruthveyn (Adrian). But London society didn't exactly welcome a woman of mixed heritage with open arms, and sometimes Anisha wondered if she'd made the right choice. Her first marriage had been arranged and as she was independently wealthy, she decided if there'd be a second marriage in her future it would be a love match. She had a certain gentleman in mind, but alas, she knew she'd have to take matters into her own hands if she wished anything to come of it. So after making a few inquires and using her feminine wiles, she managed to coax her way into a look at the files of Lord Lazonby's case. If that didn't work well, seduction was always an option.

________________

I have to confess the beginning of this book confused me. I believe the person being hanged is Rance, but it sounded like whoever it was being hung died. If it was Rance, how did he survive? I didn't find an explanation. There was a dream that seemed to be a flashback, perhaps to what happened? For this reason, I recommend reading the first two books of this series so you won't be wondering if you're assuming too much.
Other than the confusing beginning (I hadn't read the prior two books), it took a little while for me to get hooked on the book. Once the romance between Rance and Anisha started to heat up, however, the book started to pick up its pace. That was when things got more interesting and Anisha started finding answers that no one else had. 

Anisha was such an interesting character.The constraints of society hold less of a grasp on her than most because she is a widow and independently wealthy and could therefore pretty much do what she wanted. She is confident, smart, and has a good head on her shoulders. She also knows what she wants (namely Rance) and how to go about getting it. She's waited for him to make the first move, but now she'd become impatient and decides to speed things along.

Rance, aka Lord Lazonby, was accused of a murder he didn't commit. While saved from death, he doesn't have the best of reputations and is shunned by society. He'd never been able to remove the belief in their minds that he was involved in the murder. Because of this, he doesn't feel comfortable making any woman his wife because she'd be equally shunned by society. That countered with his wish to comply with his best friend's wishes, Anisha's brother, to keep his hands off his sister make this such a fun and complicated romance.

As for the romance between these two, well, it sizzles and ignites the pages. There is a scene with a pearl necklace that is now one of my all time favorite love scenes. I believe it is that scene that inspired the title. I bet if I showed this scene to my hubby I could get a shiny new string of pearls for myself. lol I will definitely have to check out more of Ms. Carlyle's books.

Overall this one gets a 4 out of 5 roses. I loved the mystery of who truly killed Lord Percy Peveril and how Anisha figured it out. There was plenty of action, suspense, and romance. Plus, I adored Anisha and her handling of Rance. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one got STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of series:

The Naughty & Nice Blog Hop hosted by Romance at Random (October 22nd - 29th)

To celebrate the new release of Naughty & Nice, (on sale November 5th) written by authors extraordinaire, Ruthie Knox, Molly O’Keefe & Stefanie Sloane,  Romance at Random is giving away: 

· Fifteen Net Galley Preview copy winners of Naughty & Nice +

· Five paperback copies of ABOUT LAST NIGHT  (US only) +

· One Grand Prize of $15 Gift Certificate to eRetailer of choice!!

(must be 18 or older to participate)

For a complete list of rules and to view the list of winners, please go to the Romance at Random website: http://www.romanceatrandom.com/bloggers-sign-up-now-naughty-nice-holiday-hop/

The website Romance at Random is owned and operated by Random House, Inc. (the publisher) and they will be in charge of distributing the prizes. Winners will be announced on October 30th.

Book synopsis of Naughty & Nice:

’Tis the season for romance with three original holiday-themed novellas! Unwrap this festive eBook bundle and discover why these authors are quickly becoming the biggest names in the genre. Ruthie Knox tells a heartwarming contemporary story of first loves given the gift of a second chance; Molly O’Keefe releases the ghosts of Christmas past with a prequel to her novel Crazy Thing Called Love; and Stefanie Sloane weaves an irresistible Regency tale of fiery passion that burns deep on a cold winter’s night.

ROOM AT THE INN by Ruthie Knox
Carson Vance couldn’t wait to get out of Potter Falls, but now that he’s back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people he left behind . . . like Julie Long, whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie is a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must prove to Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Molly O’Keefe
Maddy Baumgarten and Billy Wilkins are spontaneous, in love, and prepared to elope the day after Christmas—that is, if Maddy’s family doesn’t throw a wrench in their plans. After all, Maddy’s barely out of high school and Billy’s a notorious bad boy. Maddy doesn’t care about Billy’s rough past—all she cares about is living in the here and now. But after Maddy’s mother stops speaking to her in protest, and a Christmas Eve heart-to-heart with her father leaves her with butterflies, Maddy starts to get cold feet. She loves Billy, but is she taking this big step too soon?

ONE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Stephanie Sloane
After being jilted by her fiancé, Jane Merriweather turns to her dear childhood friend, the Honorable Lucas Cavanaugh, for support—and unlocks the smoldering desire simmering in the man’s troubled heart. Frightened by his newfound feelings, Lucas flees to Scotland. But when the Christmas season brings them together again, one glance is all that’s needed to reignite his yearning. If Lucas can convince Jane that his intentions are as pure as the falling snow, they’ll turn a dreary December into a joyous Yuletide affair.

To increase your chances of winning, visit all the websites listed below and enter at each one. 

Good Luck!

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Giveaway - Win a copy of The Recruit (Highland Guard #6) by Monica McCarty

Thanks to the wonderful folks over at Random House, I'm giving away 2 copies of The Recruit by the very talented 
Monica McCarty 

Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits.

Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed.

The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

Rules for eligibility:

- Only residents of the US who are 18 or older are eligible.

- Please leave either your email address or a link to your GoodReads profile so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address. **No P.O. Boxes, please**. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.

- Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already. (Required)

Winner will be randomly chosen. Giveaway ends October 28th, midnight eastern time. Only one book per person and per address. Winners will be posted on my blog and notified by email or message posted to them via GoodReads. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Good Luck!

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