My TBR List ~ December ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Reaper's Legacy
Reaper's Motorcycle Club #2

Synopsis
Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart - and her virginity - to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn't have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach's step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he's never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious - her son, Noah. Unfortunately, Zach's a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah's only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands - with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club - to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn't Sophie's plan for her son, but Ruger isn't giving her a choice. He'll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she'll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way...



The Leopard Prince
Princes Trilogy #2

Synopsis
THE ONE THING A LADY MUST NEVER DO...

Wealthy Lady Georgina Maitland doesn't want a husband, though she could use a good steward to run her estates. One look at Harry Pyre, and Georgina knows she's not just dealing with a servant, but a man.

IS FALL IN LOVE...

Harry has known many aristocrats - including one particular nobleman who is his sworn enemy. But Harry has never met a beautiful lady so independent, uninhibited, and eager to be in his arms.

WITH HER SERVANT.

Still, it's impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when poisoned sheep, murdered villagers, and an enraged magistrate have the county in an uproar. The locals blame Harry for everything. Soon it's all Georgina can do to keep her head above water and Harry's out of the noose...without missing another night of love.




Conviction
Wanted #2

Synopsis
Falling in love with each other was unlikely.
Surviving their adventure was doubtful.
Living without each other: impossible.

To everyone else, it may look like she's leaving for college, but for Addie Battes, it is the beginning of another adventure. She and her kidnapper Charlie Hays have found a way to be together and eluded authorities. Yet fairytale romances aside; life isn't easy with schoolwork, roommates, and meddling FBI agents. And balancing acts threaten to fall when violent competitors rise up to put Charlie and the guys out of business.

Addie soon realizes that keeping her relationship with Charlie a secret is the least of her problems, especially with Charlie's growing suspicions and jealousies. When misunderstandings surface, Addie's worst fears come to fruition. Desperate and alone, she is faced with a choice: try to find her own happy ending, or fight to make Charlie a part of hers.



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Historical Romance Review ~ Wicked Intentions ~ Elizabeth Hoyt

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
Maiden Lane #1
Release Date: August 1, 2010
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
A man controlled by his desires...

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand - she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk.

A woman haunted by her past...

Caire makes a simple offer - in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control - one that may well destroy them both.

A bargain neither would refuse.

Oh, Wicked Intentions...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1) Hoyt delivers such appealing characters despite them being atypical. Lazarus is an anti-hero and Temperance is intelligent, witty, and strong.

2) Lazarus was fascinating to become acquainted with as Temperance peeled back all his layers. In the same way, Temperance was compelling as a heroine as Lazarus aided her in her self-discovery. In many ways, Wicked Intentions is a study in human nature.

3) The mystery kept me glued to my kindle trying to solve it alongside Lazarus and Temperance. I had my suspicions but in the end, I was wrong.

4) The secondary characters were interesting - from Temperance's siblings and Lazarus' mother all the way to Polly the wet nurse. I do hope we see much more from many of them.

5) Temperance's profession - I adored that she helps run a home for abandoned children along with her brother.

6) Hoyt's use of snippets from a fairytale as the start for each chapter. These snippets lead into the chapter and the story overall so well.

Wicked Intentions was a delight! Hoyt always entertains me and I'm eager to get started on the next in the Maiden Lane series.

That's What HE Said #68 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #49

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

***

"Because I am selfish and vain and venal--nothing, in fact, like you or the men in your family. Don't think I'm unaware of that fact. I don't deserve you, Temperance, but it doesn't matter. You have told me you love me, and I'll not let you change your mind, now or ever."

*~*~*~*~*~*

"But then there's quite a lot you don't know about me, Mrs. Dews."
"Is there?" Her gaze skipped over his shoulder, and he knew she looked at his mother in conversation with Lady Beckinhall in the corner. "Such as?"
"I have an unnatural fondness for marzipan sweetmeats."
He felt more than heard her giggle, and the small, innocent sound sent a frisson of warmth through him. She hid her emotions so well usually, even the joyous ones.
"I haven't had marzipan sweetmeats in ages," she murmured.
He had the sudden urge to buy her a boxful just to watch her eat them. Her read lips would become sprinkled with the sugar and she'd have to lick them clean. 

Historical Romance Review ~ The Raven Prince ~ Elizabeth Hoyt

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Princes Trilogy #1
Release Date: November 1,2006
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Purchased on nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Historical Romance Challenge 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
There comes a time in a lady's life...

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

When she must do the unthinkable...

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

And find employment.

When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his "manly" needs. Well! Anna sees red--and decides to assuage her "womanly" desires...with the earl as her unknowing lover.

The Raven Prince was a delight! With its unconventional MCs and a finely crafted story wrapped around them, I was left feeling warm and happy at the end.

Anna, a widow and a respectable lady, has decided that she's tired of doing as society deems she should. Why should a lady not work as a secretary for an earl? Indeed, why shouldn't women be allowed to follow on all their desires?

Edward, Earl of Swartingham, has decided it's time he settle, once again, and try for an heir. Just as he's working out the details for a suitable fiancee, Anna comes storming into his life.

Oh, how I adored the repartee between Anna and Edward. They clearly enjoyed riling once another and their chemistry was palpable. All the circumstances swirling around them kept me on edge but I was thrilled with where it lead them. The things Anna did - bucking society's mores in the process - were so daring. That she let down her guard after what she'd suffered in her marriage made her giving Edward any trust a gift. Maybe Edward seemingly gave up far less but I felt as though his opening his heart was a major feat.

The secondary characters were a hoot as well. Mother Wren and her gentle meddling made me smile. And Iddesleigh and Davis made me laugh out loud in their brazen teasing of Edward. I came to cringe any time Felicity Clearwater made an appearance - she was such a...well, I don't know a nice word for her so I'll go with slut. At any rate, I'd be happy to see any of these characters again - even Felicity as long as she's getting her due. ;)

Hoyt's clever story and excellent pacing had me picking up my nook any chance I had. I look forward to reading more from her!

That's What HE Said #37 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #16

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

Oh goodness! This was quite a read. This quote is taken from a scene where Edward is proposing and Anna is refusing based on Edward's desire for a family and Anna's possible inability to give him one. This couple is amazing together.

***

"If we never have children, I will be disappointed, but if I never have you, I will be devastated. I love you. I need you. Please trust me enough to be my wife."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Anna and the Earl of Swartingham's dog make fast friends. But it says a lot about the woman Anna is that she'd share her lunch with this huge but lovable animal. Oh, and she attempted to share other portions of her lunch prior to this...bread with butter...an apple. It says a lot about the dog that his palate is so refined.

She saved the cheese for last. She inhaled as she unwrapped it and savored the pungent aroma. Cheese was rather a luxury at the moment. She licked her lips. 
The dog took that moment to stretch out his neck and sniff.
Anna paused with the lump of cheese halfway to her mouth. She looked first at it and then back to the dog. His eyes were liquid brown. He placed a heavy paw on her lap.
She sighed. "Some cheese, milord?"
She broke off a piece and held it out.
The cheese disappeared in one gulp, leaving a trail of canine saliva in its former place on her palm. The dog's thick tail brushed the carpet. He looked at her expectantly.
Anna raised her eyebrows sternly. "You, sir, are a sham."
She fed the monster the rest of her cheese. Only then did he deign to let her fondle his ears.