The Geekish Reader

Title:   The Sum of All Kisses Author:   Julia Quinn Genre:   Historical Romance Pages:   373 Published:   October 20123 Publisher:   Avon Source:   Purchased Synopsis: He thinks she's an annoying know-it-all... Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her. She thinks he's just plain mad... Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when o...

Title:   Say Yes To The Duke Author:   Kieran Kramer Genre:   Historical Romance Pages:   368 Format:   ebook Source:   Purchased Synopsis: Can A Scandalous Beginning... Janice Sherwood wants to marry for love, but she’s failed to make a match after two Seasons. Her parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Brady, arrange to send her to the Duke of Halsey’s country estate as a short-term guest of his grandmother, the dowager, in hopes that she might win the duke’s affections. What they never could have imagined is that Janice would fall for the ruggedly handsome servant, Luke, who lives in the stables and carries an air of mystery and temptation. Lead To A Fairy-Tale Ending? When Luke Callahan learns that he is the legitimate heir to a dukedom, he will stop at nothing to claim what is his. But first, he must begin a game of disguise to secure his rightful inheritance. Janice isn’t part of his plan. But by engaging her in this dance of deception, might h...

Title:   Declan’s Cross Author:   Carla Neggers Genre:   Romantic Suspense Pages:   320 Published:   August 2013 Publisher:   Harlequin Source:   Publisher Synopsis: An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers. For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan—especially since a Donovan is the reason for her broken heart. Emma and Colin are in Ireland for their own personal retreat. Colin knows he's a reminder of everything Julianne wants to escape, but something about her trip raises his suspicion. Emma, an art crimes expert, is also on edge. Of all the Irish villages Julianne could choose…why Declan's Cross? Ten years ago, a thief slipped into a mansion in Declan's Cross. Emma's gr...

Affairs of the Dead  by A.J. Locke Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy ebook, 341 pages Published April 19th 2013 by Etopia Press (first published April 1st 2013) ISBN13: 9781939194916 Help ghosts, stop a thief, and try not to die… Necromancer Selene Vanream helps ghosts settle their affairs so they can move on. But when breaking the rules gets her in trouble, she’s bumped down to tracking ghosts trying to avoid the afterlife. Ghosts like Ethan Lance, who claims he was kicked out of his body when someone else jumped in. Which might be plausible—if such a thing were possible. And if Micah, Selene’s partner, didn’t pull her into an investigation of brutal murders that lead directly back to Ethan. But when the whole mess puts Selene’s life in danger, she suddenly has very personal reasons to get Ethan’s body back. Between her uncomfortable relationship with Micah, and problems with her boss, Selene learns just how much trouble it can be when you don’t follow the rules… Buy Links:...

Title:   Byzantine Gold Author:   Chris Karlsen Genre:   Action Adventure, Mystery Pages:   136 Published:   December 2012 Publisher:   Book To Go Now Source:   Goddess Fish Book Tours Buy Link:   Amazon Synopsis: The sequel novel to the best-selling, thriller, Golden Chariot. A sunken warship from the Byzantine Era carrying an unusual cargo of gold has been found off the coast of Northern Cyprus. News of the valuable cache has attracted the attention of a terrorist cell. They plan to attack the recovery team’s campsite and steal the artifacts. On the Black Market, the sale of the relics will buy them additional weapons. Charlotte Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover, Atakan Vadim, a Turkish government agent, are scheduled to be part of the recovery team that brings up the artifacts. While en route to Cyprus, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs of Maksym Tischenko, a Ukrainian contract killer bent on revenge. Charlotte,...

Title:   It Stings So Sweet Author:   Stephanie Draven Genre:   Erotic Historical Romance Pages:   352 Published:   February 2013 Publisher:   Berkley Source:   Publisher Buy Link:   Amazon Synopsis: They vibrated with incendiary Jazz. They teemed with sexual abandon. The Twenties were roaring and the women—young, open, rebellious, and willing—set the pace and pushed the limits with every man they met… In the aftermath of a wild, liquor-soaked party, three women from very different social classes are about to live out their forbidden desires. Society girl, Nora Richardson's passionate nature has always been a challenge to her ever-patient husband. Now he wants out of the marriage and she has just this one night to win him back. The catch? He wants to punish her for her bad behavior. Nora is offended by her husband's increasingly depraved demands, but as the night unfolds, she discovers her own true nature and that the line between pain and p...

Title:   The Reluctant Wife Author:   Bronwen Evans Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   170 Published:   December 2012 Publisher:   Entangled Source:   Publisher Buy Links:   Amazon Synopsis: Abby Taylor walked out on her irresistible husband three years ago. Now she has no choice but to return to Italy to ask him for a favour. To pay for her grandmother's heart operation she needs his money, but it comes with strings attached. Conte Dante Lombardi has it all—an Italian villa, a successful family business, and a noble title. But he needs a child to carry on his legacy and time is running out. He also hopes to satisfy the desire Abby rouses in him. As Abby uncovers why he’s in such a hurry for a child, she falls in love with him again … just as she realizes it might be impossible to keep her end of the deal. What Abby thought was a marriage based on love, respect and passion truly wasn’t.  Feeling out of place, unsure of who she was; ...

Title:   Melting the Millionaire’s Heart Author:   Linda Morris Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   94 Published:   December 2012 Publisher:   Entangled Source:   Publisher Buy Links:   Amazon Synopsis: Special-needs teacher Kayla Johnston writes off any shot at New Year's Eve romance when she's summoned to a fundraising event for her school at the remote estate of a wealthy would-be-donor. But when a massive snowstorm hits and Kayla careens off the road, the sexy stranger who rescues her brings to mind cozy fireplaces and steamy midnight kisses…among other things. Reclusive entrepreneur Ryan Langford may be missing his own fundraiser, but being marooned in a cabin with Kayla beats ducking a room full of people after his money any day. Too bad she's so irritated with the gazillionaire who ruined her New Year's Eve that he feels like he has to lie about his identity. But when the sparks fly and they fall into each other's arms, Ryan knows h...

Title:   Curveball Author:   Jen Estes Genre:   Cozy Mystery Pages:   312 Published:   October 2012 Publisher:   Camel Press Source:   Partners in Crime Book Tours Buy Links:   Amazon Synopsis: BACK ON THE BENCH Baseball reporter Cat McDaniel specializes in exposes. Now that very talent has left her unemployed. Desperate to get off the bench and back into the lineup, she is thrilled to land an interview with the Buffalo Soldiers' General Manager Roger "Rakin'" Aiken--Baseball legend, eight-time All Star... and oblivious father to a Major League bratty co-ed named Paige. A CURVEBALL WITH A CAVEAT Aiken offers Cat the team writer position for the following spring, but the opportunity is tempered by a curveball of a caveat: she must first spend the winter as a blogger reporting on the Latin American training facility. She is also supposed to look out for Paige, nominally the team's newest scouting assistant. Being a glorified babysitter and chape...

Title:   In Bed with the Opposition Author:   Stephanie Draven Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   165 Published:   August 2012 Publisher:   Entangled Source:   via Publisher Buy Links:   Amazon, Kobo Synopsis: Armed with a sassy haircut, a sharp wit, and a personal list of rules for all life's exigencies, Grace Santiago is a fiercely loyal Senate staffer who has everything under control. At least until famous political pundit Ethan Castle walks back into her life. Grace hasn't forgotten their disastrous affair in law school, but she can't resist his bad boy charm. When Grace learns that Ethan has been hired as a political gunslinger for the other side, her loyalties—and her heart—are torn in two. Though their sexual chemistry can't be denied, they find themselves locked in political combat. Ethan believes that all is fair in love and war, but he won't throw the election—not even to win Grace's heart. So what can a good girl like Grace do,...

Title:   The Sweetest Spell Author:   Suzanne Selfors Genre:   YA, Fairy Tale re-telling Pages:   416 Published:   August 2012 Publisher:   Walker Childrens Source:   via Author Buy Links:   Amazon, Kobo, Book Depository Synopsis: Emmeline Thistle, a dirt-scratcher's daughter, has escaped death twice-first, on the night she was born, and second, on the day her entire village was swept away by flood. Left with nothing and no one, Emmeline discovers her rare and mysterious ability-she can churn milk into chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold. Suddenly, the most unwanted girl in Anglund finds herself desired by all. But Emmeline only wants one - Owen Oak, a dairyman's son, whose slow smiles and lingering glances once tempted her to believe she might someday be loved for herself. But others will stop at nothing to use her gift for their own gains-no matter what the cost to Emmeline. Magic and romance entwine in this fantastical world wher...

Title:   A Vampire's Deadly Delight Author:   Liv Rancourt Genre:   Paranormal Pages:   161 Published:   January 2012 Publisher:   Black Opal Source:   via Bookish Snob for tour Where to buy:   Amazon Synopsis: She’s a quiet, unassuming bookstore owner by day, but by night... Kristen has a deadly secret—when she smells a vampire, she turns into Jai, a beauti-licious babe who makes vamps permanently dead. To a vamp, Jai is like ambrosia. They can’t resist her. She uses this attraction, plus her super strength and her trusty blade, Mr. Sticky, to end their undead lives. The thrill of wearing miniskirts without worrying about cellulite stifles any qualms Kristen might have about killing the undead. Being Jai is the most fun she has ever had—until they come up against the one vampire Jai can’t kill. If he and Jai have a history, as he claims, Jai can’t remember it...or him. But when her work catches the attention of some old en...

Title:   The Rake and The Recluse Part 1 (Freedom) Author:   Jenn LeBlanc Genre:   Historical Romance/Time Travel Pages:   83 Published:   December 2011 Source:   via Author for tour Synopsis: Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way. How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely. When Francine left he...

To sign up for the Julia Quinn 2012 Reading Challenge - CLICK HERE Below is the link up for all your January reviews. Please link directly to your review, not just your website. In the name field, please include the book title Example:  Aislynn @ S-R-C (When He Was Wicked) One lucky person will be randomly selected from the review list and will win their choice of Julia Quinn novels! This is open internationally, where ever Book Depository ships to! (to a max of $10) Only reviews posted IN January are eligible to be entered. Giveaway ends on February 1st, 2012 at 12:01am

Title:   Earth Angel Author:   E Van Lowe Genre:   YA, Paranormal Pages:   190 Published:   December 2011 Publisher: White Whisker Books Source:   via Bewitching Book Tours Synopsis: Heaven Can Wait! Just because Megan Barnett recently defeated Satan, has a fantastic new best friend, and has won the love of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson, doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize it, but in her possession is a powerful weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels and demons and everything in between. They will do ANYTHING to get it. In E. Van Lowe’s humorous, romantic and thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell , Megan winds up in a gripping life or death battle to save herself, the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil. Megan Barnett has recently defeated Satan, found a fantastic new best friend, and has won the heart of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson. But that doesn’t mean her troubles...

Title:   Hold Me Published:   August 2011 Publisher:   Entangled Synopsis: Still reeling from her mother’s death, news anchor Jane Caldwell’s life is upended further when she learns the father she lost twenty years ago is still alive. Her mother’s will unleashes a manhunt—the Caldwell sisters must find their father, or their mother’s estate will not be settled, and their questions about his disappearance will remain unanswered. Jane’s search leads her to Guatemala to investigate a man who claims to be her father and heir to the family fortune. Needing a translator, she enlists enigmatic Harrison DeNeuve, a sexy ex-patriot with a penchant for wearing dark sunglasses in public. As Jane struggles to reunite with her would-be father, Harrison fights to suppress his desire for Jane. He has a secret—one he’s sequestered himself in a third-world jungle hideaway to keep safe—and falling for Jane puts more than his heart at risk. Jane finds two men in Gua...

Title:  A Serving of Scandal Author:   Prue Leith Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   320 Published:   April 2011 ISBN:   9781552789483 Publisher:   McArthur & Company Source:   ebook via NetGalley Synopsis: Kate McKinnon is thirty-six and mother to Toby. She used to be a restaurant chef but that all stopped when Toby - now five - came along and changed everything. Now she has a small but thriving business catering for private clients, companies and some government departments.  Her life is on an even keel. Then she gets a job cooking lunch at the Foreign Office and has her first fateful meeting with Oliver Stapler, Secretary of State. He’s married and a father and totally out of bounds, yet she falls for him. She thinks she’s hiding it beautifully, but there are people who would like to see her fail and to them her feelings are all too transparent.  When someone alerts the gutter press, who cares whethe...

Title:   Love Remains Author:   Kaye Dacus Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Published:   August 2010 ISBN:   1602609896 Publisher:   Barbour Books Synopsis: Every grandmother wants to see her grandchildren happy, especially when it comes to their love lives. Join five active senior ladies—and one gentleman—who take a great interest in the lives and loves of their single grandchildren and become The Matchmakers.  Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson become the first focus of meddling grandmothers when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. Will Zarah be able to forgive the man who years ago chose a military career over her—especially when she learns he is investigating the historic preservation agency for which she works. 14 years have passed since Zarah has seen Bobby Patterson - since Bobby broke her heart.  Or so she thought! ...

Title:   The Guardian Author:   Margaret Mallory Genre:   Historical Romance, Scottish Romance Pages:   416 Published:   May 2011 ISBN:   044657516X Publisher:   Forever Source:   Publisher via NetGalley Synopsis: Four young Highlanders - Connor, Ian, Alex and Duncan - hurry home from France after hearing news of the disastrous Battle of Flodden against Henry VIII's forces. With his father among the dead, Connor must take his place as chieftain. Before he can lead his clan through the perilous times ahead, however, he must first dislodge the usurper who has taken his family's castle and claimed leadership of the clan. Connor's cousins and best friend, Ian, Alex and Duncan, will stand shoulder to shoulder with him in every fight. They are willing to give their lives for their clan and their new chieftain. But taking wives to serve the clan's interests is a different matter altogether... ...

Title:   Sinful In Satin (Rarest Blooms #3) Author:   Madeline Hunter Genre:   Historical Romance Pages:   368 Published:   September 28th, 2010 ISBN:   051514844X Publisher:   Jove Source:   Purchased Synopsis: When famed London courtesan Alessandra Northrope passes away, her daughter Celia Pennifold inherits little more than a hopelessly contaminated reputation, a house in a middle class neighborhood, and an education that prepared her to take her mother’s place the way Alessandra intended. Celia hopes to make her own life on her own terms, however, and moves into the house only to discover one more legacy—an enigmatic, handsome tenant who knows her mother’s plans for her future rather too well. Jonathan thinks he is on a simple mission to discover whether Celia’s mother left accounts of her lovers that might embarrass important men. Instead he finds himself embroiled in a mystery full of dangerous betrayals and secrets, old and new...