Pint-Sized 'Pinions: Debut Edition

I'm trying something new this time around. In an effort to lighten my load of books, I'm going to feature these capsule reviews at least once a week. I'll probably mostly use them for middling reviews or ones that I don't feel the need to expound upon. So, here we are with the inaugural "Pint-Sized 'Pinions"!

A Black Tie Affair by Sherrill Bodine
Contemporary Romance
Forever (January 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 9780446618595
240 pages
Review copy provided by the publisher

Product description from Amazon:

SUITED FOR SEDUCTION

Fashion curator Athena Smith will do anything to get her perfectly manicured hands on the Clayworth family's celebrated couture collection for her exhibit. So when she's called in to make sure the gowns are the real deal, she's ecstatic...until a dress she's examining turns out to be loaded with toxins (talk about killer threads!) and Athena faints, only to wake up face-to-face with the One That Got Away, notorious Chicago bachelor Drew Clayworth.

Drew still believes Athena betrayed him all those years ago, and he's sure he can't trust her. But when the priceless gowns go missing, she offers to help track them down. Reluctantly allied in the quest, Drew and Athena are soon stunned by the barely restrained passion still sizzling between them...and memories both bitter and sweet. Is their new partnership just a business arrangement? Or is this something more than...

My 'pinion: Seriously, it reminded me of a mediocre soap-opera. The problems and resolutions were so melodramatic and blown-out of proportion that they bordered on ridiculous. On top of that, they characters were difficult to warm-up to and weren't very memorable. If you're looking to take a break from life (one were all brain function ceases) then, by all means, give this fluffy bit a try. I found it diverting enough to finish it, so it's not irredeemable. It wasn't my cup of tea though and I won't be following up to find out what happens in the next books about Athena's sisters. Grade: D+

Her Vampire Husband by Michele Hauf

Paranormal Romance

HQN Books (April 1, 2010)

ISBN-13: 9780373774999

368 pages

eARC provided by the publisher

Product description from Amazon:

She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms…

Werewolf princess Blu Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blu curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blu uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation—and Creed—she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite?

My 'pinion: Let's break it down. Romance - unbelievable. One minute they hated each other, the next they were in love. Characters - more like caricatures. Conflict - too easily resolved. Sex scenes - weren't bad, but not great either. Worth my time - not so sure. I have to admit that it had its cute moments. Even its cheesiness was a bit appealing at times. Grade: D

To Sin With A Scoundrel (Circle of Sin Trilogy, 1) by Cara Elliott
Historical Romance - Regency
Forever (March 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 9780446541299
368 pages
Review copy provided by the publisher

Product Description from Amazon:

A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step.

My 'pinion: Kinda dull. I liked how intelligent Ciara was but I'm not a fan of her personality. It was entirely too difficult to warm-up to her. That said, I didn't hate her. As for Lucas, it took a while but I ended up thinking he made a decent hero. The plot was a tad far-fetched in some ways but, overall, it was ok. I found the secondary characters were much more interesting than the plot, so I'm not opposed to picking up the next one in this trilogy. Grade: C