Friday, June 22, 2012

Hey, It's Guy Day Friday

Let's meet Hunter Grey, the bastard son of an English Earl. He is determined to raise enough money to buy an estate. When he reads an ad in the London Times, he cannot refuse the challenge. After all, if he wins and discovers the fair Allura's secrets, not only will he have the estate but also a wife.



Review:


ALLURA
CHRISTINE YOUNG
ISBN # 978-1-58749-722-3
April 10, 2009
Rogue Phoenix Press
Ebook , Kindle, Nook
$4.99 US
239 Pages
Historical/Regency Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Allura McClellan's father wants to see his daughters married before he passes on and has decided to run a contest to see who can reveal Allura's secret and, if correct, the prize is her hand in marriage as well as her land and titles. She fights her father every step of the way, clinging to the reasoning that she does not want to submit to a man and give up who she is because she takes pride in all she has learned and who she has become without a husband.

All Hunter Gray's life, he has been treated horribly for being an English earl's bastard son and as an adult, fought for his country and became a mighty warrior. Now, he sees a chance to get everything he feels he deserves, money and land, and all he has to do is seduce Allura into marrying him.

Even though a crackling fire rears itself every time Hunter and Allura are together, they truly try to fight the attraction, but for different reasons. As time goes by, feelings start to change and as they are in danger of losing themselves and more, can Allura and Hunter both get what they want?

I really enjoyed this book by Christine Young. It has mystery, humor and, whew, steamy love scenes! An awesome group of characters make this read very entertaining, from the tough as nails Allura to her meddlesome younger sister, Aiden. There is never a dull moment throughout this book and you will surely not be disappointed. I can only hope that some of my favorites get a story of their own. Well done Ms. Young.

Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Hunter's POV:

Hunter touched Allura’s cheek with a trembling hand, her flesh felt like ice to his fingertips. Fear for her life snaked through him as he swept her from his storm-battered boat and carried her to shore. He set her on the grass, and then he quickly secured their only means of transportation back to the mainland.

She might have drowned. Oh, God, he could not stop shaking.

If he hadn’t missed her--

The tempest showed no sign of relenting. Torrents of rain sluiced from the sky washing the sea salt from his face and hair. He turned his head skyward watching more lightning streak to meet the ocean swells and the frothing crests.

How long had it been since he left the celebration? How long had Allura been in the icy fingers of the sea? And would Christel tell anyone where they were?

Christel had been so secretive, so very afraid of breaking her trust with Allura. Now he had to find a way to return. All that he’d worked for was secure, and yet he didn’t want this to reach the ears of those who might not wish them well. Guy came to mind. His stepbrother was ruthless and would stop at nothing to gain what he wanted. And he’d always wanted what Hunter possessed. He would stop at nothing, even ruining Allura’s reputation.

He vowed Guy would never touch Allura or anyone dear to her.

For a moment he stared at his broken sailing vessel. He wasn’t sure if his boat was seaworthy. Hers wasn’t. Hers had splintered into a hundred pieces. In the minutes after he’d pulled her from the churning water, she’d not spoken to him. Once her eyes opened, he’d said a quick prayer of thanks. He was afraid for her life. Afraid her time in the frigid ocean would be the death of her. Only time and warmth would secure her survival.

While the storm raged around them, there was little warmth to be found. His body shook with fear. His gut churned. He imagined a blazing fire and hot spiced wine to warm her inside and out. Carefully, he carried her to the hut. He stripped her wet clothes away and wrapped her in a fur.

"Allura," he called her name softly while he stroked her hair pushing it away from her face. He examined her body searching for injuries. "Allura, do you hurt anywhere?"

"The kitten," she whispered. Her eyes were closed, and Hunter was sure she knew not of what she spoke. "I left the kitten. I had to feed the kitten." Her words were weak, her lips trembling with cold and fatigue. Her fight against the turbulent water had been valiant and spirited.

Good, God, she risked her life for a cat?

"Hush, it will be all right. I will look after it." He offered, wishing he could find a kitten just to reassure her. Yet he was more afraid for her than any kitten. Cats land on their feet and find food by themselves. Bloody hell, they have nine lives.


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