Lady of Fire

SHE'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I am alive, thank you very much. You were beginning to think I'd disappeared, I know. And to be honest, its a little bit true. I've disappeared from many aspects of technology of late, and its been the best detox I've done in years!

However, this does not mean I have have stopped reading or that I have completely forsaken my fellow HCR friends and readers. Never! And to prove my point I have yet another review for you, despite the fact that it's been weeks since I've done my last one.

"Tell us, Amber? What book will you rave about now? Who is the author you will acquaint us with?"

Oh, you know her well. She's only the untouchable Tamara. :)

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Before you roll your eyes at me (I see you doing it!!!) and get all, "Yeah, we know you love her, blah, blah, blah..." let me tell you about her latest release and I can promise y'all, you will not be disappointed. Not at all!! (Do you love how I rhymed that? Totally unintentional.)

Lady of Fire is such a unique story--starting out in a setting I have never before read and it really hooked me from the get-go. With fascinating characters and intense action, this book was sure to have me up at night. And it totally did. You are not surprised, are you? *wink*

Lucien and Alessandra are both incredibly strong-willed characters that burn this book up with their, well, their passion. And I'm not talking about bodice-ripping passion (although they are kind of into each other...) I mean passion for their beliefs, convictions, etc.

The first half of this story was really, absolutely amazing!!! I felt like I WAS IN Algiers!!! Oh man, the blazing hot sun, the soft fabrics, the scents of spices. Seriously! I loved every bit of it. The second half changed dramatically when the setting moved continents, but stayed none-the-less intriguing, bringing readers back to the setting we are all so familiar with in Tamara's medieval books.

If you are ready for a novel that will keep you up for hours (not that you have presents to wrap or cookies to bake or anything...) then git'cherself a copy of this one, ladies! Clean passion, tons of adventure, awesome hero--I mean how greedy can you be? It doesn't get better than this!

Now, readers, I'm totally dead serious here. I need suggestions of new authors/books to read. You know what I like!!! I would LOVE to have some suggestions for great reads that will carry me through the holidays!!

AND I PROMISE that once the holidays are over, and once my edits are done I can get back to reviewing more. I just gotta find some good new books... :D

Happy Reading!
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Lady of Eve

On a day like this (only those unfortunate enough to live in Kennewickistan will know what I'm
talking about) there are few of life's pleasures to be enjoyed. THANKFULLY there are books like this!

Book rating: Best of the Best

What would I do without Medieval heroes and heroines that snatch me from this lone and dreary world and carry me into a far better land of promise! SERIOUSLY?! I LOVE this era/setting!! I have completely binged on Tamara Leigh and here is my last review of her's--at least for a few weeks until her next book comes out . . . *wink*

Lady of Eve was all kinds of perfect. If you read Lady at Arms then you are familiar with the hero, and although the heroine is new, she is marvelous! (Actually--as much as I LOVED Lady at Arms, between the two, this one is my favorite!)

Graeye Charwyck hasn't had it easy. And now, called away from her marriage to Christ, her life is thrown into turmoil! She believes there is only one way out--and friends, I can tell you right now her mom wouldn't be happy with what she's chosen to do . . . gulp . . . but the thought of what awaits her is much more terrible. Yet, the consequences for her actions are more than she ever thought they would be . . .

Gilbert Balmaine is a man with a mission. He's tough, he's grumpy and he's fabulous. LOL I am not one to typically fall for brooding heroes, but Gilbert was so alluring with all his frowns and big muscles all over the place. I don't want to give too much away when it comes to these two, but I really liked their tumultuous relationship. It was super rocky at times, and there were points at which I really wondered if they would get together!!

A wonderful read that will surely consume you with its medieval perfection. I feel compelled to tell you, for those readers who try to keep their literary consumption free of all moral mishaps, what Graeye does is not, um, right, but as with Tamara's other books, there's nothing explicit and I personally would definitely consider this a clean read--but I just wanted to tell you because everyone has different opinions/preferences in that regard.

Sigh. I think I'm going to reread this one. Starting today. I need me some Gilbert.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Lady at Arms

Oh me...oh life.....

I mean, really?! It's been wayyyyyyy too long since I've written a review--because of life--but friends, never fear. I am saving you from this painful dearth with a review that is sure to have you running for this book.

OK, well, my review might not be that great..... It's really the book Tamara Leigh wrote that's so stinkin' fabulous!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Lady at Arms!!!! Or otherwise titled, "Ranulf the-hero-I-want-to-read-about-over-and-over". Mmmm mmmm GOOD! (Say it like the old Campbell's commercials...)

Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm addicted. Maybe I'm crazy--but either way, I'm very, VERY happy when I read a Tamara Leigh book so I don't care what anyone says. If you knew what was good for you, you'd make sure you had all her books on your kindle, em'kay?!

Lady at Arms is all that medieval deliciousness you've come to expect from Tamara. Magnificent setting, wonderful conflict and to-die-for characters. Lizanne is a great heroine, determined to find her attacker of years past and make him pay. She's tough--and I mean, tough!! (And yet, still with that soft femininity she just can't hide.) But, um, Ranulf is tougher--in all those very perfect, masculine ways. :) She believes she's got her man, but quickly finds herself the captured one and everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.... and oh--that's when all the romance and excitement begins!!

I must tell you.... this book is all kinds of romantic--VERY VERY romantic, yet still clean, which is super important to me and one of the reasons I'm so happy to have found Tamara Leigh. Tons of drama, great characters and just a perfectly delightful, exciting historical Christian novel. The rescue at the end of this story satisfied all my girlish desires! (cue soup commercial again...)

If you are gonna get some snow in the next few days and need something to read whilst you snuggle under a blanket, may I suggest inviting Lizanne and Ranulf over for a visit? I do believe you will be quite happy you did...

Happy Reading!
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Baron of Godsmere COVER REVEAL!!!!

EXTRA, EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

As you know I am a Tamara Leigh SUPER FAN!! Any historical this woman writes, I will read. Hands down.

So I am SOOOOO pleased to be able to share with you the cover for her upcoming release, Baron of Godsmere, the first book in her series, The Fued. Yes, if you were waiting, now is the time to start running around screaming like a teeny-bopper.

With this cover reveal I am happy to announce that Tamara has offered to giveaway an AUDIOBOOK  copy of her amazing novel The Unveiling!!  If you would like to be entered, make sure you leave a comment and your email addy below!!!! I will be doing the drawing one week from today!!

Tamara, I think I can speak for the collective HCR world when I say, we CAN NOT WAIT for this book!!!

Now without further ado, Baron of Godsmere. (Your computer asks you to please refrain from drooling...if you can.)

The Longing

I got a fever and the only prescription is more Everard!!!!!! EVERARD!

And, uh, oh yeah--jus' so ya know....

The Longing is THE BEST HCR I've ever read. That mean's its #1. That means it's my favorite.

FAVORITE!!!

(Have I used enough caps for you? Don't worry...there's more where that came from.)

Book Rating: Best of the Best of the Best of the Best . . . of the Best

At 32 years of age, I have finally reached the zenith of my life. I am complete. The Lord can take me now and I would be-- WAIT! Hold that thought, I can't die! What am I thinking?! I need to go back and read this book again. Right now. I want to memorize it. I want to read that kissing scene on the roof over and over until it is burned into my sub-cranium.

Ladies, listen to me very carefully: The Longing is the best HCR I have ever read. Let me repeat. THE LONGING IS THE BEST HCR I HAVE EVER READ!!! It's been several days now since I have finished, and I still can't stop thinking about Everard and Susanna. Best hero and best heroine, like, ever. Isn't that what makes a story? The characters? We don't immediately think of a plot or a setting, we think of the PEOPLE we read about. And the hero and heroine in this book will consume you.

Not that the story isn't completely amazing. Because. It is. The actual story itself is full and rich and deep and heart-wrenching and rounds out so perfectly at the end that believe me, you will not be able to put it down. Ask my good friend Jennifer about how I was in church and feeling totally guilty because I just wanted to go home and keep reading!! I have since repented for such thoughts, but it makes a point does it not.... ?

Now, to the best and sweetest name ever penned.

Everard.

Sweet mother of mercy! That man KNOWS how to love a woman!!! WOO!! The romance in this book will SLAY you. Slay! I have read gobs of these novels, and in all my reading I have NEVER read a more perfectly romantic kissing scene. Nev. Er. The tenderness, the utter masculine perfection mixed with feminine grace and um, longing--AHHH! Not to mention the way the tension builds and how the plot flows so perfectly up to that moment.... Oh my word!!!! Brilliance. Utter brilliance. For me, right now, there is no other author than Tamara Leigh.

I wish I could be more entertaining and creative in my assessment of this novel. I can't. I can't think of any more fun or interesting ways to express how I feel, expect to tell you straight up. This book is friggin' awesome and you have to read it. I, Amber Perry, have deemed this required reading for all HCR enthusiasts.

Best series. Best book. The end.

HAPPY READING!
BUY IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW!!!

The Kindling

Here's my pitch for a "perfume-esque" commercial for this book.

Picture this:

(In black and white)

An expansive and super-scenic country hill dotted with trees fills the sceen. A woman in the foreground--her gauzy white gown blowing in the wind--looks over her bare shoulder as her long, sumptuous hair waves in front of her face. She peeks behind her as an uber-hunky dude comes up and nudges her cheek with his nose. A horse comes out of nowhere, and suddenly they are riding on the beach. (I know it doesn't make sense but perfume commercials never do, just stay with me). Then, they are back at the hill, lying in each others arms, smiling and snuggling. That's when you hear this sexy woman's voice (English accent of course). She says, "Do you dream in Wulfrith?" Then you hear a whisper as the cover of the book appears at the bottom of the screen: "The Kindling."

I know, right? RIGHT? Super original and you can totally take it seriously. It's amazing. It's a wonder I'm not in Hollywood..... oh wait.....


Book Rating: Best of the Best

Are you at all surprised that I loved this one? I should think not. Not only did this book make me wish for the hundredth time that I had gorgeous red hair, it pretty much made me want to pull a Napoleon Dynamite and try out a time machine, because really, I'm obsessed with all things Medieval. Wait let me clarify--all things Wulfrith.

You absolutely must read these books in order. I mean, I am sure you don't REALLY have to, but it sure makes a biggo-hangin' difference if you do. So, without giving too much away, at the beginning of this book Able is recovering from a heck-of-a-fight. And frankly, he's a grump. But along comes this sweet and strong woman, Helene, and that's about all he needs to help him finally get around to accepting his fate, and embracing his future. (Vague, I know but I don't want to say too much and ruin it for you!!!)

This story is just as wonderful, just as beautifully written and just as expertly crafted as the first three. The plot, the characters--everything. In fact, a certain character that you have grown to love will play a large roll in this intricately woven story. In a word: DURAND! *sigh* I love him. Yes, I still love him even though his last name DOESN'T start with a W. (But you think Durand is ice-bucket worthy, wait until Sir Elias. *Elias*)

I know you love these books too, and it's ok if you dream in Wulfrith. I do.

HAPPY READING!
BUY IT!

The Redeeming

Wanna hear a funny story?......

No?

Well. Too bad..... you're gonna hear it anyway.

(Oh and by the way... I just kinnnnnnnda liked this book.)

Stick around cuz if you follow my FB page, you can enter the giveaway I've got goin' on....

Book Rating: Best of the Best


So you know a book/series is good when it, well, CONSUMES you! I mean CON-SUMES!!

OK, so this is what I mean. It was 4th of July morning and I'd just finished The Redeeming the night before at like midnight. I could-not-stop-reading-this-book! COULD NOT STOP, and it was still swimming in my mind... *sigh* So, before the obligatory small-town parade started, I ran across the street to take my (adorable, if I may say so) 5yo daughter to use the ladies room. Whilst washing hands at the sink, up beside me steps this leggy blonde. And of course, since I was STILL consumed with thoughts of Christian and Gaenor I thought to myself, "Self, that lady kinda reminds me of Gaenor." So I allowed myself a longer look and that was my doom. This woman, whoever she was, was my EXACT idea of what Gaenor looked like and I seriously couldn't stop staring. Tall, long dark-blonde hair, a lovely face....must have been around 25-26 years old, I don't know. I'm sure the lady thought I was a psycho. But here's the thing--I didn't care. (OK, maybe I cared a little bit.) I was THIS close to wanting to stop her and compliment her, as someone might when they see a person who looks like, say {insert name of famous person here}. But in this case I wanted to say, "Excuse me, but has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Gaenor Wulfrith...or I mean, Lavonne... *giggle*." And in my imagination she would smile, flip her perfectly long, wavy hair over her shoulder (because it WAS perfectly long and wavy) and say with a bit of red in her cheeks, "Well, thank you so much. I love Gaenor--you just made my day!"

No.

Instead, I had the most difficult time not letting my jaw scrape across the bathroom floor as I struggled to help my little-one while (shamelessly) gawking.

This book, this SERIES is amazing. I love that Tamara has this elaborate story world and that her plots seem to flow effortlessly into one another. In fact, sometimes I feel like these stories are so real that they simply EXIST. Do you know what I mean? They are so good that I don't feel Tamara there at all--I feel like these stories just appeared out of nowhere for our blessed enjoyment.

The tension in this story is phenomenal. Let me spell that for you again. PHEN. OM. ENAL. (When you break it apart like that, it's actually Latin for Must. Read. Book.) I really BELIEVED this tension, I believed that these emotions and this intensely difficult situation existed for these two. There is so much going on--the raw, deep, real struggle. Gah! Am I making myself clear?

And the romance! AH! I won't even get started. Not to mention the spiritual side of it? I have no words.

SO.... in honor of my new FAVE series AND the fact that I have just reached (way over) 300 likes on FB, (many, MANY thanks to Jen Turano for that!!!) I am GIVING AWAY, yes, GIVING AWAY 3 COPIES of Tamara's first book in this series, The Unveiling. If you would like to be entered, please make sure you follow my FB page (and this blog, if'n ya want)--but all that good stuff is made easy by RAFFLECOPTER! The drawing will be in two weeks.... so you've got plenty time to do your readers-duty and tell everyone and their puppy about this, ok?! :)

I can't wait to write the next review, but I need to finish it first, so I shall bid thee farewell so I can once again be consumed by my latest obsession.

HAPPY READING!
Buy it!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Yielding

There isn't....

I can't begin to....

How can I even....

Uh.... apparently there's only one way to describe this book.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Rating: Best of the Best


This is your brain:










This is your brain on Tamara Leigh:

As a reader, you will seriously not be the same. This second book, The Yielding was beyond even my cloud-nine expectations. And considering how much I enjoyed the first one (you read my review of The Unveiling--you know the considerable gushing that took place) I didn't think I could realllllllly like this book as much as I liked the first one. I mean, how can you get better than 100% fabulous? Well, the Age of Faith series has a standard, and I'm gettin' the idea that its met every single time.

This book follows the story of Lady Beatrix, Garr's younger sister. (Hold on a sec did some one say Garr??) Yes, I did, and I know its difficult, but try to keep yourself together. Anyway, Beatrix is accused of something she didn't do and the man who wants to see justice done, ends up getting a lot more than he bargained for! We'll get to Dr. Dreamy in a second but first I want to talk about the heroine....

BLESS MY SOUL! As much as I loved Annyn (she is still one of the best heroine's I've ever read), I think Beatrix is even "more awesomer"! The perfect balance of courage, conviction, faith and femininity. You know those Rambo-esque heroines where they're so tough they scare you? Or the ones that are so blasted stubborn you feel like wringing their little necks and screaming, "Jeez girl, I don't know why he's into you, you're crazy!" Well, enter Lady Beatrix. Beatrix was brave and very courageous, but with all the class of Audrey Hepburn. She stuck to her convictions without once being annoying--IN FACT, I was inspired by her quiet determination and faith that more than once I found myself sighing in awe of her. Her trust in God was so real and so deeply rooted, I determined I want to be more like that.

As with The Unveiling, this story has an incredible spiritual thread. I haven't been so touched by a Christian message in a long time, but this one--of yielding to God--struck me. There was nothing in-your-face or preachy at all. Which, of course, is another one of the reasons why I find Tamara Leigh so out of this world. She is able to weave this thread that is so powerful and makes me want to improve myself without once making me feel like she did it on purpose.

Before I go on, I NEED to talk about our beloved hero, Dr. Dreamy, i.e, Michael D'Arci. This man is Fab. U. Lous! FABULOUS!! *shudder* Not only does he have muscles on top of his muscles (think Chris Hemsworth) and the sheer magnetism of James Bond (Sean Connery, Daniel Craig--take your pick), his spiritual transformation made me literally fall in love with him--like, really in love. There's a scene in this book--oh my word!!--with him in his armor when he and Beatrix... Oh, I can't give anything away, but let me just tell you. I cried. And for me, that's really rare. It was so touching and sweet and so romantic, I mean I nearly died. But I had to stay alive to keep reading...... so..... *wink*

Have you gotten book one yet? Have you let your house go to pot while you blissfully get lost in the world of the Wulfriths? There's still time to repent... go by these now and I won't tell anyone it took you so long. *teehee*

Happy Reading!
BUY IT!!!!

The Unveiling

Oh.

My.

GARR!

I was spell-bound, seriously, DRUGGED by this book's amazing-ness. I Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I have been told by many of you, "Amber, will you please grab half a clue and READ TAMARA LEIGH!"

Fine already!!! *hehehehe*

All kidding aside, I eventually took your advice and let me tell you.... it was angels and visions of glory for every blessed PAGE!! This woman knows how to WRITE! I mean, let's be honest, you and I read these books like their goin' outta style. We know there are good books, and awesome books, and Best of the Best books.........

and then there are HER books.

I don't want to.... you know.... over do it and say that this might just be my new favorite HCR (even though it is!!!) because that might lead some people to be skeptical. "Come on, Amber, really. I mean I'm sure it's good but it can't be THAT good."

Oh yeah?????

There are so many AH-mazing things about this story I honest-to-goodness don't know where to begin. The plot (ANGEL CHORUS!!!), the writing style (BLOW YOUR MIND) and the characters (PERFECT!! Did I just say that.....?) And just in case you didn't know, the hero's name is Garr and you spell it: L-O-V-E.

Before we go any father can we just all take a moment and sit down, and talk like civilized adults? UM NO! Because Garr will make any woman start running around and screaming like a fifteen year old at Donny Osmond concert. (That's for you Jenny 'ol girl...) Only this hero is waaaaaaaaaaay more amazing than any pop star. I mean, he IS a knight. As in knight-in-shining-armor. As in that is just about the hottest thing ever. As in I just swooned. Again. For the hundredth time. BUT not only is he strong and super good looking and could kill a bad dude with his pinky finger--he is gentle and righteous and romantic and a really great kisser and .... hold on, I need to stand in front of the fan for a sec...

Anyway, you get the point.

As for the heroine, she is equally fabulous. Right now I would like to stand and applaude Tamara for writing a completely wonderful and beautiful heroine with SMALL BOOBS! I mean, we all know curves are awesome, but size C boobs do not a beautiful, endearing, hero-worthy heroine make! Can I get an amen?! Annyn is brave and tenacious, but she is also wonderfully feminine and sweet. GAH! I loved her. I decided we need to be best friends.

Uh.... before I continue this and run the risk of overdoing it here, I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone for pushing me on the Tamara path because it has changed my HCR life.

I need to get back to reading book two....

HAPPY READING!!!
BUY IT!!!