Tag: Pamela Clare

Summer Reading Challenge Review: Untamed by Pamela Clare

Posted September 12, 2018 by Rowena in Reviews | 2 Comments

Summer Reading Challenge Review: Untamed by Pamela ClareReviewer: Rowena
Untamed (MacKinnon's Rangers, #2) by Pamela Clare
Series: MacKinnon's Rangers #2
Also in this series: Untamed (MacKinnon's Rangers, #2)
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: eBook
Point-of-View: Alternating Third Person
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 369
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
four-stars
Series Rating: five-stars

In the breathtaking tradition of The Last of the Mohicans...

MacKinnon's Rangers

They were a band of brothers, their loyalty to one another forged by hardship and battle, the bond between these Highland warriors, rugged colonials, and fierce Native Americans stronger even than blood ties.

Though forced to fight for the hated British, Morgan MacKinnon would no more betray the men he leads than slit his own throat—not even when he was captured by the French and threatened with an agonizing death by fire at the hands of their Abenaki allies. Only the look of innocent longing in the eyes of a convent-bred French lass could make him question his vow to escape and return to the Rangers. And soon the sweet passion he awoke in Amalie had him cursing the war that forced him to choose between upholding his honor and pledging himself to the woman he loves.

Untamed is the first book that I tackled from Casee’s picks for my Summer Reading Challenge, it’s also the second book in the MacKinnons Rangers series by Pamela Clare and it’s got the whole Last of the Mohican feels to it, which I’ll admit, I wasn’t all that interested in reading before I picked it up. I’m so glad that I forced myself to get over myself and get this book read because it was good stuff. Thanks for the recommendation, Casee! 🙂

So this book follows the MacKinnon Rangers Leader, Morgan MacKinnon, as he is injured in war, taken captive by the enemy and then falls in love with the woman that nurses him back to health (while in enemy hands). Morgan has stepped up to be the leader of the Rangers when his older brother stepped down from military service and is now living the farmer’s life with his wife and young son. On a scouting mission, Morgan is shot trying to save one of his Rangers and because he knows that he’s dying, he sends the Rangers to safety knowing that his younger brother Connor will lead their men against the enemy. The Rangers were forced to fight with the British Army because the leader of the British Army is a lying piece of shit but to ensure that Iain and his family is safe, the Rangers fight. So for now, the French are the enemy.

When the French take Morgan captive, they nurse him back to health in hopes that he’ll give them the answers they need to defeat the British Army and end the war. Amelie Chauvenet is tasked with nursing Mogan back to health and she is not at all happy to know that once Morgan is healthy, the French Army plans to send him to his death. Each day that she nurses him back to health, she gets to know the Rangers Leader and the closer she gets to him. She doesn’t want to like him because she holds him and his Rangers responsible for the death of her father but she can’t stop her heart from feeling what it feels for Morgan MacKinnon and before she knows what is what, they’re married and loads of drama is still waiting for them.

There’s a lot going on this book with Morgan’s injuries, his developing relationship with the forbidden Miss Chauvenet and once they’re together, they’re still not out of the woods because Morgan has to get Amelie to the safety of his home with Iain and Iain’s wife Anne but he’s also got to prove he’s innocent of treason. Things happen quickly once they’re married but I will say that the beginning was a little slow for me. It took me a while to get into the story but once I got a sense of who was who and what was going on, the story picked up and my enjoyment went right up with it.

Morgan was a fantastic hero who led with heart and genuine care for his men. They were all brothers to him and there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for any of the Rangers. I liked that. I liked seeing how loyal his men were to him and I really enjoyed seeing the love he had for his brothers and to see that love and loyalty returned right back to him from them. He did what he had to and I loved seeing how much he loved Amelie.

Amelie was a great heroine but there were times when I wished she thought more of what she wanted from Morgan than she did. She wanted him to join the French army so that it would be okay for her to love him, not even thinking what becoming a traitor would be for him. She didn’t think at all about how him joining her cause would pit him against his brothers because they had already given their word to fight for the other side. But aside from that, I thought she was a great heroine. She was strong, brave and she loved fiercely. I was super happy that she finally got the family and the home that she wished for because she did deserve it.

Overall, this was a fabulous romance that I came to adore. I’m mighty interested in going back and reading Iain’s book and then finishing up the series with Connor’s book. I enjoyed getting to know both brothers very much in this book and so they’re on my TBR list at the very top. Let’s hope that I get to them soon. This book was great and I definitely recommend.

Grade: 4 out of 5

MacKinnon’s Rangers

four-stars

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Guest Review: Breaking Point by Pamela Clare

Posted June 27, 2011 by Book Binge Guest Blogger in Reviews | 2 Comments

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Lori’s review of Breaking Point (I-Team book 5) by Pamela Clare

While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.

Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.

Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach’s battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.

But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh how I love Pamela Clare’s heroes. And, this one had a wonderful heroine as well. Natalie did what she had to, but never ventured into TSTL. She always asked for help when necessary, but used her wits as well. Smart and sexy. With a lot of heartache in her background.

Zach… mmm. He was smart, confident, and I loved how he had to earn the respect of Julian, Gabe, and Marc. And how it took a long time, but he did it, even though he pulled some dumbass moves. He was smart and resourc…moreOh how I love Pamela Clare’s heroes. This one had a wonderful heroine as well. Natalie did what she had to, but never ventured into TSTL. She always asked for help when necessary, but used her wits as well. Smart and sexy. With a lot of heartache in her background.

Zach… mmm. He was smart, confident, and I loved how he had to earn the respect of Julian, Gabe, and Marc. And how it took a long time, but he did it, even though he pulled some dumbass moves. He was smart and resourceful. Of course, a former SEAL, why wouldn’t he be?

I liked watching them work together and maintain and grow a mutual respect for each other. While Natalie had been through a lot, she wasn’t a pushover, and made Zach stop and look into himself. Clare really has a way of getting her heroes to open up and fall at the heroine’s feet without emasculating them. Their fears, their tears, their revelations all do nothing to change the raw masculinity that they emit. And while her heroines are strong, competent women, they all keep their vulnerability and their femininity as well.

I dislike it when heroes pull the “I’m not good enough for you” line, which is why Zach left Natalie. But here, Zach had some serious guilt playing on him, and I understood it. I still wanted to smack him up one side and down the other, but I understood it.

I also really enjoyed seeing the camaraderie between the precious I-Team heroes. And how protective they were of Natalie and of their wives.

All in all, another suspenseful winner from Clare, complete with a *gasp* moment that, while it doesn’t rival the one in Naked Edge, still made me sit on the edge of my seat.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Series:
Extreme Exposure (I-Team Series, Book 1)Hard Evidence (I-Team, Book 2)Unlawful Contact (I-Team Series, Book 3)Naked Edge (I-Team, Book 4)Breaking Point (An I-Team Novel)

You can read more from Lori at I Just Finished Reading…

This book is available from Berkley . You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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Book Watch: Breaking Point by Pamela Clare.

Posted April 9, 2011 by Rowena in Promotions | 1 Comment

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Denver journalist Natalie Benoit and Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride find themselves captives of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Working together, they escape through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun. They fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…

This is the latest book in the I-Teams series and one of the series that I seriously need to catch up on. I really enjoyed the books that I read of this series but these days, I have to be in the mood for romantic suspense and I just haven’t been in the mood. That doesn’t mean that I don’t get excited when I see new books from the series coming out (greedy bitch that I am, hehe). This book sounds like it would be a good one and seriously, how hot is that cover? I want to do very naughty things to that man on that cover (hell I want to do naughty things to that cover, HA!) Mark your calendars dear readers because this book comes out on May 3, 2011 so it’s right around the corner. Pamela Clare delivers some amazing stories so I’m sure you won’t want to miss out!

This book is available from Berkley. You can pre-order it here or here in e-format.

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DIK Reading Challenge Review: Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare

Posted April 29, 2010 by Tracy in Reviews | 8 Comments

There was only one rule on the frontier—survival.


So when wounded, buckskin-clad stranger appeared at the door of her isolated cabin, Elspeth Stewart felt no qualms about disarming him and then tying him to her bed. Newly widowed and expecting her first child, she had to protect herself at all costs. And Nicholas Kenleigh threatened not only her safety, but her peace of mind. The terrible scars on his body spoke of a tortured past, but his gentle touch and burning gaze awoke longings she had never expected to feel. Bethie had every reason in the world to distrust men; the cruelty she suffered at their hands had marked her soul, though her blonde beauty showed no sign of it. But little by little she found herself believing in Nicholas, in his honor, his strength. As he brought her baby into the world, then took both mother and daughter into his care, she realized this scarred survivor could heal her wounded spirit, and together they would… Ride the Fire.

Bethie had been sexually abused by her step-brother and when it was discovered, her step-father married her off to an older gentleman to get her taint out of the house (bastard!). After 4 years on the frontier with her husband he died and she’s been on her own for two months and is almost ready to give birth. Along comes Nicholas Kenleigh who immediately puts a gun to her head so that she’ll help him with his wounded leg. Not a great start to a relationship, imho.

Bethie and Nicholas get off to a bad start but after Bethie heals his wounds Nicholas stays at her homestead to try and regain his strength. He also stays because as much as he hates it, he’s drawn to Bethie and certainly doesn’t want her left on the frontier by herself. During this time though Bethie begins to trust Nicholas and the attraction between the pair becomes undeniable. They share a few kisses and Nicholas has plans to continue that practice. But Nicholas’s past catches up with him and Bethie and Nicholas (and now the newborn) have to run for their lives. They head off to the nearest British Fort, braving the elements as well as the many Indian tribes that are heading in the same direction they are. When they get to the fort life is not all chocolate and roses and they have yet another fight on their hands.

This is one of Kristie J’s DIK picks and it was a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nicholas after reading about his family in the previous 2 books.

Bethie was so young and really didn’t have a clue about life but what happened when her husband died? She carried on. I truly admired her for her strength because there’s no way that girl was not scared out of her mind being out there on her own. I also enjoyed the fact that when she saw Nicholas she didn’t immediately swoon because he was so good looking and forget her fears. That was one of the facts that made the story so real.

Nicholas – poor guy. He was tortured by the Wyandot Indians but survived the fire only to suffer another type of torture in the tribe. He had some real issues and had left his family behind because he didn’t think he could be human enough to live a normal life. Living as a trapper and living off the land didn’t help him become more human either so when he reached Bethie he was a little worse for wear. That being said he did manage to at least pretend that he was somewhat civilized so as not to scare the poor girl. And as time went on he realized that what he thought of as living his life was just more of a survival of the fittest.

That being said I think that the story, for me, went a little too far in the “Nicholas is da man” arena towards the end of the story. Yes, he had survived the Indians torture and he had been a Lieutenant in the Army but it just seemed that everyone was depending on him to do and know everything. The man didn’t sleep for what seemed like days and he all took it all almost with the attitude that “this is just another part of who I am”. But up until that point it was all about taking care of himself and then Bethie and the baby. He couls have assisted in battle without having to completely put himself in danger almost daily. It just seemed to go to far – the man could do no wrong. However the time that was spent in the fort was such a major part of the story that it was hard not to like some things about it.

Overall I really liked the book and think it was a great conclusion to the Blakewell/Kenlieigh Trilogy.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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What I Read Last Week

Posted April 26, 2010 by Tracy in Reviews | 16 Comments

Yo Babies!
How the heck is everyone?  Did you have a nice week last week?  Mine was pretty good. I was under the weather on Thurs, Fri and most of Saturday so that sucked but I’m all better now.  
My dad had to go to the Cardiologist last week because he wasn’t feeling well. He ended up having 4 angioplasty with stent procedures.  He had 5 blockages in his heart but they were all in the same artery ( they didn’t do the 5th because it was very old and not a problem).  It was very scary but he came through with flying colors and he is already up and around.  For a 75 year old man he has more energy than I do! 🙂  
I want to put an apology out there to a fellow blogger.  She was nice enough to give me a blog award and email me to let me know.  I went to the site but didn’t have time to comment.  Uh, I accidentally deleted the email when I got a little delete happy and I can’t remember the site, the blogger’s name or the name of the award.  I suck!  So thank you so much to whoever it was that gave it to me – it really is appreciated!  And if anyone knows who this is (it happened about a week ago) please let me know. 
Have you all heard about Boobquake?  Unfreakinbelievable.  Unfortunately I just heard about it this morning so didn’t get a chance to dress provocatively (not that my work would have allowed it) but it just cracks me up anyway.  Check it out.
Ok – On to what I read this past week:
First up was One Enchanted Evening by Lynn Kurland.  This is one I read for The Book Binge and you can read my review here.  This was another time travel novel .  3.75 out of 5

Next up was Leave Me Breathless by HelenKay Dimon.  HelenKay was nice enough to give me a signed copy when I met her in February and the book somehow made it on to may “already been read” shelf.  When I was looking for a book to lend to my mom I found it and was horrified that I hadn’t read it yet.  Sorry HelenKay!  That being said…I think this has to be my favorite of her books that I’ve read so far.  The story followed a judge who was being stalked and his female bodyguard.  They eventually gave into their lust for each other despite her bosses protestations.  Her boss was the judges brother and he himself was in love with yet another judge.  The problem here was that both brothers were completely emotionally unavailable and it made for some good reading.  You can read Lori’s review – which pretty much covers my thoughts to a T. 4 out of 5
My Tracy’s TBR Challenge read/DIK Challenge read/FTSP read for the week was Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare.  I’ll be posting my review of this one on Thursday.

I’m in an m/m group on Goodreads and every month they have a pick it challenge.  So that means that someone got to pick a book for me and I got to pick a book for someone else.  The person who got to pick for me chose Tempestuous by Morgan Hawke.  This was a fantasy yaoi novel where Rusty was almost killed when he was a senior in high school.  A kitsune saved his life.  After the incident Rusty made a fox mask and put all of his energy into the mask.  Because of this he’s practically dying. Shiro, the kitsune who saved him finally finds Rusty many years later and claims him and takes him to where the Shiro lives, in an alternate universe.  It was a good story, but not great for me.  I didn’t particularly care for either of the men so it made it difficult to love it. The story, though it had some things not all tied up was ok.  3 out of 5
Witch Vamp Were? by Anne Douglas was another of my FTSP reads.  A continuation of of the Huntingdawn pack series this books covered the story of Shaun, Rob and Jak.  Shaun is bound and determined to find out if more paranormals live than just were-beings.  She quickly gets to know her grandmother many times over – cuz she’s a ghost and Jak who is a vamp and friend of Huntingdawn pack alpha, Rob.  But both men soon discover that Shaun is mate to both of them and the three of them are the next portion to the prophecy that was discovered in Accidentally Were?.  This was a cute book but I felt my self slightly dissatisfied at the end.  Yes, all 3 of the main characters were living together at the end of the book and had all agreed to be mates but there was no talk of love.  Yes, it’s an erotic book but I still was wishing for their HEA.  The story also left things blatantly wide open for the next book in the series which kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  But the menage sex was very hot as were Rob and Jak.  There was a m/m fantasy that Shaun has which I expected to come to life with Rob and Jak but it never went there.  Bummer. lol  3.5 out of 5
This brought me to Saturday where I decided to catch up on my manga reading for the yaoi swap so I could get all the books out to the other people patiently waiting for them.  I ended up have a yaoi marathon and about O.D.’d on boy love…
First was the Steal Moon books (vols. 1 & 2) which were sci-fi novels.  Street fighter Nozomi loses a fight to Coyote and agrees to be his servant.  Coyote sells him to “Digital Angels” where anyone can see them on the internet.  Only this is just a cover for Coyote and his cohort Hermes are trying to get computers activated with Nozomi’s DNA.  Second book was better than the first.  Sci-fi’s not really my thing but the story was pretty good along with the  graphics. Volume 1 – 3.5 out of 5…volume 2 3.75 out of 5
Next up was Blue Sheep Reverie volumes 1 & 2 by the same author as Steal Moon, Makoto Tateno.  This was the story of Kai who was in love with a woman, Maria, but she was murdered.  He didn’t see the murderer but she had a ring that looked like a blue sheep’s eye.  He sees the same ring on the head of the Sarte group, Lahti, via television and decides to get into the group to kill the man who he thinks killed his woman.  But things are not what they seem and Lahti and Kai end up together.  This had good graphics like the Steal Moon books but the story felt unfinished. I liked the first one much better than the first. These two character also show up in Steal Moon. Volume 1 4 out of 5…volume 3.75 out of 5
Next was Desire by Maki Kazumi.  This was about a total playboy, Ryoji, who gets turned on by his best friend Toru.  Toru is in love with Ryoji but not about to spew his feelings for fear of rejection.  Ryoji gets Toru to agree to have sex with him to see how it is.  Huge misunderstanding between the two but Ryoji comes through for his friend in the end.  I didn’t love the story.  I thought Ryoji was a jerk and Toru could have done better for himself.  And why, in so many yaoi novels or mangas, does the uke hate sex and they’re constantly telling the seme to stop which the seme doesn’t do?  But yet the uke keeps having sex with the seme even though it hurts and they hate it?  I just don’t get why that’s a near constant in these books. 3 out of 5
Next was Ichigenme: The First Class is Civil Law volumes 1 & 2 by Fumi Yoshinaga.  I really liked these books.  They told the story of rich, gay Tohdou and Tamiya who become friends during a seminar at law school.  Tamiya does not like women but says he’s not gay.  Tohdou loves Tamiya and is determined to be with him.  It’s a very sweet story and I enjoyed it and the graphics a lot. 4 out of 5 for both volumes.
Some of my reviews for The Book Binge posted this week.  (the link to the Kurland title that posted is above)
Hide Out by Katie Allen (using this review as part of my m/m challenge as well)
Happy Reading!

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