Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank

This is the 2nd book in the Nightwalker Series.

About the book:
They're called the Nightwalkers—proud, ancient beings who live in the shadows, existing just beyond the human world. But there are also dangerous humans who hunt them—necromancers who use the blackest magic to manipulate them. And for a Demon named Gideon, the battle against these evil forces will soon be all too personal.

AS A HEALER, HE KNOWS HER BODY. BUT IT'S HER HEART HE WANTS.

For a thousand years, Gideon has healed his people. And as the oldest surviving male of his race, his wisdom has always been respected without question. But Gideon knows that even he is vulnerable to the powerful, primitive desires that befall his kind during Hallowed moons—and nine years ago that truth was hammered home when he found himself claiming Magdelegna, the Demon King's sister, in a wild embrace.

Horrified by his lack of control, he left her wanting and furious—and then exiled himself for the better part of a decade. Now, with necromancers threatening his people—and Magdelegna nearly their victim—Gideon must face another truth. He and the beautiful, stubborn Magdelegna are destined to be together, to share a love as deep and old as time itself. But first he needs to regain her trust. Then he'll have to save her life. Every night holds secrets.

Tell me more, tell me more!
You know, the biggest question, probably the silliest too...why was his hair silver? That was never explained. I guess because as the Ancient life had been sucked right out of him. I dunno.

I hoped Gideon would hawt. Like steamy scenes and lots of romance. However, the book focused more on the war and attacks on Jacob's mate, Isabella. Also the book helped set up the next book in the series, Elijah and his future mate, Siera...Queen of the Lycanthropes.

Am I the only one who'd like to be surprised in a sequel? It seems the authors are sketching in the next book outline and shorting the before!

I liked the book and the author's writing style kept me reasonably happy. I just wish the plot had focused more on the hero and heroine. Gideon and his mate, Magdelena. She is sister to the Demon King, Noah. They form a very intimate psychic link...thought that was very cool actually. I am going to read the next book in the series. I hope the story focuses more on the characters and not the war that is growing.
Grade: B
Sandie

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

This is the final book in the Wallflower series. The book focuses on the youngest wallflower, Daisy.

About the book:

After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses—the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

Tell me more, tell me more...

I must confess that I haven't been looking forward to Daisy's book. In my mind I pictured a very young girl..not a young lady. As I've read the series I have waited for this heroine to mature and grow up but she hasn't. So much to my surprise, she matures overnight into a young lady engaging in not so ladylike behavior. :)

Personally, this wasn't as strong or compelling a story to me as the other books in this series. It wasn't a poorly written novel but it just didn't grab me from the beginning. Once the terrible "secret" is revealed about Matthew I felt that the author just squeezed the climax into a few pages. Too much of the novel had been spent on the build up of the relationship and far too little time spent to fix this horrid secret. Granted, the secret wasn't too terrible but I was disappointed in the epilogue ending.

I think it's best to start at the beginning of this series rather than at the end...you won't see the evolution of the friends and relationships.

Grade: B

Sandie