Quickie Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

Title: Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove)
Series: Spindle Cove, #4
Author: Tessa Dare
Published: May 28, 2013
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Avon
Rating: A
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
What’s a duke to do, when the girl who’s perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training”… and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Review: Hero of my Heart by Megan Framption

Title: Hero of My Heart: A Loveswept Historical Romance
Author: Megan Frampton
Published: April 8, 2013
Pages: 264
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Loveswept
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "You are the undoing of me, love."

summary from Goodreads
When Mary Smith’s corrupt, debt-ridden brother drags her to a seedy pub to sell her virtue to the highest bidder, Alasdair Thornham leaps to the rescue. Of course the marquess is far from perfect husband material. Although he is exceedingly handsome, with a perfect, strong body, chiseled jaw, and piercing green eyes, Alasdair is also too fond of opium, preferring delirium to reality. Still, he has come to Mary’s aid, and now she intends to return the favor. She will show him that he is not evil, just troubled.

Mary was a damsel in need of a hero, but Alasdair’s plan is shortsighted. He never foresaw her desire to save him from himself. Alasdair is quite at home in his private torment, until this angel proves that a heart still beats in his broken soul. The devil may have kept her from hell, but will Mary’s good intentions lead them back to the brink—or to heaven in each other’s arms?

Review: A Duke Never Yields by Juliana Gray

Title: A Duke Never Yields
Series: Affairs After Moonlight, #3
Author: Juliana Gray
Published: February 5, 2013
Pages: 321
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Dawn

Favorite Quote: “The Duke of Wallingford, did not enjoy the sound of the human voice upon waking. Not that of his valet, nor his mistress-- he never, ever spent the night with a woman -- and certainly not the one that assailed his ears just now.”

summary form Goodreads
Impatient with the strictures of polite British society, Miss Abigail Harewood has decided to live life on her own terms—and the first thing she requires is a lover. When the commanding Duke of Wallingford arrives on the doorstep of her leased holiday castle, she thinks she’s found the perfect candidate: handsome, dashing, and experienced in the art of love.

But tempting Wallingford into her bed proves more difficult than she imagined. Restless and dissatisfied with his debauched life in London, the formerly rakish duke is determined to spend a year chaste. But as Abigail tries her best to seduce him, Wallingford finds his resolve crumbling in the face of her irresistible charm…and her alluring secrets.

Review: With this Kiss: Part Three by Eloisa James

Title: With This Kiss: Part Three
Series: With this Kiss, #3
Author: Eloisa James
Published: March 26, 2013
Pages: 30
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Avon)
Rating: C-
Reviewed by: Marq


summary from Goodreads
Lieutenant Colin Barry returns from the wars injured in body and spirit, knowing that he has no right to steal Grace from the arms of her fiancé. Yet the same warrior's spirit that won so many battles at sea is prompting him to throw propriety to the winds, imitate his pirate father, and simply take what he most desires!

Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted
Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2
Author: Maya Banks
Published: March 19, 2013
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Your kindness is a beacon on the darkest night. I had forgotten that goodness existed.”

summary from Goodreads
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Review: With This Kiss: Part One by Eloisa James

Title: With This Kiss
Serial: With This Kiss, #1
Author: Eloisa James
Published: March 12, 2013
Pages: 64
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "You are my dear, darling Grace, and any man who doesn't see what a wonderful woman you are doesn't deserve to kiss the hem of your gown."

summary from Goodreads
Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace's sparkling, gorgeous sister?

Author's Note: Lady Grace is the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, from The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Sir Griffin Barry, from Seduced by a Pirate.

Review: Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt

Title: Lord of Darkness
Series: Maiden Lane, #5
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Published: February 26, 2013
Pages: 360
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Rating: B-
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: " Now. Now I take you, just you and me, Megs."

summary from Goodreads
When Strangers In The Night
He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head—and realizes she is his wife.

Become Lovers...
Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles—the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be—and so much more.

Desire Is The Ultimate Danger
When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth—that the Ghost is her husband—the game is up and the players must surrender...to the temptation that could destroy them both.

Review: The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie

Title: The Autumn Bride
Series: Chance Sisters, #1
Author: Anne Gracie
Published: February 5, 2013
Pages: 310
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “You don’t just walk up and move into someone’s family.”

summary from Goodreads
Governess Abigail Chantry will do anything to save her sister and two dearest friends from destitution, even if it means breaking into an empty mansion in the hope of finding something to sell. Instead of treasures, though, she finds the owner, Lady Beatrice Davenham, bedridden and neglected. Appalled, Abby rousts Lady Beatrice's predatory servants and—with Lady Beatrice's eager cooperation—the four young ladies become her “nieces,” neatly eliminating the threat of disaster for all concerned!

It's the perfect situation, until Lady Beatrice’s dashing and arrogant nephew, Max, Lord Davenham, returns from the Orient—and discovers an impostor running his household…

A romantic entanglement was never the plan for these stubborn, passionate opponents—but falling in love may be as inevitable as the falling of autumn leaves...

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Lord Max Davenham has spent the last nine years trying to rebuild the fortune his uncle lost and keep his aunt from becoming homeless. When he receives a letter from one of his aunt’s friends about her health he hops the first ship back to London. Max is shocked to find his aunt recovering from illness, starvation and neglect from her servants and four young ladies his aunt is claiming as nieces. Max knows the girls are of no relation to him or his aunt but he finds their company helps his aunt and finds one of them impossible to ignore.

Abby Chantry has spent her life taking care of her family from her sick mother to her sister Jane once they were orphaned. When Abby realizes Jane has been kidnapped and sold to a brothel she does everything to save her and the two other girls Daisy and Damarius. Luck changes for the girls when Abby discovers Lady Beatrice alone and neglected by her servants. Abby and her new ‘sisters’ take over the household and help Lady Beatrice recover to her old self. When Lord Davenham returns from India Abby knows their time in London is almost done but the more time she spends with Max the more she loses her heart to him.

The Autumn Bride is a different historical romance than many of the books out today. There are some interactions with the high society of the Ton but most of this book introduces us to the Chance sisters Abby, Jane, Daisy and Demarius, as the struggle to become proper ladies and find good suitable husbands. The bond between these four women really holds the book together and is a great lesson in the fact that sometimes family is not blood but those you trust and are loyal to. I enjoyed the girls but found Jane and Demarius to be a little immature and annoying at times. i hope these two grow up before we get their books.

Abby is a very strong heroine who is always taking care of everyone else and doing everything she can to secure a safe future for her sisters. Abby’s relationship with Lady Beatrice is funny, sweet and full of love from both sides. I liked that these two women both needed things from the other and came together to make a better life for all of them. Lady Beatrice provides most of the funny bits and a lot of very sound advice to her young nephew Max. Max and Abby are perfect together but it took them a very long time to figure this out. I liked them both but Max annoyed me at times with always thinking the worst in everyone and holding on to a promise he made as a young boy.

All in all, I really enjoyed The Autumn Bride and the Chance sisters. I am not sure when we are getting the second book or whose book it will be but I am looking forward to it and I really hope we get to know more about the secrets these lovely ladies are keeping from us.

Review: It Stings So Sweet by Stephanie Draven

Title: It Stings So Sweet
Author: Stephanie Draven

Published: February 5, 2012

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical Erotic Romance

Source: Author

Publisher: Berkley

Rating: C+

Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads

They vibrated with incendiary Jazz. They teemed with sexual abandon.
The Twenties were roaring and the women--young, open, rebellious, and willing--set the pace and pushed the limits with every man they met... In the aftermath of a wild, liquor-soaked party, three women from very different social classes are about to live out their forbidden desires.

Society girl, Nora Richardson's passionate nature has always been a challenge to her ever-patient husband. Now he wants out of the marriage and she has just this one night to win him back. The catch? He wants to "punish" her for her bad behavior. Nora is offended by her husband's increasingly depraved demands, but as the night unfolds, she discovers her own true nature and that the line between pain and pleasure is very thin indeed.

Meanwhile, Clara Cartwright, sultry siren of the silent screen, is introduced to a mysterious WWI Flying Ace. If Clara, darling of the scandal sheets, knows anything, it's men. And she's known plenty. But none of them push her boundaries like the aviator, who lures her into a menage with a stranger in a darkened cinema then steals her jaded heart.

Working class girl Sophie O'Brien has more important things on her mind than pleasures of the flesh. But when her playboy boss, the wealthy heir to the Aster family fortune, confronts her with her diary of secret sex fantasies, she could die of shame. To her surprise, he doesn't fire her; instead, he dares her to re-enact her boldest fantasies and Sophie is utterly seduced.

One party serves as a catalyst of sexual awakening. And in an age when anything goes, three women discover that anything is possible...

---

Marq's thoughts:
It Stings So Sweet contains three short stories that centers around loosely connected characters. What interested me the most about this book is the fact that it takes place during the 1920s. The roaring 20s is known as a time of frivolity, economic prosperity and cultural change. I don't think I've ever read a romance novel set during this time.

Love Me or Leave Me is about Nora Richardson, a society girl who married a man beneath her station. After suffering a miscarriage, her husband has not touched her for a year. In desperation, Nora kisses another man. Jonathan, Nora's husband, wants a divorce. Nora doesn't want to lose him. While at a distinguished friend's party, Nora desperately tries to appeal to her husband that the kiss meant nothing. Jonathan decides to punish her, thinking it would push Nora away. But instead it awakens her sexually.

This was my favorite story of the book. Jonathan comes off as a little rough and strong so I kinda cringed when he first started dishing out Nora's punishment. But as the story progressed, you learn that Jonathan has been keeping that side of himself locked away for fear of hurting and scaring his wife. Nora may be a society girl but when it comes to sex, she likes it rough and dirty. Jonathan doesn't scare her and she wants him to show that side. She begs for it and yearns for it. I liked the dynamic of Jonathan and Nora's relationship and enjoyed their story a lot.

When I'm Bad I'm Better is about silent screen vixen Clara Cartwright. She falls for a WWI pilot, Will. He sees beneath Clara's Hollywood persona and there's something about Will that she is drawn to. Will and Clara don't immediately have sex. There's a slow build-up that has the reader and Clara anxious for more. I was surprised at the mention of pornographic movies. I have to remember that porn didn't start in the 70s. Heh. There's an intense menage scene that flows over into the third story. Overall I liked this novella and enjoyed watching Will and Clara's relationship develop.

Let's Misbehave is the final short story. There is a brief interlude prior to this story told from one of the male character's POV that sets up this one. Sophie works in a boutique at a posh hotel. She is all about social change. She wants better working conditions for the employees at the hotel. Equal pay for the women workers. Birth control access for women. She is steeped in social change. What changes for Sophie when her diary lands in her sexy boss' hands is sexual freedom.

I liked that this story touched on the social issues that were going on at that time. Robert and Sophie's sexual tension is sizzling. There's some f/f action in this story that I didn't fully believe but other than that, I enjoyed the story.

It Stings So Sweet is a different kind of erotic romance that centers around a time that I don't read about. I enjoyed being taken back to a time that was so different. I liked the characters and the setting. I definitely recommend reading this book.

Quickie Review: Your Wicked Heart by Meredith Duran

Title: Your Wicked Heart
Series: Rules for the Reckless, #0.5
Author: Meredith Duran
Published: December 11, 2012
Pages: 100
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Pocket Star
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
Jilted overseas and abandoned without a penny, Amanda Thomas is desperate to get home. She’ll do whatever it takes to secure a berth on an England-bound ship, even if it means pretending to be the wife of the absentee viscount who jilted her. But when the anchor lifts, she’s not the only impostor on board—for the stranger in her bed claims to be the real Viscount Ripton. Can she trust this devastatingly attractive scoundrel? Or is his offer of friendship only a pretext for seduction...and revenge?

---

Marq's thoughts:
Your Wicked Heart is my first read by Meredith Duran. I've heard great things about her historical romances so starting off with this novella may not have been the best introduction to the author's work. I found the heroine, Amanda, a bit too much at times. The characters are developed well considering this is a novella but because this is a novella, the ending and wrap-up of the overall plot arc seemed rushed. I was left feeling like the story wasn't finished.

Overall it was an okay read. A nice way to spend an hour but I wouldn't say that this novella left a huge impression - positive or negative.

Review: Obsession Wears Opals by Renee Bernard

Title: Obsession Wears Opals
Series: Jaded Gentlemen, #5
Author: Renee Bernard
Published: December 4, 2012
Pages: 321
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “The love of books does not disqualify you as a husband.”

summary from Goodreads
Darius Thorne has learned to use his wit and intelligence to strategize a better life for himself. He is the White Knight amidst the small secret circle of Gentlemen known only as the Jaded. The handsome scholar shields his heart by keeping a studied distance from the world…until he rescues a beautiful woman who literally falls into his hands.

Isabel Netherton isn’t merely a damsel in distress. A high born lady of quality unwilling to be a pawn, she is defiantly escaping an abusive husband. But under Darius’ protection she discovers an unexpected champion—a man who teaches her the power of true desire and what it means to be treated like a queen.

However, the law of the land supports her husband’s cruel claim. It will take all of Darius’ wit to keep one step ahead of their enemies and protect Isabel. In a deadly game of chess, Darius must defeat the Black Knight and sacrifice himself for his Ivory Queen or forfeit all.

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Lady Isabel Netherton grew up learning to be a lady so she could one day make a match worthy of her family’s name and position which she thought she made when she married Lord Netherton. Little did Isabel know that her husband’s taste ran dark and she soon found fairytale turned into the worst nightmare imaginable. Fearful that her life would soon be ended Isabel escaped and found herself in the company of Darius Thorne, a scholar and sweet man. Darius shows Isabel that not all men are evil and some can offer the fairy tale she always dreamed of.

Darius Thorne has spent most of the last few years trying to discover who is after him and his friends The Jaded, a group of men who were held prisoner in India together and found precious stones while there. Darius has spent his head in books most of his life and never had time for women but Isabel is a treasure he never expected. To set her free from her evil husband Darius will travel into the underworld of brothels to discover what he needs to free Isabel even if he can’t keep her for himself.

I didn’t enjoy Obsession Wears Opals of the Jaded Gentlemen series as much as I had in the past but I still love the books and the characters. I have been eagerly awaiting Darius’s book since the beginning because who doesn’t love the shy, super intelligent guy? I did enjoy Darius and I loved how hard he fought to free Isabel even though he wasn’t planning on being with her afterwards. I didn’t like how low he thought of himself and I was very happy when Isabel told him how silly he was being about it.

Now Isabel wasn’t a character that I hated or loved. I feel that I tolerated her for Darius’s sake but never understood her and found her to be annoying and contradicting at times. I do feel for her that she lived such a hellish life with her husband and I understood why she was so fearful of men but I felt that with Darius one second she was fearful of him and the next she was falling into his bed. I wish that the two would have taken more time for her to emotionally and mentally heal before starting their love affairs. I didn’t get how she got over everything so quickly and it really bothered me that after having amazing sex they have lengthy conversations about her husband and his evilness while basking in their afterglow.

I had some issues with the book but it wasn’t a horrible story. It just didn’t hold my attention like others did. I can’t wait for the Michael’s book and hopefully find out who is after the Jaded once and for all!

Review: A Taste for Scandal by Erin Knightley

Title: A Taste For Scandal

Series: Sealed with a Kiss, #2

Author: Erin Knightley

Published: December 4, 2012

Pages: 336

Genre: Historical Romance

Source: Publisher (Signet Eclipse)

Rating: B

Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Bravo for us, Miss Bunting. We have been able to remain civil for over a minute. That is certainly a record.”

summary from Goodreads
A TEMPTING DIVERSION
Things have always fallen into place for Richard Moore, Earl of Raleigh. His good looks, abundance of charm, and the small matter of being heir to a marquisate make him quite the catch. So when a delectable young woman wants nothing to do with him, he can’t help but seize the irresistible challenge.

AN UNLIKELY COURTSHIP
Jane Bunting knows all about responsibility—she has managed to support herself and her brother with their bakery—but she knows nothing of excitement or passion. When dashing Lord Raleigh crosses the threshold of her shop, she has no idea of the potential danger to her reputation…or to her heart.

AN IMPOSSIBLE MATCH
Neither imagined things would go so far—until the night their worlds collide, irrevocably changing both their lives. But when duty calls for Richard, and with everything Jane's worked for suddenly at stake, will their taste for scandal be their downfall?

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Baking is all Jane Bunting has every know and when her parents died she took over the family bakery and raising her younger brother. Jane’s life is full of responsibilities and trying to keep the business up and running which leaves no time for fun let alone love. A misunderstanding lands Lord Richard Moore in her bakery and after a horrible first impression on both their parts, to baking lessons. Jane knows she is playing with fire with her feelings for an Earl but the spark between them is one neither can deny.

Richard Moore is the Earl of Raleigh and as the only heir he has responsibilities to settle down and secure the family’s position. Richard never expected to fall for the feisty baker who actually listens to him and his wants and needs. Richard knows he can never have anything lasting with Jane and feels massive pressure from his aging father to wed. Richard knows he must do his duty but by doing so he is breaking not only his heart but Jane’s as well.

I almost DNFed A Taste for Scandal after the first fifty pages but I kept with it and am so glad that I did! I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book in this series but I loved Richard and was so excited to read his book. The funny thing is Richard is the reason that I almost didn't keep reading. He comes off as a very arrogant cad at the beginning and it rubbed me the wrong way but he does redeem himself and turn into the man that made me want to read his HEA.

A Taste for Scandal is a great historical romance that really shows how easy it was for a woman to be ruined by just being around a man without chaperons  Society frowned on women who had ‘loose skirts’ but men, especially the very wealthy, could do whatever and whomever they wanted. Jane realizes this the hard way but if fortunate enough to have people who can help her find work and not have to resort living on the streets. I liked that the author focused on this and showed how far women have come from the days of the Ton.

After reading this book I am hooked on the series and can’t wait for Beatrice’s book. She is a great character but I’m very sad that we have to wait until September 2013 for her story. Hopefully it’s worth the wait!!

Review: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

Title: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright
Author: Tessa Dare
Published: December 11, 2012
Pages: 100
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Avon
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "I'm not a child. I'm a grown woman. With accomplishments and bosoms and everything."

summary from Goodreads
(Originally appeared in the e-book anthology Three Weddings and a Murder.)

Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.

Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.

The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.

---

Marq's thoughts:
It's rare that a historical romance is so much fun! I loved Eliza's character. She has so much spirit and spunk. And those she tries to tamp down her impulsiveness and outrageous behavior, she can't; especially when's she's around Mr. Wright.

Harry and Eliza are perfect together. Eliza sees Harry as being scandalous and wildly inappropriate but doesn't realize (or doesn't want to) that she's just as scandalous as he is. Just in a different way. Their banter was fun and witty. I loved how they got along.

The story spans several years. Harry and Eliza continually cross paths. When they finally realize their feelings for each other, they can not be together. The ending is sweet and funny and involves a misunderstanding; the perfect ending for Harry and Eliza.

I've heard nothing but great things about Tessa Dare's historical romances. This little taste has me craving for more. I definitely recommend this novella.

DNF: Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin

Title: Beauty and the Bounty Hunter
Series: Once Upon a Time in the West, #1
Author: Lori Austin
Published: October 2, 2012
Pages: 300
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet Eclipse)
Rating: DNF
Reviewed by: Ellie

summary from Goodreads
Love and revenge both come at a price.


Cathleen Chase is no killer—but as Cat O'Banyon, she is a ruthless bounty hunter who always gets her man. Catching one lowlife after another, she continues her search for the only man she really cares to locate. The one whose voice she will never forget; the man who murdered her husband. She'll stop at nothing to find him.

Con artist Alexi Romanov taught Cat every trick she knows. He is a master of deceit, disguise, and desire. He's difficult to trust, and even more difficult to resist, but he has news she can't ignore. The man she's after has placed a bounty on her head. To get him before he gets her, she'll have to team up with Alexi again...and just like before, the two of them together are nothing but trouble.

---

Ellie's thoughts:
I love a good historical/western romance every once in awhile but I struggled to get into Beauty and the Bounty Hunter. I kept putting this book down and moving on to others because the plot and the characters would not click with me and I was so bored. I had a big problem from the beginning with the male lead always around other women and sleeping with them while the female lead was around and kept stumbling into them. This killed the book and as much as I wanted to I just couldn't finish this book.

Review: Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James

Title: Seduced by a Pirate
Series: Fairy Tales, #4.5
Author: Eloisa James
Published: October 30, 2012
Pages: 136
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Rating: C-
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "Yer title doesn't give you the right to be an ass."

summary from Goodreads
In Eloisa James's companion story to The Ugly Duchess, Sir Griffin Barry, captain of the infamous pirate ship The Poppy, is back in England to claim the wife he hasn't seen since their wedding day . . . but this is one treasure that will not be so easy to capture.

---

Marq's thoughts:
We met Griffin Barry in The Ugly Duchess. He is done being a pirate/privateer and is returning to his wife after a 14 year absence. Griffin isn't sure what kind of reception he's going to get but he is determined to start where he and Phoebe left off...their wedding night.

I enjoyed reading Seduced by a Pirate. I already liked Griffin's character from the previous book. I was interested in finding out more about his wife, Poppy, which it turns out, isn't even her name. Like her, I'd be pissed if my husband returns after 14 years and can't even remember my name. Granted, Griffin was only 17 when they married so maybe he was too nervous to pay attention to her name during the ceremony. He was definitely too nervous to consummate their marriage.

Overall, I liked the story. Because this is a novella, the road to "I love you" was pretty quick almost to the point of unbelievable because Griffin didn't do much to win Phoebe's trust or her heart. She all of a sudden went from wanting an annulment to wanting him in her bed. I think more should have been spent on Griffin and Phoebe's romance and less on the back story, recapping the bet between Griffin and his cousin James. I think that was completely unnecessary because it wasn't needed to follow the story. And then the court scenes felt like filler as well.

I liked Griffin and Phoebe as a couple and wanted more focus to be on them. Despite my complaints, Seduced by a Pirate was an enjoyable read.

Review: Lord of Temptation by Lorraine Heath

Title: Lord of Temptation
Series: The Lost Lords of Pembrook, #2
Author: Lorraine Heath
Published: September 25, 2012
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Avon)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "For you Princess, I'd suffer any hardship."

summary from Goodreads
Once upon a time, he was Lord Tristan Easton--now he is Crimson Jack, a notorious privateer beholden to none, whose only mistress is the sea. But all that will change when exquisite Lady Anne Hayworth hires his protection on a trip into danger and seduction. . .

Desperation brought Anne to the bronzed, blue-eyed buccaneer. But after the Captain demands a kiss as his payment, desire will keep her at his side. She has never known temptation like this--but to protect her heart, she knows she must leave him behind. Yet Tristan cannot easily forget the beauty--and when they meet again in a London ballroom, he vows he won't lose her a second time, as fiery passion reignited takes them into uncharted waters that could lead the second lost lord home...

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Marq's thoughts:
After finishing Lord of Temptation, I've decided that I must go back and read book 1 in this series. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.

Lady Anne enlists Captain Crimson Jack (Tristan Easton) to sail her to Scutaria so that she can see her fiancee. Jack is immediately intrigued by and attracted to Anne. Too bad she is engaged. But Jack is determined to have Lady Anne wanting him and forgetting about her fiancee. Anne has been in mourning and is finally ready to move on (her family tells her it's time for her to move on). When Anne first meets Jack, she's taken aback. He was described as a hero, an honorable man. But the heated looks that Jack sends her way are less than honorable and Anne finds herself responding to them.

Tristan and Anne had to overcome so much for their love. They wanted different things in life; Tristan wants a life at sea and Anne wants a stable life on land. I was happy to see the conflict throughout the book instead of it suddenly popping up towards the end and then having it be magically resolved. Even though it was frustrating because you wanted these two together, the secret rendezvous totally made up for it.

I am a sucker for nicknames and epilogues and Lord of Temptation had both. From the first moment they met, Tristan called Anne 'Princess" even though Anne is no delicate, dainty woman. She's strong-willed and fierce. She doesn't back down and she loves bourbon. The epilogue provided the perfect conclusion to Tristan and Anne's romance.

Lord of Temptation wasn't only about Tristan and Anne's journey but also the journey Tristan takes. Being separated from his brothers at a young age and being sold has had lasting emotional repercussions for Tristan. He hides those emotional scares well but eventually, the dam will break. Tristan's feelings finally rise to the surface and the pain of being separated from his brothers make its presence known.

Lord of Temptation was an enjoyable book and a series I recommend for fans of historical romance. This book was about more than romance. I loved the romance between Tristan and Anne but I loved the story about Tristan and his brothers just as much.  I'm definitely looking forward to reading Rafe's story.

Review: More Than A Stranger by Erin Knightley

Title: More Than a Stranger
Series: Sealed With a Kiss, #1
Author: Erin Knightley
Published: June 5, 2012
Pages: 336
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Signet Eclipse)
Rating: B-
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Just imagine the kind of insults I could give you after we’ve known each other more than a day”

summary from Goodreads
When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend’s sister. Her letters kept him going—until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven….

After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams...and newfound desires. Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have…

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Ellie's thoughts:
Lady Evelyn Moore never thought that she would become best friends when she sent a letter to her brother’s new best friend at Eton at the age of eleven warning him off. After five years of correspondence and falling in love with Benedict Hastings, he abruptly cuts off all ties. Evie is devastated and has spent years putting all of her efforts into her family’s horses to mend her broken heart. Now a decade after they first started writing to each other they finally meet without Evie knowing his true identity and Hastings has even more secrets than Evie could have ever imagined.

Benedict Hastings went to Eton a very lonely and forgotten child but he made friends and struck up an unlikely friendship with his best friend’s sister. Five years after making the biggest mistake of his life by hurting Evie he finally meets her face to face but dangers of his job threaten not only her but her family. Hastings will do anything in his power to not hurt Evie again but his lies are catching up with him and it’s up to him to make things right with the woman who has stolen his heart.

More Than a Stranger is the first in the Sealed With a Kiss series from Erin Knightley and I think it was a great first book. I did at times find the plot predictable which had my mind wandering at times but i did like the banter between the main characters a lot. What I liked so much about this book is that the characters get to know each other over a period of ten years before finally meeting. I feel like this allows the romance between them to be very believable and had me rooting for them to have a happy ending.

Hastings is a great leading man but all of his lies really bothered me after a while. It seemed that he just dug hole after hole with everyone and it comes back to bite him and ruin everything. Evie was the main reason that I kept reading and enjoyed this book so much. She has a sharp tongue and a quick wit that I really enjoyed and I loved that she didn’t want to be a proper lady of the Ton. I am not usually a fan of historical romance novels, especially the heroines in them, but I did enjoyed this one and if it hadn’t been for Hastings and his lies I would have loved it.

I did enjoy this book and I am excited to read Richard, Hastings best friend and Evie’s brother, book next. I hope the female characters stay smart and strong and that Richard is as charming as he was in this story. I think that this has the potential to be a great historical romance series.

Review: Never Seduce A Scot by Maya Banks

Title: Never Seduce a Scot
Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #1
Author: Maya Banks
Published: September 25, 2012
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “The very sight of her did odd things to his mood. Anyone who could look at Eveline and not smile was a harder man than he.”

summary from Goodreads
Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

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Ellie's thoughts:
Ever since an accident on a horse, everyone in the Armstrong Clan believed Eveline, daughter of the Laird, was daft and because of this she was fiercely protected. Eveline never let on to anyone that she wasn’t touched in the head but just deaf and she had taught herself to read lips in the three years since she lost her hearing. Eveline kept her secret from her family to get out of her marriage to Ian McHugh, an evil man who fooled everyone but her. Everything changes when the King orders Eveline to wed the Laird of the Montgomery Clan but to Eveline this might be her chance to start fresh.

Graeme Montgomery has always hated the Armstrongs and will until the day he dies but when the King orders him to wed his enemy's daughter Graeme knows he cannot go against his King. Graeme never expected the daft daughter of Travis Armstrong to be the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on and he soon notices that she might not be as daft as everyone claims. The more Graeme gets to know Eveline he discovers her secret and falls head over heals in love with her. Together they must try to win over the Montgomerys and fight a foe who will stop at nothing to ruin the alliance the King has built.

No one writes highlander novels like Maya Banks and she proves that with the fabulous novel Never Seduce a Scot. In this great new series we meet the Montgomery and the Armstrong clans who have been at war for so long that neither side knows why the fighting began. Both clans have a deep hatred for one another and when the King tries to make peace with the marriage of Graeme and Eveline neither side is happy including the Bride and Groom. This book has lots of highlanders, a great love story and I could not put it down.

Eveline has spun such a web of lies that she doesn’t know how to tell everyone the truth. Graeme is the one person who she can almost hear and she is drawn to him from the first moment they are together. I loved Eveline and really enjoyed her perception of everyone especially Graeme. There were moments when I felt so sorry for her and others when i was laughing at her brilliance. I have never read a highlander book with a main character having a disability and I found it really interesting that everyone thought you might be cursed by the devil or dumb.

The relationship between Graeme and Eveline does not happen overnight and watching these two dance around each other was very amusing. Graeme takes a while to catch on to Eveline’s deafness but even before this he is very protective of her and go to great lengths to make her feel safe. Graeme is the epitome of the Scottish Laird and he made me swoon through most of the book. I especially love his brothers and really hope that they both will get books in the future.

Never Seduce a Scot is an amazing book in what I know will be an amazing series. I read this book in less than a day because I couldn’t put it down and am now eagerly awaiting the second book. Maya Banks has once again done what she does best which is write Highlander crack and boy does she have me addicted.

Review: Courting Carolina by Janet Chapman

Title: Courting Carolina (A Spellbound Falls Romance)
Series: Spellbound Falls, #3
Author: Janet Chapman
Published: August 8, 2012
Pages: 304
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Jove)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “You had all afternoon to figure out how to charm a kiss out of me, and that’s the best you could come up with?”

summary from Goodreads
While building a wilderness trail for a new five-star resort in Spellbound Falls, underachieving playboy Alec MacKeage rescues a beautiful woman who is being chased by kidnappers and agrees to let her hide out with him for a few days. But when those days stretch past a week, Alec finds himself fighting his attraction to the mysterious Jane Smith—despite knowing the woman isn’t who she claims to be. Then again, neither is he…

On the run from her own life, Jane is really Carolina Oceanus—and she’ll do anything to avoid the six ancient-minded men her father has brought to Maine to vie for her hand in marriage. But as the maddening competition heats up, Carolina realizes that she’ll have to come clean to Alec, the seductive loner who’s managed to capture her heart…

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Ellie's thoughts:
Carolina Oceanus is the only daughter of Titus, King of Atlantis, refuses to follow her father’s rules any longer and runs away to find true love. After two years of searching with no luck, Carolina, now going by Jane Smith, is kidnapped and saved by Alex MacKeage, a sexy Scotsman who blows her socks off. June finds Alex to be different than any man she’s ever met but things are never easy and just when she starts to fall in love she is ripped away.

Alex MacKeage knows exactly who Jane Smith really is but he refuses to let anyone know where she is when he discovers her father’s plan to marry her off to the suitor of his choice. Alex believes he is not good enough for Jane especially since he can’t give her the family she desires but he can’t seem to stay away from her either. When her family discovers where she is Alex must make a choice to let her go or fight for the one woman who has stolen his heart.

As a big fan of the Spellbound Falls series, Courting Carolina is my least favorite book so far and I was so disappointed with it. I love Alex in the last book and have been eagerly anticipating his story but it was missing something for me. I didn’t find as much humor in Courting Carolina as I wanted and I had a very hard time getting into the book at first because it was boring to be honest.

Jane was my biggest problem and, while I appreciated her desire to not fall under her father’s rule and marry someone because she has to, I still found her annoying. I like my female characters strong and Jane came off weak to me and I kept waiting for her to really stand up to herself and tell everyone what she really felt. Even with Alex I felt she held back until the very end. Because of my lack of interest in Jane it was hard to care about Alex and their relationship. I found my mind wandering at times and their story just couldn’t hold my attention.

As disappointed in this installment of the series, I am looking forward to the next book. I liked Nicolas a lot and am interested to see how he adjust to his new life. Even though I wasn’t a fan of Courting Carolina I do love this series and can’t wait to see what happens in Spellbound Falls next.

Review: The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

Title: The Stranger I Married
Author: Sylvia Day
Published: August 28, 2012 (orig pub Jan 1, 2007)
Pages: 320
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher (Brava)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "I do not require your assistance to find sex. I require you. I want messy. And sweaty and dirty. God give me strength, for I have been cursed with wanting that from my wife."

summary from Goodreads
Lady Pelham could not have designed a husband more suited to her needs. The Marquess of Grayson is a dear and enchanting friend and an unrepentant ladies’ man. Their union is solid; their hearts safe from one another. But every marriage has its surprises…

THEY WERE TOGETHER FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS…

They are London’s most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things–their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham…until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.

Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself…a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart…

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Marq's thoughts:
I am a huge fan of Sylvia Day's historical romances and thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger I Married.

Gray and Isabel get married for all the wrong reasons. Well, in the beginning for them it was for the right reasons. Gray doesn't want to be married so he thinks the best way to please society and his mother is to marry Lady Pelham. Isabel is widowed and her affairs are known. Isabel doesn't want to remarry having been burned by her first marriage. She agrees to Gray's scheme thinking that they can have the best of both worlds. She will be married to her dear friend and she can keep having her affairs. A perfect set up until Gray leaves her after two days of marriage and returns four years later, wanted a real marriage with his wife.

I loved the push and pull relationship between Gray and (Pel) Isabel. Gray is an extremely likable character. He is determined to do whatever it takes to convince Pel that their marriage should not be in name only. During the four years he was gone, Gray took stock of his life, realizing how selfish and immature he was. A more mature and self-aware Gray is hard to resist but Pel fights a good fight.

The Stranger I Married is full of great dialog, chemistry and smoking hot sex scenes. I enjoyed watching Gray pursue his wife and try to convince her that his commitment to their marriage is real. There's also a great side story involving Pel's brother, Rhys, and his infatuation with an American heiress. I enjoyed his story as well and it did not detract from Gray and Pel's romance. I would say that my only complaint is that we are only given vague information about Gray's whereabouts during his 4 year absence. I would have liked to know more about what he did and how he matured. But other than that, I loved the book.

The Stranger I Married is a wonderful steamy romance with wonderful characters and a great plot about a husband trying to win over his wife.