Review: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Book Title/Author: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow
Publisher/Year Published: February 2012 by Signet
Where I got it: I won a contest on Heather Snow's Facebook page :)
Rating: 3/5 stars
Series: Veiled Seduction #1

Summary:via Goodreads

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word-heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom...and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Heather Snow's debut novel, Sweet Enemy, gives us a new take on the house party in historical romance. Liliana is a chemist on a quest to avenge her father. Geoffrey is a second son soldier thrust into the role of an earl, and surprising himself, he is doing quite well at it. Only one thing, he has no wife and thus no heirs. Hence his mother tricks him into a house party with many eligible young ladies, and of course, one ineligible. Let's take a look at the SCORE.

The Story
The story was probably my favorite part of this whole book. The plot was super engaging and not something that I have seen in many romances. Liliana goes to this house party just so she can search the house for more clues regarding her father's young demise. Inadvertently Lilian catches the attention of Lord Stratford thus allaying her plans to continually slip away and search the house.

The house party itself had some pretty unique elements to it, but it really is just the backdrop to the main story of the investigation. Though I will say, there was one part of the story where the house party and the romance completely overshadowed that main motivation and plot line almost to the story's detriment.

The Characters
Liliana is a nontraditional heroine who likes to defy social convention and be in a man's world. I couldn't help but think when writing that sentence that she is a non-traditional for the time heroine but not for historical romance. Anyway, it's a motivation of "Why won't anyone believe she knows anything about chemistry?" She was well developed, though I can't say I connected with her character too much. At times she just seemed genuinely annoying and obstinate. But overall I could deal.

Stratford and I actually had a connection because of his war wound. I don't have a war wound, but I do have that constant pain. I was a little bereft that something that bothered him so much in the earlier part of the book was nary mentioned a bit after he used her magic poultice. Can I have some, please?

But I digress. I liked him. I liked his character. I thought that he had his heart in the right place, and wasn't dull. I mean, is he one of my favorite heroes? No, but he is not one of my least. I just plain and simply liked him.

This is a series so we met the hero of the next book, potentially heroes if my guesses are right. He wasn't overly developed besides being "The nice guy" and one other detail I will not give away. Overall the secondaries were not remarkable, but not one note either.

The Romance
I felt the heat. I loved the romance in this. It was fun and at the same time heartrending. The misunderstanding at the end or the big reveal or whatever you want to call the trope was believable and each character acted well within in their characterization.

Also the sexy-times were quite ... enjoyable :)

The Execution
Here is where I start to get a little more critical. While as I said before I thought the story was good, I thought the execution of said story was quite clunky. The biggest problem I had was there were paragraphs that were filled with too much information. It was to the point where it drew me out of the story. I know the main characters had backstories, but I feel like there is a better way to work in the information that is needed to make a character well-rounded without info dumping tons of information. It was more noticeable in the beginning before I was engrossed in the actual story, but even later on I had a few eye-raising moments.

Also there was the thing that I mentioned with the leg earlier. I guess it all ties in to the to much information thing. I think that this book needed a bit more focus.

The Overview
So overall, I liked this book. Though there were some issues, I think that as the author develops her voice and style, these will go away. The story was great and from what I read of the next one I am definitely going to check it out. If you are looking for a new voice to read, check this one out.

Reivew: Since the Surrender by Julie Anne Long

Book Title/Author: Since the Surrender by Julie Anne Long
Publisher/Year Published: 2009 by Avon
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 2/5 stars
Summary:via Goodreads

Fearless. Loyal. Brilliant. Ruthless. Bold words are always used to describe English war hero Captain Chase Eversea, but another word unfortunately plays a role in every Eversea's destiny: trouble. And trouble for Chase arrives in the form of a mysterious message summoning him to a London rendezvous . . . where he encounters the memory of his most wicked indiscretion in the flesh: Rosalind March—the only woman he could never forget.

Five years ago, the reckless, charming beauty craved the formidable Captain's attention. But now Rosalind is a coolly self-possessed woman, and desire is the last thing on her mind: her sister has mysteriously disappeared and she needs Chase's help to find her. But as their search through London's darkest corners re-ignites long-smoldering passion and memories of old battles, Chase and Rosalind are challenged to surrender: to the depths of a wicked desire, and to the possibility of love.

I think I graded this one so harshly because I loved the one before it so much. Like No Other Lover if you are interested :)

Warning
I kind of go off below, regardless of keeping specific things vague. They are minor spoilers, I guess. I felt like I had to put a warning up. If you don't want the specifics, the bold text could be considered the spark notes :)

Why this book is two stars:
- The Plot was boring for the first 100 pages.
Seriously I don't know how I even stayed awake during those pages. The hero and heroine rarely interacted and there was all these choppy flashbacks. When the plot did finally show up, it made it readable, but it still was kind of a "wtf is going on" story.

- Random sexy times.
They had sex at such RANDOM times. Like in the middle of searching for the kidnapped sister. No, it's not like time is of the essence or anything.

- The guilt of the hero/heroine
So part of the back-story is they met when she was married to his compatriot in the war. Now I was thinking this whole time they had the sexy times in the past and got caught and their guilt was what kept them apart. When I found out it was just one, steamy kiss I raised a brow. Now that her husband's dead, guilt from one kiss is keeping you apart? She kept thinking (in her monologues) "I ruined his life/career. He will never forgive me" He was transferred and it ended up saving his life and he was considered a war hero (we're told). I don't think you ruined anything.

- The chemistry between the hero/heroine
This is why it is not one star. I thought they had some good sparks flying between them. They were just misplaced in this weird "mystery" plot. I feel like if the plot were different, these two could have flourished as I liked them each as characters (outside of the guilt thing...)

Not my favorite.

Review: The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan

Book Title/Author: The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
Publisher/Year Published: April 2012, Self Published by Courtney Milan
Where I got it: Barnes and Noble Nook store
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary:via Goodreads

She will not give up…

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake.

He cannot give in…

Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love…

I loved this. Best 99 cents spent ever.

The Story
The Governess Affair is about two non-noble (yay!) people. Serena was a governess cast out because of her unchaste behavior. Hugo is the duke's "man" who is trying to solve all his money problems so that Hugo can get some money of his own. They run into each other when Serena refuses to leave the front of the Duke's house until he owns up to his behavior. Oh yeah, he raped her and got her with child. Serena is confused and doesn't think it was forced because she didn't scream. Happy story, right?

Well Hugo is charged with getting rid of her and he slowly learns the facts to what happens. As that happens he also learns what a joy Serena is and they fall in love.

This is a novella at about 250 ish pages (says my nook) but never once did I feel rushed or think that I was getting cheated. This story was brilliant in the way that it handled what was going on. This book is to set up Milan's new series as we can see through the epilogue. I thought it did well on it's own.

I am torn on if I wish we saw more of them. An additional 50 pages may have been good to flesh out the ending with Hugo especially, but overall, unlike a lot of reviewers, I didn't mind the length that it was.

The Characters
Let's look at Serena. She was never defined by the fact that she was raped. She took it as something that happened to her, and she needed to move on for the sake of her child. And I loved it. Her character was super well rounded and strong.

Hugo was smart, witty and ambitious. He was also super well-rounded. He knew what was happening between them and tried to come to terms with that while keeping his main goal (being the riches coal miners son in all of England) in sight.

The Romance
More love here. You see, it is be very hard to deal with the rape aspect in romance novels. You want it to be serious enough but have the woman be able to move past it enough to be with the man she loves. I think Milan does excellent here. The sexy times scene is probably one of my favorites ever. I don't want to say any more because I want you to go spend 99 cents and read this!

The Execution
For a novella and for a full length novel, I adored this. There were some things that maybe could have been fleshed out more for a full length novel, but I really didn't mind. I bought their romance in the time it occurred in because of how they communicated with each other. There is one letter writing scene that I just adored.

The Overview
I don't know what more that I can say except add me to the mass of people who adored this book. I need a new word besides adored but it's true. It will be an excellent 99 cents spent if you buy this. Milan's writing is brilliant and she give it her all even though this is a novella. I can't wait for the series this sets up :)

Review: An Affair with Mr Kennedy by Jillian Stone

Book Title/Author:An Affair with Mr. Kennedy by Jillian Stone
Publisher/Year Published:January 2012 by Pocket Books
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:Via Goodreads

London, 1887. Part stoic gentleman, part fearless Scotland Yard man, Zeno "Zak" Kennedy is an enigma of the first order. For years, the memory of a deadly bombing at King's Cross has haunted the brilliant Scotland Yard detective. His investigation has zeroed in on a ring of aristocratic rebels whose bloody campaign for Irish revolution is terrorizing the city. When he discovers one of the treacherous lords is acquainted with his free-spirited new tenant, Cassandra St. Cloud, his inquiry pulled him unexpectedly close to the hear of the conspiracy -- and into the arms of a most intriguing lady.

Cassie is no Victorian prude. An impressionist painter with very modern ideas about life and love, she is eager for a romantic escapade that is daring and discreet. She sets her sights on her dour but handsome landlord, but after she learns their meeting was not purely accidental, she hardly has a chance to forgive her lover before their passionate affair catapults them both into a perilous adventure.

This was definitely one of the more unique historical romances out there. I can see why RWA gave her an award. Let's break it down, shall we?

The Story:
The story is gripping. It takes you on a journey with Scotland Yard and its heroes, especially Zeno aka Zak. There is a plot afoot and Cassie seems to be unwittingly caught in the middle. Zak makes it his responsibility to protect her, and well, things happen along the way. The story bounces back between their love and the nefarious schemes of The Bloody Four. It is rather unique in that there is an actual mystery like plot with Scotland Yard, and their romance pretty much solidifies about halfway through the book.

You can tell all the research that went into this novel, too. She really makes it known that this is the turn of the century (almost) Victorian England, and it doesn't do the novel disservice. Although through the first chapter, I wrote down all of the references I didn't get or the inventions I wasn't sure existed. After losing hours to Wikipedia, she was right on them all, and I learned the history of vibrators.

The Characters:
First we shall look at the leads.

Cassie was a contradiction. Well maybe not a contradiction but built a contradiction in me. She is the daughter of a suffragist who rides bikes in breeches. All well and good and pretty awesome. Side note: I've ridden a bike in a skirt and do NOT recommend it). She is also an artist. Super likable, yeah? But then she goes and does stupid things like refusing a guard when she knows this not nice man from her past is tailing her and wants her kidnapped. "No I am good with one guard." Seriously?! I don't care how "feminist" you are, it seemed stupid to me and I just couldn't forgive her for the needless danger she kept getting into because of it.

Zak was less of a struggle to like. He was pretty consistent. I got a little tired of the hero gig that he kept playing over and over again. But I guess it comes with his job? I mean he must be super good at it.

All of these complaints make it sound like I hated Zak and Cassie, but I didn't. Not really. They were pleasant for the most part, these were just my qualms.

I did extremely love the side characters and can't wait for them to have books of their own.

The Romance:
The romance took a bit of a backseat to some of the story, but it wasn't too bad. The first half was brilliant in the romance aspect. After they hooked up the first time it was more.... leisurely. And you know that isn't really a bad thing. I would have liked to see more romance outside of the sexy times, but you know this isn't really a negative. It made the story and characters seem more like characters in the real world as opposed to Romancelandia.

The Execution:
Remember how I mentioned the bouncing between romance and mystery? Well, it does this rather smoothly for most of the novel, but the end seemed to drag. To be honest, I wish this would have ended scenes earlier. Like about 50 pages. The ending seemed a little anticlimacitc.

The Overview:
Overall, I liked it. It was refreshing to read a non-regency, a non-ton (for the most part) story about a man making his living in the world. A super interesting living with crime solving and bombs. I am really looking forward to reading more from Ms. Stone, especially more of the Scotland Yard books.

3/5

Review: Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long

Book Title/Author: Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Publisher/Year Published: October 2008 by Avon
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 4/5 stars
Challenges: Reading Romances April Challenge: Borrowed Books

Summary:via Goodreads

It's the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton's most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds' house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and—thanks to his brother's disappearance—heir to the family's enormous fortune.

Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he's heir apparent, relishing his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he'll keep Cynthia's steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests—in exchange for a single kiss.

What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it's enough to unleash fierce passion—and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.

It's time to review another romance novel! This one is the second in the Pennyroyal Green series, the first of which was The Perils of Pleasure, which I liked well enough. This one however was quite good.

Like No Other Lover reminded me of the early Bridgerton novels by Julia Quinn: sweet scenes, hilarious scenes, and great characters. The plot, let's be honest here, is one that has been done before. Impoverished beauty needs to find a husband so she doesn't end up on the streets, thus she has to do it quickly. Enter house-party romance time.

Miles' family through the house party and she shows up. He of course knows (somewhat) of her plight and tries to help her find a man, all the while falling for her himself.

So let's clearly the plot is not what sets this book apart. It's the characters. I loved the leads. I thought they had the best chemistry I've read in a while. While both are mainly a romance novel stereotype, Miles the studious man in the glasses who people overlook and Cynthia the impoverished beauty, they have enough depth and dimension that this doesn't define them.

And not only the leads are well rounded, the secondary characters carry themselves as well. I hope we see more of those guys pop up in later books (there are six so far I believe). Without these characters, this novel really would have fallen flat.

This is a good stand alone, as well. One thing I have seen about this series is you really don't have to read it in any order (unless you are anal like me and HAVE to). This would be a good book for someone looking to read a "desperate times call for desperate measures" house party story.

As I mentioned earlier, some scenes really reminded me of Julia Quinn in their hilarity. The drinking game is one that stands out for me. There were quite a few times that I would laugh out loud in a crowded airplane. And to make people look at me like I am that crazy person, clearly this must have been good.

There was one thing that I couldn't get over though, and this has no fault with the actual story. The covers, particularly the back cover, is holy cow embarrassing. Remember how I said I was reading this on an airplane, well I didn't realize the horrid nature of the back cover until I saw down in the boarding area.

Here it is. The flash location is a happy coincidence.

So overall summary: Great book, wonderful characters, good chemistry, get it as an eBook :)

Review: The Harlot by Saskia Walker

Book Title/Author: The Harlot by Saskia Walker
Publisher/Year Published:May 2011 by Harlequin Spice
Where I got it: The library as an eBook
Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

It is a Dark Era, one when a lusty lass will do what she must to survive. Even if it means bartering flesh for a palmful of coins…

Forced to watch her mother burned at the stake and separated from her siblings in the aftermath, Jessie Taskill is similarly gifted, ripe with a powerful magic that must stay hidden. Until one night when she's accused by a rival, and Jessie finds herself behind prison walls with a roguish priest unlike any man of the cloth she has known.

In reality, Gregor Ramsay is as far from holy as the devil himself, but his promise of freedom in return for her services may be her salvation. Locked into a dubious agreement, Jessie resents his plan to have her seduce and ruin his lifelong enemy. But toying with Gregor’s lust for her is enjoyable, and she agrees to be his pawn while secretly intending to use him just as he is using her.

The Harlot, an erotic romance centered around sex and a revenge scheme, to me was just okay. The first few chapters are rather jarring and you are pretty much thrown into sex. Seriously, one moment you are reading a story about a slightly raucous bar scene and then bare asses are up in the air! I am not jittery about the eroticism of this book (nor bare asses in the air in context I guess ha), but for the first 100 pages or so it was a book of erotic encounters held together with a loose narrative. It wasn't until really half the book was over that we saw any forward plot movement with the revenge thing.

The sex was pretty steamy, and other adjectives for erotic that I can't think of right now. Although from a story telling perspective, some of it was completely unnecessary and somewhat random. I haven't read too many erotic romances, and the ones I have were dismal, so I don't have much to go by if this is the norm or just so for this book.

The story could have been better if the characters were more developed outside of the sex or how the sex affected them. I know this is erotic romance, but I still expect more than what this gave me. It was like they had one other character trait outside of being horny (Jessie: witch; Gregor: revenge-driven).

That said though, it wasn't horrible. It wasn't purple prosey or entirely lacking a plot. And a lot of the sensual scenes made sense in the context of the plot. And you know, I finished the book. That says a lot right there. Toward the end I skimmed a bit, but I honest to goodness finished the book. So many times these days I have been giving myself an out of the DNF for books I just couldn't stand. But I read this one, which means something.

Overall, it was okay. Readable, steamy, but okay.

Review: Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

Book Title/Author: Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt
Publisher/Year Published: November 2011 by Grand Central Publishing
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind—and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he's asking for her help.

"Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking.

When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap—her mother having died—Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.

I think this is a turning point book in the series. Both of the other two have been building up to this book. And it was worth the build.

Readers of the Maiden Lane series go into this book with a past that we have seen unfold before us in the previous books. This is not the first time Mickey and Silence have met. This is not the first time we have met Mickey or Silence. And we don't take any time to recap it too much. You probably would get enough information if you were jumping into this series in this book, but I know what they told me would leave me wanting to read the first two (which we also very good. Here my review of the first book).

This book was well written, well paced and had some steamy sex scenes. And man those scenes. I think Ms. Hoyt has some of the most intimate and erotic scenes in historical fiction.

The characters are so three dimensional, even the secondary ones I could picture well enough in my head. Mickey and Silence were just amazing. They played off each other really well. I love the Pirate and the Puritan thing they have going between them. Though Silence isn't meek... so I am not sure how much puritan she embodies.

I wont say that I didn't see the big series twist coming, but most of the plot twists left me saying "What? This is happening? But how will we move forward with their lurve... let's read on!"

It did however start off a little too Disney's Beauty and the Beast for me. There was even a point where Charming Mickey says something along the lines of "If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all." My head immediately went to "Well go head and staaaaarrrrve" (me paraphrasing the Beast here.) But this wont damper the experience.

I love this series and if you get anything out of this review, pick this up. Like romance? Sick of the Regencies? In for a Victorian set in the slums of London? Yes, please.

Review: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Book Title/Author: Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Publisher/Year Published: Feb 2011 by Harlequin Books
Where I got it: The library's eBook collection
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges:Reading Romances Challenge - February Entry for "embracing couple cover"

Summary:via Goodreads

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family--and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance....

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy--the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties--and the tantalizing promise of passion....

Margaret is hiding out as a non-convincing nurse while trying to spy on the potential new heir, Ash. Ash knows from the start he is going to hit that. Margaret does a great job of saying "No" and Ash is okay with taking it slow.

The premise is really interesting to me. Brothers bastardized by their fathers deception by the cast-away distant relative. Distant relative and bastardized sister start to fall in love. Sister is torn between loyalties.

While the romance itself was pretty interesting, I really wanted to know how they were going to resolve this issue. So I guess a good plot line too me a little out of the romance.

But Ash and Margaret are very well rounded characters. Each has flaws, but not overwhelmingly so. Each has positives, but they aren't shoved down our throats. I extrememly liked, going back to that plot thing, that the main obstacle was not them falling in love. It was overcoming betrayal.

But, this book is a conundrum to me. I can't find anything about it that I particularly disliked, but I can't find anything about it that sent me over the moon. I think that it is the epitimy of a "just good" book. It wouldn't be the first I'd recommend, but I would recommend it.

It was solidly fine. I am definitely continuing on with this series.

Review: A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

Book Title/Author: A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore
Publisher/Year Published: June 2009 by Forever
Where I got it: Borders Blowout
Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his cousin and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul. . . until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands-and his wife.

Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game-where the stakes are not only love . . . but life and death.

Wow. A historical romance where the hero is not clear for a very, very long time. How refreshing and interesting. Two dukes, one duchess. What to do?

That fact, its pretty cover, and the dollar price at Borders was why I purchased the book. I was curious as to how it was going to turn out, since it breaks at least one of the "rules" of romance novels: "Who is the hero?" How is she suppose to be faithful to him when she nor I knows who it is?

Many a time reading this novel, which was quite a page turner, I was thinking to myself: "Who should I root for?" Who did I want to win the girl? A problem I often have in reading love triangles is who do I think is right for the heroine. This time it just stressed me out. I kept putting myself in her shoes.

One day my husband, whom I love, dies at war. His best friend and I spend years looking for him to no avail. I start to love said best friend and get married to him. We are happy when husband one comes back demanding his wife.

Seriously this is the most stressful thing ever.

I had empathy for both of them. Neither was the clear loser. I understood where both were coming from in their situations. Sophie though sometimes seemed a little too wishy-washy for someone described as strong. I couldn't help but think she was trying to have her cake and eat it too. I know that the whole situation would be SO confusing, I mean, I was just the READER and I was completely bowled over. But they kept saying she was so proactive, but I just didn't see it. I guess though stress educed emotions can be pretty confusing things and can take you and turn you on your head.

For a historical non erotic labeled romance, there were some "unusual" sex scenes. Nothing to really put me off, but to be honest I was so curious as to the outcome, I skipped a good deal of them.

It was still an okay book. The plot made sense to me but the ending just pissed me off. After all the stress they went through, the things they pulled, the wrap up was like "Somehow I think everything is okay now. We're cool. Even though I literally wanted to kill you an hour ago" What?!

The idea was super interesting. What would you do with two husbands? But the characters were not developed all that well and I didn't care about them as much as I wanted to know the rational for the resolution.

I may try this author again, but right now it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Review: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

Book Title/Author: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long
Publisher/Year Published: January 2008 by Avon Books
Where I got it: an eBook from the library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: February entry in my To Be Read Pile Challenge

Summary:via Goodreads

Scandal has rocked the city of London. Colin Eversea, a handsome, reckless unapologetic rogue is sentenced to hang for murder and, inconveniently for him, the only witness to the crime disappears. Then again, throughout history, the Everseas have always managed to cheat fate in style: Colin is snatched from the gallows by a beautiful, clever mercenary.

Cool-headed, daring Madeleine Greenway is immune to Colin's vaunted charm. Her mission is not to rescue Colin but to kidnap him, and to be paid handsomely for it. But when it becomes clear that whoever wants Colin alive wants Madeline dead, the two become uneasy allies in a deadly race for truth. Together, they'll face great danger--and a passion neither can resist.

Historically, the thing about me and historical romances* is that I find an author I love and read the crap out of all the books I can find by them until I can find no more. More recently though, meaning the past few years, though I read the new books put out by my favorite authors, I find my self branching out and trying different things.

I've been wanting to read Julie Anne Long for a while. I don't know why I didn't; it just never panned out. I think the catalysis was buying one of her books from the Border's sales, but it was the 5th in the series.

One thing to know about me. I cannot stand being "spoiled" for a book (or movie or TV show). If it is a series, I must read it in order.

So now that I had this book with the inciting cover and rave reviews in my possession, I couldn't do anything with it until I read the 4 previous books.

This is where we start our review.

The Perils of Pleasure is the first book in Long's Pennyroyal Green series. The series definitely starts off on a high note with Colin, the literally almost hung innocent murderer, and Madeline, the woman hired to save him.

I can't say that I have ever read a historical romance novel where the hero and heroine are pretty much on the run the entire novel. Yay! Unique plots! After the explosive beginning with the almost-hanging, they spend the rest of the novel trying to uncover what actually did happen, while of course falling for each other.

I loved Colin and Madeline. Unique, true to character throughout, growth and change. Love it! The scenes between the two of them were well crafted as well. The one sex scene was wonderfully sensual and fit well with these two.

I think why I didn't give this more stars was while I liked the story, sometimes it was a little jarringly written. We mostly followed Madeline and Colin, but then would be abruptly transported for a paragraph or so to some side character from Colin's large family's mind. Or Colin's large family's enemies large family.

I can see why this is a series.

I dont know if the feeling of being bounced around a bit was just me, but it pulled me out of the main story between Colin and Madeline. I see why some of it was necessary because of how the plot progressed, but still. The ending gave me the same, strange feeling too.

Despite all of this it was a satisfying story, I completely enjoyed the uniqueness of the plot though it failed a bit on the execution, and I will continue on with the series.

*Ha! A pun! I love puns!

Review: Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey

Book Title/Author:Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey
Publisher/Year Published: January 2012 by Spencerhill Associates Ltd
Where I got it: NetGalley in trade for an honest review
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: Reading Romance January Challenge

Summary:via Goodreads

One title to change his life…

A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap.

One chance to break the rules…

Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain.

One season to fall in love…

Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

Browsing through NetGalley one day, I stumbled upon a very pretty cover (as you can see) and an equally intriguing summary. And the story I have to say lives up to that summary.

Madeline is a spinster almost ready to live her life alone, but not until she has one last hurrah. In her case, it is acting in a stage play of Hamlet. Ferguson is a misunderstood rake who desires nothing to do with being a duke and longs to return to Scotland. Both of the leads have strong and weak qualities to them, which is great in developing well rounded characters. I didn't love either of them, but I didn't hate them either, and I particularly enjoyed certain aspects of each. That is probably one of the more vauge statements that I have written. Let me see if I can extrapolate.

Let's take Madeline. She is courageous enough to step out of her shell and take a risk, but also overly cautious about love due to some issues from her past. At the same time, some of those issues almost come across as a bit petty. So that is why I don't really hate her, but I can't love her either.

I think what I enjoyed about them the most was their passion for each other. The romance/steamy scenes between the two of them was awesome. I really enjoyed all of that. True story, I had to turn the little overhead air fan on while reading on the airplane I was so flushed from reading the love scenes.

The story was particularly engaging and unique with the whole acting/mistress aspect. That is really where to story focuses. The weak parts have to come in the beginning. The first chapter was extremely hard for me to read because I kept getting confused. There was a serious backstory dump at the introduction of each new character, and since chapter one is where you meet most of the new characters, I was lost despite my slower reading speed. But once I sorted it all out getting into the story came easier. My next issue came at the end though. It seemed a bit anti-climactic and the happily ever after was just ... there. I didn't feel like too much conflict resolution had happened and it was all of a sudden okay. I don't know, this may be a little nit-picky.

Overall, I enjoyed it and that is what matters. I definitely enjoyed it enough to pick up the next one when it comes out. Who would I recommend this to? If you are historical romance reader looking for something that is different than the norm, check it out. Once your through the first chapter, its a good read :)

Series Review: The Stud Club Trilogy by Tessa Dare

via Tessadare.com

The heroes—a duke, a war hero, and a low-born scoundrel—hold shares in a priceless racehorse. When the club's founder is tragically murdered, these three unlikely associates are united by chance, divided by suspicion, and brought to their knees by love

Ah, romance! I love a series that ties together but is still loose enough to read on its own. I heard of The Stud Club and Tessa Dare through Smart Bitches, but I didn't get around to sampling this series until December/January.

I decided instead of making three reviews of each of these books, to do one big monster review. I'll give a nice little summary and a mini-review of each. The overall star rating was a 3-4 and I was not disappointed in any of them.

Book Title: One Dance With A Duke
Publisher/Year Published:May 2010 by Ballantine Books
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke—until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

This was a great introduction to the series! Not only that, but it was a good stand alone book as well.

Both the main characters were interesting and well rounded and the plot kept moving. It was fun, there is an interesting tie that brings these people together, but I only gave it three stars.

The ending really started to drag for me. It just got a little repetitive. Also the ending made me just feel.. meh. The beginning and most of the book was really cool, and then I just lost interest. I would still recommend it though. It was worth my time.


Book Title/Author:Twice Tempted by a Rogue
Publisher/Year Published: June 2010 by Random House Publishing Group
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his good friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper who dares him to take on the demons of his past—and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.

Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago.

The second stud club book takes us completely away from London and up into the wilds. I really enjoyed the small town feel of this book. The female lead is strong on her own and doesn't need the hero to come and save her from anything.

The fact that it does not take place in London is enough to set this apart from other romance novels set in the Regency, but the characters are interesting, the mystery from the first one continues on through this one and in general its just a good book.

I dont know if I would like this one more or less than the first book, but again it is enjoyable and I would recommend reading this one... especially because it leads to the third.


Book Title/Author:Three Nights with a Scoundrel
Publisher/Year Published:July 2010 by Ballantine Books
Where I got it: Borders Blowout Sale
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But after meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of an elite gentlemen’s club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, Julian reconsiders his wild ways. And when Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.

Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind. She’s loved Julian forever, adores the man beneath the rakish façade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share—as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove that he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both—or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?

Ah, finally! My favorite! This book grabbed me and didnt let go! I am pretty sure I read this in about 24 hours.

Why did I like this one more? The characters are so unique and interesting in the romance novel world! Let's take a look.

Lily is deaf. She was sick as a girl and lost her hearing, so this already makes for an interesting perspective. I loved seeing how she interacted at a dinner scene or could read lips pretty well, but could hardly ever get new names.

Then there is Julian. He is trying to assuage his guilt over his friends death all the while trying to fight his love for Lily. Among other things. There are some things I dont want to spoil :)

I think I love this book because I know the characters. I know the background of what Julian is doing. The characters themselves have a history that we may not know at the beginning of the book, but sometimes its nice interacting with a book where the characters aren't love struck.

So there we have it. The Stud Club trilogy. Would I recommend it? Yup! It was really entertaining! Very satisfying as well.

A Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

Book Title/Author:The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
Publisher/Year Published: Avon December 2011
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

Unless it’s already too late

This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance

This book has elements of good, elements of bad, and elements that could go either way. Let's look at them individually.

The Good
James writes great characters. The leads were done well. I loved the wordplay going back and forth between well everyone (I am a sucker for a good pun). The secondary characters were memorable as well. They were all strong, fun, dimentional especially Quin and Olivia.

The Bad
The ending was just so random. Almost anti-climactic. All of a sudden I felt like I was reading a different story, not the one that has started. It just seemed to drag on for dragging on sake at that point. Or maybe to fit in something more that could tie it to the Princess and the Pea? I am not sure because I haven't heard that tale in quite a while.

Also I didnt notice the Justin Bieber reference until I read the authors notes. I am glad I didnt...

The Could Go Either Way
I want to say something about Rupert but I am having trouble finding what. He is a secondary character not all there mentally and expresses his emotions openly much to the display of the ton (we are told this early on). There is an early scene that I thought worked okay that some people may not like. I dont want to give to much away but it involves Olivia and Rupert. I dont think that it was disgusting, but I could see how someone may take it that way. I thought it was funnily written and sweet how it ended and I hurt for them both in that scene).

I think Olivia and Rupert have a relationship that is respectful (though it may not start out that way), and do not think the book should be disregarded because of it. Just my opinion and it may not be yours so take that in to concideration when deciding if you want to read this book.

Like I said, I am not sure how much it relates to its inspiration, since I dont know if I have really ever read the tale.

Overall, I would recommend it but maybe not to new James readers. If you are that, check out When Beauty Tamed the Beast. That book was awesome!

It's fun and I think it is suppose to be. The ending seems a little, out of place and there are places I think the story could have gone that could have been really interesting especially having to do with the two sisters, one duke. Regardless though, I would still recommend it, especially if you are a James fan already.

Taken and Seduced - Julia Latham

Book Title/Author: Taken and Seduced by Julia Latham
Publisher/Year Published: 2009 by Avon
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: 2011 Historical Romance Challenge

Summary:
He was seeking justice for those he loved . . .

Adam Hilliard, secret Earl of Keswick, lives for one thing: To kill the man who slew his parents. Raised in secrecy by the League of the Blade, he would do anything to restore his family's honor.

She was desperate to escape propriety . . .

Lady Florence Becket is the key to his revenge. But when he kidnaps her, Florrie is neither frightened nor furious, as most other young ladies would be. The bold and powerful stranger who spirited her from her father's castle could give her the freedom and adventure she craves.

They would find far more than they ever desired . . .

She is moved by his quest. He is captivated by her courage. They have no defense against the passion ignited by a single kiss. Adam has taken her from all she's ever known—but now Florrie will delight in her scandalous seduction.

Thoughts:
I've read other books by Julia Latham set right around this time (Middle Ages) and they are genuinely interesting. They were the League of the Blade books and I was quite entertained by them. This book is kind of the spinoff of the original series; it's called Raised by the Blade, so I was eager to read them.

One thing I have to say for this book is it doesn't mess around with wasting time. You just right into the "Taken" part of the title. I like plot driven books so this was nice for me.

Overall this was a nice romance. It wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad. There was nothing about this book that annoyed me so much I would want to stop and nothing that amazed me so much that I would remember it forever. I liked the traveling through England. The characters were relatable and engaging. THe plot clipped along.

It was enjoyable. If you want a nice break from all the historical regencies on the market take a look at Latham's books. They are quite a solid read.

Reviews Galore! Just not here...

I had a couple of reviews at other sites this past week. I meant to link them here on the day they posted but alas lots of things happened this week that kept me away from the computer.

Better late than never.

On Wednesday over at Seductive Musings I reviewed Laura Lee Guhrke's Wedding of the Season. This is the first of her Abandoned at the Alter series.

On Thursday over at The Broke and the Bookish I reviewed Final Jeopardy: Man vs. Machine and the Quest to know everything which is a book about the computer IBM has created to play Jeopardy!

Check them out if you are so inclined.

Scandal of the Year - Laura Lee Guhrke

Book Title/Author:Scandal of the Year by Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher/Year Published: January 25th 2011 by Harper Collins
Where I got it: I received a review copy from netGalley
Rating: 4/5 stars
Challenges: A to Z Male Name: A, A to Z Female Name: J, A to Z Book Title: S

Summary: via Laura Lee Guhrke's website

From their very first meeting, Julia knew that Aidan Carr, the oh-so-proper Duke of Trathen, had a bit of the devil in him, a devil who secretly yearned for what he could not have, a devil who harbored a desire for her. So when she needed to be caught in a compromising situation, Aidan was the answer to her prayers.

Aidan is supposed to be looking for a bride, yet his scandalous liaison with Julia is all he can think about. Hot, erotic memories of kissing her skin, falling into her bed, pulling her naked body on top of his own continue to torment and tempt him. What is it about this brazen seductress that he finds so hard to resist? And how can he stop himself from falling into her bed a second time?


The second book in the Abandoned at the Altar series, Scandal of the Year lets us follow the tale of my two favorite people from the first book, Julia and Aiden. I didn't really like the first book all that much, but was still excited to read this. The two characters were already interesting and I was curious on how they would be developed further.

I read this book in a day, yet I needed the extra days to really digest everything. It was engaging to see how the story unfolded. It wasn't in a linear fashion, but instead we were told the relevant facts in the beginning (in the summary even) and then as we watched the characters develop and grow, we were shown things that happened prior providing an interesting juxtaposition between past and present. Outside of that, the story was just interesting!

I really enjoyed where Guhrke took these characters. She didn't change who they were in the first book as so often happens when secondary characters get books of their own, but just expanded what we already knew. The growth and arc Julia and Aiden experienced individually and as a couple worked. It wasn't too little or too much. It just worked.

I really think that if I had to sum up the book in a sentence, it would be "It just worked."

Though you may notice that it only has for stars. I can hear, "But wait! If it just worked, why only four stars?" There were some moments that I thought were a little long during the flashbacks. Also, the last book was summarized in thought about 4 times (as well as at least one other previous Gurhke book) and this just rubbed me the wrong way. It was a little too strange for me to hear one character summarize another book in dialogue with the person who supposedly lived it.

But overall it still 'just worked.'

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley

Book Title/Author:Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
Publisher/Year Published:2010 by Berkley
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: A to Z Character Challenge Female: I, A to Z Character Challenge Male: R, A to Z Book Challenge, A to Z Author Challenge: A

Summary:Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.

Way back in January, I reviewed the first book in this series The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a fresh take on historical romance. In it we were introduced to Isabella and Mac, the separated married couple who still love each other but can't get past old demons.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book. It is a nice twist to read a book that is not about getting married, but really about staying so. Life has some rough twists for these two characters and they have to learn to deal with them and move past it.

Outside of the romance there is a plot dealing with a identity impersonation that is interesting. And we get to see some of the characters we loved from the first novel (Ian...).

It was enjoyable. I liked it, not as much as the first, but it was still enjoyable. I will definitely read the next one, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, when it comes out in August!

Random Discoveries

I've been reading a bit lately and then falling asleep soon after that, so review progress has been slow going (hence me starting at 9:15 tonight). But I have a book gathering story to tell.

I recently, after a bit of a drought, made a run on the library. Most of the books in the run were romance novels I've been wanting to read. I felt that while I was there I might as well pick up the next two in Caroline Linden's series. It wasn't till I was home that I discovered the covers shocking similarities.



THERE THE SAME PEOPLE! WEARING THE SAME CLOTHES! She even has the necklace on in both!!

Mind. Blown.

Storming the Castle by Eloisa James

Book Title/Author: Storming the Castle by Eloisa James
Publisher/Year Published: 2010 by Harper Collins
Where I got it: I downloaded it for my Nook
Rating: 4/5 stars
Challenges: n/a

Summary: via Goodreads What Miss Phillipa Damson needs is a good, old fashioned knight in shining armor. What she has is a fiancé she never wanted and a compelling urge to run away. But if she manages to escape, will she find her happily ever after?

I love Eloisa James' stories. I like being up to date on what she is writing, hence I follow her witty remarks on facebook and twitter. This is how I learned about this companion short story to A Kiss at Midnight, Storming the Castle.

This book did not feel like a short story to me. Nothing felt rushed; things were fleshed out beautifully to the point that after I finished I felt the same euphoric feeling I get after I finish a full length novel with characters I love. Phillipa and Wick are to die for. She knows what she wants and takes a huge risk to go out and seek her own path in life. Wick is as charming as ever, bringing the character that I loved so much back from A Kiss at Midnight.

If you want a quick little novella about two adorable characters, this is your story. It was so nice to have it in line with me during the holidays. In fact, I am pretty sure I finished it in line at Wal*Mart.

This book is available on eBook only, but it was worth my $2.00

What A Gentleman Wants - Caroline Linden

Book Title/Author: What A Gentleman Wants by Caroline Linden
Publisher/Year Published: 2006 by Zebra Historical Romance
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: A to Z Male Name: M, A to Z Female Name: H, A to Z Author: C, A to Z Book Title: W, 2011 Historical Romance Challenge

Summary: Marcus is a duke with a twin brother whom he is always bailing out of scrapes. Said twin brother decides to play a trick on Marcus by pretending to be him while he marries a good, plain country woman. When she shows up on Marcus's door step with her young child, she is just as surprised as he to find out she is not married to man she thinks she is. Cursing herself for her stupidity, Hannah finds herself in quite a pickle. She ends up making a deal with the duke and hijinks ensue.

This was a enjoyable novel. In the face of a potentially ridiculous plot beginning, it was done quite well. In fact, there was less ridiculous flounce than a good deal of romance novels without ridiculous twin plots (except maybe at the end).

The characters are very likable and the best thing about this novel. Marcus was full of snap and scorn as benefiting a duke, but inside he had that soft center. He reminded me of the character Snape in Harry Potter a bit and thus I could not help but thinking of him as a young Alan Rickman (not that this is a bad thing).

Hannah on the other hand is a strong, independent country woman just looking to keep running her own house and raise her child the way she sees fit. Once the romance kicks into swing, she displays a good deal of level headedness that many historical romance heroines lack.

For example, there was one point where the "big misunderstanding" plot could have taken over, but instead of the "Well I thought this is what you wanted even though I never asked nor made my own feelings know" Hannah even says, "What's the worse that could happen if I say something?" It was very refreshing.

Some of the subplot at the end was kind of strange, and just made the story feel like it went on a little longer than it should have. But overall I highly enjoyed this novel!