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.

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!