Enticing the Earl by Christie Kelley

This was a solid addition to Christie Kelley's new trilogy of wise women. I loved how this story centered around the earl, Simon Blakesworth, being in love with his wise woman's daughter, Mia Featherstone, since he was a young man. When he finds her badly beaten one day he gives her shelter and convinces her to marry him in order to protect her. I liked watching his attempts to tell Mia his true feelings for her and how everyone else around him knew, except Mia. However, he is concerned about his past actions will change her developing feelings for him. What he is unaware of is that Mia is holding her own secrets that could change everything.

One thing that was a bit off for me in this book were all the frank discussions between Mia and Simon, and even Mia's mother about some private matters. Other than that, the pacing was well done, the characters delightful, the heat spicy. I'm looking forward to Mia's sisters upcoming story.

Review copy provided by eKensington via netgalley

Back cover:
Only His Passion. . .

With his estate near bankruptcy, Simon Blakesworth, Earl of Hartsfield already has a perilous secret to keep. Still, when he finds Mia Featherstone badly beaten, he doesn't hesitate to shelter her in his home. . .and offer marriage to protect the lovely healer from her attacker. But Mia is concealing a danger this honorable earl never imagined--and can't resist. . .

Can Save Her Love. . .

Mia's valuable discovery on Simon's land saved her patients' lives. Now the only way she can help the man she's always loved save his home is to secretly find the rest of a cache of hidden artifacts. But their passion is making it impossible for Mia to ever walk away--even from a love that may not survive the truth. . .

Review copy provided by eKensington via netgalley

Related books

Tia's story coming soon

Summer is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston

This was another refreshing, light hearted romance from the up and coming Jennifer McQuiston!  While I did not like it quite as much as her debut, What Happens in Scotland, I really loved that this was set in Brighton and the entire aspect of swimming.  Our heroine, Caroline, grew up in Brighton swimming in a secluded cove and when she rescues a man one day, her heart is lost to him forever.  Daniel has demons that he keeps locked up tight and feels he is not good enough for the willful, eccentric Caroline so he pushes her away, even though it pains him.

While this book was enjoyable, I did feel like it all moved just a bit too slow.  There is plenty of simmering tension between Caroline and Daniel but I really just wanted to smack Daniel upside the head and tell him to move on from his grief to this wonderful woman waiting for him.  I really enjoyed the addition of Caroline's sister, Penelope and hope to see her get her own happily ever after!  What makes this story stand out is the attention to detail regarding swimming in this era and that makes this book a real treat. Delightful and charming, this is a story about acceptance and finding yourself stronger with a partner.  I eagerly look forward to more even though this one lacked a bit for me.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Back cover blurb from Goodreads:

His heart is unavailable.

Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…

Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature. 

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her. 

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society’s rules, all a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more.

The Governess Club: Claire by Ellie Macdonald

This was a very refreshing debut from Ellie Macdonald.  Our couple, Claire Bannister, a governess who is trying to make ends meet following the death of her father so she can get her childhood back and Jacob Knightly, an Earl posing as a tutor to show his family he can be respectable and not just wild, find a deep attraction to each other for who they truly are.  When they are caught out by her charges (the children were so well done in this story!) her life alters drastically and the truth about Jacob's identity throws it even more so.  How can she love, marry and fit in in an Earl's lifestyle?  As this is a novella, the resolution is quick but very satisfying and we get just enough teases of Claire's three other governess friends to make you anxious for their stories.  Well written with a dose of steam, enjoyable humor and realistic characters, I know I will be keeping an eye on Ellie Macdonald in the future!

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss

Blurb:

Claire Bannister just wants to be a good teacher so that she and the other ladies of the Governess Club can make enough money to leave their jobs and start their own school in the country. But when the new sinfully handsome and utterly distracting tutor arrives, Claire finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance that could change the course of her future.

Jacob Knightly has a secret. He is actually the notorious Earl of Rimmel. He's just posing as a tutor to escape his reputation in the city. He never expected to fall in love with the kind and beautiful governess. She is the first person to love him for himself and not his title.

But when Jacob's true identity is revealed, Claire realizes she has risked her reputation and her heart on a man she doesn't truly know. Will Jacob be able to convince her that the Wild Earl has been tamed and that she is the true countess of his heart?

Governess Club series

     Sept 17th
Governess Club: Sara
Governess Club: Louisa  (release dates to be announced)

It Takes Two to Tangle by Theresa Romain

Henry Middlebrook returns from war weary and wounded and he knows he needs to go back into society expect he feels the pity of the ton with his injury.  Deciding that having the right wife will soothe the pathway, he sets his sights on a lovely widow and asks her companion for some help in securing her hand.  Frances Whittier agrees to help Henry even though Henry has captured her attention in way she has never felt before.  Attempting to draw his attention through a letter, he concludes the wrong lady wrote it and Frances is forced to put up a charade to keep her feelings hidden.  As time passes though, it becomes clear to Henry that Frances is the woman he is looking for but when he finds out the truth about the letters, will forgiveness be found especially as Frances is holding out a secret about her first marriage that she feels makes her entirely unsuitable for Henry?

This is the start of Theresa Romain's new Matchmaker trilogy and I enjoyed it just as much as her other works.  Frances was such a refreshing heroine with her quiet strength and decisive talk.  I really wished she had just told Henry the truth about the letters much sooner than she did though and I thought her secrets were also refreshing from what I have read before and thought the resolution to them was handled well (in fact, how Henry deals with it made me tear up a bit!).  Henry is dealing with his own after effects of war and finds his well meaning, forgiving family a bit off putting.  Frances challenges him to move past the past and strive towards new beginnings and shows him that he still has all the respect he had before the war.  Overall I really enjoyed this book however it was a bit slow in places and heavy on details in parts for my taste but the characters with their vibrant. well written natures brought the book to a solid conclusion.  Subtle humor, passionate encounters and heartfelt letters made this a very lovely read!

eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley

The Matchbreaker Trilogy
Two more titles to come

What the Bride Wore by Jade Lee

Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, has spent the past five years working at his mill earning enough money to buy back the land his father so foolishly sold.  He has told no one what he is doing, not his mother or his brother as he is a bit ashamed of what he is doing...laboring.  Yet when he goes to by back the land, the improvements on the land prove to be to great and force the price out of his reach.  Despondent, he crawls back into himself with the only bright spot being the woman he met earlier, a purchaser for a dress shop of his fabrics, Lady Irene Knopp.  Widowed years ago, she has found happiness in working and having a purpose for each day and she sees that Grant needs to find this same solace.  Together they find happiness but Grant is reluctant to let go of his fears.  When someone attempts to kill them, he must push past them to find who this person is and why they want to harm Irene or himself.  Will Grant be able to let go of his past indiscretions and find peace with Irene and will Irene be able to trust her heart again to someone as reckless as Grant?

This is book three in Jade Lee's Bridal Favors series but it worked well as a standalone though I do recommend reading the novella, Winning a Bride as it shows more of the depth of anger between Grant and his brother and how much needs to be repaired between them.  This was a very lovely story of finding oneself and growing into a true, deep love.  Irene was the perfect woman to show Grant how to be focused and move past the sadness in life.  She found a way, by becoming a purchaser and she helps him find his own way past all the mistakes of his youth.  However, Irene feels she can never be a countess as she wants to continue her work so she has her own reservations of becoming to involved with Grant.  The suspense portion of this book was well done and not overly dramatic which I appreciated with more of the focus on the romance and rebuilding of Grant's family.   Irene and Grant's mutual attraction leads to some very steamy bedroom scenes that added a nice dose of spice to a somewhat slow moving storyline for me.  Other than the slowness, it was quite enjoyable and is set up perfectly for the final book in this series and I can't wait to dive into it!  Jade Lee always delivers a satisfying romance with the perfect dose of steam.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley

Bridal Favors series
Can be read as standalones but richer in order

                                                                                          Feb 4th 2014

The Secret Life of Lady Julia by Lecia Cornwall

I have really enjoyed all of Lecia Cornwall's previous works but this one just did not click with me as much.  It features a plot with political intrigue and that is just not a plot I enjoy personally.  I also felt like the romance between Julia and Thomas needed a bit more attention.  After a passionate meeting in the beginning, they do not speak to each other again until half way into the story.  There were a lot of people and names and it got a bit confusing and overwhelming for me and I would have just like a bit more time focused on the couple and their personal issues.  After all, Julia has a very large secret that Thomas does not find out about until the very end and I felt like it was all glossed over a bit too easily.

However, I did really enjoy the different locale we saw.  Quite a bit is set in Vienna which was refreshing and exciting and the attention to detail was very well done but a bit overwhelming for me.  So while this did not work for me, it will appeal to romance fans who enjoy the political angle with some mystery and heat.  But for me, 3 1/2 stars this time.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Hero of My Heart by Megan Frampton

Mary Smith is tossed up on the auction block by her debt-ridden step brother and sold to the highest bidder, Alasdair Thornham who really has no idea why he bought her, only he felt the need to rescue her.  Somehow through his opium induced haze, he recognizes that Mary needs to be taken care of and he seems to be the perfect man for the job.  He will simple marry her and then she will have access to his home and funds and he can go off and let the opium to its job, rid him of all his painful family and war memories.  What he doesn't expect is a fierceness in Mary to save Alasdair from his drug haze.  Mary is determined to set Alasdair free and help his realize the past can not be changed and everything was not his fault, not his burden to bear now.  Mary's step brother and Alasdair cousin, who wants Alasdair's title, force this couple to hide and take a trip across the countryside.  Close quarters allow for Mary and Alasdair's feelings to develop but what will happen once they reach London?  Will Mary be able to tell Alasdair her real desire to get to London, a secret she is sure will shame him?

While I did enjoy this romance, I also felt a bit let down.  I felt like some things were just glossed over, most specifically with Alasdair's opium addiction.  He struggles and fails early on but once they are forced into the countryside with no money or transportation, his struggles fall to the wayside and he has no side affects and I felt like there needed to be more of a struggle with that aspect.  I also would have liked to have seen more of Mary's secret explored and expanded upon as it was something a bit fresh in this genre.  Even with Alasdair's struggles, both inner and outer  he is a very swoon worthy hero; smart, handsome, generous and witty and I really enjoyed him.  Mary is strong, brave and not afraid to voice her opinions yet hesitant to trust a man who easily breaks his promises and is dependent on something that alters him.  Another thing that was a bit off for me was the trek through the countryside...they had a few bumps and then they were easily to London.  I feel like the ending could have been much stronger and really been a better fit for this story as it had good potential, but it just fell a bit short for me this time.  However, I do plan on checking out the future releases of Megan Frampton as I feel like she has a good voice that will hopefully connect together a bit better for me over time.  Recommended for fans of unique story lines with personal struggles and a happily ever after that will make you smile.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Loveswept via netgalley.com...thanks!

And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle

I love when a title fits a book perfectly and that is just the case with the newest from Elizabeth Boyle.  Daphne Dale answered an advertisement in a newspaper on a whim and it has grown into so much more and she is determined to meet the mysterious Mr. Dishforth.  When they agree through their corresponding to meet at her friends betrothal ball, she is elated to meet the man she has fallen for yet one look at Lord Henry Seldon, sworn adversaries of the Dale's, leaves her confused.  She thinks Henry is the same man yet can not be sure and the family feud leaves her even more indecisive.  Henry, for his part, can not fathom falling in love with a Dale yet he also can not deny the attraction between himself and Daphne and he too questions if she is his mysterious Miss Spooner.  A house party, a rainstorm and a lot of determination during an attempt to run away add up to a fun romance.

While I really enjoyed this Regency take on You've Got Mail, I didn't love it and I really can not pinpoint why.  I wish we had seen a bit more of Daphne and Henry's relationship grow through the letters instead of just a chapter or two about it but at the same time they had to meet face to face to have that connection.  I loved the instant attraction that they both tried so hard to deny, especially after they found out who they were in relation to the family feud.  As to the family feud, the reason behind it was a bit silly and I do wish it had been something a bit more dramatic so it added a bit more to the storyline.  Daphne and Henry make a cute, fun couple and are ones you just can't help but cheer on.  I really enjoyed the ending and how Daphne took matters into her own hands (finally) and thought it was very well done.  Overall, a fun, light hearted, witty romance that will leave a smile on your face.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Rhymes with Love series
Could be read as a stand alone, but previous characters are in this one quite a bit

If Wishes Were Earls Nov 26th

A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

Another debut for this year and it turned out to be rather promising.  Miss Julia St. Claire has no desire to fall in love and marry, instead she leaves that to her sister Sophia who has pined over the Earl of Clivesden for years.  Yet when Clivesden suddenly shows an interest in Julia, tension abounds and Julia keeps distancing herself from the drated man but he is always there.  She turns to her childhood friend, Benedict Revelstoke for help getting out of her unwanted betrothal.  Julia would rather be ruined in the eyes of society than cause her sister pain.  Problem is Benedict will not ruin her without offering marriage...a marriage Julia fears will be one sided in love and the thing she wants to avoid at all costs. . .

I was pleasantly surprised to see that this story actually is two romances in one; Julia and Benedict and Sophia and the man she inadvertently gets compromised with.  I was afraid that Sophia's storyline was going to detract from the other storyline but instead it really added to the story as I came to realize that Sophia also needed to find her own happily ever after and closure for Julia's story to really work (though I would have really enjoyed Sophia in a full length as her story had a bit more mystery to it).  Julia is known as a bit of a frigid lady due to her desire to guard her heart and not open it to any man, not reveal her true feelings.  Her interactions with Benedict were fun and sweet though I do wish she would have given Benedict a chance a bit sooner.  Benedict had no idea of his feelings for Julia until they waltzed and suddenly his life was turned upside down and all he can do now is protect Julia but he naturally, has a hard time expressing this.  He is charming, clever and it was refreshing not to read about a rake or titled gentleman for a change of pace.  A very pleasant, yet steamy, friends to lovers story with a nice sense of family, wit and charm.  Really looking forward to the next book featuring Benedict's best friend.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Ballantine Books via netgalley

Related books

 Aug 27th

The Earl in My Bed by Sophie Jordan

This was a charming, delightful quick read about Paget, the daughter of a vicar, and Jamie, the new Earl of Winnigham.  Paget always thought she would marry Jamie's younger brother but with Owen off to war, she has come to realize her feelings are more platonic.  Jamie is suddenly stirring up new feelings that she never thought she could feel for this cold, uptight man.  Jamie knows that Paget belongs to Owen, even though there is no formal engagement, but with his new, unexpected duties, the girl from his childhood is beckoning to him, making him rethink his views of her just being a lowly vicars daughter.

Even though this is short, it packs quite a bit into the story.  Jamie always felt like an outcast amongst his brothers and Paget, envied their easy companionship and it has made Paget disregard him.  However, there is a spark that flares from Paget's bold treatment of Jamie and it was a pleasure watching Jamie uncover his true feelings and show a more softer side.  I did feel like the "I love yous" were a bit quick and easy but that comes with the shorter length.  This was a very appetizing story that has really piqued my interest in Owens story, which is next in this series, How to Lose a Bride in One Night and I know I will be reading it to see how he deals with this turn of events!  For a quick, emotionally satisfying romance with a dash of heat, this one is a solid choice.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Forgotten Princesses series
This worked well as a stand alone

Once Again a Bride by Jane Ashford

I loved the set up for this story: a bride not known to any other family members and then when her husband suddenly is murdered, she finds an entire new family.  And as I read the first few chapters, the set up was even more intriguing.  Charlotte Wylde married to please her dying father to an older man who treats her shabbily, and not just her husband but also the servants.  When his will reveals she may not sell any of his precious antiques, she is at a loss for funds.  An attempted burglary puts her welfare more soundly in her new guardians care, Alec Wylde.  Alec already has numerous obligations to his estate and caring for his two younger sisters and does not want another one but something about Charlotte, and the mystery of her existence, propels him to look deeper.  Not to mention his growing attraction to her. . .

While I enjoyed this book, it moved a little slow for my tastes, which can be a refreshing change of pace.  However, there was a lot of character development which was a true pleasure to read and discover.  I loved Alec's love and devotion to his family and his strong sense of honor.  Charlotte shed her shell that she had built around herself due to her worthless husband and emerged a strong, vibrant woman.  One of Alec's sisters adopts a cat and it adds a bit of humor to the storyline.  There is also a secondary romance between two of the servants that was a bit of a pleasant surprise but it adds length to the story.  I think fans of more traditional type Regencies will be very pleased with this story and the gradual love between Alec and Charlotte.  Filled with a strong sense of family and wonderful characters with some humor, charm, love and a dash of action, this is sure to be a winner.  3 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca through netgalley.com

Compromising the Marquess by Wendy Soliman

Leah Elliot is devastated by her fathers untimely death and the destruction of their source of income, his rare bookshop.  With her mother dying shortly later of a broken heart, Leah and her sister have to turn to the mercy of her estranged uncle and Leah strives to make ends meet by selling tidbits of gossip.  Knowing something is going on at the local pub, she dons her male disguise only to run into the man she suspects is behind the mysterious doings, the Marquess of Denby, Hal Forster.  Leah becomes privy to some knowledge she wants to share but knows she can not, especially with her budding friendship with Hal's sister...and her budding attraction to Hal.  Instead, Hal grows to trust Leah and shares the truth and just when they think they have the mystery solved, it takes a dangerous turn. . .

This was a very action packed adventurous romance!  It was a bit slow in the beginning for me and did not really grab my attention but the second half really picked up and I loved the twists as I was not expecting them and thought they were really well done!  I really adored Hal and his family and am eagerly awaiting their stories.  Hal was polite, protective and passionate and he was instantly intrigued by the bold, smart, curious Leah and together they found a unique way to explore the passions of marriage without actually compromising Leah.  His spy past comes back in a large way in the end and his love and devotion to Leah became very clear as he is forced to protect her....or does Leah protect him?  Together, they were a great couple who had no big misunderstandings and moved past Leah's earlier gossip posts since Hal talks with her about it and Leah actually admits to her reasons behind what she is doing, which was a refreshing and welcome!  Recommended for fans of adventurous romance with a strong sense of family and a nice dose of heat.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Carina Press via netgalley

The Forsters series
Three more titles to come!

Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood

Aurelia Newbold stays on the outskirts of society following an accident that left her scarred and crippled.  Instead, she lets all the attention focus on her perfectly lovely twin sister but when a mysterious man waltzes with her one night in the gardens, she starts to realize she might be worth something as she is.  This belief is cemented even more following a trip to Paris which restores her mentally and helps her physically.  Anxious to be back in London and with her sister, she is shocked to learn that Amy is engaged and disappointed when the man turns out to be her waltz partner.  James has newly inherited an earldom which he never expected to inherit and it is in dire need of funds so he proposes to Amy, a wealthy American and all seems fine until he sees Aurelia again and the attraction still burns between them.  With neither of them willing to hurt Amy, whom they both care for, they seem destined to be apart.  However some matters from the previous earl's past arrive in threatening letters and a persistent ship man and James finds himself confiding in Aurelia.  As they attempt to solve the questions lurking, will they be able to in time and find a way to be together, without hurting anyone?

This was an enjoyable, pleasant debut that is a bit on the sweet side.  I enjoyed watching Aurelia find the strength within herself following her accident, that her scars do not define her.  She was sweet, strong and sensible.  James was a perfect gentleman who I wish would have just waited for the sister who held his heart after just one dance but he thought her too timid and shy at the time so I guess I understand. . . We also get to see a lot of Amy and her feelings about her upcoming marriage and her new feelings for James' friend.  There is a wonderful sense of family and I really enjoyed their little bits they added and am excited for their stories to be told.  The mystery aspect wasn't bad and adds a bit of drama near the end but overall the book felt a little long.  As James is engaged and Aurelia refuses to betray her sister, not much happens on the romance front in the first half of the book and I would have liked a little bit more to happen sooner for my taste.  The writing is well done and smooth with lovely attention to detail and I will defiantly check out future works of Pamela Sherwood even though this one was a little slow for me.  Recommended for fans of a sweet romance with memorable secondary characters with just a dash of intrigue.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley.com

Connected books

August 6th, 2013

When the Duke Found Love by Isabella Bradford

Lady Diana is the youngest of her three sisters and it has come time for her to marry, especially since she has had a few indiscretions already but since her sisters are duchesses she is hanging on to her respectability.   Through some persuasion from her sisters and mother, she agrees to a marriage to a man she doesn't know.  After all, the arranged marriages for her sisters worked out wonderfully so it can happen again, right?  Wrong.  Her intended is a dreadful bore and not suited for her at all.  And to complicate matters, she runs into the most dashing man at the park...a man that sparks her interest and he is just as intrigued by her.  The Duke of Sheffield is no stranger to gossip himself and needs to marry a respectable young lady quickly to avoid the kings wrath and he finds himself engaged to a passable lady.  Unfortunately she is in love with another and all of Sheffield's thoughts are consumed with Diana.  Will Diana and Sheffield do what is proper of them or will the do one last daring, risky endeavor for true love?

Overall not a bad conclusion to a fun, yet somewhat predictable, series.  I enjoyed Diana and her zest for life but I did feel she bent to the rules her mother and sisters wanted her to follow rather quickly.  I thought there might have been more conflict with her but there was not anything major.  Sheffield was a joy to read.  Yes he has rakish tendencies but underneath he has a heart of gold.  I liked his manner with dealing with his fiance and I thought his dog added a wonderful sense of humor.  Paired with Diana's love for her cat, the animals are a great secondary act.  The attention to details through fashion and the surroundings was great and something I always appreciate and enjoy.  The love blooms fast between Sheffield and Diana but they find it hard to find some time alone but I appreciated how truthful they were with everything.  So while nothing major happens, which is a nice change of pace sometimes, this is a nice comfort read with love, laughter and family.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Ballatine Books via Netgalley

Wylder Sisters series
Best enjoyed in order since the sisters are featured heavily

The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda by Sophie Barnes

Lord William Summersby has decided to marry a nice, quiet young lady, one that is proper enough for a future earl and will provide the requisite heir.  So when he suddenly finds himself engaged to one bold Lucy Blackwell, a woman he doesn't even know until they share a dance, he knows his duty and will marry Lucy but will not be happy about it!  The only thing he asks of her is to have no secrets... Lucy has her own reasons for trapping William into marriage.  She needs the former spy to help her find her parents murderer but she knows he does not trust her, nor does she blame him for this fact, and she finds it hard to try and build a new relationship while keeping her true life secret.  When it becomes clear that the murderer has found her after all these years and takes drastic steps to ensure her silence, William notices the cracks in her composure and pressures her for the answers.  Can Lucy find a way to tell the truth while protecting all those threatened?  Will William be able to forgive another lie and find a way to protect the woman that is slowly becoming so important to his life?

I have enjoyed all of Sophie Barnes novels and this one is no exception!  The beginning will grab you and then the craziness of Lucy's plan will keep you turning the pages and watching Lucy and William attempt to find some common ground in their very unconventional marriage was a delight to read.  Seeing the horror of Lucy's past first helps you get a better understanding of her reasons to need William's help, since the plan is bold and crazy and thankfully, the family stands by her even though they distrust her initially.  William is strong, proud and underneath the gruff, caring and protective.  I liked the twist of her past catching up to her in England instead of in Constantinople.  However, when the story does travel abroad it adds quite a bit of drama and tense moments but also felt a bit over the top.  I think for me, it was just a little too much coupled with the way Lucy and William got betrothed.  I liked how Lucy and William formed a bond before anything happened in the bedroom and I liked watching them slowly fall for each other.  I also liked the strong family bond and watching the relationships change and grow stronger among them as well.  Overall, an action-packed, crazy, fun romance that will sweep you away.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss

Summersby series
Can be read as stand alones but characters are recurring

To Tempt an Irish Rogue by Kaitlin O'Riley

Paulette Hamilton is busily happy with her bookstore and the soon to be opening of a new one when a charming man and his adorable daughter stroll into the shop and her life is never the same.  One glance and Declan Reeves, Lord Cashelmore, and his daughter Mara and she is instantly attracted and drawn to the mute young girl.  However, her family quickly warns her to stay away from him as is suspected of murdering his wife.  Paulette knows that this man did not do what is being said of him and continues to see Declan whenever she can.  They form a heated bond that they soon explore, even knowing that Declan has no desire to marry again.  However, as matters progress, it becomes clear that Declan must return to Ireland to clear his name so that maybe he can have a future with Paulette after all.  Returning to Ireland causes a whole new array of problems and it leads Paulette to him and a daring mission to reunite him with his daughter.  Will this separation allow Paulette and Declan, and the rest of her family, to see the truth of their hearts and the truth of the past?

This was my first time reading Kaitlin O'Riley and I enjoyed her writing!  Even though this is book four in a series about the Hamilton sisters, I did not feel left out and look forward to going back and reading their stories now.  The story is not over fresh or unique but it felt like a nice comfort read.  The relationship progressed nicely and the addition of Mara was well done and I really enjoyed watching her transform back into a vibrant young girl along with her close bond with her dad.  I loved that the setting included a peek inside the workings of a bookstore!  Declan is a handsome, solid Irish man and I think he was a wonderful balance to the quiet, smart Paulette.  The addition of all the sisters and their families adds a real sense of warmth without taking away from the romance.  I liked how the action plot and villain were spelled out rather quickly, that was a nice change of pace for me!  It is always refreshing to see the evil plan unfold when you know who did what.  Overall, a nice blend of family, romance, tenderness with dash of action.  A nice treat for a cold winter day.  I look forward to the final Hamilton sisters story! 

ARC provided by Kensington Books

Hamilton Sisters series
Worked well as a stand alone

One more to come next year!

How to Tame a Willful Wife by Christy English

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravenbrook, is ready to take a bride and have his heirs so he expects his bride, the one he paid for, to do what he says and enjoy her life in the country while he can still entertain in the city.  Caroline Montague is not that woman.  She likes to ride astride in breeches, fence and takes lesson in handling a dagger, which is never far from her side.  She cannot believe the man her father has picked out for her, a man that can not accept her as she is but she knows her duty and marries Anthony in just two days time with only their smoldering desire for each as a bridge.  Together, they burn up the sheets but Antony's controlling ways are still a major issue between them so Caroline struggles to find a way that the can be happy together beyond the bedroom.  Just as they seem to be finding that place, they travel to London for the Prince Regent's ball and Anthony's mistress causes havoc and it forces Caroline to get help from the one man Anthony despises, Viscount Carlyle.  Will this be the final, willful act that pushes Anthony and Caroline to the breaking point or can Anthony find a way to accept Caroline as herself while letting go of his jealously?

I really liked this book.  Caroline was a delight to read...bold, courageous, feisty, passionate and ready to protect those she loves without hesitation.  Anthony was a bit harder for me to warm up to and I'm not sure I completely did.  He is bossy, controlling, arrogant, very jealous yet honorable, kind and finds ways to stand up to Caroline like know one has before.  He wants a proper wife all the time and Caroline only is when society dictates it and this infuriates him.  I enjoyed the bantering between our couple and they certainly knew how to set the pages on fire with their passion.  I wish there had been just a bit more back story with Anthony's past or how he came to be such good friends with the Prince Regent or more with the incident involving his sister (but she may have her own story so the author may be waiting until then).  I also thought Anthony overreacted a bit to Caroline's interactions with Carlyle, especially considering he refused to tell her the truth about the past and the reasons for his hatred of the man, and then his resolution with her didn't seem quite right.  Still, I liked the romance and it read very well and quickly and I will read more from Christy English.  This was a novel full of sass, steam, stubbornness and love and is a pleasant way to spend an evening in front of the fire.  3 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks via Netgalley

Love on a Midsummer Night (I am guessing this book will be related as their were numerous secondary characters introduced that will hopefully have stories and also since the title is a play on a Shakespeare title again)  Amazon has a release of August 1, 2013

The Second Seduction of a Lady by Miranda Neville

Eleanor Hardwick lives her life the way she wants and thanks to an inheritance from her late mother, she can.  If she wants to spend money of fancy bonnets, she will.  If she wants to travel, she can.  Yet, being the only child of a recluse father is very lonely so her travels often involve visiting her relatives and trying to help in any way she can, welcome or not.  Eleanor takes one of her young cousins, Caro, under her wing since her mother is dastardly but her life is thrown into upheaval upon a walk when Eleanor and Caro stumble upon a young man and his guardian.  The guardian is Max Quinton, the man who broke her heart five years ago with a cruel bet.  Max is delighted to see the only woman who has laid claim to his heart and he is determined to make rights with Eleanor once and for all so he sets about a slow seduction to win her back.  Unfortunately, he causes more problems as he uses his charge's interest in Caro to gain information and when this comes to light, the damage is done all over for Eleanor.  Will a chase to Gretna Green together be enough to prove that Eleanor is the only one for him?

This novella (which was about sixty percent of my file, the rest were excerpts) is the kickoff to Miranda Neville's upcoming new series and was an enjoyable tale.  When Max broke her heart, it cemented her belief that marriage is not for her, especially after witnessing her joyful mother wilt under her fathers boring lifestyle.  Now, at the tender age of 30 (I loved that she was a bit older than the norm!), she is determined to live a quiet life by herself and she plans to shove Max away.  Max is charming and quiet in his seduction of Eleanor and she finally allows him to explain his side of the bet and together they make great stride to happiness only for it to seem to fall away again.  I really enjoyed the secondary romance that also bloomed between Caro and Robert and as Caro is the heroine for the next book (The Importance of Being Wicked) it has made me very anxious as to what is next for her!  However, since this novella was about Eleanor and Max, I did sort of feel Caro's problems overtook the storyline a bit and I would have liked a little more courtship between Eleanor and Max with just a bit more of their history.  Even in this short novella it has what I expect from Miranda Neville, sharp dialogue, wit, charm, heat and a dash of action.  A great kickoff to what is sure to be an amazing series!  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss

New series (I don't see a series title yet)
Nov 27th  plus three more

The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James

When James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, learns what his father has done to his best friends money, he is furious.  He is even more furious once his father tells him he must marry the girl to keep the scandal at bay.  James can not fathom marring Theodora Saxby, and not because of her unusual features, but because she is his best friend, a friend that grew up with him like a sister under his father's guardianship.  But duty abounds and he makes Daisy, as James calls her, his wife and together them seem to find a mutual passion and hope for their future.  Theo is stunned when James suddenly proposes but she believes his heartfelt declaration and goes into the marriage with her heart.  Her heart is quickly broken when the truth of the whole ordeal is revealed and she tosses James out and tries to find solace in mending the estate.  Seven years go by with no word from James and she makes the decision to have him declared dead so she can move on with her life.  To her utter shock, James returns and so do a host of feelings that had been left unresolved for so long.  Leaning the truth about James infidelity almost becomes the last straw.  How can James save this marriage that started off so wrong but feels so absolutely right now?

I am so torn about this book!  It started off wonderfully with love, passion and angst but then James left and took the seas and cheated even though he swore he never would.  Yes, he truly believed his marriage was over and he planned to stay away forever and let Theo move on with her life but....still....sigh.  When James is almost killed it finally puts his life into perspective and he returns home, in a dramatic manner, and we get more angst as Theo and James come to terms with this new relationship.  But for me, the ending was a bit rushed.  I felt like Theo had grown into herself when James was away into a strong, confident woman who grew to rise about the ton's nasty nickname of The Ugly Duchess.  She forgave James just a bit to easily for me and I would have liked a bit more groveling I guess.  I liked how Theo decides to re-enter society...as a swan which brings in the bit of the fairy tale.  I'm not quite sure why Theo was considered ugly as I believe she just had strong features but I did enjoy how James always thought she was beautiful and he is able to make her realize that again even after all their years apart.  As for James, I had a hard time warming up to him in the second half but his life at sea changed him forever and I liked seeing those changes...I just wanted a bit more.  Overall, not my favorite Eloisa James but it still has her trademark wit, passion and beautiful writing.  3 1/2 stars

I received this eARC from Avon via edelweiss books.

Fairy Tales series
Can be read as standalones

Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

When her youngest brother refuses to do his duty and join the navy, Sally Kent does what she thinks is best--she goes in his place to keep the family honor intact.  After all, the sea is in her blood having grown up on the ship with her captain father and brothers.  She loves the adventure, the air, everything about the sea but as a female she is regulated to the land.  When she sees her childhood crush, Lieutenant David Colyear also on board she thinks her disguise is at risk.  But as time passes and no one seems the wiser, she relaxes.  Circumstances force her to reveal her true identity to Col and she is at his mercy for him not to report her and damage the Kent name.  With a war happening and a mean shipmate, how will this pair find time to discover if their feelings are true or just a moment of fancy?

Hmm, I'm a bit torn about this book.  The writing and descriptions of life on a ship were lush and really made you feel like you were there but at the same time it was a bit much for me.  It took almost half of the book for the romance to start to bloom and I would have liked that to happen much sooner, even though Col and Sally had meet years ago.  I have no problem suspending reality a bit when I read but I did have a hard time believing no one on the ship noticed Sally was female.  I feel like more would have noticed something...her voice, her hands...something.  But then again, if you are not looking for a female, you probably will not notice one.  

Anyways, back to Col and Sally and the supporting characters.  I really liked Sally, or Kent as she is referred to most of the time!  She is bold and brash and has no fear and you could just feel her love and passion for what she was doing.  She was also compassionate to all those on board from making sure they had the best food they could to helping the new lads overcome fears.  Sally was even a gem to the resident villain on board, a man who could not make lieutenant and she found a clever way to deal with him and in the process, help him.  Col was a bit arrogant but confident of his work and responsibilities.  Every man on that ship needs him and he makes sure to do everything he can to uphold that.  I found his reaction to being on land a bit humorous and was glad our couple finally could be on land and progress with their romance angle.  We get to enjoy a few battles and take downs of ships which was very grand and adventurous, but I personally would have liked a bit more romance and a bit less adventure.   The ending was sweet and and me sniffling a bit and ended in a way very appropriate for this sea loving couple.  So while I didn't love this book, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a very adventurous story!  Elizabeth Essex has quite a way of describing the world she is writing about and I look forward to more from her!  3 1/2 stars

I received this eARC from St. Martins Press via netgalley.com, thanks!

Reckless Brides series
 
      Dec 26th