The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan

Miss Jane Fairfield has four hundred eighty days until her sister reaches her majority and she can free her from her guardian.  However, during those days she must find a way to ward off any suitors after her one hundred thousand pound dowry because if she marries before her sister is old enough, her sister could be lost forever.  Her solution is simple, be dreadful at all times.  Dress flamboyantly.  Say the wrong things to important people and make them uncomfortable so they stay away yet do not completely shun her due to her wealth.  One man sees through her ruse though.  Mr. Oliver Marshall finds the bold Jane intriguing and finds himself drawn to her even though she is far from what he needs in his life as he tries to achieve success in Parliament.  Yet when he is asked to teach her a sharp lesson, he finds himself wavering but maybe not quite enough.  Will Oliver find the courage to keep Jane, just as she is, or will he push her away?

Everytime I start a new Courtney Milan story, I know I am in for a emotional, layered tale.  Each piece fits and builds to the next and you slowly savor it as you go.  The romance of Jane and Oliver is slow, built upon friendship first and put to the test due to Oliver's ambitions.  I really adored Jane and how she is ignorant on purpose.  Her clothing choices were a delight and created a vivid blur in my mind.  Jane is bold, stubborn and her uncle, her sisters guardian, feels she is a bad influence due to her birth and having to be dreadful and find a way to protect her sister from her uncles attempts to cure her seizures, weary.  Jane forces Oliver to not stand back and be walked over due to his upbringing.  He has felt out of place due to having a duke for a father (on the wrong side of the blanket) and being accepted by his half brother and being raised by his working class father.  He rarely tells the whole truth to people as a result and Jane lets him do this.  Together they fit yet they shouldn't.  Jane is wrong for where he wants to go in the world but he needs her to be himself.  There is a secondary romance between Jane's sister and a wonderful suitor that I almost wished would have been a whole story in and of itself but it just added another layer to shaping Jane and Oliver.  This is another winner from an author I think is tops for the historical genre.  True love finding a place between an unlikely, yet perfectly fit, couple who need to accept themselves with subtle humor, a dash of heat and a promise to make you smile.  4 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by the author via netgalley.com

The Brothers Sinister series
Best enjoyed in order but this one could be read as a standalone

                                                                                             Late 2013             2014

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

I just adore this series!  I love the fact that I am laughing within the first couple of pages and that is exactly what I was doing, reading the interaction between Griffin York, Duke of Halford, and his mother.  His mother who has taken him to Spindle Cove to find a wife (she wants grandbabies desperately).  To thwart her, he chooses the girl that stumbles into the room covered in sugar...a barmaid.  If she can turn Pauline Simms into a duchess within a week, he will marry her.  However, he is not going to fall in love with the smart-mouthed woman.  He is going to overlook the fact that he can talk with her, really just talk.  He is going to help her achieve her dream of opening her own shop...even if returning to Spindle Cove to open her dream separates them.  Because a duke can not fall in love with a barmaid and be happy...right?

Loved it, plain and simple.  There is something magical about Tessa Dare's writing and she can not write fast enough to make me happy!  I adored watching the romance and friendship grow between Griff and Pauline.  She talks to him like he is a normal person and not a duke and her boldness and proud demeanor appeal to the generous, decent, good-hearted Griff.  Pauline can see that Griff is burying something very hurtful from his past and it has caused him to change.  He has not told his mother, with whom he has a good, though not talkative, relationship with and the distance is putting a strain on things.  Pauline, for her part, knows she will never be a duchess but she can not help falling for Griff but even after she does, she knows there can be no true future for them together.  I thought the difference in class situation was handled well in the end.  Yes it was all tied up neatly in a bow, but it was a pretty, sigh worthy bow.  Every time I read a Tessa Dare romance, I know I am going to laugh, sigh, cheer and fall in love with the characters she has created and Any Duchess Will Do is the perfect example of this!  A perfect romantic delight!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Spindle Cove series
Can be read as stand alones, but most enjoyable in order as characters are recurring

Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James

Gowan Stoughton of Craigiever, Duke of Kinross, is organized and precise and everything follows a routine, just as it has for years.  Knowing it is time to marry, when he meets the lovely Lady Edith Gilchrist and dances with her and finds her serene and likeable, he promptly asks for her hand in marriage.  Edie, who was suffering from a high fever and was not quite herself the day of the ball, or after when she agreed to the marriage, finds herself betrothed to a man she knows nothing about.  They exchange a few letters and Edie finds herself vastly relieved to find out Gowan has a sense of humor and that they seem to rub along well together.  Passion quickly blooms and after they marry...disaster strikes.  While they are compatible outside the bedroom, inside the bedroom is another story.  Edie finds herself reaching out to her stepmother and when the truth of the matter reaches back to Gowan, tempers explode and hurtful words are spoken and leave a damaging impact.  Determined to teach her husband a lesson, Edie retreats to the castles tower and awaits her husband.  Will Gown realize how much his words hurt and help bridge the gap with Edie?

Eloisa James' take on Rapunzel, with a bit of Romeo and Juliet thrown in as well, was a delight to read, plain and simple.  The build up to Edie locking herself in the tower was very well done and thought out.  I loved how straightforward she was to not just Gowan but his regimented staff as well.  I absolutely loved her dedication to her cello and learning little snippets of how to care for a cello and such (a whole separate carriage was needed just to carry it).  She takes no arguments from anyone and this is new to Gowan as everyone has always done what he says without question.  He leads a very ordered life and reveals his true heart and feelings to almost noone.  The heartbreak that follows his terrible words to Edie is raw and emotional.  I also really enjoyed a secondary storyline involving Edie's father and stepmother.  Edie has a close relationship with her stepmother and that was a pleasant experience to read!  This was one of my favorite stories so far by the esteemed Eloisa James.  Heartbreak, laughter, joy and determination make a sigh worthy romance that is sure to please many romance fans! 4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Fairy Tale series
Standalone stores, ebooks are loosely connected to some full length books

                

Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

What a lovely, heartbreaking, satisfying conclusion to Lorraine Heath's Lost Lords of Pembrook series!  At long last we get the story of the youngest brother, Lord Rafe Eason and the woman who breaks down the walls around his heart, Miss Evelyn Chambers.  Evelyn is saddened by the death of her father but her half brothers promise to look after her takes a very unexpected turn when he sells her off and after one glimpse, Rafe knows he has to have her...and no one tells him no.  Yet when the circumstances become clear as to what Eve is to become to Rafe, he sees her shock and dismay and for some reason, gives her time to adjust.  He finds himself fascinated by this slip of a woman, this woman who talks back to him and does not back down in fear.  Rafe knows his dark and tortuous past will be too much, even for Eve and he realizes he must let her go before she finds out about how much pain he has caused and try to avoid causing pain to Eve.  Eve is stubborn though and when his life is threatened he can only hope for Eve to find him so they can find a new life together. . .

I have been eagerly anticipating Rafe's story since I read the previous books in this series as I knew that underneath that gruff exterior was a kind, caring soul and I was so happy to see this all unfold.  Rafe is tough and comes across rude and unbearing to those around him, which helps immensely in the running of his club, yet Eve with her boldness and gentle heart seeps into the cracks he has built around himself and sinks in in a way that Rafe never thought possible.  I loved watching the relationship between Eve and Rafe develop but also that of Rafe and his brothers.  They have overcome so much and dealt with so much at a young age, it has been hard for them to find common ground to start anew on, even after many years of being reunited.  As Rafe still struggles with how he was seemingly abandoned by his older brothers, Eve is there to charm and help heal.  I was drawn to the story straight from the beginning as was sad to read the epilogue as I knew this tale was over.  Equal parts joy, love, heartbreak, heat and humor this romance will be a winner for all romance fans alike!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon books via edelweiss

The Lost Lords of Pembrook series
Could be read as stand alones, deeper sense if read in order

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

Miss Diana Highwood, the perfect beauty of her family, is destined to be a noblemans wife, at least according to her mother and Diana has accepted this until they arrive in Spindle Cove to address her health and she meets the local blacksmith, Aaron Dawes.  Now with two years of glances and delicious thoughts, she is pushed by her sister to live her life her way and Diana decides to finally act on her thoughts and desires, much to the delight of Aaron.  Never in his dreams would he expect a lady to give up a genteel life for the life of being a blacksmith's wife but Diana seems determined too even though she refuses to tell anyone about their relationship.  Matters come to light that force this couple to explain themselves (seriously, I about died laughing at that scene...oh, her poor mother!) and you just hang on for the happily ever after that is sure to come!

Oh my goodness, what a clever, hilarious  tender and sexy romance!  I devoured it and was so disappointed when it was over!  Tessa Dare has become an auto buy author for me with her Spindle Cove series and this novella is the reason why.  I know when I read a Tessa Dare book I will get a smoldering romance with trials and grit mixed with some laugh inducing scenes that will keep you up all night until you finish and Beauty and the Blacksmith is no exception!  Diana is quite a beauty but through her actions, Aaron learns that beauty goes all the way through and helps showcase her strength, determination and intelligence.  However, he learns that maybe she isn't the right fit for a kitchen :)  Aaron is protective (having had to raise two sisters), affectionate, honest and strong... especially in the forearm area and he is a wonderful counterpart to Diana and takes her mishaps in stride and helps give her the courage to follow her heart.  Clever wit, charm, smoldering heat and a true love destined to be make this a keeper for both new and old Tessa Dare fans!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Spindle Cove series
Could be read as standalones but characters are recurring and probably best enjoyed in order

                                                                                                                         May 28th

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

I have come to expect a tender, sweet, sexy, tear inducing romance when I read a highlander book from Maya Banks and she does it yet again with  Highlander Most Wanted!  Genevieve McInnes was on her way to her betrothed when she was captured and held prisoner by the vile Ian McHugh for a year.  Her family thinks she is dead and when she is finally free, she thinks it is best to let them think that rather than bring shame from her scars and the way Ian treated her.  She is broken emotionally and treated like dirt from the clan and hopes that the Montgomerys and Armstrongs will give her refuge away from the cruelty.

Bowen Montgomery seizes the clan that dare capture is sister in law and is struck by how cruel the clan is to one slip of a lass.  When Genevieve tells her whole story he is unsure what to due, especially when she divulges her part in the capture of his sister in law.  He finds himself falling hard for the spirited, brave lass and knows that he needs her in his life, even if it means falling out with his clan due to her actions.

Sigh.  Such a lovely story yet at the same time, a heart breaking one.  Genevieve's treatment is the worst sort and how she survived as long as she did took true strength.  I loved the way Bowen became her champion and showed her how she deserved to be cherished above all, that her scars are a badge of honor and not a way to repulse him.  I loved the strong family interaction and the way Bowen deals with Genevieve and her family situation brought tears to my eyes.  Yes, it was a bit easy but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  I also enjoyed how the pacing was a bit different in this one...the action on the battlefield is earlier than I expected and then it just focuses on Genevieve and Bowen which was a bit unexpected.  We get a nice glimpse of the upcoming couple for the next book and that story looks to be good!  I hope Ms Banks is writing more in this series are there are still unattached brothers and a sister that need attention :)  A strong setting, a strong attraction and a strong sense of honor with a nice dash of heat are all wrapped up wonderfully in this romance.  I can not wait for more Highlanders from Maya Banks!!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Ballatine Books via netgalley

The Montgomerys and Armstrongs series
Could be read as stand alones but much better read in order

                                    Sept 24th

A Devil's Touch by Victoria Vane

This was a steamy yet satisfyingly tender vignette in Victoria Vane's superb DeVere series. If you have not read Diana and Ludovic's story, do not start here as this will feel a bit out of place. Diana and Ludovic are newly married and expecting their first child within the month.  Ludovic has been told to keep his hands off his wife (humor abounds here) but he does not tell Diana and Diana is worried he is up to his old, wild ways.  She hopes to entice him back to the bedroom but he flees to London to attend to some unexpected business....business that Diana fears involves another woman.  A confrontation ensures and the resulting passion is sure to make you blush.

I loved seeing a bit more into Diana and Ludovic's married life and this felt like an extra couple of chapters and I gobbled it up.  I loved how it is smoking hot yet at the same time, very true to their natures and very tender and sweet.  We get another glimpse of the characters who are coming up in the series and this was a great way to get a bit more back story on them.  Fans of Victoria Vane will devour this story and have a happy grin on their face when they are done with it.  I am a huge fan of Ms Vane and this is why.  4 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by the author, thanks!!

The Devil DeVere series
Best enjoyed in order, also in print
 
Upcoming books:
 
Devil By Another Name
A Devil in Diamonds

Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt

Five books into her Maiden Lane series and Elizabeth Hoyt is still on top of her game!  Godric St. John married Lady Margaret to help her out of a tough situation and it seemed to fit for him.  Megs would live in the country away from him and he could continue with his nightly duties as the Ghost of St.Giles.  This works well until Megs, and part of his family, descend upon him and turn his life upside down when Megs tells him he wants a child.  Having married and lost the great love of his life, Godric is not too keen of this plan but concedes to it with a bargain of his own.  Megs being around causes new feelings to emerge, not just for himself but she also makes him confront his issues with his family.  Megs for her part, also lost the great love of her life and does not want to feel when she is with Godric but as his secrets are revealed, the true force of their relationship is tested.

I have been a huge fan of this series and I was not sure what to expect from this book but I should never have doubted.  I loved it.  Godric is strong, patient and sexy and I loved seeing his flaws come out and be played out and strengthened with the help of Megs.  Megs is full of life and happiness and is determined to have a child with her husband, no matter the cost.  I did get a bit frustrated with her during her first bedroom encounters with Godric as she had a hard time letting go of her past, yet she expected Godric to do that with his own past.  But Godric cleared up that matter quickly and I loved that!  We again get a bit of a mystery in St. Giles but it did not take away from the growing love between Godric and Megs, if anything it helped force the feelings front and center.  The St. Giles storyline is a bit similar to the previous book but it did allow up to catch up with almost all the previous couples as a result (no Mickey and Silence though).  Ms Hoyt expertly weaves in the characters for the next book, Duke of Midnight, and I already want that book now!  The love scenes are passion filled and you could really see how they helped this couple find the love that they thought they would never have again.  This is a passionate, lovely, emotional romance that is one of my favorite reads so far this year (as if there really was any doubt).  4 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by Grand Central Publishing via netgalley

Maiden Lane series
Best enjoyed in order!

Duke of Midnight Oct 15th

The Dark Lady by Máire Claremont

I have been eagerly anticipating Máire Claremont's debut as it sounded lush and unique and I am pleased to say she delivered! This haunting tale of love lost and then slowly found again was a pleasure to get lost in. Lady Eva Carin suffered the greatest loss a mother can bear and while she was in the depths of her despair, her brother-in-law deems her insane and locks her in an asylum where her soul is drowned in laudanum and everything is dark, depressing and horrifying.  Lord Ian Blake knows it is his duty to find Eva and bring her back to herself, after all, he is the one that watched her husband die, his best friend.  Ian and Eva have been drawn to each other since children and when he arrives for her in the madhouse, Eva can hardly believe it.  A daring escape is just the start of the new troubles that will follow Eva and Ian.  Eva needs to recover, not just from her addiction to laudanum, but also to prove she is clear of mind to finally be free and she opens her heart to Ian.  However, Ian has seen to many horrors to believe he can be good for her and struggles to deny his feelings and hope for a bright, new future together. Somehow this couple must push through the past and grasp what is waiting for them without losing each other in the process. . .

Such a hauntingly, wonderful, tear inducing story!  I was unsure how Eva was going to recover from her trauma enough to find love but her past with Ian is a strong foundation that could not be shaken and survived even through the darkest of hours.  This story will grab you right from the beginning and it just keeps going with wonderful twists and drama.  I would have liked to have seen a bit more in Eva's recovery...I felt it happened just a little bit too easily for what she must have endured.  But, then again, her love and trust in Ian was strong enough to keep her going.  There are a few loose threads that I would have liked to have been resolved but I am guessing that they continue into the next story so I am very anxious for that story...now.  I usually say a book could be shorter, but this one could have been a bit longer and I would not have complained!  The writing was lovely and lush and I liked watching Ian overcome his grief of his past through the flashbacks.  Eva and Ian endured so much separately that you just knew that together they would be whole.  Eva is a stong woman with a determination that really shined.  I thought I had guessed the ending (well I was hoping anyways) and I loved the little twist as it had my heart racing to keep reading!  If you are looking for something different away from the glitz of the ton, The Dark Lady is the romance for you as it delivers angst, depression, betrayal, and action as it leads up to a true love so strong, nothing will hold it back.  Well done Ms Claremont.  Well done.  4 1/2 stars

(This was not a review copy.  Amazon shipped it two weeks early, yay!)

Mad Passions
Seems like they will be best in order...
The Lady in Red Oct 1st (sob!)

A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Dr. Jonas Grantham decided that he is ready to marry and makes a mental list of all the beautiful ladies in town and Miss Lydia Charingford wavers between number ten and eleven.  He remembers Lydia from his training days as a young man and knows her secret that she guards closely and has no real interest in pursuing her...until she speaks to him and then everything changes for him.  Jonas finds himself trying to talk to her and falling in love with her for over a year but each time they speak together, it comes out blunt and seems sarcastic.  Naturally, Lydia is on guard to men, especially to a man that knows her past, and thinks his advances are more carnal in nature.  Jonas sets a bet with Lydia, who is always cheerful and finds the good in everything, to accompany him on some rounds and see some of the less than pleasant aspects of his life.  Her goal, to never have Jonas speak to her again.  His goal, to get a proper kiss from Lydia.  What happens in the process is magical.

I'm always amazed how Courtney Milan can pack so much punch in a novella.  This is a story of two flawed, hurting individuals finding the love that seems just out of their reach.  And while we are watching the relationship develop, we get to see family relationships and how they shaped them to who they are today.  Jonas is dealing with his proud, hoarder father and how to communicate to him to leave his house and live in a more clean environment.  Lydia has a unique relationship with her father following her youthful indiscretion and I really enjoyed seeing a father love his daughter, no matter what.  Jonas is deliciously sarcastic, straight-forward, has an ill-timed sense of humor, blunt opinions and follows the new fad of washing your hands to prevent diseases spreading.  His devotion to Lydia and helping her see the hurt she has had buried, and needing to let it go, is lovely.  Lydia is a bit harder to warm up too as she just can't see past the wall she has built but once she finally truly listens to what Jonas is saying, she comes up with the most unique way to show Jonas her love.  I just adored this.  It is a heart warming story of love about two normal, non-titled flawed people, that will make you smile, hope and sigh with happiness.  4 1/2 stars

Love this line:

"Once you speak," he said, "you have no equal."

Review copy provided by author

The Brothers Sinister
(This could be read out of order, but the couple are mentioned in The Duchess War)

                                                                          Coming 2013