Rules of an Engagement by Suzanne Enoch

This was an enjoyable sea worthy tale, and while I didn't love it, it is still a fun, easy read. This is the third installment in The Adventurers Club series and we get the swash buckling, dashing Captain Bradshaw Carroways story. (Just a side note...I think this could be read as a stand alone as almost the entire book takes place at sea so the previous characters make only brief appearances). Shaw is tasked in taking Miss Zephyr Ponsley and her father, Sir Joseph, around to islands so that Sir Joseph may collect new plants and animals for his discoveries. Even though Shaw is in the marines and this is not exactly what he signed up for, he accepts as he also has a secondary secret mission given to him from the Duke of Sommerset (who was hardly in the book this time around, sigh).

Now, Zephyr has been her fathers assistant for years, traveling the world helping him collect his botany and drawing sketches to accompanying his findings. She was not brought up in London and therefore does not know all the proper rules of society and is very free with her thinking and her opinions. Upon her first meeting with Shaw, she snorts at some comment he makes and he is immediately intrigued and drawn to her. He takes it upon himself to always accompany her about the islands as they travel, to protect her from unknown dangers, and they continue their sparring back and forth. Shaw tells her he wants to bed her and she tells him that he must court her properly....and he does. There are some wonderful, tender moments as their courtship progresses. Oh and the ending on the ship, so sweet it brought a sigh to my heart.

Overall, this was a good book. A few things dragged it down a bit for me though. Shaw is forced to take on some more passengers who need to get back home immediately and I felt they added a layer of unnecessary chatter that wasn't needed. I can not really imagine ladies and gents and maids willingly go aboard a naval ship versus a passenger ship...the comforts are far different! Also, once again, was the overuse of the word chit. I don't know why it bothers me but I just do not like seeing it on almost every single page! Then of course, we barely see Lord Sommerset and I really hope Ms Enoch is working on his book next! But for this book, if you like a strong, snappy (in a good way) heroine and a strong, passionate hero who fall in love over the high seas with a bit of danger, this is a great book for you! Oh, and of course, the talking parrot makes an appearance to add a bit of chuckles! :) 3 1/2 stars

The Unclaimed Duchess by Jenna Petersen

This was another excellent read from Jenna Peterson. We get the story of the stuck up, proud Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, and his betrothed from birth wife Lady Anne. Upon arriving home from their honeymoon, their neighbor and friend, Simon delivers some devastating news to Rhys that makes him take off immediately without even a goodbye to Anne. Anne is devastated and sets out to find out where her husband is and makes Simon tell her of the one place Rhys used to go as a child that made him happy. Anne heads to the small countryside cottage, surprising Rhys who orders her to leave. She refuses as she can see he is in deep pain but he will not confide in her. Then Rhys deals Anne the news that they must divorce, but will not tell her why, and therefore they can not risk getting Anne pregnant.
Now, Anne has been in love with Rhys ever since they were children and he protected her from his friends and she refuses to listen to Rhys and sets about trying to seduce him and praying to keep her marriage real. Rhys and Anne spend ten wonderful, passionate (hot!) days together and Rhys slowly lets down his tough guard that has been installed in him from his father. After all, nothing is more important than bloodlines.... Rhys late father had installed in him how to be a proper, cold duke and that they are more important than everyone else. So it was wonderful to see Anne slowly chip away at some of that stubborn pride and remind him of that a caring duke can do great things for others as well.
Unfortunately, Anne and Rhys must return home to London and Rhys is still intent on his plans to separate from Anne, still not telling her his secret. When he finally reveals all to her, her love continues strong for him but she grows angry at his continual dismissal of their marriage and future together. When a blackmailer threatens to expose all, she fears she has lost him forever. The ending was very pleasant and resolved the situations nicely I thought. The epilogue once again led up to what should be another excellent book in this series. I loved how Anne stayed strong and finally broke down Rhys barriers with her love and I can not wait to read more from Ms Petersen. 4 stars

What the Duke Desires by Jenna Petersen

I wasn't too sure about this book when I started it. Lillian Mayhew is visiting the new Duke of Billingham, Simon Crathorne, with her friend Lady Gabriela. Lillian is there with the sole purpose of extracting revenge against Simon but her hatred is really directed to his late father. The previous duke had done a horrible act against Lillians mother which caused her to commit suicide. As she heard her dying fathers wish to seek revenge, though this was said to her brother, not her, Lillian sets out to diminish the late dukes perfect, honored reputation any way she can. But as she arrives and is greeted by the most handsome man, she is thrown for a loop when he introduces himself as Simon.
As the sparks fly between Simon and Lillian, and everyone from Simons mother to best friend, Rhys, tell him that this is a match that can never happen (the scandal of the suicide, she has no money!), Lillian keeps feeling drawn to him and him to her. The real turning point, for me, to make this book a good read was when Simons discovers the secrets of his late father. They are some major secrets that have been hidden his entire life. They transform this dashing man into a devastated, humble man and made me really love him. Throughout all this, Lillian is by his side but still never revealing her secret. When she finally, finally, reveals her true reason for being there, Simon is heartbroken but chooses to stay with her. Lillian flees back home for a bit until we get the happily ever after.
Even though the first half or so was just ok, the second half was excellent. It has heartbreak, sorrow, love, joy. It will make you tear up, smile, and want to smack Lillian. The epilogue leads right up to the next story, The Unclaimed Duchess (Billingham Bastards, #2) and I have started it already as I was so intrigued to continue with this story and see all the fall outs waiting to happen. I hope there is more to come in this series. 4 stars

New Years Goals

I can not believe it is 2011!! Where has the time gone?!? I want to try some new goals for the year. The first I want to try is to read a book from starting with each letter of the alphabet, A to Z. I tried this a couple years ago but life and kids got in the way so I hope to have better luck this time around!
I also want to try to read 96 books in the year. Thats 8 books a month...seems low for me but my two sons are young and busy and I do need to spend time with them :) I hope to make it to 144 books for the year, or 12 a month, but I thought I would set a lower goal and bump it up next year if I make it!
Also....I am going to try really really hard not to buy to many books!! I have soooo many books here at home that I want to read (like yesterday! lol) that I need to get to them and I also have my library and paperbackswap.com. There is also the fabulous netgallery.com to get advance ebooks, which I love, so I hope to be set for awhile. I did get some gift cards for Barnes and Noble and Amazon, so I will use those to buy books for my keeper collection, but I only hope to use those! We will see....this might be the toughest one to keep!!! lol
I hope you all have a safe, happy, and blessed New Years and find lots of love and happiness with all your book journeys!