All I Want for Christmas is a Duke

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Robinson by Delilah Marvelle
I really enjoyed this one!  Lady Jane defied her father and became an opera singer and in the process, started receiving letters from the mysterious Mister X.  Thinking she found the writer, she marries him only to be deceived.  Now, widowed and living close to poverty, she guards her heart and when her childhood friend, Martin Pierce, Duke of Somerset, appears and reveals the truth she is hurt to be deceived all over again.  I loved that shy Martin grew up in the years apart and was determined not to let his love slip away again.  Jane realizes that the younger Martin has turned into a dashing man and is no longer a young boy.  Watching them re-connect was a joy.  This was a enjoyable, fresh (we do not get to see many older woman falling for younger men) holiday novella from the talents of Delilah Marvelle filled with heat, tenderness, humor, heart, forgiveness and a dash of holiday cheer.  4 stars

The Twelve Days of Seduction by Maire Claremont
This is a classic story of a governess falling for her employer and vice versa.  What makes it different is all the details that Maire Claremont adds.  The history of the governess, Adriana Flint is sad and heart breaking but it has shaped her into the woman she is today and she refuses to lose her job to the most wonderful little girl just because the Duke of Berresford has found out her past.  When Alexander proposes a plan for her to stay, she agrees as long as he tries to seduce her...and in the process they both lose their hearts. Adriana helps Alexander see that the lower class are people too and he in turn helps her see that it is ok to let the wall down around her heart and let someone in.  Strong writing, unique details and the hope of the holidays with a nice dash of heat add up to a winner.  Looking forward to her debut full length to see more of her writing!  4 stars

Overall, a lovely holiday treat that will leave you wishing for your own Duke for Christmas with holiday cheer, heat and love.

New Covers

Some new covers shared recently. . .

I love Lila DiPasqua's super steamy fairy tale retellings so I am very excited she has a novella hopefully out this month!  She shared the cover for The Duke's Match Girl on her website and I can't wait to read it!

What a perfectly festive cover for a holiday novella!  Deck the Halls with Love is part of Lorraine Heath's current series, Lost Lords of Pembrook and will be out Dec 18th.

Well, this cover is certainly different from Christina Brooke's previous covers (which I loved)!  I'm a bit on the fence about it...I like the pretty dresses better I guess but since these upcoming books focus on the men I guess it makes sense.  Oh well I have London's Last True Scoundrel preordered for its June 25th release as I loved the previous books!

For all you Stephanie Laurens fans she shared her newest cover in her newsletter this week.  I have not read a lot of her writing but what I have, I have enjoyed.  Look for And Then She Fell March 26th.

Maggie Robinson also shared her newest cover via her newsletter this past week and its another good one!  I enjoyed the previous book in this series so I look forward to Captain Durant's Countess and will pick it up on its Feb 21st release.  Bonus the ebook is only $5.94 instead of tenish for a trade paperback!  This makes me really happy and I hope to see it happening more in the future!

And lastly Delilah Marvelle is continuing her School of Gallantry series with three new books she will be self publishing!  The first is Lady of Pleasure which she shared this week.  I have not yet read the previous two books in this series but they are on top of my list for the new year as I have come to really enjoy her wicked sensual unique stories!  Look for this around March.

Well, thats all for now!  Which of these covers caught your eye?

New Covers

New covers from out and about this week. . .

Having read and enjoyed the first books in Jess Michaels' Mistress Matchmaker series, I am anxious for book two--For Desire Alone.  She shared the upcoming cover and it is rather lovely but I do like the green pop from the previous cover a bit more.  Look for this one November 6th as an ebook.

Delilah Marvelle sure seems to have gotten some pretty sexy covers for her Rumor series!  Book three, Forever a Lord, is no exception.  I still have not read the first two books (hanging head in shame) but I am determined to be caught up by the release of this one, December 18th.

Wendy Vella is a debut author with Loveswept and she has grabbed my attention with this lovely cover!  The Reluctant Countess will be an ebook set for release January 14th and is a "Cinderella story of whirlwind passion between a dashing earl and a beautiful countess—and the secret that threatens to tear them apart."  You know how I love Cinderella stories :)

Lecia Cornwall has a new book this November (27th) and it features a woman who takes her sisters place at the altar to save her family.  I really enjoy those storylines!  I'm not quite sure about the cover but it fits in nicely with a mysterious bride theme.  Anyways, I can't wait for How to Deceive a Duke!  Looks like lots of hijinks :)

Well, I hope I padded your wishlist a bit more :)  I know I will be picking up all these titles either on my own or maybe as a holiday gift.  Time to start working on that list. . . :)

Happy Release Day!!

I apologize in advance for your wallets. . .big release day!

 Wowza!  Quite a good load of books out today! :)  The first three, Forever a Lady, Once Upon a Ballroom (all new e-shorts) and An Unsuitable Bride were all released on July 24th but I didn't have time to write up a post.  I can't wait for Delilah Marvelles since she is wonderful about sexy and unique stories and I'm excited to read four new short stories from some of my favorite authors.  Jane Feather is an author I have yet to try and this book is book three in the series so I will need to catch up soon!

I have had the pleasure of reading some of these titles early and I would recommend them all:  Almost a Scandal (sexy times on the sea), How to Romance a Rake (delightful), When You Wish Upon a Duke (start of a new series) and Lesson from a Scandalous Bride (enjoyable fun).  The ones that are on top of my must buy list today are All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess (part of a series) and Pleasures of a Tempted Lady (also part of a series).  Both are authors I have enjoyed and I can't wait for more!  Return of the Viscount, Touch of a Scoundrel, The Bride Wore Pearls and A Scandalous Affair (ebook) are all titles I hope to get to sooner rather than later! 

Does anyone else need a vacation from life to read all these books?!?  Wouldn't that be grand :)  If there is nothing here to tempt you--I find that hard to believe, lol--next week we see new titles from Juliana Gray (a debut I'm excited to read), Michele Sinclair and Jade Lee.  So again, I apologize for your empty wallets! :)

New Covers

Just a few new covers this week. . .

Here is the cover for Stefanie Sloane's upcoming October 2012 release, The Scoundrel Takes a Bride.  I like it but it's not my favorite of hers...  This will be book five in her Regency Rogues series.

This is the start of a new series from Maggie Robinson and I expect it to be filled with steamy goodness!!  I really like this cover too...I enjoy covers that have a bit of landscape on them and we still get some eye candy :)  This one will be out in November 2012.

A lovely red cover from the delightful Delilah Marvelle.  Forever a Lady is book two of her Rumor series and is sure to be scandalous :)  Look for this one July 24th.

And one last eye-catching cover for your week from a favorite author of mine, Anna Campbell.  She just shared this one today and I am dying for the September 25th release date!!  So far away!  Currently Amazon only has the Kindle version listed but I am sure there will be a paperback as well.  I know I pre-ordered it already!  It sounds delicious! :)

Well, pretty quiet front on the covers this week but these are all books that I am anxious to read!  Did any of them catch your eye?

New Covers

Here are some new covers that were mentioned online recently.

Rules of Engagement: The Reasons for Marriage\The Wedding Party\Unlaced features, I think, two new stories and one reprint (the Laurens one).  I'm not positive about that but Delilah Marvelle  does have some info on her website and it releases April 17th.  Looking forward to her story :)  And I love the teal of this cover!

The Scarlet Bride is book three in Cheryl Ann Smith's School  for Brides series and I think this is a very unique cover.  Obliviously, the red dress seems appropriate based on the title but I really like the background shot of a city.  Something different :)  This one comes out in June.

Elizabeth Boyle is on my to read soon list and I think I will be starting with Along Came A Duke!  Such a pretty cover (done by the ever talented Jon Paul Studios as I remember him posting this cover art to facebook).  And the synopsis sounds good as well!  Look for it June as well.

And finally, Karen Ramsey revealed her upcoming cover and stepback through her email/blog subscription.  Very nice and Scottish and the stepback is super sexy.  Look for A Scandalous Scot  June 26th.

Any of these covers grab your attention?  Any new cover goodies out there that I have not seen yet?

Upcoming early December historical romances

Here are some of the upcoming historical releases for the beginning of December!!  Looks like quite a few would make great gifts :)

December 6th




Dec 20th



Any in particular catch your eye?  I'm most looking forward to When a Duke Says I Do and Forever and a Day. Surrender is an updated version that Pamela Clare has edited and added in some extra chapters that she was forced to remove and it sounds promising as does An Unexpected Gentleman. I have yet to read Alissa Johnson but she has many glowing reviews, especially for her previous release.  Grab a couple of these and share them as gifts for your friends.  They are sure to be some winners :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle.  I really enjoy Ms Marvelles stories for their unique heros and heroines and storylines.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

London, 1802
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott longs for a man who will do more than offer his hand in marriage. She wants a husband she can trust, someone who will shield her from the darkness of the world. Her heart was broken when her little brother was kidnapped years earlier, and she still carries the pain of his loss.

When the handsome Duke of Wentworth makes his feelings for her known, Augustine's past demons warn her away. Besides, every woman in London knows he's devoted to the memory of his late wife. But is it possible he cares for her after all—and that their love can bring them the peace they both crave?

And do you want to the best part??  Thie e-novella is going to be FREE.  Yes, free!!  Look for it on December 1st.  (It is a prequel to her January release, Forever and a Day.)

The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

This is the third and last installment in the unique scandal series from Delilah Marvelle. However, each can be read as a stand alone as the only connecting thread is a red book of how to avoid a scandal written by the hero of this book, Tristan, Marquis of Moreland. Tristan happens to catch a glimpse of his beauty of a neighbor one night as she is gazing out her window, totally inappropriately in her dressing gown that allows her bosom to be on display as she leans out to talk to him. Zoisa has had her eyes on Tristan and is thrilled he finally notices her and begs of him to call on her the next day so they may meet properly and she can propose her plan of action to him. Tristan, being a proper gentleman, refuses and sends his book instead but just can not shake the dark haired beauty from him thoughts.

A few weeks pass by when he notices a long line of men lining up outside her door and he goes over and shoves his way in to finally meet the lovely Zoisa, a countess from Poland. He is also startled to notice that she only has one leg but as it does not repulse him in the least, he has a fleeting hope that maybe she can overlook his own deep, hidden secrets. As the two finally talk face to face and Zoisa proposes her plan of marriage and her reasons for it, Tristan is a bit shocked but decides to think on it for a bit. But when circumstances unknown to him and her arise, they are forced to go ahead with the marriage quicker than they had thought.

This was yet another unique book for me to read. It had a bit too much political overhaul for me that I personally do not really enjoy but it added a bit of a new twist the storyline. Also, Tristans 'scandal' from his past that he has had to keep hidden is another topic not touched upon much in romance and though a bit odd, I thought Ms Marvelle did another good job with the topic, just as with the previous two novels. Overall, another good story. Not something I plan to reread anytime soon but if you want a lovely romance with some history and a bit of a darker undertone, this is a good book to try. I look forward to future books by Ms Marvelle, hopefully some lighter stuff as I have enjoyed her writing. 3 1/2 stars

Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

This is the second in Marvelles Scandal series (love the cover!), though it is not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one. Marvelle poses this story as a 'darker Cinderella' but with the male lead as Cinderella, complete with evil stepmother. Our hero, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, declares his love to Lady Victoria Jane Emerson at the tender age of nineteen. After a heated kiss before he must leave for Venice, Victoria agrees to carry his mothers ring and write to him. However, once Jonathan arrives in Venice to help prepare his beloved stepsister for marriage, he loses his small fortune and must accept the position that is equivalent to being a ladies maid, in more ways than just tending menial tasks for a countess.

Jonathan writes Victoria and tells her he can not return home for five years and to please not write him anymore as the count is a evil man and he fears for her safety. Victoria is very put out by this and continues to write him, but as he never replies, her heart slowly shatters. When the five years have passed, he returns home to find Victorias father dying and learns that he is to compete with three men to wed Victoria. She, naturally, wants nothing to do with him, but when she learns she must marry one of the men to secure her inheritance, the other men beg excuses and she is left with Jonathan.

The rest of the story unfolds with Jonathan and Victoria trying to forgive and rekindle their young love. When they return to Venice and a vile thing happens to Victoria, her true love for Jonathan pulls through and they work their way to a HEA. Marvelle has a way with taking unusual and thought provoking issues and working them into a very interesting story. While I did not love this one, it was once again intriguing and was a very fast read for me. If you love a rekindled love story that need to overcome a few obstacles with a bit of a darker undertone, this is a great book for you. 3 1/2 stars

Prelude to a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

By reading the back cover blurb for this book you would expect the story to be about "the battle between the lady and the rake is about to begin". Which it is.....Lady Justine is willing to become her friends (I just can't think of a better word right now) mistress in exchange for him helping to get her father out of prison for his book on his views on animals, sex, and how they are similar to humans. Justine is very surprised when Radcliff, Duke of Bradford, makes a different offer to her instead, he wants to marry her in six weeks time but they can not see each other, as he has gotten a terrible scar on his face due to his...problem.

That brings us to what else this book is about. When you open the book and read the Dear Reader letter, you learn that Radcliff is dealing with a sex addiction problem. Which really leads to some, um, interesting happenings in the book that definitely pushed my comfort zone area and left me shaking my head a bit. But Ms Marvelle does make the request to set aside what we think of 1829 and allow her to give us her version of 1829. So, I did try to do that and with saying that, this actually was a very interesting book to read. I did not love it but I did not feel like I was wasting my time reading it. It definitely makes you think that this probably really did happen during this time and I thought the author did a fairly good job handling it.
Overall, I give this book 3 1/2 stars. What dragged it down a bit for me was how Radcliff suddenly had an "aha" moment as to why he acted the way he did and I didn't quite feel that. Also, he had quite a few mood swings and with his problem, even though the romance between Justine and Radcliff seemed very genuine and true, I'm just not sure if it is deep enough to outlast everything. And then there is his (rotten) brothers pregnant mistress, Miranda who is part of the book. I didn't really like her and I thought her twist she added was a bit too much and not needed. There are two more books in this trilogy, Once Upon a Scandal and The Perfect Scandal which I am looking forward to reading. But this book reminds me to always check for that Dear Reader letter so you know what you are getting yourself into because the back blurb may not always define it so clearly! :)