When Madeline Valdan is no longer needed by her country, she is given a paltry sum of money for her years of work. Knowing this will not be able to sustain her, she creates a daring plan...hold an auction for her virginity. As Madeline is one of the most notorious courtesans, the question quickly becomes is she truly a virgin? Men fall all over themselves to discover the truth. Madeline is quite smart, though, and hires a Bow Street runner by the name of Gabriel Huntford to investigate all the men bidding on her. After all, the men must be able to pay the price they bid and have no sickness in their backgrounds. Gabriel is hesitant to accept such a job as his true goal in life is finding the murderer of his sister but he quickly sees that Madeline's job will prove helpful as some of the men bidding on her are also on Gabriel's suspect list and he will be able to investigate them more closely. But this supposedly simply job slowly becomes much more as it becomes clear that someone is out to kill Madeline. With Madeline so used to hiding everything about herself under her seductress persona, it is hard to find the truth and she has a hard time finally trusting someone and letting them in. Can she find a way to tell Gabriel the truth and still hang on to her heart or will she finally gamble with her heart, just to have it broken?
This was another winner from the talents of Anna Randol for me! While it does not have the exotic setting of her debut novel, it does feature a couple who is not titled which is always a nice change of pace and still has the fast paced storyline. Madeline is quite a character--she has been undercover with the government for years and her ruse was that of a seductress and now that she can put that behind her, she finds that she can't. As she finds herself falling for Gabriel, he makes her question he every sultry move. He wants the real Madeline, not the showy one and we get to see Madeline slowly find her true self again. She is also bold, sassy and confident while being a strong, capable spy that is intent on protecting herself without help from some man. She has hesitations about marrying after the awful treatment of her mother by her father and it has shaped her into the woman she is today. Gabriel is a wonderful balance to her, with his devoutness to finding his sister's murderer and sharpness for details. He is the only one that can help Madeline peel away her persona and together they find that they work well together while chasing after suspects. Overall, a delightful mix of mystery, intrigue, and romance with wit and passion that will leave you happily satisfied. 4 stars
Lydia Kellaway knows her family finances are in dire straights but she is still shocked that her grandmother pawned her beloved mothers locket. With her quick wit, she finds out who bought it and arrives at his house to offer some sort of trade in hopes of getting it back. When she meets the dashing Alexander Hall, Viscount Northwood, though she is quickly drawn to him but is also perplexed at his refusal to trade back for the locket. Her pride doesn't allow her to just accept it back, so a playful wager is finally struck instead. Surely Lydia, a brilliant mathematician, can stump Alexander and have the locket back. But Alexander proves smarter than she first thought and the two strike up a friendship all while placing wagers with each other. But the more time they spend together, the greater the sparks grow and also Alexander's concern as to why Lydia is shying away from public spotlight due to her brilliance with numbers. Passion clouds their minds and hearts and Lydia slowly allows herself to think that finally, finally, she can have some true happiness in her life again but then her past comes back in a big way and it threatens everyone she loves. Knowing Alexander's desire to be as far away from scandal as possible, Lydia tries to distance herself from him and his family but their love is too strong. Can this couple face the scandal that is exploding around them and find a way to be together after all the pieces have fallen?
A Study in Seduction is one of my favorite debuts so far this year! I really enjoyed everything about this book. Lydia is one of my favorite types of heroines--sharp, opinionated and unique with her brilliance but encouraged to explore that love of numbers by her family. (I loved that when she is nervous she recites math facts in her mind!) She was never shut out because she is female and had all the best tutors. Everything was looking up for Lydia until one summer at boarding school and her life changed forever and she chose to continue her work, but in a much smaller, quieter fashion to avoid drawing attention to herself. And she had been doing a fine job until she meets Alexander. Alexander with his Russian heritage and gruff father and flirtatious brother and lovely sister. His polite, compelling manor that tempts her like she has never been tempted before. Matching wits with him becomes a joy and watching the love blossom between them was wonderful. During their first encounter, Lydia explains that she is trying to find the mathematical basis for relationships and this just intrigues Alexander so much and adds a small dose of humor and instantly sets the stage for the sparks that are to come later. I liked seeing Alexander struggle with his feelings for Lydia, after all, she is not a member of a prominent family and not quite the match society would pick for him, but he listens to his heart first and I really liked that. I guessed the mystery aspect a bit early but I still liked watching it all unfold and I also appreciated how it didn't all get tied up with a bow right away. There is a bit of drama at the end that involves possibly a murder, an abduction or a riot or some combination. Nina Rowan has delivered a wonderful debut and I am so anxious for more books in this series! This book had everything--romance, sparks, passion, strong family connections, mystery, drama, intrigue, and a lovely happily ever after and I would recommend to historical romance fans easily. Overall, a strong debut filled a wonderfully written story and a love so hot and strong you will believe that one plus one can equal one. 4 1/2 stars
Oh, and the math problems? I will bow to Nina Rowan's research and believe they are correct :) They do not overwhelm the story at all but I did find myself wanting to stop and try to figure out the riddles...but I just kept reading instead and thankfully the answers are revealed in the story!
Review copy provided by Grand Central Publishing via netgalley.com
Here are a few historicals out today that I am looking forward too. . .
A bit quieter than last week but still lots of great books! I had the pleasure of reading A Woman Made for Pleasure and The Mad Lord's Daughter early and I would recommend them both! I still have not read Heather Snow's debut from a few months ago but that won't stop me from picking up the next title in her series, Sweet Deception, because I know they are going to be good! Perhaps the book I am most looking forward to is the debut from Juliana Gray, A Lady Never Lies. It is getting fab reviews so I am anxious to read it :) Book two in Jane Lee's Bridal Favors series, Wedded in Sin is also out and on my list to buy. And lastly is a new title from Kate Moore, an author I have yet to read. I'm not sure why the cover is not up on goodreads but hopefully it will be soon but for now you can head to Amazon to see the cover and blurb of Blackstone's Bride, which has also grabbed my attention!
Well, my wallet is going to be a bit lighter as usual but release day looks great today! At the end of the month look for new titles from Tessa Dare, Caroline Linden, Eloisa James and Kieran Kramer just to name a few!
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.
I really enjoy Alexandra Hawkins Lord of Vice series and Dusk with a Dangerous Duke will be book will be book six. Such a lovely pink cover! Sigh, February 26th can't get here soon enough!
Julia London also shared her cover for her upcoming book, The Last Debutante. I am not caught up on her books but on goodreads this shows this will be book four in The Secrets of Hadley Green series. I really like this cover! Soft and pretty with a beautiful background and a touch of Scottish. Look for it February 26th.
Another lovely cover reveal was for Kieran Kramer's The Earl is Mine. Smokin red! All of her previous books have featured prominently one color as well but in the pastel variety so this one really pops. This will be book two in The House of Brady series and I can't wait for its release at the end of February!
Next, here is the cover for another novel in three parts from the talents of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. I enjoyed their first book written like this so I am looking forward to The Lady Most Willing... when it releases Dec 26th.
Oh, one more to add quick that was shared this week! This is the lovely cover for Ashlyn Macnamara's debut, A Most Scandalous Proposal. If you look at it close, it has lovely texture for the wallpaper, couch and dress which I really like. And I like the green and blue together. Look for this one February 26th!
Ok, fine this is the last one, lol! Miranda Neville shared she has written a prequel novella titled The Second Seduction of a Lady set to release Oct 16th. It is a prequel to her new series and it sounds wonderful. And the best part for me...it doesn't sound like it is going to be the cliff hanger type prequel that I like to avoid! It will introduce the heroine for the full length but the novella focuses on a different couple. Yay!
Well, it started off as a bit of a quiet week but picked up a little and all these books are on my wish list! What about you, which ones are you most looking forward to?
Charles de Lacey, Earl of Gresham, has grown up knowing his duty is to be the duke one day and when someone threatens his families claim to the title, he sets about to find out the truth. Surely is moral, uptight father wasn't married before his own mother, therefore disclaiming Charlie and his brothers? After all, his father prevented Charlie from marry a 'nobody' and it changed his relationship with him forever. He turned into a scoundrel and enjoyed life and left the estate running to his brother and almost disregarded his fathers claims but his brothers force him to take charge of his own life. After all, it is Charlie's dukedom, not theirs. Upon his travels to meet the man that mailed the blackmail letters, he meets a most intriguing young lady, Tessa Neville. When it becomes clear that Tessa knows the supposed blackmailer, he befriends her and follows her about the countryside to meet this man and determine if Tessa is in any way involved. But Tessa slowly slides her way into every aspect of Charlie's life, leaving him wanting her forever but Tessa, just a common young woman, knows that she will never be good enough to be a duchess. Can Charlie discover the truth about his father's past and at the same time, finally find some peace and happiness he has longed for with Tessa?
Finally, the long awaited conclusion to the Durham Dilemma! I was very pleased with how the whole mystery aspect turned out. It had a couple little twists that I wasn't expecting (well, I didn't know what to expect truthfully lol) and I also liked that it was not an over-the-top conclusion. I enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Charlie and Tessa. Tessa was so much fun to read--she is smart (she is investigating whether to invest in a new canal system being built), strong, confident and not afraid to speak her mind. This is a bit of an amusement to Charlie since everyone always treats him with a bit of reverence due to a future duke. Tessa stands up to him but also relies on him when help is needed. I also liked Charlie's back story and watching him transform from a scoundrel to a man deeply in love and doing whatever it takes to win her heart. Overall, a very solid conclusion to a very enjoyable series. I was a bit bogged down by the telling of inner thoughts versus showing more of those thoughts through more conversation, which I personally just prefer more of. However, Caroline Linden has made me a fan of hers through this series and I look forward to what she comes up with next! Recommended for fans of strong, intelligent heroines paired with a hero who is bent on finding the truth and stumbles headlong into love mixed with a mystery that will keep you guessing. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss.com
**This book is part of Avon's K.I.S.S. and teal program that helps raise awareness for ovarian cancer. For more info please visit this site. (which is outdated as I post this but I will check back soon to update link)**
The Truth About the Duke series
Best enjoyed in order, but could be read as a standalone since the scandal is explained in each
