Book Review: A Very Scandalous Holiday

Book Title: A Very Scandalous Holiday

Authors: Nancy Fraser, Sophia Garrett, Amber Lin, Crista McHugh.

Published October 14th 2013 by Entangled: Scandalous

Age: Adult

Entangled Publishing presents…A Very Scandalous Holiday Anthology. Four very spirited vignettes of holidays past.

Erin’s Gift by Nancy Fraser

Chicago 1920

Widower, Seth Harrison, has no intention of falling in love again but will he be able to resist the sweetness of his son’s nanny, Erin O’Mara—his sister’s best friend?

An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett

England 1833

The Duke of Sharrington left Rebecca with more than a broken heart six years ago—he left her with a son. His return rekindles their passion, but only a Christmas miracle will convince the town surgeon to believe in his promises of eternity again.

Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin

England, late Regency

After three years at sea, Captain Hale Prescott has the means to marry the love of his life and his best friend’s sister, Sidony Harbeck. However, she might never speak to him again. Despite their whispered adolescent promises, he never wrote her a single letter…at least, none he ever sent.

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh

1944 Ardennes, WWII

Lt. Ruth Mencher has always secretly admired Capt. Joseph Klein, but it takes the lighting of a Hanukkah candle to uncover the spark of mutual attraction. Each night awakens a new facet of their relationship, but as the Battle of the Bulge begins, the approaching Nazi forces threaten to tear them apart.

I like to read holidays anthologies, for me it's the perfect way to get in the holiday mood. So when I saw A Very Scandalous Holiday at NetGalley I didn't wait to request it.

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh was a surprise for me because I thought I wasn't going to enjoy it, but did. Lt. Ruth Mencher is proud of her religion and wants to share Hanukkah with Capt. Joseph Klein, who she secretly admires. Their attraction was strong but their romance is very sweet, mixed with the horrible WWII. I was also surprised to discover some things from this story really happened. I think it got the real meaning of the holidays, you can find and share hope and love even in the most awful situations.

Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin is about promises. Captain Hale Prescott has been three years at sea and finally can return to marry Sidony Harbeck, but she doesn't want him anymore....he promised to write but never got one letter. In just a few days, he will make Sidony trust in him again, not only with her body but her heart too. Their romance is very passionate and it would have loved to know more about these characters.

An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett is about forgiveness. Rebecca, the poor town surgeon and mother of a bastard, can believe when The Duke of Sharrington, the father of her son, returns to his home with his new family. She doesn't want anything to do with him, but they soon discover he never knew about his son, and still have feeling for her. A little bit predictable but very cute.

Erin’s Gift by Nancy Fraser is about finding love. Widower Seth Harrison is attracted to his son's nanny, Erin O’Mara, his sister’s best friend. She's poor and alone, so he offers her the job, but he isn't sure he can handle their attraction. It's a very sweet romance, definitely felt the Holiday spirit, and is has a little bit of passion...the perfect combination!

Overall, I enjoyed A Very Scandalous Holiday. It was a great read to start the season and I'm definitely checking for  more books from the authors.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: His for Christmas by Jennifer Haymore

Title: His for Christmas

Series: House of Trent #0.5

Author: Jennifer Haymore

Published October 1st 2013 by Forever Yours

Jennifer Haymore introduced sweet, but shy Lady Esme in The Duchess Hunt, the first novel in her House of Trent Series. But what readers may not know is that proper young Lady Esme has a secret: the youngest sister of the Duke of Trent privately pens erotic stories!

Society would never allow Lady Esme to share her own work, so her friend Jennifer Haymore is here to help—and just in time for Christmas!

His for Christmas is the steamy story of two travelers who find themselves stranded in an inn when an unexpected snowstorm blankets the English countryside. As the temperature drops, desire rises and the two strangers share a night of passion unlike anything either has ever experienced. When dawn breaks and the storm clears, will they continue on their seperate journeys, or will they begin a new path together?

Christmas is here! LOL I know some of you are still celebrating Halloween or preparing for Thanksgiving, but over here it's already Christmas!. I love Christmas so I don't mind, my family and I are already decorating our home and preparing for our vacations :P

Anyway, I love holidays stories and this year I started the season reading His for Christmas. It's a sweet story about two childhood friends who fell in love a long time ago but moved on with their lives. Amelia is young but already a widow, and while traveling to meet with her family has an accident in the road. It's Evan, her childhood friend-crush and neighbor, who found her and help her even against her wishes...

Their story had the perfect balance between sweet and steamy. Amelia and Evan are definitely still attracted to each other but Amelia still carries the scar of what Evan did to her when they were teenagers... and Evan still thinks he isn't good enough for her. Stranded in an inn waiting for the snowstorm to stop, they found passion and leave their past behind, to finally have their happily ever after (after some scandal of course hehe).

His for Christmas is a sweet short historical romance, perfect to start the season. It was a little bit predictable and too short to really explore the characters, but I still liked it.

More about this book at Goodreads.

Book Review: One Night with the Laird by Nicola Cornick

Title: One Night with the Laird

Series: Scottish Brides #2

Author: Nicola Cornick

October 29th 2013 by Harlequin HQN

Age: Adult

A wicked attraction!

Fashionable society widow Lady Mairi MacLeod cannot understand the dark passion that binds her to Jack Rutherford. He is everything she dislikes in a man, rakish, arrogant and charming, and she would prefer to forget the night of wicked passion that she spent in his arms.

But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light...

The second book from the Scottish Brides, One Night with the Laird, follows the story of Lady Mairi MacLeod and Jack Rutherford. Mairi is beautiful and a widow, and Jack is a charming rake. They don't get along at first, but after a wicked and very passionate night they spent together (without knowing they were each other), it's difficult to ignore their desire.

But Mairi has other problems beside her desire. She's being threatened by a blackmailer, who is going to divulge secrets of her husband to get what he wants. Jack is protecting her, and if that means having a fake engagement and spending more time together in the bedroom, better! But of course nothing is so easy when desire turns into love and both of them have to make peace with their troubled pasts before giving their hearts.

I enjoyed One Night with the Laird. It surprised me a little because it was much more wicked and sensual than the first book, The Lady and The Laird. But I still devoured it in one night. Sometimes it turned a little bit slow, with Mairi and Jack trying to overcome their pasts and hurting each other in the process, but I'm happy the characters got their happy ending.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick

Title: The Lady and the Laird

Series: Scottish Brides #1

Author: Nicola Cornick
Published: July 30th 2013 by Harlequin HQN
Age: Adult

An Indecent Proposal!

Lady Lucy MacMorlan may have forsworn men and marriage, but that doesn't mean she won't agree to profit from writing love letters for her brother's friends - letters that become increasingly racy as her fame grows. That is, until she deliberately ruins the betrothal of a notorious laird, Robert, Marquis of Methven.

Past centuries of bloodshed have left the Methven and MacMorlan families bitter enemies and Robert is furious that Lady Lucy's letters have cost him the bride he needs so urgently to save his ancestral clan lands. Now he makes Lucy a shocking proposal; in return for his silence she must become his wife and provide him with the heir he needs. It is an inconvenient marriage of convenience but can the rugged laird and the bluestocking beauty fight against the power of love?

Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!

I didn't know what to expect from The Lady and the Laird, but definitely was a nice surprise! Lady Lucy MacMorlan may seem like the perfect lady, but she isn't the typical lady. She is afraid of love, but write love letters that make men blush. And it's one of those letters that ruins the wedding of the Laird, Marquis of Methven.

It's a surprise for Robert, Marquis of Methven, to find himself planted on his wedding, and it's Lady Lucy MacMorlan's fault. But as soon as he starts to get close to her, he knows she isn't the typical Lady. Not only about her letters, but also her classes and everything about her makes him want to undress her. But she'll pay, of course, accepting his proposal for marriage by convenience.

It's a fast paced plot with a couple of twists that helped Lucy and Robert to slowly fall in love. They have passion in their blood but have to overcome Lucy's fears (and that meant some slow but delicious nights) and defeat the villain before having their happily ever after.

I really liked The Lady and the Laird. It was more than I was expecting, a page turner, and if left me wanting more about Lucy and Robert. I definitely will be keeping an eye for One Night with the Laird, the next book of the Scottish Brides series.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: Highland Song by Tanya Anne Crosby

Title: Highland Song

Series: Highland Brides #5

Author: Tanya Anne Crosby

Published by Oliver-Heber Books

Age: Adult

Gavin Mac Brodie fears the thought of becoming the man his father was. Driven into solitude by visions of what he would not be and could not have, he vows never to wed. But this last of the available Brodie men is about to encounter a wee bit of Highland magic...

Catrìona is no stranger to solitude. Driven deep into the Highland mountains, her kinsmen have become little more than legend. But no one knows better than Cat that you cannot hide from fate. Naked and painted in the woad of her ancestors, she appears to Gavin Mac Brodie ...

But is she flesh and blood--a chance for a future--or just a faerie creature who will vanish if Gavin dares to open his heart?

Highland Song is part of the Highland Brides series, and I downloaded it for free at Amazon Kindle (I think it's currently free). Gavin Mac Brodie is building his own home, now that all his brothers are married, he doesn't feel comfortable living with them. He's building it alone until Catriona, naked and beautiful, shows up. They get together pretty fast but Gavin doesn't know Catriona is escaping. When they are found together, it's already too late to separate them...

Highland Song is just a short novella. It has reference from the other characters from the series, which I haven't read. I enjoyed it, only took a while to read it, and Gavin was cute. But I had problems sometimes understanding their slang (but English isn't my native language).

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: A Knight's Temptation by Catherine Kean

Title: A Knight's Temptation

Series: Knight's #3

Author: Catherine Kean

Published May 4th 2012

Age: Adult

A ruby pendant stands at the center of this tale of disgrace, plotting, redemption, and the reunion of childhood friends.

Aldwin Treynarde is a squire who, in his youth, was banished from home for shooting Lord Geoffrey de Lanceau with a crossbow bolt and nearly killing the man. Later on, Aldwin discovered that he had been set up by the deceitful Baron Sedgewick, who fed him false stories about the lord's wrongdoings. Now, several years later, Lord Geoffrey sends out a call for volunteers to find a stolen, valuable jeweled pendant before it falls into the hands of the Baron and his wife Veronique. Aldwin accepts at once and hopes to make amends to Lord Geoffrey. If he excels in his duty, he hopes he might even be awarded knighthood.

Meanwhile, Lady Leona Ransley and her aging father, who have possession of the pendant, want only to turn it in anonymously and collect the reward money. Under an assumed name, Leona arranges for a secret meeting with Aldwin in a seedy tavern, and, making yet another rash decision, Aldwin decides to kidnap her. She fights furiously against him and finally reveals her true identity: she and he had once been great companions. In fact, Aldwin had nearly caused her death 12 years earlier when they disturbed a bees' nest during a childhood game. By this point, the feckless squire desires his warrior captive more than any woman he has ever met, and he knows he has one last chance to protect her life.

Only by settling the events of their past and fighting side by side will Aldwin and Leona be able to defeat their opponents and surrender to their greatest temptation—love.

I got A Knight's Temptation free a couple of weeks ago and the moment I started reading I was caught in this story.

Aldwin Treynarde is hoping to be awarded knighthood and be forgiven by his family and Lord Geoffrey for almost killing him. It was a mistake, and if he can find the stolen jeweled pendant before Veronique  and the Baron, he's sure he's going to be forgiven.

Finding the pendant was easy, but Lady Leona Ransley didn't make it an easy task. She has her own reasons to have the pendant and not trust Aldwin, after all, it was his fault she almost died a few years ago.

Aldwin was the typical alpha male, but Leona wasn't the typical lady. She's very independent and sometimes even spoiled. Their past was always pursuing them, but still they managed to fall in love between fights. Aldwin was an interesting male, tender and trying to make amends for his mistakes, but I didn't like he always keep Leona tied.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I haven't read the previous books of the Knight's series, but I got into the story pretty fast.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover

Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #2

Author: Sarah MacLean

Published January 29th 2013 by Avon

Age: Adult

Lady Philippa Marbury is...odd

The brilliant, bespectacled daughter of a double marquess cares more for books than balls, for science than the season, and for laboratories than love. She's looking forward to marrying her simple fiancé and living out her days quietly with her dogs and her scientific experiments. But before that, Pippa has two weeks to experience all the rest—fourteen days to research the exciting parts of life. It's not much time, and to do it right she needs a guide familiar with London's darker corners.

She needs...a Scoundrel

She needs Cross, the clever, controlled partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, with a carefully crafted reputation for wickedness. But reputations often hide the darkest secrets, and when the unconventional Pippa boldly propositions him, seeking science without emotion, she threatens all he works to protect. He is tempted to give Pippa precisely what she wants . . . but the scoundrel is more than he seems, and it will take every ounce of his willpower to resist giving the lady more than she ever imagined.

Sarah MacLean is one of my favorites historical romance authors and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover  didn't disappointed me.

Lady Philippa 'Pippa' Marbury is definitely odd for her time. She likes to study, she knows things no proper lady should know. But she doesn't know anything about intimacy, and she's getting married in two weeks. So she asks Cross, the ultimate scoundrel, to answer some of her questions...all in the name of science of course.

Cross is one of the partners in London's most exclusive gaming hell, his reputation of wickedness follow him everywhere. But he never expected proper but odd bespectacled Lady Philippa, to ask him about intimacy. She should be asking her next husband, even if that makes his blood boils. Since she doesn't seem to be listening to his request to stop this nonsense, he will make her gamble with him...but of course, he doesn't believe in luck.

What can I say? This book has one of the most sensual scenes where the protagonists doesn't even touch each other. Believe me, I'll never forget it. I think I was flushed all the time I read it. But if that doesn't convince you, the characters are realistic and very unusual. Pippa is extremely intelligent and daring, and Cross, even with his strong character, is very scarred and needs to be saved.

Overall, One Good Earl Deserves a Lover was everything I wanted and expected for an historical romance written by Sarah MacLean. With realistic but original characters, and some very hot moments, I couldn't stop reading. I really can't wait for the next book of this series, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: Wicked in Your Arms (Forgotten Princesses #1) by Sophie Jordan

Title: Wicked in Your Arms

Series: Forgotten Princesses #1

Author: Sophie Jordan

Published July 26th 2011 by Avon

Age: Adult

One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London's most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady—one with a considerable fortune to her name—wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .

Grier Hadley has a new fortune and is looking for a husband who doesn't care she's illegitimate when he gets her enormous dowry. It's a difficult task, specially since her skin isn't so light, she has freckles and a fierce personality. So it's not a surprise to listen Prince Sevastian Maksimi talking about her like she's garbage, but she isn't going to take it anymore, it doesn't matter he's the hottest man on earth....or a Prince.

Prince Sevastian needs a respectable wife and fast, so Grier is not a choice....maybe only for a couple of nights. But every time he spends with her their attractions grows and he wants to know more and more of her.

Their attraction was instant and hot, and I loved their altercations! Grier isn't like any other young woman, she doesn't mind Sevastian's tittle and isn't ready to throw herself at him. Sevastian is definitely hot but he isn't at cruel as it seems at first. He's actually interested in her and very soon realizes he wants to be with her. 

Everything happens quickly, and after some predictable drama, the finally can be together. 

Overall, I really loved this book, Wicked in Your Arms. Sophie Jordan knows how to keep me interested and fall n love with the characters, and it was exactly what I was looking for, a fun and sexy historical romance with the perfect HEA ending.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: Lady Iona's Rebellion by Dorothy McFalls

Title: Lady Iona's Rebellion

Author: Dorothy McFalls

Published March 7th 2010 by Barking Dog Press

Age: Adult

She was looking for freedom....

When the always obedient Lady Iona is pressured into accepting a husband of her father's choosing, she seeks out the notorious rake, Lord Nathan Wynter, for his help in learning how to standup for herself.

He was looking for respect...

While Iona is seeking adventure, Lord Nathan is doing his honest best to reform his ways in order to repair his reputation and his disastrous relationship with his family. Winning the very proper Lady Iona for a wife would go a long way to achieving that end.

They found each other.

The more Nathan tries to protect Lady Iona from running head-long into disgrace, the more he admires her daring spirit and unpredictable antics. Instead of returning her to the obedient world to which she was raised, he encourages her blossoming passions. Such a move is surely going to lead them both to ruin.

But for love he is willing to risk everything.

I downloaded Lady Iona's Rebellion free from Amazon a couple of days ago, and it's the story of Lord Nathan, who has a very bad reputation, and Lady Iona, who is the perfect lady. Nathan's plan is to win Iona's heart, and that way earn a better reputation and his family's respect, but Iona wants the exact opposite, she wants passion and freedom.

It's a game where none of them are going to win. Nathan wants to protect her, even from himself, and Iona is starting to fall in love with him, but is he also in love with her?

It was a passionate romance, sexy sometimes. Nathan and Iona were the perfect couple but sometimes too insecure, which gave the story some twists before having their HEA. But I didn't like Nathan's family, specially his brother and father, and I wanted Nathan to be stronger, he apparently had a strong character but with them he always was very soft and let them offend him.

Overall, I enjoyed Lady Iona's Rebellion, it's a good choice if you want to read historical romance.

More about this book at www.dorothymcfalls.com, Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: Surprising Lord Jack by Sally MacKenzie

Title: Surprising Lord Jack

Series: Duchess of Love #2

Author: Sally MacKenzie

Release Date: March 5th 2013

Publisher: Zebra
Age: Adult

Unladylike Behavior

Frances Hadley has managed her family’s estate for years. So why can’t she request her own dowry? She’ll have to go to London herself and knock some sense into the men interfering in her life. With the nonsense she’s dealt with lately, though, there’s no way she’s going as a woman. A pair of breeches and a quick chop of her red curls, and she’ll have much less to worry about…

Jack Valentine, third son of the famous Duchess of Love, is through being pursued by pushy young ladies. One particularly determined miss has run him out of his own house party. Luckily the inn has one bed left—Jack just has to share with a rather entertaining red-headed youth. Perhaps the two of them should ride to London together. It will make a pleasant escape from his mother’s matchmaking melodrama!

Surprising Lord Jack is the story of Frances Hadley, a strong woman who is tired of the irresponsible men in her life and her liar aunt. She doesn't care to cut her hair and dress like a man, if it means getting her dowry and finally living alone. But she wasn't expecting to end sleeping with Jack Valentine, famous for his bad boy reputation.

Jack Valentine is not going to marry Frances Hadley just because of a honest mistake, but he's sure his mother is going to help him out of this mess. Miss Frances isn't what he's looking for, she's not really beautiful with her short hair and man's clothes. But she has captured his attention, and maybe he isn't ready to let her go.

I liked Surprising Lord Jack. It's a little bit predictable, with an heroine who was beautiful but needed help, a killer probably going after her, and a naughty Lord who actually is very sweet, but that doesn't mean I couldn't enjoy a good historical romance. Sometimes it was very emotional, Frances's close family is very mean with her, she's very lonely. But Jack is very close to his family, I liked his brothers although his mother should find another hobby instead of finding wives for her sons!

Overall, Surprising Lord Jack is a good historical romance, I really enjoyed it and if you like this genre you should try this series, Duchess of Love. I know I'll read Ash's story (Jack's older brother) if is available some day.

Positive: A good historical romance. Negative: Sometimes predictable. Interesting: The cute dog from the cover!

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: A Lascivious Lady (Wedded Women Quartet #3) by Jillian Eaton

Title: A Lascivious Lady

Author: Jillian Eaton

Series: Wedded Women Quartet #3

Published August 11th 2012

Can a realist fall in love with a dreamer?

Josephine never wanted to marry Traverson. In love with a Duke, she had dreams of grandeur… until a lowly Earl stole them away from her. Unable to forgive Traverson for what he took, she has exacted her revenge in the most unforgivable of ways.

Traverson fell in love with the bright eyed, fair haired country girl the moment he first saw her. Entranced before he even learned her name, he used everything in his power to make her his, realizing too late love is something that cannot be bought.

Brought together by a mutual acquaintance, Josephine and Traverson must finally face the feelings they have been avoiding. Can Josephine overcome her tawdry past? Or is it too late to love a man who may have finally given up on her?

Josephine hates her husband, Traverson, because he stole her dreams of being in love and possibly marry a Duke. She can't forgive him, so she sleeps with other men.

Traverson fell in love with her since the moment he saw her, but now he knows it was a mistake to marry her and expect love. He knows what she does with other men, but can they still be together?

I didn't know what to expect from this couple. I'm not in favor of cheating, I think it's horrible and  very difficult to forgive and keep loving after that, so I wasn't sure I was going to like Josephine. She isn't my favorite character, she could have handled it better, but I still liked that she always had a soft side for Traverson.

Traverson in one of a kind. He still loves her after all this time!! And is ready to forgive her but still gets mad when he thinks about what she have done with all the other men. But he is't an idiot, he definitely has a rough side, maybe that's why I liked him.

Their romance was very different from others, it was more about forgiving and giving themselves a chance, and I really liked it.

Again, Wedded Women Quartet series surprises me with emotional characters and a good romance story in just a few pages. Recommended if you want to read a different love story.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: A Brooding Beauty by Jillian Eaton

Title: A Brooding Beauty

Series: Wedded Women Quartet #1

Author: Jillian Eaton

Published February 14th 2012

What happens after happily ever after?

The marriage of Lady Catherine Nettle and Marcus Windfair, the 7th Duke of Kensington, was declared the affair of the Season. They seemed perfect for each other… until they weren’t.

Now after three years of separation Catherine wants a divorce. She can no longer remain married to a man who does not return her love and is willing to do whatever it takes – including following Marcus to the secluded cottage in the highlands where they spent their honeymoon – to get what she wants.

Marcus can no longer trust his wife after what happened three years ago, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love her. Refusing her ridiculous request for a divorce, he escapes to Woodsgate, confidant his wife will not follow him into the wilds of Scotland. Unfortunately for the Duke, this is one bet he is bound to lose.

Forced together, husband and wife reach an unusual compromise: Catherine agrees to sleep with her husband for two months, after which time Marcus will grant her a divorce. It is the perfect solution for two people who claim to no longer love each other… or is it?

I remember reading a book from this author, A Ravishing Redhead, and liking, but I didn't it more thought until I found A Brooding Beauty free many weeks ago and decided to give it a shot. What a great choice!

Jillian Eaton writes with emotion!! Even when it's a short romance novella, the characters, Catherine and Marcus, are full of emotions! (and passion). After being separated, Catherine wants a divorce, and she's going to get it even if she has to find him in his secluded cottage. Marcus left because he can't trust her, but he wasn't expecting Catherine to follow him and keep asking for a ridiculous divorce!

Both of them still love each other but they don't know. But their passion in there, and after an arrangement of sleeping together for two months before the divorce, will they be able to keep their hands of each other? No, of course not!

I can't say more without giving spoilers but I can recommend you to read the Wedded Women Quartet series. It has real and emotional characters, full of passion ready to explore!

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: The Devil's Thief by Samantha Kane

Title: The Devil's Thief

Series: The Saint’s Devils #1

Author: Samantha Kane

Published: November 12th 2012 by Loveswept

The daughter of a reformed jewel thief, Julianna Harte knows a thing or two about stealth. When the foundling home she provides for finds itself in dire financial straits, Julianna is forced to do the unthinkable. In a bit of misguided Robin Hood derring-do, she slips through the window of a wealthy rake to search for a treasure she knows is there: an invaluable pearl. But when the towering and very naked occupant of the moonlit bedroom ambushes her with a bargain—a night in his bed in exchange for the pearl—Julianna doesn’t know if it’s masculine heat or sheer desperation that makes his terms so tempting.
Alasdair Sharpe had no intention of keeping his end of the bargain. Planning to offer his little cat burglar carte blanche instead, he promptly loses himself in the delights of unexpected pleasure. But when he awakes the next morning to find his family heirloom gone, fury quickly replaces sensual languor. Of course, Alasdair is more than willing to use seduction to reclaim his stolen pearl—and find the key to Julianna’s heart.

When I think of The Devil's Thief, I think sexy! Wow, Julianna and Alasdair were on fire! It's not easy to write natural sexy scenes, but Samantha Kane knows how to do it. From the first line, I was hooked with this twenty years old thief, Julianna, who is capable of giving her body for a pearl. And Alasdair, who isn't a saint but more like a hot devil, I wouldn't mind breaking into his room too.

Julianna is feisty and smart, everyone see her as a wallflower, and she kind of is one, but she wants Alasdair, her neigboor. Or just his pearl, which have great value and selling it could mean the end of her money problems...at least some. I liked her, she had an opportunity with Alasdair and grab it, without forgetting why she was there. And I lover her attitude when he discovered her.

Alasdair is more complex, because he ain't no saint and he doesn't want to like her, after all she's a thief, but can forget having her body in his arms. He was naturally kinky, I couldn't help but like him!

The story was different than I expected it, which was a nice surprise. Also, Alasdair's friends were a great addition to the story, obviously I want to know more of them.

Overall, The Devil's Thief was an amazing historical romance, it was the perfect book to start the year. The protagonists were hot and sexy, it isn't easy to find such a good chemistry. Samantha Kane is definitely on my radar now, and I can't wait to read the next book of the series, Tempting a Devil.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Review: Runaway Heart by Claudy Conn

Title: Runaway Heart

Author: Claudy Conn

Release Date: September 24th 2012

Age: Adult

Spirited Chelsea decided she’d sooner run away to London than return to her vain and selfish guardian, Aunt Augusta.

But in her wildest dreams, she never imagined her dear godmother would arrange a Season—or convince the ton’s most eligible bachelor to take her under his wing.

Lord Wainwright was a handsome rogue who was not interested in coy games and missish airs. He expected a country mouse with no polish, but instead he found a thoroughly engaging minx, and was oddly irritated by all the male attention she received.

Chelsea with her unspoiled eye saw beyond Wainwright’s pursuit of hedonism to the intriguing man underneath. But to her shock, it appeared his heart belonged to her horrid Aunt Augusta!

I downloaded Runaway Heart free from Amazon (I think it's still free), and it was a nice surprise!

Chelsea is a spirited young lady, who has been forgotten by her guardian Aunt Augusta, and she won't take it anymore. She decided to run away to London with her best friend, but she never thought she her godmother would take her under her wing and arrange a Season for her.

Chelsea starts as a very naive girl but soon learns to flirt, and Lord Wainwright, her godmother's nephew, helps her to find her way in the society. She's intrigued by him, and he, who of course is not interested in love, can't stop thinking about this young woman.

Runaway Heart is a sweet love story, very dramatic in the end with a not very surprising kidnapping. But still, I really enjoyed it, it was fun to see Chelsea grow up and this cute couple to fall in love.

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Book Review: Almost a Scandal (Reckless Brides #1) by Elizabeth Essex

Title: Almost a Scandal

Author: Elizabeth Essex

Series: Reckless Brides #1

Release Date: July 31st, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Age: Adult

Bold, brazen, and beautiful, the Reckless Brides refuse to play by society’s rules of courtship. But—come hell or high water—they always get their man…

For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test…

Sally Kent loves the sea, so when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, she takes the chance to wear a uniform. The problem is, how to hide her woman curves, specially from Lieutenant David Colyear.

I really liked Sally, she was strong, decided and never accepted 'no' for an answer. It was a little bit unbelievable how she could hide herself from everyone, but I enjoyed her relationship with Col. They were hot and passionate, and even when Col took a difficult decision to allow her on the ship, he was still protective but not exasperating.

But I didn't enjoy much the explanations and descriptions of the life on the ship, it was too tedious for me and it made me want to leave the book many times. That's the main reason why I didn't love it.

Overall, I liked Elizabeth Essex's writing and enjoyed Sally's and Col's relationship, so the Reckless Brides series is definitely recommended if you want to read an historical romance series.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: A Secret Love by Stephanie Laurens

Title: A Secret Love

Author: Stephanie Laurens

Series: Cynster #5

Release Date: July 3rd 2000

Publisher: Avon Books

Age: Adult

All of Regency London knows that no Cynster male would ever walk away from a lady in distress...but their protection can come at a tantalizingly high price. And now, Stephanie Laurens has created her boldest Cynster yet--Gabriel--a man who has known the pleasure of many women, but who has given his heart to no one.

She was desperate for his help...When a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him--in the form of a kiss.

He was powerlerss to resist...

Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel's desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultimate seduction...but what will happen when she reveals the truth?

I believe this is my first book from Stephanie Laurens, pero now I know why she's one of the favorite historical romance writers.

Alathea Morwellan has a huge problem. Her family's fortune is on danger. She's the only one who can save her family, like always, but she knows she need help from her friend, Gabriel Cynster.

Gabriel Cynster is, like every Cynster, looking for adventure. When a sexy woman asks for his help, he's is glad to help receiving kisses for payment. He doesn't know who she is, doesn't even think she's the same boring Alathea, but between kisses and an special perfume, he's going to get the surprise of his life.

I liked Alathea and Gabriel together. They were a hot couple, although I wanted them to realize they were made for each other sooner. I liked Gabriel's protectiveness and Alathea's character, but I got tired of the business they were trying to discover together to maintain Alathea's fortune. They concentrated to much on it and I wanted more acting between them, but in the end I liked how their relationship developed.

Although I felt it was a little bit longer than necessary, I enjoyed A Secret Love and Stephanie Laurens is on my good list of historical romance authors. I'm new to the Cynster series, but I'd like to read all the books. What do you think? Have you read the Cynster series?

More about this book at www.stephanielaurens.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: Secrets of Midnight by Miriam Minger

Title: Secrets of Midnight

Author: Miriam Minger

Release Date: November 6th 2010

Publisher: Walker Publishing

Age: Adult

If Lord Donovan Trent had his way, he would spend his days carelessly wooing the women of London society. Instead, he found himself banished to the English countryside of Cornwall, forced by the decrees of his father’s will to run his family’s tin mines and find a country bride. The last thing the handsome lord needed was a local lass sticking her nose into his affairs, but that seemed to be exactly what Corisande Easton had in mind.

Corie had spent her whole life struggling to help those less fortunate than herself. When she heard that Lord Donovan had arrived in Cornwall, she seized the opportunity to confront him about his family’s mistreatment of the overworked tinners. Donovan and Corie soon found their tempers flaring while fighting to deny their fiery passions—until a secret business arrangement forced them into each other’s arms.

When I Secrets of Midnight free from amazon, I couldn't let the opportunity pass. I like historical romances, and I enjoyed this book.

Lord Donovan Trent is being forced to marry a country bride by his father's will, and he just need a bride who doesn't mind to be temporary.

Corie can be his bride. She takes this opportunity to protect the local overworked man by agreeing to be his wife for a few weeks, but none of them expected to fall in love.

I liked Donovan and Corie as a couple. They were both fierce and their characters were very strong, but they managed to get along because of their passion and their tender heart. The story was enjoyable, although sometimes there were too many things happening, but in the end I liked it and had a good time reading it.

If you like historical romance with fierce and passionate couples, Secrets of Midnight is for you.

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