Review: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Feyre survived the last enemy but the consequences of her decisions are now catching up with her. Though she is no longer human, her emotion still are and they are in turmoil in more ways than one. Torn between facing what she had to do under the mountain to free the Fae and the man she loved, she now has to deal with all of those feelings and turns to the one person no one expects.

Definitely going on my favorites list! If I thought I was blown away by the first one, this one surpassed it! There was so much build-up and tension between the characters. I loved how the story took a turn that I was not expecting from the last one. 

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Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Feyre, the provider for her family, has spent her life fearing the Fae on the other side of the wall. She has heard the gruesome stories but when faced with a decision that could feed her family she takes it. That decision brings on the full force of the Fae when Tamlin takes her in retribution for killing one of his own. But Tamlin is not exactly what Feyre is expecting and neither is the world she now finds herself in.

I was surprisingly blown away by this book. I am not a huge lover of reading about fairies but I was enthralled with this story. I absolutely loved the characters and their heartfelt, 'real' interactions. I got the world, I could see it in my mind and I felt like I was experiencing the story right along with Feyre.

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Review: The Hunt

The Hunt by Megan Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Trapped again. Cora feels betrayed by the one she thought she trusted but she is still having conflicting feelings about him too. While everyone gets separated, they have to figure out how to survive and ultimately come together to make it through.

I really like the first 75% of this book. There were a few surprises at the end and some events that I didn't like. I wanted to like Cora more than I did, I was disappointed in her. I wanted a different outcome for her.

I felt a lot of emotion while reading this book so the author really did a great job of immersing the reader into her world. (view spoiler)[ I wish Lucky had a better death. It seemed to be flat for how much he contributed to the story as a whole. Me, as a reader of the series, of course did not want him to die but he is a character that I would have thought would have gone out with guns blazing. (hide spoiler)]

Personally some of this book was hard to get through. (view spoiler)[I am a huge animal advocate and parts of this book were really painful to read with the animals getting shot over and over again. (hide spoiler)]

I am really excited to see how this is all going to play out.

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Review: Silk and Shadows

Silk and Shadows by Mary Jo Putney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Peregrine, a wealthy and handsome man from a foreign land, wants revenge. Revenge on the man that wronged him so many years ago. He will do anything to get it, which is exactly when Lady Sara St. James comes across his path. Even though she is in his path of destruction there is something about her that peaks his interest and makes her irresistible.

I loved this book! I do have to say there was one part that I really didn't like between Peregrine and Sara but other than that I was captured by the story and the characters. Even with going through so much in his life Peregrine was able to have a broader outlook on people and vice versa Sara opened her heart to Peregrine and accepted him even with his past.

Also Read In:
2004

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Review: Wild Sweet Ecstasy

Wild Sweet Ecstasy by Jo Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While on a train reporter, Mary Michael Dennehy, is caught in the middle of a robbery. Little did she know that she had met one of the robbers before and to keep her from getting killed for being a reporter he makes up a story that they had once been married. Ethan Stone did not expect to see the woman reporter again, he is on a mission of his own and to get them both out of it he forces her to pretend.

There were certain parts that I really did not like about Michael, for being such a smart woman she certainly opened her mouth at inopportune times to make matters worse for everyone and practically seemed like she was trying to get herself killed. I liked Ethan's straight forward and practical attitude, he knew what had to be done and he accomplished it one way or another.

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Review: More Than You Wished

More Than You Wished by Jo Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bria Hamilton's only wish is to reclaim the plantation that was stolen from her family by the Yankees after the Civil War. She sees her chance in Lucas Kincaid, yes he is a Yankee, but the more time she spends with him the more she doesn't want to see him leave.

I did not like Bria that much in the first series, I did feel for her and everything she had to go through though. I thought Lucas was the kind of character I could respect, I liked his philosophy and how he stood up for his principles. Lucas was very understanding.

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Review: More Than You Know

More Than You Know by Jo Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Claire Bancroft is desperate to find her brother and father. They were lost to her in the Pacific Islands on a research expedition a year and a half ago and she cannot remember exactly what happened. That is where Rand Hamilton comes in. His is desperate in his own right, desperate to find the lost family treasure to put his plantation in order. Embarking on the dangerous mission, both of them have their own agendas.

I liked how Goodman made Claire's personality so independent, especially with her limitations. I liked Rand's character, he was strong and well-respected. He had a lot going against him but pursued through all of it. He blames himself for a lot that wasn't his fault and I liked how Goodman was able to show him as vulnerable too. Once again I felt that part of the story was not entirely needed, it dragged on a bit.

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Review: Passion's Sweet Revenge

Passion's Sweet Revenge by Jo Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the war was going on Katy did some things that she regretted, especially to Logan Marshall. Now ten years later Katy Dakota has made her name on stage and Logan is out for revenge.

The story was slow in parts, I felt like some of the information could have been edited out but overall the story kept me entertained. Logan was forceful to a point but I can understand his wanting revenge for what Katy put him through but he was also able to check himself. Overall, I liked Katy, she did what she had to do to keep going. She was a very strong heroine but also had her own faults.

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Review: Whispered Kisses

Whispered Kisses by Janelle Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Texas heiress Laura Leigh Webster embarks on an African safari she never realized her life would be turned upside down. She becomes entangled in a triangle of revenge between her guardian, vying for her money, her guardian's mistress, trying to get Leigh out of the way, and Jace Elliott, their handsome guide who just may have committed murder. In a succession on mishaps Leigh doesn't know who she could trust in the wilds of Africa.

I liked Leigh but she had a flimsy character. She kept wavering back and forth, I can understand she was unsure of who to trust but I thought her reasoning was pretty far off that mark. Jace was too controlling and did not seem like her viewed Leigh as an equal but more of his possession that he had to protect no matter what she wanted.

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Review: Open Minds

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars

Kira Moore is a zero, she cannot communicate telepathically and link minds with all of the people around her. She is looked down on by the rest of society and is a social pariah. The day she meets Simon everything changes. Kira realizes that she is actually a mind jacker and can get other people to do what she wants, not only that but she is more powerful than most other jackers making her that much more dangerous to everyone.

Interesting concept for the future of evolutionary change where people no longer have to talk to one another. Kinda makes you think about what your brain can do.

I was interested in the story at first but it quickly became boring for me. There was too much going on in such a short period of time that I started to lose interest in what was actually happening.


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Review: Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed

Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sidonie Forsythe agrees to spend seven nights with Jonas Merrick in payment for her sister's gambling debts to him and to save her from her abusive husband. Sidonie has heard a lot of things about the infamous Jonas but nothing can ready her for the tormented man she encounters.

Sidonie's shift in attitude towards Jonas happened relatively quickly. I did not really understand where Jonas's angle came from, what was he originally hoping to accomplish. I was not a big fan of his many Italian endearments.


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Review: Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell

Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charis is on the run from her abusive step-brothers that want to marry her off to maintain her fortune. When Gideon spots the young girl in a stable he knows something is not right. He wants to help her but he has some problems of his own. When they are forced into a marriage of convenience to escape Charis' aggressive step brothers Charis might be able to help Gideon more than he knows.

It seemed Gideon was able to overcome his affliction pretty fast. I mean one day is practically nothing, but then again according to this book is seems sex cures everything. Even though I thought the plot progression was a little ridiculous, I really liked the characters and their attitudes.


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Review: Tempt the Devil

Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith first sees Olivia Raines he knows that he wants her as his mistress. When Erith finally achieves his goal there are more surprises to Olivia than first meets the eye. As wages are made, both of them might lose more than they bargained for.

I liked the predicament brought up in the story and Olivia's clear and strong attitude towards men. She had a intelligence that was actually appreciated and knew how to use her charms to achieve the level of freedom she could. Erith was surprisingly kind though, I did not exactly like him. He was not my type of hero. Overall, the story kept my interest but not so much that I will be reading it over.


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Review: Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 1825 Verity Ashton chooses to forgo her life as a courtesan in favor of a simpler life. That doesn't necessarily sit well with her latest paramour, Justin Kinmurrie, the Duke of Kylemore. As he chases her to her hidden location, he takes her prisoner to persuade her to change her mind.

I didn't like Kylemore at all. He was just a big bully and threatened to hurt her. He wasn't anywhere close to being s hero, he was a child who balked because he didn't get everything he wanted. He was a tyrant that just went in and took it. He basically stole from her the life that she had wanted and made her have the life he wanted her to have. I did not like the notion of turning his behavior into something romantic.


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Review: The Devil Wears Plaid

The Devil Wears Plaid by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jaime Sinclair is on mission for revenge against the Hepburns that wronged him. His revenge choice? Abducting the unsuspecting bride of the Earl of Hepburn, Emma Marlowe, at the alter of the church. Little did Jaime know, Emma has more spunk in her than originally thought and she won't go so quietly before putting up a fight.

I like chance meeting books and enemies to lovers types of meetings. Emma and Jaime did not disappoint in the least. Both of their characters were quite spirited and I loved their fearless interactions with one another. Emma did not seem like a strong character in the beginning but with Jaime her true nature shined.

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Review: Torkel's Chosen

Torkel's Chosen by Michelle Howard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Faye signs up to become a alien bride she does not expect the husband she ends up with. While getting off the ship an offer is made to her of $20,000 to choose Torkel as her mate and she could not ask for a better husband. She falls in love with him but that offer came with a price that might be too high for their love to survive.

It was interesting. I thought that the heroine was pretty stupid but then again if she wasn't there would not have been a book. I thought the security in the Warriors building was severely flawed, especially for the SEALS of the Galaxy.

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Review: Harper's Bride

Harper's Bride by Alexis Harrington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Melissa and her daughter are offered up as payment for the debt of her no good husband, Dylan Harper feels obligated to try and protect her. He doesn't realize that his offer of help may end up being more than he bargained for.

Melissa and Dylan were good together. I like the stories where people start off as strangers and are forced together by some circumstance. They made a really cute couple, trying to understand one another and helping each other move on.

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Review: Crush

Crush by Chrissy Peebles
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Crush

When Taylor sparks moves with her family to California her meeting with the locals doesn't go as expected. Her new crush Jesse is hiding something from her.

Really? One stupid mistake after another for the characters. tThe characters don't have much of an attention span, they jump from one thing to another. Taylor just acts dumb and has no common sense whatsoever. The characters were flat, there was no substance to them at all. I thought the writing was sloppy and the story did not have as much action as I thought it would.

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Review: Some Like It Wild

Some Like It Wild by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pamela Darby needs to find a man, a man to impersonate a long lost ducal heir to help her uncover the murder of her mother. She finds just the man in Connor Kincaid when he tries to rob the carriage Pamela and her sister are traveling in. Pamela finds a little more than she bargained for with the witty whims of Connor as he takes on the role of heir.

I liked the bantering and silly antics between Pamela and Conner. They were a perfect match for one another in their wits and schemes. The story progressed at a good pace and kept the readers attention.

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Review: Timeless

Timeless by Alexandra Monir
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When Michele's mother dies she has to move in with her super rich grandparents, the Winsor's. At their house she finds a key that drags her back into the past and back into the arms of Philip.

The insta love was too mushy. Also the total acceptance of everyone in the past regarding this girl just showing up doesn't seem plausible. I liked the concept for the story but I wasn't enthralled by the execution of it.

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Review: Timeless

Timeless by Michelle Madow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars

As Chelsea finally realizes the magnitude of her actions she does everything in her power to help Lizzie survive. When the only option leads them back into the past, they discover there was more to the story than they originally thought.

This book in the series was quite slow. It had all of the elements for a good mystery but none of the suspense that put me at the edge of my seat. The addition of story plot elements seemed forced by the author to get the story out.

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Review: Vengeance

Vengeance by Michelle Madow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars

As Chelsea is feeling the cold sting of betrayal and loss she seeks solace in a witch that helps her to remember her past life. What she sees gives her hope and she makes a choice that she might soon regret.

Interesting to get a further glimpse of the story from Chelsea's point of view. This was written in a short, to the point manner. I liked seeing the story from a different view point and it makes the reader understand Chelsea's overall motives more and the reason everything after happened.

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Review: Remembrance

Remembrance by Michelle Madow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Drew walks into Lizzie Davenports life she cannot shake the feeling that she knows him. She is drawn to him in a way she cannot explain. When she starts having flashbacks of Regency England her connection starts to be explained but this time they can't repeat the past.

The developing relationship between Lizzie and drew changes too quickly. There was some build up but the tension gets overshadowed. It went from I don't remember anything to an overwhelming insta-love scenario.

I thought it was interesting that this story was inspired by Taylor Swift's Love Story.

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Review: Hysteria

Hysteria by Megan Miranda
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Mallory killed her boyfriend in self-defense but now his presence is haunting her. When she goes away to a prep school his presence follows her there.

I was confused for most of it, which I guess the reader is supposed to be. It was slow and boring, latching in character depth. I was not particularly interested in any of the characters or their lives, especially Mallory.

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Review: How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript by James Scott Bell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some parts of this book I found to be boring but overall I liked some of the writing exercises on dialogue. Bell's ability to concisely divulge how he had been able to develop his skill in creating dialogue was appreciated. I particularly liked the exercise of writing in novel format from a screen play, it shows how to develop a story.

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Review: Fallen Heroes: Sixteen Master Villain Archetypes

Fallen Heroes: Sixteen Master Villain Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to get this book because I liked Cowden's The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines so much. While I appreciate the book as a whole, I did not find it to be as comprehensive as her first one. The examples were okay but she did not delve as in-depth into the archetypes as she did for the heroes and heroines.

I still found the book to be helpful for my writing though.

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Review: Rise

Rise by Anna Carey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With rebellion on the rise Eve picks a side. Her loyalties are tested and questioned on all fronts. With heartbreak in the forefront of her mind she has to decide what she is really fighting for.

Um what?!? There wasn't much of a wrap up to this. Yes, there was a definite ending but at least to me it seems like there should have been more to the story. I thought this was the slowest book out of all of them. There are action in it but the writing did not move me to excitement.

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Review: Once

Once by Anna Carey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the run again and this time without Caleb, Eve finds the choices she has to make difficult. Getting captured was not something she was expecting and neither was the king. As life in the City of the Sand comes with an unexpected surprise rebellion is just on the surface.

The book was not as fast paced as the last. It started off slow with the pace picking up a little towards the middle but then fizzling out again. It took a direction I wasn't expecting. The relationship between Eve and the king was interesting. I like the tension and manipulating way their discussions went. They definitely had the verbal dance down to an art.


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Review: Eve

Eve by Anna Carey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a plague ravishes the plant few survive. Eve is one of the lucky few, taken in to go to a School for girls after her mother's death, she thinks her life is going to be everything she wants. On the day before her graduation she finds out the truth, a truth she would deny if she didn't see the proof before her. She isn't going on to lead a great life, once she graduates she is going to have to help repopulate it whether she wants to or not. With that dire realization she takes off running for her life.

I really liked the start of the book. It was an interesting concept but if something like that were to happen it wouldn't be too far fetched for an outcome. Eve was a really naive character, understandable with her upbringing. She did adapt more to some concepts than others, at times it seemed strange that she could just throw away everything she learned in the blink of an eye. (view spoiler)[ I also thought it was strange how it was well known that she was being hunted to just throw it all away making the radio call. (hide spoiler)]

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Review: The Jewel

The Jewel by Amy Ewing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a plague ravishes the plant few survive. Violet is one of the lucky few, taken in to go to a School for girls after her mother's death, she thinks her life is going to be everything she wants. On the day before her graduation she finds out the truth, a truth she would deny if she didn't see the proof before her. She isn't going on to lead a great life, once she graduates she is going to have to help repopulate it whether she wants to or not. With that dire realization she takes off running for her life.

Interesting story line and characters. I really like Violet and how she went with her instincts. She was loyal to her friends even when it wasn't in her best interests and even when she had no power at all she still had spirit. She never lost her will and she didn't sell her soul to the royalty.

The ending was a bit of a surprise too.

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Review: Some Like It Wicked

Some Like It Wicked by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catriona Kincaid wants more than anything to get the Highland lands back once belonging to her family. To do this she enlists the help of Simon Westcott, a naval hero that she has secretly harbored a crush for since she first met him. Catriona proposes a marriage of convenience, Simon needs money and Catriona needs a husband to escort her to the Highlands.

I liked how spirited Catriona Kincaid was, just like Simon Wescott. Their banter and matter of fact relationship spurred the sexual tension between them. There was also a great deal of witty hilarity thrown in for good measure.

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Review: The Last Star

The Last Star by Rick Yancey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The last stand for the tiny band of survivors is coming. Not everyone will survive and the journey to the end will be hard to endure.

That was a difficult ending. The book was much a long the same lines as the previous two. I was not expecting the story to go in the direction it did, the writing was surprising.

Overall it was an entertaining series and I am interested to see the movies.

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Review: The Infinite Sea

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible, the little band of fortunates probably won't be so lucky with the next wave.

Still good but not as good as the first one. The narration was still confusing but I like how the story is progressing.

Yancey certainly does not shy away from the blood and gore and death. It makes the story more plausible, the reader is on the edge of their seat never really quite sure what is going to happen or what direction the story is going to go in. I wanted more Cassie time but I was overall happy with the characters.

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Review: The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the aliens came they came in stages and wiped out most of the population of Earth. Now with aliens inhabiting the bodies of some of the remaining humans no one is to be trusted.

The story telling was a bit weird from so many different points of view. I was confused at some points about who was actually narrating a particular section but I think it made the book more suspenseful at the same time.

The romantic in me thinks that the best parts were with Cassie and Evan. (view spoiler)[I was int he same place as Cassie. I like him, I don't like him. I want to trust him, he shouldn't be trusted (hide spoiler)]I really liked the dynamic between them. Yancey was definitely able to show the conflicting emotions through Cassie's story, I think that was done exceptionally well. All of the emotions coming at once, overwhelming in the situation.

I did not find the overall story to be that sophisticated but I thought it was well written at the same time. It really grabbed the reader into the story making the whole book a fast read.

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Review: One Night Of Scandal

One Night Of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carlotta 'lottie' Farleigh has always love stories and adventure. When she hears that the 'Murderous Marquess' is residing next door she cannot resist taking a peek for inspiration for her novel. When she is found in a compromising situation with him they have no choice but to marry. Their new life comes with a lot of ups and downs making for an adventure Lottie never expected.

I loved the relationship and sexual tension presented in this book between Lottie and Hayden. Lottie was a hilarious character, she was so spirited and nothing got her down. I liked her positive attitude.

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Review: A Kiss to Remember

A Kiss to Remember by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laura Farleigh needs to find a husband before her 21st birthday so her siblings and herself do not get kicked out of the house they live in. When she finds a man unconcious under a tree she takes it as sign, when he cannot remember who he is, she takes that as an opportunity. She names him Nicholas Radcliffe, her finance, little does she know that she would actually end up falling in love with him. But, little does she know, 'Nicholas' is the man might just end up taking everything from her.

I love amnesia stories for some reason. I especially like the development of relationship between sterling and Laura. Lottie was a great treat too for her comedic interludes.

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Review: Fairest of Them All

Fairest of Them All by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Holly is the catch of 14th century England but she finds faults in all of her suitors. Even though she tries to present herself as ugly to ward off any more attention, that does not dissuade Austyn from wanting her as his wife.

Maybe it was just the medieval language but I found the story to be quite boring and long. The plot had promise but it did not hold my interest. This is a weird take on the Beauty and the Beast retelling and the hero was in the rape mindset that set me totally off, I though he was a pretty abhorrent character.

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Review: Marrying Winterborne

Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Helen Ravenel wants more than anything to marry Rhys Winterborne, unfortunately certain circumstances got in the way and their engagement was broken. As the Ravenel daughter least likely to cause a scandal it comes as a great surprise when Helen takes it upon herself to go to Mr. Winterborne, unescorted, to tell him how much she cares for him. As their engagement is renewed Helen finds out a secret about herself that might just throw that into jeopardy again.

As with everyone else in Helen's life, I saw her as a backburner character in the first book of the series. Not really taking her into account because she was the 'good' daughter and paled in comparison to the twins. That opinion certainly changed after reading this book. I grew to like Helen as her own character and she had much more of a backbone than she previously let on. As for Rhys, while I did not dislike him in this book, I liked him a lot more in the first book.

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Review: Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1) by Lisa Kleypas

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devon inherited an Earldom and he doesn't want it. The house is in need of repair and the tenants need new updates for farming and he is in more debt than ever. Not to mention that his cousin left behind a widow, Kathleen, and three sisters he is going to have to deal with. While Devon and Kathleen hit heads about the running of the estate, there is something irresistible in their attraction too.

I am quite happy Kleypas reverted back to historical romance. I think this book was just what was needed, the characters are interesting and lively as well as the plot. While it seemed the book was a bit drawn out, I didn't really mind because the characters were so entertaining.

I loved the enemies-to-lovers aspect between Devon and Kathleen. The friction between them was at some points breathtaking in its intensity. I also liked how crass Devon could be at some points, I'm sure that will be experienced a great deal more with Mr. Winterborne.

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Review: Where Dreams Begin

Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Holly Taylor did not think she could get over the death of her husband, George. Finally out of mourning she doesn't fell like she fits in with the social world around her like she used to. Wanting something more, she accepts the scandalous offer of Zachary Bronson, a man of means but clearly not a gentleman, to teach him and his family the ways of the aristocracy. She did not realize by accepting his offer she would be getting more than she had bargained for.

I liked the characters and the situation that was presented. I thought Kleypas did an excellent job getting the plot across, although it was a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning. There was no real build up that I found. Overall, I thought Holly was the perfect aristocratic woman who was so clearly trying to hide a wilder side of her nature, making Bronson perfect for her. She did not need another 'gentleman' of the ton but someone who really brought out her real personality and did not try to hide it.

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Review: Worth Any Price

Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reformed thief, Nick Gentry, is tasked with the assignment to find the beautiful Charlotte Howard. However, when he finds her, he just cannot bring himself to give her back to the horrid man she is engaged to and instead proposed an arrangement he never thought he would have.

I'm glad Nick Gentry was made a hero. I though Lottie was the right choice to, she showed her spirit in the beginning. I don't think she was as strong of a character put up against gentry, but then again, that's what he needed and Kleypas made the reader know that without completely diminishing Lottie's strength.

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Review: Lady Sophia's Lover

Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Sophie Sydney was bent on revenge against the man that jailed her brother, ultimately ending in his death. The man, Sir Ross Cannon, magistrate of the Bow Street Runners. She finds employment as his assistant to exact her revenge only, he is not the man she was expecting him to be and once she meets him something else entirely fills her mind. Ross Cannon keeps himself distant from those around him, with an exceedingly fair moral character he is the perfect person to manage the runners. When he meets Sophie his cold heart starts to thaw.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story since I did not find Ross to be that appealing of a character in the first book in the series. The story was fast paced and well written. I liked watching the attraction grow between the pair even though they tried so hard to fight it. Ross was extremely understanding, way more so that I would be (or can actually imagine someone being for that matter). He was exceptionally caring while remaining strong and held a high belief in moral right and wrong even if it was not the popular opinion.

The sexual tension was unbelievable - super hot!

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Review: Someone to Watch Over Me

Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When notorious courtesan Vivian Rose Duvall washes up on the Thames barely alive Grant Morgan is intent on finding out who was trying to murder her. With a case of amnesia, Vivian can not remember anything. As Grant gets to know Vivian though, she is not at all the woman he expected. She doesn't behave or react like the spoiled woman he met previously. With those changes in her Grant tries to resist the temptation in himself.

I liked the interaction between Grant and Vivian Duvall, it was interesting to see his conflicting emotions for how he was reacting to someone he thought he should despise. I greatly enjoyed the book and the characters, it was a well developed story that kept me on the edge of my seat about what was going to happen next. I like how the bow street runners can be a little rough and tumble while still mixing in with society.

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Review: Because You're Mine

Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Lady Madeline Matthews desperately wants to get out of the marriage her parents have arranged for her. While away at school she sees an ad featuring the notorious actor/rake Logan Scott. Hatching a plan for him to steal her innocence so that her suitor will no longer want her, Madeline travels to London to work at the Capital Theater. When she meets Logan Scott though, she find out he might be more than she was bargaining for.

I liked Logan Scott a great deal better in the first book. I understand that he thought no one could love him and just strove to push everyone away but I just did not connect with his character. I couldn't look past his treatment of Madeline in the second half of the book. Madeline I did like, she was strong willed and new what she wanted. She just jumped into everything head first and wore her heart out on her sleeve. I don't think I could ever allow myself to be that vulnerable but that quality was endearing.

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Review: Somewhere I'll Find You

Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Julia spent her life wanting to be an actress and finally she has succeeded in becoming a rather accomplished one. The only problem is she is hiding a secret, she has been married since childhood but never having met the man she is trying to ignore that fact. Damon, the Marquis of Savage, has been searching for his wife

Damon was a bit much for me. I did not especially like how he interacted with Julia and his mistress. Kleypas did a great job of portraying his mistress in an unfavorable light however, that just made me pause to question he character on choosing her in the first place.

I like how Julia went for what she wanted. She knew she wanted to be an actress and there was no one that was going to stop her. She was able to make her way on her own even in her unconventional circumstances.

I really liked Logan Scott. Even though he tried to act as a tough character he really did care about the people around him, especially Julia.

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Review: Stranger in My Arms

Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Lara's world is turned upside down when she is told her husband is not dead. Presumed lost at sea Lara has adapted to life without a husband who was distant and uncaring. However, when Hunter returns he is not the same man that she knew, his kisses ignite a passion Lara did not know she possessed but she can't help thinking how this could be the same man that left her.

I liked how the reader could see just how much Hunter cared for Lara. His demeanor practically screamed I love you when they first met. Hunter was a strong but not forceful character, which I adored! I did like Lara, I did not always agree with her and she was too righteous in her ways for my taste but I could see where she was coming from.

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Review: Dreaming of You

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Derek Craven has never known what a family was like, or love for that matter until defiant Sara Feilding comes into his club to research her next book. She is nothing at all like the women he has known. Innocent but with a purpose Sara pursues her goals and knows what she wants and she soon realizes that she wants Derek Craven.

I liked this story a little more than the previous one. I was not extremely impressed by the show of force and lack of carrying on Derek's part, even though I know it was his way of protecting himself. Even though his certainly has a pull about him he never quite won me over. I did like Sara though, she knew what she wanted to do in life and she was not going to let a man change her.

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Review: Then Came You

Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lily Lawson, the shocking society belle has a dark secret of her own. She is on a quest to save her sister from marrying Lord Alex Raiford, a man with a domineering personality.

I actually did not find this book to be that appealing to my tastes. While I greatly enjoyed the eccentric antics of Lily I did not really like her that much. Alex put me off his character thinking that he could just force his way into bed with one of the characters, I did not like the attitude of just thinking he could get whatever he wanted just because and I did not find anything redeeming. While I found the story to be quite interesting characters did not do anything to endear me to them.

I think Derek's story will be more interesting but I was not too fond of his character either.

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Review: Suddenly You

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being on the verge of 30 spinster novelist, Amanda Briars, wants to take passion into her own hands and hires a man for her birthday. Unsuspecting Jack Devlin is more than pleased with the unexpected situation presented when he goes to meet Miss Briars to arrange a book deal. When Amanda finds out that the man she hired was a notorious publisher after her book she is more than a little humiliated but that doesn't stop the passion he stirs within her or her want for something more.

I actually went back and forth with the rating of this book. Being on the close side to 30 myself at this current time, I thoroughly enjoyed that the heroine was older than the vast majority of heroines usually written about for this period of time. I also enjoyed how Kleypas delved into darker aspects of living and loving. She spins complex and flawed characters that while, at least for myself cannot relate to the situation, I can at least understand where the character is coming from and view things from a different perspective. Life is never always happy and I like the darker side that is brought to the characters.

Amanda's situation is unusual for the time but I liked how she was able to adapt to what was thrown at her.

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Review: Love, Come to Me

Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Heath knew what he wanted and that was Lucinda Caldwell. No matter that she was already engaged to another man, there was a passion between them that neither could resist.

In the beginning I hated Lucy's attitude, she was spoiled and selfish. Although, in reverse, I liked Heath better at the beginning of the book than I did towards the end. The book itself was very slow paced and to me the story was not all that lively. I could not relate to the characters, I did not want to relate to them, I did not like them.

This was definitely not a Kleypas book I would consider reading again. All of the others I have read so far are far superior to this one. I was disappointed to because the time frame was so interesting. I thought I would be able to get more out of it.

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