Review: When Marrying a Scoundrel by Kathryn Smith

When Marrying a Scoundrel by Kathryn Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sadie Moon, a former heartbroken waif turned renowned fortune-teller, had long moved on from her dashing husband, Jack Friday, who left her to seek his fortune. Unexpectedly, their paths cross again in an unlikely location: London's most exclusive house of pleasure. Jack, now wealthy and successful, realizes he still harbors intense feelings for Sadie, despite the broken promise she made to wait for him.

The book starts off a bit slow and I was initially disappointed because I was expecting Archer's story. However, the book is still well-written and gradually picks up pace. It presents a compelling second-chance romance trope that I loved.

Smith's writing style is enchanting, and her ability to create lovable characters shines through once again. Sadie, the spirited and vulnerable protagonist, quickly wins readers' hearts, while Jack's enduring love for her is both heartwarming and believable. As the story unfolds, the couple's journey to rediscover their love is intertwined with a mysterious plot that keeps the readers engaged.

The reunited lovers plot device is executed effectively, showcasing the emotional struggles and conflicting feelings of both Sadie and Jack. It's evident why each character feels abandoned, and the exploration of their trust issues adds depth to their relationship. Despite some frustrations with the protagonists' actions, the overall enjoyment of the book remains intact, as the rekindled romance takes center stage.

Overall, the story delivers a fun and refreshing romance, demonstrating Kathryn Smith's talent for crafting engaging stories. The book successfully portrays the complexities of love and the power of second chances, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre.

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Review: When Seducing a Duke by Kathryn Smith

When Seducing a Duke by Kathryn Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rose Danvers attends a lavish masked ball with a singular goal in mind: to capture the attention of Greyden Kane, the Duke of Ryeton. Despite the potential scandal, Rose is determined to experience more than just a fleeting kiss from the alluring duke.

Greyden is captivated by the stunning woman in burgundy attire. Her resemblance to someone he holds dear touches his icy heart, stirring emotions he thought long dormant. However, Greyden believes their passionate encounter was a mistake and resolves to find Rose a suitable husband, guided by the principles of propriety.

Unwilling to be treated as a mere pawn, Rose refuses to be married off for the sake of appearances. She is resolute in her pursuit to seduce Greyden completely, seeking not only his bed but also his hand in marriage. All she needs is for Greyden to say yes and fulfill her deepest desires.

What truly stands out in this novel is the author's attention to detail and her ability to bring the Victorian era to life. The lush descriptions of lavish ballrooms, intricate gowns, and the rigid etiquette of the time period create an immersive reading experience. It is evident that Smith has done her research, capturing the essence of the era with authenticity.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique charm and depth. Rose is a determined and spirited heroine, unafraid to pursue her desires. Grey, on the other hand, is a brooding and complex hero with a past that haunts him. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages and their journey from initial attraction to a deep emotional connection is beautifully portrayed.

The supporting cast, particularly Grey's brother Archer, adds depth and intrigue to the story. The sibling bond between Grey and Archer is heartwarming, and readers will eagerly anticipate Archer's own story (I hope he gets one!), which promises to be as captivating as this one.

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Review: Captives of the Night (Scoundrels, #2) by Loretta Chase

Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Leila Beaumont has been living her life as she sees fit. Her husband is worthless but with him she is able to get by and she allows him to partake of his own pleasures. But with the appearance of the Comte d'Esmond her life is once again thrown into chaos.

I do like a book where a villain can become a hero. The story once again started off slow in my opinion and didn't really get going until a ways through. I thought the story from the first book in the series was more captivating than this one but I did like the characters a lot more. They seemed fuller and more developed.

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Review: The Courtship Dance (The Matchmaker #4) by Candace Camp

The Courtship Dance by Candace Camp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Francesca Haughston, an experienced matchmaker, reluctantly agrees to help Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, find a suitable wife after realizing she was deceived into breaking off their own engagement years ago. Convinced that any lingering passion between them has faded, Francesca believes her role is purely platonic. However, as Sinclair's lessons in love become more intimate, Francesca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him, even though she fears the consequences of their forbidden connection. Their journey through lessons in love is filled with scandal, temptation, and the potential for their lives to be forever changed.

I have a soft spot for recurring characters in a series, so I was excited to delve into the story of Francesca and Sinclair in the Matchmakers series. While it may not be the strongest installment, my fondness for Francesca's character enhanced my overall enjoyment.  Francesca's character underwent a love-hate journey for me throughout the story. She showcased strength and independence in her efforts to be self-reliant, which I admired given her past experiences. However, her lack of faith in Sinclair, especially after repeating past mistakes, left me wanting to shake some sense into her. The communication issues between Francesca and Sinclair were some of the most frustrating I've encountered between a hero and heroine. Their misunderstandings stemmed from their inability to effectively communicate, resulting in them interpreting situations differently and growing apart.

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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: 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: Brighter Than the Sun (The Lyndon Sisters, #2) by Julia Quinn

Brighter Than the Sun by Julia Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charles has to marry soon or he will lose his title and inheritance to go with it. As luck would have it he fell, quite literally, at the feet of the most perfect woman for him.

This story was exceptionally better than the first one, I would even go so far as to put it on my favorites list. Ellie was so loving and full of life. I loved her positive attitude in the face of everything yet she wasn't afraid to let her temper show. Charles on the other hand was the epitome of a reformed rake. He had a certain idea in his mind about what he wanted but once he met the woman for him everything completely changed. He was so heartwarmingly loving and protective and understanding.

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Review: How to Capture a Countess

How to Capture a Countess by Karen Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Six years ago lord sin had been the center of embarrassment and it was all caused by Rose Belflour. Now with a not so chance meeting at his aunts house he wants to rectify the situation once and for all.

This book was absolutely delightful. I loved all of the competition and witty banter between the two. They were made for one another from the beginning and their characters meshed well with the others.



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Fifty Shades of Mr Darcy: A Parody by William Codpiece Thwackery

2 stars

Genres: Parody

Format: ebook

200 pages

Published by Pocket Star

Published in November 13th 2012 (first published November 1st 2012)

ISBN: 1476727589

ISBN13: 9781476727585

Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

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Note: I received this book from Netgalley

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A titillating mashup of an erotic bestseller and a romantic classic, peppered with puns, this eBook is sure to satisfy those who love Fifty Shades of Grey and Pride and Prejudice!  When Mr. Elliot Bingley comes to court Lizzy Bennet’s sister, she meets his mysterious, grey-eyed friend, a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It takes only one meeting before Lizzy is lured into Darcy’s secret world of lascivious practices and lusty urges. Her heart is racing and her bloomers quivering at the thought of submitting to Mr. Darcy’s every whim…

My Review:

There was some hilarious parts running throughout the whole thing and it was an inventive use of characterization.  I found the book hard to get through and I wanted to skip over parts, it just did not keep my interest.  It was an enjoyable one time read but not one that I will be repeating. 

A Rake's Vow (Cynster #2) by Stephanie Laurens

5 stars

Format: Paperback

374 pages

Published by Avon

Synopsis:

Vane Cynster is trying to escape his inevitable fate: marriage.  While trying to run away from his fate Vane inadvertently falls right into it in the form of Patience.  As Vane tries to seduce his new temptation Patience tries with all her might to resist him.  In this who-dun-it round about escapade passion ultimately ignites.

My Review:

Patience motives are solely for the wellbeing of her brother.  She wants him to have someone to look up to and Vane Cynster just does not fit that picture.  As a typical Cynster Vane is a gentleman and a rake, he has an overabundance of confidence and has a stubbornness about him to always get what he wants.  The interplay of previous characters is wonderful, especially the parts with Honoria (Devil’s wife) in them. 

Passion and romance are in abundance throughout and the mystery moves the story along at a nice pace.

About the Author:

Stephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Laurens and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.

After four years in England, Laurens and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Laurens realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Laurens "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.  Laurens and her husband live in Melbourne with their two daughters.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/823580.A_Rake_s_Vow

The Pursuit of Marriage (Effingtons #8) by Victoria Alexander

4 stars

Genres: Regency, Romance
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400 pages

Published by Avon

Synopsis:  

After her identical twin sister gets married Cassandra Effington is left on her own with standards of “the when hell freezes over” style.  With this in mind Reggie Berkley has ensconced the fair maiden into a proposition she just couldn’t resists: to fins his perfect match.  Little does she know he already knows exactly whom he wants to pick.
 

My Review:   

Being the eighth book in the series the readers have already had the pleasure of meeting some of the characters.  Cassandra is one such character, strong willed and lightly opinionated at best she is the perfect foil to the love struck Reggie.  Cassandra is a likable character and really relatable to a modern day girl even in a Regency style setting. 

The humor was abundant throughout the story and the characters meshed well together.  It is one of those nice little happy go lucky romances that just make you feel good inside.  Overall, it is a nice and easy read.
 

About the Author:

Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and has never looked back. Victoria grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat and is now settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two teenaged children, and a bearded collie named Sam. She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, procrastination is an art form, and it's never too soon to panic.

Forever and Always by Jennifer McNeal

3 stars

Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

There are many things that haunt the Duke of Sethe, one of them being women.  That doesn't stop him from developing feelings for the bright and spirited Ashleigh St. John, a young lady just on the verge of coming into the ton skirting her unconventional ways. 

There was a problem of drawn out scenes that made me want to skip over parts due to over description.  It also seemed like the structure was choppy and the viewpoints were switching too much to keep track of.

The characters attitudes also confused me in a way.  I liked Ashleigh but her feelings towards Nicholas seemed strained and forced.  I didn't like Nicholas at all.  I never fell in love with him the whole way through.  I understand his plight and I respect him for it but his attitude towards Ashleigh was wishy washy. 

The Bargain (Regency #1) by Mary Jo Putney

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5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

To keep her fortune, a beautiful heiress impulsively weds a penniless officer dying of wounds received at Waterloo. But when the blasted man hasn't the grace to die, she suddenly finds herself with a healthy, vibrant husband who wants to renegotiate the terms of their bargain -- and ultimately possess the heart of his bewildered bride...

My Review:

Wonderfully witty and sensational, Mary Jo Putney does it again in a book set right after the war. Lady Jocelyn Kendal has a dilemma, she has to get married before her 25th birthday or she loses her inheritance. She sees the perfect husband in Major David Lancaster, a wounded officer who is fated to die. But it makes a very interesting story when that said officer cheats the fates and makes it through to recovery. Now Lady Jocelyn is stuck with more than she bargained for and there is nothing she can do about it.

About the Author:

Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.

While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.

Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.

A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.