'The Tutor' by Hope Tarr -Review-

   Entertaining, Exhilarating and Insanely Erotic, 'The Tutor' was one of those books I just couldn't put down. With a sinfully sensual plot, which in most Historicals cases, would have been watered down and drawn thin, Tarr filled 216 pages with eloquent longing and carnal satisfaction. Ralph Sylvester is a former street rogue whom got his life back on the straight and narrow after years of rough living. He works as his best friend (also and ex street thug), Rourke's personal secretary. (in the previous story UNTAMED) Bea Lindsey comes to Linlithgow, Scotland to visit her beloved sister Kate (Rourke's wife). She is also hiding away from scandal back in London. She befriends Ralph during her stay and the attraction is planted. 'The Tutor' picks up on the heels of those events with the departure of Bea from Linlithgow for 9 months (which is filled with longing desire for both characters). Upon her return, she presents Ralph with the proposition of a lifetime; to be her tutor...on sex. And the price she'll have to pay may just be her heart.

Read an excerpt: here

   The book starts off with a 13 year-old Ralph's life crashing down around him. His mother (for all intents and purposes) was a whore; going out many nights with different gentleman (a few of whom liked to rough woman up and knocked one of her teeth out, leaving her with a gap). When she leaves one night for one of her 'little strolls', she never returns. Soon Ralph gets turned out of their lodging house with no where to go. Alone, hungry and with no place to stay, Ralph becomes the perfect target for thievery-ring leader Johnnie Black.
   After all the years of dangerous and rough living, Ralph, at age 30, finds some subtle peace as the personal secretary to street rogue turned successful self-made businessman Patrick O'Rourke.
    From the moment Rourke's sister-in-law Bea came into his life, Ralph has always held a secret candle for her, even though he believed her to be out of his league.
   Bea Lindsey was the victim of some unwanted lecherous advances by a friend of her father, and when she fled London to find solace in Scotland with her sister Kate, she knew she was just running from her scandal and her problems. She is determined to learn from her mistakes and take her life into her own hands. Marrying Mr.Billingsby will give her the stability and security life with her father, the Earl of Romney,  never afforded. Hamilton Billingsby "never drinks to excess or uses strong language or gambles more than is fashionable". Life with Billingsby will be safe....and boring.
   She already tested the passionate waters with her fiance' and was left with much being desired. She decides that if she's going to marry him, she'll have to take the reigns and see to their mutual sexual pleasures. She believes a good sex life will be the factor in a successful marriage and substitute for the lack of love. Mr.Billingsby doesn't know what he is doing, and neither does Bea; but one man who does know a thing or two is Ralph Sylvester.
   Upon the night of her return to Linlithgow after leaving 9 months ago, Bea finds her way to Ralph's rooms and propositions him to teach her how to give and receive pleasure. Ralph has been lusting after Bea for sometime, and her return after 9 months has only validated his acute yearning for the mesmerizing woman. He sets the condition that they are to meet every night for a week at 9 o'clock and that she is to give herself up completely to the pleasure.
   After a startling discover that his fallen angle wasn't as fallen as she lead on to believe, the sexual encounters build up and become very enlightening to Bea. She and Ralph begin to feel deeper feelings for one another than they intended too.Ralph is no agonizing over his impending good-bye to the woman who fills his days with long and his nights with satisfaction. Bea is afraid to pursue something more with Ralph for fear he may reject her. But when push comes to shove, just asking for what one want proves to be the most useful lesson of them all.

::Rating:: 4 "Aww's" ::Rating:

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is the morning after Bea propositions Ralph to be her tutor. They are having breakfast and while Kate and Rourke are preoccupied with baby Lucy, Ralph begins toying around with Bea. He puts his hand on her knee and starts to explore, all while she tries to keep her composure. I thought this scene was funny because not only are they registering their mutual desire for each other in a convert way, but Bea doesn't just sit there and turn completely submissive to Ralph's ministrations. She actually teases him back a bit, which flips the tables on him and has him in need of some proper 'concealment'.

   This novel isn't just a treat, it's a whole repast. The beginning had my heart-lurching after only a few pages and the happily ever after wasn't reached over night. I felt the misunderstandings were a bit too stretched towards the end and that after they exchanged I love you's the plot got just a tad tedious, but overall, it was a great read. With lines like: "He wanted her to not just want him, but to need him. He wanted to be her food, her opium, her air. He wanted to snare her so that the breadth of her desire made it impossible to fathom ever leaving him. Not now. Not ever." you can feel the urgency and emotion within every page. And did I mention how HOT the male model is on the cover? Sexy beyond words, in my opinion. And the scenes were just as hot (they were steamy, sexy and even scandalized ME a few times). Make sure you keep a fire extinguisher close at hand when reading this book.

-Make certain that you stop by on July 1st, when Hope stops by the blog for a little chat about her latest book, life as an author, and offers some advice for aspiring authors! =D

*special thanks to Hope Tarr

for sending a review copy!

*Also check out the previous novel that introduced us to Bea and Ralph, 'Untamed', Kate and Rourke's story!

'It's In His Kiss' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   A fun book with more from JQ's hilarious and darling cast of characters. Our mischievously forthright, flower namesake, Hyacinth Bridgerton, falls prey to the matchmaking whims of yet another mischievously forthright ally. Lady Danbury is known throughout the ton as a never-holds-her-tongue, spitfire society matriarch, whom just can't and won't be ignore (no matter how hard you try). Hyacinth and Lady Danbury develop a friendship of sorts- with Hyacinth visiting every Tuesday to keep the old bat company- so naturally Lady Danbury will work her influence to bring together two of her favorite people. Her grandson, Gareth, needs her help to decipher a family secret, and his path will ultimately cross with Hyacinth. In this adventure of a novel, a fair bit of ingenuity and luck will be needed to obtain the real treasure that is at stake.

Read an excerpt: here

   Gareth St.Clair's relationship with his father was hostile at best and downright malicious at worst. The by-blow of his mother's lover, whose identity isn't known (until the end of the book), Gareth was raised as a legitimate off-spring and then effectively told of his parentage and cut-off when he refused to marry the women of his 'fathers' choosing (which was arranged just to replenish the family coffers.)
   The death of Gareth's brother, George, makes him the heir and his father has seen to it that he's systematically squandered the majority of Gareth's inheritance. Gareth is given a diary written by his grandmother in Italian, and believes that it will lead to valuable treasure. He will have to seek the help of an unlikely ally and fight his maddening reaction to her all at the same time.
   Hyacinth Bridgerton is the baby of the Bridgerton family, but she'll give you hell if you even think about mocking her. She's a vibrant, full-of-life, cheeky slip of a girl, whose on her third season and in no real rush to settle with any of the fools of the ton. Over time, she and the tell-it-like-it-is, Lady Danbury, develop a blooming friendship. Many find Lady Danbury a bit too abrasive, but Hyacinth can't help but love the old crow (I love Lady D too; I hope she doesn't take exception to the crow comment). The feeling is mutual, and when Lady Danbury's grandson stops by with a mysterious diary and a delima, the wheels start turning, and match-making becomes the operative.
   Gareth may be destined to inherit debt, but the effervescent Hyacinth, sister to a wealthy Viscount and a Duchess, has no problem over-looking that fact and helping Gareth translate the diary from italian (if he agrees to let her participate and follow it's clues to the presumes hidden treasure). As they spend more and more time together, trying to decipher the clues and keeping their meddling relations at bay, their efforts lead to the conclusion that a break-in at Gareth's father's home is the next step.
   As the search for his grandmother's hidden treasure becomes more and more dangerous, Gareth's instinct to keep Hyacinth from harm multiples tenfold, but Hyacinth will have none of that, he can't just kiss her senseless and then expect to leave her out on all the fun.
   The heated accent of investigative intrigue provides the perfect backdrop to a story about a man, whose family's secret could ruin his one chance at happiness, and whose kisses speak of ever-lasting passion (and love).

::Rating:: 4 "Aww's" ::Rating::

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Hyacinth and Gareth have to sneak into his father's house. On one of these 'missions', the all too attentive butler almost discovers them, but they quick seek cover in a wardrobe and you could cut the tension with a knife. There's the fear of detection mixed with the sexual tension that's been steadily mounting all throughout the novel. I won't give away what/if something happens, but The scene was just well-written and I remember it fondly.

   Hidden treasure themes can either be boons or bombs for some stories. I am all for adventure and mystery in a romance, and I love what JQ did with this novel. With just enough inner conflict in the hero and quiet a bit of engaging personality in the heroine, I was kept thoroughly entertained. There was also enough conflict between our two lovebirds to make the trails love often goes thorough in a romance novel do it's job here and endear the story to the reader. There wasn't an end to the amazingly funny and dear cast of characters and this book just did some really nice things. If there ever is another earthquake in New York (or wherever you happen to live), swipe this book from your bookcase, head down to your local bomb shelter and let Gareth and Hyacinth mask the hysteria for a few hours!

*Next up in the Bridgerton Series is the FINAL installment, 'On The Way To The Wedding', Gregory's Story!/ My Review can be found: here

*And also try 'The Lost Duke of Wyndham', apart of a duet series written with simultaneous plot
lines.

'To Sir Phillip, With Love' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   I really enjoyed this book. Starting off on the tail end of the story before it (Romancing Mister Bridgerton), Eloise Bridgerton does something a little bit out of character and steals away in the middle of the night to meet a man she has only ever corresponded with though letters. Sir Phillip Crane is stunned to find the memorizing Eloise at his door, unexpected, and not some homely, unattractive spinster he imagined her to be. He intended to offer marriage to Eloise, but this high strong vision of loveliness being tormented by his twin children expects some semblance of a courtship before she says "I Do". Will Phillip find a way to put the past behind him and embrace the love Eloise has to offer? We shall see...

Read an excerpt: here

   Eloise is a spinster. But really, she shouldn't be. She'd had plenty of offer in the past, but with a sister and 3 brothers happily married in their love matches (the latest of which was to her best friend, Penelope), Eloise can not be held responsible for the irrationality that sweeps through her and has her high tailing it to Romney Hall in Gloucestershire.
   Phillip wasn't anticipating, a.) Eloise's arrival and, b.) her state of beauty. When he extended a written invitation to his friendly Miss Eloise Bridgerton, he thought her just like any other spinster he had come in contact with before; overweight or scarily underweight, homely, and overall just unattractive, but when he claps eyes on the slender and gorgeous Eloise, he is taken aback by her beauty. He hadn't had time to prepare for her arrival, didn't even secure a proper chaperone, but he must keep her under his roof long enough to convince her to be his wife.
   Initial put off by Phillip's rude and grumpy disposition, Eloise can hardly entertain the notion that maybe she might have made a mistake. Further tempted to think the worst of the Crane family, by a nasty tumble, induced by Phillip's mischievous twins, Oliver and Amanda, Eloise instead fortifies her resolve and tries to find favorable attribute in both children and father. She finds them indeed, and the allure of eternal spinsterhood starts to lose it's appeal.
   Eloise's family find her, almost pummels the unsuspecting Phillip, and somewhat-easily start to accept him after he feed's them and earns their respect. Eloise knows that the impropriety that took place in her staying at Romney Hall without a chaperone all but secures her inevitable marriage to Phillip, but that doesn't stop her hesitant response to the idea.
   Brought around by a persistent Phillip, Eloise is determined to be a wonderful mother to Oliver and Amanda, and the kind of wife Phillip needs. But she has her job cut out for her. She has to aid Phillip in his battle against the demons from his past, but in the end, what she wrote at the end of her letters to Phillip ring true. With love, indeed.

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Eloise's brothers all force their way into Phillip's home. almost tear him limb from limb, and demand that they marry. They think they are saving her from some lecherous blackguard, little do they know, Eloise brought this upon herself. There is hostility and animosity but soon everything is smoothed over (or as smooth as it could get after suspecting the man you are breaking bread with my have seduced your sister) and the brothers begin to accept Phillip. There were some funny scenes and as usual, the boys worked their differences out over wine and food stuffs.

   I really loved this book. The whole plot line is one that could have headed south in an instant. But with Romney Hall being the center setting of the story, you never get bored and it feels like an adventure. Eloise's interaction with the children is endearing, and her comforting presence as Phillip relives and makes peace with the troubles of his previous marriage really warms your heart. As you can only expect from JQ, the dialogue was on point and there was always something interesting going on. Phillip becomes a better father to his kids and all around, the book exhibits character growth that truly makes it worth the read.

*Next up in the Bridgerton Series is 'When He Was Wicked' (Book 6)/ My Review can be found: here

*Also try 'Everything And The Moon'! A splendid novel!

'My Favorite Bride' by Christina Dodd -Review-

   What is there to say? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was sweet, witty, charming and a consummate classic. You may hear this a lot on the blog, but this is the first book by this author for me. Whenever I pick up a new title by an new author I haven't read before, there is always this anticipation to find out whether it's a home run or foul ball. Christina Dodd will grand-slam you into a bookstore near you; purchasing anything with her name across the cover. Military man, Colonel William Gregory, needs a governess; strike that, he needs a wife, but when Samantha Prendregast shows up from the Distinguish Academy of Governesses to fill in for one role, she never expects to be considered for the other. And so our tale begins...

Read an excerpt: here

   Miss Samantha Prendregast was a cut-purse, plain and simple; and you know what they say, "Once a thief, always a thief". Although Samantha has changed for the better, she can't escape her past, or the notoriety that proceeds it. After refusing to go against her high strong nature and giving her previous employer his just desserts, Samantha must now accept a position that will take her out to the country and away from the onslaught of scandal her previous employer is sure to drum up out of revenge. Shes lived in London all her life, and harbors many aversions to the country life her fate has bestowed upon her; but she really doesn't have much of a choice.

   After offending the driver of a carriage she was using to get to her new, remote place of employment, Samantha must trudge along on a dirt road and brave the terrifying 'wilderness'. She has a bizarre encounter with a strange man on horseback whom she later finds out is her new employer, Colonel Gregory. The colonel is the father of 6 mischievous daughter ranging in age from 4-12 who can't seem to hold on to a governess.Samantha promises him she'd be there for at least a year; but when the girls start making trouble for her, she begins to question that figure herself. But, being one step ahead of the girls, Samantha wins their favor,trust and vote of confidence to become their new mother.

   Although William can't seem to reign in his desires for his new governess, he is determined to give his children a mother and finds Lady Teresa Marchant is the perfect candidate. Although his children would prefer anyone but the intoxicating Marchant, William insists on the idea of marrying the right sort of lady. All the recent distraction in his life doesn't take away from the urgency his secret endeavors require of him. Russian spies are right under his noes, and it could spell trouble for England if he lets his personal turmoil best him.

   William's wife was killed by thiefs, the spies who threaten the welfare of the crown are no more than thiefs; how will William react when he finds out the one whose stolen his heart use to be a thief? And after that revelation is made, how will Samantha bare the lost of not only the love of her life, but the 6 lonely, motherless little girls whom light up her heart?

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Agnes, the eldest and most disgruntled with Samantha's presence at first, knocks on Samantha's door claiming shes dying. She can barley get a word out, but Samantha surmises that the 12 year old is becoming a woman and her monthly courses are starting. I thought it was a sweet scene because all of us girls remember the first time we got our period. I for one, jumped up and down and did a 'I just got my period' dance. But for Agnes, she hasn't a mother to tell her everything is normal; but it was endearing how Samantha stepped up and reassured her of everything. And then later, William comes to her door, wanting to know where Agnes was, and Samantha proceeds to give him an earful; and soon William gives her a mouthful ;)

   I think Christina Dodd did great with this book. There were really 2 love stories in 1; with the unlikely pairing of Teresa Marchant and a prevalent buddy of William's. William's treatment of Samantha after he found out about her past was deplorable and I actually couldn't believe some of the things he said had me fuming! I loved the heroine in this book because she wasn't some wilting innocent without a backbone or a brain. The writing style was superb and did I mention how HOT the love scenes were? There is something to be said when a book can hold off on 'intimate relations' for more than half the book and still be satisfying. The story and plot had commendable merit on its own, but the intimacy towards the end just frosted a perfectly baked cake. Give yourself a treat and read this novel!

*And also check out one of Christina Dodd's most popular and acclaimed novels to date, 'A Well Pleasured Lady' !!!

-Read an excerpt from 'A Well Pleasured Lady': here

'The Duke And I' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   Stellar way to start off a series. The prologue reels you in and never lets go as this beautiful love story, with twist and turns aplenty, warms your heart. Not many people, if any, know the real reason why Simon Basset, The Duke of Hastings, is so hellbent on never marrying. When a plan to abate the tidal wave of marriage-minded mamas lands him at the alter beside the alluring Daphne Bridgerton, Simon will have to re-evaluate for whom he lives his life for and at what price will he auction off his one chance at happiness? For Paltry pride and sadly regular, male-species stubbornness, perhaps? (Uhg, Men)

Read an excerpt: here

   When Simon Basset was born, he was his father's prayers answered. The Duke and his Duchess had been trying to have a child (more accurately, an heir) for years; resulting in 5 miscarriages, 2 of which were still-born. Despite the professional advisement against conceiving ever again, the Duchess gave her life to do her duty as wife and give her husband his heir. Her sacrifice was in vain, or so the Duke thought, when at the age of 4, it was realized that Simon couldn't speak properly. His father's indifference to the son whom wasn't perfect and therefore was better off dead, only fueled a motivation in said son to not only speak with brilliance but to be brilliant. Simon's intelligences soon made itself visible for all to see, and as intended, his father regretted his cruel behavior towards his son way-back-when.
   Fast-forward to 1813, the death of his father and the end to his travels abroad; Simon is caught up in the social whirl once again. Being away from London for so long, he doesn't see the ambitious mamas plans for a full-blown assault until its too late. They are rearing and ready to sink there teeth into him, and Simon wants no part of it. After there is an odd encounter with the sister of his friend, Anthony Bridgerton, Simon soon finds himself dancing with her (once 'previous matters were taken care of'). Daphne Bridgerton is sort of the 'always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride' heroine, who is a normal and attractive female, but one whom men always seem to overlook. When Simon propositions her to form a mock-attachment so that he can evade tenacious social-climbers and so she can get the attentions she deserves, Daphne never expected to play her role TOO perfectly. She starts to fall in love with Simon, and after they are caught, in the garden at a ball in a compromising position, she is disheartened by Simon's vehement refusal to do as honor dictates. Anthony Bridgerton calls Simon out to a duel, and at one point, Daphne says " I've always known that I wasn't the sort of woman men dream of, but I never thought anyone would prefer death to marriage with me.".
   Suffice to say, Simon's reasons befuddled Daphne beyond comprehension, but she couldn't let the man she loved die! So she puts a stop to the duel and convinces Simon to marry her. Although she is understandably dismayed at his proclaiming an inability to give her the children he knows she wants, Daphne realizes she'd rather live with the man she loved than have babies with the man she didn't.
   Everything progress as planned, until Daphne begins to put 2 and 2 together and gets to the conclusion that her husband has been giving his seed to the sheets instead of to her womb (purposely using her ignorance to his benefit and preventing conception). His decision to withhold one of the greatest joys in life from Daphne stems from his hatred for his father and his determination to let the family line end with him. His emotional scars run deep, but his love for Daphne runs deeper; and eventually, he realizes that he should stop living to spite hid father and start living for himself (and for love).

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Daphne's mother has 'THE' talk with her right before her wedding day. It is so vague and strained that I started to feel embarrassed for Violet Bridgerton! At one point, Daphne, after her mother explains that a wife and husband engage in 'the marital act' and that's how a baby comes to be, asks her mother "Does that mean you did it 8 times?". Representing herself and her 7 brothers and sisters. Her mother is so flummoxed that she says No at first, which logically doesn't make since (no twins). It was a funny and cute scene and spilled over to the wedding night (or afternoon) when Daphne makes vocal assumptions that reflect the accusation that Simon is 'impotent' or 'unable to preform in the act' (which he proceeds to preform admirably, leaving now doubts in Daphne's head)

   I have daddy-issue's too, Simon! LOL! But the message and lesson this story provides, all while keeping the reader entertained is wonderful. Emotion wasn't in short supply with this novel, that's for sure. There was action, climax, hysterical pregnancies; what more could you ask for? It's pretty simple; Read this shining example of well-written literature!

*The next book in this series is 'The Viscount Who Loved Me'(Book 2), Anthony's Story!/ My Review can be found: here

*Also check out another fabulous JQ novel, 'To Catch An Heiress' ! The first JQ book for me. The one that started it all =]

'Smooth-Talking Stranger' by Lisa Kleypas -Review-

   Well done. Alright, let's be honest. This is Lisa Kleypas, all of her books are automatically good reads (this one was no exception). I found this book to be a refreshing and lighter counterpart to its predecessors in the Travis series (Sugar Daddy and Blue-Eyed Devil). Ella Varner, an 'alternative' lifestyle leading, damaged-past having, 'open-relationship' partner to her boyfriend Dane, never expected to become a parent or snare the interest of one of Houston's most notorious playboys. Jack Travis, who leads the fast life with fast women, never believed the sweatpants wearing, stand-in mom with sleep depervation would turn him on so thoroughly. All this and more takes place in this excellent contemporary novel.

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:

     
    Ella was finally doing things her way. She moved to Austin to live with her boyfriend, Dane, and escaped the constant limbo of inadequacy she felt while with her family back in Houston.She writes an advice column for Vibe magazine, where her alter ego (Miss Independent) gives advice on life, love and our favorite subject, sex. It's ironic, seeing as how she is as emotionally messed up as most of her readers. She suffered a dysfunctional childhood where she always had to step-up, protect her younger sister, Tara, from the sexual abuse of one of their step-father, and have her self-esteem constantly torn down by their perfectionist of a mother.
   It is no surprise that when inconvenience befalls her mothers strenuous social life, that she receives the call of a lifetime. Her sister, in need of psychological help to battle the demons of her hazy past, has a son whom she promptly drops-off and leaves at their mother house. The mother threatens to call social services and have the child taken away because she isn't willing to look after it; so the task falls to Ella. Reluctant at first, because her boyfriend is apprehensive to children in general and tells her not to come back to Austin with the child, Ella makes the 3 hour drive to Houston and has her heart stolen in a flash.
   It is at first believed that business-savvy, Jack Travis, is Ella's nephew, Luke's, father. Ella goes to Jack's office building and manages a meeting with him. Surprisingly, he not only agrees to the DNA test, but helps Ella find a hotel to stay in (because most were booked to capacity due to a convention being held in town). He follows up on his word, and even sets up the doctors appointment, when it is revealed that Tara had an affair with a very married, very public figure, and that he was currently footing the bill for her stay at a mental health clinic. Ella relieves Jack of any further obligation and promises to never bother him again.
   Jack is ever-persistent though and manages a dinner with Ella; where he charms her silly. Other interactions and dates follow, including Jack's assistance in getting her an apartment in his family-owned building. Although she couldn't afford it, she strikes a deal with the previous owner; Jack's sister Haven, and the ladies become fast friends. Although marriage has been off the table in her relationship with Dane, Jack begins to fall hard for Ella and experiences difficulty in getting her to take the risk necessary for something deeper than bedtime attraction. Ella learns to take leaps of faith and trust in a love that is so precious and was almost snatched away from her.

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Ella and Haven are having a casual drink night in Haven's apartment with her fiancee (Hardy)-the sanagria is plentiful- and in passing, Hardy invites Jack to come up for dinner. The group convinces Ella to stay too, and need-for-sleep mixed with alcohol leads the mother of all knock outs. She's sitting on the couch with Jack as the influences start to take effect  and wakes up practically drooling on his lap. He just sat there, enjoying the way she forgot herself around him and felt comfortable enough to sleep on him. It was a really sweet moment.

   All in all, this book didn't really lack as much as it gave. We got the fiery passion (see sexy, first-time in the parking garage love scene), character growth (slowly, but surly), and that classic Kleypas conflict which made each chapter a page turner. It's simple enough; if you'd like to read a good book, pick up this one!

*The first book in the Travis Series, 'Sugar Daddy' is a must read/ My Review can be found: here

* Second in the series is 'Blue-Eyed Devil'/ My Review can be found: here

* A four-part interview by borders with Lisa Kleypas, where she discuss' 'Smooth-Talking Stranger' and touches on her other contemporaries, can be found:
-here for part 1
-here for part 2
-here for part 3
-here for part 4

'Some Like It Wild' by Teresa Medeiros -Review-

   Upon turning the last page of this book, I muttered to myself, "Well Medeiros, you did it". She made a fan out of me. This is the first Medeiros novel for me, and I am impressed. I always say finding a new author feels like Christmas; That now there's a whole career's worth of novels yet to be read/ yet to come. 
   The pacing was splendid and the repartee was on point! I just simply liked, enjoyed and appreciated this book.

Read an excerpt: here

   The story starts off with our heroine, Pamela Darby, and her sister Sophie traveling through the Scottish Highlands unaccompanied (save, an elderly driver and his rusty, old musket) and precariously close to financial ruin. The Darby sisters recently lost their mother, an actress, in a horrific theater fire and their last hope of avoiding the work house (or the whore house) is a deceitful little scheme they hope to carry out by enlisting the help of "some strapping Scots lad with more brawn than brains". Back in England, the present Duke of Warrick has been searching for his long-lost son for years; ever since his wife, his son's mother, ran off to parts unknown with the infant after discovering the Duke in their marriage bed with another woman. It has long been agreed  that the Duchess ran off to France with the child, but Pamela knows differently. Her mother, Marianne, was a childhood friend of the Duchess, and upon her death had a solicitor pass along an old letter of hers from the Duchess explaining where she'd planned to run off too (Scotland). With that piece of evidence, Pamela will be able to pull off her farce, but she must first acquire the puppet before pulling the strings.
   Along the road in the middle of the night, the Darby sisters are accosted by a notorious Highwayman, whose got a sizable price on his head. Deserved or undeserved, as the notoriety surrounding him is, Connor Kincaid is still a dangerous man whom should never be trifled with. He subdues the elderly driver and instructs the occupants of the carriage to "Stand and Deliver" (I love that classic line). Pamela decides to take on the highwaymen in the hopes that her sister can flee for safety. After telling Connor what she thinks of his 'unoriginal dialogue', Pamela proceeds to flirt with danger as she goes on a stand of morals and debates the highwayman's rants of English injustice. She further presses her luck as she is saved from his tantalizing kiss by her sister's pink parasol and proceeds to take the highwayman captive. She intends to use him as her long-lost Duke's heir; and as she turns the tables on him, she never expects to have them turn back on her.
   The elderly driver makes a run for it and it is the consensus that the party should leave while they can to avoid the authorities and take shelter somewhere until daybreak. Knowing the lands, Connor offers to lead them to the perfect hide-a-way. He directs them to the ruins of an old castle, and purposely to the lair of highwaymen he runs with. Upon swaying the numbers in his favor, Connor promises the women that no harm will come their way and agrees to speaks with Pamela privately about her previous plans for him. Pamela succeeds in convincing Connor to go along with the charade (after much bickering and reminding of irresistible perks) and the trio (plus Connor's right hand man, Brodie) set off for England.
   Upon strong arming their way into the gravely ill Duke of Warrick's sitting room, Pamela's plan goes off without a hitch. Unless you define a reckless ploy by Connor; telling the Duke that Pamela is his fiancee'; a hitch. It was the first thing Connor could think of doing to keep Pamela in his life when she was attempting to collect her reward and disappear. Soon the idea begins to take on merit.
   The Duke's sister, Astrid, and her 'whelp' of a son, Crispin, don't make the 'transition' for Connor any easier, but he has better ideas to keep his mind on.
   Some shocking revelations are made; including a discover that turns Connor on his head and leaves Pamela at a difficult impasse. At first she chooses to abandon love for some greater good no one can really find practical, and then she decides to take a chance on happiness with Connor. Before she can inform Connor of her change of heart, she is abducted and her life is put in danger.
   Connor makes the decision to sacrifice his own life for his love (Pamela), but after a few action-packed chapters, all is resolved and love is once again free to be as wild as it wants to be!

Rating: 4 Aww's

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Connor sets up a make-shift dress shop in the ballroom to have a new wardrobe made for Pamela. She had been crying and avoiding everyone all day and Connor thought it was because of the night before when they had engaged in some 'intimate' activities. The truth was that Pamela and her sister were facing poverty after their mothers death and it is an on-going fact of note that the Darby sisters aren't dressed in the first state of fashion.In the beginning of the story, Connor commands Pamela to hand over her drawers and determines by their current state that she is poor and thus, not worth the trouble of robbing. At this point in the story, when Connor commissions the wardrobe, the Duke recognizes Connor as his son and all the funds are open to him. I just thought it was a cute, high-handed way of telling Pamela he cared for her.

The cover of the book doesn't lie. Some do, indeed, like it wild, and Medeiros delivers. I don't usually fancy Highland tales, but this one was a keeper. USA Today got it right when they said "[Medeiros] will make you laugh and cry". This sweet and endearing novel is the first of hopefully many TM's for me.

*Check out the first book in this duet series, 'Some Like It Wicked', which is Connor's sister Catriona's story.

Read an excerpt from 'Some Like It Wicked': here

'Slightly Dangerous' by Mary Balogh -Review-

There's no 'slightly' dangerous about this book. It is a foregone conclusion that your heart will undoubtedly be in danger of falling 'head over ears' for this book! Truly a delightful book, with characters as engaging and pure as the people in your household. It's just a lovely story, and the cover is quiet adorable in its on right too!!

   If you are familiar with the Bedwyn series (or as commonly referred to, the 'Slightly Series'; because all the titles of the books have 'slightly' in them) , then you know of not only Wulfric Bedwyn, the cold as ice Duke of Bewcastle, but you know of his younger siblings. This is the final book of the 'Slightly Series' and is not only a send off of the beloved series and ties the last love-string (Wulf's), but provides a perfect opportunity to catch up with the other Bedwyn siblings!
   The book starts off quaint enough with the introduction of our heroine, Mrs. Christine Derrick. The full of laughter and sweet dispositioned Mrs.Derrick was widowed two years ago, and ever since (and really, quiet some time beforehand) she has never really strive to get back into the fold of 'proper' and 'demure' society. Some found her sunshiny personality and amiability to all walks of life a bit 'vulgar' and 'indiscreet'. Some of the ringleaders in this dislike were her own brother and sister in-law, Basil and Hermione Derrick (Viscount and Viscountess Elrick) and most cutting, her own late-husband. She was believed to be a flirt, and subsequently, her fidelity to her marriage was questioned by her inner-circle. The only one who stuck by her and believed her innocence was her cousin by marriage,Justin; who held a long tenure for her.
   After politely writing her refusal to attend a house party, which was being thrown by Lord and Lady Renable (her cousins by marriage as well, which meant Basil and Hermione would be there), she is then visited by Melanie, Lady Renable herself, and persuaded to come anyway. Melanie is in a bind because her brother invited an extra guest to the party; The Duke of Bedwyn; and therefore the numbers of female-to-male guest is uneven. Couldn't have that, could we?
   We are then given a glimpse into the laps of judgment that led the formidable Duke to accept an impromptu invitation to the house party. A universally known recluse, The Duke of Bedwyn recently laid to rest his mistress of 10 years and was feeling a bit melancholy. Loneliness prompted his decision to accept, but he immediately began to regret his rashness when a plainly-clad Christine Derrick spies his arrival from a top landing on the second floor and accidentally spills a bit of lemonade in his eye.
   Mortified, and a little more than mischievously tickled by the ordeal, Christine continues on to the primrose salon where all the other lady-guest were to arrive. She has a icy encounter with her sister in-law, Hermione, and is soon playing neutral spectator to the groups of young misses and aging English roses. She overhears and is subsequently pulled into a conversation about the presences of the Duke. As juvenile as these young misses could get, a few of the younger female guest start a wager that would benefit the first young lady in the group to snare the Dukes undivided attention for a whole hour. Christine is helplessly goaded and dragged into the wager, but has no intention of participating.
   Little does she know, her and the Dukes paths are about to become undeniably interlock with each other. A profitable opportunity presents its self as Wulfric bumps into Christine alone on the grounds and feels gentlemanly bound to escort her around for a quick stroll. They further convince themselves of pre-conceived notions of the other; that he is a no nonsense, stick in the mud, cold as ice, arrogant aristocrat and she is an irritatingly care-free, dismissive wild and fanciful female. Having already won the bet, but choosing to keep her win personal,  Christine resigns herself to the notion that the out of  the ordinary occurrence (her receiving the Duke's attentions) will most likely never happen again, and in any case she will remain invisible to him for the rest of the house party's duration.
   Fate wouldn't allow this, and after a mishap involving Christines' climbing a tree, tearing her dress, efficiently being rescued by Wulfric and a passionate kiss shared in the seclusion of a maze, Wulfric is ready to admit that he isn't as put off by Christine's person as he lets on and rashly (and quiet stupidly) offers her the 'distinct honor' of becoming his replacement mistress. Understandably aghast, Christine refuses, flees, and commits herself to the thorough disliking of the Duke of Bedwyn.
   On the last night of the house party (the ball), and presumably, the last time either of them will see each other, Wulfric asks Christine to dance. Her toes are mowed down by a male dancer with two left feet, and Wulfric efficiently swoops her up and takes her outside to compose herself. They end up waltzing under the stars and eventually 'ending' their acquaintanceship with some passionate lovemaking on the grassy bank before a lake.
   Once again, fate wouldn't allow our two to part just yet, and after a disastrous proposal of marriage 10 days later, they meet up again almost a year later at the wedding of Audrey Derrick (for whom the house party was in honor of). After a hilariously innocent incident at the Serpentine in Hyde Park, where Wulfric plays rescuer of Christine again, Wulfric returns a day later to see how she fared and ask her for a chance to prove that he isn't all that she believes him to be. He invites her and her family to his home, where his family will be congregated for the Easter holiday, and intends to prove her wrong there.
   There are some cute scenes here, revelations there, and indifferent family members are reunited and assured of the truth about Christine's nature. Suffice to say, Wulfric succeeds in his bid for Christine's heart and makes her his wife! Slowly but surly our man of ice begins to melt and warm ours hearts a thousand times over in the process!

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is hard to pick out. Although originally, it was the scene from the maze where they first kiss, the ending of the book was to satisfying not to receive this distinction. I do not want to give away all of the plot, but my favorite moment happens at the end (the last sentence to be precise). It is known throughout the book that Christine was barren (unable to conceive) through her 7 year marriage and was likely never to conceive at all. At the end, the epilogue centers around the christening of Christine and Wulfric's 'miracle baby' and ends with:"The marquess (courtesy title for Wulfric's heir) did not even know what brothers and sisters were. But he would...." period, end! (I thought I might cry!)

This book was a classic Mary Balogh for me and endearingly heart-warming. It was pretty well paced and packed a lot of action and emotion in the short time span in which the first half and second half of the book took place. There isn't much more to say about this one; it's golden!
-Read an excerpt here:'Slightly Dangerous' excerpt

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

  
*Also check out 'Slightly Married',  Wulfric's brother Aidan's Story, and a personal favorite! It is also the first book in the 'Slightly Series' !

read an excerpt here: 'Slightly Married' excerpt