'That Perfect Someone' by Johanna Lindsey -Review-

   This one was a nice novel to curl up with on a rainy day and get swept away. It was as action-packed and full of twists and turns as any novel we can expect from Lindsey, and I really liked it. 'That Perfect Someone' wasn't as affecting as some of the other Mallory novels in the series, but it still holds solid merit.
   Julia Miller is shocked to find the battered up face of her elusive fiancee' staring back at her after he left England and disappeared without a trace all those years ago.
   Richard Allen is dangerously in love with the wife of a formidable English nobleman (the beloved James Mallory, see 'Gentle Rogue') and can't help himself when an opportunity to clap eyes on James' wife again comes about.
   He fled England 9 years ago to escape the controlling manipulations of his father, the Earl of Manford, and is now dismayed when his precarious foray back to London puts him face to face with the one woman he detests the most; his fiancee'.


   For 9 long years, Julia Miller and her fortune were held firmly on the shelf. Betrothed practically from infancy, Julia held no illusions as to why her presumable husband-to-be left England and never came back. They threatened each other with consequences of death multiple times, and Julia even managed to draw blood from Richard on more than one occasion when their tempers couldn't be reigned in. Finally determined to put the past behind her and take the reigns of her future, Julia begins to contemplate the best way to rid herself of her troublesome marriage contract to Richard Allen and start her life anew. She hopes for the chance to engage all of society as a woman in search of a husband of her choosing, but fate had other plans.
   At the masquerade ball being thrown in honor of Georgina Mallory's birthday, friends and family from near and far all come together to celebrate. Little do they know, amidst the crush of party-goers, the 'Frenchmen sailor' moving among them is not only a party crasher, but the missing son of an Earl. Richard Allen left home 9 years ago, determined to make it on his own, fell into piracy and came out on the other side of things with the help of his loyal friends. Richard was the second son of the Earl of Manford and once his eldest brother married well-socially-,  it was up to him to marry well-financially-. His father never showed him any semblance of love or affection and tried to control every aspect of Richard's life until one day, he had enough and took matters into his own hands. 
   Back in London for a short visit, Richard tries to avoid detection by both those from his former life and the husband of the woman he is dangerously infatuated with. Suffice to say, nothing goes according to plan and he comes face to fist with James Mallory and face to face with the woman he left behind.
   Julia is in a rage once she discovers Richard is back and she tries to settle the matter of their betrothal before he get the chance to takes off again. When Richard is also discovered by his father, he is given an ultimatum: either marry Julia or be 'taught a lesson' and transported to Australia as a 'convict'. The latter is forced on him when he refuses to marry just to fill his father's pockets, and it is Julia (with the help of a reluctant James Mallory & friends) who saves him from his horrid fate.
   Once Richard is safely off the transport ship, he and Julia come to a 'truce' of sorts and put their differences aside so that they may devise a plan to steal the marriage contract which has ruled their lives thus far and destroy it. The plan was simple: pretend to be in love to gain entry into the Earl's home, search for the contract and dispose of it, and FINALLY move on with their lives. But, as their feelings for each other start to grow more intense, their plan backfired and they now have to face the consequences together. The hero and heroine are both stubborn as mules, but eventually they learn to be honest with themselves and each other and soon realize that they are with their 'Perfect Someone'.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Richard is saved from being transported to Australia, and at first has no knowledge that it is Julia who helped put the rescue party together. He says something mean to her and then she gets upset and runs off. The others in the cabin who witness this call him out on his stupidity and he goes after her to try and make things right. In the heat of his apology, some old feelings are stirred up and as Richard comforts Julia, they begin to feel some undeniable sexual tension. The whole sequence of scenes were sweet, sensual and full of emotion and I loved them!

   Overall, you're guaranteed to find something to love about this book. Like the main character's struggle to remember exactly why they hated each other all those years ago, the side plot of Richard's true paternity, or the wonderful cameos by some Mallory series favorites. Towards the end of the novel, it feels as though the story is being prolonged. Once Julia and Richard decide to be honest about their feelings, the whole point of the second ship voyage to the Caribbean is misleading and pointless. I thought something more dramatic was going to happen. The book tried to do a little too much, and some elements weren't developed pace-wise to their full potential, which threw the book off a little, but you'll still find plenty of reasons to finish the book with a smile on your face.

*Why not try one of the earlier novels in the Mallory/Anderson Series, 'Gentle Rogue', Georgina and James' Story!

*And if pirates tales are your poison, try one of Johanna Lindsey's!:'A Pirate's Love'!

'My Lord Jack' by Hope Tarr -Review-

   A well-written and enjoyable Scottish-themed tale with Scot and French fusion. This story is a bit different from the cut-and-dry historicals we are all use to. 'Lord Jack' is an executioner; not some Duke or Viscount with limitless family coffers. And the heroine, Claudia,  is a feisty french women who is far from being the epitome of virginal chastity.  
   Claudia Valemont was the daughter of a courtesan and had became a courtesan herself. When both her mother and protector are beheaded and she next on the guillotine list, she flees for England to search for her father. She is dismayed when her search has her braving the unfamiliar Scottish terrain and is further delayed by a broken wheel on the mail coach she booked passage on for her journey to Linlithgow. It is Jack Campbell- Lord High Executioner for the Crown- whom saves her multiple times from dangerous situations and soon commits a crime of his own. Stealing her heart...

Read an excerpt: here

    Ever since he witnessed  his mothers brutal murder and then watching those responsible receive their due and be executed, Jack Campbell knew that he would become an executioner himself one day. He studied for years and became renowned as one of the best in the land. He has a reputation of dealing swift and effective executions, saving his 'clients' from as much agony as possible. He is appointed the position of Lord High Executioner for the Crown-an honor- even if he seldom encounters anyone who isn't a BIT leery of his profession.
   One day at an Inn, he is approached by a lovely Frenchwoman who mistakes him for a blacksmith and pleads with him to fix the wheel on the mail carriage which brought her thus far and was suppose to take her to Linlithgow. He can't help her with that problem but becomes almost-mezmirized by the stunning foreigner. And when he catches sight of his despicable half-brother, Callum, attacking her, he reacts instinctively and saves the damsel.
    Claudia Valemont has no where left to turn. Both her mother and lover, Philippe where beheaded as a result of the French Revolution and fearing she would be next, she flees to England in search of her father. She was left alone, unprotected and with very little left to her name, so the undertaking is a difficult one. Her frustrations peak as she learns her father, the seventh earl of Aberdaire, is not in London as she previously believed, but in Linlithgow, Scotland. She is further pushed to aggravation when the mail coach transporting her to Linlithgow breaks a wheel and is forced to stop at a coaching inn for the night in some bordering county in Scotland.
   With no money left rent a room at the inn,  Claudia's attempts to spin her fortunes and get the coach on it's way is met with unsuccessful results. As she moves about the coaching inn searching for another solution, she is 'set upon' by some drunk n'er do wells. A man named Callum McBride tries to accost her, but she is saved by Jack.
   Jack's help to a complete stranger can only span so wide, and when he refuses to take her to Linlithgow, she tries to steal a horse and gets caught. Facing the prospect of the hangman's noose, she is again saved by Jack when he speaks up for her and convinces the judge to spare her the hanging. This time around, however, the rescuing has some long-term effects when Claudia is put in Jack's custody for 6 months.
   She resigns to her fate with the devilishly handsome Scotsman, tries to make the best of the situation (even if he frustrates her heedlessly) and begins to develop feelings for him. Jack isn't immune to Claudia's allure either, despite his insistence on chastity,  and as their connection deepen and the treat against her life at the hands of his half-brother increases, Jack will find himself in the throes of love and passion and will do anything to protect his Claudia.

 Rating: 3 1/2 "Smooches"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is in the beginning when Claudia first begins staying with Jack. He tries to resist her and keep his carnal thoughts to himself, but one night, Claudia has a nightmare and starts to have a fit. Jack gave up his bed to her when she first started staying in his home and prefers to sleep on the floor; so when she starts to call out in distress, he has to get up and calm her down. After she's had time to compose herself, she asks Jack to stay with her. You start to see Jack's resistance crack as he obliges her. Claudia trustingly curls up besides Jack and I believe this is just the cutest scene!

   This story was fun, exciting and heartfelt. Jack, our unlikely hero, is such a unique character. He has compassion for all forms of life, despite the duties of his job, and it's his carefully masked tender side that will make readers fall in love. Even though the beginning reminded me of a RPG chat room (the damsel in distress in some strange coaching inn), I still liked the plot. The characters can't help but fall in love and with the add hints of danger and a delicious forbidden quality, 'My Lord Jack' is an excellent read for any rainy day and beyond!

[*re-released in ebook format by Carina Press]

[a special thanks to Hope Tarr for sending the EPUB file for review]

*Also check out Tarr's next Carina Press re-release, 'A Rogue's Pleasure'

'Crossing Oceans' by Gina Holmes -Review-

   A singularly incredible book! 'Crossing Oceans' was a deeply affecting and moving story about limitless and unconditional love. This debut novel by author Gina Holmes is a must-read. There was a ball in my throat for the majority of this book, and once I finished it, I couldn't believe the degree of emotions I experienced.
   Genevieve Lucas thought she left behind her troubled past and dysfunctional relationships in North Carolina for good. But when circumstances beyond her control forces her to return home and settle some things, almost nothing goes according to plan. Terminally ill, with just a few months left to live and her 'father-less' 5 year-old  daughter's future to secure, Jenny will have to reluctantly rely on her none-to-perfect family.
   The past threatens the future, an unlikely relationship will form, and lessons in forgiveness and letting go will take center stage. But when it comes down to it, all you need to know is that a mother's love is ever-lasting; even from across the ocean.

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:
                        

   Nearly six years ago, Jenny Lucas had her heart broken by her ex-boyfriend David Preston. He said it just wouldn't work out for them, but little did he know, she was carrying his child. Sooner or later SOMETHING would have to work between them, but as determined as Jenny was to keep David out of little Isabella's life, circumstances would ultimately force her hand on the matter.
   She left behind all that hurt, both David's rejection and  her father's emotional neglect, and re-established her life elsewhere. But now, six years later, she has to go back to the place that harbors so many unpleasant memories.
   The fact of the matter is that Jenny was dying. Diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a form of cancer that had already begun to spread throughout her body, Jenny knew she would soon face the same fate as her own mother had. She hadn't told anyone besides her 'Mama Peg' about her illness and didn't know how she would go about informing her father. She knew Jack Lucas hadn't been the same man he was once he lost his beloved wife to cancer, his stoic and guarded demeanor driving a wedge between father and daughter ever since, but unless she wanted to tell David of the child she had bared and hidden from him for all these years, her father was her only choice.
   Initial cynical of his daughter's sudden reappearance, and curious about the granddaughter he didn't get the chance to know before they both left,  Jack probes for answers and eventually storms out of the family home in a temper. He knows David would be the only logical guess for being Isabella's father, and having blamed David's father for misdiagnosing his wife and causing her death, he was not happy about the revelation whatsoever. When he returns home hours later all battered-up and it's discovered that he had went to speak with David's father about Isabella, Jenny knows that it is only a matter of time before David finds out. She sets out to find him so she can tell him the truth before his father can reach him, but the meeting doesn't bode well. She briefly encounters David with his wife at their home, has a nasty argument with him, and leaves before she has a chance to tell him about Isabella. Eventually, David starts to seek out Jenny and learn more about the daughter he never knew he had.
   Even with all that drama going on, the persistent, yet soothing presences of Jenny's old high school friend starts to take a turn toward something more than a renewed friendship. Craig Allen, now living in the saddle barn on her father's property, has always had a crush on Jenny. Even though he knows she's dying, he can't help but be attracted to her and want to be with her. The relationship is hard on Jenny, because she wants him just as badly, but knows she will never have him. While Craig tries to coax Jenny into living the last few months of her life to the fullest, David proves to be a huge distraction, as he fights for visitation and soon custody of his daughter.
   The final months of Jenny Lucas' life are filled with trials and acceptance, new experiences and harsh realities, and when given the chance to do one last thing to ease Isabella's transition into her new life without her mommy, Jenny makes the ultimate sacrifice and then we all will understand the real meaning of love.

-Rating- 5 Smooches -Rating-

My Favorite Part of the Book: (not my favorite because its so sad, but most memorable) Is when Jenny is explaining that she will die soon to her daughter. Isabella's  innocence and confusion just make the difficult talk almost unbearable. The analogy and purpose for the title 'Crossing Oceans' comes into play here as well. It was beautifully done and emotionally jarring to read through.

   This is a romance blog, and you should be use to my recounting of sexy tales filled with sensual bliss. But the main reason why we read romances is because, at the end of the day, through all of the grouping and caressing, the Hero LOVES the heroine and it's beautiful in it's genuineness. This book brought us through many forms of love, most specifically that of a mother for her daughter. Jenny and Craig's relationship was short lived but poignant, and Jenny's love for her daughter was the catalyst of the story that will bring tears to your eyes. 'Crossing Oceans' was more than just a book; it was a lesson on life. After reading this novel, I wanted to be a better person. Only great novels can evoke that feeling in a reader. Whether the lessons from this book stay with me forever or not is an indeterminable question, but its importance is indisputable. It was inspiring and tear-jerking and amazingly liberating. This book will make you reevaluate the priorities in your life and appreciate the blessings you have today. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

[special thanks to Gina Holmes for sending a review copy]

*More from Gina Holmes will be coming in Spring 2011! 'Dry As Rain'

'Seducing An Angel' by Mary Balogh -Review-

   A tumultuous and tender love story. As is with Mary Balogh, there was that classic refined quality to this piece of work that just enhanced the story. You could feel the eloquence of each paragraph as it oozed historical-goodness (admittedly, that sentence lacked a bit of eloquence itself). Cassandra was near-destitute with 4 hangers-on (including Roger, the faithful dog) to look out for. All were doomed to face unrelenting poverty if she couldn't find a way to provide for them. After the marriage from hell abruptly ended after 9 years, and Cassandra saw accusations of being an Axe-murder laid at her door, she knew only one line of work would be open to her. That of a mistress. With nowhere left to go and little money to meet next week's rent, Cassandra devises a plan to crash a ton ball and meet a wealthy protector, little does she know, an angel in need of seducing is what she'll get.

Read an excerpt: here

   Alice had been Cassandra's governess turned companion for a very long time now. At the age of 42, employment for the 'old' woman who was more of a mother than Cassandra has ever known or could ever part with was an unrealistic option. Mary was the unmarried cook, housekeeper, and maid for Cassandra, and Mary's 4 year old daughter, Belinda, was a bright light in a dark place. No one would hire Mary as long as she insisted on keeping her daughter with her. And finally, Roger, who so valiantly defended Cassandra (the details of which will be revealed towards the end of the book) and was carried away badly maimed and so close to the doorstep of death, would probably never find another owner to love and cherish him as Cassandra did.
   They all loved her, and she loved them, and Cassandra knew she was the only one who could save them. 9 years in an abusive marriage nearly tore Cassandra apart, and in reality, the mask of indifferent cynicism she wore could directly be attributed to those years of abuse.
   When her husband is found dead in their library with no witness nor evidence to conclusively incriminate anyone, let alone her, Cassandra will still face unyielding public censure as she tried to embrace her independence. Fanciful retellings of rumors with no substantial bases will brand Cassandra an Axe-murder, and when her husband's heir and eldest son from his first marriage threatens to have charges brought up against Cassandra if she tries to collect on her much needed settlement, destitution is not far off into the distance.
   Determined to provide for herself and those whom depend on her, Cassandra is convinced that she must become some wealthy aristocrat's mistress. She crashes Lady Sheringford's ball to scout for potential protectors, and is surprised to find that the hostess herself and her family are good-natured people who forgo treating her with disdain and try to make her feel welcome (even if it's just to do damage control). The brother of her hostess, Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton, caught her eye the previous day while she walked in the park, now he was at the ball and Cassandra made her choice to pursue this 'angel' of a man.
   Stephen is initially leery of Cassandra's forthright declaration of trying to seduce him. They dance, enjoy supper, and she volunteers his services to escort her home. It is very clear that she wants to have sex with him, but the morning after they share some delicious intimacies, she's ready to talk business and Stephen is not sure what he wants to do. Some unknown forces make him relent to Cassandra's wishes and he agrees to the arrangement.
   Cassandra's unceremonious offering of herself and speaking so blatantly about the use of her body , which Stephen's "paying well enough for", induces him to cut the arrangement short (just after the second night) and re-strategize a way to help Cassandra get back into society.
   The path to healing proves to be a dubious one, but our fair angel Stephen can't help but try and help Cassandra. He brings JOY into her life with their few outings and soon the attraction takes a deeper route and solidifies a mutual love. Truths are revealed, a sweet but public kiss results in a hurried proclamation of engagement, Cassandra fights her feelings for Stephen (and for her freedom), but she'll soon find out that love is the ultimate liberation.

-Rating- 4 1/2 Smooches -Rating-

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Cassandra and Stephen get caught up in the moment and share a kiss on a terrace during a ball, in visible sight. Quick thinking has Stephen blurting out that Cassandra accepted his proposal of marriage so he lost his head for a second with joy and that's why he kissed her. Cassandra, once out of the public eye, stays steadfast in her desire to never marry again, but she must keep up pretenses for the time being to avoid more scandal. In all of the romances I have read where a kiss is witness and marriage must follow after, I've never seen it done like this before and I thought it was really genius.

   This book was lovely! There were deep emotions and heavy themes which threaten to weigh the plot down in darkness, but Balogh cleverly inserted an ever-present current of hope and strength which succeeds in endearing this book to the reader. I enjoy a good pregnancy in a story, even if most readers feel most authors just throw it in just to throw it in. Cassandra's revelation towards the end of the book was a twist I literally didn't see coming. She had suffered multiple miscarriages in the past at the hands of her abusive husband, and the fear and joy felt with this scenario just tugged at my heart strings. In this novel, the heroine was 28 and the hero was 25, and I thought that would put a damper on the book somewhat for me. But it was well done and 'Seducing An Angel' is an excellent read!

*Also check out the first novel in The Huxtable Series and where we first encounter a 17 year old Stephen, 'First Comes Marriage', Vanessa and Elliot's story!

Read an excerpt for 'First Comes Marriage': here

*Also by Mary Balogh, a consummate classic and one of my favorite novels, 'Slightly Married'

Read an excerpt for 'Slightly Married': here

'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!

'Ten Things I Love About You' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   A story worthy of its main character! There's enough drama, tension and delectable secrets to keep you entertained from chapter to chapter. "Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret". His uncle, the Earl of Newbury, will do everything in his power to secure a wife and an heir to ensure Sebastian won't inherit the earldom. Sebastian really couldn't care less about the earldom, but when his uncle's perspective bride captures his interest (and his heart), he will have to do some crazy things to keep her where she belongs; with him.

Read an excerpt: here

   Annabel's last name may be Winslow, but when her maternal grandmother arranges to 'clean her up and get her married', all in London refer to her as 'The Vicker's girl'. It isn't a season that awaits her in London, but the overweight, hygienically challenged and elderly Lord Newbury. To put it simply: Annabel's family needed money. Lord Newbury has money. Annabel is the eldest daughter and thus, the responsibility to marry and marry well is laid at her doorstep. The Vicker's have a long-standing friendship with Lord Newbury and an alliance was desired. Lord Newbury needed an heir. And most important of all: Annabel had big hips. Annabel knew she had no real say in whom she would marry, but Lord Newbury becomes more and more unsavory by the moment. At a ball, after Lord Newbury forces some of his amorous attentions on Annabel, she flees to the the gardens and then to a heath in the back.
   Sebastian, fresh and relaxed from a recently amorous assignation, doesn't expect to be stumbled across (literally) by a virginal young miss. He also doesn't expect for her to ask for a kiss. But he obliges her request and our dance of wills and circumstance begin.
   Sebastian doesn't learn of Annabel's 'attachment' to Lord Newbury until the night he is punched in the face and spat on unawares by his uncle. It is a distressing family riff, and with both men avoiding Annabel, she is becomeing acquainted with social scorn with dizzying quickness as a result. Feeling responsible, Sebastian decides to help her out and 'play interest' in her so that she will be accepted again in the bosom of society.
   The play-acting becomes a little to real, and when Lord Newbury suddenly rekindles an interest in Annabel, she will have to decide if 'Ten Things' are enough reasons to abandon the security and position Newbury's offer presents; and possibly find eleven or more things to love about Sebastian.

::Rating:: 3 1/2 "Aww's" ::Rating::

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Annabel is distraught after she sees Lord Newbury ascend the stair to the Vicker's home after days of ignoring her. She knows he means to propose marriage if only to save his reputation, but she can't face that reality just yet; and when Lady Olivia Valentine happens across her, she offers to let Annabel hide out for the afternoon at her home. Lady Olivia is married to Sebastian's cousin and Sebastian spends a lot of time at their house. When he stops by per usual, he is shocked to find Annabel in tears and provides her with some comfort (and a solution) from her woes.

   Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian. His secret came out of left feild, although I should have had an idea from when he made his appearance in 'What Happens In London'. He is a bit melodramatic to me, but I still loved his caring and care-free nature. Annabel was an entertaining character, with her hilarious tendency to state funny facts in lists of ten's. The plot was one that had it's fair share of dark moments.I felt that the resolution (Annabel's conviction that no on will make her marry Newbury and that she loved Sebastian) was reached a little too swiftly, but I definitely enjoyed the ride. Sadly, this novel didn't include as much heat as we are use to in most JQ's, and I get the impression that JQ spent so much time developing the plot, that when she got to the end of the book and realized the Hero and Heroine didn't 'share relations' yet, she just threw it in there. It messed up the flow of the book after the climax had came and went, and the rushed quality towards the end was sadly noticeable. But don't let that turn you off to an admirably entertaining novel. It's worth the read, trust me.

*Also from the Bevelstoke Series:
 'The Secret Diaries Of Miranda Cheever' & 'What Happens In London'

- 'The Secret Diaries Of Miranda Cheever' is a spectacular book. I truly loved it!

-My Review of 'What Happens In London' can be found: here

'On The Way To The Wedding' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   What a conclusion to a beloved series! With an ending sequence I didn't see coming and a prologue that made a one-time fan out of me (ME! the hater of prologues by principal). Gregory believes IN love, and believes he IS in love just from a glimps of the back of some lovely woman's head. Said head belongs to Miss Hermione Watson, and directly by that head, is Lady Lucinda Abernathy. Lucy's best friend, Hermione, has the whole of the ton at her feet, in yet, she can't help falling for someone who is highly improper.
   When yet another fool (Gregory) can't mask his infatuation with her best friend, Lucy decides he is the lesser of two evils and decides to help him court Hermione's favor. Needless to say, Hermione stays steadfast in her devotion to her secret lover, and when Gregory starts to realize for whom his heart truly beats, it could possibly be too late. And so...a funny thing happened, 'On The Way To The Wedding'...

Read an excerpt: here

   Gregory Bridgerton was no fool when it came to the subject of love. The second youngest sibling in the Bridgerton family, He has witnessed all 7 of his brothers and sisters transition into their love-matches. He'd have to be completely daft not to recognize the prowess of love or it's existence and inevitability. He is the 4th son, with little to give him a purpose, and now, he is just waiting for love to decide when it will be a convenient time to come into his life.
   At a house party, being thrown by his eldest brother, Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, and his wife Kate, Gregory drifts to the terrace where food is being served alfresco in the hopes of filling his deprived stomach. So, it was a complete shock to him to be struck by cupid so acutely and in the most curious of ways right there on the terrace. First he spied the back of her head, and then he knew (or at least thought) he was in love. He just had to know her, and know her now.
   Hermione Watson was in love. Head-over-ears, irrevocably in love...with her father's secretary. It wasn't proper for a viscount's daughter to marry said viscount's secretary; but life is, often times, annoyingly inopportune and thus 'improper' just when we need it to be all that's righteous and acceptable. When Lucy is practically tossed at Gregory, she decides to tell him of his rotten luck, but impressively, he stays resolute on his intent.
   Lucy instantly finds things to recommend about Gregory and feels he would be just the right thing for Hermione; so she decides to help him. It's not successful at first, and in all truth, it is decidedly counter-productive, but tenacious as ever, Gregory starts to make a bit of progress with Hermione. All that has to be tossed aside though, when a scandalous scene in an orangery puts Hermione firmly out of Gregory's reach.
   Gregory nurses a bruised ego if nothing else and realizes that he really wasn't in love with Hermione, just the idea of being in love with her. And when he spies the back of yet another female's head, he can't believe who's effecting him now. It's Lady Lucinda! After that maddening kiss that set his body afire for hours before she left with her party, the engaged, meticulous people-pleaser Lucy, his Lucy, has all of the sudden taken up residence in his heart and he hadn't even realize  it.
   Now the battle to hold on to love, real love, this time around is waged, and when Gregory storms in on Lucy's wedding ceremony, he bares his heart and soul.
   But what happens if she says no? What happens to love when the future of her family members may depend entirely on a union between her and the 'nancy' Mr.Haselby? Let's see if love can brave what happens if there's an 'after the wedding'.   

::Rating:: 4 1/2 "Aww's" ::Rating::

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Gregory storms Lucy's wedding ceremony and takes the lead in one of my favorite scenes in a historical THUS FAR in my readership! He was so sincere and genuine! There was just a sense certainty in his monologue and then.... the story gets turned on its ears!

   How else can I describe this final installment to the Bridgerton series? Splendid. Truly splendid! I loved the unpredictability of the plot and the twist and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. I may grant that it was a bit melodramatic at times, and that the 'falling in love twice' (and so heavily, so quickly) premise didn't exactly endear itself to me, but this was a great book overall. I read this series in order and I can tell you in all honesty that I haven't experienced this much maudlin over a series ending since I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This book should definitely be a bookshelf fixture for any romance lover. 

* Try the latest JQ release, 'Ten Things I Love About You', from the Bevelstoke series.

-Read an excerpt: here

* Also try the counterpart book to the 'Lost Duke Of Wyndham' series,'Mr.Cavendish, I Presume'

- The cover is among my favorites! The hero just looks so...*sigh*
-Read an excerpt from 'Mr.Cavendish, I Presume': here

'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.

'Loving A Lost Lord' by Mary Jo Putney -Review-

   The first Mary Jo Putney novel for me, and definitely not the last. The plot was great, the scenarios were engaging and the climax was exactly that.
    When Adam washes up on the Cumberland shore, he was lucky enough to still have a pulse.
  Mariah was all alone in the world and easily tempted to let the nefarious George Burke worm his way into her life, if only to stave off the loneliness. His persistence in vying for her hand induces her to tell a bold-face lie. She comes across Adam as he drifts along in the water and pulls him to safety. Suffering from amnesia, Adam proves to be the perfect temporary solution to Maraih's problem. But what happens when this temporary solution becomes a lifetime desire?

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:
                   

   The book starts off on a somber note. 3 friends, members of this 'lost lords' brotherhood, visit their alma marer to tell their beloved headmistress and teacher, Lady Agnes Westerfield, that they have lost yet another of their ranks. Adam Darshan Lawford, Duke of Ashton was presumed dead after a mysterious boating accident. After their teacher informs them that presumed isn't good enough for her and that they should not accept defeat so easily, the 3 friends set off on a journey to discover the truth...
    Charles Clarke was a gamer. He loved his cards and his gambling almost as much as he loved his daughter, Mariah. Sans a mother for as long as she could remember, Mariah had lived with her Great-Grandmother Rose (Granny Rose) until her untimely death, and then went to travel from place to places, learning the gamer-ways with her father. Charles won Hartley Manor from fat-pocket George Burke, and decides to settle down a bit and give his beloved daughter a real home for a change.
   All is grand and splendid until Charles goes on an ill-fated 'family business' trip concerning some long estranged relatives , but never comes back. It is the pompous George Burke who stops by the Manor to inform Mariah that her father was found dead at the scene of a highwaymen robbery just outside of London. Obviously grief stricken but determined to manage as best she can, she continuously refuses Burke's immediate, insensitive and thereafter tenacious proposal of marriage and courtship.
   Fearing the biting loneliness will compel her to accept George's hand, she tells him that she is married. He has a hard time believing her, but when he comes a calling one day and tries to force his attentions on Mariah, he is take aback by the emergence and retalliation of a studly stranger who calls himself her husband.
   While thinking over her predicament late one night, Mariah ambles close to the shore and feels an inexorably force draw her closer to the sea. She happens upon Adams body, drifting in the sea and so close to death. Bringing him back to her home, she realizes he has amnesia and does something that shocks even her, by informing the stranger that he is her husband. She even tells him his name is Adam (although she has never met him before, the name presented itself to her so she provided that name when asked).
   Slowly, pieces of Adam's past start to come back to him, and when Mariah gives into temptation and lays with him, she is soon requied to come clean and tell him of her deception. Adam battles with his betrayal and undeniable tender feelings towards the woman who saved his life. Matters are complicated further once Adam's friends find him and inform him of his ducal rank. Mariah knows her station in society is no where near acceptable for a duke, but when Adam insists that she comes with him to his London home, she can't refuse.
   Family secrets start to surface, putting our characters through shared emotional trails and tribulations. But matters are complicated even further when attempts are being made on the duke's life, and it is realized that that mysterious boating accident was more than just an accident. Truths and choices all come to a spectacular head as Adam realizes that losing the woman who found him and captured his heart is just not an option.

::Rating:: 3 1/2 "Aww's" ::Rating::

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Adam, still weak from his near-fatal shipwreck, rushes in to the drawing room and saves his wife from the unwanted attentions of George Burke. Burke was still leery about Mariah's purposed husband and decided to press his suit more aggressively. Adam immediately needs to relax after exerting so much energy fending off the fiendish Burke and he and Mariah take a seat on the couch. They share little intimacies (through words and little actions). It was a beautiful sequence of scenes.

   In retrospect, I started this book with a few expectations. The plot was one that brought specific ideas to mind. Heroine having to play the role of concerned spouse. Little flash-backs of Hero's past. An amazing consummation scene. And I can safely assure you, it's all there. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and most of the scenarios. The story got a little too 'convenient' for me, and just a bit improbable. Character reactions, such as Mariah's to her father's death was a bit off to me, a bit rushed, but still held some merit. I loved the progression from Hartley Manor to Ashton House, and enjoyed the many different twists, turns and side plots that kept everything interesting but tied together nicely at the end. A 3-E (Entertaining, Exciting and Enjoyable) read for sure!

*Give the next book in 'The Lost Lord' series a read, 'Never Less Than A Lady', Major Randall's Story/ My Review can be found: here

*Or try something from the acclaimed 'The Fallen Angel' Series, 'One Perfect Rose'

-Read an excerpt from 'One Perfect Rose': here

'When He Was Wicked' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   There is always a dark complexity to JQ novels that help endear and set them apart from every other book on the shelf. 'When He Was Wicked' was significantly darker than it's predecessors and didn't give in to any cooky side plots of mysterious murderers or wagers gone awry. Being in love with the wrong woman sucks. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love with someone else sucks even more. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love and married to your cousin is as sucky as it gets.
   
Read an excerpt: here

   Michael Stirling saw John Stirling, eighth Earl of Kilmartin, as more of a brother than just a cousin. Michael Stirling also saw John's wife, Francesca, as the most desirable and lovely lady he's ever come across. This was not an ideal situation. Michael's love for John's wife is well hidden behind a mask of preconceived rakeish carelessness, which is really just a front. Michael is a casualty of unrequited love, but when John abruptly dies, that innocent uncontrollable fact begins to weigh even more heavily on Michael's conscience. His secret feelings release within him a sickening sea of guilt, having him believe he has committed the worst sort of betrayal to his dead cousin, and when Francesca needs his comforting presences the most, he high tails it for India.
   He stays away for 4 years, but comes back to realize that the distances has done nothing to ease the reaction his heart makes for Francesca. And Francesca, who went through the ringer of emotion with the death of her beloved husband, the miscarriage she saw as her last connection to him broken, and the distance Michael has put between them. She's finally ready to move on with her life and, after a heart-to-heart with her mother, whom also lost her husband very young (but had her 8 children to help her through), Francesca decides that she would like to have a purpose in life, and that purpose is to have a baby.
   Now, we've all been to sex ed. class and we all know that you need a mommy and a daddy to make a baby. Since there was no such thing as in vitro back in the 1824, Francesca will logically have to find a baby daddy (and marry the loser so that she and the child can avoid scandal, ofcorse).
   In her pursuit for the right candidate, she is taken aback and scared to death by the way her thoughts wander when on the subject of the newly returned Michael. As they balance and flirt with enigmatic temptation, true feelings, and a scary illness, is brought to the forefront and Francesca and Micheal must decide exactly how far to take their second chance at the life they want.

Rating: 3 1/2 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Michael begins to get sick. After so much tragedy and suffering so early in the book, Michael arrives back in England with the perfect opportunity just waiting to be seized. His mysterious illness is discovered, but Francesca is steadfast in her devotion to her once-friend now love interest. I love the whole sick-defenseless-in-need-of-someone-who-gives-a-damn concept. JQ did it well here.

   This novel is a cut above and different from all the rest, but all the better for it. It raises the questions of "Can you love twice?" and "Do second chances really exists" and turns them on their heads. The immediate darkness of the plot had the potential to ruin the book, but there was a balance and a genuineness to the progression of love that made everything click. It wasn't a perfect love story. There were harsh realities and morbid themes and even AFTER the main guy gets the main girl, it didn't end with a classic "and they lived happily ever after". Quality is evident in this book and for that reason alone it should definitely be given a read!

*Next up in the Bridgerton Series (Book 7), 'It's In His Kiss', Hyacinth's Story!/My Review can be found: here

*And check out another JQ novel, 'How To Marry A Marquis'

'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!

'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' is without a doubt, the most splendid addition to the Bridgerton Series. If you have not read at least one of the three books preceding this particular novel, I encourage you to do so. The culmination of what proved to be a most rousing subplot in this series thus far plays out in tremendous fashion as we watch two of the most unforgettable and unlikely characters fall in love. Penelope Featherington is no stranger to ridicule, being brazen gossip-columnist Lady Whistledown's favorite punching bag. Colin Bridgerton, the presumed devil-may-care nomad of the Bridgerton bunch, is home from Cyprus and searching for the direction in life that will lead him to a purpose. The awkward wallflower he thought he left behind in Penelope has blossomed into a vision of unparalleled and slightly disconcerting desire and she harbors a secret that becomes all too intriguing. What will Lady Whistledown have to say about such an absurd and unlikely match?

-Read an excerpt: here

   Penelope Featherington knew from the start of her premature first season, that she was destined for the life of a spinster. She was better off than most, with a fiercesom friendship with blue-stocking beauty, Eloise Bridgerton, and her unrequited love for Eloise's brother, Colin. Penelope has been in love with Colin since two days before her sixteenth birthday. The incident in the park which stole her breath away has stayed with her throughout the long and lonely years, but it is in the year 1824 that Penelope's luck starts to change.
   Colin has been blessed with a good lot in life. A wonderful family, filled to the brim with mischievous younger siblings and reliable and trusted elders, a wonderful and sometimes misguided mother who dotes on him with unconditional love, free time a plenty and hearty family coffers; what more could he want? He knows how fortunate he is in this world, but Colin can't shake off the biting resentment for those around him with something to live for. He travels the world, charms the ladies at every port, but still has yet to find his purpose in life. His older brothers are both successful in their own right; one being an accomplished artist and the other living up to his duties as Viscount Bridgerton. Even his sister Daphne is filling in the role of Duchess supremely. Colin is just looking for his calling.
   Home from his trip to Cyprus with notebooks full of his accounts of his travels, Colin can't help but cave in to pressures from his mother to attend some social affairs. Things are in a way familiar, but also changed. When next he claps eyes on his sisters friend, Penelope, he isn't prepared for what he sees. She's really grown into herself, and since when had she developed such a quick wit and that maddening cheekiness? Colin knows that the feelings he's developing for Penelope are wrong, but that doesn't help him get to sleep any easier at night.
   A friendship and a bond begin to form between Colin and Penelope, but soon the inevitable takes place. The two share a spectacular kiss (which knocked my socks off and had me squealing like a pig at breakfast time) and Colin reacts like all the other heros in history always have; by combating and trying to resist what he feels is so right. All the while, Penelope's secret is dangerously coming close to being revealed, and once Colin figures it out, it shocks him to the core. An unlikely marriage, a man's purpose realized, extortion and stolen identity all have a part to play in this stellar Romancing of Mister Bridgerton.

Rating: 5 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is so hard to choose! At first I want to say that the part that most endeared itself to me was when Penelope asks Colin to kiss her(and he does so). It was truly a memorable moment! But having been a huge fan of the whole Lady Whistledown subplot, I'd have to say that my favorite part in the book would have to be when Lady Whistledown's identity is revealed. Not necessarily the exact scene it is made known to the reader, but rather, the scene when it is revealed at a huge assemblage proceeding a declaration of love. Such a marvelous scene.

   This is usually the part in the review where I wrap-up my final thoughts on the book. But truly, there isn't much I can say to do it justice. This is a shining example of great writing that compels the reader to feel with the characters and champion the underdog. Just....just...READ IT!

* Next up in the Bridgerton Series is 'To Sir Phillip, With Love' (Book 5), Eloise's story/ My Review can be found: here

*Also give 'The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown' a try. Acquaint your self with the bold gossip-columnist who keeps all of London on it's toes. This is an anthology with some stellar contributors! Definitely a winner!

'An Offer From A Gentelman' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   Aww! JQ's version of a Cinderella story. We all know the deal; girl has a widow father who wants to provide her with a mother-figure. Said mother-figure turns out to be a total bitch and when father dies, girl becomes no more than a servant. There is a chance encounter, and a searing kiss at a ball with an out-of her-league romeo. Soon she disappears with only memories and dreams to sustain her, and a search for true love commences. Very classic and undeniably heart-warming. JQ puts her own twist on this plot line and resurrects it with her patent complexity, conflict, witty dialogue and a little dash of magic.

 Read an excerpt: here

     Sophie Beckett is the natural daughter of the sixth Earl of Penwood. Although everyone is aware of her birth status, it isn't until her father marries the menacing Araminta, that her bastardship becomes a problem. After her fathers death, she basically becomes her step-mother and step-sister's personal slave. Araminta is disgruntled with Sophie's mere presences under the same roof as her, and her eldest daughter, Rosamund follows suit. The only one who is somewhat civil to Sophie is the lesser daughter, Posy, whom has to fall back to the shadows when her over-bearing sister craves the spotlight (which is always). The only reason Araminta 'takes care' of Sophie is because of a stipulation in her late husband's will which dictates it.
   At the age of 21, Sophie is still under the Penwood Park roof with scarcely a pound to her name when she gets the chance to go to her first ball, unbeknownst to her step-relatives. The ball is a masquerade being held at Bridgerton House, and she turns out to be the belle of the ball. She also succeeds in attracting the catch of the season, Benedict Bridgerton. They slip away for a private moment, dancing (or learning to dance), looking into each others eyes, diveing into each others souls and sharing a passionate kiss, all before the clock strikes twelve. Benedict never gets Sophie's identity before she dashes out of the party (to make it home before Araminta and her daughter arrive home) and is plagued by his memories of his mysterious temptress who left behind a 'musty' old gloves.
   Sophie soon leaves Penwood Park shortly after the masquerade and an incident with Araminta, and must find a way to support herself. Both Benedict and Sophie endure two years of separation and longing, wondering about all the possibilities that masquerade could of resulted in; but when their paths cross again, it will be when Sophie is being man handled and Benedict's comes to her rescue. In turn, it begins to rain on their way back to Benedict's cottage and he catches a serious cold, leaving his welfare up to the woman he doesn't know he's been fantasizing over for two years.
   To ensure she will be well taken care of in the future, Benedict installs Sophie at his mother's house in London. Little does he know, he's setting her and himself up for delirious temptation and he can't help but want to make Sophie his mistress (because marrying your mother's employee just isn't done).Sophie has been through enough turmoil in her life at the hands of her bastardhood that she would never risk laying with Benedict and producing a child to suffer the same fate as she did. it will take an open heart and a little help from the formidable Violet Bridgerton to bring true love together at the alter where it belongs.

Rating: 4 1/2 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Benedict saves Sophie from being raped by her employer's son while he is having a party at the family estate while they are away. Benedict decides to take her to his cottage, which isn't far away, but it begins to pour down rain and Benedict soon catches a hell of a cold. With limited resources, Sophie must try and nurse him back to health. These few scenes provide us with the drama we always know to expect in a Quinn novel. It was just excellently done and helped transition the reader into the next leg of the story.

   Overall, this book was a homerun. It is so easy to fall into cliche's and RUIN classics, but JQ avoided that fate, all while spicing up a fan favorite fairy-tale. It was much darker than a lot of Cinderella remakes I've read in the past, but it had the right balance of light-hearted banter, romantic quality and character development. A definite must-read.

* Next in the Bridgerton series is 'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' (Book 4). Colin and Penelope's story!/ My Review can be found: here

 

*Make sure you also check out 'What Happens In London'/ My Review can be found: here

'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 Viscount Who Loved Me' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   Only JQ can take a plot line like; 'Guy has mortal fear of bee's, or, guy falls in love with girl but can't risk loving her because he thinks he is destined to die young' and make it GOLD! I admit to a subtle sliver of skepticism at first, but as the story unfolds and pieces of the puzzle are revealed, the story turns into one of a deep complexity that is driven by the inner struggles of the characters. Anthony Bridgerton is all set to marry! He's even got a bide in mind. One of the most notorious Rakes (upper-case) in London 1814, Anthony is ready to do his duty by his Viscount title and marry some chit to bare his children (before his early death, which he believes he is irrevocably destined for). A major stipulation in his acceptances of marriage is that he must not choose a wife for whom he could fall in love with. Convinced he will die and leave her soon, his pride won't allow him set that trap. But once said woman and himself are caught in a compromising position, his pans are all throw for a loop.

Read an excerpt: here

   Anthony Bridgerton will never be half the Viscount; no, half the MAN, his father was. Or at least, that's what he believes. Although, if you took him for what he truly was, you would see Anthony  as the most honorable, dedicated and pragmatic of individuals. Some of that logic and practicality will be tested by the reader as they dive into Anthony's reasons for believing he is fated to NOT live pass the age of 38 (maybe younger). His father, Edmund, was killed when Anthony was 18, by a bee. Ever since then, he's always had an eerier sense of his mortality He accepted his thought-fate and didn't fear death so much as he accepted it as the inevitable.
   After deciding to get married and get his duty to his title done with, he asks whose the 'Incomparable of 1814', and when he is informed that it is Edwina Sheffield, he instantly decides to direct his suit in her direction. He meets her, and believes her the perfect candidate for his wife, but her meddlesome sister will prove to be a problem.
   Kate Sheffield was very protective of her sister. The Sheffield's were 'financial stretching' as it were, and it was the consensus that Edwina's incomparable beauty will award her a beneficial match this season. Unfortunately, living besides the glow of her sisters magnificent beauty, Kate was often overlooked or used as a way to get in Edwina's good graces. Edwina boldly states at a ton function, that she would never marry someone without her sister's approval. This fact just exemplifies the bond of the sisters and the absence of jealousy. Kate has an idea of the type of guy who could make her sister happy, and Viscount Bridgerton isn't anywhere close to that ideal.
   As Anthony begins to work on Kate, unbeknownst to him, she's working her way through his every thought. Edwina was the safe choice; he felt no spark with her and knew she would serve his purpose well. Kate on the other hand, was a big red flag, and as he is overwhelmed with desire for her, he tries to tamper down his reactions to her.
   All doesn't go according to plan, when Anthony and Kate are caught in a compromising situation (HUGE and infuriating misunderstanding) and they both must marry. Anohony knows the bullet he was trying to avoid just got bigger, but the passions he evokes in his new wife is too irresistible.
   As Anthony begins to try and distance himself from is new bride, she (at first) believes it is because of his past preference in Edwina. He doesn't want to get oo close and devestate Kate with his inevitable young-death; but when he almost loses her, he realizes how much living for the present, loving for the present, is the most important thing.

Rating: 4 1/2 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when the bee stings Kate in front of Anthony and he is besides himself with panic. He pins her to the garden bench and proceeds to suck the 'poison' out of her chest where the bee stung when who should so happen to stumble upon them? His mother, her step-mother and Mrs.Featherington (London's biggest gossip). They now must marry! I just love how this scene ended up! It was sweet, romantic, emotional and dramatic all at the same time; and I feel it is one of the more poignant scenes in the book.

   Overall, this book was fabulous! In the Author's Notes, JQ explains that back when Anthony's father lived, they didn't understand the possibility of being allergic to bee's so his sudden death has an explanation behind it. I felt this book was wonderfully paced and well written. The character plights and the situations you find them in compels you to keep turn the page till there's no more left.

*Next book in this series is 'An Offer From A Gentleman' (Book 3), Benedict's story!/ My Review can be found: here

*Also from JQ, 'The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever'!!

-Read an excerpt from 'The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever': here