This book is third in the "Shakespeare in Love" series. Characters from the first two make an appearance in this novel. The heroine of this novel is Angelique Beauchamp, the widowed Countess of Deveraux. Angelique has vowed never to re-marry after her disastrous marriage and has no issue with taking lovers as she sees fit. That is until she meets Captain James Montgomery.
Another well written (and hot) book by Christy English.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Ok, on to my rant about my local library. First, I have not read a "real" book since June, 2012 when I received my Nook. While I love my local library and am thrilled with the great selection, I find it annoying when they purchase only one book in a series. One of the first books I read (and thoroughly enjoyed) from the library (once I figured out how the e-books part worked) was "How to Tame a Willful Wife". When I received "Much Ado About Jack" from NetGalley, something seemed familiar, so I did some research on Goodreads. What did I find out? There is a second book! SO PURCHASE THE SECOND AND THIRD BOOK ALREADY! End of rant.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Must Love Dukes (Tricks of the Ton, #1) by Elizabeth Michels
There was never a dull moment in this book from the opening chapter to the epilogue. I found Lillian and Devon to be delightful. There was a cast of great supporting characters (his mother is awesome!), some nasty villains and a twist in some minor characters that I didn't expect. This novel belongs on my e-reader shelf!
The opening of the novel is a flash back to why Lillian went to London the previous year. She can't stop her oldest brother from selling family heirlooms to cover his gambling debts. But, when he sells their mother's pearls and father's pocket watch, she sneaks to London to retrieve them. She buys back the pearls but misses being able to purchase the watch. Lillian follows the man that just bought the pocket watch to a tavern. He introduces himself as Devon Grey and she uses the alias of Lily. This leads them to getting drunk. The next morning, Lillian steals the pocket watch and has to remember where her clothes are. This leads to a flashback sex scene and to a hilarious encounter with Devon's butler.
A year later, Lillian's father has died and her older two brothers have decided that she has outlived her usefulness and the middle brother has made a list of men for prospective husbands. Lillian is forced to go to London. We discover that Devon is the Duke of Thornwood and known in the Ton as the Mad Duke (as was his father before him). The reason Devon's father was called "the Mad Duke" is somewhat addressed. The scene where Lillian encounter's Devon's butler had me laughing.
The remainder of the novel is the interesting courtship between Lillian and Devon. Devon is still mad that Lillian left without saying a word and now that he has found her, he is blackmailing her. Unfortunately, Devon's targets are the men that are on the "short list" of men that Lillian's brother wants her to marry. Each man on the list is more vile than the other and Devon's revenge on them is spot on. In the end, I loved the surprise way (involving two minor characters) that Devon gets Lillian to marry him.
I could have found a more fitting title for the book. "Must Love Dukes" just does not fit as well as Loving the Mad Duke or The Mad Duke. That being said, that was my only complaint about the book. The next book in the "Tricks of the Ton" series is "Desperately Seeking Suzanna" and I can't wait to read it!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
The opening of the novel is a flash back to why Lillian went to London the previous year. She can't stop her oldest brother from selling family heirlooms to cover his gambling debts. But, when he sells their mother's pearls and father's pocket watch, she sneaks to London to retrieve them. She buys back the pearls but misses being able to purchase the watch. Lillian follows the man that just bought the pocket watch to a tavern. He introduces himself as Devon Grey and she uses the alias of Lily. This leads them to getting drunk. The next morning, Lillian steals the pocket watch and has to remember where her clothes are. This leads to a flashback sex scene and to a hilarious encounter with Devon's butler.
A year later, Lillian's father has died and her older two brothers have decided that she has outlived her usefulness and the middle brother has made a list of men for prospective husbands. Lillian is forced to go to London. We discover that Devon is the Duke of Thornwood and known in the Ton as the Mad Duke (as was his father before him). The reason Devon's father was called "the Mad Duke" is somewhat addressed. The scene where Lillian encounter's Devon's butler had me laughing.
The remainder of the novel is the interesting courtship between Lillian and Devon. Devon is still mad that Lillian left without saying a word and now that he has found her, he is blackmailing her. Unfortunately, Devon's targets are the men that are on the "short list" of men that Lillian's brother wants her to marry. Each man on the list is more vile than the other and Devon's revenge on them is spot on. In the end, I loved the surprise way (involving two minor characters) that Devon gets Lillian to marry him.
I could have found a more fitting title for the book. "Must Love Dukes" just does not fit as well as Loving the Mad Duke or The Mad Duke. That being said, that was my only complaint about the book. The next book in the "Tricks of the Ton" series is "Desperately Seeking Suzanna" and I can't wait to read it!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
The Rogue's Proposal by Jennifer Haymore
Lord Lukas Hawkins is looking for his mother and Emma Curtis is looking for the man that swindled her father. Since they are looking for the same man, she proposes they search together. As the road trip progresses, the become friends then take the final step and become lovers.
For some reason, I just could not get interested in this book. I can only give it two stars because I am one of those people that will not put my e-reader down until the book I am reading is done.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley/
For some reason, I just could not get interested in this book. I can only give it two stars because I am one of those people that will not put my e-reader down until the book I am reading is done.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley/
The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
Again, another great book by Courtney Milan. I had received an ARC from NetGalley, but I purchased the book so I would have the series. This is a series that I will go back and read again and again.
Sebastian Malheur has been friends with Violet Waterfield, the Countess of Cambury since they were young. Simon has a very rare reputation among the Ton. He is an educated rake. Simon's lectures are controversial due to their theories on inherited traits. Unfortunately, Simon is tired of giving the lectures because the theories are not his, but Violets.
The development of the characters is wonderful. I love how Ms. Milan shows the development of her male characters as well. It isn't long before you forget Sebastian has a reputation as a rake and see him as a man in love attempting to win the affection of the woman he loves.
This was another book by Courtney Milan that I didn't put down until I was done. Then, I was mad because I have read all of the books in The Brothers Sinister Series. I can't wait until The Heiress Effect is released.
Five out of five stars!
Sebastian Malheur has been friends with Violet Waterfield, the Countess of Cambury since they were young. Simon has a very rare reputation among the Ton. He is an educated rake. Simon's lectures are controversial due to their theories on inherited traits. Unfortunately, Simon is tired of giving the lectures because the theories are not his, but Violets.
The development of the characters is wonderful. I love how Ms. Milan shows the development of her male characters as well. It isn't long before you forget Sebastian has a reputation as a rake and see him as a man in love attempting to win the affection of the woman he loves.
This was another book by Courtney Milan that I didn't put down until I was done. Then, I was mad because I have read all of the books in The Brothers Sinister Series. I can't wait until The Heiress Effect is released.
Five out of five stars!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
This is the first in The Brothers Sinister Series.
Miss Minerva Lane is doing her best to blend in with her surroundings and has done a good job until Robert Blaisdell, the Ninth Duke of Clermont arrives in town. Robert is attempting to correct the wrongs his horrible human being of a father did.
I loved how Robert didn't start out as the romantic hero. As the novel progresses, we see the development of both characters. We know Minnie is hiding a big secret. Toward the end, there is some betrayal of Minnie by Robert.
The characters in this book are strongly written and I was on the edge of my seat as the novel unfolded. It was pure awesome. Again, Ms. Milan has created characters that are intelligent and stand up for their beliefs.
Miss Minerva Lane is doing her best to blend in with her surroundings and has done a good job until Robert Blaisdell, the Ninth Duke of Clermont arrives in town. Robert is attempting to correct the wrongs his horrible human being of a father did.
I loved how Robert didn't start out as the romantic hero. As the novel progresses, we see the development of both characters. We know Minnie is hiding a big secret. Toward the end, there is some betrayal of Minnie by Robert.
The characters in this book are strongly written and I was on the edge of my seat as the novel unfolded. It was pure awesome. Again, Ms. Milan has created characters that are intelligent and stand up for their beliefs.
The Governess Affair - Courtney Milan
Hugo Marshall is the "Fixer" for the Duke of Clermont. The Duke of Clermont is a total ass. The only way Hugo Marshall will get paid is if he brings the Duke of Clermont through the year in one piece.
Miss Serena Barton was a governess until the Duke of Clermont ruined her reputation. Now, Clermont has sent his Fixer to Fix Miss Barton.
The relationship that develops between Hugo and Serena is very intense and complex. The ending of the book is unexpected.
I was sad when the novella ended because I had wanted it to be longer, be more.
This is the prequel to "The Duchess War". While "The Duchess War" stands on it's own, read this first because it explains a lot about the plot and underlying twists in "The Duchess War."
Five out of five stars.
Miss Serena Barton was a governess until the Duke of Clermont ruined her reputation. Now, Clermont has sent his Fixer to Fix Miss Barton.
The relationship that develops between Hugo and Serena is very intense and complex. The ending of the book is unexpected.
I was sad when the novella ended because I had wanted it to be longer, be more.
This is the prequel to "The Duchess War". While "The Duchess War" stands on it's own, read this first because it explains a lot about the plot and underlying twists in "The Duchess War."
Five out of five stars.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
His To Possess by Opal Carew (1-6)
His to Possess by Opal Carew is a six part serial novel. I received parts 1, 2, and 3 as an ARC from NetGalley. Then, I received the full book from NetGalley. I was thrilled. I can't imagine having to wait for the other half of the book!
So, to start, the novel opens with Jessica Long looking for a job at a career fair. She had gone to Philadelphia because she was out of work and her hot, biker, tattooed, rocker boyfriend dumped her to go on the road with his band. While getting a cup of coffee, Jessica thinks she sees Storm, her ex boyfriend. It turns out not to be Storm, but an older rich guy named Dane Ranier. It is raining, so Dane offers her a ride to her hotel in his limo. Later, Dane stalks her to the restaurant she is eating dinner in and bam, we get the first sex scene. Dane gets one of his employees to recruit Jessica at the job fair. Jessica gets the job and is stunned to find out that her new boss is the guy she had the hot one night stand with.
The plot gets kind of weird when Storm returns and he is Dane's brother Rafe. And Jessica's new BFF and roomie Melanie has a thing for Rafe who used to be her boss. I would love to see a story about Rafe and Melanie.
I gave this book five out of five stars because it was just so darn hot. I thought my e-reader was going to melt several times. There are two m/m/f sex scenes toward the end of the book. The D/s was very mild. Jessica always referred to Dane as Sir or Mr. Ranier and once he threatened to punish her.
The one thing that bugged me is the lack of safe sex. Just mention digging for the foil packet or opening Dane's desk drawer to find a year supply of Magnum Condoms (ribbed for her pleasure).
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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So, to start, the novel opens with Jessica Long looking for a job at a career fair. She had gone to Philadelphia because she was out of work and her hot, biker, tattooed, rocker boyfriend dumped her to go on the road with his band. While getting a cup of coffee, Jessica thinks she sees Storm, her ex boyfriend. It turns out not to be Storm, but an older rich guy named Dane Ranier. It is raining, so Dane offers her a ride to her hotel in his limo. Later, Dane stalks her to the restaurant she is eating dinner in and bam, we get the first sex scene. Dane gets one of his employees to recruit Jessica at the job fair. Jessica gets the job and is stunned to find out that her new boss is the guy she had the hot one night stand with.
The plot gets kind of weird when Storm returns and he is Dane's brother Rafe. And Jessica's new BFF and roomie Melanie has a thing for Rafe who used to be her boss. I would love to see a story about Rafe and Melanie.
I gave this book five out of five stars because it was just so darn hot. I thought my e-reader was going to melt several times. There are two m/m/f sex scenes toward the end of the book. The D/s was very mild. Jessica always referred to Dane as Sir or Mr. Ranier and once he threatened to punish her.
The one thing that bugged me is the lack of safe sex. Just mention digging for the foil packet or opening Dane's desk drawer to find a year supply of Magnum Condoms (ribbed for her pleasure).
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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