'Never A Gentleman' by Eileen Dreyer –Review-

Read an excerpt: here

Fresh, different, absorbing- all apt words to describe this latest installment to the Drake’s Rakes series by Eileen Dreyer. A special kind of romance you have to read to believe! I couldn’t get over how much the characters, plot, and circumstances affected me during and after reading. I wanted to run over the Hero in my car, whack some sense into a heroine I ended up loving, and all the while, I crossed my fingers for their happily ever after. This book pushed the limits and sets itself apart from other historicals in a daring way. Never A Gentleman is quite simply a read to remember!

How much can one man sacrifice for the love of his country? Diccan Hilliard, son of the Most Reverend Lord Evelyn Hilliard, Bishop of Slough, has lived a debauched life for a purpose. Being a member of Drake’s Rakes, a group of aristocrats who do undercover work for the government, Diccan couldn’t fight for the honor of his country on the battlefield, but could contribute in other ways. Using his gentleman’s status, Diccan and the other ‘Rakes’ work behind the scenes, spying and retrieving information on another secret group of aristocrats named The Lions who plan to take down the current monarchy and replace it with one of their own making. When Diccan discovers some information on The Loins’ next nefarious plot, he makes his way to London with the news, but has to make a quick stop along the way- to get married!

Grace Fairchild didn’t harbor juvenile dreams of the kind of life the daughter of a solider could expect. She also didn’t have any misconceptions to the type of life an unattractive daughter of a solider with an unfortunate limp could look forward to. Grace is all that is kind, loyal, and dependable - but everyone, including her biggest supporters (the soldiers she nursed during the war) sees her as more of a savior than seductress. Painfully plain and awkwardly tall with an injured leg, vivid dreams are the only things she can rely on for carnal stimulation; that, and the muscular body of the naked man in her bed-which happens to belong to a drugged-up Diccan.

When Diccan wakes up naked and disoriented in Grace Fairchild’s bed and some of the foulest gossips of the ton are around to witness it, scandal isn’t the only thing at risk. What sort of credibility could be counted on a man who would debauch and publically disgraced one of the most respected spinsters in England? She may be taller than most men and earn his nickname for her, Boadicea, with every move that she makes, but what other choice is there? Who would believe the vital news he carried about The Lions if he brought down a veritable saint in the blaze of irrevocable scandal beforehand? Marriage is their only option.

Diccan had always liked Grace, but he never expected to come to care for her. In his line of work, showing your enemies what you valued most was the quickest way to get it taken away from you, and Diccan will not stand for his ‘Boadicea’ being put in harm’s way over his actions.  Little does he know Grace has been hurting every day since they exchanged vows and he’s losing her in another way all-together. Diccan has been pushing Grace away and doing everything in his power to show the world his indifference towards his new wife- all with the hope that the Lions won't see her as potential prey to get to him, and it's working a number on their sham of a marriage. Secrets and deception threaten a love that was too absurd to ever be dreamed possible, but can Grace and Diccan find a way?

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: I mean this in a good way: was the audacity of it. It took real mettle to write a book with characters as raw as Grace and Diccan were and with a plot that had so much complexity and emotion . The trope was one well-used by many authors, but stayed fresh and surprising in the hands of Dreyer.

This book ‘went for it’ and at first, I admit to thinking the goal couldn't be obtained. I thought it was genius of Dreyer to make a heroine who really WAS plain. There wasn't some big makeover and an "Ah, there's the beauty she's been hiding". And there wasn't blind appreciation or admiration. I can really dig when my mind had lok outside the box to picture the happily ever after. Not everyone is a super model.

Diccan was, for lack of a better word: a dick. I couldn’t believe the lengths he went to to convinced The Lions he didn’t care for his wife. *Spoiler’s Ahead* Here’s a scene from the book that I am sure every reader will remember and cringe over. Diccan is with his mistress and unaware that his wife is able to see and hear everything:

          Minette fingered the damp curls at his neck. “What about your wife?”             

          “That cripple?”            

          Grace blinked, sure she’d heard wrong. Her heart had surely gone silent as she waited. But he sounded completely indifferent. “She has nothing to object to,” he was saying, his focus on Minette’s breast. “I married her. I’ll be damned if I have to fuck her’”

Yeah. I gasped too. I understand that he was trying to do his duty to his country by probing his mistress for information on The Lions, and also he was trying to keep his wife safe by pretending indifference, but he played his role a little too well for my tastes. He laid it on pretty thick. It made me feel as though, as much as he protested his wrong-doings in his head, that he secretly did harbor a few aversions towards his wife. Diccan’s efforts were extreme, and some his protests of feelings to the contrary of abhorrence didn’t ring completely sincere. At the end of the day, you want to end up loving the hero, but I was still pretty pissed with Diccan even after his explanations, reasoning, and self-deprecation:

He’d been trying to pretend it wasn’t so bad, because if it was, he wouldn’t be able to continue being such a bastard. He would be consumed by the pain he was causing her. He’d grab Grace and run, just like she wanted, far into the country where noon could follow, and he’d make it up to her.

And even though I came to really love Grace, I couldn’t admire some of her actions. She’s this strong, reliable, steadfast soldier’s daughter who can shoot rifles and ‘hang’ with all manner of raucous men; but when it comes to Diccan, she’s reduced to someone I couldn’t completely pat on the back. He treated her like dirt, and she just kept coming back for more. I was surprised at how much crap she took from him in the name of love and never giving up. Like I said earlier, Diccan went above, beyond, and over the rainbow to push Grace away, but Grace had a sort of desperation cloaking her actions that I couldn’t envy. She was sort of like that annoying friend we all had in High School that we loved, but sometimes wished we didn’t know when she would bring up her relationship with her dirt-bag boyfriend. We always knew the she deserved better, but the friend loved blindly (sort of like Grace- who's eyes were wide open, but didn't car) and it got annoying after a while.

There was chemistry abound and the characters were really stuck between a rock and a hard place. You have to respect the depth of the plot and the way everything was interlaced.   

The story does redeem itself, you’ll realize, once you hit the last page and it’ll be a read you know was special because of the risks it took. Ripe with emotion, fantastic secondary characters, a dynamic plot, and protagonists that push the boundaries, Never A Gentleman will entice and intrigue any historical romance lover.

A Special Thanks to the author 

for sending a copy for review

*Want more Dreyer? Check out the first Drake's Rakes book, 'Barley A Lady'

'The Prince's Groom' by KT Grant -Guest Review-

My bestie and blogging-bitch (lol, I kid) Carsen Travis from Paranormal Inferno: Book Reviews has another treat to share with us today. She's totally into M/M books (& is slowly converting me as we speak). After telling her about a cool pirate historical M/M I heard about, she couldn't resist buying it and constantly texted me quotes as she read. Now she wants to gush with you about it. Here we go:

Read an excerpt:  here

The Prince’s Groom is the second book (following The Princess’ Bride) in KT Grant’s pirate series. It begins with the main character, Thomas, attending his sister Daisy’s wedding to the ex-pirate, Chelsey. During the wedding Thomas begins looking for his lover of one month, Martin.  Even though Thomas has a strong love for Martin, he still can’t help doubting the future they might have and if Martin feels the same about him (mostly because Thomas doesn’t even know his lover’s first name or his age!)

This couple is in the middle of a very heated liaison, but it will have to end soon.  While Martin is a wanted man on the wrong side of the law, Thomas is a gentleman landowner who will have to return to his home in Flaundia. Thomas knows that he cannot return with Martin because things would become very complicated for them; So he makes the decision to leave Martin behind, and both men are left with hearts full of regret.

A year passes and the story picks up with Thomas’s life back in society... with his new lover? After he returned home, the loss of Martin made him crave another man’s company, so he kept his very personal secretary, William, close to him. Still, the young man often found himself thinking of Martin and wondering how he has lived the past year – even with the strong arms of another man always there to comfort him.

            Meanwhile, Martin learns from Thomas’ sister Daisy that her brother has constantly been writing letters to her, describing how lonely he feels and how much he misses Martin in his life.  Once Martin sails back to reunite with his former lover, he realizes just how much things have changed in that one year. 


           We are introduced to another character, Romana Veiga; this young woman is obsessed with beauty, money, marriage, and now…Thomas de Fleure. After Thomas attends the party held at Ramona’s house and speaks to her for the first time, the woman begins to want him more and more and is determined to get him to ask for her hand in marriage in just a few months. Knowing that Thomas is a former prince, she still sees him as a man of royal blood and it makes him even more irresistible to her.

Before he goes to see Thomas in person, Martin actually spies on the man from a bush inside of Thomas’ garden, and while doing this he sees Thomas with his new lover, William. As if that didn’t hurt enough, Martin then sees the man-hungry Ramona making the moves on Thomas and even pressing her body closer to hers and stealing a kiss from him.

         Martin then has to think of how he’ll plan to get his Thomas back from that infatuated and deranged woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. At the same time, a dangerous man also enters their lives, one who has ties not only to Martin but also Thomas. Now it’s not only a question about whether or not they’ll make it through, but if they’ll be able to be with each other and love again.

Rating: 4 ½ Roses

Loved it! Not only did the story have the hot and steamy moments that many readers will appreciate, but it also involved the conflict and drama that comes with being a same-sex couple. It was also pretty easy to understand the characters feelings; when it came to Thomas I knew why he felt so upset with Martin – I mean, who can feel 100% sure of their lover when they don’t even know that person’first name or their age!? But I also understood why Martin was so uneasy when Thomas would constantly press him for answers (still a first name basis would have helped in the relationship…) 
Overall, this couple did leave an impression on me and they’re a pair that I won’t soon forget because of both the interesting story and chemistry they shared. In the end, I definitely enjoyed reading this book, through all the emotional ups and downs and even with the crazed character that is Ramona – I know a lot of women like going to great lengths to get the man they want but this girl definitely set the bar way higher!

P.S: One of my favorite parts of the book had to be when Martin is practically stalking Thomas and spying on him in the garden from a big bush. He starts to watch more closely and notices how close Ramona is getting to his former lover and even makes a comment to himself that sounds something like this à[ If she moves in closer, her tits will be in his mouth. Martin lightly snorted, trying to feel compassion for the woman who had no chance at getting her claws into Thom. ] Yeap, that’s truly stalking at its best. Watching the one you want while bashing the person they’re with :)

This was a wonderful M/M, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

'The Countess' by Lynsay Sands -Review-

Read an excerpt: here

   Witty and wonderful, “The Countess” grabs you instantly and refuses to let go until you fall in love. With enchanting protagonists, strong and endearing secondary characters, a fresh plot line, and some delicious dialogue, you’ll find yourself head over heels in no time at all.

   What’s a lady to do when she finds her ‘husband’ lying cold and unmoving on the library floor? Put him on ice and keep his death a secret, that’s what; At least until she finds a rich husband for her sister.

   Lady Christiana’s father fell victim to the negative side of gaming once, and it led to her hasty marriage to the Earl of Radnor. Christiana entertained naïve thoughts of a fairytale marriage, but those musings quickly came crashing down as her knight in shining armor turned into a relentless nightmare. “Dicky” treated Christiana horribly during the devastating year of their marriage; Chipping away at her self-esteem, questioning her competence and judgment in all things, alienating her from her family and friends, callously insulting her and emotionally abusing her at every opportunity. Christiana fears her future is none too bright.

Thanks to the alert from her loyal maid, Christiana finally is made aware of the repeated attempts her family and friends have been making to see her. Her sister demand to speak with her regarding their father’s latest gambling relapse which may prove disastrous and scandalous if they don’t come together and find a solution.  Christiana finds out that Dicky is responsible for this recent incident and decides that she will no longer be bullied by her no-good husband.

Christiana finds her backbone a little too late, when she storms into her husband’s library only to find him dead. A dead Dicky may solve most of Christiana’s problems, but not all of them, and a period of mourning would definitely interfere with any marital plans for Christiana’s sister. No hasty marriage of convenience = debtor’s prison for their father and inevitable scandal.

The sisters band together to work out their dilemma and decide to keep Dicky’s death a secret until after Christiana’s sister, Suzette, has found a gentleman in financial straits who’ll agree to marry under terms which will allow Suzette to retain a portion of her dowry to pay her father’s debt. They make their way to a ball that very evening to scope out potential husbands, but the last thing they expected was to see “Dicky” in attendance. Christiana is marveled at the change in the cruel and unyielding man she thought was dead. He seemed to have changed into a considerate and passionate man; but she will soon discover the deception that will put the threat of scandal and ruination even closer.

“Dicky”, or rather, Richard Fairgrave-the REAL Earl of Randor, has found his way back to London and wants comeuppance from his swine of a twin brother who faked his own death by ‘disposing’ of Richard and assuming his identity. Richard can only speculate as to why his twin would go to such lengths, but first he must figure out how to resume his life with as little difficulty as possible and figure out who killed his brother for real. He also must figure out if he and the innocent Christiana will suit so he can re-marry her and eliminate any doubt or backlash to her reputation should the truth get out. Mystery, revelations, twist and turns aplenty, this endearing cast will have to stay on their toes if they want to figure it all out- and find true love in the process.

 Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part: There’s lots of drama, angst, and mystery that lent a serious tone to the book and make it different from your average ‘fluff’ read. Sands wrote this tale wonderfully, making sure we had a balance of action, passion, and ROTFL hilarity. Take for instance, this scene between our Heroine and her sister.

As quoted from the ARC (will update against a finish copy once released):

“So are you content with Richard?”

            “I think we may have a good marriage,” she said cautiously, and much to her surprise, Suzette snorted at the tame words.

            “Oh, give over,” she said in disgust. “A good marriage? I’ve heard the moaning and groaning coming from your room, both the night Dicky died and last night. Oh Richard, oh…oh…yes…ooooooh,” she mimicked with amusement. “Then you scream like you’re fit to die.”

            Christiana blushed furiously. “You could hear us?”

            “I am sure the whole house can hear you,” she said dryly. “He roars like a lion, and you squeal like a stuck pig.”

This is the first read for me by Lynsay and I am most impressed. I knew about her paranormal work, but since I favor historicals more than paranormals, I didn’t know when I would get a chance to sample her work. Now that I’ve seen how splendid her historicals are, I’ll be looking into more in both genres by her. You should so the same-if great reads are your game. I just enjoyed this book so much! One Con: I did find a bit of confusion with a certain part: The need for Suzette to marry. After Christiana finds ‘Dicky’ dead, she knows she is now a widow. Her husband wasn’t poor, so wouldn’t she have some sort of control over his money? I wasn’t certain if there was a distant relative whom would be counted as the heir, but once she learned of the deception; couldn’t she have easily asked Richard for the money? A plot twist soon opens up another option, but the particulars of Christiana’s situation weren’t made clear; it was sort of glossed over. The sister stop Christiana from alerting the servants of Dicky’s death, says that they all would have to go into mourning which would make marrying hastily impossible and leave them where they started, and Christana just goes along with it. There was no: “Halloo? I am free. A widow. With lots of cash. I got this”. Maybe I missed something, but even that small qualm couldn’t spoil this read for me. Simply put: Read it!

[ARC requested through NetGalley]

And check out the next installment to this series, 'The Heiress', the sister Suzette's story

'The Princess In His Bed' by Lila DiPasqua -Review-

   This stunning and scorching sophomore offering by DiPasqua was positively delectable. The Fiery Tales Collection gets even more heated with the addition of these three retold fairy tales.
‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘The Princess and the Pea’ get an erotic makeover and give adults their own version of a bedtime story.
   A cousin's ex-lover's ring finds it's way into an irresistible rake's pocket. The deception to win it back leads to some steamy 'missions'; A woman with scars that run far deeper than on her body decides to take the lead and experience pleasure before it's too late; And a princess, masquerading as a man has a pouch filled with the King's diamond and will have to gamble her brother out of the poor house, all while resisting the sexy spy at the tables. All this an more awaits you in between the covers.

[Read an excerpt: here]

The Marquis' New Clothes-Aimee de Miran is embroiled in a scandalous plot and deception to recover the lost ring of her cousin’s ex-lover. Louise d’Arcy’s torrid relationship with Renault de Sard has had it’s fair share of lover spats; but when Renault casts Louise aside, she retaliates but taking his jeweled ring given to him by the king. Louis immediately regrets her theft and wants to return the ring before her ex-lover-who also happens to be the King’s Lieutenant General of Police (and a stick up the butt)-before he has the chance to realize it’s gone and seeks justice. Unfortunately, the ring finds it’s way from Louise’s hand to the pocket of Adam de Vey’s justacorps.

Adam, the Marquis de Nattes, has been infatuated with Aimee de Miran (his good friend’s wife) for many years. With the passing of Aimee’s husband, Adam sees his opportunity to purge the enchanting Aimee from his system once and for all. The only problem is: she hates his guts! Aimee’s husband took advantage of her youthful and romantic feelings, destroying her dreams of love and a perfect marriage by choosing his whores over her. She won’t fall for another handsome rake with a wicked tongue, but Adam is determined to have her.


‘Having Her’ turns out to be easier than Adam expects when Aimee takes the lead and starts flirting with him. Her weird fascination with his justacorps aside, Adam finds Aimee refreshing and alluring and doesn’t believe his whetted appetite will hold him over for very long.

Aimee feels cherished in Adam’s arms, and despite her initial intentions, she can’t help regretting the ploy she’s played a part in. The line between deception and reality blurs and as Aimee searches for Renault’s ring, she may just come across a chance at love.

The Lovely Duckling-

Emilie de Sarron goes to great lengths to conceal the burns on her body she received as an infant. After a horrendous episode during her come-out where she was humiliated, Emilie quickly absconded to the country with her negligent guardians. She started corresponding with Vincent d’Alumbert and withheld nothing as she probed his mind for information on carnal pleasure. Emilie feels she has no chance at love or marriage, but she can’t help but want to experience the sensations of lovemaking before it’s too late. When Emilie’s aunt hosts a masquerade, Emilie sees her chance to not only quell her insatiable curiosity, but meet face to face the man whom she has been corresponding with for so long.

Joseph d’Alumbert has an attack of conscious over his inactivity when his buddies made fun and embarrassed Emilie de Sarron into withdrawing from society. He sends her a letter, posing as his twin brother, Vincent, to alleviate his guilt, but ends up becoming enchanted. He and his brother’s are invited to Emilie’s aunt’s masquerade and he knows of her plan to acquaint her self with pleasure. At first, he didn’t want to become so involved as to be the one to take her virginity, but Emilie would not be deterred, and Joseph (posing as Vincent) saw the only way to protect her from making a huge mistake with anyone else was to have her make it with him.

The emotions the two begin to experience go far deeper then their few days of carnal bliss, but that all may come to a screeching halt once Joseph’s deception is revealed and Emilie’s identity is revealed to the masquerade attendees.

The Princess and the Diamonds- Princess Gabrielle knows the dangers that come with high stakes gambling. Her brother is in far too deep and Gabrielle will have to use the same illegal game that’s left her brother destitute to save him from ruin. She’s as sharp as any Basset player (maybe even more) and she knows when to walk away. She ‘borrows’ some of her father’s, the king’s, diamonds and intends to enter a secret gambling hell disguised as a man to win back the money her brother lost.  

Mathias Paul Thomas Tesson, Marquis de Montfort has also been made known to the dangers and destruction high stakes gambling can cause. He’s seen first hand the ruin gambling can cause a family; like his best friend, Charles’, and is determined to do all he can to become part of the solution.

Although the King has put a ban on the popular card game, Basset, many in his kingdom have disregarded his law and have been conducting underground gambling hells in which the illegal game can still be played. Mathias decides to team up with the Lieutenant General of Police of Paris to do an undercover mission to expose a group of gamblers who still play Basset.

Mathias never thought he’d encounter such a sharp player with the sense to walk away while they were still ahead; much less, did he ever think he would find himself attracted to the player. But everything isn’t how it seems and Mathias zero’s in on Gabrielle’s farce. He doesn’t yet know that she’s a princess, or where the diamonds came from, but his need for her body increases and soon the jewels won’t be the only hard things in this princess’s bed! But will either of the two realize the benefits of sticking around instead of cashing out?

Rating: 4 ½ Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: There are so many! This book is over-flowing with memorable scenes and lovely characters. ‘The Lovely Duckling’ was my personal favorite and I absolutely loved when Emilie finally showed him her scars and he reassured her that she was still the woman he wanted to be with. I swooned (but I was reading while lying down, so it didn’t have the same effect)

WOW! This book was simply marvelous! Lila DiPasqua has really perfected the art of great short stories! I always cringe when I see novellas because I never believe I will get the full story experience from them; but this book gives you all that and more! The characters had tons of depth and the plots were surprisingly multi-layered and soulfully satisfying. I actually believed in the HEA! The only thing I want to comment on in a less than glowing light is…: The Dismount. After a satisfying sex scene, the male characters always seem to have a ‘dismount’ or way of disengaging their member and settling back down. For all three short stories, the male leads seemed to share a similar dismount: pick up the panties, whip her clean, whip himself, throw them (very rudely) on the ground. With a collection of short stories, you want to feel like you’re reading a different story every time; and I definitely felt like I was, it was just the dismount that had me drawing a connection. But honestly, this book was so good; you’d be missing out if you didn’t read it!

[Special thanks to Kayleigh Clark

and the author for sending

a copy for review]

*Want more DiPasqua? Try the first collection of Fiery Tales in 'Awakened By A Kiss'!

'Till Dawn With the Devil' by Alexandra Hawkins -Review-

   Till Dawn With The Devil was a sensational read! Period! I enjoyed this book immensely and only found disappointment when I realized I’d turned the last page. Alexandra Hawkins did a splendid job of weaving believable characters, palpable attraction, and a soundly satisfying plot line that will leave you panting for more!

   Lady Sophia Northam lives in a world of constant shadows and blurs. Partially blinded in an incident from her childhood, Sophia is use to the pitying glances and whispered criticisms by the ton. In the care of her spend thrifty and neglectful brothers; Sophia strives for her few freedoms and doesn’t believe she will ever obtain full independence (or a love match on the marriage mart).

   The Earl of Rainecourt is rumored to have murdered his pregnant wife in violent rage 8 years ago. The public's opinion of him doesn't matter anymore and he’s given up his life to the allures of vice. "Reign" is adamant that he will never relive his unfortunate family past with another unsuspecting innocent ever again.

   As we all know: Fate has a funny way of setting us up with our polar opposites. A rogue and an angel will travel down a path that leads to the happiness they both secretly covet, but will a deceptive and dangerous past derail them on their journey to passion and unconditional love?  

[Read an excerpt: here]

At a very young age, Lady Sophia Northam lost her parents in a scandalous murder. Young Sophia was nearby at the time, attacked, and partially blinded by the murder. Ever since, society has treated her like an unfortunate cripple and Sophia resigns her hope of ever marrying or finding a love match.. Although she can partly see at close range out of one eye, for the most part, Sophia lives in a murky blur. Despite her eyesight impediment, and the careless, neglectful treatment by her vice-ridden brothers, Sophia has a quiet dignity and graceful disposition that will soon enchant one of the most notorious Lords of Vice.

Life hasn’t been too kind to Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the fifth Earl of Rainecourt. Sure, he’s sinfully handsome, wonderfully wealthy, and an earl to boot; but what does any of that mean to the hallow man beneath the veneer? A dark and sinister family past, an impulsive and disastrous marriage to a shrew, and the untimely and mysterious death of said shrew (while 7 months pregnant), has all taken it’s toll on Reign. The ton believes he has followed in his violent father’s footsteps and killed his wife-and Reign isn’t too concerned with contradicting them. 8 years have pass and Reign now lives for his vices and has no intention of taking another bride anytime soon (or starting the family he sorely lacked and secretly yearns for).

To the annoyance of her thoughtless brothers, Sophia decides to come to London and enjoy the Season with two friends; even though she detests social gatherings where all of society waits on baited breath for her poor eyesight to cause an embarrassing episode. At a town ball, Sophia captures Reign’s attention from afar and their paths are then firmly intertwined for a lifetime. Try as he may, Reign can’t shake his infatuation with the lovely and gentle Sophia. Even though the ultimate demise of their parents are directly related, the bond of attraction grows to a full on inferno and when Reign sees an opportunity to play hero to the strong-willed Sophia, the confirmed bachelor will do what he must.  

The past will come back to haunt our couple as they struggle to grasp the chance at happiness they never thought they would have. Will love be enough to bring our angel and devil together?

Rating: 5 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Was the camaraderie between the Lords of Vice! What a sinfully satisfying group of men! I think Chillingworth (Frost) is an ass, but he will probably end up being my favorite character in the series! I am still chanting "A toast, a bawdy boast..."

This book enchants from the prologue and makes an instant fan out of anyone reading Alexandra Hawkins for the first time. I enjoyed the flawed characters with their hidden inner strength and dizzying chemistry. I am always a fan of the dark hero, so seeing a vice-ridden Reign work through his issues and find love with Sophia was satisfying and endearing. This has been yet another book in which finding fault has proven difficult.. The plot was well developed and engaging while making the reader sit on the edge of their reading chairs and raptly drinking in all the action. I only wish it would have lasted longer. The protagonists’ relationship was one I would have liked to have seen developed a bit more after it reached it's new level towards the end. I wanted a bit more from them in the new phase of their relationship before we reached the climax in the story.
You simply must read this book! I’ll be on the look out for the next Lord of Vice story without a doubt!

[A special thanks to the author
for sending a copy for review]

*Want more Hawkins? Yeah, I know you do. Try the first book in the Lord of Vice series, 'All Night With A Rogue'!

'Vow Of Deception' by Angela Johnson -Review-

   'Vow of Deception' is a solid and enjoyable medieval romance with a steadfast, yet vulnerable hero and a resilient heroine. You'll absolutely FALL for the irresistible characters and compelling plot line!
   What's a knight to do when his cousin, also known as the King, commands him to escort a friend's sister into the clutches of a monster? Sir Rand Montague has a job to do and can't allow his feelings for Rose to cloud his judgment.
   Rosalyn is just starting to find some peace after the death of her abusive husband, Bertram. When the King decides to betroth her and turn over control of her son's estate to one of his knights, he doesn't realize the turmoil he will put Rose and Rand through.
   Now, to save her from a repeat of the past, Rand will have to marry Rose. She may be reluctant and refuse to consummate their vows, but danger and passion will lend a helping hand in bringing our two together.


Sir Rand Montague has a duty and obligation to his cousin, King Edward I. Escalating hostilities between England and Wales has the King strategizing and fortifying his holdings for an imminent attack. One estate which is close to the Welsh marches along the English border-which is the perfect place for the Welsh or English to strike-belongs to the barony of Ayleston. With the previous Lord and master, Lord Bertram, dead, the widowed Lady Rosalyn Harcourt (Lady Ayleston) and her son, Jason, are unprotected and vulnerable to any attacks the Welsh choose to initiate. Rand being a friend of Alex, Rosalyn's brother (and hero of the previous book; 'Vow Of Seduction') and secretly smitten with Rosalyn, see the question of her safety as his to answer.

When King Edward decides to marry off Rosalyn to one of his knights so that the estate is under 'stronger' control, he send Rand as her escort to court. Rosalyn suffered through an abusive marriage which tore at her self-esteem and sensual freedom. She wants nothing more to do with men and now only lives for her son. She decides she wants to make a vow of chastity so that she will never have to be under a man's control ever again, but she gets derailed from her plans when Sir Rand Montague shows up at the King's insistence to escort her to court.

Rosalyn's King-selected betrothed, Sir Golan de Coucy, is a vile man who is similar to her late-husband, and Rose can't suppress the dread and dejavu as Sir Golan tries to force his attentions on her before they are even wed. Rose sees the marriage to Sir Golan as a prison sentence all over again and will do anything to be released from it.

Rand can't bare to see Rose go down the path of misery for a second time and offers to marry her and save her from her fate. She agrees, but only if the marriage is in name only. Her late-husband made her feel inferior and disgusting for having natural reactions to carnal pleasures, so even though she is attracted to Rand and knows he is a good man, she finds it difficult to indulge in her marital bed or open up to Rand.

Slowly, Rand will have to break through Rose's defenses to make their marriage one they both deserve. Little does he know, Rose holds a secret that will soon change his life forever, and all the while, Sir Golan is furious at being duped out of a wife and lush lands, so he vows revenge. Lives are in danger and passions rise to a boil as Rand battles to save the one he loves and give them both a chance at the happily ever after they've both been denied in the past.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Rose is assaulted by Sir Golan and Rand swoops in and saves her. I thought this scene was intense and sweet because you saw the years of torment Rose went through with her first husband rush to the surface again and Rand is there to help her through it. And then, Rand goes one step further and offers to marry her and save her from marriage to Sir Golan! The scenes were well-written and the made me itch to find out what would happen next.

If you're a fan of good medieveil romances, than you are a fan of 'Vow of Deception'. Whenever a plot deals with an abused heroine, the progression of the story is somewhat centered around her recovery. While reading this book, you'll be pulling for Rosalyn and swooning for Rand's gallantry. I would have liked that progresson of recovery to move/develop just a bit faster and have some of that extra page time devoted to the sub plot of the Jason's paternity, but there was enough interesting plot line to move you along in the story. I was sataisfied with the action-packed ending and will be reading more Angela Johnson books in the near-furture.

[Special Thanks to the author
for sending a copy for review]

* Want more Johnson novels? Try 'Vow Of Seduction', Rosalyn's brother, Alex's story!

'Seducing The Duchess' by Ashley March -[ARC]Review-

   A brilliant debut, with a wonderful plot line and plenty of sinfully satisfying characters. ‘Seducing The Duchess’ is a wonderful story filled with all the longing, deception, and forgiveness (and of course, romance) a book reader could ever ask for.

   Philip Burgess has his ducal mask screwed on tight and nothing could break through his iron-hard veneer of superiority. That is, nothing except the “Gambling, Carousing, and Flirting” of his wife and duchess, Charlotte. Their marriage was founded on a lie, and after years of trying to get back at her husband and convince him to petition for divorce, Charlotte finally gets his acquiescence.

   Or so she thinks! The Duke of Rutherford has finally seen the error of his ways and has no intention of giving up his Duchess. Now, Philip will commence with the seduction of a lifetime that he hopes will win back the woman he loves before she’s lost to him for good.

[Read an excerpt: here]

   “What in the world...!? The Duke of Rutherford kidnapped his own wife?” A conversation that probably graced ever fashionable drawing room the morning after Philip Burgess barged into a popular gaming hell, bodily removed his duchess off the lap of a gentleman, and into his carriage bound for the country.

   Charlotte Burgess held no illusions about her aristocratically perfect husband. He told her in no uncertain term, the morning after they consummated their marriage, that he wedded her out of revenge. Charlotte’s brother Ethan had stolen Phillip’s fiancée and as a result the best friends turned enemies, and young Charlotte was placed squarely in the middle of a deceitful bid for vengeance.

   Charlotte loved Philip with everything she had, and once her world came crashing back down to reality, she decided she’d never be manipulated and controlled ever again. She wanted a divorce- didn’t give a damn about scandal or propriety- and had been increasingly goading Philip into submission for three years with her scandalous behavior. He claimed to love her once, and she wouldn’t make the mistake of believing it of him a second time.

   The lack of communication between husband and wife has firmly sealed the complex duke in a box with definite & harsh labels, and his duchess can’t see how contrite he really is. Philip realizes he loves Charlotte something fierce and will do anything to have her. He goes about an elaborate plan to do some goading of his own and get back on solid footing with his wife. The sequence of events that take place and the unfamiliar positions it leaves our troubled couple in are enough to make the freeing of his beautiful Charlotte a painful necessity. But Philip is about to learn that sometimes, the best way to seduce a reluctant heart is by letting it go and praying like hell that it finds its way back to you. 

Rating: 4 Read Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is hard to choose! There were many wonderful parts to this book that really worked and warmed my heart (or sent me into a fit of giggles). I particularly loved the beginning of the novel and the kidnapping of Charlotte. The scene was very well written and exceedingly suspenseful. You see into Philip’s head and can’t help but wait on bated breath to find out what happens next!

   This book was a hit in my opinion. It was very well written and exceedingly suspenseful right from the beginning. Every bone in your body screams to know what’s going on and once you get to the last sentence of the first chapter, you know this will be a book you’re going to fall in love with! I am not overly fond of when a book play a little too hard to get, and I definitely would have liked to see more movement forward in the Burgess' relationship, instead of the renewed determination to fight off the inevitable (they do grow, but the hostility is a bit lengthy). Philip’s blind desperation and obsession to have Charlotte back, and the lengths he went to see that happen, grew a bit round about. You may catch yourself screaming at the pages, “Tell her you dammit love her, already. Everything will start to work out if you’re upfront!” You’ll want to shake some sense into Philip and also cuddle him beneath your bosoms because his vulnerability (especially towards the end of the book) is so very palpable. Charlotte also agitated me at times, but she also became one of my favorite characters. The repartee is fabulous and the story just melts off the page like butter in a frying pan. You’re going to want to hop on this read immediately and join the March express to more wonderful novels just like this one. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending the ARC for review]

*Want more March? Yea, me too. Expect her next book, Romancing The Countess, to be out in Fall 2011 (tentative). And make sure you periodically check her fab website (http://ashleymarch.com) / Check out My Interview with Ashley March about 'Seducing The Duchess' and more: here

'My Reckless Surrender' by Anna Campbell -Review-

‘My Reckless Surrender’ is an intriguing and sensuous read, beautifully written and diabolically addicting. You won't want to put it down! This is the first Anna Campbell novel for me, but I can assure you it won't be the last!

   Cranston Abbey has been everything to Diana Carrick for as long as she could remember. When the opportunity to become its mistress comes along, she can hardly believe it. But what must she do to obtain such a prize? Seduce and become impregnated by one Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, that's what! What will happen to Diana once her surrender is made and her heart gets caught in the crossfire?

[Read an excerpt: here]

   Tarquin Vale works hard to mask his surprise when a veiled woman waltzes into his study, unchaperoned, and asks to become his lover. He sends her about her way, but she infiltrates his thoughts relentlessly after her departure and Tarquin begins to rethink his objections a little too late.

   Or perhaps he’s not so late after all when they ‘happen’ across each other again at a demimonde affair. This time, Tarquin won’t over play his hand. He’ll get what he wants from Diana, even if he is somewhat suspicious about her motives.

   An affair begins between the two and starts to transform into something deeper than either of them are prepared for. Tarquin has his reasons for keeping everyone in his life at a distance, but he soon finds himself pouring out his soul to the woman who’s only job was to warm him bed. Diana just wanted Tarquin’s seed in her womb so Lord Burnley would marry her and she would become mistress of Cranston Abbey.

   When Diana begins to see the genuine and honest person Tarquin turns out to be, and not the “Rake. Debauchee. Hellspawn” she originally thought he was, the guilt and remorse builds up. But she’s in too deep by this point to turn around now, and when shit hits the fan, it’s her heart that stands to lose the most.

   Her objective is reached, but she doesn’t care. She hurt Tarquin unbelievably, and now, if only to provide her unborn child a name, she must marry the man who put her up to it. “Seduction is a most dangerous game…” but with passion, understanding, and unspeakable love, it can become a game worth winning.

Rating: 4 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Tarquin ‘runs into’ Diana again at a courtesan's ball and chooses to indulge in her previous offer. Once they head out, Tarquin is so 'ready to go' that the hardly makes it to the alley behind the theater before he starts exploring Diana’s body. Diana’s isn’t a whore whose use to giving in to carnal pleasures, so when an acquaintance of Tarquin’s stumbles upon them and makes remarks to that effect, she doesn't take it lightly. Shockingly, Tarquin defends her steadfastly- even threatening to duel over Diana's 'honor'. Throughout the seduction of Tarquin, Diana tries to resign herself to the label of whore, but Tarquin immediately senses how contradictory that is and this particular scene is very foretelling.

   The choice is quite simple: In need of a great read? Pick up ‘My Reckless Surrender’ by Anna Campbell. I appreciated the development of the plot and all of the twist and turns I didn’t see coming. I am trying to rack my brain and pick out something from this book that I didn’t enjoy, but I am honestly finding it difficult! The only thing I would have liked to see would be a fleshing out of the ending. Towards the end of the book, there is a brief period where Diana let’s her dread over what she’s done consume her. With Tarquin’s support, she makes peace with what she did- but it was a bit speedy and something I wanted to see developed more (even though fleshing it out would have probably given the story a never-ending quality to it that some people don't like. I still would have liked a slower progression of Diana’s path to self-redemption. The further into the story I got, the more I became invested and had to know how it ended. I am sure you’ll feel the same way, too!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending a review copy]

*Want more Campbell? Try Captive Of Sin

'The Dangerous Viscount' by Miranda Neville -[ARC]Review-

   In this rousing addition to the Burgundy Club series, Miranda Neville takes the classic ideals of a historical protagonist and turns it on its head! The Dangerous Viscount features a new kind of hero, and you won't be able to NOT fall in love!
   In a society filled with scandalous rogues and irresistible rake-hells, yet determined to make an irrefutable match that can withstand the 'oddness' of her family, Diana Fanshawe must tread carefully in her search for a new husband.
   Book connoisseur, Sebastian Iverley, isn't as dangerous as all that. At least, not until AFTER his whirlwind makeover from geek to chic.
   A kiss that started it all, a bet that went awry, and a thirst for revenge which seals the fate of a timid bookworm and a confident temptress, are the circumstances in which an ever-lasting love is forged.

[Read an excerpt: here]

   Diana Fanshawe isn't necessarily ashamed of her family, but her determination to marry well and keep their 'eccentrics' out of the drawings rooms of fashionable society is unparalleled. She sets her cap for the cocksure Lord Blakely (a duke) and tries to convince herself that a lifetime with him is exactly what she wants. Diana just wants to be normal and make her way in society without the backhanded comments and never-ending whispers.
   She finds her way into Lord Blakely's inner-circle during an intimate house party, and though Blakely doesn't show an overwhelming affection for her (he like's her fortune well enough), he ropes her into a bet that targets his 'homely' cousin, Sebastian. Blakely questions Sebastian's experience with females (along with his sexuality) and it is up to Diana to entice him to kiss her in an allotted amount of time.

   Sebastian Iverley is as bookish as they come and doesn't have time for females. He finds the annoying giggle-machines his cousin usually fawns over infuriating, and would rather not be bothered. Then he meets Diana, and his opinion on women soon changes. The urges he has suppressed since adolescence soon takes precedence and the kiss he shares with Diana sets his blood afire, making him rethink his position on the opposite sex.
   But that new found appreciation for women is shattered when he overhears his cousin and a cohort discussing the bet they started with Diana. He was so close to proposing marriage to the schemer, and then he has to find out that everything was a lie? A joke!? Sebastian has more pride than that, and soon calls on his stylish comrades from the Burgundy club to give him a makeover that will fit his new title of  'Viscount Iverley' and turn more than a few heads. He plans to exact revenge on Diana for playing him like a fool and make her regret what she did to him.

   Diana doesn't understand why that kiss with Sebastian won't stop hounding her thoughts, but as the Season starts to pick up, and the proper marriage she envisioned with Blakely begins to pale, Diana can't restrain her jealousy over the New Sebastian. She never found him unattractive, but his new look isn't going completely amiss either. He ignores Diana completely and pays court to the giggly nuisances he once made fun of, further stroking her ire.

   Sebastian soon put the next phase of his plan into action, and the consequences turn out to be for a lifetime. But all is not lost, because unconditional love lasts just as long.

Rating: 4 Red Rose

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Sebastian goes to a brothel for the first time. He wants to increase his experience so that when he seduces Diana, he has the necessary skills. But he can't go through with it and rushes out. The scene had all sorts of implications, but I found it funny when the whore gives Sebastian leave to touch her body and he slips his hands into her bodice. The way he describes the encounter in his mind is just too hilarious for words. (There were many memorable moments in this book, but I just chose this one because once you read the novel, you'll giggle yourself pink at this particular part!)

[Here's a clue: I will never be able to think of raisins as an innocent snack anymore]

   This book was different and yet classic in many ways, and well worth a read (or two!). The plot takes you through many ups and downs and all the while, Diana and Sebastian experience tremendous growth. Diana was social conscious to a fault and Sebastian was a practical scholar who didn't give a wit about 'image'; but together they embraced  who they were and developed the confidence to love themselves as well as each other. And Sebastian's super raw vulnerability is so beautifully written and displayed for us readers to see. I was pleasantly surprised by his unique character and fell in love with him just as quickly as I fall in love with all the other macho hero's from historicals. This book proves that the only reason to be disappointed by a Miranda Neville novel is because the book will eventually come to an end!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending an egalley for review]

*Try the first book in the Burgundy club series, 'The Wild Marquis'!

'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' by Tracy Anne Warren -[ARC] Review-

   A touching and romantic love-story about overcoming grief and allowing true love to take root. A stellar read that will leave you VERY satisfied, indeed!
   Mallory Byron is knee deep in the throes of grief after the loss of her beloved fiancee', Major Michael Hargreaves. She won't take dinner with the house guest anymore, she hardly speaks at length with members of her own family, and the tears and nightmares still plague her lonely nights.
   Who would have thought it would take the 'notorious rake' and family friend, Adam Gresham, Earl of Gresham, to work a smile on her face. But little does she know, he plans to work way more than a smile out of her and plans to see to her future happiness...with him. Mallory isn't sure if she's ready to abandon her 'comfortable' isolation and take a chance on a man whom she may never be able to love, but Adam is persistent and soon she may find her self become well acquainted with the wondrous, amazing and Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed.

Read an excerpt: here

   Mallory Byron is the sister to Duke of Clybourne. She has a loving and supportive family, albeit with their "mad,bad and dangerous" reputations, all of whom have settled and benefited from marriages filled with love, passion, and understanding. That was all she wanted out of life as well, but after her fiancee' is reported dead on the front lines of war, she can't help but feel the acute pain as her deepest desire begins to slips from grasp. Her mourning period has come and gone, but still, Mallory feels Major Michael Hargreaves' passing keenly. Somehow, the tears keep falling, and her heart fall further and further to the point of no return.
   At a house party (designed with working Mallory out of her funk in mind), in walks the dashing and deliciously rakish Adam, Earl of Gresham, who has been a friend of the family for many years and silently in love with Mallory for what feels like just as long (although Mallory hasn't a clue). When he first realized his feelings for Mallory, he was nothing more than a financially deprived heir who was poised to inherit his father's outstanding debt and damn-near decrepit house along with the Earl's title. He didn't have much to offer Mallory, so he decided to hold out until his circumstances improve before starting any courtship. While he kept his distance, the young Major stole Mallory's heart, and Adam had to fight every impulse and let her go.
   As unfortunate as Hargreaves' death is, it provides a window of opportunity for Adam which he can't pass up. But first, he must coax the reluctant Mallory out of her depression and bring some sunshine and laughter back into her life.
   Being found in Mallory's bed, in a compromising state, by all 4 of her intimidating brothers, and forcing the hand of his pal, the Duke of Clybourne, wasn't exactly what Adam had in mind for his grand woo-ing. The circumstances ties our Hero and Heroine together for a lifetime of passion, desire, and mutual healing and understanding as they begin to develop love for one another; but how will Mallory ever be able to let go of her past and embrace this new future?
   In this beautiful love story (and you can not read this book and not call it that), Adam will have to learn that if he truly loves someone, sometimes he just has to let them go-a second time-; and hope that the Wicked Delight of a Bridal Bed and his unconditional love will be enough to have them coming back and staying where they belonged all along. 

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is the general beginning as Adam begins to work Mallory out of her depression. She hardly eats or socializes, choosing to isolate herself from those who love her most in her time of grief. She has been unhappy for so long, that the family is desperate to bring some warmth and happiness back into her life. Adam loves her, and wants to see her happy again, and you can feel the genuineness of his actions. He barges into her rooms all casual-like and convinces her to eat dinner with everyone else, he helps pick out her dresses and takes her for intimate picnics when she's had enough of everyone else. It is just so heart warming to recount Adam's actions in regards to his Mallory. *sigh*

   In the end, when you open a romance book, you want to see some romance. The love Adam has for Mallory, and the love Mallory develops for Adam, is really believable. I love the concept of Mallory's grieving over a lost love and being granted a second chance at a new one. There is a plot twist towards the end that will have you gasping and "OMG"-ing like crazy and you'll have to read the story to find out what it is (my lips are sealed. =X), but this was one of the more genuine stories I've read in a while. It was deep and dark without letting  those elements overwhelm the plot, and you're sure to fall in love by the time you reach the back cover!

*Check out my Interview (and giveaway) with Tracy Anne Warren where she'll answer some of my questions on the book and more!: -Tentative date- scheduled to be up on the day Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is release, August 31st, 2010!

[special thanks to Tracy's publicist, Christine

for sending the

egalley for review.]

*Want some more of the Byrons of Braebourne? Check out 'At The Duke's Pleasure', Mallory's brother (the Duke of Cylbourne), Edward's Story! My Review can be found: here

*Also try Book # 1 from Warren's The Trap Trilogy, 'The Husband Trap'!

'Desires Of A Perfect Lady' by Victoria Alexander -Review-

   Reluctant adventure and reluctant love are what await you if you choose to pick up this novel. A delightful story of love lost and then found and then put to the test once again.
   While on a quest to procure the missing pieces to her late-husband's art collections, which will ensure she receives her inheritance left to her from his death, Lady Olivia Rathbourne must now turn to the one man she trusted with her heart 10 years ago and who failed her when she needed him most.
   Sterling Harrington, the Earl of Wyldewood, fell hard for the joyful 18 year old Olivia when he was only 20. Now, a decade later, a deception which tore the two apart has been revealed and Lady Olivia is in danger once again. She needs his help not only to stay alive but to gain her financial independence and freedom; and Sterling will NOT fail her again.
   And then Olivia's secret list of desires comes into play, and a journey for treasure turns into a journey back to love.

Read an excerpt: here

   Respected (or at least tolerated) member of The London Antiques Society, it was the consensus that Lord Rathbourne, in spite of his impressive art collections, was a man of questionable character. It really didn't come as much of a shock when his lordship was found murdered, in the garden, with his neck slit. He was a man of many possessions and a possessiveness towards said possessions (try saying that 3x fast). You could ask his wife, Lady Olivia Rathbourne, exactly how far he went to securing his interests. Forced to marry Lord Rathbourne and not the love of her life was just the start of Olivia's 10 year estrangement from the world (and from happiness). Finally, her husband is dead and she is free, but a stipulation in her husband's will which states that in order to receive her full inheritance as his widow, she must complete 3 of his unfinished art collections, which will likely see her sequestered in their oppressive home for the rest of her life.
   But Olivia has been through far too much at the hands of her husband, and waited far to long to start crossing items off her secret list of desires, to let Lord Rathbourne continue to control her from the grave. She picks up the gauntlet he has set out for her, but with little money and limited resources to accomplish her goals, she finds she must seek out the help of the man who failed to save her from marrying Lord Rathbourne in the first place( and whom she spent the last 10 years trying to forget she loved).
   Sterling Harrington was an Earl. He had two brothers who were adventures, but his responsibilities left little room for adventures. Considered stuffy, stodgy, and incredibly dull,. Sterling has tried to forget the lighter times in his life. 10 years ago he met and fell in love with Olivia, but one day, Olivia's father came acalling; informing the Earl that Olivia would be marrying Lord Rathbourne and that she had no desire to see him ever again. Heart broken and dejected, he ignored the 3 letters Olivia sent him in the beginning (which he thought were softer-worded apologies) and married, lost his wife and moved on with his life.
   A decade later, Olivia's father calls on him again, with little time left in his life and a multitude of sins to try and atone for. He informs Sterling that he forced Olivia to marry Lord Rathbourne and that she sent the Earl those letters, begging him to save her from the match but that they went unanswered. He then informs Sterling that he believes the same persons who killed Lord Rathbourne could possibly come back and do harm to Olivia, and that he wants Sterling to protect her. Reluctant at first, Sterling insinuates himself back into Olivia's life with a mission to keep her safe as he should have done 10 years ago.
   Olivia isn't exactly okay with Sterling's reappearance in her life, but his insistence on helping her will begin to become more warmly receipted when she finds out about her husband's stipulation in his will. Sterling's presences will also make crossing off the bedding of him off her list.
   Their quest takes them to Egypt with scary Egyptian snakes, and then to Venice, where a Counte and his Contessa will be of a similar mind to court the favor of our Hero and Heroine. By happenstance, procuring the first two items for the collection is relatively easy; it's the resolving of issues from the past and making item #1 on Olivia's secret list of desires a task worth a lifetime, which will prove difficult.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Olivia is after the second item in Venice. She meets the flirtatious Counte de Sarafini, whom is the owner of the painting she needs to complete the second collection. He invites her to luncheon with the unexpressed intention of luring her to his bed. She goes to the luncheon alone, flirting outrageously with the Counte as well, but offers no more than a trade of paintings instead of a trade of bed-favors for the required paintings. The scene is funny because the Contessa has invited Sterling to a private luncheon too and he goes so he can negotiate for the painting, as well. Olivia is caught in a compromising position, and the dynamics of these scenes are priceless!

   Overall, this book was an enjoyable read. Having read the previous novel, 'The Virgin's Secret', I had a little bit of knowledge on the Sterling-Olivia debacle. While I felt the 'adventure' theme over-whelmed the romance a bit, it was interesting to a degree and played it's role. I felt the characters were developing steadily, both of mind and relationship, but I did feel the revelations weren't developed as well as they could have and ran around in circles a bit. There was longing, coated in betrayal that was real interesting to read and it teased the reader throughout the novel. Give it a read!

*Try the previous novel in the Harrington Brother's series, 'The Virgin's Secret'. My Review can be found: here

*Want more from Victoria Alexander? Try 'Love With The Proper Husband'.

'Awakened By A Kiss' by Lila DiPasqua -Review-

   Wickedly wanton and thrillingly tantalizing; 'Awakened By A Kiss' was exciting and passionate and one of those reads you just couldn't put down. Set in seventeenth century France, Lila DiPasqua takes 3 beloved childhood fairy tales and gives them a sensuous makeover. You'll never look at sleeping beauty the same way again!
   Awakening to a stranger's kiss, one-night stands, aphrodisiacs, forbidden publications, mistaken identity, special agents for the crown, and scarf-loving bastard daughters of the King. All this and more lay within the pages of this spectacular debut by Lila DiPasqua.'Sleeping Beauty' , 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Puss In Boots' have been transformed into something insanely erotic and gratifying for the adults who like a little heat thrown into their happily ever after...

Read a sizzling excerpt: here

Sleeping Beau- Follows the reunion between one of the most notorious bastard sons of the King and the woman who stole into his bedchamber after slipping him an aphrodisiac, awakening him with a kiss that lead to a steamy sexual interlude. He awakes the morning after with his unnamed 'midnight temptress' mysteriously vanished and the evidence of her virginity smeared along the bedsheets. Fast-forward 5 years later and we meet our 'sleeping beau' once again as his gaze alights over the red-headed beauty who has plagued his dreams in all that time. At first, Catherine tries to deny it was her, but Adrien eventually gets his way and get her to reveal why she did what she did. They proceed to have an affair for the week until Cathrine's betrothed comes to get her. The motives behind her deception is out in the open and Adrien can't help but admire the maddening stubbornness of his ladylove. When Catherine's betrothed come for her early, it may be Adrien's own stubbornness that threatens his future happiness with the woman he's pined after for 5 years and now has come to love.

Little Red Writing- The Vignon spinster sisters were beautiful, intelligent, writer with skill, and guarding a secret that could lead straight to their ruin. Nicolas de Savignac (a.k.a The Wolf) is a Musketeer for the King sent on an assignment to unmasked and bring down Gilbert Deluc; author of the incendiary volumes which besmirch the image of men of consequence. His investigation takes him to his estranged grandmother's house and he zeros in the house guests; The Vignon 'spinsters'. He is immediately attracted to one of the sisters: Anne, and although he is in residence under false pretenses (to forge a civil relationship with his grandmother) and inevitably will have to bring charges up against one or all of the sisters, his can't resist the strong pull that draws him to Anne and an affair begins. While Nicolas ruefully gets closer to identifying which sister is the infamous author, he and Anne fall deeper in love with one another. Nicolas' hand is now forced to act when his comrade informs their commander of their suspicion of the Vignon sisters and he is order to bring in the culprit or have the entire family brought in. The betrayal Anne feels is acute, but the love Nicolas has for her and she for him will have to be enough to eclipse whatever plans the King has in store for 'Gilbert Deluc'. 

Bewitching In Boots- Being the King's favorite daughter is a coveted position. That distinction was currently held by the headstrong Elisabeth de Roussel.She may be thought of as an outrageous flirt, but she knows what she wants; and she wants Tristan de Tiersomier. Tristan was recently injured and relieved of his duties as commander of the King's private Guard. He retired himself to the grounds at his estate, shunning the world and burying his feelings beneath a sea of resentment. When the enticing Elisabeth saunters her way into his inner-sanctum (and wearing breeches and BOOTS no less) demanding fencing lessons, he can only grit his teeth and try to bare it. Elisabeth, however, has plans of her own. She seeks more than lessons in the fencing arts from Tristan and when she successfully induces an affair, she plots to flip the situation in her favor and make Tristan hers for a lifetime. Her plans could possibly blow up in her face, but she will do anything to heal Tristan's hurts and posses his heart.

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: There were many! This book had 3 separate stories within it and I have my favorite moments for each. Bewitching in Boots was my favorite story out of the three and my favorite moment is when Tristan starts questioning Elisabeth's motive for seeking him out. He tries to scare her away by saying that if she isn't out of his home by tomorrow she will be tied up to his bed and he will have his way with her. At first, in the morning, Elisabeth and her entourage are no where to be found, but not only do they come back with reinforcements (to help fix up Tristan's house) but Elisabeth presents Tristan with a box of scarves for him to tie her up with later that night.

What it boils down to is this: Miss DiPasqua is probably one of the most promising debut authors to hit the scene so far in 2010. Her short stories were well-written, well-paced and flavored with an insane amount of heat and spice. I think many short-stories are prone to accelerated plots where the love is unconvincing and the character development lacks; that is not the case with 'Awakened By A Kiss'. It's a little different from the classic historicals I am use to, but it has set a new precedence in my reading exploration and I look forward to reading more from this author!

*In November, DiPasqua will delight us with 3 more fiery tales in 'The Princess In His Bed'