Kimberly
Bell (Debut Author) A Convenient Engagement
3.5 star
review
I am rating
this a bit higher to take into account this is a debut author. Let me
begin by saying I will be reading whose ever story comes out next in a
amazing array of side characters (Jane? Fiona? Ewan? Charles?
Couseclay? Or dare I hope a combination of these?). I actually enjoyed
this story with only a few set backs here and there. Where I would
complain is in the disparaging feelings I ended up having for Gavan and
Hannah. In the beginning, Hannah was a strong and forthright woman and I
loved this aspect of her character. They way the two leads met was
wonderfully clever. The problem I had is as the story went on Gavan had
so much growth and changed because of his love for Hannah whereas she just
turned more and more selfish with not only taking Gavan's feelings into
consideration, but those she came to see as friends as well (Jane, Fiona
and so on). I needed to see more of a change in her before the last few
pages in the book (and there was not an epilogue). There was just too
much time given to the negative qualities in the heroine without really delving
in to what would make her behave as she did. With all that being said
this author showed extreme promise and I will no doubt be reading
subsequent books in this series!
Jennifer Haymore An Affair in Autumn
3.5 star review (for a novella)
A review for all of the 'A Year Without a Duke' series will follow shortly but so far Jennifer Haymore's contribution to the series is the best by far. I only am sad that another House of Trent story has been shortened to a novella.
Bianca Blythe How to Capture a Duke
3.5 star review
I do wish 1/2
stars were possible as this book did deserve higher than a 3. My overall
description would be that this book was a charming read. I enjoyed how Percival
and Fiona got to know each other while he thought she was a highwaywoman. The
whole "I've been captured" announcements made whenever Percival got a
chance being answered with "by Cupid's Bow no doubt" from passing
crowds was hilarious! I had trouble with, after having strong feelings for one
another, how quickly they thought the worst of each other with little evidence
to go on. Even when they realized they were wrong in their judgements they
still didn't seek each another out. While the separation set up the ending
scenes it made me question their level of love and commitment. Yes, there were some
flaws along the way but overall it was a good read by a new author.
Rachel Brimble Her One True Love
1 star review
If these two leads did anything other than lock eyes, gaze into each others eyes and/or refuse to look away from one another and actually have a conversation, this story may have worked (key word 'may'). By chapter two I was thinking no one would be comfortable being in a room with them with this stare down game. I was too annoyed to be interested in the story which repeated the same sentiment over and over again...
Jane...
"I must get away from Matthew", "I can't be with your
Matthew", "Leave Matthew", "Stay Matthew", "No, I
changed my mind again Matthew".
I was hoping
Matthew might grow a brain and work it out with his estranged wife! I
still have no answers to when, why or how or even if they fell in love.
They may have said it but I didn't get them from what I read (of course
it must have been in the way they looked at each other). This story made
be beyond frustrated (insert eye roll here).
Valerie Bowman TheUnforgettable Hero (novella)
4 star
review (for a novella)
This
was a very sweet story. Normally novellas have no backstory or development but
this one provided just enough to make the story not feel forced or
rushed. Surprisingly what it showed more than anything was the love that
Derek (The Duke from The
Unexpected Duchess) had for his brother
Adam/Peter. I also enjoyed the brief appearances of characters from other past
books in the series.
Cecelia/Lady
Magnolia was not was developed but part of that was due to the amnesia plot
line. I really did enjoy her little sister Mary however and through her we get
a better idea of who CeCe was.
Overall
this was a very cute and refreshing novella.
Adrienne
Basso The Highlander Who Loved Me
2 Star review
This
book seemed to be written in haste. There were so many directions the
plot could go and none were followed through with. There was no connection
between the main characters other than them saying "I love you".
Davina could have just flipped a coin between the two brothers and for a while
I thought might actually happen. I hope Malcolm' s story gets more care.
Nicole
Jordan TheArt of Taming a Rake
4 Star
review
Book 4
in the Legendary Lovers series is more reminiscent of Nicole Jordan's earlier
works such as the Notorious series (which was on of my favorites). It has the
same instant connection between Quinn Traherne and Venetia Stratham. I liked
that the misunderstanding of Quinn's character in the beginning of the story
was quickly figured out by Venetia. I don't like when an entire book is
full of a misunderstanding that can be easily rectified. While I get the
"we have to marry to protect your reputation" motif, this one seemed
more forced and harder to believe than others I have read. Regardless of that,
they were a couple who were perfect for each other and I enjoyed seeing them
learn more about themselves after their hasty marriage and be each other's fiercest
protector. I am now looking forward to the next book in this series!
