2 star review
Often the first book in a new series can go one of two ways, either it draws you completely in to the hero and heroine or it focuses so much on setting up future novels that it gets bogged down in side characters. Unfortunately it was the latter in this book. The first 1/3 of the book was filled with getting a glimpse of every supporting character (even ones that were departed) and because of this I felt there was no connection with the main couple in Gervase Lyons and Margaret Bellamy. I completely got the point that he loved her but I think he forever remained in the friend-zone and was a mere fill in for her beloved former husband, Alex. The only character I was remotely interested in getting a happy ending was the heir apparent, Reg Lyon, but that didn't happen either. Hopefully every character is now set up and the next books will be more promising.
The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries
4 star review
How I wish this was a full length novel since I loved Lord Stephen Correy and Amanda Keane, as I have all the Keane family in preceding books. While short in length the story described circumstances that made Stephen into a strong supporter of those less fortunate as an investigative writer and Amanda into a hard-working mill owner who also a heart of gold. The pacing of their growing affection somehow did not seem rushed as in most novellas. The nuisances of each character made them a perfect pair and I hope the subsequent books tell of their future endeavors together.
The Duke of Deception by Darcy Burke
3 star review
This was an overall good read. I had read the others in the series but still felt a little lost with some of the characters. Some follow-up from the previous books would have been helpful. I liked the main characters, Ned, Lord Sutton, and Aquilla enough. Ned' s story held my interest more as Aquilla's mistrust in marriage was never fully developed. Ned did live up to the moniker, The Duke of Deception, but in a completely hero-like way that was deserving of being loved and trusted.
A Night of Forever (The Disgraced Lord's #6) by Bronwen Evans
3 star review
Arend Aubury and Isobel Thompson are an unlikely pair because of Arend being a fellow Libertine scholar and Isobel is the step-daughter of the main suspect plotting the demise of the group and all those they love.
Arend keeps plenty of secrets and trusts no one so when he becomes infatuated with Isobel his past comes creeping back in. Isobel received the brunt of his mistrust and I felt bad for her especially when even those she thought of as friends also held her at arms length. I had a hard time seeing her with such a frightening home life and also being not fully accepted by those she wanted to help. I enjoyed this book but wished Isobel had an easier go of it to get her happy ending.
The Danger of Desire (Sinful Suitors #3) by Sabrina Jeffries
3 1/2 star rating
I always enjoy seeing what Sabrina Jeffries weaves together and while I liked the nuisances of what made up Warren Corry, the Marquees of Knightford and Delia Trevor, the timing was a little off. At first Warren, in trying to puzzle Delia's late night rendezvous out, was full of interest in her while she held a barrier up and secrets back from him. Then after their physical chemistry got them in hot water, Delia was the detective to Warren' s childhood secrets while he kept her at an emotional distance. During both scenarios I was a little upset at the secret-keeper and especially Warren who didn't seem to care about how hurt Delia was. All that being said I still was hooked and can't wait for the next in the series that was set up so well. Like I said, Sabrina Jeffries, weaves a wonderful tale and always keeps the reader interested in what is next to come, all while devoting herself to the hero and heroine at hand.
How to Impress a Marquess (Wicked Little Secrets #3) by Suzanna Ives
5 star review
It is remarkable that similar the supporting characters in the book, how quickly I found myself charmed by all that was Lilith Dahlgren. After understanding the pain and hurt she was surrounded with all her life, I was near tears throughout the book as she kept putting herself out there and opening herself to more rejection. I finally understood how she kept opening herself to being wounded in the hope of one day belonging when she said,
"Do you really think time heals all wounds? I don't know. I think it all remains, all the love all the hurt. You will always reside in my heart, so, in truth, I will always have a part of you".While George was still fighting his own demons I was thankful to the side characters of Beatrice and Penelope who quickly formed a bond with Lilith, I wanted her to have that sense of belonging and both women provided that for her during the time George searched for who he was after working through his own hurts caused by his father and childhood bullies.
It was an emotionally intense story as two people had to heal so much past hurt to form a new life together that would redefine their future.
Hero: B+ (I was so Team Lilith that I had to drop him down for not seeing this jewel sooner).
Heroine: A+ (one of my favorites in a long time)
Side Characters: A (even the villains were well written but loved Penelope and Beatrice!)
Storyline: A+ (poignant)
Heat Level: B (could have been more but emotionally perfect).
The Untouchable Earl (The Fallen Ladies 2) by Amy Sandas
3 star review
I am still excited about the next book in the series but this one was just okay for me. I felt there was amazing potential that just fizzled out instead of igniting. If there was another reason for the Earl's aversion to touch or more about specifics about what made Lily Chadwick want him to overcome it, I think I would have been more enthralled.
Destined for a King by Ashlyn Macnamara
2 star review
I am not quite sure about this book that is clearly a start to a series involving the taking back of the throne by the Bastard Brotherhood. There was so much to set up and characters to be introduced to for the upcoming books that I felt a lot was lost on the connection between Torch and Calista. They came together so fast (most of which when he was incoherent from recovering from a wound inflicted by Calista) and I missed what really drew them together beyond the stone which told him they were destined. Between that, a ton of characters to keep track of and visions coming at any given time I just had to think to much to become lost in the story.
