January 2017 Netgalley Reviews

My Highland Rebel (Highland Trouble #2) by Amanda Forester
2 star review
I am hoping this was a very rough draft because there were numerous grammatical errors, awkward transitioning and other basic errors. This really affected my ability to enjoy the story of Jyne and Cormac. If I could overlook the issues mentioned I think I would have enjoyed the comedy of Cormac having to play so many different roles while keeping his story straight of hero/villian. His attempts to hide the fact that he was Red Rex' s son reminded me of Captain Jack Sparrow' s antics in Pirates of the Carribean. If the entire premise wasn't clearly meant to be comical I would have felt the conclusion to be cheesy but it did fit with the over-the-top storyline.

Waiting for an Earl Like You (Masters in Seduction #3) by Alexandra Hawkins

5 star review

The third installment in the Masters of Seduction series was an excellent story that has me eager for more to come.  The focus in Waiting for an Earl Like You is Justin Reeve Netherwood, known as Thorn, the Earl of Kempthorn who has a love hate feeling for his twin brothers childhood best friend, Miss Olivia Lydall. As the story develops it becomes clear Thorn is masking tender feelings he has held for Olivia from a young age. He hides them even more by pretending to be his twin in order to be close to her. The only part in this type of trope I don't like is when it takes so long for the other person to realize which twin they are falling for but at the same time seeing foes falling into love leads to fun throughout the story. I wish the declaration of when Thorn's feelings truly began for the feisty yet adorable, Olivia, started much sooner than it did as by waiting so long I missed out on how he was really suffering seeing Olivia leave him out in favor of his brother, Gideon. There was no epilogue but I am sure I will see these two again in the next book, which I am eagerly anticipating. I do wonder why Lord Norgrave had any redeeming qualities in this story as I have wanted him to suffer since book one in the series but I still love the premise being set up for all these other characters to come.

December 2016 Netgalley Reviews

Ready, Set, Rogue (Studies in Scandal #1) by Manda Collins

2 1/2 star rating

Often the first book in a new series either completely draws the reader in or sets up the upcoming books in the series; for me it was the latter. I was hooked during the opening scene at the inn between Ivy and Quill. I hoping it stayed on the path of barbs and banter but that ended as soon as the murder mystery began. Their romance got lost in the shuffle of finding the killer. At that point more time was given to Daphne and Maitland' s budding romance, which although I am excited about, but it took away from Ivy and Quill.

Campbell's Redemption (Highland Pride #3)  by Sharon Cullen
3 star rating
I have been anticipating Iain Campbell's story since book one in the series. His secretive persona that neither the Scottish or English could trust was intriguing and came to a head in this story. While I liked the type of woman he was matched with in Cait Campbell I still don't think she came close to matching his enigma. She wasn't the fierce warrior Maggie was in the previous book nor as soft as Eleanor in the first book in the series. I guess I was hoping the heroine would top them both in order to match Iain but she was just not as compelling of a character so it just fell short for me. I enjoyed the series but probably built this book up too much. The other two couples did make an appearance which was lovely but an epilogue would have been an added bonus.

Adored in Autumn (Seasons #4) by Jess Michaels

4 star rating

A similar enjoyment that I receive from each series by Michaels' is how she weaves the characters together from book to book. All the past romances come together to rescue one of their own. In a cliffhanger from the last story we find Felicity Barbridge coming to the realization that her past may come back to hurt her and her siblings. Years of an abusive marriage come to a head when she must kill or be killed. She is able to hide her act of survival until a blackmailer's book of secrets is stolen and will soon be uncovered. Coming to the rescue after his services were requested to track down the culprit, is former servant to the family, Asher Seyton.
Along the way to rediscovered love between Asher and Felicity is the wrap up of all the loose ends from the former books. While I appreciated the focus on forgiveness and putting the blame where it should lie, some characters got off a little to easy, especially Felicity' s mother. The acceptance of what lives the Asher and Felicity were pushed into was a little too utopian in feel.
I enjoyed this but none were quite as good as An Affair in Winter (Seasons #1).

November 2016 Netgalley Reviews

Devices and Desires by Pamela Sherwood
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.

November 2016 Netgalley Reviews

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.

October 2016 Netgalley Reviews

One Summer of Surrender by Jess Michaels
3 1/2 star review
I always eagerly await every new release by Jess Michaels. She consistently sets up the next story so well that you feel connected to the main characters before opening to page one. This was especially the case with Elise, the Duchess of Kirkford,  and Lucien, the Earl of Stenfax.  There had been so much of their past described and clear emotional wounds laid out in previous books that I had no idea how Michaels would heal their brokenness in this novel.
There was a lot of animosity from Lucien and his family towards Elise. She accepted it so readily because of her own misguided guilt over leaving him for the horrible Duke if Kirkford. She then had to suffer at the hands of the dead Duke' s brother, Ambrose. It was through the maneuvering of Ambrose that Lucien and Elise were reacquainted.
The depth of their past love was well described but it took a little to longer for me to believe their new feelings were as strong as the old. It seemed as though to the very end they were still trying to work out their relationship out. While the believability was there I wanted more from these two who had been through so much.

Hero: B
Heroine: B
Storyline: B-
Romance: B
Side Characters: B+
Heat Level: 3 out of 5 stars ( perfectly steamy)

The Viscount's Mistress by Claire DuLac
5 star review
This novel was so gripping in its emotional intensity that I have a hard time believing, Claire DuLac, is a debut author. The connection developed in a youthful friendship between Gillette and Lawrewnce (Viscount of Glenrith) that was sustained through the years by hidden letters written to one another was brilliant.  The focus on the importance of the friendship they had and the desire never to lose that had me close to tears the entire story. Violette stole the show for me. She had a great life that went the way of Cinderella. The fact she remained so strong, brought about by what her parents instilled in her and the youthful hope she had in Lawrence, made her into a tough- -as-nails determined heroine.  The fact that it was Lawrence who was the one that had to rip that foundation from her (through a plan put in place by his louse of a father) was heart wrenching. I felt at one point Lawrence handled things so poorly by his unintentional verbal insults, which finally broke Violette's hard fought spirit, that I felt he didn't deserve her. Luckily throughout the story the internal dialogue of the hero and heroine kept me rooting for them. Lawrence still deserved to grovel more but that is why epilogues are always appreciated (as this one had).

Hero: B (actually A but he made me infuriated at one point)
Heroine: A+ (my favorite heroine in a long time)
Storyline: A
Romance: A
Friendship: A+ (best element of the book)
Heat Level: 3 out of 5 stars (just right)

The Legendary Lord (Playful Brides #6) by Valerie Bowman
3 1/2 star review
The humor in the first meeting between Lady Sarah Highfield and Mr. Forester (aka Viscount Berkeley) drew me in. The description of Fergus and Fergus II was hilarious! I am glad this Goldilocks-like beginning was able to capture all the wonderful qualities of the two characters.  Upon learning of Christian's elevated status and returning to London, I was disappointed that Sarah turned into such a push-over who ran when anything became difficult. The way she took charge of the circumstances surrounding her unwanted proposal was endearing but as she stuck to her parents wishes despite her obvious better options was a let down. I did love how their story concluded and was back to finding them all to be charming at the end. I also can't do without mentioning my excitement to see Lucy back in action and up to her old tricks with even more help from a great group of friends.

Hero: A+
Heroine: A+ to C and then to an A
Storyline: B
Romance: B+
Side Characters: A+ (every scene with any and/or all of them was perfect)
Heat Level: 2 out of 5 stars (mild to steamy)

A Rogue to Avoid by Bianca Blythe
3 star review
The thing I have enjoyed about both this book and the previous, How to Capture a Duke, is the time spent on building a relationship/friendship. I loved the quirky humor in the previous book in the series but this had its moments. Cordelia matured rather quickly and I felt bad for the type of marriage she was planning to settle on. I was glad Gerard was as to get a look at her true character as they went out on what ended up being a long adventure.  The rising and falling action involving Cordelia' s father and henchman were not as believable and a bit over-the-top for my liking.

Her Wicked Highlander by Jennifer Haymore
4 star (novella standard) review
I must say for a novella I was impressed.  Jennifer Haymore has done a wonderful job in the previous Highland Knight series and this kept pace. Yes, the love story went from zero to sixty but that is to be expected in this genre. What doesn't always happen is the character development and what leads them to act/feel the way they do.  I fully understood the loneliness of Aila with the loss of most of the people she grew close to. Her actions with Max made sense in that regard.  The story with the villain was flushed out and later resolved in a dramatic scene with the hero and heroine both coming to one another's aid. Max' s background could have been detailed more but I think the reader got a good glimpse of his heart and motivations. Enjoyable, light read.

Hero in the Highlands by Suzanne Enoch
3 star review 
Hero in the Highlands is an aptly named title. I loved Major Gabriel Forrester and the strength and fortitude he exemplified as a soldier. The element of humor from the buttons to the cow fiasco was perfect. Sadly, just as the heroine, Fiona, tried to get Gabriel lost in the bog so went the story. It was bogged down with the focus on the sheep mystery leaving the humor and romance to the wayside. By the time it picked up I didn't feel the strong romantic connection.  I wish the book title carried its weight from beginning to end.

Hero: A
Heroine: C
Storyline: C+
Romance: C+
Heat Level: 2 out of 5 stars (mild to steamy)

Veiled in Blue (The Emperor's of London #6) by Lynn Connolly
3 1/2 star review
In a first for me I started this book without realizing it was the sixth book in a series. I feel accomplished that I overcame enough of my OCD to continue reading. Maybe it was a reward for my triumph because I did enjoy the book. The characters were well matched despite their class difference. I could have used some more groveling from Julius' after deceiving Eve by hiding the fact he was Lord Winterton. lt also bothered me at first with Julius' constant reference to Eve's beauty but after awhile I found it substantiated his likely natural traits being how he was brought up around opulence and beauty. I do feel I missed some nuisances that would have led me to enjoy the book even more by not reading the story in order but not enough to keep me from going back and starting with the first book. This will likely be a re-read only because I can't overcome my OCD that much to not finish the series from beginning to end.

Hero: B
Heroine: B+
Storyline: B+
Romance: B
Heat Level: 3 out of 5 Stars (steamy but tame)