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)

September 2016 Netgalley Reviews

My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett
4 1/2 star review
A gem of a novel written by debut author, Anna Bennett. In a twist of fate the Earl of Castleton, William Ryder, comes to find Meg Lacey, who was once his potential spouse sitting across from him as she seeks employment as a governess for his young wards.
The interview goes horribly but Meg gets the position and soon much of the hostility is brushed aside. I appreciated that their initial bad impression of one another was quickly talked about and forgiven. I also liked that when doubt arose between the two they were almost immediately honest with their feelings. Will wore his emotions on his sleeve for Meg. He understood her reluctance to be with him but stuck with her knowing how good they could be for each other. His  persistence in his courtship was wonderful even when it went humorously bad in one of his attempts.  That same scene included Meg yelling at in of her young charges. It was so refreshing to see a heroine written exhibiting behavior that may not be considered perfect in a heroine but was so honest a reaction that it made me like and believe Meg all the more.
My only minor complaints would be that while Meg' s past was brought to light and discussed by the couple, Will' s own past with his father was only slightly referenced and never talked about as a couple. I would have loved to see Meg be a warrior for Will which I know she would have been. The story was quickly wrapped up and with that I would have liked an epilogue but those are two minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful story.

Hero: A+
Heroine: A
Story line/Romance: A
Conflict: B (could have been flashed out more)
Heat Level: A (3 1/2 out of 5 - perfect)
Anticipation of the next story: A + (can't wait!)


One Step Behind by Brianna Labuskes
3 star review
This was a nice start for a debut author.  My critique being that it followed a cookie-cutter formula and never rose above average. Gemma and Lucas worked came together while both searching for the same villain (who was no real mystery). Some scenes were a bit choppy and ended abruptly.  Although I liked the side story of Beatrice and Harrington, I think the story of Lucas and Gemma would have benefited with that focus solely aimed on them.

Hero: B-
Heroine: C
Storyline/Romance: C-
Heat: C-
Side Characters: C

My Fair Princess (The Improper Princesses #1) by Vanessa Kelly
2 star review
When the story opens with the heroine being shot after seeking justice for the death of her step-father, I thought it started a little too far fetched but then when she talks about how she has killed before (and barely bats an eye over it) I couldn't ever be sold on the story line or Gillian, the heroine.
I liked the hero, Charles, the Duke of Leverton and thought the differences in the pair would counterbalance their relationship. This was not to be the case for while Gillian might have loosened up Charles but she made no attempt to change any if her ways for him, even if that meant putting him in danger. Eliza Doolittle, she was not. Charles might have liked/needed a little bit of her high-spiritedness at first but with time she just came off as a spoiled child who didn't mind putting others in danger if it suited her whims. While he bent more than he needed to for her, she never learned to give an inch or to trust him at all. I didn't finish the book with high hopes for their future.

Hero: B- (He didn't need to apologize so much)
Heroine: D (selfish and spoiled).  Think Nellie Oleson

Romance: C- (one-sided)
Heat: C (Mild)
Side Characters: C- (someone along the way should have spoken up to the heroine)

August 2016 Netgalley Reviews

When a Marquis Chooses a Bride by Ella Quinn
2 star review
To put it simply this series has thus far not had a strong enough plot to keep me engaged all the way through. The general tension is never developed in a way that make me believe there was a problem in the first place.
Dotty/Thea had Dom figured out right away. He just was raised in a bad environment but once he got a look at real life he quickly made the right decisions and changed his ways. All well and good but it doesn't make for a gripping read.

Hero: C+
Heroine: C
Romance: C+
Heat: C
Side Characters: B-

A Spring Deception (Seasons #2) by Jess Michaels
4 star review
I have to preface this review with the fact that I am a bit of a Jess Michaels fan so just she automatically starts with a 3 star review just from the excitement over the continuation of the  stories of characters I grow attached to.
I was looking forward to reading Celia' s story and while I liked it, I had higher expectations.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say I thought Celia deserved more closure on some issues. I thought she had it but it never came to fruition. I can only suppose it is meant for another story line. Celia was a favorite character of mine from the previous book, An Affair in Winter. I was hoping she would be matched with someone even stronger than Gray who would have to really fight to have her love and devotion. While I liked her strength she deserved more at times from Aiden/John.
I do hope that when parts of the story finish up in subsequent books in the series (at least I hope they finish up) that Celia makes a come back to be part of it.

Hero: B-
Heroine: A-
Romance: B (Celia deserved a bit more)
Heat: B

Highland Temptation (Highland Knights #3) by Jennifer Haymore
3 1/2 star review
While this wasn't my favorite in the series, the following line alone had me saying to a fictional character, "You go girl"!

"I love you and nothing will make me stop. Nothing. I will not let them beat us. I will slay your wretched demons, one by one if I must, but I will not let them tear you away from me, do you hear me"?

Both Colin and Emilia felt like failures yet when together their bravery came out in full force. There is nothing these two couldn't face as long as they were with each other.

The villain was horrible and it was almost too over the top but it did show why Emilia felt herself as fragile when really she was nothing of the kind.
Good book overall.


Hero: B
Heroine: B
Romance: B+
Heat: B

A Taste of Seduction  (The Disgraced Lords #5) by Bronwen Evans

4 star review
I really have enjoyed this series and think that any low reviews might be the result of not reading the books in order. I wouldn't say this was a stand alone series at all. To understand the characters, their love for one another and their goal of capturing the villain you have to read from book one. I loved and enjoyed the imperfection in the characters; the flaws made them more real. There was a lot of this with the relationship between Evangeline and Hadley. They both failed each other but they loved each other more and because of that it was such a touching story.

Hero: A-
Heroine: A-
Romance: B
Heat: B

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen
2 star review
I just never felt the instant connection between Noah and Elise and therefore the story fell flat for me. I didn't read the first book in the series so it could be I was missing some element. My other problem was so much focus was spent on the characters past yet nothing was wrapped up. I was given this great back story and it went no where.

Highland Deception by Lori Ann Bailey
5 star review 
I am finding it hard to believe this is a book by a debut author. It was as woven together and solidly written as some of my favorite Highland romance authors. It had everything that made it impossible to put down; treachery, betrayal, suspense, romance and love.
Maggie was a strong female character fleeing from her home in order to escape a disastrous marriage set up by her father (who did not have any redeeming qualities himself). She runs into Lachlan, who is the complete opposite of man she has ever met. He had so many strong character traits that were likely due to the loving home he was brought up in. His most endearing quality was a heart for those who couldn't fight for themselves and his one major flaw was some major trust issues (he had been burned in the past). Maggie hid her identity from Lachlan for more than halfway through the book and while that is something that typically annoys me it worked with their storyline. I typically like a little more heat in a Highland romance but it was still wonderful and I hope the follow up story is just as riveting.

Hero: A
Heroine: A
Romance: A-
Heat: B
Side Characters: A
Debut: A+