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+

July 2016 Netgalley Reviews

The Reckless Love of an Hier by Jane Lark
4 star review
This is the first time I have read this author and I was in for a pleasant surprise. I had some reviews of her other books and a common remark was the storied had a "real" feel to them. I completely agree. The story was more than a romance. It was filled will heartfelt relationships beyond the two main characters. It wove in family dynamics, disappointments, tragedy and love. It was low on heat but high on sentiment. I will read more from Jane Lark.

The Earl's Wager by Rebecca Thomas
3 1/2 star review
This was a cute book with characters that are easy to root for. Despite a bad first impression Will and Georgia quickly started to appreciate each other's personality. They were a great match. I would have liked a little more depth in their back story (Georgia's family and losing her mother and Will being turned on by the ton). Other than that it was a feel-good quick read.

Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley
2 star review
This felt more of a "Who done it" book with a romance kicked in. I was so focused on the motives of all the characters (and there were a lot to keep up with) reasons to commit a crime that I missed the connection between Evangeline and Gavin. The epilogue while nice didn't connect to the book and felt like I was reading about a couple I hadn't met before.

MacLean's Passion by Sharon Cullen
4 star review
The premise of this storyline intrigued me in its irony. Both Maggie and Colin were extremely strong in terms of their fighting ability yet it was aspects of their physical strength that caused them both to have insecurities regarding their capacity to be loved by other people. I though this was a brilliant twist that kept me reading to see how they would overcome this and see the gift they had in each other. While at times things might have dragged a bit, I was interested enough in both of their stores together and as individuals. I didn't get as much of Colin's backstory other than he was spoken of negatively by his family and he felt he was always off fighting instead of being there for them. Maggie's brother, Evan, may have loved her but he disappointed me in his lack of communicative abilities with Maggie and I was hoping his wife, Innis, would do a better job of smoothing things over but never met my expectations. They were both let down by those who should have loved them. Really the hero for me was Maggie because she not only had to find her worth but she had to convince Colin of his and also talk him into letting her fight for him and their future. She made the story for me.

The Duke of Daring by Darcy Burke
3 star review
Enjoyable read although I had a hard time getting past the Earl of Dartford, Andrew, getting hot and bothered over a short pudgy man with sideburns. Once the costume was gone I got more fully invested in the book and not so distracted by the set up. I liked Lucy and appreciate in a story when a heroine can admit her feelings to herself rather than spend most is the book denying them. Maybe it took a disguise for Lucy to sneak up on Andrew who closed off himself to the hurt of losing anyone he could grow to love. I think the author did a good job with Andrew's anxiety issues and didn't just put a bandaid on to fix his problems. There was a quick ending but there was also a good epilogue to make up for it.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30970765-the-reckless-love-of-an-heir

June 2016 Netgalley Reviews

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne
4 star rating
It was not easy getting through Liam's prologue or the opening scene with Mena, but through their anguishing start I was immediately pulled into the story of the Demon Highlander and Philomela Lockhart.  I won't lie, it was a very dark story but the author masterfully showed how these two characters brought healing to each other. I loved how safe Mena felt with the temperamental hero and absolutely enjoyed seeing Liam fall so fast. There was one moment when he showed some doubt towards her which bothered me but he more than made up for it a bit later. The brutality that both characters faced in life led to the most justified ending. Gripping, dark and yet a beautiful romance!

Once Upon a Moonlit Night (Maiden Lane 10.5) by Elizabeth Hoyt
5 star rating (novella category)
The perfect novella. Hippolyta Royle has just escaped from the Duke of Montgomery's forced attempt to compromise her into becoming his wife. Disheveled she comes across the carriage of Matthew Mortimer who reluctantly whisks her inside and a delightful romance filled with humor and sensuality begins. I love these two together. Hippolyta trying to convince Matthew that she is an heiress and he hiding the fact he is the Earl of Paxton. Though brief, I thoroughly enjoyed the delightful trip back the Maiden Lane series.

Angel in Scarlet by Lavinia Kent
1 star rating
I just never could get into this book. It was so choppy, feelings were never explained, the dilemma element was never flushed out. It was simply frustrating! Was Angela ever looking to get even with Colton and did he feel anything for her before calling things off? If so, neither character was believable. I was disappointed since the first 3 books in the series were better developed.

May 2016 Netgalley Reviews

Seduced (Wicked Woodley's #4) by Jess Michaels

From the moment he was introduced as Warrick's older brother in the previous book, Ruined, I have been looking forward to the story of Captain Jack. Taking on a life of crime to care for his brother, he became king of the underworld who happened to have a huge heart. From the moment he was confronted by Letty (who thought he was enticing her brother Griffin to follow his notorious lifestyle) he was the one seduced. Soon Letitia saw the true heart of Jack and quickly confided her own struggles in life that led to low self esteem and self doubt. If not for their stations in life they were the same side to a coin - fighters and defenders of those they loved even it it caused them a lifetime of pain. In finding each other the pain was able to heal and their loved restored hurts of the past.

Enjoyable characters,steamy romance, great story-line time and time again from Jess Michaels.

The Wedding Affair by Heather Boyd
I was into this story enough to want to reach through the pages and shake Felix and tell him to move onward and upward from Sally. She must have been a catch 6 years prior but time turned her into someone who held on to a grudge no matter what. I don't understand why Felix spent so much time groveling when I never felt it was really explained how he hurt her in the first place. Even once the misunderstanding of his ambition was explained (not very well explained at that) Sally chose to still be bitter for no other reason than why stop being bitter when that's all she knows how to be towards the hero? I liked Felix' s character but I wish he was paired with someone else or the heroine was written less spoiled.

April 2016 Netgalley Reviews

Lana and the Laird by Sabrina York
4 Star Review
I have been anticipating the story of the Duke of Caithness since book one of this trilogy. The story of the three sisters take place at parallel times so the reader gets bits and pieces of Lana and Lachlan's love story before this novel even begins. I didn't know how the author would retell it in s way to hold my interest but with a great mystery and the paranormal aspect (which I typically don't enjoy) this held my interest the whole way through. I love how Lachlan transforms from a lace wearing Duke to Highland warrior to gain favor in Lana's eyes. When she asked him what he slept in had me rolling with laughter. The epilogue was a nice cap to the series as well.

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
2 Star Review
I enjoyed the first book in the series but this second installment didn't capture as much of my attention. As a stand-alone it would have been confusing as it relied heavily on the character descriptions from the previous novella.  The conflict resolution was too swift and I never fully believed or understood the conflict to begin with.

The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

3 Star Review

The opening scene of a young Alexandra looking out her bedroom to see the future man of her dreams coming to the rescue of her brother and friend was very heartwarming. Three years later her crush on Owen is just as strong and she is determined to get her man. I loved that she was not a pushover and didn't back down from her youthful goal. Owen saw this in her from the get go was taken with her.  

A drawback for me was that I never got the discord between Owen and his father. It was resolved rather easily for such a buildup.  The villainous sister was also a bit over the top for me, especially the hissy fit she threw over not getting her way.

You Can't Always Get the Marquees You Want by Alexandra Hawkins

4 Star Review

I think I will enjoy this series after having some misgivings from the first in the series that set up the feud between these two families. Chance and Tempest were drawn to each other before knowing their families were bitter enemies.  Neither knew the circumstances of the rift and despite their better judgement kept meeting in secret until they fell in love.  Circumstances led to the details coming out and my only disappointment was the villain seeming to get off easy again. The other characters that were introduced were very charming and I am looking forward to their stories. I would like to have had an epilogue or at least hope that at some point Lord Norgrave will get his due. 

March Netgalley Reviews

The Wayward One Danelle Harmon

5 Star Review
I had waited a long time for the final book in the De Montefortes series and often when this happens it winds up being an utter let down but not this time. I love these siblings and was so happy Lucien played a major role. The biggest opponent he faced was his youngest sister, Nerissa. She proved herself worthy of the Dr Montfortes name and couldn't have been in better hands than with her captor/captain/champion, Ruaidri.
The story spanned from London to Boston and was a beautifully written adventure. I really never had the feeling that Nerissa was spoiled, I could tell her strong spirit from the get go. No one could match her as well as Ruaidri. She needed someone as, if not, more stubborn than her.
I was disappointed that there was not an epilogue but not enough to take away from a 5 star review. I will put in a plug for a complete reunion epilogue though!

To Lure a Proper Lady Ashlyn Macnamara

4 1/2 Star Review
Well done Ashlyn Macnamara, you are consistent in the quality of your writing which makes for an easy auto buy! As always the characters are well developed. Their background, hang-ups and reasoning behind their actions are made clear yet concise.
Dysart was a hero through and through and Lizzy was a good fit for him although the only reason this book is rated as a 4 instead of 5 is that she even considered anyone other than him for a moment.

Three Weeks to Wed Ella Quinn

1 1/2 Star Review

I will preface this review by saying I hate the instant love/hurry to bed by the first chapter type of romances. This seems to be an easy way out of building a story. I never develop the need to know more about the characters when this is the plot line and it was exactly what happened in this case. Matt and Grace did nothing for me and didn't buy the angst of the story being the worry over her retaining guardianship of her siblings. It was a hurried start of a story and I was in as much of a rush to have it over with.

A Reckless Desire Isabella Bradford

4 Star Review

While this wasn't my favorite book of the series, Isabella Bradford still did an amazing job with the story of Rivers and Lucia. I was up all night reading because I can't resist a "My Fair Lady" story. It differed in that Lucia did not need much help and Rivers quickly realized what a gem he had. I loved when characters are flawed and River's botching up so many conversations with Lucia was one of them. Faster than in most books of this genre, the main characters confessed their love for each other. This made most of the story heart-wrenching but oh so lovely (hence staying up all night). The only draw back in this is I wish the epilogue (which was satisfying) was still a bit longer to counter all that time they didn't think their relationship could continue on a permanent level. Lovely!

A Most Delicate Pursuit by Pamela Labud
1 Star Review
There are too many holes in this story to be able to enjoy it. The pacing is all over the place, the characters change their feelings back and forth in a dime with no explanation of why. Because of all of these flaws I never felt any connection between Bea and Michael. This was a struggle to get through.

February Netgalley Reviews

Amelia Grey Wedding Night with the Earl (#3)

3 1/2 star Review

By not delving into some details of Adam and Katharine's past this lost out on the potential to be a 5 star rating. I was so looking forward to Adam's story and in many aspects it didn't disappoint. He was a kind, loving man with that little bit of swagger that all hero's need but his back story that had been mentioned in the 2 previous books was simply glossed over. There was clearly sadness and pain when Adam lost his wife and child in labor but I was just told that by the author, I never felt it. On top of that the drama of his past was resolved simply with a 5 minute conversation with a midwife. I missed out on the who, what, when, where and how. I would have been fine with that if the same exact thing didn't happen with Katharine's past as well. These two were meant to be together to help one another overcome the tragic losses they faced in life but the tragedy but their past suffering never came to fruition so a big chuck of the story fell flat.

All that being said, I love this author and would read this book again and any subsequent books of hers, but my expectations of Adam's story must have too high to attain.

Jennifer Haymore Highland Awakening
4 star Review

I have found this to be a bit difficult to review. To start, I love Jennifer Haymore, she is an auto buy author for me. I also thought the heat level in this was smoking hot (in a good way). There were a few things though that had me really wavering on whether I grade on a curve or base it on the flaws I couldn't overlook.
I'm still deciding and by the end I hope to have my rating. 
I loved the hero Cam but one of the first scenes is of him sneaking into Esme's room while she was sleeping which had me viewing him more in a creepiness light. It wasn't even an alpha male characteristic it was too 'stalkerish' for that. My guess is that it was added to show his fear of being like his father but that never materialized for me. From the first time they met I got the impression he was going to do anything to marry her and then there was one point where he wrestled with not being able to have forever with her due to his upbringing. Then in a flash he was back to orchestrating ways to have her as a wife. I never was sold on what was supposedly his major dilemma. Oh, but then there was the heat between these two (the heat, my god the heat) which I hate to admit more than made up for some negative elements. The last book in the series was titled Highland Heat but that was more appropriate for this one! I'll end on that note...4 stars.


Jane Goodger How to Please a Lady
3 Star Review

My favorite book from this author is the Mad Earl's Daughter.  I think part of my review is based on comparing this romance to that one.  The only thing I can pinpoint for my dissatisfaction was that the heroine Rose came off as extremely snobbish all the way to the end of the book.  I loved the set up and how the reader was introduced to the characters as they met again 5 years after escaping to America together.  We were then taken back to the set up of what led them on their journey.  This was a darker novel but so well written and full of depth.  I just feel that there had to be a way to justify how Rose came off as looking down on Charles (Charlie) Avery.  Blame it on her youth, the horrible things she had gone through in life, something.  Not only did I not get a reason for it, I never felt she ever saw Charlie as her equal.  It seemed he was always in the servant role to her, expected to satisfy her in every way.  There should have been more time (or any time) spent on her acknowledging how much Charlie accomplished but instead she continued to focus on herself (her horse Moonshine and being excited over her favorite flowers on all his designs).  This could have been so much better with just a few tweaks on Rose.

Amy Sandas Luck is No Lady
4 Star Review

Absolutely lovely!  Amy Sandas had won me over with her debut series and although this book was a departure in terms of the heat level, she more than made up for it in the romance between Emma, passionate bookkeeper by day, loyal family spinster by night and Roderick, the first gambling proprietor I have read about who was without the rakish characterization. There were so many subtle nuances of passion woven throughout the story (the simply tied cravat and the wager over the hands) that made this novel thoroughly enjoyable.
While I was eager to know the about the other characters future story lines, it did not detract from the hero and heroine (which happens often in the first book of a series). Yes, there were times where you had to suspend belief with situations that took place in this particular time period but isn't that what a romance novel is all about? Simply delightful.