I’m reviewing And Then Comes Marriage by Celeste Bradley at Smexybooks

And Then Come Marriage (Worthington #2) by Celeste Bradley
Historical Romance
Paperback, 352 pages
July 30, 2013
St Martin’s Paperbacks

Favorite Quote: “I know what it’s like to get it all wrong. To do nothing but harm when you meant only the best.”

Book two in Ms. Bradley’s Worthington series,And Then Comes Marriage, is the story of Pollux (Poll) and Castor (Cas) Worthington. Dubbed the Devilish Duo, these outrageous  twins use their looks, charm, and competitive nature to play games of the heart with women. When Poll meets the lovely rich widow Miranda Talbot, he seeks to set up a liaison as everyone knows widows are fair game. Poll and Miranda burgeoning friendship blossoms until Miranda is almost injured in an explosion and is rescued by Cas. Thinking he is Poll, Miranda gives him a passionate kiss in thanks and is shocked by the instant chemistry that explodes. When Miranda discovers the truth and seeks to dissolve her association with both, they beg the chance to court her with the better man winning her hand.

As Miranda, Poll, and Cas circle around each other, with each man determined to be the victor, they draw the straight laced Miranda out of her shell. Married at a young age to a much older and socially rigid man, Miranda was always the epitome of respectability. In his death, Miranda is finally free to be who she wants rather than what was required of her. When the twins antics set in motion a series of events that only serve to alienate Miranda from society, they find themselves for the first time ashamed of their past deeds and must make amends for their devious behavior.

I adored the first book in this series, When She Said I Do. A delightfully funny and erotically charged story, lightly twisted around a Beauty and the Beast theme. While I found this book also amusing and steamy with some plum love scenes, I didn’t get the same buzz from it. There is an underlying darkness to it as we witness the emerging relationship between the three protagonists and their individual issues which causes unnecessary conflict in the book. I would almost call this a coming of age story in that while Miranda is older than the twins (she’s thirty and they are twenty one), all three of them are emotionally immature. Though it starts as a game of sorts,  this becomes the first true romantic relationship for all three when their emotions enter the equation.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I'm reviewing The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore at Smexybooks

The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent #1) by Jennifer Haymore
Historical Romance
June 25, 2013
Forever

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “My reputation has no importance when it comes to you…”

Sarah Osborne is the daughter of the Hawkins family gardener. Having been raised and educated with the Hawkins children, she straddles a very fine line in the family. Not their equal as head chambermaid, but held in higher regards than the average servant. She has loved Simon since she was a child. He rescued her from a mishap with a blackberry bush and he became her knight in shining armor. Sarah had no idea Simon felt the same until they shared a passionate kiss but then Simon fled to London the next day and she has not seen him since.

Simon Hawkins has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Having held the title of Duke since a young man, he has weathered scandals, rumors, and innuendos concerning his family for years. His main goal now is to bring respectability to the House of Trent. Summoned home when his mother suddenly disappears, he is unsure whether she let of her own accord or through nefarious means. This brings him back into Sarah’s life and he is unhappy to see that his feelings for her have not faded. He stayed away from the family estate for years, ashamed for what he saw as taking advantage of Sarah. He knows he and Sarah have no real chance at a true relationship but his heart doesn’t care.

With his mother’s disappearance in mind, Simon decides to move his sister, Lady Esme and Sarah to London for safety reasons. The move puts Simon and Sarah into closer contact and their passion for one another only burns brighter. Their already doomed love affair is further tested by a very determined debutante and papa who sees Simon as her way to become a Duchess and uses any means necessary to achieve their goals. As Simon struggles to maintain status quo and do the right thing by his family and Sarah, the choice is suddenly taken from him and he finds himself hurting them all.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks. 

I'm reviewing Stephanie Laurens The Taming Of Ryder Cavanaugh at Smexybooks

The Taming Of Ryder Cavanaugh (The Cynster Sisters Duos #2) by Stephanie Laurens

Historical Romance
June 25, 2013
Avon

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “If you think I’m going to be the first female in my family to go to the altar a virgin, you’re mistaken.”

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh is a romance story in the truest form and provides us with a wrap up to the original Cynster series. We witness the last Cynster (of age) to marry-Miss Mary Cynster. I have been a huge fan of this series since reading the first book-Devil’s Bride. Mary is first seen in Devil’s Bride as a young child who holds vigil with the rest of the family when her brother Tolly is killed. That being the catalyst to bringing  Honoria and Devil together. I am astounded that it’s been fifteen years since the first book published .

Mary Cynster is thrilled when her sister, Henrietta, finally finds her true love and the family necklace comes to her. This talisman is supposed to direct the wearer to her hero. Unfortunately for Mary, it seems to be directing her towards someone she is positive is not the one for her-Ryder Cavanaugh, the Marquess of Raventhorne. Mary doesn’t want a man whose temperament and willpower rivals hers. She wants a man that she can direct; as to retain her independence. Mary knows deep down that Ryder is not a man who will ever dance to her tune. Besides, she is convinced it is his half brother, Randolph, who is her perfect match.

Ryder Cavanaugh has never been particularly interested in marriage, but from his first meeting with Mary and her seemingly lack of interest in him, he finds himself taken with this woman and the challenge she presents. Everyone knows the quickest way to send Ryder running the other way is to lavish him with attention; her lack is her undoing. Once Ryder learns she has her eye on his younger brother, he proceeds to shadow her, showing up at various functions and striving to prove to her that Randolph is definitely not the one for her. Ryder decides she is to be his future marchioness and proceeds to set the stage for her conquest. Mary has other plans, though .

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I'm reviewing Callie Hutton's The Elusive Wife at Smexybooks

The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton
Historical Romance
May 20, 2013
Entangled: Scandalous

Favorite Quote: Jason stood mesmerized as her breasts moved up and down. All that creamy skin covering those enticing globes had reduced him to a randy youth. He placed her hand on his arm. Just before they reached the others, he murmured. “Do not take any more deep breathes tonight.”

When Jason Coventry, The Earl of Coventry, discovers his father is still trying to ruin his life from the grave by arranging his marriage and demanding he either go through with it or he loses his title; Jason rebels and arrives at his ceremony foxed and incoherent. After the ceremony, where he manages to make a complete arse of himself and humiliate his bride, he passes out and wakes up only to take the coward’s way out by running back to London without ever speaking a word to his bride. He knows he behaved terribly but he consoles himself that it wasn’t what he wanted and he will give his bride time to calm down, then head back to their country estate to talk to her.

Lady Olivia Jane Grant was also blindsided by the arranged marriage but managed to hold herself to a higher standard than Jason. She is devastated by his treatment of her and decides to travel to London to visit a friend. Once Lady Olivia arrives in London, she is dismayed that no one knows she and Jason are married and he is carrying on as though he is still a single man. Olivia decides enough is enough and proceeds, with the help of her best friend, to have the season she was denied by this marriage. Getting to send all the bills to Jason is just an added bonus.

Jason isn’t quite done with his humiliation of Olivia though. When she and Jason finally come upon each other at an event, she realizes he has no idea who she is. He doesn’t even remember what she looks like and now he is flirting with her, trying to arrange an annulment. Olivia decides to repay him for his treatment of her and spends her nights flirting with him, leading him on with no intention of ever letting him know who she really is. When fate intervenes and Jason discovers Olivia is actually his wife, he floored by how much he actually likes her. He tries to entice her into accepting the marriage and him, however, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  Olivia has no intentions of ever accepting Jason…no matter how much her heart wants him.

I'm reviewing Amy Sandas Reckless Viscount at Smexybooks

Reckless Viscount by Amy Sandas
Historical Romance
June 4, 2013
Samhain Publishing

Favorite Quote: “I do not judge you for your past and I will defend against anyone who do.”

Viscount Neville, Leif Riley, is considered a scoundrel who enjoys the attentions of wealthy woman for money. Though many only see a charming seductive rake, not many know of the reasons behind his facade. He is desperate to restore his ancestral home to its former glory and hopefully break the curse that has repeatedly destroyed his family through the ages. When he sees Abbigael Granger, he thinks he has found a way to make all his dreams come true.

Irish Heiress Abbigael Granger (Abby) has come to London in order to secure her future. Circumstances from her childhood has left her with a secret that could destroy her chances of a normal life with a husband and children. She has only one chance to make her dreams come true and a scandalous rake doesn’t figure into those plans.

Circumstances force Leif to kidnap Abby and spirit her away to Gretna Green. He does offer Abby a choice in the matter and she agrees; she will get her husband and children and he will get the money he needs. But Abby and Leif soon find that love has a funny way of deriding all the best laid plans. As Abby and Leif discover overwhelming pleasure in the marriage bed, both wonder if they can find pleasure out of it.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks

I'm reviewing When She Said I Do by Celeste Bradley at Smexybooks

When She Said I Do (Worthington #1) by Celeste Bradley Historical Romance
January 29, 2013
St Martins Press

Favorite Quote: “I exist here in this moment. I exist for her.“

I love retellings of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Especially when we are presented with such a deliciously naughty beast and a curious heroine who is more than able to tame him.

Miss Calliope Worthington is travelling with her parents and brother when their carriage overturns during a rainstorm and they are all forced into an abandoned mansion. Calliope’s search for food and dry clothing takes her throughout the mansion until she finds a dusty trunk filled with jewels. When the master of the home catches her with a long string of pearls, he accuses her of being a thief and demands payment…with her body. For each pearl she has “stolen”, she owes him a night of passion and obedience. Before things can go too far, her brother finds them and demands satisfaction for Calliope’s supposed compromising. Calliope is shocked by the feelings the man has invoked in her and seeks to rework their bargain before her brother kills him. She will marry him and repay him for the necklace, as long as she is able to go home once the last pearl is ‘repaid”. They come to an agreement and Calliope finds herself married to the beast.

Read the rest of my review at SmexyBooks. 

Review: An Infamous Marriage by Susanna Fraser

An Infamous Marriage by Susanna Fraser
Historical Romance
Ebook
November 5, 2012
Carina Press
Obtained through Net Galley.

Favorite Quote: “He may not earned the right, but he meant to live worthily of his extraordinary wife from this day forward.”

Jack Armstrong has spent his whole life on the battlefield, but nothing prepares him for battle he will have to fight in his own home. Jack married Elizabeth for convenience, then returned to the front lines. With the marriage left unconsummated and only a handful of cold letters between them. Jack isn't sure what to expect when he returns home; but a strong, confident, angry wife wasn’t it.

Elizabeth married Jack as a promise to her dying first husband. She hasn’t seen Jack in five years but she has certainly heard all about him and his escapades with other women. Having been the object of pity and ridicule because of his infidelity, Elizabeth has no intention of submitting to Jack in or out of the bedroom until he can earn her forgiveness.

As Jack prepares to battle his way into Elizabeth’s bed; his admiration and desire for Elizabeth  expands, until winning her heart and love is the only victory he will accept.

Marriage of convenience and infidelity aren’t new tropes in romances. Historically, brides get their husband’s last name and the security that comes with it while the mistresses got everything else. Often a blind eye was turned as long as the husband didn’t make a fool of his wife. In Suzanna Fraser’s An Infamous Marriage, the husband does make a fool out of his wife. Jack Armstrong, a lieutenant in the army, hadn’t planned to marry but when his best friend begged him, on his deathbed, to marry and care for his wife, Jack couldn’t deny him his dying request. So Jack reluctantly gets married, though the newly widowed Elizabeth, did offer to release him from the promise many times. A week after their marriage, Jack leaves for Canada to rejoin his unit, leaving a still grieving Elizabeth alone on his estate in a small secluded town. And here the trouble begins.

Jack, our hero, isn’t intentionally selfish or cruel. He is young, cocky, and seemingly has the world at his fingertips. Though a handsome man now, he wasn’t as a boy, and Jack’s self confidence needs the attention from the ladies. He doesn’t seek to hurt Elizabeth but offers up the notion that what she doesn’t know can’t hurt her. Besides, they never consummated the marriage so they aren't really married, at least in his mind. And no man is ever completely faithful, right? Unfortunately, gossip has a way of reaching even small secluded towns, as Jack learns when he arrives home, and Elizabeth proceeds to inform him that she knows all about his adventures. Jack finds himself in an unusual position. He’s ashamed of his behavior and seeks to make amends.

I liked Elizabeth. Not heralded as a great beauty, she is nonetheless a nice person who has seen her fair share of grief in her life but doesn’t wallow in self pity. She never made the mistake of thinking Jack was in love with her nor even that he would remain faithful...but she did expect him to treat her with respect as a person and as his wife. Already a victim of scandal as a child, hearing of his infidelities second hand made the pain and embarrassment worse. She chooses to hide herself on their estate; causing her to further blame Jack, for taking away her freedom.

Fraser does a wonderful job in addressing Jack’s infidelity and how it affects his relationship and marriage with Elizabeth. There is no instant forgiveness. Jack has to earn her trust and luckily for Elizabeth, he takes that to heart. Jack courts Elizabeth, much to her condensation and delight. Watching them get to know one and fall in love was interesting as well as humorous at times. The chemistry between them starts out slow but becomes quite steamy and ribald as both are naturally sensual people who are not shy in bed.

While we are introduced to various secondary characters, they really didn't make much of an impression on me story wise. They are more background scenery than anything else, for this story focuses solely on our hero and heroine. The background of the Napoleonic wars intertwines well with the storyline. The main conflict resolves easily, though there is a small crisis that comes back to threaten Jack and undo all the advancement he and Elizabeth have made. The resolution is believable and we are left with a small epilogue to assure us of our couple’s happiness.

My only problem with this book is that I was never able to connect with it beyond a singular level.  Well written, it’s told in a matter of fact style that lacks emotional tone. I felt as though the characters weren’t as fleshed out emotionally as they could have been. No real sense of frustration, anger, hurt, pain, ect...came through. They are quite congenial to one another. I wanted to feel Elizabeth’s rage and pain. I wanted Jack’s despair and anger to touch me. It was only in their lovemaking scenes did I get a hint of the passionate nature these characters had.

Even with my misgivings on the tone of the book, I did enjoy the story elements and the overall development of the characters and their relationship.

Overall Rating: C+

I’m reviewing Ruined by Moonlight by Emma Wildes at Smexybooks

 

Ruined By Moonlight (Whispers Of Scandal #1) by Emma Wildes
Historical Romance
Released: September 4, 2012
Signet

Favorite Quote: “Do you think a woman, experienced or not, cannot tell if a man puts true emotion into a kiss? “

I’m a well established fan of Ms. Wildes’s historical romances. I enjoyed her previous trilogy, Notorious Bachelors, a great deal and was excited to see her starting a new series. Ms. Wildes has a unique approach to historical romances. Her heroes and heroines are never over burdened with misunderstandings or book filling situations. Sweetly portrayed characters exist in viable storylines. Not overly emotional or angst driven, her books fill a nice spot on my bookshelf.

I wish I could say this story blew me away me, but I cannot. An interesting premise and mildly intriguing mystery that never seems to quite gain a foothold and expand. A deliciously decorated package that when opened, lacks substance. The best I can say is that it is sweet. The characters are sweet. The plot and subplots are sweet. The rescue is sweet. Even the villain, who isn’t really a villain, is sweet. There is no sense of adventure within the plot, only mild intrigue and suspense. No standing on the precipice, quivering in anticipation wondering what will happen.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I’m reviewing The Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens at Smexybooks

The Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
Historical Romance
Paperback
September 25, 2012
Avon

Favorite Quote: “This wasn’t some passing connection. This power and glory wasn’t something that would fade and die- “

Neville Roscoe is the notorious, scandalous owner of several gambling dens. A private man, he exists on the fringes of society and is given wide berth by everyone. We learn early on that Neville is really Lord Julian Delbraith and his decline into society’s more dark ventures is forced by family circumstances. He chooses to sacrifice himself in order to save his family from ruin. This has caused Neville to isolate himself, not only from his family, but from society in general. While not a heartless man, he is aloof and removed, in order to not only protect his family, but also himself. It’s only when he meets Miranda Clifford does his protective instincts come roaring forefront and he begins to wish that things were different.

Lady Miranda Clifford is locked in the rigid confines of society, made to pay for her mother’s fall from grace by her two spinster aunts. Her aunts have quashed almost all of her independence and spirit and Miranda has spent a majority of her life raising her younger brother and looking to making a respectable marriage. When her brother Roderick begins to buck against her yoke, Miranda knows it’s time to let him go but she finds herself following him one night to see what he is up to. He leads her to one of Neville’s gambling dens and she sneaks in to spy on her brother. Neville catches her and instead of ejecting her, he allows her to hide and see her what her brother is doing. Miranda appeals to Neville for help when a series of attacks befall her brother and before he knows it, Neville finds himself opening up to a woman who for all intents and purposes would be shunned should their association be discovered.

As their attraction to one another grows, Miranda makes a daring proposition and Neville, caught between his honor and passion for Miranda, agrees. Soon their affair blossoms into a love so deep and commanding, Neville fears that only death will release them.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I’m reviewing A Scandalous Countess by JO Beverly at Smexybooks

A Scandalous Countess (Mallorens #12) by Jo Beverley
Historical Romance
February 7, 2012
Signet

Favorite Quote: “Home. You are home.“

Once again, Jo Beverley transports us back in to the decadent and dazzling world of the Mallorens with the second book in her intriguing Three Countesses trilogy. Set in the Georgian era, Ms. Beverley’s opulent descriptions of the glittering ton with their witty dialogues and lively dalliances set against a dark background of intrigue continues to elevate this series beyond the normal historical romance.

Lady Georgia Maybury was married at the tender age of sixteen to the Earl of Mayberry and proceeded to shock and delight the beau monde with her daring escapades. Nicknamed Lady May for her flighty behavior; her husband did nothing to curtail her exploits but rather encouraged her as he was secure in her love for him. When her husband is killed in a duel, Georgia loses everything except her marriage provision and is forced to live once again with her parents. When her year of mourning comes to an end, her past behavior comes back to haunt her as vicious rumors of infidelity surface. Georgia plans to wait out the scandal until her mourning period ends but even time cannot turn back the tide that has turned society against her. Her only hope is to marry well again.

Lord Dracy is a former navel officer who inherits a improvised estate from a cousin. Scarred and poor, his chances of finding an heiress with a large purse to marry him is almost nonexistent. Forced to come up with funds to restore the estate, he bets his horse against the neighboring gentry. When Georgia’s father bets his racing horse against Dracy’s, Dracy knows his horse will win and hopes to use the Earl of Hernescroft’s horse to stud. However, Georgia’s father has a different prize in mind. His daughter. He feels that Dracy’s strong navel discipline will tame Georgia’s wild ways and protect her from the backstabbing ton.

 

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I’m reviewing Stephanie Lauren’s The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae at Smexybooks

The Capture Of The Earl Of Glencrae (Cynster Sisters Trilogy #3) by Stephanie Laurens
Historical Romance
January 31, 2012
Avon

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “I will hold you now and forever, and never let you fall.”

When Eliza Cynster was rescued by her hero, Jeremy Carling, they watched her kidnapper fall over a cliff and deduced that he was gone for good and the whole ordeal was over. That is, until the youngest sister, Angelica, is stolen away from a ball, in the same manner as her two older sisters were. But the similarities stop there.

Angelica knew she would recognize her hero from the first moment they laid eyes on each other, she didn’t however bargain on him kidnapping her. The Earl Of Glencrae is out of time. Though he didn’t want to deal with the youngest Cynster, he must or he will never get back a priceless heirloom that can save his clan. The Earl decides on a different tactic this time around; he is going to persuade Angelica to help him. And he’ll marry her to seal the deal.

 

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I’m reviewing The Rogue Who Loved Me by Ingela F. Hyatt at Smexybooks

The Rogue Who Loved Me by Ingela F. Hyatt
Historical Romance
Ebook
December 2011
Mundania Press

Favorite Quote: “What would it be like to love and be loved?”

The Rogue Who Loved Me is a straight forward historical romance set in the 16th century. A virgin innocent and a jaded rake mix business with pleasure when they embark on a dangerous game that could end with broken hearts or worse…death. Alexande, the Marquis Of Ravenspur has come home to ferret out a murderer and a spy at his king’s command. When he meets the lovely and very innocent Aubriana Welbrey, he is intrigued but he has no time for playful interludes. When Aubriana’s brother is implicated in a smuggling ring, the sheriff gives Aubriana a choice-help him spy on Alexande and find evidence he is the head of the smuggling ring or her brother faces charges. Aubriana is given a place in Alexande’s household as a maid but when he offers her the position of his mistress, she sees a way to complete her mission.

 

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.

I’m reviewing In The Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster by Stephanie Laurens at Smexybooks

 

When Heather Cynster is returned to her loving family by Viscount Breckenridge, the Cynsters know that the kidnapper will try again, so Eliza Cynster is placed under heavy guard until the elusive Laird is found. However, the Cynster's failed to take into account just how desperate the Laird is and Eliza is kidnapped right from under their noses. Spirited towards Edinburgh, Eliza sees a familiar face and seizes the chance to escape.
Jeremy Carling, a placid scholar of ancient tomes, is shocked to see Eliza Cynster screaming for help from a carriage. Not your usual knight in shining armour, Jeremy cannot abandon a damsel in distress and enlists his friends to save her.
As Eliza and Jeremy race through the wilds of Scotland, one step ahead of a desperate Laird and a vengeful kidnapper, they find themselves on the brink of something magnificent...if they have the courage to seize it.

Read the rest of my review at Smexybooks.