Review: Do You Want to Start a Scandal

Title: Do You Want to Start a Scandal
Author: Tessa Dare
Publishing Date: 2016
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased an ebook.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal is the 5th book in the Spindle Cove series by Tessa Dare.  While you can read this series out of order, it would still be my recommendation to read in order.  Only because the characters continually reappear in each of the books, but each book does have its own stand alone romance. 

In this installment Piers Brandon, who is a spy for the crown, is investigating a potential recruit at a garden party.  While snooping through the home owner's study, a young woman, Charlotte Highwood takes him by surprise.  One thing leads to another and they are found alone together.  To minimize the scandal, Piers agrees on an engagement to her.  He really is taken with her and finds himself wanting to convince her, marriage to him is a good thing.

I found Do You Want to Start a Scandal to be just what I needed at the moment.  It's lighthearted, charming and sweet.  Tessa Dare once again delivers another delightful addition to the Spindle Cove series.  Charlotte is adventurous and outspoken without being brash and rude.  She really is rather sweet and the reader quickly falls under her spell just as Piers does.  She feels bad that Piers is getting saddled with her all because they were found together alone.  Piers on the other hand, thinks this might be his lucky day and sets out to make sure he seals the deal.  What follows are a series of fun scenes. 

I really don't have any complaints about the book.  Its not very deep or heavy, but I think that is in its favor.  I would highly recommend this one if you need to escape from reality for a while.  I mean who wouldn't need that right about now!  Another enjoyable story by Tessa Dare.

Review: The Grand Sophy

Title: The Grand Sophy
Author: Georgette Heyer
Publishing Date: 1950
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Kisses
Book Disclosure: Received a free copy at the 2016 RT convention.

Some of Georgette Heyer's regency historical romance novels are being republished by Sourcebooks.  The Grand Sophy is about a young women who comes to stay with her Aunt due to her Father's journey to Brazil.  When she arrives at her Aunt's home she discovers she couldn't have come at a moment too soon.  The household seems to be in great disarray and no task is too small for Sophy to straighten out.  Her oldest cousin Charles, has inherited the estate and seems to manage it with an iron fist.  His management style has everyone in an uproar, especially his sweet sister Cecilia.  To everyone's consternation Cecelia is refusing to marry her fiancé and instead thinks she has fallen for an angelic poet who has no means of providing for her.

I have only read one other Heyer novel, Frederica.  Heyer's writing reminds me of the old fashioned style of writing, similar to Jane Austin's work.  The way the characters speak and act seems very genuine to the time period.  If historical novels with modern heroines annoy you, you won't have to worry about that in Heyer's work!

The Grand Sophy is a fun read.  Sophy is a hoot.  She has a great enthusiasm and zest for life.  She loves involving herself in everyone else's business, but she does it in a way that is fun, instead of meddlesome.  It's especially evidenced when ever she would interact with Charles's prickly fiancé, Eugenia.  Eugenia was also meddlesome, but always in an annoying, mean way. I love how Sophy outsmarts her in the end... so wickedly clever, but without any meanness at all.

There are a ton of characters in this book and sometimes it is hard to keep track of them all.  Sophy is such a clever person that she has her cousin spinning in circles and he almost doesn't know in which direction to turn next.  If you can get past the old-timey writing style, I would recommend this one.  It really is a cute story and very cleverly written.

Review - The Wicked Duke

Title: The Wicked Duke
Author: Madeline Hunter
Publishing Date: May 2016
Genre: Historical
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased an ebook.

The Wicked Duke is the third book in Madeline Hunter's Wicked Trilogy.  This is Lancelot Hemingford's book.  The first two books in the series involved his brothers, Gareth and Ives.  I read both of those books (actually, Hunter is an auto buy for me).  My favorite of the trilogy was Ives' story, Tall, Dark and Wicked.  If you are going to tackle this trilogy, I recommend reading them in order because the mystery surrounding Percy's death and the brothers' circumstances are carried throughout all three books.

The Duke of Alyesbury has been accused of murdering his brother the former Duke, Percy.  Alyesbury is rusticating at his country estate while hoping that the gossip surrounding him dies down.  While in the country, he meets his neighbor's niece, Marianne Radley.  The Duke can's help but be drawn to Marianne's presence she helps to bring a lightness to Lance in this dark time in his life.  Marianne is hesitant to be around the Duke because of the gossip surrounding him, but Lance is enjoying the chase.

The Wicked Duke is a solid conclusion to the Wicked Trilogy, but it was not my favorite of the series.  I think, for me, it was difficult to really like Lance as a hero - at least in the beginning.  He is cast as the anti-hero, the bad boy.  It takes a while to warm up to him and his circumstances.  For Marianne, she is a caretaker.  She is a strong lead heroine, but has just enough vulnerability that the Duke can come in and rescue her.  Both are keeping secrets from each other that provides angst, but not overly so.  A good solid read that I enjoyed, it just wasn't my favorite.

Review - Never Less Than a Lady

Title: Never Less Than a Lady
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Publishing Date: 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Diclosure: I received a used book through Paperbackswap.com

Never Less Than a Lady is the second book in Mary Jo Putney's Lost Lords series. I have to admit I put off reading this book because the first book in the series was just okay. But then one day I was in the mood for a historical and nothing was catching my eye until I read the back cover of this book. Nothing like a hero saving the day and rescuing a woman being kidnapped, and then since he's looking for a wife, decide that she will do! LOL! I am a sucker for these kinds of stories. Anyway, this one was pretty good and I enjoyed it better than the first book of the Lost Lord series.

Julia has some problems. Her late husband's family is after her and has plans to hurt her. Her first husband was abusive and to say Julia is skittish of men is an understatement. Alexander has always had a thing for Julia and once he learns of her precarious situation he comes to her rescue. Alex can't resist helping someone in need. He also has always emotionally distanced himself from people in the past to avoid getting hurt. Both he and Julia have a lot of leaning to do if they are going to make a successful go of their marriage.

Never Less Than a Lady is one of those books that is a study in marriage, especially for two people who are thrown together quickly. They have to learn to communicate and work through all their little quirks and insecurities. I found this book to be a quite enjoyable read. I recommend it for fans of the theme "Marriage of Convenience".

Review - Lady Beware

Title: Lady Beware
Author: Jo Beverly
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I downloaded an audiobook from the library.

Lady Beware is in Jo Beverly’s regency series A Company of Rogues. Lady Thea is accosted and propositioned - blackmailed really - into helping the notorious Vile Viscount Dorian. He wants to enter back into society and what better way with the most prim and proper Lady Thea on his arm. In exchange Dorian will help clear the name and honor of Thea's brother who is said to have deserted his duty in the recent war.

This book was a little weird for me because it was narrated by a man. I am much more used to women narrators that it threw me off a little. However, once I got over my initial shock of a male narrator I was able to enjoy the story. It really starts off with a very intriguing first meeting between the hero and heroine. I have to say that is always the highlight of a romance novel, is when the hero and heroine first lay eyes on each other. Lady Beware does not disappoint in that aspect.

I really enjoy Jo Beverly's writing. She has very well developed characters that seem very genuine to which the time period she is writing. The characters speak and act with historical accuracy, at least as much as my knowledge dictates me to discern. I found Lady Theo very likeable a heroine. She is graceful, virtuous and yet she has this underlying curiosity and intelligence that could possibly get her into trouble if she ever indulged it. Viscount Dorian encourages and enlightens Thea to be bolder and escape the rigid confines of her life. Thus these two interestingly enough balance each other out. Their discovery of each other and their differences was a delight to read.

There are a few places in the book when I thought that the story dragged. I don't know if it was the book itself or because I was listening to an audio version. Yes, right away the characters meet and then it felt like there was some time before thing really got cooking between them. The author had to set up the story, or some such nonsense! But all in all, I felt that this was an enjoyable story. I haven't read many books in the Company of Rogue's series and I need to remedy this.

Review - Unveiled

Title: Unveiled
Author: Courtney Milan
Publishing Date: February 2011
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new book.

Unveiled is the first book in a new series by Courtney Milan. Ash Turner made a vow to make the Duke of Parford regret the day he refused to help Ash in his darkest hour. Several years later that vow has come to fruition. He found a way to obtain the title for himself and make sure his brothers will never want for anything again. In Ash's quest for revenge, he didn't think about how his revelations would hurt the Duke's family, most especially his daughter Lady Margaret. When Ash comes to claim the manor, Margaret hides her identity behind a position as her father’s nurse. Margaret's loyalties are tested when she finds herself falling in love with Ash.

Unveiled is my first Courtney Milan book, brought to my attention by my lovely friend Delilah Marvelle. After reading the book I can see why Ms. Milan is fast becoming a Diva of Romance. Let’s first start with the characters. Ash Turner is a strong capable man, a man's man who is a little rough around the edges, but who hides his vulnerabilities deep inside. Margaret is an incredibly strong-willed woman uncertain of who she is and how she fits into the world. I loved that both characters were well balanced with strength and vulnerability and that they grow throughout the story.

Unveiled has a lot of depth to the story and a lot of angst. The situation for Ash and Margaret to fall in love is fraught with landmines all around it. I thought the book started out a little slow. The characters and plot were slowly being built up. However, it is well worth the wait. The writing is very picturesque and beautiful. There is plenty of angst, but I would like to classify it as a more modern angst. It is not like old school romances. Where the characters’ situation is what creates the angst, but the characters themselves act with forethought and a maturity that 80s romances lacked. I liked it. Ms. Milan is definitely on my radar.

Review - Notorious Pleasures

Title: Notorious Pleasures
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Publishing Date: February 2011
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Notorious Pleasures is the second book in Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. Lady Hero , right before her betrothal to the duke of Wakefield is to be announced, finds her finace's brother having relations with a married woman. Hero finds everything about the Duke's brother off putting. So why then does she find herself attracted to the blasted man? Even when Hero is off helping the orphanage she is a major patroness of; she finds Griffin meddling in her affairs.

I actually wasn't going to read this book. I was just going to skip on over to Silence's story when it came out. But I was talking to Ms. Hoyt at RT and she was telling me that Silence's story continues in Notorious Pleasures and of course since I like Silence so much I caved in and read this one. I know. I act like it was such a hardship :)

I think if most readers can get past the first chapter where the heroine finds the hero with another woman, then they are in for good read. I really enjoy Ms. Hoyt's writing style. She does a fantastic job of balancing action, dialogue and internal insight to the characters with pizzazz and flair. Notorious Pleasures is no exception. There is a lot of really wonderful dialogue between Hero and Griffin. There is a lot of heat and sexual tension between these two.

There is mystery that has continued on from the first book Wicked Intentions that will continue along through the other books in the series. I think it would be best to read this series in order, although, each book does stand alone. I can't wait for Silence's book. Really, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more of Silence in this book, but there was just enough of a teaser to get me really hungry for the next book.

Review - A Rake's Guide to Pleasure

Title: A Rake's Guide to Pleasure
Author: Victoria Dahl
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy at last year's RT Book Convention.

Emma Jensen takes her leave of the country to head to London. She makes the acquaintance of an old family friend by portraying herself as a young eccentric widow who enjoys gambling. In reality, Emma desperately needs the money to live on so she can live independently from an ardent suitor from her past. In London she catches the eye of Somerhart, a Duke who has the reputation of quite the womanizer. In truth though, Somerhart is anything but a rake. He was once spurned very publicly by his lady love and has been extremely cautious of women since.

I found A Rake's Guide to Pleasure to be a pleasant read. I found both Emma and Somerhart likable characters. Emma can be impulsive and reckless at times, but her overall disposition is a sweet and caring woman. Somerhart is a confident man on the outside, but inside he feels less than worthy. By the end of the story he comes into his own, though. I liked that even though things were rough between him and Emma at the end. He doesn't give up and goes after the girl. Overall, I found this book to be an entertaining read, a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

Review - White Tigress

Title: White Tigress
Author: Jade Lee
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I downloaded a free ebook from Amazon.

White Tigress is the first in a series by Jade Lee. Lydia Smith left England to sail to Shanghai in search of her fiancé. Once there, she mistakenly accepts the help of a captain and ends up in a brothel, sold to Cheng Ru Shan. Ru Shan is a prominent businessman who buys Lydia in the hopes that her Yin will help his Yang reach full enlightenment. They both come to many misunderstandings because of culture clashes before they begin to realize that they truly care for each other.

I found White Tigress to be quite an entertaining story that captured my interest right from the beginning. Lydia is kind of a bone head for getting herself into the situation she is in by being impulsive and not thinking things through. Lucky for her, Ru Shan is the man who ends up taking her home at the brothel. She is lucky that a worse fate did not befall her. Ru Shan needs Lydia, for he believes that by being with her - as she is the Yin to his Yang - he will reach enlightenment. He treats her with respect and reverence. Even though she is there against her will, Lydia begins to see that Ru Shan is a good man.

Eventually, these two characters develop real feelings for one another. They have to learn to accept their different cultures. This was one of the highlights for me in the book. I enjoyed experiencing the different cultures through the character’s different view points. There are lots of misunderstandings that they have to talk about and work through before they get to their happy ever after. I liked that this book was different from most regency historical books that I have read and I found the change refreshing. Lydia's impulsiveness may be off putting to some readers but overall, I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I recommend it for those who are looking for something different from the norm.

The Perfect Wife

Title: The Perfect Wife
Author: Victoria Alexander
Publishing Date: 1996
Genre: Historical
Rating: D
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received this as a free book from a friend a year ago.

Sabrina Winfield has longed for stability for her daughter and herself since her first husband died young and virtually left her penniless. She has been an example of just what a young woman should be, not calling attention to herself and living an exemplary lifestyle. The Earl of Wyldewood's son is engaged to her daughter, yet he might just have designs on the Mother of the Bride. After all, he is in need of a wife himself and what a lovely woman she is. Sabrina has vowed never to need to depend on a man. Very uncharacteristically of her she decides to head to Egypt in search of treasure that will provide her daughter with a proper dowry.

I had a lot of problems with this book. I will say that I was quickly sucked into the story by a charismatic character in Lady Sabrina and her wild adventure after a treasure. However, Lady Sabrina after a few short chapters turned out to be a very annoying character. She was extremely hard headed with her own perception of things with not much bending room. She came across as immature and flighty, which I did not find endearing in the least. I liked Nicholas more than I did Sabrina. He seemed to have a good head on his shoulders and I was quick to take his side over things rather than Sabrina's, but in the end, I wondered what he saw in her.

There was a secondary love story between Sabrina's daughter Belinda and Nicholas's son Erick. Their relationship was just touched upon but did not really delve beneath the surface. I cringed at Sabrina's reaction to her daughter at times and vice versa. Belinda was exactly as Sabrina raised her, yet Sabrina would get annoyed with her daughter's behavior when that was how she was taught to behave. Sabrina and Nicholas’s love story was moderately believable at best. I can't really recommend this book. It was definitely not my style.

Review - The Lady Most Likely...

Title: The Lady Most Likely...
Author: Anthology: Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway
Publishing Date: 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Lady Finchley, the sister to Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, decides to throw a party at her country house inviting the most eligible young ladies. Hugh has decided that it is high time to get married after recently being close to death. He has asked Carolyn to help him find a suitable wife. Carolyn not only plans to match make for her brother but for her best friend Georgina too, who was widowed young. Not two, but three couples find love at this country party.

I don't usually read anthologies but this one caught my eye with the great list of authors participating. I really liked that all three stories were related by taking place at the country party and involved all the same characters. There are three distinct couples who find love at this party. I am not going to go into specifics because part of the fun of reading the book is discovering who ends up with who.

I felt that the stories flowed seamlessly together to where I would not have been able to identify the different authors if not for the labeling at the top of the page. I did however feel that the character Hugh's personality went from mildly appealing to greatly appealing by the end of the story. I like the direction the author's took his character and I enjoyed his romance the best. I thought all three stories were fun to read, but not overtly exceptional. This anthology is just a nice way to pass the time and I enjoyed the three sweet stories.

Review - When Beauty Tamed the Beast

Title: When Beauty Tamed the Beast
Author: Eloisa James
Publishing Date: February 2011
Genre: Historical
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy for my Nook eReader from Barnes and Noble.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast is the second book in Eloisa James Fairy Tale series. *You do not need to have read the first book in the series to read this one.* When Miss Linnet Thryne finds herself utterly and truly ruined, her father and aunt concoct a plan to wed her to Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant. Linnet doesn't seem to have much choice in the matter and meekly goes along with her family’s wishes. The only problem is that Piers is one of those very grumpy, cantankerous men and only a truly astonishing woman will be the one to capture his heart. Imagine his surprise to find Linnet on his doorstep with her shining beauty. But that is not the only thing that captures his attention.

Wow. Can I just say, wow!! This book completely blew me away. I loved everything about it. This is my third Eloisa James novel and so far I have loved everything she has written. This may just be my favorite so far. I absolutely adored everything about Linnet and Piers. At first I was a little worried that Linnet wouldn't have what it takes to capture Pier's heart. He is such a beastly man with a horrid temper. His intellect is outstanding and I was worried that Linnet would be to mild mannered for him and that he would walk all over her.

It turns out I was wrong and just needed to let the story unfold at its own pace. The dialogue between Linnet and Piers is fantastic. Ms. James is a master at dry humor and snide witty comments had me in stitches. Then the reader also gets the added bonus of a secondary love story between Pier's parents. I loved that they get a second chance at love. In addition the ending of this story is so completely moving and beautiful. I was up late at night because I could not put the book down. I love the unexpected twist to universal tale of Beauty and the Beast. I highly recommend this one!!! If you have not tried Eloisa James yet, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect place to start!!

Review - Raine

Title: Raine
Author: Elizabeth Amber
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Historical/Erotic
Rating: C-
Sensuality: Burning
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy at the 2010 RT Book Lovers Convention.

Raine is the second book in Elizabeth Amber's The Lords of the Satyr series. Three brothers have been tasked with finding the Fairy King's daughters and marrying them to keep them safe from harm. Raine the second brother is already scarred from an unsuccessful first marriage that failed because of his ravenous sexual appetite. Needless to say he is definitely reluctant when it comes to finding the King's daughter. He finds her in Venice, Italy. Jordan has been raised as a man. She is the most unusual person because she actually has both male and female genitalia. When Raine sets eyes on her Jordan can't believe that a man can look at her as a woman when most of her life she has only been known as a man, especially when deep down inside intrinsically she knows she is a woman regardless of her mysterious sexuality.

I must admit when I first heard about this book I was intrigued. I mean who wouldn't be a little bit curious about a female character that has both a vagina and a penis! I went into this book knowing that it would be outrageous. Knowing that, this book did have its moments when it came to ridiculousness, but I didn't feel that Jordan's sexuality was one of them. What I had a problem with were the so called "bad guys". I just hate it when the bad guys get a lot of page space in a book. That is exactly what happened in Raine and I couldn't stand to read the demented ravings of the enemy. In this case there wasn't just one but two.

I did like Jordan's character and her internal struggle with whether or not she was a man or a woman. There were facets to her personality that suggested she enjoyed playing both parts. I was disappointed though with the conclusion to the story. Jordan and Raine have a major confrontation at the end of the book and I don't feel like things were resolved between them satisfactorily. I felt that Raine owed Jordan a huge apology because of that fight and it never came. The final sex scene seemed overly gratuitous when I would have liked to see them work through some of their earlier conflicts. I will give Ms. Amber kudos for her imagination though!

Review - A Gentleman's Wager

Title: A Gentleman's Wager
Author: Madelynne Ellis
Publishing Date: 2003
Genre: Historical/Erotic
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Burning
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.com.

Bella Rushdale and her brother are invited to stay with their neighbor for a summer party in the English countryside. Bella is excited at the prospect of being around Lucerne Marlinscar and wishes to catch his attentions. Bella is surprised when she realizes that she is not the only one who has eyes for Lucerne. Another gentleman Vaughan, Marquis Pennerley also has his sights set on Lucerne. Bella and Vaughan compete for Lucerne's favors, which eventually lead to emotional entanglements from every party.

A Gentleman's Wager was a pleasant surprise for me. I tend to be hard when grading erotic romances and usually feel that character development or plot is usually neglected in light of focusing on the sexual activities of the characters. I felt that A Gentleman's Wager was able to balance lots of sex yet it seemed integral to the characters personalities and the relationships between them. And I will also say that this is the first time I have ever thought that a ménage a trios is written in a believable, honest light.

For me, the characters are what really make this book interesting and most especially Vaughan, Marquis Pennerley. Vaughan is such a bad boy. He loves causing mischief anywhere he goes. He is such a troublemaker!! He will say and do things to create complete and utter chaos. It is why Lucerne, who is completely steadfast, is drawn to him. Actually, Vaughan is able to draw most people and is similar to a train wreck where you just can't turn away. I also enjoyed the development where the relationships between Lucerne and Vaughan and Lucerne and Bella eventually morph to encompass feelings between Vaughan and Bella from hostility to affection.

If I had to complain about one thing in this book it would be Bella's lack of supervision, or actually any unmarried woman. It felt that the women in that time period would have been chaperoned a little better than they were. The author does touch on this a little bit at least in terms of Bella, but it felt out of place in the time period the book was written. I am glad to know that there is another book that continues to explore the relationship between Bella, Vaughan and Lucerne. I will definitely be reading it.

Review - Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Title: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume
Author: Julia Quinn
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Historical
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from paperbackswap.com.

The neat thing about Mr. Cavendish, I Presume is that it tells the same story as The Lost Duke of Wyndham but from a different perspective. The first book, TLDOF told the story from Jack Audley's and Grace Eversleigh's points of view. Now MCIP is told from Thomas Cavendish's and Amelia Willoughby's points of view. Thomas may or may not be the Duke of Wyndham since Jack Audley is his cousin of whom no one knew existed. Thomas will travel with an entourage of people to discover if indeed Jack's parent's marriage is legitimate and if so then Thomas will no longer be the Duke. To make matters even more complicated Thomas has been engaged to Lady Amelia Willoughby since they were young children. Thomas has put off his responsibility in marrying her and now that he finds she may not be his intended he discovers that he is more bothered by that fact than actually losing his title.

What I liked. Julia Quinn does a very good job of showing instead of telling the story. There are a lot of really great scenes between Amelia and Thomas where they are open and frank with each other. I liked that Amelia has a backbone where Thomas is concerned and decides she is tired of waiting around for him. Her impulsive nature is good for Thomas because he is too serious and stuffy most of the time. I thought it was interesting that Ms. Quinn decided to write the same story but using different perspectives. It was neat to see the same scene being played out but getting a different view of it.

What I didn't like. I had some issues with Thomas. I hated that he kept Amelia waiting and took her for granted. His indifference was hurting Amelia and because he was so self absorbed it took him a while to see that. It also took Thomas a painfully long time to realize that if he wants Amelia then he needs to go after her and win her affection. Basically, Thomas was such a Nob! The good thing is that at least Thomas grows throughout the story.

Review - Sinful

Title: Sinful
Author: Charlotte Featherstone
Publishing Date: 2010
Genre: Historical/Erotic
Rating: D
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.com

Matthew, the Earl of Wallingford needs money. His father has decided to cut him off from funds because of his wild and reckless lifestyle. Matthew holds an auction for one of his very risqué paintings. This money will allow him to open his own art gallery. After the action Matthew is jumped by a couple of thugs and is brutally beaten and left for dead. Someone finds him and he is taken to a hospital where he is nursed by Jane Rankin who is considered shy and plain by most.

Sinful started out with promise. Charlotte Featherstone's writing is very sensual and the characters were intriguing, each with a mysterious past. Unfortunately, things went downhill after the first quarter of the book. There is a point when Matthew insults Jane with such cruelty. It was such an ugly hurtful scene that I felt in order for things to work between them Matthew was going to have to grovel. He never really does. I believe they do talk about the incident but not much in the way of an apology is given.

Then the ending of the book was a complete an utter disappointment. Matthew had some major baggage in his past and I don't feel that it was ever resolved. Also, I felt cheated at the way that Matthew and Jane get their "happy ever after". I can't really go into details without spoiling it for other readers. Just suffice it to say that I was majorly disappointed. I almost wish I had not finished the book and just stopped in the middle. I would have been more satisfied. Sorry, but this is not a book I can recommend.

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Review - Prelude to a Scandal

Title: Prelude to a Scandal
Author: Delilah Marvelle
Publishing Date: January 2011
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author.

Prelude to a Scandal is the first book in Delilah Marvelle's newest series. Lady Justine is in a bit of a pickle. Her father has been incarcerated for his scandalous, scientific research on the mating habits of animals. Justine creates a proposal to gain the help of her Father's most staunch supporter Radcliff, the Duke of Bradford. She offers Radcliff several nights with her in exchange for helping to secure her father's release from Prison. Radcliffe counter-offers with a proposal of marriage.

Prelude to a Scandal's plot had me engrossed in the story right from the beginning. The pacing flowed marvelously and the characters both had interesting personalities. Radcliff was unusual in the sense that he has an addiction to sex, so much so that he feels ashamed of his inability to control his physical needs. Justine's personality was different in the fact that as a woman in that time period she felt very refreshing and modern. These two learn to communicate early on in their relationship and have no issues with honesty. But they do have other issues that they must work through.

I worried a little when starting this book that with the hero having a sex addiction that the content would be very dark. That wasn't the case at all. Even though the subject matter was serious the tone of the book was light and not angsty at all. Sometimes Justine would come across as unfeeling towards Radcliff because she would take a tough love approach to his issues. It felt a little insensitive at times. But for the most part the book has very funny, light mood. I would recommend this book to a historical romance fan who is in the mood for something fun without brooding, moody characters.

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Review - Warrior

Title: Warrior
Author: Zoe Archer
Publishing Date: September 2010
Genre: Historical Paranormal
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.com

Warrior is the first book in Zoe Archer's The Blades of the Rose series. Captain Gabriel Huntley has only known the life of a soldier, but now that he has left the service he has plans to settle down in the English countryside. Not long after leaving the docks he witnesses a group of people attacking a man. Never one to stand an unfair fight, Gabriel comes to the man’s assistance. Unfortunately, the man dies and Gabriel makes a promise to go to Mongolia to deliver a message. When Gabriel gets to Mongolia, he becomes embroiled in a mission upon saving magical artifacts that must not get into the wrong hands. Never one to back away from danger, Gabriel takes it upon himself to protect Thalia Burgess, whose father is a member of The Blades of the Roses and is too sick to go on the mission himself.

For me the strength of this book is the unusual setting of Mongolia and the paranormal plot development. The scenery and customs of the Mongolian people is unique and interesting to read about. The history of the people and how magic is tied to the earth reminded me some of Native American culture. The fact that the story is told through an Englishman and woman makes it all the more different.

While I like both Gabriel and Thalia, I felt that the romance between these two seemed forced. Instead of showing me how the relationship developed, the author told me. At least this is how it was in the beginning of the book. By the time I had read half the book, I felt the writing had gotten better and the relationship felt less forced. For me though, I was more focused on the external conflict between the Blades and Heirs. I definitely see the potential in this series. It is unusual enough that I will be giving the second book Scoundrel a try.

Review - Touch of Scandal

Title: One Touch of Scandal
Author: Liz Carlyle
Publishing Date: October 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from the library.

One Touch of Scandal is the first book in a new trilogy by Liz Carlyle. The trilogy revolves around a secret society, Fraternitas Aurea Crucis. Lucifer, Lord Ruthveyn is one such member. He is surprised to find Grace Guathier on the front stoop of the clubhouse in search of help. Grace has been accused of murdering her fiancé. Her father now deceased had told her if she was ever in trouble to find Sergeant Welham. Instead of finding her childhood friend, Grace finds herself ensnared by the dark enigmatic Lord Ruthveyn.

There is a lot going on in One Touch of Scandal. Amongst the romance between Grace and Lucifer there is the mystery surrounding Grace's fiancé. There is also the secret society and its political intrigues and then there is a paranormal/psychic quality to Lucifer's personality. All of these different side-plots were very well thought out. I especially found the murder plot very intriguing. However, with so much going on in the book I thought the romance between Lucifer and Grace suffered some. This could be due to my lack of interest in the political parts of the book, when I would rather to get back to the romance.

I liked Grace's character. She was able to pull Lucifer emotionally out behind the wall he built up around himself. The trust between these two characters was crucial and for both characters. Grace is accused of murder and Lucifer intuitively believes Grace when she says she didn't do it. He never waivers in his belief of her. Similarly, Grace accepts that Lucifer is different and patiently waits for him to trust his secrets to her. I think if the external plot points had been toned down a little I would have enjoyed the story more.

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Review - The Pirate Lord

Title: The Pirate Lord
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Publishing Date: 1998
Genre: Historical
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.com

The Pirate Lord is the first book in Sabrina Jeffries Lord Trilogy. Sara Willis, Stepdaughter to the late Earl of Blackmore, has devoted her life to helping those less fortunate than her. She learns that a group of women convicts are being shipped to New South Wales. Despite her brother's opposition Sara obtains passage on the ship as a schoolteacher. Shortly after passage Sara's boat is taken by a group of pirates. The Captain Gideon Horn learns that the ship is full of women and gets the brilliant idea to capture the ship so his men will have wives. Gideon has found an unoccupied island in the tropics and plans to create his own Utopia. His plans don't exactly go as planned once Sara puts her mind to riling up the women to disagree to the idea.

I picked up The Pirate Lord because my good friend Kristie J. recommended it to me. It sounded like a fun, yet silly book and I haven't read a good pirate romance in a while. I was pleasantly surprised that the book wasn't as silly as I feared. It actually had more serious undertones than I expected and was pleasantly surprised. It was a little slow in the middle and the ending was predictable. However, I thought both Gideon and Sara were strong characters.

Sara and Gideon have met their match with the other. Both are used to getting what they want, easily bowling over any opposition. Once they encounter each other it is like fire to water. Both are stubborn in the face of their own wants and beliefs and are not afraid to go after them. Their first encounters are fun to read. The middle part of the book drags a little bit for me because Sara takes so long to come to the conclusion that Gideon is a good man. It is pretty obvious to the reader that he is a decent guy despite his kidnapping a bunch of women for his own nefarious purposes! Gideon is one of those heroes who doesn't trust women and predictably the story foreshadows that Gideon will believe that Sara betrays him. While that was predictable there is still a surprise element that left me quite satisfied with the story. Thanks Kristie J for recommending this one to me!