A Christmas Code by Jacki Delecki #newrelease #regencyromance

Blurb: Lady Gwyneth Beaumont has long awaited the opportunity to show Viscount James Ashworth that she is no longer the impetuous child who dogged his footsteps. Now a much sought-after debutante, she is determined to prove to the hard-headed rake that she is a grown woman and a worthy participant in both the spy game and the game of love.

Ash, recently returned from three years undercover in France in His Majesty’s service, wants nothing more than to complete his final mission and retire to his bucolic country estate. However, what seemed a simple assignment to protect the Prince Regent at a Christmas party turns into a maze of intrigue, desire, and treachery.

Adding to the perilous secret operation is one problem Ash never anticipated: The appearance of the reckless, enticing Gwyneth, who has blossomed into a gorgeous woman and self-appointed spy. When a snooping Gwyneth uncovers a shocking secret, she puts herself in mortal danger.

Can Ash protect Gwyneth and the Prince from French assailants and, at the same time, win the passionate lady's heart? 

Can Ash and Gwyneth both triumph as winners in the game of spies and love?

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Author Bio: Descended from a long line of storytellers, Jacki spins adventures filled with mystery, healing and romance.

Jacki’s love affair with the arts began at a young age and inspired her to train as a jazz singer and dancer. She has performed many acting roles with Seattle Opera Company and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Her travels to London and Paris ignited a deep-seated passion to write the romantic, regency The Code Breaker Series. Jacki is certain she spent at least one lifetime dancing in the Moulin Rouge.

Jacki has set her Grayce Walters Mystery Series in Seattle, her long-time home. The city’s unique and colorful locations are a backdrop for her romantic mystery.

Although writing now fills much of her day, she continues to volunteer for Seattle’s Ballet and Opera Companies and leads children’s tours of Pike Street Market. Her volunteer work with Seattle’s homeless shelters influenced one of her main characters in An Inner Fire and Women Under Fire.

Jacki’s two Golden Labs, Gus and Talley, were her constant companions. Their years of devotion and intuition inspired her to write both dogs as heroes in each series.

A geek at heart, Jacki loves superhero movies--a hero’s battle against insurmountable odds. But her heroines don’t have to wear a unitard to fight injustice and battle for the underdog.

Look for more heart-pounding adventure, intrigue, and romance in A Code of the Heart—A Regency Novella, next in the Code Breaker Series, to be released on Valentine’s Day, 2015.

To learn more about Jacki and her books and to be the first to hear about giveaways join her newsletter found on her website. 

Author Links: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Silk and Scorn by Cassandra Dean

No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance# and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur #for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him. His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to. Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?

The Silk Series, Book 2 Early Victorian Sweet Romance
Coming 19 February 2014 Decadent Publishing

   

Excerpt:

15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall. He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established. At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth. Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome. Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.” Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.” “Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.” Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall. Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?” With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk. Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck. Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.” The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no. The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized. Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.  


  Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born. So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels. The love affair exists to this very day. Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

You can find Cassandra at: CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 

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Review: The Runaway Countess by Leigh Lavalle

Review: The Runaway Countess by Leigh Lavalle

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For more information about this author or the backcover blurb visit Leigh Lavalle's website here.

Love has a way of opening your eyes, even when you don’t want too…

For Trent Carthwick, Earl of Radford, justice and the rules of law have always come before emotions. He’s steadfast in his duty to parliament, and believes in truth and honor above all. So the presence of a highwayman running rampant through his village and preying on friends of his father is the last thing he wants to malign his character. The one person who can reveal the highwayman is a prisoner… err, guest in his home. Although it will take more than threats to loosen the lips of this beguiling beauty, Mazie Chetwyn, and Trent’s finding it hard not to fall into a trap.

Lavalle’s debut is delicious! There’s something to be said for a story of a woman on the run and an Earl crossing paths. Although, Mazie isn’t everything she appears to be and neither is Trent. From the get go, I was submerged in a story that had me turning the page’s with an urge to know more. The most captivating part is the emotions that plague and tie Trent and Mazie together. They’re both trying to protect something, and neither of them can see a solution that comes out in their favor. Add in a growing attraction, that they can’t expel, and it’s plain to see disaster sits on the horizon.

Trent is arrogant, and devoted to the rules. He’s determined to get his way—regardless of the cost, except what way that is he isn’t sure, as every turn and twist in discovering the highwayman opens the floodgates to problems he didn’t know he had. Mazie is running from previous abandonment, and desires to be free of anyone’s control. She refuses to yield to Trent’s requests for her honesty, hoping instead to lead him on a merry chase while she plots her escape.

As the days tick away Trent discovers more about Mazie, bringing a wave of additional attraction and sympathy to this wayward woman. Mazie on the other hand is shocked to discover that each assumption she has towards Trent is somewhat unfounded, though her hesitations toward disclosure remain. As the blurb describes it’s a constant battle of passion, wit, and deflecting the truth from one another as Mazie and Trent play out their dangerous dance.

My one caveat to this story is completely personal; the villains didn’t get their just reward! Oh, not that the villains weren’t evil. They were, despicably so. I just felt they didn’t receive the punishment they deserved. It made me angry to see Trent, a man so influenced by justice, refusing to exact more of a punishment. If it was possible, I’m not sure, but it would’ve been nice.

I will say Lavalle kept me on my toes, and created a real sense of doubt. I didn’t think the characters would get an HEA. I didn’t believe that enough growth had occurred, when in reality the growth was there. You just get the deliverance at the right time and right place! Overall, if you like a story where characters must question their own beliefs, and evaluate their scruples then this book is one to read. It’s a love story that reminds me of how love can form between different people, and even when it makes you question the very ideals you hold dear.

*Previously featured on The Season

Review: A Waltz at Midnight by Crista McHugh

Review: A Waltz at Midnight by Crista McHugh

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Crista's website here.

When someone begs... no, offers to pay you to write letters to get rid of a suitor just say no!

In Susanna Parkwell's case she can't turn away the offer for a few extra coins. Especially when her brother desperately needs the money to continue his education. What Susanna doesn't expect is to become enthralled with the very man she's supposed to rebuke. Susanna is a bit of a day dreamer, surprisingly enough since she's survived the Civil War and lost everything she holds dear. At the same time Susanna has a practical and near cynical view of the fairy tale ending that she secretly longs for. I do believe the lady protests too much, and indeed it's not long before Susanna finds herself wishing the man behind such poignant responses to her witty diatribe would come and sweep her away.

Theodore at first glance appears to be a bit of weakling. He's guided by his father's purse strings and not much else. When his father informs him that he must marry, and that a match has already been selected he merely gives in to the inevitable. This trait did not endear Theo to me in the least, but I kept reading... hoping for Theo's redemption. Honestly he's a hero, so he better do something amazing. McHugh quickly turned the tables. Theo's capitulation to his father's desires is just one of many facets to his character. The truth of Theo becomes apparent through the correspondence with Susanna. The climatic meeting, and the events that follow are a Cinderella dream.

Overall, A Waltz at Midnight is endearing, and speaks to the little girl inside every woman that's looking for her prince to ride in on the white horse. Researching McHugh's previous writings revealed this is her first foray into the Historical Romance genre. After getting a small taste of what she's capable of, I can only hope there are more Historical Romance books on the horizon from this author!

Review: Gypsy Bond by Lindy Corbin

Review: Gypsy Bond by Lindy Corbin

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information on this novella visit the Steel Magnolia Press website here. 

What happens when a well-bred lady attempts to regain her Gypsy husband...

A ton of tension, and potential heartache-- that's what happens. Luckily, Corbin is able to successfully pull of a story where both hero and heroine have huge issues, and little hope of making it work.
This novella is a refreshing step of the beaten path of Regency Romance. We have Juliet Bailey, married to a gypsy husband, Marko Lovel, who abandoned her four years ago. Now that his tribe has returned to her father's land, she's bound and determined to reclaim him and her place at his side. But Marko has his reasons for leaving her once, and for his sudden return now. Can Juliet finally convince him of her love, that's never wavered, or will Marko leave her again?

Juliet's character is incredibly strong. She has some guts walking into a gypsy camp, unescorted, and demanding a place by her husband's side. Her husband on the other hand was quite off-putting. At least to start, I didn't care for him, but by the end of the story he grew on me. Marko definitely has the character of a gypsy, quick to offense and quick to possess. I recommend to readers that purchase this story to remember that Marko isn't guided by the same rules or beliefs of Regency lords and gentlemen. His attitudes and actions appear even a little more roguish then most.

Overall, this is a quick read with a delightful ending. Especially since there are 2 other villains in this tale that get a comeuppance. Quirky secondary characters were a delight, and I hope to see more from Corbin involving Gypsy's.

If you enjoyed Lisa Kleypas' first two books in the Hathaway series then this is a must purchase.

Review: Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel

Review: Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release Date: February 7th, 2012

For back cover blurb, excerpt, and more information about this book visit Carolyn Jewel's website here.

A wickedly stunning start to a new series!

Lady Lily Wellstone is on a mission to save her widowed friend Eugenia from certain demise, at the hands of emotional sorrow and grief. Her arrival at the Bitterward Estate is only a mission of mercy. What Lily doesn’t expect is to find an attraction to Eugenia’s brother, the Duke of Mountjoy; a wicked name in and of itself!

Soon all bets are off as neither she nor he can deny the attraction they have toward each other. The only problem is Mountjoy’s impending engagement, and Lily’s firm insistence that love is a snare she will never succumb to again. Regardless of their impediments, Mountjoy and Lily find themselves often at odds and alone, leaving room for all manner of wicked things.

Jewel once again creates a cast of stellar characters that are a constant source of amusement. Lily is definitely a good mix of worldly and feisty all-in-one. She’s not afraid to try anything once, is a mastermind when it comes to fashion, and seeks the joy each new day can bring. This woman almost seems fearless. Yet, there is some weakness about her, especially when the prospects of intimate emotions toward a male are mentioned. Honestly I kept wondering if anything ever fazed Lily. She’s uncharacteristically strong which appealed and slightly repelled me. At the end I was more of a disposition to love her than rebuke her, since she is able to overcome the few fears that she has.

Mountjoy on the other hand was the one that needed saving. He’s just a big, hot, fashion-lacking mess! Luckily Lily is exactly the person that can turn his world on end and save him from himself. He’s a little overbearing and absent— absorbed in his own duty. I can say that this character is frustrating once you get to know him, and his journey through the course of the book is what I enjoyed the most.

Secondary cast members are equally likable; paving way for what I know will be a delicious continuance. One other thing to mention is that Jewel shocked me. I really can’t find the words to allude as to how, but let’s just say that ‘personal’ interactions were a bit different and I liked it. The title fits this story perfectly, and if you’re looking for a heroine that is outside the norm Lily Wellstone is the one you seek.

P.S. The cover alone is pure wickedness!

Review: Mad About the Earl by Christina Brooke

Review: Mad About the Earl by Christina Brooke

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Christina Brooke's website here.

Usually beauty tames the beast…

Lady Rosamund Westruther has been matched by the Ministry of Marriage to marry Griffith, Earl of Tregarth since childhood. She’s accepted her arranged marriage with decorum and believes in her duty, as all proper ladies should. Until the stubborn, inattentive man refuses to offer her respect, and demands her attendance to his wishes; even though he’s put off their marriage for years since the official announcement of their engagement.

Traveling to London to retrieve his obstinate fiancé, Griffith expects to gather his future bride and return to his home without suffering the ridicule or prying eyes of the ton. What he doesn’t expect is Rosamund to flat out refuse him if he doesn’t court her. Griffith knows he’s brutish, and lacks the manners that polite society requires. The idea of paying court to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met seems an impossible task. But something about Rosamund spurs him on, and for some reason this woman seems just as enthralled with him.

The second installment in Brooke’s Ministry of Marriage series is captivating, and wickedly clever. The author draws you in with her characters, every last one. From a tortured hero and heroine to the villains waiting in the wing, I couldn’t get enough. Rosamund is just as tortured for her beauty and connections, as Griffith is ridiculed for his size and arresting looks. From a visual standpoint these two are polar opposites, internally their similar creatures. Both seek to create a new image for themselves, Rosamund by escaping the ton and becoming a wife, and Griffith by overcoming his insecurities about his image and actions.

Add in a viper of a mother, a jilted would-be beau, a murder and you’ve got a jam-packed book from start to finish. Luckily, Brooke doesn’t leave any loose ends. She does a good job of tying up the story lines, and giving everyone a better look at the other members of the Westruther brood; including the male Westruther’s, whom readers haven’t seen too much of yet. My only caveat was that I felt the back end of the book’s pace was a little bit slower than I anticipated. Nothing to throw fits about, but it ruined some of the enchantment for me.

Overall, Brooke’s sequel to An Heiress in Love is a good read, and will keep you on your toes. If you enjoy stories that provide lead characters in need of mutual rescue this is a for sure purchase.

Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloise James

Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloise James

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Eloise James website here.

James’ creates wild characters amidst a regency setting, with a fairytale tie-in…

This book is filled with characters screaming for a chance at attention. First you meet Olivia Lytton, future Duchess of Canterwick. She’s been trained from birth to be the wife of a duke, and is absolutely horrible at her pre-determined position. With a fondness for naughty limericks and pursuits deemed improper, Olivia sticks out like a sore thumb. Lucky for her, she has kindness towards her fiancé; a kindness Rupert’s father believes will carry a successful arranged marriage.

Then you have Olivia’s sister, Georgiana Lytton. She’s the picture perfect specimen of a duchess and Olivia’s twin. Georgiana follows all the rules of propriety, never attempting to step one toe out of line. She wants romance and a duke of her own. When the Duchess of Sconce, mother to Tarquin, the current duke, invites Georgiana to her home for a country house party Olivia is recruited to attend as a chaperone. You can guess where that leads—if you thought trouble, then you’re right.

Tarquin is a man who has trouble expressing emotions. His mother believes this trait is not a flaw, but strength to his role as Duke. Tarquin is allowing his mother to choose his next bride, and Georgiana seems the lady most likely. At least until he meets Olivia. She’s plump in all the right places, and her smile brings out emotions Tarquin hasn’t experienced in years. Suddenly he’s climbing trees, and discussing things not fit for proper ears.

These three along with Olivia’s fiancé Rupert, create a joyful cast that entertains from the start. Tarquin and Olivia’s scenes, and evolving romance are enchanting. The interactions draw you in, making you long for Olivia to be released from her commitment to Rupert for a chance to heal Tarquin’s emotionless state. Additionally, there is underlying conflict between the sisters, and Tarquin’s mother is another formidable opponent.

The characters made this book. What made me fidgety was the end of the story. I did enjoy the dialogue and the antics of Olivia, but I couldn’t ride the wave of the setting changes toward the end. Even the princess/pea moment in my opinion was not needed. From a plot standing this story has heart and a ton of gumption. James’ creates two heroes that suffer from maladies we see in modern society, and it was refreshing to experience them in a time when no solution for them could be provided.

Overall, The Duke is Mine is unique and stands apart from other historical romances I’ve read. My own personal misgivings toward the conclusion of the story shouldn’t deter readers. If you’re looking for characters that engage and provide new prospective then this is a book for you; a good reminder that romance can happen for anyone, no matter the personality.

Review: Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle

Review: Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

For more information and back cover blurb about this book visit Delilah Marvelle's site here.

Marvelle does it again-- weaving a miraculous tale of love, passion, and ultimate sacrifice in Forever and a Day. I've enjoyed Marvelle's style and ability of creating characters that are large then life in the past, Georgia and Roderick are no exception.
Georgia is just a poor woman who happens to have a master thief for a stepson and dreams of owning her own property out west, as soon as she can get the money. The arrival of Lord Roderick Yardley, or as he calls himself in his amnesiac state, Robinson, puts a slight kink in future dreams. Robinson is a paradox of sorts. A kind and thoughtful man, yet possessive and overcome with desire for his fiery haired, Irish caretaker.

It took a little while to get these two paired off, but once they were... what a joyride! Marvelle's storytelling will constantly leave you guessing, and you never know how much of the story you will get. What makes the tale enjoyable is how these two people from the different classes and lifestyles adjust to each other. The attraction between them is maddening, and the connection they form, with Robinson having no idea what his real life is like, will have you praying for an HEA.

Without spoiling the ending I will say that the final chapters of the book had me at a loss. Hence the reason for a 3.5 rating. I just felt the ending was too abrupt and I desired to revel in the magic a bit longer. If I'd been given one more chapter then my appetite would have probably been sated. I would say that the ending was also a little anti-climatic and didn't seem to fit Roderick and Georgia's style.

Overall, this story is enticing. The characters are memorable. The language colorful, and this historical breaks away from the traditional rules. Setting covers the grimy areas of New York City to the fanciful Rotten Row of London. This is the first book in a new series with a recently released novella serving as a prologue. If you like mystery, passion, and the least likely to come out a winner then Forever and a Day is one to read.

Review: My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

Review: My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Gaelen Foley's website here.
Expert hunter and servant, Emily Harper doesn’t believe that her master has turned against his Inferno Club brothers, and joined forces with the dreaded Promethean Order. The only logical explanation is that he’s been kidnapped or brainwashed, and she’s determined to rescue him. Unfortunately, nothing is what it seems, and Drake won’t leave the traitor’s camp no matter what Emily promises to give him.

Drake, the Earl of Westwood, is bent on suicide and redeeming his sins by bringing down the evil Promethean’s from the inside. When Emily arrives to rescue him and endangers her safety, he has no choice but to drag her into his own plans. He’s determined to keep his emotions, and desire for her at bay. Yet each passing danger and night spent in close quarters, bring him closer to revealing everything; including his love for her. When the Promethean leader James asks him to make the ultimate sacrifice, Emily’s life, Drake must make the decision of whether revenge against the men who tortured him is worth more than the love of this innocent’s soul.

My first Inferno Club novel and I loved it! For a historical, this book provided something different. The secret societies, remote location in foreign Eastern Europe, and the premise that no one was exempt from possible death kept me reading. I found Foley’s characters and story telling to be worth the late-night hours I spent in attempt to discover if Emily and Drake would ever achieve an HEA.

The fact that Emily is no simpering miss was a huge appeal. I love this character’s back story, and that her innocence and love is what inspires Drake to survive. She’s definitely a perfect fit for the war-wounded Drake. Of course if you love dark heroes with issues and secrets, then Drake is definitely one you will find yourself falling for. Getting in his head and understanding the method behind the madness was something that appealed to that inner part of me that would love to grant a bad boy redemption.

For faithful readers of the series there may be some tears shed, I won’t say why and you’ll have to just buy it to find out. Characters from previous books do make an appearance, and there is plenty of action thrown in for those who enjoy seeing the Inferno Club members wielding weaponry. Overall, a delicious read that will have me reaching into the bank account for funds to secure Foley’s back list. Fans of Charlotte Featherstone are sure to enjoy this one.

Review: Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

Review: Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb, excerpt, and more info visit Charlotte Featherstone's website here.

The Brethren are on the hunt for a killer…

Adrian York, Duke of Sussex, is searching for the Brethren enemy Orpheus. His only lead is a handkerchief with the initials of Lucy Stonebrook. The unfortunate thing is that Adrian loves Lucy, desires to marry her, but upon presenting the evidence Lucy claims the article belongs to a previous lover. Adrian doesn’t know what this lover meant to Lucy, but he’s bound and determined to catch the man and ensnare Lucy’s heart and soul one way or another.

Lucy sees the Duke of Sussex as her enemy. The lover she believed to be dead is back, and Lucy feels he’s incapable of committing the murder that Adrian accuses him of. She refuses to marry Adrian based on that fact, and the belief that he is a stuck up prig filled with no passion. Yet passion simmers underneath the surface of Adrian’s control, and Lucy finds out quickly that small missteps only bring it forth. Can Lucy and Adrian overcome the issues of their present or is pride unable to be overcome by passion?

This is Featherstone’s second book in the Brethren Guardian series. It’s a delicious read chock full of mystery, intrigue, and a compelling hero that captivates from the start. I love duke stories. I love seemingly arrogant windbags who turn out to be more than what they seem. Featherstone delivers a duke that fits all those desperate desires of my heart in Adrian York. He’s a man that believes in keeping passion tethered, afraid that if it gets lose then he’s not worthy in the role of a duke. Unfortunately, Lucy sets him afire, dashing his labored attempts to keep his desires under control. Like in this one scene where Adrian has just ended Lucy’s hopes of meeting her previous lover:

“Does your father know what you’re about tonight?”

“Oh, certainly,” she replied mockingly. “I shook him awake and informed him I was going traipsing through Mayfair in the dead of night to meet with the man who took my innocence.”

It was as though an electric bolt lanced through him.

With a savage oath, he picked through the bag until he came across a folded piece of paper. Her eyes widened, but their expression taunted him, dared him to unfold this bit of private correspondence, which did nothing to ease his riled, and feral—not to mention sexually frustrated—mood.

“So this is the damning evidence, is it?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“We’ll see soon enough, won’t we?”

Opening it, he read the contents, and saw red as every vessel in his head began to bleed, leeching blood from his brain, to his eyes, until his vision was swimming in crimson.

“What the devil do you mean by obeying this summons? Alone? In the dark? My God, when I think of what might have happened to you. You’re reckless… a danger to yourself,” he huffed quickly losing his control. “You ought to be tied up for your own good and safety and given to a man who will make it his life’s purpose to keep you out of mischief.”

He reached for the cravat that lay pooled on the table.

“What do you mean by this?” she snapped as he began to bind her hands.

“What does it look like?”

“Untie me at once. Oooh,” she stammered as she stamped her foot against the floor, trying to connect with his foot. The foot wouldn’t hurt half as much as his groin still did. “You cannot do this!”

“I assure you, my love, I can. And I am doing a fine job of it.”

Lucy’s character is a moderately likable, and seems to be filled with enough pride to cover the Eastern seaboard. She’s quick to judge and barely peeks beneath the surface of a person. Lucy is reminiscent of a person so absorbed with their desires and losses that they can’t be brought out of their internal dreams easily. In fact, it took half the book and a shocking revelation to get Lucy to see beyond herself. This made it a tad difficult to find something to like about Lucy, but eventually her pride abated. Once she climbed out of her self-absorbed shell it was easy to see how Adrian could love her.

Overall, the book is a delicious read for those in want of a strong, passion driven hero. I couldn’t put it down, even though Lucy is not the most ideal heroine. One other note, don’t expect full resolutions in this story, as Featherstone seeks to entice rather than satisfy.

Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin by Kasey Michaels

Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin by Kasey Michaels

For back cover blurb and other information about this book visit Kasey Michaels website.

Rated: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Puck—ever the trickster in clothes and out of them…
In the second installment of Michaels Blackthorn series readers get the pleasure of being introduced to the youngest Blackthorn, Robin Goodfellow or Puck. Puck is the carefree, mischievous brother. Yet where his other brothers have failed, Puck succeeds. The majority of polite society accepts him, even though he’s a bastard, and he merely buys or connives his way to win over any who oppose. When Lady Regina Hackett crosses his path at a masquerade, Puck believes he’s stumbled upon the woman of his dreams, except it will take far more than a simple assignation to win her heart.

Regina Hackett merely wanted an adventure when she agreed to attend the masked ball with her cousin, but she never expected to be tempted to sin in a garden, nor that her cousin would be abducted while she allowed herself to be ravished with kisses. With her mercenary merchant father wanting to sell her off to the highest bidder, and sweep her cousins abduction under the rug, Regina must seek the help of the devilishly attractive, devious Puck. The problem is can she keep her heart from falling for this bastard or will she become his final conquest?

If I had to choose between the heroine and hero, I truly enjoyed Puck the best. What I liked even more was the conflict and the stakes. Michael’s truly stepped it up in this novel. The villains were downright diabolical and I loved how Puck and Regina thwart them together. The dialogue is snappy, and brilliant. With the main characters deftly anticipating and outmaneuvering everyone in their path, including each other, from the moment they meet at the masked ball:

“ What is your name, scarlet lady?” he asked her, looking into her wide, unblinking eyes, feeling himself becoming lost in those clear, swirling depths.

“I’d first know yours. Is it Mister Black or Mister Gold?” she said, showing spirit yet again.

Puck laughed. “It’s neither. My name is Robin Good-fellow.”

The truth was rarely believed, and it wasn’t now.

“Oh yes, I’m quite sure that’s correct. And I am Titania, Queen of the Fairies.”

“Ah, fair Titania,” Puck allowed, quietly surprised that she would know the characters from Shakespeare’s farce until he realized that she must be an actress. He was about to break his most sacred rule and tumble an actress. “Then you do not believe me?”

“No more than you believe me, no. But does it matter? I don’t imagine you’ve brought me out here for an exchange of names.”

“And why have I brought you out here?” he asked, even as he lifted the silken hood back and off her head, revealing a mass of artfully placed curls nearly black in the dim light.

“I’m not entirely certain. I was rather thinking it was to kiss me.”

“To kiss you,” Puck repeated, taken aback. She said the words as if they were dangerous in the extreme. “And you came here to be kissed?” *

How far the kiss goes is a question that can only be answered by buying this wonderful story now. Honestly the first book in this series did not captivate me as much as this one. There's no issue of getting into this story, and even though some of the situations are a little off the beaten path from other historicals, Puck’s antics and attitudes make everything buyable. Regina is his perfect fit in more ways than one, and I found myself draw to her spunk and loyalty.

Definitely for those who enjoy a good historical with a mystery involved this is one to get immediately. For those who read Jacquie D’Alessandro or Stephanie Laurens.
Originally reviewed for The Season.
*excerpt may be altered in final copy.

Review: Desired by Nicola Cornick

Review: Desired by Nicola Cornick

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

For back cover info visit Nicola Cornick's site

She’s considered one the most scandalous women in society…

Tess Darent is not the most impeccable member of the ton. A widow three times over, and known for her unusual tastes, every man in London seems to desire an opportunity with her behind closed doors. Yet, Tess has secrets that would do far more then ruin her reputation and all is about to be revealed.

Owen Purchase, recently named Viscount Rothbury, is on the hunt for a traitor to the crown and potentially a wife. When clues point him in the direction of Tess, she makes a tempting offer—marriage. Tess may think she’s getting a complacent husband willing to acquiesce to her every wish, but Owen has other ideas. Tess may find that secrets aren’t worth keeping, and what she truly desires is what she least expected.

I loved Owen. He’s intelligent, witty, and absolutely refuses to be run roughshod by anyone. He is literally a savior for Tess, since she has a mountain of baggage trailing behind her. Tess is definitely a multi-layered character, and you get to see two sides to a woman that was probably not a favorite in previous novels. The underlying theme I got from this book was that people use masks to hide their true selves or weaknesses. Owen and Tess come together and strip away those masks from each other. The journey the pair takes is filled with intrigue, emotion and definitely sexual tension; which is something Tess is desperately trying to avoid. A good tense-filled moment is after Tess asks Owen to marry her, he agrees but there’s a question as to whether Tess will commit or back out:

“And I will call on you tomorrow,” Owen finished, with a great deal of satisfaction.


A tiny frown wrinkled her brow. “Call on me?”


“Unless,” Owen said, powerless to prevent the heavy irony that now coloured his voice, “you prefer me simply to send you a note with the wedding date so that you can meet me in church?”


“Oh…” She smiled deliciously, an echo of the superficially charming Tess Darent who was all pretence. “Yes, that would be extremely helpful of you. As this is a marriage of convenience I don’t think we need see each other a great deal before the ceremony.”


She started to walk towards the door. Owen took two strides backwards and reached for the handle just before she did. Her body collided with his. She felt warm, soft and yielding; Owen’s senses clouded with the scent of her and the heat of her skin. Desire flowered through him again as fiercely as it had done the previous night. He caught her wrist.


“I will not be a conformable husband, Lady Darent,” he warned. “You do not issue me with tasks and expect me to obey without question. I am not reversing the wedding vows along with everything else.”


Beneath his fingers he could feel her pulse racing. Her glove was no protection against the insistence of his touch.

And it just gets better. I loved the way these characters interacted with each other. Both have forthright natures that clash consistently, but create the most wonderful romantically charged moments.

This book is the fifth in Cornick’s Scandalous Women of the Ton series, and the second one I’ve read. I can honestly say that Cornick does not disappoint. Another character arc is wrapped up in this story, and for faithful readers of the series you may or may not be happy to know that the villainous Tom returns. Of course, other series characters are present throughout the story, and help create some interesting situations for Owen and Tess. The only thing that threw me off is the last quarter of the book went extremely different from what I envisioned. Although I was happy with the end, I expected a little more leading up to it.

Overall, a good read and fans of Courtney Milan are sure to enjoy this one.

*Original reviewed for The Season online E-zine. Be sure to check out other topic picks for December in the Historical Romance category at The Season site.