Maria Butterfield has come to England looking for her fiancee (Nathan) who has seemed to gone missing. She is from Baltimore in America. Her father had recently passed away, and having been the owner of a shipping line, the only way to get her inheritance is to locate Nathan, who was her father's partner. He came to England at her father's request, to negotiate a sale of clipper ships. However after sending him many letters and not receiving a word about his whereabouts, Maria decided to come to London to find him, thinking that he has been hurt or taken. She is accompanied by her cousin Freddy, who thinks carrying a sword with him will protect her. During their search they come across a brothel that may be the key to finding Nathan, however events occur which puts Maria face to face with Oliver Sharpe, the Marquess of Stoneville. Oliver, along with his other siblings, have been instructed by their grandmother that unless they marry within one year, that they will lose all of their inheritance. Oliver is outraged, and comes up with a plan to trick his grandmother into giving up this "folly" thinking that she is just tricking them and would never go along with it. It decides to go to a brothel, and pay a woman to act as his fiancee although he never thought that he would come across a young american woman that puts a sword to his throat. (which that alone should get you interested in this book :) ) Oliver acts nonchalantly of course, and convinces her of a better way to resolve the current issue at hand. He suggest that they do a trade of sorts, if Maria will act as his fiancee for the time being, he will assist her in her search for her lost fiancee. Where Oliver hopes to trick his grandmother into reengaging from this plot which he believes is just a bluff on her side of things. Well both Oliver and Maria will be taken on a adventure of their lives where they discover the hidden power of love in the midst of any circumstance.

I definitely believe that Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best Historical Romance authors out there!!! She has such a way about her writing and the way she brings her characters alive. I enjoy reading each and every one of her books. The Truth About Lord Stoneville is the first in her current series, the Hellions of Helstead Hall. Oliver is a arrogant but has a past that no other knows about except for himself. He is filled with guilt thinking he caused his parents death, and has lived with that for many years. The moment he comes in contact with Maria, he secretly knows that his life will never be the same. For she brings a vitality back to his reality and even though he has this act to play out, in his heart he is playing for her heart for real. Maria is at this point poor to say the least, due to her father's will, so when Oliver tells her of this plot that she must go along with, she only see's it as a means to a end. She worries about her fiancee and where he is at, but despite all that she starts to have tender feelings for this rogue, whose heated kisses set her body on fire. I truly enjoyed the way that this story played out, although this was a enjoyable story, it isn't one of my fav's of Jeffries, but I loved it all the same. It had such a spark of vitality about it, that really sets the reader to life. It was a very enchanting read with compelling characters both main and sub, and with a aching desire that sets the room ablaze.

To Catch A Bride is the third addition in the Devil Riders Series. I have to say that every time I read from this author, I have enjoyed her immensely. There is something unique to the way she puts together a story. This story was a little bit different than the others I have read from her so far. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. When I read the blurb, it sounds interesting, but I had hoped I would be able to get into the story. When I started reading To Catch A Bride, it took a few chapters, but after that I was able to be fully entranced into the story. There was quite a bit of development on the character side of things. Rafe, is splendid and magnificent and doesn't shy away from anything. He can be very bold and daring when he needs to be. There was something so charming about Rafe, I found him to be a very likeable character. Ayisha could be endearing at times and had some charming qualities, but I found her to be a bit lacking. But for the most part, Ayisha could be a character that you find yourself able to relate to on any level. She has flaws but she also is spirited and lively at times, and there certain times when I was cheering her on. The plot did have some elements of adventure and intigue that can hold you to your seat. This story is a very lively ride with elements to the story that could be deeply emotional and riveting. A fantastic read that will warm your heart.

Lady Gillian after being sent away by her father into hiding, when King John wants both her and her brothers head. So she goes into hiding in Cornwall. Knowing that no one except the man that shields and protects her knows of her identity. When a mysterious injured man shows up on the beach washed on the shore after a shipwreck, Gillian risks everything to tend him. When he awakens however, she is startled surprised to find out that he remembers nothing but his name Gareth. The more Gillian tends Gareth, the more she starts falling for this handsome man who takes her breath away. She also learns to trust with her heart the more she spends time in his presence, and a startling desire rises between the two of them that could light the fires. When Gareth's memory slowly returns, he starts to realize truths about his past, that could ruin everything that he has built with Gillian, who has stolen his heart. Will Gareth be able to protect both Gillian, his love and his son who is the hands of King John? And will the love he shares with Gillian be enough?

This was a truly romantic love story that took my breath away as I was reading it. I vow that Samantha James is the sort of author that steals into her readers hearts. This is the kind of story, that will have you on the edge of your seats and wondering what the outcome is. I love reading historical romances, especially in this time period, where you never know what the outcome may be, but you know you will be feeling satisfied at the end. We have Gillian whose mourns the loss of her father, who had a hand in a assasination attempt on King John, and then being split apart from a loving brother, and to be isolated, but then finds solace in Gareth's arms and finds the greatest pleasure and love she has ever known. Gareth gets frustrated after losing his memory, not knowing of his past or family or where he has come from. But when he meets the beauiful Gillian who has helped tend to him when he was injured, he finds himself falling in love with the captivating yet innocent young woman whom has pain in her eyes. Though they both will face struggles that may seem unsurmountable, they will also discover a tender yet powerful love.

Annabel McBride has always longed for the love and passion that she has seen within in her own family, and children of her own. When a almost accident puts Simon Blackwell in her path, she doesn't know if she should run away or draw closer. After sharing a passionate embrace and then having to be married when caught, Annabel hopes that she will be loved in this marriage, however all her hopes are dashed when it is more than obvious that Simon has no intention of sharing a bed with her let alone a lifetime. Simon after having a tragic past and losing most of whom he loved, is hesitant to be in love once more, and if he lost Annabel he knows he could never go through it a second time. So he goes about trying to avoid her, but her influence is everywhere on his estate, and when Annabel goes about to seduce her own husband, Simon knows he doesn't stand a chance, and when they both find a heightened desire and passion, the rulebook that Simon has placed on their marriage goes out the window, and true love will be replaced.

I found that even though I enjoyed reading Annabel's story, the first half of the book seemed to go very slow and there were times that I had a hard time getting through it. I have read many books of Samantha James and thought that this one I could get through easily, but I was wrong. I mean once it reached a certain point I could hardly put it down, however it was reaching that point that was the problem. I don't kow if it was me or the way the story was written, but that was a big issue for me. But I still recommend reading this book, it was a great read, and I am glad that I did read it. This is a fun series to read, so I do recommend reading it.

A Promise Given is one of the classics of Samantha James. Its a re-read for me, but its been a few years since I have read it. I wanted to read this one because I hadn't read it in a while, and I was in the mood for a love story among the highlands. Which is where this story takes place, when William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were fighting against England for Scotland(Samantha James Website). Its a turbulant time to be sure, it starts out in the 1300's. Sabrina Kincaid is one of the daughters of her father, who is the Laird of the Kincaid Clan. Her father has always blamed her for her mothers death, her older sister Margaret her father has always favored. Sabrina has always been the one to be given tasks, and kept continually busy, and always criticized and ridiculed by her father and even at times her sister. When she takes a swim in the lake, she turns to find Ian Macgregor, who she knew when she was young. Both his father and his step mother have recently passed away and he has become the head of his clan. So he comes to the Dunvely Keep to honor the agreement of his marriage between Margaret and himself. When Margaret disappears however, Sabrina is put in her sister's place to be married to Ian. Sabrina is very against being married to Ian, she has just lost her sister, but she doesn't want to be forced into marriage. But she knows of her duty so she does, even though things between Sabrina and Ian are tense to say the least. But there is a stirring and rising desire between them, that cannot be denied. Where they will find tender and beautiful love that blossoms endure present dangers that could destroy it.

This was a beautiful and enchanting love story that will pull you in. I found that this was one of my favorites of Samantha James that I have read. I have always loved the whole scottish theme to story, especially love stories. We have strong virile men, kilts, swords and filled with adventure. What more could a girl want in a good romance right? The only thing that I didn't really like about this book is the lack of trust between Sabrina and Ian. After their relationship develops and they start to fall in love with one another, their is a lack of trust. What is love without trust right? At least for me there is, but other than that it was a great enjoyable read. The writing was well written which flowed smoothly and drew me in from the first to the last page. A truly remarkable story that will endear the characters to your heart.

A Tale of Two Vikings is exactly what the title claims, its a story of two twin brother Vikings. Toste and Vagn were born at the same time, twins, they have done everything in their lives together. When they go into battle together, they are both injured and separated having to assume the other is dead, despite the strong connection they have for each other. Toste is taken away by some Nuns, including a Lady Esme, the most beautiful and stunning nun he has ever seen, and has yet to say her complete vows to the church, so of course for him she is available, however Esme is only looking for sanctuary from those that want her killed, not a handsome viking that stirs up her senses. Vagn is taken back to familiar surroundings, and back to Helga -his brothers betrothed. But now they his brother Toste is dead, he notices that Helga the Homely as she once was called, is now Helga the beautiful. So Vagn starts considering the idea of marrying Helga, however she is very high spirited and resistant to marrying him. However these Viking Twins never expected that their greatest battle would be for....LOVE
I have to say that A Tale of Two Vikings is by far one of my favorites of Sandra Hill. I loved the whole aspect of twin Vikings, I mean who wouldn't right? It takes place back in 900 A.D., and it was definitely a witty yet sensual written story. In this story each chapter each trades off to each twins love story, which is neat yet can be a bit frustrating when the chapter leaves you hanging. This is a wonderful story of two twins that have never thought that they would ever settle down, but once they are separated, they start thinking outside the box, and find women of their own, and such a sweet reunion when they find each other once again. Definitely a story you dont want to miss out on, one that will surprise and intrigue you senseless.

I was truly captivated by Eirik and Eadyth story, it drew me into the plot and the characters felt so real for me, that I could never put it down. Every read that I have read of Sandra Hill I fall in love with her just over and over again. I just started reading her books, and I am definitely purely satisfied with her books and the enthralling viking stories that she writes.
Eadyth fell in love and desired marriage with someone when she was young, and foolishly in love with a man names Steven. Steven tricked her just to get her into his bed then abandoned her. Eadyth finds herself giving birth and raising a son, John whom she would do almost anything for. Steven has been threatening to take John away from Eadyth so she comes up with a plan to make sure he isn't taken from her. She covers her hair with a ugly gray wimple, and dresses in clothes that are old and torn and truly downright ugly. She covers her face in gray soot, hoping to seem like a lady of forty years instead of in her early twenties so that Eirik doesn't pursue her with lustful advances. She comes to him with a proposal of marriage, where he would get her fortune, and it would be more of a business agreement than a true marriage. Eirik at first says 'no' but there is something about Eadyth that captivates him so he agree's with a few terms of his. As time goes one, his brother and many others in the keep know what is beneath her facade but it takes much longer before Eirik figures out her deception. Eirik has always been untrustful of women since he had a bad experience previously, and never knows if he can truly trust Eadyth.
Sandra Hill draws in the reader with The Tarnished Lady and bewitches the reader into thinking what is going to happen next and having a hard time putting it down. You see a young independent woman, who is stubborn, and usually takes matters into her own hands. Eirik is resistant to to her independent ways, but finds himself falling in love with her despite all that happens. Eirik has never known such happiness has existed until he marries Eadyth and has a family with her, and realizes how much that means to him. The Tarnished Lady has a great plot with a fiery passion that builds between Eirik and Eadyth, there is a mystery that is afoot with intrigue from Eirik most hated enemy, and a tender love that sweetens the story. I have no complaints with this, I truly was endeared by The Tarnished Lady and am looking forward to reading more of her.

Nick is asked by his friend to go searching for his sister who has disappeared. So Nick yearning for a escape from London, after being names the most eligible bachelor in a ladies magazine. He finds himself in Yorkshire, England. Isabel Townsend, when in town stumbles across Nick, after he saves her life, and asks him to look at her marble statues, and has a hope that she will be able to sell them for money, because she has to have the funds that she needs. But then Lord Nicholas and his friend, through a twist of fate, find themselve stuck at the manor due to a terrible rainstorm. After sharing a passionate kiss withg the handsome and irresistable Lord Nicholas, Isabel knows that she is in deep deep trouble. Not just for her girls, younger brother, or the manor, but also her heart.Ten Ways To Be Adored When Landing A Lord is the second installment in the Ralston's series, and a pure delight. I love reading the first one of the series, and I was eager to read Nick's story, and I am so glad that I was able to get my hands on it.This is probably one of my favorite romances of the year! I truly loved everything about this story, it was such a delicious romance, definitely packed with romance, intrigue, a bit of danger, witty humor and passion, what more could a girl ask for right? I truly loved all the characters involved in the story, as well as the plot for the story. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me wonder, be surprised and even cry at the end. I have no complaints as far as this one goes, defnitely one I would consider buying to put on my shelves to re read as much as I would like. I have truly enjoyed reading from this author, and is at the top of the ladder when it comes to well written and riveting historical romances!

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has lived a life of always living by the rule book, never breaking any rules especially that in society, and yet she is still unmarried. So deciding that she wants some changes in her life, she writes a list of nine things that she wants to do, that she has always wanted to that she feels she has missed out on now that she feels that she is on the shelf; but because she is a woman, she is restricted to respectable activities. But as she starts crossing items off of her list, she starts to see that she has a partner in her list of daring things, who is none other than Gabriel St John, the Marquess of Ralston, who is too charming and wicked for his own good. But as the risks of her adventures escalates so does the passion that ignites between them, that starts to blossom into a love that will come up behind them and surprise them in ways that they never expected.

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake by Sarah Maclean, was purely wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it and had it read in just under a few hours, I found it to be such a enthralling romance that had me resisting to ever putting it down despite the bruised elbows (since my favorite position is to read on my stomach) And I think one of my favorite things about their relationship is the witty interchange between the two and had me amused till the very end of the book. Also the plot was truly entertaining. We have Callie, who has always obeyed the society rules, which have brought her only loneliness and a yearning for dreams and desires and that fear that they will never be fulfilled. So she starts writing a list of things that no respectable lady would ever do, and would cause a scandal. Such as Fence, Attending a Duel, Gambling at a Gentlemans Club (where women are never allowed), but she somehow adopts a companion that protects her reputation yet steals sensual embraces that would cause anyone sensible to blush the roots of a carrot. Yet there is a strong connection between these two characters that are so enjoyable to see progess throughout this story that leaves the reader breathless with anticipation with every page turned. I truly have enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series, I can hardly wait!!!! Sarah MacLean is such a remarkable writer into historical romance, that no one would want to miss out on!!!