Summary
Elise Fountain, made a mistake, and suffered the consequences, and was shunned by her family, and the job she adored, and now she is hoping to have the position as a housekeeper to a Lord and lost prince. Phillipe, is rough around the edges, he is determined to win back his family’s lands and fortune that was taken away. But when he is attacked, he is injured, and still bears the scars. When Elise first starts as housekeeper, she knows that she will need her wits about her. Her boss, is cantakerous, stubborn, tests her patience from morning to evening. But Elise sticks with it, despite the fact that the others servants aren’t accepting of her at first, Elise also has her son to worry about. He needs good stable home, and she knows that she can give him that here. As she starts getting settled in her new position, and showing everyone how capable and strong-willed she can be, a tension erupts between Elise and Philippe, a bond between them forms one of friendship then turns slowly into passion and love.

The Hero
Lord Philippe Lavay is a prince of the house of Bourbon, who worked for the crown, but ended up being injured and now is residing in Pennyroyal Greens. He has no patience for laziness, and has already fired two housekeepers and one left of her own accord. He tends to let his emotions get ahead of him, and can be a bear at times, a grouchy and irritated one and takes it out on his household. Phillippe is the type of hero you love seeing especially in historical romances. He is brooding, and fierce in his determination and loyalty, but he also has that tortured hero sense going on. Phillippe is full of deep emotion but hides it beneath his tough exterior.

The Heroine
Elise hasn’t had an easy time of it. Elise was once a teacher at a School for Recalcitrant Girls, she then fell in love with a man who betrayed her trust, and used her. She found herself pregnant, and her family refused to help her and refused to speak to her. She was kicked out of the job she loved, and has a son to support. She has flitted from job to job, to support the both of them. She knows that when she gains her new position that she will need to keep it, and show her boss, what she is capable of.

Plot and Story Line
It Started With A Scandal is the tenth installment in this wonderful series, and I have enjoyed seeing the various characters develop in this series, and the way it has won me over with each book. It Started With A Scandal was simply wonderful and I could barely put it down, it was quite a great addition and I had such a fun time especially with Phillippe and Elise. In this story however, I felt like it was a slow and easy romance, very subtle at times, and other times it tended to be fully obvious. The chemistry between Elise and Phillippe was almost instant, they do have some sparks, but don’t act on them….at first. But you see the attraction that they have, What we see in the beginning, is seeing the normal routine of running a household, the author brings together in the story, characters that win your heart from the very beginning. I loved having Elise and Phillippe as a pair, they come together in such a harmonious way and you see the charm and elegance that is found on every page, and gives off a sense of wit and an endearing story. What we also seeing is Elise’s son Jack, the most charming little boy, that wraps his way around your finger. You see how he becomes emotionally stronger, and you see both his relationship develop with both Elise and Phillippe. One of my favorite aspects was seeing Philippe and Jack together, and we see a bit of a focus on Elise’s son, and seeing his character develop and become stronger. The romance itself, was the type of story that engages the reader, the characters are bound wounded, one emotionally and the other physically. But you see how they balance each other out. From beginning to end, this story held my attention.

The Cover
This cover is absolutely gorgeous, we have the pretty gold and pink hues in the background, with the heroine in a bold blue dress that brings a delectable contrast.

Overall View
It Started WIth A Scandal is a captivating love story, where an author weaves together a story of hearts that are in need of healing and passion, a story to win your heart and soul. RIVETING TILL THE END!!

Summary
Portia Flagstaff, has always loved Gray ever since she was sixteen years old. They once shared a passionate kiss, that left her yearning for more. When she receives a summons from him asking her to meet him, she is more than willing. But what she doesn’t expect is to find herself kidnapped and taken to a sultan’s harem. Grayson Devlin has a list of requirements for his future wife, and Portia is too reckless and outspoken for him, despite the desire he feels for her. When he learns that she has been kidnapped, he must find her. So he tracks her down to a Arab’s harem, and sets her free, not knowing that events would take place that would have him duty bound to marry her. Portia wants love and nothing less. Her parents had a loving and passionate marriage, and she wants the same for herself and her children. She deserves nothing less, and that last thiing she wants is to love someone who would never love her in return. But she finds herself in a delicate position, because if she doesn’t marry Grayson she will face horrible scandal both for herself and her family. And if she does agree to marry the man she loves, she will be stuck in a marriage, where she will never feel love in return. But will this dashing rogue and passionate heroine find a common ground and a future they both want together…

Hero
Grayson Devlin, is one of the members of the Libertine Scholars. Grayson has certain ideas for his future. He wants a wife that has poise and elegance and is proper in every way. Passion is for mistresses right? Grayson can’t let himself love, he has lost almost everyone that has been important in his life. He lost one of his best friends in the war, and refuses to let himself care for Portria because he can’t lose her too. Grayson was a great hero, and a scandalous rake. And boy does he know how to make a girl shiver in delight. He knows his way around England and Europe, protective and fiercely possessive despite his closes off heart, too stubborn and proud. Definitely has many alpha like qualities to adore.

The Heroine
Portria Flagstaff, is the only sister from brothers. Portia grew up with parents that loved each other fiercely, and she wants the same for herself. She knows who she wants, and that is Grayson. She has loved him for years, grew up with him, but he doesn’t feel the same way, despite the fact that they create fireworks. Portia is a heroine you can come to love. She is passionate, strong-willed, takes risks, fights for what she believes in and desires more than to just be head of a household and to be a wife to some staid lord. She wants passion in her life.

Plot and Story Line
This is a story that anyone who loves a charming and endearing romance can come to love. There are many things that occur in this story. First we have the mystery of the woman who is trying to kill the Libertine Scholars. So the hunt is on…and it continues with this story. This book is the third installment and is Gray’s story. This is a newer author to me, and with each book I read from her, I become more and more impressed. There aren’t too many recent historical romance authors I love this much. She creates stories of depth and character…the type of stories that stay with you, and make a big impression and A Touch of Passion was no different. The story begins with our heroine making a mistake, a mistake that ends with her being held captive. I loved seeing Portia being a less than perfect character. She has many faults, but she also has many qualities that seem to make her seem…human and very real to the reader. She ends up being rescued by the man she has always loved. The plot is pretty steady and it does have some twists, a bit of mystery and intrigue elements, but the majority of the story is focused on the couple and working through their issues that holds them back from loving each other fully. We see flaws in the heroe’s character, and he does have some good reasons for feeling as he does. But there were a couple of instances in the story, that I just wanted to wring his neck, and you see the negative effect it has on Portia. What truly affected about this one, was the level of emotion that is displayed through the story. Its stong and poignant and ends up capturing your attention. The dialogue is engaging and sweet and keeps you entertained. The humor is great, and I loved the antics of Graysons’ friends. They were just a delightful bunch and can’t wait for their stories to come up next.

Cover
Now I have seen lots of different covers especially for historical romance, and this is one of my favorites. The pose is sensual and holds you in the moment. The first time I saw it I got lost in it, and I lost track of my own world. I love the colors, and Portia’s dress is so beautiful and richly colored.

Overall View
A rich and poignant romance that takes you back through time, a love story of sensuality, adventure and enriched emotion. A truly sensational romance that is a must for any romance lover, a story to inspire and leave you feeling breathless for more from this author. A TREASURE!

The Perfect Ten is the first book I have read from this author, I started it last night and could barely put this one down. i don’t read New Adult Contemporary too often, but wow is this author’s storytelling abilities quite enchanting and this story completely drew me in from the beginning. What we have here is a forbidden romance, two people that care for each other, have been secretly in love with each other, but due to other circumstances haven’t been able to act on it. Oren, has watched Caroline from a far, knowing he could never have her, or it would destroy his relationship with his best friend who is Caroline’s brother. Caroline wants Oren and always has, despite what a womanizer he is. So she is tired of waiting, and goes to his room to have one night of hot sex in the dark, and thus begins a secret relationship. The Perfect Ten is quite the romance, and I was cheering for the couple all the way, and I was on tinderhooks, from beginning to end…this story was intense and tender and had some unique dramatic moments that made the story seem even more fascinating to this reader. The love story was perfect in every way, the characters endearing, the plot never ending, with some twists that are unique to the story. Definitely going to have to buy the other books in the series now…I just need to read all the other stories of characters that are connected to this one. Overall I found the Perfect Ten to be a heart wrenching romance that pulled at my heartstrings….EXCELLENT!!

4.5 Blossoms--Originally Posted at addictofromance.com

Summary
Claire, needs to find a way to make her own way as a business woman, where there is disapproval everywhere she goes. She is on the hunt, she needs to attend a ball, and the host, Cyrus Ryland, the most richest and renown bachelor in all of London. So she goes searching for something of his, something that will help gain her what she needs for her coffee and pastry shop. But then she runs across the infamous Cyrys Ryland himself, they engage on some harmless flirtation and dance, but at midnight when there is the unmasking, Claire knows he can never know her true identity and flees when a opportuity arises. Cyrus must find Claire, the mysterious woman who made him feel bright and alive with excitement, a woman that almost had him kissing her on the dance floor in front of all of London society, all he has left of her is a worn shoe and a cloak of hers. But he is driven to find her, but what he doesn’t know is that she doesn’t want to be found. Claire has worked hard to make a life for herself, a life above being a servant, and having her own establishment, but when Cyrus finds her again, she doesn’t know if she can hide her true feelings, or the desire she feels for him, knowing she could never have a future with him, or can she dare trust the man who has stolen her heart with his slow seduction and tender touches, and his willingness to share every part of himself…

The Hero
Cyrus Ryland, may be a rich bachelor, looking for one day his sister to make a match among the Ton. But what most don’t know is that he was once a lowly farmer and pugilist. But it took years of hard work to get to successful businessman he is now. Cyrus is driven, dedicated and loyal. Cyrus is a man who goes after what he desires, whatever that may be. When he first meets Claire, he is enthralled by her beauty, her wit, and the playful relationship they start to have…and when she leaves abruptly he goes on the hunt for his prey. Cyrus was a great hero, and there is more to him than meets the eye. At first all you see is a rich bachelor, who likes his bachelorhood just fine. But you also start to see how he so much more, that he is dedicated to supporting his family, and dedicating everything he has to them. How he is driven because he has had to be, because he feels as if he has failed his family when he was younger. He blames himself for past mistakes, you see the gentle and kind man that he is, that he is starved for love and affection, but hides it well beneath his tough exterior.

The Heroine
Claire, is a woman who once fell in love when she was younger, but was used and she came to London, for a fresh start, to start her own business, and to be in charge of her own future without a man. She is compassionate and caring, she has a heart of gold, her co workers, came from the streets, prostitutes and thiefs…but she offered them a better way of living, an honest way. When Claire finds herself in dire straits, she must take something from Cyrus, and she never imagined that she would see him again, or that he would see at the core of who she is. Claire was a delightful heroine, and I loved her character, and she made the story captivating. She is just as driven as our hero is, trying to make her own way, she is passionate and has this inner strength that is formidable and as strong as the tide of the oceans. She doesn’t let what anyone else say or think to determine how she views herself and the way she lives her life. She was refreshing and lively, and had a will of iron.

Plot and Story Line
The Lady Meets Her Match is the second book in the series, and this is my first book from this author and I am impressed. At the beginning I had a challenging time to get into it, and I wondered if this would have to be put down before I finished it, but well I definitely got into it and it caught my attention. It took about 50 pages, but once I reached that point, I just couldn’t put this one down. This is a fairy tale retelling, but one that I fell in love with, and had a different feel to it. It is based on the story of Cinderella, but what a story this turned out to be. At the beginning, it is very obvious it is based on Cinderella. We have that special evening, a masked ball, and two people meet and the heroine leaves behind her slipper. Then Cyrus…The prince of the story, chases after his Cinderella. But he has met his match with Claire at the helm, she is no ordinary Cinderella. He is shocked to discover that she is one of his business tenants, she pays rents to him every month, and he can’t resist her. I loved seeing claire stand on her own two feet with Cyrus, she is committed to living her own life, despite the desire she feels for Cyrus. At first she isn’t too welcoming of his attentions, but then you see her slowly soften toward him, and I loved the courting dancing they have going on, neither is good about giving in, both stubborn and strong-willed, but both in need of someone to come home to. You see the loneliness they both feel, and I loved seeing these two iron willed people, give in to what they are feeling and trust in where their relationship can lead. I was very impressed with the flow of the story, how it weaved and blended together in ways I couldn’t imagine, various aspects formed into a story that was heartwarming and engaging.

The Cover
I adored this cover, it has a flirty and fun feel to it. I love Claire’s gown, and she is just as the author describes her in the story. The hero…now he looks good enough to eat, the half-open look, with those gorgeous locks of hair–I wish I could run my fingers through it, and that facial expression, as if he can win any game or capture any prey he is on the search for….I would mind being his Cinderella.

Overall View
The Lady Meets Her Match is an enchanting story, with a fairy tale them, that captures your attention, that weaves a tapestry of endearing characters, deep emotion entrenched on every page, a story guaranteed to steal your heart, take your breath away, and enthrall you….a love story to remember!! SPLENDID!!

Summary
Reese Randall, is on the run from an ex boyfriend who tried to kill her, and she still bears a scar on her neck from that fateful night. Now Reese had to change her name, go to a different college, and doesn’t exactly have the best experience when it comes to men. then one day, she spies a man she holds her interest, a man who takes her breath away, but he is also a man she can’t touch, Mason Lowe, go to college by day, and works as a gigolo by night. Not exactly the best circumstances. At first she believes he doesn’t like her at all, but she knows they have a connection. Then she starts working for his mom to watch his sister, who is disabled, and thus begins a friendship that can never be anything else. Reese knows what he does, for his family, until he can graduate and leave this life and build something better for himself and his family. But he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Reece knows she can’t afford Mason, he is way too expensive for her, and he offers no freebies, but without realizing it Reese and Mason, start falling hard for each other, and soon Mason will have to make a decision, a choice between the woman he loves or supporting his family…

The Hero
Mason, loves his family, and his mother and young sister are everything to him. When he was eighteen, their landlady blackmailed him, and now he has no choice but to be a gigilo, so he can support his family, and with his sisters medical bills, they need the extra income. Mason despises what he is forced to do, but he has no choice, and that is all women see…they just see a man to be used as a sex toy, not a human being with a mind and feelings and thoughts of his own…until Reese enters his life, and shows him that he is worthy of love. Mason was delectable, I adored his character, and quite frankly my heart ached for him, you see in the beginning of the story, how he begins his sexual career, where he was once innocent and knew nothing, you start to see how he hates himself for what he has had to do, but you also see his fortitude and iron will to do what has to be done no matter the cost to himself. I admired that so much about Mason.

The Heroine
Reece has had the worst luck in boyfriends. She thought the one she had was good, but then he became abusive, and almost killed her when she wanted out, and until he is put in jail, she is on the run from him. She can’t risk him finding her, or he will kill her for sure. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for a man she can never have ever. A man who has his hands tied, is put in a situation that would be near impossible for him to escape. But despite the circumstances, she sees something more that just what he does in the evenings, she sees a man in need of love and affection. I adored Reece, she is always fighting for Mason, even knowing it could be a losing battle. She always sees him as more than what everyone else sees him as, and she never loses faith in him. I loved her will to fight for the man she loves, and she is like a mother bear protecting her cub when it comes to Mason. And when she interacts with his sister…oh my heart melts, she is so good with Sara, and I just couldn’t get enough of this character. One of my favorite heroines I have read in a long while.

Plot and Story Line
Price Of A Kiss is the first in this amazing series that I just can’t get enough of. After being introduced to this author, and reading Ten’s story, which is the fifth book, I knew I had to read this whole series. And I think I am starting to love this genre, or at least this authors talent. If you have yet to read Linda Kage….get this book NOW!!! It’s only a few dollars at both Barnes and Noble and Amazon..and you won’t regret it. I stayed up all night read ing this book, I just couldn’t put it down…I just had to read it before I had to go into work, and what a ride of a romance that this turned out to be. It a story you might need your tissues though, it definitely put me through the emotional wringer quite a bit, and I definitely didn’t see that coming. I expected it to be a light and easy-going love story…but nope…it was way more than that. I did have quite a ball of fun with this one though, and I just adored seeing this pair come together and figure out what was most important. This is also the first time I have read a story where the hero was a gigolo….now that was something new and I liked it. I loved the way you see these characters connect in such an emotional way first before anything physical happens. We see they bond as friends first, but at the same time you see the chemistry they have together, and not just sexual chemistry, you see how they fit just right, even from the beginning you see that spark. We also see the turmoil and how hard it must be for the hero to do something he hates himself for doing but doesn’t feel like he has a choice, I loved his dedication to his sister….and the whole reading Harry Potter to her…I just wanted to cry in those little moments you see with her, or seeing how he treats Reese in those moments they are alone and they forget what he does and just focus on each other. They were quite a few beautiful moments in this story that makes your heart melt and makes you want to cheer for them to find their HEA. The way this story unravels, and the ending…is magnificent….I adored every chapter…every page and every sentence. A must read for any romance lover that loves to see a couple fight for love!!

The cover
I love the pose we have here, with the bright colors, and its so sexy and steamy…but also has the poignant feeling to it…like time almost stops.

Overall View
Price of a Kiss is a beautifully written love story that will tug at those heartstrings, tear at your emotions, and an impossible to set down read that will enthrall you from beginning to end. UNFORGETTABLE!

Summary
Noel is the star of the football team, the lead quarterback, and he the game, but he isn’t in college to play football, he is there to save his family. Noel is the only way that is looking out for them, and he refuses to let them go through what he had to do. His family is depending on him to keep his scholarship, if he can pass his English Lit class. His professor, is Dr. Kavanagh, she is tough and gritty and doesn’t let anything slide. Aspen isn’t much older than Noel, and even though he knows that its forbidden, he is drawn to her. He has bared his soul to her, and can’t let go of the sparks of attraction he feels toward her. At first Aspen doesn’t care too much for Noel or his careless attitude and she refuses to give him a grade he didn’t earn just because he plays football. But then when she learns more about who Noel is, she sees a man who deserves everything he has worked so hard for. The only problem is…she can’t resist him, and their passion for each other, could cost them everything, but is their love for each other worth the risk?

The Hero
Noel, came from a trailer park, he has three siblings, and a mother that doesn’t care about anything but herself. Noel has been treated worse than scum, has worked his butt off to get to college, so that he can graduate and support his siblings who need someone to love them and care for them in a way he never was. He will do anything for his sister and brothers, but he is soon put in a hard position when he falls in love with his professor. Now things are getting way complicated. Noel is a character you can adore. He is tough and gritty, plenty of charm, but is a fighter for those he loves. You start to see how much he adores his siblings, how devoted he is to saving them and trying to make a better life for them than he had. You see how caring and tender he is with Aspen, and boy he is willing to risk everything for her…I loved every part of him. Sexy in every way, and I couldn’t get enough.

The Heroine
Aspen, just got her job as a college professor, having recently graduated, and her life has been one of loneliness. She has never known love or affection. Her parents were cold and brutal, never showed any ounce of love or care for her. She has a difficult time making friends, and envies Noel and his life at least until she really gets to know him. Aspen is strong and passionate, she is tough and willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loves. You see what a tender heart she has, that she has vulnerabilities, but she also has some strengths you have to admire.

Plot and Story Line
To Professor With Love, is a very emotional and moving story. I really enjoyed it quite a bit, not as much as the first book, but I found many elements to make this story a solid one, and worth reading. I did have high expectations for this story, and even though it didn’t fill all of them, it did satisfy me to what I wanted in many different ways. This is definitely a forbidden love theme, a professor and a student love story, but not your typical one. I loved the attraction you feel for these two, and at the beginning of the story you see how much that don’t care much for each other, but sparks do fly. You see their relationship soften to something deeper and real as the story moves on, and you see quite the conflict here. I think what I enjoyed most was seeing how willing Noel was willing to fight for Aspen. I loved his stubborn will and I adored him. The heroine I liked for the most part, there were a couple of things that got a little annoying, but overall she grew on me, and it was quite fun seeing these two muddle through and try to find a common ground. Their HEA isn’t an easy one, and is hard to get, but what a joy it was seeing them finally get it, but not before some instances happen, that test them as a couple. This was an emotional story and it really got me going at times, and I definitely was cheering for them all the way.

The Cover
This might be my favorite covers of the series so far. I love the pose, and that kiss…whew…love it *grins* and with the sun in the background….the cover alone would get me to pick this one up.

Overall View
I found To Professor, With Love to be a hard to win love story that sets your emotions on edge, and keeps you engaged from page one, a story of sacrifice, family, and love.