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loverofromance
This book was okay, but I did have some issues. I like the plot and the chemistry between these two. It was great seeing some bad boy rocker have to work for a woman that can't show interest in him because she is the maid for the island hotel where he is staying at and will lose her job. So it was fun seeing their bantering. However there are some scenes of cheating and didn't like the ending at all, not sure these two end up together in the series so not very happy with the no HEA or even HFN.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
James, the Duke of Harland needs to find a bride so that he can have a mother for his illegitimate daughter and return back across to America and what he believes to be his home. So he comes up with a plan, for a party involving four potential debutantes that will be all proper and what he needs. He never planned on one of those women being someone he can't resist. Charlene is shocked with a member of nobility offers her security and a place away from the horrid place she has had to grow up in if she poses as her half sister who is in Europe at the moment to convince the Duke of Harland that she is the right choice. So Charlene, desperate to get their debts paid off and see her younger sister can live her dreams, she does what is necessary. But there is one problem, there is some powerful chemistry between James and Charlene and even though they try to ignore the connection they feel, soon the secrets will have to come clean and they will have to choose between duty to family or true love...
James, The Duke of Harland never thought that he would be in this position. He was not raised to be the Duke, but when his brother was killed and with his father gone, he is now the rightful Duke. James despised his father and the last thing he wants is more duty and responsibility. Which is why he wants to get married as soon as possible and leave England. He hates the idea of leaving his daughter behind, but he wants what is best for her and finding a mother to raise her is the best thing he can do for her. James is very ducal, he claims he wants someone proper, I like that he doesn't care much about the status of a title. He is generous, is a fighter for liberties and freedom for slaves and is against child labor. He definitely was fun to watch, he isn't your typical Duke at all. He likes to play games and has quite the playful personality.
Charlene was raised in a brothel, with her mother being a "lady of the evening" and has to learn self defense to protect herself against predators. She has devoted herself to protecting her little sister from the truth about their living situation, trying to keep her innocent and encouraging her in her artistic talents. Charlene will do anything for the welfare of her family, even pose as her half sister (whom she has no idea about) and try to be a proper lady even though she is anything but. Charlene is a character you love from the beginning. She is unconventional, independent, willful and lively. I honestly loved her personality, she had this fresh outlook that I gravitated towards. Even though she was a bit too modern for a historical romance I still enjoyed her quite a bit.
First off, I want to say thank you to Melissa @ Lily's Element for loaning this book to me because i absolutely LOVED this one!!! This is the debut novel from Lenora Bell and I have never read a debut novel so well written!!! This was simply an amazing book and I couldn't get enough out of it. The way this story was written, reminded me of those first romances that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place. So Lenora Bell...you have captivated me with How The Duke Was Won. This story involves the secret identity trope and this aspect of the story was written in such a way that was captivating, not too much drama either. It had a very delicate balance that most authors miss when writing with this trope in their plots. The characters especially Charlene and James were simply perfect for each other. Their bantering was pretty contagious, and it was interesting to see how their chemistry was handled; it practically steams from the pages.
Our hero James is trying to resist Charlene. He feels way too much when he is around her, and wants to avoid that with his future bride. But with each day, his resolve weakens and I always love seeing a hero lose the battle to love. We see how torn Charlene is with her charade and a bit confused at times. She isn't your typical heroine, and she bumbles her way along at times and the woman acting as her "mother" keeps encouraging her. Which was pretty funny, because what happens to her is not her fault, just mere coincidences but Charlene is a person that can easily laugh at herself and I liked that.
The romance that develops between Charlene and James is quite captivating. From the beginning you can just feel "all the feels" practically pull you right in. I only had one issue and it wasn't super strong in this book, but it was there...there were some modern like mannerisms that made this book not feel quite like a historical romance. So that is the one thing I would change, everything else was simply superb!!!
Such a gorgeous cover we have here!! I love the pose here, I like how they are so cozy together I like the color of her dress here.
How The Duke Was Won is a utterly captivating romance. Its a heartfelt story that tugs at your heartstrings, and pulls at your emotions in a vividly pictured experience...UNFORGETTABLE!
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Summary
James, the Duke of Harland needs to find a bride so that he can have a mother for his illegitimate daughter and return back across to America and what he believes to be his home. So he comes up with a plan, for a party involving four potential debutantes that will be all proper and what he needs. He never planned on one of those women being someone he can't resist. Charlene is shocked with a member of nobility offers her security and a place away from the horrid place she has had to grow up in if she poses as her half sister who is in Europe at the moment to convince the Duke of Harland that she is the right choice. So Charlene, desperate to get their debts paid off and see her younger sister can live her dreams, she does what is necessary. But there is one problem, there is some powerful chemistry between James and Charlene and even though they try to ignore the connection they feel, soon the secrets will have to come clean and they will have to choose between duty to family or true love...
The Hero
James, The Duke of Harland never thought that he would be in this position. He was not raised to be the Duke, but when his brother was killed and with his father gone, he is now the rightful Duke. James despised his father and the last thing he wants is more duty and responsibility. Which is why he wants to get married as soon as possible and leave England. He hates the idea of leaving his daughter behind, but he wants what is best for her and finding a mother to raise her is the best thing he can do for her. James is very ducal, he claims he wants someone proper, I like that he doesn't care much about the status of a title. He is generous, is a fighter for liberties and freedom for slaves and is against child labor. He definitely was fun to watch, he isn't your typical Duke at all. He likes to play games and has quite the playful personality.
The Heroine
Charlene was raised in a brothel, with her mother being a "lady of the evening" and has to learn self defense to protect herself against predators. She has devoted herself to protecting her little sister from the truth about their living situation, trying to keep her innocent and encouraging her in her artistic talents. Charlene will do anything for the welfare of her family, even pose as her half sister (whom she has no idea about) and try to be a proper lady even though she is anything but. Charlene is a character you love from the beginning. She is unconventional, independent, willful and lively. I honestly loved her personality, she had this fresh outlook that I gravitated towards. Even though she was a bit too modern for a historical romance I still enjoyed her quite a bit.
Plot and Story Line
First off, I want to say thank you to Melissa @ Lily's Element for loaning this book to me because i absolutely LOVED this one!!! This is the debut novel from Lenora Bell and I have never read a debut novel so well written!!! This was simply an amazing book and I couldn't get enough out of it. The way this story was written, reminded me of those first romances that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place. So Lenora Bell...you have captivated me with How The Duke Was Won. This story involves the secret identity trope and this aspect of the story was written in such a way that was captivating, not too much drama either. It had a very delicate balance that most authors miss when writing with this trope in their plots. The characters especially Charlene and James were simply perfect for each other. Their bantering was pretty contagious, and it was interesting to see how their chemistry was handled; it practically steams from the pages.
"I'm going to kiss you," he breathed in her ear. "You have exactly three seconds to leave. I advise you to leave."
He waited a moment. "Please leave."
Our hero James is trying to resist Charlene. He feels way too much when he is around her, and wants to avoid that with his future bride. But with each day, his resolve weakens and I always love seeing a hero lose the battle to love. We see how torn Charlene is with her charade and a bit confused at times. She isn't your typical heroine, and she bumbles her way along at times and the woman acting as her "mother" keeps encouraging her. Which was pretty funny, because what happens to her is not her fault, just mere coincidences but Charlene is a person that can easily laugh at herself and I liked that.
How odd. It seemed Charlene could do no wrong.
Throw a Duke on the floor?
charming
Expose herself in public?
Too Perfect
She would never understand nobility
The romance that develops between Charlene and James is quite captivating. From the beginning you can just feel "all the feels" practically pull you right in. I only had one issue and it wasn't super strong in this book, but it was there...there were some modern like mannerisms that made this book not feel quite like a historical romance. So that is the one thing I would change, everything else was simply superb!!!
The Cover
Such a gorgeous cover we have here!! I love the pose here, I like how they are so cozy together I like the color of her dress here.
Overall View
How The Duke Was Won is a utterly captivating romance. Its a heartfelt story that tugs at your heartstrings, and pulls at your emotions in a vividly pictured experience...UNFORGETTABLE!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25004"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Claire Cavendish, is smart as a whistle when it comes to mathematics. She has a practical view of life and one of the main reasons she wanted to come to London, was to meet and talk with a certain Duke, who shares her viewpoints. But along the way in her search, she stumbles across Lord Fox. Fox, can't resist a wager, and after losing his fiancee to a actor, he engages in a bet with a competing friend. The bet is very simple, persuade Claire Cavendish to be more becoming to the Ton or he loses his most prized dog. Upon meeting Claire he knows that it won't be easy. The Cavenish sisters are very American, and aren't likeable by the Ton. Claire could care less how to dress her hair, or the latest styles in fashion or the best way to discuss dull topics in a ball room. She has a passion for the maths and sciences. Fox isn't her type and Claire isn't Fox's type, however through a course of events they discover passion and love....
Lady Claire Is All That is a story that brings together two opposites that couldn't be more different from each other but somehow Maya Rodale has brought together a captivating story of seeing two people balance each other out. Our hero is a bit of a rake, loves to gamble, drink and horse racing and prize fighting. Our heroine is intelligent, independent and willful. She thinks in pragmatic terms. So these two couldn't be more alike than oil and water. It starts out with a bet gone wrong, and soon Fox and Claire start to find certain things in common with each other.
Now I will admit, I was very intrigued by this story. I was worried I wouldn't like it (since I had some issues with book 2) however this book won me over pretty quickly. The interactions between Fox and Claire are quite entertaining and sharp witted, I loved seeing these two go back and forth between each other. I really liked the family dynamics in this one as well, the brother especially was quite funny. I definitely am looking forward to his book. We also get some other characters from Rodale's "Wicked Wallflower" that made me eager to try that one out soon. What I love about Rodale's work though, is the way she builds her characters. There is quite a bit of growth that come into play here and it doesn't play out in the normal way you would expect either. So she kept me on my toes with this one. Definitely recommend to HR lovers.
What a pretty cover....probably my favorite of the series. I love the green color tones in this one, and the cover just sets the right tone that matches the story.
Lady Claire Is All That is a fun filled romance that has a witty dialogue, an engaging story line and a warm and likable romance. SIMPLY WONDERFUL!
London, 1824
Lord and Lady Chesham’s ballroom
It was a truth universally acknowledged that Maximilian Frederick DeVere, Lord Fox, was God’s gift to the ladies of London. He was taller and brawnier than his peers and in possession of the sort of chiseled good looks—above and below the neck—that were more often found in works of classical art. By all accounts he was charming and universally liked by men and women alike, though for different reasons, of course. He won at two things, always: women and sport.
Fox strolled through the ballroom as if he owned the place. He nodded at friends and acquaintances—Carlyle, with whom he occasionally fenced, Fitzwalter, who he had soundly thrashed at boxing last week, and Willoughby, who was always game for a curricle race.
Fox flashed his famous grin as he heard the ladies’ usual comments when he strolled past.
“I think he just smiled at me.”
“I think I’m going to swoon.”
“God, Arabella Vaughn is one lucky woman.”
“Was,” someone corrected. “Didn’t you see the report in The London Weekly this morning?”
Fox’s grin faltered.
That was when Mr. Rupert Wright and Lord Mowbray found him. Their friendship stretched all the way back to their early days at Eton.
“We heard the news, Fox,” Rupert said grimly, clapping a hand on his shoulder.
“I daresay everyone has heard the news,” Fox replied dryly.
It didn’t escape his notice that the guests nearby had fallen silent. It was the first time he’d appeared in public since the news broke in the paper this morning, though Arabella had so kindly left him a note the day prior. Everyone was watching him to see how he would react, what he would say, if he would cry.
“Who would have thought we’d see this day?” Mowbray mused. “Miss Arabella Vaughn, darling of the haute ton, running off with an actor.”
“That alone would be scandalous,” Rupert said, adding, “Never mind that she has ditched Fox. Who is, apparently, considered a catch. What with his lofty title, wealth, and not hideous face.”
Fox’s Male Pride bristled. It’d been bristling and seething and enraged ever since the news broke that his beautiful, popular betrothed had left him to elope with some plebian actor.
Not just any actor, either, but Lucien Kemble. Yes, he was the current sensation among the haute ton, lighting up the stage each night in his role as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. Covent Garden theater was sold out for the rest of the season. The gossip columns loved him, given his flair for dramatics both onstage and off—everything from tantrums to torrid love affairs to fits over his artistry. Women adored him; they may have sighed and swooned over Lucien Kemble as much as Fox.
To lose a woman to any other man was insupportable—and, until recently, not something that ever happened to him—but to lose her to someone who made his living prancing around onstage in tights? It was intolerable.
“Just who does she think she is?” Fox wondered aloud.
“She’s Arabella Vaughn. Beautiful. Popular. Enviable. Every young lady here aspires to be her. Every man here would like a shot with her,” Mowbray answered.
“She’s you, but in petticoats,” Rupert said, laughing.
It was true. He and Arabella were perfect together.
Like most men, he’d fallen for her at first sight after catching a glimpse of her across a crowded ballroom. She was beautiful in every possible way: a tall, lithe figure with full breasts; a mouth made for kissing and other things that gentlemen didn’t mention in polite company; blue eyes fringed in dark lashes; honey gold hair that fell in waves; a complexion that begged comparisons to cream and milk and moonlight.
Fox had taken one look at her and thought: mine.
They were a perfect match in beauty, wealth, social standing, all that. They both enjoyed taking the ton by storm. He remembered the pride he felt as they strolled through a ballroom arm in arm and the feeling of everyone’s eyes on them as they waltzed so elegantly.
They were great together.
They belonged together.
Fox also remembered the more private moments—so many stolen kisses, the intimacy of gently pushing aside a wayward strand of her golden hair, promises for their future as man and wife. They would have perfect children, and entertain the best of society, and generally live a life of wealth and pleasure and perfection, together.
Fox remembered his heart racing—nerves!—when he proposed because this beautiful girl he adored was going to be his.
And then she had eloped. With an actor.
It burned, that. Ever since he’d heard the news, Fox had stormed around in high dudgeon. He was not accustomed to losing.
“Take away her flattering gowns and face paint and she’s just like any other woman here,” Fox said, wanting it to be true so he wouldn’t feel the loss so keenly. “Look at her, for example.”
Rupert and Mowbray both glanced at the woman he pointed out—a short, frumpy young lady nervously sipping lemonade. She spilled some down the front of her bodice when she caught three men staring at her.
“If one were to offer her guidance on supportive undergarments and current fashions and get a maid to properly style her coiffure, why, she could be the reigning queen of the haute ton,” Fox pointed out.
Both men stared at him, slack jawed.
“You’ve never been known for being the sharpest tool in the shed, Fox, but now I think you’re really cracked,” Mowbray said. “You cannot just give a girl a new dress and make her popular.”
“Well, Mowbray, maybe you couldn’t. But I could.”
“Gentlemen . . .” Rupert cut in. “I don’t care for the direction of this conversation.”
“You honestly think you can do it,” Mowbray said, awed.
He turned to face Mowbray and drew himself up to his full height, something he did when he wanted to be imposing. His Male Pride had been wounded and his competitive spirit—always used to winning—was spoiling for an opportunity to triumph.
“I know I can,” Fox said with the confidence of a man who won pretty much everything he put his mind to—as long as it involved sport, or women. Arabella had been his first, his only, loss. A fluke, surely.
“Well, that calls for a wager,” Mowbray said.
The two gentlemen stood eye to eye, the tension thick. Rupert groaned.
“Name your terms,” Fox said.
“I pick the girl.”
“Fine.”
“This is a terrible idea,” Rupert said. He was probably right, but he was definitely ignored.
“Let me see . . . who shall I pick?” Mowbray made a dramatic show of looking around the ballroom at all the ladies nearby. There were at least a dozen of varying degrees of pretty and pretty hopeless.
Then Mowbray’s attentions fixed on one particular woman. Fox followed his gaze, and when he saw who his friend had in mind, his stomach dropped.
“No.”
“Yes,” Mowbray said, a cocky grin stretching across his features.
“Unfortunately dressed I can handle. Shy, stuttering English miss who at least knows the rules of society? Sure. But one of the Americans?”
Fox let the question hang there. The Cavendish family had A Reputation the minute the news broke that the new Duke of Durham was none other than a lowly horse trainer from the former colonies. He and his sisters were scandalous before they even set foot in London. Since their debut in society, they hadn’t exactly managed to win over the haute ton, either, to put it politely.
“Now, they’re not all bad,” Rupert said. “I quite like Lady Bridget . . .”
But Fox was still in shock and Mowbray was enjoying it too much to pay any mind to Rupert’s defense of the Americans.
“The bluestocking?”
That was the thing: Mowbray hadn’t picked just any American, but the one who already had a reputation for being insufferably intelligent, without style or charm to make herself more appealing to the gentlemen of the ton. She was known to bore a gentleman to tears by discussing not the weather, or hair ribbons, or gossip of mutual acquaintances, but math.
Lady Claire Cavendish seemed destined to be a hopeless spinster and social pariah.
Even the legendary Duchess of Durham, aunt to the new duke and his sisters, hadn’t yet been able to successfully launch them into society and she’d already had weeks to prepare them! It seemed insane that Fox should succeed where the duchess failed.
But Fox and his Male Pride had never, not once, backed away from a challenge, especially not when the stakes had never been higher. He knew two truths about himself: he won at women and he won at sport.
He was a winner.
And he was not in the mood for soul searching or crafting a new identity when the old one suited him quite well. Given this nonsense with Arabella, he had to redeem himself in the eyes of the ton, not to mention his own. It was an impossible task, but one that Fox would simply have to win.
“Her family is hosting a ball in a fortnight,” Mowbray said. “I expect you to be there—with Lady Claire on your arm as the most desirable and popular woman in London.”
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Summary
Claire Cavendish, is smart as a whistle when it comes to mathematics. She has a practical view of life and one of the main reasons she wanted to come to London, was to meet and talk with a certain Duke, who shares her viewpoints. But along the way in her search, she stumbles across Lord Fox. Fox, can't resist a wager, and after losing his fiancee to a actor, he engages in a bet with a competing friend. The bet is very simple, persuade Claire Cavendish to be more becoming to the Ton or he loses his most prized dog. Upon meeting Claire he knows that it won't be easy. The Cavenish sisters are very American, and aren't likeable by the Ton. Claire could care less how to dress her hair, or the latest styles in fashion or the best way to discuss dull topics in a ball room. She has a passion for the maths and sciences. Fox isn't her type and Claire isn't Fox's type, however through a course of events they discover passion and love....
Story and Plot Line
Lady Claire Is All That is a story that brings together two opposites that couldn't be more different from each other but somehow Maya Rodale has brought together a captivating story of seeing two people balance each other out. Our hero is a bit of a rake, loves to gamble, drink and horse racing and prize fighting. Our heroine is intelligent, independent and willful. She thinks in pragmatic terms. So these two couldn't be more alike than oil and water. It starts out with a bet gone wrong, and soon Fox and Claire start to find certain things in common with each other.
Now I will admit, I was very intrigued by this story. I was worried I wouldn't like it (since I had some issues with book 2) however this book won me over pretty quickly. The interactions between Fox and Claire are quite entertaining and sharp witted, I loved seeing these two go back and forth between each other. I really liked the family dynamics in this one as well, the brother especially was quite funny. I definitely am looking forward to his book. We also get some other characters from Rodale's "Wicked Wallflower" that made me eager to try that one out soon. What I love about Rodale's work though, is the way she builds her characters. There is quite a bit of growth that come into play here and it doesn't play out in the normal way you would expect either. So she kept me on my toes with this one. Definitely recommend to HR lovers.
The Cover
What a pretty cover....probably my favorite of the series. I love the green color tones in this one, and the cover just sets the right tone that matches the story.
Overall View
Lady Claire Is All That is a fun filled romance that has a witty dialogue, an engaging story line and a warm and likable romance. SIMPLY WONDERFUL!
London, 1824
Lord and Lady Chesham’s ballroom
It was a truth universally acknowledged that Maximilian Frederick DeVere, Lord Fox, was God’s gift to the ladies of London. He was taller and brawnier than his peers and in possession of the sort of chiseled good looks—above and below the neck—that were more often found in works of classical art. By all accounts he was charming and universally liked by men and women alike, though for different reasons, of course. He won at two things, always: women and sport.
Fox strolled through the ballroom as if he owned the place. He nodded at friends and acquaintances—Carlyle, with whom he occasionally fenced, Fitzwalter, who he had soundly thrashed at boxing last week, and Willoughby, who was always game for a curricle race.
Fox flashed his famous grin as he heard the ladies’ usual comments when he strolled past.
“I think he just smiled at me.”
“I think I’m going to swoon.”
“God, Arabella Vaughn is one lucky woman.”
“Was,” someone corrected. “Didn’t you see the report in The London Weekly this morning?”
Fox’s grin faltered.
That was when Mr. Rupert Wright and Lord Mowbray found him. Their friendship stretched all the way back to their early days at Eton.
“We heard the news, Fox,” Rupert said grimly, clapping a hand on his shoulder.
“I daresay everyone has heard the news,” Fox replied dryly.
It didn’t escape his notice that the guests nearby had fallen silent. It was the first time he’d appeared in public since the news broke in the paper this morning, though Arabella had so kindly left him a note the day prior. Everyone was watching him to see how he would react, what he would say, if he would cry.
“Who would have thought we’d see this day?” Mowbray mused. “Miss Arabella Vaughn, darling of the haute ton, running off with an actor.”
“That alone would be scandalous,” Rupert said, adding, “Never mind that she has ditched Fox. Who is, apparently, considered a catch. What with his lofty title, wealth, and not hideous face.”
Fox’s Male Pride bristled. It’d been bristling and seething and enraged ever since the news broke that his beautiful, popular betrothed had left him to elope with some plebian actor.
Not just any actor, either, but Lucien Kemble. Yes, he was the current sensation among the haute ton, lighting up the stage each night in his role as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. Covent Garden theater was sold out for the rest of the season. The gossip columns loved him, given his flair for dramatics both onstage and off—everything from tantrums to torrid love affairs to fits over his artistry. Women adored him; they may have sighed and swooned over Lucien Kemble as much as Fox.
To lose a woman to any other man was insupportable—and, until recently, not something that ever happened to him—but to lose her to someone who made his living prancing around onstage in tights? It was intolerable.
“Just who does she think she is?” Fox wondered aloud.
“She’s Arabella Vaughn. Beautiful. Popular. Enviable. Every young lady here aspires to be her. Every man here would like a shot with her,” Mowbray answered.
“She’s you, but in petticoats,” Rupert said, laughing.
It was true. He and Arabella were perfect together.
Like most men, he’d fallen for her at first sight after catching a glimpse of her across a crowded ballroom. She was beautiful in every possible way: a tall, lithe figure with full breasts; a mouth made for kissing and other things that gentlemen didn’t mention in polite company; blue eyes fringed in dark lashes; honey gold hair that fell in waves; a complexion that begged comparisons to cream and milk and moonlight.
Fox had taken one look at her and thought: mine.
They were a perfect match in beauty, wealth, social standing, all that. They both enjoyed taking the ton by storm. He remembered the pride he felt as they strolled through a ballroom arm in arm and the feeling of everyone’s eyes on them as they waltzed so elegantly.
They were great together.
They belonged together.
Fox also remembered the more private moments—so many stolen kisses, the intimacy of gently pushing aside a wayward strand of her golden hair, promises for their future as man and wife. They would have perfect children, and entertain the best of society, and generally live a life of wealth and pleasure and perfection, together.
Fox remembered his heart racing—nerves!—when he proposed because this beautiful girl he adored was going to be his.
And then she had eloped. With an actor.
It burned, that. Ever since he’d heard the news, Fox had stormed around in high dudgeon. He was not accustomed to losing.
“Take away her flattering gowns and face paint and she’s just like any other woman here,” Fox said, wanting it to be true so he wouldn’t feel the loss so keenly. “Look at her, for example.”
Rupert and Mowbray both glanced at the woman he pointed out—a short, frumpy young lady nervously sipping lemonade. She spilled some down the front of her bodice when she caught three men staring at her.
“If one were to offer her guidance on supportive undergarments and current fashions and get a maid to properly style her coiffure, why, she could be the reigning queen of the haute ton,” Fox pointed out.
Both men stared at him, slack jawed.
“You’ve never been known for being the sharpest tool in the shed, Fox, but now I think you’re really cracked,” Mowbray said. “You cannot just give a girl a new dress and make her popular.”
“Well, Mowbray, maybe you couldn’t. But I could.”
“Gentlemen . . .” Rupert cut in. “I don’t care for the direction of this conversation.”
“You honestly think you can do it,” Mowbray said, awed.
He turned to face Mowbray and drew himself up to his full height, something he did when he wanted to be imposing. His Male Pride had been wounded and his competitive spirit—always used to winning—was spoiling for an opportunity to triumph.
“I know I can,” Fox said with the confidence of a man who won pretty much everything he put his mind to—as long as it involved sport, or women. Arabella had been his first, his only, loss. A fluke, surely.
“Well, that calls for a wager,” Mowbray said.
The two gentlemen stood eye to eye, the tension thick. Rupert groaned.
“Name your terms,” Fox said.
“I pick the girl.”
“Fine.”
“This is a terrible idea,” Rupert said. He was probably right, but he was definitely ignored.
“Let me see . . . who shall I pick?” Mowbray made a dramatic show of looking around the ballroom at all the ladies nearby. There were at least a dozen of varying degrees of pretty and pretty hopeless.
Then Mowbray’s attentions fixed on one particular woman. Fox followed his gaze, and when he saw who his friend had in mind, his stomach dropped.
“No.”
“Yes,” Mowbray said, a cocky grin stretching across his features.
“Unfortunately dressed I can handle. Shy, stuttering English miss who at least knows the rules of society? Sure. But one of the Americans?”
Fox let the question hang there. The Cavendish family had A Reputation the minute the news broke that the new Duke of Durham was none other than a lowly horse trainer from the former colonies. He and his sisters were scandalous before they even set foot in London. Since their debut in society, they hadn’t exactly managed to win over the haute ton, either, to put it politely.
“Now, they’re not all bad,” Rupert said. “I quite like Lady Bridget . . .”
But Fox was still in shock and Mowbray was enjoying it too much to pay any mind to Rupert’s defense of the Americans.
“The bluestocking?”
That was the thing: Mowbray hadn’t picked just any American, but the one who already had a reputation for being insufferably intelligent, without style or charm to make herself more appealing to the gentlemen of the ton. She was known to bore a gentleman to tears by discussing not the weather, or hair ribbons, or gossip of mutual acquaintances, but math.
Lady Claire Cavendish seemed destined to be a hopeless spinster and social pariah.
Even the legendary Duchess of Durham, aunt to the new duke and his sisters, hadn’t yet been able to successfully launch them into society and she’d already had weeks to prepare them! It seemed insane that Fox should succeed where the duchess failed.
But Fox and his Male Pride had never, not once, backed away from a challenge, especially not when the stakes had never been higher. He knew two truths about himself: he won at women and he won at sport.
He was a winner.
And he was not in the mood for soul searching or crafting a new identity when the old one suited him quite well. Given this nonsense with Arabella, he had to redeem himself in the eyes of the ton, not to mention his own. It was an impossible task, but one that Fox would simply have to win.
“Her family is hosting a ball in a fortnight,” Mowbray said. “I expect you to be there—with Lady Claire on your arm as the most desirable and popular woman in London.”
Click To Buy On Amazon
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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Jessica Huntington, is a doctor at the women's correctional facility and even though its not her "dream" job, she knows its where she's needed. But what surprises her, is when she finds four letters from an inmate years ago, whose story is heartbreaking and calls out to Jessica. So with vacation time coming up, she decides to go to the coastal town of Hartwell, and deliver the love letters to the man that deserves them. What Jessica doesn't plan on, is finding a home on Hartwell and a group of friends to call her own and a sexy bar owner she doesn't think she will be ever to forget. Cooper is recovering from a bad marriage and doesn't know if he is ready to let another woman into his life and into his heart. But Jessica calls something to him that he has never known, but she keeps a part of herself away from him. Will Jessica be honest with Cooper and give him her full heart or lose him forever...
What a story and a great beginning to what I think will be a great series. I was lucky enough to get a audio copy through my local library for this story, and boy was it worth the wait. Samantha Young has outdid herself with The One Real Thing. It sets off with our heroine Jessica. Now Jessica, she has secrets of her own, secrets that she keeps very well hidden. She has to face some painful things in her past and it begins with finding lost love letters, letters that Jessica can't help but feel a kinship with. She knows she must give them to the man they were intended for. Then upon her arrival to Hartwell, she meets Cooper. Now these two have some great chemistry. I really couldn't help but feel captivated by these two. Both of these characters, have some tough pasts, but Jessica holds back more than Cooper does. It was really interesting to see these two figure out their bumpy relationship. This book does tear at your emotions at certain times, which is Samantha Young's style, but I loved the ride that this author gives us. There were also some colorful characters that makes the story more endearing and lively. They bring a good balance to the story. I love the spurts of humor and lightheartedness that we find in this romance. I fell in love quickly with this town and the spunky characters and the charming quality of the setting made for a delightful read.
This was a dual narration, and boy I loved these two together. Both were fantastic, and portrayed the personalities of the characters so well. I really admired the way the let the emotion flow so smoothly.
So pretty and classy and I love the scenery beneath the pair's "almost" kiss!!!
The One Real Thing is full of storms and calm seas....of sensuality and poignant emotion and a story to captivate your heart!
Summary
Jessica Huntington, is a doctor at the women's correctional facility and even though its not her "dream" job, she knows its where she's needed. But what surprises her, is when she finds four letters from an inmate years ago, whose story is heartbreaking and calls out to Jessica. So with vacation time coming up, she decides to go to the coastal town of Hartwell, and deliver the love letters to the man that deserves them. What Jessica doesn't plan on, is finding a home on Hartwell and a group of friends to call her own and a sexy bar owner she doesn't think she will be ever to forget. Cooper is recovering from a bad marriage and doesn't know if he is ready to let another woman into his life and into his heart. But Jessica calls something to him that he has never known, but she keeps a part of herself away from him. Will Jessica be honest with Cooper and give him her full heart or lose him forever...
Plot and Story Line
What a story and a great beginning to what I think will be a great series. I was lucky enough to get a audio copy through my local library for this story, and boy was it worth the wait. Samantha Young has outdid herself with The One Real Thing. It sets off with our heroine Jessica. Now Jessica, she has secrets of her own, secrets that she keeps very well hidden. She has to face some painful things in her past and it begins with finding lost love letters, letters that Jessica can't help but feel a kinship with. She knows she must give them to the man they were intended for. Then upon her arrival to Hartwell, she meets Cooper. Now these two have some great chemistry. I really couldn't help but feel captivated by these two. Both of these characters, have some tough pasts, but Jessica holds back more than Cooper does. It was really interesting to see these two figure out their bumpy relationship. This book does tear at your emotions at certain times, which is Samantha Young's style, but I loved the ride that this author gives us. There were also some colorful characters that makes the story more endearing and lively. They bring a good balance to the story. I love the spurts of humor and lightheartedness that we find in this romance. I fell in love quickly with this town and the spunky characters and the charming quality of the setting made for a delightful read.
“You’ve made your mark. You made your mark on me. No matter what happens between us now or in the future, I will never forget you. You’re inside me. Always will be.”
Narration
This was a dual narration, and boy I loved these two together. Both were fantastic, and portrayed the personalities of the characters so well. I really admired the way the let the emotion flow so smoothly.
The Cover
So pretty and classy and I love the scenery beneath the pair's "almost" kiss!!!
Overall View
The One Real Thing is full of storms and calm seas....of sensuality and poignant emotion and a story to captivate your heart!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="23967"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Roxie Callahan can't believe that she lost her job over "butter" of all things and lost all of her clients in LA, because of one client who screwed her over with all of her other clients. Now she is out of a job, and even though her mother needs her home, the last thing that Roxie wants to do is come back to that small town. But without a job, and living in California she knows that she will have to do it. So she reluctantly agrees to stay for the summer to take over her mother's diner. And she literally bumps in a sexy farmer with the most brilliant green eyes she has ever seen before. As Roxie keeps bumping and stumbling over farmer Leo, chemistry is fiery hot. Their fling is only for the summer they both say, but very quickly what was a summer fling turns into something more, but will secrets and misunderstandings be what keeps them apart or bring them together?
Leo, is a organic farmer and for years has been cultivating the land. But Leo wasn't always a farmer. He was raised in a entitled family in Manhattan, he could have had everything he ever wanted, but he was betrayed and even though he gained something important to him, he wanted out of that city life and decided to build something important on his family's land that had been run down at the time. Leo is one sexy farmer. He is kind and sweet with kids, he makes time for everyone no matter how busy he gets. Leo is one of those characters that is a keeper and has such a nice personality. I don't get to read nice heroes like this and I love him. He enjoys life to the fullest and you have to admire that nothing gets him down for long.
Roxie Callahan, may have grown up in Hudson Valley, but she got out as soon as she possibly could. She was terribly shy and when she graduated she wanted to be confident and make something out of herself. So she got herself in one of the top culinary schools and became a professional chef. Roxie has never had a serious relationship, she has stuck with one night stands. After seeing her mother go through too many boyfriends and call it "love" Roxie knew that life could never be for her. Roxie is quirky, clumsy, talented at cooking, and gets tongue tied around handsome farmers with green eyes. And I loved her character so very much. She is who she is and not ashamed of it. I like that she goes full speed ahead on many things.
I had NO idea what to expect from Nuts to be honest. But ever since I first read Clayton a few weeks ago, I have been itching to try her out again and boy Nuts won me over pretty quickly. Now I will admit, the beginning was a bit slow with all the cooking and fancy details that we get thrown at. But it was cute and funny and quickly won me over the moment that our heroine enters her hometown and she meets her farmer. Now these two were simply hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing at so many fun antics especially their first few meetings. The romance starts as a summer fling, just wanting to enjoy each other for a short time but there is definitely something going on more than just sex here.
But boy Clayton really packs a punch with all the feels here. We get a great introduction into this charming farming valley and townfolk. And I love the gossip mills that go around here. This is a story that will captive you from the beginning, I love the humor, fun and silly moments, the chemistry that sizzles and plenty of change and growth to go around. Definitely gotta try out the next book. And another great plus to this story is how informative it is in getting the reader familiar with "farmer markets", you definitely learn quite a bit about farming and I always love learning new things.
LOVE the cover we have here, and the lettering is done very dynamically. Much love here.
Nuts is a quaint and warm romance that will stun you and keep you from putting it down. Plenty of silly times, mouthwatering smexy scenes and a love story to steal your heart!! A story you don't want to miss out on. Get ready to laugh your socks off!! TANTALIZING
Now from the beginning, the first line of this song is put in the book and you feel it through the whole thing so I just had to put this one on.
[foogallery id="25329"]
Summary
Roxie Callahan can't believe that she lost her job over "butter" of all things and lost all of her clients in LA, because of one client who screwed her over with all of her other clients. Now she is out of a job, and even though her mother needs her home, the last thing that Roxie wants to do is come back to that small town. But without a job, and living in California she knows that she will have to do it. So she reluctantly agrees to stay for the summer to take over her mother's diner. And she literally bumps in a sexy farmer with the most brilliant green eyes she has ever seen before. As Roxie keeps bumping and stumbling over farmer Leo, chemistry is fiery hot. Their fling is only for the summer they both say, but very quickly what was a summer fling turns into something more, but will secrets and misunderstandings be what keeps them apart or bring them together?
The Hero
Leo, is a organic farmer and for years has been cultivating the land. But Leo wasn't always a farmer. He was raised in a entitled family in Manhattan, he could have had everything he ever wanted, but he was betrayed and even though he gained something important to him, he wanted out of that city life and decided to build something important on his family's land that had been run down at the time. Leo is one sexy farmer. He is kind and sweet with kids, he makes time for everyone no matter how busy he gets. Leo is one of those characters that is a keeper and has such a nice personality. I don't get to read nice heroes like this and I love him. He enjoys life to the fullest and you have to admire that nothing gets him down for long.
The Heroine
Roxie Callahan, may have grown up in Hudson Valley, but she got out as soon as she possibly could. She was terribly shy and when she graduated she wanted to be confident and make something out of herself. So she got herself in one of the top culinary schools and became a professional chef. Roxie has never had a serious relationship, she has stuck with one night stands. After seeing her mother go through too many boyfriends and call it "love" Roxie knew that life could never be for her. Roxie is quirky, clumsy, talented at cooking, and gets tongue tied around handsome farmers with green eyes. And I loved her character so very much. She is who she is and not ashamed of it. I like that she goes full speed ahead on many things.
Plot and Story Line
I had NO idea what to expect from Nuts to be honest. But ever since I first read Clayton a few weeks ago, I have been itching to try her out again and boy Nuts won me over pretty quickly. Now I will admit, the beginning was a bit slow with all the cooking and fancy details that we get thrown at. But it was cute and funny and quickly won me over the moment that our heroine enters her hometown and she meets her farmer. Now these two were simply hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing at so many fun antics especially their first few meetings. The romance starts as a summer fling, just wanting to enjoy each other for a short time but there is definitely something going on more than just sex here.
He kissed me hot...And he kissed me wet. And he kissed me . . . slow. Agonizingly, maddeningly, painfully slow.
I loved kissing. I also loved what it usually led to, but I was especially loving this part with Leo. The beginning, when everything is new and exciting, and everything in the entire world boils down to sweet feathering lips and quiet sighs. When the stars fade and the earth ceases to turn, its axis forgotten in the wake of things like: which way will you lean and which way will my neck naturally turn, and is it possible that I can actually detect your fingerprints, because my skin seems so alive right now and my nose just brushed yours and the tiny groan that just rumbled from deep in your chest is the most erotic sound imaginable
But boy Clayton really packs a punch with all the feels here. We get a great introduction into this charming farming valley and townfolk. And I love the gossip mills that go around here. This is a story that will captive you from the beginning, I love the humor, fun and silly moments, the chemistry that sizzles and plenty of change and growth to go around. Definitely gotta try out the next book. And another great plus to this story is how informative it is in getting the reader familiar with "farmer markets", you definitely learn quite a bit about farming and I always love learning new things.
The Cover
LOVE the cover we have here, and the lettering is done very dynamically. Much love here.
Overall View
Nuts is a quaint and warm romance that will stun you and keep you from putting it down. Plenty of silly times, mouthwatering smexy scenes and a love story to steal your heart!! A story you don't want to miss out on. Get ready to laugh your socks off!! TANTALIZING
Books N Tunes Pick #1: Summer Nights by Grease
Now from the beginning, the first line of this song is put in the book and you feel it through the whole thing so I just had to put this one on.
Click To Buy From Amazon
[foogallery id="25329"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
When crown Prince Colin Sinclair's parents were assassinated, both he and his siblings were placed into exile and had to take care of each other in American while trying to figure out a way to get back in the good graces of Parliament, so that his sister can rule. Colin knows that it won't be easy but will do everything he can to see that his family are placed in their rightful place as they were meant to be. With two infant brothers to take care of, he hires on a local, to help be a caretaker for them. Delia Hughes is a home service maid, and even though she has always had feelings for Colin, she will do anything for him and his two boys. And when the secret is out, and he is in need of a wife out of convenience, she accepts not knowing what will happen in the future or what Colin expects of her. The last thing she ever imagined would be falling in love with a prince.
This is a classic maid falls in love with royalty scenario but I enjoyed certain details that this author shows in this one. This royal family was fun, their bantering with each other pretty lively and you quickly fall in love with each of them, especially the youngest two boys. This royal family rules by the female, which I found to be very interesting. Even though Colin is the Crown Prince, it is his sister who is the true future Queen. In the beginning of the story, we see Colin and our heroine meet and not under the best of "circumstances" but you sense the chemistry flare between them. And then we skip ahead ten years later. Colin and Delia are still working together, but Colin is very close to having his family return to their home. Now Colin and Delia have had ten years of working together closely, so we sense that they already care for each other. But then Colin has a idea, and at first its a platonic agreement, but both of them soon realize they have too much chemistry to keep it that way. Now I found this story to be quite charming at times, the characters were easy to love but the actual romance fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't quite feel anything from their romance, which was a bit disappointing however I was fascinated with every other aspect of the story. So guaranteed I will be picking up book 2 because I can't wait to see how this family gets back their kingdom.
Interesting...I like the yellow and her shoes are gorgeous!!
Royal Scandal is a lively and charming romance that will leave you wanting more from this delectable family and their antics!!
[foogallery id="25402"]
Summary
When crown Prince Colin Sinclair's parents were assassinated, both he and his siblings were placed into exile and had to take care of each other in American while trying to figure out a way to get back in the good graces of Parliament, so that his sister can rule. Colin knows that it won't be easy but will do everything he can to see that his family are placed in their rightful place as they were meant to be. With two infant brothers to take care of, he hires on a local, to help be a caretaker for them. Delia Hughes is a home service maid, and even though she has always had feelings for Colin, she will do anything for him and his two boys. And when the secret is out, and he is in need of a wife out of convenience, she accepts not knowing what will happen in the future or what Colin expects of her. The last thing she ever imagined would be falling in love with a prince.
Plot and Story Line
This is a classic maid falls in love with royalty scenario but I enjoyed certain details that this author shows in this one. This royal family was fun, their bantering with each other pretty lively and you quickly fall in love with each of them, especially the youngest two boys. This royal family rules by the female, which I found to be very interesting. Even though Colin is the Crown Prince, it is his sister who is the true future Queen. In the beginning of the story, we see Colin and our heroine meet and not under the best of "circumstances" but you sense the chemistry flare between them. And then we skip ahead ten years later. Colin and Delia are still working together, but Colin is very close to having his family return to their home. Now Colin and Delia have had ten years of working together closely, so we sense that they already care for each other. But then Colin has a idea, and at first its a platonic agreement, but both of them soon realize they have too much chemistry to keep it that way. Now I found this story to be quite charming at times, the characters were easy to love but the actual romance fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't quite feel anything from their romance, which was a bit disappointing however I was fascinated with every other aspect of the story. So guaranteed I will be picking up book 2 because I can't wait to see how this family gets back their kingdom.
The Cover
Interesting...I like the yellow and her shoes are gorgeous!!
Overall View
Royal Scandal is a lively and charming romance that will leave you wanting more from this delectable family and their antics!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25402"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Evelyn Preston once had the picture perfect life that anyone would have envied, but then her life was destroyed when her father commited scandal and suicide and she was left on her own. Now she is doing everything she can to work and pay for her college tuition as a waitress at a high end nightclub. But there is one man, that draws her attention, a man she knows is way out of her league. Handsome, sexy, built like a MMA fighter, and could have any woman. But when her past comes to haunt her and causes her to have panic attacks, Mateo is the one she leans on. Mateo and Evelyn have led very different lives from each other, but when they fall in love they learn and grow together and must fight for their love...
Mateo grew up with a abusive father and has had to watch while he terrorized his mother and his sisters. Now Mateo works as hard as he can to provide for his sisters safety and security. Mateo doesn't consider himself worthy of Evelyn, but ends up falling for her anyway. Mateo was a hero you just gravitate towards. He is responsible, hard working, devoted to his family and is willing to sacrifice everything for them. I loved his close bond he has to his sisters. How protective he is of women especially of his family and Evelyn. Definitely a hero you can swoon over. He has all the characteristics that make the best hero. He is kind, charming and sweet with a tough exterior. What's not to love about him?
Evelyn is a strong and courageous heroine you can get behind. I love how easily she adjusts to her situation. She goes from having money and security to having to work hard and study hard and she fits Mateo so well. She does have some horrors from her past that are causing her panic attacks. I liked seeing the PTSD effects here, where she doesn't know why she is having them at first. But I like that she doesn't back away, she just keeps going forward. And I really admired the way she handles the truth when she realizes what is causing her attacks. I did like how loyal and committed she is to Mateo, she stays true to him and what they feel for each other, and fights for him. Gotta admire that.
Once Perfect is a soul shattering romance that instantly pulled me in quite quickly. I want to thank Sophia @ Delighted Reader for recommending this to me on her site. When I learned that this was on sale for $.99 (still is for a limited time) I grabbed it up very very quickly. I have learned to trust in her recommendations and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, I can't wait to read book two of this series. On the surface this appears to be a "bad boy" type of romance but whew...this author really pulls out all the stops on this one and I couldn't resist. I read this in one sitting and what a fun romance it was to read. And I liked that this was the first new adult romance that wasn't angsty. The flow was so well done, the switch from plot line to character development of the romance was done so flawlessly. The romance between these two was superb and what made a difference was the way it grows.
I love seeing these two "opposites" be so attracted to each other and act on their feelings. I loved the realistic feel to this story, the emotions and vibes you feel are vividly portrayed and so well conveyed to the reader. A romance you can't put down and not one you want to overlook picking up.
What a sexy cover....I love his pose, the muscles and the grey tones add a nice effect.
Once Perfect is a shattering love story with characters that win your heart over instantly. A compelling new adult romance you can look forward to reading. MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS
[foogallery id="25455"]
Summary
Evelyn Preston once had the picture perfect life that anyone would have envied, but then her life was destroyed when her father commited scandal and suicide and she was left on her own. Now she is doing everything she can to work and pay for her college tuition as a waitress at a high end nightclub. But there is one man, that draws her attention, a man she knows is way out of her league. Handsome, sexy, built like a MMA fighter, and could have any woman. But when her past comes to haunt her and causes her to have panic attacks, Mateo is the one she leans on. Mateo and Evelyn have led very different lives from each other, but when they fall in love they learn and grow together and must fight for their love...
The Hero
Mateo grew up with a abusive father and has had to watch while he terrorized his mother and his sisters. Now Mateo works as hard as he can to provide for his sisters safety and security. Mateo doesn't consider himself worthy of Evelyn, but ends up falling for her anyway. Mateo was a hero you just gravitate towards. He is responsible, hard working, devoted to his family and is willing to sacrifice everything for them. I loved his close bond he has to his sisters. How protective he is of women especially of his family and Evelyn. Definitely a hero you can swoon over. He has all the characteristics that make the best hero. He is kind, charming and sweet with a tough exterior. What's not to love about him?
The Heroine
Evelyn is a strong and courageous heroine you can get behind. I love how easily she adjusts to her situation. She goes from having money and security to having to work hard and study hard and she fits Mateo so well. She does have some horrors from her past that are causing her panic attacks. I liked seeing the PTSD effects here, where she doesn't know why she is having them at first. But I like that she doesn't back away, she just keeps going forward. And I really admired the way she handles the truth when she realizes what is causing her attacks. I did like how loyal and committed she is to Mateo, she stays true to him and what they feel for each other, and fights for him. Gotta admire that.
Plot and Story Line
Once Perfect is a soul shattering romance that instantly pulled me in quite quickly. I want to thank Sophia @ Delighted Reader for recommending this to me on her site. When I learned that this was on sale for $.99 (still is for a limited time) I grabbed it up very very quickly. I have learned to trust in her recommendations and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, I can't wait to read book two of this series. On the surface this appears to be a "bad boy" type of romance but whew...this author really pulls out all the stops on this one and I couldn't resist. I read this in one sitting and what a fun romance it was to read. And I liked that this was the first new adult romance that wasn't angsty. The flow was so well done, the switch from plot line to character development of the romance was done so flawlessly. The romance between these two was superb and what made a difference was the way it grows.
Life hadn’t initially been good to either of us. But we were good to each other. And regardless of the demons of our pasts, nothing would change that.
I love seeing these two "opposites" be so attracted to each other and act on their feelings. I loved the realistic feel to this story, the emotions and vibes you feel are vividly portrayed and so well conveyed to the reader. A romance you can't put down and not one you want to overlook picking up.
The Cover
What a sexy cover....I love his pose, the muscles and the grey tones add a nice effect.
Overall View
Once Perfect is a shattering love story with characters that win your heart over instantly. A compelling new adult romance you can look forward to reading. MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS
Books N Tunes Pick #3: Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch
Why: I LOVE and adore this song, and it fits Mateo and Evelyn so well!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25455"]
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Aimee and Mac are on opposite sides of a rivalry between the witches and the shape shifters. But there is trouble brewing in Diablo lake. Mac has spent years fighting in the army and learning as much as he can to eventually become the right leader for his pack. But then his family requests that he returns home and gets things back in order. Mac knows he will have to tread very carefully as he slowly takes over the pack. His father is lazy when it comes to being a leader and his brother is a troublemaker who with his pack of friends are causing all sorts of problems for the town and most especially the witch clan. Aimee, is strong and responsbile and she knows that certain members of the pack are causing problems and finds herself in a battle with herself. Her passion for Mac and her responsiblity to see that the leadership over the town becomes changed. But as Mac and Aimee work together to make the town more unified, Mac's family is causing unnecessary problems and Mac will be forced to make a difficult choice and only his love for Aimee will give him the strength to do what is best for all...
What a lovely story this turned out to be. Even though it starts out a bit slow at first, it quickly picks up pace and I very quickly had a hard time putting this one down. I did feel a bit confused at times with the romance itself. I felt like there was a background story with Mac and Aimee that wasn't really revealed very much, so I would have liked a bit more information included in the story. However that is my only real complaint about this story. In Protected we have a story that deals with complex pack politics but the author handled this variation so well. I did like seeing two strong characters become so unified and connected with each other. Both Aimee and Mac have alpha like personalities. But what characters they turned out to be. Mac is a wonderful leader, and even though he is torn between family and duty he knows how to act when its the right thing to do. He handles the situation very delicately and I enjoyed seeing the way he goes about it. Now Aimee, I truly liked seeing so much. She is a natural born leader but very caring and empathetic.
I love the way she treats others and makes an effort to help others even at a cost to herself. She is compassion but firm and we see what a great balance that brings out. I am eager to read book one now and see how this author builds this series, I definitely want more.
Interesting cover, I really like the shade of blue used here with the moon's brightness.
Protected is a stimulating and sexually charged romance that gives the reader pause in appreciation and delight!!
[foogallery id="25512"]
Summary
Aimee and Mac are on opposite sides of a rivalry between the witches and the shape shifters. But there is trouble brewing in Diablo lake. Mac has spent years fighting in the army and learning as much as he can to eventually become the right leader for his pack. But then his family requests that he returns home and gets things back in order. Mac knows he will have to tread very carefully as he slowly takes over the pack. His father is lazy when it comes to being a leader and his brother is a troublemaker who with his pack of friends are causing all sorts of problems for the town and most especially the witch clan. Aimee, is strong and responsbile and she knows that certain members of the pack are causing problems and finds herself in a battle with herself. Her passion for Mac and her responsiblity to see that the leadership over the town becomes changed. But as Mac and Aimee work together to make the town more unified, Mac's family is causing unnecessary problems and Mac will be forced to make a difficult choice and only his love for Aimee will give him the strength to do what is best for all...
Plot and Story Line
What a lovely story this turned out to be. Even though it starts out a bit slow at first, it quickly picks up pace and I very quickly had a hard time putting this one down. I did feel a bit confused at times with the romance itself. I felt like there was a background story with Mac and Aimee that wasn't really revealed very much, so I would have liked a bit more information included in the story. However that is my only real complaint about this story. In Protected we have a story that deals with complex pack politics but the author handled this variation so well. I did like seeing two strong characters become so unified and connected with each other. Both Aimee and Mac have alpha like personalities. But what characters they turned out to be. Mac is a wonderful leader, and even though he is torn between family and duty he knows how to act when its the right thing to do. He handles the situation very delicately and I enjoyed seeing the way he goes about it. Now Aimee, I truly liked seeing so much. She is a natural born leader but very caring and empathetic.
But Aimee's strength was deep, solid and steadfast. Not always something people understood as alpha behavior at first glance. She was a calming, soothing influence even as she knew how to enjoy the little things that made life better.
I love the way she treats others and makes an effort to help others even at a cost to herself. She is compassion but firm and we see what a great balance that brings out. I am eager to read book one now and see how this author builds this series, I definitely want more.
The Cover
Interesting cover, I really like the shade of blue used here with the moon's brightness.
Overall View
Protected is a stimulating and sexually charged romance that gives the reader pause in appreciation and delight!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I decided to re read this Malory Anderson series, as I am working on character sketch for this series and I had realized that I haven't reviewed much of the series and somehow Love Only Once fell through the cracks. And boy did I have a wonderful time reconnecting with this fun family and this romance that just gave me laughs and fun times. Love Only Once is the first book of the series and it starts off with Regina's story. Now Regina is the daughter of Melissa Malory, where she and her husband were killed in a fire when Regina was two years old. The rest of the Malory siblings raised her together but it was Anthony Malory she is the closest to. Regina is a heroine you just fall in love with right away. She is so devoted to her family. Her uncles and all of her cousins. I love the way she handles her family, you could say she is cunning but only in trying to help those she cares the most about. At the beginning, she is unsatisfied with all the matches and has gone through multiple seasons already. After visiting her Uncle Anthony, she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped and taken to Nicholas Eden's home. When Nicholas realizes that its not his mistress at his home, but a strange woman he goes back home and chemistry sparks between them. But even though he returns her in secret. His ex mistress now, tells the worst gossips in the Ton about what happened and Regina's reputation is tattered and they are forced to marry. Now Nicholas has his own inner struggles and torments. His father is gone, and his mother (who is horrible) practically blackmails him around the circumstances surrounding his birth and believes that Regina will lose any feelings she has for him if she finds out the truth so he tries to push her away. But with the fun interference from Regina's family bring them back together and it gets pretty lively. You will fall in love with Nicholas and Regina and the whole Malory Family.
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I decided to re read this Malory Anderson series, as I am working on character sketch for this series and I had realized that I haven't reviewed much of the series and somehow Love Only Once fell through the cracks. And boy did I have a wonderful time reconnecting with this fun family and this romance that just gave me laughs and fun times. Love Only Once is the first book of the series and it starts off with Regina's story. Now Regina is the daughter of Melissa Malory, where she and her husband were killed in a fire when Regina was two years old. The rest of the Malory siblings raised her together but it was Anthony Malory she is the closest to. Regina is a heroine you just fall in love with right away. She is so devoted to her family. Her uncles and all of her cousins. I love the way she handles her family, you could say she is cunning but only in trying to help those she cares the most about. At the beginning, she is unsatisfied with all the matches and has gone through multiple seasons already. After visiting her Uncle Anthony, she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped and taken to Nicholas Eden's home. When Nicholas realizes that its not his mistress at his home, but a strange woman he goes back home and chemistry sparks between them. But even though he returns her in secret. His ex mistress now, tells the worst gossips in the Ton about what happened and Regina's reputation is tattered and they are forced to marry. Now Nicholas has his own inner struggles and torments. His father is gone, and his mother (who is horrible) practically blackmails him around the circumstances surrounding his birth and believes that Regina will lose any feelings she has for him if she finds out the truth so he tries to push her away. But with the fun interference from Regina's family bring them back together and it gets pretty lively. You will fall in love with Nicholas and Regina and the whole Malory Family.
Click To Buy On Amazon
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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Zeke Dugan, may be a surgeon and doctor, but his allegiance is to the brotherhood. His brothers ground him and saved him years ago and he would do anything for them. But he becomes torn when he meets their new prospects sister Gabrielle. Gabrielle is a mechanic and likes her life to be orderly and right. She looks after her neighbors, keeps to herself and her brother but struggles with making friends or having any type of romantic relationship. Gabrielle struggles with a certain handicap whenever she is around people she gets intense panic attacks. But when she is attacked and injured, Zeke is the first person other than family that gives her stability. At first she doesn't understand her mixed emotions whether to go into panic mode or kiss him senseless. It doesn't make sense to her, but when Zeke shows up more she becomes more relaxed and comfortable and starts to grow in ways she never imagined. But there is someone who seeks to hurt her and her brother, and it may cost her the man she loves and the family she has gained....
In Wild and Sweet we are taken on another emotional roller coaster that Rhenna Morgan gives us once again. In Wild and Sweet I was really surprised by how much I fell for this story. This author never ceases to amaze me. We are introduced to some human factors that you never imagined. Our heroine especially, we see some mental handicaps here that really makes us look more deeply at ourselves and at others. Our heroine suffers from a disability that prevents her from making social ties. She can't handle groups of any kind and gets powerful panic attacks any time she is in a social situation. Also we see more defined lines of good and evil in this one as well. Gabrielle went through some pretty traumatic experiences as a kid and to her certain things are always right and wrong. So when she starts to fall for our Hero, whose brotherhood live by their own "code" we see her really struggle.
We understand the struggle and it tears you in two because you can see both sides and how the characters almost get torn apart. But we also see how love and understanding can ground you and stabilize fear and misgivings. There is so much depth to human nature that it blows my mind as I think about it. We also get to see the bond between the brothers here. Gabrielle's brother is their prospect. Her brother has never really known a family connection other than his relationship with his sister. But the brotherhood is his support net and we see what a great connection and bond he has with them. But I also liked that this bond we see happen doesn't detract from the actual romance either. It has a realistic tone to the story and I just wanted more of this book and was so sad when it ended because I was SO not ready. Bring on book three because I can't wait!!!
I have mixed feelings about this cover....I like the rugged feel to it, but it has that almost cartoonish feel to the cover.
Wild and Sweet is a story that wraps around your heart....its vibrant and emotional, sexy and endearing, a love story that battles with emotion, human growth and a sense of purpose and belonging....A SWOON WORTHY ROMANCE
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Summary
Zeke Dugan, may be a surgeon and doctor, but his allegiance is to the brotherhood. His brothers ground him and saved him years ago and he would do anything for them. But he becomes torn when he meets their new prospects sister Gabrielle. Gabrielle is a mechanic and likes her life to be orderly and right. She looks after her neighbors, keeps to herself and her brother but struggles with making friends or having any type of romantic relationship. Gabrielle struggles with a certain handicap whenever she is around people she gets intense panic attacks. But when she is attacked and injured, Zeke is the first person other than family that gives her stability. At first she doesn't understand her mixed emotions whether to go into panic mode or kiss him senseless. It doesn't make sense to her, but when Zeke shows up more she becomes more relaxed and comfortable and starts to grow in ways she never imagined. But there is someone who seeks to hurt her and her brother, and it may cost her the man she loves and the family she has gained....
Plot and Story Line
In Wild and Sweet we are taken on another emotional roller coaster that Rhenna Morgan gives us once again. In Wild and Sweet I was really surprised by how much I fell for this story. This author never ceases to amaze me. We are introduced to some human factors that you never imagined. Our heroine especially, we see some mental handicaps here that really makes us look more deeply at ourselves and at others. Our heroine suffers from a disability that prevents her from making social ties. She can't handle groups of any kind and gets powerful panic attacks any time she is in a social situation. Also we see more defined lines of good and evil in this one as well. Gabrielle went through some pretty traumatic experiences as a kid and to her certain things are always right and wrong. So when she starts to fall for our Hero, whose brotherhood live by their own "code" we see her really struggle.
You're wrong on that. You have no idea how much you give me. For the first time in my life, I don't have to chase some kind of thrill just to take the edge off. I can actually sit still and enjoy what's going on around me. I'm even sleeping for a change. Being next to you settles me. Or, maybe what I've been chasing my whole life was you, and now that you're here, I don't have to run anymore. Whatever is is, I like it. A lot. Don't discount what a gift you being in my life is.
We understand the struggle and it tears you in two because you can see both sides and how the characters almost get torn apart. But we also see how love and understanding can ground you and stabilize fear and misgivings. There is so much depth to human nature that it blows my mind as I think about it. We also get to see the bond between the brothers here. Gabrielle's brother is their prospect. Her brother has never really known a family connection other than his relationship with his sister. But the brotherhood is his support net and we see what a great connection and bond he has with them. But I also liked that this bond we see happen doesn't detract from the actual romance either. It has a realistic tone to the story and I just wanted more of this book and was so sad when it ended because I was SO not ready. Bring on book three because I can't wait!!!
The Cover
I have mixed feelings about this cover....I like the rugged feel to it, but it has that almost cartoonish feel to the cover.
Overall View
Wild and Sweet is a story that wraps around your heart....its vibrant and emotional, sexy and endearing, a love story that battles with emotion, human growth and a sense of purpose and belonging....A SWOON WORTHY ROMANCE
Click To Buy On Amazon
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