Armand, has recently been rescued from twelve years in prison by his brother that he barely recognizes. Armand, can't stand another's touch, and he doesn't understand most of what is going on around him. He can understand some of that which his family speaks of, but he has yet been able to communicate with them. After continually suffering from nightmares, his brother and sister in law decide to hire a tutor for him, to bring out his speech. Felicity, needs this job desperately. Her father has just passed away, and unless she can come up with the funds, she will be forced to marry someone she despises more than anything. She is shocked to learn that she won't be a governess for a child, but a tutor for a grown man that has a wild look about it, but for some reason she doesn't fear him. She senses something more about him, she feels drawn to him. Armand is shocked to find that for the first time in his life, he can touch someone and not be overridden with pain. He knows he must have her, he doesn't understand his attraction to her, but he starts to feel love and will do anything to protect her from those that would destroy him.After reading The Making of a Duchess, I had heard some average things about "The Making of a Gentleman", so I wasn't expecting a great and fabulous story. I just love it when I am wrong though. The circumstances of the story are exactly what I love about a good book. The hero is different, the kind that we don't see too often. He is a very tortured hero, he can't even speak, has never felt desire for anything, and can't abide another's touch. Armand has a strong will though, stubborn to a fault, and defends fiercely. Armand is a virgin hero. Which is one of the things I enjoyed about this story. Its rare to find a virgin hero, and I enjoyed seeing Armand and Felicity grow together in a intimate way. It was such a delight to see these two fall in love, it was very heart wrenching at times. Felicity, has a difficult past, grieves for her father, but is determined to help Armand, even though her life is about to crumble. I did feel like Felicity could have had a bit more backbone though, but eventually we see her finally have one toward the end. I did like how Felicity is able to reach a part of Armand that no one else is able to, there were many sweet and tender moments of the story that totally captured my heart. Overall a entertaining read, that had such vivid descriptions and such a delicious story that is unforgettable. Full of intensity, passion, intrigue that turns into a wonderful tale.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Daisy Bristol has been widowed for over two years now. She is raising her son on her own and will need to find a husband within the year or forfeit her son's inheritance as was stipulated in her late husbands will. Daisy also craves a man touch and has been alone for too long. She has come up to Scotland to give them time while she awaits word from the first man she cared for. But when she arrives in Scotland, at a estate that has been long forgotten, as she and her relatives work on cleaning up the estate she meets a certain Scot, who has an obvious disdain for her. Daisy isn't shy about a man she is interested in, and even though she has other plans to marry someone else, she can't deny her attraction to Cailean.Cailean has little tolerance for English lasses that manipulate and tease. He has his own past history with the English and even though his mother is English, he doesn't trust Daisy but he can't resist her beauty or infectious playful nature. But he will have to show her that the man she thinks she needs to marry is the worst thing she could ever do and to win her heart before its too late...

Plot and Story Line

So I wasn't sure what I was expecting here, I am not a fan of love triangles but I knew with Julia London writing, I had to pick it up since I do love everything that she writes. So I will admit that this story was a bit slow going at times. I did enjoy both characters though. The heroine is pretty bold and daring. I like that about her, and yeah it throws our hero Cailean off a bit. He isn't used to women being so obvious in their attraction or sexuality even.

"You're doing it again," he said, shifting closer to her.

"Doing what, pray?"

"Looking at me as if I'm a piece of cake that you'd very much like to eat."

The love triangle angle is not what you expect. Our heroine did love Robert at one time. But Robert is not a character you will like. Robert and Cailean are enemies to each other. So Daisy has to choose between a man she once loved and a man she is falling in love with. I also liked seeing the difference in seeing how these two men treat Daisy's son. Robert is so cold and abrupt with Ellis. But Cailean is totally opposite from that, teaching him and showing him how to be a Scottish lad. I just loved seeing these moments between them, because Ellis is such a shy and reserved boy and you see how much he grows. The romance between Cailean and Daisy is quite fun. I loved their bantering and every time they got together I knew I would be smiling. A charming and entertaining read.

The Cover

oh I just love this cover, it does have a Christmas color feel to it though. I love the mix of red and green, and such a sexy swoony pose too.

Overall View

Sinful Scottish Laird is full of amusing bantering, charming characters, a intriguing mix of rich filled history and romance to satisfy any romance reader!!

Click To Buy on Amazon

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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Lady Cassandra St. Ives, is a widow and is grateful for her status. Her marriage wasn't what she had dreamed about. She is ready to start a new chapter in her life, one where marriage will not be in her future. She desires to be a writer. But never expected to build a friendship with a man, who saw her writings and initiated contact. Over time, they have become close friends through letters. She believed Count Basilio to be a middle aged man who saw life with zest and intensity and passion like she did. When he asks her for a visit, to see his beautiful world in Italy, she surprises herself by being daring and bold and visiting his estate. Count Basilio is not middle aged, is young and virile and soon their friendship turns into a sensual love affair. But Basilio has a secret, a secret that prevents him from having the future he wants with Cassandra and will be forced to marry another. Will Cassandra and Basilio find their happy ever after or be forced to let go of the love they share?

The Hero

Count Basilio Montevarchi has had to live under his fathers rule for too long. Basilio didn't have the best upbringing, he lost his mother and two older brothers to a plague that swept the area. And was forced to take up the responibility as his fathers heir who despised him for reasons unknown. Basilio has a passion for life and beauty and...love. He writes compelling poetry that is heartbreaking and beautiful and doesn't realize of his true gifts. He is supposed to marry a woman that he doesn't love and is willing to risk it all for one Cassandra. I really liked our hero, he was quite the poet. He isn't the typical alpha hero. He is beta but what a well written one. I adored his character and how devoted he was to Cassandra. His personality could be intense at times though, but I really liked the way he looked at the world.

The Heroine

Lady Cassandra St. Ives is a young widow. Cassandra suffered abuse from her late husband and is not willing to enter another marriage that is practically slavery in her mind. She doesn't wish to be under any man's thumb ever again. When she starts writing to a Count in Italy, she never thought that it would lead her on a path that she had no control. She starts to believe in love and affection and a beautiful future. But she soon realizes that life is never that simple. Cassandra is a heroine that does what she has to. She can be bold and confident, but is the quiet sort. She loves to write and share her thoughts with those of the same thinking. She is pretty courageous and what she does for Basilio is heartbreaking but commendable too. Because we see the lengths she goes to for the man she loves, to do what is right even if it breaks her heart.

Plot and Story Line

In Night Of Fire we have a sweet and charming romance that had me mesmerized by this couple. Now this book wasn't what I expected at all, and the authors writing was very compelling. I love the way she just draws you into the story with a scene from the future where our main couple Cassandra and Bisilio are serperated and I was hooked. I just had to know what happened. We then are taken to England where our heroine decides to be brave once in her life, and go on an adventure to visit a friend in the beautiful land of Italy. And the chemistry between these two is pretty potent. I really enjoyed seeing the way these two begin their love affair. Its sweet, playful and deep. They are the best of friends and decide to develop something more. But then right when life seems to be bliss, Bisilio reveals the truth to Cassandra. He doesn't want to hide the real truth from her even though he decides not to go through with his arranged marriage. But life never goes as planned, and he learns some horrible truths about the fate of his intended bride if he doesn't go through with it. Now Analise was a character I wasn't sure I would like. Because I just had to see that Basilio and Cassandra get their HEA. However she proves to be such a noble character. And there is NO cheating in this one. Just so you know, but the way that the author writes this is very delicate. I have never seen such a love triangle work out so well. But yeah, I was hooked on all three of these characters and how the plot develops. Not quite the way I expected when I first started reading. It does get a bit heartbreaking at times, especially with this forbidden love and love triangle thrown in the mix but this author did such a splendid job in writing the development of these characters and the growth of the romance.

Over the months they shared many letters, telling their deepest thoughts to one another. And when he invited her to see his country, she recklessly took his invitation."

"And then she discovered a virile stallion." He teased wickedly

Cassandra shook her head "She discovered a man who was beautiful inside and out, when she had despaired of ever knowing such a man."

The Cover

What a wonderful cover. Both this cover and the kindle cover is pretty fantastic. But I love these old school ones so I just had to post this one up. Such a dreamy and sexy cover. I love the sunset colors used.

Overall View

Night Of Fire is a story that enthralls the reader from the very beginning and will take the reader on a journey of heartache, loss and the strength of love...

Click To Buy On Amazon
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Originally Posted At Addicted To Romance.
I was shocked to learn I hadn't done reviews on this series and that has GOTTA change now!! Because quite frankly both of these books are amazing. But let me discuss the first book in the series...Then Came You. Now what is so great about this book?? Well quite frankly quite a bit. We have our heroine, who is unconventional, wild and free and doesn't like to be tied to. She likes to ride, hunt, shoot, wear trousers and jump into freezing waters for a thrill. Not your typical debutante? Well she isn't any typical heroine. But she also has many vulnerabilities, including the fact that she is on the search for her daughter who was kidnapped. When she learns her young shy and quiet sister Penelope is set to marry the formidable Alex the Lord of Wolverton. Alex seems to be harsh and cold, but he just hides who he really is. He still suffers from grief of his fiancee who died while riding and broke her neck. But Lily wakes up his passions and his possessive nature.

“I want to give you whatever elusive, impossible, goddamned mysterious thing it is you need in order to be happy. Does that frighten you? Well, it frightens the hell out of me. Don't you think I'd stop feeling this way if I could? It's not as if you're the easiest woman in the world to—" He checked himself suddenly.”

These two are quite frankly....EXPLOSIVE!! Re reading this book was a fun ride and I can't believe I hadn't read this one in so long. I really adored both characters, I would have five starred this one but there were a couple scenes where anger gets the best of the heroine and I didn't exactly concur with her actions. But overall what a enjoyable story! I love the humor, the fabulous dialogue and the chemistry these two have. And we get some fun times with the hero of Dreaming Of You Derek Craven. He really pulls matchmaker a bit here, and I enjoyed his role in their story.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Sebastian Ballister, the Marquess of Dain is feared by many, his reputation and manners has made it possible for Sebastian to build a certain relationship with certain types of people, none of which include anything respectable. He is more than content with his life currently and doesn't need change, until a certain bluestocking of respectability, Jessica Trent walks into his shops and his whole world shifts into more than he ever imagined. Jessica Trent, has had to be the driving force to keep her brother from too much trouble. Even though she is considered a "spinster" Jessica is more than happy with her current status, recovering artifacts and selling them. But she has a new nemesis, the Marquess of Dain, who is formidable and tempting all at once. But she isn't afraid of a fight or standing up to this man whom everyone else seems to fear. But all she sees is a man who is strong and beyond handsome and strikes a chord within her.

The Hero

Sebastian Ballister, may be able to strike fear and intimidation into many, but his reputation wasn't easy and he had to fight his own battles since he was eight years old to become the man he is today. His mother ran off when he was only a boy, and Sebastian had to deal with the fallout with his father which wasn't easy. He had to fight his way up, earning respect as he went. He now lives the way he wants, with no remorse especially when it comes to the fairer sex. Sebastian is a hero that just makes you sigh...he is a bit alpha---okay he is very alpha, but is one of the best alpha heroes I have ever seen written. He is compelling, powerful and very sensual.

The Heroine

Jessica Trent is a character that is determined, smart and sassy. I loved her so very much and she really resonated through the whole story. Jessica has had to be the responsible one in the family, since her brother gambles, drinks and spends far too much time in Sebastian Ballister's company. Jessica is going to fight for not only herself and family, but her brothers life. She sees him going down hill, and needs to put a stop to it. I really adored Jessica, she has the balls to stand up to Sebastian, where no one ever does. I loved her inner strength and how true she is to what she believes in.

Plot and Story Line

Lord Of Scoundrels is a book I have been wanting to re read for the LONGEST time!!! I think I read this the first couple years after I got hooked on romance, which was over ten years ago. When I saw this for $1 at my local library's store, I grabbed it right up. Because first off, this is one of the best historical romances any romance lover could have in her collection. Its such a good book to have on the shelf and such a pretty cover too!! What was most wonderful about reading this book again, was connecting with this couple. I had forgotten how much I had fallen in love with them. The story sets off with Jessica coming out to save her brother (who doesn't want to be saved) She is the practical and smart one of the family. She is a bit of a steam roller though, and I loved seeing how it sets the perfect tone for the beginning...right from the start. She is a firecracker and isn't afraid of calling Sebastian out on his bluffs. She does some shocking things and I had fun with her character so very much. Now the first meeting between Jessica and Sebastian is just priceless. And wow...these two have chemistry for sure---its very different from most books I have read. Loretta Chase did wonders with this book and I had such a blast seeing these two frazzle, fight and become comfortable with each other. Its not a easy process, but the build up of it is perfection!! There are some misunderstandings, mostly due to miscommunication but its resolved quickly and not dragged out which is a relief. We see how their relationship is proved though in different ways, but the ending is what really wraps up the books so wonderfully. They come across a challenge, a past history of Sebastian, that only strengthens their bond to each other and I LOVED seeing this aspect of their relationship grow into something even more.

The Cover

I really love what Avon did with this cover. I am a sucker for the old cover...but this one is so romantically pretty!! I love the mix of blue and pink with the roses.

Overall View

Lord Of Scoundrels is a book to fall in love with time and again....outrageous, classically romantic and sensual enough to curl your toes!!

Click On Cover For Buy Link

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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Merry Pelford, is an American Heiress and has come to England to find a man to marry. It is expected of her, but she is hoping to find a man that she can love. When  Lord Cedric, starts courting her, she finds herself intrigued and she begins to feel affection for him. When he proposes with flair and plenty of poetry, Merry believes that she does care for him. But on the eve of accepting Lord Cedric's proposal, she meets a man in the dark and out on the balcony. A man that is definitely an aristrocrat, has the arrogance and the appeal. But Merry finds herself drawn to his aura, his laugh and his inquisitive questions that seem more curious than anything else. The Duke of Trent, is content with his life and trying to keep his brother out of trouble. When he meets a mysterious american woman that makes him think of nights on silk sheets of passion and desire, he wants her. He is drawn to her honesty and openess. But when he learns that she is engaged to his brother Cedric, he is appalled that he has feelings of lust for his future sister in law. But through various events, he sees the true Merry and he wants her for his own.

The Hero 

The Duke of Trent, has always known his duties and responsibilities. Despite being a twin, he and his brother Cedric have always been at odds except when they were children. Trent grew up in a home, where his mother favored her attentions on his brother and couldn't be bothered to show any affection for him not even as a child. His father was a drunk and he has always stayed away from drinking. His parents were killed in an accident because his father was drinking. He sees his brother going the same way that his father did and is doing everyting in his power to keep him from killing himself from drinking. What I liked most about this hero, was pretty much everything. He doesn't believe in love, he feels its temporary and not worth the hassle or the pain. Considering how his mother rejected him, it was very understandable. He is practical, but isn't your average duke. He doesn't have his hair styled in the usual way, he likes to stay physically active ( I totally approve), and loves to help out the tenants with their farms and improve his estates. He is loyal and honorable and very stubborn when it comes to emotional sentiment.

The Heroine 

Merry Pelford, grew up in America, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. After having to jilt two previous men, her aunt and uncle thought it best to come to England, have a fresh start and get away from the gossip and find Merry a titled man. Merry isn't ashamed of her heritage, she is proud to be American, especially since coming to England. She finds her American ways to be a lot more simple and easier in many respects. What I really liked about Merry was her openess and honesty and boy is she smart and doesn't seek to hide her intelligence. I was worried that this heroine would seem a bit contemporary, but I didn't feel that at all which I was pretty glad about. I really enjoyed seeing how she balanced out who she is, with trying to conform with British society which isn't easy at all. I admired her tenacity and her easy going charm. She does try to go with the Ton, but in all honesty, she is way too intelligent to fit right in. She isn't ashamed of who she is, but she does attempt to make concessions which I admired the ways that she goes about it. Her character was fresh and I really liked her.

Plot and Story Line 

My American Duchess is the newest book from Eloisa James. And this author has always been a personal favorite of mine. She writes simply wonderful regency romances, and this one won me over from the first chapter. I was a bit anxious to read this one, because I noticed the rating and reviews weren't as high as I was expecting. So I was expecting a story that I would have difficulty read...but not I had a difficult time putting this down at times. I just wanted more of the Duke and his American lady. The first half of the book, we have the conflict of seeing the chemistry between them, however nothing can happen because Merry is engaged to the brother of our hero. We see how much that they try to deny what is happening between them. And at first they are successful. But circumstances lead them to discover true emotion with each other.

What I enjoyed was seeing the fun interactions between Merry and the Duke and even the brother Cedric---he was quite a hoot! I had a ball of fun with his character. He was so funny at times, (I am not sure if the author meant him to be) but boy did I have fun with him and he entertained me so much. Even though technically you could see this as a love triangle trope---I never got that feeling from this story at all. Because quite frankly, Cedric just wants money and wealth and Merry is an heiress. He doesn't really see any other qualities to make her his wife other than that. I feel like this is more "forbidden romance" theme. We have two people that desire to be together but are unable to due to certain obligations. The second half of the book, we see these two try to balance out a new type of relationship. They have ended up married, and now have to work out through some issues. At first, there is plenty of sexy sensuality between them, and we see how well they do together on a physical level. But on an emotional level...it takes work. It isn't for them to find their HEA, and it does take a while for them to reach a point, where they are willing to be fully open and honest with each other. A couple of misunderstanding's do occur, but I didn't feel it detracted from the story...I felt like it only made the moment where they both admit their true feelings to each other, a more satisfying end and we are left with a bit of a teaser about the brother. I am hoping that Eloisa James will write his book so we can see his journey.

The Cover 

I do adore this cover. I loved both of the covers that were chosen. The first cover, (after reading this) I felt suits the heroine way more. It has a more garden like background, and she is more open and free in that cover. So I will admit I like the first cover because it suits the story best. But this cover, I do admire quite a bit....it's classy and elegant. I love her sparkling dress and the staircase behind her. And the stepback cover is simply gorgeous.

Overall View 

My American Duchess is a enjoyable and sensual regency romance that is like a breath of fresh air. An unrequited love story that will keep you laughing and entertained from beginning to end.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceA Pirate For Christmas was such a short and sweet romance that I couldn't get enough. It starts out with our heroine storming into the manor house, looking for its "new" master since he has been ignoring her and she needs the use of the donkey for the Christmas play. Our heroine doesn't hold anything back and she is quite forceful about it. I did like her willful nature, even if it gets her in trouble at times. Our hero, has recently taken over when his brother dies and he inherits. Rory has only know the life on the sea, and doesn't have much clue how to handle his new position. But he is charmed by Bess. I really loved the way these two come together, at first they don't care for each other too much. But quickly they start to soften towards each other and their bantering was light and flirty and playful. I was left feeling like I wanted more from this story because I couldn't get enough of these two together. This is a novella, so it goes by quickly, but I did like that it had some depth to it that only Anna Campbell can do. It had some nice holiday touches to the story that only added to the joy of it. A definite short but sweet romance that will bring a smile to your face.