This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No Other Duke But You is the most recent installment in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. I have read the majority of the books in this series and I have had such a blast with these books. This author is HIGHLY underrated and when it comes to witty regency romance, she is one of my favorites to read. She has such a sharp wit that she puts into her stories. I wouldn't say that this book is my favorite of the series, however, it was a delightful page turner that had me hooked from the start.
No Other Duke But You begins with a friendship that we see between Thomas, the Duke of Huntley, and Lady Delilah. These two have been friends since they were young and really "get" each other. Thomas has been secretly in love with Delilah though but Delilah has NO clue. She is really blonde in this manner because most of their friends know how much Thomas is in love with Delilah but she is blind to it. Probably due to the friendship that she feels for Thomas. Delilah is a co owner to a matchmaking business but after making all the matches she wants to get married but is in no rush. But when her mother gives her an ultimatum she sets her eye on the most renowned Duke, who is gorgeous and charming and a man who every woman wants. But now Delilah wants him and what begins as a innocent endeavor begins into a mess of complicated relationships and where love comes to one when you least expect it.
So this book was CRAZY but delightfully so!!! I honestly never saw the development of this story and how it grows and boy it is kinda ridiculous in what happens to the characters that come into play in this story. I really liked both of the main characters, and even though Delilah is a bit clueless I understood it because Thomas hides his feelings for her really well. I did enjoy seeing their chemistry grow and so many sweet heartfelt moments that we see develop between them that happens before and after the first kiss which is where their relationship really shows the change in their dynamic. I did like how Thomas' friends become matchmakers themselves (and their stories are all in previous books) so it was fun to see some of my old favorites again and see them get Thomas and Delilah together.
Overall I found this book to be such a charming story that lifted my spirits and left me with all of those happy feels!!!
Rock Chick Revenge is the fifth book in this wonderful series and I had a blast with this book. I swear that Kristen Ashley will never write a bad book EVER....every book that I read from her is simply amazing. And Rock Chick Revenge is no exception. Now I thought about giving this book a higher rating but my one complaint about this book is the handcuffing to the BED.....and leaving the heroine there, that just rubs me the wrong way. But honestly, I still LOVED this book quite a bit, despite what the hero does. Now this book I was nervous about and waiting until the end of three weeks of my loan to read it and boy it got close to losing it hehe but I read it just in time with a few hours to spare. :) This story does have a revenge plot with the heroine hating men...now she has had some bad experiences granted but I don't really like these type of gals most of the time but typical KA she won me OVER. She does no wrong in her writing style that is for sure.
Our story sets off with our heroine, Ava, who hates men and she is trying to help a friend Sissy out of trouble with her husband. Sissy is trying to divorce her husband who tried to come onto Ava in a very obvious and not so cool way. And Dom "Sissy's husband" is part of a crime family and divorcing him will NOT be easy. So Ava has one person she knows and probably the one man she doesn't fully hate, to help her out. Who could find some dirt on Dom to free Sissy from him who is currently in hiding from him. But when she arrives at his place of work, she realizes she has made a mistake, she hasn't seen Luke in years and she still loves him. Luke and Ava were childhood friends and both really cared for each other. Ava had abusive sisters and a mother who always saw her as fat and plain but Ava has worked her tail off to shave off the weight, changed her hair to prove to herself that she is worthy of Luke. And boy Luke is mad when he sees her (since he was more than fine with how she was before). But when Luke senses that Ava is in trouble he knows that he has to help her and now that she is back in his life he won't let her go. He isn't a badass alpha for nothing. But there is more danger to Ava than Luke or Lee and his team realizes and with lots of kidnappings, shootings and rock chick club shenanigans....Rock Chick Revenge is a story guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I'm not stupid, I know your heart's involved in this and I've never, not once in all the time you've known me, given you the idea that I won't handle it with care
Rock Chick Revenge is a book that I got so many kicks and giggles out of. Its such a well-written story for sure. Now Kristen Ashley's style of writing is definitely NOT for everyone, so I know that there are some romance readers out there that will not enjoy Kristen Ashley and most especially in her way of writing alpha males. But I adore me some alpha lovin' and the way that Kristen Ashley writes her heroes are so wonderful and work for me in every way. Now I do want to mention that this hero is like all the others...they love handcuffing their women to their beds. But in this book the issue I really had, was Luke leaves for a while when he gets called away on a job and just leaves her handcuffed for hours and I just wasn't okay with that situation. Luke is a great hero though in many other ways, I love the way that he accepts Ava for who she is and has always loved her. He is a bad boy at times, and very caveman in some ways but I got a kick out of him. He wants Ava back in his life both the old Ava that was sweet and funny and the new Ava who is kick ass and keeps him entertained. I did like quite a bit their fun bantering and seeing who would win the argument. Which in hindsight, neither of them really do. It's more of a mutual compromise which is very relatable for real life.
Daisy said to me that I was trying to find ways to protect my heart but I was doing it wrong. She told me the best way to protect my heart was to trust it to someone who will protect it for me. More silence but his body went completely still. “That’s you. It’s always been you.
Now Ava is very BITTER against men and so I was worried if I would like her character much because I don't care for men haters at all. But Ava has had many bad experiences with men screwing with her in different ways so I can see why she could become bitter but when Luke comes back in her life, she starts to see that not all men are the same. Some are bad apples and others aren't so rotten. We see her emotional growth though in this one, in learning the difference and accepting the good and bad parts of herself. I did relate with her in some other ways especially in body image and all, since I think many women can relate to that. And even though she started her changes for a man, it ends up being more for herself in the end and I loved that.
Another fun aspect of the story that I always love is the SUSPENSE. I love a good action set up with lots of intrigue and suspense and boy Kristen Ashley can write suspenseful elements so well. In this book, we have different factors but I enjoyed seeing the story develop and see the pieces of the puzzle really come together in this book. And yes we get so much fun times with the Rock Chick Gang. I love all the members of this gang so far and how they support each other even if that means going against their men at times. (Although there are some men in the group too:) But they really have a strong bond and have each other's backs one hundred percent.
What I did know was that I was someone special to Luke and I always had been, just like he was and always had been to me. And that knowledge made my world tilt so much, I was certain I was going to fall off.
The romance between Luke and Ava is full of a battle of wills, lots of tension and witty bantering and hot sex of course in the only way that KA writes her love scenes. But we also see Luke and Ava come to terms with the past and build something together. They have some issues to be resolved of course, but they also both have loved each other for many years and this is their "second chance" to have something precious together. I adored the way they come together and despite the other conflicts to their story, its very well written!!
Overall I found Rock Chick Revenge to be a powerhouse of a romance....its packed with plenty of emotional punches, rock chick dramatics and tension-filled action to keep you on the EDGE all the way through!!!
This was my first introduction to a mail order bride romance---in the stars style. And this was also my first introduction to this author and I am not going to say that this was the most impressive book that I have read all year...however, it was quite enjoyable and I got a fun kick out of it and got me out of reality for the day and I wanted to immerse myself into this read here. What I found most intriguing about this book was the set up. I have only read mail order romances that were set in the wild west in the 1800's. So this was quite different.
Our delightful story begins when our heroine, Ashlyn, is the guardian and care taker for her three younger brothers. When her mother died when she was graduating high school with dreams of becoming a scientist and going to a prestigious university....she had to give up her dreams to take care of her brothers and pay for the mortgage. She has been working as a seamstress, taking night classes slowly working on her degree. But when one of her younger brothers, gets himself in trouble in gambling and a loan shark threatening to come after him and the whole family, Ashlyn knows that she needs to come up with enough credits and there is only one way to do that....agree to be a mail order bride for a alien, live with him for a year but what she gets compensated for will be enough to cover the debt.
Our hero, is having a hard time of it on his own. He has come to some desperation. He is trying to save his world. He has three degrees in the sciences, his world is being overcome slowly by the tides and the water is slowly taking over the land masses. And there is few land properties left, and many refugees and people who are slowly dying. When he learns that someone is rerouting the ships with supplies for the refugees and feeding these supplies to the greedy he abandons his work on the oceans to help those in need and becomes a pirate with a crew he trusts and getting the supplies to those that truly need it. But when his ship crosses into a forbidden shipping lane, to get himself out of prison, he will need to find a wife in a week to get himself out of hot water. Many people are counting on him until they find out who is behind everything. But both Ashlyn and Nathaniel never planned on true love entering into the equation.
This was quite a fun diversion from reality. This is definitely not a five star read, however, it is a delightful read. And I have been wanting to add some more science fiction romance to my reading and boy this book was fun! I really enjoyed the mail order bride trope (I always get a kick out this set up) and I found it was pretty well done. We also have some dream walking that is introduced that I found fascinating. The hero here is quite unique, think merman but without the tail. He and his people are practically born in the water, so they can swim super fast and breathe under water. He is quite like a futuristic alien "Robin Hood" taking from the rich to give to the poor. I found his character quite intriguing especially when he has a nerdy side to him that we only see small parts of.
Our heroine, is strong and capable. She is hard working and loves her brothers. She is still striving to achieve her dreams even if it's a slow process. It appears that she is enabling her brother when he gets foolish, but if she doesn't do what she does, than all of them could be in danger. So I understand, and you see how much she adores her brothers and will do anything for them. But *mini spoiler* this changes her brother, when he sees what she sacrifices for him and he makes some crucial life changes. I loved how intelligent Ashlyn could be, and she goes after what she wants. She takes the initiative at times and I really found these small moments of growth and independence quite endearing.
The romance that develops between Nathaniel and Ashlyn is something I have seen before in the past and really enjoyed. This is an arranged marriage type of set up to their relationship. But there is some great chemistr between them. Nathaniel has to get back on the high seas in a few days, so they try to fit what they feel for each other in just those three days. We see them go on some adventures together, Nathaniel showing Ashlyn his world...dancing together, swimming in his oceans and he teaches her how to sail. There are some tender moments that build. I did feel like they fell into love too quickly and it felt too fabricated to be honest. It didn't feel real enough for the reader, just way too quick. I like insta love, but this one just seemed to be too "on the surface" with not much depth to their relationship. This book is shorter than those I normally read, so that could be a factor.
Another downside to the story was the world building. Now I felt REALLY lost through the first few chapters especially when we are in Nathaniel's POV. This is dual POV, but even in Ashlyn's POV, I felt like there should have been a bit more information placed in the story to help you understand the world. Its more futuristic, but you don't realize that until a few chapters in. I was very confused in some ways, and I am the type of reader that doesn't need much detail to catch on quickly....but I almost put it down because of the confusion. This is the type of story that could have used more information in the beginning to set up the world building more, so that is the one huge factor that I would change to the story.
Overall I found this story to be exciting, set in a futuristic world with aliens, a mail order bride agency, some intrigue and fun times on the high seas and an ending to make you swoon!! A GREAT DELIGHT!
The Slow Burn is the second book in the duo series "Moonlight and Motor Oil" I am not sure if Kristen Ashley is planning on doing more books, I have a feeling its just a duo series since it features two brothers and two sisters. I will say that reading this one took much longer than I had originally planned on, there were many mixed reviews on Goodreads but when I saw this on sale a few days ago for 0.99 Cents on Amazon I just knew that I needed to read this one and since Kristen Ashley hasn't disappointed me I knew I had to pick this one up and WHEW this book was grand. I just couldn't put this one down.
The Slow Burn is highly connected to the first book "The Hookup" so I would recommend reading that one first because there is a connection that is built between Toby and Addie. Addie is a single mother, her sister has just become happily engaged with Toby's brother. Toby is determined not to take hold of Addie, she is everything he has ever dreamed of but if it didn't work out the complex family dynamics would make things even more difficult and he would never want to put them both in that difficult position. But it becomes evident that he can't seem to let go of her and before Toby realizes it he is claiming her for his own but there is some answers to the past that both Addie and Toby will need to face up to before embracing the bright future ahead of them.
I wasn’t in love with him. But I knew if he gave me even the barest hint he’d even think of going there with me, I’d take that fall. And when I did, if it didn’t work, I also knew it would annihilate me.
The Slow Burn was FANTASTIC in every way. The first chapter does start out a bit slow, so stick with it for a few chapters and you will become HOOKED, honestly, the bantering and the fights between these two in the beginning is simply to die for. I honestly couldn't stop laughing because well...Toby is your typical KA alpha male and Addie is passionate and prideful so yeah there is some conflict between them. But love seeing them make up and the sex in this book is on point and just as steamy as you come to expect from a KA novel.
I wanted to taste his mouth and other parts of him. I wanted to feel his skin and see what his body looked like under those tees and jeans. I wanted to fuck him. I wanted that to be wild and intense and so enthralling,
I really enjoyed seeing these two get together so quickly in the story and see the "On The Rocks" trope which is a trope that KA normally features in her books (one of my favorite kinds of tropes since its so relatable to real life) Its so refreshing to see this couple fight for each other and the life they want to build for each other. I appreciated seeing Addie learn to let go of her pride and let those that surround her love her and support her the way she needs it. She is such a devoted mother to her son and is such a fighter for him.
Life wasn’t about disappointment. Life was a journey. The journey of finding what I’d seen on my sister’s face the night before. Finding your place. Finding your people. And settling in so when those cold winds blew, you had warmth to see you through. Toby was going to understand that. I knew it. No. I vowed it. Because I was going to teach him.
There is plenty of fun drama and emotion that just drives this book and I am not going to lie the ending was really emotional and not a big fan of what happens there (and those who have read it will know what I am talking about) but there is a HEA .....but a conflict with a supporting character. I was really intrigued to see how she implemented all of these elements and made it work out in the end for both of them. I wouldn't mind seeing KA write the son's book because there was a hint of it at the end. Who knows? Maybe KA will grant my wish in this :)
It was about being reminded about the magnificence of the universe, and how you were an integral part of it, and you should not waste a moment, you should find time to savor its beauty while you had your time amongst its majesty.
Overall I found The Slow Burn to be a fantastic book here, its a story of acceptance, fighting for the one you love and embracing the gifts that come your way.....TRULY MAGNIFICENT!
I found this little novella through my Libby app, and while I enjoyed this one in some aspects, it felt so slow and disconnected at times. And I just didn't feel interested in the story that much. I think there was too much in the plot development that had this novella be very overwhelming and would have been better in a full length novel.
Ryker is the fourth book in this delightful series with the Cold Fury Hockey team. With each book that is written I am stunned by how much I love each book and I have to say that Ryker might be one of my favorite books of the series that this author has written so far.
We are introduced to Ryker in the previous book, who has recently become a single father to his two daughters when his ex wife wanted reduced contact. Its been a year since Ryker signed on with the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Team and is in his thirities and is one of the best goalies. He knows that he has only a few years left physically to handle the sport but right now with the starting goalie recovering from an injury, Ryker has taken over as the lead goalie and he is on fire and is at the top of the league. But there is a new change in the team that has really changed things around for the whole team. Their coach and owner has given over managed to his daughter “Gray Bannon” and there is much dissension in the ranks over it. Gray has been a recruiter for the team for quite a while and brought most of the players to the Carolina Cold Fury Team, but now she is living her dream with her father’s full support. She may be a woman but she knows the sport inside and out and even played it in the olympics. She is setting a new standard for women, that they are just capable of being leader in a male dominated sport. But there is one problem….her career may be at risk when her heart falls for the head goalie Ryker Evans.
Yes…be yourself. Don’t go in that room and for one minute try to mold yourself to their expectations. I didn’t offer you this position to do the same exact job I did. I gave it to you because I want you to be better at it than I was, and you’re going to be because of who you are, not who they want you to be
Ryker has always loved the sport of hockey, and right now he is living the dream being on fire and not missing a beat. His relationship with his daughters are stronger than ever and even though he knows that there is a risk, he is starting to fall for his boss….the manager of the team. He knows that if they want to make it one of them will have to sacrifice their career. Ryker is still hurt from the actions that his ex wife did but he has moved on and is looking for something more in his life and is wanting a relationship. Gray has been so focused on her career for so long that she just doesn’t know what to do with a guy that makes her feel emotions she has never really felt. She settles for one night stands because her career and education have been more important to her. She is more than fine with the course that she has set for herself. But she does know that when she meets Ryker she wants more, she doesn’t know what that means for her future but she does know what she feels with Ryker is more encompassing that she ever imagined. But she also knows one of them will have to sacrifice for love or give up what they have for their jobs that they love…
I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy a heroine so focused on a career and not interested in relationships or family, and I admit I was on the edge with Gray as the heroine but I ended up loving her character SO MUCH. She is a bit blinded about how relationships work since she has only done one stands and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to relate with the heroine but I really did. She is driven, passionate and does have a kind heart. I love how she goes out of her way to be a support to Ryker when he needs it and to connect with his daughters and being their “friend” even though she knows nothing about kids. I admired her strong relationship with her father and how much passion she has for her job and the sport. She is very smart but she understands what drives people and I really admired her character and the growth that we see her come into. She learns about love and commitment and that she can have a career and a man to love and children if she wants them. And that nothing can hold her back but herself.
Our hero, Ryker, has some admiring qualities and strengths and I fell in love with him in many ways. He isn’t too bitter in how his wife left him and their children for a younger man. He accepted it and moved on and devoted his life to his girls and to hockey. But when gets to know Gray he knows that there is something more between them and its nothing to give up on and he wants to fight for Gray and show her what they can become. I loved the courage he has, risking his career for Gray, giving her the peace of mind that she needs until she is ready to take him full on. I loved what a loving father he is, and how devoted he is to his daughters. He has a great bond with the team and there are so many moments that Ryker really makes this book shine and glow in fundamental ways that wraps around your heart. From his ways of unifying his team, his love for his girls, and his devotion to Gray…..guaranteed to make you fall in love right away with him. I really adored his attitude, he has such a positive outlook on life as well.
The romance that comes together in this book is so precious and gave me all the feels. I honestly wanted to do a dance when finished this book, it gave me so many joyful emotions and seeing how they find a way around their careers to be together was so fabulous. Because it happens in a way I didn’t expect, and the heroine made me love her even more with her actions and how she fights for a chance to be with her man especially in how we see how much Ryker fights for Gray throughout the story. I love seeing a couple fight for each other in different ways and it happens so delightfully in this story. Their story definitely will give you those moments of sexy heat and poignant emotion that will sneak up behind you and give you a few surprises along the way.
Overall I found Ryker to be a story of sacrifice, the value of true love and finding happiness in the unlikely moments of life…..WINS THE GOAL IN SPORTS ROMANCE!!
Pucked by Helena Hunting is the first book in her Pucked series. I will be honest, even with my love of Hockey, I haven't read too many hockey romances. After listening to an author interview on a podcast, I really wanted to read a Helena Hunting and I thought I would start with Pucked, one of the more established books from her that is highly popular. I found this book in the Audible Romance Package and I am so glad that I took a chance on this author because even though this book isn't perfect....it was a fantastic book that I devoured. If you are new to Helena Hunting, I highly recommend this book.
Pucked begins with our heroine, Violet Hall. Her step brother has signed with a new NHL team based in Chicago. Thanks to her step brother, she knows the reality of what hockey players really are and what players they are especially when there are any puck bunnies involved. While going to the first game to see her step brother in action, she catches the eye of one stunning hockey player...the team captain and the star of the game...Alex Water. She is caught by his beautiful eyes and while at the after party with her family, she finds herself being thoroughly kissed by Alex who isn't afraid of her weird nervous antics or her love of literature. But she knows what hockey players are like and she doesn't want to be played by Alex. But Alex slowly works down her barriers and before even realizing she is jumping head first into a relationship with Alex. But she wonders if she will be enough for Alex or is his career more important...
What a great book this turned out to be and man I loved both of these character. Both Alex and Violet are wonderful characters that worm their way into your heart. Now at first, I was curious to see how the author would handle the hockey sport angle. Some authors when writing sport themed romances don't always give enough focus on the sport and yeah Helena Hunting knows her hockey and I really liked seeing it implemented in this book so very seamlessly. It makes you want to watch the sport, that is how well it is done in this book. I would like to point out that its not overdone though, the focus of the book is, of course, the romance.
Alex isn't your typical hockey player and isn't the playboy that everyone thinks that he is. He is pretty down to earth surprisingly. Yes he has this big rumor about him and yes he was a bit of one when he first was signed on his team, but he has matured here and we see the way that he is a good leader on his team even if his temper sometimes gets the better of him on the ice. I love his relationship with his family, especially his sister. He is a sweet talker though and knows how to talk to Violet and he can be so thoughtful and a bit foolish too. He is a man and a bit of an idiot at times especially toward the end...but boy he knows how to grovel so WELL!! And he definitely redeems himself fully.
Violet, is smart and sassy but socially awkward in certain situations and sexual innuendoes tend to pop out of her mouth at random times. She is quirky and a bit of a nerd but is sweet natured. She is slow to trust, hasn't had the best luck in relationships and doesn't look at hockey players very highly thanks to her playboy of a step brother. We see how she battles within herself to open herself to Alex. She wants to believe that he is sincere, but just doesn't know what to believe. Violet is a heroine that you can admire though. She is just getting settled with her career as an accountant, wears glasses and loves to read and is not ashamed to be sexually aware.
The romance that develops between Violet and Alex are full of ups and down but boy I loved seeing them get the ending that they both deserve in the end. On the first look at this pairing, you don't think that they would fit like they do. They are a bit different from each other, however, they really balance each other out and boy the sex is HOT yet silly and fun at times too.
I can’t wait to have my mouth on you again. I’m gonna eat you like I’m on death row and you’re my last goddamned meal.
There is such unique dynamics that come into play in their relationships and misunderstandings that happen from time to time. But you see how much they are into each other, and are making a go of their relationship and not caring what others think. It has a bit of a forbidden feel, but not super strong, but Violet's step brother doesn't want them together and Violet....she is badass when it comes to handling her brother because he is a bit of a hypocrite. Both Alex and Violet are smart and intellectuals though so it adds some depth to the relationship....more than you see from most sport themed romances.
And yes we have a big HUGE scenario that happens at the end....because its a romance and something has to happen right? Especially in a contemporary romance. However, I really fan girl over Alex and the way he makes amends with Violet. He definitely does it in the best way that makes Violet see the real Alex and that he makes mistakes but he never falters in his love to her and I just adored seeing his devotion to Violet and never giving up on her.
Overall Pucked is a sensational romance that is packed with sexy times, fun and flirty moments that leaves you with a smile and such character depth to keep you wanting more....a love story to leave you giddy and wanting your own pucked type of love!! SUPERB!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mystic is the second book in the Cat Star Legacy series, and this is my first time actually picking up this author. This is also one of the ARC's I neglected last year and completely forgot about but I am making an effort on working on that list because the guilt is the worst lol and I have to say thanks to Sophia @Delighted Reader and her review, she had me highly intrigued and wanting to read this book and even though I am way late to the game with this book, I am so happy that I picked this book up because yeah this story was good. From the first few pages I was swept very quickly within the story and that doesn't always happen so Cheryl Brooks is definitely getting added to my list of new to me authors I have fallen in love with. I am also really eager to look at her other sci fi series and see how they connect to this one.
Sula is on the hunt for a virus, a virus that killed the man she loved a year previously, one that is more deadly than anything else and reduces one to ash when exposed. But with her on the hunt for the origins, she is also being hunted by the ones responsible who don't want her to know the truth and with her life in danger and alone she wonders how long she will make it. Until an angel appears and saves her life from some ariel creatures. Aiden is a Zetithian mystic, he has special abilities, a winged creature who can see parts into the future. While flying over the wild terrain, he sees Sula in danger and rescues her and takes her to his home. Even though both keep deep secrets from everyone, there is a connection between them and soon their secrets are revealed and join forces including some comrades that join them alongside their adventure to discover the truth.
Mystic was such a fun adventure filled story and I just love these type of road trip adventure sci fi romances, they are simply the best for sure. Mystic definitely had me falling quickly in love not just with the story but the endearing characters, the fated love, the mystery and danger aspect of the plot and plenty more. We also get a virgin for our hero, he is a member of a species that only mate once so it was quite different to see the heroine be the one with experience and be the teacher in the bedroom. Both Sula and Aiden make such a good pair, their story builds slowly, definitely not your typical fated love romance.
We such beautiful intrigue and delightful plot points that thicken with each chapter and with such engaging writing, you just fall deeper into the story in such a dynamic way that leaves the reader eager for more. I was so intrigued with where the story takes you and hope she continues with the series. I can't wait to grab up the first book.
Rowena's father has always left his children to survive on their own for the most part. He has a weakness for gambling. And with the roll of a dice, he sold one of his children for a year for servitude to the Lord of Caerlon. When Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon finds that his nemesis has a daughter, and a beautiful one at that he takes her as payment. Rowena is a protector of her brothers and she knows that if she resists too much that Gareth might harm her family. Rowena has no idea what to expect from this dark and dangerous lord who is an enigma to her. He threatens but she doesn't feel she needs to fear him but she knows there are truths he is keeping from her. Gareth blames Rowena's father for a betrayal from the past. But Gareth is captivated by Rowena, her passion and fighting spirit and protectiveness of her brothers, But the past is what is standing between Gareth and Rowena, and trust and honesty will be vital for them to find a future.
The Hero
Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon was blamed for the death of his stepmother, who practically seduced him when he was young and manipulated him since he was a boy. But even though Gareth wasn't able to find the real culprit, he took the blame with pride and no fear. For years he has been wanting revenge on the man he blames for everything in the past, Rowena's father, a gambler and a lecher. Gareth is a hero that I was uneasy about at first. He has quite a few alpha like tendencies. He is a warrior and a medieval lord, but is feared more than respected. But Gareth surprised me in this book, because there are some hidden depths to him. I did like that he proves to be honorable.
The Heroine
Rowena is protective of her family. Even though her father is rarely around and is always gambling away what little they have, she still is devoted to him and loved him. Its her brothers she will fight for though. I love how Rowena has a bit of "tom boy" in her. On a daily basis, she hunts for food so that they will survive. I like how spirited Rowena is but when faced with Gareth, even though in the beginning she fears him, she doesn't let fear control her actions. But I also respected the way she handles Gareth and stands on her own even if the consequences wouldn't end good for her.
Plot and Story Line
In Shadows and Lace we are introduced into a story of mystery and passion set in the Plantagenets Era in England. I did have a blast with this book, and it definitely had Teresa Medeiros written all over it so it was fun to read this author again. I did have a blast with this book though, and it was quite entertaining and lively in many ways. The chemistry between Gareth and Rowena is pretty strong even from the beginning. What I liked however, was seeing the way that Gareth is with Rowena. Once he brings her to his home, he pretty much gives her free rein. Which Rowena isn't a fan of, she doesn't want to be a lady of leisure at all. So goes about hunting since it's the only thing she knows how to do to contribute. I love how she isn't afraid to stand up for herself or what she believes in or who she protects. We are introduced into some fun characters....Gareths friend and Rowena's brothers. The actual romance is pretty wonderful to see grow in this story. Its not a easy one, since Gareth and Rowena need to resolve events and secrets from the past before they can fully be together. But I love how they are with each other and seeing their bond deepen throughout the story.
The Cover
I do like the oldie like cover....with the intricate font here!!!
Overall View
Shadows and Lace is a story of redemption, forgiveness and an abiding love worth fighting for!!!! FANTASTICALLY WRITTEN!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI have been re reading this Malory Anderson series and thought it would be a good idea to review these books as I read them. Tender Rebel is the second book in the series, and what a fun book to read and I loved this one. This is one of my personal favorites to read, although I could say that for many of the books in the series. But I have such fond memories of reading this the first time so many years ago and was quite a blast reconnecting with this couple again.
"Now lower your dress a little-' "Anthony!" "This is no time for offended modesty... You're the distraction." "Och, well, in that case." "That's quite low enough, my dear..." "I was only trying to help," "Commendable, but we want the chap to ogle you, not bust his breeches.”
The jist of the story is that our heroine, is traveling to London from Scotland. Her grandfather has recently passed away, and has left his entire estate to her which is quite a bit of funds. But her cousin Geordie, needs the money and is a bit bitter for not receiving any of it and will force her to marry him if he can. So she needs to find a husband and very quickly before her cousin forces her to marry him. While at a ball, she meets our hero Anthony Malory. Now Anthony is so not ready for marriage. But from the moment he sees Roslynn, he wants her more than any woman he has ever met. Now Anthony is definitely been around the block when it comes to women. He is charismatic and charming. Roslynn has a strong attraction to Tony, but she knows he is Not the marrying type and attempts to stay away from him. And yeah with some hilarious interference from Tony's brother James, working Tony's jealousy, Tony marries Roslynn not willing to let her marry another man. A few misunderstandings happens, and Tony and Roslynn work through some miscommunication issues and drama but boy do you love every step of the way these two find on working through a marriage and that finding love isn't easy or uncomplicated. There are some actions that Roslynn takes that aren't the most commendable. But what I like about these mistakes is that they make her real and human and see how she pays for those mistakes and learns from them.
"My eyes have been a-wandering, as you put it, for the last nineteen years. Give them a rest, Roslynn. They settled on you and don't want to move on.”
The ending still brings me to tears every single time, these two are just so right for each other in every way. This is the type of romance that just gives you a smile every time you read it. Love the style of Lindsey in this series and how enchanting they are. And of course we have some witty interactions with some supporting characters and we see the beginnings of James' story with his future lady who dresses like a boy. Stay tuned for book three.
Rowena's father has always left his children to survive on their own for the most part. He has a weakness for gambling. And with the roll of a dice, he sold one of his children for a year for servitude to the Lord of Caerlon. When Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon finds that his nemesis has a daughter, and a beautiful one at that he takes her as payment. Rowena is a protector of her brothers and she knows that if she resists too much that Gareth might harm her family. Rowena has no idea what to expect from this dark and dangerous lord who is an enigma to her. He threatens but she doesn't feel she needs to fear him but she knows there are truths he is keeping from her. Gareth blames Rowena's father for a betrayal from the past. But Gareth is captivated by Rowena, her passion and fighting spirit and protectiveness of her brothers, But the past is what is standing between Gareth and Rowena, and trust and honesty will be vital for them to find a future.
Rowena's father has always left his children to survive on their own for the most part. He has a weakness for gambling. And with the roll of a dice, he sold one of his children for a year for servitude to the Lord of Caerlon. When Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon finds that his nemesis has a daughter, and a beautiful one at that he takes her as payment. Rowena is a protector of her brothers and she knows that if she resists too much that Gareth might harm her family. Rowena has no idea what to expect from this dark and dangerous lord who is an enigma to her. He threatens but she doesn't feel she needs to fear him but she knows there are truths he is keeping from her. Gareth blames Rowena's father for a betrayal from the past. But Gareth is captivated by Rowena, her passion and fighting spirit and protectiveness of her brothers, But the past is what is standing between Gareth and Rowena, and trust and honesty will be vital for them to find a future.
I have been re reading this Malory Anderson series and thought it would be a good idea to review these books as I read them. Tender Rebel is the second book in the series, and what a fun book to read and I loved this one. This is one of my personal favorites to read, although I could say that for many of the books in the series. But I have such fond memories of reading this the first time so many years ago and was quite a blast reconnecting with this couple again.
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