This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martins Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After reading book two, I was super excited for this story. I have really loved reading this author over the years and she has done some unique highlander style romances that are a "bit" different than what you normally see. This author's strength is the Regency era so even if its a highlander romance its set in this time period. We are taken to these two characters that have been friends pretty much since they were children. Both of them indivuallyhave secretly loved each other but they don't realize how much until set of circumstances drive them apart.

Callum left Scotland and moved to America where he started his own business in making Whiskey and other "spirits" and still bitter over losing the woman he loved and having his brother marrying her. But after years of ignoring the letters by his brother, he gets hints that there is something terribly wrong and once he investigates he soon learns that his brother has been killed and so he moves back to Scotland, to take over the title and make sure that his sister in law is alright. But once he starts searching around, not everything is right about the way that his brother was killed and he suspects foul play.

He easily wins the heart of his niece and many members of the household, but winning over his lady's heart will take some determination and hard work. Callum admits that he was foolish when he was younger and drinking is the reason he was never able to marry the one woman he has always loved and never forgotten. We see the changes in him from when he was younger to now...more respectable and hard working. We see the regrets that he has especially when it comes to his family.

The romance between these two is quite fun at times, and I honestly just loved seeing the ways that these two begin to fall in love for the second time. It's a second chance, where two people are stronger and responsible and they have both changed but they still have a strong affection for each other. And there is some sassy sexy banter that only Suzanne Enoch can deliver in this way. I won't say that this book is my favorite of the series, but it had so many unique elements that just draw you in. I felt that Suzanne Enoch handled the murder mystery pretty well and yes the villains are brought down in such a finalizing way that they deserved and the story builds it up pretty intensely which keeps the reader at the edge of their seat.

Definitely a story that pulls you in from the beginning, packed with a wolf, an endearing little girl, a feisty heroine and a prodigal son that returns to his old life.....heartstopping!!





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I have really enjoyed this author over the years, and even though I haven't read too many of her books, I was very delighted to get a chance to get a copy of this ARC through Avon and Edelweiss. I think out of all of books I have had the pleasure of reading from this author, this one would be at the top of my list. I would recommend it to anyone, it does have a bit of betrayal and distrust between the couple especially with how they began. However I found that from beginning to end I was entertained and there wasn't one moment of boredom. I could honestly conduct a hour or two long conversation about this book, but I wont take that long LOL

It begins with when they first fall in love, they start to slowly court, and their relationship is sweet and tender and innocent. Virginia is a American, and has come to England with her father to find a husband. Macrath has worked hard his whole life to get as accomplished as he is now. When Virginia's father demands that she marry a Count, she realizes that she will have to give up the man she loves. A year later Virginia has just recently become a widow, and according to her mother in law, she must get pregnant immediately. Knowing she has no other choice, she decides to go up to Scotland to find Macrath, and seduce him. Virginia's feelings for him coming washing back the moment she is back in his arms and then leaves him again. Macrath isn't one to be used, or to give his heart twice to the same woman. So he decided to leave for a while, and heads down to Australia for a year. When he returns he decides to visit Virginia on a impulse, but he finds that she is barely recovering from a deathly sickness, and finds out that he has a son, that she never told him about. So deciding to turn the table on her, and before Virginia knows it she is chasing after Macrath, only to find herself in a situation where she could lose herself in him, and doesn't know if she could have the strength to leave or stay with him forever.

The Devil of Clan Sinclair is quite a sensational story that swept me off my feet. I loved how their sweet romance turns into a vital love story where the focus is about the love that lasts. This couple goes through quite a bit of hurdles, and at first I didn't like Virginia, I had a hard time getting used to her character. She seemed to me to be the type that would be not willing to fight for who you love. She seems to be lacking some spine, she could have been a bit more bolder. However I had no issues with Macrath, he never gave up on Virginia no matter how much she hurt him. I loved his strength and perseverance. In the end though, I enjoyed seeing how the story plays out, and it ended up be a endearing story that won my heart over in the end!! A story I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a sensually filled romance that is bound to endear you.

Summary
Grace Cabot and her sisters are put in a horrible position, and she knows that she will need to marry before all of England learns that their mother is mad. Their mother suffered an accident a couple of years previous, and her mind has deteriorated, and it is growing steadily worse. Now she has decided that she needs to take matters in her own hands. So she plans on seducing a scoundrel, that would make an amiable husband. But her plan goes awry, when she seduces his older brother, the Earl of Merryton. Now they are forced to wed, and Grace realizes how wrong she was, and she starts to realize the consequences of the scandal, married to a man who is proper and firm in his orderly life. At first she doesn’t know what to make of her husband, who is aloof and withdrawn, and is obsessed with the number eight, and everything in their estate, has to run with perfect order. And there is nothing to do, Grace is used to do the frivolities of London and the entertainments, not being left alone and missing her family more than ever. But Grace is determined to find the truth behind Geoffrey, but will she stand by him when she learns his secrets…

The Hero
Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, grew up with hard childhood. He was painfully shy and reserved, and his father was cruel and harsh on his expectations. Then when he evolved into a young man, he started to suffer from images that aren’t normal, images that haunt him, and only counting with his numbers helps maintain his control. He travels to Bath often, hoping that he can find something to help heal what is wrong with him. But when he finds himself married to Grace, his control is slipping more than ever, and he wonders if he can keep the ‘beast’ contained, for his lovely wife who deserves an honorable husband and got Geoffrey instead. What I loved about Geoffrey, was how human he came off to appear…not perfectly fake. He had real challenges, he has many faults, but we see him change and you see how love changes him slowly…into a man who is strong and determined to be better.

The Heroine
Grace, is used to a busy life, and a chaotic one at that. She finds herself facing consequences of a scandal. Grace is the second in her family, and always felt she was never good enough for her family…it was always Honor who was great at everything, and the only thing Grace can do is make conversation and small talk. Grace finds herself living in a cold household with a cold husband and she is determined to know him and see what is beneath that aloof exterior. Grace is bold and is willing to take matters in her own hands…which creates problems and stress for her husband and their staff who are used to order and NOT chaos. Grace bothered me at times, she seemed not to care about consequences of her actions very non chalantly, and that bugged me, but I liked her character other than that. She is lively and energetic, and is protective of animals and takes in strays all the time. I love her caring and gentle nature….its needed to aid in her husbands problems.

Plot and Story Line
The Devil Takes A Bride is a riveting tale of how healing love can be. I was not sure how I would handle this story or how much I would enjoy it…but I liked it way more than The Trouble With Honor…maybe because Grace seemed more engaging than Honor. I liked Grace way more than Honor. She takes crazy risks that results in horrid scandal, but unlike Honor, she feels the repercussions more, and admits that she was wrong. This story was much more emotional as well and really tugged at my heartstrings at times. I don’t want to reveal too much about the problems that Geoffrey is suffering from, but its something that would be quite scandalous back in the day. So you see how real his trauma is, and how it’s affecting him emotionally and mentally. Its straining him, and soon you see how close he is to breaking…and that just about broke my heart…seeing how much he needed to be accepted and loved for who he is. He has never known love or a gentle hand since he was a boy with his governess. What was even better…was seeing how Grace fully accepts him, knowing everything and how willing she is to be open to him and love him unconditionally. This is a story that is one of the best of Julia London….provacative, riveting in emotion, and strong in plot and building of characters.

The Cover
I have to say I love poses like the one we have here…I adore red covers,,,a very bold and sensual color, and it works great with this one.

Overall View
The Devil Takes A Bride is a truly sensational tale of the power of love….how it can heal and give one strength and provoke sensation. A Sensual tale that will sweep you away. A SPLENDID TALE!!

Emmaline, out of duty and obligation, consented to marry the Earl of Hepburn, but knew in her heart she could never love him. Emmaline knows that marrying the powerful laird, she is only saving her family from ruin, and after sacrificing so much of herself for her family, she is also willing to marry a stranger in order to secure their future. But right before she says her vows, a dangerous highlander, enemy to her groom to be, kidnaps her. He is opposite of her groom in every way, handsome, virile, and sexy. Especially at first Emmaline is outraged at being taken by this highlander, however she knows that there is more to meet the eye when it comes to Jamie Sinclair and his men. So Emmaline starts to doubt what she previously had thought about the Earl and starts to believe and trust in the outlaw, scoundrel and man of her heart....James Sinclair
The Devil Wears Plaid, is a bit different scenery from all the other books that Teresa Medieros has written. The Devil Wears Plaid is a powerful story of two people that were so different from each other, but yet so right for one another. At the beginning of the story we see Emmaline and Jamie collide in tempers and passions, but as events surrounding them only escalate in danger and mystery, does the love for each other blossom. I found that I couldn't put this one down, and before I knew it, the story was over and I was felt like "where did all the time go??" This has such a entrancing story line, one that will ensnare your attention from the first page and won't let you go until the very end....definitely a romance you don't want to miss out on. Teresa Medeiros does deliver.....and this one for me is a 5 rating!!! It compelely and deliciously won me over! The passion, the characters, the plot, the charming story, a magical read!!!


My Favorite Quote
"What are you doing?" she whispered, torn between hope and alarm.
"Making the biggest mistake of my life," he said grimly, before dragging her into his arms and claiming her lips in a wild and desperate kiss that stole both her breath and heart away.

Lady Charlotte Hanover is still recovering from losing her fiancee to a duel gone bad. She is only looking for someone respectable, English and reserved. Someone that isn't a hot head. While helping out a fellow young woman explore London and begin her season, a big burly Scot comes bursting into her home demanding his sisters safe return. Charlotte is outraged and isn't afraid of telling this brute exactly what she thinks and she will defend Winnie no matter what. Ranulf, is laird, and is in charge of many, but the one who is top on his list to protect is his family. So when his sister flees to London, he is determined to bring her back home, kicking and screaming if necessary. But his plans change when he meets Charlotte, who is stubborn and interfering, and doesn't know the meaning of his word as law. Well he wants to show this Lady Charlotte the error of her ways, but before long passions ignite, and a love blooms and Ranulf will have to fight for Lady Charlotte, who has wormed her way into his heart.

The Devil Wears Kilts is the first book in this new series by Suzanne Enoch. Now I have been meaning to read this one for quite some time. For years I have adored this author, and when I had a hard time reading a book from one of her other more recent series, and it didn't meet my expectations, I wondered if I would like this author again....well this series has blown me out of the water. I recently had the chance to read the second book, and I was impressed, which only made me itchy to get my hands on this one. Some ride this one was....I love a sexy Scot...but Laird, and has little manners and a brogue to die for, and he does some pretty whopping kisses to...what I would give to jump into this story and trade spots with Charlotte!!

The story is pretty solid and steady all the way through and I had no issues with it at all. It starts off pretty quick and be careful, or you might be dragged into the story way quicker than you think--which is just the way that I like it though. Both of the characters are pretty bold and daring, and not afraid of anything at all. which made them quite explosive at times together. They know how to do a heated arguments, but the making up in the story is priceless. I enjoyed seeing these two really come together and the story was fast paced but not too rushed, and I had no issue staying with them as you see them develop a deeper connection to each other. There is some danger involved in the story that only ramped up the feeling of excitement.

A story that is richly filled with enticing characters, intrigue, a bit of Scottish culture and history thrown in the mix, and a tale of love and loyalty and the sense of family. THRILLING!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Devil's Daughter is the fifth book in the Ravenel series and it's also a story that brings together the Ravenel family and the Wallflower gals. I will admit that I had super HIGH expectations for this story. One it brings the St. Vincent family back into the view, the drop-dead gorgeous cover and the high praise from fellow reviewers and bloggers that received the ARC of this book early. But I want to be honest (I always am) but my review is not going to fit with the popular view point because unfortunately, I didn't love this book, but I did enjoy it. I will be honest, I was "bummed" after reading this book and it breaks my heart that I had 3 starred this book. I really debated on what my reading would be, but I had to look at this book like any other and frankly, it was disappointing. Now this author....Lisa Kleypas will always be a queen author of romance and she will always be an auto-buy author for me and I have nothing my high respect and admiration for her pure talent but this book just didn't work for me.

Devil's Daughter begins with our lovely fiery-haired heroine, Phoebe, who is a widow and mother to two children. There is a wedding coming up for her brother Gabriel and his lovely fiancee Pandora and she is feeling apprehension because West Ravenel will be there.  West tormented her late husband when he was in school and so she sees West as a bully and doesn't trust him and has no desire to meet the man but she knows that she will have to meet him since there will be plenty of celebration in the country for the wedding that is being hosted at the Ravenel country estate. But when Phoebe meets West, there is something that happens that is unexpected, there are sparks and chemistry abound between them and the attraction is mutual. West is fascinated with Phoebe and her two boys and he doesn't hide it. But West has no plans to marry anyone, although if he were to marry anyone, it would be Phoebe. But he doesn't feel like with his scandalous ways, that he is worthy of her love. Soon West and Phoebe will be drawn together by circumstance of fate and love has a way of changing your mind when you least expect it.

Devil's Daughter is a story that brings together the Wallflower and Ravenels more than ever before. One of the aspects that I really loved was seeing our lovely Wallflowers again, we do get a lovely scene with the four gals Annabelle, Daisy, Lillian, and Evie when they get together for a picnic during the wedding celebration. We get some fun and smexy moments between Sebastian and Evie (and boy I just devoured these moments) and then, of course, we get plenty of fun fatherly machinations of Sebastian. What I love about having books in this series that connect to the St. Vincents is seeing Sebastian as a Dad and its infectious and boy does he love to meddle and it's AWESOME!! He just dotes on Phoebe and his grandsons, he just has such a close relationship with Phoebe and seeing a magnifier glass on their father/daughter relationship was so endearing.

I, meddle?” His brows lifted, and he looked positively indignant. “Evie, what can you be thinking?” “That you’re meddling.”
“From time to time, I may adjust a situation to achieve a desired outcome for the benefit of my children, but that’s not meddling.”
“What do you call it, then?”
“Parenting,” he said smugly, and kissed her before she could reply.

The romance that develops between West and Phoebe is more of an unrequited love type of scenario, especially in the beginning. Phoebe doesn't like West (even though she has never met him before now) and West is unsure how to proceed with a woman that doesn't like him very much and he doesn't understand why. We see more depth to West in this story, and that he had a rough beginning and was a bully but we also see the pranks he does aren't hurtful or cruel more just the playful rogue in him when he acts out due to the abuse he was dealt when he was a child. But he does grow out of it, and becomes a man to admire and works really hard to become the best estate manager and this is where he and Phoebe really connect. I love seeing Phoebe and West work together in figuring out the details and problems with her estate and the mystery behind everything. The smexy scenes that Lisa Kleypas writes between them is pretty sexy and definitely has Lisa Kleypas' stamp on them, and I do love the way she writes a sexy scene. They are so intimate and sensual without being super explicit. This is the pure talent of Lisa Kleypas.

“I want you with my entire body." West dragged his mouth over hers, shaping her lips before settling in for a rough and ardent kiss. “You’re all I think about. You’re all I see. You’re the center of a star, and the force of gravity keeps pulling me closer, and I don’t give a damn that I’m about to be incinerated.”

Now my issues with this book: NO CHEMISTRY!! Now I don't want to bash this book or this author but this romance was not something I connected with. I couldn't really see the romance in this story and this was so disappointing because romance is something that Lisa Kleypas excels at but this book I just didn't feel it. The story was engaging, I fell in love with West and Phoebe individually but I just couldn't feel their connection. It felt a bit bland to me and not with the typical flair that normally comes with a Lisa Kleypas novel. Maybe I entered this novel with high expectations but I just couldn't feel it in this book and to be honest this has really upset me and just breaks my heart to see this in a Kleypas novel but sadly it's true. I know many won't agree with me, but this is my honest feelings for this story.

Overall I had a fun time with Devil's Daughter, despite what I found lacking, I did find this book overall a simple delight to read, gives the reader plenty of laughs, a chance to reconnect with old favorites, and a page-turner to enchant its readers! CHARM AND POISE!







 

Margaret is on a most important mission...one that could mean life or death for both of her brothers. The Chattan Curse has been in their family for generations...whenever a male falls in love, he will die soon thereafter. With both of her brothers almost paralized, and close to death, she knows she must succeed on her mission, because they have never been so close to breaking it. With 'Fenella's ' book in her possession, she knows she has a real chance. Then her carriage crashes from a powerful wind, and she is rescued by Heath Macnachtan, who is a descendent of the one witch who cursed her family all those years ago. Heath doesn't believe in any curse, or witches, and cats that just appear out of no where. When he rescues Margaret, he senses something odd about her. Heath has many debts, and is barely staying afloat as it is. With the recent death of his brother, he is now Laird, and must take responsibility for his sisters and all those that are under his care. Even though his sisters are trying to push him into marrying Margaret, he knows the last thing he needs is marrying someone who is only here to break some curse he doesn't even believe in. However when he starts to lose his heart to her, he starts to realize that there are some things that are very real, and it will take a huge leap of faith to save the only woman that he loves more than the air he breathes...I was given the opportunity by Edelweiss, Avon, and Harpercollins to read this ARC. I have just adored this series so far. Cathy Maxwell never disappoints...that is all that I have to say. Every time I read her, I just think to myself...she is one of the main reasons I love Historical Romance so much. She makes history come alive, along with the characters she portrays in her stories. Her writing is so addicting, that you can't help but feel yourself becoming enthralled in the story...so much so you can't put it down for one minute. For those of you, who have never read from this author or this series...you are missing out on a thrilling ride that will take you back through time, where magic is real, and love surpasses time and space. We start in the story with Margaret and Heath meeting, where he rescues her from a carriage accident on her way up to see Heath. Little does he know, that she would change his life forever. At the beginning, there is sparks flying here, there and everywhere....I felt like I was watching fireworks. They could be explosive together. But as we progress in the story futher, we see a gentle love start to build between them. Heath doesn't believe in any curse or witches or spells, but he softens toward Margaret...so much so that you just melt when seeing them together. The bed scenes were so "Sigh" lovely, and passionate, yet gentle in its simplicity. It made me want to trade places at times. I loved the paranormal theme we have going...its not a huge aspect, we see much more focus on the love story than anything else (which is always a plus in my book) however I did like seeing the focus on the curse. As it got closer to the end, I was hoping it wouldn't be a cliff hanger or anything. Was I disappointed, shocked, or displeased in any way? NEVER!!! I was so happy I got a tear in my eye..I almost couldn't read for a minute. I loved the power of the love story that just climaxes in such a perfect way....that it leaves one grinning like a fool at the end. It did have some unexpected twists and turns that I never saw coming....and I was delighted to see how it turned out. It was the perfect end to a exciting trilogy that has kept me on the edge of my seat so far. If you are looking for a astounding romance that will delight you and make you believe that LOVE does conquer all....this is a MUST READ!!! A Classic tale of love, magic, danger, and passion that will curl your toes!!