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

*May contain a few spoilers...be aware*

The Duke Buys A Bride is the third book in the Rogue Files series by Sophie Jordan. This story was one I was highly anticipating, first off the cover is what really drew me to it and the title was so tempting I just knew I had to have this and I was so excited down to the toes....to be given the ARC of this one from Avon Books. This is a story that is based on some real facts. I love that Sophie Jordan was able to tie in Bride Buying into one of her novels. Bride buying....was a REAL thing folks. In the UK...England, Scotland and Wales, you could sell your wife if you didn't want to go through a divorce and anullment wasn't an option. And unfortunately this happened up till the early 1900's. The date was a shocker for me but really happened. And Sophie Jordan puts her own delightful twist and boy
I had a fun time with this one.

Our tale begins with our hero, on the very first page, waking up to his face in muck...Literally. He is filthy and gross, and finds out that he was in jail this whole night because of some bar maid and he might have tore up the place a bit. Not the best place a Duke should be. Marcus, is the Duke of Autenberry and fleeing London and losing his best friend and feeling betrayed when his step mother and friend fall in love. So his plan is to go to his estate in Scotland and losing himself there where he seeks some solitude.

Alyse, lost her father and had to live up to the agreement her father made with the man that became her husband. She took care of his children and cleaned his home, and all these years she is still a virgin.  But he wants to marry another woman, and they come up with an agreement. She will put herself up to be auction, because she has a friend who will take her as his wife and they will have adventures and reside in London. But once she arrives and is put on the auction block, her friend abandon's her and she is forced to be the wife of someone else.

Marcus while riding on his way out of town, stumbles into the bridal auction and is shocked and appaled at what he is seeing. A beautiful young woman, being treated like a piece of meat especially in the way fellow men are treating her, like a slave. So Marcus, being the honorable man he is, offers for her. Marcus, has no plans to take a wife or become besotted like his brother or best friend but this is a woman in need of help or her fate could be way worse. He offers her a deal, protection and safety and she will see to his household as his housekeeper. Both Marcus and Alyse are both practical persons, so it seems like a reasonable agreement.

I don't doubt love. I was so young when my mother died I can't even remember her. At fifteen my father died and I married a man old enough to be my grandfather. I had to work his farm, raise his children, cook and launder for him. That same man sold me at auction. So I've seen things too, you know. I've seen ugly things and I still believe in love. Yourlife must have been very hard indeed for you to be such a non believer.

Alyse, at first, is shocked that this dirty smelling man is to be her husband. Oh boy, she didn't realize what she was getting herself into. On their first night on their journey, they stop at an inn, and after Marcus takes a bath, she gets a real good clean look at him, and is humbled by how gorgeous he is and starts feeling some self doubts. But she made a deal and will stand by it. But while on their journey, both Macrus and Alyse realize how much they are attracted to each other. And during a heated argument, tempers flare, hands fly and a angry yet passionate kiss is shared between them and the flames just rise between them along with the temptation.

Love makes fools of us all, big and little?

Marcus knows that he can't pursue this desire he feels for Alyse, but he wants her and he is slowly starting to fall hard for her. But Marcus is very cynical about life and is afraid to love and it isn't until Alyse becomes sick on their journey and he is forced to face up to his feelings for Alyse and wants her to be his wife for REAL. But he just might have to fight for her against crazy highlanders, his brother and even her previous suitor to prove to her his devotion and his heart....

This is a story that I was pretty excited for and it was so different than I was expecting. I have read auction stories before, however, I loved the tropes that come along with this story and it really fits just right with this pairing. We have a mix of "On The Road Adventure" and "Rags To Riches" which are both solid romance tropes to read. The majority of the book, there is quite a bit of traveling and adventure and even some kidnapping by some rogue highlanders (and boy I am really hoping the Laird is in the series because he was a HOOT!...such a scoundrel)

We also have the "Rags to Riches" trope. Our heroine, grew up poor and doesn't realize until the end that she is married to a Duke. She has no clue how to be a duchess and you see how she comes to terms with her new station. Alyse is such a sweet heroine but so STRONG and courageous. I loved her tenacity and determination. But she does have some flaws. The one aspect of her character I really didn't like was a scene where she slaps the hero. And yes he wasn't being super super nice, but they were in a argument and neither of them were pulling the verbal punches. And then she slaps him and boy that irked me. (I really hate heroine slapping the hero) I just didn't feel like it was justified at all. I am a bit forgiving since this is a historical romance, and the customs were a bit different back then. I was really intrigued when we meet Marcus half brother though, I still need to read the first book, but I loved him and Poppy. They were so darling, so I will be grabbing up book one NOW!! hehe

Gentlemen did not fall in love with girls they bought on an auction block. Not in any fairy tale she ever read.

The romance that builds between these two is soft and slow at times, they have some powerful chemistry, but they both deny what they feel for each other. Alyse is more ready to accept her feelings for Marcus, since she is open to love. However Marcus, is stubborn and cynical and brooding, so he takes WAY longer, but he proves himself in the end and boy the way the hero grovels, was so tender and sweet.

The Smexy times between these two was just so fantastic. I loved how much they connect in the bedroom and boy the hero really knows how to please his lady. He always puts her pleasure about his own and I really like that in a hero. And boy some of these scenes were much HOTTER than I was expecting but I gravitated towards it because it only added onto the intimacy that is slowly building between this pair.

He was there for her. He would always be there for her. He was the person she could trust even though he had claimed she should trust no one.

What really gives you the sastisfying feels, is the very end when these two face up to what their hearts and minds are in sync with and that sometimes you have to FIGHT for who you love no matter the cost to yourself and boy the ending in this book was so romantic and left me with huge amounts of happy feels and I closed this story with a happy sigh. A story that is filled with sensuality, adventure, being true to yourself and learning what loving someone else truly means and the sacrifice it takes ....TRULY MESMERIZING!







 



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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.The Duke I Once Knew is the first book in the newest series by Olivia Drake. I just love this author because I always know that I can easily get into her books. I was very curious to see how she would handle this book here though. And it was such a great book to read here. I was really fascinated with seeing how this book evolved. It does have some enemies to lovers qualities, but its more over a misunderstanding between Max and Abigail. They fell in love when they were teenagers, but then Max was sent off to school and his father deliberately seperated them because he knew that Max was falling in love and wanted to give him distance.

And now its been many years, both Max and Abigail are older in their early thirties, and when Max comes home, Abigail has taken a position as a governess for Max's sister. We see though that both of them had tried to communicate with each other but somehow the letters never reached their intended destination. We see Max and Abigail reconnect with each other and seeing them get over their past assumptions and hurts and be honest with each other is truly refreshing. I loved seeing them find each other again and the love that has always been there between them. What I really admired about the complexities about their relationship especially since we have other factors involved. With all the distractions that could cause some contention between Max and Abigail we see that they have something vibrant and real that rises above all the negative moments that they have to face and seeing them come together in this book was simply an adventure and a fun filled journey to join them on!!! A true pleasure to read in every way!!

 

I have always loved reading from Gayle Callen, but I believe this is the one book that I have loved reading again and again. For me, it one of her best works. I also have loved reading this series. I have just started this blog, because I have a love of reading, and I enjoy writing. I don't know how good I am at writing though, you will have to let me know on how I do. LOL

It takes place in 1844 in Ramsgate, England, with Meriel Shelby, who is one of three daughters. Her father committed suicide; but had to hide it from everyone else and to keep it a secret so he wouldn't be disgraced. Apparently he had lost most of their money, and couldn't live with the thought of being penniless. Meriel grew up in the world of the nobility realm. She was well educated, had quality clothes; and servants in their house in town. After her father's incident, they lose their home to a cousin, Meriel is forced to become a governess, her sister Lousia a companion. Her sister Victoria was getting married; and their mother would have a place to live.

Richard,half- brother to The Duke of Thanet, is asked by his brother to take his place. Cecil is very ill, and wants to appear strong. So Richard reluctantly agree's to the masqurade. Richard and Cecil have always looked alike; like twins. So no one would be able to tell them apart by appearance. When Richard reaches the Thanet estate; he realizes it will be harder than he once thought. His nephew, whom he dearly loves; where he must try to act like his brother who has never taken the time to get to know his son. After a few mistakes, Stephen realizes its his uncle and not his father. Stephen agrees to keep the secret to himself. At the same time, Richard is bombarded with his flirt female servants. Apparently his half brother always had a female servant that was his mistress of sorts. Then when he was was tired of her, he would then set her up with enough money to live for the rest of her life in comfort. Once Richard hears of this from the housekeeper (who is like a mother to him) is shocked and knows he could never do that. So he decides to act like he has picked Meriel. Even though Meriel knows he appears to be a philandering rake; there is something deeper that develops between Richard and Meriel. A passion blooms and their feelings for each other deepen.

I really have enjoyed reading this book, and writing the review for it as well!!! Both Richard and Meriel are complex characters that captured my avid interest. Meriel is a young woman that has been well educated, close to her sisters and her parents and then her father commits suicide and the everything in her life come tumbling down around her. Meriel is a responsible woman who tries to pick up the pieces and take care of her mother and sisters. She then meets Richard, and has no idea what she really thinks about him. She has heard rumors about the 'Duke' but she realizes along the way, that Richard is vastly different from the man she hears about. Richard is utterly captivated by his nephew's governess, and although he wishes never to disrespect her in any way, he chases after her to hope to appease the household. He finds himself falling in love with Meriel all the while trying to appear to be a good "father" to his nephew. He earns to tell her his secret, that he isn't really the "Duke" but some one else entirely. The plot in this book is filled with mystery, passion, some suspense toward the end, and a tender love that grows between the two lovers that touches the readers attention.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

In the Duke of Desire we have a lovely continuation that picks off right after Duke of Pleasure (Book 11). Iris Jordan has been kidnapped by the Lord of Chaos, when she is mistaken to be the wife of the Duke of Kyle. They plan on sacrificing her in one of their rituals. Iris can't believe that out of all the things to be mistaken about this would be it. But then one of the members takes her away and she accidentally shoots him thinking he meant her harm only when he is trying to save her. He offers her a safety net....marriage. Even though it was against her will, her reputation is ruined. So even though it isn't what she imagined, she finds herself married to the scarred and tortured Duke of Dyemore. Raphael has been wanting to bring down the Lord of Chaos down. His father was once their leader, and through the torments that he inflicted on his son, Raphael was sent to live with his aunt in the islands. Now he has returned, determined more than ever to make sure they don't commit any more evil especially in the way they harm and kill innocent women and children. Now there is one complication...his wife who is more tempting than he thought she would be, a woman strong and tender enough to reach inside his heart...

I believe you, my darling. I believe in you.

 

What a book....I have to say that this is probably the best that she has written in this series for a while now. Probably ever since book four have I ever had so much fun. I have no clue if there will be more, there did seem to be a more final note to this book than the others previously. So who knows??... I was really swept away in this story. I did like the whole rescue the maiden trope here especially since its so rarely done in HR anymore. Our heroine is strong, but not strong enough to fight off ten strong men. There is quite a level of suspense and mystery to the story as well. And boy the leader of this group totally blew me away, not someone I even suspected at all. The romance that builds between Raphael and Iris isn't your typical romance but I had a blast seeing things unfold between the two. Its definitely not the most conventional romance that is for sure. We are dealing with a hero that is scarred both phsycially and emotionally. He still has nightmares of what his father did to him when he was a boy. We see how he refuses to have a child with Iris because he believes evil runs in his veins and doesn't want any child of his to become like his father. Which definitely puts a dampner on Iris' plans. She wants children but she also wants to share a bed with her husband. The chemistry between them is hot though, and I liked the way that Hoyt wrote this relationship. Seeing the way that Iris slowly works her way into Raphael's heart.

The Duke of Desire is a romance that will keep you in suspense, on the edge of your seat and is a gripping romantic tale that you won't ever want to put down!! SPLENDID JOB! 





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The Duke Of Dark Desires is Julian's story--and surprisingly I enjoyed this one quite a bit, a lot more than I expected. I have enjoyed this author quite a bit in the past, but this series, has given me mixed feelings and hasn't really been easy to connect with, but this latest story reminded me of this authors earlier books that I truly loved.

This story is one that deals with some tough issues, we see interaction with characters that were involved in the french revolution, which was a sad time for many. Both Julian and Jeanne are connected to each other. Julian has one regret, one that haunts him, when he made a mistake, and trusted the wrong person, and ended up betrayed, and a family was killed, including Jeanne...at least that is what he is led to believe. Jeanne lost her family when she was fifteen, and in order to survive she had to become a mistress. Jeanne wants justice for her family and vows to find the man responsible. She arrives in England, and answers a ad for a governess. Then she meets Julian, who upon meeting her, hires her. Julian has recently become a duke, and his mother has left him guardianship of his three sisters, sisters he barely knows. All he wants is to make Jeanne his mistress, but there is so much more to his attraction to her than meets the eye. Even though he will do anything to have her in his bed, he also starts to realize that he wants to keep her for much more than sex, he wants her for life...he just has to convince her of his devotion...

From the beginning of the story, you see how these two are connected to each other, even if they don't know it at first. And for most of the book, you see them develop a relationship, and even though its obvious that Julian is out to seduce Jeanne, we see a deeper bond form between them one of friendship and trust. We also have other characters involved in the story...the three sisters, who are charming and totally remind me of mine own. I think one of the things that I really enjoyed about this story was the building up of the romance and the love story. Julian and Jeanne's love story is a bit forbidden due to certain circumstances, but it was quite fun seeing these two handle the sexual tension that builds and how a friendship forms at the same time.

One thing that I had a hard time was fully connecting with the story. I had a enjoyable time with this one, but it wasn't the type that I had me fully into the story, just one that I could enjoy on a leisure evening. I really liked everything about the story otherwise. The characters were quite intense, and there are some intense moments in this story that really engage you. I had no problem getting into it, and you can read it as a stand alone if needed. Overall this was a well done romance, with unique elements that mixed in well with the solid story line, variations to the plot that might shock you in delightful ways...a story to immerse yourself in! SUPERB!!

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.

*May Contain Spoilers*

A Duke Like No Other is the ninth book in the "Playful Brides" series and I have had such a fun time reading this series. I haven't read all the books yet, but the ones I have read have been so much. This series takes on some twists dealing with mystery, intrigue and solving crimes while finding love along the journey. The voice in Valerie Bowman's books is simply wonderful and unforgettable. I always get a kick out of her characters and A Duke Like No Other was no different. What I was really impressed with is how the author handled a certain scenario that most of the time bugs the hell out of me, but for some reason it didn't both me. Probably because you find yourself falling in love with the characters before you realize what drove them apart in the first place.

The story does begin in the present with our hero General Mark Grimaldi, is up for promotion he has been working hard to have his dream realized in a position that very few obtain, where he could really make a difference and have the ear of the King. But his boss needs something from him, wants to see Mark settled happily with his wife. Mark and his wife have been estranged for ten years, with Nicole living in France all of this time. And now he must convince her to come back with him to England to playful the loving wife. When Mark goes in search forNicole, she has a stipulation of her own. At first he assumes she wants a divorce, but no, Nicole is lonely and wants a child. And the only way she could have one legitmately without scandal, would be to have a child with her estranged husband. So they agree, and Nicole goes back to England with Mark.

But when they arrive, terrible news puts a hold on both of their plans. Mark's cousin has died from a heart attack with suspicions of poison. And when his uncle whose health is getting worse, tells him that he is next in line...Mark is shocked. He promised his father he would never get anywhere in life with his mother's side of the family's help and that includes him becoming the next duke, a title he never wanted or desired. He is more than happy to leave it to some other family member or relation, but when he is given a letter from both his grandfather and his mother, he can't deny his feelings toward his mother or the duty he feels in fulfilling a request she asks of him.

Both Mark and Nicole go to the country house, with all the parties invited who were there the night Mark's cousin "John" was murdered, to discover the culprit.  But there is more going on than meets the eye, and they will need to discover who would really want John dead and it won't be anyone that they would expect. Mark and Nicole have many unresolved issues to put to rest before they can be together for good, will honesty and trust be the key to bringing them back together or will the secrets of the past drive them even further apart....

I feel as if I'll never get enough of the taste of you, the feel of you, the beating of your heart...

I had such a fun time with this book despite the flashbacks that we see. I am not always a big fan of flashbacks, sometimes they are nice, but other time I just don't have that much preference for them. This book we see quite a few flashbacks and you understand it but at the same time you have a urge to skip ahead to the present day which I tend to have the urge whenever I read a book with flashbacks. (I know I am weird LOL ) But this story really appealed to me. I have found I really like Valerie Bowman's writing voice, I have such a fun time every time I enter into one of her books.

I can't live without you, I don't want to. You're a diamond in a sea of rocks.

Both the characters are written so well in this novel, I adored both Mark and Nicole. Now our heroine, is very unique. She hunts down criminals and brings them to justice working with the Bow Street Runners...yep you heard me---she solves crimes and its pretty awesome. I love how bold and daring she is. But she also is spirited and has a generous heart. Both Mark and Nicole have that in common....justice and doing what is right. I adored seeing the small intimate moments we see admidst the crime solving venture that is going on with them. We learn what drove them apart in the first place and it all boils down to honesty....if they had been honest ten years previous...well they wouldn't have been estranged. However both Mark and Nicole learn some painful lessons about relationships and marriage and they did learn it thankfully even if it was hard won.

Overall I found this book to be a delightful addition to such a fun series....its a story that will take you on adventures, packed with endearing characters and a love story you can get on board with.....ENTICING!!









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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Duke Of Pleasure is a fantastic story that really swept me away and is definitely a surprise of sorts. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did here. And what was also fun was seeing the growth of the plot of the series. In The Duke Of Pleasure  this is Alf and Hugh Fitzroy's book. I had no clue if these two would make a good match, but surprise...they really really do. It all starts on one late evening, Hugh is searching for information, and is attacked by a band of thieves and almost killed, but then one masked woman saves his life and then kisses him as bold as brass. Alf our heroine of the story, grew up with no parents or family, learning to be cunning and fast, and to make the rooftops of the city her home. She has had to survive, learning to get information. But when Hugh get's too close to his enemies, he will need Alf to find out the truth and to save his family.

The Duke of Pleasure is a wonderful story which was very unique for a historical romance. I always love seeing such a strong heroine and she and Hugh are a great match for each other. Hugh is on a mission, to bring down members of high society who are evil. But they are a secret society, and kill their own before revealing themselves. Hugh and Alf come together here, to work together but the moment that Hugh realizes that Alf is a woman, everything changes. The relationship only goes deeper. I truly enjoyed the chemistry these two have together. And the way that Alf is with Hugh's children here is wonderful. There are quite a few heart-felt moments, and seeing these four come as a family is truly beautiful. The way that Alf makes an effort to be a woman to help Hugh in finding the truth, and seeing her come into herself is heartbreaking. I love what she is willing to do for Hugh and for herself. To become someone she never thought was possible. We see quite a bit of character growth for Alf.

The Duke of Pleasure was such a joy to read, seeing charming character growth, intense filled action and intrigue, a unique family to fall in love with and a love story to charm and delight!

 

Have you read Elizabeth Hoyt before? What do you think of her work?

What is it about the Maiden Lane Series that you find so unique and lovely to read?
 



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Maximus has been a orphan most of his life, now he is the Duke of Wakfield, and even though he keeps busy during the day with all the responsibilities that come with the title, at night he becomes disguised as the Ghost of St Giles. One evening while searching for the man that murdered his parents, he rescues Artemis and her cousin, who fights him at every turn, and appeals to the male part of him that only wishes to claim her for his own, instead of giving into his obligations that come from being a Duke of the realm. Artemis, is a lady's companion, and even though she is Penelope's cousin, she is still a servant. Artemis is desperate to save her brother, who was convicted of a crime he didn't commit, and is well known as mad. However Artemis knows he is anything but. When word reaches her ears that he has been beaten and is close to death, she delivers a ultimatum to Maximus, one that would sizzle their connection and intensify their feelings for each other. Will Maximus be able to choose love over duty, or will his dukedom be his main concern over the one woman that could make life worth living....

Duke Of Midnight is the sixth book in this fabulous story, of the darker elements of the Regency era. Elizabeth Hoyt is by far one of my favorite authors and I always know that when I pick one of her books I will enjoy myself quite immensely, and so I have been looking forward to reading this one for quite some time. There is quite a bit of emotional tension and I really loved the way this story begins, with a dark night in St. Giles. Duke of Midnight is a story that tells a tale of a Duke that needs love and a gentle spirit to calm his troubled past. A heroine that needs a hero to believe in her. There were a couple of side characters I liked, and the cousin I had issues with, I found her a bit petty and spoiled. Artemis is the kind of heroine, you just can't help but love, she is fiery and spirited, and will do anything to save her brother. She has balls of brass, and I loved her fighting nature, yet has a gentle quality to her that makes her so endearing and very easy to relate with. I saw so many qualities in Artemis that I could see in myself.

The story itself is packed with stunning scenes, intense adventure and a mystery to boggle the mind. Will you be able to find out who is the murderer? Because in the end it definitely surprised me and I loved the way these two characters come together and finally achieve a HEA. It does take some doing, tough decisions to make, a couple ultimatums, and a sensual seduction. Heartwarming and until the very end!!! A ROMANTIC TREASURE!!