This is the second book of the series, and I have enjoyed this series...its has been jolly good fun. I adore governess romances, and this one was quite entertaining and had a aspect of mystery mixed in with the story that added a sense of intrigue and suspense. The story is about a governess, who is over two little boys, whose parents have died in a horrible accident, and their guardian is Sir Stephen Montgomery. Stephen was the father's best friend, and is now guardian over two boys and learning about the death of his two closest friends. When certain events lead him to think that his friends death was no accident, and that there is foul play around them, involving poison and cut saddles, he has no choice but to use every knowledge he has to find the culprit, and meanwhile he is drawn to the governess: Bonnie. A woman of poise and a sweet nature.

One thing that I really liked about this installment, was the connection that we see between Bonnie and Stephen...they definitely have some sparks flying around them, but I also enjoyed the aspect of her connection to the two little boys, the romance was steady and slow and we see quite a deep development on the emotional with a balance of the physical portion of their relationship. It was quite a ride, seeing Bonnie's spunky nature and Stephen's rakish behavior clash and merge together. I also felt like that the way that this author builds this story up, with the development of characters and the story line, we have a love story that is bound to pull at your heartstrings. ENDEARING!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Sheikh Prince Jamil al-Narazzi, a widower and a single father, is obligated to conceive an heir. He has one daughter, who is wild and untamed and spoiled. Jamil is being pressured by his council to marrying a princess that would bring him territory and gold. But the last thing that Jamil desires is another wife. He is devoted to his people, and his duty and honor. But his first concern is his daughter. So he hires a English lady to be her governess. Lady Cassandra Armstrong is visiting her sister in Arabia, and she receives an opportunity to be a governess and get away from her troubles from recovering from the scandal of being jilted. Cassie, even though she is enjoying her sisters company, needs a change in life. And being a governess to a lonely little girl is just perfect. When she arrives, she finds the prince to be arrogant yet gorgeous and sensual. Even though they share a vibrant passion, Jamil doesn't believe in love and Cassie craves it. In order to truly be together, Jamil will need to overcome his past and Cassie will need to learn understanding and patience.

Plot and Story Line

The Governess and the Sheikh was a treasure I found through my library archives and I snatched it right up. I was looking for a quick listen, and this was a quirky one. I haven't read a Sheikh romance in a while, and I was craving this setting and Kaye did a brilliant job with getting me fascination with the time period (which is regency era) and having the setting in Saudi Arabia. Even though its the last in the trilogy, you can read it out of order, although I am eager for the previous book which is Cassie's sisters story. Now first off, I want to get the negative parts out of the way so I can talk about what I really liked about this one. Now I am not sure if it was the narrator or the heroine, but she was so dramatic!! Whew, it has been a while since I have read a heroine so dramatic and there were some parts that I just burst out laughing because she was a bit silly at times. However I did admire her tenacity and courage she has. I did feel sympathy for this character, being burned by love is never easy and the author handled this aspect pretty well. Now as for Jamil, he is one sexy Sheikh Prince and he was quite mouthwatering. I doubt I could have resisted his sensual appeal. Jamil is a prince and has a commanding presence. But he is an enlightened Sheikh. He is trying to get his people to slowly become more open to the latest century and not in the old days. Jamil had a tough childhood, his mother he never saw again once he turned five years old and his father beat pain and humiliation into him so he would be a leader. He doesn't believe in love, only passion. So he acts like a typical male that has no idea what love is until its almost too late. But boy did I enjoy his groveling moments. He really has to work to regain the trust in Cassie (which he deserves in some ways) Now the setting is what I truly loved. It was a interesting twist to see a English lady adapt to life in Arabia, where their customs are so different especially when it comes to women. But Cassie loves this country and their customs, she is fascinated by their culture and their language, so she actually fits in pretty well considering. The romance is high in desire, and other aspects are slowly developed. They build a trust with each other and the ending is probably the best parts of the book!! I loved the twist there, the suspense and danger and seeing these two finally come together that the whole book builds up to! Quite perfect.

The Narration

This narrator wasn't too bad!! She was a bit high strung at times, so it came out as a bit more dramatic than I think the author intended. But I did like the way she portrayed Jamil and the setting---those aspects were just right!!

The Cover

A decent cover, and I like the sensuality of it. It has soft tones that are appealing, I do like the backdrop though---with the baths that a Sheikh prince would have in his palace.

Overall View

The Governess and the Sheikh is a charming tale of two opposites that delve deep into the matters of sensuality, desire and discovery of the matters of the heart!!



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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

 

Summary 

Sophia and Gabriel's marriage has gone through its tough and hard times. Both Sophia and Gabriel care quite a bit for each other. However, loss to both of them drove them apart. And for a while now they have lived apart. Sophia misses her husband and wants a change and to fight for their marriage and to keep Gabriel. Gabriel has returned to rekindle what they had once together. He went away to Europe to learn to be cultured and to be what he thinks Sophia needs for him to be. As Sophia and Gabriel are reunited, the sparks become rekindles, and they start to become fully honest about the past. Despite the obstacles that are in their path, Gabriel and Sophia are determined to make this the moment where they learn to heal and to love again

Plot and Story Line 

This was a fantastic read and totally had me captivated from the beginning. The Great Estate is a story that is set in the Georgian Era. Which is a bit different than what you are normally used to. It is set in the early 1900's...so think Titanic era. We have a story of a couple that have been married and care quite a bit for each other. We see how much they individually want to make their marriage succeed, and it is quite lively at times seeing them sort through the problems and conflicts that arise. I love seeing this theme of these two battling issues out and working toward a solution. Both are opinionate characters, strong and stubborn. But we see an influx of other character that just add more to the story. What was most intriguing about this story, that while these two try to make an effort to work things out, they also have to deal with family relative gettings in the way. What surprised me most about this story was how much I fell in love with this story. I wasn't sure before reading this one how I would feel about it, but boy was it a fun romance. Even though it had a serious tone to it, it still had those lighter moments. The romance was sweet and charming and I loved seeing these two connect to each other again. I haven't read the first two books, but after reading this one I am intrigued to try out the two other books!

Cover 

I love the classy cover here, with the deep dark colors, It fits the time period and I love how realistic it looks.

Overall View

The Great Estate is a stunning romance of rediscovery, healing, and true love!! It's a story that will keep the reader captivated and glued to the story from the first chapter.



 

Thornbrook Park (1)

An Affair Downstairs (2)

The Great Estate(3)

The attacks are continuing on the loup garou, and the fear and the tension are rising. Bishop McQueen, feels like he is to blame for when his brother was kidnapped, tortured, and barely brought home alive. Bishop may be a gray wolf, but he is in line to be alpha. His brother, met his mate who was a half breed, and among their kind, that zeroes him out to take their father’s place. Jillian Reynold, is suffering from the ghosts of her own past. Jillian was in love, married and was pregnant. But then a horrible accident, ended with her a widow, and losing her child. The attraction between Bishop and Jillian is strong and hot, but they know they don’t have a chance for a future. Jillian is her father’s only child, and as he is alpha, the man she marries and mates next, will be the next alpha after her father dies. But when she hears of an attack on her home, she and a group of wolf enforcers head over to her hometown. But when they arrive, the effects are much worse they she hoped for. Now Bishop and Jillian are having to fight for the love they have and for the homes they are trying to protect…no matter the cost.
The Hero

Gray wolf, Bishop Mcqueen, has a lot of anger in him. Bishop even though has been training himself to take the alpha’s place in case of something happening to his brother or father, he never knew years ago, that he would be the next in line. Even though he is a Gray Wolf, considered to be weaker than the black wolf’s, he has his own strength, he has the added advantage of being the Alpha’s son. Bishop is dedicated to family and pack, and they always come first. But his attraction to Jillian is fierce and unfamiliar. Bishop is the type of hero, you cheer for. From the beginning of the series, I have admired him. I have enjoyed his connection to his brothers, and how their family always takes the pack’s safety and happiness first. Bishop loves the pack, and they are his family. Bishop is strong, a fighter, resilient and sexy as sin. He doesn’t take crap, and he knows how to handle himself in a fight.
The Heroine

Jillian, is a leader in her own right. She feels connected to Bishop, in a way, because she has always known she would be the female Alpha in the pack. Jillian is talented, strong, and passionate. She can handle herself in a fight, and knows how to protect her own. No matter the danger she doesn’t back down. She has a desire to help those around her, even when she is falling apart on the inside. Jillian was a heroine I admired greatly. You see how much pain she suffers from losing her husband and unborn child. No one from the McQueen Pack, even knows that she lost a child. As the attacks around them increase, her past starts to haunt her. Jillian was such a winning female in my book, she had everything you look for in a heroine. She has an inner strength, stubborn and tenacious, but provokes emotion. She has a heart of gold, and that is very evident in every chapter. I loved how loyal she is to not just her own but to the Mcqueens. To protecting all of their kind, and even those half breeds that have been targeted.
Plot and Story Line

Gray Bishop is the second book in this amazing trilogy, that so far has stunned me. This doesn’t happen very often, and with shifter romances, that can be hard to do. But I swear, thanks to a good blogger friend, I got introduced to this author. A author that stimulates the mind and body with her beautifully wrapped packages of sexy shifters. thrilling plots and engaging scenes. Gray Bishop, is of course Bishop’s story. All three sons of the Alpha, play a part in this series, and each have their own story. Each are a different kind of wolf. In the set up of the story, we see how it continues right off from where the first book left off. Which I loved. Sometimes when your reading a series, you start the next book in line, and it totally doesn’t seem to fit with the previous book. Not the case with Kelly Meade. She has a talented way of creating a story that weaves its way into your heart.

It begins with the start of some gruesome and horrid attacks, small ones, but attacks that are leaving children orphans, children who are half breeds, and don’t fit anywhere. But the Mcqueen pack, are not known for kicking out those innocent of wrongdoing. We see a story that was so emotionally driven, that it brought my to tears. I had a difficult time with this one. Now those that have read this one, know exactly what I am talking about. I am going to try not to reveal too much about what happens in this story. But I do want to say you might want to get a few tissues before you begin with this story. It totally had me wrapped in tension and ragged emotions. My heart just broke for Bishop and Jillian. They both have pasts, they both have suffered in their own way, and they both need each other. They have a strong sexual connection, but their bond goes way deeper than just hot sexy (although that is great), but we also see how their relationship deepens and grows, and the love they share is what will win the battle at the end. It was quite fun seeing them work through issues, and not too delicately. They do have some mountains to climb, but the ending is satisfying and leaves you hanging (just bit ), so you want to read the next book. The villiain’s in the story, are very bad ass, and need to be taken down painfully and slowly. I just want to turn into a wolf myself and tear their throats out. I know a bit gruesome…but seriously, what they do is horrific and they totally deserve it for what they do and what they plan on doing. We do see some fun side characters that come into play, and a small small side romance as well.
Cover

This cover is so tantalizing, and just sends shivers down my spine. I mean this model, needs to be commended…because that eye searing look…totally has me. I probably would have bought this book for the cover alone. And at the bottom, I love that picture of the beautiful grey wolf, if I could I would want to pet the thing…if it was tamed and all.
Overall View

Gray Bishop is a thrilling paranormal romance, that is bound to have you on edge from beginning to end. A story of sacrifice, passion and danger. Guaranteed to keep you on your toes. So WATCH OUT or you might get bitten!

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is a light and endearing story with plenty of laughs ready for you in waiting. This is an author I have enjoyed over the years, she has a quirky sense of writ, and it displays quite well on the page. I was eager to see what this author would deliver in this one, and I wasn't nervous that it was the third in the series (when I haven't read the first two) although now that I have read this one, I am wanting to pick up the first two books.

In A Wicked Bargain for the Duke, we have a story that features a writer in hiding, Lavinia, who is overprotective of her younger sister. But when the Duke of Hasford, sets his sights on Jane who is in love with someone else. So in her endeavor to protect her sister, she ends up in a comprising position with Thaddeus and they will have to marry. Lavinia isn't the woman that Thaddeus wanted originally, and he has certain standards of what he wants for his family. Lavinia agrees to his certain "standards" but when sparks fly in and out of the bedroom, there is so much more than just this agreement. But with both hearts so prideful, who will fight for the other first and let go of preconceived notions on what marriage should be?

I was deeply saddened to give this book such a rating, but I really needed to. I had the hardest time getting into this book and so the first half was a battle and as this is an author I do endeavor to support and I received this as an ARC, I wanted to see this one all the way through. I will say that I was happy when the second half turned out so much better than the first half. It could have been my mood, not really sure why I struggled so much. But I did enjoy this story and I always love a good marriage of convenience. There was some "modern feminism" thrown into this story, it didn't bother me too much as it wasn't too "soap box", it felt a bit more genuine in the way it was implemented into the story so bravo to this author for that. But it also had me rolling my eyes in some portions. I did love the redemption at the end and seeing a hero fight for the heroine. Just wanted more from the heroine, I was expecting much more than I received from her, I love a lady that will fight for her man just as fiercely as the man will.

Overall while I had some issues, I found this story to be quite enjoyable and kept me entertained, it had a sense of smexy playfulness that I have always be endeared to with this author, looking forward to delving into the other books in the series.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Grim is a sensational science fiction romance that takes us to the stars with a pure sweet love and learning to fight for those you love and defeating those enemies that seek to destroy everything your fighting for....

Grim is a book that I was in the mood for, and since it has been a while since I have picked up a science fiction romance, I just knew that this book was for me. I will say that I had no idea what I was really in for when I picked up this book but BOY this one thew me a curveball but one that I fell head over heels in love with. And such a sweet romance....I have definitely gotten a kick out of this author's writing style, so different from anything I have read before, definitely, soften and more tender than I was expecting.

Our story begins with our heroine, who is a widow after losing her husband and one that leaves her with two young girls to raise on her own. While leaving them with her babysitter, she goes to visit her late husband's grave and finds herself transported on an alien ship and kidnapped where they want mates. But there is one, who is scarred on the outside but has kind eyes and gives her an offer. He will go back for her children if she will join with him in a mating ceremony. Lisa will do anything to protect her daughters, so she agrees because there is something different about Grim from the others, a man so in need of affection and kindness.

Grim is the King of Luda, but because of his scars that he received when being attacked by eight men, no woman will have him....he is "unsuitable and bad goods" to the Tornian women. He knows that his life will be lonely. His people dealt with a plague that killed the majority of their women, and they are in desperate need of mates to have children with so their people don't die out. When they hear of this planet "earth" he was sent to find it and bring back a group of women for their most elite of warriors. Grim never expected that a woman would ever want to speak for him, but Lisa speaks to him in a way he has never been spoken to before and he is enthralled and when she accepts his proposal. And he becomes charmed by two little girls, who make him smile and laugh and he begins to learn what "love" is all about.

I heard the nurses talking once. They said it would be better for everyone if he just gave up. I asked Daddy what they meant, and he told me they were wrong. That every minute he had with Mommy and us was worth every second of pain he suffered. That there is no honor in quitting just because it is hard. So you're the Raptor, Grim, because you didn't quit when it got hard. You protect Mommy, us and Luda.

As Grim, Lisa and the two little girls Carly and Miki start a new life together, it's not all roses and daisies. There are dangers because other "males" find it unreasonable that Grim would be able to have Lisa and her daughters and will do anything to destroy what he has. There are enemies to the Tornian people, and only with Lisa fighting beside Grim and joining forces to do what is right, will they destroy the real villains and find peace.

You can’t have love and not at some time hurt. You can’t be happy and not have some sadness. It is called life, you have to live it. The good and the bad Grim

I honestly didn't want this book to end for a multiple array of reasons. I truly had a blast with this book and I fell in love with the world building that this author creates and I was definitely enthralled for sure. What is really pivotal is the relationship between Grim and Lisa. Grim has never known a kind touch from a woman or a kiss or even knew what real love could be like between a man and a woman. The Tornian culture is so vastly different from what Lisa knows and she begins to teach Grim what love is and there are so many poignant moments in this book that evoke an emotional response in the reader. The emotions are so vibrant in this book and I ended up just craving more!!

There are political plots, kidnapping and attacks, intense action yet the story is filled with sweet heartwarming moments between this family that makes you eager for more!! I can't wait to read more of this world.

 





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I received a ARC from Avon Book and Edelweiss in return for a honest review.

Mac, finds himself in jail, and sentenced to be hanged for a crime he didnt' commit...murder. But then he is aided to escape and even though he could leave the country and start a new life he just wants to be cleared of all charges and find the real murderer. And he has a name, the name of the man who bore testimony against him in court, Robert Davidson. So Mac goes in searching for Davidson, in wanting justice and a dose of honesty from the man. Sabrina Davidson, has been a loyal daughter, after years of taking care of her mother who was a invalid, and now two years have passed since she has lost her mother. Her father she rarely sees, but she care for dearly. When walking home, she comes upon a man that is close to death, and so she brings him home and helps aid him in healing. When he awakens though, she learns of some startling truths that come revealed, truths that lead back to her father and uncle, and soon Sabrina will have to choose between the duty to her family or the man she loves....

The Groom Says Yes is the third book in the series by Cathy Maxwell. This author has been one of my favorites in the past, but lately her books haven't really stirred me lately. So I was a bit apprehensive upon reading this one, however after reading it, even though it doesn't have the full spark of her past books, I did see parts of it. The story itself has a solid plot that is full of mystery and intrigue and has some twists and turns to keep you guessing. However I felt like there were sections of the story that didn't really feel like I could connect with. The romance between Mac and Sabrina wasn't really there until the last part of the book, which was a bit disappointing. It didn't take me too long to read this story, however I did feel like through some portions of the book I had to force myself to continue. Then there were other sections that I couldn't get through fast enough. So the pacing of the story wasn't steady and constant, there were definitely bumps here and there, but I did enjoy reading this one, especially the later half of the story.

The characters in this one were very interesting. Mac is a Irish nobleman, and is wrongly accused and he is determined to find the real murderer, no matter what happens to him. He is strong and enjoys life, he doesn't hold anything back, but he is also caring and understanding. Sabrina, well I liked her a bit. I feel like she could have had more backbone, she does eventually show it, but I felt like her character was a bit whiny, I liked her in the end, but didn't love her. They do seem like a good pair, and I did find myself enjoying the style of the story and the way they slowly unravel. The mystery in the story is pretty wonderful and really surprised me in the end. It is what really kept me fully invested in the story, and you see how Mac and Sabrina work well and fight well together.

A romantic tale of intrigue, danger, mystery and passion. A story that will tie you up in knots, and keep you going. A SATISFYING ROMANCE!!

Sophie was once engaged, but her fiancee broke their engagement as she was walking down the aisle. So she ended up in London, as one of the four writing girls, who all write for London's Weekly, the city's most popular newspaper. Sophie's main focus is to work on weddings and report on them. She is then to report on the wedding of the year of the Duke of Brandon and the daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Normally Sophie would be thrilled with the opportunity, however she is half way in love with the Duke who is to be married in three weeks. Sophie doesn't know how she is suppose to separate her feelings from her job. Sophie is around Brandon more and more, and before she realizes it, she finds it hard not to give into the feelings about Brandon that tend to flare up the more she sees him. Brandon, has responsibilities, ever since his father died when he was eighteen, and even though his parents loved each other, he has known he could never have love for himself. He is engaged to the jewel of the ton, more beautiful than ever, and has all the qualities in a upstanding duchess. When he meets Sophie, his world gets turned upside down. He finds himself falling in love with a woman he can never have, his hands are tied, and as the wedding date draws closer, more than anything he wishes he didn't have his honor to uphold.This is the first chance I have had to read from this author, and I am so relieved that I liked this one. I did borrow from my public library all four of this series, so I crossed my fingers as I started to read. When reading the blurb I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the story line much, but after reading a couple of chapters, I was totally engrossed into the story, and I found it hard to put down much. There was such a strong feeling to this story, it was very provoking emotionally. It had me tied up in knots for most of the book. Its one of those forbidden love type stories, and up until the very last chapter I was curious how these two would end up together. Brandon is the honorable man type. He is not your usual rake type at all. He is very responsible and takes his duties seriously however he wants adventure in his life, knowing he will never have it. I found Brandon to be sexy and gorgeous and I love a honorable hero, but sometimes I felt like he was way too stubborn for his own good. He tended to be a bit over the top with it all. Sophie is the bluestocking type: independent, clever, but she also has vulnerabilities that made her seem more human and easier to relate with. I found the interactions between Brandon and Sophie to be wickedly fun and silly at times. There was also a side story of Brandon's fiancee with a prince that is new to town---lets just say I loved both couples immensely. There was something so sweet yet passionate about the two. Their love stories fiercely intense at times, and I almost felt like I needed a stress ball to squeeze, the story was so pulling at times. There were moments that had me laughing one moment, and curling my toes the next. I found the story to be well detailed and developed in a way that will win any one's romantic heart over. An ENTHRALLING and uniquely written read that will win you over in a heartbeat! You don't want to miss out on this treasure of a story! WELL DONE!!

A cute mini story to this series, although way shorter than I was expecting considering the price you pay. $1.99 for 30 pages, just not long enough is my only issue with it. Love seeing this family together and celebrating a Christmas together was so endearing.