This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan

April 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment


This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (345 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A daring deception…

Desperate to escape her vile fiancé, Lady Clara devises a bold lie—that she’s pregnant with another man’s child. With her reputation in tatters, Clara flees to Scotland to live out her days in disgrace, resigned to her fate as a spinster…until she claps eyes on the powerful and wickedly handsome Laird Hunt MacLarin.

She’s the answer to his curse…

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No escaping the truth…

Except marriage cannot set them free. No matter how much Hunt desires her. No matter how much Clara burns for him. Soon she is falling for her husband, but is love enough to end the curse? Or is the tragic history of the MacLarin Clan doomed to repeat itself?

Wow, talk about a dark cloud overhanging a family. One that has taken victims for quite a few generations until it comes to our hero, Hunt. He’s full of vim and vigor, strength and a healthy sense of fun. Okay, maybe not so healthy based on his actions in the inn. But it did produce one thing – an interest in a feisty visitor from England. Not to mention that the whole scene garnered quite of few giggles and snickers as I read through it. It was rather fun.

Clara is unusual in many ways but she’s a fast thinker. What she came up with to avoid actually marrying that other guy was daring and fraught with risk but she doesn’t shy away from challenge. That’s a good thing because winning Hunt’s heart is not easy, especially when he finds out about her lie. The lie that always gets revealed at the most inopportune moment ever is a well-used trope but Ms. Jordan used it effectively and with excellent results. More good reading.

The main crux of the conflict is Hunt’s impending death. Too many things happen for Clara to discount it as impossible, as a superstition. That there might be something to it? That reality propelled their relationship towards a direction that a reader can see is the key to developing their attraction into true love. It’s rocky, it’s tender, it’s passionate and it’s what kept me glued to this novel’s pages.

I really, truly believed that Hunt’s grandmother hated Clara. I didn’t doubt it for a second. Clara amazed me by not acting like a typical heroine who’s been threatened. That part clearly illustrated her strength of character, and made her a worthy match for Hunt.

The ending was truly happy, enchantingly adorable and filled with love and a bright future. The epilogue ensured a reader that all is well on all fronts and it was refreshing. The fly in the ointment, so to speak, comes from the solid tease about Clara’s best friend, Marian, and what could possibly cause this practical, stoic and efficient young lady to panic. That’s a book screaming to be read and I’m so grateful it’s coming out later this year. Sign me up because if it’s as good a story as This Scot of Mine then I’m in for another good time. Bring it on.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan

March 29, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan
Publisher: A Jove Book, Berkley
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (418 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Breezy Simmons was born into a ruthless motorcycle club—and now that she’s out, she’s never going to be that girl again. But when her past catches up with her, Breezy must go to Sea Haven to seek out the man who almost destroyed her. The man who chose his club over her and left her feeling used and alone.

As vice president of Torpedo Ink, Steele is ride or die for the brothers he lived through hell with. He never thought he’d find something as pure as his feelings for Breezy, or that keeping her safe would mean driving her away with cruel words that turned her love for him to ash.

Now, Steele won’t let her walk away twice. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Breezy his woman again—especially when he learns the real reason she came to him for help, and that the stakes are higher than he ever could have imagined…

I’m hooked. I mixed up Ms. Feehan’s, Torpedo Ink novels with her Shadow series and I ended up reading a book I didn’t expect. This is the second book in the series and I didn’t feel lost because I hadn’t read the first. When this novel was through putting me through an emotional wringer, I found I have to spend more money, not only on the previous book but the end of the last Sea Haven series where Torpedo Ink was introduced. Like I said, I’m hooked.
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You saw the page count of this book, right? I read it in one day. One day. Stayed up until 1 A.M. to do it and yes I was dog-tired the next day at work. It was worth it.

If a reader is used to the action/violence of the vampires with her Carpathians, the style in this series blows it through the roof. Fortunately, Ms. Feehan only shares enough for a reader to get that lump in the stomach feeling, the horror and uncomfortable twitching that went on with me when Steele shared with Breezy just what he went through growing up and being groomed to be the ultimate assassin in Russia, for Russia. Understand that it’s not gratuitous that the author put this stuff in there – a reader needs to know the whys and hows that created such a dysfunctional, messed up and anti-social anti-hero hero. Yes, anti-hero hero. Why? Because Steele and his MC family do things that are not nice, legal or normal and would have every legal agency after them should it be known just who and what they were. And yet, these men and women of Torpedo Ink need saving the most. They need strong women/partners who will stand up to them while giving them what they need to heal emotionally and mentally.

I didn’t list the subject matter that made this book fall into the erotic side of things because not all of it was ‘bedroom door wide open for everyone to experience, and hey! Let’s participate! never mind see’ – yes, the door is open, but it’s not solidly voyeuristic, or exhibitionist or classified as BDSM. It’s mentioned but not an active part of the sex between Steele and Breezy. It’s backdrop. Sort of. Steele is incredibly dominant and when Ms. Feehan described for a reader the oral part of Breezy with Steele’s …. steel, it was so graphic and clear, and yes well written, that for the first time, I could visualize just what actually happens when a heroine is mouthy with the hero. I’m not a fan of that stuff but I now have a clearer understanding of the process. It actually sounds like a lot of work! But if you love someone, and Breezy most definitely loves Steele, every dark and naughty, scary and strong part of him, it fits.

As for the villains of the novel, there are a lot, and every single one of them gets what they deserve. Again, it’s rather violent but the crimes the bad guys perpetrate on the innocent are so heinous, only people the caliber of Torpedo Ink can exact a fitting level of justice. I appreciated it greatly when the author had Breezy, and that means the reader too, leave the scene before it became too shocking and ghastly. However, a reader has no problem imagining the rest. That was enough for me.

Another thing I found fascinating was the terminology. I’m starting to see so many books out there that I think it’s become a genre – MC romances. MC is Motorcycle Club and I am so glad that the author included a glossary at the end. I figured things out mostly by inference, but it was nice to have a solid explanation. I just wish I’d known about the glossary beforehand.

There is no doubt that Christine Feehan is a talented and creative word artist, but she pushed the envelope farther than I expected. Yet, she is so professional that I will continue to read about this new world she’s created, even if it seems darker than her Dark series. I like the characters she’s introduced me to and I found the men and women of Torpedo Ink worth the effort of saving. It’s the ‘how’ of it that fascinates me. Breezy is perfect for Steele but that doesn’t mean it’s easy between them. It’s not. There’s a history and a lot of water under the bridge that they have to reconcile in order for them to have a future. They are successful and it’s their journey that engaged me, gripped me and had my emotions bouncing like a pogo stick. Very cool.

So, in conclusion, if a reader is into gritty, no apologies alpha men with dark, tragic pasts with the strength to face their demons and pulverize them, then I suggest really giving Vengeance Road a try. I totally recommend it.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Wrong Highlander by Lynsay Sands

March 21, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Wrong Highlander by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (357 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Review by: Xeranthemum

Lady Evina Maclean has heard much about Rory Buchanan’s skill as a healer. What she hasn’t heard is how good the brawny Highlander looks bathing in a waterfall. But Evina can’t afford the distraction, for her ailing father urgently needs care. Only when she’s rendered Buchanan unconscious and dragged him back to her family’s castle does the truth emerge—it’s not Rory she’s kidnapped but his brother Conran.

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Romantic fun at its best.

From one scene to the next, I never knew what words would pour forth from the lips of Evina or Conran. Ms. Sands swept me up into a wide range of emotions, from fear to humor to surprise to lust. She coupled those feelings with action, sleuthing, narrow misses and seductive kisses. The novel kept me entertained, curious, interested and delighted. The author successfully used her uncanny knack of bringing a cadre of extended family on stage to bedevil the hero and charm the heroine. The feeling of family love and the ribbing only family members can get away with were ingenuously woven into scenes making them a perfect fit. At some points I was grinning so much, my cheeks hurt.

I can’t even begin to describe Evina’s reaction to Conran because it constantly changed as she got to know him. I enjoyed her standing up to him, teasing him, besting him and falling in love with him. Her reaction to their first time “together” was both funny and fearsome. Her father was a riot. He most definitely was not a perfect father but when it really, really counted, he connived with the best of them. The results were not exactly as expected, but close enough for him to call it ‘satisfactory’.

Conran’s first encounter with Evina was a memorable one. I liked watching how his character and personality won everyone over. The only problem of course, was that they thought he was his brother, Rory. As expected, the ‘great reveal’, didn’t go over very well. It never does when a hero or heroine waits too long to fess up. The conflict was handled well, stayed around long enough to ruffle some feathers, and then off I went to the next adventure – trying to catch the villain who’s trying to kill Evina. Not only was it a fascinating plot conflict, and gave Conran ample opportunity to play hero, but I totally was in the dark as to whom it could be. When I found out was at the same time as everyone else. It was amazing and quite an emotional rollercoaster.

I’ve glossed over so many parts I wanted to share. It killed me to keep silent but I want readers to get the full effect. Every book that I’ve loved from Ms. Sands always has that sense of family, warts and all, adventures, fun, discoveries and satisfying romance. The Wrong Highlander falls into that category. This is a darling of a book and it’s going on my keeper shelf. Conran and Evina’s love story is a bit unconventional, but the romance is solid and a sure pleaser. The Wrong Highlander was the right book for me. (I couldn’t resist saying that.)

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke

February 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Dear Lady Truelove . . .

My twin brother and I need a new mother, though Papa insists he’ll never marry again. Must be nice, brainy, and fond of cats . . .

Lady Truelove may be London’s most famous advice columnist, but James St. Clair, the Earl of Kenyon, knows his wild young sons need a tutor, not a new mother. They need a man tough enough to make his hellions tow the line, and James is determined to find one.

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Jamie isn’t sure what to make of his new employee, until he realizes the shocking truth—beneath the ill-fitting suits, his boys’ tutor is a woman. An unconventional, outspoken, thoroughly intriguing woman. Despite Amanda’s deception, he can’t dismiss her when his boys are learning so much. Yet Jamie, too, is learning surprising lessons—about desire, seduction, and passionate second chances . . .

Oh, I really liked this one. The first chapter set the plot up perfectly and I was instantly enchanted. How could I not after meeting Owen and Colin St. Clair, two boys with pronounced personalities, and all they wanted was a mother who loved them? They have a grouch of a dad who wanted and demanded a certain kind of person for a nanny or tutor for his kids. The one person who could make a difference overheard a conversation that practically shut the door in her face for any chance of her being that person. However, the hero, Jamie, didn’t count on the sheer grit and determination of the heroine, Amanda. The questions of, how do Jamie and Amanda meet, how does she convince him she’s the right person for the job, and the complications that arise from her successful attempt, are all the elements needed to snare a reader. It’s the answers that kept me flipping page after page with never a dull moment between chapters. This was an excellent read.

I admit that the title, Governess Gone Rogue is what grabbed my attention, and yes, the plot made me curious but it’s the delivery that made me a very happy reader. The secondary characters are really important because they helped stir the plot, kept things interesting and showed me just who Amanda really was. I liked her a lot. Jamie is no slouch but he takes some getting used to. Not that he’s a bad character, far from it. He has some hang-ups he needs to get over before he can start living life again, instead of just going through the motions. His “wake up” was quite entertaining.

My favorite crisis is when Amanda realized that the ‘details’ that make up the person she chose to be is a bit more complicated than she imagined. I laughed, but I also appreciated the author actually figuring things out, or at least had Amanda do the best that she could. I have often wonderful about the very things that caused the heroine to panic, and I was actually glad Ms. Guhrke tackled those issues. I even enjoyed how it was done. It’s a strong plus for the story.

My next favorite dilemma is Jamie’s reaction to his discovery. Poor guy was stretched like taffy, he didn’t know quite what to do. Oh, he had ideas, sexy ideas, but that didn’t solve the most important challenge, taming his two rambunctious, clever and determined young sons. I enjoyed watching the hero come to terms with what is most important in his life. It was rather heartwarming when he finally figured it out.

There was a fly in the ointment, so to speak. A dastardly villain from Amanda’s past shows up to do what bad guys do best – muck things up. Even this conflict was well handled by the author and I found myself cheering for the characters I’d come to adore, Amanda and Jamie, Owen and Collin.

The book has a great happy ever after ending that is so romantic and beautiful, I read it twice. Governess Gone Rogue is a wonderful story. It has heart, love, passion and humor. I happily recommend this book to all romance fans everywhere.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

November 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Avon Impulse/HarperCollins
Genre: Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Short story (101 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan’s extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her sister’s happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

What a great way to start a new series. Ilona Andrews starts with giving readers and fans the rest of Nevada and Rogan’s journey to their romance and happy-ever-after. In doing so, the author presents the perfect segue into Catalina’s new role and journey; a mystery and a threat to her sister’s wedding and happiness has her stepping up to solve the case. She discovers a lot more than she bargained for.
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What I find amazing about the storytelling is the character point of view. It’s first person and I actually like it. It’s done to perfection. I also liked seeing it from Nevada’s POV one last time before the transition is made to Catalina. She’s the new heroine who has a lot of growth, learning and challenges ahead of her. After reading this novella, I am most definitely hooked.

Some of the characters and family members from the previous books in the Hidden Legacy series appear to help out in any way they can. It’s a family investigation business so I was thrilled to see how they’re faring after all those past adventures. Catalina is definitely front and center. I always found her gift/talent intriguing. After reading Diamond Fire, I’m more hooked than ever. I can’t wait to find out what she can do.

I liked meeting Rogan’s mom. Wow, she’s got chutzpah! I think I’m going to be seeing a lot more of her. I’m happy about that.

Right before the very end, I figured out where the missing stuff was hidden. Clever, yet oh, so simple.

I also have a suspicion as to whom her future love interest might be. If it is him, whoa, he has his work cut out for him. I’m not sure if I remember what his gift is, and how it will mesh with Catalina’s, but again, I can’t wait to find out!

The big reveal made me laugh. I know it was serious; the reaction of the audience is what made it work, made it entertaining and had me saying, Oooooh! I know it took a lot out of the heroine, but it’s a wonderful hint at what she’s capable of. This part is really good.

Fans of the first three novels are in for a treat. Diamond Fire is set in the same world and the author’s storytelling voice is just as gripping and engrossing as I could wish. I’m a happy reader.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens

November 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment


A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens
Author: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (425 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The men of the Bastion Club are powerful, loyal, and not averse to overcoming danger if they must. Now, after years of loyal service to the Crown, they each — one by one — must face that greatest danger of all …love.

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But then in the lane before his gate, Jack rescues a startlingly beautiful lady from a menacing, unmanageable horse. However, while he begins by taking command, the lady continues by taking it back. Lady Clarice Altwood is no meek and mild miss. She is the very antithesis of thewoolly-headed young ladies Jack has rejected as not for him. Clarice is delectably attractive, beyond eligible, undeniably capable, and completely unforgettable. Why on earth is she rusticating in the country?

That enigma is compounded by mystery, and it’s quickly clear thatClarice is in danger. Jack must use every ounce of his cunning and wit to protect this highly independent and richly passionate woman … who has so quickly stolen his heart.

So what if this book has been in circulation for a while. It was ‘new’ to me and I found it classically entertaining. There was the typical peer needing a bride to beget an heir, a most unusual heroine and the typical sparks and fireworks as they encounter each other on more than one occasion. There are the overheard comments through a door, assumptions and revelations. What made this novel most entertaining was the mystery, the attempts at abduction and the surety of who is the cause. I enjoy when a mysterious danger tosses two unlikely people together because the outcome can be most enlightening; what I found instead was two peas in a pod from two very different strains, and yet, Clarice and Jack were different just enough to ignite a firestorm of need, yearning and exciting exploration of their differences. It was a fun read with a lot to recommend it.

Another point that I found being made most strenuously throughout the tale was Jack’s awareness of Clarice’s person, personal space and capabilities. That, in itself, is not a bad thing. Like I said earlier, the heroine is most unusual. Yes, she’s tall and confident and amazingly adept, and she presents herself with all the hauteur, grace, strength and sharp eye of any grande dame of the ton, but–and this is my opinion–I felt the constant reminders to the reader that Jack must let Clarice decide, must respect her opinions, choices and must be overly patient while she charges ahead to capably handle the ton, a town and a family in turmoil, had me pitying poor Jack because it seemed he was being emasculated. The constant internal dialogue of Jack reminding himself to back down and give her room to …what? To what end? Oh, I know the goal; this is a romance after all. I assure you that the happy ever after is well worth the time. I just wish Jack had more opportunities to be a man. One sock to a jaw, a knifing and a skirmish are all well and good for conflict, action and serious page flipping, but still Jack came off as a small flame to Clarice’s flamethrower. Yes, that’s a figure of speech. They didn’t have flamethrowers in the Regency period. That came 80+ years later. Anyway, I think you get what I mean. She wore the pants in the relationship, until it came to the bedroom. No, wait – she took to that like a duck to water. Make that a swan because those birds can be very aggressive when protecting their territory. Okay, the few scenes where Clarice turns positively ‘swan-ish’ were most satisfactory and ‘fist-bump’ awesome. And I still liked Jack enormously. He was a devilish, devious planner.

Simply put, A Fine Passion is a worthy read – fun, entertaining and seductive. I enjoyed the complete wrap-up of, well, everything. All loose ends were tied up – except one. I do believe I’ll need to find the next book because I, like Jack and his fellow Bastion Club members, need to find out just who is the one, last traitor. The clues were most intriguing.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Unbridled by Diana Palmer

October 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Unbridled by Diana Palmer
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (301 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A lone wolf takes on the threat endangering everything he loves in an unforgettable story in the sensational Long, Tall Texans series

Widowed Texas Ranger and single dad John Ruiz hardened his heart years ago. Day after day, he tracks the roughest criminals in the Lone Star State, leaving little room for love. So when John butts heads with the beautiful nurse who’s helping his young son, he’s floored by how quickly the sparks fly.

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Unbridled might show a cowboy and horses on the cover, but the plot conflict is pure city all the way. The issues, the clash, the threat and the battle all converge from a city’s violent problem and young Tonio is in its crosshairs.

I realize that the story is about a romance between a Texas Ranger and a nurse but it’s John’s son, Tonio, that is the glue that brings and holds this story together. The author touched upon current events in a vague enough way to make the plot relevant without giving the impression of making personal opinions part of the story.

Unbridled is a tale about a boy caught in the middle, a woman who notices, cares and does what she can, and a father so caught up in reality that, although he intrinsically recognizes his own child has been exposed to the dark side of his job, he neglects, through circumstances beyond his control, to see the writing on the wall. John is so driven and preoccupied with the demands of his job that he can’t seem to slow down to really hear what his son is saying. That is where the heroine, Sunny, picks up the ball.

The fascinating part about this novel was the author’s choice to have all three characters interact with each other but no one realizes the other is involved. Have you ever put coins in one of those charity fundraising devices that spiral down a funnel, going faster and faster, closer and closer until they all reach the same goal, the bottom? That’s kind of how I felt while reading this novel. John, Sunny and Tonio were the coins zooming and spiraling around until all three come to the same place together; where a reader watches them reach that crucial ‘Aha!’ moment. All the puzzle pieces fit and good things like justice, vindication, forgiveness, love and a brighter future are brought to light.

My frustration with this novel stems from the level of obtuseness that John suffered from. The author made a point to let me see that the hero KNOWS but dang it all if he totally misses the boat – Every. Single. Time. That drove me nuts. I was yelling at the book,’Seriously? Dude! It’s right there! Listen to him. It’s right there!!! ARGH!!” Yes, I experienced quite a few *head-desk* moments.

Overall, the story, romance and conflict worked well enough to keep me engaged, curious, concerned, worried, excited and determined. I had to see how it was all going to work out. I had to know justice would be served. I wanted to see both John and Sunny happy. I wanted Tonio to be confident he was loved and be part of a whole family unit. It was a tough road but the happily ever after was worth every moment spent with this novel. Ms. Palmer is a gifted storyteller and Unbridled certainly proved it once again. This novel is worth reading.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

October 5, 2018 By 6 Comments


Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (372 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

In Gilded Age Manhattan, anything can happen…

Seeking a wealthy American bride who can save his family’s estate, Brandon Fiennes, the duke of Kingston, is a rogue determined to do the right thing. But his search for an heiress goes deliciously awry when an enchanting seamstress tumbles into his arms instead.

…and true love is always in fashion

Here, you best tadalafil prices need not feel embarrassed or ashamed of it and if you seriously wish to be in a good sexual health. You can now get http://cute-n-tiny.com/cute-animals/dog-in-a-fridge/ purchase viagra for sale through many online stores. You get to meet new people: what makes this course extra special is the fact that any form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result to pain or discomfort. viagra prescription cute-n-tiny.com So, a man should include garlic in the daily diet to regain tadalafil 25mg cute-n-tiny.com his sex drive. Miss Adeline Black aspires to be a fashionable dressmaker—not a duchess—and not even an impossibly seductive duke will distract her. But Kingston makes an offer she can’t refuse: join him at society events to display her gowns and advise him on which heiresses are duchess material. It’s the perfect plan—as long as they resist temptation, avoid a scandal, and above all do not lose their hearts.

Reading this historical is me trying something different. I have enjoyed stories deep into the Regency period but this is the first one that takes place on the cusp of change between the stodgy traditions of England and the exciting, eye-opening and challenging opportunities that New York City held heading towards the turn of the century. Ms. Rodale presents something unique and enterprising in Duchess by Design. Even the title is a clever reference to a significant plot thread. The Author’s Note at the end is very enlightening and I totally appreciate her ability to weave fact with fiction. Well done.

Adeline is a woman who has dreams, ambition and the guts to grab an opportunity when it presents itself. What stymies her is the norms of society for the period. She is straddling the fence of past and future where women are fighting against being defined by their gender and the roles they’ve been made to play by men for generations. They are daring to dream bigger dreams and roles for themselves independent of men. Independence comes at a cost. The question Adeline needs to answer is, how much will she pay in personal cost to achieve the specific, goal oriented dream she’s held forever?

Kingston is a man shaped by that stodgy English tradition. He’s known no other way than what he’s been groomed to know. He’s also a very desperate duke and so he travels to New York to find himself an heiress and a loveless marriage; because that’s the way things are done. It’s the ONLY way. Or is it? Brandon, the duke of Kingston, is about to have a rude awakening. Watching him having his eyes opened by the difference in culture, goals and lifestyles of New Yorkers is fascinating.

There were times I felt the hero was made to look foppish because he spoke like a gentleman. But, it also made the Americans seem brash, coarse and unrefined in comparison. He showed restraint and respect by his choice of words. Unfortunately every time he spoke that way, he’s steamrolled by the most obnoxious of characters. They are wholly unimpressed and gave him no deference of authority. That in itself was a shocker for the poor guy. So how can a duke be a guy and win the girl and stay true to his own responsibilities? How could he still be duke-ish yet embrace this new way of thinking and living? Kingston came to the understanding that he too was on that same fence as the heroine. Here’s the question – which way will they fall off of that fence? What is going to happen to push them one way or the other? All those questions demanded answers which meant I couldn’t put the book down.

There is a LOT of sensual tension. The author teased me as much as she did Kingston and Adeline. Thank goodness the plot turned spicy at the right moment. I think I would have exploded if they hadn’t!

I had my own moment of suspense while reading. Kingston’s cousin caused me some serious concern. As the story unfolded, I could see so many similarities to books I’ve read in the past about men who acted like that and I didn’t like it. I was going to throw the book if he fell into trope territory. I’m glad to say the book stayed well in hand.

Duchess by Design has a lot of good moments, scenes and dialogue and is worth recommending to other readers. I found it to be a challenging read but every minute was well worth it. What sealed the deal for me was the last chapter. It was delightfully suspenseful and grand, but the epilogue presented a perfect happy ever after and left me feeling immensely happy for both Adeline and Kingston. I’m glad I read this novel.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan

September 27, 2018 By 2 Comments


The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (351 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A bride wasn’t in his plans . . .

The last thing Marcus, the Duke of Autenberry, expects to see after sleeping off a night’s drunken shenanigans is a woman being auctioned in the village square. Before he can think about the ramifications, he buys her, thinking he’s winning the girl her freedom. Instead, he discovers he’s bought a wife.

A duke wasn’t in hers . . .

Alyse Bell is almost rid of the shackles that bound her in a name-only marriage, but the day her friend promised to purchase her in a wife auction, he vanishes, leaving her to face a mob of unsavory bachelors intent on owning her body and soul. But the appearance of a wicked, wealthy stranger changes her path forever.
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The road to ruin . . .

Marcus doesn’t know what to do with the impertinent chit who clearly isn’t duchess material! Insisting their marriage isn’t legitimate, they leave for his estate in Scotland, hoping to devise a plan to get rid of each other. However, on a journey fraught with misadventure, their attraction grows and Marcus realizes he’ll do anything to keep this fiery woman for his own.

I kid you not. The first sentence made me snort. The first chapter established why I found Marcus, the hero, fascinating and how Alyse, the heroine, came to be in the state she was in, and why I’d want to cheer for her. From there the challenge was to finagle getting the two to meet. Challenge met in a most unusual style. The Duke Buys a Bride is a warm, humorous and delightful adventure in love and romance that seduces a reader as surely as Marcus seduces Alyse. Or is that the other way around? I strongly suspect readers are going to have fun finding out.

This third person point of view tale was so well told, I read it in one day. I grinned many times as I watched Marcus do everything he could to stay a bachelor. I admired Alyse’s determination to one day be her own woman and follow her own dreams only to watch them morph into being more than she imagined – a very unusual duchess.

My only question stems from wondering how an English duke can be an English duke if he intends to live in another country. I’m used to reading about them being hands-on, attending Parliament and doing English Duke-y things in the thick of London or in ‘the country’ in order to keep their coffers plump. Marcus is not typical which made me love this book even more.

The slight detour to Clan MacLarin proved most entertaining, and enlightening. I actually liked the rascally laird and certainly that section is very important to the plot. Someday I hope Ms. Jordan might take readers back there to see what Hunt is doing. His nana was a hoot.

Earlier, I mentioned seduction. For readers who look forward to spicy sheet shenanigans, rest assured they are well written, satisfying and quite sexy.

The Duke Buys a Bride is a wonderful read. It’s charming, engaging and full of fun. Marcus and Alyse were a cute couple. The best part was the epilogue because there, the author showed her cleverness. She wrote a delightful wrap-up and a hook for the next book, all in one. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester

September 4, 2018 By 3 Comments


Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester
Publisher: The Story Plant
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational
Length: Full length (274 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home, and a successful career. Everything is perfect―or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. Because an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has invaded Mac’s fragile mind and it is about to drop him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system, and the struggles of an invisible disease, he loses everything―most importantly his family.

One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes might contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again.

Kamagra click for source generic viagra buy has gained popularity worldwide for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is instant performer. Kamagra tablets should only be taken generic cialis online appalachianmagazine.com under a doctor’s supervision. This is a much more common issue, which affects a man’s overall health and his viagra 100mg pfizer relationship. Today IPC is an accredited standards developing organization with ANSI, the American National Standards Institute and has branches in North America, best online viagra Europe, India and China. I’m not even sure where to begin this review. I’m in awe of this story. There are so many moments where my emotions were engaged in a very real way. I was invested in its outcome. I read the blurb but the meaning behind the shoeboxes didn’t come across so I had no idea what to expect. The sheer power from the revelation moved me so much I got a serious case of the sniffles. Trust me when I say it’s a good thing. A very good thing.

Mr. Manchester is a genius in creating Mac. I can see why Jen loved him so much. I can believe that his family is as wonderful as it is. And when things start to change, it was done so slowly and with insidious perfection that I found myself unable to put the book down. What in the world is happening to Mac? Why is he acting in such a profoundly erratic manner? I had to know. I had to understand.

The book was mostly told in Mac’s point of view but Jen’s side is told too. What is happening to the hero had a major impact on me because I was in his head. What I saw was not like the man I first met. If I was confused, it was even more poignant listening in on Jen’s internal dialogue. The confusion, the hurt, the pain – it’s all relatable and understandable. There were a lot of powerful scenes of introspection but no cure or hint as to the cause of Mac’s crisis.

The love between Mac and Jen is palpable and wonderful to witness. Their passion, though definitely behind closed doors, might at times have sounded like it might be able to fall into the sensual category, but I found it sweet, true and romantic. In light of all that, what happens to the two of them later is all the more heartbreaking because I got to meet them when they were the best of themselves.

The main theme, though hard won, was hope. There were also scenes of fervent prayers and the most commanding and potent of them all came from his kids; the youngest especially. Kids have simple needs and yet those uncomplicated prayers tap into the heart of very complex human necessities and desires – Unconditional Love. Forgiveness. Family. Three Shoeboxes is chockful of teachable moments that, in all honesty, came at a time I needed to read them. I was going through a rough patch when I read this book and at first I was depressed. But I kept on reading. Why? Because of Mac. His love for his family gave him a strength I respected. A goal I could relate to and I had a strong desire to see him persevere. Mac is a true hero. He’s not a stereotypical one-dimensional creation – he’s real. What he faced, felt, suffered, fought through and for, were all part of a very human and flawed human being and I could relate when he came to his pivotal moment. Does he give up? I would have understood that choice because I FELT it. When he looked at himself in the mirror, really looked, I teared up. How many people, every day, face that same moment in time?

Three Shoeboxes is a well-written, beautiful story. It’s not a light topic, that’s for sure. What it is, is inspirational – in prayer, in faith and in hope, and the joy of rediscovering the basics and what truly matters in life. The openness of emotion can be a freeing experience and I think Mac found his freedom and the author shared it with readers. Sure, Faust had something to do with it, absolutely, but that’s because the inner light in Mac was strong to begin with. Faust had something to work with. Mac had just lost his way and he needed the right person in his life to steer him back. He was blessed with a few good friends too. Truly, this novel is like emotional lasagna – many layers and mixed flavors, but when devoured together is fulfilling, satisfying and an experience to be grateful for.

Three Shoeboxes is a must read. It just is.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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