Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - May 2012)

Series: Duke's Daughters (Book 2)

LADY MAGGIE WINDHAM HAS SECRETS

And she's been perfectly capable of keeping them...until now. When she's threatened with exposure, she turns to investigator Benjamin Hazlit to keep catastrophe at bay. But Maggie herself intrigues Benjamin more than the riddle she's set him to solve. As he uncovers more and more of her past, Maggie struggles to keep him at a distance, until they both begin to discover the truth in their hearts...

Good book.  Lady Maggie is the Duke's oldest daughter.  She is also illegitimate, though he did adopt her.  She has been an important part of their family all along.  Maggie is very independent and is determined that she won't marry.  She has her own household and is a bit of a financial genius.  When her reticule (purse) goes missing with some very personal items in it she hires Ben Hazlit to find it.  Ben has worked for her family before and Maggie has always intrigued him.  In order to find her missing property they will have to spend time together and he suggests a fake courtship to prevent rumors.  But the more time they spend together the more Ben wants to make it real and Maggie is afraid to.

Maggie's independence is something she has worked hard for.  Even though she loves her family and knows that she is loved by them, she still feels disconnected.  She has distanced herself from them in order to protect them from her scandalous background.  She is very conscious of being the daughter of a courtesan and lives a life that she keeps clear of any hint of impropriety.  When her bag with some very personal letters goes missing she hires Ben to find it.  But her stubbornness prevents her from telling him everything he needs to know to find it.  She consents to his fake courtship, but is frustrated by the way that he acts as if it is real.  She doesn't plan to ever marry as she doesn't want her background to reflect badly on a spouse.  She is drawn to Ben in a way that she has never felt before.  She would like nothing better than to make it real also but feels it is impossible.  I loved her closeness to her family.  She was determined to protect them and therefore didn't tell them what had been going on.  I felt that she didn't give them the credit they deserved, as they would have solved her problem without her having to go through everything she went through.  Her feelings for Ben were growing stronger every day but she still had problems trusting him enough to tell him everything.  When she could separate herself from her problems, I loved seeing the wonderful relationship that was growing between them.  Finally allowing herself to trust Ben completely not only solved her problem but knocked down the last of the barriers between herself and her family.  She also allowed herself  to fulfill her own dreams.

Ben has been working as an investigator to various members of society for a long time.  He prides himself on his ability to do what needs to be done with discretion and honor.  When Maggie comes to him for help he nearly turns her down because of her refusal to give him all the necessary information.  But he is fascinated by her and also senses that the secrets she keeps are tearing her up.  He uses the fake courtship as a way to meet with her without arousing suspicions but soon finds that he is more interested in Maggie herself than in finding her property.  I really liked his ability to see beneath the prickles to the woman beneath.  He saw in her the same kind of loneliness that he suffered from and found that he wanted to make their "courtship" real.  His frustration at her secretiveness was real and he found himself doing things he didn't usually do while trying to help her.  He was also very protective of her which started him realizing that she meant more to him that just a job.  I loved his support of her and how he accepted how much her independence meant to her.  The resolution of her problem was handled perfectly by Ben and her family.  

I really enjoyed seeing more of the Duke's family.  From being such a pain in the first books it becomes more obvious that the Duke loves his family very much.  I really enjoyed seeing more of his relationship with his wife and how devoted they are to each other.  I loved the way that they worked together for the benefit of their family.  I also enjoyed seeing the relationship the brothers had with Maggie, their obvious love for her and how they wanted her to be happy.  

My Scandalous Viscount - Gaelen Foley (Avon - Sept 2012)

Series: Inferno Club (Book 5)

Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, lives by a code of honor, and now honor dictates he must marry Miss Carissa Portland. He has no regrets over stealing a kiss from the adorable little busybody -- a fitting punishment for putting her delectable nose where it didn't belong. But now, caught in a compromising situation, he knows he must make her his bride. He's faced danger before -- but nothing like this!

Carissa is not a gossip -- she's a "lady of information." And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can't flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau's a notorious scoundrel, her heart -- and her body -- are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband. 

Very good book.  Carissa and Beau have known each other for years.  Beau is a notorious rake in public, but in private he is one of a group of operatives who protect the country.  Carissa is a busybody - or "lady of information" - who tends to poke he nose where it doesn't belong.  He's attracted to her but her personality and his line of work are not a good mix.  Then she gets hurt trying to save him from harm and the resulting compromising situation forces them to marry.  Beau wants to keep her safe and Carissa wants to help him save his friends.  Neither of them expects the storm of emotions that connect them.

I liked Carissa even though sometimes I wanted to shake her.  The main reason for her nosiness is to be aware of any gossip that might affect her after she made a regrettable mistake with a man.  She doesn't understand her excessive interest in Beau, but that doesn't stop her from butting in when she things he's about to be attacked by a jealous husband.  Instead she gets between him and a rogue agent and ends up getting shot.  When Beau takes her to the Inferno Club headquarters to fix her up she manages to discover his secrets.  Between that and being alone with him, they must marry to save their reputations.  Beau and fellow club members are under attack from members of their own government and Carissa feels she can use her abilities to help find out the truth but Beau doesn't trust her enough to allow it.  Not owning up to that past mistake to Beau has caused him to doubt her honesty.  Carissa is a lot smarter than Beau realizes and his refusal just makes her more determined to help.  However, she has a tendency to jump in without considering what the consequences of her actions could be.  Add in her growing love for him and she is desperately afraid of losing him.  After the deaths of her parents when she was young she spent years being shuffled from family member to family member, just wanting to be loved for herself.  I loved seeing the way that Carissa's mind worked and how she was able to connect bits of information.  I also loved seeing her determination to help Beau even as she feared losing him.  The ending was great.

Beau is the Order member who has been left to deal with the government investigation at the same time he is trying to find out what happened to his two missing team members.  For relief he goes out on the town looking for a liaison, instead finding himself in a duel of words with Carissa.  He can't understand why his brain always seems to shut down around her as he can't help giving her a hard time.  He's also made the mistake of kissing her a couple times which just adds to the problem.  His fear for her when she gets shot trying to help him makes him  realize that he may be in more trouble with her than he thought.  The same lack of thinking around her enables her to discover his secret identity and he insists that they marry.  He doesn't expect to be so pleased with the idea.  I loved how those developing feelings of his show his romantic side (the wedding gifts were fantastic) and how great he was with her that night.  When he discovers that she's been hiding a rather important secret from him it causes him to wonder if he really knows Carissa at all.  He tries to encourage her to confide in him without telling her what he suspects and is hurt by her avoidance.  He still can't deny his feelings and his need to protect her is just as strong.  He doesn't seem to realize just how strong her need to help is as he keeps shutting her out of the investigation.  I loved the ending as they finally learn to trust each other completely.

The conclusion of the investigation into the Order by the government and the results of the search for the bad guys was very well done. It kept me turning the pages as I tried to figure out what was going to happen next. It was pretty obvious that the government guy had an agenda but the scope of the whole thing was pretty incredible.  I loved seeing the way that Beau and Carissa were central to solving the whole issue and what it meant for their relationship.  I always enjoy catching up with previous characters and these were no exception.  

A Night Like This - Julia Quinn (Avon - June 2012)

Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet (Book 2)

ANNE WYNTER MIGHT NOT BE WHO SHE SAYS SHE IS...

But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge -- in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy -- no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

DANIEL SMYTHE-SMITH MIGHT BE IN MORTAL DANGER...

But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending...

Very fun book.  Anne is working as a governess to three young ladies.  It's not the life she thought she'd have, but it is certainly interesting.  It gets more interesting with the arrival of the Earl of Winstead.  After spending the last three years exiled from England he's really glad to be home, even more so after seeing the beautiful Anne.  He's determined to pursue her but somebody wants him dead and that danger spills over onto her.  

I really liked both Anne and Daniel.  Eight years earlier Anne, at the age of sixteen, Anne had fallen for a young man in a local family.  Thinking he was going to propose she gave herself to him, only to find out he was engaged to someone else.  When he accosted her at a local event she cut his face while trying to defend herself.  In order to protect her family her father made her change her name and become a companion to an old lady far from home, refusing to allow her any contact with her family.  Then she became a governess, always worried about her reputation and her safety.  When she meets Daniel she is drawn to him but knows that there is too big a difference in their stations for anything good to happen between them.  She can't escape him as he uses his relationship to her charges to find a way to be with her whenever possible.  She began to fall for him as she got to know him and also see the love he has for his family.  When something from her past puts her in danger it is Daniel she ends up going to for help.  I really liked seeing the changes that her love for Daniel made in her.  His love for her gave her the courage that she needed at the end to protect herself.

Daniel found himself participating in a duel with a friend.  He never quite understood how their card game ended up that way and never meant to injure his friend.  That friend's father threatened to kill Daniel afterward, so he ended up spending three years wandering Europe, trying to stay ahead of the people sent to harm him.  Daniel was thrilled when Hugh came to find him and tell him it was safe to come home.  One of the first things that happened when he got home was seeing a beautiful woman at his family's musicale.  Daniel was immediately smitten with her.  He didn't care that she was a governess or that her family was lower than his.  He was determined to overcome her resistance, even to the point of hanging out with his young cousins.  I loved seeing him participate in their activities just so he could be close to Anne.  I also liked seeing his protectiveness, both in London and in the country.  Daniel showed the changes in his maturity between the beginning and the end.  Seeing him go from that slightly irresponsible young man to the one who cared for his family, watched over his estates and people, and protected the woman he loved was very satisfying.  

I always love the humor in Julia Quinn's books.  The Smythe-Smith musicales are a great frame for this family.  It's obvious that there is plenty of love shared among them all and that love extends to others.  The three girls that Anne is governess to were so much fun to read about.  There was so much about them that made me feel like they were real people, from their squabbles among themselves to the expressions of their imaginations.  There were also some  great conversations between Anne and Daniel that were fun and flirty.  I really liked the way that she had some pretty good comebacks when he'd get carried away.

Always a Temptress - Eileen Dreyer (Forever - Oct 2011)

Series: Drake's Rakes (Book 3)

HIS GREATEST BATTLE IS JUST BEGINNING ...
Major Sir Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men in battle he's ready to live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: kidnap the most outrageous woman in London -- the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier -- and find out what she's concealing before her secrets take down the crown.

HER HEART IS THE ONLY THING SHE WON'T RISK .. .
Surrounded by ardent admirers and a few loyal friends, Lady Kate Seaton glides through the ton armed with nothing but couture gowns and bon mots. No one suspects that beneath her lighthearted facade lies a sorrow so scandalous she'll do anything to keep it hidden. But only when she trusts Harry with the truth can she begin to heal. And only when Harry trusts her with his heart can he protect both his country and the woman he loves.

Fantastic book full of scandal, intrigue and redemption.  Harry is back in England after ten years of being at war. He's ready to follow his dream of traveling the world, but has one last thing to do for his friend Drake.  He has to kidnap Lady Kate and find out what she has to do with the group who is trying to bring down the monarchy.  He will believe anything of her since she betrayed him when they were younger.  Kate is a widow who spends her days courting scandal.  She avoids Harry whenever possible because of the way he betrayed her when they were younger.  She is stunned to find her suspects her of treason.

Kate appears to be a strong woman who doesn't care what society thinks of her.  She lives her life the way she wants to.  Years ago she and Harry had been friends, then had fallen in love.  Her father was going to marry her to an old man and Harry promised to save her, but then he deserted her and left her to her sadistic husband.  She has never forgiven him.  When he kidnaps her he accuses her of treason and threatens her if she doesn't tell him what he needs to know.  Meanwhile Harry had been told lies about her and offered a chance to join the army and get away from her.  Once they actually start to listen to what each has to say things start to change between them.  Both must learn to trust the other one again.  While Harry made me really angry at the beginning with his attitude toward her, once he learned the truth his actions completely changed.  I really loved the caring and patience he used to help her heal from her traumas. It was obvious that he still loved her but he was very good at denying it to himself and others.  I got a bit frustrated with his tunnel vision regarding his future, as I waited for him to realize what was important.  Kate's life during her marriage was so horrific it was amazing that she was as happy as she seemed to be.  When Harry made the accusations he did she couldn't understand how he could think that of her.  When he confronted her with the things her father had told him she was stunned and furious.  I loved the way that she disproved his beliefs.  Even so, she was extremely wary of trusting him in any way because of her experiences.  I enjoyed seeing her confound him with the truth of her life as it really was.  I also liked seeing how she ended up being just as sensitive to his traumas as he was to hers.  Their reconciliation wasn't easy and it wasn't fast, but it was believable.

The mystery of the missing information is very well done.  Someone is trying to kill Kate because of something she has or knows but she is unaware of what it is.  Harry is determined to protect her and it isn't an easy task.  He has the help of the other Rakes, plus an interesting assortment of her friends and employees.  I loved Bea and her unique way of communicating.  Kate and Harry end up in some very interesting situations as the search comes to a head.  Some are funny, some are scary and some are heartbreaking.  

The London Deception - Addison Fox (HRS #1774 - Oct 2013)

Series: House of Steele (Book 2)

The House of Steele works for the good guys -- but sometimes it's hard to tell heroes from villains…

The beautiful former thief had never met a lock she couldn't pick. Although Rowan Steele is now legit, she handles some of the family's most dangerous assignments. When she agrees to safeguard an ancient treasure, her heart -- as well as her life -- may be the price.

His outlaw days roaming the streets of London are behind him. Now Finn Gallagher's expert eyes authenticate the treasures he used to steal. When a major antiquities cache is threatened, he recruits Rowan to join him. Together, he figures, they can keep anything safe. Until an old enemy raises the stakes… 

This was an exciting book to read, from the time Rowan and Finn met as teenagers to their reunion and romance as adults.  They met as teenagers when both attempted to steal a priceless bracelet from the same house.  Rowan never saw Finn's face as he was masked, and was horrified when he was shot during their escape.  She never knew what happened to him until they met again.  Finn has gone to her for help protecting an Egyptian treasure.  When attacks on them escalate Finn and Rowan will have to depend on each other to protect the treasure and themselves.

I really liked Rowan.  The book opens with her as a sixteen year old thief.  She steals as a way to cope with the loss of her parents, even though she knows it's wrong.  This time she is stopped by another thief who is after the same thing.  When a third group of thieves shows up, she and the stranger work together to escape.  There is something about him that appeals to her.  During their escape he is shot and sends her on ahead.  The event makes her take a long look at what she's doing and she makes immediate changes.  She spends the next twelve years wondering what happened to him and feeling guilty.  When Finn hires her company, specifically her, to help him protect the treasures he is to authenticate there is something about him that seems familiar.  When she discovers why she is furious with him for never letting her know he was okay.  She also discovers that the old attraction is still alive and well and much more intense.  I loved seeing them work together as they tried to figure out who was behind the trouble.  I also loved the fact that Rowan is very capable on her own, that she's not dependent on Finn for protection.  She's had a very successful career that has taken her into some risky situations and she's proud of that fact.  At one point she even says "I'm sick to death of reading stories where the man has to swoop in to save the woman. ... All I'm saying is why can't it be both of them?  Or why can't the heroine rescue the hero every once in awhile?"  Rowan is very quickly falling in love with Finn, but there is one very important difference of opinion that they have that may keep them from a future together.

At nineteen Finn had been very drawn to the beautiful girl he rescued during a mutual robbery attempt.  When it was over he discovered who she was, but because of his own background there was no way he was going to make contact with her.  Over the next twelve years he took his experiences as a thief and turned them into a very successful business as an authenticator.  He also kept track of her and her activities, happy to see that she had turned her life around.  When he needed her expertise for the Egyptian job he was looking forward to seeing her again.  He didn't expect that hint of attraction to be even stronger for the grown woman.  I loved watching him try to fight it in order to keep things strictly business.  He is disturbed by the attacks on them and wants to protect Rowan though she fights him on it.  When he gives away his identity as that thief he doesn't really understand her fury until he learns just how big an impact it made on her life.  In spite of his successful legitimate business he has never quite given up his old ways and discovers that it is a very big drawback in Rowan's eyes.  I liked his appreciation of Rowan's abilities and how well their abilities meshed.  There were some very intense situations that they got out of because of their teamwork.  By the end he had to decide if he was willing to let his past dictate his future.

The progression of the mystery itself was very good.  It was interesting to see that one of the bad guys is revealed to the reader from the beginning, showing how various strings are being pulled.  The identity of the puppet master isn't shown until the end of course.  The author did a great job of stringing me along there, because I didn't suspect at all.  There were several intense events that increased the tension all the way to the climax.  I could not put it down until it was over.

A Lady Dares - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1149 - Aug 2013)

Series: Ladies of Impropriety (Book 2)

A LADY IN A GENTLEMAN'S WORLD

According to society, I, Elise Sutton, haven't been a lady for quite some time-a lady couldn't possibly run the family company and spend her days on London's crowded, tar-stained docks. And she most certainly wouldn't associate herself with the infamous Dorian Rowland-privateer, smuggler and the Scourge of Gibraltar himself

But I need Rowland and his specialized expertise-especially with the wolves circling, waiting for me to fail. I yearn to feel alive, and Rowland, who can kiss like the devil, inflames my senses and makes me dare to break free.... 

Pretty good book.  Elise is trying to keep her father's shipyard going after his death.  She has a half built yacht that she hopes will give it the boost she needs - if she can get a shipbuilder to finish it for her.  She's having trouble getting anyone to work for her because she's a woman.  When her brother introduces her to Dorian she's not impressed.  She especially doesn't like the effect he has on her.  But she soon realizes that he has what it takes to finish the ship.  He also makes her want to forget society's rules and do things she wouldn't otherwise do.

Elise is very independent.  She has been involved with the shipyard since she was a child and is fully qualified to run it.  Unfortunately her investors don't agree and have pulled all support, leaving her struggling.  Dorian's arrival is just what she needs to save the business.  She is attracted to him from the beginning but also frustrated by his high handedness.  She hates being banished from her office, where she has spent most of her time, but approves of the progress Dorian is making.  One of the things I really liked is the way that, once they started talking, they respected each other's knowledge and opinions.  They also started to develop a real friendship as they worked together.  She also had to admit to herself that she was glad he was there as accidents and attacks started happening at the shipyard.  I also enjoyed her reaction to his kisses.  She admitted the attraction and made her own reasoned decision to pursue it even though she knew that he had no intention of staying in England.  As the danger increased Elise got closer to Dorian and knew she would have to make a decision about her future.  I loved the race and its aftermath.

Dorian was intrigued by Elise.  He wasn't used to women who were so intelligent and independent.  He took on Elise's job as a way to get the money to get back to Gibraltar.  With his attraction to Elise he also thought about romancing her out of the boat he was building.  He also found himself very protective of her from the beginning which was very unusual for him.  Although he had been born a gentleman he has spent most of his adult life doing less savory activities and is not received by society.  He really doesn't care.  From the beginning he makes no secret of his attraction to Elise and seems to really enjoy stirring her up.  He also takes advantage of her life on the edge of scandal to push her into fun but risky activities.  When the problems start happening he figures out who is behind it pretty quickly, but it take awhile before they figure out why.  I liked the way that his plan to simply seduce Elise starts to change as his feelings for her deepen.  He doesn't feel that anything can come of it because of who he is and thinks that she'll feel the same when she finds out.  I liked the fact that he did tell her about his past and enjoyed his surprise when she didn't condemn him.  His increasing feelings for her made him think about changing his plans.  He was really worried about her safety and tried everything he could to protect her.  I really enjoyed the way they worked together to sail the ship and how it showed their connection.  I really enjoyed the ending.

Bound by a Baby - Kate Hardy (HR #4391 - Sept 2013)

Can a baby bring them together?

Becoming guardian to her orphaned godson is a heartbreaking honor for Emmy Jacobs. The real challenge will be sharing that honor with godfather Dylan Harper! Having got off on the wrong foot with him, Emmy must now somehow get along with the brooding -- and gorgeous -- Dylan….

Dylan has never wanted a family. His own childhood was bad enough, so how can he ever be a father? But he promised his best friend he'd be there and he's going to be. Caring for baby Tyler with a beautiful but emotional woman will test him to the limit. However, watching Emmy with Tyler shows Dylan a new side to her -- and a new side to himself….

Sweet book.  Emmy and Dylan have been named co-guardians for their godson Tyler.  They were good friends with Tyler's parents, just not with each other - more like total opposites.  Emmy is emotional and creative and open-hearted.  Dylan is a workaholic who thanks to a bad childhood has never wanted a family of his own.  She thinks he's an uptight grouch and he thinks she's a flake, so how are they ever going to be able to raise Tyler together?

I really liked both Emmy and Dylan.  In spite of their feelings toward each other they were willing to do whatever was best for Tyler.  Emmy is a talented jewelry designer who tends to see the good things in life.  Unfortunately she also has really bad luck in relationships so has pretty much written off getting involved with anyone until Tyler is grown.  As she and Dylan settle in to their new lives she discovers that he's not as bad as she had thought.  She sees his willingness to learn how to care for Tyler and also that he's more open to compromise.  It isn't long until she is also noticing his good looks and that there's a buzz of attraction whenever she's around him.  I really liked the slow growth from adversaries to friends to more.  It wasn't a flash bang attraction but very real development that dealt with their different personalities and the problems that occasionally came up.  Even with their growing feelings Emmy still had some issues left over from her previous relationships that nearly derailed their future, but talking it out solved the problem.  One of the things I really liked about her was her happy outlook on things.  Besides the playing with Tyler that she did, I loved the way she looked at the world around her.  Seeing the butterfly gardens and the seaside through her eyes was great.

Dylan was a darker personality.  He hadn't had a happy childhood, with no father and a mother who was constantly trying to "find herself".  It also made him sure that he never wanted to have children because he would have no idea how to care properly for them.  This caused the end of his marriage, which only reinforced his feelings.  In spite of that he was willing to do his best for Tyler.  I really liked the way that he had no trouble asking Emmy to teach him what he needed to know.  I also liked the was that he realized that he had misjudged her by comparing her to his mother.  He fought his attraction to her because he didn't want it to impact their care of Tyler, but more and more he saw the ways he had changed and thought that a future could be possible.  I thought that his "lunch date" with Emmy was just the sweetest thing and more romantic than I had expected from him.  I loved the way he went after her at the end. 

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh - Stephanie Laurens (Avon - June 2013)

Series: Cynster (Book 23)

The Honorable Miss Mary Cynster always gets what she wants. As the last unwed Cynster of her generation, she is determined to remain in charge of her life and of the man she will marry. At the very bottom of her list of potential husbands is Ryder Cavanaugh, the daring and devastating Marquess of Raventhorne, an overwhelming and utterly unmanageable lion of the ton. But destiny has a different plan.

Ryder needs Mary as his wife, not just because she is delightful, fiery, and tempting, but because he values all she could be. When fate and circumstance hand him the chance, he claims Mary as his marchioness...only to discover what he truly desires is not just to take her hand in marriage, but to capture her heart.

Fantastic book.  I love the Cynsters series and this was another terrific one.  Mary is ready to find herself a husband.  She is very strong-willed and has no intention of giving up control of her life so she wants a husband she can manage.  Ryder is definitely not the type of man she wants but he has set his sights on her, and like her he is determined to get what he wants.

Mary is a Cynster woman.  She is independent, intelligent and strong willed.  Most of the (non-Cynster) men she knows are the type who will do things their way and their wives have no say and she wants nothing to do with that type.  She has set her sights on Ryder's younger brother, but as she puts her plans into motion Ryder keeps interfering.  I loved the dialogue between her and Ryder from the very beginning.  She doesn't hold back when talking to him and it doesn't take her long to discover that he is much more satisfying to converse with that his brother was.  Pretty soon Ryder is the man on her mind but she is still reluctant to get involved with him.  When she ends up in a position where marriage is the only option she decides to make the best of it.  By this time she is starting to realize that Ryder is the one for her, but she also needs to make him realize that being partners is the best way to go on. One of the best quotes in the book is from a letter to Mary from Minerva, Duchess of Wolverstone: "Rather than go against them - which only results in immediately meeting the solid and instinctive wall of their resistance - I have found it pays to find a way to work with them.  Once you make it clear you are entirely willing to find a way to solve whatever issue they have - that you are content to work alongside them rather than oppose them - the poor dears are usually so grateful they'll happily share the reins, and then one can steer the applecart in a more amenable direction."  This makes sense to Mary and starts her evolving from the bossy control freak into a woman who knows the art of compromise.  There were times that her take charge manner was exactly what was needed and others where it just didn't work.  In the second half of the book they are trying to figure out who is trying to kill them.  I enjoyed seeing them work together and how each was learning about the other. 

Ryder was an interesting hero.  He had determined that it was time for him to marry, but he wanted to do it his way without interference from matchmaking mamas.  He had settled on Mary as his choice and was slightly dismayed to find her pursuing his brother.  He knew that they would not suit, but also knew that she would resist his advances.  I loved the way that he started out by simply getting in her way over his brother, then moved on to pursuing her somewhat subtly.  I loved the way that when she finally figured it out she confronted him, he listened but told her he would have her.  Ryder had settled on her because she was suitable, but soon realized that her wit and attitude really appealed to him.  He also wanted her because, as a Cynster, she knew and appreciated the value of family.  His own family was pretty fractured and he wanted her to help him build a family like hers.  He was also determined to stay in control of his emotions, though that became increasingly harder.  When he was attacked and nearly killed it was Mary who saved his life.  It also put her in a compromising position that Ryder immediately took advantage of: "I haven't reached where I am today without learning to take advantage of every blessing Fate sends my way. So no, I won't be searching for any way to undo what Fate has done."  I love the way that he seems to understand her so well.  He is protective and possessive but he is also accepts that her traits are what make her the woman she is so he doesn't try to change her.  He still spends a lot of time trying to convince himself that his emotions are still completely under his control, when they obviously are not.  Especially as she becomes the focus of the attacks he begins to realize that he needs her in his life.  The final one really brings it home as they fear they have really reached a point of no escape.  I loved the way that the mystery of the attacks played out and how it allows the Cavanaugh family to move on.

One of the best parts of the book is the epilogue as the entire family gathers for its summer retreat.  Honoria and the original Cynster brides talk about the family and how far it has come.  The importance of family is reinforced as they note that Mary was the last of the current group to get married.  They also talk about their children and what they will be like when it's their turn.  I especially liked Honoria's thought about trying to manage Devil when their daughters come of age.  I hope this sets the stage for books about the next generation, who will be living at the beginning of the Victorian period.

Mistress to the Marquis - Margaret McPhee (HH #1146 - July 2013)

Series: Gentlemen of Disrepute (Book 5)

She may grace his bed, but she will never wear his ring

They whisper her name in the ballroom's shadows -- the marquis's mistress! It will take all of Alice Sweetly's renowned acting skills to play this part: smile until it no longer hurts, until they believe your lie, until you believe. Pretend he means nothing.

If the Marquis of Razeby thinks he can let his mistress go easily, he is so very wrong. Each night she appears before a rapturous Covent Garden audience, taunting him with her beauty. But Razeby must marry, and while Alice could grace his bed she can never grace his arm.

This is a different kind of story.  Alice is an Irish girl who has made it big on the stage.  Currently she is Razeby's mistress also.  They are dealing very well together and Alice sees it continuing for quite awhile. Suddenly Razeby breaks off their arrangement stating a need to marry.  Alice is devastated but doesn't let on.

I liked Alice.  She knew what she was signing up for when she became Razeby's mistress.  She has come to care for him and feels that she knows him pretty well.  She can tell that something has been bothering him and finally asks.  When he tells her that he must marry and therefore won't be seeing her any longer she is devastated but doesn't let it show.  She has a great deal of pride and puts a brave face on it.  The biggest issue is that they can't really avoid seeing each other so she constantly has to look like she doesn't care.  She also admits to herself that she doesn't mind showing him what he's missing since she can see that he isn't happy.  When they do meet it is obvious that there is still something there.  At one point Razeby offers her everything she could want, but as she feels it's at too high a cost to him she drives him away.  It takes a major change in attitudes for them both to make this turn out well for both of them.

I liked Razeby also.  He was a typical bachelor of the time and having a mistress was not unusual.  He was different in the way that it was obvious that he cared for Alice.  He knew that he would be required to marry and have an heir and that his own personal deadline was fast approaching.  Unlike many others he refused to keep a mistress while married and regretfully ended things with Alice.  He did not handle it as well as he could have, as he had put it off for as long as he could.  His reminder to her that it was a business arrangement was his way of rationalizing things to himself, trying to convince himself that there were no emotions involved.  I loved seeing him make the rounds of the Marriage Mart, trying to convince himself to pick one of the girls, but not being able to pick one.  He had a terrible time keeping Alice out of his mind.  It wasn't until their final confrontation that he just picked one and set a date.  His unhappiness was obvious and it took a frank discussion with one of his friends for him to see what had to be done.

I especially liked the storyline.  The mistress relationship in most novels is usually a negative one, but this one showed that sometimes there is real caring.  I also enjoyed the realistic portrayal of what that life was like and how they were treated.  I loved the ending and thoroughly enjoyed the ballroom scene that delivered Alice to Razeby.

Stroke of Midnight - Olivia Drake (St Martins - June 2013)

Series: Cinderella Sisterhood (Book 2)

The infamous Laura Falkner has returned to Regency London society in disguise. Determined to clear her father’s name, she becomes a companion to elderly Lady Josephine -- only to learn the woman’s nephew is none other than Alexander Ross, the devilish Earl of Copley, the man Laura once loved with all her heart. The same man who’d accused her father of theft and forced them to flee England.

Alex has never forgotten Laura -- or forgiven himself for letting her go. Today, Laura is as lovely -- and stubborn -- as ever, and her attempts at crime-solving are putting her in danger. The only way Alex can keep her safe is to marry her. But how can this notorious rake convince Laura that his heart is true…before the clock strikes twelve?

Pretty good book.  Laura has returned to England to find that her father has been murdered, still without clearing his name.  She decides that it is up to her now, though she isn't quite sure how she'll go about it.  She manages to find a job as a companion to an old lady, only to discover that she's the aunt of the man Laura had loved, but holds responsible for her father's troubles.  She doesn't trust his offer to help her but feels like she has no choice.

I liked Alex.  He had made mistakes in the past and was keeping secrets, but his feelings for Laura were real.  He had started courting Laura all those years ago as a way to keep an eye on her father.  His godmother suspected him of stealing her jewels.  It didn't take long for Alex to really start to care for Laura.  When he found the stolen earrings he felt compelled to attempt to apprehend her father.  Laura attacked him and she and her father fled.  Now he has found her acting as his aunt's companion and planning to solve the mystery herself.  He is certain that he was right, but tells Laura that he will help her as a way to protect her from any more scandal.  I liked his intent to protect her and he certainly hadn't stopped caring for her.  He didn't want to admit it was love.  I liked seeing him marry her since it was obvious he cared, but he was still keeping secrets from her.  I didn't like the way that he wasn't really open to the idea that he could have been wrong until it was almost too late.  

I liked Laura's unshakeable belief in her father's innocence.  She had been very much in love with Alex all those years ago and was devastated by his actions.  When she returned to London she was determined to avoid him.  Her anger with him was still very strong.  When she discovered that she was working for his aunt she was sure she would be arrested herself.  When Alex offered to help her she wasn't all that sure she should trust him but she felt she didn't really have a choice.  She still sensed that he was only humoring her and was planning to continue her investigation anyway.  She was certain she knew who was behind it and was sure she could find the proof.  The more time she spent with Alex the more she realized she still loved him, even though he gave no indication that he loved her back.  When Alex's secrets came out she was devastated all over again.  I thought she was awfully gullible at the end when she ended up in the hands of the real thief.  She was very lucky that Alex was smarter than she was.

A Reputation for Notoriety - Diane Gaston (HH #1141 - June 2013)

Series: Masquerade Club (Book 1)

Raising the stakes…

As the unacknowledged son of the lecherous Lord Westleigh, John "Rhys" Rhysdale was forced to earn a crust gambling on the streets. Now he owns the most thrilling new gaming establishment in London.

Witnessing polite society's debauchery and excess every night, Rhys prefers to live on its fringes, but a mysterious masked lady tempts him into the throng.

Lady Celia Gale, known only as Madame Fortune, matches Rhys card for card and kiss for stolen kiss. But the stakes are raised when Rhys discovers she's from the very world he despises.…

Good book.  Rhys has been asked by his legitimate brothers to run a gaming hell in order for them to regain the money that their father has lost.  He agrees on the condition that he has total control over the running of it.  He has a scandalous reputation, mainly because of his birth.  As a man he is honest and straightforward and determined to make a success of his life.  When Celia appears at the hell, the masked woman draws Rhys's attention.  He helps her get started playing the games and keeps an eye on her.  As they spend time together on the nights she arrives their attraction grows and they begin an affair.  There is a lot I liked about Rhys.  He runs an honest establishment and doesn't tolerate bad behavior.  He treats the women who work there and the ones who visit with respect.  I also liked the way that he ended up building a better relationship with his brothers.  His romance with Celia built slowly as they got to know each other.  They had obstacles from their pasts that caused them some problems but I loved the fact that they were able to work through them in a believable way.

Celia had been married young to an older man who turned out to be a cruel man.  He was also a gambler who ended up losing everything before he died.  Now Celia is left to pick up the pieces and find a way to support them.  Although she is very anti-gambler she is an excellent card player and decides to use that skill to get the money for them to live on.  She is very nervous the first time she goes to the Masquerade Club but Rhys helps her get started.  It doesn't take long before she earns a reputation for her skills.  Her attraction to Rhys gives her the chance to experience passion in a way that had been missing in her marriage.  Her feelings for him are growing when she discovers a connection to her past.  This threatens to derail their romance.

There are some interesting connections between Rhys and Celia that have effects on the story.  Rhys's father is the man who accused Celia's father of cheating and killed him in a duel.  Celia's stepdaughter ends up falling in love with one of Rhys's brothers.  Rhys's father's wife has information about the stepdaughter that changes her life.  Rhys's best friend appears to have some kind of history with Rhys's half sister that may have bearing on the next book in the series.  

Roses in Moonlight - Lynn Kurland (Jove - May 2013)

Series: MacLeod (Book 13)

ESCAPING INTO THE PAST…

Derrick Cameron, antiquities dealer and adventurer, is furious when the priceless piece of Elizabethan lace he's been pursuing slips right by him, in the improbable custody of a mousy textile historian! But he will retrieve it, even if it means dragging a very skeptical, albeit adorable, Samantha back in time with him. After all, he is used to living dangerously -- in whatever century he finds himself.

Conscientious Samantha Drummond never dreamed the package her British employer gave her would lead her into places an ordinary gal should never go -- like Elizabethan England! -- or throw her into the company of one extremely attractive, but highly suspect Highlander who not only thinks she's a thief, but insists on involving her in his mad schemes to retrieve his stolen treasure.

CAN LEAD YOU STRAIGHT INTO YOUR FUTURE…

Trapped first in Elizabethan England, then caught in a web of modern-day intrigues, Samantha and Derrick are forced into an unlikely alliance by peril, never imagining that what they're forging is a timeless love....

Another great story by Lynn Kurland.  Samantha has come to England for the summer to housesit for friends of her brother.  When she is asked to run an errand for one of them she doesn't expect to be caught in the middle of a search for stolen goods.  Derrick's job is to find the piece of stolen lace and get it back to its rightful owner.  He doesn't expect to be intrigued by the woman he thinks is the thief and then fall for her too.

I really liked both Samantha and Derrick.  Samantha is the youngest of the family and has been stuck in her life with her parents.  They are both pretty controlling, especially her mother, and Samantha longs to break free.  When she is offered the chance to housesit in England she leaps at the chance, planning to squeeze in as much living as she can before going home.  Shortly after her arrival in England her boss asks her to deliver a package to London.  On the trip she is followed and while trying to escape briefly ends up in Elizabethan England, though she doesn't realize it at the time.  She is rescued by Derrick, who thinks she is one of the thieves.  She is attracted to him but doesn't trust him at first.  When she hears his time travel story she thinks he is nuts, but goes along with him because he seems more trustworthy than her other options.  She finds herself caught up in the chase for the lace, then trying to figure out why someone is still after her.  I loved seeing Samantha bloom now that she is out from under her parents' thumbs.  She is pretty naive at the beginning, not expecting the trouble that comes her way.  She is basically a nice person so doesn't get into making scenes when weird things start happening to her.  I loved her interactions with Derrick right from the beginning.  While she is naive she isn't stupid and her questions and statements to Derrick show that.  She doubts his sanity at the beginning when he talks about the time travel, but soon becomes a believer. As she deals with these events she begins to grow as a person and soon learns to stand up for herself and her own needs and wants.  She also begins to care for Derrick and gets closer to him as she nurses him after he is wounded helping her.  I loved seeing her care about him in ways that no one else has and the way that it aids in her own maturity.  I loved the ending and seeing her really become the woman she was meant to be.

Derrick was a bit obnoxious at first but quickly turned around.  He has been doing a lot of time travel over the last year as he goes on adventures with Jamie, but also works at his business of retrieving stole goods.  He's feeling a bit jaded at the start of this one and doesn't so his usual research and as a result doesn't realize that Samantha isn't the thief but just an unknowing courier.  He begins to think that some things just aren't adding up as he saves and then confronts Samantha.  Once he understands the truth he gets Samantha to join forces with him to recover and return the lace.  The more time they spend together, the more she gets under his skin.  He doesn't want to be attracted to her or like her that much but he can't help it.  I loved the way that he watches out for her after the lace recovery and discovers that she's still in danger.  I also loved the way that he helped her gain confidence during their time together and didn't try to control her the way her parents did. I especially loved the ending when he gave her the gift of the experiences she had missed out on. I also loved learning more about Derrick and his secrets and the way they influenced his life.  I really enjoyed seeing him thumb his nose at his brother.  I loved the interactions with various members of his family and how they all were there for each other even while trading insults.

I really liked the appearances of the ghosts and characters from earlier books such at Robert and Sunny.  I loved Derrick's coworkers, Oliver, Rufus and Peter and how totally unflappable they seemed to be.  The romance itself was sweet and gentle and perfect for Derrick and Samantha.  I'm looking forward to seeing who gets the next story.

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover - Sarah MacLean (Avon - Feb 2013)

Series: Rules of Scoundrels (Book 2)

Lady Philippa Marbury is . . . odd

The brilliant, bespectacled daughter of a double marquess cares more for books than balls, for science than the season, and for laboratories than love. She's looking forward to marrying her simple fiancé and living out her days quietly with her dogs and her scientific experiments. But before that, Pippa has two weeks to experience all the rest -- fourteen days to research the exciting parts of life. It's not much time, and to do it right she needs a guide familiar with London's darker corners.

She needs . . . a Scoundrel

She needs Cross, the clever, controlled partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, with a carefully crafted reputation for wickedness. But reputations often hide the darkest secrets, and when the unconventional Pippa boldly propositions him, seeking science without emotion, she threatens all he works to protect. He is tempted to give Pippa precisely what she wants . . . but the scoundrel is more than he seems, and it will take every ounce of his willpower to resist giving the lady more than she ever imagined.

Excellent book.   I loved Pippa so much.  She is different than her four sisters.  She doesn't care about the usual things that  appeal to young ladies.  She is a scientist who believes in what she can see and isn't convinced that love exists.  She is due to get married in two weeks and wants to know about the physical side of marriage that no one will talk about to her.  She decides to go to Cross, co-owner of the gaming hell that her brother-in-law is part of.  He turns her down in a unique way, but she finds a loophole and comes back.  There is something about Cross that makes her feel things that don't make sense to her scientific mind.  The more time she spends with him the more she realizes that her safe fiance just isn't what she wants anymore.  She wants Cross, who makes her feel things and also understands her and likes who she is.  The biggest the she has to do is help him overcome his feelings about his past.  She does things in a big way at the end.  I loved seeing the heroine doing the "go big or go home" for a change.

Cross was great.  He's been a big part of the gaming hell for several years as a way to flee his past.  He has terribly guilty feelings about the death of his brother.  These feelings have affected everything about the way he lives his life now.  He is stunned by Pippa's proposition and as much as he is attracted to her he knows he can't do anything about it.  He tries very hard to keep her away, but she is relentless in her quest and he finally gives in.  The scene where he teaches her about temptation is fantastic, with Cross's self control being strained to its limits.  I loved the way that Pippa's intelligence and unique way of looking at life fascinates him.  He understands her the way no one else does and he would love nothing more than to have her in his life permanently.  But he feels that his past makes her out of reach for him.  When that past is used against him he tries to do what he must to protect her.  I completely loved the ending and his surprise at how it came about. 

I liked seeing more of Temple and Chase, the other two owners.  A little more has been revealed about their stories and I can't wait to see what happens to them.

The Greatest of Sins - Christine Merrill (HH #1136 - May 2013)

Series: The Sinner and the Saint (Book 1)

GIVING IN TO TEMPTATION WOULD BE THE RUIN OF THEM ALL!

Having spent years believing a lie about his birth, Dr. Samuel Hastings has been condemned to a personal hell of his desire's making-his sinful thoughts of the one woman he can never touch would damn his soul for eternity.

Lady Evelyn Thorne is engaged to the very suitable Duke of St. Aldric when a shocking truth is revealed-and now Sam will play every bit of the devil to seduce the woman he thought would always be denied him! 

Very good book.  I liked both Evie and Sam and even the Duke was a good character.  Sam has been tortured by his feelings for Evie for six years.  When he returns she confesses her love for him also, but because of what he has been told he is forced to reject her advances.  This sends her into the arms of the Duke, who is a good man but not who Evie loves.  Sam's discovery of his true parentage frees him to pursue Evie and try to win her back.  He was an honorable man and did his best to avoid her when he thought she was forbidden.  His attempts to backtrack from his rejection showed that he still cared but was trying to protect her from learning about her father's lies.  He also had to deal with his feelings of inferiority when compared with the Duke.  I liked the way that he supported Evie in her interest in women's medicine and didn't try to talk down to her.  It also seemed that just as one hurdle was overcome another would come up to keep him away from her. 

Evie was smart and spunky.  She knew what she wanted and tried to go after it.  She was heartbroken by Sam's rejection and furious when he wouldn't tell her why.  She hates the way that all the men in her life seem to make decisions on her behalf.  She is also rather stubborn which shows when Sam is finally free to pursue her and she rejects him because he won't come clean with her.  In her dealings with the Duke she accepts that she doesn't love him but wants to do the right thing once she has made her commitment.  I like the way that she is confident in her own abilities.  She has a marvelous discussion with Sam about childbirth and women's medicine where he admits her superior knowledge.  Then she shocks everyone at a dinner party where she talks about the same thing openly.  I loved the way that Sam just sat back and enjoyed the show while Evie made her points.  I really wanted to shake her at the end and make her realize just who she was supposed to be with.  I have to say that I really did not like her father at all.  He was terribly manipulative and didn't seem to care if she was actually happy.  He showed no remorse at all over the lies that he told.

There were times I really wanted to poke the Duke and see if that perfect surface would crack.  I liked his attitude toward Sam after the truth came out.  But he also could see how Sam felt about Evie and still proposed to her.  He seemed to blow hot and cold in his attitude toward Sam while Sam was treating him.  I was shocked by his proposition to Evie after his illness as it seemed out of character, but I think it was done deliberately to have the result it did.  I am looking forward to his story.

Tarnished Among the Ton - Louise Allen (HH #1137 - May 2013)

THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS PHYLLIDA HURST

Having survived the scandal of her birth with courage and determination, the beautiful Phyllida has reached a precarious balance within the ton. And in just one moment Ashe Herriard, Viscount Clere, blows her world and her carefully made plans to pieces.

Brought up in vibrant Calcutta, Ashe is disdainful of polite London society, but something about Phyllida intrigues him. There's a mystery surrounding her. A promise of secrets and a hint of scandal-more than enough to entice him! 

Very good book.  Phyllida has worked very hard to overcome the stigma of her birth.  To the people of the ton she is her brother's illegitimate sister but mostly accepted because her behavior is above reproach.  They don't know that she has a secret life that she uses to pay the bills for herself and her brother.  She has accepted that she will never marry and has made her own plans for her future.  Ashe's arrival in London opens her eyes to feelings she never thought she'd have, but also reminds her of what cannot be.

I really liked both Phyllida and Ashe.  Both of them have things from their pasts that have shaped who they are now.  Phyllida is strong and independent as she has had to be to keep herself and her brother from starving.  They are now to the point where her brother has matured into his role and is looking for a wife that can help him bring his estates back from disaster.  All  Phyllida has to do is avoid any scandal that would make him look bad.  When she meets Ashe she is attracted to him but knows nothing can come of it.  Besides the drawback of her birth there are other things that make it impossible.  She also doesn't want to give her heart to a man who only has one thing on his mind, but that heart has other ideas.  There is much about Ashe that she really likes but she won't allow her problems to impact him and his family.  She also doesn't want to do anything that will ruin her brother's chances with the woman he has come to love.

Ashe is immediately attracted to Phyllida.  He likes her independence, her intelligence and her sense of family.  He is dismayed to find out she is not suitable for marriage, but is more than willing to make her his mistress if he can just convince her of the merits of the arrangement.  He also knows he needs to marry a woman who can help his mother and sister navigate through society since they are unfamiliar with English ways.  One thing he has decided is that he will protect his heart by not falling in love with anyone.  He had lost the one woman he loved and doesn't want to go through that pain again.  I really liked his protectiveness toward Phyllida and the way that he tried to keep her safe.  He could tell that she had secrets and that made her more appealing.  I loved the way that his experiences in India made him confident enough in himself that he was able to spit in the face of society on some things while using their attitudes for his own purposes on others.

I really liked seeing the way that both Ashe and Phyllida opened themselves up to each other, allowing their past hurts to be healed.  I also liked the way that the things they did were done in order to help their families even as they made things more difficult for themselves.  I loved their interactions and the way that Ashe really appreciated Phyllida's intelligence.  They had some marvelous conversations that really showed how perfect they were for each other.  

And Then She Fell - Stephanie Laurens (Avon - Apr 2013)

Series: Cynster (Book 22)

The only thing more troublesome than a Cynster man ...

... is a Cynster lady who believes love is not her destiny. Famously known in London society as "The Matchbreaker," Henrietta Cynster's uncanny skill lies in preventing ill-fated nuptials -- not in falling victim to Cupid's spell.

But then she disrupts one match too many and feels honor-bound to assist dashing James Glossup in finding a suitable bride for a marriage-of-convenience.

A task infernally complicated by the undeniable, unquenchable attraction that flares between James and Henrietta, who continues to believe she will never fall ...

Very good book.  Henrietta has made a reputation for herself as a "matchbreaker" by helping young women discover if their suitors are courting them honestly.  When she breaks up the potential match of her brother's best friend James, he is furious.  He needs to marry by the end of the month in order to retain his inheritance and keep all the people on his estates employed.  Henrietta offers to help him find a suitable bride in time for his needs.  

Henrietta is twenty-nine years old and has never been in love.  She believes she is one Cynster who is destined not to fall.  She feels guilty when she finds out why James is so desperate to find a wife and offers to help him.  As she works with him to find out who would suit she discovers that she is attracted to him but believes it is only her that feels that way.  She finds it harder and harder to look for someone else to marry him when she wants him for herself.  When she is plagued by several suspicious accidents James is the one who saves her.  I really enjoyed her independent practical look at life.  She is secure in her position as a Cynster but doesn't lord it over people.  She loves James deeply and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

James is furious at Henrietta's interference.  She is his best friend's younger sister and he can't believe she would do that to him.  When he confronts her she offers to help him and he takes her up on it.  As they spend time together at events, trying to find him a suitable spouse, he begins to realize that the only woman he wants is Henrietta.  He just has to figure out how to convince her because she doesn't appear to be thinking the same way.  When she is nearly killed in an "accident" they admit their feelings and make plans to marry.  But to do that they have to find out who is trying to kill Henrietta.

The second half of the book deals mostly with the search for the person who is trying to kill Henrietta.  They bring in the other Cynsters to help, but that doesn't work.  The murderer is part of their world and seems to be very intelligent and devious enough to evade their attempts to find out who he is.  I loved the final confrontation where, once again, the women are the ones to come up with the successful plan because the men are just too heavy-handed.  There was enough tension in that final push to keep me up well past my bedtime in order to finish the book.

The Guy to be Seen With - Fiona Harper (HK #7 - Mar 2013)

Series: Valentine's Day Survival Guide (Book 2)

London's most eligible guy-finally snared?

Who can forget gorgeous adventurer Daniel Bradford? Especially after this commitment-phobe's on-air rejection of his girlfriend's marriage proposal sparked a scandal! But some people love a challenge. With Daniel suddenly back on the market, all of London's single ladies are on the lookout. Yet he's shown no inclination to get caught by anyone...until now.

So just who is special enough to catch his attention? Our sources reveal she's strong-willed blonde bombshell Chloe Michaels, orchid specialist and Daniel's new colleague. And rumor has it that with this tough cookie, London's very own Indiana Jones is in for the-romantic-adventure of a lifetime! 

Very good book. There was a lot of emotion flying around that did much to counteract my feelings about Daniel.  Daniel has had to cope with unwanted fame after he rejected his girlfriend's proposal.  The single women are stalking him and he wants nothing to do with them.  When he meets Chloe there is an immediate attraction between them and he starts to pursue her.  She really doesn't want to get involved with him but he doesn't give up.

I thought Daniel was a jerk through most of the book.  Even though Chloe had told him she didn't want to get involved with him he kept pushing.  There was a lot about her that appealed to him but it all appeared to be superficial - he never really seemed interested in what was beneath the surface.  Even when he finally got her to go out with him he was still only interested in the physical.  His reaction when he found out about her past acquaintanceship with him was harsh and cruel and totally unfair.   I thought he was unreasonably angry for too long.  He eventually told her why he doesn't intend to fall in love ever again and I understood his reasoning, but that was still no excuse for the way he treated her.  I liked the fact that he eventually saw what a jerk he had been and apologized and wanted to be friends again, but I was glad that Chloe didn't cave in.  It took a long while for him to realize just what he had done and accept what an idiot he had been.  I loved seeing him on the receiving end of the embarrassment at the end.  I loved the ending but still feel that Daniel has more changing to do.

I liked Chloe better.  She had been a geeky student with a huge crush on Daniel ten years earlier.  When she made a fool of herself with him he rejected her bluntly, with no kindness at all.  She took that event as a catalyst to change some things about herself and became much more confident as a woman.  When she met Daniel again she discovered that he didn't recognize her and decided to leave the past where it was.  She realized she was still attracted to him but didn't want to risk her heart again and tried t discourage him.  When they got thrown together while trying to counteract some of the negative publicity from his rejection of his former girlfriend they started to develop a friendship that grew to be more on her part.  She was devastated by his accusations when he discovered their previous connection, but had no problem letting him know that he had it wrong and why.  I loved seeing her stand up for herself.  When he finally apologized she accepted it but told him to leave her alone.  I liked the way that Chloe looked at her own actions and realized that the "New Chloe" still hadn't been the real her and made the effort to find her real self.  Their tentative return to friendship while they worked on the exhibit was good.  I completely understood her actions at the ceremony, but also liked what she did after.  I did like the ending.

The Ugly Duchess - Eloisa James (Avon - Sept 2012)

Series: Happily Ever Afters (Book 4)

How can she dare to imagine he loves her . . . when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess?

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion.

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.

Theo would have given it a lifetime . . . until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Society was shocked by their wedding . . . and is scandalized by their separation.

Now James faces the battle of his life, convincing Theo that he loves the duckling who blossomed into the swan.

And Theo will quickly find that, for a man with the soul of a pirate, All's Fair in Love -- and War.

I loved this book. It is written in two parts, with the first being up through the beginning of their marriage and the second after their separation and reuniting.  Theo and James had grown up together as James's father is Theo's guardian.  They were friends first and foremost.  James has always cared for Theo but when he is ordered to marry her by his father, who has embezzled her dowry, he fears that it will destroy their friendship.  Theo doesn't realize that what she feels for him is love until he kisses her for the first time, and then is so happy that they will marry.   Everything goes along great until she finds out why James married her.  At that point she throws him out of the house and tells him she never wants to see him again.  Theo has always had some self esteem problems because she is not pretty.  This gets worse when she is called "The Ugly Duchess" by the tabloids.  James was in love with Theo from the time he was a teenager but didn't expect to do anything about it quite yet.  He was furious with his father who had nearly bankrupted them with his idiotic investments and then his theft of Theo's inheritance.  At only twenty years old, he doesn't have the ability to stand up to his father and goes through with the marriage.  When it all blows up he is devastated, does as Theo asks and leaves England completely.  I loved the way that they were so obviously in love with each other.  James never agreed with the opinion that Theo was ugly, he always saw her as beautiful, though he could not convince her of that fact.  They also made a perfect pair to plan how to make the estate profitable again.  Theo is incredibly intelligent and frightfully organized.  James has trouble concentrating on indoor things like accounts and so on (ADD?), but has an incredible ability to relate to people and see what needs to be done on the land.

The second half of the book deals with their separation and reuniting.  I won't say too much, so I don't give things away.  Theo copes with her heartbreak by becoming even more organized and rather rigid.  I wanted to shake her at times to wake her up.  She has had to grow up rather quickly to deal with the fallout.  James's departure also caused some real maturing on his part.  He has had to learn to control his own temper and also to be able to do things he avoided before.  He finally realizes that he still loves Theo and wants to win her back.  The second half deals with his efforts, some of which are funny and some of which are romantic.  I loved the man he became and how he won his duchess back.  

Some Like to Shock - Carole Mortimer (HH #1120 - Jan 2013)

Series: Daring Duchesses (Book 3)

"SURELY A LADY AS...DARING AS YOU CANNOT BE FEELING NERVOUS AT THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE WITH ME, GENEVIEVE?"

Genevieve Forster, widowed Duchess of Woollerton, knows only too well the need for bravado. After a miserable marriage she's wary, but deep down yearns to pursue temptation....

With his air of danger and elusiveness it's little wonder that Lord Benedict Lucas is known to his close friends and enemies alike simply as Lucifer. Shocking the straitlaced Ton holds no fear for him. And the pleasure will be all his as he skillfully uncovers Genevieve's outrageous side.


Very good book - I read it in one sitting, staying up way too late to finish it.  Finally free of her abusive marriage, Genevieve is ready to have some fun.  But she is still wary on the inside and not quite sure what to make of Benedict's interest in her.  She is definitely attracted to him and decides to go with her instincts and take him up on his offer to assist her.  Benedict initially just wants to use Genevieve as a cover for his agent duties, but soon finds that he is attracted to her.  He also senses that there is more to her than appears and is intrigued.

I really liked both Genevieve and Benedict.  Genevieve had been kept a virtual prisoner by her late husband and his son and was now determined to have the fun she had been denied.   I loved the way she had the ability to survive the incredible abuse she suffered but still had a happy outlook of the world.  Because of her lack of experience she finds herself in a risky situation from which she is rescued by Benedict.  I loved the way that she used his rescue to get him to help her experience some of the things she wanted to do.  I also liked the way that she was able to see past the brooding rake to the man underneath.  I also loved the way she refused to be intimidated by her stepson and continued with her plans.  I also loved her forthright way of talking to Benedict and the way she was able to be honest with him about what she wanted.  I also loved it when she was able to open up and tell him everything about her marriage, it was a real indication of their relationship.

Benedict was fantastic.  Other than a few close friendships he had been very much a loner since the murder of his parents ten years earlier.  One of the things he wants to do is find out who was responsible for their deaths.  He has also been working as an agent for the Crown keeping track of what the French are up to.  While he started out just wanting to use Genevieve as a cover he soon found that he couldn't get her out of his mind.  I loved the way that he kept trying to pull back from her but just couldn't do it.  He also found that the more time he spent with her the happier he was, an emotion he hadn't felt since his parents' deaths.  I really enjoyed seeing the way that she was also able to cure his bad moods just by being herself.  He was also very sensitive to her moods and was able to tell when something was bothering her.  I loved the way that he was there for her when she finally opened up about her past and how he was so gentle with her.  I really liked the protectiveness that came out.

The mystery did not overwhelm the romance but was well done.  The culprit was not who I expected and I loved how he was dealt with.  I loved Genevieve's actions there.  My only problem with the book wasn't with the story but with the cover.  Her hair was described several times as being red, but the cover has dark hair.