Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Duke with Benefits - book birthday today!

 (from the publisher) "Bestselling author Manda Collins returns with the second novel in her Studies in Scandal series, DUKE WITH BENEFITS (St. Martin’s Paperbacks; June 27, 2017; $7.99; 978-1-250-10988-0). This time around she brings us the story of fan-favorite Lady Daphne Forsyth and the charming duke she’s set her eyes on, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland.

Collins weaves together the mystery of a hidden cipher, lost treasure, and a lusty love affair with wit and humor. LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE? Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher—an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches—Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on . . . and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest . . . and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?"

Review coming soon!  I'm almost done with it and I'm really liking it :)

Monday, June 5, 2017

At His Mercy by Shelly Bell book review

Definitely romantic suspense in the erotic category.  *fans self* This was the first book I have read by Shelly Bell, so I was looking forward to discovering a new author.  The author delivers with a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, when you are not fanning yourself during their explicit scenes ;)

I love Isabella and Tristan as a couple.  He is a bit older than Isabella, but nothing unusual in the romance category.  It took a bit of a turn when it turned more into a student/professor relationship (no spoiler since it's in the book description), but it was tastefully done.  They were keeping it a secret, but readers will know they met each other at a play party before the university thing happens.

Isabella thought she was going to die by the hands of her boyfriend and after physical recovery, therapy and a new outlook on life, she is ready to start over as a university student.  If you live in Michigan, you will appreciate the Michigan references.  That may have influenced how much I loved the story, but then the characters were really complex and the story was full of unexpected twists and turns.  The story may set you on the path to emotional overload, but the expected HEA will keep you reading.  The author does not disappoint and I think I may have found someone new to fan girl over.

Tristan is hot, smart, rich and a Dom.  He is getting over a failed marriage and has a few hurdles to overcome.  He is working hard to get his business off the ground with his partner and friend, Ryder.  The semester he is spending as a professor is a bit of a reset button for him as well.  If you are on the hunt for some well written, explicit, romantic and suspenseful stories, this book is for you.

Scot on the Run by Janice Maynard review

ummmm....hello??? Kilted Scots? Yes, please!

 How have I not discovered this series before the 4th book? I'm so glad I found this one on NetGalley because I am in love with the author and her stories. Now, I just need the first 3 😇

 While this is a part of the Kilted Heroes series, it can be read as a stand alone and be thoroughly enjoyable *blush*. Bella is a bit of an academic nerd, which totally hooked and made her very likable. She travels to Scotland to house sit for her brother, Finley, while he is on his honeymoon. Bella has plans to see the sights, do some work and possible find inspiration for her dissertation. She is settling in nicely in her brothers house, in the nice, calm quiet town of Portree; when his friend shows up demanding to be let in. Ian Larrimore is one of Britain's most eligible bachelor and he is on the run from the paparazzi and women. Bella lets him in because he is her brother's friend, but she is not impressed by his celebrity status. As we get to know Ian a bit more, we find that he is also a geeky academic, who has found fame and fortune because of his inventions. No wonder all the women want him. While he may be totally hot, he is still a bit socially awkward.

 Readers will enjoy the smart, witty, funny dialogue between Bella and Ian as both struggle to get the upper hand in their developing relationship. Neither one of them were looking for a relationship, but the magic of Scotland must have worked ;) Because Ian has become so famous because of all the good work he is doing, the Queen wants to honor him. He asks Bella to come with him to fend of the paparazzi. The chemistry definitely sizzles as they travel to Edinburgh and get all fancy for meeting the queen.

This will make for a great summer read. I love that this contemporary romance portrays both characters as intellectuals. They are also both well off, so they start off on equal footing which is not necessarily a given for female characters. The scenery sounds beautiful and will want to make you pack your bags for Scotland. A quick, funny, enjoyable read.

Pleasures of Passion by Sabrina Jeffries

This is the 4th book in the Sinful Suitors series. While I personally enjoy reading the books in order, this can be a stand alone book. I think the Pleasures of Passion was a good title choice. It really bring attention to the cover, which is quite sexy. Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave, has to flee England because of an unexpected duel, he is hopeful that his love interest, Brilliana Trevor, will go with him. Brilliana has family obligations she must uphold, so really, her decision is made for her. The reader will get a glimpse as to where the misunderstandings occur between this couple and then we flash forward to the present (in the novel) as the couple gets a second chance at romance. Both Niall and Brilliana have gone through some personal struggles that they believe changed the essence of who they once were. They seem to both be filled with some regrets, but as non-communication goes between men and women, it is not resolved until towards the end of the story.

I think the characters are well developed. Niall’s description turned him into my perfect book boyfriend for the weekend. The dialogue was witty, there was humor woven throughout some scenes and we have a bit of a mystery. The reader will be wondering about who the real counterfeiter is. I love the idea of Niall being a spy, even though it can be a common occurrence in historical romances. I think what makes Niall unique is that he is a reluctant spy, who lost the love of his life for duty to his family. That makes him noble and quite swoon worthy. I think that Brilliana being forced to wed, is historically accurate and makes me think about how lucky we are to live in this age of equality! She is a strong female character, forced to deal with the circumstances that life has thrown at her. 

Readers will be able to empathize with the love that Brilliana has for her son and makes a nice secondary story within the book. This is a fun, sexy story with a little bit of mystery and intrigue. The sexual tension is palpable and you will want to grab a glass of wine when they finally surrender to their desires. Then you will probably re-read the sex scenes. If you are looking for a happily ever after, this book delivers.