Archive for the Category &raquo;puchased book &laquo;

Review: Never Marry A Stranger by Gayle Callen

Category: 3/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book 3 Comments

Aug

41568658

About the book:

The prodigal return…

It’s an absolute scandal when Captain Matthew Leland a

rrives at Madingley Court. Presumed dead in battle, his sudden appearance gives the ton quite the shock. But no one is more surprised than Matthew, because waiting for him at home is a bewitching, blue eyes beauty - and she claims to be his wife!

Miss Emily Grey was almone in the world when a knight in shining armor came to her rescue, claimed her heart, and then disappeared. But now her little white lie, a desperate act of self-preservation, has come back to haunt her. Her husband, once a far-off fantasy, is now a flesh-and-blood man who insists she share his bed…

Matthew has no memory of any marriage to this scheming seductress, and he’s determined to expose her in every way. But a life with the exquisite Emily will prove irresistible…and a marriage of deception will becomes a marriage of sweet, sweet surrender.

NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is a very fun historical. The characters are enchanting and the story fantastic. I loved Matthew and Emily. His sense of humor and acceptance of an odd situation made him very lovable. His understanding of Emily and the situation that led to her claiming to be his wife was not very realistic, but fit the tone of the story perfectly. Emily is also delightful. I really liked the way she had made herself a part of Matthew’s family and brought certain members back to happiness. I recommend this for anyone looking for a light, happy historical.NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is simply fantastic!

the book girl gives NEVER MARRY A STRANGER a 5/5

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Review: ON THE STEAMY SIDE by Louisa Edwards

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book One Comment

Aug

55921276 From the back of the book:

She’s never met a man so mouth-watering

When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses…

And he can’t resist her down-home spice

Devon’s not sure he can handle one more surprise ingredient in his life- he left his popular TV show, his culinary reputation is on the line, and now the son he barely knows is back for seconds. Lilah’s Southern sass is supposed to keep the boy in line, but soon enough she’s teaching Devon a thing or two about homespun food…and turning up the heat.

This was a fun read, but not quite the escape I was hoping it would be. As the wife of a restaurateur I get enough of that at home. The one thing that I really loved about the story was how Lilah calmed Devon down. I do know a lot about the chef mentality and it was very realistically written. Lilah was the bright spot in the story for me. I couldn’t help but like Devon as I saw him through her eyes. By himself Devon wouldn’t be likable at all. His son, Tucker, is another bright spot. I loved how much the relationship between Devon and Tucker changes throughout the story. As in the first book in the series the secondary characters are fantastic. I love Frankie and Jess - and wasn’t pleased with the way their portion of the story ended. I will be reading the next book in the series because I have to find out what happens next to secondary characters Frankie and Jess.

the book girl gives ON THE STEAMY SIDE a 4/5

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Review: LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Jennifer Ashley

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Aug

50828257 From the back of the book:

Only one man could match a lady like this - scandal for scandal.

Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by eloping with the notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie on the eve of her debut ball. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again - this time by leaving him.

Now Mac has resurfaced, every bit as charismatic, and with one goal to seduce Isabella back into his life and his bed, even if it means acting like a real gentleman. But when Isabella rises to the challenge of posing nude for Mac’s erotic paintings, her pent-up hunger for the decadent rake is exposed as well, and she finds herself unable to resist the smooth strokes of an artist at work.

But someones been watching them - dangerously close. This ingenious forger with designs on Mac’s paintings also sets his sights on Isabella herself. Deciding to become Isabella’s protector. Mac vows to never leave her side, whether his independent and proud lady likes it or not.

I had been waiting to read LADY ISABELLA since I finished THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. I wasn’t disappointed. It took me a while to get into the story, since I couldn’t remember exactly what had happened between Bella and Mac, but once I was acquainted with the story I was completely drawn into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Mac is such a great character. He has an artist’s mentality and jumps into things before he has thought it through. One of the major problem’s that Isabella has with Mac is something that she loves about him too. I think a lot of married/committed people feel this way. Sometimes the little things that you initially loved about the person turns into something that really bugs. The thing I liked the most about this book is that the couple is still in love. The reader isn’t expected to believe that the overcome intense dislike or hatred. Neither one has done something that can’t be undone. I was fantastically happy with the way this book turned out and can’t wait to read more about those sexy Mackenzie brothers.

the book girl gives LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE a 4/5

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Review: A GROOM OF ONE’S OWN by Maya Rodale

Category: 4/5, Historical Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Jul

56527341 From the back of the book:

MISS HARLOW’S MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE

London, 1823

A handsome duke. His beautiful soon-to-be duchess. A whirlwind courtship. It is this author’s privilege to report on the even all of London is talking about: the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon to the only daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Every detail of the “Wedding of the Year” will be reported in these pages as a London Weekly exclusive.

But I, Miss Sophie Harlow, must confess to a secret infatuation with this “double duke” that can only lead to trouble. It is impossible that this notoriously upstanding gentleman would ever jilt his bride for a scandalous female newspaper writer. And yet…the arrival of a foreign prince, the discovery of a shocking secret, and one passionate kiss could change everything. Will this perfect duke risk the scandal of the year to marry the woman his heart desires?

There are just three more weeks until the wedding…

This was a fantastic historical romance. I finished the book and wanted to start reading it again immediately. Brandon and Sophie fall almost instantly in love, but there are lots of barriers between them - class, expectation, and Brandon’s pesky engagement. I loved the way each of the characters work through the hurdles they face while trying to not hurt the other involved. This book is written with such humor and emotion. I held my breath hoping that Sophie and Brandon could find a way to be together always. I couldn’t put this book down and instantly ordered Ms. Rodale’s backlist from Amazon. This is an author that will be on my to-be-bought list permanently.

the book girl gives A GROOM OF ONE’S OWN a 5/5!

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Review: Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book Leave a Comment

Jul

53018519 From the back of the book:

She harbors a secret yearning.

As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors that in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man - just to avoid spinsterhood?

He is a world-weary cynic.

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul - and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love - and a passion that can’t be denied…

What a perfect ending to the Hathaway series. Beatrix has always been more of a comedic secondary character than the main star. In LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON she came into her own. I loved her correspondence with Christopher and how their relationship evolved during those letters. Christopher broken my heart. Every time he told Beatrix that he wasn’t good for her it I wanted to hug him. He wasn’t trying to be a martyr, he truly believes that the things he has done in his past make him less than she deserves. The evolution of their relationship both before and after he knew it was her who wrote the letters, is lighthearted and emotional at the same time. There were many times while reading this book that I found myself smiling and laughing. There was also a few times I found myself on the verge of tears. I felt very satisfied with the ending to this series.

the book girl gives LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON a 5/5!

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Review: Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book 3 Comments

Jul

56527299 From the book jacket:

Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them,

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die. (Not that you’re going to believe her. No one ever does.)

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets - then makes the mistake of falling in love with - Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It’s a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, Lucien’s already dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future…

If she even has one.

I haven’t read a Meg Cabot book since the last Heather Wells book, but Insatiable sounded to good to pass up. I really enjoyed the story, but Meena was a little annoying at times. She is also a little too pessimistic for my taste - although it does fit the character perfectly. Alaric and Lucien are both quite fun and I never could decide who I wanted Meena to end up with. I was a little sad when the book ended, because we don’t find out if Meena gets her happily ever after or not. I can’t wait for the next book so I can find out what happens to Meena, Alaric, and Lucien.

the book girl gives INSATIABLE a 4/5

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Review: Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh

Category: 4/5, Paranormal Romance, puchased book 3 Comments

Jul

33770959 From the back of the book:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best - but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option - even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other - and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just might for when archangels play, mortals break..

I don’t really read that much paranormal/urban fantasy anymore, but had heard a lot of great things about Nalini Singh’s books. I picked up ANGELS’ BLOOD not really knowing if I would enjoy it or not, but I didn’t just enjoy it - I loved it! The world the book is set in isn’t a happy one, nor one I would ever want to live in, but yet I was drawn to it. The writing completely captivated me. The different take on vampires/angels/and hunters was fresh and just different enough. I will definitely be reading more by this author. If anyone has recommendations, please leave me a comment.

the book girl gives ANGELS’ BLOOD a 5/5

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Review: A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh

Category: 5/5, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, puchased book One Comment

Jul

56057925 From the back of the book:

“The Devil was about to be tamed.” Her name is Hannah Reid. Born a commoner, she has been Duchess of Dunbarton ever since she was nineteen years old, the wife of an elderly duke to whom she has been rumored to be consistently and flagrantly unfaithful. Now the old duke is dead and, more womanly and beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last.

And she knows just what she wants to do with it. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover - an not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable.

Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of ear, so now he denies himself nothing…or so the ton would have it. Rumored to be living the free and easy life of a sensualist in his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for him short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely.

But one these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire - without getting singed. For the duchess and the dark lord each have startling secrets to reveal, and when all is said and done, neither will be able to say which one fell in love first, who tamed whom, and who has emerged from this game of hearts with the stronger hand.

The jacket copy on this book almost made me not want to read the book. Hannah doesn’t sound very nice and I wanted a nice girl for Con. I’m very glad that I went ahead and read the book. Hannah is a nice girl and the perfect girl for Con. After waiting for Con to get his happily ever after I loved this book. I loved how they fall in love and how the other Huxtable family members take part in the story. I hate when you read a series and the characters from the first books aren’t mentioned in the other stories. My favorite part of A SECRET AFFAIR was learning Con’s history and what had really happened between him and his cousin. All in all a fantastic book and the perfect ending to the Huxtable series.

the book girl gives A SECRET AFFAIR a 5/5!

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Review: Ain’t Too Proud To Beg by Susan Donovan

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book 3 Comments

Jul

47726519 From the back of the book:

CAN MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Josie Sheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.

HELP HER FIND MR. RIGHT?

All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring that puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past - and a secret that could put the woman he loves in series danger…

AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG is a fun contemporary romance. I liked both Rick and Josie. I did feel that they both jumped into the relationship too fast for people who had such issues, but enjoyed the story enough that it didn’t bother me too much. Rick was an interesting character - celibate because of an accident in his past, he is completely focused on his business until he meets Josie. He almost immediately tumbles head over heels and it was fantastic to read. Josie’s friends and fellow dog lovers are so much fun! They work to find out everything about Rick to protect Josie from another doomed relationship. AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG is a fun, summer read with excellent characters and fantastic dialogue.

the book girl gives AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG a 4/5

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