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

Review: TIS THE SEASON TO BE SINFUL by Adrienne Basso

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

Nov

104089116 From the back of the book:

The Season For Surprises. . .

Juliet Wentworth knew what she was getting into: a marriage of convenience that will save her estate and protect her family long into the future. But she wasn’t expecting to find the passion of a lifetime in her new husband’s arms. After just one night, Juliet knows a marriage in name only will never be enough. . .

The Season For Seduction. . .

Richard Harper’s beautiful new bride has him reeling with desire–and running for cover. After all, falling in love was never part of the bargain. Yet when Christmastime celebrations bring him back to their country manor and back into Juliet’s arms, Richard finds his wife is determined–and all too able–to win over his heart, one kiss at a time. . .

Even though I loved both of the main characters in this story the book was lacking something. Richard is a complex man with a past that he hasn’t overcome. Juliet is trying to move on after the death of her beloved husband and wants another chance at happily ever after. There isn’t much to the story except for the romance and without subplots or something more the story falls a little flat. I think the romance between Juliet and Richard could have been told better in the form of a novella. There just wasn’t enough to keep my interest for the whole book.

the book girl gives TIS THE SEASON TO BE SINFUL a 2/5

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Review: ONCE UPON A WINTER’S EVE by Tessa Dare

Category: 2/5, Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, puchased book One Comment

Nov

141573901 About the book:

Some wallflowers bloom at night…

A Spindle Cove Novella

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren’t beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet’s feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He’s wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he’s not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable… Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter’s night.

I really enjoyed this novella. It is is short, but doesn’t feel as if the story is missing anything. I really liked the mystery surrounding the stranger and Violet’s reaction to him. There is a lot of action and the story moves at a very quick pace. Ms. Dare’s writing is as superb as always. ONCE UPON A WINTER’S EVE is a perfect story for a cold winter night. (Plus it’s only $0.79!)

the book girl gives ONCE UPON A WINTER’S EVE a 5/5

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Review: SEASON FOR TEMPTATION by Theresa Romain

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

Nov

105101779 About the book:

Two Sisters. . .Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged–to a viscount, no less. Louisa’s only hesitation is living a life under the ton’s critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact. . .

One Choice. . .

As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride. . .until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous–and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch–and a twist of fate–will solve. . .

SEASON FOR TEMPTATION is a delightful read. I loved pretty much everything about this book. The characters are funny and sweet. The story is fun. Julia’s way of saying exactly what’s on her mind when James is around made me smile. I loved the instant attraction they have between them and the way they both do what’s right in regard to James’ betrothal to Julia’s sister. They respect the sister and try not to hurt her. Another thing I loved about SEASON FOR TEMPTATION was the cast of characters. Julia and Louisa’s family keep the story rolling and add many funny moments. The story is very smooth with few ups and downs. There is a misunderstanding at the end of the book, but it isn’t drawn out and overdone like a lot of books. I liked that it was quickly resolved and there wasn’t a lot of angst. I can’t wait to read more from this debut author.

the book girl gives SEASON FOR TEMPTATION a 5/5

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Review: PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY by Brenda Harlen

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book 2 Comments

Oct

118790628 From the back of the book:

WHO SAID FAIRY TALES CAN’T COME TRUE?

It isn’t every day a woman is asked to be live-in nanny to a four-year-old princess. But it’s the little girl’s father who’s got Hannah Castillo dreaming about storybook endings. After admiring him from afar for years, she’s suddenly living under the same roof with seriously sexy Prince Michael Leandres!

As sovereign of a small Mediterranean island and CEO of a major advertising company, Michael doesn’t have time for romance. but Hannah has not only won over his young daughter, she’s sweeping the single father off his feet! With passion sparking between them, the uncommonly attractive teacher is tempting the widowed ruler to make a more permanent arrangement. One that includes a royal wedding with all the trimmings…

PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY is a sweet, quick read. The title is terrible, but the story was great. Michael is still trying to cope with being a single father after the sudden death of his wife immediately following childbirth. He hasn’t really bonded with his highly intelligent child and lets teachers and her nanny do most of the raising. When Hannah becomes the interim nanny for the summer he begins to feel things that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. I loved the way that Hannah changes the relationship between Michael and his daughter. She forces Micheal to man-up and be with his daughter without him realizing that’s what she is doing. The relationship between Michael and Hannah moves at a very slow pace for most of the book, but then picks up once the couple stops denying their attraction to each other. The ending to PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY is super sweet and I read it with tears in my eyes.

the book girl gives PRINCE DADDY & THE NANNY a 4/5

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Review: THE DISGRACED PLAYBOY by Caitlin Crews

Category: 4/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book One Comment

Oct

103626014 About the book:

Lucas… Playboy. Rebel. Rogue.

No one denies Lucas anything. Women fall at his feet and into his bed at the click of his fingers. His life is charmed, reckless and carefree—he is definitely a bad boy.

Grace Carter knows uncontrollable Lucas could ruin her career, and she won’t tolerate his wayward behavior, despite their chemistry. But working with Lucas is thrilling, and after just a small dose of his magic, even Grace’s prim–and–proper shell begins to splinter…

I loved the first book in The Notorious Wolfes series so much that I ordered the rest of the series. It’s kind of a treat when the next book shows up on my kindle. THE DISGRACED PLAYBOY was a great addition to the series. There is so much sexual tension between Lucas and Grace. Their banter/arguing is fantastic. Grace and Lucas both have issues from their past and I really liked the way that they seemed to know what the other needed to hear at just the right time. Grace understood who Lucas really was and wouldn’t let him continue to be less that what he could be. Lucas helped Grace learn to stop hiding who she really was. There is a great emotional connection between the two characters. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

the book girl gives THE DISGRACED PLAYBOY a 5/5

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Review: DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE by Sarah Morgan

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

Oct

1165958401 From the back of the book:

Wanted: willing apprentice to handle indecently arrogant (but incredibly sexy) tycoon

With her family business in crisis, Polly Prince does her best to keep calm and carry on. But hard work alone can’t save her London company from a takeover by the infamously ruthless Damon Doukakis…or her traitorous body from the lethal sensuality of her boss!

As his new apprentice, Polly accompanies Damon to Paris to negotiate the most challenging business deal of her life! Worse still, Polly must at all costs resist Damon in the most dangerously romantic city in the world…

I picked this up after seeing someone (I can’t remember who) say it was great on twitter. Harlequin Presents are hit and miss for me. Sometimes the men are just a little too alpha and arrogant. Damon Doukakis is both alpha and arrogant, but he is also so much more. Polly Prince is just trying to keep her father’s company from going bankrupt and is taken back when Damon buys the company. Damon wants to smoke out Polly’s father and wants nothing to do with the party-girl, Polly. Polly isn’t who Damon thinks she is and it is a treat for the reader when he finds himself apologizing to Polly for underestimating her. I loved that Damon was willing to admit when he was wrong. These two have great chemistry from the very beginning. I enjoyed their romance from beginning to happily ever after.

the book girl gives DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE a 5/5

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Review: THE PRINCESS TEST by Shirley Jump

Category: 5/5, Contemporary Romance, puchased book 4 Comments

Sep

113870791 From the back of the book:

Will the real princess please stand up?

Carlita Santaro has never felt like a “proper” princess, and she’s finally escaped the palace for the small town of Winter Haven.

Daniel is an award-winning journalist, but now, as a single dad, he’s working on a gossip show - better hours but rock-bottom morals. His boss orders Daniel to test suspiciously down-to-earth Calita - is she really royal, or just posing as a princess?

Carlita captivates Daniel, but soon he’ll have to choose: Should he follow the headlines, or his heart?

I so enjoyed this Harlequin Romance. The tone is sweet with some serious moments that balance the sweet perfectly. I really liked both Carrie and Daniel. Their romance is fairly innocent as they are usually chaperoned by Daniel’s daughter, Annabelle. What I liked most about THE PRINCESS TEST was the heart in the story. Daniel is trying to learn to connect with a daughter he doesn’t know well even a year after his wife passed. Carrie is trying to figure out where she belongs and who she truly is. They help each other in ways that they could have never predicted. THE PRINCESS TEST is a sweet and emotional read that I recommend 100%.

the book girl gives THE PRINCESS TEST a 5/5

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Review: VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE by Stephanie Laurens

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

Sep

109516620 From the back of the book:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster…but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge

Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London’s staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.

But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal - and straight into danger, when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.

Now it’s up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she’s been searching for all along…

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! First, the cover is absolutely beautiful. Second, Breckenridge and Heather are fantastic. From the very beginning, when they both believe that they dislike each other, the chemistry between them is off the charts. Heather is such a fun character and no fainting miss. When she is kidnapped, she doesn’t freak out or faint, she tries to find out who wants her and why. Of course, it helps that Breckenridge is with her the whole time keeping his eye on her from a distance. The plot moves at a great pace. There are several funny moments that keep the action light and fun. The “courtship” part of the book is just as great as the kidnapping and “rescue”. Two stubborn people butting heads when all they really want is to be with the other forever. Fantastic!!

I can’t wait to read the next book - IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER - when it comes out next week!!

the book girl gives VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE a 5/5

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Review: NEVER ENOUGH by Lauren Dane

Category: 5/5, Historical Romance, puchased book 4 Comments

Sep

1004159961 From the back of the book:

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES…

Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running from who and what she came from…until Miles came along. The moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn’t want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian’s sister lies dying, she reveals the father’s identity nd makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He’s seen and done it all, with few regrets. It takes a lot to shock him - but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old son rocks his world. And Adrian is een more surprised when the buttoned-up, elegant woman who’s raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention.

The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person life Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she’s afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian’s problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn’t enough, can they find the trust they need?

The fourth book in the Brown series is full of emotion, passion, and romance. I enjoyed NEVER ENOUGH, but didn’t love it like I did the previous books. There was something missing for me. I’m not even really sure what it was, but I know that when I finished the book I wasn’t ready to read it again like I was with LAID BARE and INSIDE OUT. NEVER ENOUGH reminds me more of COMING UNDONE - the story is entertaining, the sex hot, and the romance sweet - but no real action. The climax scene between Adrian and Gillian came out of nowhere and the reactions of everyone were over the top. I also didn’t care for the abrupt ending to the book. I would have liked a sweeter ending with Miles, Adrian, and Gillian than the sex scene the book ended on. I don’t think this book will be a re-read like LAID BARE (which I’ve read at least 10 times).

the book girl gives NEVER ENOUGH a 3/5

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