REVIEW: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices, #3

Publication Date: March 19th 2013

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Hardcover, Collector's First Edition, 568 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

Clockwork Princess was one of my most anticipated releases of 2013 and not just for one reason... The previous book in the Infernal Devices series, Clockwork Prince, absolutely left me speechless, so naturally I couldn't wait to read how the story would finally wrap up. And what an ending did Clockwork Princess provide!

But let's take things from the beginning. To every reader that has read even a single book by Cassandra Clare, it's no news that this author knows how to grasp your attention and make you travel in fantastic worlds. And here, after having read and the final book in this prequel to the Mortal Instruments series, I just have to say that Infernal Devices is so much better than the MI and so much more mature. At least it felt that way and in any case I found myself enjoying Infernal Devices much more. And the thing I have enjoyed the most is the way the love triangle was written. Shocking, I know! I usually absolutely hate love triangles. But in Infernal Devices it was one of the best triangles I have ever read in a long time, maybe ever. In this story the triangle was there, centre to everything that happened throughout the whole story but at the same time it wasn't the sole focus of the story. It felt just natural, something that was absolutely essential for the narration and not just a trend.
And now that things have finally ended and I got my answer with whom Tessa finally ended up with and especially after that epilogue I can only say one thing: every reader will feel satisfied with how things wrapped up, at least in the romantic department. But I, felt that it was just too good to be true. That last 15 pages or so were so fitting to the story but they made me feel that I was reading a fairy tale with an ending that was too good for everyone. Yeah, one could say that I'm a bit torn towards that ending....

You see on a deeper level, I wanted for Clare to end her story the way she did. It was the best way for such a triangle to be solved. But still, no matter how fitting, no matter how I wanted it to end that way, I still felt that it was a bit unrealistic. As unrealistic after a moment felt for me the reactions of Tessa, Will and Jem. Who on earth is so civilised when such truths emerge? But that's a matter of preference. Because whether I liked the ending or not, it was written in such a way that I couldn't possibly not love it.

As far as the story is concerned, Clockwork Princess is the most action packed of all three novels in this series and that was to be expected. I loved every twist and turn of the plot and I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. The best part for me? The genealogical tree at the end of the book. Silly I know to love such a detail from a great book but I can't help myself!I love those kind of details and I only wished that there were more characters' lineage there :)

All in all, Clockwork Princess was one of the best books I read by Cassandra Clare and even if I didn't agree 100% with the ending, I couldn't see how things could end otherwise. Any other ending would be a compromise to an outstanding series. All I can say now is that I can't wait for the new series Clare has in store and takes place after the MI.Something tells me that that series will be the best one yet!

REVIEW: To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn

To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn

Series: Agents of the Crown, #1

Publication Date:September 4th 2008 (first published July 1st 1998)

Publisher:Piatkus

Paperback, 384 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

When Caroline Trent is kidnapped by Blake Ravenscroft, she doesn't even try to elude this dangerously handsome agent of the crown. After all, she's been running from unwanted marriage proposals. Yes, Blake believes she's a notorious spy named Carlotta De Leon, but for six weeks until her twenty-first birthday, when she'll gain control of her fortune, hiding out in the titillating company of a mysterious captor is awfully convenient - and maybe just a little romantic, too.

Blake Ravenscroft's mission is to bring 'Carlotta' to justice, not to fall in love. His heart has been hardened by years of intrigue, but this little temptress proves oddly disarming and thoroughly kissable. And suddenly the unthinkable becomes possible - and this mismatched couple might be destined for love.

Review first published at Book Lovers Inc

I hadn't realised how much I had missed Julia Quinn's writing style until I picked up one of her novels! I mean she's among those authors that just can't fail me with their work and her stories are always a delight to read. So, it isn't really a big surprise that I absolutely loved To Catch an Heiress!

Most good authors have a distinctive quality, that certain something in their "voice" that makes the reader tell apart their writing style from that of any other. And in Julia Quinn's case, that certain quality is her humor. I mean her stories are so lighthearted and funny that are a pure delight to read! Her stories are not overly sensual, there's definitely some sex there, but it's not the main focus of the story. Her writing style is more playful and the romance is focused more on the constant bickering between the couple rather than their scorching hot encounters. And I had so missed that!

To Catch an Heiress is as good as one might expect from Quinn and then some! I loved Caroline and Blake's story, I loved their constant fights, Caroline's carefree personality and her ability to see good in every bad thing that happened to her in her life and Blake's wounded heart. To put it simply, I just loved everything about this book!

I really can't say anything about the character development or the quality of the writing style. They are impeccable, as one might expect from an author like Julia Quinn. She has a way around words and add to that her incredible humorous tone and you've got in your hands one hell of a story!

Honestly, I can't make that review long, even if I wanted. All I have to say about To Catch an Heiress is that every lover of Historical Romance should definitely give this title a chance. It's so fast-paced and funny and sweet that you won't even realise when you'll reach the final page!

REVIEW: What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries

Series: The Duke's Men, #1

Publication Date: June 18th 2013

Publisher: Pocket Books

Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, long ago buried his grief for his missing elder brother, Peter, who was presumed dead after being kidnapped. When a mysterious note arrives from Tristan Bonnaud asserting that the Duke's brother is alive, it leads Max straight to the winsome Lisette Bonnaud, illegitimate daughter of a viscount and Tristan's sister. Soon he and Lisette are traveling to Paris posing as husband and wife, in search of Tristan, who has disappeared. And the longer he spends with Lisette, the easier it is for Max to see that the line between dukedom and desire is easier to cross than heimagined . . .

The premise of What the Duke Desires sounds more than intriguing and upon reading it I kind of believed that this book was right up my alley. Add to that the fact that I've heard nothing but praise about Sabrina Jeffries's work and I was more than excited about reading. Now that I finally read it, although I did enjoy this book in overall, I can't say that I was very impressed with it either. There were some parts in this book that really worked for me and some others that just fell flat I'm afraid...

Let's start with the good things about What the Duke Desires. And one among them is Sabrina Jeffries's writing style. Having finally read one of her books I totally understand why people praise her work. The pace of the story was great, I literally devoured it and finished it in no time, while her descriptions of Lisette's and Max's travels were beyond fascinating and probably my favorite part of the book.

But, even with the decent writing style and the vivid descriptions, What the Duke Desires was just an ok read. And that happened mainly for two reasons. The first one was the fact that the romance between the leading couple felt completely flat for me. There was no connection between them, no chemistry, no spark. I read about their feelings, I wanted them to get their HEA but I wasn't dying to see them reaching it. Even if the characters were well presented and had a background (I've noticed that underdeveloped characters usually make me not care about what happens to them) still, I couldn't feel their emotions. There were moments I felt that those two were together only because the author wanted them to.

The other reason I didn't enjoy What the Duke Desires as much as I expected was the fact that the mystery part of the story was not that mysterious after all.... I mean the reason Lisette and Max started this incredible journey was to get some answers and to solve a mystery but the real focus of this story was how their romance would evolve and not how they would solve the mystery at hand. And maybe that was the author's intention all along but I found myself wanting something more in that department, especially if you think how the romantic part didn't really convince me as well...

Other than that, there were some very interesting secondary characters introduced and even if they were completely underdeveloped I still want to learn more about them and that's a good thing because What the Duke Desires is the first book in a new HR series and all those interesting secondary characters will soon get their chance to tell us their story!

All in all What the Duke Desires was not exactly what I expected it to be but it was still a fun read and Sabrina Jeffries is definitely an author whose work I want to read again. I just hope that the romance in any future books in this series will be better presented or closer to what I usually enjoy.

* Review first published at Book Lovers Inc
*ARC copy provided via Edelweiss for review purposes

The Secret of Mia Danvers Blog Tour: Interview with Robyn DeHart and Giveaway!

Today I'm very happy to welcome back to Books to Brighten your Mood author Robyn DeHart in celebration of her newest release with Penguin, The Secret of Mia Danvers, the first book in the author's newest Historical Romance series. The Secret of Mia Danvers is a book full of mystery and of course, romance! So let's welcome Robyn and don't forget to check at the end of the post for the contest details. 

- Hello Robyn and welcome to Books to Brighten your Mood. Could you please tell us a bit more about your newest release, The Secrets of Mia Danvers?

Thanks so much for having me! Here’s the blurb I used in my synopsis:

In the fall of 1888 a murderer terrorized the Whitechapel area in London, horribly mutilating prostitutes and leaving their blood-drenched bodies out to be found, taunting the police and paralyzing the poverty-stricken people with fear. In taunting letters to the police and the newspapers, he called himself Jack the Ripper. Then as quickly as he appeared, he vanished from the news, his reign of terror apparently at an end. Six months later another girl's body was found, but this time in prestigious Mayfair, and this time there was a witness.

- Your heroine Mia has lost her sight at a really young age. Where there any challenges you encountered while writing this novel because of that fact?

Oh yes, so many challenges. I don’t think I ever realized how much of a visual writer I am. But writing in Mia’s point of view I was forced to “see” the scenes through her other senses. It was a fascinating journey, but quite difficult too. It was also very important to me that Mia not be bitter or feel the victim, I wanted her to be a strong woman who had made her way in the world in spite of or perhaps because of her “disability.”

- What is that certain quality that made Alex fall in love with Mia?

I think it was definitely her resourcefulness and the fact that she doesn’t question her ability to do things.

- Could you please give us a short physical description of your two main characters, Mia and Alex?
 
I can do better than that! I can share the pictures I used as my inspiration. It’s very important to me that before I start writing a book I find what I call the character’s “essence” in a picture, it’s not the actor/actress, but the specific image that really speaks to me. So here are Mia and Alex.

- What are your future plans? What should we expect from you after The

Secrets of Mia Danvers?

Well, the Dangerous Liaisons series is planned as a trilogy, but the third book hasn’t yet been contracted so for now you can expect the sequel to Mia Danvers in November, The Temptations of Anna Jacobs.

Before that, in August, you’ll see the 3rd book in my Forbidden Love trilogy, A Little Bit Scandalous, it follows A Little Bit Wicked and A Little Bit Sinful. And I have even more books contracted for 2014!

- Is there any author who influenced your work?

Of course! I was a reader first and I think my work has been influenced most by Amanda Quick. It wasn’t intentional, but I don’t seem to be able to write an historical romance without subplots, so I’ll stick with the suspense and adventure and hope readers will go along with me.

- When not reading or writing how do you like spending your free time?

Well, I’m a mom to two little girls (currently 2 & 4) and they keep me very busy. So in the midst of potty training and dealing with tantrums, I write to get my pages done. Then every once in a blue moon, I find some reading time.  I also love to hang out with my husband, we do most of our together time in front of the TV these days, but there are worst ways to spend time than snuggling on the couch watching Person of Interest.

- What’s your guilty pleasure?

Well, speaking of watching TV with my hubby, we are totally hooked on Pretty Little Liars. It’s inexplicable, really because the show is full of unlikeable characters and convoluted plot twists, yet we can’t seem to look away.

- What is your favorite genre to read and could you please share with us some of your favorite novels?

My first love will always be historical romance and I’ll read anything that Suzanne Enoch, Teresa Medeiros and Amanda Quick write, they’re my go-to authors when I want to sink into a great historical. But I read a lot of romantic suspense; I like gritty police procedurals like the JD Robb books and Allison Brennan’s first several trilogies. I also like some urban fantasy, Jim Butcher and Kalayna Price. And I think I might need a 12-step program for Kristan Higgins’ books…

- Which place in the world are you dying to visit?

Oh man, I’d be happy at the Embassy Suites in my hometown at the moment. Mommy could use a break! But I don’t guess that’s what you’re asking. I love the beach more than any place else on earth, it’s the place that centers me the most, the waves, the sand…. That being said I’ve only been to England once and it was before I started writing seriously and I would so love to go back now that I know what I write. It would be a totally different experience.

- Thank you Robyn for stopping by today!

Thanks again for having me!

About Robyn:

A life-long love of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her writing to be "comical and sexy" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader's Crown nominee. Robyn lives in Texas with her brainy husband, two precocious little girls and two spoiled cats. You can find Robyn on-line at her website or at one of her group blogs, the Jaunty Quills or Peanut Butter on the Keyboard.

Visit Robyn

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

About the Book

Title: The Secret of Mia Danvers
Author: Robyn DeHart
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June 18th 2013
Publisher: Intermix
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

A lone witness finds her protector…

Since losing her sight in a childhood accident, Mia Danvers has resided in a small cottage on the vast Carrington estate. Thought to be dead, Mia lives a life of virtual seclusion—until one night, while walking home, she happens upon a horrendous crime.

Alex Foster, Eighth Duke of Carrington, lives according to society’s expectations for him. He’s never met the woman who lives in the cottage at the edge of his property. But when she arrives at his door in the pouring rain terrified and claiming she has witnessed a murder, she seizes his attention.

Mia is determined to help the authorities track down the culprit, even though the only person willing to accept her aid is the handsome, arrogant duke. Working closely together proves difficult as Mia’s beauty and independence tempts Alex to ignore convention and follow his desire. But what neither of them know is that this murderer has struck before in Whitechapel, taunting the British press only to vanish—a ruthless killer who knows that Mia is the only living witness to his crime…

~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robyn DeHart will be giving away winner's choice of the following: Amazon Paperwhite, Nook Glow or a $120 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce by Jillian Stone

A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce by Jillian Stone

Series:The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard, #2.5

Publication Date:November 6th 2012

Publisher:Pocket Star

ebook, 100 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

A force of attraction...too tempting to resist.

As readers of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series already know, Archibald “Archie” Bruce heads up the crime laboratory for Special Branch. Undervalued and overworked, the brilliant young man has no time for a social life—that is, until the heroine's father, a noted chemist in his own right, offers Archie a deal. He will modify a secret latex compound that will transfer fingerprints from the crime scene to the lab. In exchange, Archie must agree to tutor his charming but exasperating daughter, Miss Fiona A. Rose, for the major pharmacy exam.

But as Archie and Fiona attempt to study for the major, they can't help but get involved in a bit of sleuthing. Was the fire in the opium den accidental or deliberately set? Who was behind the lab explosion? Not to mention the strange and haunting memory of a masquerade ball and a very seductive kiss...

Amidst the pop quizzes and danger, Fiona and Archie ultimately find the force of attraction too tempting to resist.

A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce is part of the very successful Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, written by Jillian Stone. And if you read my reviews of the previous two books in this series, then you know that I'm in love with both Jillian Stone's writing style and her stories. So, it comes as no big surprise, that A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce, didn't fail to impress me!

I'm usually not a big fan of novellas, because in most cases, the story and the plot are pretty basic, and the character development is non existent. Not that I haven't been impressed or really liked novellas, but in most cases, they fail me. So, I'm more than happy to admit that even with a novella, Jillian Stone manages to retain the same quality in her writing, that makes her stories truly stand out!

A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce may be smaller than her full novels, but it's just as good as the previous two books in the series!

This story is about Inspector Bruce and Fiona, who fall in love during some seriously hot chemistry lessons and amidst a very dangerous setting! What's there not to love!

Inspector Bruce is as hot and smart and courageous as the rest of the Scotland Yard gentlemen, while Fiona is as independent as the previous two ladies we got to know in the previous books. One might believe that meeting characters that share the same qualities in each book in this series might be a little bit boring, but let me warn you here, that even though all the characters share some qualities, they are not alike, not by a long shot. You have enough reason to remember each and everyone of them for very different reasons :)

The story is again action packed, even if the resolution comes quicker due to the length of the story and probably for that very same reason, it was way to easy for me to guess the traitor. But even so, A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce was a highly enjoyable read!

All in all, Jillian Stone manages to make me love her work more book by book! And with all those tempting glances at Agent Gunn, I just can't wait to read his story!

*This ARC was provided for a review from Edelweiss

REVIEW: A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis by Jillian Stone

A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis by Jillian Stone

Series:The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard, #2

Publication Date: August 28th 2012

Publisher:Pocket

Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

The fates had been perversely mischievous of late—case in point, Raphael Lewis. . .

When Fanny Greyville-Nugent’s father suffers a gruesome death in the clutches of his own machine, mourning his loss is not the beautiful heiress’s only heartbreak. Scotland Yard is convinced he was targeted in a plot to halt the rise of industry, and Fanny’s former fiancé, dashing and dubious detective Raphael “Rafe” Lewis, has been assigned to the case.

For the estranged ex-lovers, bringing the notorious assassins to justice proves as tumultuous as quelling pent-up desires. Fighting peril and passion at every turn of a dangerous journey from Edinburgh to London, they are pursued by an anarchist group hell-bent on destroying her father’s mysterious entry into the London Industrial Exposition.

When an astonishing discovery about the couple’s failed engagement surfaces, the sleuthing duo realize they can trust no one. Rafe confesses new details about his infidelity and Fanny risks all to avenge her father’s murder. But will Rafe and Fanny triumph over the pain of their past?

I'm in love with Jillian Stone's writing style! Simple as that! A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis might be only the second book I read written by this author, but let me tell you, I'm pretty certain that she can't disappoint me, no matter what. There's just something unbelievably fresh in this author's style of writing that I simply can't get enough!

The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard is currently among my favorite historical romance and romantic suspense series for a number of reasons! Excellent writing style, a plot that makes it impossible to put those books down and heroes that you simply wish that they were real! In this second book in this series, we follow the adventures of Raphael and Fanny, who get reacquainted under the most difficult and dangerous situations and fall back in love, or to phrase it more correctly, manage to speak of their emotions to each other, because they never fell out of love!

Among the things that I love most in Jillian Stone's stories is the way she portrays her heroines. They are strong and independent in a time period that wanted women to stay in the shadows. I love how both Fanny, as well as Cassie in An Affair with Mister Kennedy, are women who speak their mind and don't just stay behind a strong male. Because let's face it, Stone knows how to write her heroes as alpha as one could hope! So, in the character department, no complains whatsoever from me!

Well, to be honest, I have no complains about anything in A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis! The plot is fast paced and action packed, with Fanny and Raphael being chased constantly, throughout the whole book, until the very end. The bad guys are also good and their cause believable whereas the writing style like I said at the beginning is just perfect! At least for me and my taste! From the moment I picked this book up, I just couldn't put it down!

All in all, Jillian Stone is among the most promising authors whose work I met last year and her stories simply addictive! If you love your Historical Romances from a fresh point of view and full of action, then just pick this series. You won't be disappointed!

EARLY REVIEW: Sins of a Ruthless Rogue by Anna Randol

Sins of a Ruthless Rogue by Anna Randol

Publication Date:March 26th 2013

Publisher:Avon

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Revenge never tasted so sweet…

When Clayton Campbell shows up on her doorstep, Olivia Swift is stunned. For long ago, Clayton was the boy who stole her heart. He’s also the man her betrayal had sent to the gallows. A man she believed dead, now standing before her, looking leaner, harder, more powerful than ever, his haunted eyes filled with a lust she had never seen—for vengeance…

Or burned so hot…

He’s a Crown spy who once faced death and escaped unscathed. Yet Clayton Campbell cannot deny that the sight of Olivia rouses in him something more than a thirst for revenge. Or that the bold beauty would lure him once more into a dangerous game. Only this time, Clayton plans to be the victor—with the tempting Olivia in his bed as his prize. But once passion ignites between them, the hard-hearted agent will face his greatest battle yet—for his heart…

Sins of a Ruthless Rogue was an amazing read! I loved it so much that I couldn't possibly put it down as soon as I started reading it. Anna Randol delivered with her story exactly what the summary promised the reader and then some more. I just fell in love with it and now I'm dying to get my hands on the first book of this series.

Sins of a Ruthless Rogue is book 2 in the Sinners Trio series and I have to admit that I was a bit afraid in the beginning that I would have some problems with the story since I haven't read book one. But, Anna Randol did an amazing job introducing her world and characters to her readers so there wasn't a single moment that I felt lost anywhere in the story.

Sinners Trio is a series about three crown spies and their respective love interests and if you know me, then you know how much I love agents or spies. The whole story of this book is reason enough for me to want to read it. Add to that an incredible and unusual setting, well developed characters and an even paced plot and you understand why I loved it!

The things I loved the most about Sins of a Ruthless Rogue was the fact that it was mostly set in Russia and the chemistry between Olivia and Clayton. I really enjoyed how Randol took her story outside of the confines of the English society and transferred it to an ice covered Russia. The descriptions were vivid and detailed and the whole point of view unbelievably fresh.

On the other hand, the chemistry between the main couple was scorching hot! There weren't many sex scenes in there but still this book was both sexy and sensual. Even if Randol hadn't written even one sex scene, her story would still be incredibly sexy. And here is the difference between an author who can stir emotions to her readers through her intricate writing and her focus on her characters' sentiments and an author who just tries to coax them out by blatant descriptions or by writing unnecessary sex scenes. It's the quality that matters and not the quantity and Randol seems to understand that perfectly.

Apart from that, the story is action packed, with just the right pace between the action and romantic scenes and just the right dose of everything. The character development is good and we get to know not only the main but the secondary characters as well. Maybe the fact that there are recurring characters between the books in this series helps Randol, but still, her work in the character department is really good. There's background not only for her main but her secondary characters as well, and everyone has a place in this story, and isn't just standing there ready to be used whenever the story demands it.

All in all, Sins of a Ruthless Rogue was a really pleasant surprise for me, a book I literally devoured and I just want more from this author. Totally recommend it.

* This title was provided for review via Edelweiss.

REVIEW: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Publication Date:April 23rd 2012

Publisher:Carina Press

E-book, 58 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Dorset, 1858

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified—but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

Improper Relations by Juliana Ross is so small a story that I actually read it in a couple of hours. Yeap, it's really short. Short and really hot that is. Because what this story lacks in plot and character development makes up for level of hotness.

But let's take things from the beginning, shall we? I picked up this book, because many of my trusted GR reviewers have really liked it. So even if I really try to stay away from really short stories, I gave this one a chance. And maybe because I knew from the beginning that I shouldn't be expecting much in the character development and plot department, I ended up liking Improper Relations way more than I probably should. Because this story is focused only in the sex scenes and little more else. And those sex scenes are definitely well written. Now all the rest, that make a good story stand out among the others are barely there. Like a plot. There's no plot. Only a basic one. Inexperienced woman takes sex lessons from experienced man, she falls for him and they live happily ever after. Can't be more basic than that right?

The character development is also as good as absent. And how could it not when Improper Relations is so short. There's simply no room to develop any characters in so small a story. So, like I said, all there is to this book is the sex scenes. Which are well written and hot but once more, I found myself just reading them not caring for the heroes' feelings. I just couldn't feel them or connect with them, because honestly, I didn't have time to get to care for them. So, even if the sex scenes are written in a hot way, still, I couldn't connect to them and fully appreciate them.

Bottom line, pick Improper Relations fully aware that there's not much else in this story apart from some really good sex scenes and a nice setting. If you want a more elaborate story, search somewhere else. This one, will leave you unsatisfied.

EARLY REVIEW: A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

Publication Date:February 26th 2013

Publisher:Ballantine Books

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

In Ashlyn Macnamara’s stunning romance debut—perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries—two childhood friends in Regency England discover love with the most unlikely of partners: each other.

After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams.

Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…

…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.

A Most Scandalous Proposal is one of those books that makes it incredibly difficult for me both to review but especially to rate it. It's one of those books with which I had quite a few problems but for some reason I kept reading until the end. And not only that, but despite its many flaws, I still enjoyed it more than I did other, technically better books.

First of all I have to note that Ashlyn Macnamara is a rather promising author. Surely, her writing is far from flawless but still it's full of potential and you get glimpses there that she can definitely do better than that. I mean let's face it, A Most Scandalous Proposal's biggest problem for me is the fact that it was too ambitious. Macnamara didn't want to tell the story of just one couple in this book but she ventured to tell us additionally the story of yet another couple along with the main one the summary promises. Much like in Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (a book this one shares a few similarities with, if not in the actual plot then in its spirit), Ashlyn Macnamara tells simultaneously the story of two sisters and their respective love interests. But Macnamara is no Austen. It's not an easy task to tell equally good and develop so well 4 main characters instead of two. It's not something one can't do, but it's difficult nonetheless. It's a whole other thing to have some well developed secondary characters, and a whole other to try and explore the secondary characters at the same depth as your main ones. And that is where Ashlyn Macnamara failed for me. There wasn't a balance between her two stories. And not that there wasn't a balance, but the story of Julia's sister managed to be more interesting instead of Julia's. You see where is the problem?

Soon after I started reading this book, I found myself more interested in Sophia's story (Julia's sister) and I couldn't care less about Julia herself. Especially at the first part of the book, I felt that the focus of the story was on Sophia rather than on Julia. Julia's character even though was better written in the beginning of the book, and Sophia was portrayed as a naive girl, by the end, all that had changed. Sophia really grew throughout the whole story and became more mature, whereas Julia herself was "colorless". The reason why she didn't want a marriage of love, was of minimum importance, to put it mildly. It wasn't believable or realistic. It almost felt that Macnamara wanted her character to have a reluctance towards love, but didn't know how to handle it, so she just put there the first reason that came to her mind.

Revelstoke on the other hand was again, a "colorless" character. A character without personality sort to speak. Whereas Highgate, Sophia's love interest, was a far more interesting character and maybe, the best thing about this book. He was intriguing and just perfect. And you can see clearly here, why I had some major problems with this book. The lines between main and secondary characters weren't just blurred. There were no lines, no balance. And the feeling I kept having that I was reading a retelling (or rather a story inspired) of Sense and Sensibility didn't help matters either.

All in all, A Most Scandalous Proposal is a promising debut, even if flawed. There's definitely potential there and even if I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I expected, still, I really want to see more of Ashlyn Macnamara's work in the future.

*This ARC was provided for review from the publisher

REVIEW: An Infamous Marriage by Susanna Fraser

An Infamous Marriage by Susanna Fraser

Publication Date:November 5th 2012

Publisher:Carina Press

E-Book

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Northumberland, 1815

At long last, Britain is at peace, and General Jack Armstrong is coming home to the wife he barely knows. Wed for mutual convenience, their union unconsummated, the couple has exchanged only cold, dutiful letters. With no more wars to fight, Jack is ready to attempt a peace treaty of his own.

Elizabeth Armstrong is on the warpath. She never expected fidelity from the husband she knew for only a week, but his scandalous exploits have made her the object of pity for years. Now that he's back, she has no intention of sharing her bed with him—or providing him with an heir—unless he can earn her forgiveness. No matter what feelings he ignites within her…

Jack is not expecting a spirited, confident woman in place of the meek girl he left behind. As his desire intensifies, he wants much more than a marriage in name only. But winning his wife's love may be the greatest battle he's faced yet.

This review was first published in Book Lovers Inc

An Infamous Marriage is a decent historical romance, one that was incredible in the beginning only to be dragged down by a really slow second half.

Like I said, when I started reading An Infamous Marriage, and throughout the first half of the book, I was quite certain that I had a winner in my hands. I mean, up to the point that Jack gets back home to a wife he doesn't want I was in love with this story. I liked the setting, the characters, everything about this book screamed amazing. Well, you know me, I'm a sucker for the marriage of convenience or forced marriage trope and especially if the sparks are flying between the main couple. And as long as Jack and Elizabeth were away from each other you could feel the promise of sparks in the air between them. All the potential was there and Susanna Fraser did an excellent job in building the anticipation of the two of them getting back together. Only when the time of the reunion actually came, the sparks went away, so far away, that you couldn't even see their promise in the air I'm afraid....

You see, when you spent the whole first half of the book hearing Jack being utterly frustrated that he had to go home to a wife he never wanted, that he actually preferred to stay at risk in the battlefield rather than get back to a normal life by her side while at the same time you see a so determined to keep him away and punish him Elizabeth, well, it's only natural that you expect them to bicker a lot, to fight each other and their growing feelings, if for no other reason than their wounded pride (well that applies mostly to Elizabeth).

What we actually get, is a Jack, who as soon as he lays eyes on his wife falls in love with her and an Elizabeth who can't resist him for long. So, you get why I was a little bit disappointed with their reunion... And although I could maybe understand Elizabeth, I just couldn't see exactly why and how Jack was so determined to get her affections other than the fact that Elizabeth was a lot prettier than he remembered her.

Anyway, apart from the lack of sparks between the main couple, the writing style was good enough, the book well researched and in overall An Infamous Marriage was a decent book, that it could easily have been a lot better in my opinion. After all, the potential was all there.

  
*This title was provided for review via NetGalley

Blog Tour: Guest Post with Catherine Hemmerling + Giveaway!

Today I'm really happy to be the next stop in Taming the Forbidden Earl Blog Tour! Taming Her Forbidden Earl launches Scandalous, Entangled's brand new imprint and Catherine Hemmerling, the author, stops by today with a really interesting guest post about wicked men and why we can't resist them! So, let's welcome Catherine and don't forget to check at the end of the post for the giveaway details :)


What's that certain quality that makes rogues so irresistible?

I think the biggest thing that makes rogues so irresistible, is the sense of doing something forbidden, dangerous. They are typically wildly handsome or compelling, the best flirts, the most likely to try and steal a kiss. All of this makes them exciting and intriguing. Debutantes are told kissing is wrong, being alone with a man is wrong, even too much eye contact is scandalous. Dancing more than two dances with the same man was tantamount to announcing an engagement. Therefore, receiving a stolen kiss, an inappropriate wink, or overlong touch to the fingertips evokes new and scintillating feelings and emotions. It can convince an innocent girl that what she feels is special. And, of course, if she feels special about the rogue, the rogue must feel special about her.

Additionally, strong and intelligent heroines will feel some sense of challenge with a rogue. Can he be tamed? Can he be brought to his knees? And wouldn't that be an amazing thing to accomplish?

Whereas the hero is just wondering how far he can go with the sweet young thing without ending up married.

It's this dichotomy of intents that make a story about a rogue and an independent woman so exciting? Who will win? I think the best stories have them both winning, although not necessarily in the ways they may expect.

About the Author

Catherine Hemmerling has been a technical writer in the software industry for nearly twenty years and has published many user manuals and technical documentation in that time. She has always had a love of writing fiction but has never pursued publication in that genre until now.
Hopefully it is the beginning of a long new journey with Lady Lancaster and the Garden Society girls. Certainly historical romance (especially the scandalous kind) is more fun than writing technical documents!
This author happily resides in Tehachapi, California with her family.
Catherine writes for Entangled Publishing's Scandalous historical line and is thrilled to be part of their family of writers!

Visit Catherine

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

About the Book

Title: Taming Her Forbidden Earl
Author: Catherine Hemmerling
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 250 pages
Release Date: December 2012
ISBN: 978-1-62266-817-5
Imprint: Scandalous
Buy it at: Amazon, B&N

Everyone knows William Bredon, the earl of Pembroke, has a reputation as a captivating rogue, determined to never marry until his duty to produce an heir requires it. So when he invites Lady Hannah Rochester to dance, Hannah vows to keep her distance. But the undeniably gorgeous William, with his dark humor and seductive gaze, draws her in nonetheless.

Of course, Lady Hannah is not completely what she seems, either. A member of the dowager Lady Lancaster’s Garden Society, she secretly spends her days solving mysteries and uncovering intrigues, and when she brings William into the fold, a sinister plot develops that brings the two closer together. William’s protective nature ensures he remains by Hannah’s side, but he will not surrender his anti-marriage stance.

Can intrigue, passion, and maybe even a little bit of scandal reform the most notorious of rakes?

~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entangled Publishing has generously offered an e-copy of Taming Her Forbidden Earl to one lucky winner. (Open Internationally.)

Guidelines

~ The contest is open to all.

~ You must be 13 years old or over to participate.

~ The winner will be chosen via Random.org

~ The prize is submitted by the author/publisher and I have no responsibility whatsoever over it.

~ The contest will be open until January 26th.

~ The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have 48 hours to confirm his/her e-mail address before a new winner is selected.

~Fill the form below to enter ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Guest Post with Robyn DeHart + Giveaway

Today I'm super excited to be the next stop in A Little Bit Wicked Blog Tour! Robyn DeHart stops by today in celebration of her newest Historical Romance release with Entangled that centers around a very sexy protagonist, scandals, gossip and a sweet and forbidden love!
So, let's welcome Robyn and don't forget to check at the end of the post for the info of our giveaway :) Also, you can check the full Blog Tour here.

Wicked men…why are they so sexy?

This question was posed to me for this blog and I decided to tackle the topic because well, who doesn’t love to talk about sexy men? Now the easy answer is…because they’re HOT!

I take this notion of creating heroes quite serious. Consider it for a moment…when you’re reading a romance novel, you want to root for the heroine and fall in love with the hero. If I can’t create a hero that readers can fall in love with, then I’m not doing my job right.

But what is it about the wicked ones, the bad boys, that really call to us? They don’t in the real world (for the most part). I mean most of us are married to the good guys. I know I am. My husband is a college professor for Pete’s sake. While he’d love to thing of himself as a rough-and-tumble tough guy, he’s a big ‘ol softy. So that’s what I want to come home to every night, but when I snuggle up with a book, sometimes I want that rogue.

I think the biggest appeal is not so much how naughty they are, but that they’re naughty with a chance at being redeemed. We want to be that woman that brings that bad boy to his knees. We secretly long to be that girl, the one with the stack of books and the glasses sitting in the school cafeteria and the hottest guy in school walks past those cheerleaders because he can see the reality of who that girl is. He wants to know her. It’s all tied into that fantasy.

So the redeem-ability factor is huge. The other thing is those naughty men give the heroines a reason to be naughty, even if only behind closed doors. It’s nice to fantasize about being able to be daring and reckless with a man, to trust him so much we’d let him take us anywhere.

All right readers, your turn, who’s your favorite bad boy hero? It can be TV, book, movie, whatever. 

About Robyn

I’m one of those writers who always knew that she wanted to be a writer. It took me a while, however, to figure out precisely what I wanted to write. Reading Kathleen Woodiwiss’ ”A Rose in Winter” sealed the deal for me and I’ve been reading and writing romance ever since. I should have known I was destined for this when my Barbies insisted on hosting elaborate masquerade parties, complete with stolen kisses in the moonlight.

I’m the youngest of three children, so of course I’m the favorite. I was raised in central Texas, in the beautiful Hill Country, right smack-dab between Austin and San Antonio. My parents were high school sweethearts and married a week after my mother graduated – they both needed their parents’ permission to marry since they were so young. So I blame them and their amazing marriage for the fact that I’m a hopeless romantic.
Somewhere along the line, I graduated from college with a degree in Sociology, only after completing an internship with none other than award-winning best-selling author, Pamela Morsi. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life and I learned more about the writing business than I could have hoped.

After college I worked a myriad of jobs: Computer Software Trainer, Recruiter, Administrative Assistant. But no matter what my day job, I come home to my real job and click, click, click away on my computer and get lost in my imaginary world where justice always prevails and the girl always gets her guy! It’s the coolest job in the world.
I’m married to the most amazingly supportive man. He’s so proud of my career, and loves to tell people, “My wife is a romance novelist.” We live in the Austin area, where my husband is a university professor. He’s ridiculously smart, but remains goofy enough to make me laugh every day. We’re the parents of two beautiful and precocious little girls who keep me quite busy during the day. We also have two very spoiled cats who are of no help at all when it comes to my writing, although they sometimes nap in the same room where I sit diligently working.

I’ve published seven historicals, all of which have received great reviews and a handful of them have won awards. I love to hear from readers,
so feel free to send me an email or you can find me online at The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills, or, Peanut Butter on the Keyboard, my newest blogging endeavor that’s all about writing moms or moms who write. You can also find me on my Facebook or my Facebook Author page and on Twitter. I’m everywhere!

About the Book

Title: A Little Bit Wicked
Author: Robyn DeHart
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 229 pages
Release Date: December 2012
ISBN: 978-1-62266-816-8
Imprint: Scandalous
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Marcus Kincaid has returned to England after a ten-year absence. His older brother died during that time, making Marcus the Earl of Ashford. Not only that, his younger sister is embroiled in a potential scandal that could ruin her chance at marriage. His aunt has already called in reinforcements—The Paragon.
Vivian March is known simply as The Paragon. She moves through every circle within Society, smoothing out scandals and stopping gossip in its tracks. Everyone in London knows that if she aligns herself with you, Society will forgive you your sins. What they don’t know is that she uses their secrets to cover her own jaded past.
But with every kiss and every touch that Marcus thrusts upon her, Vivian comes to believe life is infinitely more fun when you can be just a little bit wicked…

~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entangled Publishing has generously offered an e-copy of A Little Bit Wicked to one lucky winner. (Open Internationally.)

Guidelines

~ The contest is open to all.

~ You must be 13 years old or over to participate.

~ The winner will be chosen via Random.org

~ The prize is submitted by the author/publisher and I have no responsibility whatsoever over it.

~ The contest will be open until January 26th.

~ The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have 48 hours to confirm his/her e-mail address before a new winner is selected.

~Fill the form below to enter ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Publication Date:April 25th 2006

Publisher:Pocket

Edition:Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

"Once and Always," one of Judith McNaught's most masterful and moving love stories, powerfully brings to life the fiery passion of a free-spirited American beauty and a troubled English lord.

Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to reclaim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of a distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes. When he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy -- free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love . . . a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always

This review was first published at Book Lovers Inc

One thing I can say about Judith McNaught and her books is that I just can't put down her books for no reason. As soon as I start reading one of her novels, I just forget everything about actually living and all I want to do is read. Simple as that. I can resume my life as soon as I'm done but no sooner :P

Needless to say, that was the case with Once and Always. I don't know if it's the way McNaught writes, or her stories themselves, but I find myself enjoying them, even if I have a few problems with some things in the plot or even if most of her novels (that I have read so far at least) are following the same pattern. McNaught has an unmistakable way of writing "full" stories. And when I say full, I mean with an interesting story, well-built and relatable characters, amazing writing style and most importantly a toe curling romance!

Once and Always is the story of Victoria, who when orphaned is shipped from America to England to live with a relative of her mother's she never met and of Jason, a man who has turned his back to love after a dreadful experience and finds everything he believed lost in the face of Victoria.

I won't say much about the plot, if you have read even one novel by McNaught (and if not, what are you waiting for?) you can expect enough sexual tension and misunderstandings to keep you turning the pages. Like I said, it's one of those books you just can't put down for no reason whatsoever.

So, one might correctly assume that this would be a solid 5-star review, but unfortunately it won't be. Because Once and Always is an amazing book but for a small detail, that well, ruined many things for me. Having previously read Whitney, My Love, I couldn't help but notice some resemblances between the two novels. Whitney was originally published in 1985 while Once and Always in 1987 and in both books, the heroines are treated in a very similar way at about the same point of their stories and for the same pretty much reasons. It may be a detail, but the whole thing was a major let down in both novels for me and well, I thought of it as unoriginal to say the least...

So, despite the fact that I loved pretty much everything about Once and Always and it's one of those books I recommend without a second thought, the resemblances it shares with McNaught's previous work was a major disappointment for me.