Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting . . . for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all . . .

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her . . . eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas's world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he's not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love . . . with his own fiancée!

I had high hopes for this book. I loved the first book and even rate it a 5/5, but this one failed to deliver on all that promise.

It builds from the previous storyline, but instead of giving us any new insight or storyline this is literally a retelling of the exact same story from a slightly different view point and simply does not work. There's little new information, there's very little character development, and the plot is ... very blah.

Sadly I give this book a 2/5

At the Bride Hunt Ball

At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker

To Snare a Bride . . .

To Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, the bonds of marriage are nothing more than shackles. But if he's to remain a lifelong bachelor, that leaves only his younger brother to carry on the family name. Inviting the ton's most eligible ladies to an elegant ball, Gabriel is certain any one of them would be all too eager to become the next duchess and provide an heir—leaving Gabriel to continue his ecstatic pursuit of pleasure.

To Catch a Rogue . . .

Her social-climbing stepmother would give anything to have Madelyn Haywood betrothed to a future duke. But Madelyn believes the brothers Devine to be nothing more than heartless rogues—especially Gabriel, whose rakish reputation precedes him. He is nothing more than a slave to passion, and she will not be conquered by his caresses­—and yet his wicked ways tempt her so . . .

A pretty good book and fun read, but sadly another forgettable historical romance.

I rate this one a 4/5

The Wedding Challenge

The Wedding Challenge by Candace Camp

Lady Calandra should have suitors beating down her door. But her overprotective brother, the Duke of Rochford, has managed to scare off every suitable gentleman. Every man except the mysterious Earl of Bromwell, that is. Callie finds herself drawn to the enigmatic earl, despite her brother's almost violent protestations.

In defiance of her brother's wishes, Callie devises a plan to see Bromwell again, enlisting the help of matchmaker Francesca Haughston. But when shadowy secrets about the duke and the earl come to light, it may be too late for Callie to see that she's walked straight into a trap.…

I believe that this is the third book in the Matchmakers series by Candace Camp. The Matchmakers series revolves around Lady Francesca, a widow whose husband died leaving her almost nothing. To survive she plays matchmaker and in return people gift her with token of their esteem (jewelery) and she pawns them to pay the bills. And its obvious that she and the Duke of Rochford are meant to be together but... they never have.

Ms. Camp has a talent for writing beautiful historical romances, and this book was a delight. It deals with the Duke of Rochford sister and the earl of Bromwell who hates the Duke, after all its rumored that the Earl's sister was the Duke's mistress at one point. But things are not always as they seem.

A highly enjoyable read, but even more important is that the next book is FINALLY about Lady Francesca and the Duke of Rochford!

A give this book a 5/5

The Lost Duke of Wyndham (The Two ukes of Wyndham)D

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Jack Audley has been a highwayman.

A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

Julia does it again, this is one of the best historicals I've read in quite a while.
The premise is actually quite original, our heroine is held up by a highway robber who turns out to be the real duke of Wyndham. This obviously causes problems for the current duke, hence the title (The Two Dukes of Wyndham). A charming tale that I just breezed through and I can't wait the the sequel, Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2)

Overall Rating : 5/5

The Third Circle

The Third Circle (Arcane Society, Book 4) by Amanda Quick

Leona Hewitt, disguised in men’s formal evening clothes, has secretly made her way into Lord Delbridge’s private museum to retrieve a relic stolen from her family. But someone else is in the dimly lit gallery on the same errand: a tall, blackcloaked man whose very voice is enough to cause her to fall into a trance.

Thaddeus Ware, a mesmerist with psychic gifts, is accustomed to fearful reactions from others—women, in particular. After all, a man who can control the minds of others could rob a lady of her virtue—completely unbeknownst to her. But Leona shows no trace of hysteria in his presence. A gifted crystal worker, she exerts a rather hypnotic power over the hypnotist himself. And she is determined to keep the coveted crystal they manage to recover by giving him the slip at a run-down London inn.

Thaddeus, on assignment for the Arcane Society, knows the menace Leona is courting by absconding with the crystal. A source of remarkable energy, it holds the potential for great destruction. Lord Delbridge has already killed to acquire the crystal, his key to membership in the elite, shadowy group known as the Third Circle. And, with the help of a ruthless hunter of preternatural skill—dubbed the Midnight Monster by the press—Delbridge intends to find Leona. With the stolen crystal in their possession, the danger is only beginning.

The Arcane Society series by Amanda Quick is unique in that it could be either a historical or contemporary novel. But always with a paranormal sub-plot. I personally love the series and Amanda Quick's writing is excellent as always.

In this installment, Leona Hewitt is a woman with the power over crystals, and meets up with Thaddeus Ware who is a master hypnotist. Both are "level 10's" meaning among the most powerful on the arcane society's rating power scale. A wonderful read and highly recommended if you enjoyed the previous Arcane novels.

Overall Rating : 4.5/5

Never Trust a Scoundrel

Never Trust a Scoundrel by Gayle Callen

A pact with the devil . . .

Miss Grace Banbury was in shock. Her mother put her up as a prize in a high stakes card game, and now the gentleman who won is ready to claim her! But Grace has other plans. She just needs the dastardly rogue to go along with it . . .

A notorious rake from a scandalous family, Daniel Throckmorten has no use for blushing virgins. Yet there's no denying the attraction for the beauty standing before him, proposing an enticing wager: He will use all his charm and wit to seduce her into his bed . . . and she only has to resist. If she succeeds, she wins enough funds to secure her own future. If he wins . . . she'll be his. Daniel has never been so tempted—and he has no intention of losing . . .

A decent historical romance. Its best assent is that Gayle Callen is a good writer and made the story flow smoothly. A good read but non very memorable.

Overall Rating : 4/5

Every Night I'm Yours

At twenty-six, aspiring novelist Avis Copley intends to wear spinsterhood as a badge of honor. But when she discovers a volume of erotica that ignites a searing fire within her, Avis realizes just how much she doesn't know about the actual pleasures of the flesh. Determined to learn more, she devises a daring plan...

A MAN READY TO TEACH HER MUCH, MUCH MORE...

Avis chooses Emory Billingsworth, a fellow novelist-not to mention a beautiful specimen of manhood-to instruct her in carnal pleasure. But when the brash earl of Selby, Banning Talbot, a man she has known for years, unearths Avis' true intentions, he claims she's made a dangerously bad choice. Volunteering his services for one wicked night of reckless, abandoned passion, Banning promises he will satisfy all of her deepest longings. Yet Banning cannot begin to imagine the effect his willful, voluptuous, and very eager student will have on him-or how far an innocent lesson in desire can go...

Every Night I'm Yours by Christie Kelley

Good Effort and decent story line. but...

Overall Rating : 3.5/5

Suddenly You

In this feisty and frolicsome historical, Kleypas (Where Dreams Begin, etc.) proves that turning 30 can signal the beginning of an exciting new decade, even for a 19th-century spinster. Free-thinking Amanda Briars, who writes scandalous tales of romance and intrigue, has resigned herself to a life of solitude, but she feels that her lack of a husband shouldn't preclude her from being intimate with a man just once. On the night of her clandestine meeting with a male prostitute, however, handsome and unscrupulous publishing tycoon Jack Devlin appears at her door instead. Mistaking Jack for the man that she sent for, Amanda shares an amorous moment with him before she recovers her senses and pushes him out the door. One week later, Amanda encounters her nighttime visitor at a London soiree and is mortified to learn that he is her new publisher. A series of delightful exchanges follows as the two attempt to reconcile their need for independence and their growing passion for each other. Although both Amanda and Jack are fully developed characters, it is Jack, the half-Irish bastard son of a lord, who truly shines as he struggles to overcome his dark past. Brisk pacing, witty repartee and memorable protagonists will ensure that Kleypas's newest is well received.

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

I simply loved this book. Lisa Kleypas is an amazing writer and while this is a historical romance, its not about the nobility which is actually a plus. I highly recommend this book, Jack is a character that simply shines, definitely worth a 2nd read soon.

Overall Rating : 5/5
Sizzle Factor: 4/5

Bedding The Baron

In the first in a dazzling new trilogy, Deborah Raleigh introduces three unforgettable heroes united by a friendship closer than brotherhood, a mysterious legacy, and a talent for seduction that no woman can resist...

Only the most damnable curiosity could compel Fredrick Smith to seek the truth about the father who abandoned him. And only a torrential storm could force him to stop at an inn en route. But what a treasure he finds there--a raven-haired beauty whose drab attire can't disguise her latent sensuality. And soon Fredrick's most pressing need is to melt Mrs. Portia Walker's icy reserve, and make her smile, sigh, and cry out with pleasure...

From the moment Fredrick enters Portia's inn--wet clothes clinging to sleek muscles, angelic features, shimmering gray eyes--she is vibrantly aware of the danger he presents. Portia was almost ruined once, and swore that no man would control her destiny again. But vows are no match for a desire that could be pure folly--or the most exquisite bliss...

Bedding The Baron by Deborah Raleigh

The concept for this book was interesting. 3 bastards (of nobility) were raised by a schoolmaster, and upon his death they inherit 20,000 pounds each. They also find out that this money was blackmailed from their respective fathers. Then starts their investigations as to what secrets their fathers are hiding, them facing their pasts, and eventually finding love.

Of the 3 bastards, Fredrick is the "geek". He's an inventor more than a lady's man, but because of his inventions has amassed a huge fortune. I was surprised at how much fun his journey with Portia was, and if he's the "weakest link" of the 3, then I can't wait for Ms. Raleigh's telling of the other 2 gentlemen.

Overall: 4/5

The Bridal Quest

The Bridal Quest by Candice Camp

Lady Irene Wyngate has sworn she'll never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her caustic tongue. But there is one man she can't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He was kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he's been restored to his family, he is still more at home in gambling dens than stately ballrooms.

Irene isn't attracted to Gideon, or so she says when matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for her help to civilize him for marriage. After all, he is a true rogue with a dubious past—a handsome rogue, she has to admit. But as she reluctantly begins to yield to love, wicked family secrets come to light…with devastating consequences for the reluctant lovers.

I love Candace Camp's books. She typically writes period novels and recently started on a series centering on Francesca Haughston, a widow who is on the verge of financial ruin but keeps herself above water by matchmaking.

Her latest match is Lady Irene Wyngate and Gideon, the Earl of Radbourne. I won't go into detail but it was a delightful read and I was constantly cheering for both Irene and Gideon. Even more fun was seeing more of Francesca and the duke. As enjoyable as this book was, I can't wait for Francesca's story.

Overall rating : 4.5/5
Sizzle Factor : 3/5

Shadow Music: A Novel

Shadow Music: A Novel By Julie Garwood

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows–skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England’s most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Gabrielle’s marriage to a good and gentle laird. But this marriage will never take place.

For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom–when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.

Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle’s bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle’s body nor heart is safe.

A gripping novel that delves into the heart of emotions–unyielding passions of love, hate, revenge, and raw desire–Shadow Music is magnificent gift from Julie Garwood and a crowning achievement in her amazing career.

If you read the reviews for this book on Amazon, you'll find many people who didn't like this book. Personally, I loved it. The reason people read authors like Julie Garwood and Nora Roberts, who have been in the book business a long time and have written countless books isn't because their ideas are fresh and original, its because they like the author's writing style.

In Shadow Music, Gabrielle's a princess, rich, beautiful and comes with 4 bodyguards. She's bethrowed to a Highlander by the King. 2 English barons seeking her for their own, kill her bethrowed, she's embroiled in their machinations and becomes an outcast of the crown. She's taken in by Colm MacHugh, laird of the fiercest clan. Love blooms and ... you know the rest. That's it in a nutshell.

There's lots going on in the book that makes the pages fly past but Ms. Garwood has a unique ability of concentrating on the important things that make a romance fun and not getting sidetracked. Moreover this is one of her first historical romances in quite a while and it was worth the wait, in many way's its a throwback to her earlier books like The Clayborne Brides. If you like historical romances, highlanders, and are a fan of Ms. Garwood's earlier works this is a must read.

My only complaint is that this is a hard cover book, but then again, that seems to be the trend for all authors of at least moderate fame these days doesn't it?

Overall Score: 4.5 / 5

Mine till Midnight

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter….

Like most of Lisa Kleypas's books this was good. Its a historical romance and if you read her other books you'll know the character of Cam Rohan, the 1/2 gypsy, part Math Wizard, all round dark brooding hero.

He's wealthy but a social outcast because of his gypsy 1/2 (except to a small group of aristocrats whom he calls friends) and manages the most popular gentleman's club in London. Amelia's brother (who just attained a title) seems hell bent on killing himself due to a the death of his beloved. Being the glue that holds her family together, she finds comfort in Cam's arms. And per the formula for historical romances, they fall in love. Not original but well written with entertaining characters.

Story/Plot: 3/5
Sensuality: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
(Borrowed from the Library)