Eloisa James had me hooked once again – it has been a while since I have read Regency RomanceReview Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Eloisa James had me hooked once again – it has been a while since I have read Regency Romance novels, and I didn’t know I missed it that much until I have read this one. 

Thorn Dautry is a powerful bastard son of a duke.  He had now made a fortune, and is as rich as Midas.  He could have anything he wanted without really lifting a finger, he could have any woman, but he wanted one thing that had been missing from his life – he wanted a wife.  He wanted to marry a lady – but before he could, he needed first to get a country estate, and well, polish his ways.  He had acquire an estate, but it was inhabitable, he needed the help of someone to organize his household, and who better employ but the best? 

Lady Xenobia India is beautiful, headstrong and independent.  If anyone can do it – it was her.  But all she have is three weeks – can she do it?  She had to transform his estate, and she had to make him marriageable. 

What they didn’t expect is for flames to ignite, and for their attraction to unleash.  Much as he wanted to make her his, he was already sort-of betrothed.  But he couldn’t just give India up – she was his perfect match.  She can carry a conversation, make him think, make him squirm, and make him crazy all at the same time.  He wanted her – and he will do anything to have her.  He was careful with his heart, and this time, it might be in grave danger. 

I liked Lady X, her strong personality, her steadfastness, except for her aunt, she had literally on her own.  Being left an orphan at an early age, she was left penniless by her parents and she did all she could to make it through life, build her own dowry and doing things she loved to do despite her title. 

I enjoyed their correspondence, and it felt like their written foreplay.  I got entertained with their banters, Thorn broke my heart when he broke hers, and I shed some tears over some scenes.  Awww.  There was a time when I wished so hard that he would man up, and offer what she wanted from him.  Some men could be just oblivious to what women want.  But everything was forgiven with his grand gesture at the end of the novel.  WOW.  Risking his life to give her something she held dear was really something.  I didn’t expect him to do it, and to pull all efforts for it.  Nevertheless, he had my heart by then. 

I’m sure readers will enjoy this installment of Desperate Duchess much as I enjoyed it and the rest of the series.  You will fall in love with the characters, pin for them and wish for their HEA.  I loved it.  I was totally hooked and it had kept me awake all night, I was unable to tear myself from it. 

✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪...more

Sabrina Jeffries had me reading till the wee hours of the morning.  The Duke's Men is another series to truly watch out for. 

What The Duke Desires revolSabrina Jeffries had me reading till the wee hours of the morning.  The Duke's Men is another series to truly watch out for. 

What The Duke Desires revolves around the search of the brothers of the main characters.  Travelling from London to the streets of Paris, Max and Lisette searched to get into the bottom of the mysterious note received by the Duke of Lyons. 

The lofty, imperious Duke of Lyons will never, ever marry especially the woman who will catch his heart.  Oh he will marry, but it will only be to a lady who will agree to a practical marriage and can give him an heir.  After receiving a note telling him that Tristan found his long-lost brother after being kidnapped for several years, he immediately went to Manton's Investigations and demanded that they produce Mr. Bonnaud or he will call the authorities. 

Lisette grown up wanting to be independent and would never want to be in a mercy of a man.  She had seen how her mother had suffered after their father suddenly died and left them with nothing.  They have lived in poverty and her mother was forced to go back on stage.  Marriage was also far from her mind since her birth would make it almost impossible for her to find a suitable husband.  She was resigned to her ambition of becoming a lady agent.  But first, she had to convince her brothers to allow her.  But when an arrogant duke suddenly barge into her brother's office - she saw a chance. 

I like their characters as individuals and I adore them even more when they are together.  They prove to be an entertaining couple.  Lisette is not afraid of the duke and doesn't really care about his position in the society.  As for Max, he had never found anyone as refreshing as Lisette - she was unlike any other woman he encountered.  She was not afraid to speak her mind.  However, both of them should be careful not to fall in love with each other.  Lisette knew Max would never marry her because of the difference of their station and Max has his own dark secrets he's not yet ready to divulge. 

Can they stop themselves from falling in love when they could hardly keep their hands off each other?  Can the lofty duke fell in love with the bastard daughter of a viscount? 

Sabrina Jeffries will once again awe you and make you fall in love in this first book of her brand new series.  Just like the Hellions of Halstead Hall (by the way, some characters were mentioned in this book as well!!),  I think the Duke's Men will be on my list of my favorite Regency Series.  Looking forward in reading the rest of the books!!...more

Without a doubt, the Bridgertons has always been my favorite regency family and series.  I have followed the romReview Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Without a doubt, the Bridgertons has always been my favorite regency family and series.  I have followed the romantic tales of every siblings from Daphne's story (which is undoubtedly my favorite not just from these series but my favorite regency novel) to Gregory's and each time, Julia Quinn left me wanting for more.  It was a bittersweet emotion when the final novel came in print. 

So when the news came a new book will be out compiling all second epilogues from each book plus a bonus material: Violet & Edmund's love story - I was like:

Then...

and when I got a copy:

(Excitement was an understatement of the year)

I missed all of them, and it would do me good if I can just read them all one more time.  Finally The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After came.  It was nice to see them all back together.  Although I have read some of the epilogues previously, it was nice of her to just compile it in a single book for convenience.  Not to mention, she offered a bonus material no Bridgerton fan could not refuse, Violet's story. 

It tells the reader the love story of Violet and Edmund, and her life after losing the man she loved the most.  I have always loved and adored Violet Bridgerton on how she have raised eight amazing children on her own.  She was a great mother, an even greater and indulgent grand mother.  But to live alone after losing Edmund - is it worth it?  Can she find another love of her life?  Or will she live her life alone?  These were the questions I had in mind when I have read Ms. Quinn is about to write her story.  And short as it was, it was simply amazing.  I would have wanted a longer story for Violet, but the novella was enough for me.  It was touching, heartbreaking, and enlightening.  I simply love it. 

Thank you Ms. Quinn for sharing the Bridgertons one more time and for allowing us to know Violet & most especially Edmund more....more

Because I love Eloisa James and I fell in love with the two amazing parents Grace had in With This Kiss, I just knew I have to read how these two loveBecause I love Eloisa James and I fell in love with the two amazing parents Grace had in With This Kiss, I just knew I have to read how these two lovers came to be. 

And there were no regrets reading The Ugly Duchess.  Theo and James grew up together.  After Theo's father died, she taken under the Duke's care.  When the duke was suddenly having problems with finances, he forced James to marry Theo. 

Theo, or Daisy to James wasn't the belle of the ball.  She knew she wasn't pretty, so when James suddenly propose to her in front of the prince himself, she was astounded.  She didn't expect James has feelings for her and was contemplating on marrying her.  After all, a lot of mama's and debutantes were running after him. 

Everyone wasn't convinced and every tabloid in town was giving their marriage an expiry date.  They referred to Theo as the Ugly Duchess . 

James, on the other hand, didn't really want to marry Theo.  Oh, he loved her as a sister, and he would forever wallow in guilt for his deception.  Everything was going smoothly, James was finally giving their marriage a chance - Theo was an amazing person and they both deserve happiness.  Until Theo finally found out that he was only after her dowry, and then he was kicked out of the house. 

No one had ever taught him - and he had never imagined the necessity of learning - how to betray the one person whom you truly cared for in life.  The only person who genuinely loved you.  How to break that person's heart, whether it be tomorrow, or five years or ten years in the future. 

While Theo spent her years transforming from an Ugly Duchess into a Swan, James spent his years at sea.  Both of them lived their lives, placing their marriage at the back of their minds.  James became an infamous pirate (or privateer), according to the rumors, he has his way with women.  Theo, on the other hand, worked hard to flourish whatever was left with her dowry.  They had both become successful in their own ways. 

James think it was a bad idea to go home, since it was Daisy who threw him out of their house.  But something happened that made him rethink of the idea.  He decided to go home - to his wife.  It has been years, and no news has been heard from him.  James was about to be declared dead in front of the peers, and suddenly he appears and shocked everyone, most especially Theo. 

You’re the only one for me.  I came back from the dead for you, Daisy.  Twice. 

This is one of those regency romance I'm sure I'd reread... The pacing was great, characters were simply amazing and the scenes - were awesome.  It will make you fall in love, break your heart and allow you to forgive and fall in love once more. ... more

Historical Romances have always been one of my favorite genres.  This is my first time to read Cecilia Grant, and I wasn’t expecting much but left satiHistorical Romances have always been one of my favorite genres.  This is my first time to read Cecilia Grant, and I wasn’t expecting much but left satisfied by the time I reach the end of the page.  Admittedly, it was refreshing to read a new (as for me) voice in this genre. 

I simply love Nick because of his pragmatic sense.  He gallantly accepted Kate’s refusal at the beginning of the novel.  He carried a torch for her that long, but opted to remain a friend of the family and try to forget his feelings for her.  He couldn’t really offer her anything, not when a scandal looms over his head because of what his brother did. 

Meanwhile Kate, the ambitious Kate, I would have hated her mercenary thoughts if not for the fact that she just wanted to offer her siblings a better future.  Descending from a family of nobleman, Kate’s father was shunned from society because he married an actress.  While her father was contented with their lives, Kate wanted to be what she thought she (and her sisters) deserved – to be one of the ton. 

I like A Woman Entangled because it revolves around ordinary people.  No royalty or nobleman.  The story about the importance of family, forgiveness, and how love can sprout out of nowhere, just when you least expect it.  Love means sometimes giving up and allowing the person to be happy.  Love can make everything okay. 

Cecilia Grant makes an amazing novel – her pacing was just right.  I couldn’t help but get captivated by her characters and plot.  Yes, I would read more of her novels, and yes, I would recommend to all Historical Romance lovers out there to read this one!!!...more

The Wilde cousins are back!  After their successful matchmaking scheme in Princess Charming, Kathe and Skye areReview Originally Posted at: Book Freak

The Wilde cousins are back!  After their successful matchmaking scheme in Princess Charming, Kathe and Skye are back.  This time, Jack is the center of their project and he's about to portray Romeo in his love tale. 

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. 

Their family has been locked in a 3-generation blood feud when a member of the Wilde household dueled with one of the Fortins which resulted in a blood shed that made Sophie's father, Oliver lost the barony. 

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Jack Wilde A.K.A RomeoHe's a lovechild of a noblewoman and a prince of a foreign land.  His mother died early and at very young age and he was left to fend for himself.  His father, the prince has already fled the country.  His childhood, after the death of his mother was inconceivable until he was saved by his uncles and brought him to London and adopted them as their own. 

He's a rake of the first order, and he eats like his stomach is an empty pit. ( Yes, orally fixated as a result of his childhood days).  He has fears he wasn't really proud of.  He also has secrets, secrets that he haven't shared with anyone not even his family. 

After Kaye & Skye's successful matchmaking with Ash & Maura, they were relentless in finding him a suitable bride.  To stop his female relations from hounding him - he finally decided to meet Sophie Fortin for himself.  What he didn't expect is to find someone who could knock the air out of his lungs. 

He still wasn't convinced he was his match, yet he's willing to give it a try. 

But Sophie isn't hearing any of his pleas until he bares his soul to her.  The thing is, Jack is a close book and like to keep his personal feelings to himself. 

[image error]If this one kiss would determine his fate, he intended to make it unforgettable. 

Sophie Fortin A.K.A. JulietBut I am supposed to turn my back on my family simply because you have a whim to test a fantastical theory about legendary lovers? 

Sophie is about to get a proposal from the Duke of Dunmore, and she was going to accept it, for her parent's sake.  They weren't nobility, and they were just relying on the generosity of Mrs. Pennant, Sophie's Aunt.  Sophie felt she owed this to her parents, especially that her father was denied with the barony.  Marrying the duke would make her a duchess, thus elevating their social standing in the society. 

And here comes Jack - who was willing to marry her - to the extent of accepting the offer of being the sole heir of his father.  But Sophie wanted more.  She didn't like being his damsel in distress to his knight-in-shining armor syndrome.  If she is likely to go into a loveless marriage, she'd wed Dunmore. 

Mrs Pennant, The AccompliceShe's the character besides the Wilde cousins that had caught my attention in this novel.  She's Sophie's loving aunt and I loved her too.  Yep, she's the cool aunt - the one that wants what's the best for you and would gladly give it to you even if your parents wouldn't like it. 

She wanted Sophie's happiness, and she believed Jack can give it to her.  So, she gladly helped Jack with his plans. 

Legendary Lovers?I spent half of the novel thinking: why in the world would these people forced the "legendary lovers" to be the theme of their love stories?  And oh, it's Romeo and Juliet - maybe they forgot that this tale ended in a tragedy? 

At first, I didn't like the idea that Jack was relentlessly wooing her because of the legendary lovers thing.  When an idea is pushed towards your direction and is often reiterated to you - you seem to think that this could be a good idea and you will act upon it on your own.  It's a good thing that there was an attraction between the two when they met - or else it would be just weird. 

Finally, I was relieved when the Romeo-Juliet thing was nowhere to be found in the chapters that followed.  Rather, Nicole Jordan worked her magic on romance as two star-crossed lovers found their way into each other's hearts.  Jack wins her heart by finally making amends with his past and moving on, being honest about his emotions and finally opening up to her.  Good thing our Juliet isn't willing to quit that easy, even if Romeo tried to drive her away....more

A debut novel from Ms. Ashlyn Macnamara: a story of two sisters finding love in the most unusual circumstances. Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

A debut novel from Ms. Ashlyn Macnamara: a story of two sisters finding love in the most unusual circumstances. 

The GirlsJulia St.ClaireShe's the youngest among the two sisters.  She was also the practical and sensible one.  Her reputation is pristine.  Unlike girls her age, she haven't really dreamed of falling in love.  After knowing what love can do to a person, she had lost fate in love.  That's why Ludlowe had chosen her to be his bride.  I liked her character because she loved her sister, and she didn't want her to get hurt.  Julia tried to dissuade Ludlowe as much as possible.  But her parents got other ideas.  To escape her fate, she offered her dearest friend, Benedict, a scandalous proposal he couldn't refuse. 

Sophia St. ClaireThe oldest among the St. Claire siblings.  She nurses a tendre for Ludlowe for more than five years.  Although she's a stunning beauty compared to her sisters, she had refused several offers and had patiently waited for the man she had set her eyes on.  Yet, she remained non-existent to him - every time they met, it feels like her heart is breaking inch by inch.  Little did she realize that her heart is about to get crushed when Ludlowe asked for her sister's, Julia, hand in marriage.  I hated her.  As the older sister, she should be the one with more sense.  How can she remain blind to Ludlowe's shortcomings when she had witnessed one right before her eyes? 

The BoysRufus, The Earl of HighgateLove the name.  It's very - ancient.  Anyway, he's our tortured brokenhearted hero who had suffered so much not only from the ton's idle gossip but as well as from his previous wife's indiscretions.  He preferred the solitude of the country side.  But due to his sister's insistence - he came to town in search of a wife.  Another looming scandal is hanging over his head when he and Sophia were discovered alone. 

BenedictJulia's childhood friend.  He's your typical prince charming-slash-older brother.  Someone who was always there to listen and be with Julia during the times that she needed him the most.  Their lands are adjacent to each other in the countryside and they spent a lot of time playing together as children.  But all grown up - Benedict never really have feelings for Julia, if ever he has, he hasn't acknowledge it until that night at a certain ball where they danced a waltz.  Suddenly, he saw Julia no longer as a friend, but a lady to be desired. 

UppertonI fell in love with him - his humor, wit and plain old happy-go-lucky charm.  No page is left dull if he's on it.  He's Benedict's trusted and loyal friend.  Upperton is the one who encouraged Benedict not only in pursuing Julia but in other aspects as well.  If the next book is about him - I'd gladly grab a copy. 

Ludlowe, The Earl of ClivesdenSince gaining the earldom (or even before it), he wanted to find a suitable bride to be his countess - and among all women in the ton, one caught his attention: Julia.  But is it her who really caught his attention, or is there something more to his choice of bride?  He may look like he's a gift from God - with his looks, charms and soon-to-have-riches, but what lies beneath is soon to surface when all his dark secrets will finally unveil. 

Cliche Plot: What could be more sweeter than two childhood friends finally realizing that they are meant for each other? 

A Debut Novel: I have been a fan of regency romance since my mother allowed me to touch her Lindsey collection.  I was really excited to receive a copy from Netgalley, especially from a first-time author.  With two love tales in one book - there were literally a band of characters to get to know.  Nevertheless, she made sure that two couple are given the same attention and no one was left behind.  But for a first novel, A Most Scandalous Proposal went well (so yes, you can easily breath now Ms. Ashlyn): nice plot, great group of characters and sizzling romance.  I enjoyed reading this book and will look forward for your future writings! 

Fans of regency romances will surely let her into their hearts as well as into their shelves.  Great work!...more

“I’m suggesting that you let someone inside that empty room you call a heart.  Whether you make her your wife or your mistress, a man’s bed is decided“I’m suggesting that you let someone inside that empty room you call a heart.  Whether you make her your wife or your mistress, a man’s bed is decidedly warmer if there’s a fire burning in something other than his cock.” 

I really loved the Hellions of Halstead Hall Series by Sabrina Jeffries, and for those who haven't read it yet, no worries. ' Twas the Night After Christmas works well as stand alone.  But of course, reading the whole series can be worthwhile. 

Why do I love this book? 

1.  Pierce.  I wanted to give him a soft, tight hug.  He deserves one or a hundred more after what he had been through as a little boy. 

The little boy who felt no body wanted him at all.  His asthma made him a little weak and his father hated weak.  Saying that he has a poor relationship with his father would be an understatement.  But his mother, at first I didn't know what went wrong with the relationship because I can feel that his mother loved him to a fault.  She was the buffer that he needed with all the shenanigans that his father threw him at an early age.  The moment he was sent off to school, he never saw his parents again.  He was forced to spend his vacation with the cousins he barely knew.  And when he reached his age of majority- he went back to his parents and finally confront them, only to be sent away. 

I couldn't blame him if he hated both his mother and father.  I couldn't blame him if he wanted the truth out- something his mother wanted to forget.  I think he deserved to know the truth from the moment he reached his majority...

When the truth came out, oh well, it wasn't as dramatic as I hope it could be.  But at least the story ended every cards placed on the table.  The little boy finally had his needed truth and happy ending. 

2.  Camilla had worked for the countess for a while and saw the great love for her son and her son's subtle rejection for it.  Since the old lady has been kind to her and her little boy, she decided to repay the kindness by meddling with her affairs.  She sent a missive to the earl that his mother was at death's door.  When the earl finally knew that he was tricked, he refuses to stay unless Camilla agreed to a compromise. 

I love the dedication Camilla has given her work and to the countess.  Even though she learned the truth, and could not fathom how the countess could have done it, she never left her.  But most of all, I really adore her because she was a great mother.  That no matter what her feelings are, or how those feelings run deep for Pierce, she would still chose her son. 

Sabrina Jeffries once again made a beautiful story, not just a love story shared between the opposite sex.  But it's a wonderful story of forgiveness, moving on and the extent of a mother's love for her children. ' Twas a Night After Christmas is a perfect season read for all the regency book lovers out there. 

“Sometimes people fall in love with those who do not return the same strength of feelings.  It is as it is,” he said with a quiet intensity. “ What I g“Sometimes people fall in love with those who do not return the same strength of feelings.  It is as it is,” he said with a quiet intensity. “ What I give, I give freely.  You owe me nothing, not love, not friendship, not even obligation.” 

Sherry Thomas is one of my favorite romance author and this is the story I've been dying to read since I started the series - and my expectations were met.  Ms. Thomas made an amazing love story of a man who can't say the right words to the woman he wanted for a long time, and a woman who is deeply in love with another and is willing to risk everything. 

I don't know whether I'd fall in love with David or not.  He can be annoying at times and lovable the next.  His tactics are so high school - trying to get the attention of the girl he likes through teasing and not-so-amusing bantering.  I wish he can just be honest with Helena and tell her what he really feels for her.  On the other hand, he is an amazing father to his illegitimate daughter.  He's very patient, kind and just.  He didn't want to shun his daughter away like any noble man would do to children who were born outside the blanket.  Instead, he took her in his roof, and be the best father that a special child needs. 

Helena - the perfect epitome of the woman who is blinded by love.  She was in love with Andrew for a long time, and when an opportunity knocked, she took it - without looking at the consequences of her actions.  Good thing David was there to save her reputation. 

The clean slot David wanted came when Helena lost her memory, and despite that - he tried to come clean.  But what happens when Helena regains her memory and remember that she loved another? 

Despite the familiar plot that I'm not really fond of (amnesia), I fell in love with this book and its characters and would gladly recommend it to friends.  Especially for those people who look too far for love, not noticing what is in front of them....more

I have never seen a more ambitious lady in all my regency readings than Minerva Montrose - she can be annoying most of the times.  Probably, I grew upI have never seen a more ambitious lady in all my regency readings than Minerva Montrose - she can be annoying most of the times.  Probably, I grew up reading these Old-London tales with brave women (mostly) rather than radical ones. 

My heart goes to Blake - granting, he was an a** in the first chapters, but when all cards were put on the table, my opinion changed.  I understand why he would like to keep these secrets to himself and the extend of what he can do to have it that way.  The circumstances did not favor when he married a girl who loves to do what he can't. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the story, I had some laughs and near-heartbreak moments: an ambitious young bride who can be naive at times and annoying the next and her reluctant husband with a heavy secret to divulge.  I was wondering how can their marriage work without trust?  And the sex!  The pooling of excitement that was ignited due to their unconsummated wedding night was quickly extinguished with what happened on their first night in bed together! ... more

Everything started with a bracelet Sophie wanted to have back into her possession.  It was stolen by a boy while she was strolling.  Out of desperation,Everything started with a bracelet Sophie wanted to have back into her possession.  It was stolen by a boy while she was strolling.  Out of desperation, she went into a place where no respectable ladies should be found in. 

Here comes Simon, an old friend, the one that she has been in love forever, saving her from any trouble that she gets herself into.  Although he asked her to marry him, Sophie knew there was more to the proposal than he was letting on - and she needed to know what it was. 

Sophie is a social burden to Simon.  I was not sure whether to like her - because she has a nagging conscience that she acts upon or to hate her because she can be VERY reckless up to a point that she had endangered not only her life, but the life of her servant in doing what she thinks is best at that time.  So, you must understand this ambivalence - because I'm sure most readers felt the same way.  It was quite exasperating. 

Simon wants to marry his friend because he wanted her lands - lands that're filled with coal and he couldn't tell her because?  He might hurt her feelings - cliche much?  And when she found out about it?  When do these people realize that truth will come out no matter what? 

I don't know why these two end up lying to each other, especially with something important.  Trust becomes an issue, Sophie loses her trust with Simon because of what he did, yet, he gains it almost immediately.  She's very much in love with him that she can turn blind into his machinations and manipulations.  But anyway, it all ended nicely, after a heart-wrenching pain and in the heat of the scandal - Sophie's family still supported her and of course, Simon made a moved to atone for his sins, confessing his love for Sophie.  But this time, for real. ... more

The story went well, thank God.  I could never handle another tragedy to happen to the family in that magnitude.  Desperation could indeed drive someoneThe story went well, thank God.  I could never handle another tragedy to happen to the family in that magnitude.  Desperation could indeed drive someone into thinking the impossible.  I love how Caroline took the responsibility head on.  It was admirable how she swallowed her pride to keep her family together and keep them out of poverty, securing their futures even it would mean that her future would be bleak. ... more

I rarely make reviews for historical romance novels, but I'm making Ravishing the Heiress an exception.  I haven't read the first one and felt the urI rarely make reviews for historical romance novels, but I'm making Ravishing the Heiress an exception.  I haven't read the first one and felt the urge to jump on the second book. 

If you asked me why I liked it - I would have said I adore Millie so much.  Her character was more of a strong woman rather than a martyr.  I love the courage and the perseverance she has. 

And well, there's Fitz.  Who had annoyed me at some point with his insensitive notions and foolishness, but thank God, Millie's mother had been right with her prediction and he'd seen some light at the end. 

Reading the teaser - I guess the book would likely have me in tears by the end part of the novel.  And dear me - Sherry Thomas delivered!  I was in tears at the end part of the novel.  I love the part when he finally realized how he felt for her, and how he came to tell her about what he felt. 

But

It was quite a task in reading all those flashbacks, I think it slowed down the momentum of the whole story.  I would have been glad that all the things of the past will be placed on the first part of the novel, and everything else would be in chronological order.