Tag: Romance

Bound For Sin by Tess LeSue

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Screenshot 2018-10-16 23.45.00

Bound for Sin
Frontiers of the Heart Series
Tess LeSue
Published 4th September 2018
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From the author of Bound for Eden comes a new historical Western romance that tests life and love on the Oregon Trail.

WANTED: A resourceful frontiersman, for the purpose of matrimony…

 

When Georgiana Bee Blunt advertises for a husband, she’s not looking for a handsome man, or a smart man, or a charming man. What she wants is a brute. A no-nonsense, capable backwoodsman who won’t trouble her with talk of love; she just wants someone to get her and her fatherless children safely to California. Matt Slater seems to fit the bill perfectly. The man looks like he could wrestle a bear and not even break a sweat. The only problem is he doesn’t want a wife. Well, not the only problem…

 

Truth be told, Georgiana has more problems than she knows what to do with. Left holding a gold claim by her not-so-dearly departed husband, Georgina finds her eldest son held ransom by the sinister Hec Boehm and his henchmen, and herself facing a journey of more than two thousand miles to rescue him. With four children in tow. And no nanny.

 

All Matt Slater wants is to be left alone. He’s spent most his life on his lonesome in the wilderness, and he’s comfortable that way. But then a widow with big blue eyes and the tenacity of a buffalo turns his entire life upside down, and before he knows it, he’s playing caretaker to a pack of kids…and trying not to succumb to their mother’s charms.

 

We begin this glorious tale in Independence, Missouri, much like in the first book Bound for Eden, however this time we have a different Slater brother and a very different heroine. Georgiana Bee Blunt is not only a strong and resilient woman but the mother of five spirited children, one of whom is being held for ransom by thugs in the gold hills of California. So, with the long and dangerous Oregon Trail before her, she not only needs a wagon train but a man to aid and protect her young family on their journey. Surely such a man would be easy to find on the edge of the wild west. Unfortunately for Georgiana, word has spread that her deceased husband has left her a piece of Californian gold land, and every would-be gold-digger answers her call. Enter Matt Slater, a gruff, grouchy bear of a man, and one of the best wagon train captains Independence has known – and he perfectly fits the necessary requirements for Georgiana’s advertisement. Except he doesn’t want to get married, and he hardly understands how to interact with people at the best of times, so how can he be expected to act the fiancé?

The premise was hilarious and set the characters up for an awkward meet cute, but most of the awkward scenes were eased by the easy nature and devilish actions of the Bee Blunt children. However, the premise also sets in motion a slow burn romance, which is my absolute favourite as you get to understand and watch the characters evolve and develop the relationship throughout the novel. Matt would have to be one of the most beautiful men I have ever read. His character gruff due to his solitary nature, but kind and considerate attention to the needs of others. Matt’s character has been crafted with care and precision by Tess, creating a modern hero to perfectly fit within his historical setting.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tess at the launch party for Bound for Sin, and she believed that Georgiana would be her least popular character. Personally, I had to disagree, as she experienced the most change and challenges throughout the novel, so her character and strength was always being tested, and every time she adapted and came out stronger. Even at one moment, where I cried for her and the horrible circumstances she experienced, she absorbed the pain and shock only to transform it into a new strength to carry her forward. Throughout all her changes, Matt was at her side, not shielding her from struggle but supporting her every step and aiding her when she was too weak to ask for it. That is why I love Matt Slater.

Of course, there is delicious sexual tension that Tess agonisingly teases throughout the novel, but it is absolutely worth every page. Tess’s writing is rich and delectable, tantalising every sense until you are blushing at each kiss, crying with every hurt and savouring every page. Her historical research is astounding. I completely appreciate her dedication to authenticity and grounding the characters in the mid-1800s, as it had additional layers to the complexity of characters and the romance. Definitely one of the best historical romances I have ever read.

Tess chose to set her romantic adventures in the wild west, as it was a place where fiction held power and often dictated the mode of life and crime. So be prepared for vast landscapes, epic adventures and fiery romances. Book three in the series, Bound for Temptation, is due to be released on 31st December 2018.

Devoted | Book Review

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9781489245632Some choices are easy. Some choices are hard. And some choices will break our hearts…

When jaded movie director, Tyler Wentworth meets Mallory Hughes on the set of his latest movie, he immediately notices two things: she’s too sweet and she’s somehow familiar. But he has no time for mysteries – as long as she can do her job and continue to keep her notorious starlet out of trouble, she can keep her secrets.

Mallory knows exactly who Tyler is, the young man she had a huge crush on has grown to a Hollywood heavy-weight. But the last thing she wants is to be associated with the shy, awkward girl she was then. She’s here professionally, managing her troubled sister who has the talent to be the biggest star on screen, but a turbulent past. This is Bobbie’s last and best shot, and Mallory will do nothing to jeopardise it.

But as the filming begins, Mallory not only finds herself drawn more deeply to this grown-up Tyler, but that her attraction is more than reciprocated and she can’t help herself from indulging in all of her girlish fantasies. However, when their pasts catch up, she is going to have to choose between the sister she’s devoted her life to and the man who’s won her heart.

 +++ Image and blurb from JC Harroway website+++

Net Galley ARC received from Escape Publishing for an honest review

 4 Talk to Me Stars

I am sure you know the feeling where you start a book with very little expectations or assumptions and find a diamond in the rough.

It is a lovely feeling, isn’t it?

Well, I had that exact experience when reading Devoted, and what gave it those sparkly diamond qualities was the original characters, plot tension and steamy sex scenes.

Tyler Wentworth is a career-driven Hollywood director and is about the venture on his most personal project yet – depicting the demise of a young drug addicted women, based on his sister’s final days. Not happy with the unpredictable starlet, Bobbie Lawrence, the studio executives have thrust upon him to play the leading role, he is even more unimpressed that she fails to appear at the first location read through. Bobbie’s young and awkwardly shy manager is sent in her stead, Mallory Hughes, sparks not only his memory but his desire.

Mallory is Bobbie’s older sister, guardian, manager and assistant, after the death of their parents two years before. Working with Tyler is reigniting her old teenage crush, as his sister was her babysitter when she was thirteen. But never in a million years did shy, mousy, vintage-loving Mallory expect to arouse interest in the famous director. As one brief glimmer of courage had her kissing him, she discovered that he was kissing her back and wanting more than just a fling. But blurring the lines between the professional and personal is always fraught with danger, as they quickly discover.

I honestly loved Mallory, as she was a clever woman, whilst awkward at times did not shy away from her true emotions and desires when coaxed. I also loved that Tyler did the coaxing, as his director role made me expect an ‘alpha male’ dominant relationship but I was surprised as he recognised Mallory’s limitations and gently guided her out of her shell. This coaxing was also great in the sex scenes as he always wanted Mallory to voice her desires, wants and to take control of the sexual encounters. It was so refreshing to have the woman taking her pleasure, and the man encouraging her power – as the ‘alpha male’ trope wears thin after a few romances.

However, even with the empowering sex scenes, interesting characters and relationship tension, the novel felt lacking in some way. As I finished the book, I felt that the character development was not greatly present, as change comes late for both Tyler and Mallory. So, by the end of the novel, I was a little disappointed that the moments of change were glossed over, even if the shorter time frame held a lot more dramatic tension.

All in all, a wonderfully engaging romance to read at the beach, by the poolside, in front of an open fire – anywhere really.

Haven by Rebekah Weatherspoon

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34745311A week-long getaway…

City girl Claudia Cade’s carefree life is plunged into chaos when a camping trip with her brother in the national forests of Northern California turns into a deadly dash for her survival.

A solitary world turned upside down…

Nature photographer Shepard Olsen has resigned himself to a quiet existence, with only his dog by his side, until a woman in need of his protection shows up on his doorstep and throws his universe into disarray.

Two lives linked by tragedy…

Claudia is desperate to heal from her traumatic loss, but can’t stop thinking about her run-in with evil….or the grizzled mountain man whose quick thinking and good aim saved her life. When she shows up on Shep’s doorstep again, she finds she isn’t the only one who can’t move on.

…saved by bliss.

The two begin an intense, passionate relationship of Dominance and submission, pleasure and pain, but with dark memories haunting them and decisions about the future rapidly approaching, Claudia can’t help but wonder…how long can they be each other’s haven?

*** WARNING: This book contains a sexual relationship between a fashionista and a cranky mountain man who are dealing with physical and emotional trauma. And a very big, cuddly dog.***

 +++ Image and blurb from Goodreads+++

Net Galley ARC received from the author herself for an honest review

 3 Beardy Man and Fluffy Dog Stars

Once again, I’ll need to open my post with honesty, I requested Haven from Net Galley without registering the series title ‘Beards and Bondage’. Whilst I do enjoy a well-appointed beard, I have never been interested in the bondage and Dom/Sub romance novels. Not even the Fifty Shades hype sparked my desire to explore this sub-genre. But as I requested the novel, and the blurb is fascinating, I decided to test the waters – and decided I enjoyed the foray but it hasn’t convinced me to explore further.

The novel has a hugely dramatic opening. Shepherd ‘Shep’ Olsen (bearded mountain man) finds Claudia Cade (witty city-bred fashionista) battered and bloody on his doorstep with her attacker close on her heels. Forced to kill the attacker, Shep rushes Claudia to the hospital, and they manage to form a bond through shared experience. Claudia is left to grieve for her brother who was killed as she escaped, and Shep must face the reoccurring nightmares of killing a man.

You would think that after Claudia returns to her Manhattan home she would never want to set foot in the mountains that had taken so much from her. But after struggling to restart her old life she is drawn back to Shep, the man she cannot stop thinking about and returns to not only say thank you but offer him a proposition. She wants to heal, and the only peace she had was in his arms in the hospital bed, and in her mind, the best way to work through the grief is numerous bouts of sex with the studly mountain man. Shep agrees so long as she agrees to his sexual preferences of Dom/Sub and bondage.

The characters were highly engaging and had wonderful character development which did not have a heavy dependence on each other – which is refreshing. Shep and Claudia had to exclusively conquer demons and acknowledge grief, as both experienced different traumas. The dual POV really helped their development, as they were either in different cities or different headspaces. Also, the dual POV allowed Shep and Claudia to have different levels of commitment and confusion to the relationship.

Shep’s caring introverted ways perfectly juxtaposed Claudia’s wise-cracking, chatty nature – which made them an intriguing couple. Even with the alluring plot and characters, the sex distanced me from the narrative. Strangely not at first, but as more of the bondage culture came into play I became more detached. I think this is all down to personal preference, whilst I didn’t find the leather straps and public exposure aspects of their relationship engaging, I still enjoyed watching their relationship bloom.

AND, how could I forget Titus, the adorable giant fluffy pooch – he was an excellent companion for Shep and comforter of Claudia.

Overall, I am happy I ventured out of my comfort zone and tried this romance sub-genre, but I will check out any other non-bondage novels by Rebekah Weatherspoon.

An Heir of Uncertainty | Book Review

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19304924Yorkshire, 1820

Lina, Lady Radbourne, thought being a countess would rescue her from poverty. Unfortunately, her young groom failed to plan for the future, and his drunken accident left her widowed and pregnant. Now Colonel Winstead Vaughan—Win—will inherit her late husband’s fortune…unless she gives birth to a boy. Win is her natural enemy, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Win is stunned to learn he stands to inherit a vast fortune. He’s even more surprised to find himself falling for the beautiful, spirited Lady Radbourne, who is the one woman who stands in the way of a life he’d only imagined.

When someone tries to poison Lady Radbourne, suspicion falls on Win. There’s a clever killer in their midst, and if Win doesn’t solve the mystery fast, Lina may perish. He needs to win her trust, but how can he prove it’s she he wants, and not the fortune?

+++ Image and blurb from Harlequin Publishing+++

Net Galley ARC received from Carina Press for an honest review

3.75 Suspicious yet Sexy Stars

I was uncertain when picking up this romance, as the cold Yorkshire countryside did not fit in well with the summer weather I have been experiencing. Thankfully the weather cooperated and it has become wet and grey, giving the read a relatable backdrop. Weather aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery and twists of the plot, as I was not expecting a quality murder mystery alongside an excellent romance.

Lina only had a few months with her new husband Edward and as Lady Radbourne before he dies in a foolish dare – and the executor of the estate quickly contacts a long distance relative and heir presumptive. However, when the heir to the estate, Colonel Winstead ‘Win’ Vaughan arrives with his young daughter and eccentric younger brother, it is to discover that the widow Lady Radbourne is expecting and her child could result in his disinheritance. Tensions run high from the awkward situation, but also from the unexpected attraction Win and Lina feel toward each other. Attraction wars with suspicion as several attempts are made on Lina’s life close after Win and his family arrive, but there are so many distrustful local figures that the culprit could be anyone.

The murder mystery was well crafted and acted as a catalyst for Win and Lina’s romance, forcing their hand in desperate times. As a fond reader of crime novels, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the mystery and did not guess the murderer until the author intention let slip a few details to raise suspicion. The romance was also wonderfully crafted, as it did not easily develop from suspicion or from the stubborn natures of both characters but more from mutual respect and the slow burning passion that simmered beneath their concern for each other. Win’s nineteen-year-old pigeon-obsessed brother, Freddie, added wonderful comedic relief and had me hoping for him to find someone that shared his love of birds.

If you are looking for a murder mystery with slow-burn romance set in a Yorkshire winter, then you should definitely pick up An Heir of Uncertainty.

She’s The One | Book Review

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In the game of love — and TV — you play to win or you lose your heart.

Millionaire Banjo Grahams originally signed up for She’s The One drunk as a skunk and willing to do anything to bed Australia’s most beautiful women, but when he sobers up he realises he could lose much more than his reputation if he goes through with it. Unable to back out of an ironclad contract, he makes a deal with the network boss to rig the show, picking the lucky bachelorette ahead of time and guiding the season to meet his own ends and keep the board happy.

When her father tells Eliza Peterson she isn’t going to produce She’s The One, but appear as a one of the contestants, she is livid. Competing for some guy on reality TV is no way to earn his — and the network’s — respect and show them she is capable of producing shows of her own.

But for all the planning and staging, somehow the show takes on a reality of its own, and the goals of Eliza and Banjo fall away from something neither of them expected — love.

+++ Image and blurb from Escape Publishing +++

Net Galley ARC received from Escape Publishing Australia for an honest review

4 Reality Rose Stars

February being the month of love and romance, I could not resist diving into a short romantic fling (aka. novella) to honour the week.  She’s The One is a reality show based on the ever popular Bachelor and Bachelorette, and the reader is introduced to – bad boy, man-whore, millionaire, winter gold medallist – Banjo Grahams as the lucky Bachelor. Before filming begins, Banjo develops cold feet and show producer, Eliza Peterson, is forced to step into the contest and Banjo’s life by her father- to save the company. As the show plays out they begin to discover the person behind the fake persona and their own dreams for a future with someone they love.

Perfect for fans of the reality TV shows, She’s The One is well paced, developing a believable connection between Banjo and Eliza. Both characters have familial and relationship complications that play into their romance, but they are not acknowledged only to be brushed off but are considered and cause emotional obstacles to hurdle. The sterile and controlled reality TV environment is another hurdle that they are forced to tackle, but time alone and stolen moments allow their relationship to flourish away from the cameras. The writing is strong and wonderfully visual, allowing me to bask in the humidity of a Port Douglas summer.

If you want a fun, quick romance with plenty of heart to win over your weekend, then definitely pick up She’s The One.

 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne| Book Review

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UK/AUS Cover from Hachette

4.25 Bedroom Blue Stars

 

The game is afoot, or at least they have been for Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, ever since the merger of the two publishing companies they work for. Dangerously competent assistants of the two CEOs, Lucy and Joshua compete against each other in staring matches, skirmishes of wit and brawls of banter waiting for the other to crack. However, the stakes are raised when they now must compete for a lucrative promotion and the games become heated, but not in the direction Lucy predicted.

If you love Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedict, like I do, then you will love this delicious romp of a Rom-Com. Lucy is a refreshing modern woman, as she is not one dimensional but kind, passionate, ambitious, quirky, lonely, clever and a little crazy. And you get to discover new facets to her personality at every turn of the page. Only a multi-faceted man can balance her out, and at first, Joshua is aloof, sarcastic and pretty much an a-hole. But, as Lucy begins to recognise his moods as easily as his daily shirt patterns, she discovers that underneath all those barbs is a nice guy with unknown depths of emotion.

 

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US Cover from William Morrow

 

Whilst the ambiguity of the city and settings can be initially disconcerting, it allows the reader to focus primarily on the characters (and could be set in any English speaking country). The supporting cast often pushes Lucy and Joshua out of their comfort zones, forcing the games to the next level or allowing them to test theories. The lack of friendship circles for both Joshua and Lucy did not seem unusual given their dedication to work, but it helped to intensify the desire for a connection between each other.

A wonderful debut from Sally Thorne, I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a good laugh and fuzzy feelings.

Released on 9th August 2016 by Hachette Australia
ARC received from Hachette Australia for honest review

 

Hooker by J.L. Perry | Book Review

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If you are expecting a modern twist on the classic Pretty Woman film where a wealthy man meets a pretty hooker, then be prepared because this book is so much more.

Hooker, Ebook

Hooker opens with the story of Jade, a high-end escort, who has endured a harsh orphaned childhood only to be adopted by M – the Madame who primps and primes Jade throughout her teens to become a hooker in her employ. From this devastating home life Jade emerges strong, independent, resilient and determined to escape M and the profession she despises. Since she cannot escape her contract to M she escapes on holiday to New York, but the fun begins in Sydney Airport when she collides into Mr Delicious – enter Brock Weston.

Move over Richard Gere, Brock exudes charm, wealth, privilege and a tendency of getting exactly what he wants – and after the first brief encounter with Jade, he wants more. A chance encounter in New York has the sexual tension crackling, reaching fever pitch in one night of wild abandon. Brock is charmed by the combination of her sweet, down-to-earth nature and incredible sexual prowess, but he is left with desire and memories. As Jade hastily returns to Sydney with her heart aching from the knowledge that the cherished care Brock showed her could never continue while she remains locked in contract to M. However, Brock is a man who rises to a challenge, and Jade is a woman who deserves the love he can provide – if he can find her again and look beyond her past she wants to hide.

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The character of Jade is charming, with her strength and determination to survive her contract and plans for a free and independent future. Throughout the trials of the book, she remains true to her strong and sweet nature – with the occasional but well deserved tirade at Brock. Brock’s character also remains true throughout the novel, he is charming, possessive and stubborn but if often overwhelmed with responsibility and guilt.

The relationship is based on mutual attraction, and does not have any elements of love at first sight, rather their love develops over months of conversation and hot sex (of course). Even with all the steamy sex and sinister plot, there is sweetness to Brock and Jade’s relationship which is endearing and ever-present throughout the book. Also, the importance of family and love (not just desire) is explored through both characters with not only loss, but support, discovery and growth of family bonds.

The writing style in first person was occasionally jarring and took a long time to become accustomed to, but the dual perspectives was wonderful to experience the relationship from both Jade and Brock. Additionally, the sinister elements of the plot were too quickly resolved and removed the element of suspense, leaving the rest of the novel slowly resolve personal plots. Whilst I did appreciate J.L. Perry’s attention to detail in thoroughly tying up loose ends to leave the reader happy with Jade and Brock’s future, the loss of intensity and suspense made the ending anti-climactic.

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Hooker is an addictive read, with delicious characters, sizzling sex and an enduring romance that will warm your heart.

Released on 31st May 2016 by Hachette Australia
ARC received from Hachette Australia for honest review

My YA Valentine

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This February was doomed to romance since my first viewing of the amazing vlog series, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. After greedily watching the entire 100 episodes over two days (and that was with generous breaks… trust me), I had a desire for everything YA. Turning to my pile of unread YA and my trusty Kindle app, my February has been on a rollercoaster of teen drama and romance. (This list is not complied by rating but in the order that I read them)

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Smuggler’s Kiss by Marie-Lousie Jensen

A stunning YA set in the early 1700s when pirates and smuggler’s sailed the seas and evaded the King of England’s Navy and Customs officers. Isabelle thrown out of her known society must fend for herself, very annoying and spoilt to begin with, but the volatile young Will is forced to help her work for a place on the smuggler’s ship. The romance is not the central focus, rather the secrets that surround many of the characters, but the closer they are to discovering them the more peril they walk into. A seething romance, smuggling fine lace, high sea battles, cross-dressing escapades, and rollicking adventure… what else can you ask for?

17844678The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

An instant love YA that forms from the application of the Heimlich, performed by Wren, on the unsuspecting Frankfurter consumer, Grayson. Joking aside, it is a sweet romance, with a little comedy, but sometimes felt a little clunky with the bad boy back story for Grayson and Wren lack of development (which was her initial motivation).

15283043The Distance between Us by Kasie West

This YA fell into the rich boy meets poor girl category neatly, but Caymen Meyers is a little more prejudice than most protagonists in this category, as her mother has long warned her of the alluring dangers of rich men (Her father who fled when he heard about the pregnancy was wealthy and his parents paid off her mother to keep away). Xander Spence, the rich hotel owner son, likes Caymen’s sarcastic humour and begins to spend a lot more time with her, trying to keep it casual in case of scaring her away. A cute YA romance, quite humourous, with some adorable scenes; but Caymen’s prejudice was the most frustrating (and seemingly only) impediment to the blossoming relationship, and some plot lines did not resolve fully for my liking.

9781406341928Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

My favourite YA novel that has ever focused on falling OUT of love with someone. Sadie has been in love with her best friend, Garrett, for two years and he only sees their platonic connection. So after some disastrous situations and Garrett’s departure to summer camp, Sadie decides to detox her life and heart of Garrett Delaney. Along the way she not only discovers new friends and places, but herself; and she begins to live her life through her own desires and not through those of Garrett’s. Great characters, plot structure, and surprise romance! Definitely on the ‘re-read’ shelf!

942608_628432350509219_1562563085_nTripping Me Up by Amber Garza

A romance focused YA, where the invisible girl, Hadley, becomes noticed by one of the more popular guys in her year, Tripp, who she has had a long-time crush on. It is a sweet budding romance, that is hindered by home aspects and social standing at high school, but it manages to survive!

imageCrash Into You by Katie McGarry

One of the steamiest YA in the bunch! Rachel Young is rich, attends private school, a nervous wreck, has over-bearing brothers, and is seen as the replacement daughter for her long dead sister. But through it all she finds solace with her love of cars, and that finds her at an illegal drag way meeting the intimidating Isaiah Walker. He may look the bad boy but Isaiah is more loyal and romantic than first appearance. The story is not driven by their romance, instead forces the two leads to understand their relationship. This is the third book in a series, and I just ordered the first two!

R is for Rebel by Megan Mulry

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This is not your run-of-the-mill contemporary romance – ‘R is for Rebel’ brings a fresh view of the modern heroine against the confines of an out-dated hero. Not to scare anyone off, the romance is electric and the drama makes it well-worth the read.

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Abigail Heyworth is getting back on her feet after ending a long relationship with her girlfriend, by has been hiding out in her brother’s country house. It is at her other brother’s wedding that she meets the self-made multi-millionaire Elliot Cranbrook, and she cannot help but feel drawn to his charm and wit. I did enjoy the fact that they had been just keeping the relationship platonic and friendly for six months, before they decided on taking it further on an island beach. The intimacy is intense and moving along a lot faster than Abigail had planned for, but she was enjoying the glamour and wealth of Elliot’s world (even if she was a rebel child of a wealthy family of the English peerage).

Elliot’s intensity becomes too much for Abigail, and she decides to push away the relationship as she is not ready to take the step back into relationship (and her inner rebel wanted to disappoint her mother’s sudden hope at her involvement with Elliot). Even though, I thought she poorly communicated her feelings, it was a very rational fear that any woman would be feeling (unless you were in it for the money and sex). Elliot’s dominance and possession of her felt out-dated in the contemporary context, and really grated my nerves.

The year time lapse was unexpected, and you find little has changed between the characters. Abigail found stability in her life through family and work, and Elliot had become irritated and controlling at work and suddenly has a fiancé to mask his disappointment. As the two leads makes themselves more and more depressed, some family back story is added that slowed the narrative down and felt unnecessary. The revelation that this novel is fourth in a series did clear up some interest in the surrounding characters relationships, and gives the back story more relevance but not clarity.

Of course, they are going to meet again when Elliot is questioning his engagement and Abigail is looking for diversion at Fashion Week in Paris. However, all it took was a look, a few words, and a passionate kiss and ‘Presto!’ They are back together, very much in love, all the history and baggage forgotten, and lots and lots of sex to make up for. In the meantime, Elliot’s fiancé happens to find a really nice guy at the airport and decides to spend a weekend with him and his family in England (also Abigail family and Elliot is her guest). All ends well when everyone gets an explanation and very drunk.

‘R is for Rebel’ definitely rebels against any contemporary romance with some factors, but others fall short of the mark and my expectation, but it will keep you reading until the last page.

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

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With the distractions of work, social events and household chores, I will always find time for a Sarah MacLean novel. I have been a fan of Sarah MacLean since her YA romance ‘The Season’, and then strengthened the attachment throughout ‘The Numbers’ series, and now, I am basking in the joys of her ‘Rule of Scoundrel’ series. ‘No Good Duke’ is the third title in the series, focusing on the feared Killer Duke, Temple… and oh boy! Does the steam pour from the pages.9780062068545

After suffering through the jerk that is Bourne (a lovable jerk, I grant you), then adoring every page of Cross’s encounter with fate, I did not know what to expect with Temple. You learn from the earlier novels that his reputation was destroyed one evening when he awoke in a bed of blood, and then he was cast from society and his father’s house. However, he rises from the ruination to become one of the owners of London’s most exclusive casino, The Fallen Angel, and the most famed bare-knuckle boxer in England (I think the fact he is built like a mountain also does something to further his fierce reputation). With his fierce reputation settled, MacLean introduces him with a balance of grace and reserve, making him all the more intriguing.

Temple is a strong character (physically and mentally) so when the fierce and feisty Mara Lowe makes her appearance, I was gleefully aware that a sparring battle would commence. Mara comes upon the brooding Duke when he is returning home, surprising him, as she was the woman that he was accused of murdering twelve years before.  Naturally, he is angry and wants to hold her captive until she told him the truth, but the truth would come at a cost. Mara’s brother lost his money to the Fallen Angel and she wants the debt forgiven and for Temple not to fight him (that was an option for the men to regain their losses, if they managed to beat Temple in the ring). The deal they settle upon is Mara’s ruination and return to society, giving the Duke back his ‘good’ name, but before he can impose on her further she drugs him and escapes.

The plan of ruination and revenge has never been successful, in my experience of romance novels, as it merely offers the two leads a chance to spend a lot of time together. Such encounters between Temple and Mara, are had at the charming Miss Herbert’s establishment, finding their way back to Mara’s own home and establishment, an orphanage, where she has been hiding for the past few years (it was established under her pseudonym of Miss Macintyre). Mara’s humble existence within the orphanage, with the adorably protective boys and a pet pig named Lavender, is sickly with want of empathy but it is refreshing. MacLean takes us out of the world of society wallflowers falling for scoundrels, and into the world of a nouveau riche tradesman daughter who did not want to enter high society and is happy when working. The fact that MacLean introduces this working class girl (with lots of gumption) to a Duke who had learned to work to survive, somehow make them become perfect partners.

Regardless of Mara’s spirit, Temple is the true attraction for me throughout this entire novel, as it is his feelings that bleed through the pages. They face each other numerous times but support each other when threatened, but they continue to withhold truths from each other out of stubbornness (more on Mara’s part, out of fear I guess). The chemistry between them is vibrant making the sex scene practically flashing neon lights and fireworks… fanning was required. The ending did seemed prolonged with frustrating (mainly by the predictable actions of self-sacrificing, Mara), but the epilogue was worth the wait, with that huge plot twist for the entire series!

Once again Sarah MacLean delivers a Regency romance that cannot be matched for narration style, characters and resistance to the norm. I think it fair to assume I will be hungering for her next and final installment to this sinfully satiating series.

Be prepared to fall in love with her characters when you follow this link.