Review: Christi Caldwell's "DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUCHESS"

 Rating: 5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Courtland Balfour, the Duke of St. James, faces debtor prison. The last thing he wants to do is marry a wealthy heiress to save his siblings from destitution. Courtland assumes his twin’s identity to convince the Duke of Bentley’s illegitimate children to join Polite Society. He never expected to be taken by Cailin Audley. She makes Courtland question all the stifling rules and regulations placed on a duke. Can Courtland find a solution for his family’s money woes without marriage? Or will he let pride stand in the way of his and Cailin’s possible happiness?

Cailin Audley is the illegitimate daughter of a duke. She has difficulty conforming to society’s repressive and rigid expectations. Her only ally is Courtland, the charismatic man Cailin met in the small mining town she grew up in. She soon finds herself whisked off to the countryside after making a near ruinous misstep. Cailin has no interest in marriage; however, she feels drawn to Courtland. Can Cailin find the place she truly belongs? Or will people’s machinations stand in the way of her future happiness?

Courtland stole my heart instantly. He is a man who believes he must shoulder all his responsibilities alone. I adore Courtland’s thoughtfulness and dedication to his siblings. He worries more about their needs and comforts over his own. I love how Courtland tried to counter their father’s cruelty. He hated how the man preyed on their vulnerabilities and weaknesses.  What I admire the most about Courtland is his refusal to follow in his father’s footsteps. He does not want to make a spouse miserable, so he balks at being a fortune hunter.

Cailin is a young woman who wants nothing more than to find her niche in the world. She also wants the freedom to explore her interests. I empathize with Cailin’s inability to fit in amongst Polite Society. She disliked having judgmental people monitoring her every move and finding fault. Plus, Cailin found their rules, especially for young woman, silly and baffling. I like how Cailin is not afraid to stand up to her broody, muscular brothers and her ducal father. She refused to be a pushover to their well-meaning protectiveness. What I adore the most about Cailin is her ability to see the real Courtland. She knew he was so much more than his title.

DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUCHESS is book two in Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, ALL THE DUKE’S SINS.  The story can easily standalone because the author does an admirable job of touching on the important parts from the first book. However, I suggest reading ALONG CAME A LADY to better understand the Audley family’s dynamics and situation. Courtland’s sisters, especially the youngest, added humor to the storyline. I could not help but laugh at the girl’s hoydenish antics.

DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUCHESS is an endearing tale of two outcasts finding love with each other. I hope the author considers writing a spinoff series with the Balfour siblings, especially the sisters. They deserve a happily-ever-after. I cannot wait to see which Audley brother, Hunter or Wesley, is next to be matched!

Review: Kate Bateman's 'A DARING PURSUIT"

Rating: 4

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Tristan Montgomery is the heir to a barony. He has always disapproved of Cary Davies’ deportment. The fiery woman likes nothing more than to ruffle his feathers. She is everything Tristan does not want or require in a wife. By accident, he learns about Carys’ secret. Tristan wants nothing more than to help Carys overcome her cynical outlook on intimacy. He readily agrees to her proposal. Soon the two find themselves entangled in a treasonous plot. Can Tristan help Carys escape her blackmailer? Will he realize what she truly means to him?

Lady Carys Davies is the only sister to the new Earl of Powys. She likes to flout society’s rules by wearing scandalizing outfits and behaving boldly. Carys has a secret that could damage her reputation among the ton. It is the main reason she plans to avoid marriage. However, there is only one person who sees through Carys’ carefree and brash veneer: her personal nemesis, Tristan Montgomery. When he calls Carys out on her bluff, she proposes a shocking proposal. Can Carys melt Tristan’s icy aloofness? Will they be able to bridge their families’ age-old enmity to be together?

Tristan is a man of calm reserve and cool restraint. I love that the author paired him up with Carys. She is Tristan’s ideal counterpart. Her chaotic and vibrant nature balances his stoical personality. I like how Tristan wants to help Carys conquer her skepticism on men and relationships. He may have ulterior motives, yet he wants to prove there is more to intimacy than what she experienced. What I adore the most about Tristan is his outrage on Carys’ behalf. They may be adversaries; however, he hates that a man took advantage of her and scarred her from relationships.

I have always adored Carys’ fiery and vivacious spirit. She is a woman who is not afraid to straddle the fine line between what is proper and what is scandalous. Carys does not care what society thinks about her or her unique tastes. I admire Carys’ dedication to her family. She may defy propriety, but she knows when to step back before blackening her family’s reputation. Also, Carys does not want to endanger her brothers by telling them about her blackmailer. What I like the most about Carys is her feelings about animals. She is a self-proclaimed champion for abused or neglected animals.

A DARING PURSUIT is book two in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, RUTHLESS RIVALS. The story can stand alone; however, I recommend reading the first book, A RECKLESS MATCH, to understand the longstanding family feud between the Davies and the Mongomerys. Prudence and Constance, Tristan’s spinster aunts, really make the story entertaining. Their candor and antics made me laugh. I cannot wait to read their hijinks in the next installment.

A DARING PURSUIT is a winsome enemies-to-lovers tale. I hope that Harriet and Morgan’s book is next. I have been sensing something brewing between the two since book one!

 

Review: Donna Grant's "THAT COWBOY OF MINE"

 Rating: 4.5

Courtesy of Romance Junkies

Dillon Young intends to run the ranch she inherited from her aunt. However, unexplained things keep happening to her. Dillon suspects her wealthy and charismatic neighbor. When she searches for her missing stallion, Dillon finds an inebriated yet handsome cowboy instead. She wants to trust Cal, but she fears that he may be involved in the theft. Will Dillon and Cal find her missing stallion? Or will she lose her ranch to her smarmy neighbor’s greed?

Cal Bennett is a professional bull rider. He goes on a drinking binge when he does not qualify for the current rodeo. Cal wakes to find himself starting up to a beautiful woman and her shotgun. The situation takes a drastic turn when someone shoots at her. He offers to help Dillon and to protect her against any further threats. However, Cal suspects his friend and father-figure of being behind it. Can Cal convince Dillon to trust him? What other secrets will the two unearth?

I am still on the fence about Dillon. There were a few instances where she irked me. I understand Dillon’s trust issues. She has every reason to doubt others, especially with the strange accidents happening on her ranch. However, I believe she overreacted with Cal near the end of the book. The situation that caused their rift felt wrong and off. I expected something a little more damning to warrant Dillon’s distrust. What I like the most about Dillon is her determination to continue her late aunt’s legacy. She strived to make the ranch prosper and flourish under her care, no matter the cost.

Cal is such a love! He is a man of principles and strong morals. Cal’s word is his bond. I love Cal’s willingness to help Dillon. He refused to leave her defenseless against her mysterious assailant. I like how Cal did not withhold the truth from Dillon. He was always upfront with her, no matter how much the truth condemned him. What I adore the most about Cal is how he is not a former armed forces like the author’s other cowboy books. He is simply a down-on-his luck rodeo bull rider thrown into a sticky situation.

THAT COWBOY OF MINE is a standalone, cowboy-themed romantic suspense by Donna Grant. I admit that I enjoyed this story better than the author’s other cowboy books. Sometimes it feels like authors put unnecessary sex scenes just to up the heat factor in their books. I like the steady build up with Cal and Dillon’s romance. They were both aware of their shared attraction, but they did not really act on it until near the end.

THAT COWBOY OF MINE is a gripping tale of two people enduring a harrowing situation, only to find love and belongingness. The story’s pacing really kept me on my toes! I cannot wait to see what comes next by Donna Grant!

Review: Sabrina Jeffries' "A DUKE FOR DIANA"

 

RATING: 4.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Civil engineer Geoffrey Brookhouse finds himself the new Duke of Grenwood. He has a secret that could destroy not only himself but his mother and sister also. Geoffrey plans on giving his sister a London Season in hopes of finding her a husband. He hires Elegant Occasions to prepare Rosabel for her debut. However, one of the co-owners intends on molding Geoffrey into a presentable nobleman as well. Will Geoffrey’s secret destroy a possibility for a future? Or will he be forced to give up the woman he loves?

Lady Diana Harper is the middle daughter of an earl. She and her two sisters weather the scandal their parents created. Diana handles the fashion part of the party planner business she and her sisters started. Having Geoffrey as a client could boost their business, but the man proves vexing to work with. Diana cannot resist needling him into his new role. Soon sparks ignite between the two. Can Diana help Geoffrey with his secret? Or will it stand in the way of their happiness?

Geoffrey is not your run-of-the-mill duke. He grew up in the working class, so his mindset and outlook differ from other noblemen.  Sometimes Geoffrey has difficulties accepting and understanding the ton’s rules and whims. I admire Geoffrey’s devotion to his family. He tries so hard to shield his mother and his sister from harm, even to the point of hindering himself. Also, Geoffrey wants to give his shy sister the best possible future. What I adore the most about Geoffrey is his thoughtfulness toward Diana and her sisters. He is always mindful of her reputation. Geoffrey does not want to add extra burdens to Diana.

Diana is such an inspirational woman. She refused to accept the professions allowed to women of her station. Instead, Diana and her sisters forged their own path despite society’s scrutiny. I understand Diana’s outlook on matrimony and relationships. Her parents’ marriage did not leave a good impression on her. Plus, Diana refused to follow their mistakes. What I admire about Diana is how she researched what a civil engineer was. She wanted to better understand Geoffrey and his interests.

A DUKE FOR DIANA is the first book in Sabrina Jeffries’ brand-new historical romance series, DESIGNING DEBUTANTES. I have been intrigued by the series’ premise since the author mentioned it on Facebook. I admire how the Harper sisters took their individual strengths and started a business, especially since it is frowned upon by their peers.

A DUKE FOR DIANA is a captivating story of two people overcoming familial obstacles to find love and acceptance. I will be continuing this series. I cannot wait to see which Harper sister is next!

Review: Donna Grant's Dark Alpha's Passion

Rating: Okay

 Ruarc is in a sticky situation. The Fae Other wants him to betray the Reapers. Unexpectedly, his old flame arrives at his door. Can Ruarc trust Chevonne? Or will he unwittingly thrust her in danger? Chevonne wants closure. Fate gives her that chance when their paths cross again. Chevonne insists on helping Ruarc with his tenuous position. However, her presence may cause him more problems.

I had a really tough time liking Chevonne. Her personality rubbed me the wrong way. There is strong, independent, bad ass heroines, and then there are characters who tried to play at them. Chevonne is the latter. She just fell flat. Mostly, she aggravated me throughout the story.

Another nitpick – it felt like there was too much unnecessary sex scenes for a novella, especially towards the end and Chevonne’s situation.

I guess I am getting a little burnt out on The Reapers. The heroines are all starting to feel the same, personality wise, just different looks.

Review: Atsuko Yusen's DEKO-BOKO BITTERSWEET DAYS

 

Rating: 4.5

Rui and Yuujirou have been together since childhood. I assume, in the first book, shows how these two’s relationship deepens beyond friendships. They are a bona fide couple.

However, reality intrudes on their relationship. They are now third years in high school. The two must think about their future: what university to attend, when and how to reveal their relationship to their families and friends.

I thought the relationship between Rui and Yuujirou is cute and sweet. They have their fair show of angst and uncertainties. There are some steamy moments between the two.

Yui is tall but mild-mannered and soft-hearted. Yuujirou is smaller, muscular, and tough. The two balance each other out.

I cannot remember the last time when I read a bl/yaoi where the uke is taller than the seme. It is a nice contrast.

 I have not read the first book, but I plan to do so when I find it… I intend to include these two volumes in my collection.

Review: Kerrigan Byrne's A TREACHEROUS TRADE

 RATING: 4.5

Fiona Mahoney takes time off from her Post Mortem Sanitation duties. She reluctantly agrees to investigate two prostitutes’ dubious deaths, when the authorities refuse to do so. Fiona knows the case lacks any of Jack the Ripper’s usual trademarks. As her investigation takes a darker turn, she feels torn between three men’s interest. Which man will Fiona choose? And will this case help her become closer to revealing Jack the Ripper’s identity?

Fiona has come quite a long way since the first book. However, she is not done growing. Fiona has endured an emotional setback, and she is trying valiantly to move past it. I like that she is growing aware of Night Horse, the Hammer, and Croft’s interests in her. She understands the pros and cons with each man.

Can I say I am Team Croft? I am happy that Inspector Grayson Croft plays a prominent role in this book. He is my favorite among Fiona’s possible love interests. I cannot resist Croft’s gruff and rough-around-the-corners demeanor. He means well, but he has a rough way of showing it. There are lines that he refuses to cross, no matter what. I like how Croft is starting to show his interest in Fiona. Yes, I am aware the two will face many problems, but I feel he would be a better fit for her.

A TREACHEROUS TRADE is book two in Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian-mystery series, THE FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERIES. I feel these in-between cases are necessary for Fiona to grow sharper and stronger. They are preparing her to go head-to-head with Jack the Ripper.