The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell
Publication Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
Lord Robert Dennington, the Marquess of Westfield, has long reveled in the freedom afforded him as the ducal heir. He knows he must someday do right by the Somerset line, but he's in no hurry to give up his carefree existence.

Helena Banbury is a bookkeeper in a gentleman's gambling club, adept at analyzing numbers and accounts but helpless for lack of influence. She's never belonged among the nobility on the gaming hell floors, but neither does she feel completely herself among the men who run the Hell and Sin Club, despite the fact that they are family. The once-illiterate girl from the streets wants more than the gilded walls her protective cage can offer.

When Robert mistakenly enters her chambers one night, Helena is forced out of her predictable life and thrust into the glittering world of Society. Will the charms of the marquess prove more perilous than any danger she ever knew on the streets?

Review:
Robert's family is running out of money, so his father demands he marry an heiress. And while he's never had trouble falling for women, he wants to get married on his own time. A trip to a gentleman's gambling club turns into more than he bargained for when he ends up in Helena's bedroom passed out drunk. Helena's family owns the gaming hell and she's in charge of the accounts. One night she finds Robert stumbling around her hallway and before her protective brother finds out, she helps hide him. But by morning both are aching for each other and a kiss turns into something more. Will Robert lose his heart to yet another woman or will he be forced to marry another?

To be honest, The Rogue's Wager was very hard for me to get into. I started and stopped it twice before finally sitting down and forcing myself to read the first chapter. After the first few pages, I began to enjoy the story more, but I still wasn't fully on board, mainly because I didn't like or connect to Robert. He's loved many women before Helena, and I know it's a personal preference but I like to read about heroes that haven't found love before. With Robert it felt like he would fall in love with anyone, so Helena didn't seem special, which took away from their relationship. Helena, on the other hand, was a wonderful character. I loved that she was smart and stood up for herself. I also enjoyed reading about her working in a gaming hell, since the plot was unique and exciting.

Overal, The Rogue's Wager wasn't my favorite. The story didn't suck me in and I couldn't connect to the hero.

Rating: 

Baron by Joanna Shupe
Publication Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Zebra
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Author (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
New York City's Gilded Age shines as bright as the power-wielding men of the Knickerbocker Club. And one pragmatic industrialist is about to learn that a man may make his own destiny, but love is a matter of fortune...

Born into one of New York's most respected families, William Sloane is a railroad baron who has all the right friends in all the right places. But no matter how much success he achieves, he always wants more. Having secured his place atop the city's highest echelons of society, he's now setting his sights on a political run. Nothing can distract him from his next pursuit—except, perhaps, the enchanting con artist he never saw coming.

Ava Jones has eked out a living the only way she knows how. As "Madam Zolikoff," she hoodwinks gullible audiences into believing she can communicate with the spirit world. But her carefully crafted persona is nearly destroyed when Will Sloane walks into her life—and lays bare her latest scheme. The charlatan is certain she can seduce the handsome millionaire into keeping her secret and using her skills for his campaign—unless he's the one who's already put a spell on her...

Review:
Ava's responsible for taking care of her three siblings but even though all of them work they're barely able to make enough money to stay afloat. One of her brothers is sick while the other wants to join a gang and steal money to help support them, which adds even more stress. Ava just needs a few more months, though, until she can move them to the country, where she hopes to give them a better life. But Ava doesn't expect William Sloane to disrupt her plans. William will do whatever it takes to get rid of Ava so his political partner doesn't rely on her for answers. But Ava won't give up her job, even when Will threatens to discredit her as a medium. As they spend more time together, they realize they have a connection that neither one of them expected—when they're apart they can't stop thinking of each other and when they're together they can't keep their hands to themselves. Even though they're from two separate worlds, will they be able to make a relationship work?

I've read other novels by Joanna Shupe and Baron is by far my favorite because the writing is great and the characters are perfect together. I liked the class difference between Ava and Will, and I appreciated that Ava understood that they likely could never get married and she didn't try to convince Will otherwise. Ava was my favorite part of the story because she was real and gritty and most readers will be able to connect to her. It was fun reading about her medium career and how she performed for her audiences, and it was easy to root for her from the beginning of the story because she would do anything for her siblings. Will, on the other hand, was at times likable but there were times where he wasn't likable, specifically in the way he tried to ruin Ava's career and did whatever he could to have a sexual relationship with her. But even that didn't stop me from liking Will because those aspects made him realistic and swoon worthy. He has all the elements that make up a great hero in a historical romance novel, and although he was stuck in his ways, I liked watching him grow as a character.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Baron.

Rating: 

The Governess Was Wicked by Julia Kelly
Publication Date: September 12, 2016
Publisher: Pocket Star
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
This delightfully charming and saucy Regency era romance is first in the Governess series in which three best friends are employed as governesses for different families, and all find themselves wanting something they can't have.

Elizabeth Porter is quite happy with her position as the governess for two sneaky-yet-sweet girls when she notices that they have a penchant for falling ill and needing the doctor. As the visits from the dashing and handsome Doctor Edward Fellows become more frequent, Elizabeth quickly sees through the lovesick girls' ruse. Yet even Elizabeth can't help but notice Edward's bewitching bedside manner even as she tries to convince herself that someone of her station would not make a suitable wife for a doctor. But one little kiss won't hurt...

Review:
Elizabeth is a governess for two young girls and when they continually get sick, she begins to suspect they're pretending so they can see the handsome doctor. Elizabeth doesn't fault them, though, because she can't help but like being in his presence as well, especially because he makes her feel special. And even though Elizabeth is attracted to Edward, and vice versa, she knows their relationship can't go beyond a kiss because she can't risk her job and she knows she can never be the wife of a doctor. Will Elizabeth be able to give into her desires without risking her reputation or her heart?

There are many historical romance novels with governess heroines, but Julia Kelly managed to weave a unique story with a doctor hero, instead of the typical titled lord. Edward was also very kind and didn't believe that he was above Elizabeth, even though she was a governess, which is something I liked about him. I also liked Elizabeth and Edward together. Their romance was sweet and heartwarming, even if it was predictable. And Elizabeth was a great heroine because she was serious about her position and loved the children she took care of, but because of that, the story fell apart a little bit for me. I couldn't help becoming frustrated that Elizabeth risked her job to kiss Edward, especially because Elizabeth and Edward would kiss in hallways and open rooms where anyone could easily walk in on them. I also thought the plot was lacking since the author focused so much on the romance.

Overall, I enjoyed The Governess Was Wicked and recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance novel featuring a sweet relationship between a governess and a doctor.

Rating: 

My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library. Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highroad knows is this: it wasn't her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers' true identity, she'll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she's ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn't got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit...and melt a woman's knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte's safety is the truth about his dark past. 

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte's feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who's sworn to never love?

Review:
When Charlotte attends a house party with her mother, she knows her mother will do whatever she can to get Charlotte engaged to a titled and rich man. So Charlotte meets Piers, Lord Granville, in the library to assure him that marriage is the last thing on her mind, especially to someone so cold and distant. But while they're having this conversation, a couple walks into the room and Piers drags Charlotte behind a curtain to stay hidden so they won't be caught alone. They wait until the couple is done making love on the sofa a few feet away before they can escape, but unfortunately Charlotte's mother discovers them. Piers doesn't want anyone to find out that he's actually a spy and he was in the library to find out information for a mission, so he does the only thing he can—he proposes marriage. Charlotte believes in love, though, and will do anything she can so they aren't forced to marry. She tries to find the real couple that was in the library while they were behind the curtain, but as she does a little spying herself she begins to develop real feelings for Piers. Can Piers open his heart to Charlotte before time runs out and can Charlotte figure out the mystery before she falls in love?

If you're familiar with Tessa Dare, then you know that Charlotte is the sister of Minerva and Diana from the Spindle Cove series, but Do You Want to Start a Scandal isn't set in spindle cover. I was very pleasantly surprised by Do You Want to Start a Scandal and it is now my absolute favorite Tessa Dare novel of all time. Charlotte was so precious. She's was so cute and humorous in the way she rambled and I loved her positive outlook on love. Piers on the other hand was a perfect hero—mysterious, distant and oh so sexy. The two of them together was explosive. From the first page I felt their chemistry and I laughed out loud at so many of the shenanigans these characters got into, including the scene where Piers and Charlotte hid behind the curtain while a couple makes love a few feet away. The writing was also phenomenal. I've always loved Tessa Dare but this one is a step above her other novels—it flowed so well and the writing was outstanding.

I definitely recommend Do You Want to Start a Scandal to anyone looking for a well written and fun historical romance.

Rating:

Good Earls Don't Lie by Michelle Willingham
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)


Summary (from Amazon):
Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?

After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.

As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain's birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.

Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen...

Review:
After losing her ability to walk after eating bad potatoes, Rose tries to regain her strength so she can walk on her own again. But while attempting to do so in the garden, she comes across a half-naked man. Iain lost his clothes and horse to thieves, which isn't a good start to his time in England. He, as the new Earl of Ashton, came to England looking for a rich bride in order to save his estate and those who depend on it, and Rose agrees to help after hearing his predicament. But as they spend more time together, their friendship turns into something more, but can they give into their desires or is it better to go separate ways?

I really liked the idea of Rose not being able to walk, because it was interesting seeing her try to overcome her disability. I also liked that Rose and Iain began as friends and it took some time to develop romantic feelings toward each other. But I think that's where the book fell flat for me, because I didn't feel the chemistry between Rose and Iain, which was disappointing. Therefore, it was hard to root for the couple since I couldn't see them together in a romantic sense. The characters also made too many excuses as to why they couldn't be together, which was a little frustrating. I thought they could have easily sorted out their differences instead of yearning for each other from afar.

Overall, although Good Earls Don't Lie was well written, I was disappointed by the lack of chemistry between Rose and Iain.

Rating: 

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare
Publication Date: March 6, 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
He gets crankier as the moon gets full...

The rules of Society can be beastly—especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is...

A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistant is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue. 

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...

Review:
When Lily's nephew begins acting odd, such as eating large amounts of food and being very irritable, Lily turns to Simon, the Duke of Blackmoor, for help. He is after all Oliver's guardian and sending money isn't enough. Lily wants answers. Unfortunately Simon can't give Lily answers because she would run the other way if she knew he turned into a wolf during the full moon and that Oliver's beginning to change as well. But Simon can't resist her, even knowing that he should stay far away because he could easily lose control. Will Simon be able to open up to Lily and tell her the truth and will Lily be able to accept Simon for everything he is?

A Certain Wolfish Charm and the following books in the series are historical romance novels but with werewolves. It's amazing how Lydia Dare weaved the story to make it so believable and combined my favorite elements from historical romance (time period and relationships) and paranormal romance (werewolves and mates) into a wonderfully fun to read novel. Lily is a great character because she cares so much for her nephew and will do anything to help him. I also liked that Simon was rude and standoffish at the beginning of the story but slowly came out of his comfort zone by the end of the novel. I also liked Lily and Simon together. I instantly felt the connection between them and loved watching their relationship expand.

Overall, I would recommend A Certain Wolfish Charm to anyone looking for a historical romance with werewolves.

Rating: 

The Double Wager by Mary Balogh
Publication Date: Digital Reissue Published August 23, 2016 (originally published in 1985)
Publisher: Signet
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
The Double Wager is the digital reissue of a perviously published and long out-of-print novel by New York Times Bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Henrietta Tallan has always preferred the company of her brother and his rough-and-tumble friends to that of other ladies. She rebels at the prospect of making her debut into London society and the great marriage mart. However, when her brother's friends challenge her to entice the toplofty, unattainable Duke of Eversleigh into offering her marriage within six weeks, she recklessly accepts and wagers her beloved horse.

The Duke of Eversleigh, who has always adamantly proclaimed his determination never to marry, is beginning to feel the pull of duty and the need to produce an heir. His friends do not believe he will give in so easily, however, and wager with him that he will not make a marriage offer within a month.

When Henrietta deliberately collides with the duke in a London ballroom, then, each is intent upon winning a wager—without any thought to what will happen after it is won.

Review:
When Marius, the Duke of Eversleigh, declares he wants to get married in order to beget heirs, his friends are in disbelief, so they wager he won't make an offer of marriage before the end of the month. Henry (Henrietta) is at the other end of a bargain, where she wagers her horse against getting the Duke of Eversleigh to offer her marriage. She "accidentally" bumps into him at a ball to get to know him, and Marius is enchanted with Henry from the beginning because she can humor him while no one else can. Henry also finds Marius attractive, but her inexperience makes her wary of any romantic activities. Will two wagers turn into love or will their differences be too difficult to overcome?

The Double Wager was originally written and published in 1985 and is now out of print. They recently brought back the book in a digital reissue so fans of Mary Balogh could read her earlier works. And while I am a fan of Mary Balogh, I wasn't a fan of this book. The characters and plot seemed outdated and the quality of Balogh's writing in this one doesn't compare to her newer works. I also didn't feel like the writing was as polished or as smooth as I expect in a historical romance, and I had some serious problems with the characters. Henry's a tomboy, but I would have liked to see more spunk, and Marius was a little too bland for my liking.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend The Double Wager unless you're a fan of Mary Balogh and want to read her earlier works.

Rating: 

If I Only Had a Duke by Lenora Bell
Publication Date: August 30, 2016
Publisher:Avon
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
After three failed seasons and a disastrous jilting, Lady Dorothea Beaumont has had more than enough of her family's scheming. She won't domesticate a duke, entangle an earl, or vie for a viscount. She will quietly exit to her aunt's Irish estate for a life of blissful freedom. Until an arrogant, sinfully handsome duke duke singles her out for a waltz, making Thea the most popular belle of the season.

The duke ruined her plans and he'll just have to fix them.

Dalton, Duke of Osborne, is far too heartless for debutantes or marriage—he uses dalliances and public spectacle to distract from his real purpose: finding the man who destroyed his family. When his search leads to Ireland, the last thing he needs is the determined, achingly innocent Thea, who arrives in the dead of night demanding he escort her to her aunt. His foolish agreement may prove his undoing. The road to the Emerald Isle is fraught with unforeseen dangers, but the greatest peril of all might just be discovering that he has a heart...and he's losing it to Thea.

Review: 
In order for Dalton to get revenge after Lady Dorothea tried to trap his friend into marriage and also to win a bet, a bet declaring that Lady Dorothea will receive several marriage proposals within the next few weeks, he dances with her, making her sought after by eligible and not so eligible men. While most young ladies would be happy to be the center of attention, Dorothea isn't one of them. All she wants is to stop being pushed to marry by her parents and grandmother and move to Ireland and live out the rest of her life with her aunt. Dalton is the one who got her into this mess so she decides he'll also have to get her out. After discovering he's taking a trip to Ireland, Dorothea tags along. But while they spend more time together, they begin to realize that maybe they would rather be together than alone.

I enjoyed If I Only Had a Duke but it wasn't one of my favorites, mainly because I had a hard time understand the characters' motives and the plot. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that Dorothea sought Dalton out at a ball alone in order to talk about paintings, and then agree to dance with him even though she must have suspected that it would make her popular. It was also hard to believe Dalton's anger for Dorothea because he set that anger aside too early. His character was probably one of my favorite things about the story, though, because he was realistic and gritty. I also thought the love scenes were well written and had definite chemistry, which is always important in a historical romance. I've read historical romances before with a similar plot—with the heroine and hero traveling together—and while it was a fun read, there wasn't anything spectacular about the book or anything that would make me remember it and want to re-read it in the future.

Overall, I would recommend picking up If I Only Had a Duke at the library, or if you're looking for a historical romance novel that features the heroine and hero traveling together.

Rating:

Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney
Publication Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Zebra
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
In the first dazzling series, Mary Jo Putney introduces the Lost Lords—maverick childhood friends with a flair for defying convention. Each is about to discover the woman who is his perfect match—but perfection doesn't come easily, even for the noble Duke of Ashton...

Battered by the sea, Adam remembers nothing of his past, his ducal rank, nor of the shipwreck that almost claimed his life. However, he's delighted to hear that the golden-haired vision tending his wounds is his wife. Mariah's name and face may not be familiar, but her touch, her warmth, feel deliciously right...

When Mariah Clarke prayed for a way to deter a bullying suitor, she didn't imagine she'd find the answer washed ashore on a desolate beach. Convincing Adam that he is her husband is surprisingly easy. Resisting the temptation to act his wife, in every way, will prove anything but. And now a passion begun in fantasy has become dangerously real—and completely irresistible...

Review:
The last thing Mariah wants to do is marry Burke, a gamester, so she lies and tells him she's already married. When she comes across an ill and injured stranger washed up on the shore, Mariah tends to him until he wakes up. But when he opens his eyes, Adam realizes he doesn't remember anything. So Mariah, already caught up in her lie of being married, declares that she's his wife. Adam doesn't have any trouble believing Mariah, and the more days they spend together, the more grateful he is that she's his wife, but as he begins to heal it becomes even harder to keep his hands off of her. Mariah knows she can't let Adam make love to her because then he would find out she lied about being his wife because of her virginity, but the pull between them makes her question whether or not she should give everything up for one night with Adam. But if Adam regains his memory, will he ever be able to forgive her?

I downloaded this novel on my kindle when it was featured as a daily deal for free. I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, but I also didn't hate it either. It was just an okay read for me, mainly because of the characters and storyline. Mariah was at times unlikable, because of her lies to Adam, and Adam was a little too sweet and forgiving. I also thought the plot came across as unbelievable, and not just because of the memory loss storyline, but because of the ways the characters interacted with each other. An example is when Adam fights with Burke the day after Mariah found him, when he would have been too weak from not eating and being injured to even get out of bed. Another example is that Adam was too forgiving towards Mariah, which didn't come across as something most people would have been in that situation.

Overall, I didn't enjoy Loving a Lost Lord as much as I hoped, but I would recommend picking it up at the library or when it goes on sale if you're interested in reading a historical romance that features memory loss.

Rating: 

The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
Publication Date: April 21, 2012
Publisher: Self Published
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Hugo Marshall earned the nickname "the Wolf of Clermont" for his ruthless ambition--a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner's son to the right hand man of a duke. When he's ordered to get rid of a pestering governess by fair means or foul, it's just another day at work.

But after everything Miss Serena Barton has been through at the hands of his employer, she is determined to make him pay. She won't let anyone stop her--not even the man that all of London fears. They might call Hugo Marshall the Wolf of Clermont, but even wolves can be brought to heel...

Review:
After the Duke of Clermont wrongs Serena, while she was working in his household, she goes to him for payment. But the Duke refuses her request, so Serena decides to sit outside his residence every day, all day, until he gives her what she wants. The Duke instructs Hugo to get rid of Serena before his wife finds out, and Hugo, who has to fulfill the request in order to get his money so he can start his own empire, obeys. But even after filling her bench with other people so she has to stand all day, and threatening to throw Serena and her sister out of their apartments, Serena refuses to give in for the little sum Hugo tries to persuade her to take. And after a few days of being in each others company, stubbornness turns into something more and they can't help but wonder if giving in will get them what they truly desire. 

I've read and enjoyed novels by Courtney Milan before, and The Governess Affair was no different. I was pleasantly surprised by both Serena and Hugo, because Serena was stubborn but in a way that I couldn't help but admire and Hugo was a good man behind his gruffness and ambition. Their characters also came across as real and believable, which was one of the things that really stood out to me. This is a novella, since it's only 98 pages, but not once did I think the story progressed too fast. Courtney Milan did a great job with developing the characters in such a short time, and I almost wished the story was longer because I enjoyed the characters so much. 

Overall, I would definitely recommend The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan to anyone looking for a well-written historical romance novella. 

Rating: 

Submitting to the Marquess by Em Brown
Publication Date: August 16, 2016
Publisher: Self Published
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Would you spend one night at the Chateau Debauchery to indulge in wicked pleasures of the flesh?

Mildred Abbott is a proper Regency miss, but she cannot deny the dark desires that torment her body in the quiet of the night. Engaged to an uninspiring sycophant, she asks her influential cousin to interfere and break her engagement. When her appeals to him fail, she decides to take a singular opportunity—a visit to the Chateau Debauchery—to indulge her most wanton cravings before she submits herself to a life of wedded dullness.

The Marquess of Alistair concerns himself with no one, but to appease his aunt on her birthday, he agrees to select one person whose interests he will look after. It was not his intention to choose his plain and simple cousin, Mildred, but when she unexpectedly shows up at the Chateau Debauchery, his hand is forced. Knowing his aunt to be partial to Miss Abbott, he grudgingly decides to act the part of a gentleman to preserve her honor by removing her from the Chateau.

But Mildred refuses to go until she has had her night of wicked debauchery.

Review:
Although Alistair is hard and selfish, to appease his family he bestows a dowry on his cousin by marriage, Mildred. Mildred is tired of her parents pushing her to marry, and because of their pushing she agrees to marry dull George Haversham, but she instantly regrets it. She begs Alistair to take away the dowry in the hope that George will no longer want to marry her, but Alistair refuses. Resigned to marry, Mildred with the help of her aunt, decides to spend one night at the Chateau Debauchery, a place where men and women act out their deepest desires. But seeing Alistair there is awful, because not only does he find out about her sexual desires and lack of innocence but he also prevents her from going off with the man of her choosing. The thought of his cousin by marriage Mildred having desires is something Alistair's surprised by, but in no way will he let her go off with a stranger to fulfill those desires, so he takes matters into his own hands.

I've read and loved Em Brown's books before, especially Submitting to His Lordship and Punishing Miss Primrose, and Submitting to the Marquess was no different. Submitting to the Marquess is a historical romance with heavy erotic and BDSM elements. But even though most of the story is comprised of sex, Em Brown is able to weave a story that is interesting and kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed both Mildred's and Alistair's characters—Mildred is strong enough to know what she wants and isn't the typical innocent heroine that we often see in historical romances, and Alistair is the typical rogue that only focuses on his own pleasure. The cousin storyline was a little worrying to me at first, but it turned out to be something I wasn't bothered by because Mildred and Alistair are only cousins by marriage. But still, at times I felt a little awkward by their positions as family, even if they weren't blood related, so if that idea grosses you out at all, I would stay away from this one.

Also, please note that this is the first book in a series and the sequel will be coming out in November 2016.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a historical erotica with BDSM elements.

Rating:  

Why Do Dukes Fall In Love? by Megan Frampton
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, has the liberty of enjoying an indiscretion...or several. But when it comes time for him to take a proper bride, he ultimately realizes he wants only one woman: Edwina Cheltam. He hired her as his secretary, only to quickly discover she was sensuous and intelligent.

They embark on a passionate affair, and when she breaks it off, he accepts her decision as the logical one...but only at first. Then he decided to pursue her.

Michael is brilliant, single-minded, and utterly indifferent to being the talk of the ton. It's even said his only true friend is his dog. Edwina had begged him to marry someone appropriate—someone aristocratic...someone high-born...someone else. But the only thing more persuasive than a duke intent on seduction is one who has fallen irrevocably in love.

Review:
After Edwina's husband dies, she discovers that she's in major debt. In order to care for herself and her daughter, she takes a position with the Duke of Hadlow, as his secretary. From the beginning, Michael's pleased with Edwina's work ethic. But no matter how many times he tells himself he can't have her, he still yearns to take her in his arms and make love to her. Surprisingly Edwina wants the same thing and before long they begin an illicit affair that soon turns into something more. But Edwina knows Michael can't marry her because he's a duke and she's a secretary. Will Edwina be able to walk away from Michael before she loses her heart or will Michael lose her forever?

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I liked both of the characters—Edwina came across as hardworking and caring, especially when around her daughter, and Michael came across as somewhat quirky but in a very endearing way. I also liked that Michael was at times harsh and straight forward, because it made his character more interesting and it also made the relationship between Michael and Edwina more believable and it added more chemistry during their encounters. I also liked that Edwina was a strong enough person to know how the world worked and she was strong enough to make hard decisions in order to better herself and her daughter.

Overall, I would recommend Why Do Dukes Fall In Love? by Megan Frampton.

Rating:

A Kiss To Remember by Teresa Medeiros
Publication Date: November 26, 2008
Publisher: Random House
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Laura Fairleigh needs a a husband. If she is to keep a roof over her siblings' heads, the prim rector's daughter must wed by her twenty-first birthday. When she finds a mysterious stranger with the face of an angel and the body of Adonis unconscious in the forest with no memory of his name or his past, she decides to claim him for her own. Little does she know that her fallen angel is really the devil in disguise.

Sterling Harlow, the notorious rakehell known as the "Devil of Devonbrooke," awakens to the enchanting kiss of a lovely young woman who informs him he is her long-lost betrothed. With her sun-kissed cheeks and smattering of freckles, she looks every inch the innocent, but her curves possess a woman's allure. When she assures him he is the perfect gentleman, he wonders if he's lost his wits as well as his memory. He would have sworn he was not a man to be satisfied with mere kisses—especially from lips as sweet and luscious as Laura's. As he attempts to uncover the truth before their wedding night, A Kiss To Remember ignites a passion neither of them will ever be able to forget...

Review:
Laura receives a letter from Sterling Harlow, the "Devil of Devonbrooke", who tells her that he's going to cast her and her sisters out of his home after his mother dies and will find someone for Laura to marry. Laura is worried that he will send her sisters to the workhouse, so when she finds a man on the side of the rode who lost his memory from a head injury, she decides to lie and tell him that he's her fiance, because if Laura gets married before her 21st birthday she will inherit the house and her sisters will be safe. The man she found on the side of the street, though, turns out to be Sterling, and he goes along with whatever Laura tells him for awhile but as they spend more time together he begins to care for her. If and when he gets his memory back, will he be able to forgive Laura's deception?

I recently picked up one of Teresa Medeiros's novels and fell in love with her stories and writing style, and now I seem to be purchasing every one of her books that I can find. A Kiss To Remember is a take on the popular memory loss storyline, but she does it in a way that makes the story unique and exciting to read. I loved Laura and Sterling together and enjoyed seeing them fall in love, and I also enjoyed seeing the consequences that Laura had to deal with from lying to Sterling.

I would recommend A Kiss To Remember to anyone looking for a well-written historical romance novel with a memory loss theme.

Rating:

As Rich As A Rogue by Jade Lee
Publication Date: August 2, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Mari Powel's fiery Welsh temper is up. Peter Norwood, Lord Whitly, is back in town after six years romping around India making his fortune. Mari blames him for her social downfall and has spent all this time clawing her way back into the ton's good graces. How dare he show up on his first day back and publicly embroil her in a bet involving long-awaited apologies, illicit kisses, and Lady Illston's unruly parakeet? Mari is outraged, and is going to show him-and everyone else-what she's made of. Little does she know, the unrepentant Lord Whitly has been dreaming of her all this time. Now he'll do anything to win the wager-along with Mari's heart. 

Review:
Mari has never forgiven Lord Whitley for what he said about her six years ago, something that forever changed her reputation. Now he's back from India and making her life even more complicated after he forces her into a wager. The wager brings them closer, even though Mari wants to be as far away as possible from Lord Whitley, while Lord Whitley's exactly where he wants to be.

This is probably one of the most unbelievable historical romance novels that I've ever read, and not in a good way. The fact that Mari and Lord Whitly make a wager about teaching a bird new words and if Mari loses she must kiss Lord Whitly, which everyone says won't ruin her reputation, is not historically accurate and a little silly. But while it wasn't the most believable or one of my favorite novels, it definitely was unique and interesting.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for an accurate historical romance, but if you're looking for a fun and fast read, this is a good pick.

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A Kiss To Remember by Teresa Medeiros
Publication Date: November 26, 2008
Publisher: Random House
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased

Summary (from Amazon):
Laura Fairleigh needs a a husband. If she is to keep a roof over her siblings' heads, the prim rector's daughter must wed by her twenty-first birthday. When she finds a mysterious stranger with the face of an angel and the body of Adonis unconscious in the forest with no memory of his name or his past, she decides to claim him for her own. Little does she know that her fallen angel is really the devil in disguise.

Sterling Harlow, the notorious rakehell known as the "Devil of Devonbrooke," awakens to the enchanting kiss of a lovely young woman who informs him he is her long-lost betrothed. With her sun-kissed cheeks and smattering of freckles, she looks every inch the innocent, but her curves possess a woman's allure. When she assures him he is the perfect gentleman, he wonders if he's lost his wits as well as his memory. He would have sworn he was not a man to be satisfied with mere kisses—especially from lips as sweet and luscious as Laura's. As he attempts to uncover the truth before their wedding night, A Kiss To Remember ignites a passion neither of them will ever be able to forget...

Review:
Laura receives a letter from Sterling Harlow, the "Devil of Devonbrooke", who tells her that he's going to cast her and her sisters out of his home after his mother dies and will find someone for Laura to marry. Laura is worried that he will send her sisters to the workhouse, so when she finds a man on the side of the rode who lost his memory from a head injury, she decides to lie and tell him that he's her fiance, because if Laura gets married before her 21st birthday she will inherit the house and her sisters will be safe. The man she found on the side of the street, though, turns out to be Sterling, and he goes along with whatever Laura tells him for awhile but as they spend more time together he begins to care for her. If and when he gets his memory back, will he be able to forgive Laura's deception?

I recently picked up one of Teresa Medeiros's novels and fell in love with her stories and writing style, and now I seem to be purchasing every one of her books that I can find. A Kiss To Remember is a take on the popular memory loss storyline, but she does it in a way that makes the story unique and exciting to read. I loved Laura and Sterling together and enjoyed seeing them fall in love, and I also enjoyed seeing the consequences that Laura had to deal with from lying to Sterling.

I would recommend A Kiss To Remember to anyone looking for a well-written historical romance novel with the memory loss theme.

All The Ways to Ruin a Rogue: The Debutante Files by Sophie Jordan
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Publisher: Avon
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
First friends, then enemies...

Lady Aurelia hasn't always hated Max, Viscount Camden, her brother's best friend. In fact, as a besotted girl, she thrived under his kind attention—sure that he was the most noble and handsome man in the land. Until her young heart discovered what manner of rogue he really was. Now, though she enjoys nothing more than getting on his last nerve, she can't deny Max drives her to distraction—even if she tries to pretend otherwise.

Now something more...

Max cannot recall a time when Aurelia did not vex him. If she was not his friend's sister, he would stay far away from the infuriating vixen. Unfortunately, they are always thrown together. At parties and family gatherings...she is always there. Mocking him, tossing punch in his face, driving him mad...until one night, she goes too far and he retaliates in the only way he can: with a kiss that changes everything.

Review:
I've always been a big fan of Sophie Jordan and her historical romance novels, so I was excited when I saw this new release. The novel starts out with Aurelia as a fifteen year old girl, madly in love with her brother's best friend, Max. That is until she discovers him sleeping with a kitchen maid. All her hopes and dreams crumble and she ends up expressing her anger in a way that humiliates Max. The novel picks back up seven years later, and because of that incident, they are no longer friends but instead rivals that aren't able to be in the same room with each other without fighting. The fighting, though, soon turns into something more when they can't keep their hands off of each other.

Aurelia's and Max's banter is mostly humorous, but at times it can be a little over the top and become too unrealistic to believe in certain circumstances. I also had trouble with one scene in the novel when Aurelia is at a gaming hell and places bets against men. I found this a somewhat disturbing and unrealistic scenario for a "lady" to be in during that time period. Overall, though, I found both characters interesting, and while they weren't completely likable, I still enjoyed the novel.

While I may not re-read this novel anytime soon, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a  historical romance novel featuring a love/hate relationship.

Rating: