Reviewed by Amy W Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When it comes to Regency romance, Sabrina Jeffries ranks high on my Reviewed by Amy W Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When it comes to Regency romance, Sabrina Jeffries ranks high on my list of “go to” authors.
With her latest Sinful Suitors series, she has created a new cast of characters who easily captivate the reader’s attention, providing a front row seat to watch debutantes reform even the most seasoned rake.
The Study of Seduction marks the second story in the series. As with all of her work, the author creates characters that are full of vim and vigor. Lady Clarissa Lindsey is no shrinking violet, which is even more evident through her witty conversation. Edwin, the Earl of Blakeborough is not the typical swain because he knows better than to tangle with someone like Lady Clarissa.
When the storyline pits these two strong characters together in an alliance, it’s only a matter of time before they discover a shared passion. I found the storyline to be lively and interesting, especially the verbal exchanges between these two. The extra clause inserted into the marriage contract was particularly humorous.
Rather than being an ordinary Regency tale featuring the events of the ton, the author instead delivers a pulse-pounding storyline full of drama and intrigue. When the spice gets added, it quickly heats up.
I’m looking forward to future installments in the series to see who in the St. George’s Club will be next....more
Reviewed by Rachel Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The minute this book started, I was enraptured, unable to put it doReviewed by Rachel Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The minute this book started, I was enraptured, unable to put it down and completely consumed with the characters–mainly The Protector, Oh my word. Probably one of the most intense, emotionally driven characters I’ve read in a regency novel. His inner dialogue always made my heart clench and I hated how often he put himself down, even as a hero. I like the idea that Lorraine did what she did because of her past, because of things that had happened, and while her antics were at sometimes annoying, I could see the driving reason behind it which made it feel believable and gut-wrenching.
The idea that he’s supposed to be a body guard to a lady who wants to stop at nothing to become notorious was exciting and brilliant as it forces both of them together constantly which in turn means the reader gets a heck of a lot of sexual tension which is always so satisfying in slow burn regency romances.
Lorraine as a character, as I previously mentioned at times did become troublesome because I wanted her to just confess to Ewan the reason she was acting out because to him it appeared so hot and cold when really she had a very serious driving force.
Ewan and Lorraine together were incredible but I found myself wishing they would just communicate and finally get together rather than continue to hold tiny pieces of themselves apart. Everything felt very realistic and at times, desperate and heart breaking because as a reader I’m getting to the end of the book going um…how is she going to fix this? I’m happy to announce that it has a beautiful ending thats both satisfying and tearful.
All in all it was one of the better regency books I’ve read, five roses the rule!...more
Reviewed by Rachel Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’m a sucker for regency romance, toss in the whole concept of a seReviewed by Rachel Book provided by NetGalley Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’m a sucker for regency romance, toss in the whole concept of a second chances and a relationship that was love then hate–and I’m a goner.
I was immediately sucked into this book. It had everything that you could possibly want for this sort of trope. An intriguing backstory, a great leading man, a complicated woman who you literally have no clue whats happening with until the very end, and a great FULL story where any reader will feast and feast and feast.
With all of that being said, around 30% into the story all I kept thinking was, they are they both so hateful? He mentions being traumatized but really it turns into more of a revenge against Charlotte than his past sins. There were a lot of motivating factors behind both Julian and Charlotte and most of the time I one hundred percent understood where the author was taking it. But then things would take a turn, I’m assuming in the effort to throw the reader off (lets be honest all authors, myself including, want to set the bar higher after a first book in a series). Suddenly I’d find myself going, “wait, why is he being such an A-hole when in the last chapter he was trying to get her to fall in love with him again?”
And she did the same thing, Charlotte was very much the ice queen who had good reason to keep Julian at arms length. When things came to a head I went oh good yes FINALLY they are going to communicate. And then, bam, he goes off on a tantrum and lets be honest, as an author I totally got it. As a reader I was like but whyyyyyy? Was it necessary? I’m not entirely sure. Did it make the story….different? More deep? Intense? Yes to all of the above. I just had a very hard time getting back into the story and believing that Julian really did want to make things work, the things he said, the things he did, and the things that took place between them after all of the heaviness of the past almost felt like too much.
It was superb writing. Amazing development. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right place because I was so shocked that certain things were being said or took place by either character. And maybe, just maybe, thats the mark of an insanely good author—I hated her, I loved her, I hated her again, and then when my toddler woke up I was like YOU SLEEP! THAT IS WHAT TWO YEAR OLDS DO! 😉
All that being said, it was an amazing story that sucked me in even when I got angry and wanted to slam my phone against the wall and or re-write something b/c it made my heart hurt too much to read the words, to see the effect they had on either character.
All in all, an incredible regency romance that is NOT your usual romance, that will most definitely have you staying up until two a.m. cursing this author as you drink an entire pot of coffee.
Reviewed by Rachel Book provided by publisher Originally posted at Romancing the Book
As a fan of regency romance, I’ve read a lot of different twists anReviewed by Rachel Book provided by publisher Originally posted at Romancing the Book
As a fan of regency romance, I’ve read a lot of different twists and turns within the genre. In To Win a Viscount, Frances Fowlkes takes a completely different and refreshing take on a great premise.
Lady Albina loves horses, almost as much as she loves the Marquess of Satterfield. Of course, he doesn’t know she exists. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and being of the conspiring sort, she and her sisters devise a plan to win his attention and affection.
All she needs is a horse. And training. And her brother in law to turn a blind eye.
Naturally, hell would have to freeze over first, but one thing leads to another, giving the opportunity she needs! What she didn’t expect was an enticing groom with brilliant blue eyes and broad shoulders to be her teacher. And when one lesson leads to another type of lesson all together, her affection for the Marquess is brought into question. Is loving a groom truly worth the price?
I have to admit, at first I really didn’t like Lady Albina, mainly because I felt like she was “silly”… one of those regency heroines who has no grasp of reality. But soon you realize that she just WANTS to be noticed for something–anything. She feels like horses are her way to do that and though Satterfield is a complete ass, it makes sense that she would seek his attention because of his station.
The pacing of the story is spot on, and its one of those stories that you do feel could be rushed if it isn’t done right. I adored Edmund as our hero and I loved how he was strict with Albina. He almost forced her to grow up, though I will admit that it still felt a bit fast (the love part and how she switched between both men so suddenly, but part of that was due to the fact she never loved Satterfield in the first place).
The added “twist” towards the end with her brother and his involvement as also really exciting as a reader and added that needed layer to make this regency story go from good to great.
The characters are lively and true to their historical era. I loved the way Frances Fowkles weaves in the right amount of folly with sensibility, leading to a great tale that I couldn’t put down. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
My only complaint would be that the book truly could have been a bit longer but that could be because I didn’t put it down once I started it, which is just another mark in this authors favor. It’s not the best regency I’ve ever read but it’s a SOLID regency that will keep me coming back for more from this author....more
Reviewed by Rachel Book provided by Edelweiss Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’m a huge fan of regency romances where the hero falls for the womReviewed by Rachel Book provided by Edelweiss Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’m a huge fan of regency romances where the hero falls for the woman he’s supposed to be protecting i.e. helping get married off.
I immediately loved Warnick, LOVED him! I loved how vastly different he was from his English counterparts, they didn’t call him the Brute duke for no reason, after all. He’s the type of hero that pretends not to care what people are thinking–but is at the same time hiding an epic secret, one that, when it was finally revealed, was a doozy.
Lily is…naive. Naive and in love or so she thinks, until the object of her affection screws her over in a major way by threatening to expose a nude photo he’d painted of her…she only agreed to pose because she loved him and now that he’s threatening her, she’s heartbroken–and angry. All her life Lily has basically been thrust upon the next dukes kindness, never really belonging anywhere. I can’t tell you how many times I choked up over the fact that nobody really touched her when she was little, the author weaves an incredible story of a woman strength despite the fact that she was ignored most of her life. She even takes rooms closer to the servants because she wants to hear their laughter. Its absolutely gut wrenching and immediately makes you feel sorry for her. Typically, I would get annoyed over the fact that she constantly argues with Warnick about getting married off, after all she’s his Ward now. But I get why she would want love–she’s never had it.
Warnick has secrets of his own though…ones that, I was a bit confused about at first, but eventually we see why he pushes young Lily away so much and why he thinks he doesn’t deserve her. I wanted to smack him across the head so many times. He was constantly at war with his own feelings and in the end, its not he who saves the day…but a she. Which is what makes this story so special. Its not your typical I’m going t push you away from my darkness then finally realize it in the end and claim to love you.
Nope. Not at all. The spin on this story is incredible. The banter hilarious. The feels–all over the place. I cried. I laughed. And I adored this regency, it’s probably one of my favorite ones I’ve read in a while!...more
Reviewed by Jen Book provided by Social Butterfly PR Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Duke of Ruin takes place immediately following the Reviewed by Jen Book provided by Social Butterfly PR Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Duke of Ruin takes place immediately following the events from Duke of Ice. The book stands alone, but as with most series, having read at least Duke of Ice will enhance the story. Both Diana and Simon have pretty major roles in the previous book in the series and now it’s their turn to shine.
As Duke of Ruin opens, Simon goes to Diana to tell her that his best friend can’t marry her. As the blurb states. Diana decides to flee London’s gossip and her father’s wrath and Simon offers to help her in any way he can. And thus begins a cross country trip between these two relative strangers.
Let’s start with Simon. His first wife died and Simon was blamed for her death and nicknamed the Duke of Ruin. He’s been ostracized by society. While he’s not exactly looking for love, he’s lonely. He had a kind heart, is a giver,but is also living with guilt that he failed his wife. Doesn’t feel he deserves happiness. So, he’s torn that he’s feeling attraction to Diana.
Diana just wants to live a quiet life in the country. But she’s been groomed to be a duchess and her father will stop and nothing to see it happens. Diana isn’t a weak woman, but she is hesitant to trust and tends to keep to herself. But the more time she spends with SImon, she starts to come out of that shell.
The journey both physically and emotionally that Simon and Diana took was enjoyable all around. I loved the banter between the two as well watching both of them grow. The sparks flew off the page and I kept turning the pages to see how everything would turn out.
All in all, this was a great read. Darcy Burke is turning into a must read author for me and I’ve added the earlier books in The Untouchable series to be to-be-read list. If you’re tired of your historical romances revolving around London ballrooms or house parties, check this one out for a change of pace....more
Reviewed by Amy W. Book provided by Netgalley Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
In this rich man/poor girl Regency romance, author Vicky DreReviewed by Amy W. Book provided by Netgalley Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
In this rich man/poor girl Regency romance, author Vicky Dreiling delivers a sweet story destined to take the ton by storm. With What a Devilish Duke Desires, Dreiling launches the third in her Sinful Scoundrels series.
Making cameo appearances are the headliners of her first two books, but this segment focuses on Harry Norcliffe and Lucy Longmore. If bad luck could be sold, Lucy would definitely be a rich woman. While she comports herself like a lady, the reality is that she is a working girl with the dream of one day opening her own dance studio. Through a series of mishaps, her dream moves farther out of reach…until she catches the eye of the Duke.
Norcliffe is not happy that he is expected to follow his peers into the realm of marriage. When he encounters a beautiful red-headed maid, he is absolutely enchanted. Combine that with the efforts on behalf of the patronesses of Almack’s to liven up Wednesday evenings with a dance competition and the stage is set for a rather interesting love story to unfold.
While the narration is certainly lively in a Regency sort of way, I couldn’t help but snicker at some of the language used. For example, one line from Lucy’s aunt is that she “will take his measure and give you my honest opinion.” The formal tone does match the time period, but it makes it a bit more difficult to follow.
The rapport between Lucy and the Duke is well developed, particularly when it comes to whether a relationship outside the boundaries of the social class will be successful. The story picked up midway through, but the pace remained fairly slow and steady with very few opportunities for an accelerated heartbeat....more
Reviewed by JoAnne Book provided by NetGalley for review Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I was so looking forward to reading Seduction – tReviewed by JoAnne Book provided by NetGalley for review Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I was so looking forward to reading Seduction – the first book of a new series by Brenda Joyce – since I loved her Deadly Series. All I can say is WOW! I couldn’t put the book down and I am thrilled there will be additional books written. The book is set in both France and England and you are effortlessly taken between the two countries and the war raging in France and the war efforts in England along with all the intrigue and spies. There are vivid descriptions of the settings as well that makes you feel like you are there.
The book introduces the characters so well that you feel you know them. The leading lady is Julianne Greystone who is reminiscent to me of Francesca Cahill and the dominant male character is Dominic Paget, an Earl, who reminds me of a mix of Calder Hart and Rick Bragg all from the Deadly series. There was intrigue, mystery, suspense, love, romance, heartache and tears.
Each chapter left you wanting more which is how I managed to read the book in less than two days and stayed up late to do so. There were several happily ever afters and most were unexpected although hoped for results. There was closure to this story since many loose ends were tied up but you know there is plenty more story to tell. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. If you haven’t read books by Joyce before I highly recommend you do. You won’t be disappointed.
Favorite Quote: He did not hesitate. He bent to kiss each cheek, then opened his arms. She stepped into them and he held her, comforting her for all that she had been through. She was so very familiar, for he had held her many times, intimately but casually, as he was doing now. But as he held her, he thought of Julianne. He was shocked, not just because his thoughts were errant, but because when he held Julianne, there was nothing casual about it. And then he was uneasy. In his arms, Nadine felt like a sister, not a fiancee. He loved her dearly, he would always protect her and provide for her, but he suddenly knew he would never be able to make love to her....more
Reviewed by Sarah L Book provided by publisher Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Lord Gray’s List is the first book in Maggie Robinson’s latReviewed by Sarah L Book provided by publisher Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Lord Gray’s List is the first book in Maggie Robinson’s latest series The London List. While certainly not unique, the plot sounded very intriguing with the heroine Evie Ramsey masquerading as a man and disparaging the reputation of her former beau Lord Gray by publishing his transgressions each week in her newspaper. Even though the story line was very well developed and written, I did not find myself fully engaged and my mind kept wandering throughout.
The interactions between Ben and his mother and also with his staff regarding the newspaper were at times comical. Everyone was determined to get their hands on it and Ben was determined to keep them from it. Ben even went so far as to sitting on the paper to hide it from his mother only to realize he had to get up to fill his plate. Little tidbits such as this scattered throughout did give the story a more lighthearted feel.
As much as I enjoyed getting to know both characters and the sex (for a historical) was pretty hot, I didn’t feel the connection between the two of them. There was plenty of friction between them but it just seemed to be missing that extra little bit of spark and sizzle that I am always looking for.
All in all, this story had all the makings of a great romance with a decent plot and great character development but unfortunately lacked that dash of spice that would have brought it all together....more
Reviewed by Sarah L Book provided by Netgalley Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Bite Me, Your Grace was a delightful adventure involving anReviewed by Sarah L Book provided by Netgalley Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Bite Me, Your Grace was a delightful adventure involving an unconventional heroine and an even more unconventional hero who was not only a vampire but also the Lord Vampire of London. Vampires, romance, a kick butt heroine and a historical too boot? It sounded like the perfect recipe for a great read in my opinion.
Angelica Winthrop was determined to avoid marriage, write gothic novels and support the liberation of women. With her parents pressuring her to marry Ian, she embarked on a path of flaunting her unorthodox ways in front of him hoping he would change his mind about wanting to marry her. The back and forth banter between her and Ian was comical at times and while her mother disapproved of Angelica’s behavior, Ian encouraged her radical thinking. This made him a true hero in my opinion. Instead of trying to stifle and change her, he embraced the real person Angelica was.
This story was loaded with betrayal, miscommunication, action and adventure. While I would not say it was nail biting suspenseful, it definitely kept me fully engaged and I continued to turn each page eagerly wondering what misfortune was going to befall our couple next. As for the treachery by a member of Ian’s vampire team, I was very surprised by Angelica’s decision and have to admit that I do not necessarily agree. Personally, I do not think I would have been that nice.
All in all this was a great book that I read very quickly and recommend. I look forward to reading more by this author and cannot wait until the next book in this series is released....more
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Ashleigh Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
For Cleo Hadley a life in the ton is something that she nePosted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Ashleigh Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
For Cleo Hadley a life in the ton is something that she never dreamed was possible. When you come from a family with less than nothing and a step father that is repulsive to everyone, life is barely worth leading. when a stranger comes to her home and shatters everything she thought she knew about herself, it could just be the best thing that ever happened to her. But the fears of losing herself to a man are something that could just keep her from the man that has wanted her from the first moment their eyes meet. But Logan will only take heer if she can come to him willingly. With a few fumbles and fights along the way Cleo will have to discover herself on the path to winning her husband’s heart.
Lord Logan McKinney just need a wife, preferably one with lots a zeros in her dowry. If only the women of the ton could spark just a bit of interest in him outside of the package they present. Just about ready to give up completely, Logan meets Cleo for the first time and suddenly no other woman matters. Just like the cheesy romance themes it was love at first sight, only this time it is the man falling hard and trying to convince the woman of his feelings. Just how much will Logan endure before even his love is dashed? And can he convince Cleo that not all men are like her step father?
While the beginning of this story was quite dismal, I was glad to see it pick up a bit so that I could see how Logan and Cleo make out in the end. I was a bit leery about ready a second story of a series without having the first story under my belt first but I think it made this one even better. Sophie Jordan is an author that I have read quite a bit of in the past a loved the majority of her works. While I do with that Cleo and Logan were a bit more believable at times I think the emotion was there and it made up for everything else in spades. If you like historical romances and are wanting one with a strong heroine than this is a story, you will want to add to your TBR pile.
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Rachel Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
As a lover of Regency romances, I wasn’t sure how I would liPosted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Rachel Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
As a lover of Regency romances, I wasn’t sure how I would like a Spanish hero. I’m used to the English dukes and lords–the rakes of the regency era. So it was quite a surprise to fall in love with such a great character like Mateo! The book opens with the very mysterious Spanish count stowing away in an English estate, eavesdropping on a conversation all the while rolling his eyes at the stupidity of the English, which I will have to admit is quite funny!
He’s on a mission to find an heirloom that was stolen from his family leaving them completely impoverished. He will stop at nothing to gain his revenge. When he finds that his enemy is actually deceased, he turns his revenge onto the beautiful daughter, A perfect plan begins to form in his head.
He gets her to help him in the search. Naturally, like any good Regency, lots of danger and sexual tension follow! With a very surprising ending, this book will have you rooting for Spaniards to take over more regencies, I guarantee it!
I truly liked Teresa as the heroine, she had a mixture of naivety to her but was also very independent and willing to do anything to escape the life that she had been living. Including helping the handsome rogue with his quest.
For all Mateos shortcomings, he had quite a lot of self restraint when it came to Teresa, which I really appreciated as a reader. I would have hated the book had he taken advantage of her.
The book had a couple great twists and turns. All in all I found it a very refreshing read! Great for regency lovers. It will definitely make you a fan of Katherine Grey.
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Nichelle Reviewed Copy Provided by purchase for pleasure
Addy has loved Roan since she was a young girl, Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Nichelle Reviewed Copy Provided by purchase for pleasure
Addy has loved Roan since she was a young girl, she now wishes to prove to him when he comes back as a war hero whose visage has changed because of the war. I loved their interactions with each other. It was refreshing to see the heroine go after what she wants. Roan being the damaged hero cannot believe that Addy who is beautiful and of marriageable age would want him. The story had a lot of angst and jealousy which I loved and thought helped move the story along to what one wishes the obvious conclusion to be.
I could not put this short read down and read it quite quickly. I liked it, until the end which I felt left too much unsaid and too much not done. I found myself wishing that there was more to the story. This is the only reason I am giving this story a Rose in Bloom rating.
This book had so much potential that I felt it wasn’t tapped in such a short read. I love Julia Templeton and I did like the book. But by the end of the book I felt that something was missing, that more could have been said. The story though is a good one. I think some would like it as is. I guess I just expected a bit more. But…for a short read, sometimes this is how it is done. It has HEA, which pleased me, I just felt we needed more to get to know more about the characters.
Other Notes: Please note: LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENT is a short novella that was originally published in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF REGENCY ROMANCE. ...more
Recompromising Amanda is a short and sweet novella that is enjoyable to read. The only real faultReviewed By~Danielle Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
Recompromising Amanda is a short and sweet novella that is enjoyable to read. The only real fault with this novella is that the characters are so likable and well developed that it is disappointing that everything was resolved between the two of them so quickly. This causes readers of the novella to only get a fleeting glance at what could have been quite a riveting romance if the novella had been extended a bit to allow the plot to develop more before the conclusion.
The rather rushed pace at which the novella progressed also probably contributed to the fact that while it is overall a very interesting novella, it wasn’t an overly addictive read; making it too easy to sit down the novella down and forget about it. However, despite these issues, the storyline still flowed reasonably well and the main characters had a well written relationship composed of light banter, fantastic chemistry and steamy love scenes.
Overall Recompromising Amanda was a good light read that had the potential to be great, but was let down by the overly quick resolution to the characters’ issues making it not a very memorable novella. Regardless, fans of historical romances looking for a light but enjoyable read should still like Recompromising Amanda....more
I simply loved this book. From the first page to the last I was enthralled with the characters that Reviewed By~robin Review Copy Provided By~Netgalley
I simply loved this book. From the first page to the last I was enthralled with the characters that seemed to spring to life on the pages. I even read as I fixed dinner as I was not able to put it down. Evan though I neither an orphan nor French, I as a woman and a need to follow a dream; was able to relate to the characters.
Madeline wants to act. So act you may say, but it isn’t that easy; not in London and definitely not in 1812. Still Madeline has a passion for it. It turns out that she is rather good at it. So go for it I say and she did. But secrets had to be kept. She is also, a twenty-eight year old spinster. Now you aren’t considered a spinster till at least your 50’s and you decide to start bringing the neighborhood cat’s home.
Ferguson who ran away from life to Scotland over ten years ago is now back in London and must find someone to help debut his twin sisters. What better person for the job than a spinster? So he enlists the help of Mad as he refers to her. But, he soon learns of her secret and doesn’t want that to hinder prospects for his sisters, so he must devise a plan that works for all involved. He can be thoroughly exasperating at times in that take charge kind of way.
This was a delightful tale about a very courageous woman in Madeline for stepping out of her comfort zone and taking a risk in the theatre. Even though she at times seemed too cautious when it came to dealing with love. For a courageous woman she almost seemed to cower when it came to love.
But the more that Mad and Ferguson is together the more you find the passion that they have for one another. The love scenes between them that finally brought Mad out of her funk were simply HOT!!!
It was fun to watch as they explored the passionate side in between the acting and her pretending to be his mistress. Throwing in the way she would have to sneak into her home every night was more like they were teens rather than in their late twenties. I guess you can say and be grateful in saying ‘we’ve come and long way.’
I definitely enjoyed Ms. Ramsey’s first in the Muses of Mayfair Series and can’t wait to read Amelia’s story next. The new word for the day: “Manroot”. ...more
I'm a longtime fan of Ms Jeffries and have loved her Hellions of Halstead Hall series. I'm sorry to see this seReviewed By~Jen Review Copy Provided By~
I'm a longtime fan of Ms Jeffries and have loved her Hellions of Halstead Hall series. I'm sorry to see this series end, but loved the journey and the conclusion.
A Lady Never Surrenders is the love story between the youngest sibling, Celia, and the Bow Street Runner, Jackson, who has been hired by Celia's family to investigate their parent's deaths. Over the course of the series, we've seen Celia and Jackson butt heads and it continues in this novel. However, all that fighting is just covering up deep seated feelings that finally bust forth. And really the only obstacle to the happy ending is Jackson's belief that he's not good enough for Celia.
Other than the love story, the mystery that arced the series finally concludes. As the series progressed, we learned tidbits of how each of the siblings remembered the events surrounding their parent's deaths. Because this is the last book in the series, we know the mystery must be solved. And it is. However, for me it was a confusing conclusion. I think the murderer came completely out of left field and I wasn't terribly satisfied with the explanation.
But that said, I really did enjoy this book and highly recommend this series to fans or regency romance. This series is best read in order due to the plot that flowed throughout, but it can stand alone. ...more
I think that I have to pay attention to the titles I choose to read a little more. I thought when I chReviewed By~Robin Review Copy Provided By~Author
I think that I have to pay attention to the titles I choose to read a little more. I thought when I chose this book it said ‘the power of love”, not ‘the powder of love. Go ahead laugh if you must, I did.
Ms. Rosalie Ambermere comes into a rather unusual aphrodisiac she inherited from a cousin who was very free in his sexual explorations. So much so that Rosalie sought him out in hopes to learn more. She finds upon his passing that she is the proud owner of a strange powder substance. This then takes her into a realm she never even imagined. She finds herself falling for Mr. Gideon Reed, one who is after the powder for some clients one of which is a wealthy gentleman that he looks after for his family. It is hard to figure out if it is love or the powder that keeps drawing her towards this unpolished man that isn’t what she imagined herself falling for.
Gideon, hired as a keeper, for his oversexed client Walter, follows him everywhere in order to pick up the pieces and keep angry husbands at bay.
They find themselves thrown together in a sometimes off kilter, hilarious adventure to rid themselves and everyone else of the powder that is a powerful aphrodisiac for sex.
Rosalie’s spoiled mother steps in deciding to throw a party. With the help of Walter’s new keeper they steal some of the powder and add it to the soup. Everyone who ate the soup is in for a very wild night, leaving much delicate cleaning up for the next day.
Ms. Devon has developed the characters in such a way that you actually find them interesting and entertaining. You are drawn into the amateur sleuthing to find a safe place to keep the powder out of the way. I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept you guessing as to what would happen next. Ms. Devon teased the reader with the awkwardness and uncomfortable situations during the Victorian Era, along with it being exciting and sensual at the same time. She wrote a well written book of foreplay, erotic encounters and an unusual way to lose your virginity. I loved this book and although I laughed at times, I also had a completely satisfying feeling at the happy ending. ...more