2016 Book #53 – Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt

Posted in Book reviews, Book series, Historical Romance, Maiden Lane series by rebeccabook17

Title: Sweetest Scoundrel
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Date finished: 5/27/16
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Pages in book: 328
Stand alone or series: #9 in the Maiden Lane series
Where I got the book from: Purchased

Blurb from the cover:

SHE’S TAKING CHARGE
Prim, proper, and thrifty, Eve Dinwoody is all business when it comes to protecting her brother’s investment. But when she agrees to control the purse strings of London’s premier pleasure garden, Harte’s Folly, she finds herself butting heads with an infuriating scoundrel who can’t be controlled.
HE’S RUNNING THE SHOW
Bawdy and bold, Asa Makepeace doesn’t have time for a penny-pinching prude like Eve. As the garden’s larger-than-life owner, he’s already dealing with self-centered sopranos and temperamental tenors. He’s not about to let an aristocratic woman boss him around . . . no matter how enticing she is.
BUT LOVE CONQUERS ALL
In spite of her lack of theatrical experience-and her fiery clashes with Asa-Eve is determined to turn Harte’s Folly into a smashing success. But the harder she tries to manage the stubborn rake, the harder it is to ignore his seductive charm and raw magnetism. There’s no denying the smoldering fire between them-and trying to put it out would be the greatest folly of all . . .

My rating: 4.0 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I hadn’t read this book yet even though it was released last year, and this is one of the series that I usually try to stay up to date on. But I was approved for the next book in the Maiden Lane series on NetGalley so I decided to catch up before reading the newest release, out this next Tuesday May 31^st! This book is about Eve Dinwoody, sister to the wicked Duke of Montgomery. The Duke of Montgomery has been a semi-villanous character in the last few novels in the series, though he doesn’t really seem truly evil. His actions towards his half-sister show that the Duke of Montgomery is in fact soft-hearted. Eve is acting as her brother’s “man-of-business” while he’s exiled to the Continent. Because of this, she is put in direct contact with Asa Makepeace, also known as Mr. Harte and the owner of Harte’s Folly, a theatre and pleasure gardens. At first meeting, Asa doesn’t find Eve appealing at all but the more he gets to know her, the more he falls for her.
Overall I liked this book a lot. When Asa was first introduced, I didn’t think there was going to be any way he could redeem himself as a character. I was pleasantly surprised in that I actually enjoyed his surly attitude by the end of the book and found his personality endearing. And Eve as a heroine was wonderful, she inspires empathy from the reader but at the same time we’re not encouraged to pity her since she really is a strong person. You can feel the tension between Eve and Asa coming off the pages and there are some pretty steamy scenes between these two. And I thought it was great that a lot of the characters from previous books were brought back in this book for a variety of scenes. I think that this book did a really great job of setting the stage for the next book, The Duke of Sin, which features the awful Duke of Montgomery. I find that to be a prevailing characteristic in some of Hoyt’s novels in that the heroes aren’t always a paragon of gentlemanly ways and honor. They’re a little crude and rough around the edges but she still gets you to fall for them all the same. There aren’t many authors who attempt that, let alone succeed so continuously. I’m looking forward to the next book, which by the time I post this I’ll have already read!

The bottom line: This was a good book and a great addition to the series. Hoyt does a great job of making the heroes rough around the edges but also endearing. I would definitely recommend this one!

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

23May2016

2016 Book #50 – Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Posted in Book reviews, Book series, Bridgerton family series, Historical Romance by rebeccabook17

Title: Because of Miss Bridgerton
Author: Julia Quinn
Date finished: 5/22/16
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: March 29, 2016
Pages in book: 375
Stand alone or series: Part of the Bridgerton series but not sure where it falls exactly. I think that this may be a spin-off from the original series. Goodreads says it is a new series, Rokesby series #1.
Where I got the book from: The Reading Room NOTE: I received this book for free from The Reading Room in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places…
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband… someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should…
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying, and she’s absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor…
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without…

My rating: 4.25 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I hadn’t yet read anything by Julia Quinn but I had heard a lot of good things about this book over the last couple months. I’ve definitely always been interested in reading something by her but hadn’t picked anything up yet so I was excited when I won this book on The Reading Room. This book is about Billie Bridgerton and her neighbor George Rokesby. While its not 100% clear based on the family tree listed on Quinn’s website, I think that Billie is the sister of the patriarch of the Bridgerton family featured in the books thus far (Billie’s brother Edmund is mentioned though he is at school during this book). Billie and George have been neighbors their whole lives and have always found each other insufferably annoying. Until one day a strange encounter where George has to rescue Billie from a rooftop shifts something within both of them.
Overall I liked this book a lot. As I mentioned I hadn’t read anything by Quinn before this book but if all her other books are as witty and funny and sweet as this book was then I have a new back list of books I need to start working on! Billie and George were very entertaining characters and their story was tension filled but sweet. The reader can really feel the emotions of the characters coming off the pages of the book, which is a mark of success to me. I’m interested to see what other books will come of this series after this one (I’m hoping for one about Edward). This was a good read and I would definitely recommend!

The bottom line: I thought this was a quite story with great characters and entertaining dialogue. While I’m a little confused as to how it relates to the Bridgerton series (I think that the Edmund listed as the head of the family tree on the original series is Billie’s brother but am unsure), I liked the book a lot and would definitely recommend. I am looking forward to reading some of this author’s backlist when ever I have time.

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

11May2016

2016 Book #45 – Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts

Posted in 2016, Book reviews, Bout of Books 16, For the love of books, Historical Romance, Reading Challenges by rebeccabook17

Title: Kill or Be Kilt
Author: Victoria Roberts
Date finished: 5/11/16
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
Pages in book: 352
Stand alone or series: #3 in the Highland Spies Series
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE:I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

It’s been three years since Lady Elizabeth Walsingham ended her childish crush on Laird Ian Munro, the fierce Highlander who scared everyone but her. She’s a grown woman now, heading to London to find a proper English gentleman. But when the wild Highland laird walks through the door, she’s that breathless youth all over again.
Ian tries hard to avoid the young lass who’s confounded him for years. But now that they’re attending court, he must keep watch on her night and day. Danger is at every turn and advisors to the Crown are being murdered. Ian soon realizes the girl he’s been protecting is a beautiful lady who needs his help, almost as much as he needs her.

My rating: 3.75 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This is my second book that I’ve finished during the Bout of Books 16 read-a-thon and was also the second one on my goals list. This book tells the story of Elizabeth Walsingham, who lives with her sister and the rest of her family at her brother-in-law’s house in the Highlands. Elizabeth and her sisters receive the news that their Uncle has died, and they travel with the Highlander men to England to grieve with their aunt. While in England, Elizabeth decides that she would like to be presented at court to see if she can find a suitable husband.Laird Ian Munro is not too keen on this idea. Even though Ian doesn’t think he wants Elizabeth for himself, he doesn’t seem to want her flirting with anyone else either. Through their experiences though, Ian comes to realize that the reason he’s so jealous over Elizabeth’s suitors is that he is in love with Elizabeth himself.
Overall I liked this book. The hero was clueless and arrogant but also ended up being charming and chivalrous. .The heroine was a little naive but she was younger so that wasn’t overly surprising. I liked that this book can be read as a stand alone, though it does reference things from the previous two books. The book itself doesn’t need to be read as part of the series though and can be read on its own. It was a good book and I liked it but nothing really grabbed my attention as overly exciting. This wasn’t one of my all time favorites but it was a good romance read. I would especially recommend to historical romance and Highlander fans.

The bottom line: I liked this book, it was a nice and interesting story. I wouldn’t say there was anything overly interesting or thrilling but it was a definitely a good read. I thought it was a sweet story and I would recommend it!

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

11Apr2016

2016 Book #32 – You Can’t Always Get the Marquess You Want by Alexandra Hawkins

Posted in Book reviews, Book series, For the love of books, Historical Romance, Masters of Seduction by rebeccabook17

Title: You Can’t Always Get the Marquess You Want
Author: Alexandra Hawkins
Date finished: 4/10/16
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Pages in book: 353
Stand alone or series: #2 in Masters of Seduction series
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE:I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

A MOST FORBIDDEN LOVE
They call him Chance, though in truth the Marquess of Fairlamb feels bitterly cursed: A long-ago family feud is standing in the way of his heart’s desire. Lady Tempest is the daughter of his father’s sworn enemy, the Marquess of Norgrave. She is beautiful, innocent, and utterly untouchable. But some seductions are just too good to resist…
Tempest is a woman of her own mind-and a true romantic who will overcome every obstacle to be with the man of her dreams. But the odds are against the handsome, wickedly charming Chance if he intends to win Tempest as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family-or risk everything he has for the woman he yearns for?

My rating: 4.0 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I read Hawkins’ Lords of Vice series during 2014 and really enjoyed it so when I saw that she had a book from her new series available on NetGalley I was excited! This book tells the story of Tempest Brant and Mathias (Chance) Rooke. A chance (ha) encounter brings these two together, not knowing yet that the other is their sworn enemy. For unknown reasons, the Rooke and Brant families have been feuding since before all the children (including Mathias and Tempest) were born. Well, I guess the reader might already have known if they read Book #1 in the series, it seems like this topic may have been discussed in that book. Norgrave and Blackbern’s families grew up learning of their family’s hatred for the other family and yet after Chance and Tempest meet they are drawn to each other again and again.
Overall I really liked this book. Tempest and Chance’s romance is honest, easy for the reader to connect to and the magnetism between the two characters is almost tangible. I loved Chance’s character, he was romantic and charming and everything you could want in a hero. One interesting thing I noted was the challenge that the couple must overcome is slightly similar to the one I recently encountered in The Winemakers, and the reason I thought this was interesting is because before that I hadn’t really ever seen this obstacle at all but now I’ve seen it twice in like two weeks. Just found that to be oddly coincidental, maybe it is becoming more commonly used? It isn’t my favorite obstacle so I hope it doesn’t start being used more often. I thought the author did a good job with creating tension and the pace of the book was great. I couldn’t put it down and I got hooked in the story easily. The only thing that put me off a tiny bit was that I thought Tempest’s brother should’ve been more contrite for being such a cad to his sisters and constantly abandoning them. And I thought someone should’ve punched the Marquess of Norgrave in the face (at the very least) for literally everything he does in the book. There were no redeeming qualities to him at all. Stories have to have a villain though! I do wish I had read the first book because (based on the description) I think it might have added some background information to the family feud between the Brants and the Rookes. This was an entertaining and romantic read though, great book!

The bottom line: Really liked this book! I haven’t read it but I think having read book 1 before I read book 2 would have added some context, just as a tip. Looking forward to reading more in this series though, I would definitely recommend!

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

9Mar2016

2016 Book #19 – I Kissed a Rogue by Shana Galen

Posted in Book reviews, Book series, Covent Garden Cubs series, Historical Romance by rebeccabook17

Title: I Kissed a Rogue
Author: Shana Galen
Date finished: 3/8/16
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Pages in book: 352
Stand alone or series: #3 in the Covent Garden Cubs series
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

Once she spurned the man…
When the Duke of Lennox hires Sir Brook Derring, England’s best investigator, to find his daughter, Brook intends only to rescue the lady and return to his solitary life. He deals with London’s roughest criminals every day of the week; surely he should be able to endure seeing his first love again-the perfect girl who broke his heart…
Now her life depends on him
Lady Lillian-Anne Lennox has always done her best to live up to her father’s standards of perfection-at the cost of following her heart. When she’s kidnapped and her perfect life is shattered, Lila has another chance. Together, Lila and Brook navigate not only the dark and deadly side of London, but the chasm of pride and prejudice that divides them.

My rating: 3.5 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book is about Lady Lillian-Anne, known to her friends (few as they are at this point) as Lila. Apparently Lila was well.. kind of a bitch during her first couple Seasons and didn’t make many friends with her actions. She was forever manipulating both the other girls and the young men she wanted as suitors. One of these suitors was Brook Derring (later to become Sir Brook Derring when knighted by the king) who she treated abominably and basically crushed the crap out of his heart. When Lila is kidnapped though, it is Brook that her father turns to for help. And then a series of events fall into place that leads to a criminal hunting for Lila to murder her. Lila’s father basically forces Brook to protect Lila and (duh) they fall in love.
Overall I enjoyed this book but I wouldn’t say it was one of my favorites. The two main characters I just couldn’t really click with during the story and I found them a tad annoying in the beginning. I know people can change and what not but the descriptions of Lila’s actions from when she was younger seem pretty manipulative and I found it hard to believe that (even being affected by her mother’s death) she really could have changed that much. And some of the plot didn’t click with me too, obviously the bad guy gets to Lila in the end part – why wouldn’t he just kill her as soon as he got a hold of her? Anyways other than those couple small things it was a sweet story and what I would look for in a romance novel. Brook’s character was very charming in parts and the ending was romantic.

The bottom line: This was a good historical romance, I have enjoyed this series so far. The characters were a bit annoying for me at the beginning but other than that I enjoyed this one. Would recommend.

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

3Mar2016

2016 Book #17 – Wedding Night with the Earl by Amelia Grey

Posted in Book reviews, Book series, Historical Romance, The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels by rebeccabook17

Title: Wedding Night with the Earl
Author: Amelia Grey
Date finished: 3/2/16
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Pages in book: 320
Stand alone or series: #3 in the Heirs’ Club of Scoundrels series
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

HE THINKS LOVE IS MUCH ADO.
Adam Greyhawke is through with marriage. After losing his wife at a young age, he’s more interested in carousing and gambling at the Heirs’ Club than taking another trip to the altar. When his obligations as the Earl of Greyhawke thrust him into the heart of Society, he dreads the boredom that only a ballroom can inspire in a roguish scoundrel. That is, until he meets a bewitching young woman who captures his curiosity―and reminds him just how delicious desire can be.
IS SHE READY TO SAY I DO?
Miss Katherine Wright is accustomed to men interested only in her generous dowry. Adam’s attraction is far more powerful―he tests her wits and her courage at every turn, until she finds herself longing to fulfill an everlasting passion she never imagined was possible. But the breathtakingly handsome nobleman is as stubborn as he is scandalous, and Katharine must be the one to convince him that real love is worth any risk…in Wedding Night with the Earl by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey

My rating: 4.0 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book is about Katherine Wright and Adam Greyhawke. Katherine is entering her third season and has promised her uncle that she will find a husband by the end of this current season. Her lack of a husband is most certainly not from a lack of offers, but instead because Katherine is determined to marry for love and most importantly to someone who will make a good father for her future brood of children. Katherine was the sole survivor of a carriage accident that killed the rest of her family when she was seven. Adam has been dealing with his own emotional scars in the last two years since his wife and baby died in childbirth. Adam returns to London after inheriting a title he never expected to have and its there that Fate throws Katherine into his path even though he’s vowed to never marry again.
Overall I really liked this book. I thought the characters were sweet and the ending was extremely romantic. Adam and Katherine both have baggage that they’re bringing to the table but they’ve never met anyone else that makes them feel this way (of course). I thought that the ending was just a little rushed, the hero does like a total 180 on how he’s felt for the whole rest of the book but it was (1) necessary and (2) at least moderately explained. The sparks definitely fly between the two main characters and the reader can feel a roller coaster of emotions through the book. I thought that this was an easy read and I didn’t want to put it down. Great read!

The bottom line: I really enjoyed this story, the characters were charming and sweet and their romance was wonderful to watch unfold. Very touching ending, lovely book! I would definitely recommend.

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

21Dec2015

2015 Book #122 – A Match For Marcus Cynster by Stephanie Laurens

Posted in 2015, Book reviews, Book series, Bookish Bingo Holiday 2015, Cynster family series, Cynster Next Generation, Historical Romance, Reading Challenges by rebeccabook17

Title: A Match for Marcus Cynster
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Date finished: 12/20/15
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Mira
Publication Date: May 26, 2015
Pages in book: 442
Stand alone or series: Cynster family series #22, 3rd in Cynster Next Generation series

Blurb from the cover:

Duty compels her to turn her back on marriage. Fate drives him to protect her come what may. Then love takes a hand in this battle of yearning hearts, stubborn wills, and a match too powerful to deny. #1New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to rugged Scotland with a dramatic tale of passionate desire and unwavering devotion.
Restless and impatient, Marcus Cynster waits for Fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies in the lands surrounding his family home, but what will his future be and with whom will he share it?
Of one fact he feels certain: his fated bride will not be Niniver Carrick. His elusive neighbor attracts him mightily, yet he feels compelled to protect her—even from himself. Fickle Fate, he’s sure, would never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. The best he can do for them both is to avoid her.
Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. The epitome of fragile femininity, her delicate and ethereal exterior cloaks a stubborn will and an unflinching devotion to the people in her care. She accepts that she cannot risk marrying and losing her grip on the clan’s reins to an inevitably controlling husband. Unfortunately, many local men see her as their opportunity.
Soon, she’s forced to seek help to get rid of her unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus Cynster is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for assistance with her peculiar problem.
Although at first he resists, Marcus discovers that, contrary to his expectations, his fated role is to stand by Niniver’s side and, ultimately, to claim her hand. Yet in order to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion, and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth—that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster.

My rating: 3.25 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: This book will count towards my “Holiday 2015 Bookish Bingo” reading challenge, marking off the “Romance” square, since (duh) it is a historical romance novel. I have been waiting and waiting to read this one and even though I bought it months ago I’m just getting around to it. My schedule from August through November was really just packed full of ARC reviews so I didn’t have time to read this one until now. Obviously I very much enjoy the Cynster series, and after being introduced to Niniver and hearing a little more about Marcus in the last book The Tempting of Thomas Carrick (about Marcus’s sister and Niniver’s cousin) I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. Niniver’s father was murdered in the last book and after a series of unfortunate (but fast-moving) events she is left in charge of the Carrick Clan.
Fast forward to a year later, and Niniver is encountering a problem that she can’t handle on her own. Remembering Marcus’s vow to help her should she ever need it, she traipses on over to his house and persuades him to assist her in her situation. In order to do that Marcus basically has to pretend to be her boyfriend. Marcus originally doesn’t think that this is a good idea because he knows that they are attracted to each other and he doesn’t want to be tempted but once he realizes that the Lady might be making something happen, he decides to go along with the plan.
Overall I thought this book was ok. I honestly had some trouble with the plot line now that I’m looking back on it. The whole thing seems just a little far-fetched to me I guess. I still enjoyed it and I am excited to read more in the series but the plot just didn’t pull me in this time.

The bottom line: I would recommend this book, especially if you like historical romance. I would probable preface that with saying that some of the other books in the series I enjoyed more than this one, but I love the Cynster series and I am excited that it is continuing with the Next Generation.

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

26Oct2015

2015 Book #111 – Rogue Knight by Regan Walker

Posted in Book reviews, Historical Romance by rebeccabook17

Title: Rogue Knight
Author: Regan Walker
Date finished: 10/26/15
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Regan Walker (self-published)
Publication Date: October 7, 2015
Pages in book: 267
Stand alone or series: #2 in Medieval Warriors series
Where I got the book from: Author/publisher NOTE: I received this book for free from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

York, England 1069… three years after the Norman Conquest
The North of England seethes with discontent under the heavy hand of William the Conqueror, who unleashes his fury on the rebels who dare to defy him. Amid the ensuing devastation, love blooms in the heart of a gallant Norman knight for a Yorkshire widow.
A LOVE NEITHER CAN DENY, A PASSION NEITHER CAN RESIST
Angry at the cruelty she has witnessed at the Normans’ hands, Emma of York is torn between her loyalty to her noble Danish father, a leader of the rebels, and her growing passion for an honorable French knight.
Loyal to King William, Sir Geoffroi de Tournai has no idea Emma hides a secret that could mean death for him and his fellow knights.
WAR DREW THEM TOGETHER, WAR WOULD TEAR THEM APART
War erupts, tearing asunder the tentative love growing between them, leaving each the enemy of the other. Will Sir Geoffroi, convinced Emma has betrayed him, defy his king to save her?

My rating: 3.5 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Emma of York and the Norman knight she falls in love with, Sir Geoffroi de Tournai. To be honest I’ve never been that great with history so it was a little hard for me at first to keep up with what was going on. There was a lot of political stuff going on, many of which it seems are based on real events,though I didn’t know that while reading the book (see mention before of being bad with history). Geoffroi is a knight for William the Conqueror, the current king of England. He doesn’t really seem to be a great king though since a lot of his knights are treating the people of York quite badly, I would think as a king you would want to encourage peace and obedience, not rebellion.
Anyways, Emma is the daughter of a wealthy thegn (Maerleswein) who was displaced when William took power. Seeing his people so poorly treated, Maerleswein has been working with Edgar and the previous Earl of Cospatrick to instill an uprising within the people of York. They have also been arranging to receive help from their allies, King Malcolm of Scotland and King Sweyn of Denmark. There is a good description of the battle scenes within the book, and while they are obviously violent, I don’t think they were overly violent and did not make the book off-putting for me. Geoffroi begins to court Emma even though he doesn’t know who her father is. He helps her many times through the beginning of the book and she returns the favor by saving his life.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I liked Emma and Geoffroi as characters, as well as their friends and family who surrounded them. I think I would have ended up enjoying this book more if I had more historical knowledge of the time period the book was set in, I did struggle a little at first with keeping up with what was going on. I would definitely say do not let that discourage you from trying this book though, I just kept notes at first to keep track of what was what and it turned out just fine. I thought this was a good romance novel and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

The bottom line: I enjoyed this book, the story line kept me interested throughout. There was more violence than I’m used to in a romance novel but not so much that it put me off from the book. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page

8Oct2015

2015 Book #105 – Some Like It Scot by Suzanne Enoch

Posted in Book reviews, Historical Romance by rebeccabook17

Title: Some Like It Scot
Author: Suzanne Enoch
Date finished: 10/7/15
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Pages in book: 368
Stand alone or series: #4 in the Scandalous Highlanders series
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

CAN A CLASH OF WILLS
Nineteenth-century, Scotland:
When a mad lass in trousers shoots at him, Munro “Bear” MacLawry isn’t sure what impresses him more-the girl’s sure aim or her irresistibly tempting curves. Catriona MacColl has fled to the Highlands with her half-sister to escape an unwanted wedding, and wants no part of him, nor any man. But he can’t abandon the flame-haired, sharp-tongued wildcat now that he’s discovered her-not when she fits so perfectly in his arms…
LEAD TO A LOVE FOR ALL TIME?
Munro has more than earned his nickname-he’s a well-muscled, well-favored mountain of a man with an engaging bad-boy grin and a string of well-satisfied lasses behind him. Bringing Catriona food, blankets, candles, everything she needs to survive a winter in an abandoned abbey, Munro is an unexpected gift in her reckless bid for freedom-and an unexpected complication. Clan MacDonald has plans for her, and they don’t include her falling for a MacLawry. But this man makes her feel like a woman-and he may be her one chance to live a life about which she’s only dared dream…in Some Like It Scot by New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch.

My rating: 4.25 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Catriona MacColl, a girl who was raised by her father as if she was born the son he always wished for. Most comfortable in trousers and a man’s shirt, she makes an odd site and has been the cause of much gossip among her own clan. When she finds out that her Uncle plans to use her to stir up trouble, she plans to run away and thanks to great timing, her half-sister (Elizabeth) needs some rescuing right around the same time. Cat and Elizabeth end up hiding out on MacLawry land without realizing it, and Cat comes across Bear. Bear is instantly intrigued by this woman who wears men’s clothing and can shoot a gun better than he can. And so he dedicates himself to helping her without having full knowledge of what exactly she’s running away from.
Cat and Bear (Munro) obviously fall in love. I have to be honest I’ve read many a romance novel but the dialogue between Cat and Bear really was just truly moving. The emotions leapt off the page and the way Bear spoke of his love for her was akin to poetry. It was just utterly romantic. I also really liked the story line, I was interested throughout the book and I really had trouble putting it down once I got into the story, all I wanted to do was keep reading to find out what happened next.
I obviously enjoyed this book, I thought it was a good story line and it was very romantic. The only thing that frustrated me about this book was that I felt like the ending came about a little too quick. I really thought that Ran and the rest of the family (mostly just the men) should’ve had to apologize more since they were such jerks to both Cat and Bear when they were trying to tell them not to be together, especially since they themselves moved heaven and earth to be with the ones they loved. I also would’ve liked his family to all have to admit that they liked Cat and that Bear was smarter than they all had been giving him credit for these last twenty years. Other than those couple small frustrations though I would say this is definitely a great historical romance and one I would definitely recommend!

The bottom line: I really enjoyed this book, I liked Catriona as a character and Munro as well. Great read, looking forward to catching up and reading the first three books in the series!

Link to author website

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4Sep2015

2015 Book #93 – The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

Posted in Book reviews, Historical Romance by rebeccabook17

Title: The Rogue You Know
Author: Shana Galen
Date finished: 9/3/15
Genre: Historical romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Pages in book: 352
Stand alone or series: Covent Garden Cubs
Where I got the book from: NetGalley NOTE: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Blurb from the cover:

She’s beyond his reach…
Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London’s dark underworld-and he wants out. A thief and a con, he plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. But when everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of one of Society’s most untouchable women-Lady Susanna Derring.
…and out of her depth.
Susanna has spent her life in London’s glittering ton, under the thumb of a domineering mother-and she wants out. When a wickedly charming rogue lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it’s too late. But as she descends into London’s underworld, she finds that nothing- not even Gideon-is as it seems. As excitement turns to danger, Susanna must decide what price she’s willing to pay…for the love of a reformed thief.

My rating: 2.75 stars out of a scale of 5

My review: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I have to say first thing that this book reminded me a lot of the movie Tangled. Not necessarily the whole book but the beginning parts really just so many points reminded me of Tangled. Gideon is a “ruffian” and a thief who steals a necklace and then is being chased by his co-conspirators and he hides away in some rich person’s house and is discovered by a beautiful (but sheltered) maiden who only wants an adventure. She knocks him over the head and then takes the necklace from him and the only way he can get it back is by taking her on an adventure, to fulfill her “dream” as she later tells the band of ruffians who want to turn Gideon over to Beezle. Oh and Gideon tries the “smolder” look on her and is confused why is doesn’t work. I mean the beginning of this book was like a perfect mirror of the movie Tangled. Except Susanna’s hair doesn’t have magical powers I guess.

Anyways this story is about Susanna, the daughter of an Earl, and Gideon, a rook (thief, con-man, etc.). They meet by chance and Susanna decides that she’s had enough of her sheltered life and makes Gideon take her out on an adventure and they end up falling in love. And the adventure ends up being a little more than Susanna planned for but it all seems to work out in the end. Overall this book was ok. It didn’t really wow me, I had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters, they just didn’t come alive for me. The story line was sweet and it was a quick read and good if you’re looking for something like with a happy ending.

The bottom line: I thought this was an ok book, it wasn’t one of my overall favorites but it was a light, quick read.

Link to author website

Click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page