Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews of romance books with a fair look at positives and negatives of each book.

Review: Slightly Sinful

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Review: Slightly SinfulSlightly Sinful (Bedwyn Saga, #5) by Mary Balogh
Series: Bedwyn Saga #5
Published by Dell on April 27th 2004
Genres: Historical
Pages: 368
Goodreads
four-stars

More Madcap Then Usual

SLIGHTLY SINFUL is the fifth book in the Bedwyn series. It is the story of Alleyne, the youngest son. The events in this book occur concurrently with those in SLIGHTLY TEMPTED. Alleyne is injured during the Battle of Waterloo. He is rescued by Rachel York, who find him unconscious and naked. Alleyne awakes with no memory of who he is. Rachel is a young woman who has fallen on hard times and is currently staying in a brothel with four prostitutes. Soon Alleyne is helping Rachel by masquerading as a newly married couple.

This is a story about who we are and what knowledge of the past makes us. Both Alleyne and Rachel are missing the truth about their pasts. The two fall in love while engaged in the fake marriage. This book is more madcap adventure than the others. Rachel and Alleyne travel with four prostitutes and a one-eyes former sergeant. Their deception, however, allows them to discover the truth. I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and poignant at the same time. The end of the book where Alleyne finally finds himself was so incredible that I forgot that the madcap adventure went on just a touch too long. I really like Alleyne and Rachel’s romance.

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four-stars

Review: Slightly Tempted

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Review: Slightly TemptedSlightly Tempted (Bedwyn Saga #4) by Mary Balogh
Series: Bedwyn Saga #4
Published by Dell on December 30th 2003
Genres: Historical
Pages: 368
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Story of Revenge and Forgiveness

SLIGHTLY TEMPTED is the fourth novel in the Bedwyn series. It is the story of Morgan, the youngest Bedwyn sibling. In Brussels, she meets Gervese Ashford, the Earl of Rosthorn. The clever, smiling Gervese approaches Morgan at a ball and ends up wooing her. What Morgan doesn’t know is Gervese is seeking revenge against her brother, the Duke of Bewcastle because of events that lead to Gervese’s exile from England nine years ago. Because of the return of Napoleon, war is coming to the continent. Morgan and Gervese end up spending a week together where they become genuine friends. Once returning to England, Gervese’s desire for revenge and the events of 9 years ago threaten to tear the two apart.

The First part of this book is simply magnificent. It is beautiful and poignant. Gervese struggles with his desire for revenge and his feelings toward Morgan. Once they are back in England, I loved the scene where Morgan confronts Gervese with his perfidy. Although young, Morgan is strong and no one’s fool. I also very much enjoyed the idea expressed in this book that forgiveness is a conscious choice that can give peace.

I really enjoyed the scenes with the various Bedwyn siblings who I have become fond of in this series.

I would rate this one a 4.5.

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four-half-stars

Review: Slightly Scandalous

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Review: Slightly ScandalousSlightly Scandalous (Bedwyn Saga #3) by Mary Balogh
Series: Bedwyn Saga
Published by Dell on June 3rd 2003
Genres: Historical
Pages: 374
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Balogh Makes Me Like Freyja

SLIGHTLY SCANDALOUS is the third book in the Bedwyn series. It is the story of the oldest Bedwyn sister Freyja. Readers of the prequels will have encountered Freyja as woman who was in love with Kit and had expected to marry him. Freyja was particularly nasty in that book and it was hard to imagine that she could be made into a sympathetic heroine. Balogh does a great job of giving the reader an understanding of Freyja’s character. Her brashness hides a soft heart.

She meets her match in Joshua Moore, Marquees of Hallmere. Joshua is a smiling, laughing rake who challenges Freyja and encourages her free spirit. The two end up in a fake engagement. Some readers may not like this old standard, but Balogh does particularly well with them because it allows the characters enough time and togetherness to really investigate their feelings for one another.

I really enjoy these slow developing relationships. Balogh does such a great job allowing the relationship to develop slowly and the characters change and grow.

Definitely worth a read. I’d rate it 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Review: Slightly Wicked

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Review: Slightly WickedSlightly Wicked (Bedwyn Saga #2) by Mary Balogh
Series: Bedwyn Saga #2
Published by Dell on April 29th 2003
Genres: Historical
Pages: 342
Goodreads
four-stars

Classic Romance from Balogh

SLIGHTLY WICKED is the second book in the Berwyn series. It is the story of Rannulf Bedwyn and Judith Law. The two encounter one another while traveling to the same area. Judith is on her way to be a poor relation in her aunt and uncle’s house. She knows that she will have no future once there. Ralf is on his way to his grandmother’s house to be presented with a potential bride. The two end up spending two nights together in an inn. Both are shocked to encounter one another again at their destination.

This book was enjoyable. The beginning where Judith and Ralf meet was great. The book slows down in the middle while the two begin to feel their way towards love. Once Ralf figures out his feelings, the book picked up again. I thought the relationship between Ralf and Judith is different and interesting. Judith is a strong woman and while she is sometimes rescued by Ralf, she is never a damsel in distress.

For fans of the series, this book is a must. While the first book in the series is not necessary, it helps with the family dynamics to have read it and the prequels.

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four-stars

Review: Slightly Married

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Review: Slightly MarriedSlightly Married (Bedwyn Saga, #1) by Mary Balogh
Series: Bedwyn Saga #1
Published by Dell Bantam Random House on April 1st 2003
Genres: Historical
Pages: 342
Goodreads
five-stars

Classic Marriage of Convenience Story

SLIGHTLY MARRIED is the first book in the Bedwyn series (although there are two prequel books ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE and A SUMMER TO REMEMBER). SLIGHTLY MARRIED is the story of Colonel Aiden Bedwyn, the second son in the Bedwyn family. When one of his soldier’s dies, Aiden makes a promise to care for the soldier’s sister. Eve Morris is in serious trouble with the death of her brother. She is about to be evicted from her home if she is not married in a week. Aiden offers Eve a marriage of convenience in order to satisfy his promise. Fate intervenes, however, and the two are constantly drawn back together.

I absolutely loved this book. Balogh has a wonderful way of allowing her characters to fall in love slowly. The emphasis in these stories is on the characters’ romantic journey. I love that part of her novels. I feel that at the end of the book, I understand these characters who are complex and multifaceted.

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five-stars

Review: The Unexpected Duchess

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Review: The Unexpected DuchessThe Unexpected Duchess (Playful Brides, #1) by Valerie Bowman
Series: Playful Brides #1
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on April 29th 2014
Genres: Historical
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

Light and Fluffy Comedy of Errors Historical Romance

“A twig in her eye and a mouthful of foliage were the unfortunate by-products of having her head lodged in a hedgerow.”

FINAL DECISION: A light romance with numerous misunderstandings and confusions, THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS does it genre well. Readers looking for realism and serious story should look elsewhere, but those enjoying a sweet, fun romance with comedy and humor will enjoy this book.

THE STORY: Lady Lucy Upton is known to have a “rapier for a tongue”. She is determined to help her shy best friend Cassandra rebuff the courtship of Derek Hunt, Duke of Claringdon. Soon Lucy and Derek are deeply engaged in battling one another which ends up overshadowing the Duke’s courtship even as he is determined to marry Cassandra since he made a promise to do so. But what is Lucy to do when she realizes that she is falling for the Duke even as her best friend is now considering allowing the Duke to court her after all?

OPINION: A mapcap romance with humor and light drama, this book gives the readers a smile. There are many misunderstandings, mix-ups and mismatched couples along the way to the happy ending. The book itself refers to Much Ado About Nothing and like many of Shakespeare’s comedies there are farcical elements. There are also allusions to Cyrano in reverse where Lucy tells Cass what to say to discourage the Duke while she hides in a bush.

These light historicals are not my favorites, but I really enjoyed the characters who — despite their sometimes illogical behavior — are likeable and funny. By the end of the book, I really wanted to see how the romances between the other two couples in the book will turn out in future books in the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book sets up the couples for the next couple of books in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS is the first book in the Playful Brides series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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four-stars

Review: It Had to Be You

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Review: It Had to Be YouIt Had to Be You (Chicago Stars, #1) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Series: Chicago Stars #1
Published by Avon on March 5th 2002
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 376
Goodreads
five-stars

Wonderful Charmer of a Book

IT HAD TO BE YOU is the first book in the Chicago Stars series. It is the story of Phoebe Somerville, who inherits the Chicago Stars football team from her father. Her father attempts to manipulate her from the grave by making the condition that Phoebe has to take over control of the team and have the team win the AFC Championship — an almost impossible task for the team. Phoebe’s father disagreed with her life choices, but Phoebe is running from a rape as a young woman and has constructed a shield of an aggressive sexual woman to hide her pain.

Dan Calebow is the coach of the Chicago Stars. After a divorce, Dan is looking for a sweet, motherly type to marry and have children. While Dan is attracted to Phoebe, he knows that this maneater is not for him. Of course, the two are soon striking sparks off of one another.

I absolutely loved this book. The story was funny at times but the pain that Phoebe feels was so visceral that I cringed at her reactions. I loved the relationship between Phoebe and Dan. The two are so well matched for one another. At times the storyline seems over the top and unrealistic, but it was so enjoyable that realism didn’t matter to me. I haven’t read many Phillips books so I don’t know how this book compares with others, but I enjoyed this book tremendously and will continue with the other books in the series.

I’d rate the book 5 stars.

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five-stars

Review: Mr. Perfect

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Review: Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Published by Pocket Books on July 1st 2003
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 405
Goodreads
four-stars

More Suspense Than Romance

MR. PERFECT is the story of Jaine Bright who with the friends create an amusing list of the qualities that make up Mr. Perfect. The list becomes a sensation. Someone them begins threatening the women over the list. At the same time, Jaine meets her new neighbor, Sam Donovan. She and Sam strike sparks of of one another.

I liked this book. It is more suspense than romance. The mystery takes precedence. I enjoyed that story even though I figured or the villain before it was disclosed. Sam and Jaine are sweet together. I liked that Jaine is fierce and strong and that while Sam is an alpha hero he still respects Jaine’s courage and strength.

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four-stars

Review: Trade Me

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Review: Trade MeTrade Me (Cyclone Book 1) by Courtney Milan
Series: Cyclone #1
on January 19th 2015
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 281
Goodreads
four-stars

A Different Kind of Book From Courtney Milan

“Try trading lives with me.”

THE STORY: Tina Chen is a 20 year old college student struggling to finish college. She is also having to care for her family because her mother gives the little money they have to others. Blake Reynolds is 23 years old and a billionaire. He has been in public display since a child when he did commercials for his father’s technology company (think Apple clone). Blake has struggles of his own as he attempts to distance himself from his father’s shadow. When Tina and Blake end up in an argument during a class, Blake proposes that Tina and Blake trade lives. They end up finding out about themselves, their families, and each other. Romance ensues.

OPINION: TRADE ME, a contemporary new adult romance, is not a book I would have picked if it had been written by anyone other than Courtney Milan. Milan, however, has wowed me with her historical romances and I am always willing to give such authors the benefit of the doubt.

TRADE ME is told in two first person voices: Tina and Blake. This is a book where both characters are on a personal journey. I really enjoyed how the secrets in this book are slowly revealed for the reader and the characters themselves. Much of the book feels more like a self discovery book than a romance book, but there is no doubt that this is a romance book. There is a deep connection between Tina and Blake even as Tina wishes to push away from Blake for almost the entire book. Blake feels like the more vulnerable character here perhaps because part of Tina’s coping mechanism is to be the strong character in her family.

This book also addresses many serious issues, but is not an overly serious book itself. It confines its examination of social issues to discussions relevant to the characters which keeps the book from being didactic. I also like how the issues the characters face are not ones that conform to any stereotype. The story also doesn’t conform to the standard response to a trading places type of story: that everyone has it hard. This story doesn’t rely on that easy answer. The problems and the solutions to this story are complex and difficult and feel real.

My minor complaint with the story is that it feels unfinished because it is. There is more to Tina and Blake’s story and so this book feels like the characters have reached a good place, but that their difficulties are not behind them.

WORTH MENTIONING: I really appreciate the interracial romance and they are still rare enough to mention that TRADE ME is one of them.

FINAL DECISION: This book takes a little time for the reader to comprehend what is at issue because the depths of the characters are slow in being revealed. While the characters have a happy ending, they clearly have unfinished business (luckily Book 3 will return to Tina and Blake).

CONNECTED BOOKS: TRADE ME is the first book in the Cyclone series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Ravishing Ruby

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Ravishing Ruby
Ravishing Ruby by Lavinia Kent
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

My Favorite Bound and Determined Novel

“It would have been better if he had never returned from Manchester, having him here made her want things she should not, dream things she should not. And it made her careless.”

FINAL DECISION: Emotional, sexy, hot, RAVISHING RUBY is the story of a “fallen” woman who lives her own life without many regrets and the man she cannot forget. I love how these two fulfill a need in one another.

THE STORY: Ruby is Madame Rouge, a notorious brothel owner. Several months ago, she had an enounter with Captain Derek Price which was emotional and where she revealed her true self — Emma, bastard daughter of a duke and granddaughter of a merchant. The two spent one night together and then Derek left on the way to his marriage. Now he has returned to London with his soon to be fiancee in tow and finds himself unable to forget about Ruby or to stay away from her.

OPINION: This was my favorite of this series. Emotional with characters that I cared about, this book — while sexy and hot — was definitely more about the characters and their relationship than about the sex. In many ways, because the sex was so easy for these characters, they had to struggle with the other parts of their relationship.

I loved Ruby because she accepts who she is and is unrepentant about her sexual past. As she remarks to herself — Derek has had more lovers that she has. While society might judge her differently, she refuses to allow herself to be defined by others. What Ruby does struggle with is her love for others. She fears that she will have to submit to her grandfather’s vision of her future in order to keep them in her life.

In that way, Ruby and Derek’s struggle in this book is similar. They both want to gain the love and affection of their family and thus feel somewhat compelled to force themselves into a role they are not completely comfortable with. Neither likes to be controlled and for that reason they find a kindred spirit in the other and the freedom that their relationship provides.

These two spend a lot of time roleplaying with one another. It allows them to disclose different aspects of themselves that may be hard for them to easy show to another. The scenes are pretty sexy as well.

Because they are so well attuned to one another, the scene when it appears that they are doomed to be parted made me cry (even as I knew there would be a happy ending). Definitely my favorite of the series. In fact, the ending of this book makes me hope that we will learn more about Derek and Ruby in the future.

WORTH MENTIONING: Ruby is a brothel owner and has herself had varied sexual experiences. This book is not for the reader looking for the reluctant prostitute, virgin brothel owner or missish heroine.

CONNECTED BOOKS: RAVISHING RUBY is the third novel in the Bound and Determined series. It can be read as a standalone although I recommend that readers read the novella REVEALING RUBY which is about the same couple and takes place prior to this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.