Review: The Pleasures of Passion

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Pleasures of Passion (Sinful Suitors, #4) by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Sinful Suitors #4
Published by Pocket Books on June 20th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 400
Goodreads
four-stars

“‘Perhaps I don’t want to be reminded,’ she said desperately.”

FINAL DECISION: A lovely second chance at love story between two people who were torn apart by circumstances, fears, misunderstandings and deception. Niall and Brilliana are good people who must work through the past while maintaining a deception. There was less angst than I thought but that was countered by a genuine desire to recover what they have lost.

THE STORY: Seven years ago, Niall Lindsey, Earl of Margrave was forced to flee England when he killed a man in a duel. Niall was shocked when the woman he wanted to marry, Brilliana, refused to come with him. Niall comes to realize that Brilliana must never have loved him because she married another a mere year later. When a pardon allows Niall to return to England, he finds himself meeting Brilliana, who is now a widow with a young son, again. He intends to avoid the woman who broke his heart, but the man who orchestrated his pardon needs him and Brilliana to fake an engagement in order to ferret out a counterfeiter. Niall and Brilliana discover that the passion between them is still strong and there is much more to the story of the past than either alone knows.

OPINION: This is a second chance at love story. These two were torn apart mostly by circumstances but also by inexperience and their own ability to talk. Yes, this book’s central conflict is two people who haven’t sat down and had a conversation that might clear up misconceptions that both have over what happened in the past. But, of course, in the real world misconceptions are common between people and we are not likely to just sit down and have chats with people that we believe have broken our trust and our hearts. Because while this story might seem to be one about lack of communication, it is really about lack of trust and a willingness to do anything for the one we love.

And the truth is that seven years ago, Niall and Bree did not know how to love one another enough. This is shows deftly in this book as they unconsciously reverse all the things they did wrong the first time. Putting one another first. Believing in one another. Asking questions rather than accepting accusations.

This is not so much the story of the two uncovering what facts kept them apart before, but rather a demonstration of the maturity and growth of two people who missed their chance before.

Niall is a man of honor who fought a duel whose purpose he cannot tell Bree about. Readers of the series know that Niall killed the man who raped his sister. While exiled, he has been involved in political intrigued which has hurt his soul. His return to England has reunited him with his now happily married sister (THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION) but also brought him in contact with the woman he has never forgotten. Niall is now a more sober, more mature version of himself.

Brilliana, who Niall nicknames Bree, is a woman who has managed to cope with the disappointments life has brought her. Nothing horrible happened to her, but life did not have the joy and pleasure that looked to be promised when she was seventeen. She has, however, managed to find compensation and joy in other things, especially her art and her young son. And while she has never loved anyone but Niall, she doesn’t know if she can risk herself again.

This book has wonderful characters and an intensity between these characters. Love or hate there is — as the other characters in the book observe — something hot and powerful between Niall and Bree. Something charged remains between them even if they don’t know if they can move beyond the past.

I enjoyed this book very much with the caveat that I knew who the true villain was almost immediately and so the plotline of who is the mastermind behind the counterfeiting was obvious to me and thus less enjoyable.

WORTH MENTIONING: Baron Fulkham, spymaster, makes a significant appearance here in preparation for his own story coming up in the next book. There is also the setup of the characters that are in the next novella.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PLEASURES OF PASSION is the fourth book in the Sinful Suitors series. This book can be read as a standalone because everything you need to know is revealed here, but I think the book is much better if you know the background of these characters including the secrets that Niall is keeping and the journey to return him to England.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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

Review: More Than Want You

Posted on June 18, 2017 by Sheila

More Than Want You (More Than Words, #1) by Shayla Black
Series: More Than Words #1
on April 10th 2017
Genres: Contemporary
Goodreads
four-stars

“I can’t be with someone who wants revenge more than they want me.”

FINAL DECISION: If you allow yourself to get over Maxon being a major jerk, this book is a wonderful journey for his character. He learns what is really important in his life. His relationship with Keeley is rough and imperfect and finally wonderful.

THE STORY: Maxon Reed is a man on a mission — to get a deal from his estranged brother. Maxon is willing to do just about anything — including finding a woman to distract his brother. When Maxon meets Keeley Kent and there is an instant attraction between them and he knows that she is perfect for his plan. After convincing the reluctant Keeley to give his plan a change, Maxon spends weeks tutoring Keeley in exactly how to appeal to his brother. The problem is that every moment they spend together brings Maxon closer to realizing that Keeley is perfect for him. But will Maxon give up his plan of revenge in order to get the girl himself?

OPINION: I don’t mind heroes who are jerks in the beginning of a romance book as long as they don’t end up that way. Maxon is a world class jerk (though his brother has him beat). Intensely competitive with his estranged brother, Maxon clearly has no morals about using people (despite his belief that he does). His competition with his brother is primary — before friends, before love, before anything and everything. The good news is that this book just throws Maxon’s world into disarray. It never goes where he plans. And he ends the book a better person who is capable of love.

Keeley is almost the opposite of Maxon. Altruistic, emotional, willing to help and do anything for those she cares about. I like how she operates as Maxon’s guide and conscience in many ways. While we get a bit from her point of view, the book is really about Maxon’s journey (because he is the one who really needs the help). Keeley is more of a free spirit than the career driven Maxon, but she is also happier.

The relationship between Maxon and Keeley is complicated by Maxon’s own inability to understand what he wants and needs and how to get there. I enjoyed seeing Maxon breaking down. He has a nasty background which doesn’t excuse his behavior but makes it more understandable. The focus in this book is really on Maxon getting himself right and how his relationship with Keeley is the catalyst for that.

I enjoyed this book more as I got into it (Maxon was hard to like at first). By the end of the book, however, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book also introduces the romance that is the subject of the second book in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MORE THAN WANT YOU is the first book in the More Than Words series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Review: Addicted to the Duke

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords, #1) by Bronwen Evans
Series: Imperfect Lords #1
Published by Loveswept on June 13th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 260
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A good kickoff to a new series about men who are definitely not your perfect men. Alex is a man struggling with an addiction and the consequences of his capture and imprisonment and his belief that he is not good enough for Hestia. I love damaged heroes and Alex is definitely an imperfect one.

THE STORY: Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford agrees to help Lady Hestia Cary find her missing father. Alex feels a debt to Hestia’s father for helping in Alex’s rescue from his captivity with a pirate. When he is forced to take Hestia with him in order to ensure her safety. Four years ago, Hestia was rescued by Alex from the same pirate who had captured Alex years before. At sixteen, Hestia fell in love with Alex and doesn’t understand why he has spent years avoiding her. Alex is determined not to taint the sweet Hestia with his tainted presence but their voyage together allows Hestia to batter down the walls that Alex is using to separate them.

OPINION: I greatly appreciate books that stretch the genre — and this book does. Alex is a hero who struggles with his addiction and there is no easy and simple resolution. He also has done terrible things under the influence of his drug of choice. This book is about how he forgives himself and reaches for happiness rather than dwelling on a past he cannot change.

The story was filled with adventure which I didn’t expect. There are multiple levels of villains that Alex and Hestia have to defeat on the way to their happy ending. Some of their challenges are external, some are internal. Some want to threaten their lives and some want to threaten their relationship.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the matchup with Hestia because she seemed too sweet and innocent for the damaged Alex…but she has a hidden strength that I didn’t expect. Alex doesn’t expect it either.

This book pushes the envelope on Alex’s addiction because there are no easy answers for him. During this time period, addiction is not understood and is seen as character flaw rather than an illness. My one serious complaint about the book is that I would have liked an explicit update in the epilogue about Alex’s addiction since it was such an important part of the story (maybe in the next book in the series).

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with the issue of addiction in a time period long before there was an real understanding of addiction.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ADDICTED TO THE DUKE is the first book in the Imperfect Lords series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 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.

Review: Silver Silence

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #1; Psy-Changeling, #16) by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #16, Psy-Changeling Trinity #1
Published by Berkley Books on June 13th 2017
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 464
Goodreads
five-stars

“Welcome to the Age of Trinity.”

“Even after all this time, Silver did not understand bears.”

FINAL DECISION: Moving the action from San Francisco to Moscow, Singh kicks off the new “season” of the Psy-Changeling series with the compelling story of Silver Mercant, a powerful Psy woman, and the alpha bear shifter, Valentine who breaks through her silent walls.

THE STORY: Silver Mercant is the uber effective assistant to the most dangerous man in the world and has also taken on being the coordinator for the new worldwide emergency response/humanitarian response group. She has also acquired an admirer in Valentin Nikolaev, the Changeling Alpha of the StoneWater bear clan. Valentin has been courting Silver for months — making sure to meet with her instead of her boss, leaving her food and appearing at her apartment unexpectedly. When an attempt is made on Silver’s life, Valentin makes it his business to help protect Silver. In a post-silence (aka a world where the intellectual Psy are allowed to feel emotion) Silver must decide whether to break her own Silence to embrace a potential relationship with her self-proclaimed “teddy bear.”

OPINION: I approached this book with a bit of trepidation. When an author puts out a book like ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR and specifically states that she is moving to a new stage in a beloved series with a new focus, a reader who loved the original series might be concerned. I’m happy to report that while this book moves the series in new directions with the introduction of new characters (and changeling groups), this is still the Psy-Changeling series that I love. And maybe a better version of itself.

“Something always seems to get broken when a group of bears is out to have a good time.”

I’m constantly amazed by the amount of detail and differentiation that Singh is able to create in her Psy-Changeling world. For the first time, we get to meet the bear changelings in detail. And, oh, what a wonderful group these are. Cuddly, messy, outwardly and unabashedly emotional, partying. These bears are different from the cats and wolves that the series was previously embedded with. I love how Singh makes each of these changeling groups different and distinct from the other groups. Each group has a different culture, a different history, a different set of value priorities and yet they remain unmistakably changeling in their attitudes. I had thought that I would always love the cats the best, but these bears certainly made an impression on me.

Valentin is a different kind of alpha hero. He is definitely a dominant and in control, but he is also sweeter and more outwardly romantic and emotional than the other alphas we have met. (I didn’t think an alpha hero could beat the sexiness of Lucas Hunter, but Valentin certainly does). He is strong and yet funny and has a soft heart that he is not afraid to show others. He ends up being a surprisingly good match for the efficient and smart Silver.

Silver is as competent and complex as we have seen through the series. She has a difficult journey in this book. (Yes, I ended up crying about half way through). And I never expected where this book went. While this is not the first (or even second or third) Psy and Changeling pairing, Singh always manages to keep the journey of the particular romantic pairing separate and unique. Silver and Valentin are not like any other couple we have seen in this series — and that is a beautiful thing.

Pairing a wonderful couple with a political thriller is old hat for this series. But this book gives us new enemies and (perhaps) allies to get to know. A series that never rests on its laurels or gets repetitive, SILVER SILENCE is a winner on all levels: emotional, complex, funny, daring, intriguing and a beautiful testament to love and devotion.

WORTH MENTIONING: The story has moved away from familiar stories in the San Francisco area that series readers are used to and yet this book exists in that world and doesn’t feel separate at all.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SILVER SILENCE is the first book in the new “season” of the Psy-Changeling series. Known as the Trinity series, this book is connected to what went on in the previous 15 books in the Psy-Changeling series and yet really starts out in a new direction. New readers could start here and catch up fairly easily, but I don’t know why anyone would. Start at the beginning of the Psy-Changeling series because this is one of the best series out there.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

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

Review: The Most Dangerous Duke in London

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Most Dangerous Duke in London

The Most Dangerous Duke in London (Decadent Dukes Society, #1) by Madeline Hunter
Series: Decadent Dukes Society #1
Published by Zebra on May 30th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 304
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: Fabulous start to a new series. Didn’t go in the direction I expected and I ended up loving Adam. Motives are mysterious until all is revealed which built suspense and interest. Loved these two together.

THE STORY: Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, has returned to England after years in France following his father’s death. Adam has returned for revenge and to find out who set the events in motion which led to his father’s death. He is also in pursuit of a wife. He discovers Lady Clara Cheswick, the daughter of his family’s longtime enemy. Lady Clara has no intention of agreeing to Adam’s determined pursuit of her as she is independent and spending her time managing her own property and interests. Then there is the also the question of what Adam’s true motives are.

OPINION: This book was more intimate and personal than I expected from the description. Really focusing on the developing relationship between Adam and Clara, the reader is left questioning what Adam’s motives are.

Clara is a woman who desire for independence even if that means upsetting conventional behavior and roles for women. Having inherited property of her own, Clara plans never to marry but instead publish a paper for women — written by women. She is independent but isn’t willing to toss away all convention. That creates tension as she tries to exist both in and outside of society’s expectations. She also struggles with her relationship with her family. While she doesn’t always feel close to them, her loyalty to her father makes her suspicious of Adam’s motives — perhaps rightfully.

Adam is mysterious through much of the book. By the end of the book, however, I loved Adam. In the book, people wonder what Adam’s motives are for returning to England…and the reader is left to wonder as well. By not cluing readers in to Adam’s thoughts on the matter, the story has more tension and mystery. And the story needs that mystery because this book is truly driven by Adam’s reasons for returning to England and what his plans are.

This book feels more intimate and personal because the focus of the book is truly the relationship between Adam and Clara. Can Clara trust Adam? Why is he pursuing a relationship with her? Does he truly intend to marry her? Why? What I ended up loving about this book is that the answers are more complex than a simple narrative.

WORTH MENTIONING: Oh, I can’t wait for the other two upcoming heroes. There are some good stories to be told there.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE MOST DANGEROUS DUKE IN LONDON is the first book in the Decadent Dukes Society.

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.

Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Sheila

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (Rokesbys, #2) by Julia Quinn
Series: Rokesbys #2
Published by Avon on May 30th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-half-stars

“Husband? They were calling him her husband? Was he married? He couldn’t be married. How could he be married and not remember it? Who was this woman?”

FINAL DECISION: Behind the British lines in the American Revolutionary War, this intense and emotional story of a husband and wife learning one another is a winner. The twist? They aren’t actually married but only she knows it.

THE STORY: Edward Rokesby awakes in a military hospital in the American colonies, he has a hole in his memory of what he was doing on an assignment in Connecticut. Months are missing during which he apparently also acquired a wife he does not remember — Cecilia Harcourt. The sister of Edward’s best friend, she has come from England in search of her brother who is missing. There is a good reason that Edward doesn’t remember marrying Cecilia — they are actually not married.

OPINION: An usual Julia Quinn book with less humor and more seriously emotional content. Quinn’s books always have an underlayer of seriousness but usually there is more amusing events. This book is quickly more serious than I expected. With a different setting (the colonies during the American Revolution) and much of the action taking place in confined settings (so much happens in the four walls of a room) and a different emotional temperature, this book feels more fresh and different than other Quinn books while retaining the wonderful and likeable characters.

One of the best parts of this book is that both Edward and Cecilia are such nice people. Yet, circumstances twist them up and make them do things that they don’t anticipate. This story is how two people who seem like they should have an easy road to happiness together become so mixed up that it seems like their happily ever after will pass them by. The story goes deep into these characters as these semi-strangers begin to get to know one another.

I would say that this is a slowly developing story, but I don’t want to give the impression that the story is boring. No, this is the story of two people who are discovering one another. The deception that lies between them and the search for Cecilia’s brother has enough drama to keep the story interesting even as these two talk and laugh and cry and know one another.

I also especially enjoyed the change in venue to the colonies — especially because we get a glimpse of the British side of the war (which is not the usual side in this time period). Moving away from the expected place gives energy to the story as these new details suffuse the story was new relationships and details. (Plus, I’m glad that we finally get a glimpse of a significant event that is often missing from historical romance books of the period).

I liked this book much better than the first in the series primarily because I really liked these characters who feel like nice people trapped in a situation that they cannot control which challenges their essential goodness.

WORTH MENTIONING: It is pretty obvious who the next book in the series will be about.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE GIRL WITH THE MAKE-BELIEVE HUSBAND is the second book in the Rokesby series. It is not necessary to have read the first book in the series since this book is only loosely connected and the other characters of the series only make a very brief appearance.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

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

Review: An Affair with a Notorious Heiress

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Sheila

An Affair with a Notorious Heiress (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James, #4) by Lorraine Heath
Series: Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James #4
Published by Avon on May 30th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: Lyrical and emotional story of a woman who is a scandal and the man who wants to avoid scandal and yet ends up not wanting to avoid her. I loved the unexpected sweetness and romance of this story.

THE STORY: Alistair Mabry, Marquess of Rexton and future duke, has no plans to marry soon, but when he does he will choose a bride with a perfect reputation. His own childhood showed him the consequences of being the child of a scandalous union. While he loves his parents, he has no desire to repeat their story. When he is asked to court a young sweet woman in order to help her marriage prospects, he agrees, but finds himself spending more time thinking about her older and scandalous sister, Tillie, Lady Lansdowne. Divorced after her affair with a footman became known, the American heiress lives separate from society but is determined to see her sister happily married. She doesn’t think that Rexton is the man for her sister, but can’t stop thinking about him herself.

OPINION: This book follows two books that are among my all time favorites. The stories of Rexton’s parents and that of his sister are so heartbreakingly beautiful. As I began this book, I was honestly a bit disappointed because I thought Rexton’s attitude toward his mother’s past was not worthy of the oldest son of his parents. As the book progressed, however, I fell in love with Rexton and understood his position (even if thought it misguided).

Heath has a marvelous way of making the romance between Rexton and Tillie seem completely hopeless. There seems to be no future for these characters, but all that is needed is complete and utter surrender to love. I am always done in by Heath’s way of ripping into my emotions. This romance is quieter and sweeter than I expected — perhaps because their outward challenges are so large and overwhelming.

I love watching these two fall in love.

The man who thinks that he wants perfection, but discovers that all he really wants is love — even if it is messy and imperfect — and perhaps because it is. The woman who has been so thoroughly disappointed by love that she fears risking any part of herself again. And perhaps she has internalized her lack of worth because no one has ever put her first.

The story slowly built until reaching a wonderful crescendo. This book wasn’t as gut wrenching as my other favorites in this world, but the intense sweetness was worth the journey.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of the series will be pleased to see quite a bit of Rexton’s family.

CONNECTED BOOKS: AN AFFAIR WITH A NOTORIOUS HEIRESS is the fourth book in the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. The book can be read as standalone, but honestly is much better after reading both the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series and the connected series about the parents generation, the Scoundrels of St. James series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

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

Review: Just One Touch

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Sheila

Just One Touch (Slow Burn, #5) by Maya Banks
Series: Slow Burn #5
Published by Avon on May 23rd 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Pages: 352
Goodreads
three-half-stars

“But the simple truth was that he needed her every bit as much as she needed him, and he couldn’t come up with a reason that made any sense to him.”

FINAL DECISION: A good romantic suspense with a paranormal bent. The weakest part of the story is the instant love between the main characters. That being said, the two are a good match and the story is well paced and filled with twists.

THE STORY: Isaac Washington comes out to his car after getting coffee and bagels to find someone attempting to steal his vehicle. Instead of the thief he expected, Isaac finds Jenna — a young abused woman who is fleeing for her life. When Isaac is shot by her pursuers, he finds out why. Jenna saves Isaac’s life when she heals his mortal wound. Once he meets her, Isaac, who works for Devereaux Security is determined to use his skills to protect this vulnerable woman.

OPINION: This was a good suspense story with a paranormal twist as is true of the other book in the Slow Burn series.

The main weakness of the story from my view is the instant love aspect. Before the two even know anything about one another, there is something between them. (That works in many books where there is a paranormal or supernatural aspect, but here there is no “mate” or explanation for the instant connection). But this book is anxious to get into the suspense story and deep into the potential of the relationship. I can put aside my initial disbelief in the instant love if the rest of the story is good…and this one worked for me.

Isaac is a strong alpha protector and is determined to protect Jenna and make those who have harmed her pay. While he is possessive, he is also completely devoted to Jenna from almost the moment that they meet. He throws over everything in his life to help her. While the devotion appears unrealistic at times, it also jacks up the tension and suspense in the story because the immediate devotion he has for Jenna makes the story move.

Jenna begins the story abused and weak. But she does not stop there. Much of the story is about Jenna discovering herself and obtaining autonomy over herself. There are quite a few twists and turns in the story and I don’t want to give any of the plot away because the suspense is an essential part of the story.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be willing to accept Banks version of the Alpha male who is possessive with a lot of talk about the heroine belonging to him. Some might find it a little too aggressive and controlling.

CONNECTED BOOKS: JUST ONE TOUCH is the fifth book in the Slow Burn series. While there are overlapping characters, this story is independent of others in the series and can be read alone. There are plenty of appearances by the characters from the other books and readers of those books will be happy for the updates.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

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

Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
Series: Burning Cove #1
Published by Berkley Books on May 9th 2017
Genres: Historical
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-half-stars

“You must not trust anyone — not the police, not the F.B.I. Above all, never trust a lover.”

FINAL DECISION: My favorite Amanda Quick book in a long time. The move to 1930s California has given new energy and freshness to what is often a familiar romantic suspense storyline. I hope we will be reading more in this time period.

THE STORY: 1930s California is a place where people can reinvent themselves. Irene Glasson has come here on the run from the murder of her prior employer. Irene (and that is also a new name) is now a reporter for a small gossip paper when she becomes involved in yet another murder. The murder of an actress takes place at the hotel of Oliver Ward. Oliver is also starting his life over again. Previously a famous magician whose career ended in blood during a performance, Oliver is determined to protect his hotel from scandal when he discovers that Irene didn’t seem to exist prior to four months ago.

OPINION: I’ve been reading Amanda Quick books since the first ones in the 1990s. In the intervening years there have been books I have absolutely loved (RAVISHED and THE PERFECT POISON) and ones that I found completely forgettable. The most recent books have been adequate but have lacked the energy and vibrancy of the best books.

THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH moves to a new time period. I was wary of the change because the 1930s is not a time period often used in romance novels and I did not know how the Quick books would translate into that time period. I’m happy to report that I loved the time period move to the 20th century. In taking place in an era that has not been done ad nauseum, the book is allowed to investigate different morals, complications and motivations than the Regency or Victorian eras.

These characters feel fresh and new and the entire book has a vibrancy and drew my interest in an entirely new manner.

Irene is a career woman who is caring for herself. She arrives in California at a time when she can completely reinvent herself (without pesky complications such as social security numbers and needing government identification). She’s tough and clever and determined. I love smart heroines and Irene is no exception. She just keeps picking herself up after her disappointments. She is independent and thus her willingness to trust Oliver is a major point in their relationship.

Oliver is adorable. Sexy and wounded and oh so willing to engage in witty verbal combat with Irene. He’s a man who cares for his own. Like Irene, he is also a man who has reinvented himself (for different reasons). Being a survivor and adapting is a strong theme in this book with these two characters. They live in a time and place of reinvention and they both are living out that possibility.

Along with a romance there is a peppy suspense story that keeps the pace humming along. The suspense works very well with the romance here and doesn’t overpower the relationship between Oliver and Irene. Instead, the two work together hand in hand to undercover who is killing the women the Irene keeps discovering. I found the mystery and the solution satisfying and the adventure served to bring the characters closer.

This book was a real winner for me and I hope that there are more books in this time period (and I think there is possibility right in this book).

WORTH MENTIONING: This is the first Amanda Quick novel to take place outside of the 19th century.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH is a standalone.

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.

Review: Red Wolf

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Sheila

Red Wolf by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Shifters Unbound #10
Published by Berkley Books on May 2nd 2017
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A friends to lovers story with an exciting mythology laden plot, Dimitri and Jaycee — red wolf and leopard — are an exciting pairing.

THE STORY: Shifter Dimitri is a red wolf and has had to fight for most of his life because of his uncommon nature and because of his stutter. He has mate claimed leopard shifter Jaycee but she hasn’t decided whether or not to accept his claim. When they are asked to investigate some shifters who are involved in mysterious and perhaps dangerous actions, the two are challenged both in their relationship and also their lives.

OPINION: This friends to lovers story has depth because these characters are challenged again and again in their relationship. There is also an intriguing story that keeps the pace of the novel hopping. Dimitri and Jaycee are already comfortable together but the story asks the question — are they meant to be together forever as mates or is their friendship with occasional benefits what they are meant to have.

Jaycee is a strong, kick-butt heroine. She is certainly Dimitri’s equal the two are partners and friends who are challenging one another. I loved how their relationship develops as challenges comes from all quarters. Again and again, these two have to evaluate what they want from their relationship.

There is a little slow start to the story, but once Dimitri and Jaycee are off on their mission, the pace picked up quite a bit.

I love the Shifters world and this book expands the mythology of the series in ways that I can’t wait to see what develops.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book has a reveal that sets up the next stage of the overarching storyline.

CONNECTED BOOKS: RED WOLF is the tenth book in the Shifters Unbound series. This series is much better read in order although the romance is self-contained in this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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