Review: A Very Ruby Christmas

Posted on November 14, 2016 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.

A Very Ruby Christmas by Lavinia Kent
Series: Bound and Determined #4.5
Published by Loveswept on October 25th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: Especially for fans of the series, this novella wraps up Ruby and Derek’s story, gives some hot and spicy moments with beloved characters from the Bound and Determined series and also pushes the series forward into a new era.

THE STORY: This novella takes place before the epilogue of RAVISHING RUBY. In this book, Ruby (who is the owner of a brothel) is trying to organize her life to be able to leave London with Derek, the man she loves. The story takes place at Christmas time and is a bit of a last hurrah to Ruby’s reign as madam.

Ruby’s inability to sell her brothel is causing some problems for her and Derek. Into this difficult time, Ruby’s half sister arrives on her doorstep. Her sister in in desperate straits and Ruby feels that something else may come between her and Derek.

OPINION: I adore Ruby. I’ve followed her story through the entire Bound and Determined series (where she has been a matchmaker for the couples) and especially enjoyed the story of her and Derek. This novella adds some information to their story but doesn’t disturb their happy ending (which occurred in RAVISHING RUBY).

This novella add something significant to Ruby and Derek’s story. Ruby is a woman who has made her own way in the world. Although she loves Derek, she still has not surrendered to their happy ending. She continues to make contingencies after being disappointed by men in her past. She seeks to protect herself when reality insists that she take a chance and rely on the man she loves.

Ruby is such a complicated character. This novella shows many facets of her. She is a woman who has successfully run a brothel. She cares about the women who work for her. She manages difficult men. She is separated from her legitimate half-siblings, but desperately wants family connection.

This novella serves to wrap up Ruby’s story and launch a new story for Ruby’s brothel. Anyone who enjoyed the Bound and Determined series should read this novella. It’s like a Christmas present (if Christmas presents were sweet and hot and sexy and definitely spicy).

WORTH MENTIONING: A foresee a story about Madame Blanche in the future.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A VERY RUBY CHRISTMAS is book 4.5 in the Bound and Determined series. It can should be read after at least RAVISHING RUBY which tells the story of Ruby and her captain’s love story.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: One Summer of Surrender

Posted on November 8, 2016 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.

One Summer of Surrender (Seasons, #3) by Jess Michaels
Series: Seasons #3
Published by The Passionate Pen on November 8th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 212
Goodreads
five-stars

“What she had done to him deserved anger and revenge and a great deal else. She had already served part of her penance in a desperately unhappy marriage. Perhaps this was the rest.”

FINAL DECISION: Filled with angst, longing, pain and love, this book made me fall in love with Lucien, a man who can’t help but love the woman who broke his heart. The path from his complete brokenness in the prologue to the ending was a fantastic journey.

THE STORY: Lucien Danford, Earl of Stenfax had his world destroyed when the woman he loved abandoned him to marry a duke instead. Lucien is determined to stay away from Elise, Duchess of Kirkford, now that she is widowed but he cannot deny thinking about her. When the two unexpectedly end up in the same place, the anger and passion explodes between them. The past is an obstacle that Lucien and Elise cannot seem to overcome even as they cannot resist one another.

OPINION: This book begins with one of the most devastating depictions of a broken heart that I think I have read in a romance book. It immediately made me fall for Stenfax. A man who could love that deeply is a good man indeed. I was also surprised with the direction that Michael’s took with Lucien’s despair. I thought it very brave to depict his reaction in such a manner because some people would see him as weak. I didn’t but there are still stigmas. Everything about Lucien was wonderful. Even angry and brokenhearted he is such a wonderful human being in how he treats Elise that I just wanted to hug him.

My sympathies were completely in Lucien’s corner and thus I was prepared to dislike Elise, but instead, I felt sympathy for her as well even as her motives remain murky. She is a desperate woman and her situation is so untenable and it is imperative to remember how few choices women had in the past. Elise is left with nothing else other than using her body to save herself.

These two are so desperate to be with one another even as they know it is hopeless. I love the amount of angst and pain in this story because the darker the journey, the more beautiful the happy ending. Both Lucien and Elise are put through the wringer in this book. Even as the truth comes out, there is still pain and betrayal for the two to overcome.

In addition to the angst filled romance, I really enjoyed the interaction between all the prior series characters. They have intriguing interaction among one another. There is caring and anger and it is clear that Lucien and Elise are the pivot in this book with all these people. I’ve liked these characters in the prior books and it is nice seeing them again in substantive ways.

Finally, there is a nice plot which motivates the actions of the characters. That story is clearly going to continue in the next book in the series (not the romance but the overarching plot) so be prepared to accept that when reading this book.

WORTH MENTIONING: Felicity is up next.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ONE SUMMER OF SURRENDER is the third book in the Seasons series. This book can be read as a standalone although it has more power having read the other two books in the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

Review: Pleasured by a Duke

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Sheila

Pleasured by a Duke (Regency Unlaced 7) by Carole Mortimer
Series: Regency Unlaced #7
Published by Smashwords Edition on October 28th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 122
Goodreads
three-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable little novella that is hot. The short nature of the story doesn’t allow for much characters development but the characters of Sebastian and Tia are fun in their interaction with one another.

THE STORY: Sebastian Falkner, Duke of Stowmont, is a rake who ironically keeps getting unwanted wards. Having just gotten rid of one, he finds himself guardian to a seven year old boy. And this child comes with his adult step-sister. Horatia “Tia” Chelford is a self-described mousy woman whose betrothed was killed in Waterloo. Believing that she has lost her chance for love and marriage, Tia has dedicated herself to her step-brother. While the duke intends to rid himself of the opinionated and mouthy Tia as quickly as possible, Tia intends on finding a way to stay. At the same time, Tia and her stepbrother are in danger from the person who murdered Tia’s stepmother.

OPINION: I’ve come to enjoy Mortimer’s Regency Unlaced series which are generally short novellas with an emphasis on the hot sex. The stories focus on the sexual relationships and the characters tend to be in situations which heightens the tension in that relationship.

This book follows in that formula. The characters are set in the beginning. Sebastian is a man who never expected to be a duke but has taken on the role with a disdain for society. He cares deeply for his family, including his illegitimate half-brother who acts as his secretary. When he is given the guardianship of a young boy, he intends to fulfill his duty but doesn’t want anything to do with the older sharp-tongued step-sister — until he can’t resist her.

Tia is a woman who has lost everything except her younger step-brother and is willing to do anything to stay with him. She has loved and lost and she accepts her limitations. When she has the opportunity to find some happiness, she is willing to take it — even if society would not approve.

I liked this book. My one complaint is that everything is wrapped up too quickly and too neatly. I wanted a bigger confrontation on Sebastian and Tia’s relationship or a bigger part for the villain in the story. Instead, things are just resolved too quickly (in a couple of pages) and that left me wanting in the story.

WORTH MENTIONING: The duke’s illegitimate half brother looks to be getting his story next.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PLEASURED BY A DUKE is the seventh book in the Regency Unlaced series. It can be read as a standalone. The only connection to the prior books are the mention of other characters in the epilogue.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: A Night of Forever

Posted on October 25, 2016 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.

A Night of Forever (The Disgraced Lords, #6) by Bronwen Evans
Series: The Disgraced Lords #6
Published by Loveswept on October 25th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable end to the drama of the Disgraced Lords series, the romance between Arend and Isobel has much angst and distrust on Arend’s part. Isobel must get beyond the shields that Arend has erected while an enemy intends to destroy them both.

THE STORY: Arend Aubury will do anything to protect the only people he trusts, his fellow Libertine Scholars. After all his friends have suffered from the person who is trying to destroy them all, Arend knows that he is next and he is ready. He suspects the stepdaughter of their enemy, Lady Isobel Thompson and intends on keeping a close eye on her. When Isobel approaches him with her own suspicions about her stepmother, Arend agrees to work with Isobel — while secretly suspecting her. Isobel wants a marriage like her friends, but can’t seem to ignore the dangerous Arend. A fake betrothal hides their investigation but also ignites a strong passion between Isobel and Arend while they question motives and evade their enemies.

OPINION: This book brings the series story regarding the Libertine Scholars enemy to a close. This book overlaps the fifth book in the series, A TASTE OF SEDUCTION. I enjoyed this book because Arend and Isobel are an intriguing match with a significant amount of angst.

Arend is a man who thinks himself unworthy. He has lived in poverty, been abused, betrayed and as a result has a difficult time trusting anyone. Even his attraction to Isobel is something that he distrusts. At the same time, Arend is loyal, caring and willing to sacrifice himself for those he cares about. His guilt and shame and fear prevent him from having an open relationship, but he cannot seem to resist Isobel.

Isobel is a woman who has been tainted by her stepmother’s evil, but still sees the good in people, especially Arend. Even as Isobel is warned away from him, she finds him irresistible. Isobel is strong willed and willing to go after what she wants. She can also stand up to Arend which is important. Most significantly, she believes in Arend’s goodness and is determined to make him see it as well.

I liked the relationship between Arend and Isobel because many times Isobel is the strong one if the relationship which is a reversal from traditional roles. Arend has the poor self-image and abusive background and it is Isobel who must help him accept himself and believe that he is entitled to a good future.

I enjoyed this book as a closure to the series (even though there will be some spin off books). I thought that there was enough about the other characters to see where their lives are going without overwhelming the story and the overarching storyline was neatly wrapped up as well.

WORTH MENTIONING: Although this book completes the continuing story in the Disgraced Lords series, Evans states that there will be some future connected books wrapping up the romances of other characters in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A NIGHT OF FOREVER is the sixth book in the Disgraced Lords series. The romance can be read as a standalone although there is an overarching story in the series that finishes in this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Review: The Legendary Lord

Posted on October 25, 2016 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 Legendary Lord (Playful Brides) by Valerie Bowman
Series: Playful Brides #6
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on November 1st, 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 318
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Funny and Yet Deep Emotional Undertones

FINAL DECISION: A man must take the risk to get what he wants and a woman who must upset expectations and disappoint others. THE LEGENDARY LORD starts with two people who are obviously meant for one another but have to fight their own natures to be together. Funny at moments but emotional as the two are seemingly destined to be apart. I loved the characters and the resolution. A winner!

THE STORY: Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, has many women friends but no woman to call his own. Every woman he might be interested in becomes his dear friend instead. Retreating to his hunting lodge in Scotland, Christian doesn’t know how to proceed. When he arrives, he is held at sword point by a beautiful young woman who turns out to be Sarah Highgate, a woman who has run from her arranged engagement to a marquess. Now Sarah is beginning to have regrets for her flight because she realizes that she will disappoint her parents and be ruined. Christian realizes that he can be a friend and help Sarah avoid scandal and return to London. In exchange, Sarah offers to give Christian advice on how to change his image and become a Legendary Lord — the gentleman of the season — in order to find a wife. The problem becomes that Christian soon realizes that the woman he really wants is the one that he truly can only be a friend to — Sarah.

OPINION: A hero who convinces the heroine to return to an arranged marriage and then regrets it. A heroine who wants to find love but is convinced to settle for the approval of her parents. These two are seriously mixed up. That is what makes them interesting because they are both struggling against convention and expectations.

Christian is a man who has made a habit of saving women and becoming friends with them. Unconcerned about town life, Christian is only serviceable in dress and he is more friendly than flirty. When he meets Sarah, she offers to help remake his image — and she does. As with image, however, Christian remains who he truly is. As Sarah discovers, there are reasons that Christian remains single that has nothing to do with his clothes or image. I loved Christian because he is kind and supportive and he treats women well. I like that he has women friends (characters from the prior books in the series that he has helped) and he treats them as equals. They treat him as a beloved brother who they needle and care for.

Sarah was more difficult for me to immediately like because she starts out in such a great spot — having taken a chance to run from her arranged marriage, but then experiences regret such that she is willing to return to her fiance to satisfy her parents (who I heartily disliked!) The question I had to ask was what other choices did Sarah really have. Sarah’s opinions don’t matter to her parents because society accepted that. To reject her parents’ choice would mean that not only would Sarah lose the love of those she cared about but her physical and financial security as well. It’s not easy being a rebel without support.

The story of Christian and Sarah is ultimately about commitment — about putting yourself out for those you love — about taking huge chances. These two people who mostly play it safe, but there can be nothing safe in love — especially when you have to risk scandal to be together.

Christian and Sarah have different types of risks and challenges in their relationship. As much as Christian says he wants to marry, he is afraid of emotionally risking himself. As much as Sarah says she wants love, she is afraid of the approbation of her parents and society. Both claim to want to love, but neither wants to take the first scary step.

Balancing the mild angst in this book is humor from the heroines of the prior books in the series. As they scheme to push Sarah and Christian in the right direction, I laughed at their meddling ways and urged them on when it appeared that Sarah and Christian might miss their chance to be together.

I find it immensely satisfying to read about characters that I like and who I can identify with. Neither of these characters wants to be in the limelight. I can imagine them leading a happy and quiet life together after the pages of this book end and living happily ever after.

WORTH MENTIONING: Keep an eye out for a romance that is certainly on the horizon with Sarah’s brother.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LEGENDARY LORD is the sixth book in the Playful Brides series. While there are appearances by continuing characters of the series, this book gives you everything you need to know and thus is a complete standalone as well.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: A Masked Deception

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Sheila

A Masked Deception by Mary Balogh
Published by Class eBook Editions Ltd. on July 26th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed the concept of this book and Balogh’s characters are always complex and imperfect. My only complaint is that I just could not suspend disbelief that a husband would not recognize his “mystery” woman as his wife. Putting that aside, I thought this was a very intriguing book.

THE STORY: Margaret Wells has loved Richard Adair, Earl of Brampton for years, but he has paid no attention to the quiet, mousey woman. But the time has come for Richard to marry and he figures that Margaret will do well as his wife and not interfere too much with his life. As the two settle into a quiet, if dull, marriage, Margaret cannot help but wish for the passion involved in her greatest secret. Six years ago, Margaret met up with Richard at a masquerade ball. While she was unrecognizable, she flirted and Richard was attracted. The two shared a passionate kiss that hasn’t appeared in their marriage. Desperate to change something, Margaret again dons her costume and ends up having an affair with her own husband.

OPINION: This is a complicated book. Richard is dismissive of Margaret in the beginning of the book and frankly acts like a jerk for a good portion. But Balogh doesn’t disappoint. Richard reluctantly begins to fall in love with his gentle wife. It is difficult to like Richard because he openly commits adultery, but Balogh’s characters are imperfect. I enjoyed the progression Richard makes — although I think he should have had to confess his transgressions to his wife.

The reason Richard works for me is because Margaret is also an imperfect mistake prone individual. She won’t speak up for herself and rather than speaking with her husband concocts a crazy disguise to rediscover the passion she knows is missing from her marriage.

I found this book enjoyable but I didn’t like that Richard commits adultery and never has to admit to it.

WORTH MENTIONING: Content warning that this book contains adultery. This book is also a reissue of a 1980s book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A MASKED DECEPTION is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: Penelope and Prince Charming

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Sheila

Penelope and Prince Charming: Nvengaria (Historical Paranormal) by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Nvengaria #1
Published by JA / AG Publishing on August 1, 2006
Genres: Historical, Paranormal
Pages: 377
Goodreads
three-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: A fun mixture of fantasy, fairy tale and historical, this book introduces a new series. While the insta-love reduces much of the emotional drama, the story was interesting and the characters have a good story to tell.

THE STORY: Miss Penelope Trask is a double jilt after ending two disastrous engagements. She has resigned herself to never marrying when Prince Damien of Nvengaria appears informing her that she is the the woman he has come to England to find. The woman destined to be his bride and help him rule his land. Penelope knows that something magical is happening (and this book has magic in it) but knows that men have deceived her before. Damien and Penelope must battle those who are trying to prevent Damien from returning to his country and certainly trying to prevent a marriage between them.

OPINION: This book was an enjoyable mixture of historical, fairy tale and fantasy. As the first book in the series, the mixture is not always smooth, but I found the combination both sweet and fun. (There is also some sexy situations put in the mix to keep the sickly sweet possibilities away).

Damien comes to England to search for his destined bride, immediately falls for Penelope but then has to win her and her family over. At the same time, the two need to battle the evil Grand Duke who wants to prevent the two from fulfilling the prophesy and returning to Nvengaria as the rulers. There are assassins and monsters and magic sleeping spells along the way.

The insta-love in this book (consistent with the Cinderella fairy tale this is loosely based on) reduces much of the emotional drama between the characters. The book also has bit of “marriage of convenience” feel to it as Penelope and Damien seem fated to be together but then have to learn to live with one another.

I loved Penelope in this one. She is strong and independent and clearly the center of this book. Nothing works in this book without her. It is her discovery of her true self that makes this book work. Like Cinderella, she is hidden in the small town she lives in. In truth, she is a princess. Her discovery of her abilities — her true self — makes her relationship with Damien work and also saves their country.

I also was intrigued by the story of the villain, Alexander (whose story is next in the series). For me, I was more interested in his story than Damien’s (I have a thing for the anti-hero). I would read the next book in this series simply based on Alexander’s story, but I also was intrigued by the combination of genres.

A reader of this book will have to be open minded because the book combines the fantasy elements of magic and monsters with a some very typical historical elements.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book is a historical paranormal with magic and fantasy elements along with taking place in the regency period.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PENELOPE AND PRINCE CHARMING is the first book in the Nvengaria series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: Beyond the Highland Mist

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Sheila

Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander, #1) by Karen Marie Moning
Series: Highlander #1
Published by Dell on May 29th 2007
Genres: Historical, Paranormal, Time Travel
Pages: 375
Goodreads
three-half-stars

“This cannot be happening. This is not possible. This cannot be happening. Yet in the forefront of her mind, realist that she was, she understood that the words can’t and impossible had not bearing when the impossible was indeed happening.

Unless she woke up soon from a nightmarish and vivid dream, she was in Scotland, the year 1513, and she was indeed getting married.”

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable and interesting mix of genres, I thoroughly enjoyed the story but felt that the mixture was clunky at times. I was both compelled by the story and also felt that this book needed more in the way of world-building to make this a great book. I would definitely read more based on the romance alone.

THE STORY: Adrienne de Simone has been cured of the attraction to handsome men. After the horrible experience, Adrienne knows that she will never trust a handsome man again. For this reason, Adrienne is chosen by a vengeful fey to bring her back in time almost 500 years in order to torment the fey’s enemy.

Highlander Sidheach James Lyon Douglas, third earl of Dalkeith, known as The Hawk, has been a womanizer and has become a great lover. When the queen of the fey praises him too much, the Fae king and fool seek revenge by saddling him with a wife who will never love him and might even be persuaded to betray him. As a result of their intervention, Adrienne ends up taking the place of the Hawk’s betrothed. Adrienne and The Hawk begin an contentious relationship. While the Hawk begins to fall for his wife, Adrienne remains committed to not being foolish again.

The two have to confront Adrienne’s distrust, Hawk’s painful past and lovers, and the enmity of the Fae.

OPINION: I thought this book was an intriguing mix of genres. That was one of its great strengths because it felt intriguing and fresh. It was also its greatest weakness because the mix didn’t always mesh well. In the years since this book was written, many authors have taken to the mixing of genres and this early innovator suffers a bit in comparison. That being said, I enjoyed the romance and the interaction between the characters and I am willing to read more of the series to see how Moning developed the mixture of genres in future books.

The interaction between Adrienne and Hawk was a highlight of the book for me. Hawk was not what I expected in the book. It was especially nice to see such a strong, sexy, handsome historical character who really just wanted peace and a family. I liked how Hawk is a little clueless about how to have a relationship with Adrienne and continues to make mistakes that complicate his courtship. The book contains an interesting twist about his reputation with women that gives him a sympathetic past. At the same time, his painful past was written in a lighter fashion than I generally prefer. Despite his history (and that of Adrienne as well) the emphasis in the book is on the present story. While the characters have a history, it is quickly subsumed in the drama of the present.

Adrienne is a modern woman who is swept into the past. One of the problems I had with the book was that she didn’t seem to have any trouble with adapting to the past. There was little time paid to the disorientation that would have to result. (I thought that the similar A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR by Jude Deveraux did a better job with dealing with that complication). But this book seems to be more of a paranormal fantasy book in that regard than a true time-travel.

As for the romance, I loved it and really connected with the characters. If this had been written as a historical or time-travel book, I might have given it a higher rating. At the same time, the paranormal elements are what make this book unique and memorable. I just felt that this book reads as a historical/time-travel in which the paranormal elements were not integrated as well. The Fae seem a bit disjointed from the rest of the book because they remain without a true history or world. There is some of the feel of Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM where the fairies interfere with the mortal world, but the Fae here feel less developed than I need to truly love this book.

While I didn’t love this book, I was intrigued and fascinated by it and the possibilities as the author developed her craft further. This was my first book by Moning, but I definitely will continue reading the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book mixes paranormal, historical and time-travel. It definitely pushes the boundaries of what can be expected in one romance book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BEYOND THE HIGHLAND MIST is the first book in the Highlander series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: Sweetest Regret

Posted on October 4, 2016 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.

Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran
Published by Pocket Star on November 28th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 110
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable and well developed story about a second chance at love.

THE STORY: Georgiana “Georgie” Trent is left by her diplomat father to entertain his guests for Christmas and to search for a letter that one of the guests has stolen. To assist her, her father sends Lucas Godwin. Lucas broke Georgie’s heart two years ago when he left without a word to her. The two fight one another while searching for the letter and end up discovering what actually happened two years ago.

OPINION: I enjoyed this novella a great deal. Georgie and Lucas have a tremendous amount of sadness and pain behind them. Even when they discover the truth, Georgie doesn’t believe that they have a future. The twists of this story were intriguing and the characters were well developed.

WORTH MENTIONING: SWEETEST REGRET was previously published in the anthology WHAT HAPPENS UNDER THE MISTLETOE.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This book is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Review: The Heiress and the Hothead

Posted on October 4, 2016 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 Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Sinful Suitors #1.5
Published by Pocket Star on November 28th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 90
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable novella that gives a taste of what the Sinful Suitors is all about.

THE STORY: Lord Stephen Cory, the younger brother of a marquess writes radical articles about the plight of mill workers and child laborers. He wants to meet Miss Amanda Keane, an American who owns mills, in order to prove that mill owners everywhere are atrocious. When he meets Amanda, he finds that she is more than he expected.

OPINION: I liked this story. Both Stephen and Amanda are headstrong people who have strong opinions. I liked that Stephen moves tremendously in his opinions. The two are cute together and the characters are well developed for such a short story. I liked this one.

WORTH MENTIONING: THE HEIRESS AND THE HOTHEAD was previously released as part of the anthology WHAT HAPPENS UNDER THE MISTLETOE.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This novella is book 1.5 of the Sinful Suitors series. I had not yet read the other books in the series when I first read this one so it is definitely not necessary to read the others books first.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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Tag Archives: Historical

Review: A Very Ruby Christmas

Review: One Summer of Surrender

Review: Pleasured by a Duke

Review: A Night of Forever

Review: The Legendary Lord

Review: A Masked Deception

Review: Penelope and Prince Charming

Review: Beyond the Highland Mist

Review: Sweetest Regret

Review: The Heiress and the Hothead