Rosamund by Bertrice Small

   
     Well, the good news is that this book was better than the previous book by Miss Small that I read. The bad news is that it lacked another good 200 pages to end properly. This book had a lot of English history in it,and followed a similar plot outline as "A Dangerous Love".  Overall the book had a very good beginning, a strong middle and lacked an ending.  If the English history in the early 16th century appeals to you then I'd say this is the romance novel for you, if not, I would pick up another book.

Book Blurb:
    "Rosamund Bolton is the heiress to the manor of Friarsgate on the wild Cumbrian border between England and Scotland. More than a splended inheritance, Friarsgate will chart the fate of the orphaned beauty widowed at a precious young age. It will take her from the treacherous custody of a devious uncle, sweeping her in to the magnificent court of Elizabeth of York, into the confidence of Katherine of Aragon, and past the intimate chamber doors of a young, handsome Henry VIII. It's an adventure that will test the limits of passion and betrayal, change the meaning of the word enemy, and turn even the most daring fantasy into true love...."

Rachel's Ratings: 18

Plot: 6

   Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2

Characters: 6
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 2

Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2

    Number of Times: 2

How to Seduce a Duke by Kathryn Caskie

 

  How to Seduce a Duke is the first book in the Royle Sister Trilogy by Kathryn Caskie.  This book was confusing and very difficult to get into, I had actually tried to read this one a few times before and couldn't get past the first few pages.  The series has a rather unique plot and I'm interested in seeing how it plays out in the later books.  One thing that really bothered me in this book was that the lead's two sisters both had really interesting characters at the beginning of the book, but then they turned into shells about halfway through and were really quite boring by the end.  I'm worried that the Mary's character, which was quite interesting in this book, will get destroyed in the later books, I hope that Caskie proves me wrong.

Book Blurb:

    "Why is the notorious Duke of Blackstone ruining Mary's well-laid plans to marry his brother, the handsome Viscount Wetherly?  Every time she turns a corner, he is there-- tantalizing her, teasing her... and the more she tries to ignore him, the more insistent he becomes.  Mary knows she must make an advantageous marriage, but surely Blackstone is the wrong man for her.  Isn't he?

    Blackstone is not about to let his brother become bewitched by some wily blueblood pretender... even one as deliciously tempting as Mary.  But until she came along, no woman has ever resisted his smooth, well-practiced seductions.  Could it be that he's actually fallen in love with this infuriating chit?"

Rachel's Ratings: 15

 

Plot: 4

   Strong Beginning: 0

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 1

Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 3

    Number of Times: 1

The Princess and her Pirate by Lois Greiman

  Book Blurb:
     Passions' Prisoner- Princess Tatiana needs a groom to help her rule her vulnerable country.  So she embarks on a desperate mission-- traveling in disguise to a neighboring land to forge an alliance with the dashing Cairn MacTavish, the fabled "Pirate Lord". but instead of a marriage, a rude welcome awaits the brave, beautiful royal when she is accused of being a common thief-- and is taken captive by the rogue she had meant to wed!
    Not since his adventurous days on the high seas has MacTavish felt the sort of excitement this gorgeous hellion inspires.  He knows she is hiding something-- and each claim of innocence that comes from her lush, inviting lips only inflames his desire for a kiss... and for the passionate night that will inevitably follow.  Yet a past betrayal is still fresh in MacTavish's memory, and he dares not trust his heart.  Now he vows to learn this mystery woman's secrets... even if he has to seduce her to do it.

Rachel's Ratings: 19

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 7
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2

    Number of Times: 2

Snowy Night with a Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London

   Snowy Night with a Stranger is a compilation of 3 stories in one book.  I figured that since its Christmas time I should read something accordingly.  Well, my mistake.  Do yourself a favor and NEVER READ THIS BOOK!  Each story is just around 100 pages long, not enough to give the characters much depth and not enough to develop sincere relationships.  Its like they meet, the give in to lust and do the nasty and then get married.  End of story.  The best of the three was "When Sparks Fly" by Sabrina Jeffries.  And then the other two were tied in awfulness.

Book Blurb:
     A Holiday Gamble-  Edward Vasey, Viscount Allenton, is journeying precariously through a snowstorm when his coach is overtaken by highwaymen!  Robbed of his money, Ned takes refuge at Selby Hall, where a spirited beauty with a shocking secret may steal something more-- his heart.
    When Sparks Fly- When a coach accident strands heiress Elinor Bancroft at the home of the notorious Black Baron, she discovers the Christmas Day heartache that darkened his soul years ago-- and her generous heart brings a festive air to his home and reawakens his spirit to love.
    Snowy Night with a Highlander- Searching for her rakehell brother, an earl lying low in the wake of a scandalous affair, Fiona Haines is led by a rugged highlander who obscures his scarred face.  As they journey on, Fiona draws closer to her brave enigmatic protector== but will fury or passion ignite when he reveals his identity?

I've broken the ratings down and did one for each story.

Rachel's Rating: Whole Book: 13

A Holiday Gamble              When Sparks Fly              Snowy Night with a Highlander
Rachel's Rating: 11              Rachel's Rating: 15             Rachel's Rating: 12
Plot:  4                                  Plot: 5                                      Plot: 4
    Strong Beginning: 1            Strong Beginning: 2                   Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2         Keeps You Hooked: 2                 Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability: 1                   Predictability: 1                          Predictability: 2
Characters: 4                       Characters: 5                             Characters: 3
    Believability: 1                    Believability: 1                           Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2              Intriguing Leads: 2                     Intriguing Leads: 1
    Secondary Characters: 1      Secondary Characters: 2            Secondary Characters: 1
Steaminess: 3                        Steaminess: 5                            Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 1                                 Mood: 2                                     Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1                              Hotness: 2                                  Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1               Number of Times: 1                  Number of Times: 1

Duchess in Love by Eloisa James

Book Blurb:

    A Duke in Retreat-  Gina was forced into marriage with the Duke of Girton at an age when she'd havebeen better off in a schoolroom than a ballroom.  Directly after the ceremony her handsome spouse promptly fled to the continent, leaving the marriage unconsummated and Gina quite indignant.
    A Lady in the Middle- Now, she is one of the most well-known ladies in London...living on the edge of scandal-- desired by many men, but resisting giving herself to anyone.
    A Duchess in Love-- Finally, Camden, the Duke of Girton, has returned home, to discover that his naive bride has blossomed into the toast of the ton.  Which leaves Cam in the most uncomfortable position of discovering that he has the bad manners to be falling in love-- with his own wife!

Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 1
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1

Dance of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffers

  

Well, it looks like I've done it again.  This is actually book 4 out of a series by Sabring Jeffries called "Swanlea Spinsters".  The other titles include: "A Dangerous Love" "A Notorious Love" "After the Abduction" and "Married to the Viscount".  This was a wonderful quick read that I couldn't put down.  I hope to get to the rest in the series quickly.

Book Blurb:

"The "gentleman" next door is surely a criminal who could undo all of Clara's good works.  So why can't the lady get the dashing rogue out of her dreams?"

 

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 8
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 3
    Number of Times: 2 

Stranger by Zoe Archer

  

Book Blurb:

"Looking for Trouble: Gemma murphy has a nose for a story-- so when she runs intoa  man of mystery discussing how to save the world from fancy-pants Brit conspirators, she's sensing a scoop.  Especially when he mentions there's magic involved.  Of course, getting him on the record would be easier if he hadn't caught her eavesdropping...

Lighting his Fuse: Catullus Graves knows what it like to be shut out: his ancestors were slaves, and he's a genius inventor with appropriately eccentric habits.  But after meeting a certain redhead, he's thinking of other types of science.  Inconvenient, given that he needs to focus on preventing the end of the world as we know it.  Yet with Gemma's insatiable curiosity sparking Catullus's inventive impulses, they might set off something explosive anyway..."

Rachel's Rating: 18

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 6
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:2
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Once Upon a Time by Marylyle Rogers

Book Blurb:
"A lovely lady fell asleep in a charmed ring of flowers and dreamed of Comlan, king of the fairy realm. She spent a few magical hours by his side, enjoying the company of the handsome king whose golden hair and green eyes could turn the head of any mortal maid... and whose charming attentions captured her heart.

But the year is 1850, and Amy Danton knows better than to believe in fairy tales.  However wonderful Comlan seems, he is nothing but a figment of her imagination, a dream to bel eft behind in Ireland when she goes to London to prepare for the marriage her parents have arranged. but any mortal suitor pales in comparison to the unearthly delight of Comlan.

Then, across a crowded ballroom, she sees the man of her dreams.  Their eyes meet, and she dares to hope that her fairy tale will end happily ever after... until she learns why Comlan has come to her world, and of the very mortal danger that threatens their enchanted love"

Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 4
    Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

Devil in the Dark by Evelyn Rogers

Book Blurb:
He rode out of the Yorkshire mist, a dark figure on a dark horse. Was he a living man or a nightmare vision, conjured up by her fearful imagination and her uncertain future?
Voices swirled in her head:
      They say he's more than human,
      A man's life is in danger when he's around...
      And a woman's virtue.
Repelled yet fascinated, Lucinda found herself swept into a whirlwind courtship. Yet even as his lips set fire to her heart, she could not forget his words of warning on the night they met:
      Tread softly. Heed little that you see and hear.
      Then leave. For God's sake leave.
Whether he was the lover of her dreams or the embodiment of all she feared, she sensed he would always be her... Devil in the Dark.


Rachel's Rating: 17

Plot: 7
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1
    Number of Times: 2

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Married by Morning got a pretty solid "meh" from me at the end.  While its definitely not the worst romance novel reviewed for the site, it was nothing to write home about.  And it looks like I read these books out of order.  But that's okay.  Married by Morning is actually the 4th book in the series.  I think I will have to go back and read them in order now.  Just so that you don't make the same mistake that I did, here is the book order for the Hathaways Series by Lisa Kleypas.

1. Mine till Midnight
2. Seduce me at Sunrise
3. Tempt me at Twilight
4. Married by Morning
5. Love in the Afternoon

Book Blurb:
"He is everything she wants to avoid... For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters-- a pleasant position, with one caveat.   Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating.  Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction.  But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response-- and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liason. 
She is not at all what she seems... Leo must marry and produce an heir withing a year to save his family home.  Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her.  But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again.  The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever-- unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires..."

Rachel's Rating: 17

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning:2
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 5
    Believability: 2
    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters:1
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 2

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning will have you rooted in one spot from start to finish. Moning weaves a wonderful tale full of magic, fighting, well built Scotsmen and lusty moments. Be prepared with a beverage and snack of choice when you pick up this novel, because you won't be putting it down once you start!!

Book Blurb:
    When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century.  But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her wass only too real... and too dangerously arousing.  Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war.  How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her... plans that would save her from a tragic fate?  Or that this man who had long agao forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 3
    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1 

A Dangerous Love by Bertrice Small

A Dangerous Love is a novel full of history, this story follows the life of Adair as she is forced to flee the home she loves, grows up in the royal courts, returns to her home and then gets captured by Scottish raiders.  Her new life in Scotland is one of a servant to the laird of of Clait, Conal Bruce.  Follow her tale as she faces trials, overcomes hardships and discovers love.

Book Blurb:
"Adair Radcliffe was a king's brat; a bastard born to King Edward IV and Jane, the countess of Stanton. Orphaned by England's War of the Roses, and betrayed by her half-sister, Elizabeth of York, Adair is taken from her home in northern England during a border raid, and sold into servitude to Conal Bruce, the laird of Cleit. The laird seeks a housekeeper, and a bedmate -- but instead he finds that beneath the girl's dirty, disheveled appearance is a proud and spirited beauty who refuses to be tamed. It is she who will teach the stubborn Scot that love recognizes neither borders nor rank. And Adair will learn at long last that home is where her heart rests, and not in the past."


Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 5
     Believability: 1
     Intriguing Leads: 2
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2
      Number of Times: 2

Sins of Midnight by Kimberly Logan

Sins of Midnight is a pretty good read.  Lady Jillian is a quick-tongued lady who works with London's police force to discover the truth behind a recent string of murders, and in doing so finds more than she was looking for.

Book Blurb:
    "My unladylike association with the Bow Street Runners has made me fair game for London's loose-tongued rumormongers, but I, Lady Jillian Davertry, promise to behave-- at least until my sister's coming-out season has concluded.  But my vow will not keep me from solving the mystery that overshadows my life-- nor, I reluctanty admit, will it keep my heart from racing madly in the presence of Connor Monroe.
    I cannot ignore Connor's request for assistance in solving a mystery of his own.  But the hungry fire of his gaze and the heat of his touch suggest the irresistibly handsome rogue wants so much more... I know I'm entering dangerous ground, but I'm tempted by his sinful kiss"

Rachel's Rating: 19.5

Plot: 6
    Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 7.5
     Believability: 2
     Intriguing Leads: 2.5
     Secondary Characters: 3
Steaminess: 8
      Mood: 3
      Hotness: 3
      Number of Times: 2

One Night of Sin by Gaelen Foley

An amazing tale full of dangerous secrets, Russian Princes, English rogues and spirited ladies.

Book Blurb:
    "Lord Alec Knight, the most daring and handsome rogue in all fo London, is a smooth-talking aristocrat with an abundance of high-society lady admirers.  With his irresistible wit, lucky hand at the gaming tables, and enticing charisma, he can have any woman he wants.  But when the only girl he would have considered marrying ties the knot with someone else, Alec realizes he doesn't want to be with just any lady-- he wants to find the love of his life.
    The beautiful and boldly spirited Miss Becky Ward takes his life by storm after he rescues her from peril.  Alec soon learns that Becky is on the run, having uncovered a menacing secret about her cousin, the murderous Prince Mikhail Kurkov.  In the midst of danger, Alec and Becky find themselves deeply drawn to each other.  After the two spend an all-consuming night of sin, Becky's knight in shining armor vows on his honor to protect her until the end.  But before long, Alec is protecting her with more than honor-- and it seems the once untamed rake of London just may have found what he has been searching for all along... true love."

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 8
     Believability: 2
     Intriguing Leads: 3
     Secondary Characters: 3
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2
      Number of Times: 2

Duchess by Night by Eloisa James

Duchess by Night is a wonderful story that involves scandal, a cross-dressing duchess, risque parties and sultry scenes.

Book Blurb:
    "Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of her title and the responsibilities that come along with it.  Enough with proper tea parties and elegant balls; what Harriet really wants is to attend an outrageous soiree where she can unleash her wildest whims and desires.  But to attend such an event-- espcially if the even in question is Lord Justinian Strange's rollicking fete, filled with noble rogues and rotters, risque ladies and illicit lovers-- would be certain scandal.  That's why she must disguise herself...
    Looking forward to a night of uninhibited pleasure, Lord Strange is shocked to discover that beneath the clothes of a no-good rake is the most beautiful woman in the room.  Why is a woman like her risking her reputation at his notorious affair?  And can he possibly entice her to stay... forever?"

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 7
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 7
     Believability: 2
     Intriguing Leads: 3
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 5
      Mood: 3
      Hotness: 3
      Number of Times: 2

The Pirate Prince by Gaelen Foley

The Pirate Prince is a captivating tale full of pirates, sword fights, a lost heir, and lusty scenes.  Follow Lazar di Fiore as he tries to reclaim his kingdom and as he fights his feelings for Allegra Monteverdi, daughter of his enemy.

Book Blurb:
     When Allegra Monteberdi, the daughter of Lazar's sworn enemy, throws herself on his mercy, Lazar agrees to spare the lives of her family-- but only if Allegra sails away with him as his captive.
     Alone at sea with this dark, intriguing man, moving between seduction and fear, Allegra realizes it will take more than her growing love for this pirate prince to bring peace to her beloved home.  For Lazar must face the demons of his shattered past-- if he is to forge the destiny that is theirs to claim.

Rachel's Rating: 23

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 7
     Believability: 2
     Intriguing Leads: 3
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 8
      Mood: 3
      Hotness: 3
      Number of Times: 2