One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

Setting: Regency

Summary:

Lady Philippa Marbury is…odd.

The brilliant, bespectacled daughter of a double marquess cares more for books than balls, for science than the season, and for laboratories than love. She’s looking forward to marrying her simple fiancé and living out her days quietly with her dogs and her scientific experiments. But before that, Pippa has two weeks to experience all the rest–fourteen days to research the exciting parts of life. It’s not much time, and to do it right she needs a guide familiar with London’s darker corners.

She needs…a Scoundrel.

She needs Cross, the clever, controlled partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, with a carefully crafted reputation for wickedness. But reputations often hide the darkest secrets, and when the unconventional Pippa boldly propositions him, seeking science without emotion, she threatens all he works to protect. He is tempted to give Pippa precisely what she wants…but the scoundrel is more than he seems, and it will take every ounce of willpower to resist giving the lady more than she ever imagined.

Review:

I love Sarah MacLean. All her books thus have been sexy, witty, and surprisingly fresh in a genre that can seem very predictable at times. But I never expected how much I would love this book. To be honest, I came into this book with a lot misapprehensions because I thought the way that Philippa and Cross got thrown together was a bit cliche (Philippa’s sister and Cross’s friend are the heroes of the first book in the series) and I couldn’t really see how they would suit each other. A cold, calculating, rakish, gaming hell partner with a socially awkward bluestocking who wears glasses? Not really an ideal match at all!

But I should never have doubted Sarah MacLean’s talent for creating emotionally poignant stories with characters that have so many layers and who slowly reveal themselves to be so perfect for each other, you should never have doubted it in the first place. At least that was the case for me!

This was an amazing book and this was clearly one of Ms. MacLean’s favourites to write because of the amount of thought and downright awesome-ness that was just packed into it. The story was so well paced and flowed so well and yet managed to be unpredictable and fresh at the same time.  I loved the way it was written and I honestly had the hardest time putting this down!

Despite not warming to Philippa in the last book when she introduced, I grew to adore this determined, logically based young woman. Sure she can be immature and naive sometimes but that’s part of the reason she is so endearing to the reader. And don’t get me started on Cross who turned out to be one of my biggest romance hero crushes ever! You gotta love a guy who has a thing for the wallflower 😛 I simply adored their scenes together and their love scenes literally had me fanning myself, they were sizzling with tension! I love how they didn’t jump right into bed either but held back-makes it all so much more exciting to read!

To sum it all up: A great plot with great characters and a romance you won’t soon forget! This is definitely one of my top picks for this year! Well done Sarah! Can’t wait for your next book! 😀

Sensuality Rating: Pretty hot (4/5)

Verdict: Just read it! You won’t regret this one!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Christmas Bride/Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh

Setting: Regency

Summary:

A CHRISTMAS BRIDE

The very wealthy Edgar Downes has promised his aging father to finally take a bride—specifically, to wed a titled lady by Christmas. London is full of pretty, proper, and eligible misses, but it’s the widow Helena, Lady Stapleton, in a shocking red dress, who captures Edgar’s attention. Helena is intrigued by the seductive stranger—but he’s simply not in her class. Marriage, of course, would never do. But in a season of miracles, something wondrous is about to happen. 

CHRISTMAS BEAU
Not even the warm, forgiving Christmas spirit can stop the Marquess of Denbigh from settling his score with Judith Easton: The beautiful young widow injured Denbigh’s pride years ago by jilting him for another man. Now that Judith is free from a nightmare marriage, the handsome marquess has her in his sights—and wants her in his arms. But to trust the tender words on his lips, Judith must not only see past the hardness of his heart, but learn once again to trust her own heart’s desire.

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Review:

Yet another great 2 in 1 collection by Mary Balogh. These two classic Christmas romances will warm your heart-in any season!

To be honest, I wasn’t that fussed about reading romances set in Christmas time and I didn’t think there would be anything special that the Christmas setting could bring. But wow, did Mary Balogh change my mind! She makes the reader believe in the magic and spirit of Christmas and both stories need Christmas to end how they did.

The first story is about two people who seem completely wrong for each other but can’t seem to keep away from each other nevertheless! Meet Edgar and Helena who meet one night and share a magical connection but their class difference keeps them apart… until they meet at a Christmas house party and slowly their walls come down. It was great and touching to read this story as the heroine has a big secret that made her seem quite flawed but more human. I loved Edgar as a strong hero, who is determined to make Helena his! 😉

The second story was my favorite; a jilted hero seeks revenge on the long ago fiance who jilted him! The hero is a Darcy-type: dark, brooding, aloof which the heroine mistakes for being cold and cruel, hence why she ran away from him. Of course, things are more than they appear and I loved how the hero is the one who was heartbroken by the broken engagement-this made it very unique in that sense. I loved the chemistry as well and how our heroine realizes her stupidity in choosing a rake over a strong, stable character. The addiction of the kids in the story made it that much more emotional as well.

This is a fabulous set of books! I read it all within 3 days, it was too addictive. This is perfect for any season and a great pick me up. If you love Christmas, second chance romances and romances with kids, this book is for you! Those readers who loved her old classics can now enjoy them once more in a great set while those new readers can see what made Balogh such a star in the romance world.

Sensuality Rating: Warm (2/5)

Verdict: Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Confessions From an Arranged Marriage by Miranda Neville

Setting: Regency 1822

*Book 4 in Burgundy Club series*

Summary:

They couldn’t be more different—but there’s one thing they agree on…

In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly thelast man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head. 

The heat and noise of her debutante ball give Minerva a migraine. Surely a moment’s rest could do no harm . . . until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva’s guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva’s never been a woman to take things lying down, and she’ll let nothing stop her from winning his trust . . . and his heart.

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Review: 

You know those romances that feature intriguing secondary characters from previous romances? Well, this is one of those books which takes two characters we love from previous books and gives them their own romance. Surprisingly, I wasn’t even looking forward to this one because the premise didn’t stand out much to me and I thought the hero and heroine were ill matched but I ended up loving it! This one was a surprise success!

What do you get when you put an intelligent, outspoken bluestocking and a titled, seemingly dumb hero together? Alot of sparks-both good and bad! Fans of her last books know the hero and heroine as constantly arguing with each other and generally not getting along! They seem like they have nothing in common so it was quite surprising to see them paired up in this book and I had doubts whether they would make a good match.

But Miranda does an amazing job of revealing deeper layers to both characters and showing us just how well they suit each other. The hero has a surprising secret that will endear him to readers who previously disliked him and Minerva is delightful with her bold, daring character even though she can be quite immature and impulsive at times. Their romance is full of unexpected sparks that remind one of Lizzy and Darcy type romance.

The writing is wonderful-warm, fast-paced with just a sprinkle of wit and humor thrown in. The plot may seem basic enough-guy compromises girl accidentally and they end up in an arranged marriage and of course end up falling in love but Miranda makes her characters so entertaining and real, that it becomes a joy to read! Fans will enjoy revisiting the other couples from the last books and new readers will need to pick up the rest of this wonderful series!

Another wonderful romance from the very talented Miranda Neville! Can’t wait to read her next!

Sensuality Rating: Pretty sensual (3/5)

Verdict: Wonderful opposites attract romance!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sins of a Virgin by Anna Randol

Setting: Regency

*Book 1 in Sinners Trio series*

Summary:

There is improper, there is scandalous… and then there is Madeline Valdan.

To the world, Madeline Valdan is a scandalous courtesan, with society’s most eligible gentlemen at her feet. But no one knows her shocking secret: she has never experienced the most intimate touch of any man. So she astonishes the ton by telling them the truth . . . and by announcing the auction of her virginity to the highest bidder.

Handsome and disciplined, Gabriel Huntford knows his time is best spent hunting down criminals from the darkest corners of London. As a Bow Street Runner investigating his sister’s death, he has no desire to join London’s strutting peacocks in this competition when there are more important tasks at hand.

Now, his quest leads him to one of Madeline’s “suitors,” so he agrees to help this sinful woman. But what begins as a business arrangement quickly turns into something more . . . and love blooms with a passion neither one expected.

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Review:

Anna Randol is a great new star in historical romance and she continues to hold her ground with her sophomore novel and her first in her brand new series! No exciting setting this time round, just your standard Regency England setting but Anna makes it intriguing with her thrilling tale of an ex spy looking for a fresh start and a police officer looking to solve a murder case.

Loved the main characters though it was a bit hard warming up to the heroine who came off at first as manipulative and bitchy but she turns out ok in the end. I loved that the hero was not another titled guy but a police officer who has to work to make a living-makes the romance more realistic and adds that gritty factor. Loved the tension and the NO-WE-SHOULDN”T-EVEN-THOUGH-WE-WANT-TO-SO-DAMN-BAD vibe and the two were just so well-matched in wits! Thing is, it was a very similar dynamic to her first book with the overprotective hero and the spunky, ex-spy heroine who hates being controlled… Hmmm…

However, Anna sure knows how to write a great adventure romance! This book has it all, action, a mystery, suspense, humor and most importantly a romance to swoon for! I also loved the look into the underbelly of London society-who knew how dark it really was? The pace was great and I didn’t feel like it dragged at all. The mystery aspect was well thought out, if a bit predictable but hey, this is a romance not a mystery novel! Was very fun to read nevertheless.

All in all, despite a similar romantic dynamic as the first book, this is an exciting, action-filled romance. I loved the peeks of the next 2 heroes in the series and can’t wait to see what else Anna has in store for us! 😀

Sensuality Rating: HOT 

Verdict: Another great romance from a rising star! Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Setting: Late Regency 1831

Summary:

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart.

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Review:

After very much mostly enjoying Ms. MacLean’s first series Love By Numbers, I figured I would enjoy her next series about four fallen aristocrats living in the underworld of London trying to find their way back to society. A great premise and something different from the usual ballroom and afternoon tea drama. I knew it would be good but not this good. Sarah MacLean has really outdone herself here! I’m so glad I read this book as I can safely say it is one of the best romances I have ever read! 😀

This is a story about two very different people who are thrown together and despite the odds end up falling in love.

The heroine is Penelope Marbury, the jilted fiance from Eleven Scandals to Win a Duke’s Heart who was described in a very unflattering light as ‘the grape’ by that book’s very feisty and scandalous heroine. A very odd choice for a heroine as there was nothing particular special about Penelope except that she is so proper and so perfect. But she really shines in this book and I admired the way MacLean pealed back the perfect, demure (dare I say dull?) exterior and revealed a woman of inner strength and selflessness. She ends being a heroine you quite admire, perhaps more than the usual daring, feisty heroines.

As for the hero, Bourne was not just your typical arrogant, rakish so called ‘bad’ hero with a heart a gold: he really was a scoundrel and he had real problems which took time to overcome, especially his desire for revenge. He was admirable, particularly for driving himself to make a good life for himself as part owner of The Fallen Angel gaming hell after he had everything taken from him.

It wasn’t easy liking these two protagonists and it says something that MacLean manged to make both way more than they first appeared and making us root for their happy ever after. They were amazing together and you really believed they were meant for each other. Putting their childhood letters in at the start of every chapter was a very nice touch and allowed us access to their past association. Alot of their scenes had me sighing and truly touched by the real emotions they held for each other. She had to come to terms with the fact he isn’t the man she used to know and he had to accept the fact that if he wanted a future with her, he had to stop his revenge. There isn’t an easy way out for these two but that makes the ending so much more enjoyable.

MacLean writes in a style that reminds me of Anna Campbell, particularly for this book with its dark undertones and focus on the characters’ feelings. Be warned, this is not a happy, light read. There are moments of lightness though, with lots of funny scenes with Penelope’s sisters and some great scenes between the four heroes of this whole series. I enjoyed the peek into the world of Regency gambling, rife with danger and risk.

I also loved the wit, humor and emotion in her writing. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was surprised at how things ended up. What an amazing read! 😀

Overall, this book is a great example of what historical romance can be when done right. It is funny, deep, touching, romantic, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable! Some readers might be put off by how ‘prudish’ and ‘dull’ the heroine was at the start but stick with the book and I promise you’ll be surprised. It was a joy reading this book and I’m now very impatient to read book 2 and return to the world of The Fallen Angel!

Sensuality Rating: HOT!

Verdict: Absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended. You won’t be able to put it down!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

Setting: Regency 1812

*Book 3 in Eloisa’s Fairy Tales series*

Summary:

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear. 

 Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love. 

 To win Olivia’s hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

 Unless it’s already too late.

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Review:

Eloisa James gets better with every new book. This third entry in her Fairy Tales secrets is the best one yet-a very original adapted fairy tale full of drama, humor, passion and adventure.

I don’t know where to start with telling you how amazing this novel was. From the moment it began, I was so hooked. The writing was so funny and witty and the characters grab you with their exaggerated personalities. Olivia was a joy to read, with her bawdy comments and the naughty twinkle in her eye. Yet, she was so easy to relate to, as she isn’t perfect physically-at least not according to Regency standards. The perfect way to describe her would be a ‘juicy peach’ as her sister puts it. She struggles with confidence issues like all of us and that made her even more lovable.

As for Quin-he was an interesting hero as he was not perfect either-having an Aspergers-like problem of not being able to express emotion. I loved reading how these two ‘imperfect’ characters find each other and the novel had me sighing at how perfect they were together. They had such amazing chemistry!

The implementation of the whole Princess and the Pea thing was very cleverly done as well. To my mind, the original fairy tale is one that is very hard to adapt what with the stack of mattresses and the tiny pea the princess can feel through all of them-how to translate that to Regency England? I won’t spoil things for you, I will only say you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it is written in.

The plot itself was brilliantly done and so full of twists, I didn’t quite know where things were going next! It made me laugh, cry and stay up all night just finish it! Out of the three fairy tales, this novel did stray the furthest from the fairy tale it is based on, but the importance of the original moral is still preserved in this wonderful update. This book is an amazing achievement that pushes the boundaries of what can be done in romance and answers that all important question: “Is perfection really that important when it comes to love?”

I can’t wait to read Eloisa’s next! 😀

Sensuality Rating: HOT! (Love scenes are long and explicit)

Verdict: Fresh, sexy and fun-A must read! 😀

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: 1830, Late Regency/ Pre-Victorian

*Book 1 in the Rumor series*

Summary:

Roderick Gideon Tremayne, the recently appointed Duke of Wentworth, never expected to find himself in New York City, tracking down a mysterious map important to his late mother. And he certainly never expected to be injured, only to wake up with no memory of who he is. But when he sees the fiery-haired beauty who’s taken it upon herself to rescue him, suddenly his memory is the last thing on his mind.

Georgia Milton, the young head of New York’s notorious Forty Thieves, feels responsible for the man who was trying to save her bag from a thief. But she’s not prepared for the fierce passion he ignites within her. When his memory begins to return, her whole world is threatened, and Roderick must choose between the life he forgot and the life he never knew existed.…

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Review:

When it comes to historical romance, no one does it quite like Delilah Marvelle. Her critically acclaimed, provocative, and steamy novels have pushed the boundaries of what is considered ‘normal’ in historical romance. Case in point: Her last series featured a sex addict and a hero who, to put it lightly, enjoyed ‘it’ a little more rough (if you know what I mean!).

This time around, Delilah once again does something unexpected-a story about a wealthy British duke’s heir who loses his memory and falls in love with the last person anyone would expect: an unrefined, sharp tongued American who lives in the slums of New York and is just struggling to get by. Sounds like a recipe for bonafide historical romance success right? 😉 And successful it is, as I loved every moment of this hilarious, deliciously naughty book. 😀

An amnesiac hero is not exactly a new idea in romance but Delilah manages to make it all fresh by introducing a cast of eccentric and fascinating characters and a twisted, often unpredictable plot. Usually in romance, it’s rare to have a poverty-stricken hero/heroine, let alone one who lives in a seedy, dangerous part of New York. But Georgia is such a unique, strong character, quite unlike any heroine I have ever read before! I just couldn’t help but admire how daring and uninhibited she was. There is no doubt you will love Georgia and her hero Roderick and will be rooting for them as enthusiastically as I did. The road to their happily ever after wasn’t easy but boy was it worth the wait! These two had amazing chemistry and I very much enjoyed their spicy interludes (wink, wink!).

Beyond the sexy love story itself, the New York City of 1830 is so skilfully and vividly brought to life that you can almost smell the baked yams for sale on Orange Street where our resourceful and independent heroine lives. This is a fresh and intriguing location for a historical and you can definitely see all the research that’s gone in to creating this vibrant world.

All I can say is: I want more, Delilah, more! 😀

Sensuality Rating: HOT! (Love scenes are long and explicit)

Verdict: Fresh, sexy and fun, this steamy historical version of The Prince and the Pauperette set in New York is definitely a must read!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Pleasure Of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros

Setting: Pre-Victorian 1834

Summary:

Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he’s hired to rescue his brother’s kidnapped fiancée. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.

The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. Unable to resist temptation, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.

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Review:

It’ll come as no surprise that I love a good harem romance. I mean who doesn’t, really? There’s something about the whole idea that denotes decadent luxury and then there’s the sinful temptation of the whole master-slave thing. Yum! 😉

So when I heard that Ms Medeiros’ latest was a harem romance, I immediately dropped all plans of buying anything else and went out to get this one first. I mean, hadn’t I been waiting to read another harem romance for ages?? And W-O-W, wasn’t it worth the wait! 😀

I simply LOVED this fresh, sexy, fascinating, hilarious story about a couple who had been torn apart due to a misunderstanding and then drawn together in Morroco of all places! She’s been captured and sold to a sultan’s harem and he’s being paid by his brother (also our kidnapped lady’s fiancé) to find her and get her back. Quite a tangled story, no?

I think the best part for me was getting this inside look at harem life and in general, life in a Morrocan palace. I loved the contrast and how different the customs were to the strict British traditions and ideals.  Our hero, Ashton, is shocked to discover the sultan can have as many wives as he pleases! And yet for all their outrageous customs, the harem women are well-treated and follow a strict regime of hygiene that would put the English of that time period to shame!

These fascinating tidbits of history are mingled with a sexy reconciliation story. Ashton is your very much desirable rogue who despite appearances does have a heart and his heroine, Clarinda is beautiful, strong and is revered by the sultan because she is exotic, feisty and witty. The sultan himself is a wonderfully complex character and I found myself quite caught between him and our main hero! He’s not your typical bad guy who keeps Clarinda under lock and key. Aston and Clarinda had amazing chemistry and you’ll enjoy how their love story unfolds.

Besides this, the story was just so funny and had me laughing out loud every few pages at the wit and the hilarious scenes and antics of the characters. I loved how fresh it all was and how unpredictable the author was able to make it.

If you’re looking for a fresh Victorian romance in an unusual location that is light, funny and hugely sexy, look no further! 😀 My first book by Teresa but definitely not my last. Can’t wait for the sequel to The Pleasure Of Your Kiss!

Sensuality Rating: HOT! (Love scenes are long and explicit)

Verdict: History, romance, an exotic location… Two thumbs way up!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Setting: Victorian 1841

*The second book in the Turner Brother’s series*

Summary:

Her only hope for survival…

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check…until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she loves…

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to be free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs…and the love she knows is impossible.

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Review:

I’ve always had a soft spot for virgin heroes so I just had to get this book! Combine that with how much I loved Courtney’s last book and I knew this one had to be good. And thankfully I was right. More than right. Courtney’s newest book was a beautiful, touching and heartbreaking story of two people who are both ‘unclaimed’ in their own ways, finding love and contentment at last in one another.

Jessica is a wonderful heroine. She’s got the Lizzy Bennet thing going for her-she’s intelligent, witty and not afraid to back down from a fight. But she’s also relate-able in that she has a vulnerable side and a past she’s trying to escape. And Mark… well, he just become one of my favorite heroes ever! Brave, protective and devoted, he was the perfect foil for Jessica and the perfect man to heal all her past wounds and to fall in love with! 😉 Jessica should have been a hard heroine to like with her trying to destroy the hero but Courtney handles her so well and gives her this sense of honor so that you can’t help but love her as much as you do Mark.

The way the story was plotted out was just perfect. I felt almost like it was written just for me as the sexual tension between these two were off the charts! 😀 I loved how Courtney stayed true to these character’s personalities and didn’t have them jumping into bed right away. The waiting only made the pay off more worth it! 😛 I can’ tell you how many times I swooned over their scenes together-perfect, just perfect!

This was a great romance and the perfect example of what this genre can do. You will sigh, cry and love this wonderful book!

Sensuality Rating: Hot (Love scenes are short and spicy)

Verdict: Courtney does it again! Another great book amazing book!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh

Setting: Regency

Summary:

A year after being abandoned at the altar during the wedding she had dreamed of all her life, Lauren Edgeworth is in London to spend a quiet couple of months with her aunt, Elizabeth, Duchess of Portfrey, during the latter’s confinement. Christopher “Kit” Butler, Viscount Ravensberg, is in London getting into every imaginable wild scrape and fast becoming one of London’s most notorious rakehells.

But now he has been summoned home in order to become betrothed to a woman chosen by his father, who banished him for life just three years before. Desperate to do things on his own terms, Kit hastily searches for a bride to take home with him, someone his father cannot possibly object to, someone above reproach, someone dull, respectable, prim, and perfect. One of his friends suggests Lauren but then adds that Kit is surely the very last man she would accept for a husband.

The challenge proves irresistible, and Kit wagers that he will have wooed and wed Lauren within six weeks…

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Review:

I had read the prequel to this book titled One Night For Love, very much liked the secondary character Lauren, and empathized greatly when she got jilted at the start of that book. You can imagine my delight when I discovered Lauren would get her own romance and happy ending in this book. And once again, I was very satisfied with this wonderful, touching, beautifully written story about two people, both with painful pasts, who find hope, happiness and freedom in love.

Lauren is not your usual heroine-she’s subtle, gentle, reserved and prim to the point of prudishness. And yet, as with the case with all of us, there is more to her than meets the eye and as the talented Balogh slowly reveals all the layers of her personality, you will fall in love with her kindness and gentle strength, just as I did. I’m so glad she finally got her happy ending!

Kit is a wonderful hero and exactly the kind of man every woman would fall for! 😉 Warm, kind, sexy, slightly scandalous, he would make any woman swoon-and yet, as with Lauren, there are deeper depths to his character. I especially loved his tenderness for Lauren, and how he fell in love with her quiet, sweet nature, while giving her the best summer of her life. 😀

I melted over the romantics scenes, and swooned over the love scenes (which were sizzling with loads of chemistry :P) and teared up when it seemed the hurt from their pasts would get in the way of them being together. Balogh has a talent for writing in a way that brings the characters to life, and creating a strong emotional bond between the lovers. Her writing might be considered slow or boring by some readers because of the traditional nature of her plots, but I doubt anyone can match the emotional poignancy she brings to her books. Her love scenes are also very traditional but that doesn’t mean they are boring as sometimes, as she proves, less is really more.

You won’t be disappointed with this deep, emotional romance. I was hard pressed to find a single flaw in this book and tried to stay up just to finish it! So even if you prefer more adventurous romances, give this one a try. I’ll be reading this one again!

Sensuality Rating: Warm (Love scenes are short and non explicit)

Verdict: A wonderful classic Regency romance. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars