Dear Readers,
After about 5 months of no posting, (sorry, no good reason for that other than I was just enjoying a nice graduation holiday), I’ve decided to re-start the blog… only on a much smaller basis. I’ll still be reviewing books from time to time but now that I’ve started a full time job, expect a lot less updates. Hope you will still continue to support the blog and sorry that I am no longer able to give it the time it needs.
Yours,
Historical Romance Addicts
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
Setting: Regency
*Book 1 in Lord and Lady Spy series*
Summary:
No man can outsmart him…
Lord Adrian Smythe may appear a perfectly boring gentleman, but he leads a thrilling life as one of England’s most preeminent spies, an identity so clandestine even his wife is unaware of it. But he isn’t the only one with secrets…
She’s been outsmarting him for years…
Now that the Napoleonic wars have come to an end, daring secret agent Lady Sophia Smythe can hardly bear the thought of returning home to her tedious husband. Until she discovers in the dark of night that he’s not who she thinks he is after all…
Click cover for more info!
Review:
For all the press that surrounded this book, my expectations were suitably high. It was promoted as a Regency set Mr and Mrs Smith and I found that premise very intriguing as it seemed fresh and would make for a thrillingly romantic story. And while it certainly had it’s moments and was never too predictable, I still felt like it fell short of my expectations.
I loved the whole idea of a married couple who are both secretly spies keeping secrets from each other. Their relationship at the start of the book was passionate even though there were some issues revolving Sophia’s problems with having children. It already felt like they were in love with each other at the start of the book which to me kind of makes the whole plot a bit pointless. I would have liked it is theirs did start as a cold arranged marriage. But I’ll put this down to personal preference. Their main issue is letting each other in and opening their real selves which was nicely done.
I also loved Adrian’s character-he’s strong, protective and adorably clueless when it comes to dealing with his wife. Sophia didn’t stand out much to me although I did love her vulnerability about her ability to have children.
This is a romance for those who love a little more adventure and excitement in their books. It’s fast paced and the action scenes are very well written. It doesn’t get boring and it was good fun reading them trying to solve the murder mystery while getting to know each other all over again. I did feel like the great action scenes were at the expense of the romance which wasn’t as developed as it could have been. One minute they don’t like each other and next second they’re all over each other with no prelude or explanation. It’s like whattt?
Still, this was a very entertaining read and great for those looking for more variety in the romance genre. If you like your books fast paced, unpredictable and more plot driven, then this is the book for you!
Sensuality Rating: HOT 
Verdict: Recommended. Fresh and fun!
Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars
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.
Click cover for more info!
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
Setting: Late Regency 1826
*Book 1 in Sons of Sin series*
Summary:
Will a week of seduction…
Desperate to save her sister’s life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic-even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both.
…Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender?
Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive?
Click cover for more info!
Review:
Always love Anna Campbell’s dark, intensely riveting romances! Sadly, this isn’t a favourite of mine mainly due to the unoriginal premise and the lack of a addictive plotline. This one, while not one of her best still has all the hallmarks of a classic Anna Campbell romance.
I think my main problem with this book was the premise-it seemed too 1980’s big, bad hero and innocent, pure virgin sacrifice stuck in a castle with him kind of story. The kind of thing a beginner romance writer would come up with. And the premise was set up with the idea that there was going to be ALOT of sex. I mean seven nights?? Ok…
But because it was Anna Campbell, I gave it a shot and thought she would be able to make it fresh and entertaining with a couple of new twists thrown in there. Sadly, even her brilliant writing couldn’t make up for a sorely lacking plot and I had a very hard time suspending my disbelief that Sidonie could even consider selling her body in the first place. Surely there could have been another way or she could have gone to ask if there could be another bargain to make. Not just throw herself (literally) into the lion’s den and all to save a sister who really wasn’t worth saving in my opinion. She could simply have grabbed her sister and run!
The story is supposed to based of Beauty and the Beast but at least with that fairytale, Belle didn’t just decide the only thing she had to give was her body and Sidonie went in without a fight. Just seemed too cliche to me.
And the characters were standard cutout romance archetypes-the hero was your typical all bark, no bite guy with a secret heart of gold (that’s obvious from the very start) and Sidonie is just a little too perfect with her sense of honor to a sister that really doesn’t treat her well at all. There weren’t many other characters beside the two of them so it did drag a little at parts.
The romance was alright but not particularly hooking or exciting. The tension wasn’t bad though, and I did enjoy how Sidonie resisted giving into Jonas for so long. I still love the way Anna writes and that more than anything kept me reading through to the end.
All in all, not a standout from Anna but still a passable read. If you want a better update of Beauty and the Beast, try When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James.
Sensuality Rating: SUPER HOT! 😉 (Caution: Very erotic scenes)
Verdict: Just passable
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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.
Click cover for more info!
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
Setting: Regency 1809-1816
*Book 4 in Eloisa’s Fairy Tales series*
Summary:
How can she dare to imagine he loves her . . . when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess?
Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke’s passion.
Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.
Theo would have given it a lifetime . . . until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.
Society was shocked by their wedding . . . and is scandalized by their separation.
Now James faces the battle of his life, convincing Theo that he loves the duckling who blossomed into the swan.
And Theo will quickly find that, for a man with the soul of a pirate, All’s Fair in Love—and War.
Click cover for more info!
Review:
I usually adore Eloisa’s novels–that clever and hilarious wit, the unpredictable and original storylines, but I have to say that among the so far brilliant Fairy Tale adaptions series, this one falls quite short and did not live up to expectations and I was left quite confused about what happened here. The hero wasn’t as dashing as one usually expects and the plot just kind of fell… flat about halfway through.
Nothing wrong with the heroine-everyone loves a wallflower who has a core of hidden strength. And poor Theo has to put up with alot, not being the usual stunning, flawless heroine that’s as common as dances in these novels. We can all relate to her not being the model of perfection one normally reads about, but her personality makes up for it–she’s bold, funny and wonderfully caring, you can’t help but root for her! It’s just too bad James, our hero, really just wasn’t good enough for her. He up and disappears from her life for nearly seven years in the middle of the book and doesn’t even bother trying to win her love until the seven years is up!
We know from the start he was forced to marry her for her money and of course he ends up falling for her (in the space of just one day-REALLY?) and things are great until she realizes what she thinks he wanted from her. They predictably fight and she tells him to basically get the hell out of life. Which he does. For SEVEN whole years. And he becomes a pirate, of all things. I can’t help feeling the whole situation would have been solved in a minute if he only had the guts to tell her he loved her from the start! Or even just sent her a letter!
And when the core hinge on which the whole plot is based on is that flimsy, you really can’t find much to enjoy without suspending your belief that this went on for so long. Of course Eloisa’s signature witty style was there and even though the book was enjoyable to read in that alot of scenes were hilarious, it doesn’t quite make for the fact that the plot just kinda… well, disappointed. For a big chunk of time in the middle, the hero and heroine aren’t even on the same continent!
And when they finally do meet, so much for groveling. Won’t give away much but honestly, if it was that easy for him to be forgiven they should have done that 150+ pages ago!
I tried to like this book, I really did. Only thing that kept me reading was the writing. I would still recommend Eloisa James because the rest of this series was amazing! I appreciate the fact she tried to do something different but she could have found a better reason to separate them for so long.
Sensuality Rating: HOT! (Love scenes are long and explicit)
Verdict: Give this one a skip… unless you’re a diehard fan
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Setting: Regency 1815
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.
Click cover for more info!
Review:
For her debut novel, Anna Randol writes an exciting adventure romance, with a daring heroine and a strong, protective hero you’ll love watching fight not to be together.
Unlike most Regency romances, this novel takes place in the exotic locale of Constantinople which automatically makes this something fresh in a genre that seems so limited in its choice of setting. I loved the detail and the descriptions of Eastern Europe; I could almost see myself walking the streets and smelling the market goods.
We’ve got a feisty heroine and a hero who is forced to protect her one last time. Both of them want out of their respective careers but are thrust together for one last mission. This results in a will-they-won’t-they romance as both try to fight their attraction even though it’s so obvious they’re meant to be together 😉 I enjoyed the hot tension and watching how their defenses came down the more time they spent together.
Besides the sexy romance, we’ve got an exciting spy adventure story which involves a murder, a secret code and bandits! This book keeps you thoroughly entertained as you follow Marie and Bennett as they try to solve the mystery-and stay alive.
All in all, a fantastic read from a new author. I look forward to reading more Ms. Randol! 😀
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Verdict: A wonderful debut! Not to be missed!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Setting: Late Regency 1835
Summary:
From the Journals of Sophia Noirot: A dress is a weapon. It must dazzle his eye, raise his temperature . . . and empty his purse.
A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot’s beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society’s fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop’s advantage requires every iota of Sophy’s skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rake like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can’t keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy’s clothes.
But when Longmore’s sister, Noirot’s wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can’t let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly . . .
Click cover for more info!
Review:
This is another great addition to Loretta’s very original series about three dressmakers in London. Wit, humor and adventure awaits the reader behind the gorgeous blue cover of this beautifully written Regency romance!
The heroine Sophia Noirot was introduced in the last book as being immensely clever and persuasive when it came to marketing the sister’s dress shop. Her latest challenge comes in the form of the Earl of Longmore who can’t seem to get her out of his head! But it’s no smooth road for these two as Longmore’s mother hates the dressmakers and of course there’s the major class difference. But Sophia can’t get him out of her head either! And when his sister goes missing, putting the shop’s future at stake, Sophia and Longmore must team up to save her, which puts temptation way too close for comfort 😉
I loved Sophia’s character-she was smart, hilarious and so manipulative it was dazzling to read. Loving acting myself, I loved how Sophia could assume any character she wanted to suit her purposes. Her personality made for some really fresh and funny scenes. I wasn’t big fan of the hero though-I like my heroes more articulate and charming. Longmore struck me as more of a jock type personality. But seeing these two interact, it was clear they were right for each other. I would have liked to understood why Longmore liked Sophia though-it was never mentioned the why, except that he did, right from the start of the book. However, every scene seemed to crackle with the unspoken tension the two shared.
The rest of the characters shone too, with my favorites being Longmore’s sister (I wonder if she’ll be getting a spin off book of her own), and Longmore’s mother who reminded me of Austen’s Mrs Bennet with her over-dramatic faints and sighs. I did wish I could see more of the couple from the first book though but that was a minor point.
Plot-wise, it was simple and yet so addictive I just couldn’t put it down. The road trip trope? It’s been done before and yet this was somehow too intriguing. I think Sophia’s actress character played a big part but another part of the reason was because of all the descriptions of the different places Longmore and Sophia went to try and find his sister-you felt as if you were right there with them and could envision all the scenes. As with the first book in the series, I loved all the passages at the start of each chapter which were taken from real-life historical sources. It made the book seem like it could have actually happened!
All in all, this was a very beautifully written romance with great characters and a very entertaining plot. I can’t imagine a better way to spend an afternoon 🙂
Sensuality Rating: Hot 😉
Verdict: Another great read from the amazing Loretta Chase! Highly recommended!
Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars
Setting: Regency
Summary:
In Mary Balogh’s engaging and seductive new novel of drama and romance, a woman comfortable in her solitude allows temptation to free her heart, when a daring war hero shows her how truly extraordinary she is.
THE PROPOSAL
Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.
Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?
The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.
Click cover for more info!
Trailer
Review:
Loved this book! Balogh does it again with another touching read and a great introduction to her new 7 book series about a group of war survivors, each with their own scars (physical or mental) from the war.
The heroine is the lonely, limping cousin of a previous Balogh heroine-one who was long overdue for a happy ending of her own. Despite her handicap, Gwen is cheerful and generous, always ready to help out her friends and family. She is the perfect lady. At the start we see her forced to endure the company of a whiny, selfish friend. Gwen escapes to the seaside and ends up spraining her ankle, which is how she meets our hero.
On the opposite end of the scale, we have Hugo who has never fully recovered from his psychological war scars. He wears a tough, cold exterior to hide the fact that he feels guilty for living when his comrades have all perished in the war. He’s a middle class man who has just gained a title and he can’t stand the upper classes. When these two meet, there are instant sparks-of dislike. But the more time they spend together, the more both realize how much they have in common. But Gwen has no desire to marry again and Hugo has to persuade her to think otherwise. As far as characters go, I liked both Hugo and Gwen but they weren’t super special in any way. I did admire Gwen’s cheerfulness despite how lonely her life was and the fact that her husband and son died previously. It was sweet watching them fall in love and try to deny it.
As with all Balogh novels, this book focuses more on the character than the plot so if your taste is more towards an exciting fast-paced adventure romance, this isn’t for you. Reminiscent of Jane Austen novels, this book is more for people who appreciate a deeper look into the workings of human nature. As touching as it is wise, this book will be sure to bring a few tears to even the strongest readers.
Overall, this is a great, emotionally touching read, perfect for a quiet day in. Can’t wait for the next book! 😀
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Verdict: Great start to a new series! Balogh is back in the game!
Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars
Historical Romance Addicts 