The Wrong Bride (Highland Weddings #1) by Gayle Callen

Blurb…

USA Today bestselling author Gayle Callen creates an unforgettable story of mistaken identity and irresistible attraction in this first in a wonderfully engaging series set in the Scottish Highlands...

Shaken from sleep during the night and bundled off to the Highlands by a burly Scot, Riona is at first terrified, then livid. Hugh McCallum insists they were promised to each other as children to ensure peace between their clans. The stubborn laird refuses to believe he's kidnapped the wrong Catriona Duff. Instead, he embarks on a campaign of slow-burning seduction.

At first, Hugh cares only what their marriage can do for his people. Now he's starting to crave Riona for her own sake, but her true identity jeopardizes his clan's contract. And unless she chooses to risk all to be his bride, he'll lose the only thing he prizes more than the lands he's fought so hard to save—the passionate marriage they could have together.

My thoughts…

The Wrong Bride is a great start to the Highland Weddings series as Gayle Callen weaves a tale that makes me wish I could travel back in time and step into Riona’s shoes for just a bit.

Being the huge fan of Highlander historical romances that I am, parts of this story did sound vaguely familiar while other parts were refreshingly unique. The characters and their trials and triumphs captivated me, start to finish, and had me falling in love with them all. I'm excited to have a new Highlander author whose books I can look forward to!

An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.

All Lined Up (Rusk University #1) by Cora Carmack

Description…

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

************** 

All Lined Up is the first in Cora Carmack’s Rusk University series. It’s a New Adult story and because I am not a fan of that genre, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it much. Was I ever wrong!

My review…

My biggest beef with the New Adult genre isn’t so much about the stories themselves but about where I am in my own life and what I want to read. Though I suppose I do fall into the New Adult age group of early 20s to 30s – having been 27 years old for far longer than I want to admit – I just can’t cope with the angst and the drama and the relationship hogwash that seems to go hand in hand with these stories. That said, yes there was some of that here, but there was also something so sweet, so fun, so romantic, so sexy, so inspiring, so, so right about All Lined Up that I couldn’t help but love it!

Dallas and Carson are great characters who stole my heart! They live and love like people who have their hopes and dreams laid out before them, theirs for the taking if they only reach for them, work for them, earn them - because they are those people! How could I not love them?

The bottom line…

The New Adult genre gets a lot of grief from readers but the truth is, it fills a very important niche in romance reading. If you’ve stayed clear of it because you just don’t want the relationship garbage and added angst in your escapism reading, I urge you to give this story a try. In a genre filled with too much of the same old, same old, Cora Carmack is an exciting, fresh voice and her Rusk University series promises to be a winner!

An eARC of All Lined Up was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss, and in return I’m giving them an honest review.

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love At Stake) by Kerrelyn Sparks

He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

*****

This 14th installment in the Love at Stake series has all the things Kerrelyn Sparks fans have come to expect; humor, romance, passion, and a great story of the continued battle between our beloved Vampires and the Malcontents.

I haven’t read all the books in this series, but that didn’t create any problems for me. Things that took place in earlier books – especially in regards to how the other couples met their mates – are peppered throughout the story so that we get a pretty good idea of the whos, whats, whens, wheres, and whys. And honestly, these are light, entertaining reads, perfect for those times when you’re looking to let your mind wander and get lost in a world of great characters and their unlikely circumstances.

I really enjoyed The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, but it was Dougal who made this story shine. Such an awesome, honorable, fierce, passionate man! And did I mention vulnerable? His insecurities made were so endearing and made me want to bring him home with me and love him til his past heartbreak was forgotten.

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story. In return I’m giving them an honest review.

Skies of Gold (The Ether Chronicles) by Zoe Archer

Description…

Two Lonely Hearts…

Kalindi MacNeil survived the devastating enemy airship attack that obliterated Liverpool, but even her engineering skills can’t seem to repair her broken heart. Seeking to put her life back together, Kali retreats to a desolate, deserted island—only to discover she’s not alone. Captain Fletcher Adams, an elite man/machine hybrid, a Man O’ War, crashed his battle-damaged airship into this deserted island after Liverpool, never expecting to survive the wreck. But survive he did.

One Desire…

Believing he is nothing but a living weapon, Fletcher is wary of his new-found companion—a pretty, damaged, but determined young woman. Together they are stranded on the deserted island, and it is only a matter of time until desire gets the best of both of them. Soon Kali and Fletcher find they may be just what the other needed. But a danger from beyond the island puts them to the test. Will it rip them apart or bond their hearts forever?

********* 

"Sodding damn. She'd ruined his perfect loneliness."

I’m not a huge fan of science fiction, not real big on fantasy, either… but Steampunk, when done right, really turns my crank! And make no mistake about it, Zoë Archer does Steampunk right.

My review…

Skies of Gold is the fifth book in The Ether Chronicles series. I’ve had this book sitting on my Kindle for almost a year, but because of my affliction with MR BIOS – Must Read Books In Order Syndrome – I kept putting it off until another of my afflictions – MR ABE – Must Read All Books Eventually – made it so I couldn’t put it off any longer.

I’ve been a fan of Zoë Archer’s storytelling for some time now, but honestly, Skies of Gold might just be my favorite story. There’s something so compelling about this world she’s created, something so plausible even in its implausibility. And it’s not just the story she’s telling, it’s the characters who are living the story - Kali and Fletcher are both people I came to care about. Their honor and integrity, their strengths as well as their vulnerabilities – everything about them drew me in and made me love them.

The bottom line…

I really am sorry I waited so long to read this! Skies of Gold is such a fun, romantic, exciting, passionate story. It’s sexy but not toooo sexy, with the real appeal and entertainment here being found in the story itself and in the amazing Kali and Fletcher. As I said, when Steampunk is done right, it ROCKS, and I’ll definitely be reading more of The Ether Chronicles.

Note... I can, without hesitation, say that Skies of Gold can be read out of order, and even works very well as a stand-alone novel.

An eARC of this story was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss. In return I’m providing them with an honest review.

When The Marquess Met His Match (American Heiress in London #1) by Laura Lee Guhrke

Description...

What happens when a carefree, disreputable, stone-broke bachelor is forced to find a wife in a hurry? He hires a matchmaker, of course. What happens when the matchmaker doesn’t want to help him? Well, that’s when the fun begins…

Nicholas Stirling, Marquess of Trubridge, loves his life just as it is: dissolute, scandalous, and deuced good fun. His father, the Duke of Landsdowne is not amused, and when he cuts off Nicholas’ trust fund, the fun-loving marquess is forced to find an alternate source of income—in other words, he has to marry an heiress.

Every new-money American heiress knows Lady Belinda Featherstone is the key to social acceptance. Once a new-money nobody herself, Belinda discovered first-hand how heartbreaking the game of love and matrimony could be after a reprobate British earl married her for her money. Now a respectable widow, Belinda has become England’s most successful matchmaker, guiding young American heiresses through the hazards of the London season and helping them to find husbands worthy of them. To her mind, the Marquess of Trubridge is nothing but a fortune-hunting scoundrel and she has no intention of allowing him to charm his way into any American girl’s heart, including her own.

*****

My thoughts...

When the Marquess Met His Match is the first story in Laura Lee Guhrke's An American Heiress in London series. It's fun, romantic, steamy, and a unique spin on historical romance's often told tales of the London marriage-mart.

I'm going to keep this review short: The Historical Romance genre is saturated with stories of the ton, seasons, debuts, dowries, and the quest to marry well, and this story is more of the same...but completely different! Despite some slow spots, not only did I enjoy the idea of the story, I enjoyed the way it was told. Ms. Guhrke has created a wonderful world and has given us characters to connect with and cheer for. When the Marquess Met His Match sets the stage for what I'm sure will be an entertaining series!

An eARC of this story was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss, and in return I'm giving them an honest review.

Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After) by Tessa Dare

Description...

In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . .

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?

Abducted by handsome highwayman?

Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.

Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

This one.

***************

Romancing the Duke is a "Bright, brilliant, life amid the ruins" joy to read!

There are just so many things I love about this story! There were kisses that made me smile, touches that made me tremble, starry nights that gave me goosebumps, and confessions that made me want to weep! From the first page to the last, I was swept up into this delightful, romantic, sexy story, and "Doubt not, my lady, I shall return!" for more of the Castles Ever After series!!

A copy of this story was provided by Avon Books, and in return I gave them an honest review.

Summer Is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston

Description…

His heart is unavailable.

Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…

Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature.

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her.

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society's rules, al a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more.

4 romantic, passionate, engaging stars!

Summer Is for Lovers is the second book in Jennifer McQuiston’s connected but not-quite-a-series, historical romance novels. This story starts off strong with a prologue that got right to the heart of things, and kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down.

My quickie review…

There are many things to love about this story but, hands down, it’s David and Caroline who made this an absolute delight! To say this story is character driven is, in my opinion, putting it mildly. I adored Caroline’s ‘uniqueness’ amongst her ‘peers’ and found David’s self deprecation both poignant and humorous. Their quick wit, and hesitant (mostly) reaction to their undeniable sexual chemistry had me grinning, sighing, and fanning myself, often.

The bottom line…

If you’re a fan of historical romance and read everything you can get your hands on, then get your hands on Summer Is for Lovers. It’s fun, light, steamy, and romantic, and you’ll be glad you did!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.   

Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

Description…

Though he plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed military leaders will prove that opposites attract . . . even under fire.

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. Since that brief lapse in judgment, Evan has been at odds with her. But when he is asked to train a combat team alongside Claire, battle-hardened Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to achieve her high military rank. In Evan Loehr, Claire sees a spoiled commander who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. Army orders force them together and Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He too has dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

Opposites definite attract!

Until There Was You is the second book in Jessica Scott’s Coming Home series and another great story. The characters, the plot, everything about this book drew me in and didn't let me go.

My Review…

One of the things I most enjoy about this author’s way of telling a story is the unique, candid look we get into the behind-the-scenes, decision making process. These stories are not just blow 'em up, shoot 'em dead military romantic melees, though sure, there's some of that, too. But I really appreciate seeing the things that go into preparing our troops to go off to war.

Now, don't misunderstand, this isn't a politically driven storyline, rather a first hand look at what happens before, during, and after deployment, told the way only someone who has been there and done that can tell it, and Jessica Scott, a career Army officer, has been there and done that. The stories feel real, the characters genuine, and the relationships take time to develop, meaning the romances are believable... comfortable.

Evan and Claire's ongoing struggle to deny the attraction they feel for one another was at times heartbreaking, at times very sexy, but with more coitus interruptus than you can shake a stick at, it was also, at times, a bit frustrating. But their personal struggles, their intense need to always do the right thing made them people I cared deeply about and people I couldn't help but want to see work through their seemingly insurmountable issues to find the happily ever after they were both so deserving of.

The bottom line…

Each book in this series is a reading adventure, a truly entertaining experience. I love the characters, the plot, the way everything feels so real! I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!

My thanks to Ms. Scott for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Throwing Heat by Jennifer Seasons

The sexy baseball players of Jennifer Seasons' Diamonds and Dugouts series slide into home with a final fiery romance worthy of a World Series win.

Nightclub manager Leslie Cutter has never been one to back down from a bet. So when Peter Kowalskin, pitcher for the Denver Rush baseball team, bets her that she can't keep her hands off of him, she's not about to let the arrogant, gorgeous playboy win. Especially when the prize could put her business on the map. She's got this in the bag, just so long as she can stay out of his arms … and his bed.

Peter struck out once before with Leslie, but this bet is sure to be the second chance he's been waiting for. Determined to stoke the passion he knows is there, he'll do anything to win—even if it means playing a little dirty.

But as things heat up, this combustible pair will have to decide just how much they're willing to wager on one another … and on a future that just might last forever.

********** 

4.5 fun, sexy, exciting stars!

I just adore Jennifer Seasons’ Diamonds and Dugouts series, and with Throwing Heat she’s hit another home run!

My review

Diamonds and Dugouts is one of my favorite Contemporary Romance series because each book and each character has so much passion, so much life that I can’t help but become invested in their story and attached to the people, each and every time.

I hope I’m wrong, but based on the blurb calling this “a final fiery romance” that this might be the last book? I sure hope not because I absolutely love the Rush world and its players and can’t get enough!

The bottom line

Throwing Heat is a fun, sassy, sexy story, but there was some serious emotional depth to this one, too. Who knew I could love a heroine who would work so hard to keep the hero at arms length? And who knew that hero, a cocky, sexy, ‘I need no one’ MLB pitcher could be so vulnerable!?! But it’s that vulnerability that made me want to bring Peter home and love him all better, and that made me round this up to a 5 star read.

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this awesome story in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Diamonds and Dugouts series:

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper, Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of all things marital, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend Gabriel are coming along smoothly. But the road to wedded bliss gets bumpy when a teenage acquaintance is fatally wounded in front of Jane’s shop and she turns him to save his life. The Council pronounces Jane responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane’s kitchen at River Oaks barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased Grandma Ruthie has declared a war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly,
choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake that she can’t eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of…

*********

Nice Girls Don’t Bite Their Neighbors is the fourth in Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson books, and not only a great end to the series, but a nice segue to the spin-off series, Half Moon Hollow.

Jane and Gabriel are finally getting married, but this wouldn’t be Jane Jameson’s undead life if things went smoothly. Ghosts, ghouls, vampires, shifters… you name it and they’re part of Jane's world. Some are funny, some are annoying, some are charming, and some are damed sexy, but all can be counted on to keep things interesting.

I’ve really enjoyed this entire series. The books are witty, easy reads, and Amanda Ronconi does a fantastic job narrating them. But whether you read or listen, you’re sure to be thoroughly entertained.

I highly recommend these books for fans of light urban fantasy and paranormal romance.  

Swag Me Baby! It's a Giveaway! Throwing Heat by Jennifer Seasons

About the book: 

 With the World Series just around the corner, fans of baseball and steamy romances alike will LOVE Jennifer Seasons final installment in the Diamonds and Dugouts series, THROWING HEAT (available now, Avon Impulse, e-book ISBN: 9780062271488, $1.99). The team’s own World Series may be on the horizon, but with a second chance at love at his fingertips, there’s more at stake for sexy pitcher Peter Kowalskin than just the game! Fans have been eagerly awaiting Peter and Leslie’s story, and there’s no denying the passion between this combustible pair. Filled with playful antics, steamy scenes, and an exhilarating love story, THROWING HEAT slides into home as the final fiery romance of the Diamonds and Dugouts series—one worthy of a World Series win. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Or Purchase Here:

Rock Chick Reckoning by Kristen Ashley

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Moving right along, we're at day 6, book 6, of my 

ROCK CHICK SERIES RE-READ REVIEW CELEBRATION!

Remember!

At the end of this 8 day CELEBRATION, I'll be giving away 1 ebook copy of any ROCK CHICK book, to 3 winners. Be sure and stop by every day and post a comment to be entered for a chance to win 1 of the 3 copies, your choice, of Kristen Ashley's ROCK CHICK books from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.

Open to US residents only.

You must comment on each book review to win!

Stella’s the lead singer and lead guitarist of the Blue Moon Gypsies and Stella used to be Mace’s girl. Mace broke up with her though and the loss of him rocked her world. But Stella gets a call, late at night (again) from one of the members of her crazy band. She has to go play clean up (again) and runs into Mace (and a shed load of police) and ends up getting shot.

Mace finds he doesn’t like it much that his ex-girlfriend got shot, right in front of him but it’s worse. A very bad man has thrown down the gauntlet and ALL the Rock Chicks are in the firing line. Stella doesn’t want Mace to be the one to keep her alive but she has no choice… mainly because Mace isn’t giving her one.

*****

Re-read Review - August 30-31, 2013

Looking at my original review, I had given this 3.5 stars, but bumped it up to 4 because of the epilogue. Apparently this was, at the time, my least favorite of the Rock Chick stories. After my re-read, however, I've gained a new, huge, appreciation for Mace and Stella, and I've decided there really is no "least favorite" story. There are some I like better than others, sure, but none deserving a label of "least".

Kristen Ashley is a brilliant storyteller and she really knows how to take us inside the hearts and souls of her characters. It rarely matters what they're doing, it's the way they do it that makes the story for me. Passionate, poignant, funny, burn up the pages sexy...Stella and Mace do it all, and they do it in a way that made me fall in love with them, all over again!

New rating - 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.

Original Review-:

Here it is, short and sweet:

Rock Chick Reckoning is the sixth book in the Rock Chick series, and even though it isn't a favorite, it's still such an awesome story… but then again, it’s a Kristen Ashley book, so how could it be anything but?

Mace and Stella are fantastic characters whose relationship really is the driving force behind this particular story. While the plot is exciting and we get to see all the Rock Chicks and their Hot Bunch men in rare form indeed, it was Mace and Stella’s page time that kept me coming back for more.

This book is really a 3.5 star read, but the epilogue was great and pushed it up to 4 stars for me!

----

Rock Chick Reading Order:

1. Rock Chick  

2. Rock Chick Rescue

3. Rock Chick Redemption

4. Rock Chick Renegade

5. Rock Chick Revenge

6. Rock Chick Reckoning

7. Rock Chick Regret

8. Rock Chick Revolution

Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

*****

Immortal Ever After is the 18th book in Lynsay Sands’ insanely popular Argeneau series, and a fun, exciting, sexy story! I’ve read more than my fair share of the paranormal romance genre, most especially vampires. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about these tormented souls that draw me in and keep me coming back for more. This is my first taste of Lynsay Sands’ writing and I was very pleased! This world she’s created is exciting, and the characters are intriguing, compelling, and very sexy. It’s not often that I fall in love during my first read of a series, but I fell - and fell hard - for the Argeneau world.

I usually hate coming into a series mid-way because I either end up lost or cringing at the information dump we have to endure. Thankfully, I was neither lost nor cringing because Ms. Sands did a great job of giving us the Argeneau world background without making me feel like I was reading a text book. The story is well written and through dialog between characters – old and new – she imparts everything new readers need to know to feel like we’re part of the story, not just reading about it.

Anders is such a great guy! I can see why everyone loves him, and anyone who’s been anxiously awaiting his story will be very happy! He’s so much fun… open but shy, strong but vulnerable, and not just sexy but super sexy! He’s the kind of vampire I want for my very own!

Valerie is a great heroine. What she’s endured would break most women, but not her. Even though everything she ever thought she knew about the world around her has been turned upside down, she holds it together and does what she has to to survive.

The bottom line: In case you didn’t get it, I really enjoyed this book, and while it was my first experience with Ms. Sands’ Argeneau series, it most certainly will not be my last!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story I exchange for an honest review.

 

What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston

When recent widow Georgette Thorold wakes up in a Scottish inn with a wedding ring on her finger and lacking all memory of how she came to be there, she does what any well-bred lady with a modicum of sense and a distrust of marriage would do: she panics, clocks the wickedly handsome stranger in her bed over the head with a chamber pot, and runs.

James McKenzie, Esquire has either spent the evening protecting a very naïve, and—dare he say it—very drunk young lady from the advances of every disreputable character in the town of Moraig, or he has gone and married a pretty, scheming thief. Not that his own head is entirely clear on the matter, but when the woman in question repays his kindness with a knock on the head, the bill for her room, and the theft of his purse, an embarrassed James is determined to track her down and show her she picked the wrong solicitor to swindle.

As Georgette sets out to discover exactly what happened during her forgotten night, she uncovers a man that seems far more a hero than a rake. But when they finally meet, instead of sweeping her into his arms and kissing her senseless, he serves her with a summons, claiming she is a thief. Now the fight is on, and the only question is was it a night worth remembering? Or a mistake they would both rather forget?

*****  

What Happens in Scotland is Jennifer McQuiston’s debut novel and an absolutely delightful story! If this is any indication of what’s to come from this very talented author, historical romance lovers are in for quite a treat!

Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres, so I'm always on the lookout for new authors and fresh story-lines. Well, What Happens in Scotland, isn't just fresh, it's romantic, sexy and lots of fun!

I loved our hero and heroine, James and Georgette. Sure, there were times I wanted to smack Georgette, or grab James by his beard and shake him, but still I could help but love them. Their attempt to try and figure out what had happened - were they married, or not? - made for some very amusing reading. The village residents are also great, and I can only imagine how much fun life would be in Moraig! They, along with a wonderful hero and heroine, and an unforgettable story, made What Happens in Scotland a delight to read!

The bottom line: Jennifer McQuiston is a very talented writer! She took what would be an unlikely happenstance and made it believable by blending it perfectly with enough emotion to draw me in and make me care about James and Georgette, and enough humor to keep it light and entertaining. From start to finish I couldn't put it down and will be looking for more by this gifted story-teller!

James McKenzie

And a note: I have to be honest, I'm taking great liberties with the author's description of James McKenzie. The truth is, I've never been a huge fan of heavily bearded men, so whenever James' beard was mentioned, this is how I envisioned him. To be even more honest, even after he shaved, I continued to lust after...errr.... envision him this way.

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this ebook. It was a pleasure, start to finish!

The Way to a Duke's Heart by Caroline Linden

 

Charles de Lacey, Lord Gresham, is running out of time, running from his responsibilities, and running from love.

Destined to be a duke, Charles de Lacey has led a life of decadent pleasure, free of any care for propriety or responsibility. It comes as a terrible shock to learn that he might be stripped of everything, thanks to his father's scandalous past. He has no choice but to find the blackmailer who would ruin him—and his only link to the villain is a woman who may be part of the plot…

To save his fortune and title, he vows he'll stop at nothing—in fact, he's all too eager to unravel the beautiful, tart-tongued Tessa Neville. She intrigues him and tempts him like no other lady ever has. With only his heart to guide him, and keenly aware that his entire future is at stake, Charles must decide: is she the woman of his dreams, or an enemy in disguise.

**********

The Way to a Duke’s Heart is the final book in the The Truth About the Duke trilogy and a fun, charming story. Scandal, mystery, romance and blackmail make up this tale, and I enjoyed every minute of it! This is my first taste of Caroline Linden’s writing and a truly pleasant experience. The characters, their lives and circumstances, kept me invested and wanting to know more about them, especially the scandal surrounding Charles’ rightful – or not – claim to the Dukedom. 

And speaking of Charles, I found him to be clever, insightful, immensely charming, and most definitely sexy, too! But aside from all this, I think what I loved most about him were his insecurities and uncertainties because they made him an imperfect hero, one I wanted to bring home and love until he could see in himself the man that I saw in him! Charismatic, flawed, honorable and sexy... Charles is the kind of hero I love in my historical romance reads.

Tessa is a truly great heroine, one I felt connected to early on. Unconventional, independent, compassionate and loving, she might have been stubborn but she was never annoying – okay, maybe occasionally annoying, but nothing I couldn’t cope with! She felt deep love for her family, and shame for what she had put them through, and so she spent her life trying to prove herself and win back their respect. I loved this about her! She didn't whimper and whine about the things that had happened. There was no “Woe is me!” simpering. She knew what had to be done and then set about putting everything to rights, thus restoring her family’s faith in her! Though I have to say, I'm not entirely sure she had ever truly lost it.

In addition to the wonderful leading couple, there was an awesome supporting cast, but my favorite was Tessa’s clever, elderly companion, Eugenie, who stole the show a time or two.

Before closing, I want to reiterate - Although this is the third book of the trilogy, it really does work well as a standalone. Ms. Linden did a fabulous job giving us the back-story without it feeling forced or dictated. That said, I will most definitely be reading the prequel, I Love the Earl and the first two full length novels, One Night in London and Blame it on Bath, and look forward to reading more by this very talented author!

The bottom line: While there were areas the story lagged a bit, The way to a Duke's Heart is a brilliant work of twists and turns that never felt contrived or predictable. I’m very impressed that, although I hadn’t read the first two books, I never felt lost or as if I had missed something. The relationship and the romance built at a comfortable pace and I found myself cheering for Charles’ and Tessa’s happily ever after and when they reached it, knowing it was a love meant to be.

3.5/5 stars

My thanks to HarperCollins/Avon Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.