The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel (Seduction Diaries #3) by Jennifer McQuiston

Blurb...

Every girl dreams of a hero . . .

No one loves books more than Miss Mary Channing. Perhaps that’s why she’s reached the ripe old age of six-and-twenty without ever being kissed. Her future may be as bland as milk toast, but Mary is content to simply dream about the heroes and adventures she reads about in her books. That way she won’t end up with a villain instead.

But sometimes only a scoundrel will do.

When she unexpectedly finds herself in the arms of Geoffrey Westmore, London’s most notorious scoundrel, it feels a bit like a plot from one of her favorite novels. Suddenly, Mary understands why even the smartest heroines can fall prey to a handsome face. And Westmore is more handsome than most. But far worse than the damage to her reputation, the moment’s indiscretion uncovers an assassination plot that reaches to the highest levels of society and threatens the course of the entire country.

When a tight-laced miss and a scoundrel of epic proportions put their minds together, nothing can stand in their way. But unless they put their hearts together as well, a happy ending is anything but assured.

It’s no surprise that Ms. McQuiston has a loyal following of readers, and it’s the way she brings her characters to life and draws us into their world that keeps us coming back for more – and what a world it is! The tales she tells are not your run-of-the-mill historical romances, they are unique, compelling, exciting, and sure to entertain, first page to the last.

The entire supporting cast is a delight, but Mary and West are wonderful! Each has a strong, independent determination (AKA stubbornness) about them that had me not only laughing and sighing, but also falling in love with them and cheering them onto their happily ever after!

Note: If you love historical romance but haven’t yet tried this author’s writing, you’re missing out and need to take the plunge. Even though The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel is the 3rd in the Seduction Diaries series, I can assure you it can easily be read as a standalone.

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

Diary of an Accidental Wallflower (Seduction Diaries #1) by Jennifer McQuiston

Oh, how I enjoyed this story! I laughed out loud, I fanned myself, and found myself teary-eyed, more than once. This is, without a doubt, a series you won’t want to miss!

Blurb…

Pretty and popular, Miss Clare Westmore knows exactly what (or rather, who) she wants: the next Duke of Harrington. But when she twists her ankle on the eve of the Season’s most touted event, Clare is left standing in the wallflower line watching her best friend dance away with her duke.

Dr. Daniel Merial is tempted to deliver more than a diagnosis to London's most unlikely wallflower, but he doesn’t have time for distractions, even one so delectable. Besides, she's clearly got her sights on more promising prey. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

All Clare wants to do is return to the dance floor. But as her former friends try to knock her permanently out of place, she realizes with horror she is falling for her doctor instead of her duke. When her ankle finally heals and she faces her old life again, will she throw herself back into the game?

Or will her time in the wallflower line have given her a glimpse of who she was really meant to be?

My thoughts…

I’m a fan of Jennifer McQuiston’s writing, so I knew Diary of an Accidental Wallflower would be good, but I wasn’t prepared for just how good this story is. In some ways it’s your typical historical romance with Seasons, titles, and “perfect” marriages the theme throughout, but what sets this apart is just how well represented the difference between the ‘classes’ is.

Not to worry, though! There was no ‘boo-hoo, I’m not worthy of your love’ yada-yada-yada, from the hero. He’s intelligent, strong, clever, and realistic. Class seems to mean nothing to him when it comes to true love, though he is bound by the rules of the ton. I love that Daniel is proud of who he is, of his family, and his contributions to society. He’s one of the most solid non-titles historical romance heroes I’ve read, and I feel in love with him early on. So, you see, he is a big part of why I adore this book.

Our heroine, Clare, rather is a typical London princess, something that would normally wear on me a bit. But deep down in a place she’s not supposed to think about, there are questions. This is what made her an intriguing woman, someone who had to battle what she was expectedto do with what she should do. So, the truth is, rather than be annoyed by her ‘status matters’ attitude, I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she begins to understand what is truly important in life; family and love.

The supporting cast – brilliant!! Clare’s brother and sister, Geoffrey and Lucy, are seriously funny, and I cannot wait to get their stories!!

The bottom line...

This is definitely one of my favorite historical romances. If you’ve not read Ms. McQuiston’s writing, give Diary of an Accidental Wallflower a shot! You’ll be so very glad you did!

An ARC was generously provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss. To show my appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.

Moonlight on my Mind by Jennifer McQuiston

Description…

To ruin a man’s life once takes a regrettable mistake.

To do so twice takes a woman like Julianne Baxter.

Eleven months ago, Julianne’s statement to the authorities wrongly implicated Patrick, the new Earl of Haversham, in his older brother’s death. The chit is as much trouble as her red hair suggests, and just as captivating. Now she has impetuously tracked him to the wilds of Scotland, insisting that he return home to face a murder charge and save his family from ruin. A clandestine wedding may be the only way to save her reputation—and his neck from the hangman’s noose.

Julianne has no objection to the match. More and more she’s convinced of Patrick’s innocence, though when it comes to igniting her passions, the man is all too guilty. And if they can only clear his name, a marriage made in haste could bring about the most extraordinary pleasure…

***** 

Refreshing, entertaining, and passionate!

My review…

While I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this connected-but-not-a-series series, Moonlight on my Mind totally blew those out of the water. It’s not as light as the first two – nor is it dark or depressing - it's perfect, and in a class of its own.

This truly is an awesome story with great characters, lots of passion, and a completely intriguing ‘whodunnit’ with enough twists and turns that kept me guessing at the killer’s identity right to the very end!

Julianne is a walking contradiction of what a “lady” should be, and I loved her after I got over hating her. Her passion, her devotion to Patrick and her need to do the right thing made her a woman I could adore. And Patrick is such a swoon-worthy man who also has a deeply ingrained - and at times annoyingly honorable - need to do the right thing, even if it means a trip to the gallows.

Apart they are amazing people, but together … unstoppable and a perfectly matched happily ever after.

The bottom line…

Jennifer McQuiston is a breath of fresh air in the historical romance genre! She has such a talent for storytelling, giving us charismatic, tormented in-their-own-special-way characters we can’t help but connect to and, ultimately, fall in love with!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing a copy of this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review! It was such a pleasure!   

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.