I begged for this ARC. Literally. And I'm not even sorry. Was I surprised by how mu4.5 “Really-Truly-Honestly-Earnestly-Properly-Completely” Stars!!!!
I begged for this ARC. Literally. And I'm not even sorry. Was I surprised by how much I loved this book? Absolutely not. I will always love Tessa Dare….always. I always giggle in her books. I always swoon in her books. There is almost always a hate-to-love relationship, which is perfection for me. The Quirk! The Dry Humor! The Witty Dialogue! ALWAYS!
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SWOONS!
All the swoons!
Did I say swoons? Oh yeah, I did!
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“You are wet, and you are cold. You don’t like being cold. Therefore, I despise you being cold. I would go about murdering raindrops and setting fire to the clouds, but that would take slightly more than an hour. Perhaps even two. So we’re here, and you will cease complaining about it.”
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Emma. Complexion: cream. Lips: rose petals. Lashes: sable. Backbone: steel. A seamstress, not only in deed, but also in heart. This is what she loves to do. In seeking out payment for a discarded fiance’s dress, Emma goes to the formerly intended groom for payment of the dress she made, which happens to be Ashbury. He needs a wife, so he proposes a marriage of convenience. These two are so different that at first, she doesn’t even believe him. Even after getting married, these two find it very difficult to get along (Ugh. I love it.).
Ashbury. What a brooding, scarred, perfect character. He is VERY scarred from a war injury. And jaded. And ill-tempered. And I love him. What can I say? He’s an asshole, and this dirty girl loves her assholes. He needs a wife to make an heir….and that’s pretty much it. He doesn’t believe anyone will truly desire him because of his disfigurement. I love scarred heroes so much. They are always assholes.
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This book definitely had a slow burn. Ash promises to visit her bedroom every night (in the dark so she cannot see his scars) in order to conceive as quickly as possible. Of course, things take an unexpected turn into awkwardness and it doesn’t go as planned. Both Emma and Ash have their own insecurities (but still being awesome and not whiny bitches), so they vow to themselves and each other to not get attached and to take precautions so that emotions don’t get involved in their marriage. (Psh! Please. Who are they kidding? Am I right?)
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As he stood in the doorway watching, she tucked a stray wisp of dark hair behind her ear. Then she licked her fingertip and turned the page.
His knees buckled. In his mind, he scrambled to piece that half second into a lasting memory. The crook of her slender finger. The red pout of her lips. That fleeting, erotic glimpse of pink.
She did it again.
Ash gripped the doorjamb so hard, his knuckles lost sensation.
He wanted her to read the whole cursed book while he watched.
He wanted the book to have a thousand pages.
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What I love the most about Tessa Dare’s books?
EVERYTHING.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
It isn’t often that I read historical romance author that I have never read before….and enjoy it! I am pretty picky when it com3.5 This-is-War Stars!!
It isn’t often that I read historical romance author that I have never read before….and enjoy it! I am pretty picky when it comes to HR authors, typically sticking to my favorites. But I know I need to branch out, and I’m glad that I did!
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He had the power to ruin everything.
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Chloe has a past that no one knows about, except the Duke of Cameron. She is determined to put her past behind her and marry a title because she knows what it is like to go without money or food, and she is determined to never live like that again. The Duke is in her way of getting what she wants. Chloe is a strong-willed character with a hint of innocence, but she does not go quietly. I loved how determined she was through the whole book to go after what she wants.
Michael made a promise to a friend to protest his son, and that is exactly what he is determined to do. When he discovers that Chloe has set her sights on the young man he is protecting, he makes it clear that it will never happen. Michael is immediately attracted to Chloe, but he believes her to be a thief who is just trying to use the man he vowed to protect. His suspicions of Chloe’s character drives him to seek out the truth, but he doesn’t expect to be seduced.
The beginning of this book was wonderful! I loved how much they hated each other, and I wish that the animosity between them kept going. The sparks fly between these two!
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”You may be a duke, but you are not a gentleman.” “There’s no room for chivalry in war.” “And this is war?” “Only if you don’t obey.” Blue sparks flashed in her eyes. “So be it, Your Grace.”
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It was only when the story became sweet that it began to falter for me. But I still wanted to keep reading about these fantastic characters to see what happened in the end. This was my first book by Tina Gabrielle, and I am definitely intrigued.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
SOLD! I am sold on Kerrigan Byrne for life and will be reading all of her books. This was my first book by Kerrigan Byrne, and I was g4.5 Stars!!!!!!
SOLD! I am sold on Kerrigan Byrne for life and will be reading all of her books. This was my first book by Kerrigan Byrne, and I was greatly impressed. She is such an amazing and creative story-teller. Her stories are definitely more plot-based, which I appreciate. This story has so many layers to it. She just kept peeling back all of the intricacies to the characters. Kerrigan took my heart and wove it in and out of the pages of this story.
The beginning is so hot. She did not mess around in breaking out the sexy times (woo!). But then the story takes a quick turn, and the story leads both Cole and Imogen through separate tragedies.
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The beast was no duke. He was no man raised with genteel civility, with a care for the expense of things or the consequences of his actions. This beast was no longer dormant within him, but prowling beneath the surface of his skin, wanting to mark his territory.
And he’d found a delectable morsel just now, one he was in danger of acquiring a taste for.
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My Cole & Imogen:
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Cole is a soldier, a spy, a duke….an animal. He is many things in this book. He travels through war and pain and torture, barely making it out alive. Imogen is his savior, in more ways than one, but he doesn’t even know it. He is trapped in the darkness, and she is light. He cannot escape and is constantly fighting against himself.
Imogen has been through her own version of hell. She has fought her own war, but she is a beacon of hope and is determined to help others that were in a situation like her own. I loved how strong she was. Even when I didn’t expect it, she would stand up to Cole. The feminism in this book! Gah!
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”It would take nothing to destroy you.” He tightened his fingers ever so slightly, and the telltale jump of her pulse belied her unwavering audacity.
“Better men than you have tried,” she remonstrated, her eyes blazing green with a maelstrom of her own primitive emotions. “Yet here I stand.”
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THE FEELS!!!! Lawdy, the feels. I’m usually not a fan of angst, but this book was all kinds of delicious. Most of this book is sad, but I loved it (again, not my usual opinion). I felt so much in this book. The tragedies that both Cole and Imogen have to go through in order to finally be together. They are in each other’s lives, but Cole is searching and he doesn’t even know he’s searching for Imogen! Gah! And Imogen has to PINE for him! Oh, the pining! Curse you, Kerrigan for tugging at my heart, so!
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If you are fan of Julia Quinn, you will love Kerrigan Byrne! They are very similar in the story-telling, character development, and the feels.
I have to say, I am sad that I did not read the previous 3 books in this series before this one. The characters from the first 3 books in this series were in this book enough that I was a little lost and wanted to know more about them! I would recommend reading this series in order (which I usually don’t say).
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Sabrina Jeffries a one-clicking historical romance author for me. I have read almost all of her books, and this book did not disappoint. I4.5 Stars!!!
Sabrina Jeffries a one-clicking historical romance author for me. I have read almost all of her books, and this book did not disappoint. It was fast-paced and with a smoking-hot rake and a badass heroine.
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”You just want to revel in watching a holy father stand on the spot where we indulged in a bit of-“ “Ecstasy?” he said with a smug smile. “Wickedness, more like. You love to surround yourself with it.” “I do indeed. Let this be your warning, my dear. You can remove the man from the wickedness, but you can’t remove the wickedness from the man.”
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Delia’s family has lost everything after her brother dies, and she is determined to do everything she can to get the money back that he lost before he died. This includes playing her hand at cards, seeing that she has a particular niche for it.
My Warren & Delia:
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Warren is a rake (of course!). What good is a historical romance without a rake? And Warren does not disappoint. He wants nothing to do with Delia, but his cousin is pushing him to look after Delia. He soon discovers how intriguing Delia can be. She is intelligent and mysterious. There is something about her and he is determined to figure her out. After following her, he soon discovers her mysterious outings are at a gambling club trying to find the man that ruined her brother. And I absolutely loved all of this! The banter between these two is priceless!
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”I’m terried that I’ll disappoint you or hurt you or ruin things, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love you. Helplessly. Hopelessly.”
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Delia is not your typical innocent female, and I loved her for it. She is witty and determined. Warren is drawn to her and after getting caught in a compromising position, he is willing to give up his rake-ish ways to be with Delia. At the same time, he wants to keep his heart out of the picture. He has a weakness that he is afraid to reveal to his new wife, and my heart broke for him. Warren and Delia’s relationship is unconventional from the beginning and I loved their unique journey.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
…how did one comfort a wounded beast who bit anyone who ventured near?
My Rhys:
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My Juliana:
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Part 1:
This boo4.5 “Cariad” Stars!!!
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…how did one comfort a wounded beast who bit anyone who ventured near?
My Rhys:
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My Juliana:
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Part 1:
This book is in 2 parts. The first part is ALL THE SWOONS. It is the beginning of the relationship between Rhys and Juliana. It is a little bit of a romeo-and-juliet story. Juliana is the daughter of a nobleman, the man who stole Rhys’s birthright and home. Rhys and Juliana both share a love of all things Welsh, determined to keep the language and culture alive. I really enjoyed the Welsh poetry in this book.
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Rhys and Juliana fall in love, but they cannot be together, so they run away to marry in secret. Juliana’s brother (I want to slaughter him!) lies to both Juliana and Rhys to pull them apart and sends Rhys away to the military. He is forever changed.
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”I’ve heard life of a man-of-war is horrible.”
“Aye,” he clipped out. “And after a while you start to hate anyone and anything that put you there.”
Her anger had dimmed, but the hurt burned even brighter. “Even your ‘true love’?”
He closed his eyes against the accusation in her voice. “Especially your true love, if you think she betrayed you.”
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Part 2:
The 2nd part of this book is 6 years later, when Rhys comes back to regain his birthright, home, and wife. His experience in the military was not a good one at all, so he is hardened on the inside an out. I loved this darker side of him. He is determined to punish Juliana for “lying” to him, but there is a constant struggle inside himself to believe her and love her.
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”But the truth is, I simply refuse to give you the pleasure of being free of me.”
To his surprise, she met his gaze boldly. “That works both ways, dear husband. I may not be free, but neither are you.” …… He stared into her flashing eyes, wondering if she’d always been this stubborn. Or this achingly beautiful.
“Then it’s hell we’ll be headed for, Juliana. Because this time you won’t escape our marriage.”
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The ANGST in this book! DELICIOUS! I am usually not a fan of all the angst. I don’t mind emotional books, but I prefer humor in the midst of all the emotion. This book had me sinking in all the FEELS.
This book is a constant struggle of trust. Rhys continuously struggles to trust Juliana from the beginning all the way to the end, and it is heart-breaking. I felt so much from Juliana as she tries to get her husband to trust her over and over again. Juliana has a spine of steel and the biggest heart for her true love.
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A loved the supporting characters in this book too. They was an additional love story that makes the book all the more sweeter and perfect.
ARC courtesy of publisher/netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This book basically consisted of gleeful giggles while slapping my kindle on my knees.
And dreaming about Scottish knees4.5 Scottish Knees Stars!!!!!!
This book basically consisted of gleeful giggles while slapping my kindle on my knees.
And dreaming about Scottish knees. And drooling over Scottish knees. Why oh why do men wear pants when they could be wearing kilts?! I mean, it’s a reasonable request….from most women (and some men). The Scots know what they’re doing to us, right?! Killing us with their sexy knees!
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Her gaze traveled to the edge of the fabric, drinking in the curves and dips of his knees. She swallowed, the act a challenge, wondering how it was she’d never noticed the precise shape of a knee.
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My Alec:
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My Lillian:
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Alec is a ALL Scot and hates all things English. Except her. Alec is basically a Scottish PMB (Pouty Man Bear – see Tessa Bailey’s book Worked Up for more information). He is huge, everywhere. He’s a big, brawny beast. But he’s a little sensitive about it because he has been used by women in the past and believes that he is not worthy. This is a central part of the story because it keeps him from accepting Lily’s feelings for him. Alec inherits a Dukedom after a long list of Dukes suddenly die, and Lily is part of that inheritance. She was a ward of one of the previous Dukes, so she has been passed along and forgotten by many.
Lily is known to be a true beauty of England. She begins as a naïve character, but she is jilted at the start of the story and becomes jaded. She ends up accepting that she will be lonely her entire life because of this incident. She has been forgotten and lives alone. BUT she turns out to be the strong one in this book. Alec might by huge, but Lily is a beast in her own right! She is a fighter, and I loved her. Where Alec was weak (emotionally), Lily was strong. Both Alec and Lily just want to run away from everything, but they don’t realize that they could find their escape in each other. They each spend time actually running from each other, but they always seem to come back to each other.
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”I will give you everything you want, mo chridhe. Everything you need,” he promised, the words dark and low and filled with the accent he worked so hard to keep at bay with her. “I will show you heaven. But only if you let me watch you find it. That is my price.”
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Knees. You get to know Alec’s knees in this book. Every inch. They are discussed several times, and it wasn’t even enough for me. I didn’t know I could have a love of knees until I met Alec. Some might relate Alec to Jamie from Outlander with the whole Scottish-sexy-knee-thing going on, but I wouldn’t know because I’m an idiot for not watching Outlander yet! Damn, I need some more Scottish knees in my life!
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For something so silly, the plaid was tremendously flattering. Though, truthfully, Lily thought that it was possibly likely that a flour sack would be flattering to Alec.
The man had empirically lovely legs.
Not that she’d given much thought to men’s legs in her life. Until Alec. Now, every time she saw him in his plaid, she thought far too much about men’s legs.
It was terribly inappropriate.
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I am such a loser for not reading ALL of Sarah MacLean’s books. Seriously. What have I been doing all my life when I should have been reading her books. Ok, I have read 3 of her books counting this one, but she has so many that I have not read, and I’m a loser for it. My goal is to not be a loser, so I will be reading all of her books.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a combination of James Bond and the game of Clue, and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s witty. It’s sexy. It’s ev5 “Oliveview” Stars!!!!
This book is a combination of James Bond and the game of Clue, and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s witty. It’s sexy. It’s everything “Tessa Dare.” When I think of Tessa Dare, this is the perfect amount of all that she is, wrapped up in one book. Can you tell that I love her?
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She unsettled him; he anchored her. Together, they could be more than they were apart.
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This book is…..ONE…..GIANT……SWOON. And if you don’t like this book, then you can suck my aubergine (see below for definition of “aubergine” or you can just read this book!).
Ps. Just kidding. If you don’t like this book, that’s fine. Everyone can have their own opinion….please don’t hate me for saying suck my aubergine.
The Aubergine…aka Eggplant!!! Tessa, you put an eggplant in this book! Hilarious!!!!!!
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Ok, let’s actually talk about the book.
Granville. Piers Granville…. is a spy for the Crown. He is on a mission as a guest of the house, but when Charlotte corners him to “save him” from herself, and they are caught in a misunderstood compromising situation, they have no other choice but to pursue marriage. Piers pursues Charlotte relentlessly, but I love that Charlotte doesn’t give in at first. She is determined to prove that they are too different, and she is also determined to keep her independence. I love that Charlotte knows exactly who she is and what she wants.
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"Those walls, as you called them…They’re part of me now, and they are iron strong.” He lifted a hand to her face, skimming his thumb over her lower lip. “Even if I wished to, I wouldn’t know how to dismantle them.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “I know.” She wreathed her arms around his neck. “That’s why you need me. I’m going to burn them to the ground.”
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My Piers:
”There is nothing untoward in Lord Granville’s mind. He has the most toward mind I’ve ever encountered.”
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My Charlotte:
No matter how she tried, Charlotte Highwood was unable to be anyone other than herself.
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Charlotte is…….absolutely hilarious. And so endearing. She is described as “innocent, not ignorant,” and that is perfect because she isn’t worldly like Piers, but she has a natural inclination of reading people and solving mysteries. She pursues this mystery and finds hints here and there throughout the book. I’m usually not a big fan of mystery novels, but there was less mystery and more romance, so it was perfect for me.
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”If I let myself come anywhere near you” – he caught her wrists and lifted them, pinning her arms to the wall – “I’d have your skirts tossed up to your ears and my cock buried inside you before the rest of them looked up from their tea.”
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Tessa Dare is easily in my top 5 favorite historical romance authors. Whenever I read Tessa Dare, I just know there will be swooning, and giggling and sexy times. She has the whole package when it comes to historical romance. Her books and stories are always so much fun! I have loved every Tessa Dare book that I have read so far (I’ve read 4 of her books). I got an ARC of this book…..but I’m going to be buying the paperback to have on my shelf FOREVER!!!
Give me a Scot in a kilt….any day, any time….yes, please! What woman doesn’t want a S4 Verra-Verra-Verra-Good Stars!!!!
I will always read Tessa Dare.
Give me a Scot in a kilt….any day, any time….yes, please! What woman doesn’t want a Scot in a kilt endlessly pursuing her, especially one that reads???!!!
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His brow was lightly furrowed in concentration, and those spectacles were perched on the strong bridge of his nose. Once muscled arm was flexed and propped behind his head. And in the other hand, he held...
Devil take him. Heaven help her.
A book.
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I absolutely adored the beginning of this book. It starts out with Maddie’s letters, written to her made-up fiancé. She invents a fiancé because she is shy and awkward and doesn’t have much chance of actually landing a real fiancé. She has social anxiety and panic attacks, but of course during this time, they did not know about social anxiety, so she calls it extreme shyness. Maddie is perfectly fine with being a spinster, living with her aunt, and drawing animals.
My Logan & Maddie:
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Logan is leading his men home, but there is not much home for them to come home to. So he takes his men with him to claim his fiancé and the land that comes with her. Logan’s first priority is his men, so when Maddie does not want to marry him, he blackmails her with her love letters. Logan pursues Maddie to no end. At first it is because of the land and because he is looking out for his men, but it eventually Maddie becomes his family and he vows to never let her go.
This book is Quirky and Fluffy (Hehehe) and SEXY, and I adored it!
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“There's more than one way to share pleasure."
She was quiet for a long moment. "How many ways?"
He rolled onto his side to face her, skimming a single finger from her breastbone to her belly. “Here's an idea. I'll demonstrate them, and you keep count.”
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I loved all of the characters in this story. I love that Tessa’s writing can be silly at times because they are never too silly. They are giggly and adorable, and yet I find myself getting drawn into the silly story because she always breaks out the feels when you least expect them. All of Tessa’s heroines are always intelligent and strong, including Maddie. I will always read Tessa Dare.
For a novella, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, especially Amelia. The3 PLEASANT AND ENJOYABLE STARS!!!
My Stephen:
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My Amelia:
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For a novella, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, especially Amelia. The story was simple but I was hooked from the beginning. There were definitely some naughty times with a particular rake, and what more can a girl ask for???
It made me interested to read her other books.
I recommend.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.*...more
Disclaimer: No, this isn’t a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. But you will enjoy it just as much!
There’s some of t4.5 MODERN-DAY-JANE-AUSTEN STARS!!!
Disclaimer: No, this isn’t a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. But you will enjoy it just as much!
There’s some of this…
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And some of this…
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(giggling) And some of this…
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And OMG, some of this…
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Julia Quinn = the modern day Jane Austen.
Yep. I said it.
Her writing is elegant and sophisticated.
She knows how to write a story…a wonderful story. She knows how to tug at my heart.
Her tongue. Her lips. His downfall.
Lord Hugh and Sarah hate each other. They insult each other at every turn. It’s not a flirty banter either. They truly do not like each other. Though he doesn’t know it, but Hugh ruined Sarah’s life, and Hugh doesn’t care for Sarah’s personality.
He didn’t like her. He really didn’t, but by God, he’d have sold a piece of his soul right then to dance with her.
My Hugh:
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Hugh – MEGA-HARD-SWOON!!!!! After participating in a duel with Sarah’s cousin, Hugh’s leg is forever injured and in pain, so he must walk with a cane. He lives in regret. Even when he starts to fall for Sarah, he doesn’t think he is good enough for her. Hugh isn’t able to sweep Sarah off her feet, literally, because he can barely walk himself. He’s the best kind of broody :).
My Sarah:
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Sarah – The girl has got attitude and I loved her!!!
It’s one of those books that make you hug your kindle :).
And the way you pronounce all those polysyllabic words? Makes me rock hard, every time.
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This book was MADE…FOR…ME. I’m a huge nerd, ladies. I’m obsessed with books (duh). I love math. I loved school and still love learning.
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This book starts on page 1 and doesn’t stop until the last word. This story is full of adventure and imagination. It’s sexy, hilarious, and fast-paced. There isn’t a dull moment!!!
Colin and Minerva strike a deal. If he helps her journey to her geology symposium, she will marry him (temporarily) so he can receive the money for his birthright. Most of the story is their journey to Edinburgh. They are constantly pretending to be other people, and it is hilarious! Their relationship in the beginning is beyond entertaining. They are constantly bantering back and forth (Colin is always calling her by the wrong name, and I laughed every time!).
I didn’t recognize your face without the book in front of it.
Colin is a “jack of all trades.” He is funny, dry, sexy, witty…perfection. He is a spoiled rich guy on the outside, but very intelligent because he can maneuver through many different adventures.
My Colin:
“You are the most deceitful, horrid, shameless, contemptible man I have ever had the displeasure to know. How do you sleep at night?” His reply came just as she banged the door closed. “I don’t.”
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Minerva is a BADASS NERD….and one of my favorite historical heroines!!! She is a female geologist (studies rocks) who is determined to become recognized. She has discovered a rare fossil and because she is passionate about what she does, she wants the world to know about it.
My Minerva:
"I’m a woman who knows a great deal about rocks. I suggest you find the stones to deal with it."
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Min and Colin are perfect for each other! There is so much laughing in this book, and yet there is also so much tenderness. When Min and Colin fall in love, it is so beautiful!!!!! I didn’t expect my heart to stutter so much.
Certainty becomes you.
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The story doesn’t end with defeat. It ends in triumph.
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Thank you, Susanne for recommending this book to me! This is my first Tessa Dare book, and I am sold for life. She does a fabulous teaser for the next book, and I am super excited to read it!
1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and sheWhat I liked:
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1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and she keeps me interested. I mean, there is a vice club in this book….that’s basically a sex club, ladies!!!
2. The characters - I am in love with Jason Lockwood. I mean, he’s tall, dark, handsome, broody, and he has a big scar across his face! What’s not to love?!
My Lockwood:
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I loved Lydia in this book too! I didn’t think I would like her as much because of the previous book, but she was vulnerable and fantastic in this book.
My Lydia:
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3. Jason and Lydia’s story - The story of Jason and Lydia was fabulous. I loved their chemistry, dialogue, sex!! The sex was fabulous! Ladies, there is a sex club and bondage in this book!! I know, right?!
What I didn’t like:
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1. This was two books in one and the execution of blending the two stories fells short. I loved the two stories separately. I understand that Ms. Burke was setting us up for the next book (which I am excited about!!), but it was just too much set-up.
2. I WISH there was more of Jason and Lydia’s story!! The second story took up too much of the book. I wish there was more relationship development between the Jason and Lydia. I wanted to know so much more, and these characters were so fantastic, that it wouldn’t have been too hard to develop their story together a little more.
3. The ending was too abrupt. I really needed an epilogue. I think every book in the world could use an epilogue and no reader would complain.
Note to the author: I really like your writing, but I feel like you’re holding back. It’s like your stories are on the edge of something great, and I’m waiting for this ridiculous explosion of writing to burst forth from your books. I feel it. So I am asking you to push it. Pull that extra something out of your characters and blow me away, because I really think you can and I really want you to!