Book Review: One for the Rogue by Manda Collins

One for the Rogue by Manda Collins

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, June 26, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length: 320 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance—and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. . .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .

Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Rogue-Studies-Scandal-Manda-Collins-ebook/dp/B078CYBTF

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36154243-one-for-the-rogue

Vikki’s Musings

This is the fourth book I’ve read in the Studies in Scandalseries, and an enjoyable read. I received a free copy from the publisher, via Net Galley, for the promise to read and review. My opinions are not influenced by that.

One for the Rogue has engaging characters and an interesting plot. While the pacing isn’t fast, it is steady. Also, the writing is excellent with minimal grammar issues, no more than to be expected in a digital ARC.

Gemma’s character is likable, but I didn’t fall in love with her. I would have liked a bit more depth to her. While I did understand what motivates Gemma and her goals, I did not feel strong about them. I’m not a fan of geological finds which is Gemma’s passion, is that is probably why.

Cameron is an interesting character, and I liked him a lot. He is very protective and wants to do the right thing for Gemma. I warmed to his character better than to Gemma, so enjoyed him more. 

Now, let’s talk romance. There is attraction between Gemma and Cameron, but it did not burn up the pages for me. One for the Rogue is stronger on the mystery side than the love story. While I did enjoy that aspect of the book, I would have liked stronger sparks between the hero and heroine.

If you enjoy books with a good bit of mystery and interesting characters, then you will like One for the Rogue. This is the final book of the series, but it reads well as a stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

Book Review: Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins

Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s, January 30, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency, England

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length: 320 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A dedicated painter, Miss Sophia Hastings is far more concerned with finding the right slant of light than in finding Mr. Right. But when an overheard conversation hints at danger for another local artist, Sophia is determined to get involved. Even if it means accepting help from an impossibly good-looking vicar who insists on joining her investigation—and threatens to capture her heart… 

Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle knows that Sophia is no damsel in distress. But he won’t allow her to venture into peril alone, either. . .especially since he finds Sophia’s curious, free-spirited nature so alluring. But protecting her from harm is becoming more difficult than the vicar could have expected as he and Sophia confront their fiery mutual passion. Who could have known that the art of love would prove so irresistible? 

Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins is a page-turning Regency romance and part of the Studies in Scandal series.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Wallflower-Most-Wanted-Studies-Scandal-ebook/dp/B073TS79RH

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34964880-wallflower-most-wanted

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book I’ve read in the Studies in Scandal series, and I liked this one better than the second book. I received a free copy from the publisher via Net Galley for the promise to read and review. My opinions are not influenced by that.

Wallflower Most Wanted has engaging characters and an interesting plot. While the pacing isn’t fast, it is steady. Also, the writing is excellent with minimal grammar issues, no more than to be expected in a digital ARC.

Sophia’s character is likable, but I didn’t fall in love with her. I would have liked a bit more depth to her. I never felt like I really knew her goals, motives, and conflict, other than in a superficial way.

Benedick’s character did not come off as I normally see a vicar, especially in the bedroom. I guess I’m a little old-fashioned and am uncomfortable with getting a glance of a man of God’s sexuality, especially outside of marriage. His character did come across as caring and concerned for his parishioners, though. I also believed he fell in love with Sophie. To me, his character is more developed than Sophie’s.

Another issue I had with this book is the sub-plot. I had a difficult time suspending reality because it all seemed implausible to me. While I do understand it’s fiction, I do want to believe in the story or become so wrapped up in it that I don’t even think about whether it is believable or not. That didn’t happen.

Nonetheless, Wallflower Most Wanted is basically an enjoyable read, and historical romance readers will like the descriptive Regency setting. I will consider reading future books by Ms. Collins. Happy reading!

Book Review: Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins

Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, June 27, 2017

Time and Setting: Regency period, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Book Length:  320 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE?

Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher—an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches—Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on. .and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest. .and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Benefits-Studies-Scandal-Manda-Collins-ebook/dp/B01MYWH0RT

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33547390-duke-with-benefits

Vikki’s Musings

I truly wish I could say I loved this book, but I must be honest, it just was not my cup of tea. Whenever I accept an invitation to read and review a novel from a publisher, I consider all aspects of the story. Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the opportunity to read Duke with Benefits.

While Ms. Collins is skilled at her craft, the pacing for this novel was a bit slow. I am not a huge fan of mysteries and did not realize the romance would take a back seat to the book, or I would have passed on this one.

I struggled with the heroine quite a lot. Daphne has a difficult time connecting to people and her inner-personal skills are practically nil. Her personality traits kept me from connecting with her on a great many levels. Although, I could see she desperately needed to find her happy ending and was glad when it happened.

On the other hand, I did like Dalton, the hero. His persistence in conquering Daphne’s heart was commendable. He showed a great deal of loyalty to her and his friends. I liked that he stood up to his domineering mother.

I kept waiting for the sexual tension to build, an aspect of historical romance that I absolutely adore, but it never truly happened in Duke with Benefits. The emphasis was so devoted to the mystery that the love story did not fully develop.

Nonetheless, there is humor and camaraderie between the cast of characters in Duke with Benefits. I thoroughly enjoyed that. If you enjoy mysteries, then this may well be the book for you. Happy reading!