Book Review: Last Night with the Duke by Amelia Grey

Last Night with the Duke by Amelia Grey

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, March 7, 2017

Time and setting:  1815, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Book Length: 304 pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 3.75 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind--until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity. 

Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can’t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters’ debut Season. . .unless one of London’s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride in Last Night with the Duke, the first novel in the brand-new Regency Rakes of St. James series by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Last-Night-Duke-Rakes-James-ebook/dp/B01KFWX6XU

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30078642-last-night-with-the-duke

Vikki’s Musings

Last Night with the Duke is book 1 in Amelia Grey’s new series, The Rakes of St. James. I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review. The book description sounded enticing, so I accepted.

This novel is a sweet story, one that put a smile on my face. The pacing is steady and so the story moved along well. The characters are very likable, especially Josephine and her little dog Napoleon. My heart ached for the child at times. She had a difficult time, and the little dog helps her heal from losing her beloved father.

Esmeralda Swift has a lot to contend with, between keeping her twelve-year-old sister safe, a roof over their heads and her business running smoothly while earning their livelihood. When the Duke of Griffin comes to her agency to hire a chaperone to square his twin sisters around society, she is excited until he tells her he wants her to personally do it. How can she keep her business running if she accepts his financially adventitious offer?

The Duke does not take no for an answer. When he sees something he wants, he pursues it relentlessly. Esmeralda is perfect for his sisters, so he gives her an offer she cannot refuse, even when she makes a few outrageous demands of her own, thinking to discourage him.

Now that he has her ensconced in his home, he needs to keep her at arm’s length. After all, he is a gentleman and must not dally with an employee, no matter how tempting. Can he keep his desires in check for the delightful Miss Swift, or will he crumble beneath the overwhelming attraction for her?

Esmeralda is an endearing heroine with many redeeming characteristics. She is loyal to her sister, determined to protect her charges from rakes and ner-do-wells while holding the charming duke at bay. Her attraction to him is fierce, but her integrity keeps her from giving into her desire. I loved the tender care she shows for her mischievous little sister. For me, that part of the story was the most enjoyable.

Griffin is a great hero, a reformed rake, trying to do right by his irascible twin sisters and his elderly great-aunt. I enjoyed his struggle to rein in the amazing attraction for Esmeralda when all he wanted to do was bind her to him. I enjoyed to camaraderie he has with his two friends as well.

Now, what did not work for me. The romance was not the true central focus of this novel. While there is chemistry between Griffin and Esmeralda, it takes too long to heat up. They don’t even kiss until around 67% of the story. For me, I would have liked more stolen kisses between the hero and heroine much sooner in the story.

If you enjoy traditional Regency romance with endearing characters and a sweet storyline with several enchanting moments, then you will enjoy Last Night with the Duke. If like heat with your romance, then this might not be the book for you. Nonetheless, I did enjoy many aspects of this story and will probably read the next book. Happy reading!

For You by S.E. Brown

Publisher & Release: Self-published, September 17, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, North Carolina

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  285 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 3.75 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

If you send something away, are you ever supposed to get it back? 

Madison is her own woman. She’s feisty, has one hell of a pottymouth and lives life on her terms, #thankyouverymuch. She doesn't let anyone or anything get in her way, that is, until a decision from her past and an unexpected connection take her carefree life in a different direction. Madison has to decide between the life she knows and a new journey full of promise and hope, and possible heartbreak. 

As Madison ventures into uncharted territory, will she face her fear or turn and run?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/You-Shore-Book-2-ebook/dp/B01LEDP9S4

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31820651-for-you

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Brown. She sent me a request and an ARC asking me to read it and let her know what I think. I can see real talent in Ms. Brown’s writing. Her writing is emotional, her heroine is snarky, spunky and determined to cover her fear and pain.

Madison lives her life on the edge. At fifteen, she finds out she is pregnant and within a matter of weeks, her boyfriend dies of an overdose. When her parents find out about her pregnancy, they kick her out. That’s when she meets Ellie, the kind and loving woman who takes her in and helps her deal with what life has thrown at her.

As an adult, she is determined to protect herself. Can she move beyond her fear and let this incredible man see the real Madison, or will she draw away and continue living her life on her terms?

I really liked Declan’s character. He’s a stand-up kind of guy. He’s a successful business man and loves his family. And will wonders never cease, he is NOT a womanizer. When he meets Madison, he is blown away by her out-going personality. She is his opposite, so this is the story of attraction between two people worlds apart.

Now, Madison is a different kind of heroine, she would be the rake. She, at times, makes really bad decisions which made it difficult for me to like her. Her one night stand with Jaxon was a real turn off for me, and I did not see how it fit into the story. I will say Ms. Brown did redeem her character in the end.

I like stories to progress in a logical procession. Ms. Brown skips around quite a bit. She tells the back stories via flashbacks, not my favorite way to tell pertinent information. I also did not see the necessity for the entire Jaxon story line. It only showed Madison in a bad light.

Nonetheless, I did enjoy For You, mainly because I loved the friendships and especially Declan. I may decide to read the first book in the story. Perhaps it will explain why Madison makes some of her decisions. Happy reading!

Book Review: Lady Sarah's Desires by Sophie Barnes

Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires by Sophie Barnes

Publisher & Release: Harper-Collins, April 28, 2016

Time and setting: 1820, England

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length: 389 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 3.75 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Welcome to Thorncliff Manor, where London's elite mix, mingle, and may even find their heart's desire . . .

There are thousands of things Christopher, Viscount Spencer, would rather do than hunt for a bride, especially since experience has taught him that women are not to be trusted. Then he finds the intriguing Lady Sarah scrambling around in Thorncliff's conservatory and he is instantly charmed by her passionate nature. But why is she so intent on avoiding him?

Lady Sarah would make the perfect bride for a peer—if not for a tarnished past that she's hiding from the ton. A stay at Thorncliff Manor was meant to help her plan for her future, not fall in love. Yet Christopher's kisses are irresistible, his gallantry enticing. When her secret stands to be revealed, will the truth ruin their dreams of happiness?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Lady-Sarahs-Sinful-Desires-Thorncliff-ebook/dp/B00N81BCH8

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Lady-Sarahs-Sinful-Desires-Audiobook/B014VE571C

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26029568-lady-sarah-s-sinful-desires

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book I have read by Sophie Barnes. The reason I decided to purchase Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires was because it was a finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence contest. I must say, I am enjoying the books and the competition must have been fierce. So far I have read four of the entries and all of them have been noteworthy. While this is the least favorite of the ones I have read, I did enjoy this book.

Lady Sarah hangs her head in disgrace. Two years ago, she allowed a rogue to seduce her and she has been paying for her indiscretion ever since. Her parents shun her and have arranged a marriage with the detestable Mr. Denison, a man her father’s age and far beneath her in rank.

She arrives at Thorncliff Manor, an exclusive destination for the elite of the ton, where she meets Mr. Denison for the first time so he can pay her court for a fortnight before announcing their engagement.

Christopher, Viscount Spencer, and his family are spending three months at Thorncliff while their home is being renovated. While strolling through the conservatory, he spies a young woman crawling around on the floor, searching for her pet hamster. Their eyes meet and the attraction between them is combustible.

Will Sarah be able to do her duty to protect her sisters from scandal and marry the despicable Mr. Denison, now that she has met the man of her dreams, or will she break down and tell Lord Spencer her secret and pray he will still want her?

 Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires starts out well and pulled me into the story. The couple meet at the end of the second chapter and the chemistry sizzles between them and stays ignited throughout the rest of the book. While the premise of a manor home, which is in essence what today would be a resort, is intriguing, I do not feel it is very realistic for a regency setting. Nonetheless, this is fiction and I could overlook that aspect of the story.

Lady Sarah is the kindest, and one of most considerate heroines I have encountered in quite some time. She is willing to sacrifice her chance of happiness to protect her younger half-sisters from scandal and honor her father’s less than honorable solution to the dilemma of her ruination.

She does suffer from very low self-esteem, but that is expected because in her day nothing could be worse than a young woman who has lost her virtue, even if it was to a manipulative seducer. While she does rehash this a bit much, it was understandable. Unfortunately, this slowed the pacing down in the middle of the story a lot.

I liked Lord Spencer’s character a great deal from the start. He is an honorable man, a good son and a great elder brother. He suffered from betrayal with his first love and is now skeptical of love. I enjoyed his internal conflict over his attraction to Sarah. His willingness to trust her was surprising, but when he learns of Sarah’s disgrace, it was understandable he would not handle it well.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read, once one makes it through the sagging middle. If you are looking for a romance with an unusual twist, then you will enjoy this book. The chemistry and banter between Sarah and Christopher are well worth it. Happy reading!

Book Review: A Simple Lady by Carolynn Carey

A Simple Lady by Carolynn Carey

Publisher & Release Date: Avon, October 27, 2015

Time and setting: 1818, England

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length:  268 pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweet Heart

Rating: 3.75 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

When her parents, the Earl and Countess of Ravingate, inform Elizabeth that her father has made arrangements for her to marry the embittered Marquess of Kenrick, she knows she must try to explain to the marquess that she is not the person her father has portrayed her to be. In other words, she is not simpleminded. But unforeseen events not only prevent her from enlightening the marquess but also conspire to convince him that she is, indeed, a simpleton.

Following a horrendous betrayal by his late wife, the Marquess of Kenrick has vowed never to wed again. And he would not have done so had his father not reached back from the grave to force his hand. Facing a deadline, not of his choosing, he agrees to marry and provide for the Earl of Ravingate’s simple-minded daughter after being assured that she will never make any demands on his time.

To Kenrick’s disgust, his new wife turns out to be anything but a simpleton, leaving him with no alternative but to assume she’s a liar and a manipulator. Furious, he installs her in a small cottage in the country and tells her he never wants to see her again. To his chagrin, his mother has other ideas.

Forced to spend time in each other’s company, Kenrick and Elizabeth discover a growing regard for each other. However, misadventures, misunderstandings, and the machinations of Kenrick’s cousin and heir presumptive threaten the tenuous trust that has been building between them. Can their fledgling love survive when each is asked to believe the very worst about the other?

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Simple-Lady-Carolynn-Carey-ebook/dp/B011DGX3VW/

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25886979-a-simple-lady?ac=1&from_search=1#other_reviews

Vikki’s Musings

I have read several regency books by Carolynn Carey, and have enjoyed them, so when I saw she had published a new one, I immediately downloaded it through the Kindle Unlimited program. A Simple Lady sounded intriguing because while it is a traditional plot for a regency, it has a twist. I am not going to do a synopsis since the book description is very clear.

A Simple Lady starts out very well. I love the heroine from the start, and she pulled me into the story immediately. The pacing is excellent, especially in the first half of the book. When the hero is introduced, I did not expect to like him, but as the story unfolds I found him to be an excellent hero.

Elizabeth Ashford is the perfect heroine for a regency. She’s kind, considerate and has a heart of gold. With the situation with her parents, it’s astonishing she turned out so well. Thank goodness for the nurse and the neighbors! One thing about her character that didn’t sit well with me was her easy acceptance of what the cousin told her regarding her husband’s character. I would have liked her to question it a bit more, at least internally.

Jeremy, the Marquess of Kenrick, is a bit more complicated than initially meets the eye. He definitely has reason to mistrust women after what happened with his first wife. As the story unfolds, he proves to be honorable and caring. He wants to have affection for Elizabeth, but he allows his past to influence his attitude toward her. I would have liked him to not run so hot and cold with Elizabeth.

Now, I dearly loved several of the secondary characters. The little boy Billy is a sweetheart, and I loved her cat Apollo. I also liked Jeremy’s mother. Her determination to see her son’s marriage work is commendable. The cousin Gerald is a villain I can appreciate. I always love a story with an antagonist, determined to thwart the romance.

While the plot weakens a bit as it unfolds toward the end of the book, I enjoyed this well-written tale of love. If you are looking for a traditional regency with a sweet, naïve heroine, then you will enjoy A Simple Lady. Happy reading!