Review: The Way to a Duke’s Heart by Caroline Linden

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The Way to a Duke’s Heart
Series: The Truth About the Duke #3
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

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?

MY THOUGHTS

The Way to a Duke’s Heart is the third and final book in the Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  The main characters are Charles de Lacey and Tessa Neville.

Charles is the oldest brother and the last one to fall in love.  He is also the brother who is known for being a scoundrel and bedding women without a care.  He could really care less about the family business and has now been handed over the job of finding out the truth and the blackmailer.  If he wants to secure the title of Duke of Durham, he needs to find out who has been sending the blackmail letters and proof that their fathers secret is found to be over with.  During his investigation of all this, he stumbles upon Tessa Neville in a small town.  He overhears about a letter arriving for her in a hotel from the man he is looking for.  While he tries to figure things out — and if Tessa is involved in the blackmail scheme — he finds himself falling in love with the outspoken and at times blunt bewitching woman.

After being tricked by a man before, Tessa Neville has sworn off men.  She is intellectual and could care less about society and the gossip the other ladies thrive on.  She would rather be reading or combing through accounting books for her family than deciding which ball to attend and what color dress is in style.  She finds herself in a small town to look at an investment opportunity for her brother and to see if it is profitable to invest in it.  She has no idea why the His Grace Charles de Lacey is showing an interest in her and her companion, Mrs. Bates.  She considers him to be indolent and just another handsome face.  What she discovers though is a man who enjoys her company, her mind, and eventually her body.

While the previous book is still my favorite in the series, I have to say that this one gave it a run for the money.  Charles — or Charlie — was sweet, fun and an all around gentleman.  While he has indiscretions he is not proud of, he loves the challenge that is Tessa.  When his usual charms doesn’t work to catch her eye, he decides to approach her as just a fellow friend.  This friendship evolves into something more and Tessa is the one who can help him solve the mystery of the blackmailing scheme.

Each character in this series has been a delight to read about.  I enjoyed the suspense and mystery of who it could be that was spreading the rumors.  I loved the discovery of the blackmailer and the reasons behind it.  I also loved how the author’s voice sucked me into the courtship of each couple while not overpowering the reader with too much detail and narration.

If you haven’t started this wonderful series, you are truly missing out on the great journey.  Even though this book could be read as a stand alone novel,  I do recommend reading the series from the first book to get all of the details into the drama and mystery of the who-done-it.  Now if I can just convince the author to give Mrs. Bates a book!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Blame It on Bath by Caroline Linden

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Blame It on Bath
Series: The Truth About the Duke #2
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny?

Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order–just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he’s not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.

Katherine Howe’s first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she’s being pressured to marry her late husband’s heir, she’s desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she’s nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better–and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune–but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?

MY THOUGHTS

Blame It on Bath is the second novel in the Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  The main characters featured are Gerard de Lacey and Katherine Howe.

After finishing the last book in the series, I was a little curious about Gerard. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like reading about his journey.  He is the youngest of the bunch and he seemed a little hot headed.  I hoped the author would make him a little more interesting with some softer emotions shown to the reader in his book.

Holy. Freaking. HOTNESS.

Gerard de Lacey was one fine specimen who could be so dirty in the bed. Not only was the sexy scenes so much better in this book, but Gerard was swoon worthy.  He is faithful, dependable, sweet, and very sexy.  While he went into this marriage with Kate on the basis of an arrangement, he was completely changed by the end of the book.

While this book heavily focuses on Gerard and Kate exploring their marriage of convenience, the mystery of the blackmailer is still in question.  I wish there would have been a bit more focus on the mystery, I can’t say I am completely disappointed in getting some lovely romance between the two.

So far this is my favorite of the series.  While it is only book two, the author did a much better job in focusing on the romance in this book for the swoon factor.  I am looking forward to seeing how Charles will handle being the one left holding the bag in unearthing the blackmailer.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston

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What Happens in Scotland
Author: Jennifer McQuiston
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Lady Georgette Thorold has always been wary of marriage, so when she wakes up next to an attractive Scotsman with a wedding ring on her finger, it’s easy to understand why she panics and flees. Convinced that Georgette is a thief, her may-be husband, James McKenzie, searches for her. As both try to recall what happened that fateful night, they begin to realize that their attraction and desire for each other is undeniable. But is it enough?

Fans of Sarah MacLean and Mary Balogh will enjoy this utterly charming historical romance from award-winning author Jennifer McQuiston that features unforgettable characters and a satisfying mix of adventure and passion.

MY THOUGHTS

I picked this book up because someone on Twitter recommended it to me.  I was looking for a lighthearted and fun read that fell in the Historical Genre.  What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston fit this theme perfectly.  I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this book.  From the moment Georgette hits James with the chamber pot upside the head, all the way to where they are bickering about the money bag he has lost.  These two make for an interesting and fun couple.

When they both wake up next to each other in bed naked, neither one of them can remember what happened the night before.  Before they can talk about things, she hits him with the chamber pot and runs.  The room is trashed and everyone in town is giving her bits and pieces of info to fill in the blanks.  The same is happening with James.  He is trying to retrace his steps and find out what the heck happened.  Come to find out that they are legally married now. I knew from the beginning who was going to be behind it and what caused their memory relapse.  The bad guy definitely gets caught and receives his punishment as well.

Overall this was a light, fun, and quick read that will make you want to learn more about the couple and side characters.  I do hope that James brother William will get his own story as well.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

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Lover At Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Author: J.R. Ward

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.

MY THOUGHTS

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!! You have been warned!

Lover At Last is the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward.  The main characters are Qhuinn and Blaylock with previous characters in the series make appearance’s.

Holy. Freaking. HECK!  I would have cursed with that last statement, but I think I used all of them up in the course of reading this novel.  Instead of a basic review like I usually do, I am going to mix it up and discuss the different story lines that are featured in this book.

BLAY / QHUINN

I don’t even know where to start with these two characters.  After everything they have gone through, I knew we were still going to be dragged through the angst filled river before these two would hook up.  I laughed. I cried. I was frustrated with actions and words.  I was eager for the sexy times.  Qhuinn had some major sucking up to do (no pun intended) and can I say that this man can grovel. Blay even grew in this book for me.  His backbone and strength were in your face and I loved that he was so Alpha like in this book.  With that being said though, I still wanted to throttle Blay at times when he wouldn’t accept our emo Qhuinn and ‘get it on’ sooner!  Their sex was hot, but their ending to me was a little cheesy. I can’t decide if I am in love with that last line of the book or if I want to roll my eyes. I also keeping thinking about that lamp and the couch.

Even though there was no eye contact between them, Qhuinn felt compelled to say something.
“What’s…” He didn’t finish the “doing” part of the sentence.  Why bother?  The guy stalked past him like he wasn’t there.  “I’m great,” Qhuinn muttered as he resumed trudging through the ice pack. “Doin’ awesome, thanks for asking — oh, you having probs with Saxton?  Really?  How’d you like to go out and get a drink and talk about it? Yeah?  Perfect.  I’ll be your after-diner mint–“

“You are perfect the way you are.” Blay’s voice was strong. “There is nothing wrong with who and what you have always been.I’m proud of you. And I love you. Now… and always.”

LAYLA

The girl grew a spine people! I can honestly say that Layla has became a character I am thrilled to read about. Verily.
Before, I couldn’t stand her. Now she is one who deserves a happily ever after.  I really would love to see her with Xcor!  That car scene near the end of the book had me swooning.

“He was the father of my young, and he will be accorded all the rights and privileges of that station.”  “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep.  I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”

XCOR / BAND OF BASTARDS

I am begging and groveling that this male will be redeemed and get his HEA.  He is the bad guy that makes you feel so good.  Not only can he lead a bunch of bastards, but he can spout sweet words to his Chosen. Even if his book isn’t next –because it may be too soon for it — but I can still hope and pray it is soon. Plus I would love some more page time with Throe!

“You are in my dreams,” he murmured.  “Every day, you haunt me.  Your scent, your voice, your eyes…this mouth.”
“I cannae believe you let me touch you.”  His voice grew hoarse.  “I shall remember this for all my nights.”

TREZ / iAM

Many people haven’t been a huge supporter of this story.  I can agree when it comes to Trez.  That Shadow is just plain boring and selfish.  But I will jump up and say that I am all for learning more about iAm.  When that man finally cracked and made his first joke, I laughed and instantly wanted to read more of him.  He is trying to guide Trez and protect him at the same time. Please Ms.Ward, bring me more of him!

ASSAIL / SOLA (Marisol)

I am in the opposite camp as most people on this one as well.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Rhev, so it is no surprise that I wasn’t a big fan of Assail.  Yes he has some sex appeal and there is chemistry between him and Sola, but I have only a slight interest in their story.  Plus, does anyone else think that Benloise is the one who kidnapped her? I think Benloise has a deeper story in this one.

MISC

I really hope that Ward will bring us a story for Saxton and give Lassiter one as well.  Saxton really grew on me with this book and he deserves a male of worth as well. There is also some pining for a young by Beth in this book — especially with it playing a HUGE role in Xcor’s revenge plans.  I also loved how the previous brothers were included in this book.  While I wish they could have been featured just a wee bit more, I understand that they had their time in previous books.  This just gives me an excuse to reread them again.

Z’s voice was a surprise.  And so was the Brother’s arm shooting up and shoving Rhage to the side.
“Will you get off me!”
“But I’m giving you CPR–“
“I will die before kissing you Hollywood.” Z tried to sit up, his breathing heavy. “Don’t even think about it.”

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

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Changing the Game
Series: Play by Play #2
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren’t most people….

Win at any cost. That’s always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she’ll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She’s had a thing for this player’s moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin’s more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz’s way to see just how far she’s truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

MY THOUGHTS

Changing the Game by author Jaci Burton is the second book in the Play by Play series.  The main characters are Gavin and Liz (Elizabeth).

This author has been blessed by the Cover Gods above for this series.  Seriously, even if I wasn’t a fan of the plot or author, I would purchase this series just to drool over the covers. After each chapter I would flip the book closed just so I could enjoy the view of that fine male specimen.

I was a little scared about reading this story though.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Liz and her actions in the first book.  I didn’t know how the author was going to change my view of her and was a little hesitant on her starting a relationship with Gavin.  I understand that Liz made a mistake and tried to atone for her that big blunder, but I still couldn’t form an alliance with her.  Gavin was the player of the family.  He didn’t have a shortage of women before and he didn’t do relationships.  So when these characters entered into a relationship of sorts, I was curious to see how it would evolve.

Mick was a pain in the butt in this book.  I loved him in The Perfect Play, but this man can hold a grudge! Dang, there were times I wanted to slap that man silly and tell him to mind his own dang business.  I might have shouted at his attitude several times while reading this story and my family kept giving me funny looks.  I did enjoy how the author was able to redeem Liz though.  By the end I didn’t loathe her character as much as I did before reading Changing the Game.  Gavin was oh so sexy, but even though he was the main character of this book, I felt that Liz was the one who shined the most.

This series is one that keeps getting better with each new character.  We were introduced to future characters and plot lines for future books which makes the reader even more anxious to get their hands on the next book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!