Review: One Night in London by Caroline Linden

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One Night in London
Series: The Truth About the Duke
Author: Caroline Linden
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


A bargain that was all business . . . and pure passion.

Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart.

Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance.

MY THOUGHTS

One Night In London is the first full novel in The Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden.  There is a short novella that is considered book #0.5 as well titled I Love the Earl, but I decided to read the full novels first.  The main characters in this book are Edward de Lacey and Francesca Gordon.

Let me first state that I really enjoyed this book.  While there were a few things at the end that bothered me, overall this was a great start to a new to me series.

While Edward’s father the Duke is on his death bed,  he asks for forgiveness from his sons.  Apparently, before he wed Edwards mother, he had married another young woman.  He has kept this a secret for years and now he is revealing it with his last dying breath.  Edward, along with his brothers Charles and Gerard, must form a search for this woman to clear their name and fight for the title to remain with them.  As Charles is the oldest, he has the most to lose including the title of Duke.  Unfortunately, Charles is a bit of player and really doesn’t want to deal with the work involved of finding this possibly deceased woman.  Gerard is furious and worries about the scandal along with being considered a possible bastard.  He is intent on finding this woman, along with someone who might possibly blackmail them, and is seeing red.  Edward is the middle ground man.  He wants to resolve this, but he also knows that he must do it the smart and legal way. After he hires a lawyer to help get everything straightened out, he is confronted by Francesca Gordon.  Edward has just stolen her last chance at claiming her niece through the works of that said lawyer.  They strike up a bargain to help each other.

At first I got the same feeling about Edward that Francesca did.  I felt he was cold, emotionless and stiff.  But after he meets Francesca and begins the bargain, he really came out of his shell.  He was passionate, cared for his family, and had a soft spot that I wanted to explore.  Francesca was a ball of fire who could give as good as she got.  I loved whenever she would stick up to Edward.  I also enjoyed her way to bring out the laughter in Edward. The scene at the art gallery where they renamed famous artwork was funny and the key turning point to their relationship.

The ending was the only problem I really had with this book.  It seemed to wrap up too easily and kind of seemed like a cop out for the author.  The way the problem with her niece is resolved seemed too easy and something that could have been fixed from the beginning if the two would have just talked.  I was also surprised with the way Edward was so determined to figure out the truth of the Duke’s previous marriage and save the reputation of his family then seemed to give up and hand the problem over to his brother.  I can understand it, but it seemed out of character for Edward.

If you are looking for a complete finished story line, it isn’t wrapped up by the end of this book.  It is part of a series, so future books will explore it more.  The conflict and resolution of the romance though is satisfying enough though that I will continue in the journey of The Truth About the Duke.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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: Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton

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Taking A Shot
Series: Play by Play #3
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

If you want to score, you have to get in the game… 

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty…

MY THOUGHTS

Taking A Shot is the third book in the Play by Play series by author Jaci Burton.  The main characters for this book are Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

Read one page then close the book. Swoon over the cover and imagine licking every drop off that cover models chest. Repeat.  Yep that is about how it went while I read this book.  Then I realized that if I ever wanted to enjoy the story I would have to actually read instead of drooling.

Jenna Riley is the youngest Riley child.  She is sister to the previous books characters, Mick and Gavin.  She is busy running the family owned sports bar after their father had a major heart attack.  While she enjoys her job at times, running a sports bar was never her dream.  After being surrounded by sports all of her life, the last thing she wants is to date anyone who is a sports fan.

Enter Ty Anderson.  We got to meet Ty in the second book in the series and I was glad to see him featured in Taking A Shot.  He is a pro hockey player and is attracted to Jenna.  He finds her piercings, tattoos and attitude sexy and wants to get know her better.  Unfortunately, since he is a pro hockey player, he gets shot down before he can even melt the ice around her heart.

I have to say that this was my least favorite book in the series even though I was anxious about Ty’s story.  I loved Ty and everything about him.  I think the main problem I had with this book was Jenna.  I wasn’t a fan of her.  What man isn’t going to at least like one sport? I am sure they are out there, but I have never met one single guy who hasn’t at least enjoyed on sort of sport — even if it is just one game a year.  I also didn’t like how she kept thinking she had to put her dreams on hold and run the Sports Bar.  She had good management in place and the means to open up a separate business of a music bar.  The hold up was thinking she had to give up everything just to do this.  I also didn’t like her being so back and forth with her feelings for Ty.

I will say this though–
Sex.
On ice.
Standing up.
On ice skates!

Whew! I wasn’t sure if the ice was going to break beneath them because that scene was HOT.  I still enjoyed the book as a whole, but I wish the main character of Jenna could have been better. Ty deserved more than what Jenna gave him.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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!