Review: Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

Genre: Historical Romance | Series: School for Heiresses

Publish: 4/6/13 | Pocket Star

Format: egalley | Requested via NetGalley

In "Ten Reasons to Stay," previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe’s lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees—on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)—from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home…or stay forever.

This novella was a very quick read for me.  I was able to read it in a couple of hours or so.  While this had a very promising plot, I thought the story was ok.  Maybe because it is a novella and the author had to shorten the storyline - it just didn't work for me.  I like my romance to be well developed and not a lust at first sight type of thing.  Normally, I shy away from novellas because of this reason.  However, I love Sabrina Jeffries' work so I decided to give this a shot.

The story starts of as the heroine, Eliza sneaks into the stables of Colin to "borrow" a horse in the middle of the night.  Of course, she is caught by Colin and so starts the steamy interrogation.  It ends a couple of days later with both h and H proclaiming their love for each other.

That last sentence really felt fake to me and felt very implausible.  I can imagine attraction but not proclamations of love, no matter the circumstance.

I gave this romance 3 hearts because of the hero and heroine.  I love the sparks that flew between the two.  The interaction between them was exciting, I thought.  I love Eliza's spunk.  Their interactions and come backs were very entertaining.  Without that, I would have put the book down.

I also love Colin.  He is trying to put the past behind him after his anger and hurt when his wife died.  And I could see that Eliza was the right woman to make him love again.  For a novella, this had a couple of steamy sex scenes.  I thought both were written very well.

Eliza's uncle is the villain.  Apparently, he owes a lot of money to a brewer who will not accept any payment other than Eliza's hand in marriage which is precisely the reason why she run away from her uncle.  I honestly thought this villain was weak.  I mean, in the end, the villain accepts his mistakes and promises to change his ways when Colin demanded that of him.  This was very, very disappointing.

Again, this brings me back to the romance which was pretty much unbelievable.  I recommend this novella to those who enjoy a quick read and a spunky heroine.

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Review: My Fair Mistress by Tracy Anne Warren

Genre: Historical Romance | Series: The Mistress Trilogy #1

Published: 11/30/07 | Ballantine Books

Format: ebook | purchased

 

He drives a hard bargain, but the pleasure is all hers.

London financier Rafe Pendragon has a reputation for ruthlessness, and exotic beauty Julianna Hawthorne is determined to clear the debt her brother owes him. Captivated by Rafe’s virile good looks, weakened by his intoxicating mix of danger and sensuality, Julianna boldly agrees to Rafe’s shocking terms: six months as his mistress. As Rafe’s intense green eyes pierce her body and set it afire, Julianna can only imagine what emotions his kiss may unleash.

Surrendering to the pleasures of seduction and carnal delight, Rafe never anticipated that love would be the cost of his bargain. When he realizes that a vindictive enemy may harm Julianna should their clandestine liaison be exposed, Rafe must choose between loving her and protecting her. To save his fair mistress, Rafe must risk what he has already lost: his heart.

This is perhaps one of my favorite books by Tracy Anne Warren.  In fact, I believe this was the first book that I have read from her and she has become one of my auto-buy authors ever since.  I have probably read this book about 5 times and I just love it.  It's like every time I read it, I get sucked into the romance between Rafe and Julianna.

The way Miss Warren weaves in romance, love and lust in the book is believable in a sense that as a reader, you would think that this kind of situation would really happen in reality.  I love how both characters grow in this story - most especially Julianna.  She starts off as a very proper, sort of insecure widow and becomes this independent and strong woman.  Although there is still a bit of damsel in distress in her, it is not as pronounced as other heroines I have read.  Her ultimate devastation when Rafe leaves her is typically a reaction and again very believable.  I can feel her anguish and to be honest, I always shed a tear when I get to this part no matter how many times I read it.

When they are forced to marry, I love how Miss Warren wrote in Julianna's initial reaction.  Julianna tries to show indifference to Rafe.  Of course, she still loves him but she does show how hurt she is from what he did.

I also love the hero, Rafe.  Personally, I love reading about "rags to riches" heroes and Rafe is one of them.  Rafe is also mentioned in other books (and I think other series) as one of the financiers that the gentlemen trust and use.  He starts of an uncaring, self-centered rogue.  Later in the story, you see him develop into a hero worthy of Julianna's love.  I love how Ms. Warren wrote in his back story, how we the readers are slowly introduced to why Rafe is as uncaring as he is and we get to understand the reason why he left Julianna.

All in all this is a very enjoyable read that I love to read again (and I have been re-reading it).  Perhaps when I have a chance, I would get a print copy of this book and perhaps have it signed by Miss Warren.

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Review: After the Abduction by Sabrina Jeffries

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Swanlea Spinsters #3

Publish Date: June 4, 2002 | Avon

Format: ebook | purchased
Buy: Amazon | B&N

After two London Seasons -- and a score of resoundingly dull society suitors -- lovely Juliet Laverick still longs for only one man: Morgan Pryce, the dashing scoundrel who kidnapped her two years ago. But her determination to bring him to justice hasn't waned, either -- not even when the man she, mistakes for Morgan, his twin brother Sebastian, tells her some shocking news: Her mysterious paramour has disappeared.

Sebastian, Lord Templemore, dares not admit that he's the one Juliet seeks -- that it is his kiss she still yearns for.  Confessing to her abduction would bring disaster and scandal upon them both. But how can he convince Juliet to forsake her pursuit of her dream lover -- when all he dreams of is holding her in his arms again?

I am currently reading Sabrina Jeffries' backlist.  I believe I started reading some of her backlist last year but I wasn't able to read any book from the Swanlea Spinster Series.  This book can be read as a stand alone however, there are mentions of the other sisters.  Unfortunately, this story picks up after Juliet gets abducted (hence the title After the Abduction, duh!) so we never get to read about how she was abducted but we do get an answer as to why.

As I have mentioned, the story starts about 2 years after Juliet Laverick gets abducted by Morgan Pryce.  Juliet, her brother-in-law Griff Knighton, and sister Rosalind (A Dangerous Love) are off to confront Morgan Pryce's brother Lord Templemore and demand to know where Morgan is so they can stop the rumors circulating around the ton that Juliet eloped with Morgan but was returned to her family, ruined.  Who were they to see at Charnwood (Lord Templemore's estate) but Morgan himself!  Apparently, Sebastian, Lord Templemore was masquerading as Morgan and was in fact the one who kidnapped Juliet!  Of course, Sebastian did not admit to it when Juliet recognized him.  So starts the sizzling cat-mouse game Juliet and Sebastian play as she tries to catch Sebastian in the act and make him admit that he is the one who abducted her.  When Sebastian admits to her and not to her family, Juliet leaves him and goes back to London.  Sebastian follows and proposes marriage again.  The book ends with Juliet and Sebastian marrying, Morgan returning to England, and Rosalind giving birth to a baby.

After the Abduction is a really great read.  Not one of the best by Ms. Jeffries but a great read.  Without reading A Notorious Love, which was the book where Juliet was abducted, I was able to follow the story.  I loved the tricks Juliet pulled to try to make Sebastian admit that he was Morgan, that he was the  one she fell in love with all those years ago.  Their banter was electric and I thought that they were perfect for each other.  Another thing that I loved about the story was when Juliet demanded that Sebastian come clean with her family about the abduction.  I thought this was realistic and fit with Juliet's family values.  This was also a great way for Sebastian to redeem himself and prove his love to her.

What I do not like about this story was not Juliet but Rosalind.  I thought she was irritating and just did not anything to the story.  I wanted to skip through all the parts where she was acting irritatingly crazy because she wasn't able to conceive.  I haven't read the first book and now, I am debating weather I will  read it.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Heat Level: 4

Review: Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

Reckless and wild, beautiful Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society - and will break any rule to flaunt her independence. And now she is determined to rescue her helpless sister from an upcoming, undesired marriage to Lord Alex Raiford, the arrogant Earl of Wolverton. Through fair means and foul, the headstrong hellion succeeds outrageously - but her handsome adversary is not to be outdone. A master gamesman, Lord Alex counter's Lily's scorn with kindness, and parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, sensous touch. For he has resolved to make the spirited miss pay dearly for her interference - with her body, her soul...and her stubborn, unyielding heart.

 

I read the Dreaming of You first and was intrigued by Lily Lawson. In the book Dreaming of You, she was portrayed as a respectable lady albeit with a dubious past.

In the first few chapters, I wasn't warming up to Lily as I should. I thought her antics (especially the one mentioned in the first chapter) were ridiculous. However, as the story progressed, I empathized with her. The hero, Alex Raiford, is not as dark as Derek Craven (who I absolutely love) however, I think he is the perfect match to Lily's headstrong character.

I enjoyed reading the love-hate relationship that Lily and Alex went through, and love their heated arguments and banters. I especially enjoyed reading about Lily getting away with tying Alex to her bed to keep him away from her sister AND the gamble at the end where Lily lost.

One thing that I would have wanted was a Prologue about Lily losing her daughter.

My Rating: 4

Heat Level: 4

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Review: How to Woo a Reluctant Lady by Sabrina Jeffries

The third novel in Sabrina Jeffries's “Hellions of Hallstead Hall” series, featuring the independent and talented Lady Minerva Sharpe.

When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.

Giles and Minerva is the perfect pair! The third book in the Hellions of Halstead Hall series is one if my favorites.
Miranda starts falling in love with Giles as a young child during her parent's death however, falls out of love when Giles gave her the set down in her teens. Because of this, Minerva started writing serials with Giles as the villain. Giles had to put a stop to it as she was starting to allude to Giles' undercover duties to the Crown. Although Minerva denies her feelings to Giles, she hasn't stopped loving him.

I loved the spark between the two protagonists. Their conversations/spats drew me in and made me love them more. Plus the sparks between the two was palpable. When they had their HEA, I gave sigh of happiness and I honestly did not want the story to end.

This book is a must read. Although this is a stand alone book, it is best read in order (The Truth about Lord Stoneville, A Hellion in Her Bed) to understand the mystery of the Sharpe's parents death.        

Rating: 5

Heat Level: 4

Review: Midnight's Wild Passion by Anna Campbell

London's most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge...

The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas's vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe's unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.

Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes . . .

 

At first, I did not like Antonia at all. Sure, I felt that she was acting appropriately when she said that she hated all rakes, ergo hating Lord Ranelaw however, there was just something about her that I just did not like. That is, until the end when I found out what she went through when she was disowned by her father.

I was a little surprized about what Antonia went through when she ran away with Johnny (the rake who broke her heart 10 years ago) and I was also puzzled why her brother didn't even bother to find her. I would have thought that a brother who was close to the sister would not take his father's word that his sister was dead without the body, right?

I didn't think that Lord Ranelaw was as tortured a hero as the others that I have read, but I empathized with him. There was just something about him that caught my attention and made me want to finish the book. I especially loved the part where Nicholas didn't even fight during the duel with Johnny.

 

My Rating: 4

Heat Level: 4

Review: Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

Nothing on earth can make this vampire fall in love . . .

After 499 years of existence, Connor Buchanan has arrived at an inescapable conclusion: he is a cold-hearted SOB. He's been watching his friends—those poor romantic fools—plummet off the cliff into love like a dazed herd of sheep. But not Connor. He knows that love leads to nothing but heartache.

Until Marielle . . .

She is an angel cast down from heaven for disobedience. Trapped in mortal form, she finds a protector in Connor, a Scottish vampire haunted by a dark past. Marielle hopes to heal his broken heart and earn her way back home, but suddenly she has these . . . feelings. This strange yet pleasant physical yearning—for a vampire! Is this the work of a demon luring her into hell, or has this angel found heavenly bliss?

This book is the first one that I read in the series and I am now reading the back list! I had heard a lot about the Love at Stake Series but as I am not that fond of Paranormal Romance, I decided to skip it. However, I met Kerrelyn Sparks at the RT Booklovers Book Fair in Los Angeles in April and I got a signed copy of this book just for the heck of it.

I started reading this when I got home and I could not put it down! I enjoyed the sparks that flew between Connor and Marielle! And just imagine my surprise when I read that Marielle was a Fallen Angel and she was falling in love with a Vampire!
I did cringe at some parts where I thought the curse words were inappropriate especially when they were said in front of Marielle. However, I guess I could excuse this because Connor is a vampire? *shrugs* I did like how the author weaved in a few positive spiritual elements all throughout the story however, I thought the sex scene between Connor and Marielle was a bit awkward or I just felt awkward reading that part. I guess I was just thinking how unlikely an Angel and a Vampire having sex is.

Another element that I love about this book is the way the previous characters were weaved into the story. I love reading about the other characters and now that I am reading the back list, I am appreciating this even more.

 

Rating: 4 Stars

Heat Level: 4

Review: Dreaming You by Lisa Kleypas

She stood at danger's threshold—then love beckoned her in.

In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Fielding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven—and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.

A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house—a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion... and the promise of love.

This is the first book of the series that I read and I loved it. It has to be one of the best Lisa Kleypas novels that I have read to date.

 

The premise is that Gothic author Sara Fielding, looking for more material for her next serial accidentally finds a man being attacked and saves him from certain death. This man is Derek Craven, a gambler turned business man/owner of an exclusive London club. And so starts their road to finding love.

 

I fell in love with Derek Craven the moment I met him. Course and gruff, he is the perfect tortured hero, in my opinion. Kleypas really made him up to be a “gentleman” despite his background and his attitude towards everyone. I thought the way he was resisting Sara saying that he was not good enough for the likes of her was romantic and this part made me like him more.  Growing up on the streets was not easy for him but he showed that he was a person worthy of Sara's love by his actions.

The heroine Sara is also a likeable character. Although headstrong, stubborn and naive, I thought she was the perfect pair for the tortured hero. Derek proved himself worthy of Sara’s love by not running after her right away and seducing her. Their one sexual encounter was not even his own doing! I liked the fact that he thought the person was someone else other than Sara, who was masquerading so she could attend a ball held at Craven’s.

Their love story was simple yet believable, especially since both of them are not from the aristocracy. The twist in the end was perfect, with Sara leaving and trying to marry her fiancé and realizing that she had changed and didn’t want to be in a marriage where she was under her fiancé’s mother.

Athough I've read this book countless of times, I still get caught up in Sara and Derek's love and at times, can't help but shed a tear or two.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about tortured heroes.

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