It seemed Quinn, the now famous rock star drummer heroine, had returned to her old hometown where most people were singing the same almost decade old It seemed Quinn, the now famous rock star drummer heroine, had returned to her old hometown where most people were singing the same almost decade old song of resentment and pointing fingers of blame and accusations at her when they weren’t saints either. Geesh! The last nine years should have been a two way street, people.
Raise your hand if you think a heroine should dump or at the very least set straight, then stomp away furious, slamming the front door in the hero’s face for accusing her of bed hopping from his straight to another’s guys the same night. Just being jealous of another guy does not justify those hateful words “ever� in my book. Quinn cut Graham too much slack on several occasions, if you ask me. Being hurtful to her to protect himself wasn't a manly way to be.
I especially enjoyed Quinn’s posse of support from her rock band soulmates, including her manager. Their cameos added a lot infusing a sense of family and insight into the close companionship they share together. They had her back no matter what and showed up even when she didn't ask them to.
The author did a good job of dishing then airing out old hurts as much needed, belated time spent together started to heal old wounds. Up to the very end, this high school sweetheart main couple seemed ready to walk away again since they were still walking on different paths in life. I loved Nix’s take on why that didn’t have to be though.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Barely 18 Quinn left when her family and even Graham didn’t support her dreams. Less than a year, he got some random, college party girl pregnant, who left him the son to raise as a single dad. She fortunately didn’t make any cameos here. It took Quinn 3 years before she was intimate with someone because she wasn’t over Graham. So neither were celibate during their long separation. Neither had a serious relationship with others. (hide spoiler)]
(I voluntarily read and reviewed a library edition of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or any PR firm.) ...more
Wynter, the ice king hero, has a lethal glacial stare and equally killer hands, if he so chooses that is. Yeah, he can chill you to the bone permanentWynter, the ice king hero, has a lethal glacial stare and equally killer hands, if he so chooses that is. Yeah, he can chill you to the bone permanently. His own heart seems equally frozen after suffering betrayal and loss at the hands of the heroine’s family. His revenge takes on a new level by demanding to marry one of his enemy’s daughters. Honestly though, his actions over the last three years to bring Khamsin’s clan to its knees on a very wide scale, without regard to the innocent caught in his crosshairs, bothered me. He obviously doesn’t understand the concept of two wrongs don’t make a right.
Wynter’s paranormal ability comes at a price, which he knew going into it. He was considered a good guy but definitely could come across as a heartless, hard-headed knucklehead. Looking back, his hands off approach after marrying Khamsin and trying to have minimum contact with her, except for nightly visits to her chamber so he could have an heir, didn’t make him a doting husband. In fact, the opposite. He was quick to let others keep him suspicious of her. I guess we were just supposed to be content he wanted to be with her most of the time but denied himself that luxury.
My favorite part was Khamsin’s character. For the most part, she’s strong and exceptionally resilient, but at times she did have her breakdown and weeping moments. I could hardly blame her though. However, I didn’t like how she just accepted the hero ignoring her for long stretches of time and seldom held him accountable for it, especially considering her past of isolation and neglect. Her gift of summoning storms and lightning was super cool. I just wish she was more of a master at it and could zap everyone who was mean to her. She took a lot on the chin, folks.
The writing flowed, and I definitely stayed engaged until near the end, when the wrap up of this nearly 600 page book felt rather drawn out and overly complicated with subplots and side characters. I wanted it to stay more focused on the main couple’s relationship. But, hey, maybe that is just my personal preference at play here.
Having read book 2, The Sea King, first, I can attest this is a connected stand-alone series that can be read out of order. Dilys, The Sea King, is briefly introduced at the end of book 1. As of yet, I do not know which of the season sisters will be featured in the next book, The Jaguar King.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Wynter is intrigued/entranced by Khamsin at his first glimpse of her, though he is determined to marry any of these sisters to achieve his goal. He can’t get her out of his mind, despite only assuming she is a servant. He does find all the sisters attractive. He has been celibate for 3 years, since being betrayed by his fiancee. She’s a virgin, of course. Seeing first hand the abuse she has suffered, he starts to admire her courage/strength. There is another woman who wants him/causes trouble. He’s slow to realize the heroine is right about the OW. He stubbornly tries to convince himself not to fall in love with the heroine and thinks avoiding her is the best way. Even says hurtful things at times. (hide spoiler)]
Title: The Winter King, Series: Weathermages of Mystral (Book 1), Author: C.L. Wilson, Pages: 595, paranormal elements, storm brewing heroine, freeze making hero king, abusive father scenes, some violence, heroine is beaten, some very steamy scenes, life-threatening situations, not with other people after meeting.
Book 1 - The Winter King (Khamsin and Wynter) Book 2 - The Sea King (Autumn and Dilys) /review/show... Book 3 - The Jaguar King - Details not available yet
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not an ARC review.)
This reluctant/afraid to love hero could really try your patience, folks. He seemed to be dead set on not changing his bachelor ways due to blaming hiThis reluctant/afraid to love hero could really try your patience, folks. He seemed to be dead set on not changing his bachelor ways due to blaming himself over a tragic loss. He even invited an OW back to his place to try to get over his attraction to the heroine, when hours earlier he'd been kissing her senseless. Fortunately, the OW didn't make it through his front door. He had already got cold feet about doing this right before he had another cold incentive to stop him in his tracks. He was hurtful at times to the heroine, to push her away, and didn't grovel nearly enough at the end. What kept me reading is I do so love to see a knucklehead hero come to his senses and realize he's just lost the most important thing he's ever had...true love. He was a caring, good guy beneath his self-imposed idiotic thinking he didn't deserve happiness.
I did enjoy seeing this main couple start forming a family bond with his two young charges. The heroine pretty much saves him from himself.
As always, I tend to really like this author's writing style.
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not a detailed ARC review.)...more
**spoiler alert** Desperate times calls for desperate measures is what drove Reyna, the heroine, to sign up to be at the beck and call of Beckham, the**spoiler alert** Desperate times calls for desperate measures is what drove Reyna, the heroine, to sign up to be at the beck and call of Beckham, the hero. He’s a tall, dark, handsome, top of the heap vampire executive who works for a company that matches vamps to highly compensated humans who are paid to be available anytime/anywhere their blood is desired.
Naturally, many humans view this with disgust and animosity as vampires seemed to have wormed their way into dominating over the human race, after the economy conveniently collapsed and most people are struggling to barely survive.
With a Tale of Two Cities type backdrop, Reyna starts to realize there’s a whole lot more going on than she ever imagined. Beckham himself becomes a mystery as he seems possessive but aloof with her all at the same time. Never requiring her for the service he pays her extravagantly for just adds to the mystery.
I was pulled in hook, line, and sinker, folks. Unfortunately, the author did add some elements I do not particularly care for in my romantic reads. There is another woman named Penelope that has obvious ongoing history with Beckham. An explanation is given later, but I still didn’t like it. I'll leave it at that, folks, since I may say too much. Just know as an avid romantic at heart, I'm not a fan of anyone coming between the main couple. In fact, there were a couple times I was downright furious about this aspect. Here's to hoping this implied but unaccounted time spent with the other woman is fully explained, and not as it appears here, in the next book. I'm clinging to the hope it was just a pretend relationship.
Beckham’s big bad secret didn’t come as too much of a surprise to me. I mostly started to suspect and guess what was going to happens towards the end, as the author dropped some clues if you paid attention.
What surprised me was the graphic OTT, out of the blue, sex club scene that felt like witnessing sexual assault on a stage. Sure, it made the vamps come across as sex deviants, but I also didn’t need another play by Penny to appear she was Beckham's girl, especially since Beckham wasn't keeping his hands off Reyna moments earlier.
If you are into this genre and don’t mind other woman drama, you might want to check into this series. The writing flows and stays engaging, though little happens for some time. I’m sorry to say it looks like the author has decided to take three books instead of one to wrap up the story line. Based on the titles alone, it gives a good glimpse of what the main theme will be in each one. I am curious to see how it all turns out. I've got a feeling humans are going to join forces with unexpected allies to put a stop to being forced to be at the mercy and so subservient to vampires by the final conclusion.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ On more than one occasion, Reyna finds out Beckham has been going to events, etc., with Penny, instead of taking her. She learns they have been an item for some time, and he obviously is feeding off Penny instead of Reyna. They seem to be a couple in public, despite Reyna’s presence. There is a sex club scene where Beckham’s getting smexy with his hands under the table with Reyna. In walks Penny and she flops down in his lap and he’s all about Penny...feeding off her, which is humiliating to Reyna. One of the dastardly vamps tries to rape Reyna when she runs off. An ex-boyfriend of her tries to assault her twice, as well. (hide spoiler)]
Title: Blood Type, Series: Blood Type (Book 1), Author: K.A. Linde, Pages: 290, vampire paranormal, ends in a cliffhanger, heroine is human, vampire hero, graphic sex club scene, attempted rape, OW drama, heroine feels rejected/humiliated, not romance safe (not sure what this hero has been up to), hurtful/callous at times hero. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 - Blood Type Book 2 - Blood Match Book 3 - Blood Cure
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)...more
Mariana Zapata is one of my favorite authors, folks. Known for her lengthy, slow burn, enemies to lovers, relationship angst romantic tales, “From LukMariana Zapata is one of my favorite authors, folks. Known for her lengthy, slow burn, enemies to lovers, relationship angst romantic tales, “From Lukov With Love� fits into those categories perfectly. Sucking us in and twisting our emotions all over the place is another trait this author never fails to do, as well. Once I start one of her books, I simply cannot put it down.
This one starts off mostly with this feisty but insecure at heart heroine’s internal monologue taking center stage as we get to know her, her family, and are given glimpses behind the past animosity between this competitive figure skating main couple. At first, I kind of understood why she had a somewhat unlikable reputation, based on the crass name calling/empty threat barbs that pops out of her mouth, even when joking with her family good naturedly. I chalked it up to the author possibly trying a tad too hard in establishing her as feisty. We soon learn she seemed to be cursed with bad luck/timing in regards to how others perceived her. Not surprisingly, I was drawn into Jasmine’s character as more of her was revealed and wanted her to finally accomplish her dreams.
As I got to know the hero, I started to think maybe he was the complete jerk Jasmine thought him to be. One particular flashback that had her injured on the ice and his response had me shaking my head in dismay. (view spoiler)[ She had fallen while practicing and was obviously hurt and the hero skated up to her sticking his hand out to help her up, then immediately pulled his hand away just as she was going to grasp it. He then said something snarky and skated off, leaving her in pain. (hide spoiler)] We find out later things were not as they appeared, at least for one of them. For me, however, I had a hard time forgetting that flashback. Forget the skating judges scoring his performance, his man card took a big hit with me over that callous move. Yeah, he grew on me, but once again the author possibly went a tad to extreme in reversing character development. (view spoiler)[ Lukov lives alone with a house full of animals: two dogs, a big bunny, even a pet pig that he takes for daily walks at his home situated on several, secluded acres. I think there might have even been more animals than that. It portrayed him as someone who takes on projects/animals that no one else wants. (hide spoiler)] This obviously completely reverses the selfish jerk opinion one might have had of him, because how can anyone dislike someone that caring. He also becomes very protective of her when he learns about something disturbing that has been happening to her for quite some time. I'm completely baffled why she wasn't taking it more seriously. Not doing so made her appear rather stupid and naive.
For well-honed, disciplined athletes, they both could come came across as childish in regards to how easily they responded to the smallest of criticism or what they perceived as slights from each other. It will be up to you if you buy into the big reveal at the end that may or may not make it all worth it.
Admittedly, maybe I’m being nitpicky about the name calling. Glaring glances would have sufficed for me. If you’ve read this author before, you won’t be surprised to have to wait until near the very end for a steamy scene. On a final note, this is told from the heroine’s point of view only. You are given a sweet epilogue there, as well, for those of you who like a glimpse into a main couple’s future raising children.
Title: From Lukov With Love, Author: Mariana Zapata, Pages: 493, stand-alone, enemies to lovers, figure skating main couple, slow burn, heroine’s POV only, not intimate until the very end, surprising reveal at the end.
(These comments are based on Kindle Unlimited version. This is not an ARC review.)...more
Having read book 6, Never Kiss a Highlander, I can see this author still tends to take a very leisurely pace when telling a romantic tale. There is quHaving read book 6, Never Kiss a Highlander, I can see this author still tends to take a very leisurely pace when telling a romantic tale. There is quite a bit of time spent on several different types of commentary (from the scenery, to the heroine’s first impression/introduction to the hero’s family castle/inhabitants, to drawing lessons, to sub-characters gossiping/trying to intervene/get the main couple to become a romantic couple, even details about the building of bookshelves). It will be up to you to decide if you feel it adds to the story line or makes it feel overly drawn out.
Be prepared to see the spotlight also shared with others (i.e., Maegan/Seamus), which was another sub-romantic plot in and of itself. I did love how Seamus had fallen for this sweet side character, who clearly needed to get over a McTiernay lad she had not seen in three years.
I must confess I stopped reading at 33%, out of frustration and boredom, but was glad I continued as Conan and Mhairi, the main couple, started to become the main focus. With Conan convinced he would not be swayed into taking a wife and refusal to deviate one step from his mapping career plans, I at times found myself wishing he would just pack up and leave and find out the hard way how miserable he was going to be without her. I did enjoy seeing her go toe to toe/nose to nose with him as they tried to prove their points and didn’t want to back down.
It is assumed Conan is a good guy at heart, but he sure had some knucklehead moments and lashed out with some hurtful words/actions, aimed at pushing Mhairi away, even after eventually being intimate with her. No, it doesn’t sit well with this avid romantic at heart to see the hero actively avoiding the heroine, leaving her to fight for their future happiness/prove they would make a great couple, especially after her declarations of affection. Sure, she proved she had grit, determination, survival skills, but more than once I wanted her to tell him off and make him beg for her attention. It did help to see him at one point scared out of his mind when he thought she had come to harm and may have disappeared from his life forever.
With an epilogue that seemed to meander, I was quite shocked it wrapped up with such a violent, brutal ending involving a somewhat central character. It obviously set the stage for the next sequel for a character up to this point had not even been introduced. I was just surprised of the finality of the heartbreak/ramifications now to come.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ It is implied hero has a Romeo type reputation. But he mostly just kissed OW but had slept in the past with a couple of widows (who knew he would never commit to them.) Heroine was a virgin. She did kiss two OM to see how it would feel. One shortly after her first kiss with Conan, which was her first kiss ever. The other after the hero made it clear he would never choose to be with her forever/and this guy found her beautiful/desirable. It was a brief kiss which she ended. Conan saw it and got in a fist fight with the guy. I did not like how Conan avoided her after having sex with her. There was no mention of concern/possibility of her becoming pregnant. (hide spoiler)]
Title: The Most Eligible Highlander in Scotland, Series: The McTiernays (Book 7), Author: Michele Sinclair, Pages: 400, stand-alone but part of a series, determined not to wed hero, sassy heroine, hurtful at times hero, some eventual very graphic steamy scenes, finally comes to his senses, slow paced writing.
(I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.) ...more
I just couldn’t take it any longer, my fellow romance book loving friends. I pushed my long ARC reading list aside and finally delved into a library eI just couldn’t take it any longer, my fellow romance book loving friends. I pushed my long ARC reading list aside and finally delved into a library edition of The Duchess Deal, a 2017 GoodReads Choice Awards nominee. So I’m here now just to post a few very brief comments to officially chalk this one up as a rare 5 star read for me.
Emma, the heroine, really made this story for me. She was sassy, quick to give as good as she got, saw straight into the soul of this reclusive, scarred hero, and won over this duke’s stubborn, reluctant, afraid to love heart.
You could definitely say Ash, the hero, got a whole lot more than he bargained for when he proposed this marriage of convenience arrangement. Naturally, after reading the synopsis, I was expecting his standoffish behavior and attempts to keep Emma at arms length. What surprised me was his own hidden sense of humor that peeked through in off the cuff comments, back and forth banter, and inner monologues.
I can clearly see why this book was nominated. Here’s to hoping you’ll end up enjoying it as much as I did.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Though he said hurtful things at times in order to try to keep Emma out of his heart, he was pretty much bowled over by her sassiness and beauty right from the get go. He insists for some time he only wants a male heir from her then will send her to live out in the country at the home he grew up in, where he will not visit, as soon as she is pregnant. No cheating, no love triangle. There is brief talk about one OM who broke Emma’s heart and pretty much ruined her life, but he does not make a cameo. Ash’s mean ex-fiance is mentioned and she does briefly try to cause trouble. (hide spoiler)]
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not a detailed advanced reader copy review.) ...more
**spoiler alert** The relationship between Ruby and Neco, the main couple, was one complicated, hot mess, folks. It started in their childhood and mor**spoiler alert** The relationship between Ruby and Neco, the main couple, was one complicated, hot mess, folks. It started in their childhood and morphed into a direction that many may label toxic, yet they admit to always having loved each other. Some may feel to have survived all the personal drama, insecurities, heart ache, misguided hurtful actions, and perilous situations made for an even more dramatic and well deserved HEA. I guess it all depends if you are a half-full, half-empty glass kind of person, and your personal code of conduct requirements/limitations for main characters.
This broken rebel had a cause. To take care of Ruby. It seems it has been his life mission since they first met as neighborhood kids from hard luck backgrounds. Unfortunately, this handsome, knuckle head, former mob muscle turned mostly legit manho’s misguided good intentions on how to do that were questionable to say the least and often backfired. In fact, how he initially pushed Ruby away when she was 16 was downright cruel and unforgivable. There are at least two smexy scenes involving OW that will likely make you question this guy's game plan.
Make no mistake, Ruby put up with a lot in her life. Evil abusive stepmom, Neco’s need to not return the love she had for him, then the drama that nearly gets her killed. Yeah, that backdrop plot was creative but, honestly, when you put all the pieces together, it was all rather bizarre. But I guess crazy is as crazy does. The culprits definitely were just that, plum crazy and devious to boot. Thank goodness, Neco’s posse of compadres were well equipped to deal with it.
Through it all, Ruby’s love for Neco seemed to never fully be extinguished, even when she tried to convince herself to completely give up on him. I did enjoy seeing her turn feisty and determined to learn how to defend herself. Despite Neco’s attempts to keep her out of his head and heart, he likewise always still wanted her. Avid romantics at heart, however, won’t be overly fond of “how� he kept her at bay over the years. Once it was clear Ruby was in real danger, the blinders came off and Neco finally knew it was time to stop living in the land of denial and claim her as his.
The author did keep me fully engaged, and I would love to see the other secretly dealing with demons of their own sub-characters get a HEA of their own. These good guy heroes each have a past you just know is about to catch up with them in the form of a leading lady love. This book is a hard one for me to rate, since I had some serious hero issues, but dang the author had my emotions all over the place. I have to give her extra credit for that. She also has me wanting to read more about the sub-characters, as well.
There are some brutal/violent scenes in this storyline, including an attempted rape and an actual one. So brace yourself for that along with a hero who finally comes to his senses and embraces what has always been right in front of him all along...Ruby.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Neco at one point goes to a strip club with some of his fellow co-workers regarding a case they are working on. He goes to a private room with a stripper he has been with before. They come graphically close to her giving him a BJ. This was right after an argument with Ruby, before they were a couple but had feelings for each other. He was going to do it to get Ruby off his mind. When Ruby was 16, he also deliberately had sex with another girl so she would see it and think he was no good for her. He was a major manho for years. There is a disturbing flashback of Ruby being raped when she was very drunk and an earlier attempted rape when she was a teenager. (hide spoiler)]
Title: Broken Rebel, Series: Lawless Kings (Book 2), Author: Sherilee Gray, Pages: 286, stand-alone but part of a series, tragic pasts, very steamy scenes, lots of arguing, lots of relationship angst, no love triangle, not romance safe, always loved each other, afraid to love hero, some violence/rape, not a couple until closer to the end. Rating: 3 stars
Book 1 - Shattered King (Lulu & Hunter), Pages: 320, 6/27/17 /book/show/3... Book 2 - Broken Rebel (Ruby & Neco), Pages: 286, 10/10/17
(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)...more
**spoiler alert** The time in between releases of Kristen Ashley’s romantic tales is pure torture for this avid KA fan. Especially when a new series g**spoiler alert** The time in between releases of Kristen Ashley’s romantic tales is pure torture for this avid KA fan. Especially when a new series gets in the way of the book I really want and travels down a path I prefer not to venture. Yeah, I’m talking about the Honey series. That concept of stripping alpha males down to complacent, submissive sex toys just wasn’t my cup of tea, no matter how you try to sweeten it. For me it was particularly frustrating because I’ve been waiting patiently for years to finally get Woody and Maggie’s story (the next sequel of the Colorado Man series), which we were promised eons ago but was pushed aside for the Honey series and now this new book stars an obscure character that obviously didn’t register high enough on my alpha male radar when he popped up in other books for me to remember who he even was. But, hey, I’m partial to deputy sheriff romances, so I was still more than happy to take a chance on this one.
In my opinion, Cady, the heroine, came across as plum crazy, naive, and irresponsible in the “early years� flashbacks. Slamming her parents for setting their standards too high for her (when they wanted to help her go to college) at the same time we were supposed to be impressed she labored long hours at a convenience store and had big plans of making something of herself one day via that route. Well, that was just crazy. Step #1 of her life plan should have been listening to her parents. Her poor choice of “let’s party all the time� druggy friends, pretty much confirms that notion, as well.
In the “present day� she seems to have grown up, was loyal, deserved to be happy for the sacrifices she made for the people who took her in 18 years ago after Coert cut her to shreds with his lies and deception. But she continued to make poor choices in regards to him. I guess you could say she proved a point. Though she was now very wealthy, all the money in the world doesn’t buy you good judgement.
Coert couldn’t see the forest for the trees, folks. He supposedly cared about Cady but used her/put her in harm’s way/walked away, then came back to find she had grabbed onto a lifeline someone else threw her almost immediately afterwards. Granted it was a very strange one, and I had issues with it. From then on, Coert constantly spewed hate and pointed the finger and blame at her for pretty much everything. It wasn’t until around 40% a switch was flipped, and he started feeling remorseful. Well, I never completely forgave him, folks. He’s going down as one of my least favorite KA leading men.
Cady continues to not use the best judgement when she still decides to take a chance on Coert and tell him she still cares for him, even after he makes her feel she isn’t worthy to breath the same air as him. In fact, he previously yelled/humiliated her in public and even went to her home to further rant/rave about what an awful person she was.
How does he respond to her “let’s give us another chance?� Once again he makes it out like he’s the victim, and he’ll get back to her when he is good and ready. Then after a scene where he said he definitely would reach out after it was handled, he deliberately ignores her. Tells her maybe in a couple of months he’ll be ready to talk to her. But he makes time for his baby mama and starts spending time with her and their daughter, in an effort to be a better daddy.
Cady often seems to be apologizing for Coert’s hurtful actions. I guess you could say the name fits here. The time in between Cady running with the wrong crowd and getting caught up in the aftermath of those losers and Coert’s deception. Then Coert being a jerk...then becoming an even bigger one...until he suddenly realizes he is a jerk...and we are just supposed to forgive and forget how he’s treated her.
Even with all my Coert issues, I am astounded how the writing itself didn’t hold up to my expectations. I’m used to hanging on every word of a KA read, but I fast-forwarded through a large portion, especially once they became a couple. Lots of numerous VERY graphically smexy scenes hijacked the story then basically nothing else major happened. Cady’s brother drama just felt thrown in to tie up a loose end. Cady’s large posse of adopted family members were great, but I found their lusty comments about Coert and Cady lewd and inappropriate at times.
At the end of the day, I’d summarize this up by saying it felt like a hodge podge of Soaring (coming back to make things right)...The Will (using an inheritance to restore a town icon)...Wild Man (similar to Brock, the hero), which altogether made it feel less original.
(These comments are based on a purchased copy. This is not an advanced reader copy review.) ...more
According to the publishing information listed at the front of this book, this version of The Scotsman by Virginia Brown is a re-release from a 1998 pAccording to the publishing information listed at the front of this book, this version of The Scotsman by Virginia Brown is a re-release from a 1998 publication. So check your shelves and your memory banks, folks, because if you are a fan of this author, you might already own it.
With that said, it’s a classic, plain and simple, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. With its old school Scotland vs England/Montague vs Capulet type story line, authentic dialect, detailed references to battles/allegiances/alliances and the never ending back and forth carnage resulting from the inevitable fallout of adversaries fighting in retaliation in support of their king, this author captured the feel for this era along with a main couple caught in the middle of it all. Yes, that would include Catherine, a feisty damsel in distress being held for ransom but desperate to be free of her cold-hearted warrior father, and Alex, a hero who is determined not to let his heart get involved in what must be done (ransom her in exchange for his brother and a fellow soldier).
Don’t get me wrong. I had quite a few bones to pick with Alex. He didn’t exactly come across as a Romeo Montague, folks. In fact, he stubbornly refused he felt anything but lust for Catherine, the heroine, throughout most of the book. Eventually taking her for his own, while she was being held captive, but knowing he would hand her over in a heartbeat in exchange for his demands didn’t put him high on my hero totem pole list. I’m still thinking he should have kept his hands and lips to himself until he was willing to throw his heart into the mix. I also didn’t feel it was necessary to include the baby mamma dramas (yes, its plural). However, that likely was a common occurrence back then.
Descriptive writing effectively visually drew me in the storyline. Though I was frustrated at the pace of these two knuckleheads admitting their feelings, you can’t help but feel sorry for the fact each one of them felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.
For someone who stays focused on romance, it did start to feel overly long. I must admit by the end I was more than ready for things to be wrapped up. Though there was enough drama and intrigue to keep me engaged enough to want to stick around and see them get their HEA.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Alex had fathered two separate children from two different women in the village. They openly were accepted as his and he provided support for them, yet he married neither one and they later married using the coin he provided them as dowries to attract husbands. The heroine was a virgin, btw. It isn’t until near the end Alex starts to acknowledge he loves the heroine. He started sleeping with her due to lust, not love. She did so willingly because she no longer wanted her father to try and use her as a bargaining chip. (hide spoiler)]
Title: The Scotsman, Author: Virginia Brown, Pages: 299, 1st released in 1998, new to me author, stand-alone, dialect takes a little getting used to, enemies to lovers, VERY graphic steamy scenes, lust to love, some violence, one attempted rape scene. Rating: 3.5 stars
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. There was no compensation provided to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.) ...more
Samantha Young’s “On Dublin Street� series ranks near the top of my all-time favorite romantic reads. In each one we get a great stand-alone romance fSamantha Young’s “On Dublin Street� series ranks near the top of my all-time favorite romantic reads. In each one we get a great stand-alone romance featuring believable, intriguing sub-characters and a main couple you love spending time with and root for their HEA.
To say ”Play On�, book 1 of Ms. Young’s similar new series, took me by surprise would be an understatement. Regarding romances, I certainly got more than I bargained for. You see, I had not planned on witnessing firsthand Nora, the 18 year old heroine, falling for someone other than Aidan, the hero, who I can’t help but feel rivaled him in the good guy category.
What can I say about Jim, the sub-character love interest, other than he loved Nora to the moon and back. He was a forever kind of guy and Nora was pretty much it for him the moment he first saw her. For better or worse, richer or poorer, until death do them part were marital vows this handsome, young adult, Scottish brogue speaking, blue collar working man took verra seriously. Sure, we are lead to believe he loved her to the point he feared losing her, which ultimately caused some relationship issues. Even when things became rocky between them, he was determined to love her enough for the both of them. Maybe I shouldn't, but I couldn't help but absolutely love that about him. Even at his worst, he seemed like an angel compared to Aiden’s at times angry antics. The nail in their coffin though was when one of them decided things needed to change. Fate stepped in and did just that in a very drastic way, folks.
Aidan was wealthy, successful, rubbed elbows with the rich/famous, and loved his 10 year old niece more than anything. After the death of his sister, he stepped in and took over as her guardian. Nora seems to bond instantly with these two but when one of them has a knucklehead moment a misunderstanding coupled with a predictable betrayal does a number on their budding romance.
Broken hearted, Nora strives to become the strong, self-reliant woman she’s always wanted to be. Aidan’s unexpected reappearance 1.5 years later presents another whole drama in itself. The new Nora ends up facing off with an unrecognizable antagonist Aidan.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, this story unfolds like a play divided into three separate acts. You definitely feel like you get Nora’s entire life story here. Aidan’s good guy image takes a hit with his hateful, childish behavior, but fortunately it morphs into a remorseful, groveling hero.
If you are up for lots of relationship angst, up close and personal/graphic smexy Jimmy moments, and a sweet, turned hateful, turned sweet again hero, you might want to consider this in-depth romantic tale. Though some of the character conduct did not always set well with me, Ms. Young’s writing style keeps me fully engaging and reading until the very end. She's the type of author I can never say no to, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Nora falls for a sweet guy named Jim and gets married at 18. They are married 3 years when she realizes she doesn’t love him like she should and thinks he deserves a woman who loves him as much as he loves her. She briefly meets the hero while still married and is immediately attracted to him. They don’t meet again until after Jim is no longer in the picture. There is a predictable jealous OW scenario and a long separation. Aidan comes back and makes Nora’s life miserable. He even parades a beautiful other woman he likely slept with during their separation in front of her. Their first intimate encounter is hateful/angry sex, because Aidan still believes a lie. It is implied he dated/was with several OW during the separation, while Nora has only been with Jim. (hide spoiler)]
Title: Play On, Series: Play On (Book 1), Author: Samantha Young, Pages: 426, release date: 9/12/17, stand-alone but part of a series, 12 year older hero, young adult heroine, implied he was not celibate during separation, lots of angst, hand-wringing heroine who feels guilty, didn’t fight to keep his girl, both walked away too easily, scottish brogue, was married before.
(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via the author in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher.)...more
This is your classic “She’s loved him from afar for years, but he’s never noticed her, yet they miraculously end up in a love/hate complicated hot mesThis is your classic “She’s loved him from afar for years, but he’s never noticed her, yet they miraculously end up in a love/hate complicated hot mess� type storyline. Oh, it is always a punch to this avid romantic at heart’s heart when a heroine decides to lower herself to try to lure the hero into falling in love with her, despite his obvious intention to reluctantly throw in the towel of bachelorhood and ask another woman to be his dreaded, lawfully wedded wife. Yeah, this leading man likens being married to a hangman’s noose, folks.
It is a double punch as Hart reflects back on his first kiss with Meg when he mistook her for someone else. Added to her misery is the the author choosing to turn Meg into such a nervous Nellie she gets the hiccups when he approaches her for a dance the first time at a ball. This sweet but supposedly proud, silly heroine deserved better. She should have listened to the advice of her best friend, the hero’s sister, to give up on him because he would only end up breaking her heart.
I did enjoy Lucy the Duchess� flamboyant character, as she attempted to help Meg get her man. It was also nice to see Hart start to see all the good qualities about Meg, until he decided to hate her instead. Yes, my fellow romance book loving friends, he treats her despicably, humiliates her to the point once again I wanted better for her.
Even though I’m a lover of relationship angst, I wasn’t overly fond of this particular couple’s decision making/actions at times. I wanted Meg to grow a backbone much sooner than she finally did. It is implied Hart has a heart underneath all that self-absorbed, self-centeredness, but I didn’t always feel it. It was also painful to watch Meg keep putting her heart out there to get stomped on by him repeatedly. At least towards the end she put up some walls around her emotions to try to protect herself.
With a rather predictable and somewhat cheesey love confessions at the very end, at least things do wrap up the right kind of way...in a HEA.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Awhile back the hero kissed the heroine thinking she was his current lover, a widow everyone in London was panting after that he was having an affair with, who Meg later finds him alone/flirting with at a house party. He was almost tricked into a compromising situation/marriage before and mistakenly thinks Meg also did it to him. Another man was interested in Meg previously, btw. During a smexy moment when she was servicing him with her mouth, he mentally thought she was better than the whores he has been with. Rather ruins the mood, IMHO. (hide spoiler)]
The Right Kind of Rogue, Series: Playful Brides (Book 8), Author: Valerie Bowman, Pages: 305, stand-alone but part of a series, some very steamy scenes, hurtful/self-absorbed hero, always loved him heroine, lots of relationship angst, feels tricked & trapped.
(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Adversaries at first sight to a passionate, steamy kiss near 50%, Annabel and Theo go from wanting the other long gone to, well, longing for each otheAdversaries at first sight to a passionate, steamy kiss near 50%, Annabel and Theo go from wanting the other long gone to, well, longing for each other to stay. Theo wants the reclusiveness, peace and quiet of the medieval castle his new, unexpected inheritance has just handed him, and Annabel wants to hold onto the only feeling of home she’s ever known. Throw in an unexpected life and death situation for a loved one, and we’ve got these two unlikely soul mates working together for a common cause.
Theo, the wounded warrior/hardened heart on the outside, but teddy bear heart on the inside, does seem to protest too much when it comes to Annabel. You see, he seems resolved at first to be completely rid of her, only to find her own steely resolve and his reluctant growing attraction for her getting in the way.
When some white lies with a touch of silly deception fail to get the job done, Annabel decides to try and change his mind with some sweetness on her part. This more English speaking than Scottish lass has strong reasons why she refuses to leave and it’s not just for her sake.
I can’t exactly pinpoint it, but eventually Theo’s medical condition/constant insistence why he will never marry, even after their occasional intimate encounters, I started to feel less engaged and just wanted the story to end. It was likely around 80% into it, when she had just left his room after a smexy scene, and he mentally once again reflects on the fact he will be sending her away, sooner rather than later. How’s that for romance, folks? Pretty much from then on, I grew weary of him and the direction the plot was headed. The writing simply lost its appeal.
Here’s to hoping it was just me, my fellow romance book loving friends. Maybe I’m still a little put out this Scottish lass felt mostly English. Other than mentioning how she would get windswept hair and a muddy gown from her walks, she felt mostly prim and proper. A fiery, spitfire Scottish lass would have found a second use for Theo's walking stick (like a good whack across his stubborn noggin every time he mentioned how he was going to send her away or never marry her after getting smexy with her). Yeah, that might have helped bring him to his senses sooner rather than later, folks.
Title: Enchanting the Earl, Series: The Townsends (Book 1), Author: Lily Maxton, Pages: 240, 4/17/17, virgin hero, PTSD hero injured in war, slightly older heroine, family drama, adversaries to lovers, a few very smexy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, hurtful at times hero, drawn out ending.
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)...more
So far, my fellow romance book loving friends, I’ve had the honor and privilege of receiving a NetGalley advanced reader copy of each book in this serSo far, my fellow romance book loving friends, I’ve had the honor and privilege of receiving a NetGalley advanced reader copy of each book in this series in exchange for an unbiased opinion. The good news is I enjoyed each and every one. This relatively “new to me� author now always catches my eye and grabs my full attention whenever I come across one of her books. Her writing flows seamlessly, stays engaging, and she delivers the tale that has accurately been laid out for us in the synopsis.
As far as this particular book goes, well, what is a hot, handsome huntsman to do, folks? Tricked and trapped into serving out a seven year contract to an evil magic potion yielding villainess that goes through rich, powerful men like the mind stealing tainted wine she serves, Iain, the hero, feels like he is serving a prison sentence. With just a few precious months to go, he lives for the day he can finally walk away. Sadly, he has long ago given up trying to intervene and save innocent victims that get caught in the crosshairs of this she devil’s wrath. Well, until Laire MacLeod, that is. Now that bonny Scottish lass seems to be a game changer for this game hunter and would be assassin. She rescues him from his heart hardened existence with her uncomparable innocent beauty and sheer determination to save her family.
With it’s Snow White theme, you get a front row seat as these two eventually triumph over evil and put an end to this reign of dark magic, which has been fueled by years of unquenchable obsession with power, youth, and beauty. But make no mistake, Laire, lights the way and leads the charge with her surprisingly mental toughness, sheer will, and perseverance. Iain certainly doesn’t make things easy for her. In fact, this reluctant huntsman seems just as determined to carry out his orders. To say the plot thickens and gets complicated is an understatement. The cat and mouse game continues until about halfway through a self-revelation starts to change minds and hearts. But, honestly, folks, Iain was quite the obstinate knucklehead here. When you find out what got him in this mess to begin with, you’ll realize why he packs around so much guilt. Let’s just say, a couple of the “seven deadly sins� come to mind.
The street rat, struggling to survive sub-characters were surprisingly endearing and were a nice addition to balance out the danger element. They certainly came in handy when help was needed most.
To say Iain was stubborn in his self-loathing and pessimism would be an understatement. When this main couple finally are intimate, he still refused to acknowledge any hope for the future. In fact, true avid romantics at heart likely won’t like what he says and does immediately afterwards. Fortunately, our heroic heroine has the strength and fortitude to carry on for the both of them. Besides, she will not be swayed from saving the lives of everyone she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself.
Lots of clever twists and turns kept the plot unfolding, leaving the few steamy scenes/physical love connection until the latter portion. Iain’s past transgressions are eventually fully revealed, and we learn how the evil one manipulated them to her benefit. With the inevitable, predictable showdown out of the way, I must say the ending felt rather rushed and not as well scripted as the rest of the story.
Here’s to hoping you’ll enjoy this fairy tale themed series as much as I have and that my review has been helpful in some way in deciding if this lady and highlander’s romantic tale is a good fit for you.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Hero was formerly married to a childhood friend but she was in love with someone else. He does something stupid to try to get her to love him, and she dies. He realizes he never really loved her. The evil stepmom had planned all along to take him as a lover. She tries to force him to do just that near the end, in front of the heroine. She kisses and fondles him. There is no OM drama. You may be put off by the hero helping her one minute, then deciding he has to follow orders (hunt her down and kill her) through a large part of the book. (hide spoiler)]
Title: The Lady and the Highlander, Series: A Highland Fairy Tale (Book 3), Author: Lecia Cornwall, Pages: 277, Snow White type theme, evil stepmother, magic potions, hero was tricked into service, main couple both carry guilt, formerly married, no cheating, no OM drama, dead OW drama, virgin heroine, animal cruelty resulting in death, little to no Scottish brogue.
Book 1 - Beauty and the Highland Beast, (Dair & Fia), 6/21/16, Pages: 396 My ŷ review: /review/show...
Book 2 - When a Laird Finds a Lass, (Malcolm & Marcail), 11/1/16, Pages: 283 My ŷ review: /review/show...
Book 3 - The Lady and the Highlander (Laire & Ian), 4/4/17, Pages: 277
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Having read book 2, The Clover Chapel, beforehand, I had a few spoilers under my belt before diving into this one, which is book 1 of the same series.Having read book 2, The Clover Chapel, beforehand, I had a few spoilers under my belt before diving into this one, which is book 1 of the same series. But not to worry, folks, I’ll keep them all to myself. They also didn’t phase me a bit nor affect my enjoyment of reading these books out of order. Maybe I’m a literary abnormality, but I just shrug off spoilers and accept them as a beforehand glimpse into character and/or plot development so make the most of them. However, most people will likely strongly recommend you read these books in order.
If you’ve checked into reviews, you’ve likely seen comparisons between this author’s writing style and Kristen Ashley's. For the most part, I would agree they feel similar. However, we all know there is and can only be one “KA�. Avid fans, such as myself, are likely nodding their head in sincere agreement. Therefore, rest assured, Ms. Perry, a relatively new, but talented author, will obviously be leaving her own unique, individual mark in this genre.
Jess, the hero, at first got into trouble with me every time he opened that gorgeous mouth of his. Considering how rude/hateful he was to Gigi (aka Georgia, the heroine) in the beginning, I must admit I was rather nervous about continuing. Fortunately, this feisty lady not only bounced right back but had me giggling aloud with her own brand of spitfire, sassy comebacks/inner monologue. Sure, later on she often seemed to give in to him with a breathy “OK�, but I loved it when she sassed back. The good news is this alpha protective sheriff definitely grew on me, and eventually he came clean to Gigi on why he acted the way he did, complete with an apology.
Their relationship went from red light to green light in the blink of an eye after an important matter was cleared up. Not so much due to the eventual VERY graphic, steamy scenes with lusty language, but the all out, made no bones about it declaration they were going to pursue where this attraction would lead them regardless of what others might think.
The subplot taking up this hero sheriff’s time, started to take over the story line somewhat. A couple of dramatic, perilous situations wrapped up that scenario and my patience was rewarded with a romantic HEA and brief epilogue.
I’m actually glad to see Maisey, a sub-character, will not get her own story until book 5. I feel her character has a whole lot of growing up to do. Ms. Perry will be putting her talent to the test and on the line with future sequels as I’m not sure how the pairing of future main couples are going to mesh out. I am looking forward to being pleasantly surprised though and hope for the best with each new release. She's an author I'm definitely keeping my eye on.
Title: The Coppersmith Farmhouse, Series: Jamison Valley, Author: Devney Perry, Pages: 374, stand-alone but part of a series, relationship angst, VERY steamy scenes with lusty language, some violence, two perilous situations, heroine has a child, celibate heroine, former manho hero, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW drama, minor former OW drama, heroine and hero are both injured.
Book 1 - The Coppersmith Farmhouse, 3/9/17, Pages: 375 (Gigi & Jess) Book 2 - The Clover Chapel, 5/30/17, Pages: 408, (Emmy & Nick) /review/show... Book 3 - The Lucky Heart, 8/15/17, Pages: 372 (Felicity & Silas) Book 4 - The Outpost, 11/7/17, (Beau & Sabrina), not released yet Book 5 - The Bitterroot Inn, 1/16/18 (Maisy & Hunter), not released yet
(I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley. No compensation was made to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)...more
Though I’ve read and enjoyed several of this author’s Scottish historical romances, the prim and proper dialog and demeanor of the characters in this Though I’ve read and enjoyed several of this author’s Scottish historical romances, the prim and proper dialog and demeanor of the characters in this book took me some getting used to, folks. But, honestly, that’s just me, and not likely going to be you. I eventually tapped into the very English vibe and just went with it. In fact, I realized it did fit the storyline.
Arabella certainly made it easy to do so. Her at times feisty, sassy character may have known all the ins and outs of being a proper lady, but she was quick to try and assert herself as a strong willed person who had a mind of her own. For me, that helped aleve an overly stuffy feel. But there were several times she seemed to let him get his way when I desperately wanted her to tell him to stuff it. Her obsession with animals seemed a little out there, but it was all due to having a very kind heart, so, really, how could anyone hold that against her? Well, the hero certainly took exception as he mandated/enforced his proper wife rules of conduct.
You see, Nash seemed to gnash his teeth out of frustration a lot, especially over Arabella’s antics. And bless his little ole English heart, he mistakenly thought he was always doing the right thing.
With a contentious beginning that became interlaced with undeniable steamy attraction, this unexpected married couple made the best of a bad situation and grew to care for one another. It took this knucklehead Englishman some time to come to his senses, but not before what definitely felt like rejection set the stage for an “almost lost it all� scenario that had them both scrambling to compromise and finally get their HEA.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ Brief and what many will consider ill timed references are made to the fact Nash had previously been with his fair share of courtesans, opera dancers, and mistresses. In fact, we are told he dismissed his current mistress right after proposing to Arabella. He decided to remain faithful to her even after she bore him children. How noble, huh? However, at almost 60% into, he’s still stubbornly claiming he will never fall in love because it only leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Being besotted with a woman to him means setting yourself up to appear foolish. She’s a virgin, of course, and completely inexperienced. (no cheating/no love triangle/no OM drama...though he was resentful at first because he had another girl picked out to be his bride. At one point, he pushes her away (knowing she's carrying his child) that will likely not sit well with you. He regrets it, of course. (hide spoiler)]
Title: Marrying the Wrong Earl, Series: Lords and Ladies in Love (Book 2), Author: Callie Hutton, Pages: 224, ARC copy, animal loving/virgin heroine, experienced hero, VERY smexy scenes about halfway into it, stand-alone, no cheating, no love triangle, no OM drama, had wanted to marry someone else originally, hurtful at times hero, comes to his senses.
Book 1 - Seducing the Marquess, 10/17/16, (Richard & Eugenia) Book 2 - Marrying the Wrong Earl, Pages: 224, 4/17/16, (Arabella & Nash)
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
**spoiler alert** (These comments are based on a library copy. This is not a full, detailed ARC review.)
This book had some elements I love in a romant**spoiler alert** (These comments are based on a library copy. This is not a full, detailed ARC review.)
This book had some elements I love in a romantic read: lots of angst, a clever, loyal, strong heroine who rolls with the punches but always stands up for herself, a hero who thinks he's in control/has it all...but realizes he is nothing without the heroine's love and respect, great chemistry, a decent amount of time spent with the hero groveling/wanting to make things right, and, of course, a HEA.
What I wish had been left out: He is still good friends with a former lover (who is married to a man who dumped her shortly after getting hitched and moved away...It's book 2, folks, it's complicated, appears to be one hot mess, so I'll likely skip it entirely!). My impression is Book 2's MC do not stay celibate during their separatation, btw. As you can imagine, this creates some OW drama, as it is likely Felix was one of her lovers during that time. She flirts/comes on to him and the heroine overhears them talking.
Felix has baggage from being a pawn between his married but very estranged parents. He assumes all women are as manipulative as his mother. So, you guessed it, he does the same all in the name of distancing himself so as not to lose his heart and be hurt. He's basically a Jekyll and Hyde, folks. He presents one image to the public, but he's another behind closed doors. He ultimately ends up ripping the heroine's heart to shreds....regrets it....Has to win her trust/love back.
It is well-written, engaging, and though it is very English (Hey, I can't help it I swing more towards a Scottish brogue), I did enjoy it. Mainly, because I loved how he regretted his actions and she didn't make it easy for him to win her back.
The book synopsis sums up this storyline accurately, folks. However, it really wasn’t until the latter portion hearts and minds were finally made up tThe book synopsis sums up this storyline accurately, folks. However, it really wasn’t until the latter portion hearts and minds were finally made up that sealed the deal on the last sentence. You see, Graeme was like book 1’s hero, stubbornly reluctant to love. The heroine also seemed to resign herself to them not having a future together, as well.
Graeme, the hero, was caught in the middle trying to avert a potentially catastrophic situation for his clan, especially his younger brothers. I actually felt sorry for him and the predicament he faced. That is until his hurtful at times, callous demeanor towards Marjorie, the heroine, surfaced. Sure, this “carries the weight of the world on his shoulders� impoverished laird eventually came to his senses, but it was quite some time before I could consistently label him with “hero� status. Let’s just say, he had a chip on his shoulder and a head full of preconceived notions regarding wealthy English lasses. Well into it and he was still willing to put himself and his family before Marjorie’s well-being. In fact, he stood to benefit greatly from using her as an unwilling pawn. The plus side is we got to see him evolve into the man the leading lady needed him to be.
This book had me feeling more sorry for the heroine than anyone else. When you compare the way “the Ton� treated her to how she was dealt with in the Highlands, I expected her to reflect back and think her olden days in London were the golden ones. I’m just surprised she didn’t stay focused on how much better her living situation was and let people get to her so easily. A gracious smile and mental middle finger would have served her well, IMHO.
Sure, the hero didn’t like the position he found himself, but he seemed very likely to ultimately use it to his advantage at any minute. If not for the youngest brother befriending her, I’m not sure Graeme would have gotten around to taking the time to get to really know her, let alone fall for her. He certainly seemed to have the patience of a saint when dealing with his much younger siblings.
Though at 50% it was all starting to feel somewhat overly drawn out with little progress made, until things started to pick up and inevitable events/showdowns fell into place leading to their HEA. Besides the issues I just mentioned, there was a strong underlying theme of attraction/chemistry, hand wringing, regret for hurting her, and some much needed getting to truly know each other, which by the end had me mostly forgiving this big lug of a knucklehead. At least by the conclusion I ended up with a hero I could clearly point my literary finger at and gesture an “I told you so�. Marjorie was beyond patient in dealing with his back and forth indecisiveness and treatment. Her main flaw was her obsession with getting respect/acknowledgment from people she shouldn’t have cared two cents about.
So, in summary, my fellow romance book loving friends. If you don’t mind some ill-treatment of the heroine and waiting for a hero to finally see what he needs most in life is right in front of him, you may want to check into this latest release by Ms. Enoch. For the most part, the heroine did stand her ground and handled everything with grace, determination, and ultimately diplomacy that saved them all.
Romance Safety Gang: (view spoiler)[ At 20%, he mentally reflects he hasn’t had sex in about a month, and even names two lasses he obviously frequents. He contemplates what he would do if he married her, “An heiress would provide him what he required (money). After she gave him an heir he could go elsewhere for sex, and he’d never looked for anything beyond that. He never would.� At 46%, he seems pleased he likely won’t have to marry her after all...but will still pursue her and be able to put distance between them afterwards. Shortly afterwards, they finally make a breakthrough..but it felt mostly physical. He knows he ruined her reputation by the kidnapping so seems to decide if he is going to be accused of the crime he might as well commit it. At 66%, he still had no qualms about sleeping with her knowing she will eventually leave anyway. No thoughts seem to be on possible consequences (pregnancy), until they had been intimate a couple of times.. (hide spoiler)]
Title: My One True Highlander, Series: No Ordinary Hero (Book 2), Author: Suzanne Enoch, Pages: 320, stand-alone but part of a series, conflicted/reluctant to love hero, Scottish vs English setting, caught in the middle, just wants to be accepted, English lady, Scottish brogue, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, virgin heroine, wants to protect his family, slow to come to his senses, stubborn hero’s actions/words hard to accept at times.
Book 1 - Hero in the Highlands (Gabriel & Fiona), Pages: 384, 10/4/16 /review/show... Book 2 - My One True Highlander (Graeme & Marjorie), Pages: 320, 4/4/17
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
As an avid Scottish historical romance reader, I must say my hat is off to Ms. Strickland for writing such an engaging, enraging, endearing romantic tAs an avid Scottish historical romance reader, I must say my hat is off to Ms. Strickland for writing such an engaging, enraging, endearing romantic tale. I can’t remember the last time I was so infuriated with a hero I positively hated him at times. It takes a skilled author to create such a Jekyll and Hyde character that has you rooting for him minute then hoping he is thrown to the wolves the next.
Finnan McAllister may be a murderous, for hire mercenary on the battlefield, but he was just as lethal to the heart and soul of sweet, innocent, just trying to survive Jeannie MacWherter, widow wife in name only, of his fellow warrior comrade and best friend, Geordie. Finnan’s “play nice� and “fight dirty� strategy helped him achieve his goal but nearly cost him everything, folks. For most of the storyline, it had me wishing he was swimming with the fishes permanently. Believe it or not, that comment will make a lot of sense with a second entirely different meaning you won’t fully appreciate unless you read this book.
His battle scars and tattoos do not nearly begin to tell the full story of his life and how ate up with revenge he is for his family and his friend. Yes, this man has a plan, and he’s worked a decade to get him where he is today, so he can carry out the final installment. Well, that revenge with help from karma and the spirit world teach this handsome knucklehead you better be careful what you wish for. Oh, and you know what they say about payback. Well, it begins with a “b�. You know, backfires. Yeah, that other word, too (wink).
For my posse of Goodread romance safety gang friends, you are going to have some major issues when Finnan finally delivers the final blow to Jeannie’s heart. (view spoiler)[ Taking her virginity and still plotting how he will continue to destroy her heart, then doing so very cruelly and heartlessly. (hide spoiler)] So proceed with caution, and only if you are willing to hold out for this hero to not come to his senses until the very end.
So I’ll close now by just saying the title fits verra, verra well. This story contained a very slow build up of predictable but nonetheless heart destroying mayhem that followed with a very remorseful hero who almost didn’t survive it all.
Title: His Wicked Highland Ways, Author: Laura Strickland, Pages: 310, stand-alone, perfect Scottish brogue, a touch of highland magic/paranormal, virgin/widow heroine, set on revenge hero, former manho hero, wrongful revenge, unexpected plot twist, virgin heroine, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, brief references to hero having been with random OW over the years.
(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review which was distributed via NetGalley. No compensation was provided to me, nor do I have any affiliation with the author/publisher/NetGalley.)...more
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