Showing posts with label Gayle Callen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gayle Callen. Show all posts
April 15, 2009
7:08 PM |
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Back Cover copy:Abigail Shaw is a proper young lady, hardly the sort to boldly offer a deal to London's most distinguished and perfect duke. But Abigail, desperate to save her father's newspaper business, is after a good scandal. She'd have the sensational headlines that would keep the ton talking--and the family business thriving--if only she could uncover the secrets of Christopher Cabot, the Duke of Madingley. What better way than a pretend romance? Yet, with all his seductive glances and stolen caresses, she somehow has to keep from succumbing to temptation.
Christopher Cabot finds Abigail--and her proposal--intriguing. A fake romance with the stunning commoner would allow him time to choose a suitable wife from among the would-be duchesses nipping at his heels. It seems like a perfect plan...as long as he can keep her from uncovering his one deep, dark secret. But as he falls for the cunning beauty, he will be tempted to reveal all--his secret, his heart, and his soul.
Abigail Shaw secretly writes for her father's newspaper. When the paper is in trouble and on the verge of going down, she decides to try and save it by boosting up the sales with a juicy gossip story about the secret that surrounds the Duke of Madingley, Christopher Cabot. In order to get her story she accompanies her friend Gwen to a house party held on the duke's country estate. Abby offers Chris a pretend courtship that enables her to get close to him and get her scoop and gives Chris a way to keep the title-chasing, marry-minded ladies at a distance during the party.
Things take a different turn when another journalist shows up to stir trouble and Chris finds out the real reason behind Abby's presence and their pretend courtship.
Abby is bold, confident, daring and smart. When she sets her mind to something, she goes after it with determination and mostly succeeds. She's also realistic. She knows that she is not of Society and accepts it but she does not settle for the easy way out.
Chris is a bit of a contradiction. He is charming, ambitious and there's a hint of wickedness surrounding him. But he is also reserved, keeping to himself and very loyal to his family. The past has put its stamp on his decisions and behavior and he’s determined to keep his family away from scandal at any cost.
There's an immediate attraction between Abby and Chris. But it's an attraction they both fight for different reasons. Abby doesn't think she has a chance with a duke, being the daughter of a newspaper owner. Chris suspects Abby is up to something and she doesn't fit his image of a future duchess. Still these obstacles don't keep them from falling for each other. Despite the many reasons not to get involved with her, to Chris she’s like a breath of fresh air compared to all the marry-hungry ladies chasing him for his wealth and title. To Abby, who has never felt anything for any man in her life, as focused as she is on her writing and career, Chris turns out to cause a quantity of undeniable emotions within her. Before long she must chose between her feelings and finishing the job she came to do.
This was a lovely, solid historical romance read. It is not mind-blowing but a perfect book to read in between extremely intense books or for variation of genres. I liked how Gayle Callen set up the plot and the romance. It was believable and entertaining, even if the plot was a little bit predictable. Still it was attention capturing and the pace was good. I really like this trilogy by Callen. Where the other trilogy I've read by her hand, was average and simple, the two books in this trilogy are above average and more interesting.
The pattern of themes such as parental influence, problematic youths and financial troubles reappear in some form throughout all the books I've read and in this book they were wrapped in a slightly more attractive package because of the slightly more intense chemistry between the main characters and a plot that was executed better than in some of other books.
With NEVER DARE A DUKE Gayle Callen has delivered another installment in the vast collection of nice and easy historical romances, guaranteed to provide an entertaining and pleasant read before diving into complicated and emotionally intense books
September 4, 2008
6:29 PM |
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Miss Grace Banbury was in shock. Her mother put her up as a prize in a high stakes card game, and now the gentleman who won is ready to claim her! But Grace has other plans. She just needs the dastardly rogue to go along with it...
A notorious rake from a scandalous family, Daniel Throckmorten has no use for blushing virgins. Yet there's no denying the attraction for the beauty standing before him, proposing an enticing wager: He will use all his charm and wit to seduce her into his bed...and she only has to resist. If she succeeds, she wins enough funds to secure her own future. If he wins...she'll be his. Daniel has never been so tempted--and has no intention of losing...
Grace Banbury's mother has a gambling habit but when she gambles away her both family homes, Grace sets out to London to salvage what she can for her brother and herself. The man who won the stakes in the card game with her mother is Daniel Trockmorten, cousin to the Duke of Madingley.
When they meet she finds out her mother not only gambled the houses away but also the right to court and marry her own daughter. But Daniel isn't looking for a wife and Grace isn't looking for a husband. He wants a mistress and she wants back what her mother foolishly gambled away: their homes and their father's precious violin. They decide to make a wager for themselves.
If Daniel can seduce Grace in two weeks, she will willingly become his mistress, if he doesn't he will hand over the violin and the homes back to Grace.
This wager is the start of delightful game that neither wants to lose. But soon it's not about winning any longer and they are fascinated by each other.
Grace is feisty, independent and smart, but she does have a somewhat tainted past. Her attraction to handsome, dangerous men almost ruined her so she is determined to resist Daniel. She will not mistake lust for love again. She feels responsible for her mother's faults and her brother's future and is willing to sacrifice her own reputation for them.
Daniel is seductive, roguish and the epitome of a rake. He underestimates Grace at first, thinking he can easily seduce her
There is more to Daniel than his roguish charm and rakish behavior. He uses his reputation for scandal to mask his loneliness and the pain rumors about his parents causes him. He tries to avert the attention from his mother to him with his scandalous conduct.
The dialogues between Daniel and Grace are sparkling and vivid. They challenge each other both sensually and intellectually and they soon fall for each other even when they keep denying it.
The plot is mainly the wager between Daniel and Grace. There is a very small but predictable secondary storyline but that doesn't take away the attention from the main couple and their seductive game.
The romance is build up gradually with love scenes that slowly work up to a sensual high point. The way to that point is written beautifully but the completion was a bit lacking. The scene where Grace finally gives in seemed rushed and brushed away. This was a bit disappointing after the nice set-up towards it.
As in the other Gayle Callen books I read, the influence of parental behavior plays a big role in the book. Both Daniel and Grace's parents' actions determine their respective courses in life. I would have liked to see Grace's mother appear as a secondary character to explain herself but she didn't.
The secondary characters were mostly family members of both Grace and Daniel and they didn't have a very big part in the book except for Grace's brother, Edward.
I must say I liked this first book of Gayle Callen's new Sons of Scandal Trilogy better than the first book of the Sisters of Willow Pond trilogy. It was a nice, easy to read and enjoyable story. Callen's writing style is pleasant and fast-paced. I did miss a bit of intensity but the main couple's dialogues and their chemistry made up for that.
I know the next book in this trilogy is about Daniel's cousin Chris, the Duke. I'm curious as to who will be his heroine and what their story will be.
November 23, 2007
9:27 PM |
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Louisa Shelby's carefree life of elegant balls and beautiful frocks ended when her father died, leaving her penniless. With no hope of securing a proper marriage, the vivacious young miss accepts a position as a companion to an elderly viscountess. But temptation in a most unexpected guise awaits Louisa in the dowager's home...
Once, Simon Wade was London's most eligible bachelor and most able seducer. But a tragic accident forced him into seclusion, away from prying eyes and questions. He thought he'd never again experience the tender touch of a beautiful woman. But while he yearns to hold the enchanting Louisa and taste the intoxicating nectar of her kiss, he will accept no woman's pity.
Louisa never desired a man the way she burns for Simon. And now her chance at happiness may rest in her ability to convince the stubborn viscount that her passion is real...and her love is true
This is the third and final book in the Sisters of Willow Pond-trilogy and tells the story of Louisa Shelby and Simon Wade.
Louisa is the youngest Shelby-sister and Simon is the friend of David Thurlow who is the hero of book 1 and now married to Louisa’s eldest sister Victoria.
This book contrary to book 2 gave me the same vibe as book 1 did.
I can't say I didn't like the book, because I did like it and that was because of the characters, both hero, heroine and secondary characters.
They were well written, having depth and their development throughout the story was very nice to read.
I liked Simon because of the way he tried to deal with his blindness. His independence and his way of trying to protect the people he loves.
I liked Louisa's compassion and her desire to help people she cares for with their problems and difficulties.
They are both genuine and very loveable characters you can easily relate to and have sympathy for. They learn to trust each other with their fears and doubts caused by actions of their parents and peers
The tentative flirtations between Simon and Louisa lead to deeper feelings and they slowly fall in love. This is written in a very believable way and as a reader you grow into the relationship with them
Of the secondary characters I loved Manvil, Simon's valet. He was witty and impertinent, not afraid to tell his employer what he thinks. His sense of humor matches Simon's and was very refreshing. I also loved Georgiana, Simon's sister. She grew as a character throughout the book.
The story did lack a plot, which was something I really appreciated in book 2. It gave that book that little bit extra. Unfortunately in this book there was too much focus on secrets, lack of trust, misguided assumptions, hiding true feelings and lack of courage to be open and honest. It all lingers too long in the story and causes unnecessary misunderstandings.
This bothered me in book 1 and now again in this book, but the characters and character-development did make up for this.
The recurring element was the effect parents and their actions have on their children and how their outlook on other people turns out to be.
This is a wonderful theme and I can't but think that it could have been brought out even better with less focus on the misunderstandings and assumptions.
In conclusion I thought this an average but enjoyable trilogy with an average start, a better and lovely second installment and an endearing last book.
For me book 2 was the best one if you look at the plot and book 3 was the best one if you look at the characters and their development.
The theme throughout the trilogy is trust: trust in yourself and others, especially the ones you want to love and the ones you think you can always trust, in this case: parents.
Even though the books weren't very exciting or thrilling they each suited the different sister's personalities, as did the heroes. The combination of the characters was done in a great way.
This made it an acceptable trilogy. Uncomplicated and simple, with no intricate plots but genuine people overcoming their insecurities and issues by finding true love and the ability to trust their feelings in the hand of others.
November 15, 2007
9:25 PM |
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The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something…different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb.
Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous…especially to Richard's own heart.
This was the second installment in the Sisters of Willow Pond-trilogy.
I found it a lovely story of finding love when least expecting it. I certainly enjoyed it more than book 1 in the series.
Maybe because there was a real plot involved where it lacked in book 1 but I also think the characters of the hero and heroine were more appealing to me.
Meriel is practical and logical, forcing herself to lead her life by her intellect and not her emotions after her parents' betrayal and lies.
Then she meets Richard and nothing she's caught changing her views on love and trust.
Richard is not happy impersonating his half-brother since his personality and behavior are so different from his own but he does it regardless for his nephew's safety and future.
The chemistry between Meriel and Richard is apparent from the beginning and the development of their feelings is very nicely written.
The nephew Stephen is an adorable boy and a very loveable character in the book, providing endearing parts in the book with his regular six year-old mischievous behavior and the plain honesty and simple look on life all children have.
Even though the plot seemed a bit far-fetched in the beginning Gayle Callen pulled it of by focusing on the feelings and emotions between Meriel, Richard and Stephen.
The betrayal of Meriel's parents linger in the back of her head and makes it hard for her to completely trust Richard and his motives. And Richard is so concerned for the well being of his nephew it takes a while for him to confide in Meriel.
But it's all worked out in a nice way. Especially after Meriel discovers Richard's true identity and confronts him. They start working together after that to accomplish his task.
But that is also when the difficulty in resisting each other starts. And this is where the book really grabbed my attention.
I liked the regular change of perspective so you have both Meriel's and Richard's point of view on the evolving love-story and the plot. This made it easy to relate to both their characters.
Gayle Callen has provided an easy and enjoyable read with a well-written plot and genuine emotions and feelings. It was not very intense, fast-paced or action-filled but still it strung a cord with me being wonderful in it’s simplicity.
Quote:
Again he said, "Resist me, Meriel, because God help me, I don't want to resist what you make me feel."
July 31, 2007
5:58 PM |
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To rescue her family from financial ruin, lovely Victoria Shelby has no choice but to marry. Her options for a bridegroom are limited...until she remembers the shy servant boy next door. Then she discovers that her childhood friend is actually Viscount Thurlow--ruthless businessman, future earl, and a man whose family is shrouded in scandal.
After two rejected marriage proposals, David Thurlow needs a wife who will give him an heir, someone who will not only overlook his past but also be above reproach. Victoria is the ideal candidate--quiet, unassuming, and in desperate need of funds. But even as she strives to be the perfect wife, David's
slow heated lessons in the art of seduction threaten to transform a convenient" marriage into a torrid and passionate affair.
The blurb sounded so promising but unfortunately the book did not quite live up to the promise.
Not that it was a bad book, just not very exciting or worldrocking, but still entertaining.
Secrets, misunderstanding and scandal rule their worlds but Victoria and David find each other in a nice average story. Their childhood fascination with each other, getting to know each other just by secret entries in a journal, grows into love despite all the scandals.
Scandals which are made bigger by themselves and which would weigh much less on their minds if they opened up earlier to each other.
But it's nice to read how Victoria’s low selfconfidence is developed and strenghtened by David's confidence in her and David's harsh exterior and behaviour changes when he marries Victoria.
The marriage starts as a means to and end for both of them but progresses to be strong and filled with their mutual love.
Despite the averageness of the book I'm still curious to learn the stories of Victoria's sisters, they will be told in book 2 and 3 of this trilogy and hopefully, the average start of book 1 will grow into stronger and better installements with the stories of Meriel and Louisa.
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- Pearl
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- 39, married to my real life romance hero, addicted to TV shows, reading romance novels and Twitter. I'm a chronic (e)book hoarder and my absolute favorite genres within romance fiction are contemporary romance and romantic suspense, but I don't shy away from historical, paranormal or erotic romance either. Even the occasional (urban) fantasy romance, futuristic and sci fi romance may make it to my Mount TBR. This is my corner of the world wide web where I let you know what books I'm hoarding, reading and reviewing.
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