Digital ARC received from publisher via the author.

A lady must be prepared for anything . . . when marrying a scoundrel.

Sadie Moon once thought she was in love. Then her dashing husband left her to seek his fortune, and she had no choice but to transform herself from a heartbroken waif into London Society's favorite fortune-teller. But even she could not have foreseen Jack's return - until their paths cross in the last place either would have expected: London's most exclusive house of pleasure.

Now wealthy and successful, Jack Friday has everything he'd ever dreamed of . . . except Sadie. He swears he will never trust the woman who broke her promise to wait for him, though his passion for her burns as hotly as ever before. But love, like the past, comes back to haunt them - drawing them into a web of intrigue and betrayal that could save or destroy them both.

Sadie O’Rourke is a simple Irish girl who has the gift to see the future in tea leaves. After a star-crossed marriage and a tragic loss she has made a living as the popular fortuneteller Sadie Moon. Then the husband who abandoned her comes back into her life after 10 long years and she is determined not fall for him again. Jack Farrington defied his family and married the girl he loved when he was only 18, disowned and disinherited by his family and sets out in the world to make his own fortune, not knowing that leaving behind Sadie will lead to tragedy that ends in Sadie leaving him without as much as a goodbye. Now he has changed his name to Jack Friday and finds himself unexpectedly reunited with the wife who wasn’t there anymore when he returned home. He is determined to find out what why she left him and a true reunion is the farthest thing from his mind.

Though I have several Kathryn Smith books (mainly paranormal) on my shelves WHEN MARRYING A SCOUNDREL was my first encounter with her writing and it was certainly a memorable one, both negatively and positively. The book started out very promising and I was pleasantly surprised by the agreeable writing style that made me float easily from page to page, engrossed in the story. However, after a few chapters something started bothering me and it had to do with the characters and the way the story was being set up. After the promising start I felt like a lot had happened prior to the first few chapters and the story was being disclosed little by little to me as the reader. How can this be problematic? Well, on its own it shouldn’t but because I was left with so many questions and so little explanations for a considerable part of the book, it became a problem for me. I was distracted by wondering why instead of enjoying the story. Why did Sadie leave Jack without a goodbye? Why didn’t Jack go after Sadie immediately when she’d left? What happened after Jack left? Who was Sadie’s mysterious benefactor?

Some parts were downright confusing me and if this was just it, I could have let it slip by, but next to this I also lost the connection with Jack and Sadie’s characters and motivation after the initial chapters. They were acting in ways that I didn’t like and that didn’t stroke with the way the story had been set up. There were quite some contradictory actions that were initiated but never seen through. I am a reader who likes consistency. The way Jack and Sadie were portrayed, as estranged spouses didn’t rhyme with their characters development for me. I couldn’t understand the amount of interest they kept showing in other perspective bed partners/lovers.

The worst thing is that I cannot clearly pinpoint what it was about Sadie and Jack and their characterization that was off for me, still I will try to explain as best as I can. I like the trope of reuniting estranges spouses and second chances and can’t say Kathryn Smith did a bad job of it, I just couldn’t relate to the characters enough to enjoy it fully. I didn’t understand Jack’s aversion to Sadie’s profession, which formed a major conflict between them. About halfway through both Jack and Sadie’s behavior towards each other changed drastically. Well, drastically may be overreacted but it did change abruptly and with little build-up to it. In my opinion the change of heart could’ve been set up better and to illustrate that I want to use the example of Jack’s aversion towards Sadie’s fortunetelling. It changes suddenly just by him wanting a reading from her and suddenly believing in it (even before he actually witnesses the truth in her predictions). This to me didn’t concur with his earlier behavior and was one of the things that didn’t work for me.

I just couldn’t click with them and missed intensity and genuine chemistry between them and that kept me from getting immersed in their romance. It went so far as to leading secondary characters to capture my attention more than the main couple did and though I can’t offer a clear explanation for the why of it this is not how it should be with a romance novel.

All of the above-mentioned things seriously prevented me from getting interested in their HEA. I am afraid that not even the love scenes, though very fitting, sensual and hot, could make Sadie and Jack work for me. My disconnection with them prevented me from utterly enjoying this book despite the wonderful premise, setting, writing and romance. Yet despite the disconnection I did enjoy the writing, which was to the point, unembellished and fluent. And despite the fact that the characterization was off for me I did enjoy most of Jack and Sadie’s dialogues and thoughts that were sharp and witty enough to make me smile quite a few times.

This all was until about 100 pages from the end. Around chapter 15 is when I finally, finally connected a bit with Jack and Sadie and I truly loved those last chapters of the book. They gave me the heartbreaking and emotional intensity I was looking for. After 200 pages of slow progress and my initial anticipation fizzling out there finally was the character development I wanted all along and I admire Kathryn Smith for making the end totally work for me and have me rooting for Sadie and Jack, even if it took a bit too long. Also it was a pity that Sadie’s caring and beautiful character only showed at the end of the book. Had it been shown earlier I could have liked the book considerably more.

In conclusion I really wanted to be blown away and love this book but in all honesty I have to admit I can’t say more than “I liked it” and “it absolutely wasn’t a bad book.”
WHEN MARRYING A SCOUNDREL is a good historical romance that unfortunately didn’t work for me because I couldn’t connect with the main couple’s characterization and their motivations for most of the book. However, despite my inability to love this book completely, the amazing ending contributes to the fact that it’s a book that can be enjoyed and valued by readers who love historical romance. And despite the disconnect with Sadie and Jack I am very curious about the story of what’s going to happen with their friends Vienne and Trystan. So I’m declaring this one an unfortunate mismatch and looking forward to that book.

6.5 out of 10

Jacket Copy (from Andrea Kane’s website):

Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She’s faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries ... but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family.
Then her mother is viciously attacked in the posh Manhattan apartment her parents share and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery. The thieves were too clever, too knowledgeable, and so obviously after something of her father’s. But what could a respected art dealer have done to merit such violence? When a mysterious message is left for him, Sloane knows her father’s in over his head. Determined to find out the truth, Sloane discovers a deadly secret buried in his past that has made him the target of a power-hungry mobster with a lethal agenda and nothing to lose.

Sloane is desperate to save her father, but to do so she must hold onto secrets of her own—especially from FBI Special Agent Derek Parker, the man she has grown to love deeply. She knows she must tell him everything, but how can she betray her father’s confidence? Can a couple who’s faced so much survive this ultimate test of trust? Will they survive at all?
As the decades-old secret claims the lives of her father’s oldest friends and the killer closes in on him, Sloane finds herself in foreign territory: alone, facing escalating personal danger, and hunting a moving target in a world where memories are long and loyalties are drawn in blood.

This book was released on September 8th and I reviewed it for REALMS ON OUR BOOKSHELVES



When I started reading DRAWN IN BLOOD as an ARC for ROOB I was already familiar with Andrea Kane’s writing, as I first read TWISTED in preparation. Being a reader who is obsessed with reading books and series in order I could not have enjoyed DRAWN IN BLOOD as much as I did now, if I hadn’t read TWISTED first. In TWISTED I met Sloan and Derek and got to know them and what made them tick and I accompanied them on their journey to a happy ending. When I reached the end of TWISTED I was glad to have the knowledge that there was more to come. This being said I think that DRAWN IN BLOOD easily lends to be read as stand-alone for readers who are not as obsessed as I am with reading in order. Andrea Kane did a great job of writing it in a way that if you haven’t read TWISTED, you can still read DRAWN IN BLOOD and not have the feeling you are missing something.

DRAWN IN BLOOD had a very different feel compared to TWISTED. Where TWISTED was a whodunit, in DRAWN IN BLOOD the identity and motives of the villain are known to the reader and to some extend to Derek and Sloan too. This provided a totally different tone for the book, as it was fascinating to follow Sloan and Derek’s progress in stopping the villain and at the same time reading how the villain was planning to deal with his adversaries.

The ingredients for DRAWN IN BLOOD are art theft, organized crime, murder, deception, obsession, loss and relationships on different levels. Furthermore, it comprises former FBI agent, Sloan Burbank who is trying to protect her father and his friends, FBI agent, Derek Parker, who is trying to get to the truth without endangering his girlfriend and a villain who is ruthlessly and cunningly setting up and carrying out his plans for vengeance.

From the first chapter I was pulled into the fascinating and captivating plot that takes place about six months after TWISTED. It not only gave me an in-depth look into the world of art theft and European and Asian organized crime but also provided me with elaborate looks into law enforcement and the personal life of Sloan and Derek as a couple working together on a case where the goal is mutual but their interests and priorities differ.

Sloan and Derek are the perfect embodiment of characters who are strong, determined and professional. They clash when personal and professional interests takes them in different directions and neither of them backs down easily. They both are, after all, stubborn and proud. However, when needed they are also able to communicate, compromise and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company and their relationship. They both have issues they are dealing with. Next to the professional and personal issues, they have reached the phase in their relationship, where the sexual chemistry and attraction is obvious and both are ready to take it a step further, exploring boundaries and trying to make the day-to-day things work.

DRAWN IN BLOOD is a fast-paced, well-written story that alternates between being character-driven and plot-driven. The characters, both primary and secondary are all strong and well fleshed out. They are as three-dimensional and realistic as they come and I think Andrea Kane’s extensive research into the subject of this novel and the FBI is the major contributor in that. Another excellent exhibit of this research was the suspense plot. It was believable yet far from simple. The set-up of the plot was intricately woven, slowly and surely reeling me into it to the point where I had to keep reading. Not to know who was the villain and why but to know when the ax would drop.

DRAWN IN BLOOD is a clever display of Andrea Kane’s writing skills. It shows her ability to create story lines that develop separately but come together in the end in a great way. In DRAWN IN BLOOD there are 3 major plotlines and the manner in which she sets up these multiple plotlines and works them toward a coherent and satisfying ending is nothing but excellent. Without leaving loose ends every tidbit of information provided answers and all questions were answered satisfactory in the end.

Jacket Copy:

WHO WILL BE NEXT?
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman’s devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.

Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI’s New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He’s pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grizzly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.

But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek’s priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the same crazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of his twisted obsession, it becomes clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.

Sloan Burbank is a former FBI agent who left the Agency after a serious injury, which impeded her from carrying out her job in the field as a crisis negotiator. She has been making a living a consultant in the private sector now. When her childhood friend’s parents hire her after their daughter has gone missing and the FBI comes up with nothing, Sloan is forced to pair up with the agent in charge of the case who happens to be her former lover, Derek Parker. While working on the case, which comes closer to home for Sloan than anticipated, they also discover that the issues between them that were left unresolved did not lessen the emotional pull they have on each other.

Both Sloan and Derek are stubborn, proud and strong-willed. Their relationship ended badly and working together again causes tension between them. Derek is direct, uncompromising, charismatic and confident skirting on the edge of arrogance. Sloan is determined, tenacious and headstrong. When she sets her mind to something, it’s very hard to make her see things differently. She doesn’t let anything or anyone deter her from the goals she sets for herself and she doesn’t take the easy way out of difficult or hard situations.

The chemistry between Sloan and Derek is sizzling; the fierce attraction between them is off the charts and never far from the surface. They take verbal sparring to another level because true to their personalities neither is willing to be inferior to the other. This leads to snappy dialogues that are perfect counterparts to the technical, law enforcement talks about the case.

When I started reading and first stumbled upon an elaborate acknowledgement from the author stating all the FBI professionals who helped her with her research, it immediately had my attention. The flow chart and definition list sealed the deal and I knew I was going to appreciate this book even before I read the first chapter.

I must admit that it took me quite some chapters to get into the book, the first part is slow paced and while reading I felt like I was crawling along with the world building and the character introductions. I like romantic suspense and thrillers to be fast-paced and action-packed, topped of by chilling suspense and the first part did not quite deliver this to me. This does not mean I did not like TWISTED. I absolutely did because with it Andrea Kane has written a thorough, realistic and amazing book that, despite the slow pace, kept me reading long after bedtime.

Reading this book showed me that it is not easy to provide the perfect balance between a good and realistic representation of law enforcement and keeping it action-packed and fast-paced. Even though this balance was not entirely there in the beginning, soon the developments in the plot showed me Andrea Kane knowing what she was writing about and using her research in a way that was informative but not overwhelming. The world building, character development and plotting are immaculate and extensive. She doesn’t cut corners and although this influences the pace and takes away from the action a bit, it also makes it an excellently written book. The way Andrea Kane let’s the reader into the mind of a disturbed villain and still makes it believable and acceptable is uncanny.

Despite the slow start, from the moment I suspected who the unsub was and when Derek and Sloan began to put the pieces of the puzzle together, I was given what I had been expecting: a fast-paced story that grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go until I finished it.

With TWISTED Andrea Kane gave me a story that is intense and no breezy, light read. She accurately combined elements of law enforcement, Greek mythology and romance and poured them into a book worth reading for every fan of compelling suspense and believable romance.

For me this book was Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Standoff and Numbers all rolled into one and mixed with the romantic story line it provided me with a romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Quotes:

Derek and Sloan
“Ah, I sense I am being used.”
“Maybe a little. Then again, if you come through for me, I could arrange to use you in ways you’ll really, really like.”
Sloan could almost hear Derek’s body react. “Now, that got my attention,” he announced.
“Although, you do know that you’re blackmailing and sexual harassing a federal agent.”
“True. But I am also giving him an amazing fantasy to savor. And, trust me, the reality will far exceed it.”
“Promise?”
“Scout’s honor.”
“Then I’m putty in your hands.”

Sloan to Derek
“Life is a gift. It’s also fleeting, so emotional self-protection is a waste of time. And life gives us choices. So I choose you, even if you do push every one of my buttons, and drive me bonkers.”

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

Back Cover:
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.

Back cover:
Blackmailed into a marriage five years ago, and forced by their overbearing families to consummate that union so it could never be legally questioned, Victoria and Justin Talbot have been more than happy to live apart ever since, although neither one has quite forgotten the one night they shared.

But now Victoria has been forced to come to London in the disguise of London’s most talented and sought after courtesan. Invading Justin’s world, she is on a desperate search to find a missing friend and stay clear of her very angry, suddenly possessive husband. Only this time, one taste is not going to be enough for Justin. He is determined not only to uncover Victoria’s secrets, but to claim her, body and soul.

When her father forces her into a marriage with the Earl of Baybary, Justin Talbot, Victoria Reed resigns and tries to adjust to the idea of a marriage of convenience until Justin leaves her after one pleasure-filled wedding night. Heartbroken she stays in the country running the estate as Justin tells her to. Now, three years later, Victoria has her own reason for coming back to London Society, posing as a courtesan.
The last thing she expected though was finding her husband who proves to be a problem for her one-woman mission.

Since their one and only night of passion, Justin has tried to forget the woman he was blackmailed into marrying, by her father, three years ago. He hasn't quite succeeded but now that she has come to London he's sure he won't be able to. But first he has to discover why his wife has come to London posing as a courtesan.

Victoria is brave and kind but defiant and resourceful at the same time. She has learned, not in the least because of the way Justin abandoned her, how to fend for herself and take care of her business and the people she cares about. Beneath her strength there is a sense of vulnerability and innocence that make her a character you can easily empathize with. Little by little her life after Justin's abandonment is disclosed and you understand the motivation for her actions.

Justin is passionate, masculine, intelligent and seductive. He has made some decisions in the past concerning Victoria that may seem harsh but he too has understandable reasons for his actions, which Ms Petersen discloses in small amounts throughout the story.

The chemistry between them is explosive and immediate. Despite their respective reasons to maintain some emotional distance toward each other, they are drawn to each other like bees to honey and they can't resist the pull. They try to conceal their feelings but in the very sensual and tantalizing love scenes their hearts and feelings are laid bare to one another.

There are quite some secondary characters but they fit in the story nicely. Like in the LADY SPIES-series friendship is an important theme in the book and I hope to see some of the characters supporting Victoria and Justin take center stage in their own stories. If I am not mistaken some set-ups were already made but I will have to wait for the next book to see if I was right.


I have been a fan of Jenna Petersen's work ever since I read SCANDALOUS. She captivated me with that book and enthralled me with her LADY SPIES-series. Now she has thrilled me further with his book. It gave me everything I loved in the other books and more. It had great characters with a full-bodied story between them. It has a secondary plot next to the romance that holds the attention without distracting from the main couple.
The search for the villain in the story and the conclusion of the plot were truly perfectly done. It was the combination of the sensual romance and the wonderful and carefully executed storyline that made this one of Jenna's best novels so far.

This book reads like clockwork! Before I knew it I was at the end of this lovely story. The writing style is easy and fluent, it's fast-paced, the dialogues are witty and smart, the characters are wonderful and endearing and the plot is set up really well and provides plenty mystery to intrigue and captivate the reader.
In short, a fast-paced story that I finished in the bat of an eye because I couldn't stop reading it.

Quotes:
Their bodies ground together, warring and merging at the same time. It was a battle for pleasure, a battle for truth, a battle for everything being waged between them.

Justin and Victoria:
“Do you remember how you are to approach Alyssa?”
“I have not forgotten in the last five minutes, I assure you. I am your erotic plaything, not touched in the head, if you remember.”

A sinful passion
Though few can equal her skill with the sword, Caledonia MacNeely fights an unfamiliar shiver when she is offered in marriage to the infamous "Lord Sin." Though Callie fears this mysterious, unreachable stranger -less for the dark whispers that damn him than for the heat of his touch- she is under the order of the English king. And with the fate of her troubled clan hanging in the balance, she has little recourse.

Banished as a child, "Sin" MacAllister learned to despise his Scottish heritage. Yet now, to unmask King Henry's foes, he must return to the hated Highlands -wedded to a bewitching lass whose flaming red hair match the fire of her spirit. A cold, hard heart has always been the key to Sin's survival, but this beauty awakens in him a perilous need he's never known.

A forced marriage between Sin MacAllister, illegitimate and unloved son, and Callie MacNeely, hostage of the English King Henry marks the end of a lifetime of him being spurned, rejected and used.
Will his ice-cold heart melt under her kindness and love or will his word and loyalty cause him to lose the very thing he's yearned deep inside for all his life?

What a wonderful book delivered by Kinley MacGregor. My heart broke for Sin, I laughed with Sin, I cried for Sin and ultimately I fell in love with Sin.
He intrigued me in "Claiming the Highlander" but never could I have imagined the way he moved me from the very first page of the prologue in his own book.
A few pages into chapter one I was praying for his happily ever after.
His story grabbed me from the very first word until the very last, stirring several strong different and conflicting emotions: One moment I was (almost) in tears for Sin and his suffering, another moment I was cheering on Callie's fierceness and the next moment I was swept away by their passion.

Sin is deliciously arrogant but still a man of his word and an honorable man. He is strong and powerful, a force to be reckoned with. He possesses a dry wit that managed to plaster numerous smiles on my face while reading the book. I really enjoyed the bantering between him and Simon, him and Callie and him and his brothers.

Sin broke my heart with his yearning for acceptance and love, his yearning to belong. He is lethal and cold but he's also a man who -although he thinks he can't- can be gentle and tender given the right incentive. This incentive is Callie. Brave, fearless, stubborn, outspoken, kind and loyal Callie. He has never known love or compassion and doesn't know how to deal with Callie's kindness and care. She represents something he has never known. Someone who is kind to him and not afraid of him. She is also his weakness, a weakness he eventually embraces after first uselessly trying to fight it.

The last few chapters were breathtaking and heartbreaking. I cried my eyes out when Sin was presented with the dilemma of choosing between his word and loyalty to Henry and his love for Callie and the way he tried to solve his dilemma. I can tell you I tear up a lot reading books but crying my eyes out is something that only happens when my emotions are really rattled.

Written with humor and flair I really enjoyed this MacAllister-novel. Combining light humor with intense primary characters with deep emotions and adding a collection of wonderful, compelling secondary characters who are endearing and funny and who complement both story and main characters makes it the best in the series so far for me.
MacGregor captured my attention and kept it in a firm hold with a delightful and heart-wrenching story of love, honor, passion and loyalty.

Quotes:
Sin to one of Henry's knights: " My idea of amusement is disemboweling those who contradict and annoy me. What say you that you and I have a bit of fun?”

She looked like a goddess standing there. A breathtaking angel come to save his rotten soul.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Master spy Emily Redgrave hasn’t been the same since a night six months ago when she was cut down by a would-be assassin’s bullet. Though she is physically recovered, she’s still haunted by memories of the trauma and regrets for what almost happened. She’s desperate to re-enter the field and regain her confidence. When she’s assigned to follow and protect Grant Ashbury, the Earl of Westfield, she reluctantly accepts, knowing this ‘babysitting’ duty could very well lead to more advanced cases.

What she doesn’t know is that Grant is a troubled spy in his own right. And he’s just been assigned to follow her by his own superior officers. But as the two chase each other around London, they inadvertently uncover a real case and a magnetic desire that draws them together in shocking, scandalous ways. Can Grant and Emily overcome their past traumas and work together?

And just who is the mysterious Lady M?

As the last single lady spy, Emily Redgrave feels her only devotion is her work for the Crown but since her injury her fellow spies and superiors watch over her constantly, making her feel incompetent. She's thrilled when she finally gets a case again: protecting Grant Ashbury, Lord Westfield, and finding out who's threatening him. When she finds out the latest assignment is a ruse in order to protect her, and the man she's protecting turns out to be a fellow spy, she's furious. During the case she stumbles upon a real and dangerous case and partners up with Grant. Who knew the partnership would grow into something so much more than she intended to...

What a wonderful ending to a great trilogy. This is truly a case of saving the best for last!
The story starts relatively slow and easygoing, building up gradually to a satisfying conclusion with a nice twist at the end, where all questions are answered and you're not left wondering. Maybe just hoping for some connecting books with some of the secondary characters from the three books.

I loved Emily and Grant to pieces...Their interactions were intense and sparkling. Their blossoming love was palpable despite the fight they put up to deny it. They were true partners in the case as well as in love. The really complemented each other, finding in each other what they didn't know they were looking for.
And the secondary characters are perfect. Visible enough to be complementary to the storyline and the main characters but never overbearing. I liked the bond between Grant and his brother. The bond between Emily, Anastasia and Meredith is strong despite Emily feeling left out after their marriages and her injury.

The plot was thrilling. The romance was so emotional it had me wiping tears at the end.
The case they had to solve was well written and intriguing. The mix of action and emotion was perfectly balanced
Jenna Petersen's writing is easy to read and fast-paced, despite the strong emotions displayed between hero and heroine. It pulled me in bit by bit until I just couldn't stop reading and kept reading to find out what would happen next, either with the case or with the relationship.

The Lady Spies have gained themselves a place on my list of favorite heroines being strong, brave, fiery, sensual and loyal. They certainly are no regular Regency ladies.
And their men are downright yummy, being strong and manly but also unafraid to show their emotions when it comes to the woman they love.

I loved all the installments in this trilogy equally. Every book has it's own uniqueness and together they form a perfect whole. This is a first for me. In series/trilogies there is always a book I like more or less. This proves to me the consistency of Jenna Petersen's writing and I wonder what she has in store for us next.

Quote:
He wanted to walk across that room, back Emily into a dark corner, and press his body against hers until there was no space between them. He wanted to fill himself with the scent of her hair. Taste her skin until he was drunk on its flavor.

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.

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."

Shy, intelligent widow Anastasia Whittig is really a Lady Spy in name only. Though she invents important items and decodes evidence, she’s hardly ventured into the field and keeps herself wrapped in a shroud of mourning for her late husband. She’s perfectly content to continue her sheltered life, but when one of her best friend’s is shot, she’s forced into service at the side of Lucas Tyler.

Lucas is a daring, talented spy, driven to solve the case of attacks on his fellow agents. He doesn’t want any help, and certainly not from Ana. But as the two edge ever closer to the disturbing truth, they cannot keep from developing a grudging respect for each other. And they cannot ignore the undeniable desire that threatens to change both their worlds.

Ana is the quiet, intelligent one of the Lady Spies. She cracks codes, invents gadgets, makes disguises and is not involved much in the actual field work.
Lucas is a straightforward, blunt, cut-to-the-chase kind of man.
After Emily is shot, ambushed while working with Lucas, Ana has to take her place in the field. Something neither she or Lucas is happy with. Ana prefers working behind the scenes and Lucas doesn't want a partner and certainly not a female one. And besides that, they both feel things they don't want to feel when the other is around and working together means they have to be in each other's vincinity a lot.
But they have no choice and it turns out Lucas brings out the best in Ana: spunk, liveliness, things she was hiding by staying in the background hiding herself.
For Lucas it's love at first sight. For Ana it takes a while for her to acknowledge her feelings for Lucas because she stills clings to the memory of her deceased husband, seeing falling in love with another man as a betrayal to him.
Circumstances force them into marriage and the danger of losing the other while solving the case makes them acknowledge their love for each other.

This is book 2 of the Lady Spies and Jenna Petersen continues the series in a formidable way. The story is fast-paced, action-filled, with sensuality and a whirlwind of emotions. I really love the way Jenna makes the characters come to life, everything sparkles and sizzles making you want to delve deep into the book and just come up for air when really neccesary.
The plot is obvious fairly early in the story but this doesn't matter because the focus is on solving the case and dealing with the consequences. And on how Ana and Lucas deal with these consequeces and feelings and the effect it has on their relationship and partnership.

The connection to book 1 (Meredith's story) is there and the friendship between the women, as in book 1, is strongly present. But Ana and Lucas truly hold their own in an unique and beautiful love-story that made me laugh a little, cry sometimes, hold my breath on occasion and feel like fanning myself at times.

I'm really looking forward to Emily's story and I'm sure it will be the perfect addition to these first two books.

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.

Bored by society’s rules and strictures, Kathryn “Kit” Cranmer yearns for adventure –and she finds it on Britain’s rugged eastern coastt, dressed as a boy at the head of a rag-tag band of smugglers. But there’s another who rules the night: the notorious Captain Jack, the ruthless leader of a rival gang who will allow no trespassers...and who stops Kit’s breath with his handsome, etched features and powerful physique.

In no time, Captain Jack sees through Kit’s brazen disguise –and tempts her with kisses that compel the beautiful adventuress to surrender her cherished independence for nights of imcomparable bliss, But her lover is much more than he seems –a man of secrets and dangerous mystery– and becoming Captain Jack’s woman will carry Kit into a world of sensuous pleasures and unparalleled perils...and to new heights of excitement beyond anything she’s ever dreamed.

It has been a while since I read a Laurens and reading Captain Jack’s Woman I remembered again why I like her so much.
I enjoyed every page, every character, every turn of events and Laurens is incomparable in her beautifully written erotic scenes. Although I must say in this book they weren’t as abundantly present as in several of the Bar Cynsters I read. But that certainly didn’t spoil any of my fun.

I loved the story of Jack and Kit.
They’re both such strong personalities and so fit for each other. A gaze or the slightest touch enough to light their fire.

Kit is amazing. She’s the epitomy of the wild tomboy underneath the neatly polished veneer of a worldly woman of the London society. For her own reasons she doesn’t believe in love and enjoys her freedom to do as she pleases when she pleases.
In a way Jack is not much different, a man full of secrets beneath the disguise of an aloof and distant nobleman. A bit overbearing but in a delicious alpha-manner you can’t but fall for.

Kit is quite a handful, always planning and plotting her own wild way. Everytime Jack thinks he’s got her figured out, she manages to surprise the daylights out of him. But he knows exactly how to handle her: with passion and love!

The smuggling plot was not quite my cup of tea but offered the excitement that balanced excellently with the love-story.
I’m looking forward to reading the novels of the Bastion Club, knowing this one was just the prequel and I liked it a lot, it can only be better.

Quote:
Heavens –it was worse than she’d thought! He was perfectly gorgeous –mind-numbingly, toe-curlingly gorgeous–

She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible...but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.

Jack Devlin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently-bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected...but both soon craved.

Actually this was the first English historical romance I ever read and it was a while ago so many things had slipped my mind and were as new to me as the first time I read this book.
I had forgotten how sensual and determined Jack Devlin is and how strong and independant Amanda Briars is. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading this book.

Amanda is a heroin many modern women in their thirties can relate to. A spinster who decides she’s been a virgin for long enough, not a perfect size 10 and criticized for her well-developped mind. She’s an independant, self-sufficient novelist who doesn’t want a husband in fear of losing her freedom and individuality. But she’s also lonely an yearning for an equal-minded companion. She would have never thought she’d find him in Jack.

Jack is one of my favourite heroes. A young succesfull businessman and the illegimate half Irish son of a nobleman, he’s struggled the greater part of his life to be where he is now. Dominant and passionate and of course let’s not forget the black hair and blue eyes! The way he goes for what he wants warms me all over. His feelings for Amanda scare him to death but it’s inevitable that she is his soulmate.

They’re both subconsiously looking for that one person to satisfy not only their physical but also, more importantly, their emotional needs and they find that in each other in a beautiful story.
Jack knows exactly how to tear down the walls of self-protection that surrond Amanda’s heart in such a touching, appreciative and endearing way. In her strong and independant way Amanda doesn’t want to marry Jack when circumstances force them into marriage, afraid of losing her freedom and independance. But she finds out being married to Jack brings her more freedom and independance than she she’d ever imagined having when she was alone and single.

There were few memorable secondary characters but the story didn’t need them. It was Jack and Amanda’s story being told and only they can take the spotlight for carrying it in a formidable way. Other strong characters would have interfered with that.

I truly rediscovered an amazing treasure on my bookshelf.
Containing everything I look for in my romance novels:
Strong, well-written characters with imense depth to them.
Scorching passion and sensuality.
A story with the ability to mess me up emotionally in the best possible way. Taking me from laughter tot tears, from grief to pleasure and from compassion to anger. And these things combined has earned this book the highest grade I rarely give the books I read.

Quotes:
He moved to her other breast, making her whimper in frustration at his slowness, his endless leisure, as if time did not exist and he were going to spend forever feasting on her body.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Dear Friend,

You were right: desperation is a dangerous state of mind. It was desperation that drove me to London to salvage my family's reputation and finances in the first place. And it is desperation -- and perhaps a little desire -- that has gotten me into the situation I find myself in now.

You see, I've become ensnared in the investigation of a traitor by Lord Dewhurst -- the most insufferable, sinfully handsome man I've ever met. I know it is shocking, but in order to catch this spy and clear my name, I've no choice but to play the agent's bride. Now I'm desperate again to avoid his seductive words and searing looks. I pray that I can resist him, but I can make no promises. Oh, my dear friend, I know he and I are merely pretending to be wed, but the blush he can send all the way to my petticoats feels far too real!

Yours truly,
Charlotte

After reading about Freddie in “When Dashing met Danger” I was really wondering what twist Shana Galen was going to give his story. I sensed there was more to him than met the eye and turns out there certainly was.

Posing as a dandy with a funny sense for fashion with nothing on his mind but what to wear the next day, Freddie actually is not such a dandy but a cunning spy. And in this role he meets Charlotte, a smart and strong-willed American girl with a deep repulsion for everything English but also with the one thing Freddie has a weakness for: red hair.
They are forced into a scam marriage by circumstances and have to make the best of it.
Their interactions are sparkling and witty. They both give as good as they get and in the meanwhile grow to appreciate each other.

I really had a lot of fun reading this book. It was hilariously witty and I had several laugh-out-loud moments. The scene where Freddie and Charlotte have dinner together for the first time was incredibly funny. I kept seeing Charlotte poking at her food…But underneath all the fun I also enjoyed the growing love and feelings between Freddie and Charlotte and how they both tried to fight it but ultimately caved in.
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Alex and Lucia. They made nice secondary characters together with Freddie’s mother and Charlotte’s servant Addy.

If I compare these two connected books I must say I liked “When Dashing met Danger” better. I cannot pinpoint as to exactly why but that book had me going through more emotions than this one. But nevertheless I really enjoyed reading “Pride and Petticoats” because I love books that make me laugh.
Now I’ll be moving on to the Misadventures in Matrimony-series and I’m looking forward to it.

Determined to end a long-running feud, a fiery young Scottish woman convinces the women of her clan to refuse their men everything until they lay down their arms, but she finds her own plans undermined by her growing attraction to a dashing Highlander.

BORN TO BE HIS BRIDE?
It is said that Braden MacAllister, English baron and proud Highland Warrior, can fell an enemy with a single blow – and a woman with a single kiss. But not Maggie, it seems. For the fire-haired beauty, determined to end the longrunning fued that rages between their clan and its common foe, is immune to Braden’s attempts to stop her foolishness. But stop her he will, once he gets the meddling minx alone...and favors her with a passionate caress and an irresistible kiss.
No matter how she trembles beneath Braden’s sensuous touch...he has given his heart to none. But dare she dream that by assuring peace for her clan she may also be claiming the most magnificent Highlander for herself?

I just fell under the spell of the MacAllister-men and I’m still mesmerized!
Braden, Ewan, Lochlan and Sin are all some fine specimen of the male kind...

Maggie was an awesome heroin: feisty, bold, afraid of nothing and so in love with Braden since she was a little girl. Her memories of how she fell in love with him as a 7 year-old were just so touching and endearing.
And that child’s crush grew into a more mature, and for a long time, unrequited, love.

And Braden...the womanizer, with women throwing themselves at him. He has a hard time resisting the lovely woman Maggie has grown to be. Falling not only for her looks but also her strong and willful personality.
Because where all the other women never touched his heart, Maggie does. And selflessly, without asking antything in return but his love.
She makes him see how empty and shallow he has lead his life.
This story of love finds place amidst a journey to stop a fued...

The first pages of this book plastered a smile on my face and it stayed there until the very last word.
The bantering and quipping between the MacAllister brothers is filled with humour and wit, MacGregor’s trademark.
It was fast-paced and extremely witty, I laughed a lot, but also got teary-eyed at some point.
There was one tiny little thing that bothered me and that was the thing with Connor. They were to quickly with their assumptions and I wouldn’t have minded if that part of the story had been skipped. For me it didn’t add anything functional to the rest of the story...
But this doesn’t taint my overall liking of the book at all.

Quotes:
Braden rose slowly from the bed. “Perhaps I should be going.”
“Perhaps you should be dying,”Rufus said as he pushed past his wife.

She had corrupted him in a way no woman ever had. She had made him noble. Caring. Kind

Come heck or high water, Gracie Snow is determined to track down the legendary ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton and drag him back home to Heaven, Texas, to begin shooting his first motion picture. But taming an egotistical cowboy in a '57 T-Bird might be more than this prim Ohio wallflower can handle. Despite his dazzling good looks and killer charm, Bobby Tom has reservations about being movie star--and no plans to cooperate with the bossy little virgins whom he can't get off his mind or out of his life. Instead, the hellraising playboy decides to make her over from plain Janet to Texas wildcat.
But nothing's more dangerous than a wildcat with an angel's heart in a town too small for a bad boy to hide. And all hell breaks loose when two unforgettable people discover love, laughter, passion--and a match that can be made only in Heaven.

This is the second book in the Chicago Stars series and I must say I loved it. Like the first (It Had to be You) it’s funny, touching and hot!
It grabs you right from the start and doesn’t let go until the last page..

Bobby does his best to come across as a womanizing charming playboy but underneath his boyish charm is a sensitive and vulnerable man who needs a woman who can see through his outward facade and love him despite for who he is and not what he is.
Gracie is this woman. Bossy, determined, and a real sweetheart always putting other people’s interests first. She may be a homely virgin but she’s s a tough cookie to dodge. And also the only woman who sees the real Bobby Tom.
The chemistry between Bobby Tom and Gracie is defenitely there but because of them being so different they keep fighting it. Their dialogues are outright funny, I had many laugh-out-loud moments reading this book.

It was a great story with funny characters, humorous dialogue and some sexy love-scenes that were real hot without them even going all the way.
Secondary to the romance between Gracie and Bobby Tom there’s also a storyline of the romance between Bobby Tom’s mother and the town’s bad boy who had been in love with her since highschool. Where normally a secondary romance tends to distract you from the main story, it didn’t in this book. It blended into it perfectly and seamlessly and I loved reading it and now I’m looking forward for the next Chicago Stars book!

Meredith Sinclair is everything a lady of society should be. She sparkles at every party, men fall at her feet and every woman longs to be like her. But beneath that popular exterior lurks a serious spy. And her newest assignment is very personal.

She is sent to investigate Tristan Archer's involvement in the robbery of a painting that may have hidden secret information about the British Army's movements in France. Meredith knows she shouldn't grow to close to a potential traitor, but many years ago Tristan saved her life. And it's harder and harder to believe he could be so wrong when his kisses are so right.

Will the evidence break her heart... or will her heart set them both free?

Man oh man, Jenna Petersen sure knows how to write books that make you go through every emotion.
I felt everything the hero and heroin were going through just because of her writing-style.
It's intense and very vivid...it just sizzles of the pages.
After reading Scandalous I had high expectations for the Lady Spies-trilogy and I must say those expectations were certainly met.
It was a little less in playing havoc with my emotions than Scandalous but that didn’t make it a less wonderful read.

And also a great concept for a regency-trilogy: Take three widows of the ton and train them to become the best spies of the country. No one will suspect the popular ladies to be the ones who solve cases of theft, murder and treason. Of course comparison with the hit-series from the seventies is inevitable when you have three lady-spies and there boss is called Charlie, but I thought it still was a nice concept. While reading I pictured myself in a beautiful gown roaming the ballrooms and at the same time decoding letters, picking locks, dodging bullets and bringing traitors to justice.

This is the first book in the trilogy and tells the story of Meredith Sinclair and Tristan Archer.
Tristan is suspected of treason and Meredith is the spy assigned to bring him to justice because they have a prior connection.
The attraction and sensuality between Meredith and Tristan is sparkling and intense. Both of them have their understandable reasons for not giving into it but of course ultimately it’s unavoidable that they do.

I really liked the secondary characters, especially Meredith’s fellow-spies Ana and Emily. Each of them have their own specialty and together they form a practically invincible team.
Another intriguing character in the book was Tristan's friend Phillip. I wonder if he gets his own story in the future...

Another thing I liked was the plot. You know it from the start but because Tristan's motivations are not clarified until the very end it keeps you on the edge. Although in various earlier parts in the book I really wanted Tristan to tell Meredith his reasons for doing what he was doing, this way was much better for the book!

I'm really looking forward to the next two books in the series since these are about the two fellow-spies who are secondary characters in this book.

Quote:
There was his name again, coming from her lips to arouse him. Just that whisper made him forget his position both in society and his current situation.

A Dream of Desire Awakened…
Beautiful Lady Emily dreams of the rapture of love and the joys of marriage. The youngest daughter of an English lord at war, she is shaken by the arrival of a mysterious stranger to her father's castle. Could this breathtaking man be Emily's yearned-for lover? Indeed, Draven de Montague, Earl of Ravenswood, has come for Emily...but romance has nothing to do with it.

In the Tender Embrace of an Enemy…
Draven would never have entered the home of his most hated adversary had not the King himself ordered him to take in his foe's daughter for a year to forge bonds of peace between their two feuding houses. Worse still, here is a lass whose exquisite loveliness could tempt Draven to betray his sworn vow never to let anther close to his heart. Emily knows the searing heat of her passion could burn down the defenses of this proud warrior. But will the surrender of the sweet nectar of his lips and his bold, sensuous caress ignite a blaze so hot it consumes them both?

I enjoyed reading this book. It was delightfully funny as known of Kinley MacGregor. She manages to write an intense love-story filled with wit and depth at the same time.

The characters are well developed and have depth to them. The interactions between Draven and Emily send sparks of the pages and those between Draven and Simon are filled with humor.

Draven is a good man but torn between his feelings for Emily and the honor of upholding his oath to the King. You can just feel the desperation in him, trying to keep distance between him and Emily in spite of the huge attraction she forms to him. And there is also the burden of the alleged curse in his family that prevents him from caring for a woman in fear of hurting her.

Emily is endearing, strong-willed, resourceful and intelligent. She’s a lovely heroin. Her directness and honesty are heartwarming and refreshing.
Simon and the maid Alys are great secondary characters.

This isn’t the first Kinley MacGregor I’ve read because I read both the novels in the Seawolves-series before but I liked this one much better and probably because of it’s genre that I like more than the pirate-genre.
I think it certainly won’t be a burden to entertain myself with the other MacGregor books waiting for me on the shelves…

Quote

Simon: “Allow me to present myself milady, I am Simon of Ravenswood, brother to the ogre, and your most fervent protector for this journey.
Draven: “And pray tell who will protect her from your drooling? Should I have my squire fetch rags now, or should I wait until she starts to drown?”

Emily: “Where are you taking me?”
Draven: “Wherever and as many times as it suits me.”

Alec MacLean, a branded rakehell who scorns the ton for its snobbery and insincere ways, is in a damnable predicament. Having promised his dying grandfather to save the family fortune, Alec finds himself eloping with an avariciously accommodating society miss.

But when Alec open the door of his coach, he finds the wrong woman -- prim do-gooder Julia Frant! Desperate, Alec strikes a bargain with the reformer; marry him that night and Julia can use part of his fortune for her charitable works. Julia agrees and takes on her biggest project ever -- reforming the wild-living rake who'd unknowingly won her heart long ago!

It took me a while, several chapters to be honest, to get into this book and I can’t quite pin-point why that was. The story was defenitely nice but still it didn’t grip me as some other books recently have done.
I was really at the verge of putting it down and picking another book to read and that would have been a first because I’ve never done that.. I always finish what I start!
But luckily I hung on and from chapter 6-7 I really got pulled into the story...
Maybe because the story really began to take form whereas it didn’t before.
Maybe because the interactions between hero and heroin began to sparkle and the witty dialogues started to kick in.
Maybe because the interesting secondary characters (Nick, Maddie, Edmund, Lucien) began to drop in now and then.

I find “The Abduction of Julia” a pleasurable, uncomplicated story with nice dialogues. I liked both hero and heroin, especially Julia because she’s so independent and determined to save the less fortunate ones in her world. She’s a heroin who’s very easy to sympathize with.
Alec is the dime-in-a-dozen Regency-rake, but nonetheless also a very aimable character in the book.

It's not a really good sign if (one of) the main characters are outranked by secondary characters and for me that was the case in this book.
In my book Alec was positively outranked by Nick Montrose, Earl of Bridgerton and his sinfully wicked cousin trying to trick the heritage right from under Alec. He’s the bad guy in this book but a bad guy you also admire and empathize with. So I’m very glad he has his own book: the third and last in this trilogy.
Can’t wait to get to that one because I really want to read what kind of hero he’ll be.