Month: September 2018

Rogues to Lovers Collection by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Anthology, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Rogues to LoversRogues to Lovers by Catherine Kean

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Release Date: September 11, 2018

I love the concept of this anthology, all the novellas are standalone, but they all incorporate the “Legend of the Blue Damask Rose” The legend of the rose is that when the rare Blue Damask rose blooms, enemies will become lovers.

I was not able to read every novella in the collection (so many books, so little time!!), but I will definitely be coming back to read the ones I missed as soon as my reading scheduled lightens a bit!

Highland Knight by Amy Jarecki – 4 stars – Quinn Campbell is traveling with his brother and kinsman to a gathering at Rothesay Castle when he spots a goddess, he chased the woman but loses her at the ruins of the old Lamont castle. The castle is now Campbell property, 20+ years ago, Quinn’s grandfather laid siege to the castle and killed all the Lamonts. Alice Lamont escaped the massacre, her grandmother took her and fled when the siege started. They have lived in a small cottage for years and now her grandmother has decided it is time for Alice to marry. They also attend the gathering and Quinn finally meets his “goddess”. When fighting breaks out and Quinn is wounded, it is up to Alice to care for him. But when they return to Rothesay days later, it is clear that the Campbells and the Lamonts are still mortal enemies – Can Quinn and Alice find a way to stop the feud before it escalates and any chance they have for a HEA is ruined? This story was short, sweet and to the point, it was well written and flowed well, but it is a bit of an “insta-love” story and wasn’t long enough to build up the romance between them. Nonetheless, it was very good.

A Rose for a Rogue, Collette Cameron – 5 stars – Manchester “Chester”, Marquess of Sterling has returned home after 10 years. He had a falling out with his father, the Duke when his brother was killed in a duel. He meets Eglantina Eden Haverdon when he is leaving the tavern to go home. His horse is lame and he asks her for a ride to his home. He is fascinated by her and learns that she is the illegitimate sister of the man who killed his brother. On the way to his house, they have an accident on the bridge and Eden nearly drowns. He insists that she stay the night at the manor, this starts a series of events that end up leaving Eden homeless. Chester feels responsible and offers her a job, she declines, but when she falls ill, he takes matters into his own hands. This was a sweet story and I loved Chester – LOVED HIM. This story was very well done and while it is short, it was definitely paced perfectly and the love between Chester and Eden felt fully developed.

After reading these two novellas, I really wish I had the time the entire book!! This collection is priced so low, that even if you only read one novella, it is well worth the price!! I will definitely be coming back to finish this book and will update my review at that time.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*

The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart

On By TracyIn Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)3 Comments

The Marquess and the Maiden (Lords of Vice, #2)The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart

Tracy’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Lords of Vice, #2

Release Date: September 10, 2018

Six years ago, Lady Harriet Wheatley’s mother had a plan, Harriet would marry Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport, her dearest friend’s son. Oliver has inherited a bankrupt estate, been injured and dumped by his would be betrothed and Harriet has a huge dowry and 2 unsuccessful seasons under her belt – it is a win – win for everyone! Too bad Oliver didn’t fall in line with the plan, he told Harriet in no uncertain terms, he would not marry her – – he didn’t want her dowry or her. Harriet is crushed, not that she was overly keen on marrying him, but rejection is rejection. She vows that she will only marry for love or not at all.

Fast forward six years, Oliver has singlehandedly restored his family fortune and then some. To Harriet, he seems to waste his money and as a member of the Ladies of Virtue, she feels it is her responsibility to show him the error of his ways, especially since the group has been forced to curtail their crime fighting activities thanks to an enemy known only as Lady X. When Oliver’s mother suggests that he marry, he agrees with her, but states that he hasn’t been in society for years and most women are frighten of him. His mother suggests that Harriet might be able to help him find a bride, he is surprised that she is still unwed and when he sees her again, wonders if the men of London are blind – she is not the traditional willowy figured woman that is lauded by the ton, she is petite, curvy and has a magnificent bosom – not that he is looking. He approaches her and is delighted to find that she is no longer the timid mouse he remembered by a feisty spitfire, who tells him that he will need more than a fortune to find a wife, she offers him a deal, he stops his spending and she will help him – NO. A couple of weeks later, he realizes she was right and asks for her help, she refuses. But when she learns he owns a property that she can use for secret meetings and training for her group, she reconsiders. Oliver has decided on his bride – Harriet. But still stinging from his rejection years ago, she thinks he is toying with her.

They grow closer and share some heated kisses, Oliver repeatedly tries to prove he wants her and she repeatedly rebuffs him. Finally Oliver forces her hand and they end up married, but he makes it clear he can never love her. Can Harriet accept this? Will passion be enough? Will Oliver get his head out of his butt before it is too late?

I’ll be honest, this story was just okay, I have a really hard time believing the author that wrote the Legend Hunter series is the same author writing this series. The whole Ladies of Virtue angle is a bit ridiculous, crime fighting debutantes, really?? I felt like Harriet’s insecurities and refusal to believe that Oliver found her attractive dragged on too long and became annoying. This along with some major title errors, some inconsistencies and some completely unbelievable scenarios made this a 3 star read. Upside, the story was cute and very steamy (YES!!), both Oliver and Harriet were likeable people, their interactions were for the most part amusing and entertaining, the secondary characters added to the story, but didn’t overshadow the leads and the ending was very sweet.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*