by Jasmyn | Nov 12, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
I really enjoyed the concept behind Seductive Secrets and I wanted to fall in love with it so much, but there was just too much I couldn’t connect with. From the characters themselves, to them falling in love, to the grand solving of the mystery – it was never quite right.
To start with, Lady Willow came off as a brat. She couldn’t keep herself away from the men long enough to have a conversation with her family – and she was totally surprised when she found out people thought she was a loose woman. Her attitude towards Sir Conrad tipped her into the “she doesn’t deserve him” category as she degraded and talked down to him every chance she got until *poof* she was suddenly in love.
Sir Conrad started off really well, but after the incident in the cabin – well – he found himself in “he doesn’t deserve her” territory. So now I have heroes who don’t deserve each other and are at the same time undeserving of each other. They both really needed to grow up – which they just started to do by the end of the story.
The missing ruby was a great twist to the story. I had no idea who took it until Willow and Conrad had their own ah-ha! moment. That was an amazing part of the story (but Willow’s prior sleuthing only made her seem more like a spoiled child). However, this wonderful moment was ruined by their plan to return the stone and make everything right again. No one in their right mind would have believed what they presented as the truth – let alone a castle full of knights and nobility.
Not the book for me, unfortunately.
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Title: Seductive Secrets (Secrets of the Heart #2)
Author: Elizabeth Rose
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval Romance
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The Lady:
Lady Willow Douglas holds the power of persuasion and can charm men with her appearance as well as her words. But when her skill doesn’t work on Sir Conrad Lochwood, he becomes a thorn in her side. The autumn festival is about to start, and all the eligible, rich, single noblemen are arriving. She has decided to find a husband, but unfortunately her father has other plans. He’s hired Sir Conrad to keep her away from all the men until his return.
The Guardian:
When a visiting earl’s prize ruby is stolen, Willow steps in without hesitation to use her skills to figure out which of the guests is the thief. But with Sir Conrad constantly looking over her shoulder and dragging her away from everyone, she finds it difficult to accomplish anything. She is a member of the queen’s secret group of strong women and feels the need to find and return the ruby to help the earl out of a terrible predicament that involves the king.
Can a strong woman who is determined to catch a thief accomplish her task before a dashing knight steals her heart away?
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by Jasmyn | Nov 11, 2019 | Readers, Romance
Title: A Whole New Duke
Author: Samantha Holt
Genre: Historical Romance
The Dark Duke they call him.
And he certainly matches up to his name. From his looks to his constantly furrowed brow, Miss Beatrice Edgerton is under no illusions as to the status of their arranged marriage.
It will be very much one of convenience. With him conveniently providing the title her family so desperately wants and her family bringing in plenty of money for his dilapidated home. She is simply grateful he is younger than her first husband.
Lord Morton, Duke of Hartwich, is only a little perturbed by the vibrant Beatrice. After all, he sets her straight from the very first day of their marriage—this is one of mutual benefit. In one way only. She can expect no affection or romance from him.
Because, frankly, he is incapable of such things. Being a one-legged duke with a slightly dark past brings enough challenges without him having to worry about a wife too. His days of concern for anyone are long gone.
Unfortunately, It is not only the duke’s dark demeanor she has to deal with. Someone is trying to cause trouble for them but they cannot fathom who or why.
Grace is determined to make the best of the situation, even whilst spending Christmas with the duke alone in the eerie Hartwich Hall. Why, perhaps she might even be able to change the duke’s mind about their relationship.
Especially after they share a fiery kiss…or three…
Excerpt from A Whole New Duke
© 2019 Samantha Holt
“I’m very tired,” she said through a yawn.
“You need to stay awake, Bea. You may have a concussion.”
“Concussion?” Her words sounded slurred to her but she was not certain they actually were.
“When one is struck on the head, it can make one feel a little strange. I have suffered it myself falling from horses.”
“Oh.” She put an arm over her face to block out the unwelcome light but Adam pulled her arm away from her face and she scowled at him.
“You need to stay awake, Bea. Just until we can be certain you are feeling better.”
“I would rather sleep,” she muttered.
“Mrs. Howard, will you get some ice and tea, please?”
Bea didn’t see the housekeeper leave but she heard her footsteps scurrying off. Adam cupped her cheek and she sank gratefully into the comforting warmth of his touch. “You are quite handsome,” she said softly.
“And you are still charming somehow.”
“I like it when you touch me.”
A smile grazed his lips. “I like touching you.”
“See? That was not so hard to admit was it?”
“Especially because you will likely not remember a thing of what you said tonight.”
“I know exactly what I am saying,” she declared, although the words did seem strange and still incoherent. She yawned and closed her eyes.
“Tell me of this intruder.”
Opening her eyes, she frowned. “It was dark but he was tall.”
“Taller than me.”
“Yes. No…Perhaps.” She let her eyelids flutter shut and found the darkness behind them quite pleasant.
“Anything else you can recall?” she heard him say but it was too hard to respond. Her jaw felt heavy and her tongue thick. “Bea?” A hand tapped her cheek and she ripped her eyes open.
“Stop,” she protested.
“You need to tell me all, Bea.”
“He seemed skinny but strong. He pushed me hard.” She forced her attention to his concerned features. “Adam, will you let me sleep with you tonight? I do not want to be alone.”
His lips tilted. “You will not be alone. I promise.”
“Good.”
About Samantha Holt
SA Today Bestselling author Samantha Holt lives in a small village in England with her twin girls and a dachshund called Duke. If you’re not sure where to start why not try…
▶ Amelia and the Viscount (Bluestocking Brides #1) for a fun, slightly hot shorter length read. Meet the Chadwick sisters and follow their adventures in each of their standalone stories.
▶ You’re the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.
▶ Sinful Confessions is the first in the Cynfell Brothers Series. These are all novella length and standalone–ideal for a quick dip into the world of the sexy Cynfell brothers.
▶ Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.
▶ To Steal a Highlander’s Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.
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by Jasmyn | Nov 8, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
I feel like Overruled by Fate really hit the nail on the head with how living as nobility – or within the world of the nobility – really was. Madeline is told she will be marrying a much older man – and she’s lucky that he’s a good man. Her feelings are not taken into consideration, because her father knows what’s best for her. Only too late does she realize that her feelings for her childhood non-noblility companion are much more that she first believed.
Said childhood companion, Nathaniel, has known his feelings, but he also accepts his place and knows that nothing will come of them – at least he thinks he’s accepted it. When Madeline’s marriage is announced he goes off the deep end. And while I appreciate his feelings and need to drown his sorrows – his method of drowning said sorrows left me with a bad taste in my mouth for him. And he doesn’t really improve much until the very end. While this was probably very historically accurate – I wanted I little bit more out of my hero than I got.
It took a long time for the HEA to appear. And I really appreciated that. It wasn’t easy for this couple, but even when it was hard, the author found highlights and good things for them to be occupied with. There was plenty of pining for each other and scheming at times, and when the king makes an appearance I just felt awful for Madeline (but no spoilers so I can’t tell you why).
There is plenty of intrigue, betrayal, plots and plans woven into the storyline that wrap around our main characters, forcing them to make hard decisions and sometimes take paths they wouldn’t have otherwise chosen. When our couple does finally get together (this is a romance after all), it was sweet and touching. I felt like they had finally beat the odds stacked against them. A great story that has a feeling of epicness to it.
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Title: Overruled by Fate
Author: Leila Snow
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval Romance
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Nathaniel and Madeline are childhood companions, though mismatched to be sure. He is the son of a servant and she, the daughter of the Lord of the castle. Nevertheless, they are inseparable, each unaware of the deep emotions of the other until it is too late. One stolen night is all they are granted before Madeline is given in marriage to the wealthy and titled, Earl of Marbourne, who is fast friends with the king.
A whirlwind of intrigue and contrivance follows Nathaniel and Madeline as they join the court and Madeline catches the eye of the king. A story of love, lust, betrayal, greed, and even murder. It seems that the twists and turns of cruel fate conspire to keep Madeline and Nathaniel apart despite their desperate love.
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