Sunday, October 23, 2016

Christmas in Destiny (Destiny #7) by Toni Blake

Title: Christmas in Destiny
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Destiny
Format: Paperback; 368 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25, 2016)
ISBN-10: 006239259X
ISBN-13: 978-0062392596
Author's Website: http://www.toniblake.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating. Please note that as I read and ARC and quotes are subject to change, they will need to be checked and verified against the final version.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Shane Dalton was about to get a fresh start on life. His father had died of cancer, and he had a new job waiting for him in Miami. Before his father passed, he told him there was something for him in the small town of Destiny, Ohio. So on his way to Miami he took a detour to find out what his father was talking about. He had only planned to stay a short while, but an accident leaves him stranded on the outskirts of the tiny town at the doorstep of Candice Sheridan, a sweet and sexy young woman, who makes him wonder if staying in the small town would be all that bad...

Candice Sheridan knows trouble when she sees it and Shane looks to be a whole lot of it. While she knows he'll only be in town for a short while, she keeps finding herself gravitating towards him. Trouble is the last things she needs, but as she gets to know the man she once thought of as tall, dark, and scary (in an oh so hot and sexy kind of way) she finds she might be willing to take a chance on him...

"The truth is that I'd like to do more than kiss you."
 He'd just said it. That plain. Like it was nothing.
"But you're trouble?" she asked. (...)
"Been on Santa's naughty list my whole life." And ended with another wink. 



This is the seventh book in the Destiny series and it reminds me a little of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series with all its small town goodness. It's the first book I've read in the series, but I didn't feel lost, so don't be intimidated by the fact it's the seventh novel of the bunch. It is a sweet and sexy story that warms the soul and, in a very slight way, mimics the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life'.

Shane's been told his whole life he's bad news and he believes it. When he comes to Destiny he's not looking to do anything other than honor his father's dying wish. Destiny, however, holds more for him than he or his father could ever have imagined. For years Shane and his father seemed to go from city to city, never really settling down. They never had a place they truly considered home. So it was easy to uproot and move after his father's death because there was nothing tying him down. Destiny, however, is the type of small town most believe only exists in Hallmark specials and in eras gone by. Everyone knows and looks out for each other, and it might just hold everything Shane never knew he always wanted.

Candice has lived her whole life in Destiny. The last relationship she was in ended badly, and she's not looking to repeat the experience. Shane seems to be all that her ex was and then some. While the relationship ended five years ago, she hasn't dated anyone since. Though Shane claims to be trouble with a capital 'T', she sees a side of him that makes her think his bark may be worse than his bite, and decides to take a chance on him.

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. The story had a nice pace with characters that leapt to life on the pages,  While the story was at times predictable, it left me with the warm fuzzy feeling of coming home. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. Oh, and if you're wondering how this story relates to 'It's a Wonderful Life', it's not so much in the story line, but more in spirit. The main character comes to the realize he's not as bad as he once believed himself to be. A truly lovely story that is perfect for the holiday season.

Order of the Destiny series:


Saturday, October 22, 2016

Early Review of The Earl (Devil's Duke #2 / Falcon Club #5) by Katharine Ashe

Title: The Earl: A Devil's Duke Novel
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Devil's Duke (Book 2) /  Falcon Club (Book 5)
Format: Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062412752
ISBN-13: 978-0062412751
Author's Website: http://katharineashe.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Zenobia is a modern girl living in a world that isn't quite ready for her. She's a Women's and Human's Rights activist who champions the underdog, and her lack of position as a women in the world has never been more clear. Her sister, Amarantha, has gone missing and she doesn't have the means to find her. Oh, she has accumulated a significant little nest egg over the years as the pamphleteer known as Lady Justice, but she doesn't have the skills or connections to find her. Desperate, she contacts a man whom she never saw herself going to for help--Peregrine, a member of the now defunct Falcon Club. Over the years Zenobia, under the guise of  the Lady Justice, has publicly argued against many of the club's political views and policies which tended to favor the upper class alone. Now she needs their help because what they excel at is finding missing people. She's even desperate enough to agree to a meeting with the man. You see, the identity of Lady Justice is a secret, but she's desperate enough to reveal it in order to find her sister. That decision, will change everything because when she'll find out who the mysterious Peregrine is, she realizes it's someone she knows.,,
This is the second book in the Devil's Duke series and the fifth book in the Falcon Club series. You can read it as a standalone, but I recommend you read one or two of the earlier books in the Falcon Club series to know how all the secondary characters relate to one another. It will make things more enjoyable to see how the Falcon Club and Lady Justice interacted with one another, and how Falcon Club met its demise.

I liked the situation Ms, Ashe created by having two very headstrong individuals face-off with one another. I also adored Colin even though there were moments when I shook my head at his backwards views on women, He really came through in the end, however, and I enjoyed that Zenobia was able to change his mind about matters. Additionally, there was a very touching and moving scene at the end that I loved. I did, however, have a hard time warming up to Zenobia, There were moments in the book when I really didn't like her very much. While she is a smart and strong individual, at times she appeared to be a tad bit too cold, calculating, and set in her ways. There was a love scene where I just wasn't feeling the love, the heat, or the chemistry between these two. She kind of took on the role usually reserved for male rogues. Eventually she won me over because I came to the realization her indifferent/frosty attitude towards Colin was a coping mechanism to protect her heart.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was fun and reminds us just how far women have come in the world. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public.

Order of the Devil's Duke series:



Order of the Falcon Club series (according to Katharine Ashe's website):


Please note that 'How to Marry a Highlander' and 'The Scoundrel and I' are both Novellas.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Early Review of A Date at the Altar (Marrying the Duke #3) by Cathy Maxwell

Title: A Date at the Altar: Marrying the Duke
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Marrying the Duke
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062388657
ISBN-13: 978-0062388650
Author's Website: http://www.cathymaxwell.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Ms.Sarah Pettijohn is the most sought after woman in all of London, but nobody knows it except for a select few. She made her mark while playing the Siren during the production of the Naughty Review years ago. It's not something she's proud of, but it accomplished what she'd hope to at the time--to earn her enough money to provide a home for her half-sister's orphaned daughter. Keeping her identity a secret is paramount for she is not only an actress but a playwright as well, and she doesn't wish to tinge her credibility. Truth be told, the only reason she agreed to play the Siren again is so that a theater would finally produce on of her plays.

Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would be described by most as a stickler for etiquette or, to put it bluntly, a stick in the mud. Attending the Naughty Review is totally out of character for him, but his concern for his friend, overrode his sense of respectability, Over the years he's done everything in his power to help his friend out of financial difficulties even going so far as to help him get elected to a position that would increase both his wealth and prestige. Rumor has it that Rov is once again on the brink of ruin with his latest set of wagers all centering around the woman whom they call the Siren. This latest fiasco by Rov will put their friendship to the ultimate test, and it's not likely to survive. For as Gavin watches the performance, he realizes the voice of the Siren is one he actually knows, and stopping his friend from going down a reckless path will become more dire than ever.
This was a fun tale. Sarah Pettijohn is a woman who has not had an easy life. She's done what she's had to do to survive, but being a woman in the  early 1800's is not easy. Especially if one is not married. She is limited in what she can do, and the men of the era look down their noses at actresses. They also tend to try to take advantage of her at ever turn. Even Gavin, a man known for being very proper, makes her an indecent proposal which she tries to decline, but soon finds herself in a damned if you do and damned if you don't position. I loved watching these two get to know each other and fall in love.

Ms. Maxwell turned the tables in this one by giving Gavin the role that is most often reserved by the female lead--the jilted bridegroom. Being jilted not once, but twice, has made those who'd otherwise seek out a match with him think twice, and his ego has taken a beating. Tired of always doing the right thing, he's decided to take a walk on the wild side and he sees Sarah as just the person to take that walk with. He believes making the most sought after woman in London his mistress will kill two birds with one stone. She'll have someone to protect her from men like Rov, and he'll save face while gaining a bad boy reputation which will make him more appealing. Ms. Sarah Pettijohn, however, is nothing like he expects. In fact, she's not like any woman he's ever met.

I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was fun, whimsical, charming, and oh so romantic. There was a scene at the end that was swoon worthy. *sigh* I also enjoyed the commentary at the end of the book in the the Author's Note section where Ms. Maxwell listed a couple of examples of unconventional marriages between members of the ton and women who worked on the stage. I always wondered if such matches had ever taken place and it was fun knowing that they had. I love it when an author goes the extra mile and adds some interesting historical facts. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public.

Order of the Marrying the Duke series:

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

This Earl is on Fire (Season's Original #2) by Vivienne Lorret

Title: This Earl is on Fire: The Season's Original Series
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Season's Original (Book 2)
Format: Paperback; 320 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (September 20, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062446347
ISBN-13: 978-0062446343
Author's Website: http://vivlorret.net/
Notes:  I bought this one. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adeline and her family have traveled to London for her first season. While most debutantes have plans of making a grand match, she holds no such aspirations. She's come to London for a grand adventure. Hailing from the small country town of Boswickshire, she's looking forward to being somewhere no one knows her. A new venue where she can pretend, if only for a little while, to be just a normal two and twenty year old woman. A place where no one knows of her deformity. For Adeline Pimm comes from a proud family and she does not wish to be thought of as a burden to anyone, least of all a husband. She plans to prove herself a capable young woman in the eyes of her parents, and if she can't find someone who could see past her disability, she'd prefer to remain alone. Besides, Pimm only ever marry for love.

Liam Cavanaugh, the Earl of Wolford, is known as one of the most scandalous men in the ton and that's just how it likes it. Years ago, at the tender age of seventeen, he learned first hand just how devious debutantes and their scheming parents could be when one such family attempted to ensnare him in the parson's noose. Since then he's done everything in his power to discourage the attentions of ambitious debutantes. He's vowed not to marry until the ripe old age of sixty or so just as his father did.

What is the expression--Man plans and God laughs? Sometimes when we least expect it, love finds a way.
This was such a fun read and I'm apparently reading this series backwards and absolutely enjoying it. I have been known to read a book or two out of order, but this is the first time I've officially done so backwards, and I'm rather glad I did. Authors lace series with little bits and pieces of information which link them together. Most of the time I miss them because they don't seem that significant at the time. Reading the series this way I feel I'm not missing a thing and I'm finding it quite fun to be picking up on those little hints and clues of what is to come. This is the second book of the series and you can read it out of order and not feel lost, but every reader has their little idiosyncrasies, so I'll leave that decision up to you.

I always say when it comes to reading, little things mean a lot, and this series has a lovely amount of little details woven into them. The story begins with Adeline and her parents letting (leasing) a house for the Season in London. Due to poor weather and bad luck, the family arrives less one coach with hardly any servants and very few supplies. When they reach their destination they discover a badly beaten individual on their doorstep. Being the kind of family who always does the right thing. they take the poor chap under their wing and nurse him back to health. They have no idea who he is, only that if someone doesn't take care of him he won't make it. I immediately fell in love with this very unconventional noble family.

Liam has made a career out of making himself as unappealing to the ton as possible. When he awakes to find a nobleman's daughter alone at his bedside he fears the worst--that once again someone is plotting to trap him into marriage for his wealth and title. Adeline is understandably taken aback by this and is ready to write the man off as being full of himself when her father says something that makes her her think twice. "That tells us a great deal, does it not? A man who cannot trust the kindness of a stranger must have learned not to do at some time in his life."

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. I absolutely loved it starting with the situation created from the family taking in the Earl to the unlikely friendship, and attraction that develops between Adeline and Liam. Not to mention the mystery of what happened to the Earl that left him near death at their doorstep. I HIGHLY recommend this one. I believe I have found another author to add to my list of favorite romance authors. This one is definitely going on my keeper shelf. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one received a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public.

Order of the Season's Original series:

 

Monday, October 17, 2016

Home (Myron Bolitar #11) by Harlan Coben

Title: Home
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Format: Hardcover; 400 pages
Publisher: Dutton; September 20, 2016
ISBN-10: 0525955100
ISBN-13: 978-0525955108
Author's Website: http://www.harlancoben.com/
Notes: I borrowed this one from the library.




Ten years ago two six-year-old boys were kidnapped from one of the boy's home in an affluent neighborhood of Alpine, New Jersey during a play date. The au pair who was watching them was found tied up claiming two men wearing masks had entered the house and had taken them. A ransom was demanded, but no one ever came to retrieve the money. The boys were never seen or heard from again until now. Working on an anonymous tip, Win Lockwood, has just caught a glimpse of the boy he believes to be Patrick Moore. Before making a positive id, the boy, now sixteen, was assaulted by three men. Win intervened, but when he finally got things under control, the boy had run away.

Win and Myron will do whatever it takes to find the missing boys and return them to their families even if it means putting their own lives at risk. This time they won't let the boys slip away.
This was a suspenseful story with plenty of twists, turns, and questions about what happened the day the two boys went missing. As Win and Myron look into the kidnapping, they find things that don't add up, leads that were never followed, and questions that were never asked. The two decide that starting from the beginning may not lead to how the boys ended up on a whole other continent. Instead, they decide to try to focus on how the boys could have gotten from point A to point B working backwards, and trying to find the missing links. With plenty of resources and money at Win's disposal, the millionaire hopes to discover what happened to his cousin's son, Rhys, and bring him home.

This was a great story with characters who are complex, and at times larger than life, but yet extremely relatable. Win and Myron are best friends who are so different from one another it makes me wonder how they got to be that way. Their friendship intrigues me. While I have never read any other books from the Myron Bolitar series, I'm very tempted to read the first book and see where it all began.

Some of my favorite quotes:

- “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

- 'Scratch a guy who always talks about what a winner he is or how he’s “self-made” or how he’s pulled himself up by the bootstraps, and underneath you’ll always find a little boy who had everything handed to him. It was like they needed a blind spot to justify their tremendous luck. Something like: I can’t have all of this because of fate or chance—I must be special.'

“If I have to cheer for you to know I’m proud,” Dad once told Myron, “then I’m doing something wrong.”

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. The story was well written, suspenseful, with plenty of twist and turns. I love how once you know what happened you can go back and see all the bread crumbs that were left  that led to the conclusion. While reading, you can see the pieces, but can't phantom, until very close to the end, how they all fit together.  I borrowed an audio version of the book from my library, and kept finding myself sitting in the car and listening well after I reached my destination. The narrator was wonderful and helped breath life into the characters.  I HIGHLY recommend this one.

Order of the Myron Bolitar Series:

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Early Review of While the Duke Was Sleeping (The Rogue Files #1) by Sophie Jordan

Title: While the Duke Was Sleeping
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Rogue Files
Format: Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 25, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062222546
ISBN-13: 978-0062222541
Author's Website: http://www.sophiejordan.net/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Poppy Fairchurch works for Barclay's Fine Flowers. One of her favorite customers is the dashing Duke of Autenberry. Truth be told, she fancies herself in love with the man. She often daydreams that one day he'll realize they were meant to be and sweep her off her feet. They'd marry and live happily ever after. Hey, it happened to Cinderella. Oh, right that was a fairy tale, but a girl can dream, can't she? Unfortunately, he's never noticed her, but she still can't stop hoping.

Then one day she witnesses something that will change everything. Instead of passively standing by, like most people would, she takes action and saves the man's life. Unfortunately, he still doesn't notice her as he's been knocked unconscious. Then due to a series of events and misunderstandings, his family thinks she's his fiance, and she finds herself living a life she'd only ever dreamed. The problem is that once her Prince Charming, or rather Duke, awakes things will go back to the way they were or will they?

I have to confess, while I enjoyed the story, it was way too similar to the movie 'While You Were Sleeping'. This made the story extremely predictable. Basically, Ms. Jordan took the movie and changed things so it would fit into a historical setting with a Duke. There are some differences, but if you've watched the movie, you'll be itching to watch it again just too see what exactly she did change. The relationship between family members is different. The main character, Poppy, has a sister, and there are other differences--some subtle while others are not. While she didn't copy anything word for word, it rings so close to the original that I was a little surprised.

I'm torn between giving this one a 2 or a 3 rose rating, therefore, I'm settling for 2 1/2 out of 5 roses. If you've never seen the movie 'While You Were Sleeping' you'll absolutely love this one. If you've watched it, however, you'll be experiencing a strong sense of déjà vu. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Giveaway, Review, & Excerpt of When a Marquess Loves a Woman (Season's Original #3) by Vivienne Lorret




As a young, penniless gentleman, Maxwell Harwick knew he had little to offer Juliet White—the most beautiful debutante of the season—except his love, and one thoroughly scandalous kiss. But when they were discovered in a compromising position, a nearly ruined Juliet fled into the arms of a rich, older lord... taking Max’s heart with her.

Now a widow, Lady Juliet Granworth intends to use the fortune she inherited from her odious husband to build a new life in London. Five years have passed, but she’s never forgotten Max… or his soul-searing kiss. Yet it’s clear the newly-minted Marquess of Thayne has not forgiven her—after all, the infuriating man can barely stand the sight of her. But Juliet has endured far too much to give up without a fight and if it’s a battle of wills he wants, it’s a battle he’ll get.

He hates her for breaking his heart. She detests him for destroying her future. But beneath all the loathing, simmers an intoxicating passion that neither can ignore… and the harder they resist, the harder they will inevitably fall.
Excerpt 2:

He spread his arms out in a shrug, cakes in one hand, walking stick in the other. “Now, as you can see, I am utterly helpless”—he paused at the sound of her scoff—“and unable to taste the cake that you offered to feed me.”
“I made no such offer.”
“Then I cannot think of what I heard moments ago unless . . .”—he lowered his voice—“you were flirting with me. But you, the ever-composed Lady Granworth, would never do such a thing.”
He wanted to see her color rise, her ire flash, anything. Damn it all, he needed to ruffle her feathers and crawl under her skin. It was the least she owed him.
“I would not even know how to flirt,” she boldly lied and without batting an eye.
Wasn’t every nuance of flirtation woven into her being? Every downward sweep of her lashes. Every subtle curl of her lips. Every slash of her tongue. Every single breath!
“Oh, I’m certain that is a false statement,” he said, keeping his tone smooth and even. “All you have to do is admit to flirting with me, and I’ll be on my way.”
“I. Admit. Nothing.”
He held out his hand. “Then feed me a cake.”
She stepped forward so suddenly she nearly startled him in the process. “Fine.”
The crisply enunciated word tolled a warning bell within him, advising caution. He had anticipated their continued banter and even her eventual retreat, but not her acquiescence. Instinct told him to be wary. And yet curiosity fixed him to the spot.
Lifting her hand, she slipped the serviette into her delicate palm, the edges draping over fingers. He stared, paying close attention to every movement, noting how her lace mitts left the entire length of her slender fingers exposed. No doubt, like her dress, they were designed for a purpose, bringing to mind thoughts of bared limbs.
Then, with a delicate pinch of her thumb and forefinger, she picked up the first cake.
Anticipation thundered in his chest, neck, and ears simultaneously. She could still balk. Still storm off in a flurry. He was prepared for such a response but no longer assured of it. Perhaps challenging her wasn’t the best idea after all.
His gaze shifted from the cake to her eyes, over and again. Her gaze, on the other hand, remained fixed to his as she slowly lifted the cake—
And popped it into her mouth. Then she closed her eyes, a smile curving her lips, while emitting a low murmur of sensual delight.
Max couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t move if someone were to set him on fire. The pulse that had pounded so hard an instant ago abruptly dropped to his trousers, banging like a drum as blood engorged his flesh.
The tip of her pert tongue slipped out to tease him further. The taunt transformed into torture when she licked the pink icing from her fingertip and then her thumb. When she finished, her eyes opened, the blue a brighter, deeper hue than the sky overhead. He found himself unable to look away.
“Delicious,” she purred. “So good in fact that I think I’ll have another.”
She pinched the second cake, her lips parted. But before she could lift it to her mouth—before he knew what he was doing—he seized her wrist.
He was half-tempted, half-wild with the need to kiss her, to lose himself in the silken texture of her lips once more. To haul her into his arms and feel the curves of her body with his hands.
It took every shred of control he possessed not to give in. At least, not completely.
Watching her all the while, he lowered his head and took the cake into his mouth.
He swallowed it without fanfare or appreciation. The dessert he really wanted was still waiting.
He slipped her finger into his mouth next, the dainty pad at the tip more silken and sweet than marzipan. In slow, searching swipes, he laved her flesh, mapping the route of every fine impression, wicking away every last bit of icing. He would have stopped if he was frightening her. Hell, he was startled by his own actions. But when he saw her pupils dilate, her gaze drifting down to his mouth, and then heard the quickening of her breath, he knew she was not afraid of him.
She was one of two things—either wholly, explosively angry or . . . wholly, explosively aroused. And since he’d been the recipient of her temper before, he wagered it was the latter.
A surge of triumph merged with the unleashed desire coursing through him. She could pretend she was cool-headed and aloof all she wanted, but he knew better. Five years ago, that same passion had slipped through the cracks in her composure.
He wanted more. Greedy, he curled his tongue around her, drawing her flesh deeper, and gently grazing the delicate furrows of her knuckle with his teeth.
“Max.”
His name shuddered out of her lungs and past her lips, sending a tremor through him. Yet the tinge of vulnerability in her passion-laden plea swiftly brought him to his senses.
With a quick tug, he pulled her closer. Still holding his walking stick, he touched the handle beneath her chin and tilted it up. “Perhaps you should reconsider flirting with your enemy in the future.”
Vivienne Lorret
Visit her Website 
'Like' her on  Facebook 
Follow her on  Twitter 
Check out her author page on Goodreads 

USA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET loves romance novels, her pink laptop, her husband, and her two sons (not necessarily in that order … but there are days). Transforming copious amounts of tea into words, she is an Avon Impulse author of works including: Tempting Mr. Weatherstone, The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Duke’s Christmas Wish, and the Season’s Original Series.

Title: When a Marquess Loves a Woman: The Season's Original Series
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Season's Original
Format: Paperback; 320 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (November 15, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062446371
ISBN-13: 978-0062446374
Author's Website: http://vivlorret.net/
Notes:  I bought this one. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Once upon a time Juliet White had hopes of making a grand match. She'd earned the moniker "goddess" for her beauty early on in her debut, but it quickly became paired with the term "hollow", as most never took the time to truly get to know her. But when Maxwell Harwick decided to make his feelings for her known, and the two were caught kissing, all her hopes were dashed. What Max didn't know, and not many did, was Juliet's father would never have approved of a match between her and the then poor and untitled Max, scandal or no. He father needed money. Her elopement the next morning to an older wealthy gentleman well past his prime had not been hers by choice. Now, five years later, Juliet is widowed, and the two who once considered each other friends are seemingly at war. 

They say love and hate are but two sides of the same coin. Will love find a way or are they destined to remain enemies? Hell hath no fury as a lady scorned, but does that also apply to a Marquess?


This is the third book in the Season's Original series by Vivienne Lorret. It can be read out of order without the reader being lost, but if you're like me, you'll be wanting to read the whole series upon finishing this one. The thread that binds the series together is, of course, the ton nominating the person chosen to be that Season's "Original".  The "Original" can be a male or a female whom the ton has deemed above approach and others try to mimic. If the title is bestowed upon a female, she can pretty much pick and choose who she wants to marry among the gentleman of the ton. She is, for all intents and purposes, the season's "it" girl.

'When a Marquess Loves a Woman' is one of those love/hate stories that stars two stubborn people and one huge misunderstanding. Neither feels compelled to explain what happened, and each is perhaps too afraid of the answers to ask what truly transpired. While these types of stories almost always leave me shaking my head, they also have a tendency to have me grinning from ear to ear as the two battle it out via words and deeds. That is exactly what Ms. Lorret does in this book, and it's what makes this novel such a delightfully delicious good read.

Juliet and Max are alike and different in so many ways. While Juliet is beautiful and well known. Max was relatively unknown in society until he came into his title. Both have insecurities and issues they need to work out. I liked how the feud over who will end up with Juliet's childhood home is being battled over essentially the same thing--neither wants to witness the other in the house raising a family with someone else. The verbal banter and taunts between these two were both charming and funny. While each feels they are justified in their anger, you can see immediately how this one was going to play out. The majority of the fun was in watching them come to the realization that is pretty much obvious to everyone but them--that they love each other.

The song that kept playing in my head as I was reading was Cake by the Ocean by DNCE. Once you read the story or above excerpt, you'll understand why. lol:

'Talk to me, baby
I'm going blind from this sweet, sweet craving, whoa
Let's lose our minds and go crazy crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
(...)
Hot damn
See you licking frosting from your own hands
Want another taste, I'm begging, "Yes, ma'am."
I'm tired of all this candy on the dry land, dry land, oh

Waste time with a masterpiece, don't waste time with a masterpiece (huh!)
You should be rolling with me, you should be rolling with me (ah)
You're a real life fantasy, you're a real life fantasy (huh!)
But you're moving so carefully; let's start living dangerously...'

I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was a fun, witty, and charming story that I highly enjoyed. The attraction between these two was highly combustible, and it was fun watching them come to the realization of just how they felt about each other. Wonderful characters that felt real and believable wrapped in a highly entertaining romance that had me chuckling and smiling in equal measures. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scored a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. I definitely recommend this one.  

Order of the Season's Original series:



Buy Links:    Amazon | B& N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...