________________________ Spreading the Love of Reading One Book at a Time _______________________
This blog is for anyone whoever picked up a book and couldn't put it down. It's for anyone who loves to read and reads often. It's for anyone like me who's been seduced by a book and can't wait to discuss it.
Title: The Pleasures of Passion (The Sinful Suitors Book 4)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Sinful Suitors (Book 4)
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (June 20, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1501144464
ISBN-13: 978-1501144462
Author's Website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from Netgalley. Thank you.
Once upon a time a boy and a girl secretly fell in love, but their timing was wrong...
He participated in a duel that left a man dead and had to flee England.
She had ailing mother whom she couldn't leave behind and so she the two had parted ways.
Months later she would be married to another, and thoughts of a future together seemed to be at an end.
Now, seven years later, they are pushed together and have a second chance at love, but will misconceptions, lies, and hurt feelings keep them apart? Only time will tell.
This was the fourth book in the Sinful Suitors series. You could probably get away with reading it as a stand-alone, but you may wish to read'The Study of Seduction' and 'The Danger of Desire' first. It's in these two books where we are first introduced to these two characters. They will give you a little more of a background on these two and those around them.
This was a romance in which a couple is torn apart by circumstances somewhat beyond their control and are later given a second chance at love. They were quite a stubborn pair, but Brilliana, aka Bree, took the cake because she had the most to lose. Her first marriage hadn't been ideal, but left her in a rather unique position of not needing to remarry if she didn't wish to do so. Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave, has his work cut out for him because Bree isn't sure she wishes to remarry. He'll have to use all his charm and pull out all the stops to win her over which makes this book such a fun read.
These two almost didn't come back together because of the hurt feelings and misinformation, but the meddling of another individual pulls them together when they're recruited to spy on Bree's father. He's believed to be involved in some criminal activities. While there's no love lost between Bree and her father, she's doesn't want her son's reputation besmirched if her father is indeed found guilty of a crime. In exchange for her help, if her father is found to be guilty, he'll receive a reduced sentence. One that will have a lesser impact on her son. Thus, the book gets a healthy dose of intrigue and suspense mixed in with this seriously steamy romance. They didn't title this one'The Pleasure of Passion'for nothing, just in case you're wondering.
Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was full of romance, intrigue, mystery, and suspense. While I felt Bree held out a little too long before giving into passion, it did make for a very enjoyable and amusing read. 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.
Title:The Danger of Desire (The Sinful Suitors Book 3) Classification: Adult Fiction Genre: Historical Romance Series: Sinful Suitors Format: Paperback; 416 pages Publisher: Pocket Books Publication Date: November 22, 2016 Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc ISBN-10: 1501144448 ISBN-13: 978-1501144448 Author's Website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Miss Delia Trevor is on a mission to find the man who cheated her brother at cards sending him into financial ruin shortly before his death. As a result, his young widow and son are currently swimming in debt and dealing with the repercussions. Using her debut in London as a shield, every night she dresses like a man and stalks the local gambling establishments in hopes of finding the thief. Armed with a keen mind for cards and a flair for winning, she sets out. Consequences be damned.
Warren Corry, the Marquess of Knightford, is notorious for his bad behavior but is, ironically, a member of St. George's Club. St. George's is known for providing its patrons with a place where they can discreetly inquire about the character and financial status of their female relation's suitors. While Miss Trevor is not a relation, when his cousin, Clarissa, asks that he inquire about any gossip concerning surrounding Delia, he feels duty bound to do so. Clarissa worries an unsuitable gentleman has stolen Delia's affection. Surprisingly, Warren finds Delia to be nothing like the simpering Misses of the ton, and soon it looks like Knightford's attention may be what Clarissa should really be concerned about.
This was the third book in the Sinful Suitors series by Sabrina Jeffries. While you can read this one as a standalone, I don't recommend doing so. There is a lot of history you won't be aware that would be a shame to miss out on.
Delia is an unconventional woman for her time. She's not really interested in marrying, although she has nothing against it. She just doesn't believe its right thing for her. Her main goal, at the moment, is to make sure she and her sister-in-law can marry whomever they want or no one at all. That is why she is so desperate to find the person who cheated her brother. By catching that person in the act, she is convinced she can shame them into paying back what they stole. Incidentally, she, as was her brother, is practically unbeatable at cards. That's how she knows that whoever won the money from her brother didn't play fair.
Warren is a self proclaimed bachelor. Delia, from the beginning, surprises him at every turn. She's smart, witty, and constantly does the unexpected.She also utterly confounds him. She brings out his protective nature, and he finds himself thinking marriage doesn't sound half bad when he thinks about it with her. There is an obstacle that needs to be addressed and dealt with before a happily-ever-after can ever be achieved.
I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. A fast paced, charming, and fun filled romance that left me with a silly grin on my face. I loved watching these two lead each other on a merry dance before finally giving in to the inevitable. I also love a good story where the female goes masquerading as a male to get something she wants. On the Lisarenee Romance 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.
Notes: I was given and eARC loan for review purposes.
Lady Clarissa Lindsey is charming, witty, beautiful, and independently wealthy. She appears to have it all--including her own personal stalker...
Count Geraud Durand is the first secretary to the French ambassador, and since the ambassador's return to France, Durand is running the embassy as the charge d'affaires. The position gives the man a great deal of power and certain immunity. Upon meeting Clarissa, he's become obsessed with making her his wife--something both Clarissa and her family have made very clear is not an alliance they wish to pursue. Since her refusal of his proposal, however, he's become increasingly daring and crafty in his attempts to get her into a compromising position with the intent of forcing her hand. So when Clarissa's guardian needs to leave the country on another urgent family matter, he asks his good friend, Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakesborough, to be Clarissa's stand-in guardian and keep Clarissa safe from Durand's unsavory pursuits. It's a position that becomes increasingly complicated as Edwin finds himself falling for the beautiful young heiress.
One of the things I love about Sabrina Jeffries' books is watching her grow as an author. While even her first books are good, she's really come into her own, matured as a writer, and honed her craft over the years. With each new series, she seems to kick it up a notch in both heat and storylines to the point I feel I'm guaranteed a story that's more than worthy my time.
I personally adore stories where the hero and heroine seem like total opposites only to find when the two are forced to endure each others company that they have more in common then they ever could have imagined. This is such a story. Clarissa is the Regency version of a modern day party girl. She loves to socialize, dance, drink campaign, and have a good time. Yet underneath her party girl facade she's a very intelligent woman who is a tad bit lonely even though she doesn't realize it. Edwin, on the other hand, would be considered by all to be a stick in the mud. He's much too serious and really needs someone to shake him up and teach him how to enjoy life. We were first introduced to him in the fourth book of The Duke's Men series, If the Viscount Falls, and ever since I've been eagerly awaiting his story. Thankfully, Ms. Jeffries didn't disappoint.
The situation with Count Durand is rather twisted and scary. It makes one realize just how vulnerable women of the Regency time period were. Can you imagine being forced to marry your attacker because society dictates it or being shunned for being a victim of someone's unsavory advances that you never encouraged? Women and their rights have come a long way and while Ms. Jeffries may use such things to her advantage in her books, she never lets the story go completely dark. She tends to use these types of situations to add a touch of drama and suspense to her tales which I thoroughly enjoy.
I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. I enjoyed the story and the engaging characters. I loved how this book has a true hero, and while Clarissa is a strong, smart, and capable of taking care of herself, sometimes even the most self sufficient among us needs a little help when dealing with a seemingly unbalanced individual. Additionally, there were a lot of secrets and backstories that needed to be uncovered before all the pieces of what was going on fell into place which added a nice amount of suspense and a dash of intrigue. Plus, there was a major plot twist that I really liked. 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.
Notes to keep you in the know:
There were some really ingenious automatons in existence during the Regency time period. Ms. Jeffries incorporated some of them into this story by letting Edwin be a admirer, collector, and tinkerer of the art. Check out this article about seven early robots and automatons. I found it very interesting that such things existed all those many years ago:
It's the most wonderful time of the year....Christmas with its seemingly endless array of traditions can be a truly magical time. This anthology features four novellas (aka short stories) about four couples who figuratively fall in love under the mistletoe. If you're looking for quick holiday read to squeeze in between wrapping present, decorating the tree, or cooking a big holiday meal, then you may want to check out "What Happens Under the Mistletoe". One things for sure, what happens under the mistletoe doesn't stay there. A splendid collection of stories which will have you remembering or give you an idea of what its like to fall in love.
The Heiress and the Hothead (Sinful Suitors #1.5)
by Sabrina Jeffries
Amanda Keene is an American heiress who owns Montague Mills.
Lord Stephen Corry is a reporter bent on exposing the cruel treatment of workers by Mill owners
He believes she's just as bad as her English counterparts
She thinks he is a narrowed minded reporter who embellishes the truth for the sake of a good story.
Romance is the last thing either would expect, but after one kiss under the mistletoe ...
Love will find a way.
This was a fun story that centered around a couple who should by all accounts dislike each other, but can't seem to. Each has preconceived notions about the other that slowly need to be chiseled away before they can see the person who truly stands before them. Seeing the process as it happens is what makes this story such an utterly delicious read. I can't help wondering if this was the tiniest bit inspired by the movie North & South and only because it has a cotton Mill in the story. I loved the movie as have many others and the mistletoe kiss brought to mind the kiss in that movie, although no mistletoe was involved with that one.
I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. A great short story that read like a full one. 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.
Twelve Kisses to Midnight
by Karen Hawkins
It's the same old sad story...Once upon a time Marcus had been engaged. His fiance had broken his heart when she broke off the engagement and married another. He's never really gotten over her. The man she'd married having died, she is once again free to marry. After being bitten and smitten by her once, he vows never to fall for her charms again. That is until one kiss under the mistletoe changes everything...
This was a fun read with a lot of things happening in a very small time frame. Yet, despite all that, it didn't feel rushed. It was a little steamier than I recall Ms. Hawkins stories to be, and had a dash of naughty added into the mix.
I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. It had a fast pace, a couple with an intriguing past, and a lot of fun situations that allowed them to work things out. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating bordering on a SHOWER rating (a cold shower is necessary (need I say more?). Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol)
By Any Other Name
by Candace Camp
Amaryllis "Rylla" Campbell is trying to find her brother and bring him home before Christmas. To accomplish her task, she's going around to some of the seediest clubs around dressed as a young man in hopes of finding him. When her disguise is uncovered (quite literally), she'll do everything she can to save her reputation while hoping the man who saved her from a near fatal attack doesn't discover who she truly is.
Gregory Rose smelled trouble when he noticed a young lad being followed out of a bar by a man he guessed had less than honorable intentions. As he trails behind the two, he finds his suspicions are true. What he never could have guessed, however, is that the young lad he followed isn't a young lad at all, but a beguiling lassie who'll lead him on a merry chase as he tries to discover her true identity.
This was such a delightful tale that I wished the author had made it into a full length book. I love when a young miss tries to disguise herself as a male counterpart and gets caught. They are usually some of the funnest stories and Ms. Camp did not disappoint. Fast paced and full of good humor, I couldn't help adoring this one and giving it 5 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating.
Sweetest Regret
by Meredith Duran
She thought he'd left her and didn't return her feelings.
He thought she didn't think him good enough for her.
Each was hurt and feels the other has wronged them
Reunited, the truth will be set free, but can true love prevail?
This was a fun story where two people have been led to believe the other doesn't share the strong feelings they have for the other. It was entertaining seeing these two finally come to the conclusion that someone interfered with their budding romance and mislead them. Things could have gone so wrong between these two, but luckily they don't. The interaction between Georgie and Lucas when they still believe the other has toyed with their emotions was a pleasure to watch. I couldn't help but give this one earned 5 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM.
Overall, this was one of the best romance anthologies I've ever read. A very talented group of authors came together and cranked up the heat making our holiday season all the more warm and snuggly for it. I couldn't help but give it 5 out of 5 roses. I highly recommend this one. It would make the perfect stocking stuffer, gift for under the tree, or reward for oneself. A truly delightful read that I am glad to own.
Notes to Keep You in the Know:
"It wasn't until the 18th or 19th centuries, though, that the British started hanging mistletoe as part of Christmas celebrations. In an 1820 story, Washington Irving described Christmas decorations that included "the mistletoe, with its white berries, hung up to the imminent peril of all the pretty housemaids." In The Pickwick Papers(1836), Charles Dickens paints a scene of mass sub-mistletoe kissing: Young women "screamed and struggled, and ran into corners, and did everything but leave the room, until … they all at once found it useless to resist any longer and submitted to be kissed with a good grace." In this context, mistletoe was supposed to bring luck to two people who kissed underneath it and bad luck to those who didn't. Some say proper etiquette is to pick a berry off for every kiss and stop when all the berries are gone. Just don't eat them: Some species of mistletoe are poisonous." (Via the article 'What's the Deal With Mistletoe? How the plant came to be associated with Christmas kissing.' in the Explainer written by By Christopher Beam. For more information regarding Mistletoe, check out the full article at: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2010/12/whats_the_deal_with_mistletoe.html )
Title: The Art of Sinning (The Sinful Suitors) Classification: Adult Fiction Genre: Historical Romance Series: The Sinful Suitors (Book 1) Format: Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Pocket Books (July 21, 2015) ISBN-10: 1476786062 ISBN-13: 978-1476786063 Author's Website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/ Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher. I am part of Sabrina Jeffries Street Team which means I love her books enough to volunteer to help get the word out about upcoming releases. Please note. all quotes used need to be verified against the final copy and may change.
Jeremy Keane is known for his paintings. They're controversial and not accepted by all--much like the man. Reputed to frequent brothels, he's earned quite a reputation for being a sinfully exceptional rogue, but if anyone thinks they know all there is to know about the man from the gossip of the ton, they are very much mistaken. For just as Jeremy Keane paints pictures of the world skewed in a certain way to his view, so too does he paint a misleading portrait of himself to those around him.
Lady Yvette Barlow is not your average woman of the ton. She is independently wealthy with no immediate plans for marriage. When Jeremy Keane. a renowned artist, seems intent on using her as a model for his next work of art, she sees him as a means to getting what she wants--a way in to one of London's most notorious houses of ill repute, the Covent Garden nunnery. But will this partnership lead to her undoing as a strong attraction develops between the two?
"The art of sinning isn't for novices, my lady. I have neither the time nor the inclination to teach it to an innocent."
"To be a sinner, you have to do more with the rogue than be painted by him. You have to sin with him." She swallowed. "And that would be unwise." "It certainly would," he snapped, and returned to sketching.
This was the first book in the Sinful Suitors series, but a spin-off from The Dukes Men series. American artist Jeremy Keane is a character whom was first introduced in the book, "How the Scoundrel Seduces" and, I must admit, he intrigued me since our first encounter. A man who by all rights could have ruined his cousin and taken her fortune, but refused to do so is someone I wanted to learn more about. Yes, I did a little happy dance when I found out who would be the main male character in this new series and let me just say Ms.Jeffries did NOT disappoint.
Jeremy was exactly how I'd picture an artist to be. He expresses himself through his art and is haunted by a past he has yet to face. I loved that as he worked through his feelings he revealed more about himself in his art then he ever wished, even to himself, and Yvette is the one who helped him see it. The way these two understood each other and complemented one another is what makes this couple so great together. They were well matched intellectually and the chemistry between them was highly flammable.
Not only did I fall in love with Jeremy, but I also adored Yvette. I admired how she held her ground and made Jeremy prove he was ready for a commitment. It would have been so easier to just give in to her emotions, but by not doing so I believe she managed to make the relationship stronger. Plus, I loved that she was creating a dictionary for street cant.
I couldn't help but give this book 5 out of 5 roses. The story had all the ingredients that I love to read in a romance--characters you'd love to know in real life, a growing passion that cannot be tamed, a dash of drama, a hint of humor, a dose of reality, and a depth that adds the icing to the cake. It's a lovely story about two individuals who when they had all but given up on having a happily ever after, found love. 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.
