The Importance of Being Wicked

21 Thursday Mar 2013

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Book Review, The Importance of Being Wicked, Victoria Alexander

Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, will do just about anything to put his family home back to rights after it is damaged in a fire. Even the argumentative, albeit strangely attractive, widow representing the firm he’s hired to refurbish it. With her sensible, but ugly, shoes and obvious enjoyment at thwarting him, she should be easy to resist. Lady Miranda Garrett knows all about Win’s reputation – three broken engagements and a rakish youth – so she expects him to be charming. She also expected to be able to resist him. But the more time they spend together, the more drawn to him she becomes. And soon they find themselves dangerously flirting with love.

I really like Win. He’s smart, with charmingly befuddled moments thanks to Miranda, earnest and definitely sexy. He has a strong core of responsibility and honor, love for his family, and dedication to his friends. And for the most part I like Miranda. She’s sassy, smart, and funny. I do think her belief that Win is a “twit” and the condescending way she treats him early on is a little overdone. I think that it is supposed to be charming but it just seems mean to me. Yes, he says a few things about a woman’s place in the world and is hesitant to work with Miranda but this is also the prevailing belief of the time. Part of it stems from Miranda’s hurt pride that he doesn’t live up to his reputation and try to seduce her pants off, figuratively speaking, but it just makes her seem a little spiteful. But as their relationship progresses, their interactions become a little more playful and less negative. After that, their road to a happy ending might not be bump free but it is definitely a more enjoyable ride.

There are lies and secrets throughout the story, but what good historical romance doesn’t have at least a few. Win’s failed engagements are part of a previous novella, Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements, but while that story does give some history on Win and a little more insight into his character, I don’t think it is necessary to have read it before reading this one. It is included at the back of the book, though, if readers want to skip to it first and then come back to finish The Importance of Being Wicked. And it should also be mentioned that Alexander has a large number of books in print and some of the characters and events from previous stories appear in this one. Again, I don’t think that it is a requirement to have read them, but I do think that familiarity with them might lend a little extra depth to the story. I enjoyed it any way but I get the feeling I could have had a better understanding of things if this hadn’t been the first book I’d read.

Overall, The Importance of Being Wicked is an entertaining historical romance, with a cheeky heroine who keeps her charming hero on his toes, amusing flirtations, a little heat, and quite a bit of heart.

Three Sisters

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Blackberry Island, Book Review, Susan Mallery, Three Sisters

Andi Gordon moved to Blackberry Island to start over after she was left at the altar. She’s bought one of three Victorian houses, known as the Three Sisters, that sit on the highest hill in town. On one side lives Deanna Phillips and her five daughters in her historically accurate home. But hiding behind the perfect façade is a mess of a family. On the other side is Boston King, married to her high school sweetheart and living with an immense tragedy. Brought together by geography, the three women quickly find themselves in a friendship that will help them through some of the roughest times of their lives.

In Three Sisters, Susan Mallery once again brings readers a story packed full of emotion, delivered in her unforgettable style of smart dialogue, compelling characters, and heartfelt narrative. I have to admit that I start to giggle and clap like a little kid as soon as I hear that she’s got a new book coming out. I have yet to find one of her stories that doesn’t pull me in right away and leave me feeling more fulfilled at the end.

This one is told in three parts as Andi, Deanna and Boston all have to deal with the curve balls life throws at them. I appreciated the switch back and forth as each story was hard hitting and I needed to the chance to change gears before getting overwhelmed. Andi’s is the most traditional storyline, in a typical romance sense – she is left at the alter and has to cautiously feel her way in a new town with the chance of a new love. Although her’s is the least emotionally raw of the three stories, the relationship she builds with Wade, and the troubles they experience, is still heartwarming. Personally, I found Deanna’s to be the most difficult to handle – she is so confused and broken when she realizes that her family could be falling apart. Her changes are the most satisfying for me. Boston’s does run a close second, though. Her troubles are heartbreaking and the devastation to her marriage is easy to understand.

For readers looking for a book of depth and emotion, Susan Mallery’s Three Sisters is not to be missed.

Along Came Trouble

15 Friday Mar 2013

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Along Came Trouble, Book Review, Camelot series, Ruthie Knox

When Ellen Callahan’s pop star brother gets involved with her neighbor Carly Short, and then breaks up with her, the paparazzi start swarming. Jamie brings in hunky Caleb Clark to handle security, but Ellen & Caleb don’t quite see eye to eye on what his job should be. Local boy Caleb left Camelot for the army and multiple tours in the Middle East. Home now to help his family and start his own security firm, he needs this job to go well. And an undeniable attraction to his client’s sister isn’t helping matters.

Along Came Trouble is the next book in Ruthie Knox’s Camelot series, although it probably could stand alone. The original novella, How To Misbehave, tells the story of one of Caleb’s sisters, but she plays a minor enough role in this book that you don’t have to worry if you missed it. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fun read so if you haven’t read it I highly recommend you do but you are safe in reading this one first.

Once again, Knox brings readers a rich blend of humor, heart and angst. Ellen has problems with the thought of getting involved with a guy again and losing her hard-won independence. She spent a lot of her life playing second fiddle, first to her brother and then to her husband. She’s now created a life and a home for herself and the thought of giving any control to someone else just freaks her out. Then into her life walks Caleb Clark. His entire job is to make decisions and tell her what to do. With her life in turmoil thanks to her brother, it’s no wonder that she resists anything serious with Caleb. And Caleb is definitely alpha, all tough muscles and take-charge attitude, but he is also caring, sensitive and charming. His only flaw is thinking that if he wants something and works hard enough, then he can make it happen. But he didn’t count on Ellen.

Readers are also treated to the romance of Carly and Ellen’s brother Jaime. I have to say I really would have liked for these two to have their own book. Their side plot is sweet and I think I would have enjoyed getting more on Jamie’s growth from spoiled pop star to man in love. He’s a rascal and fun to read. Carly is a little more prickly but I think I would have liked to have gotten to know her better. The next story is about Caleb’s sister, Katie, and from what Knox gives us here it looks to be a winner too.

If you are looking for a fast-moving mix of heat, heart and humor, Along Came Trouble is a guaranteed winner.

My Cowboy Valentine

14 Thursday Mar 2013

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Be Mine Cowboy, Book Review, Hill Country Cupid, Jane Porter, My Cowboy Valentine, Tanya Michaels

My Cowboy Valentine is a two book treat for lovers of country romances. InBe Mine, Cowboy by Jane Porter, a couple gets a second chance at love. When Cade King walked out on Rachel James five years ago, it broke her heart but she moved on. Now, she’s working to make a life for herself and her son. When Cade walks back into her life unexpectedly, she remembers everything they had … And everything he left behind. Cade has spent the last couple of years sober, but full of regret for the way he behaved when he left. Can he convince Rachel that he’s a changed man and worth a second chance? Hill Country Cupid by Tanya Michaels highlights what happens when an unofficial matchmaker falls for the man she’s trying to help. Tess teaches ballet to Nick Calhoun’s daughter. When she realizes that the shy cowboy has a crush on the single mom of one of her other students, she can’t resist trying to help. But the more time the two spend together, the more drawn to each other they become. Can the matchmaker make her own match?

Be Mine, Cowboy is a delightful story of regrets and second chances. Cade spent years bouncing between foster homes and his alcoholic mother. Although Rachel wanted to be enough of a reason for Cade to sober up, his addiction was too strong. Once he hit bottom, he worked hard to get his life back on track and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Rachel see that. What he didn’t expect was to find Rachel a single mom to an autistic son but he’s up to the challenge. Porter does a fantastic job of giving readers the complicated, and heartbreaking, world of being an autistic parent.

Hill Country Cupid is a sweet tale of two people needing a little self-confidence boost. Tess never feels like she measures up and definitely doesn’t want to be seen as someone’s second choice. Growing up with a stutter and smaller than his older brothers, Nick always felt like he failed in comparison. Michaels does a fantastic job of delivering a lot of heart in a short story as the two learn to appreciate their strengths and each other’s.

Never Trust a Rake

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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Annie Burrows, Book Review, Never Trust a Rake

The Earl of Deben has decided that it is time to find himself a wife. Unfortunately, at the first party he attends, he’s reminded of exactly how calculating women can be. Trapped in a compromising position by a debutante, it looks like he’ll create more for the gossips to talk about … until he gets help from an unlikely source. When Henrietta Gibson comes to the aid of Lord Deben, she has no idea that her life will never be the same. But can she resist the appeal of the devilishly handsome rake, knowing that she’ll never see him again once he’s finished whatever game he is playing?

I love a good rake. He’s charming, usually handsome, but always sexy, and most definitely in need of the love of a good woman. Lord Deben is no different. His past is very complicated – he’s his father’s only legitimate child , his parent’s marriage was unhappy due to his mother’s infidelity, and the way he was treated as heir left no chance of a good relationship with his siblings – which has left him bitter and with an extremely poor view of women and marriage. That is until he meets Henrietta. But he has no experience in how to handle someone like her.

Henrietta had an unconventional upbringing herself, except she at least felt the love of her father and siblings. Her scholarly father may not have a clue about how to make sure she knows how to move about society but that is her greatest appeal to someone like Lord Deben. Henrietta sees so much more in him that even he gives himself credit for, plus the loneliness and desire to be loved that is buried deeply under the surface.

I usually don’t like a story that is based on miscommunication and games, but Burrows weaves such an enthralling tale that I couldn’t help but be drawn to these two. Lord Deben is such a complicated and confused soul. It was extremely addicting to watch the two of them dance around one another and their feelings.

Never Trust A Rake is an enthralling treat for readers of gold old-fashioned historical romances of redemption through love.

His Reluctant Rancher

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Book Review, His Reluctant Rancher, Roxanne Snopek, Three River Ranch

In His Reluctant Rancher, Desiree Burke has come to Twinridge to escape trouble at work and help the Gamble family. They’re recovering from a tragedy – a horrible car accident that killed one son, left his father paralyzed, and gave a load of survivor’s guilt to everyone. Zach Gamble is doing everything he can to shoulder the burden of keeping his family and their ranch going. Bringing physical therapist Des in to help his father is a last ditch effort to save their home, but as the two work together around the ranch, their attraction may be more than they can handle.

This is part of Roxanne Snopek’s Three River Ranch series and there is some overflow from a previous story. Des and Zach have met a couple of times before and flirted but nothing ever came of it. Des is big city and Zach is all rancher. I got the basics of their previous interactions as the story progresses so I don’t think it is necessary to have read anything else before giving this one a chance.

I really liked both Des and Zach. Des has some commitment issues left over from growing up in foster care. She learned early on to not open herself up and get attached, since everything was temporary. She’s sassy and fun, and it was a treat to watch her fall for Zach. Zach has his own issues. He was adopted and always felt a little on the outside. Now, having been the driver when the natural born son died, but making it out without a physical scratch, he’s got some serious emotions scars. It was heartbreaking to have him come to grips not only with the accident but also where he stands in the family. There is a conversation with his father toward the end of the story that brought me to tears.

I think my only complaint is that not enough time was spent on the rehabilitation of Joe, the whole reason why Des is at the ranch. She’s there as a hail mary to get him back on his feet but we see very little of the actual therapy. There are a couple of sweet interactions between the two but I would really have liked to see much more. The time, though, is spent on developing her relationship with Zach and I have to say that was very satisfying. They make a very good match and I really enjoyed seeing the two of them interact.

His Reluctant Rancher is a fantastic story about healing, falling in love, and finding your footing again.

Makeover Miracle

11 Monday Mar 2013

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Charmaine Ross, Makeover Miracle

Being chosen to take part in a makeover show brings up a lot of difficult emotions for Abbey Miller. She only applied for her friend Jennifer and never expected to be chosen, but now she will be on TV showcasing all of her flaws. Quinn Campbell started Makeover Miracle to help people but has never been drawn to someone as strongly as Abbey. There is something about her that reminds him of his sister, the one person he was unable to help. Per the book’s synopsis: “This is a story about one woman’s journey through emotional turmoil and the man who is able to make her believe in herself. Set against the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Makeover Miracle is a story about forgiveness, understanding, personal growth and, of course, falling in love with that one special person.”

I really enjoyed this story. Abbey has one of those sparkling personalities that makes for a fun read. She’s got some serious self-esteem issues, with reason, and it is satisfying to watch her come to believe in herself. The TV show covers a lot of things, not just weight loss, so I think that maybe a segment with a counselor would have helped from a realism standpoint, but the growth that she does have, thanks to her friends and Quinn, is compelling and believable nonetheless. Quinn is charming and engaging. He’s got some issues of his own, residual guilt about his sister’s death, but it helps to give him a sympathetic understanding of the show and a specific relationship to Abbey’s issues. I will say that the writing was a little awkward in some spots but that just kept this great story from being exceptional.

This book is full of memorable characters, with a moving story-line and a feel-good ending. For an uplifting read, give Makeover Miracle a shot.

Love is in the Heir

10 Sunday Mar 2013

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Book Review, Kathryn Caskie, Love is in the Heir

The synopsis on the back of Love is in the Heir is a cute first person point of view from the heroine, kind of like she’s talking to herself, and it is a good representation of her take on things. Miss Hannah Chilton has matchmaking aunts who have never been wrong and now they are convinced they’ve found the perfect match for her. But the guy seems to be two different people – one a total rake and the other a sweet scholar. How can that be? Obviously it is because they are twins pretending to be one person.

All of the Earl of Devonsfield’s known heirs have died and after some research it is discovered that the St. Albans twins are next in line … except no one knows which one was born first. If there is no definitive heir then the title will be no more after the current earl dies. To avoid that, he makes a pact with the twins – they can’t tell anyone there are two of them and the first one to marry will be declared the heir. The twins travel to Bath to find wives and there the deception goes into full swing.

This is a cute, quick read and the characters are likeable, even the arrogant Garnet. Knowing that they are twins, you sometimes wonder how no one realizes the truth – they make comments about their physical differences and the differences in their personalities – or how the two men think they can make the deception work, but it does give the perfect plot device to the strife between the two leads. There are also fun and endearing romances for the two elderly aunts that add an extra sweetness to the story.

Love is in the Heir is a fun historical read that plays off the age-old story line of lies and deception but Caskie has such an enjoyable writing style and quick wit that she makes it a delight.

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl

07 Thursday Mar 2013

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Book Review, Gina Lamm, The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl

Jamie Marten, computer gamer and geek, is going through a storage unit full of antiques when she finds herself sucked through a mirror into 1816. Being suddenly 200 years in the past, and in the home of a real life earl, is a bit of a shock. Micah Axelby, Earl of Dunnington, is also stunned to find a scantily clad woman in his bedroom. Though he doesn’t really believe her story about traveling back in time, he’s too much of a gentleman to turn her into the street. As the two spend time together, they find it difficult to fight their attraction. But is there a time when a modern girl and a 19^th century nobleman can live happily ever after?

I have to be honest, I was expecting The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl to have more humor. It is a great concept, full of promise for fish out of water funniness, and while there are some cute moments, for the most part it proved itself to be a straight up romance. Don’t get me wrong – it is a fantastic story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are fun, the writing is great, and the plot line is intriguing. Both Jamie and Micah are wonderful and I found myself quickly drawn to them. They have drastically different views but they complement each other very well. And Gina Lamm does a great job of mixing their differences and answering some of those questions that might come up if you suddenly found yourself in the past – what about personal hygiene, especially without indoor plumbing? how do you adjust to a world before women’s lib? what would you miss and for how long? While a lot of their issues stem from Jamie’s modern views, at its core this is a story about opposites attracting and whether those differences can be overcome.

If you are looking for a comedic story, this might not be your first choice. If you are looking for a vastly entertaining and compelling romance, though, The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl is definitely the book for you. It’s a delightful mix of new world and old, with moments that will make you smile and others that will bring a tear to your eye.

All He Ever Desired

05 Tuesday Mar 2013

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All He Ever Desired, Book Review, Shannon Stacey

Years ago, Ryan Kowalski asked Lauren Carpenter to leave her husband and move away with him. She refused but almost two decades later she’s a divorced mother of a teenager and occasionally still thinks about what if she’d said yes. Now Ryan’s back to help his siblings repair the family’s lodge but if they thought they could avoid each other they were wrong. Lauren’s son, Nick, is caught vandalizing the Kowalski property and his punishment is to work around the lodge to pay off the damages… throwing Lauren and Ryan together again. Will this mean they get their second chance?

Shannon Stacey’s All He Ever Desired actually falls before last month’s All He Ever Dreamed and since I’d read the other one I already knew the basics of this story. Although, since it is a romance and anyone can figure out what will happen, it wasn’t that big a deal. I liked Ryan and Lauren – they are fun, charming and real. Their relationship and the way it develops is genuine, so much so that you can see this happening to people you know. They have normal, everyday problems and have to come up with normal, everyday solutions. It makes for a very quick read that is believable and realistic. There are also some updates on previous Kowalski stories and Stacey puts out threads for future ones.

As always, Shannon Stacey does a great job of giving her readers engaging characters that they can relate to, a passion that sizzles, and a smart story that touches the heart. All He Ever Desired is another delightful story in the Kowalski world, one guaranteed to keep readers returning for more. It isn’t necessary to have read the others in the series, but if you enjoy this one keep in mind that this is Book 5 in a 6 book series, so there’s plenty of Kowalski love to go around.