Friday, June 3, 2016

"Duke of Sin" By: Elizabeth Hoyt Review

Duke of Sin
By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Synopsis
A MAN OF SIN
Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans. 
A WOMAN OF HONOR
Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous. 
A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH
Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . . 
My Thoughts
     Elizabeth Hoyt is back in rare form with her newest addition to the Maiden Lane series. Having been a fan of hers from her first novel, The Raven Prince, I was delighted to pick up this newest tale of love, loss, and redemption. While this book is the tenth in the series, I am ashamed to say I have missed the last two or three, and wasn't confused at all when I picked this one up, so Duke of Sin can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
     Montgomery has returned from his exile with a score to settle. Hoping to gain redemption and ruin those who had wronged him, Montgomery ventures into a seedy underbelly. Bridget Crumb, Montgomery's newest housekeeper, has secrets and her own agenda. In a world filled with intrigue and never knowing who your friends or enemies truly are, Bridget and Montgomery find kindred spirits within one another. Only Hoyt can have this mysterious Duke find common ground with a destitute, secretive housekeeper who ultimately find their happily ever after.
      As I mentioned before, I had missed a few of the last novels. Boy, am I fixing this ASAP. Hoyt's worlds are just so nuanced and layered, and once you start it all just clicks. Romantic to its core, Hoyt writes unique characters, each and every time, which I adore. No cookie cutter heroine or hero, their traits and characteristics give you an insight into who they are, their motivations, and ultimately their fates. Gorgeously written as always, with plenty of sexytimes, romantic to the core, and just plain lovely, I can't recommend Duke of Sin highly enough. Just a great story, with fabulous characters, written in Hoyt's trademark wit I can't recommend this book highly enough. 

Monday, May 30, 2016

"Showmance" By: L.H. Cosway Review

Showmance (Showmance, #1)
Showmance
By: L.H. Cosway

Synopsis
Damon Atwood was Hollywood’s golden boy. Having won an Oscar at the tender age of thirteen, he had the life many could only dream about. But his success came at a price, and after a short but fruitful film career, he chose to live a life of obscurity on a remote Scottish island. Almost a decade later he’s finally ready to make his return, starting with a lead role in a musical on London’s West End.
As a choreographer’s assistant, Rose Taylor has always faded into the background. She watches shows come to life from the side lines, but has never craved the attention of stardom. When rumours begin circulating of Damon’s involvement in her latest gig, she doesn’t predict how she will be thrust into the limelight, nor how the mysterious and strangely introverted man will need her to teach him how to be a star again.
Rose knows that show crushes don’t last. Actors fall for each other during the intensity of a production, often losing themselves in their roles. These kinds of affairs burn bright and then they fade. The question is, should Rose let herself shine with Damon, or guard her heart from being broken after the final curtain call?
My Thoughts
      Opposites attract in the newest Cosway offering featuring brand new characters in the bright lights of the theater.  A fan of Cosway since her debut, I found Showmance a bit more mild than her usual offerings but no less sweet or heartfelt. Can these two truly opposite people in the cutthroat world of acting truly be together or is it only for one magical evening?
     Damon was a famous child star. Rose is a choreographer's assistant, used to being in the background and not getting noticed. Not that she minds really, until gorgeous Damon shows up and fireworks erupt between them. Age old insecurities, crazy ex-boyfriends, and supportive roommates fill out a interesting, yet heartbreakingly romantic novel that only L.H. Cosway can provide.
     I am a huge Cosway fan. I adore her words and when I saw her in Tulsa in 2015, I gushed like a schoolgirl. However, I wouldn't suggest this as a first novel to read of hers if you are a first reader. Her trademark wit is very apparent, but the sexiness of her earlier novels is a bit downplayed within this story. If you are fan of the slow burn, definitely give this a try. An all around wonderful romance though, I enjoyed the banter and the utterly unique world Cosway has created.

Book Details
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing
Date of Release: May 16, 2016
ISBN: 9781533016751

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

"Fight to the Finish" By: Jeanette Murray Review

25684845
Fight to the Finish
By: Jeanette Murray

Synopsis
Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels...
As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring...
My Thoughts
     I adore Jeanette Murray’s writing. She writes lovely characters with rich backgrounds and histories, while not leaving out the heat I’ve come to expect from her books. Somehow I had missed the first two books in this trilogy, so I read this one a wee bit out of order. However, it in no way made my enjoyment any less…it just made me buy the first two and go on a reading binge!
     Kara is a single mom, raising her son, and just trying to get by. Between the demands of her job and the demands of raising an allergy specific young boy, she doesn’t have much time for a love life. That doesn’t stop Graham though, a lawyer on base who is drawn to this driven young woman.
      I think I adore these books, so very, very much, because Jeanette writes real situations. Life is messy. We have weird feelings. We are embarrassed. We often want what we can’t have. We get mad, we get angry, and we are often confused. We worry. We love. All of these emotions are clear in her work and create such a realistic love story, you become completely immersed within this world. The relationships are real, the brotherhood is extremely loyal and strong, and the love story is utterly lovely.
     As I said before, I read the series out of order. However, it did make me go back and read the first two, not because I was confused but because I absolutely adored the people within the story. Sad that the trilogy has ended but was glad I was along for the ride. Brava Ms. Murray, excited to see what comes next! 

Book Details
Date of Publication: March 1st, 2016
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 9780425279281