Review: Our Little Secrets

Source: Orangeberry Book Tours

Our Little Secrets by Merry Farmer
Series: Montana Romance #1
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 306 (eBook)
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

Description:

Michael West swore he would never fall in love again. So when the beautiful and wily Charlotte steps off the train looking for a new life he jumps at the business opportunity she presents. Engaged forty-five minutes after meeting, married the next day, Michael thinks he’s found everything a respectable man should have. Except that Michael is as far from respectable as they come. They agreed not to ask questions about each other’s pasts, but when the past seeps into their present Michael suspects his passionate new wife is not who she says she is. Too bad he’s already fallen in love with her.

Charlotte Baldwin has a secret. She fled Philadelphia to escape the sins of her past but someone is following her. What better way to hide than by marrying Michael West, Cold Springs, Montana’s enigmatic shopkeeper? A new name, a new life, and a passionate husband is exactly what she needs to leave her sins behind. But when it comes to keeping secrets Charlotte may have met her match in Michael. When a connection neither of them expects catches up with them, the shocking revelation means Charlotte may have run right into the arms of her enemy.

No sin stays a secret forever….

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Review: And Then She Fell

And Then She Fell by Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Cynster Sisters
Pages: 344 (Paperback)
Source: TLC Book Tours
Author's Website
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

The only thing more troublesome than a Cynster man...is a Cynster lady who believes love is not her destiny. Famously known in London society as "The Matchbreaker," Henrietta Cynster's uncanny skill lies in preventing ill-fated nuptials - not in falling victim to Cupid's spell.
But then she disrupts one match too many and feels honor-bound to assist dashing James Glossup in finding a suitable bride for a marriage of convenience.
A task infernally complicated by the undeniable, unquenchable attraction that flares between James and Henrietta, who continues to believe she will never fall..

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Mini-Review: Perfect Strangers

Perfect Strangers by Rebecca Sinclaire
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 320 (ebook)
Source: Author
Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google +
Buy it: Kindle | B&N

Description:

Gabrielle Carelton is one of Queen Elizabeth's most devoted ladies-in-waiting. But her loyalty is put to the test when Her Majesty commands her to marry Scotsman Collin Douglas. When Gabrielle is kidnapped by Collin's twin brother, not even Good Queen Bess can save her. Dubbed the Black Douglas, devilishly handsome Connor is known throughout the land for his magnificent feats of strength and cunning. But now he is in need of an heir. An English bride will bring peace to the warring nations - and give him the son he craves. What he doesn't expect is a woman as passionate as she is proud - and a desire that knows no boundaries. Set against the pageantry and savage splendor of 16th-century England and Scotland, here is the story of a man and a woman who begin as enemies and strangers - and find a love that will triumph against all odds.

My Rating:

This story completely took me by surprise as it was authentic, unpredictable, and cute.  Gabrielle must marry against her wishes, but there is a mix up and she ends up with the wrong brother. There are lots of twists and turns so any additional plot synopsis would give the fun away.  I thought the romance was sweet. the plot engaging, and the characters fun.  I liked how all the characters were different and had a more complex side than what was initially introduced to the reader.  I was slightly irritated at the constant reminders that Gabrielle was overweight and not very pretty.  I got it but I didn't need it on every page.  I understood that it played into her self-esteem but really, I just wanted to focus on the romance.

Mini-Review: Honor's Splendour (Audiobook)

Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 13 hours and 48 minutes
Narrator: Anne Flosnik
Source: eLibrary
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | Audio | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton--the Wolf--unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he catured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for..."Honor's Splendour.

My Rating:

I've loved Julie Garwood for some time and I had read all of her books carried by my library.  When I saw this one at my eLibrary, I jumped at the opportunity to give it a listen.  It didn't let me down.  The characters were funny.  Duncan's brothers really made me smile. Plus I love protective men.  Lady Madelyne was a bit naive but I loved how she stayed true to her morals and was consistent throughout the novel.  The side plots were entertaining.  I really enjoyed the narrator as well.  Ms. Flosnik did a great job with the different voices.  While the plot doesn't stand out for historical romance standards, the story is told quite well and I loved the characters.  For that, I wouldn't have missed this one for the world.

Review: A Lawman's Christmas

A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Pages:249 (Galley)
Source: Netgalley

Description:

The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won't give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can't fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there's a new marshal in town, and she's living under his roof. With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….

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Review: Texas Hold Him

Texas Hold Him by Lisa Cooke
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 228 (Ereader)

Description:

To save her family from ruin, a Southern belle appeals to a high-stakes gambler to teach her poker, but he’s more interested in giving her lessons in love

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Review: Somewhere I'll Find You (Audiobook)

Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 10 hours 36 min
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

From Audible.com:

The toast of the town.... All London is at Julia Wentworth’s feet — and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the glamorous leading lady guards a shocking secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention... and cannot love. For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his parents wed him to without his consent, hoping to legally free himself from matrimony’s invisible chains. And he is astonished to discover his “bride” is none other than the exquisite lady he’d hoped to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon’s — until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals... and her proud, passionate, and independent heart.

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Review: Confessions of an Improper Bride

Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Donavan #1
Pages: 342 (paperback)
Source: Won in a Giveaway
Author | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Description:

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family’s future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin’s identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn’t love and spend the rest of her days living a lie. Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he’s introduced to the prim and proper “Meg,” he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at tru
e love?

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Review: Stranger in My Arms

Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Pages: 360 (Paperback)


Back Cover:

"Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead..."
With these words, Lara's life is turned upside down.  Her unhappy, loveless marriage had ended when the Earl of Hawksworth was lost at sea.  But now a man stands before her, virile and powerful, who says he is her missing husband, revealing secrets that only he would know.  While this dark-eyed stranger closely resembles the earl, he is attentive and loving as Hunter was cruel and cold, promising to make Lara his wife once again in every way.  With every beat of her heart, she aches to believe that this remarkable man is who he claims to be.  But is he truly the rake returned and reformed... or is Lara being seduced by a cunning imposter?

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Guest Review From My Mom!! When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

We have a treat.  My mom has decided to share a review of her own (isn't she so sweet!).  I have included a mini bio and her review below.

My Mom (Mrs. J.) has been an avid reader all her life and introduced me to libraries and the world of books.  She used to get all of her reads from the local library until she discovered Kindle for Android (I don't know how she reads on a phone but she likes it).

I think she did a GREAT job with this review?  What do you guys think?

When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance

Pages:  400 (paperback)

Excerpt from Lisa Kleypas' website:

Lysette buried her face against Max's throat. "But he's going to take me away. Don't let him, don't -- "

"You're not going anywhere," Max interrupted. "Calm yourself, Lysette. It's not good for you to become excited." His possessiveness made her strangely giddy. As far as he was concerned, she was his, and no one was going to take her away from him.

Max stared at Etienne. His voice was soft, but it contained a note that chilled Lysette's blood. "If you so much as disarrange a hair on her head, I'll tear you apart."

Lysette couldn't believe it, but she didn't care about her ruined reputation. The only thing that mattered was that she wouldn't have to marry Etienne.

My Mom Says...

List: Hathaway Series (Lisa Kleypas) in Order

I wanted to provide a list of the Hathaway series in order.  I know most people are great at figuring these things out for themselves, but for some reason I just didn't pay attention like I should have.  So for people who are like me.  Busy, lazy, easily confused, distracted, everything in-between, or none of the above.. here's a list IN ORDER for your convenience.

Hathaway Series by Lisa Kleypas:

1. Mine Till Midnight
2. Seduce Me at Sunrise
3. Tempt Me at Twilight
4. Married by Morning
5. Love in the Afternoon

I probably won't finish the series (we'll see).  I really hate going out of order.  It's like cheating and reading the back of the book--which I do all the time.  Does anyone have ideas of what to do when you accidentally read a book in a series out of order?  Do you suck it up and keep reading?  Or do you just give up?

Review: Tempt Me at Twilight

Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance, Romance,
Pages: 384 pages (paperback)

From back cover:

HE WAS EVERYTHING SHE'D SWORN TO AVOID — Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy.  Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life.  When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal -- only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.

AND SHE WAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDED...

Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy -- except to open his heart.  All his life, he has held the world at arm's length -- but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters.  Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows.  Now if Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all.

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Review: Love in the Afternoon

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance, Romance
Pages: 352 pages (paperback)

Excerpt:

Captain Christopher Phelan
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade
Cape Mapan
Crimea

June 1855

Dearest Christopher,
I can't write to you again.
I'm not who you think I am.

I didn't mean to send love letters, but that is what they became.  On their way to you, my words turned into heartbeats on the page.

Come back, please come home and find me.
--[unsigned]

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