The Taming of the Duke is a novel full of promise and intriguing main characters, but ultimately spoiled by too many ingredients. Too many side characters and subplots compete with each other for attention. Moreover, the transitions by which chapters shuffled from one subplot to another was far too jarring, destroying the momentum created as…
I used to really enjoy Stephanie Laurens’ series about the Cynster family. The first book, Devil’s Bride is still one of my favorites. But as oddly named Cynster followed oddly named Cynster, I lost interest in the family. Most Cynster books follow this formula: He’s a rake, she’s feisty, they meet, they have multiple bouts…
Normally a book cover does not influence me, but I thought the cover of Duchess of Fifth Avenue was quite stunning. Would the story inside be as good as the cover? Lana and her best friend Siobhan escape their harsh lives in Ireland and settle in New York City. Unfortunately, Siobhan’s husband, Billy, a charming…
This book tied to win as Best Series Novel in AAR’s 2005 reader poll, and got much buzz last year, so I looked forward to reading it. But it’s much the same fare as found in most historical romances, even if the set-up is more novel. The story starts out with Madeleine, a very young…
I am so glad I read this book. I had never read any of Beverly Jenkins’ novels before and didn’t know what to expect, but I came away from this story very impressed. Jenkins does a wonderful job of balancing passion, emotion, an exciting story, and a masterful command of history, and, while this did…
This is the second book of a trilogy in Lucy Monroe’s first attempt at writing historicals. I read the first book, Touch Me, and gave it a C in my personal database, but thought Monroe showed some promise. Reading Tempt Me changed my mind about that. To get out of marrying a man old enough…
In the Bed of a Duke is a fast-paced read and a relatively painless way to spend some time, as long as you don’t take it too seriously. The story’s speed means that one is usually not bored, though that doesn’t mean it always makes sense. A few clichéd twists are offered in a wildly…
When I got The Husband Trap, I looked at the anachronistically coifed young lady on the cover and began to read, not expecting much. I was soon captivated, spent a dark and stormy night reading away and finished the book at one long sitting. It begins with one of the hoariest of plot devices (twins…
I like many different tones to my historicals. Sometimes I want a big, meaty epic, other times I just want to laugh, and sometimes I just want something that is beautifully emotional. Heath’s latest release definitely fits the bill for that last category. While this book has the occasional eyeroll-inducing moment, it is primarily a…
I discovered Melody Thomas last fall when thoroughly enjoyed A Match Made in Scandal and eagerly volunteered to review her latest. Although Angel in My Bed contains the spy-suspense aspect I try to avoid, its romance did not disappoint in the least. This is how I like my romance served: an alpha hero who is…
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