A Most Scandalous Proposal

A Most Scandalous Proposal by: Ashlyn Macnamara

Read & Reviewed by: Manda

Manda's review: I gave this book 4 stars, and  I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a love story that has a few good twists.. A Most Scandalous Proposal  takes place in the 1800's it follows two young ladies and their love life. The story had some slow parts but if you stick it out it is a great read. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the story line. 

Synopsis: After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams.

Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…

…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures

Mistress to the Crown

Mistress to the Crown by: Isolde Martyn

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars and will read it again as well as recommend this to others. It is an amazing combination of facts and fiction, about the life of Elizabeth Lambard the beloved mistress of King Edward IV. It is set earlier in history then the books I normally love reading but, being a bit of a history nerd I found myself curious of a book that contained both fact and fiction, it was above and beyond my expectations and I find myself wanting to know more of this time period. Clearly the author did much research and gave the character such depth that I found myself feeling emotional for them. It was a great read and I hope to read more from this author in the near future.

Synopsis: The day Lord Hastings came into her husband’s store, Elizabeth saw the opportunity she had waited twelve years for — a way to separate herself once and for all from her dull, impotent husband, William Shore. The handsome stranger presented not only the chance to partake in the dance of desire, but legal counsel to annul her 12-year marriage.

She did not, however, foresee her introduction to the King of England, nor her future at his side…and in his bed. From this unlikely alliance, Elizabeth is granted severance from Shore, and finds herself flourishing in the radiance of the King’s admiration. But she soon finds that her new position comes at a terrible price — her family has shunned her, the people of London have labelled her a harlot and the Queen’s family want her to burn in Hell.

So long as King Edward and Lord Hastings stay close, Elizabeth is safe. However, her beloved Ned falls ill and Lord Hastings falls out of favour.

Can Elizabeth's wiles keep her out of trouble? Or will they lead her to further trouble...and the hangman's noose?

Forbidden

Forbidden by: Nicola Cornick The 6th book in The Scandalous Women of the Ton Series.

Read & Reviewed by: Cris.

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and would both read it again and recommend it to others. This book was great. As the title hints at it centers around a couple forbidden to each other. Being the 6th book in the series it's good to see some familiar characters, but also good to see it can be read as a stand alone story. With strong characters this book does a great job pulling readers in to care about them. Several twists in the plot keep the reader guessing what happened to Marguerite Saint-Pierre 20 years ago when her mother was killed and she disappeared. 

Synopsis: As maid to some of the most wanton ladies of the ton, Margery Mallon lives within the boundaries of any sensible servant. Entanglements with gentlemen are taboo. Wild adventures are for the Gothic novels she secretly reads. Then an intriguing stranger named Mr. Ward offers her a taste of passion, and suddenly the wicked possibilities are too tempting to resist….Henry Atticus Richard Ward is no ordinary gentleman. He's Lord Wardeaux and he is determined to unite Margery with her newfound inheritance by any means—including seduction and deception. But when the ton condemns the scandalous servant-turned-countess and an unknown danger prepares to strike, will Margery accept Henry's protection in exchange for her trust?

The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne

The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne by Jayne Fresina-Book 2 of Sydney Dovedale Series

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars and would both read again as well as recommend to others. A drunken meeting with a beauty he can't remember in a maze at a masquerade ball leaves him with a kiss he can't forget. So, the search begins to find his masked beauty, little does he know its the woman he would least expect. The main romance is between the unlikely pairing of James Hartley was a well known rake of high status, Ellie Vyne the step-daughter of an old admiral. Along with that romance there were several other main characters that were given great depth and greatly enhanced the storyline.  It was a wonderful book with great characters. I read all night to finish this story to see if all of the characters got their "happily ever afters". It was a well put together story, and I found myself hurrying to get a copy of book 1, as well as looking forward to reading future installments in the series.

Synopsis: By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking attempts and dreams up inventive insults to hurl at her childhood nemesis, the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good, James Hartley.

James finally has a lead on the villainous, thieving Count, tracking him to a shady inn. He bursts in on none other than "that Vyne woman" . . . in a shocking state of dishabille. Convinced she is the Count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep your enemies close. Very close. In fact, seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait . . .

Guilty Pleasures

Guilty Pleasures by: Laurell K. Hamilton-Book 1 of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series

Read & Reviewed by: Manda

Manda's Review:  I gave this book 5 stars. I've already read it multiple times and would recommend to others who loves supernatural stories. Laurell K. Hamilton's book Guilty Pleasures introduces you to Anita Blake a vampire hunter. It pits Anita against a powerful voodo priestest called Dominga Salvador. Dominga wants Anita's help and refuses to take no as an answer. The book has several ups and downs and leaves you guessing. The book is well written and pulls you in with it's unique plot making you want to keep reading until the very end. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping tale that you just can't set down.

Synopsis: When St. Louis's most powerful vampire comes to Anita Blake for help, she is faced with her greatest fear-a man capable of arousing in her a hunger strong enough to match his own.

Walt Disney World: The 71 Things You Need to See

Walt Disney World: The 71 Things You Need to See by: William F. Sauerbier

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 4 stars and would both read again and recommend to others.  I was very excited to win this book as our family is making a trip down to Disney later this year. It didn't disappoint with helping me to plan out some great things for our trip, it gave a large variety of activities some well known, some hidden treasure. It gave great descriptions of each idem making it easy to know what family member will enjoy it the most. My only complaint being one of the 71 things on the list was a resort pool area that you have to be staying at that specific resort to use, so not very likely to get to check that one out. Otherwise it was a great trip planning helper. I can't wait to do everything else in this book with my family when we go

Synopsis: Walt Disney World has plenty of great things to see and do. It has rides, games, shops, restaurants, water parks, mini golf and more. This guide is not going to tell you the things that you should see at the parks. This guide is going to tell you the things you 'NEED' to see.

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by: Juliet Grey-Book 2 of Marie Antoinette Series

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 4 stars and would both recommend and read again. I found this to be a very accurate account of the period from 1774 to 1798 of Marie Antoinette's life. I have not yet read the first book of the series but, was still able to enjoy it. I've been big into the history of the US for a long time but have more recently began exploring history of Europe, and found this very enlightening. I think I will go back and read the first book of the series just to learn more about her.

Synopsis: Paris, 1774. At the tender age of eighteen, Marie Antoinette ascends to the French throne alongside her husband, Louis XVI. But behind the extravagance of the young queen’s elaborate silk gowns and dizzyingly high coiffures, she harbors deeper fears for her future and that of the Bourbon dynasty.

From the early growing pains of marriage to the joy of conceiving a child, from her passion for Swedish military attaché Axel von Fersen to the devastating Affair of the Diamond Necklace, Marie Antoinette tries to rise above the gossip and rivalries that encircle her. But as revolution blossoms in America, a much larger threat looms beyond the gilded gates of Versailles—one that could sweep away the French monarchy forever.

Wicked Appetite

Wicked Appetite by: Janet Evanovich-Book 1 of the Lizzie & Diesel Series

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars. I would read it again and recommend it to others. I enjoyed this book. It was nice having a couple of characters that we already are familiar with from the Plum series and adding new interesting characters. Since Diesel came into the Plum series I was interested to know more about his story and this new series is just the thing, especially since the last Plum novel left me disappointed. This book definately made up for it. Can't wait to read the next one!

Synopsis: Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability, until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Boston’s North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down—and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony. Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isn’t always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins.

The Princess and the Hound

The Princess and the Hound by: Mette Ivie Harrison-Book 1 of the Princess Series.

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 4 stars, and would both recommend and read it again.It was a cute book. I wasn't sure about it at first but once I start a book I try my best to finish it, because I have found several books I wasn't sure of at the beginning sucking me in at the middle so I can't put them down until its over. This was one of those books. I wasn't sure what to expect when I had read that it was a re-telling of beauty and the beast, which I don't particularly care for, but it was nothing like it. I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting but I did find myself knowing who characters really were before it was officially stated in the book. That somewhat disappointed me as I like it when there are totally unexpected twists in stories. It was a cute little, easy to read through in a day book.

Synopsis: He is a prince, heir to a kingdom threatened on all sides, possessor of the animal magic, which is forbidden by death in the land he'll rule.
She is a princess from a rival kingdom, the daughter her father never wanted, isolated from true human friendship but inseparable from her hound.
Though they think they have little in common, each possesses a secret that must be hidden at all costs. Proud, stubborn, bound to marry for the good of their kingdoms, this prince and princess will steal your heart, but will they fall in love?

Breaking Point

Breaking Point by: Alex Flinn

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 3 stars, and would not recommend or read again. I chose to read this because I had heard it was supposed to be the follow up to Breathing Underwater which is one of my favorites. Was very disappointed with it. The characters extreme personalities were to much to be believable, and I found some points of description making me feel nauseous, but not in the "I can't put it down I need to know more of it" feeling that sometimes comes from a great book. I think I had my expectations to high for this book and that was why it was such a let down. It was an okay book but I won't find myself longing to read it again.

Synopsis: How far would you go to fit in?

Paul is new to Gate, a school whose rich students make life miserable for anyone not like them. And Paul is definitely not like them. Then, something incredible happens. Charlie Good, a star student and athlete, invites Paul to join his elite inner circle. All Charlie wants is a few things in return--small things that Paul does willingly. Until one day Charlie wants something big--really big.

Now Paul has to decide how far he'll go to be one of the gang.

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume II

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume II: The Magicians of Caprona/Witch Week by: Diana Wynne Jones-Book 3 & 4 of the Chrestomanci Series

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and would both recommend and read again. I've owned this book for years and have read it several times. It is always as good as it was the first time. I think I will soon need to replace my copy because I have read it so much that the binding is starting to die.

Synopsis: For over twenty-five years, Diana Wynne Jones has been earning critical raves and enchanting readers of all ages with rich, expansive fantasies that both intrigue and entertain. Now, four of her classic novels are available in beautiful omnibus editions that each contain two books.Volume II comprises The Magicians of Caprona and Witch Week. A world in which the peaceful citystate of Caprona is threatened by the malevolent machinations of a mysterious enchanter. Another in which magic is outlawed and witches are still burned at the stake. In two worlds where the practice of magic has gone dangerously awry, there is only one solution-call upon the Chrestomanci.

In the multiple parallel universes of the Twelve Related Worlds, only an enchanter with nine lives is powerful enough to control the unrestrained practice of magic-and to hold the title Chrestomanci.

Love in a Nutshell

Love in a Nutshell by: Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I found this to be a very cute book. Having lived in Michigan my whole life, and being a Janet Evanovich mega fan I was drawn to reading it as soon as it came out. I was not disappointed. It had a great story line and well developed relate-able characters and the person I thought would be the bad guy in the end turned out to be actually a really good guy. Great book!

Synopsis: Kate Appleton needs a job. Her husband has left her, she’s been fired from her position as a magazine editor, and the only place she wants to go is to her parents’ summer house, The Nutshell, in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate’s plan is to turn The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast. Problem is, she needs cash, and the only job she can land is less than savory.
Matt Culhane wants Kate to spy on his brewery employees. Someone has been sabotaging his company, and Kate is just new enough in town that she can insert herself into Culhane’s business and snoop around for him. If Kate finds the culprit, Matt will pay her a $20,000 bonus. Needless to say, Kate is highly motivated. But several problems present themselves. Kate despises beer. No one seems to trust her. And she is falling hard for her boss.

Can these two smoke out a saboteur, save Kate’s family home, and keep a killer from closing in…all while resisting their undeniable attraction to one another? Filled with humor, heart, and loveable characters, Love in a Nutshell is delicious fun.

Wild Ride

Wild Ride by: Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars. I would recommend it and will read it again, I loved this book. It was so interesting to me as I am a sucker for a good romance, and an amusement park fanatic, at the end of it I wished that there was a sequel. It had great characters and plot twists. I also went and read the little prequel they have on the website and wished it had been turned into a full novel. Would read both a sequel and prequel novel in a heartbeat if written. 

Synopsis: Mary Alice Brannigan doesn’t believe in the supernatural. Nor does she expect to find that Dreamland, the decaying amusement park she’s been hired to restore, is a prison for the five Untouchables, the most powerful demons in the history of the world. Plus, there’s a guy she’s falling hard for, and there’s something about him that’s not quite right. But rocky romances and demented demons aren’t the only problems in Dreamland: Mab’s also coping with a crooked politician, a supernatural raven, a secret government agency, an inexperienced sorceress, an unsettling inheritance, and some mind-boggling revelations from her past. As her personal demons wreck her newfound relationship and real demons wreck the park, Mab faces down immortal evil and discovers what everybody who’s ever been to an amusement park knows: The end of the ride is always the wildest.

Breathing Underwater

Breathing Underwater by: Alex Flinn

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, I would recommend it to others and would read it again. Read this as part of my senior English class in school, loved it. Bought my own copy and have read several times and shared with friends. Having gone through a rough relationship like the one in the story I found it interesting to read what it could be like from the males point of view.

Synopsis: Like father, like son.

Intelligent, popular, handsome, and wealthy, sixteen-year-old Nick Andreas is pretty much perfect — on the outside, at least. What no one knows — not even his best friend — is the terror that Nick faces every time he is alone with his father. Then he and Caitlin fall in love, and Nick thinks his problems are over. Caitlin is the one person who he can confide in. But when things start to spiral out of control, Nick must face the fact that he's gotten more from his father than green eyes and money.

Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Freed by: EL James-Book 3 of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, would recommend it to others, and have and would read it again. This was my favorite of the series. It was good to see the characters all grow. It was a great read. It had some very unexpected twists but I enjoyed being kept on my toes. It was a page-turner that I couldn't put down. Would love to read more from this author.

Synopsis: When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true

Tempted

Tempted by Megan Hart-Book 1 of Alex Kennedy Series

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 4 stars. I would read it again, but would be selective with who I recommend it to. I enjoyed this book. Having been a patron of Cedar Point since 91 and having worked there two summers, I found that I could perfectly picture events from the book. I enjoyed that she was factual with her descriptions and didn't over fictionalize it. That being said it was a good story also, my biggest issue being the terms got a bit harsh for my taste in parts. The characters were very well developed and it was easy to picture them as real people in the real world.

Synopsis: I had everything a woman could want. …My husband, James. The house on the lake.

My life. Our perfect life.

And then Alex came to visit.

The first time I saw my husband's best friend, I didn't like him. Didn't like how James changed when he was around, didn't like how his penetrating eyes followed me everywhere.

But that didn't stop me from wanting him. And, surprisingly, James didn't seem to mind.

It was meant to be fun. Something the three of us shared for those hot summer weeks Alex stayed with us. Nobody was supposed to fall in or out of love. I didn't need another man, not even one who oozed sex like honey and knew all the secrets I didn't know, the secrets my husband hadn't shared. After all, we had a perfect life.

And I loved my husband.

But I wasn't the only one

A Matter of Class

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Read & Reviewed by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 3 stars, I would recommend it but, not read it again.Would have gotten more stars if it ha been easier to get into, I had a hard time doing so because of the constant flip-flop of past and present tense of the story.

Synopsis: Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by title, a factor that pains him and his father within the Regency society that upholds station over all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her.Though Reginald Mason, Senior, wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not wish to marry her, preferring instead to live the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Reginald Senior serves his son an ultimatum: marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents, and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering.

So begins an intoxicating tale rife with dark secrets, deception, and the trials of love—a story in which very little is as it seems.

The Tattooed Duke

The Tattooed Duke by Maya Rodale-Book 3 of The Writing Girls Series

Read & Review by: Cris

My Review: I gave this book 5 stars and would both recommend and read this book again. This book was wonderful. I finished it in one sitting because I it was a very engrossing tale. I loved all of the twists. I will be reading more of the writing girls series soon!

Synopsis: Breaking news, scandal fans: 

You thought you knew the dangerous Duke of Wycliff, London's globe-trotting adventure addict. Here's what you don't know: he's penniless. Sebastian Digby's dukely lifestyle is over forever unless he finds a rich bride. But thanks to The London Weekly, everyone knows better than to tangle with this lothario. Besides (as one writer can testify), it seems that Sebastian has been unable to keep his hands off his own lowly housemaid...

And that's a problem. A big one. 

Because that housemaid just happens to be me. Eliza Fielding. The same undercover Writing Girl who's been exposing the Duke's most intimate secrets to the world. And now I've gone and complicated everything by falling in love with him. Passion and deception have never been so delicious, but now the truth could destroy everything. This is more than a conflict of interest. It's a seduction where love itself hangs in the balance

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean-Book 1 of The Love by Numbers Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I gave this book 5 stars and would both recommend to others and read again. This book I enjoyed it was exciting to read and see how she made her way through her list. I look forward to reading more books of the series.

Synopsis-A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love

The Girl in The Steel Corset

The Girl in The Steel Corset by Kady Cross-Book 1 of The Steampunk Chronicles

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I gave this book 5 stars. I have read it multiple times and would recommend it to others. I loved this book. It was entertaining and there was enough depth to the character's stories that I cannot wait to continue reading and find out what happens next. I have been developing an interest in steampunk for the past few years and this book has made me more interested. With the authors great descriptions I find myself searching the web for bits and pieces to put together my very own steampunk outfit. Great book, good well-rounded characters, great descriptive, very excited to read clockwork collar

Synopsis-In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one...except the "thing" inside her.When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no "normal" Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch....

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of "them." The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help--and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on--even if it seems no one believes her.

Notorious

Notorious by Nicola Cornick-Book 4 of The Scandalous Women of the Ton Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I gave this book 4.5 stars, and would recommend it and have already read it again. Had a little bit of a rough time getting into the story at first but once I did I couldn't put it down. This was the first book of the series that I read, I was so intrigued to know back-stories of some of the characters that I set out and read the whole series in order including re-reading this one and getting more out of it the second time around. I eagerly await the next book in the series.

Blame It on Bath

Blame It on Bath by Caroline Linden-Book 2 of The Truth About The Duke Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I enjoyed this story. The characters drew me in and had me up reading late into the night unable to put it down because I wanted to know how the story would play out in the end. I have gone out to purchase the prequel and sequel and cannot wait to indulge in them.

Synopsis-A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny?

Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order--just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.

Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better--and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune--but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?

A Secret Affair

A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh-Book 5 of The Huxtable Quintet

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review- I gave this book 5 stars and would both read it again, and recommend it to others. I grabbed this book quickly from the library based on nice cover art. It turned out to be a great pick. I fell in love with the characters and hoped for their story to end well. I also felt myself wanting to know the particulars of the other characters stories and was very excited to learn that there was a whole series. I read the whole series in order including this story a second time and loved it. I wish there was more to tell what happens with everyone after. It was a great read and has made me go pick up some other Mary Balogh stories outside of the series because I find her characters and stories to be well written.

Synopsis-Beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh has written her most beguiling novel yet, in which the black sheep of the scandalous Huxtable family finally meets his match—in a woman of even more wicked reputation.
 
“The Devil was about to be tamed.” Her name is Hannah Reid. Born a commoner, she has been Duchess of Dunbarton ever since she was nineteen years old, the wife of an elderly duke to whom she has been rumored to be consistently and flagrantly unfaithful. Now the old duke is dead and, more womanly and beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last.

And she knows just what she wants to do with it. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover—and not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable.

Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of Earl, so now he denies himself nothing . . . or so the ton would have it. Rumored to be living the free and easy life of a sensualist in his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for his short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely.
 
But once these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire—without getting singed. For the duchess and the dark lord each have startling secrets to reveal, and when all is said and done, neither will be able to say which one fell in love first, who tamed whom, and who has emerged from this game of hearts with the stronger hand.

Lessons After Dark

Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper-Book 2 of Englefield Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I gave this book 5 stars and would both read again as well as recommend it to others. After reading No Proper Lady, I became a huge fan of the historical romance/paranormal books, and I couldn't wait to read this book. I was in no way disappointed with it. Simon and Joan are back with two new adult characters and some students at the school they began in Simon's home. It was an interesting journey with the characters growing. It was fun seeing two characters have to rely on each other after they start out so mistrusting of each other, and see them falling for each other and trying to deny it. I hope there will be a third book and beyond, as at the end there was enough left hanging to be at least one more book.

 Synopsis-A woman with an unspeakable past

Olivia Brightmore didn't know what to expect when she took a position to teach at Englefiend School, an academy for "gifted" children. But it wasn't having to rescue a young girl who levitated to the ceiling. Or battling a dark mystery in the surrounding woods. And nothing could have prepared her for Dr. Gareth St. John...

A man with exceptional talent

He knew all about her history and scrutinized her every move because of it. But there was more than suspicion lurking in those luscious green eyes. Even with all the strange occurrences at the school, the most unsettling of all is the attraction pulling Olivia and Gareth together with a force that cannot be denied.

No Proper Lady

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper-Book 1 of Englefield Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My review-I gave this book 5 stars and would both recommend and read again. This was a great surprise of a book. I picked it in a rush at the library one day because it looked like a historical romance. I was pleasantly surprised by the magical twist to it and how it combined two of my favorite genres (historical romance with dystopia) I never considered mixing the two but once I started I couldn't put down this book. I look forward to reading the second book of the series. 


Synopsis: When a half-naked woman suddenly appears on his country estate, Simon Grenville doesn't have time to be shocked. Demonic beasts are hot on his heels until the beautiful stranger unsheathes several knives strapped to her skin-tight trousers and kills them. As he stares at her fierce, heart-stopping face, Simon knows he's in a hell of a lot of trouble...

Joan is from a time where demons run rampant and humanity is fighting for its existence. To prevent this terrible future, she is sent back to Victorian England to kill the magician responsible for unleashing the dark forces. But Joan is a soldier more used to sparring than dancing. To get close to her target, she'll need Simon to teach her how to fit into polite society. Joan doesn't mind practicing proper flirtation on Simon, but she can't allow herself to be distracted by his gentle hands or devilish smile--the very future depends on it.

The Selection

The Selection by Kiera Cass-Book 1 of The Selection Series

Read and Reviewed by Cris

My Review-I gave this book 5 stars and would recommend it and have read it multiple times, would read it again. I loved this book. It had well rounded, relate-able characters, in a believable dystopian world.  America was a strong character and I was happy to see her develop without letting the Selection change her. I enjoyed how she was able to interact with and be genuine with the many different castes of people, and how caring she was for her maids. I also loved the characters in the love triangle, they've all felt the sting of heartache from it,  but hope that America keeps her inner strength and doesn't take Aspen's crap or do something out of character that makes her lose all of her integrity and likability. I look forward to finding out who ends up with who in the end. From this first book I feel America would be the best for the job of future queen but, think it will be interesting to see how other the characters continue to grow. Overall it was a cute story and I am looking forward to book two. The book did however end quite abruptly in the story, but I guess a cliffhanger is a good way to ensure people anticipate the next installment in the series.

Synopsis-For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.