Favorite Quote: “This was the kiss she’d been waiting for forever. And she hadn’t even known till that moment.”
Grade: C+
I Dared the Duke by Anne Bennett is the second story in her Wayward Wallflower series which is based on a trio of orphaned sisters. A classic romance with its faint Cinderella theme. A scandalous Duke falls for his grandmother’s beautiful companion and they live happily ever after. What makes this story interesting is the characters themselves. Our companion is a companion by choice, not because of economic or social factors. Our Duke is anything but scandalous.The many rumors that surround him are just that…rumors…From their first meeting, this affordable and personable couple amused me with their witty, energetic banter and simmering chemistry.
The story starts out on a bang with our hero and heroine sharpening their verbal swords on one another as the Duke, Alex, tries to fire the companion, Beth. Alex is determined to get his grandmother out of London and away from him due to the near fatal events that seem to befall him lately. Behaving in his usual overbearing snotty self, he attempts to browbeat Beth into quitting and finds himself quite intrigued when she turns the tables on him.
“Now then,” he drawled. “I believe Miss Lacey has something of import she wished to tell us.”
“Why no, your grace. I’ve nothing to share. Nothing at all.”
“Are you quite certain you have nothing to share?”
“I am.”
“I believe you had some news concerning your own situation.”
“Situation is such a vague word, is it not? It could refer to a number of topics. I’m afraid you will have to be more specific.”
Alex and Beth dance around one another and the topic at hand until Beth finally offers Alex a deal. If he grants his grandmother three wishes, she’ll help to convince her to leave. Beth just wants the Duke to spend some time with his grandmother. His grandmother adores him and to Beth family is everything.
Elizabeth (Beth) Lacey and her two sisters were orphaned and left penniless when their parents are killed in an accident. Only their uncle, Lord Wiltmore, is willing to take them in and his odd reputation doesn’t exactly ensure their welcome into society. Their uncle adores them and just wants them to be happy but Beth and her sisters are given an unfortunate nickname that follows them around the ballrooms for years; making them the recipient of snubs and jokes made at their expense. Though Beth is tired of being humiliated through no fault of her own, she accepts a position as the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire companion as a favor to her uncle knowing it will place her in society’s sights again. Beth loves to feel needed and while she the epitome of a well-bred lady, she is quite amusing with her dry wit, subtle set downs, and sheer stubbornness.
“Good evening, Miss Lacey.”
“Your grace.”
“Impressive.”
“What’s impressive?”
“You ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know.”
Alex, the Duke of Blackshire, is not quite the cold, detached jerk he presents himself to be at the beginning. Someone is trying to kill him and he fears for grandmother’s life. His grandmother is his heart. He lost both his parents in a fire at a young age. She not only raised him but nursed him back to health when he was injured in that fire. He is unable to comfortably investigate while worrying for her safety but refuses to tell anyone (beyond his best friend) what is going on. When he and Beth first meet, it is like mixing oil and water. They repel one another all while trying to co-exist in the same space.
“Aren’t you one of Lord Wiltmore’s ___?”
“Wallflowers?” she provided. “How kind of you mention it, “ she added dryly.
He raised a dark brow. “I was going to say nieces.”
She shrugged. “Perhaps. But you were thinking wallflowers.”
“I am fascinated by your uncanny ability to know what I am thinking. If you can predict what I’m going to say before I say it, this whole conversation is rather pointless.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Are we through?”
As they spend more time together, the attraction between them intensifies yet they both feel that nothing can come of it. Alex has secrets, one especially that revolves around Beth and her sisters. One that he is convinced will cause her to hate him. Beth is sure that Alex will grow bored and eventually leave her as everyone always does. Emotions run high and the sexual teasing and tension is quite delicious as Bennett slowly but steadily leads them towards their destiny. Nicely framed love scenes dot the landscape to invigorate the reader as this couple takes advantage of a few stolen moments.
It was a heady feeling, being in the arms of London’s most notorious lover. Before this kiss, she never understood why otherwise perfectly intelligent women would sully heir reputations for a night with him. But as he speared his fingers through her hair and trailed kisses down the side of her neck, she understood all too well.
A hint of mystery adds to the overall anticipation of the story though the two storylines don’t blend was well as I would hope. Bennett attempts to merge them in the end but it comes off a bit rushed and forced.
The secondary characters are an interesting and diverse group used to create depth and to help push the story along. Beth’s uncle and sisters are quite frank and affectionate. They rush en mass when Beth is in trouble and I enjoyed their interactions. Alex’s grandmother is a pip and her matchmaking attempts weren’t all that subtle. Alex’s best friend plays a strong role and I hope we see more of him in the future. I do wish that the story hadn’t stayed so insulated on this couple. I would have enjoyed seeing them interact together with the outside world more. To be honest, I don’t even know the dates/era of this world. Regency? Georgian? Victorian? That’s how focused Bennett is.
The mystery wraps up in a surprisingly dramatic fashion with the villain unmasked and dealt with by a shocking source while Alex lays his childhood guilt to rest with a heroic act. All in all a pleasantly lightweight and amusing historical romance that is sure to elicit a happy sigh from its readers. Though part of a series, each book can be read comfortably as a standalone. The next sister’s story will be told in The Rogue is Back in Town-set to release January 2018....more
Duke of Pleasure is the 11th installment in Hoyt's Maidan Lane series. The predictable manner that the series is built upon is evident with the class Duke of Pleasure is the 11th installment in Hoyt's Maidan Lane series. The predictable manner that the series is built upon is evident with the class difference romance though I found it blander than what we have previously seen. We met the hero and heroine, Hugh Fitzroy and Alf in previous books. While I enjoyed Hugh and Alf individually. Apart they were very strong and dynamic but together they seemed to wilt and become redundant. I also had issues with the main conflict. It was very similar to Duke of Sin and I felt the romance completely overshadowed it. There was no real arc advancement; the epilogue certainly proved that. Two new characters are introduced who look to be more promising. Lord Dyemore is new a mystery to investigate and his heroine, Lady Iris, pleasantly surprised me with her intelligence and common sense. I liked that Hoyt didn't make her a plot device to add conflict in Hugh and Alf's relationship. Even though I wasn;t blown away by this installment, I am looking forward to book 12-Duke of Desire. YUMMMMMMMMMMM...more
I adored this little romance niblet. Super sweet and sexy. Loved the chemistry between the H/h. They were well matched. A hint of drama rounded it outI adored this little romance niblet. Super sweet and sexy. Loved the chemistry between the H/h. They were well matched. A hint of drama rounded it out. ...more
I picked up Alluring due to S&M Obsessions tweeting about it. Though I’m not a fan of the billionaire alpha caveman and virginal innocent poor heart of gold heroine trope, there was something about this opposites attract story appealed to me. Formulaic and rather simple, this heavily character driven story focuses on the protagonists and Curtis writes them with style, humor, and a wee bit of drama. Dual points of views gives insight to what our lovers are thinking without rehashing scenes or clunky dialogue. Steady pacing and a clear voice makes this a fast, easy, and sexy read. Though this is a series, each book is a standalone with a HEA ending.
Jackson Cole IS a bit of an alpha caveman but he readily admits it. While he definitely has a possessive obsessive side, he doesn’t strive to make Alexis one of his possession. He doesn’t keep her in the dark about things, is always upfront and honest with her, and doesn’t make demands that will keep her under his thumb. Cupid’s arrow has hit him hard and while he’s a little confused about his feelings, he doesn’t use his new found feelings to create unnecessary drama or push the Alexis away.
“You can’t force me to date you, Jack.”
“I won’t be forcing you. I won’t need to force you. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be begging me.”
“Why are you doing this? Why go to this much trouble? Surely there are hundreds of women out there more than happy, probably thrilled to spend time with you. You wouldn’t even even have to try. Why don’t you go after them?”
“Because I want you.”
Alexis isn’t your usual poor defenseless heroine. She doesn’t need saving. She wasn’t placed in a situation that demoralizes or causes her to eat ramen noodles for weeks on end (not that ramen noodles are bad-I happen to love them). She works very hard but has friends, a decent apartment, and a small but enjoyable personal life. Strong, forthright, and smart, Alexis is more than able to hold her own against Jack. Alexis knows who Jack is and has seen the women he has dated. She knows his reputation as a one night only lover and is honestly perplexed why he wants to date her. She doesn’t do one night stands, admitting that when she finds the one for her, she will be all in and doesn’t think that the instant gratification of sex for one night is a good enough trade against what she really wants.
“What will I do when you’re gone? I’ve grown so dependent on you.”
I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.”
You can’t predict the future, Jack.”
“There is no future I see, that you aren’t in.”
The romance builds quickly as Jack chases after and systematically wipes out all of Alexis’s objections to why they shouldn’t date. Jack is very vocal about how he feels about her and what he wants from her. I found it a bit cheesy at times but in a good way. Jack and Alexis are cute and funny together; especially when they don’t see eye to eye. The sexy times are playful and hot with some silly moments that only adds to the fun of them.
God, that mouth of his. Was that going to be her punishment? His dirty mouth, doing dirty things to her body. She could live with that.
Alluring is a sweet, sexy, fluffy read that doesn’t tax the reader with intricate plot lines or deep character reveals. There is no real angst, huge secrets or emotional baggage to overcome. It’s a simplistic romance that did exact what it intended to do-entertain me from beginning to end. My only qualms is the stalker plot line was weak and gratuitous and there were some editing/grammar issues. Curtis has the talent and potential that could be further tightened up with the help of a good editor. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Favorite Quote: “It’s not going to fit! It’s too big!”
Natalie Reese is a planner. Her whole life is a series of plans, schedules, and to-do lists. Having just turned 30, she has a bucket list of things that must be done now and the number one thing is to lose her virginity. But Natalie isn’t one to go about it in the usual way. No escorts or friends with benefits will do it for her. She doesn’t want the romance or the connection that might form from a sexual interlude. Oh no. She has an agenda. Her plan is to enter therapy and use a sex surrogate to divest her of this pesky problem. No muss. No fuss. Everything is planned perfectly right down to the lie that will get her in the program.
Fate rarely takes us into the direction we want to go…
Dr. Ryan Andrews-a 30 year old sexy, tattooed, intelligent, motorcycle riding soccer player is the bad boy every mama in the world would want you to bring home for supper. Currently working towards his PhD. Ryan’s ex girlfriend got him into the sex surrogate program to help fund his degree. He has secrets that keep him from forming romantic relationships and this job is perfect for him. When he first met Natalie at the local library, he gets a punch of attraction he hasn’t felt in a while, but when he learns she will be one of his clients, he tries to get out of it through no avail. Now stuck together as client and patient, Ryan and Natalie try to keep their attraction at a minimal and follow the rules of the program.
Fate often takes in the direction we need to go…
Ryan and Natalie’s relationship changes from clinical to steamy in very short time but when secrets, miscommunication, and jealous coworkers enter the picture, Natalie and Ryan will have to come clean with one another if they want this relationship to work.
Though listed as book one in a series, The Lessons is touted as a stand alone. Funny, lighthearted, sexy, and a wee bit angsty; Brown does well overall with just a few bumps in the road. Heavily character driven, this quirky heroine and her endearing hero entertain with witty dialogue, engaging internal monologues, and humorous scenes.
The first quarter of the book starts out slowly. I had a hard time understanding who Natalie was and where she was coming from. While I’m all for an OCD list maker (so says the post it note queen of wee little lists) I was confused as to why someone would hire a sex surrogate to lose their virginity to. That’s a lot of work and deception for something that can be down with one phone call and a hundred bucks. As I got to know Natalie better and Brown reveals her backstory, I began to see why she might choose this route. A product of foster care and a whole host of tragedies, Natalie has major trust and emotional issues that for her won’t allow her to choose a relationship that might produce an emotional connection. She honestly feels a professional surrogate will keep it all above board.
“He did not need him to be an Adonis. A pre-screened disease-free surrogate with a penis would do the job well enough…”
The introduction of Ryan as the surrogate and the firming up of the plot line brings the book into better focus. Ryan is delightful. Simply delightful. A beta style hero, he has a charming possessiveness (and dirty mouth) about him that belays his seemingly laid back personality. He has a firm moral stance and professional demeanor that has served him well in the past but meeting Natalie throws him for a loop. He wants her and it really messes with his head and heart. Once we are made aware of his own secrets and tragedies you only grow to like and respect him more.
“My new client was so f*cking hot it was messing with my brain.”
Though the initial setup is decidedly unconventional, Brown builds a believable romance that is appealing sweet, very hot, and dotted with a nice layer of tension. Natalie and Ryan’s romance is fraught with laughter and bittersweet moments as they attempt to navigate their way through this mess they have inadvertently created. I loved watching Natalie discover the joys of sex as she unknowingly falls in love with Ryan. It’s fun to see a character whose first sexual experiences aren’t overly melodramatic or littered with indecisiveness on a physical level. Natalie wants to try it all, discuss it all, and Ryan is 100% on board with it all. I also enjoyed the possessiveness Natalie develops towards her ‘doctor of lurve…’
“Yes, I called him mine. He’d put his mouth on my vagina, and I was a feeling a little territorial about the whole thing. Sue me.”
Overall I enjoyed The Lesson. It’s a quick fast read that hits all the right spots-romance and humor wise. A well developed cast of secondary characters gave the book added depth and more humor to the story and I really hope we see some of them in future installments. I did feel some of the plot devices used to push this couple in the right direction came off a little heavy-handed and manipulative. The external conflict that pushes the miscommunication issue stunned me; especially Ryan’s decision. I was also a little put out that Natalie didn’t seem to think all that much about the risks Ryan was taking for her. Even with the rather fast and anticlimactic resolution, the ending is sweet and fulfilling, wrapping up the story in a predictable but enjoyable manner.
Off Base is a sexy erotic dualogy by Tessa Bailey and Sophia Jordon. Bailey's story is extremely sexy and erotic with a viable heartfelt romance. JordOff Base is a sexy erotic dualogy by Tessa Bailey and Sophia Jordon. Bailey's story is extremely sexy and erotic with a viable heartfelt romance. Jordon picks up the story with the hero's sister and while I also enjoyed, I did feel it was rushed and didn't flesh out as well as the first story. ...more
Stein usually excels at building awkward relationships. Never Loved is such a relationship that is built around two people who were each victims of abuse. Told from the heroine’s POV, we learn Beatrix Becker and her brother were horrifically abused until they were able to escape. Beatrix comes to college for a normal life and instead finds herself always on the outside looking in. In her need to be seen as normal, she is unable to shed all the mental abuse her father inflicted on her. When she goes looking for her brother who has disappeared, she meets Serge Sorenson. A huge tattooed illegal fighter, Beatrix is both scared and titillated. Serge sends her home but finds and brings her brother to her. From that moment a connection is formed and neither is able to stay away from the other.
I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Stein. She has a unique voice that for the most part appeals to me. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. Similar to her book Sheltered, which I adored, this one didn’t reveal story wise or character wise as I expected. Beatrix and Serge were very linear and I found them somewhat superficial. Normally not bothered by first person narrative, I found the narrative in here to be disjointed, clinical, and too heavily internalized. The dialogue when presented was weak and gave us no real insight to who Beatrix and Serge were. The switching from Beatrix’s internal monologue to conversations was haphazard and I often wasn’t sure who was speaking. Also, to be brutally frank, being in Beatrix’s head was not fun.
The story has no depth or dimension. Instalove forms in a few days and suddenly there is no Beatrix and Serge-it’s BeatrixSerge. We never learn what was the attraction for them. There is no build up to that defining moment-leaving the reader feeling rushed and unprepared for where Stein was trying to take us. I couldn’t help but feel their getting together was more circumstantial than fated.
Love scenes dot the landscape but as I didn’t buy the attraction, I couldn’t buy the romance, making it all that more awkward. The scenes didn’t fit into the general feeling of the book; not with Beatrix’s previous behavior. She is repressed and fearful of the world and sex in general yet in a week or so she can jump right into a sexual relationship? Hmmmm. The lack of chemistry is no help.
Stein keeps us firmly on a predestined path from start to finish with Beatrix unfortunately narrating every single step of the way until a small dramatic conflict tossed in at the end to show readers the supposed intensity of their love for one another.
This was not a favorite work of Stein’s for me. It felt like a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit and when it was complete, you had no idea what you were looking at.