Review: Ancient Retribution (Ancients Rising #5)

Ancient Retribution (Ancients Rising #5)

Katie Reus

Blurb:

A dragon princess once lost…

Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago. Since The Fall, when rogue dragons razed half the planet, she’s spent her days hunting down supernaturals who think they can escape justice, delivering her own. During a dangerous mission, she falls into the claws of a sexy warrior dragon adjusting to the modern world—and from the start she knows she’s in trouble.

Is now found…

Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. Unfortunately, life just got a whole lot more complicated. Not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, but she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home. Even as they fight side by side to save hundreds of humans, he knows that winning her heart will be the hardest and most pivotal battle he’s ever waged. Juniper doesn’t want to get mated, doesn’t trust anyone with her heart—but this is one battle Zephyr will never stop fighting.

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters, Dragons

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 Another new adventure in the amazing Ancients Rising series by Katie Reus leaves readers wondering just where this series could be leading us and how this post-apocalyptic world could change even more. I have followed along with this spin-off series from the beginning and loved every new installment, but as each couple finds adversity, tragedy, and ultimately love everlasting I find myself deeper enthralled with Reus’s imagination and talent. Juniper is a badass dragon shifter that was raised by a pack of wolves after her family was killed and she was orphaned, but it only made her more deadly as she learned not only to control her powers but to move and interact with the world like the wolves do.  She lives her life in the world of black-ops soldiers, working behind the scenes to keep the world safe and knows that she will do whatever it takes to protect those in need.  When she runs into a crazy sexy dragon on a mission she never imagined how big an impact on her life Zephyr would pose, but she can’t resist her pull.  Zephyr knows that Juniper is his mate, and despite not quite fitting in with this new world he’s woken to, he is determined to be the man she needs to be, so he sets out to be her partner.   Working side-by-side Zephyr and Juniper quickly find their attraction irresistible, but the enemies they face and the new allies that crawl out of Juniper’s past could pose a serious threat to the love that is quickly forming between them, but only if they allow it.  I loved these two and could see from the beginning that their love story was going to be intense and action filled. Zephyr has just recently woken from a long hibernation and is getting used to the new world around him, but he is extremely alpha without be a jerk about it, sweet, and sexy and will do whatever it takes to protect his woman and give her the world. Watching him come to terms with her personality and what he would have to do to make her happy was swoon-worthy.  Juniper has lived her life never quite fitting in with her family, and feeling just that little bit incomplete, but she thinks that being with Zephyr will be worth is for as long as he sticks around—which is she can’t believe with be forever.  I hurt for her as she worked through all the drama that popped up in her life, but knowing that Zephyr was by her side I knew she’d have the support she needed to face her past, present, and future.  The chemistry between them was undeniable and was hot enough to leave me reach for the ice.  I am dying to see what comes next in this amazing story-line and where Katie takes us next in her new world.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: The Friendship Pact (Sunrise Cove #2)

The Friendship Pact (Sunrise Cove #2)

Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.

Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.

But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love ... or walk away from her own happiness.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Another interesting read that reminds us that each woman is unique and her journey through life and to love is just as unique as she is.  I have never read a single Jill Shalvis novel (or novella) that didn’t thrill and fulfill me and I doubt I ever will, but her latest story is one filled with laughter, tears, and the growth of two people that needed one another to heal—even if they both denied they were broken to begin with.  Tae has had a challenging life, essentially raising herself and her teenage mother, and finding a way to make herself successful, but she has done it with real poise.  When she is given a huge chance to prove herself with a contact for her small company, she jumps at the chance, despite knowing she’ll have to deal with her nemesis Riggs daily. Riggs grew up in hell and then as a Marine went through even more trauma, but he has it all under control and doesn’t need Tae getting into his business and certainly doesn’t want the prickly woman.  Except every time they are in the same vicinity sparks fly enough to singe everyone in the area and with the working together constantly it soon becomes irresistible.  But Tae’s past is slow coming to light and it might just be enough to tear apart the fragile connection she and Riggs have built, if they don’t fight for the love they have found in the most unlikely of places. I loved Tae and her smartass mouth just made her more my kind of lady.  She is shrewd, kind, devoted, and caring once she opens herself up to those that earn her trust and I really enjoyed watching Riggs break down those walls. Riggs has so much trauma in his past I really wasn’t sure he’d be able to get past it in order to give Tae the love she needed, but as they grew together I realized they really were the perfect match. He brings the perfect level of alpha to their sparky relationship, but he also brings out the fun in their friendship and ultimately that foundation is the strength of their love.  I can’t move on without mentioning there is a sweet and slightly sad bit of growth that Tae’s mom April is forced to deal with as well as she comes to terms with her past, a big mistake she made, and the fact that she is still a truly desirable woman as she finds a good man to offer her a love as well. I enjoyed every moment of this beautiful and heartfelt story, even as I was brought to tears a few times and I look forward to being able to read more in this series as Jill takes us through the angst of evolution, forgiveness, and finding love in Sunrise Cove.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Dark Alpha's Command

Dark Alpha's Command (Reaper #15)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

I’ve been a part of so many different worlds I’m not sure who I am or where I fit in anymore. Honestly, with everything I’ve been through, being called across realms and encountering the beautiful Druid who instantly captures my attention—and my heart—shouldn’t have surprised me. But it did. Not as much as discovering how it feels to brush against her magic, however. Now, we must navigate these new waters and fight against our latest threat, hoping that our combined power and that of our allies is enough to defeat our foe. Because the Fae Others want to end the Reapers and take over the realm, and their leader is one of the most formidable enemies we’ve ever faced. The battle won’t be easy, but with this strong, resilient mortal by my side and some help from our friends, it’s a fight I’m more than willing to enter—as long as it means she’s by my side. Forever.

Themes:  Paranormal, Fae, Magick

Rating:  4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 The story we have all been waiting on tenterhooks for has finally arrived and to be honest I was surprised from beginning to end.  I have followed this world of Donna Grant’s since the very beginning, back when it was set in medieval Scotland and the plot was so different.  I’ve experienced the world of Warriors, Druids, Fae, Dragon Kings and Reapers and through it all I have never been truly disappointed in the love and action that Donna brings to her characters and the magic she brings to my life through her writing.  DAC is the story of a former villain finding his way out of the dark and to a love that he doesn’t truly believe he deserves but that we have been rooting for him to find for years now.  Balladyn was introduced initially as a Dark Fae villain that was set to bring down the Dragon Kings and ultimately did a lot of damage in his quest, even going so far as becoming the King of the Dark, but ultimately he found his true family and what we thought was his place in the Reapers after being betrayed (again) to his death.  Rhona is the leader of the Skye Druids, a position she truly doubts she is equipped for but she is determined to live up to mentor’s expectations now that he is gone from this world.  When she is betrayed to her death, Balladyn’s surprising and timely rescue brings them close together and there is no denying the connection or the attraction they have both been fighting. But their foes as numerous and very well hidden, so only with the help of all of their allies (and even some unexpected ones) will they be able to root out all the evil trying to eternally separate them before they ever have a chance to build a future together. I was obsessed with this story and there was no way that I was going to accept anything less that Balladyn finding his ultimate happiness with his mate (thank you Donna!).  His past has certainly been dark and twisted, but in my mind the best heroes have gone through these types of traumas and this growth in order to truly know the beauty of living in the light and finding the love of a woman that will give them their whole hearts.  I loved seeing the vulnerabilities he shared with Rhona and how he fought beside her even though he wanted to stand in front of her when enemies approached.  His strength of character might have been in question to himself as he made difficult and sometimes corrupt choices in the past, but once he accepted that everything led him exactly where he was meant to be, he was the best man and lover he could have possibly been for Rhona.  Rhona has some serious issues with self-confidence for sure, but as she works with Balladyn she comes to accept that she is stronger, smarter, and greater than she ever imagined.  The love and passion between them lead her to new heights, giving her a true reason to excel in her every endeavor not only to prove herself his equal but to protect those they both love and defeat an evil greater than any that has existed.  She was sweet, gentle, and kind to those that she cared for, but when those she loves are being threatened she steps up and becomes the warrior to match Balladyn in every way.  The fire these two inspire is irrefutable and from the first time they connect we experience it right along with them, leaving the readers just as on fire as the lovers.  I loved seeing Balladyn and Rhona embrace their destiny and find a way to their HEA and into one another’s hearts forever.  I cannot wait for more in this series and of course the coming Skye Druids series will be intriguing as well.  These multi-connecting series keep things fresh and allow us to see so many points of view and get new sides of stories, as we experience the world from so many different angles.  I just love the imagination of Donna Grant’s Dark World that continues to grow and expand and I am dying for what comes next.

*eARC  provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Rhett Redeemed (Knights & Dragons MC #2)

Rhett Redeemed (Knights & Dragons MC #2)

Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Life is about choices. He had a history of making bad ones.

Ready for a New Start

United with her newly discovered half sister, Constance Wilder finally has a family. She should be happy, but she’s not. Instead, she’s even lonelier, which is why a one-night stand with a sexy biker is just what she needs. A few hours of wild sex won’t just bring her pleasure—it will help her forget.

A Series of Bad Choices

Rhett did what was necessary to step into his role as leader of the Wind Dragons MC, which included cutting ties with the woman he loved. He wouldn’t change it, but that doesn’t make it easier. Thankfully, the beautiful woman across the bar is a welcome distraction. He never expected her to light a spark inside him, leaving him wanting more.

Destined for Disaster

Constance falls hard for Rhett. Not only is she pretty sure he’s her soul mate, but he’s the one person she has connected to in a long time. But when it is revealed that Rhett is her sister’s ex, Constance is faced with losing her newly found family, making happily-ever-after seem damn near impossible.

Themes:  Contemporary, Bikers

Rating:  4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

  Wow what a story of two people definitely wrong for one another on paper but so obviously destined for one another.  Rhett has been one of those character we rooted for since he was a child and his mother married into the Wind Dragons MC, but we never imagined his path in the club would lead him to presidency and just who his old lady would end up being. Long-time fans of this universe recognize Rhett as the step-son of --- and we watch his painful breakup with Cara in the previous novel as they found their paths diverging.  Now we get to see his side of the story and find out his motivations and I love every second of it.  At the same time we get his love story as he falls in love with the most unlikely woman—Cara’s long-lost sister Constance “Con” Wilder.  Con is just now finding her path into her sister’s life and heart, but she has fallen in love with the sexy and sweet Rhett, neither of them ever realizing the truth of their connection through Cara.  When the facts come to life they have to decide if they can find a way through the winding path of their pasts and to the future they both want so badly or if they will have to give up the epic love they are just finding. I loved every heart wrenching and tear-filled moment of their love story. We went into the story believing that Rhett had become a total ass, cheating on Cara and leaving her high and dry, which pushed her into the arms of the love of her life (see ---), but we finally learn the full story in this book and OMG I loved and hated Rhett in equal portions for what he did.  I cannot deny he made mistakes, but he thought he was protecting the woman he’d loved since he was a kid and giving her a chance at the life she wanted and deserved. That said, watching him with Con we see a totally different side of Rhett, he’s sweet, attentive, loving, and finally finds some peace in the chaos of the changes in his life and I enjoyed watching them find that despite the turmoil that comes from their relationship.  Con has so much going against her, but really none of it is her fault, the circumstances of her life have left her beat down and sadly she has to struggle for every bit of happiness she can find.  I loved her strength, sass, serenity (mostly) and determination to protect those she loved from any drama she might inadvertently bring to their lives, but I wished she could have taken a stand sooner and demanded her own piece of happiness despite others and their hang-ups.  The heat and fire these two create together is irresistible and carries through every moment of their interactions, even when they are hurting one another, but I loved seeing that passion blossom into something deeper.  I am dying for the rest of this series, seeing more of these sexy bikers and the women that bring them to their knees.  Keep the love coming Chantal!

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Claimed

Claimed (Powertools: The Shields #5)
Jayne Rylon

Blurb:

When Karolena answered an ad for a live-in housekeeper responsible for taking care of at least a dozen guys, she was obviously desperate.

Although she hadn’t realized they were spies and assassins when she accepted the position, it could work out for the best since the Shields’ headquarters might be the only place she’s safe from the evil ex hunting her.

That is, if she doesn’t give in to the two agents that live across the hall who tempt her to do things that could be dangerous to her still healing heart.

Tavish is more than willing to show Karolena a good time so long as that’s as far as it goes. He’s learned the very hard way that it’s fine to sleep with women, or men, so long as you don’t trust them.

That’s only because Tavish’s partner—both in the field and the bedroom—has always made sure his judgement isn’t compromised when they surrender to their non-traditional urges together. Legend is the one person Tavish is certain has his back since he’s proved it over and over on life or death missions yet still, he’s not able to give the man the affection he deserves along with plenty of satisfaction.

So when they find themselves entangled with their housekeeper, and her ties to the mafia, they have to decide whether she’s capable of bringing the three of them together permanently or whether they have to get rid of her before she wrecks them for good.

 Themes:  Ménage, Contemporary

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ok so let’s all be honest girls, who hasn’t imagined themselves trapped in between two sexy, dangerous, but sweet men as they ravished you and devoted all their attention on you… yeah I feel ya. As one of the very few author's I would dub a Queen of Ménage, Jayne Rylon continues to draw me in and make me sweat with her Shields and the relationships that amaze and enthrall me.  I am have been dying for this story since the last chapter of the previous novel (man I wish she’d quit doing that to me!) and I am happy to say I devoured it. Tavish and Legend were hot as hell, alpha warriors with so many vulnerabilities and they definitely needed the perfect woman to bring them together permanently and make them embrace the love they were hiding from.  Karolena is on the run from a past she is ashamed of, but she is determined to do her best to get away and start over, too bad she landed in the one place in the world that she can’t hide from her past.  The draw to the two sexy men is one that should be taboo and forbidden, but seems so normal in her new environment that when they offer her an afternoon of sensual play she finds herself giving in to her desires, for once on her own terms.  But when her past begins to come to light, the two men that draw her like no other not only become her friends and playmates, they are now her protectors and so much more as they are forced together.  They each have their pasts and fears to overcome, even as they work toward a future, but sometimes all it takes is one mistake to drive a wedge into a healing heart.  Can these three lovers overcome all the obstacles in their path to love, or will they have to separate in order to find their happiness?   Wow this story moved even faster than some of the others in the series (Spoiler alert:  the heat scale hits epic proportions by chapter two guys) and soon these three have to come to terms with their emotional pain in order to move forward. I loved seeing Karolena take control of her life, especially in regards to her body and passions, telling the men exactly what she wanted and letting them teach her even more about lovemaking.  She has had a very difficult life and one that no woman should ever be forced to endure, though its sadly not as uncommon as we think, and when she finally escapes it is a relief that she knows could be short-lived if she isn’t careful.  Tavish and Legend have been a team for a long time, both in the field and in the bedroom, but their relationship is incomplete.  Legend is a giant teddy bear, but interestingly not the alpha personality and seeing him looking to Tavish for direction and leadership was beyond sexy.  Tavish was so masterful and alpha that I needed ice a few times when he was in control of his lovers, but there is a lot of pain he has buried deep for years that only his lovers could truly help heal and only if he opens up to them.  I loved seeing how these three completed one another and formed a truly healthy and loving triad, each offering the solace and support that was needed for the other two both individually and as couple in order that the three of them could move forward and stay together forever.  I can’t wait to see more of them in the next story (that story looks to be a very action packed and interesting one) and am already dying to read Shared where we will see what happens to the last single member of the Shields.  That story might be the end of this series (though I can certainly hope for more) but I can already see it will be a blast to read and experience.  Jayne is one of the few writers that can make you look at these relationships, that are so out of the norm, and show you the love, devotion, and ordinariness of them until it seems commonplace to you to see triads and even more as they just share love.  Love truly knows no bounds and should never be limited and Jayne reminds us of that with each installment of her series, and I for one thank her for the reminder often.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: The One You Want

 The One You Want

Jennifer Ryan

Blurb:

Sometimes weddings bring the worst surprises... Growing up, Rose fled her family home--and a dangerous father--vowing never to return. But Rose is back in Carmel, California, with two goals: to joyfully act as maid of honor for her best-friend-forever Maggie and to reunite and rebuild her relationships with her mother and sister. And she can't wait to finally meet the groom-to-be.

But when Maggie excitedly introduces her to Marc, Rose is horrified. He's the man Rose spent one lust-fueled but disastrous night with a year ago. Rose and Maggie have shared every secret...but Rose isn't sure she can reveal this one. To complicate the situation, Rose makes an instant connection with Gray, Marc's best man and cousin.

And as the big day approaches, the secret weighs heavy upon Rose. It was a whirlwind courtship, but Maggie seems so sure she's found the one she wants. Now Rose faces the biggest dilemma of her life: Should she tell Maggie and Gray the truth and risk losing them? What if it's best to leave things alone? Then again, what if her friend is making the biggest mistake of her life?

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

   “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”… I couldn’t have said it better myself and this new standalone novel by one of my favorite contemporary romance authors is the epitome of that phrase. Jennifer Ryan takes us on a heartbreaking and thoughtful journey through the dilemma of one woman as she begins a new world-wind relationship while facing the consequences of one of the worst decisions of her life. Rose has finally returned to her hometown after decades in order to be there for her best friend, Maggie’s wedding, but the pain of being back is compounded by the fact that the groom, Marc, happens to be the worst one-nightstand of her life.  On top of all that the best man, Gray, is the hottest and sweetest man she’s ever met and the chemistry between them is off the charts.  Rose and Gray want to pursue a relationship, but Rose is keeping a secret from him and Maggie, and as problems and grief heats up Rose has to convince Gray that what they’ve built is true and lasting, or they will lose it all. Man I just have to say that there was so much going on in this story that I could NOT put it down, for fear I would miss something.  Rose was not only dealing with the secret of her past with Marc but also the pain of reuniting with her mother and sister after a long separation, where they were all dealing with her bastard of a  father in different ways.  Her strength in the face of everything showed her backbone was titanium even as her willingness and ability to bend and make room in her heart for forgiveness and new love showed her to be the kind of woman I aspire to be.  She was smart, sassy, sweet, and cared about all those around her, trying so hard to do her best to protect everyone around her, not really thinking about herself until she had no choice.  Gray was and awesome hero, except for a moment or two when I really wanted to smack him upside the head for being an idiot.  He made sure that he knew Rose was his priority when they were together, giving her all his attention and offering her all the love and care he had.  He was resilient, intelligent, astute, and knew that Rose was a good woman, even as others tried to convince him otherwise.  I loved this story and the passionate and immediate connection that developed between Gray and Rose was beautiful to see.  One of my favorite traits of any Jennifer Ryan book is that she never shies away from serious issues—be it domestic violence, substance abuse, PTS. or other issues that so many romance authors gloss over.  Jennifer handles it beautifully in every books she writes and I applaud her for it in each story I read.  I enjoyed this story immensely and am glad that Gray and Rose found their HEA and will look back on this read with fond memories for many years to come.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Just One Kiss (Dirty Dares #2)

Just One Kiss (The Kingston Family #6, Dirty Dares #2)

Carly Phillips

Blurb:

It was supposed to be one fun night of hot sex.

It turned into a second. Then a third.

Now Mother Nature is having the last word—with a secret baby surprise!

Jade Dare has done everything in her power to overcome her mother’s unstable influence. Changed her name. Became a success. Vowed never to risk passing on the potential for inherited pain. What has it gotten her? One fiancé who wanted her for money. A second who cheated on her with his brother’s wife.

Now she's sworn off men. Or at least off serious relationships. But when the chance to indulge in a one night stand with a man she’s secretly fantasized about arrives, she jumps in. Only to land heart-first into a case of the feels she can’t bring herself to trust.

Knox Sinclair always suspected he liked his brother’s fiancé a little too much, that’s why he kept his hands to himself. But with ties broken and Jade all too willing, a no-strings-attached night sounds like a damned good idea.

Except one night isn’t nearly enough. But while Knox is busy convincing Jade they have a chance at forever, the past is planning one last parting shot.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

These Dares just get hotter and hotter and Carly doesn’t seem to be heading into a conclusion of this series any time soon—for which I am truly grateful. This story picks up pretty quickly after the end of Aurora and Nick’s story, bringing us the story of Nick’s little sister Jade and the man that really shouldn’t capture her interest much less her heart, but that she can’t seem to resist.  Jade has had a hard time with relationships, especially lately, and her new outlook is to just go it alone, but the heat between her and Knox, the brother of her ex-fiancé is off the charts.  When they are thrown together by his matchmaking little sister, Knox Sinclair knows he should resist the temptation Jade represents, but the woman is just too much for him to turn away, and really what could a no-strings night of passion hurt.  But one night isn’t enough and soon the pull between them leads them both into dangerous, and intense, territory that neither of them is sure they are ready for.  Can they both accept that love strikes in the most unusual of circumstances and they were perhaps meant to be together all along, or will a dangerous rival put a permanent end to their chances for a happily-ever-after?  I really cannot say enough about this book except that I loved every minute of Jade and Knox’s tear-filled and passionate story.  Jade has so many issues and so many pains in her past to work through before she can devote herself to a healthy relationship, but the emotion that Knox inspires finally gives her the impetus to put in the time and effort to heal herself.  The traumas of her past could have broken a lesser woman for sure, but with the support of her family and the love of her life, I can see she will be the best lover and wife to Knox.  She was sweet and sassy, but she definitely gave him a run for his money, making him work for her love and prove himself to her even as she had to come to terms with her own shortcomings.  I loved watching her finally heal and accept the pain she’d buried for decades in order to have a healthy and loving relationship, giving all off herself to her man.  Knox certainly has his own issues and hang-ups when it comes to love, and who could blame the guy, but he knows that what he feels for Jade is special and he is determined to show her they are meant to be together. His strength and appeal, combined with the consideration and loving nature he shares with those in his inner circle contrasts beautifully with his strong and determined personality making him the perfectly rounded warrior to prove to Jade they are perfect together. While he obviously has to work through his own stuff before he can promise forever to Jade, once he offers himself to her wholly he never backs away, even when he learns the secret she hid from him, devoting himself to making her happy and keeping her safe.  The heat and passion between these two is off the charts for sure, but the sweet and quiet moments are just as beautiful to watch as these two broken hearts find solace and healing in one another. I am dying to read the next story in this series and watch the next Dirty Dare fall in love.  Honestly this series just gets better with each story and I personally hope that the Dare family continues to expand with new branches on an endless family tree.  Keep the magic coming, Carly.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke

Michelle McLean

Blurb:

Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society’s rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family’s ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She’ll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke… and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn’t excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that’s where he can’t quite resist Arabella’s distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she’ll give him an heir.

Now the deal’s been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they’re both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

Themes:  Historical

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 One of my favorite historical romance tropes is the marriage of convenience, it always leads to so much angst and passion, and this new stand-alone romance from Michelle MacLean is no exception.  Arabella is desperate to restore her family honor after her older sister runs away with someone well below her station, mainly to protect her younger sister’s chances at a good match.  She never saw herself marrying, too happy with her books and quiet life, but in order to make her sister’s life better she’ll do what it takes.  Enter Silas, the Duke of Whittsley, the one man that she knows she can resist, but that has the power and name to shepherd her sister to a satisfactory match. Silas has no interest in marriage, but Arabella’s bravery in approaching him with her outlandish plan intrigues him and he soon finds himself engaged to the sweet, sexy and sassy woman that he can no longer resist.  As they spend more and more time together, working to find a match for her sister, they soon discover that their plans to keep their marriage completely one of convenience are no longer convenient—or enough for either of them.  Will they be able to convince one another to change the rules and allow in the love they’ve discovered or will their marriage be over before it ever starts? I LOVED this story; there was so much sass, banter, and hilarity that I found myself laughing out loud more than once.  Arabella is the kind of woman that does whatever it takes for her family, even seemingly sacrificing her future, but I loved watching her find her footing with her man and in society once she determined it was a necessity.  She was daring, feeless, sassy, and clever as she moved through the chess game she began with her new fiancé and ultimately lost her heart to the man she never imagined was her perfect match.  Silas has had a difficult past, and he never wanted a woman in his life or future, but he finds he cannot resist the sweet and valiant Arabella, and soon he can no longer deny hos sensual he finds her either. HE has always lived his life by his own terms, not really much caring what society thinks of him, but once he had to worry about Arabella and Anne he grows up considerably and becomes and even better man.  I enjoyed the subtle passion that built between these two and how loving they were in their private moments.  I am looking forward to more of Michelle’s historical romances as they always include laughter, adventure, and the sassy heroines that so much of history forgets to include in our pasts!

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.