ARC Mini- Review: An Inconvenient Earl (A Royal Match #4)

An Inconvenient Earl (A Royal Match #4)

Julia London

Blurb:

Bold. Beautiful. Beguiling.

It’s been over a year since Emma Clark’s no-good husband left on an expedition. The Countess of Dearborn has played the abandoned wife, but people are beginning to presume the earl is dead, which doesn't suit Emma at all. Emma likes being head of household in Albert’s absence and does her best to keep his family believing he is alive and well. She’s thirty years old and finally having some fun. If the earl is in fact dead, his family is waiting in the wings to swoop in and throw Emma out, leaving her destitute.

Then along comes Luka Olivien, the Weslorian Earl of Marlaine. He’s traveled all the way from Egypt, duty bound to return to the countess her deceased husband’s precious pocket watch—only to discover she doesn’t know he’s dead… Or does she? It’s hard to tell. Luka catches glimpses of the desperate vulnerability beneath the party girl exterior and can’t help being drawn into the beguiling countess’s ruse.

Themes:  Historical

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I have to preface this review by saying that I have been a devoted fan of all of Julia London’s historical romance novels since the very first one that I picked up years ago and I despite not being a fan of her contemporary novels I have never let them color my devotion to her historical work.  That said I really just could not get into this story until about the last five chapters and I was very sad about that. Emma Clark’s ass of a husband has finally done her the favor of dropping dead while on expedition in Egypt and she is able to live her life freely and enjoy herself for once.  But when the handsome Luke Olivien, Earl of Marlaine in Wesloria, arrives intent on sharing the news of her husband’s death and passing on an heirloom before returning onto his travels, Emma is just as determined to put him off.  Soon the two of them are involved in a long (and drawn out) game of cat-and-mouse that soon turns to something much more as they spend time together.  As the couple begin to develop feeling for one another, their game begins to have much further-reaching consequences as Emma and Luka both realize they can’t live in their bubble forever and time must go forward, and they might not be able to do so together. While the premise of this story is one that could have made for an interesting novella, the length of the story just made the story entirely too drawn out and boring in the middle for my tastes.  I liked Luka very much, despite him being a bit too led by his intrigue with Emma at times, but otherwise he was a strong, sweet, and interesting character.  Emma was another story; I understand she had it hard with her husband in the beginning and needed to live it up a little bit, but honestly she began to be a little bit too frivolous and vapid for me during the middle of the story.  I wanted to push her to just grow the hell up and realize there were more important things in the world she should be focusing on, so I was glad that she finally did that in the last 5 or 6 chapters when she was forced out of her little world of insignificant to face the challenges so many others have to face.  I think I could have really enjoyed this story had it been about 10-15 chapters shorter with those removed from the middle, but other than that, Luka was a great character, it was nice to see so many of the previous couples that are from the interwoven series that le to this one, and when Emma finally came to her senses she was a pretty decent character too.  I am not sure if this series is to continue but hopefully if it does, the next couple will either have a shorter story, or one with a deeper more developed plot line. I hope others find more entertainment with the story, but it definitely wasn’t for me. Still well written and enjoyable, but not up to my usual expectations of a London historical romance.

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

ARC Review: Love Grudge

Love Grudge 

Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Their love will ignite a war in this Romeo and Juliet retelling from gripping New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando.

Romeo

I was born to rule the Devils MC. Every decision, every move I made was to further that goal—until I met Julianna. Falling in love with the granddaughter of the man who ripped our club apart was not in the cards, especially not now, when it’s finally time for me to take over as president. Duty to the MC comes first, but that battle cry feels empty when it means giving up the woman I love.

Julianna

My greatest sin was being born a woman. I’ve proven my worthiness in spades, but my father still won’t let me lead the Angels MC on my own. I’m nothing but his pawn, to be sold off to the successor of his choice. He wants me to fall in line, give up Romeo and keep the peace, but my loyalty comes with a price.

I’ll fight for what I want, even if it means going to war.

Themes:  Contemporary, MC

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

I have been a fan of Chantal Fernando and her sexy and intense MC series for a while now, going back and forth catching up as I came into the series later into later in their inception, but when I found out there was a new story coming I couldn’t wait.  I didn’t realize that it wasn’t connected to any of the existing series at first, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to dive right in and experience something new with Chantal. This story is a remaking of the classic Romeo and Juliet, but with a much more satisfying ending and a much more sensual storyline that will keep you interested and glued to your seat.   Romeo is the crowned Prince of the Devils MC, born to the lead the club and ready to ascend to the thrown any day now when his father steps down, but he never realized that the greatest challenge to his rule would be his heart.  Julianna is the crowned Princess of the Angels MC, once members of the Devils but forced to split from them and now dangerous rivals, and while she has been trained to rule the Angels, she is forced to submit to the men of her club, but when she meets Romeo her world changes forever.  Despite the fact they know they are playing a dangerous game Romeo and Julianna are unable to resist the pull to one another and soon they find there is nothing in this world more important that finding a way to be together and the love they have found with one another. But enemies are determined to keep them apart if they can’t find allies and overcome the danger lurking around every corner determined to end their epic love story once and for all. I truly loved this story from beginning to ending, never quite knowing how Chantal was going to find a way for her lovers to pull their HEA out of the mess they’d made for themselves.  Julianna was an interesting, strong, sassy, and amazing character; she was obviously made to be a queen, one that rules her people, not just one that sits by her man’s side as he ruled, and she was not going to let anything stop her from taking the reins.  At every turn someone was trying to thwart her and put her into “her place” but she never let that stop her from fighting to do what needed to be done.  Romeo was also a wonderful character, sweet and loving to his woman, deadly and badass to his enemies, and strong and stubborn when he needed to lead his men into war.  So many times, I was afraid he would give up and walk away like so many men today would have, but he should the true strength of his love and backbone by standing up for his woman and finding a way to give her not only what she needed to survive but to thrive and for them to have their lives together.  The passion between these two was off the charts from the very beginning and even when they were simply fighting never failed to spark, and I can see that being a backbone of heir relationship for the rest of their lives.  I would love to see more in this world in the future for sure, but overall, this was a great story and definitely a fun and interesting take on Shakespeare famous love story by Chantal Fernando that every MC lover should pick up.

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

ARC Review: Finding the Road to Us (The Wilder Brothers #6)

Finding the Road to Us (The Wilder Brothers #6)

Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

I was ready to say, ‘I do’, then my fiancé left me at the altar.

Broken and embarrassed, Trace and Elliot helped me run away—ditching my wedding dress in the process.

When I come back to the Wilder Retreat to show the world I’m no longer hurting, I know I must ignore my traitorous needs when it comes to these two men.

Because my body wants them both.

And my soul craves them just as much.

I know I can’t choose, and part of me asks why I should.

Only when we decide to take that chance and share everything, the danger from our pasts refuses to let our choice stand.

With one kiss, one dance into temptation, we could lose everything.

Including our lives.

Themes:  Menage, Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

The last of the main Wilder siblings have found their loves in this beautiful story of healing and second chances by Carrie Ann Ryan.  I have been a fan of this series and looked forward to it since we first met the Wilders when Eliza  Wilder fell in love with one of the crazy Montgomery bunch. This series has truly been one the most painful to watch as each of the traumatized and broken Wilder men has had to work through their issues in order to allow their hearts to open to the women that came into their lives.  I was dying for this final story as the youngest Wilder, Elliot, has always seemed the most broken despite the cheerful face he puts on for his family. The story kicks off immediately with a story of heartbreak for Sidney and you wonder just how these three lovers are going to find their way into a loving triad and their HEA, but as always Carrie Ann finds a way and shows us that love truly can overcome anything and will lead to healing and happiness. I am looking forward to the spinoff series as the Wilder cousins finds their own versions of happiness and healing and join their cousins on the Wilder Winery and Retreat, rebuilding and making their family stronger and better.

Trace Pritchett has become one of the Wilder team since his client and friend Bethany brought him into the fold by marrying one of the wilder men, but the more time he spends with the youngest wilder, Elliot, the more he questions his ability to just remain his friend. Elliot wants Trace, but he doesn’t believe Trace looks at him that way, despite their connection and the moments they share, especially  after Trace literally saves his life.  When they work together to help jilted-bride Sidney Flowers to escape the trauma of her marriage, keeping her sanity intact, neither man imagined that kindness would forever change the path of their lives.  But when Sidney comes back into their world a year later, neither man is willing to give up the chance to have in their lives, or their beds, so they embark on the crazy plan to have a relationship between the three of them—if they can convince the sexy florist to join them.  Sidney is ready to completely change her life, but being with two gorgeous men and developing feelings might just be more than she planned for. Can love to develop between three broken and battered souls in order to heal their hearts, of will their pasts and fears tear them apart?

I really enjoyed finally getting to know Trace and Elliot, learning their backstories, and of course meeting Sidney, but I would have love it to be a bit longer so we could enjoy more relationship building between them, as it seemed a bit abrupt at times.  That said, Elliot’s story was truly heartbreaking, learning about what he dealt with in the military and why he finally decided it was time to get out when he did, shows why despite always seeming so cheerful it was sometimes obvious that he was unhappy.  He was such a strong character despite his fears and I was glad that he was able to work through he past so that he could open his heart and enjoy the chance at love.  Sometimes we forget that the blush of first love isn’t always meant to be the lasting love with think when it is ripped from us with no closure, leaving us with a gilded view of it and no way to recognize the real thing when it comes around.  Trace on the other hand was a much older and wiser man and when he finally decided to stop trying to please others with dumb choices, he knew he wanted Elliot and went for it.  I loved seeing him leading the charge and making sure Elliot and Sidney had all the emotional support they needed as they began their relationship.  He was the backbone of their love and despite having his own issues, got the strength he needed from being their core.  He was brave, sweet, loving, and always just want they need to be stronger together.  Sidney was the type of woman that sometimes makes me crazy; in the beginning it seemed she was settling, taking a husband that wasn’t really good enough for her and caving again and again to pressure from her family.  But as she learned to stand on her own, finding her strength and no longer letting others’ opinions lead her choices, I began to really like her.  She was the perfect third for Trace and Elliot—sweet, loving, support, kind, and sassy when need be.  Together the three of them really were the perfect recipe for a lasting and strong love.

This story was one I had been looking forward to a while and Find the Road to Us is one of those stories that will stick with you for a while. Trace, Elliot, and Sidney are all character in need of something in order to take their battered hearts and put them back together, and each of them has something crucial to bring to their relationship.  Trace was the titanium core of power that will hold the three of them together through anything that comes at them, even as he needs the love and sweetness of the others.  Sidney is the sassy sweetness to remind them their lives aren’t always about fighting for their place in the world, but can sometimes just be about being together and finding time to enjoy their lives.  Elliot is the glue that binds them together, giving them strength and staying intensity so they never lose one another.  Their passion and connection are undeniable whether it is all three of them together, or they are split off into couples, and it is amazing to witness from the beginning.  I loved this story from beginning to end, and really my only gripe was I wish it had been a bit longer so we could have enjoyed more of seeing them building their relationship and living day-to-day.  I am looking forward to the next story in the series, when Ridge and the Wilder Cousins will be joining the scene and getting their own stories.  Carrie Ann Ryan has never once let me down as she gives us amazing stories of loss, love, salvation, and passion, and this story is just another example of her mastery of the written word.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings #6.5)

Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings #6.5)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

The holiday season is Rhi’s favorite time of year, which means Con loves it, too. Except they’re on Zora, where there are no traditions—and beginning one could be hazardous. Finding the lost dragons should’ve given everyone peace. Instead, they’re facing powerful enemies at every turn. Despite the danger, the King of Dragon Kings knows his mate longs to have their space dripping with holiday decorations and gifts piled under the tree, and he’s going to do his best to give it to her and make sure they have time to celebrate the season and their love.

And perhaps a surprise or two.

Themes:  Holiday Novella, Paranormal

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Our favorite couple returns for a quick and sweetly romantic holiday novella in Donna Grant’s outstanding Dragon King’s series.  For longtime fans, this is a small gift from one of our favorite authors and a chance to reconnect with our beloved Rhi and Constantine as they take a romantic holiday getaway and a much needed reset on their relationship.  We all know that sometimes the rigors of life and the stress of just living such a demanding can put stressors on a relationship and taking the time to remind ourselves of the love and devotion of our partnership is crucial to a happy relationship. This year so much has been going on for Rhi and Con, ever since they learned of their adult twins’ existence, the continuation of the dragons, and the trouble on their home world of Zora, but their love continues to shine.  This year Con wants to give his mate something she really needs, a break to celebrate the beauty of the winter season and a chance for them to just breathe and be together.  A trip away from all their worries, to just be together is just what they both need and the beauty of recommitting their love couldn’t be more perfect for Rhi.  Rhi knows that Con has never stopped loving her, but the strength of his worries has been weighing on her as well, so the chance to just enjoy her mate and relax is the most beautiful gift he could give her this year, but she has an even more beautiful gift for him, one that will give them both the greatest job they could ever experience together, one they were robbed of before and will cherish forever.  I loved every moment of this sweet, sexy, and loving holiday filled story.  Rhi and Con are always so beauftil together that is could bring you to tears.  There love is truly epic, but the moment when they are just quiet together you could forget that they are millennia old beings filled with magic and see them truly as just lovers indulging in time together to be one.  I love how Donna Grant reminds us that no matter how powerful a being is, the strongest power in the universe will always be love and nothing beats it.  Can’t wait for the next story in the series and to see more of Rhi and Con and their beautiful family.

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