I wrote a review, but my mom borrowed my computer and closed the browser before I saved it. My fault for not saving it. I wasn't that happy with the review, so here's my second chance.

I enjoyed this book a lot, and it almost got five stars, but things sort of fell apart around the climax. I don't like manufactured drama, and the blowup near the end felt like that to me. While I agree that keeping secrets from people and being dishonest is wrong, it was clear that the situation that makes Renwick blow up at Sara could have easily been resolved with a long discussion. That's why my rating went down to four stars.

Otherwise, this is a feel good Regency romance that makes me remember how much I love reading historical romance. Renwick is actually a Rake hero that I felt sorry and sympathetic for. He actually did all the rakish things that hurt his reputation, and what he did was pretty bad. But he suffered for it, was repentant about it and turned over a new leaf. Laying eyes on Sara was testing his resolve in the worst way. Sara was raised to believe she was as ugly as sin, and when people said she wasn't normal, she winced. The truth was she was ridiculously gorgeous. That reminded me of Lord Dain from Lord of Scoundrels, who believes he's ugly, but is merely gorgeous in an unconventional way. Sara's lack of self esteem is understandable, but I like that she is feisty too. She doesn't let Renwick walk all over her, although she is definitely susceptible to his allure (and who could blame her?).

I liked the humor a lot and the chemistry between Renwick and Sara is dazzling. They can't seem to keep their hands off each other. This is a fade to black kind of romance, and I did miss love scenes. I don't always have to have them, but in this case, the missing love scenes were a bit of a let down. I really rooted for their happy ending together, and that's part of why the Big Miss was so annoying to me. Fortunately, the story finds its feet and the ending is so lovely, with an awesome epilogue.

I would recommend this series to Kindle/ebook readers looking for good romance that you might never find in the print section of your bookstore and library. Renwick is scrumptious and not to be missed by those readers who have a weakness for rakes of the reformed or soon-to-be-reformed variety. Sara is the kind of historical heroine you can't help but love.

The Earl Claims a Bride by Amelia Grey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I gave this 3.5 stars because I felt the secondary characters were a bit thin and the story lacked dramatic tension. However, I really liked the main characters and I loved how ardent Harrison was at wooing Angelina.  I think Regency romance fans will enjoy this book.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine for the August 2015 issue.  http://affairedecoeur.com.



View all my reviews

Ugh. I hate to give an Anna Campbell book less than four stars. I think I was just underwhelmed. I mean, this is like one of my fave themes, spinster and rogue. But I didn't get as involved emotionally with this story. It's a pretty good short Christmas romance, that I expected to like this more than I did. Don't get me wrong. Erskine has had a thing for Phillipa since they first met, intrigued by this quiet wallflower. Phillipa looks down her nose at Erskine because he's a notorious rake. Apparently her sister wrote a steamy letter to him, and Phillipa enters the tiger's lair to get it back, but ends up locked in a cupboard with him, leading to a compromising position. Marriage is required, and Erskine is actually looking forward to it. That sounds pretty scrumptious. But it didn't come off as well as I expected.

I think I wasn't in the mood for such a self-deprecating heroine. She wouldn't believe that Erskine was into her! While I can understand the reasons for her low self-esteem, I wish she had made the most of having such a sexy hubby who couldn't get enough of her instead of being so 'woe is me'. That brings me to another area that I was disappointed. Usually Campbell rocks the love scenes. These weren't quite as sizzling as she typically manages. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it when I read this.

I admit it might be my mood right now. I'm still grieving and adjusting to things right now, so that does impact you when you are trying to focus on a book. I will try to read this again when I'm in more of receptive mood. I definitely don't want to miss out on Erskine's reformed rake sexiness.

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.

A Woman Seduced (Reformed Rakes, #3) - E... My review cross-posted from Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Dec08/awomanseduced.EW.html

Devlin Moore, Viscount Cheviot, is a consummate rake. Having grown weary of the revelry taking place at his house one night, he enters his bedroom only to find an attractive woman standing there. Intrigued by the mysterious beauty, Devlin tempts her to spend a wild night of passion in his arms.

Shannon Cates has stolen into the viscount’s bedroom only to retrieve her late father’s watch that her dissolute brother had gambled away. But when she comes face-to-face with the seductive Devlin, Shannon finds herself unable to resist the force of attraction that burns between them.

Both Devlin and Shannon soon find out that one night will never be enough for either of them. Yet, Shannon is a widow of unblemished virtue, her reputation being the only thing she can cling to. As Devlin seduces her into a wicked love affair, does love lie on the horizon, or disaster for them both?

It’s a common enough saying in romance novels that “reformed rakes make the best of husbands.” That is likely true, but it is more accurate, I think, to say that reformed rakes make the best heroes, and A Woman Seduced shows exactly why. There is nothing more entertaining than watching a renowned rake, such as Devlin, fall head over heels in love.

Emma Wildes has written a sexy romp that takes readers from the English countryside to London. Devlin and Shannon are both immensely likeable characters, which makes their love story a joy to read. Added to this, the love scenes are undeniably hot; the passion that sparks between Shannon and Devlin burns up the page. I can definitely say that while A Woman Seduced might be the first book I have read by Ms. Wildes, it definitely will not be the last.