Throwback Thursday-The Gift by Julie Garwood

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Crown's Spies #3
Genre-Historical
Reviewed by Kay
373 pages

This book was been on my to read list and then off again over and over. I saw it was at the library in Kindle format and thought, what the heck.

It starts when the hero was fourteen and the heroine was four. The King forced these two children into marriage because he was crazy and was sick of the two families fighting. Kind of like a milder Hatfields and McCoys type of feud. Nathan, the hero, is a Scot and the heroine, Sarah, is English. Her father signed the marriage contract for her since at her age she obviously couldn't sign for herself. These two live seperately for years. Like fourteen years.

Nathan has made himself into a shipping magnate. He was an outlaw pirate for a while also but no more. He's ready to get his wife into his life and pregnant with his heir. Over the years he's never even looked in on her. Has no clue what she looks like. To him it doesn't matter, she's a means to an end. Knock her up and he gets the rest of the gift from the King from their marriage contract.

Sarah has always fancied herself in love with Nathan. At least her idea of him. She has grown up in an abusive household full of human vipers. She's polite but semi reserved. When her aunt becomes a victim of family abuse, she becomes a bit more vocal. She breaks her aunt out of house imprisonment and the two try to flee London. When the man who orders her to let him help, she is skeptical to say the least. She totally flips out when she realizes he's her husband.

This book was very cute. Very funny but I felt like they talked in all caps because they shouted at each other all the time.Truly shouted. The setting of the story mostly takes place on his boat and that is not my favorite thing but I pushed through. I liked the characters and the conclusion to the plot. The love scenes were frequent but not swoon worthy. I know the book was originally published in 1991 so I will give the bland love scenes a pass because of that. I enjoyed it but was expecting something more and better from what some call the legendary Julie Garwood. Undecided if I'd read more from her yet.

How To Handle A Highlander by Mary Wine

       

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Sutherlands #3
Genre-Historical
Reviewed by Kay
352 pages

This is the continuing saga of the Sutherlands. They are an overlord family of Scottish Highlanders. This story Is about Gahan and Moira. Gahan is the illegitimate son of the Sutherland chieftain. He was acknowledged by his father so he could be a semi titled man. After his father recovered from the attempt made on his life by the Frasers, they have been obsessed over safety and watching the Frazers closely. Due to this watching, Gahan notices that Bari Frazer is going to marry off his half sister to the Matheson family. This marriage will bring an army with the Frazers against Gahan's family.

Gahan is instantly drawn to Moira, the bride. Moira's husband is impotent at his advanced age and therefore their marriage is never consummated. The two start an affair and it causes quite the situation. The story is about duty to your clan, family loyalty and revenge.

I'm a big fan of Mary Wine and I get giddy when she releases one of her Highlander books. My problem with this one has to due with the infidelity throughout the story. I know that they thought back then that a marriage wasn't a marriage without consummation but the marriage in this book took place in a Church. This left me uneasy. I absolutely do not like adultery in my historical romances. Despite the fact that the story and love scenes were good, my rating was less because of this. I hope this won't be a continued theme in her following books.

The Scandal Before Christmas by Elizabeth Essex

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Reckless Brides #3.5
Genre-Historical
Reviewed by Kay

Since Ian Worth has to take bride, he asks his superior officer about his situation. See, his older brother has been injured and isn't expected to recover fully. Ian is a Navy man and still active in his commission. His father the Viscount wants him to cancel his commission and marry so he can train him as the heir now. He knows he has to marry but he doesn't want his father's choice for his bride. Ian wants a quiet, unassuming girl. As he tells his superior about this, the man says he has a daughter, who is a spinster, who fits the bill. Ian is very interested. He tells himself that she needs to be pretty enough so he'll have no problem getting her pregnant.

Anne Lesley is the daughter/bride to be in question. She knows that she is plain and not pretty. She sees this possible marriage as her way of escaping her mother's over powering presence. She is very shy and doesn't talk much due to her self ego. After arriving at Ian's house, she overhears him saying hurtful but not unexpected things.

This was an okay read for me. It started off great but honestly, the setting was in the country and I prefer the city. I missed the ton and the shock value of their match it would've caused. Ian was a straight up ass in the beginning but finally redeemed himself. I don't know if I'll go on in the series as the sex scenes were kind of Meh for me.

No Strings Attached by Suzan Butler

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level- No Kink
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
250 pages

This was a great story of a pretty much lifelong friendship that slowly grew into something so much more.

Ethan is a wealthy soldier. His family has money and he is a trust fund baby. Complete with a marriage and children clause. He has been friends with Ashlynn since they were kids. They became best friends, then friends with benefits and when he had to marry, she was the logical choice. He had to marry and she needed stability for her and her son.

There was also suspense which dealt with her abusive ex-boyfriend and he kind of lifestyle he led. You were kind of on the edge of your seat waiting for him to show and cause chaos. He was a very bad guy. I was irritated with some of Ash's choice regarding her safety but watching the two of them fall for each other and their acceptance of that was wonderful to read. I will definitely read more of this author.

Sins Of The Highlander by Dawn Halliday

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Erotic Historical
Reviewed by Kay
158 pages

Aileen and Niall had known each other for years. They were close in age and he was her husband's trainee in a way. They formed a friendship despite her husband's physical and mental abuse. Niall realized his attraction to Aileen and left he castle but they never forgot each other.

After her husband's death, Niall is sent to bring Aileen to her brother, so he can pick her next husband. The two catch up on old times, are still hot for each other but know it can't go anywhere. One thin leads to another and they have a fling. They both know there's no future in it but can't help themselves.

Dawn Halliday writes good erotic historical romance. The love scenes were hot and plentiful. The characters were very enjoyable but I like my historical not quite so erotic. If that doesn't bother you, check out this novella about two souls bound to each other in the hills of the Scottish highlands.

The Warrior by Margaret Mallory

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Return of the Highlanders #3
Reviewed by Kay

This is the final chapter in this saga, I think.  It is the story of Duncan and Moira. They grew up together in their clan. Moira's brother is Duncan's best friend. They had a love affair as teens but due to the different stations in life they had, once their affair was exposed, they were separated. Duncan was sent to France and Moira was married off to an Irish chieftain. Flash forward seven years and we find Duncan sent to check on Moira now that her brother is in a fight for his title. Moira's life is not all its cracked up to be.

I don't want to give any of the surprises away in the story so I'll stop there. I love this series and this story. I love the trope of the brother's best friend and the sister. There was a great deal of emotion in this story. It's a great example of enduring love and the importance of family. I can't recommend it enough. I've read everything this author has written and will continue to do so.

Highlander Taken by Juliette Miller

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-Clan Mackenzie #2
Reviewed by Kay

Let me explain the hotness level thing first for this book. Inferno is our hottest rating and for good reason but you generally don't find it in historical romance. At least, not in the historicals I read. I have very specific guidelines for historical romance and erotica has no place there for me. There were multiple sexual situations in this book but no penetrating sex until the end of the book but scenes of non-penetrating sex were explicit as well as some bondage and spanking with a leather strap. That's where the inferno rating comes from.

Kade Mackenzie has to wed for an alliance to strengthen his clan's army and holdings. He is a third son. His oldest brother is widowed and not ready to remarry yet. His second brother was all but betrothed and then met his meant to be bride, so his betrothal to a Morrison daughter had to be broken. In come Kade and Stella Morrison to fill the vacancy spot the broken engagement left. Kade has desired Stella even before he met her because she had a feisty reputation. When he sees her, he falls for her beauty. He accepts the fact they have to get married and looks forward to his marriage bed.

Stella Morrison has been abused by her father or his men physically for years. She looks like her dead mother and her father for some reason takes his grief out on Stella. She doesn't want the marriage but wants to protect her clan. She has heard her husband is a beast, so she is apprehensive to say the least.

I liked this book but not as much as I wanted to. I wanted to love it. It drug a little in the middle for me. Good story telling otherwise. My big problems with it were no full blown sex until the end of the book and in one sex scene he used a leather strap on her. The later is not my cup of tea. Personal preference but I rate based on what I like and I did not like that part. Good voice of the author and she'll probably get better as she goes on.

Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan

Grade-D-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Legendary Lovers #2
Reviewed by Kay

Sophie Fortin is a pretty girl whose family lost their place in line for a title because of the Wilde family. She is facing a loveless marriage to a duke, who as far as we can tell will be good to her. She wants to marry for love but her loyalty to her family and their shot at redemption made her decision easy.

Jack Wilde is a rake and a rogue. He also knows about family loyalty and it's importance. He agrees to meet Sophie to shut up his cousin Skye. His female cousins have decided that they will all marry in a way that is reminiscent to legendary lovers. He thinks this is crazy but goes along with their plan just to show it's idiocy.

They meet at a party and share a very steamy moment. Jack then thinks maybe there is something to this legendary lovers stuff and decides he wants a chance to court Sophie. He knows that he will have to do it on the down low because of the family feud.

I'll be honest, I didn't finish this novel. I was bored to tears, never could connect with the two main characters and had to force myself to read as far as I did. It makes me sad because I LOVE Nicole Jordan's previous series and the novel The Lover. I don't feel that this series is a proper showcase of her talent. If you want a good example, read her Courtship Wars series. It was fantastic.

Ten Reasons To Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Schools For Heiresses
Reviewed by Kay

This novella was previously published by Sabrina Jeffries. It will be re released on May 6, 2013.
This is the story of one of the heiresses from the school, Eliza Crenshawe. She was picked up from the school by her uncle under false pretenses. He takes her home and says he is going to marry her off to his friend.

Colin Hunt, an earl, has just arrived at his newly inherited estate. He sees a boy sneaking into his stables. This worries him because he has a lot of impressive horseflesh. He confronts the boy only to find out it's a girl. The girl is trying to make it back to her school to escape a forced marriage.

Colin and Eliza are precious together. Eliza as she fights for her dignity, virtue and survival, all by herself. And Colin as he fights for acceptance because he's a foreigner and he fights the demons of his past.

This is a great, short read. I loved every second of it. I'm a big fan of Sabrina Jeffries, so this just solidified that for me. It was moving, tender and hot. Three things I just adore. And when he counts the ten reasons she should stay....sigh.

Dusk With A Dangerous Duke by Alexandra Hawkins

Grade-C-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Lords Of Vice #6
Reviewed by Kay

This is the latest installment of the Lords Of Vice series by Alexandra Hawkins. This novel features Hunter and Lady Grace. They have been betrothed since childhood. Grace was in fact a two year old. This arrangement was made up between Hunter's grandmother and Grace's grandfather.

Hunter is a Lord of Vice and the Duke of Huntsley.  Grace is a titled lady in her own right. Hunter left her in the country for nineteen years so they both could grow up. She was kept under his protection after her grandfather's death. She grew up with her governess and not much of anyone else.
Hunter grew up in mischief and lived the lifestyle of a rake. Grace held a love of sorts toward Hunter, By that I mean she was in love with the idea of him and their upcoming marriage. Hunter abandoned Grace in the country with resentment toward her. He didn't want a wife and basically blamed her for their situation. For years, she wrote to him and waited for him to acknowledge her in some way, which he never did.

Grace takes years of slights from Hunter and finally decides she's had enough and comes to London. She calls off the betrothal and starts looking for another husband. Hunter goes absolutely ballistic at the news. See, they will both lose their fortunes if the betrothal doesn't go through. Hunter goes on a mission to court the woman he should never have had to court.

I enjoyed watching Hunter scramble because his treatment of an orphaned girl was abhorrent. He resented a girl who was given to him to protect and he ignored her. I found him as a character to be selfish and repugnant. I love the Lords of Vice series and it is an auto read and buy for me. I was so looking forward to this book. I was disappointed a little and I felt it could've been better. It also didn't get hot until 60% into the book. Even then, you only got an interrupted scene and one full sex scene. I need more and expect more from Alexandra Hawkins. I hope we get it with Frost's book and the series goes out with bang.

The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter

Note from Anne - this is the first romance novel I owned, the one that started me on my love affair with romance.  It hasn't stood the test of time, though.  Back in the day, I reread this countless times.  I set romance aside for a few years and when I got back into it, I didn't care for this one any more.  I actually ended up giving it away, because it made me feel yucky.  Kudos to Kate for taking on the challenge of reading My First Romance Novel.


Grade - C-
Hotness Level - Blaze
Kink Level - None
Genre-Historical
Series - Bride Series  #1
Reviewed by Kate

Douglas, Earl of Northcliffe, needs a bride and an heir to get his family off his back.  Due to a scheduling conflict, he sends his cousin, Tony, to wed the beautiful Melissande by proxy.  Unfortunately for Douglas, Tony and Melissande fall madly in love and elope.  Not wanting to return to Douglas empty handed, Tony makes the choice to proxy-marry Melissande's younger sister, Alexandra, to Douglas instead -- without informing him.

Douglas spends most of the book telling Alexandra he wishes she were her sister.  Alexandra, who has secretly loved Douglas for the last 3 years, spends the book alternating between planning ways to make Douglas love her and trying to run away.

While Douglas The Ass and Wishy-Washy Alexandra are the main characters, Tony and Melissande's relationship is also a focal point -- a disturbing focal point. Melissande, being beautiful, is very self-centered. Tony, being her husband, must train her to be a better person. This takes the form of "I'm your husband, you must do as say," but left me feeling almost dirty. It came off as belittling, embarrassing, and degrading.

The repeated references to Alexandra's spine being strapped to a broom handle and Douglas's continued use of "tell me you understand" got tedious. A sub-plot involving a kidnapped mistress leading to Alexandra being kidnapped herself added another layer of weirdness to the story.

All in all, I'm glad I didn't waste money on this one.

The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll

Last week Kate and I (Anne) were on the phone and she mentioned that she'd checked her FIRST out from the library again.  Her FIRST, the very first romance novel she'd ever read, the one that made her fall in love with romance.  We both wondered if it would still be as good now as it was then.  (I've never read it, I just wondered with her.)  So, she read it, loved it, and decided to write up a review for us.  So here's to firsts!  What was your first romance novel?  Would it still be good today?  ~Anne
 
Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Genre-historical, touch of paranormal
Series - St. Leger #1
Reviewed by Kate
When I was 19 or 20, I ran across The Bride Finder in the check out lane of our local Shopko. The title alone fascinated me. I bought it without even reading the back. It turned out to be my first romance, one of my best impulse buys, and still one of my favorites to this day.

Anatole St.Leger comes from a rather strange family. Some of his ancestors have been conjurers, clairvoyants, exorcists, sorcerers, etc. Anatole's own powers include seeing visions of the future, sensing a person's presence, and levitating objects.

One of the family's unique members is the Bride Finder, a person able to locate the one true mate for each St.Leger male. Anatole's father chose to marry someone who was not chosen by the Bride Finder. Anatole's mother ended up being terrified of her son and his powers. As a result, Anatole grew up feeling unloved and shut off from the world. Reluctantly, he sends the Bride Finder out to find his one true bride, determined to keep his powers a secret from her. It would crush him to have another person he loves be terrified of him.

When Madeline arrives at Anatole's castle, she find herself facing a husband who won't open up to her and a house full of secrets. Ever a logical person, she is determined to show Anatole the truth behind all of his family's legends and myths. Little does she know...

A magical journey of Madeline fighting her way to the heart Anatole locked away years ago, and Anatole doing his best to keep himself from falling in love. I don't think I can say enough to recommend this book except:
1. This is the book that I most regret donating when we moved, and
2. When I checked this book out from the library, even my husband got excited about rereading it (I made him wait until I had finished it though).