Soulbound by Kristen Callihan

Title: Soulbound (Darkest London #6)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2015

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Ebook; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W50

Once two souls are joined . . . When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled-and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone . . .
Their hearts will beat together forever No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted-by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken . . .

An enjoyable volume in this series. I wasn't a fan of Eliza or Adam in the previous books, but they definitely grew on me over the course of this one. I really came to pull for them throughout the book. The storyline was fun. The ending was satisfactory. But my favorite part was encountering all the previous characters in the series. The little glimpses of Ian and Archer were great. And I liked seeing more from Lucien and Sin. The ending left the series open for another book. At least I hope so...

Darkest London

The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd

Title: The Prince Kidnaps a Bride (The Lost Princesses #3)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books

Genre: Romance

Pages: 362

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; A to Z: P; Seriously Series

Betrothed in the cradle, Princess Sorcha and Prince Rainger were destined to rule their countries together. Then revolution sent Sorcha to a remote Scottish convent—and Rainger into a dungeon so deep rumor claimed he was dead.
Now danger threatens, and Sorcha must travel home with a simple fisherman as her companion—Prince Rainger in disguise. Changed by his imprisonment from a careless lad to a dangerous man, he's determined to win back his kingdom—and the woman he wants more than life itself. But can he protect a woman who believes every person she meets is her friend, every tavern is an opportunity to sing bawdy songs, and each turn in the road hides new adventure? To keep his princess safe, he must resort to his most treacherous weapon: seduction.

Well I finished the trilogy. This wasn't the best at all. I hated Sorcha and Prince Rainger annoyed me in this volume. The entire set-up of their relationship really bugged me. I just couldn't understand the continual lying and disguises. And some of the interactions were just ridiculous! Oh well. Another series I can cross off my list.

The Lost Princesses:

The Barefoot Princess by Christina Dodd

Title: The Barefoot Princess (The Lost Princesses #1)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books

Genre: Romance

Pages: 349

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series

Life in exile has taught the passionate Princess Amy to hate injustice, and on the enchanting English isle of Summerwind, she finds injustice personified in the powerful and wickedly handsome Jermyn Edmondson, marquess of Northcliff. Since he has stolen the islanders' livelihood, Amy decides to stealhim. She kidnaps the arrogant nobleman, chains him with his own manacles, and holds him for ransom.
It's a simple plan, destined to succeed. Surely Jermyn's uncle will pay his ransom. Alas, his uncle would be delighted if someone killed his nephew and left him to inherit the title and fortune. And holding the furious, guileful, sensual Jermyn chained in her basement provides a challenge to Amy's restraint...and her virtue.

I liked this one better than the first book in the series. Glad I kept reading the trilogy. Amy and Jermyn are fun characters. And the side characters give the book even more. I enjoyed the storyline and the reappearance of Prince Rainger. Really I could have done without the sex scenes. They were a bit much and I do lie a good sex scene. Oh well. I'm hoping to finish the series before I leave for Indiana...

The Lost Princesses:

#1 Some Enchanted Evening
#2 The Barefoot Princess
#3 The Prince Kidnaps a Bride

Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd

Title: Someday My Prince (Princess #2)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 1999

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W43

Princess Laurentia leads a fairy-tale life, attending glittering balls and wearing beautiful gowns. But after the ball is over, Laurentia finds herself getting into bed...alone. She dutifully agrees to choose a husband, but when she casts her eyes over her sea of suitors, she doesn't see a single man worthy enough to claim her.
But Who Will She Choose?
Then suddenly, she is swept off her feet by Prince Dominick, soldier of fortune, black sheep of his family...and the man hired to protect her. He's brazen enough to steal her kisses, yet tender enough to soothe her with one touch. He makes no promises, speaks no vows of forever...yet Laurentia can't help but hope that her prince has finally arrived.

Another disappointing fluffy romance. I did like this one better than the first book of the series, but I still didn't like the characters very much. Laurentia has a bit of character and Dom is an interesting guy, but their relationship is fraught with issues. Overall I was just so disappointed in this book.

Princess

#1 The Runaway Princess
#2 Someday My Prince

The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd

Title: The Runaway Princess (Princess #1)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 1999

Genre: Romance

Pages: 360

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series

English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforeseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery. But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiancé. Her denials count for nothing. Danior will do anything to have her. Seduce her, abduct her, or when danger explodes about them, flee with his unwilling bride into a world of peril, promise and passion.

I was hoping that this would be a great feel-good romance after so many serious fiction books and nonfiction books. Alas, I was a bit disappointed in this one. I found Evangeline to be a huge contradiction of character. And Danior was a huge brut. The fact that he almost raped her really put me off him as a character. I enjoyed the storyline, but the characters really fell flat for me. I have the sequel sitting on my shelf. I may just read that next just to finish out the duo.

Princess:

#1 The Runaway Princess
#2 Someday My Prince

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Title: Bitterblue (Seven Kingdoms #3)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Dial Books 2012

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 563

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; TBR Reduction; What's in a Name - Color; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W33

When Queen Bitterblue took the throne of Monsea, she was a child, and her advisers ran the kingdom for her. Now she is beginning to question their decisions, especially how they handle the legacy of her father Leck, who who ruled through his Grace—a special talent for mind-altering—and his taste for darkness and violence. Bitterblue needs to know Monsea’s past to lead it into the future, so she begins exploring the city streets at night, disguised and alone. As she does, she meets two thieves, who hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Not as amazing as Fire, but better than Graceling. This book grew on me throughout the 500+ pages. I'll admit that it started slow. I wasn't quick to love Bitterblue, but over time I could see her as more than the little girl you meet in Graceling. Once she meets Sapphire and Teddy, I was hooked. I loved seeing Bitterblue navigate the mysteries surrounding her kingdom and people. I love seeing more of Katsa and Po and even Fire! I loved getting to know Giddon. And the storyline held me until the end. I had to see who was responsible for the fires and killings and who was lying and who was telling the truth. A very good conclusion to the trilogy. (Just hang on through the first 50 pages or so)

Seven Kingdoms:

#1 Graceling
#2 Fire
#3 Bitterblue

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Title: Fire (Seven Kingdoms #2)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Firebird 2009

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 461

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W21

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books.

I liked this volume even more than Graceling. There was something about Fire that just grabbed me from page one. I wanted to see her journey in its entirety. I wanted her to find peace and happiness. I wanted to see what happened in the Dells and the fate of the mysterious boy. Initially I was wary of reading a companion novel, but realized that this is a great book that happens to be set in the same world as the previous book. Such a fascinating world it is. I especially loved the inclusion of the monster animals in this volume. How different the monsters are from the gracelings in the Seven Kingdoms, and yet they have similarities. Definitely a must read!

Seven Kingdoms:

#1 Graceling
#2 Fire
#3 Bitterblue

A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh

Title: A Secret Affair (Huxtable Quintet #5)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell Books 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 368

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W19; Seriously Series

Born a commoner, Hannah Reid has been Duchess of Dunbarton since she was nineteen years old. Now her husband is dead and, more beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover—and not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable. Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of earl, so now he denies himself nothing. Rumored to be living the easy life of a sensualist on his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for his short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely. But once these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire—without getting singed.

Not the strongest book of the series and definitely not my favorite. I was never a fan of Constantine's and this book didn't make me like him any better. I also wasn't a huge fan of Hannah. She just seemed so naive that I couldn't get over her behavior. Really I have this novel 3 stars on account of the previous books. This volume just didn't interest me...

Huxtable Quintet

At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh

Title: At Last Comes Love (Huxtable Quintet #3)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W17; Seriously Series

Only desperation could bring Duncan Pennethorne, the infamous Earl of Sheringford, back home after the spectacular scandal that had shocked even the jaded ton. Forced to wed in fifteen days or be cut off without a penny, Duncan chooses the one woman in London in frantic need of a husband. A lie to an old flame forces Margaret Huxtable to accept the irresistible stranger’s offer. But once she discovers who he really is, it’s too late—she’s already betrothed to the wickedly sensual rakehell. Quickly she issues an ultimatum: If Duncan wants her, he must woo her. And as passion slowly ignites, two people marrying for all the wrong reasons are discovering the joys of seduction—and awaiting the exquisite pleasure of what comes after….

Another good fluffy historical romance to cleanse my palate between more serious books. I enjoyed Duncan and Margaret's story, but I'm starting to think that Jasper and Kate was my favorite of the series so far. This one was a bit annoying in that I just wanted Duncan to tell Margaret the truth once and for all. None of this half truths nonsense! Every time he was upset with her reaction, I really wanted to slap him upside the head. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading their story. And the big twist at the end was unpredictable.

Huxtable Quintet

#1 First Comes Marriage
#2 Then Comes Seduction
#3 At Last Comes Love
#4 Seducing an Angel
#5 A Secret Affair

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 2013

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 544

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Mount TBR; TBR Reduction; Ebook; Seriously Series

What if your whole world was a lie? What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything? What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected? The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

An interesting ending to the Divergent trilogy. I am a bit disappointed in how it ended. Mainly I couldn't get over how abrupt the last twist was. However, I was more in touch with Tris and Four this volume. I was also excited to see more of the outside world and side characters like Cara (really got to love her in this volume). And lots more world building... Overall I really enjoyed this series.

Divergent:

Four by Veronica Roth

Title: Four (Divergent #0.1, #0.2, #0.3, #0.4)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 2014

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 285

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; TBR Reduction; Ebook; 52 Books - W16; Seriously Series

Readers first encountered Tobias as "Four" in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Readers will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When read together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias's life. The first three pieces in this volume—"The Transfer," "The Initiate," and "The Son"—follow Tobias's transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his Dauntless initiation, and the first clues that a foul plan is brewing in the leadership of two factions. The fourth story, "The Traitor," runs parallel with the events of Divergent, giving readers a glimpse into the decisions of loyalty—and love—that Tobias makes in the weeks after he meets Tris Prior.

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. As a character, I find Four much more interesting than Tris. To hear his life before the events of Divergent was a treat. I especially loved the story "The Son." Of course Four knew his mother was alive before the meeting Insurgent, but it as nice to see his first encounter with Evelyn. These stories could be read at any time, but I felt like reading them after Insurgent was a good choice in terms of the larger storyline.

Divergent:

#0.1 The Transfer
#0.2 The Initiate
#0.3 The Son
#0.4 The Traitor
#1 Divergent
#1.5 Free Four
#2 Insurgent
#3 Allegiant

Comics Review Round-up

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 6 Girl on Girl

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2005

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

Accompanied by his mischievous monkey and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on Earth. This volume finds Yorick, Agent 355 and Dr. Mann traveling across the Pacific to Japan in pursuit of Yorick's stolen monkey Ampersand, whose innards may hold the key to mankind's future.

Hmmm.... Not the bestest volume of the series. The story seemed a bit stuck in this volume, but I still did enjoy it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 7 Paper Dolls

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2006

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

In addition to catching up on the adventures of Yorick's monkey Ampersand (whose body holds the key to stopping the male-killing plague) and telling the origin of Agent 355, PAPER DOLLS chronicles Yorick and 355's search for Yorick's fiancée Beth in Australia—a search that yields a large dose of unwanted publicity for the Last Man, and deadly consequences for those he cares for!

Much better issues. Oh my! The stakes have been upped yet again. And lots of new mysteries have been alluded to. Plus we get some storyline from Beth. I've been wondering what happened to her. I am super excited to read the next volume.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2006

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What's in a name - Animal; Seriously Series

KIMONO DRAGONS brings the hunt for Ampersand—the monkey who could unlock the mystery of the male-killing plague— to its explosive climax, as the last man on Earth and his companions finally reach Japan and discover the truth behind Ampersand's abduction.

Wow! A volume full of revelations. We finally get to meet Allison's mother and learn more about the players in this large chess game. I am speeding through these volumes to see where the story ends.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 9 Motherland

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2007

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W14; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.
This volume of the critically acclaimed series features Yorick and Agent 355 preparing for their ultimate quest to reunite the last man with his lost love, while the person, people or thing behind the disaster that wiped out half of humanity is revealed!

The series is starting to wrap up. We got some great closure on a few storylines. And we seem to be nearing some type of conclusion. We end the volume as we started the series, with Yorrick and 355 attempting to find Beth... We'll see if they can find her.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2008

Genre: Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Dewey Decimal - 700s; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.
Yorick Brown's long journey through an Earth populated only by women comes to a dramatic, unexpected conclusion in this final volume.

What an ending... I was totally with it until the last issue. I loved finding out epilogues for all the characters, but the structure of the stories was a bit confusing. I had to keep reminding myself what time each story was set in. But I still would say that I loved the series. Very exciting read! Now I can't wait to read Vaughan's newest comic series: Saga.

Y: The Last Man

Vol. 1 Unmanned
Vol. 2 Cycles
Vol. 3 One Small Step
Vol. 4 Safeword
Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
Vol. 9 Motherland
Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 2012

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 592

Rating: 4/5 stars Movie: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; TBR Reduction; Ebook; A to Z - I; Books to Movies; Seriously Series

As war surges in the factions of dystopian Chicago all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked Divergent. The constant "who's lying to whom" got a bit annoying after awhile. Just once I want a novel where everyone is completely honest. Other than that annoyance at the entire genre as a whole, I did like the book. I loved seeing Tris grow and realize her true potential. The twists and turns in regards to character's allegiances were a lot of fun. And we get to see the end of Jeanine Matthews and the big revelation at the end. Second books in trilogies are often not as good, but this one was good enough to make me want to read Allegiant immediately.

Movie:

The movie definitely changed things from the book. I don't think the entire plotline about only a Divergent being able to open the box was necessary to the larger storyline. But whatever, I'm sure the movie makers felt that without it audiences wouldn't understand why Jeanine wanted Divergents. I also have some slight issues with how Caleb was portrayed. I saw him as more of a traitor in the books than the movie. The movie makes him almost a tragic figure. I didn't think it played as well. I also didn't like the killing of Jeanine in the movie. They completely cut Tori out of the sequence. Just didn't sit right with me. Based off of my love of the book, I gave the movie lower stars.

Divergent:

#0.1 The Transfer
#0.2 The Initiate
#0.3 The Son
#0.4 The Traitor
#1 Divergent
#1.5 Free Four
#2 Insurgent
#3 Allegiant

Y: The Last Man Vol. 4 Safeword and Vol. 5 Ring of Truth

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 4 Safeword and Vol 5 Ring of Truth

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2004 and 2005

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144 +192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, finally makes it to San Francisco where his unbalanced sister, Hero, finds him seemingly succumbing to the male-killing plague after losing his still-unused engagement ring to the burqa-clad agents of the Setauket Ring. But is the ring really the key to his survival? And what does it have to do with the mysterious Amulet of Helene, which the Setauket leader is determined to take from Agent 355 by any means necessary. Collects issues #24-31 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, ASTONISHING X-MEN, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

After a devastating plague, Yorrick Brown is the last man left alive in a world of women. On the run from Amazon extremists who would be happy to see him dead, his friends leave him in the care of Agent 711. But 711 is not the tragic woman she seems to be and Yorrick is propelled into a drug-fuelled nightmare of blood and sadism. Collects issues #18-23 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

Wow! Safeword was a powerful volume. I was blown away by the revelations in these issues. I didn't see those coming and can't wait to see what happens next... But Ring of Truth was just an all around great volume. We got more insight into Agent 355. Plus Yorrick went through a few new trials that strengthened his drive to survive. I ams o hooked on this series.

Y: The Last Man

Vol. 1 Unmanned
Vol. 2 Cycles
Vol. 3 One Small Step
Vol. 4 Safeword
Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
Vol. 9 Motherland
Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Y: The Last Man Vol. 2 Cycles and Vol. 3 One Small Step

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 2 Cycles and Vol. 3 One Small Step

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2003 and 2004

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128 + 168

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

As Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, begins to make his way across the country to California, he and his companions are forced to make an unscheduled stop in Marrisville, Ohio—a small town with a big secret. Collects issues #6-10 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

The adventures of Yorick Brown continue in Y: THE LAST MAN: ONE SMALL STEP, collecting issues #11-17 of the critically acclaimed series. A Russian Soyuz capsule is coming down from the International Space Station carrying three passengers: one woman and two men. Could this be the end of Yorick's tenure as last living male?

Loving the twist in volume two. The little town in Ohio was an interesting discussion of law and order after the men have died. Intriguing. And volume three deals with the twist on the last page of volume two. I don't want to give it away, but oh my it was a good one. Still loving where this story is going.

Y: The Last Man

Vol. 1 Unmanned
Vol. 2 Cycles
Vol. 3 One Small Step
Vol. 4 Safeword
Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
Vol. 9 Motherland
Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh

Title: Then Comes Seduction (Huxtable Quintet #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 419

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - T; 52 Books - W11; Seriously Series

In a night of drunken revelry, Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, gambles his reputation as London’s most notorious lover on one woman. His challenge? To seduce the exquisite, virtuous Katherine Huxtable within a fortnight. But when his best-laid plans go awry, Jasper devises a wager of his own. For Katherine, already wildly attracted to him, Jasper’s offer is irresistible: to make London’s most dangerous rake fall in love with her. Then Jasper suddenly ups the ante. Katherine knows she should refuse. But with scandal brewing and her reputation in jeopardy, she reluctantly agrees to become his wife. Now, as passion ignites, the seduction really begins. And this time the prize is nothing less than both their hearts.…

Okay slightly mixed feelings about this one. I love Jasper and Katherine. They were intriguing characters from the beginning. I love their backstories and how their story eventually plays out. I loved visiting with old and new characters. Aunt Prunella and Clarrie were the worst (but in a great character way). My issue comes with the middle of the book. It really drags... It felt like before Jasper and Katherine were married, the book became about them having the same conversation over and over. Even after they were married, I was tiring of the same conversation over and over. However, I enjoyed the last fifty pages of the books. Based off of the strength of characters, I would recommend this book.

Huxtable Quintet

#1 First Comes Marriage
#2 Then Comes Seduction
#3 At Last Comes Love
#4 Seducing an Angel
#5 A Secret Affair

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

Title: First Comes Marriage (Huxtable Quintet #1)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 388

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z: F; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W10

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can’t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret—one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables—Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed…and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can’t be far behind.

I didn't think I would like this book at first. The characters started a bit flat and very unlikable. But as the chapters started to progress, I found myself liking them more and more. By the end of the book I was loving the story of Elliott and Vanessa. And I loved seeing the rest of the Huxtable clan. The other reason I gave it higher marks was the writing style. The opening characters sound very much like the beginning of a Jane Austen novel. I found myself falling into the idea of Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice. The enjoyable writing style kept me reading until the characters really blossomed. Overall a good start to a new-to-me series.

Huxtable Quintet

#1 First Comes Marriage
#2 Then Comes Seduction
#3 At Last Comes Love
#4 Seducing an Angel
#5 A Secret Affair

Scandal of the Year by Olivia Drake

Title: Scandal of the Year (Heiress in London #3)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2011

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 345

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - S; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W8

The youngest of the Crompton heiresses, Blythe yearns to marry into the aristocracy to bolster her family’s place in society. The widowed Duke of Savoy seems to be the perfect choice, yet it’s another man who sets her heart to pounding: the new footman, James. He’s devilishly handsome and far more fascinating than any of her noble suitors. And he alone has the power to stir her romantic dreams.

Little does she know, however, James Ryding is the true heir to the Crompton fortune. He’s posing as a servant in order to find evidence to prove her parents are imposters. By charming Blythe, he hopes to use her to regain his rightful inheritance. But as heat flares between them, he realizes that fulfilling his quest will mean ruining the beautiful, spirited woman who has captured his heart.

The storyline of this volume is ridiculous and yet I still fairly enjoyed the book. Obviously it is due to the characters. I really enjoyed Blythe and the rest of the family. James was less enjoyable, but I still felt for him. So an okay ending to the trilogy, but definitely not the strongest in the series.

Heiress in London:

Never Trust a Rogue by Olivia Drake

Title: Never Trust a Rogue (Heiress in London #2)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 308

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - N; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W7

The wealthiest heiress of the season, Miss Lindsey Crompton finds detective work far more fascinating than social engagements—at least until she meets Thane Parker, the Earl of Mansfield. Thane is a paradox: a war hero and a cad, a wicked scoundrel and an indulgent guardian of his young ward. When Lindsey sneaks into his house to investigate his role in a series of murders, he blackmails her into a betrothal.
Thane has a secret life he keeps hidden from everyone, especially the infernally curious—and curiously alluring—Miss Crompton. Working with the Bow Street Runners, Thane is tracking a killer who may be one of Lindsey’s suitors. Even if their engagement is a ruse, the heat between Thane and Lindsey is undeniably real. And with a murderer on the loose, desire has never been so dangerous…

I loved Lindsey and Thane. Great characters for a nice little historical romance. I love that this one involved a mystery. I loved the connections to the first book in the series. I loved seeing more of Blythe. What I didn't love was the incredibly quick wrap-up of the last 15 pages. It was very rushed and hectic. I wanted to take my time with the revelation of the killer's identity and the affirmation of commitment from Lindsey and Thane. Instead we get a crazy few pages that made my head spin. Good romance, needed to be a bit longer.

Heiress in London:

#1 Seducing the Heiress
#2 Never Trust a Rogue
#3 Scandal of the Year

Seducing the Heiress by Olivia Drake

Title: Seducing the Heiress (Heiress in London #1)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; What's in a Name - Ing; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W6; New Authors

Her wealth and beauty have made Miss Portia Crompton the catch of the season. Secretly determined to wed the maharajah’s son she left behind in India, Portia ignores the money-hungry bucks who ply her with bouquets and bonbons. But one suitor will not be deterred: Colin Byrd, Viscount Ratcliffe. He is persistent and presumptuous—and wickedly tempting.
Colin has no delusions about romance. He’s a rogue, a womanizer, and a murderer, and seduction comes as easily to him as breathing. Portia’s fortune is an irresistible lure until Colin’s mercenary scheme hits a snag. Winning her dowry is no longer enough—he wants her heart and her passion. The more adamant she is in her refusal, the more determined he is to seduce her…

Every once in awhile, I love a good mindless historical romance. This one fulfilled that desire. I read in two sittings. Portia and Colin were great characters. The storyline was a bit predictable, but I still loved falling into the world for a little while. I'm definitely going to be grabbing the next book in the series to read this weekend at the retreat.

Heiress in London:

#1 Seducing the Heiress
#2 Never Trust a Rogue
#3 Scandal of the Year