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

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

Lessons from a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

Title: Lessons from a Scarlet Lady

Author: Emma Wildes

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 310

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer Romance - Historical

No real lady should take lessons from a scarlet woman...
The Duke of Rolthven's new wife, Brianna, is the perfect aristocratic bride. So what would society say if they saw her with a copy of Lady Rothburg's Advice--a courtesan's lessons for the boudoir? When his innocent wife suddenly becomes a vixen in the bedroom, the proper Duke is truly astounded by her seductive powers. Following a courtesan's advice might lead to trouble-but will it lead to Brianna's ultimate desire: winning her husband's love?

Another slightly trashy romance novel. I think I am addicted to them at this point. It such as easy read. I dont' have to think about anything. It's just a diversion.

This one was decent with likable characters and a predictable yet fun plot. My favorite character was definitely Damien. As the middle brother and not one of the romantic male leads, he played matchmaker. A fun character. I don't have too much else to say about this one. It was a fun read. If you're a romance fan and looking for an afternoon's diversion, this is the book for you.

His Sinful Secret by Emma Wildes

Title: His Sinful Secret (Notorious Bachelors #3)

Author: Emma Wildes

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 291

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer Romance - Historical

Betrothed to one brother, then married to another, Julianne Sutton finds herself a pawn in an unknown game. The enigmatic new Marquess of Longhaven knows all about the art of deception but he's baffled by innocence. His new wife is trusting, lovely, and utterly bewitching. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that she has secrets of her own. As he battles a ruthless enemy, he quickly learns that love has an entirely different set of rules.

This series just got better and better for me. I liked the first one, but wasn't ecstatic about it. I really liked the second one. And I loved the third one. I think it boils down to the male characters. Alex St. James seemed too nice, too gentlemanly (even if he was a rogue). Luke Daudet was interesting, but fairly bland. But Michael Hepburn has secrets. He's cool, mysterious, controlled, yet charming. I found him irresistible. (And I'm not even a 19th century debutante.) The story was intriguing. I didn't guess the big secret until the very end. it held my attention even through the sex scenes. And they were numerous. Fairly well done, but I admit that I skimmed through most of them. I wanted to get back to the story. That was much more interesting. I definitely recommend for fans of historical romance with a dash of action and suspense.

Notorious Bachelors

One Wicked Mistake by Emma Wildes

Title: One Wicked Mistake (Notorious Bachelors #2)

Author: Emma Wildes

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 298

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer Romance - Historical

When blackmail turns to murder, Madeline May turns to the notorious Viscount Altea, a man used to dealing with men of ill repute, and a man she despises with every fiber of her being.
From the very moment of their first meeting-and one unforgettable night of passion-Luke Daudet knew she was different. And when he received her fateful entreaty, he knew he would not be able to stay away... -- From Amazon.com

Definitely liked this one more than the first in the trilogy, My Lord Scandal. That said, it wasn't the absolute best historical romance that I've read. Hmmm... how to describe this one? A bit of predictable romance. Oh come on, based off of the description above everyone knows Luke and Madeleine will end up together. Thankfully, there was political intrigue going back to the Napoleonic Wars. We also have an interesting side story about Luke's younger sister and their cousin Miles. Plus, we get a very unconventional older sister, Regina! I loved her so much! And we get lots of sex scenes. And when I see a lot, I mean like every two chapters a hot sex scene to enjoy or skip depending on your preferences. Finally, thankfully our main female lead wasn't a naive chit, but an experienced young and interesting widow. Phew... I thought I was getting really bored with the trilogy, but it definitely redeemed itself. Must read the third one now...

Notorious Bachelors

My Lord Scandal by Emma Wildes

Title: My Lord Scandal (Notorious Bachelors #1)

Author: Emma Wildes

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 306

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer Romance - Historical

I picked this book (and the other two in the trilogy) up at a Border's closing sale. I wanted some fun historical romance. Nothing too deep, but something entertaining. And I think my $2 a book was good money spent. At least on the first one.

Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover and item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, only to come upon the beguiling and chaste Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing little but a look of surprise. Alexander leaves Amelia breathless-but is it from fear or excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams... -- from Amazon.com

My Lord Scandal is a typical historical romance. We have the rouge who is secertly a good guy. We have the damsel in distress. We have the overbearing guardian (in this case a few). We have the sympathetic friend/relative (in this case an aunt). All well and cliched in the realm of historical romance. Historical romances can often be very predictable. I like them for entertainment, but most aren't very clever. It's like watching a movie for the millionth time. You know what to expect, but that doesn't mean you don't enjoy it.

But this book had a mystery. Lord Alexander needs to find this key, but he doesn't know why. We spend a good portion of the book unraveling this mystery. That's what caught my attention. The intrigue going back decades holds these two families together. However the two central characters don't know why. In the course of finding out, of course they fall in love. Their love is, of course, scandalous. And their parents are not approving of the match. An enjoyable read. Nothing spectacular, but decent addition to he genre.

Notorious Bachelors

#1 My Lord Scandel
#2 Our Wicked Mistake
#3 His Sinful Secret

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Title: A Matter of Class

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Vanguard Press 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 186

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer Romance - Historical

Reginald Masson is wealthy refined and by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by birth, a factor that pains him and his father. Bernard Mason, with the Regency society that upholds station love all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her.

Though Bernard wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not to marry her, preferring instead to live as the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Bernard serves his son an ultimatum: marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering.

A most enjoyable read!!! Definitely a most read for fans of Regency romance novels. Usually I find faults with historical romance. Often there are the tired cliches: the rake, the virginal damsel, the villainous cad, the overbearing governess/sister/mother/aunt. Thankfully, those weren't present here. Well not really. Balogh does a wonderfully job at introducing the reader to what seem to be the standard characters. These characters are anything but standard. The books begins like a cliche, but we start to see something more going on. There's a nice weaving of present and flashbacks. The characters, all of them, are intriguing. The books isn't filled with unnecessary sex scenes. overall its a great read. I don't want to give too much of the plot away... so I'll just say that I recommend to fans of good historical romance!