DNF Book Review-Secrets Of A Scandalous Heiress

Title: Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress 

Author: Theresa Romain 

Series: Mathmaker Trilogy 

Format: E Book 

Release Date: Jnauary 6 2015 

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca 

Pages: 352 

Genre: Historical Romance

Synopsis

ONE GOOD PROPOSITION DESERVES ANOTHER…

Heiress Augusta Meredith can’t help herself—she stirs up gossip wherever she goes. A stranger to Bath society, she pretends to be a charming young widow, until sardonic, darkly handsome Joss Everett arrives from London and uncovers her charade.

Now they’ll weave their way through the pitfalls of the polite world only if they’re willing to be true to themselves…and to each other…

My Review

As much as I want to say that loved this story, I am unable to recommend this one. I honestly don’t know if it’s me, but I have the most difficult time with the author. I find that her voice in the story just never seems to catch me in any way. I have tried Theresa Romain out in the past, and never had much success with her stories, which is sad for me, since the blurbs sounds amazing, but I think I just am unable to connect with her stories. It is pretty sad, especially when you find a book you want to enjoy but just can’t. It tends to be very frustrating. I went into this story knowing that I could only give it 50 pages or so. That is my new rule now, because I know if I am going to enjoy a book or be able to get into it once I reach that 50 page mark. I felt like the story had potential, but I just couldn’t see the connection between the characters or able to enjoy the set up very well. I actually gave myself a few days with this story, and just couldn’t get into it and I didn’t want to have to force myself to try to enjoy reading this one, there was no enjoyment for me for this one. I am not sure if I will try this author out again, which is regrettable since I know how many others just love her books. Maybe one day I can try her out again and find a story to love and enjoy. Heartbreaking!

My Rating

DNF

Heat Level

Warm

ARC DNF Book Review-With This Ring by Celeste Bradley

With This Ring
Worthington (3)
Celeste Bradley
St. Martins Paperback
E Book
Published July 1 2014
Acquired: Netgalley
320 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9781250016140
Authors Website 

Synopsis
From bestselling author Celeste Bradley comes a delightful tale about the lengths one woman will go to marry—at all costs…

The Rules of Engagement

Electra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?

The Price of Passion

Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he is not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…

My Review 

With This Ring is the most recent release in this series by Celeste Bradley. I was able to receive a ARC in return of a honest review. I had really high hopes for this one, since every other book I have read from this author I have really enjoyed. However, I am sad to say that I couldn’t get into this one at all. I had a really difficult time keeping focused on the story, and I felt like the story line was balanced in some ways. However it felt a bit off and I after getting half way and getting to the point where I was almost skimming it, forcing myself to keep reading, I just knew I needed to put it down. I had a hard time choosing to do so, especially with it being a ARC, and when I have enjoyed this author, and in the past I have come to admire her compelling talent for her style of storytelling. In the past she has made regency romances come alive for me, and maybe I had too high of hopes, I am not sure. The basic of the story is pretty solid, and the characters seemed somewhat strongly situated into the story, but I never felt a connection and I felt like a bouncing ball as I was reading. I had the feeling of being disoriented, and I think the flow could have been a bit more smoother. I hope one day I can come back to this one and maybe I will enjoy it more. Even though I didn’t enjoy this one, I do plan on reading more from this author.

My Grade 
DNF

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series
When She Said I Do
Then Comes Marriage

DNF ARC Book Review-The Knight Of Love

A Knight of Love
Catherine LaRoche
Pocket Star Books
Ebook
Published June 2014
400 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781476710136
Authors Website 

In this saucy romance, an English lady turns the damsel-in-distress tale on its head as she escapes her malicious fiancé and fights for both her life and that of the lustful rebel that has become her protector.

Lady Lenora Trevelyan, a naïve yet stubborn young lady born to the highest noble houses of England and Germany, finds herself betrothed to the brutal Prince Kurt von Rotenburg-Gruselstadt. But after she is cruelly bruised and flogged by her fiancé, she decides to take the reins of her fate. In the midst of a German revolution, Lenora escapes Kurt’s iron fist and embarks home to England. She quickly finds herself in the hands of a rebel group and their robust, gentle, and handsome leader, Wolfram von Wolfsbach und Ravensworth, the English Earl of Ravensworth.

Lenora struggles to deny the passion she feels towards the frustratingly chivalrous Earl, but her desire for him continues to bloom. Wolfram hungers for nothing other than to fight for democracy and civil rights in uniting Germany and to protect what he assumes is his damsel in distress. Through nights of immeasurable pleasure, Lenora and Wolfram learn that their passion is no match for the revolutionary chaos that ensues. And when Lenora discovers that her protector’s life is threatened, she must risk everything to save her Knight of Love.

My Review

First off I want to say that I spent almost a week trying to get this one read. And when I was about halfway through the story, I decided to just let it go. I have always felt you shouldn’t force yourself to read something. Especially when there are so many other books I would like to read. I don’t think it was the author’s style of writing that let me down on this one, the main reason really surprised me, but it was the hero’s character. I loved the heroine way more than the hero. Now don’t get me wrong Wolfram is very likable but a bit too much for me. His character just didn’t seem to fit him. I guess my biggest issue with him was that he was “knightly”. Wanting to woo his lady, but the way he talked just slowed my pace in the story and even though I was curious to see how this ends, I knew that I couldn’t keep going into it when my heart wasn’t in the story. I feel especially bad because this is a ARC and I always like to finish them if possible, however I feel that even though there were certain aspects I really enjoyed: for example the setting in Germany, quite a bit of danger and a feisty heroine. So in the beginning I really thought I would fall in love and I think if the hero seemed more realistic to the time period than I would have enjoyed it a bit more. I hope one day to come back to this book later but for right now I think its time to just set it aside.

My Grade 
DNF

Heat Rating 
Warm

DNF Book Review-Black and Blue

Black and Blue
Otherworld Assassin (2)
Gena Showalter
Pocket Books
Paperback
Published November 2013
387 Pages
Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4516-7160-5
Authors Website 

Synopsis
The sizzling second book in New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Otherworld Assassin paranormal romance series.

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her…

My Review 

I had high expectations for Black and Blue, especially after loving the first book. But unfortunately I had to put this book down. After 100 pages, and I wasn’t into it, I decided to set it aside for now, and maybe at some time at a later date I will pick it up again. But with all the books on my schedule I need to read, I knew I couldn’t keep trying to read this after three days.  One of the problems I think was my issue with the heroine, Evangaline Black. From the beginning I knew I wouldn’t connect with her character at all. She seems to have the personality that just clashed in the story, and I practically had to force myself to keep reading as much as I did. A part of me wanted to try reading further, but I felt like I would have felt this way through most of it. I do hope to eventually try reading it again, maybe I will enjoy it then.

My Grade 
Dnf

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Last Kiss Goodnight

DNF Book Review-Miss Wonderful

Miss Wonderful
Carsington Brothers (1)
Loretta Chase
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published March 2004
342 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-425-19483-3
Author’s Website

Synopsis
ans of USA Today–bestselling author Loretta Chase will be completely charmed by her new hero, Alastair Carsington, and this fresh romantic tale of opposites attracting. The story opens with Alastair receiving an edict from his father, Lord Hargate: Alastair must marry an heiress. Lord Hargate has tired of paying for the romantic indiscretions of his third son. Further, Alastair has returned from the battlefield at Waterloo with a severe limp and an excessive interest in clothes. Alastair is dispatched to the wilds of Derbyshire in winter, with a charge to promote the canal proposal of Lord Gordmor. Opposing him: the very intelligent, obstinate, and unstylishly dressed Mirabel Oldridge, who wishes no change in her beloved countryside. How Alastair and Mirabel resolve their differences, uncover a deadly plot, and manage to get her out of those terrible clothes makes for most entertaining reading.

My Thoughts
I was really looking forward to reading Miss Wonderful, but after reading 100 pages and not really getting into it, I decided to put it down. It seemed like it had a good plot and some strong characters, however I just was unable to enjoy it, I was almost skimming, forcing myself to read it. I don’t know why when I have always enjoyed all of her other books so far. I do plan on reading more from this author, however I don’t know about the rest of this series. I do plan on one day re trying reading this once again, see if I like it in the future. I have so many books that I want to get to, that I don’t want to spend 2-3 days trying to force myself to read it to the point of it becoming a chore.

My Grade
DNF

Book Review-A Perfect Knight For Love

A Perfect Knight For Love
Single Title
Jackie Ivie
Zebra
Paperback
Published September 2012
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN 978-1-4201-2400-5

Synopsis
With his reckless, drunken brother bringing ruin to the clan, and the lass he’s loved all his life in the clutches of a violent husband, the last thing Thayne MacGowan needs is a spirited, sharp-tongued damsel to contend with – no matter how enticing she may be. Having narrowly escaped an objectionable arranged marriage, Amalie is starting a new life – with a new identity. But her freedom is cut short when a surly but irresistibly handsome Highlander is forced to take her as his bride. If only he knew who she really was. Fate designs an improbable match, and a battle of wills ensues. As Amalie struggles to protect her identity, Thayne finds himself fighting for an unexpected love – and a passion neither can refuse.

My Review
I had heard some good things about this book, so I was excited to read from a new author, and I find myself feeling very disappointed. After trying to get into it for almost three days, I just couldn’t get myself to finish the book. I read 2/3 of it, and even though there were a few things that occurred in the story that totally cracked me up. For most of it, I felt out of place while reading it. I think part of it was the flow of the plot was jagged and uneven and I had a hard time keeping up, and I only ended up confused. Also what also confused me is the dialogue. I have read many scottish highland historicals, and this was the first time it rattled my brain so much. I did however like Amalie, and at times I liked Thayne, but part of me just couldn’t fall for him. I started out wanting to enjoy it, and it only ended up being a chore to read. So after three long days of trying to get into it, I just gave up, especially since there are many books on my plate that I need to get read. However I think I will try another book by this author sometime. I hope my next experience trying her out will be a ton better. 

My Grade On THis Book 
DNF

Heat Rating 
Warm
 

Book Review-Heart Of The Dove

Heart Of The Dove
Dragon Chalice (3)
Tina St. John
Ivy Books
Paperback
Published November 2005
Medieval Historical Romance

The darkest heart . . .

Everything that Randwulf of Greycliff loved was torn from his grasp in a night of fire and terror. His wife and child slain, his manor destroyed, Rand now lives for one thing alone: revenge on the man who ordered the attack. Armed with part of the legendary Dragon Chalice — the object his enemy most desires — Rand embarks on a deadly voyage to trap his foe. He will avenge his family . . . and let no one stand in his way.

The brightest hope . . .

On a stormswept shore in the wilds of northern England, a gentle maiden discovers a man lying on the beach, shipwrecked and in need of care. But helping him is forbidden. Serena has the gift of Knowing: with a mere touch, she can see all the secrets in a man’s heart. It is a gift that has kept her secluded from the outside world, wary of those who would use her powers for their own gain. But Rand’s wounded heart beckons, and his passionate nature draws her to him — daring her to surrender to a dangerous seduction that could destroy them both. . . .

My Review-
When I first picked Heart Of The Dove up from the library, I was intrigued and it sounded like a book that I would really get into….however it wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for. It started out very slow, and I found myself forcing myself to continue reading, and I gave it about 100 pages, before I had to give it up….it never clicked for me, and I just wasn’t really enjoying it at all. I mean the plot was alright….but kinda sketchy at times, it didn’t flow smoothy-more like all over the board, there were things that didn’t piece together right. I really liked Serena though, she was sweet and innocent and magical in a way, and she treated Rand way better than he ever deserved. Rand has gone through some rough patches, however he treats Serena horridly, and I really never liked him. I never really connected to the characters apart from Serena a little. Part of me is sad that I wasn’t able to finish it, and maybe another time I might try re reading it again, but I just found it a little too depressing for my taste, and I didn’t really get into it, and it seemed more of a chore to read….so unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish it. I do wish it hadn’t been so disappointing though.

My Grade 
DNF

Short Book Review-Ripe For Pleasure

Ripe For Pleasure
League Of Second Sons (1)
Isobel Carr
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published May 2011
298 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-57275-0

Synopsis
THE LEAGUE of SECOND SONS
A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost…Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion they refuse to accept second best.

London’s most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.

Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola’s life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he’ll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.

MY REVIEW 

So This is the first time in a very long time since I had such a hard time reading a book, especially with such a gorgeous cover and great blurb that just caught my attention. However this review will be shorter than most because I was unable to finish it. At the first few pages it caught me but after that it just went downhill after that…I got halfway through which took me a whole week to do since it just didn’t get to me….I was unable to get into the story no matter how hard I tried. I always try to finish a book if I can, however with this one it was a chore to read it….and when it becomes hard to read a book and if I give it a chance (100 pages or more) than I will just put it down…since there are always more books I want to get to as well. I feel bad that I was unable to finish this one…maybe one day I will try reading it again…who knows. But for me I just was unable to get involved into the story (which is a rare occasion its true) and I really though I would love this story after reading the synopsis…but unfortunately that was untrue…maybe one day in the future………………

My Grade On This Book 
DNF

Other Books In The Series 
Ripe For Scandal