Historical Romance 101: Introduction and Why I Love Historical Romance

Welcome Everyone!! This is the start to Historical Romance 101, this is the first installment of a series of various thoughts that we have on our love of Historical Romance. I am on a join effort with three other fellow bloggers who also have a passion for historical romance. We have Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tale Review, Quinn @ Quinns Book Nook, and Anna @ On A Book Bender. 

ARC Book Review-Destiny’s Captive by Beverly Jenkins

Destiny’s Captive
Destiny (3)
Beverly Jenkins
Avon Books
Published October 28 2014
384 Pages
Acquired: Edelweiss
Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062231130
Authors Website  

Synopsis
In national bestselling author Beverly Jenkins’ Destiny series, the Yates men play hard and live hard. And when they find that special woman, they fall hard . . .

Noah Yates fully believes in the joys of a happy family and a good wife. But that’s not the life for him. No, he would much rather sail the wild seas in search of adventure, not tied down. But then the unthinkable happens . . . he finds himself literally tied down. To a bed. By a woman.

And Pilar isn’t just an ordinary woman. She’s descended from pirates. And after giving him one of the worst nights of his life, she steals his ship! Now Noah is on the hunt, and he’ll stop at nothing to find this extraordinary woman . . . and make her his.

My Review

Pilar, has been a rebel fighting for freedom since she was fifteen years old. She comes from a family of thief’s and forgers, they have done what is necessary to survive. but when her father is wrongly accused and hanged, she knows that the fight for Cuban Independence is up to the rebels to convince change in the government. When she decides to start gun running, she finds the perfect ship for it and the owner doesn’t suspect a thing. Noah Yates, loves the sea, and despite being taken captive at a young age and forced into labor and other horrible circumstances, he loves sailing and being on the ocean. While in Cuba, he finds himself capture and his ship seized, and now he will have to give up his precious ship, but he vows vengeance, and knows he will find the one woman that has humbled him more than any other. When Pilar and Noah do find each other again, Pilar never expected to see the one man she least expected to see, or to see a attraction to him that makes her body buzz with excitement, and soon she is faced with a decision that could change her life forever.

Destiny’s Captive is the third and final installment from this wonderful trilogy about the Yates family. Although I am secretly crossing my fingers that Pilar’s younger sister gets her own story. Anyway, this was so much better than I ever expected it to be. I will be honest I haven’t read this author since I was a teenager, when I got hooked on the Avon true romance series, and that is when I fell in love with romance novels, and Jenkins was one of the main authors that pulled me right into this genre and I have never looked back since. But I have no idea why I haven’t read more of her books until now. I can tell y’all that is so going to change. Even though this is the last book of the series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone if need be. Now would I have preferred to have read this series in order? Yes. But life isn’t fair that way for me, and most times I end up reading a series out of order just like this one. But I am okay with that, since this story was packed with everything I was expecting and beyond.

The characters in this story are quite different than what you think when you read the blurb. Noah, has suffered quite a bit, and still is suffering the effects of his younger years.On the surface Noah is a hard and rough around the edges, but at the heart he is a teddy bear when it comes to the woman who makes him feel more alive than he has ever felt in his life. Every time they have a fight or argument his blood heats and his senses go on alert in anticipation and he begins to see that Pilar is a woman worth fighting for and their future together. Seeing Pilar and Noah together, was quite intense at times. They definitely have passion and desire going for them, but there is also something more that you sense from them as a couple. They both have done and see horrible things, but when they come together, they start to see a future they could have. Pilar is the saving grace for Noah, you see how she affects him, but in a very positive way. I found Destiny’s Captive to be a stunning romance full of history, culture, desire and a romance to make you melt. Unforgettable with every scene, and will burn in you!! FANTASTIC!!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Destiny’s Embrace
Destiny’s Surrender

ARC Book Review-What A Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall

What A Lady Most Desires
Temberlay (3)
Lecia Cornwall
Avon Books
E Book
Published August 2014
Acquired: Edelweiss
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780062332400
Authors Website 

Synopsis
True desire always finds a way…

On the night before the final battle against Napoleon, Lady Delphine St. James finds herself dancing with the one man she has always wanted, Major Lord Stephen Ives. He makes it clear he has no time for a lady he sees as flirtatious and silly, but as the call to arms sounds, she bids him farewell with a kiss that stirs them both. When he returns gravely injured, she is intent on caring for him, even if his surly behavior tests her patience.

After the battle, Stephen is not only wounded and blind, but falsely accused of cowardice and theft. The only light in his dark world is Delphine, the one woman he never imagined he could desire. But she deserves more than he can give her.

As their feelings deepen and hidden enemies conspire to force them to part forever, can their love survive the cruelest test of all

My Review 

Delphine St. James, has known for Stephen for quite some time, having watched him from afar, she has admired him for years. She has never had a chance to show him of her true feelings until they dance together and when he is called away to war, they share a kiss that could rival fireworks. In the battle Stephen ends up injured, shot and blind, claimed a traitor and thief. His closest friend takes him in, with Delphine as his nurse and companion. Delphine is in love with Stephen, and has been for a long time. Now she has a chance to prove her devotion to the one man that holds her heart. Stephen has no idea where to go from here. He is being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and he is injured and can’t see a thing. But as Delphine helps him slowly with his recovery, he learns that his desire for her is turning into something stronger…but he has no future and he refuses to take her down with him. But a woman in love is stronger than he imagined and could be his saving grace.

What A Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall is one inspirational romance. Its the third in the series, and this book follows the previous one ‘Secret Life of Lady Julia’. It deals with quite a few issues, but I loved the way that Lecia creates a story in a way that really pulls you in, and from the beginning I was hooked on the story. About mid way through the story, it seemed as if the story really steps back and slows down. You really have to stick with it, but after that…it really picks up. I loved the way that this story really pulls together in the end…and what a story!! Worth every moment.

We see a connection with these two from their first dance and kiss, and then after Stephen gets injured, they are put together again…and the romance is very slow and steady for a while. We see them build a friendship which slowly turns into something stronger. The only problem I had with the story was wondering how Delphine loved someone she didn’t really know….but it was pretty amazing seeing this couple really come together and by the end….all I have to say is I am fully impressed with the way this story was handled….WELL DONE!! We see issues that had to be dealt with back in that time period and it was pretty emotional and stimulating!! A sweet and tender romance that won my heart!! CHARMED!!

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Warm

Other Books In Series 
How To Deceive A Duke
The Secret Life of Lady Julia

ARC Book Review-Pleasing The Pirate

Pleasing The Pirate
Sharon Cullen
Loveswept Romance
E Book
Published February 2014
285 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780345549723
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Two hearts are wrenched between love and duty in Sharon Cullen’s tale of a ruthless pirate and the Scottish lass who fills him with desire for something greater than plunder.

With her clan’s crops burned and their property confiscated, Mairi McFadden is desperate to free her brother from imprisonment so that he can take his rightful place as chief. Her only hope is the fierce English pirate Phin Lockwood, but the buccaneer laughs at her meager funds. His roving eyes, however, tell Mairi there’s something else he’ll take in exchange for her brother’s rescue. Though she burns with hatred for the English, she’ll do anything to save her clan.

The crown has made it clear that Phin has two choices: bring in a certain Scottish traitor or hang. And he’s not about to let a tiny, whiskey-eyed woman get in his way, even if she is pointing a gun at him. When Phin learns that Mairi’s brother is the very man he seeks, he’s more than willing to use the lass as bait. But as the moment of capture draws near, Phin is surprised by his feelings for the courageous beauty who has him considering risking his life—for someone besides himself

My Review

Phin is a pirate, and his life is in the hands of finding one man. The king of England will only spare his life, if he brings a rebel and traitor to him. Phin knows that with his life on the line, he doesn’t have a choice. So he takes a ship, up to Scotland, where the sister of the traitor he is seeking, lands in his cabin, with a gun being pointed at him. Mairi has done everything she could for her clan and people, that are suffering every day. She knows they need their laird to return, her brother. However her brother left years ago, and she received a missive from him that he has been captured. So she steals aboard Phin’s ship, to make him find her brother and return him to her. The pirate captain is far different from what she ever imagined. Young, virile, with eyes that see the very core of her, she agrees to the conditions he sets forth. Now they are on a mission together, to find her brother, even though Phin hasn’t revealed his true reasons for wanting to find the location of her brother. When the truth comes out, will Phin and Mairi’s love survive the test  and find their happily ever after…

Pleasing the Pirate is the second book that I have had the pleasure of reading. Pleasing The Pirate is a ARC that was offered to me in return for a honest review. So I decided to try this one out. It has been a while since I had read this author. Frankly I have a weakness for sexy pirates, especially with the time period. It is set in the 1700’s, where England was suppressing Scotland in a variety of ways. We see the struggle that Mairi has had to go through, that hundreds of women struggled with. You see a inner strength in Mairi that is very appealing to the reader. You see how she is willing to fight with every breath she has for the safety and well being of her people. Phin is faced with a difficult choice, and his characters seems so real and larger than life at times. Phin as the hero, who was mouthwatering sexy, who displayed the kind of man any woman would be proud to be by her side. He does have quite a few faults, but with those faults we see the human side to this story, that speaks to the reader in its truest form. This story was very rich in history and the complexity of issues involving the Scots and the English. There is a higher level of conflict than I anticipated, and I enjoyed seeing this author weave a beautiful woven romance around historical events that really happened.

Pleasing The Pirate is such a wonderfully written historical romance, that is full of historical events, enticing characters, and a story line to keep you on the edge and waiting in anticipated for the next scene to send thrills down your spine!!! PURELY SENSATIONAL!!

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Book Review-Eden’s Promise

Eden’s Promise
Cassie Edwards
Mass Market Paperback
Published July 1989
470 Pages
Piracy Historical Romance
ISBN 0-8439-2780-1
Author Website

Beautiful, wild-eyed and golden-haired, Eden Whitney was the most delectable woman Zach Tyson had ever found trussed up in the hold of his pirate ship. As dangerous and turbulent as the dark seas he sailed, Zach knew a priceless treasure when he saw one –and he had no intention of sharing the plunder with his men. One taste of Eden and he knew he had found his own private paradise of love.

My Review
I am a huge fan of Cassie Edwards, her stories are always so classic and I love every moment. Edwards has a certain writing style that is captivating and draws your attention to the story without letting go. I was able to obtain a copy of Eden’s Promise through Open Library. So I put it under Paperback in the form I read it, because its kinda both a paperback and e book. Let me explain, with open library, these aren’t e book editions of the book. They are scanned directly from the book. So you see the real pages, the color of the pages, and its almost like reading a paperback. For those of you, who haven’t tried Open Library, you are missing out. There is so much selection especially if you like Zebra historical’s as I do. There is quite a few of Edward’s book on this site, way more than you will find in the Nook or Kindle store. So I always take advantage of it, since Cassie is one of my favorites to read from. I usually have read her for her Native American Historical’s, but I have found her other stories that aren’t Indian based, are brilliantly done.

Now I will do a short summary of this book, since the synopsis doesn’t exactly tell much about it. It actually begins with Zach and Eden meeting on a dirt road, where Eden’s wheel on her buggy gets damaged, Zach helps her take her into town to get the wheel fixed. Instantly a spark ignites, and they are instantly drawn to each other. We see a strong bond that quickly forms (and very fast I would say). Zach is a ex pirate, who is trying to make a new life for himself, and when he sees Eden, he knows he is far gone. He falls mad for her quickly, and starts to court her, even though he knows there is a danger to himself in being caught as a pirate. Eden has no men interests until Zach comes into her life, and even though she doesn’t know if she can trust him, she wants to. Then Zach gets into a spot of trouble, and in order to free himself from Jail, he must agree to kill his old mentor, friend and Pirate; Captain Jack. He reluctantly agrees knowing he can never have a normal life until he does. Then he finds Eden bound and gagged in the hold of his ship, and must reveal the whole truth to her. With a dangerous mission he is torn between keeping her at his side, or returning her to safety.

Zach is actually a good hearted man, and I found myself drawn to him instantly. He is kind and generous and doesn’t resemble the “Pirate males” you usually get familiar with, in historical romances. He was sold into becoming a pirate, and then decided he wanted more out of his life. He wants a family, and to have some land and to live out his life in the area he grew up in. I enjoyed seeing how gentle and understanding he is with Eden, but when the situation calls for it, he can be tough as nails. He is protective and possessive at times, but in a way that isn’t smothering. A found it to be a good balance for Zach. Eden I liked for the most part, she could have had a bit more spine and been a bit more self aware. I did like how she responds to Zach. Their connection starts fast, a little too fast. The one thing I didn’t like is how they were “in love” at the beginning of the story. I like a steady progressive plot towards a romance, and I don’t mind the “love at first sight” but this story had it a bit too hurried for my taste. I didn’t really feel their connection until late in the book, when conflict escalates quite a bit and puts a challenge to the characters.

Overall I found myself enjoying this story quite a bit. And even though there is the main love story between Zach and Eden, there are two sub plot love stories as well, which I felt fit nicely into the story. It didn’t seem to be overly much, and with this being a stand alone novel, it worked better than I thought it would when I started it. There is a solid development in the plot, about 1/3 way through, and it starts to really grab your attention. Its a easy and quick read, but in my opinion there could have been a bit more of substance in the first part of the book.  A fun dramatic love story that equaled to a enjoyable read that is one you can enjoy in this beautiful summer season.

First Line 
Lurid streaks of lighting flashed brightly against the dark scudding clouds; whitecaps in the ocean rose and fell with the wind. 

Favorite Quote 
“Make love to me, darling,” he whispered, tracing the outline of her lips with his tongue “Love me with all your heart.”

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Book Review-To Catch A Bride

To Catch A Bride
Devil Riders (3)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published September 2009
308 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-23022-0
Author’s Website 

Synopsis
It was the perfect excuse to delay a dreaded marriage of convenience?head off on an exotic journey to track down a young lady missing in Egypt for six years. Rafe Ramsey, son of the Earl of Axebridge, is utterly besotted when he finally locates the beautiful and spirited Ayisha, who has taken a new name. But a mysterious past has made it impossible for her to return to England, and she is on the run from something far more serious than an unwanted betrothal.

My Review

Summary 
Ayisha, has lived in Egypt for most of her life, but when she was thirteen years old, her parents died and was left on her own. Now she is nineteen years old, and hides herself from others disguised as a boy. Only two people in her life knows about who she really is. She knows that every day she is being hunted and must make sure to conceal herself. But then a stranger, an Englishmen, comes to town looking for someone who looks just like her.  She ends up being caught in his snare, finding out that he only has good intentions. When it becomes clear that she must leave her life in Egypt and go to England to see her only living relative, her grandmother. Rafe, desperate to get a break from his life in England, is more than happy to retrieve Ayisha back to England where she truly belongs. Only he never thought she would turn his world upside down, and he finds that this innocent and beautiful young woman is everything he ever could have hoped for.

The Hero (Rafe Ramsey)
Rafe as the youngest son, knows that  he will have to enter into a marriage of convenience. He knows that soon he will have to marry a woman he barely knows, so when Ayisha’s grandmother comes to him for his help; he is more than willing to retrieve her missing granddaughter. When he comes to Egypt however, he is wondering how he will ever find her. When he does he is surprised to discover her enchanting personality that endears him to her even more. Before long, he knows that he wants her as his wife, the problem is convincing her to agree.

The Heroine (Ayisha Cleeve)
Ayisha, lost her parents to the plague when she was thirteen years old. The past six years so has been living on the streets, on her own for the most part. She knew that she would be sold as a slave if she didn’t disguise herself as a boy. So for these past years only two people in the world know of her true identity. When a stranger comes into the city, she knows that everything she has ever known is being threatened.

My Thoughts 
To Catch A Bride is the third addition in the Devil Riders Series. I have to say that every time I read from this author, I have enjoyed her immensely. There is something unique to the way she puts together a story. This story was a little bit different than the others I have read from her so far. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. When I read the blurb, it sounds interesting, but I had hoped I would be able to get into the story. When I started reading To Catch A Bride, it took a few chapters, but after that I was able to be fully entranced into the story. There was quite a bit of development on the character side of things. Rafe, is splendid and magnificent and doesn’t shy away from anything. He can be very bold and daring when he needs to be. There was something so charming about Rafe, I found him to be a very likeable character. Ayisha could be endearing at times and had some charming qualities, but I found her to be a bit lacking. But for the most part, Ayisha could be a character that you find yourself able to relate to on any level. She has flaws but she also is spirited and lively at times, and there certain times when I was cheering her on. The plot did have some elements of adventure and intigue that can hold you to your seat. This story is a very lively ride with elements to the story that could be deeply emotional and riveting. A fantastic read that will warm your heart.

First Line 
A whip cracked, shattering the stillness of the icy landscape.

Favorite Quote 
“What are you doing?”Rafe demanded as she rolled herself in the blanket. 
“Isn’t it obvious?”She lay down.
“No, its extremely tedious.” He got off the bed with a long suffering expression 
“I don’t care if you lie beside me on the floor,” she told him, “I won’t be tricked a second time, and you won’t be able to stand it on the floor for long.” She closed her eyes. 
“I have no intention of lying on the floor beside you. Its much nicer on the bed,” he said “See?” And taking the corners of her blanket he lifted her straight onto the bed. One flip and she rolled right out of the blanket. 
He slid into bed beside her. “That’s better,” he said, and when she opened her mouth to complain he simply leaned forward and kissed her. 

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
The Stolen Princess
His Captive Lady
The Accidental Wedding
Bride By Mistake

Book Review-The Rogue Pirate’s Bride

The Rogue Pirate’s Bride
Sons of the Revolution (3)
Shana Galen
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Mass Market Paperback
Published February 2012
339 Pages
Pirate Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4022-6555-6
Author’s Website

Synopsis (Goodreads)
This passionate, action-packed Regency romance by RT Reviewer’s Choice award-winning author Shana Galen features the swashbuckling Sebastien Harcourt, Marquis de Valère, and the nautical genius heroine destined to best him.

After escaping France on a privateer’s ship, Sebastien becomes the notorious privateer, Captain Cutlass. His reputation as a rogue precedes him, and he’s undefeated in battle . . . until he crosses swords with the beautiful daughter of a British admiral.

Raeven Russell is out for revenge, but now she’s not so sure she wants the dashing captain to change his wicked ways.

My Thoughts

Summary 
Raeven is burning with the desire to get her revenge for her fiancee’s death by Captain Cutlass a pirate she has been searching for. She finally finds him, and vows to kill him here and now. Only she never expects to be faced with such a opponet that makes her burn with desire, a passion she has never known. Raeven doesn’t expect to feel the desire to kill him to weaken and her desire for him to strengthen. She see’s a side to him, a part of him, that she knows she could never harm or maim or kill. Bastien has practically lived on the seas for many years, ever since he lost his family as a young boy. Now he is well known as Captain Cutlass, also known as a pirate. Bastien is out to find the man who murdered the man who raised him and taught him everything he knew. Who was more like a father to him, and now he is hunting him. He doesn’t expect to find a woman thirsting for his blood, and it only makes him want her even more. He finds her irresistible and before he knows it he finds himself falling  in love with her, and more than anything wants her in his life, but knows she would have to choose between her father and a pirate. Will their love be enough?

The Hero (Bastien Harcourt)
Bastien, was once raised to be a aristocrat. But then his family was murdered in France by peasants, and barely escaped with his life. He found himself on a ship, learning the ins and outs of being a sailor. Now he is a privateer, and has recently lost a man he considered a father to him. So he has made a vow to revenge the death of murdered, a fellow pirate who betrayed a friend. Bastien has a unexpected surprise in Raeven. At first he didn’t even know she was a woman, but once she was revealed to him, he wants to to show her passion and the delights of his bed. He didn’t realize that he would end up falling in the love with her and wanting to marry her but knowing it would never be possible.

The Heroine (Raeven Russell)
Raeven, grew up on the seas. Her mother died giving birth to her, so her father, an admiral in the British Navy, raised her on his ship. Raeven knows everything about a ship, and could do everything a sailor does. Its like breath to her living on the sea. She falls in love with a fellow captain in the navy, but when he dies and she hears that a certain pirate kills him, she wants his blood. When she goes out searching for him though, she doesn’t expect to fall in love with the man. But from the first moment she crosses swords with him, she knows that everything is going to change, because he is unlike anything she has ever met.

My Thoughts 
Finally, I have gotten my hands on the final in the series, that I have just fallen in love with. There was so much that I liked about this story. After reading the first two, I was looking forward to reading Bastien’s story. I just love a good pirate romance though, and this definitely won my heart over. Bastien, has made a life for himself as a pirate, but has slowly started trade. Currently he is on a road for revenge, but as his enemy eludes him, he starts to seduce Raeven, a woman who, we see, he starts to really care for. Raeven, is a fighter and has fiery spirit. Their first meeting, totally had my attention. She tries to kill him at first, which was very entertaining. I do love a good sword fight LOL. But it was even more fun seeing these two go at it, and see their story progress. There was a sense of fun and playfulness throughout the story. It definitely fit the bill for a swashbuckling adventure. There was sizzling romance, spirited adventure and enough danger to blow you out of the water. Such vivid portrayal of a intense love story that had me laughing one moment, and crying the next. There was such a display of emotion that was able to be felt by the reader, it could be very intense at times. But I do revel in a emotional provocative story that only warmed by heart. A story to be read by anyone who loves a good adventure with a perfect balance of sensuality and intrigue.

First Line 
“That’s him,” Percy whispered. “I’m almost certain of it.”

Favorite Quote 
Merde, but you are exasperating.”
” I resent–”
He closed his mouth over hers, effectively silencing her. She tasted surprisingly sweet. If her hair had smelled like cherries, her mouth was more the same. Ripe. Dark. And a little tart. No surprise, as she had spirit, what the English called pluck. It maddened and drew him. even now, as she fought his kiss, he alternately wanted to tame and free her.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books  In Series 
The Making of a Duchess
The Making of a Gentleman

Book Reivew-Of Noble Birth

Of Noble Birth
Brenda Novak
Harper Collins
Paperback
Published Nov 1999
402 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN 0-06-109859-0

Synopsis

He Was a Man Who Took What He Wanted.
And He Wanted Her.
To escape her cruel stepfather, seamstress Alexandra Cogsworth envisioned sailing far from England . . . though not as a captive aboard a pirate’s ship.
Pirate Captain Nathaniel Kent’s strategy for exacting revenge on his cold-hearted father involved taking a valuable hostage . . . not a seamstress he mistakenly thinks is his half sister.
Yet fate has designs of its own, landing them both on board the Royal Vengeance. At sea, Nathaniel intercepts and plunders his father’s ships, all the while tormented by his illicit hunger for the tempting prisoner he thinks is his blood relation. And although Alexandra wants no part in this terrifying voyage, to reveal her true identity to the handsome, blue-eyed Nathaniel would invite danger. Not only would she become worthless cargo, but the revelation would surely unleash what she and Nathaniel have been fiercely battling—a rising undercurrent of impossible desire that could sweep them away for good.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
 Alexandra, is desperate to escape her cruel stepfather who beats her, she finds a way to escape with a disguise never expecting to be kidnapped and taken aboard a pirate’s ship. Only they think she is a daughter of a lord so they can ransom her, but no matter how much she protests they don’t believe her to be a seamstress. Nathaniel, is very bitter toward his father, but when one of his closest friends gets captured he goes out to capture his father daughter, and his step sister….only he never expected that he would be so attracted to a relation, but something nags at him, that she is not at all who she appears to be and that she is hiding something, and that this increasing desire that he has for her might just inflame them both…

The Hero (Nathaniel Kent)
When Nathaniel was born, one of his arms were deformed at birth and his father tried to have him killed, but his nurse saved his life that night and ever since then his father has rejected him and Nathaniel has seeked for revenge and justice. When his friend gets captured he decided to take his step sister and trade her only he never expected the tender feelings she brings out in him…

The Heroine (Alexandra Cogsworth)
Alexandra, has been wanting to leave her step father for quite some time now, but never thought in her plan of leaving that she would be kidnapped and assumed for someone else. But as time goes on aboard the pirate’s ship she stops trying to convince them of her true identity knowing they will eventually find out…but the one thing she can’t ignore though is the desire she feels for Nathaniel despite the fact that he kidnapped her from her only chance at freedom, but wonders if her growing love for Nathaniel is her true freedom….

My Thoughts 
This is the first book that I have read by Brenda Novak and I just fell in love with this book, and I want to read more by this author….the synopsis and the cover are what drew me to open the pages, but once I really got into the story I could barely put it down and found entranced by the amazingly written love story of two people that come from different situations in life however they share one thing… a common love and desire for each other. Of Noble Birth is of the Georgian Time period and is packed with excitement, adventure, passion, and a intense love story that will leave you with delight.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Book Review-The Game

The Game
De Warrene Dynasty (4)
Brenda Joyce
Avon
Paperback
Published Mar 1995
472 Pages
European Renaissance/Nautical Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-380-77573-6

Synopsis
Released from the sanctuary of a French convent, highborn, tempestuous Katherine FitzGerald sets sail for her beloved Ireland – only to find herself prisoner of the infamous pirate known to the Elizbethans as the Master of the Seas.

The pirate captain is Liam O’Neill, favored by Elizabeth the Queen. A hardened court player, he is determined to win the willful Katherine while advancing his own secret causes. But now he must risk everything he cherishes in order to triumph at a very treacherous game – through heartbreaking deception…and by breaking all the rules.

The Game has begun…

MY REVIEW
Summary 
Katherine, after being in the convent for years and not having heard from her family, decides to leave knowing all she wants is a husband and children. So when she leaved and gets on a ship on her way to Ireland, back home, the ship is captured by pirates and she is a prisoner of Liam O’Neill, the pirate captain, who refuses to let her go. Katherine refuses to give in to the feelings and the desire she starts to feel for Liam, knowing she deserves more than to be a mistress to a pirate, that she deserves love, marriage and a family of her own. Liam is the king of Games, and ever since he first saw Katherine, he knew he would keep her, and even though he has a secret cause he will do everything he can to Win!

The Hero (Liam O’Neill)
Liam is half english and half irish, his father being a ruthless lord, his mother helpless to do anything to protect herself or her children. So Liam learned at a young age how to protect himself, and to never give in, no matter the risk or the cost. When Liam see’s Katherine, he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life even at the risk of pain and death. Katherine is His and will even break the rules of his own game to keep her by his side.

The Heroine (Katherine FitzGerald)
 Katherine, is desperate to get away from the convent, not knowing what has really happened to her family, so when she is captured by the pirate captain, she is most resistent and in the beginning refuses to give in to the feelings that she has for him. However as she starts to find the truth about her family and what has been happening since she has been in the convent, the feelings she has for Liam start to increase, and even though at times she feelings like she should strangle him, she also can’t deny that she loves him.

My Thoughts 
The Game is the 4th in the de Warrenne series, and I have always enjoyed Brenda Joyce and all of her books for the most part, and even though this was a bit longer, it was still a enjoyable read but far from my favorite of her books. The one thing that I really loved about this story, was how there was always a surprise at the next turn of the plot, something I would have never expected to happen, and left me excited to see what would happen next. The title for the book “The Game” is perfect, and fits it with exactness. The characters were fascinating to get to know. Liam would just make me laugh at times, and other make me want to hug him, and other I wanted to throttle him. Katherine however, it took me a while to really warm up to her, she seemed a bit selfish and naive especially in the beginning, but she grew on me as the story started to really develop. Overall it was a really enjoyable read with lots of intrigue and mystery, romance and passion and series of events that might just make your head spin!!

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
 The Conquerer
Scandalous Love
Promise of the Rose
The Game
The Prize
The Masquerade
The Stolen Bride
A Lady at Last
The Perfect Bride
A Dangerous Love
The Promise
An Impossible Attraction
House of Dreams 

Book Review-I Kissed An Earl

I Kissed An Earl
Pennyroyal Greens (4)
Julie Anne Long
Avon
Paperback
370 Pages
Published July 2010
Nautical Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-188566-2

Synopsis
Violet Redmond’s family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flare for mischief keeps all but the most lionhearted suitors at bay. Only Violet knows what will assuage her restlessness: a man who doesn’t bore her to tears, and a clue to the fate of her missing brother. She never dreamed she’d find both with a man whose own pedigree is far from impeccable.

“Savage” is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he’s on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet’s belief in her brother’s innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed.

  
MY REVIEW

Summary:

Violet Redmond, even though she loves her family, tends to feel smothered too much by them, so aching for adventures, she secretly boards a ship in search of her missing brother who is rumored to be a pirate and one who has been sinking ships and taking cargo. Unwilling to believe that her brother would harm innocent people, so goes in search for him, however the Captain of the ship that she is on is hunting this notorious pirate for vengeance since once of his friends was killed by him. The Earl of Ardmay, is furious that this woman could be so courageous and formidable at times, and feisty as hell. So they engage in betting against one another, and before either of them realize it, desire flares up quite like a fire to kindling, and must learn to trust in each other before they lose each other….

The Hero (Lavay, Earl of Ardmay)

Lavay, born a bastard, but was raised on a ship, is now a captain, and upon hearing of a pirate sinking ships, and killing his friend, he has made a vow for justice and has promised to get his vengeance. However a spunky  young woman may just ruin everything, for she intends on saving her brother, but the passion he feels for her starts to grow to love and Lavay wonders if he will have to choose between duty and love.

The Heroine (Violet Redmond)

Violet, loves her family dearly, but has never felt a true part of them. She years for excitement and adventure, and when she hears a rumor about a notorious pirate, she has a feeling that pirate is her older brother, who left England years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. Violet, on a whim, decides to sneak aboard a ship, convinces the captain, through her own kind of smarts, that she must at least go his direction, since she knows he is after her brother, which she is wanting to prove his innocence. Violet, has never had a taste of passion, but from the first moment she encounters Lavay, she knows that it could be her undoing, and she might have to choose between the love of her family and the love of her heart, body and soul.

My Thoughts

I Kissed An Earl is the fourth installment in the Pennyroyal Greens series by Julie Anne Long. I have recently this past year discovered this author, and I have just loved each of her books that she has written (even though its only been a few so far) I just read this so fast that my head spin, I was so caught up in the story and the entertaining characters that had me laughing through most of it. There was such a witty side to the story, even though the plot there wasn’t much except toward the end, it was their interaction with each other that made it far from dull, and a fun and warm love story!!! Although far from my favorite read, it did make me smile, laugh, and feel contentment at the end!!!

My Favorite Quote

I am captain of The Fortuna I have a great responsibility to my men and now to the bloody King of England.  My fortunes are dwindling. My reputation and my entire future rest upon my success in capturing this pirate for bounty. And yet..I cannot sleep at night for wanting you,”

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
The Perils Of Pleasure
Like No Other Lover
Since The Surrender
What I Did For A Duke