Follow Friday (45) What Characters Would YOU Be?

The Feature And Follow (Follow Friday) is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and its tons of fun to do this meme and find tons of new friends and great blogs!!! So come and join in this fun meme every friday!!!!

Historical Romance 101: What Makes a Great Heroine and Favorites

Welcome to another segment of Historical Romance 101!! Come and join along with myself, Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tales, Amanda @ On A Book Bender, and Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook. This is a special one, and I find one of my favorite things to talk about…our lovely heroines. Now we all know that it is more difficult to find a winning heroine than a hero. But it is such a special treat to find a heroine you can connect with. 

Historical Romance 101: What Makes A Amazing Hero and Personal Favorites

For today we will be offering something special where we talk about Amazing heroes and what our favorites are and why!! Come and check out what we have for ya. Also make sure you check out these other sweet ladies choices as well. Feminist Fairy Tales; Quinns Book Nook; On A Book Bender

Quote Tastic (36) Inflaming Women’s Passions

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that’s grabbed you for one reason or another. Everyone’s welcome to join in – authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and put up your post 🙂 Don’t have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section. Quote-tastic is hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Book Review-If The Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries

Title: If The Viscount Falls 

Author: Sabrina Jeffries 

Series: The Duke’s Men 

Format: E Book 

Release Date: January 25th 2015

Publisher: Pocket Books 

Pages: 400 Pages 

Genre: Regency Historical Romance 

Where To Find: Authors Website|B&N|Amazon|Goodreads|LibraryThing

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries, the deliciously sexy fourth book in the “Duke’s Men” Regency romance series—the first of which was called “a totally engaging, adventurous love story” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick).

The heir presumptive to the Viscount Rathmoor, Dominick Manton once had his heart’s desire within reach—a bright future as a barrister and engagement to Jane Vernon, a wealthy baron’s daughter. Then a shattering betrayal by his vindictive brother George snatched away Dom’s inheritance and his hopes of offering Jane a secure future. Brokenhearted, and attempting to end their engagement without destroying Jane’s reputation, Dom staged a betrayal of his own to convince her that he’s not the husband-to-be that she thought.

Now George is gone and the viscountcy restored to Dom, since his brother’s widow, Nancy—Jane’s cousin and closest confidant—never bore an heir. But when Nancy goes missing, a panicked Jane calls on her former fiancé to track down her cousin. Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgiveable—but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with?

My Review

I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. 

If The Viscount Falls is the final installment in the Duke’s Men series, and what a lovely story this turned out to be. For as long as I have read romances, Jefrries has been my go to author, no matter what. Well after reading this book, I do think it just might be my favorite book of the series. This is Dom’s story, and long awaited one for me. From the beginning of the series, I have just loved Dom, he has gone through quite a bit, and deserved his own happy ending.

The story sets off with Dom and Jane who once was engaged, but when Dom lost everything, and he knew the next years in his life would be hard, he couldn’t put Jane through that, so he hatched a plan that would make her believe the worst of him. For years he has regretted that choice, but knowing she would be better off not dealing with being poor as church mice, but now Jane has entered his life again, and the love he once had for her has come brighter than ever only Jane is engaged to another man and wants nothing to do with him. When Jane’s cousin ends up missing, she enlists Dom to help her find her, since her cousin is also his sister in law. As they begin their search, clues pop up that cause even more mystery than before, and they along with other members of the Duke’s Men group, will search for the truth, and Jane and Dom’s love is rekindled, but will past mistakes hurt their future and be the healing balm they need…

What a wonderful and truly emotional story this one was. I will say that the emotional tone to the story, really surprised me, I didn’t expect this story to be so poignant for me, but it really was. I found that this story was phenomenal in every way. I really have little complaint about it, I just felt so engaged from the first few pages. and Jeffries does a wonderful job in creating a story to charm and delight any reader. I don’t know why I was so surprised, since Jeffries is the author, but a couple of the other books in the series, didn’t excite me like this one did. There was such a lyrical note to the story, the way it all flowed together, and the plot just fit with the depth of the characterizations and the story tended to have a light dramatic flair that added a bit more substance. This set of characters keep you engaged and fully entertained. A tale of intrigue, passion and love!! Not one to be missed out on. A PASSIONATE ROMANCE!!!

My Grade

5 Blossoms

Heat Level

Warm

Series Order

What The Duke Desires (1)

When The Rogue Returns (2)

How The Scoundrel Seduces (3)

If The Viscount Falls (4)

ARC Book Review- How The Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries

How The Scoundrel Seduces
The Duke’s Men (3)
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
E Book
Published August 2014
Acquired: Edelweiss
416 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9781451693492
Authors Website 

Synopsis
The third deliciously sexy novel in the New York Times bestselling Duke’s Men historical romance series, featuring an investigator who sets out to find gypsies— and unexpectedly finds love.

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life— to make sure that his half-brother George can’t ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke’s Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn’t expect to uncover Lady Zoe’s family secrets, as well… or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

My Review

Tristan Bonnaud, has one goal in life, to get revenge against his brother, that almost destroyed him and his family who had to flee the country and live in France for a time. But Tristan is part of a investigative business, and is good at it. Then a woman walks through the door needing his help that coincides with finding his own justice and searching for his long time gypsy friend. Zoe Keane, is searching for the truth of her birth. When her aunts makes allegations to her, hinting that she was adopted and not born to her parents by blood, she needs to find the truth. Zoe is responsible in managing her families estate, one that she has worked hard to maintain and will do anything to keep, because it is her greatest passion in life. Her search leads her to the Duke’s Men, and Tristan. At first she doesn’t want Tristan at all, but he is the most experienced in Gypsy tradition and language, and she soon learns that he will be the key to finding the truth about her parentage. But what begins as a innocent search for her origins, turns into a passionate affair, a love blossoms when least expected and soon Tristan and Zoe will be tested to the limits of their feelings for each other…but will the love they share be enough?

How The Scoundrel Seduces is the third installment in the Duke’s Men series. I adored this book….my goodness, this story seemed so much like her older books, which are still my top favorite romances to read to this day. I fell madly in love with everything to do with this story and could barely contain my excitement as I was reading this. Definitely my favorite book of the series, it had pizazz and such intensity in the romance that you just find it beyond endearing. Sabrina Jeffries has succeeded once again in putting together a love story that will bring a tear to your eye and bound to burn in your memory and make it a romance to never forget!

We begin with Zoe Keane, needing to find the truth and trying to contain anything she learns, so that she can be the heir to her father’s properties, land that is everything to her. When she goes for help, the last thing she wants is to work with Tristan, whom she sees as arrogant and full of himself. But despite her protests, they start working together. Tensions are high between the two, but so is desire, and these two characters are about to light a flame that will consume them. This story was very unique in the setting, and I always love it when you throw Gypsy’s into the mix…it adds a certain flair element into the story that really draws you in even more into the story. The characters in the story here are intense and magical…I loved each and every one….even the villain had a certain dramatizing quality to him, and his involvement in the story is crucial and I LOVED every intense and ever suspenseful moment.

I found How The Scoundrel Seduces charming, witty and a fun story to the series. A new favorite romance that is solid and sure in its foundation. Even though the relationship starts rocky, it turns into a lively and adventurous romance, with a magnetism that tugs at those heart strings. You won’t be able to pull away from this one. Be ready for a story to master your heart and soul!!! MEMORABLE TILL THE END!!!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
What The Duke Desires
When The Rogue Returns
Dorinda and the Doctor
If The Viscount Falls

ARC Book Review-When The Rogue Returns

When The Rogue Returns
The Dukes Men (2)
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
E Book
Published January 21 2014
400 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4516-9348-2
Authors Website

Synopsis
Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there’s no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds– right after Isa disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron’s mysterious bride-to-be… who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!

Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passions, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice– without getting burned themselves.

My Review

Victor Cale was once betrayed by Isabella, his young sweet wife who he trusted with his life. But when she used her talent to create imitation jewels, to steal authentic jewels, then she disappeared from his life. Now ten years later he has found a family, a job in a investigation business called the “Dukes Men”. Victor is sent on a job, up to Edinburgh, to investigate a woman who is involved with a young man, whose mother is concerned for his welfare. So when he learns that her description fits the exact image of his wife, he knows he must head up to Edinburgh, and discover the truth. Isa believes that it is Victor who abandoned her. Isabella has always loved Victor, but years ago, her family coerced her into working for them, but she never stole the jewels Victor believed her to have stolen. Isa believes that Victor betrayed her, and then abandoned her and their daughter. Now ten years later, with a new life and changed identity, she has a place here in Edinburgh, until the husband that abandoned her shows up asking all sort of question and demanding explanations. Victor and Isabella will have to learn to let go of mistrusts and learn to trust in each other and the love they share to defeat the enemy that is just beyond their reach and could threaten their future and their daughter.

When The Rogue Returns is the second in the Dukes Men series. I was given a ARC of this title in return of a honest review through Edelweiss and Pocket Books. Now I have to say that after reading this I don’t know which book in the series is my favorite, I feel like ripping my hair in frustration, how to choose? Well I think I am at a impasse! When The Rogue Returns was so amazing!!! I still can’t believe how much I actually enjoyed this one. I really love the second chance themed romances, especially when Sabrina Jeffries is at the helm. This story was so romantic and sweet and suspenseful and plenty of steamy action to satisfy any romance lover. When The Rogue Returns is a story that begins with beginning glimpse of Isabella and Victor when they were newly married and young, and full of love not knowing what future awaited them or that they would be torn apart for ten years. Then it jumps ten years into the future, and you see both sides, and what each has suffered and struggled with over the past years. Secrets abound, and suspension rise when they see each other again. When they both eventually learn the truth of how they were both betrayed and lost ten years together, they join forces both in rediscovering each other and discovering the truth and finding a way to be together once again. This plot is definitely packed full of action and mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed the way the author seemed to put this story together in such a way that it enthralls the reader until you have finished the story and are left aching for more and more from this author.

There is quite a bit that goes on in this story, much more than I ever expected to find. We see a suspenseful portion to the story, a small side romance of a friend of Isa’s, more involvement from Dom and others in the Duke’s Men, and more history on Victor Cale. Even though this story takes place in Scotland, its in the Regency  era, so you don’t see too much of culture or countryside of Scotland or the irresistible brogue. It definitely has more of a regency theme to the story, however this would probably be one of my top favorite regency romances yet. This unique story is somewhat different than most other regency style romances, and I loved the ups and downs and unique flips this story takes on. Definitely can hardly wait until the third installment comes out.

Overall a thrilling paced romance that is going to drive you wild!! A love story that is tender and sweet, yet suspenseful and intense at times. A tale to give you a thrill and bring a few surprises to your doorstep. A hands down unforgettable story of betrayal, sacrifice, and love. REMARKABLY WRITTEN!!

First Line 
Darkness had fallen a while ago, Eighteen year old Isabella Cale clung to her new husband Victor’s neck as he carried her into her old room at her sister Jacoba’s house. 

Favorite Quotes
“Don’t want you?” he said incredulously before he could stop himself. His eyes fixed on her mouth, his heart began to thunder in his chest. “Now you really are a fool,” Then driven by the rampant need that had been boiling up in his blood ever since he’d seen her this afternoon, he seized her mouth with his.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You belong in a man’s bed, not a boy’s. You belong in my bed”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You called me a stranger. But I’m the same man I was then–the husband who could never hurt you, the lover who never forgot you. Not for one second. You can trust me, Lieveke” When her breath quickened and her eyes filled with longing, he murmured huskily “So you know me better than you think.” Then he cover her mouth with his. 

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Twas The Night After Christmas
What The Duke Desires
How The Scoundrel Seduces

Short Book Review-Twas The Night After Christmas

Twas The Night After Christmas
(Hellions Of Halstead Hall (6) Dukes Men (0.5)
Sabrina Jeffries
Gallery Books
Hardback
Published October 2012
354 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4246-9
Authors Website

Synopsis 
A heartwarming Christmas romance from a beloved New York Times bestselling author!

Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has been estranged from his mother for most of his life. When his mother’s new companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart, writes to tell him that his mother is seriously ill, he goes home. But when he learns that the lovely widow tricked him in order to effect a holiday reconciliation, he refuses to stay—unless she meets his “terms.” Somewhere between trying to seduce the beautiful Camilla and struggling with the cruel memories of his childhood Christmases, Pierce discovers that not only does forgiveness go two ways, but that love can blossom even in the coldest of winters.

My Review

Twas the Night After Christmas bridges two series together, “Helliions of Halstead Hall” and “The Duke’s Men”. After recently reading the first book in the Dukes Men series, I was really excited to read this story. It does take place before the first one begins where we do see a involvement Of Dominic. This story is centered on Pierce and Camilla. Pierce is a Earl, but hasn’t had the easiest of upbringings. When he was younger, his mother was everything, until he was sent away to school, and she never wrote him, she wouldn’t let him come home for the holidays, and as he became an adult he became bitter against his mother, and now never sees her. Until he receives a note from his mothers companion, Camille, stating that his mother is deathly ill. So he heads straight to the estate where his mother is residing, only to find out that his mother is healthy, and tensions rise fast. Camille is a widow, who has a sweet son, and will do everything for her sons happiness. Then she meets Pierce, who has quite the reputation of drinking and keeping mistresses, but when these two meet, a desire unknown to either one of them changes everything.

I loved the layout of this story. It has a very strong Christmas theme to it, (which I loved), the characters were witty and engaging, and the story full of delightful scenes that tie you up in knots. I couldn’t put this one down, and it won me over only after a few chapters. This story is very typical of Sabrina Jeffries, and her style is still just as amazing as it is with her earlier books.  A story full of abundant humor, sizzling chemistry, and charming characters. One that is to die for!! Looking for a classic holiday read that will send thrills straight to your toes? Well Twas The Night After Christmas is perfect, and just right for you!

First Line 
No one had called for him yet

My Favorite Quote 
“I promise to spend the rest of my life giving you every possible chance to fly,”
“I don’t want to fly, my love,” she whispered, sure that her heart would explode at any moment. “Not unless we fly together,”

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Book Review-What The Duke Desires

What The Duke Desires
The Dukes Men (1)
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
Paperback
Published June 2013
416 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781451693461)
Authors Website 

Synopsis 
Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, long ago buried his grief for his missing elder brother, Peter, who was presumed dead after being kidnapped. When a mysterious note arrives from Tristan Bonnaud asserting that the Duke’s brother is alive, it leads Max straight to the winsome Lisette Bonnaud, illegitimate daughter of a viscount and Tristan’s sister. Soon he and Lisette are traveling to Paris posing as husband and wife, in search of Tristan, who has disappeared. And the longer he spends with Lisette, the easier it is for Max to see that the line between dukedom and desire is easier to cross than he imagined…

My Review
When Lisette’s father dies suddenly, and she and her two half brothers and her mother (her fathers mistress) gets kicked out of their home by their fathers heir and their eldest brother, they run to France, knowing that its the only safe place they can go to. Now years later, Lisette and her brother Dom have returned to England, where Dom has been working on setting up his investigating business, with his sister aiding him. But then Dom is called away on a case up in Edinburgh, and Lisette is left on her own. Then the Duke of Lyons comes knocking on her door, insisting on the location of her other brother, Tristan, who knows the location of the Dukes brother, but Tristan has disappeared. So to safeguard her brother, so goes with Maximillian in search of her brother. On their journey they are forced to pretend to be husband and wife, and as they are alone, a desire builds between the two, a desire that threatens to consume them both.

What The Duke Desires is the first book in the “Duke’s Men” series, which is the most recent series by this author. Sabrina Jeffries is a favorite of mine, when it comes to romances, and has been for many years. Many of her titles are at the top of my list as favorites. So I knew I was going to fall in love with What The Duke Desires and I was right, I could barely put this one down, and I haven’t read a story so fast in quite a while, I was so immersed with the story I could barely put this down last night to go to bed. What The Duke Desires is a book I found through my local library. What The Duke Desires is a story that is set in Regency England, but most of the book is set in France. When I started reading this book, there is quite a overwhelming feeling of emotion from the beginning. We get introduced into the Bonnaud family, and as this is the first official book of the series, I felt like it did a well job in setting up the series, and I loved seeing these two together. There was such a sizzling connection between this couple from the very beginning.

Maximillian, is the type of hero that gives you tingles. Max, is a Duke, and ever since his older brother disappeared as a child when he was a boy, he has been raised to that position. He is very arrogant, commanding, and must get his own way at all times. So when he meets Lisette he is astounded that a little piece of a woman would even think of standing up to him. I love the scenes, especially in the first meeting, definitely will give you giggles and balls of laughs. As their connection deepens, the plot thickens, and tensions rise, and passion erupts.

A Delightful romance that will take you breath away. I loved the style of this story and especially the way this series began. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Lisette and Max and their families. This story was intoxicating and addicting, a love story that is intense at times, and sweet at others. The heat in this story isn’t way hot, but isn’t light either. I felt like it had the perfect balance, that is my favorite style of sensuality. A remarkably written romance that stole my heart!!! BREATHTAKING!!! A Must read for historical romance lovers.

My Grade
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Twas The Night After Christmas
When The Rogue Returns
How The Scoundrel Seduces

Short ARC Book Review-Ten Reasons To Stay

Ten Reasons To Stay
School For Heiresses
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Star
E Book
Published May 6 2013
150 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781476731612
Author’s Website 

Synopsis
A delightful eNovella from New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries about a young woman who learns that you can’t learn about love from a textbook.

In “Ten Reasons to Stay,” previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe’s lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees—on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)—from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home…or stay forever.

My Review 
I was thrilled when I was given this ARC, even though I am not a huge fan of novella’s, I found this was to be thoroughly entertaining. It definitely didn’t have no slow start, very quick paced and easy to get into the flow of the story. I really enjoyed the charming characters that had me from the first page of the story.

It starts out with a young woman trying to steal (borrow) a horse, to escape a forced marriage and ends up a prisoner in a Gothic castle of a house with Colin Hunt who has recently returned from India. Instantly we see sparks fly between these two like fireworks, and I found their romance a adventure. It was a quick and fast read and I probably read in within a hour, only 150 in my nook, so it didn’t take very long to read—-which is sometimes nice. I felt instantly drawn into this endearing love story that captivated me from the first line. Sabrina Jeffries always delivers in  a outstanding way where she writes such stories with charm and flair. LOVED IT!!!

First Line 
The new Earl of Monteith, Colin Hunt, had been in possession of Chaunceston Hall less than a day and already trouble was afoot.

Favorite Quote 
“Have you no sense of danger, you little fool?” he exploded as he bent close. “No idea of how you tempt fate every time you open that reckless mouth of yours?”
“Not where you’re concerned,”she shot back. “Perhaps you alarm others with that black scowl, but I can tell a gentleman when I see one, and you–“
He cut off her words with a hard kiss. 
He’d meant it to shut her up, to shock her. Unfortunately, he did far more than that. It mad him conscious of her as a woman. A desirable Woman. 

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm