Archives for July 2016

The Great Estate by Sherri Browning

July 7, 2016 By Leave a Comment

STATE
The Great Estate by Sherri Browning
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Bluet

Pulled apart by past mistakes…

Sophia Thorne was young and inexperienced when she married the dashing Earl of Averford . . . and through dark and troubled times, their relationship nearly came to an end. Now she’s determined to transform herself into the fiery, ardent lover she always wanted to be, giving them a second chance at love . . . before they’re lost to each other forever.
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Driven by a passion neither could deny…

It took nearly losing Sophia for Gabriel to realize he had allowed his love for his great estate to distract him from his beautiful wife. But that time is over. Despite all the obstacles standing in their way, Gabriel vows to teach Sophia what it is to truly love . . . and to be loved by a husband devoted heart and soul to her every desire.

The Great Estate opens with a bang, with Sophia Thorne, Countess Averford, looking at her own portrait and reflecting on the mistakes she’s made. Her marriage was already on shaky ground, when she gave into temptation and kissed another man. Her husband, Gabriel, walked in to find her willingly in another man’s arms. As their marriage deteriorated further, Gabriel decides he has to get away, and leaves for Italy, where he ends up spending a year. Sophia only learns of his return to England second hand, and decides to travel to London to welcome him home, and work on repairing their marriage. As seems to happen with this somewhat star-crossed couple, Gabriel is travelling home at the same time, and the two miss each other.

I’m a great fan of the trope of estranged couples getting back together, but not when it’s due simply to a lack of communication, and this couple could win the prize for not communicating, especially Sophia. I admit that Sophia showed some growth over the course of the book, but I never totally warmed up to her. For example, she greatly enjoyed her initiation into physical love, and Gabriel could tell. Then she remembers that her mother told her that ladies don’t enjoy sex, only whores do, so she turns from hot to barely lukewarm in Gabriel’s arms, leaving him baffled about the change. I hated that she kept pushing Gabriel away after the loss of their child. When he finally stops trying, she seeks out another man to feel wanted.

On the other hand, I adored Gabriel, and found him almost too good to be true. Despite catching Sophia with another man, he remained faithful. His trip to Italy was for self reflection and to learn how to be a better husband and more romantic man in order to win his wife back. I was amazed at the thoughtful and generous gift he planned for Sophia, only to have her all but throw it back in his face.

Sherri Browning writes very well, and I found myself engrossed in this compelling story, wanting to see if this troubled couple could really make a go of it. I plan to read the first two books in this series, perhaps to gain more insight into Sophia’s and Gabriel’s past, as The Great Estate picks up at their estrangement and separation. If you enjoy a story of reconciled lovers, this one’s for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Saving Abby by Steena Holmes

July 6, 2016 By Leave a Comment

ABBY
Saving Abby by Steena Holmes
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (298 pgs)
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Thistledown

All children’s book illustrator Claire Turner ever wanted was to be a mother. After six years of trying to conceive, she and her husband, Josh, have finally accepted that she will never be pregnant with a child of their own.

Yet once they give up hope, the couple gets the miracle they’ve been waiting for. For the first few months of her pregnancy, Claire and Josh are living on cloud nine. But when she begins to experience debilitating headaches, blurred vision, and even fainting spells, the soon-to-be mother goes to the doctor and receives a terrifying diagnosis. Since any treatment could put their unborn baby’s life at risk, the Turners must carefully weigh their limited options. And as her symptoms worsen, Claire will have to make an impossible decision: Save her own life, or save her child’s?

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Sounds like a romance right? Not exactly. Claire Turner and her husband Josh have spent years trying to successfully have a baby. As children’s book writers and illustrators, they are constantly in the face of what she wants most: a child. When she gets back from her trip and feels laggy, Claire finds out she is pregnant, but back to back with that news is something far worse. She has brain cancer and to treat it would very likely kill the life growing inside of her.

As a young woman Claire was forced to give up her child and now wants this baby with a consuming passion despite the health risks involved. At one point she even delays a doctor visit that might have helped her and I’m not really sure why.

This book should have grabbed me but from the onset, it lacked the emotional depth I would have expected from a storyline such as this. Gut wrenching choices? Absolutely. But I didn’t feel like I could connect with the character at all and that made me want to get through the book as quickly as possible so I didn’t have to prolong the read.

In the beginning, the relationship between the couple is set up well and you get the solid basis that is their life. It is very slow however. But when she gets the diagnosis, the book wavers and it becomes plodding in a way. I also kept looking for this Abby person the title suggested. Who is she? It was toward the end that I realized it was the baby that we hadn’t even really had much to do with. I think I would have called this book something else.

All in all it is a solid woman’s fiction novel but it left me sort of cold. Choices were made-hard ones- about a woman’s life and the life of her child but in the end I didn’t particularly care and wanted the book to be done. Not what I was expecting at all and that saddened me. I may read more from this author and I understand her other books are more engrossing but this one needed something to spark more reader identity.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Tempted by a Kiss by Anna Durand

July 5, 2016 By 1 Comment

KISS
Tempted by a Kiss by Anna Durand
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (28 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Mel Thompson just dumped her cheating ex after two years together. Now she’s determined to understand the allure of casual sex by having a steamy fling of her own at a notoriously raunchy underground club. When her best friend, Adam Caras, catches on to her plan, he makes a surprising offer to derail her. If she wants a hot fling, he’ll give it to her.

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Heat, heart and friends…what could be better?

I love the friends to possible lovers trope. Love it. This book didn’t disappoint. The characters are interesting and I liked reading about them. Ms. Durand spun a good tale. I got emotionally involved right away and hoped the characters would get together. For a short book, this delivers the heat, too. Whew!!

One thing that took me out of the story was the use of independent body parts. It was a tad jarring when a character’s hand seemed to move independently of the rest of him or her. That said, I still liked the book and I’m glad I got to read it.

Mel is easy to relate to–she’s had a rough patch and well, she wants to try again in dating. Who hasn’t been there? Then there’s Adam. I loved the description of him. I wanted to lick him, too. He’s sweet and perfect for her.

If you want a book that’s hot, but not too hot and has a lot of heart, then this might be the book for you!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Shadow of a Honeybun by Sam Cheever

July 5, 2016 By Leave a Comment

SHADOW
Shadow of a Honeybun by Sam Cheever
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Short Story (71 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Humorous, sexy interracial romance and suspense!

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Blaise Runa likes to push the envelope. But her party girl ways are destined to come back to bite her. Blaise doesn’t take anything seriously. Unfortunately for her, serious, in a truly yummy form, is about to settle around her like a dark fog. And he’s already not amused by her antics.

Short, hot and full of action!

I’m a sucker for the works of Sam Cheever, I won’t lie. I love the way the author spins a quick, action-packed tale. Shadow of a Honeybun hit the spot. The writing was tight and lively. The story flowed well and I was hooked right away.

The characters are interesting and while this is a short read, there’s enough to give a taste of what will happen next without being overburdened. I loved it. I also loved the descriptions of the characters. I could see Blaise and Dolfe very well. Where can I find a Honeybun for my own? Yum! Oh, and you’ll understand the meaning of the word stay, but with a hero like Dolfe…reasoning would be pretty difficult. Grin.

If you want a book that’s a great segue into the Honeybun series and you want a hot hero, then this book is for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

No One But You by Leigh Greenwood

July 4, 2016 By Leave a Comment

YOU
No One But You by Leigh Greenwood
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (401 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

HARD TIMES, DESPERATE MEASURES

Sarah Winborne needed a man. Almost any strong man. As a Texas war widow with two small children, she was struggling desperately. There was no money to pay cowhands, no choice but to offer herself in exchange for the backbreaking work required to save her ranch.

Then, just as things seemed darkest, she found a prospect with the kind of broad shoulders and lean body that could accomplish anything. Here was someone Sarah could count on, someone who made her feel pretty for the first time in years. Benton Wheeler was someone who could protect her from all the dangers facing a lone woman in the West. And while their marriage was a business arrangement any man could fill, from the moment he took her in his arms, her heart said…

No One But You takes the reader to Texas a few years after the Civil War when desperate needs demanded desperate action.
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Debts, anxiety, doubts, and fear gnaw at Sarah Winborne. With the only bargaining chip she has, she goes to find a husband, a good hardworking, honest man who will agree to her conditions. She needs a miracle.

When they arrive at the Randolph ranch, Sarah and her seven-year-old twins, Jared with a withered leg and Ellen a confirmed tomboy, step into a world like they’ve never known. There they see love, joy, cooperation, bickering, teasing, hard work, respect, and a ranch beginning to prosper.

This segment of the story is a delight. The characters come alive with the excellent writing of Leigh Greenwood. The young, pregnant Rose rules her houseful of men with love and with a firm hand that her men honor.

Here Sarah finds two men willing to consider her conditions. She plans to be practical. However, when she voices her choice, her heart shoves her brain aside and speaks loud and clear—Benton Wheeler (Salty). He’s a man from war ravaged Georgia. His back story weaves a strong thread through the tapestry of this story—compelling and heartbreaking. He is unforgettable—a man with every reason to be bitter. But he chose another path.

The villains, with their self-centered desires, create some heart-stopping incidents that threaten not only the livelihood of Sarah, Salty, Jared, and Ellen but also threaten their lives. One particular conflict set in the thorny thickets of South Texas had me reading at breakneck speed as I struggled to help with the escape—scary; then comes comic relief from the intrepid Ellen who made me smile so often throughout the story. Children add a captivating, special dimension to the story.

Not to be missed is the golden thread in the tapestry of Sarah and Salty, neither of whom has ever known love. As they set in to make a practical life together, love wiggles its way in among the doubts and fears. Love not only works its magic to bring about oh so satisfying physical ecstasy, it also brings a trusting, caring, forever love that encompasses the children.

No One But You is a joy to read and so polished. It is a winner. Leigh Greenwood writes in a classy style that gives the reader an emotion-filled, vicarious journey with well-developed characters. EXCELLENT READING!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray

July 4, 2016 By Leave a Comment

HIDDEN
Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational
Length: Full Length (161 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When Anna decides it’s time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn’t know where to turn. Rob has completely won over her parents, and the entire community, with his good looks and smooth charm. Only Anna has seen his dark side.

Desperate, she runs to the only place she’s ever felt completely safe—the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. The family welcomes her in, and with few questions asked allows her to stay, dressed in Plain clothing, and help around the inn.

Katie’s older brother Henry is the only one who doesn’t take too kindly to the intrusion. He tries to ignore Anna, knowing no good would ever come from caring for an Englisher like her. But as he gets to know Anna, he discovers her good heart and is surprised with her readiness to accept their lifestyle.

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I remember the 80s movie Witness and after I started reading Hidden I found it easy to make a few parallel observations. The difference is that in this novel the romance bears fruit and there’s an HEA. I enjoyed the simple, profound and gentle romance between two very divergent people.

Henry and Anna are the main protagonists who at first don’t get along well – oil and water. As with all good romance stories, as circumstances affect them, as they get to know each other and see each other as they really are, feelings start to grow, respect is nurtured and understanding develops.

The character with the most to gain, lose, grow and change is Anna. She’s running for safety; she’s felt lost in her own world for a long time and someone does not want her to leave it. Time is running out. There’s a guy hot on her tail and he’s not very nice. Where can she turn? Who will help her? It turns out the least obvious is the best bet, but can she leave all that she knew behind? Surprisingly it’s her faith in religion that slowly guides her to make the choices that lead her to what her heart had been searching for and never found in all that she’s done in her life so far. It takes the calm and focused lifestyle of the Amish to give Anna the time to slow down, to think, to feel, and most importantly, listen to what God was trying to tell her. There’s so much Englisher static from her background it takes a while for Anna to finally hear.

The story is told mostly from Anna’s point of view, then Henry’s. The villain gets his say and he’s a sad specimen of humanity. The author made it very clear as the plot unfolded that something really isn’t right with that guy. He was an effective antagonist.

The one thing that saddened me about this novel was Anna’s mother. Her dad was written quite well and I liked him. The mother was a head case. Where there should have been redemption, she just didn’t get it, not truly, and I was disappointed in her final act on stage. Didn’t she learn anything?

I liked the dramatic conclusion and found it showcased all the main characters’ strengths. I liked the secondary characters and found them helpful as Anna and Henry navigated their growing attraction. The happy ever after was sweet and full of spirituality and love. It was tender and brought a smile to my face.

Hidden is a delightful change of pace from the many frenetic, violent or over the top sexy stories out there. Sometimes, a reader just wants a story of the heart, about two people overcoming seemingly unsurmountable odds to find love, happiness and fulfillment in a deeper way than most can comprehend. There are times where I need to be reminded that love isn’t proved by material things or boisterous gestures, but by trust in another person and the faith, love and respect they have for their God and each other. It can be beautiful and Ms. Gray did a wonderful job of capturing that with her story.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Wyoming Fierce by Diana Palmer

July 4, 2016 By Leave a Comment

WYOMING
Wyoming Fierce by Diana Palmer
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Ranch owner Cane Kirk lost more than his arm in the war. He lost his way, battling his inner demons by challenging any cowboy unfortunate enough to get in his way. No one seems to be able to cool him down, except beautiful Bodie Mays. Bodie doesn’t mind saving Cane from himself, even if he is a little too tempting for her own peace of mind.

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Wyoming Fierce is a character driven romance that delves into the emotional morass that comes from a man losing his arm, even heroically, and the downward spiral from his belief he’s now ‘less than a man’. The hero, Cane Kirk, is so stuck in a rut, a destructive one at that, he can’t see a way out. Enter Bodie, a woman who secretly loves him and who will put up with a lot just to be there when he needs her, until Cane commits one final act that drives her away.

The turmoil is believable, the sensual tension between Bodie and Cane is palpable, and the heartfelt self-reflection that comes about from tragedy grabs a reader’s heartstrings and won’t let go. Ms. Palmer created two characters that bear the weight of so many troubles that it’s a testament to their fortitude, faith and familial love that they not only survive but come out stronger in the end.

There are two plot conflicts; Cane’s is mostly internal, and Bodie’s is both external and internal. The heroine’s predicament is compounded by her stepfather from hell. The good thing about effective and well written villains in romance books is that they eventually get their comeuppance. That sad part is that there are creeps like that in real life. I wish they all got what they deserved as effectively as Bodie’s stepfather did. Unfortunately, most women don’t have allies with mad computer skills at their disposal that can do amazing feats on the internet like a cyber-Samurai. It was a nice touch for the book, but alas, not an option for most of the real world.

I enjoyed the sensual teasing and verbal seduction that occurred whenever Cane and Bodie were alone. It built and built until a reader is absolutely certain that it’s going to explode, any chapter now. Except, Ms. Palmer taunted Cane and readers with a “carrot stick” approach, framing it with a moment in time that made sense to the hero and heroine. The choice of placement and timing made it a very satisfying read. The bedroom door was open, but the descriptions were gentle and poignant but no less hot for their restraint.

I really enjoyed Wyoming Fierce because I liked Cane and Bodie, I appreciated all the secondary characters that joined them on their journey to their happy ever after, and I valued Bodie’s sense of modesty even though she burned for Cane just as much as he burned for her. This is a well written and engaging story and it was easy to read. Even though Wyoming Fierce is part of a series, it’s a solid standalone read and I encourage readers to discover the Kirk brothers in any order they wish. They are all great reads and this novel is consistent of the written talent that is Ms. Palmer. It’s romance.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sawyer’s Rose by Kim Turner

July 1, 2016 By 1 Comment

ROSE
Sawyer’s Rose by Kim Turner
 The McCades of Cheyenne, Book I
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (472 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

As if he doesn’t have enough to handle between running outlaws out of Cheyenne, keeping his brothers out of trouble, and avenging his father’s death, Sheriff Sawyer McCade’s meddling mother just dumped a mysterious mail-order bride on his doorstep. One woman can be more trouble than a band of renegades, and while this one has him all stirred up, he’d rather get to the bottom of the story she isn’t telling.

Rose Parker had it all—until a web of danger and deceit sends her running to Cheyenne posing as a mail-order bride. Escaping the evils of New York seems sensible until she meets the unsuspecting sheriff who didn’t ask for her, has no intention of marrying her, and won’t rest until he uncovers her secret and sends her back home.

Compliments to Kim Turner on a captivating first book to a series. Sawyer’s Rose, filled with conflicts tripping over each other, has characters that grab one’s attention, each in his or her own unique way and leaves a lasting impression.
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The testosterone charged conflicts nearly suck all the air out of the room at times. The McCade men do NOT do anything in halfway measures—be it fighting, working, loving, or whatever.

Sawyer, the sheriff and the oldest of the Macade men, rides herd on his brothers as well as can be expected with four strong-minded males involved. Strong words and fists enter into their “discussions” from time to time. His mother, Dodge, is another thing all together. That dear woman is a force to be reckoned with. She tells Sawyer to go pick up his mail-order bride that is coming in on the train—the story behind this gets untangled bit by piece as the plot unfolds.

Rose Parker, once off the train, knows she is treading on unfamiliar territory, but she perseveres. Raised a pampered, protected daughter, she could have fallen apart at the challenges she faces. However, she holds her own and then some with whatever or whomever has to be dealt with, man or beast. No way is she going back to what she escaped in New York. She is a heroine to love.

The fight scenes come to life with the adrenaline-racing and the feelings of “whatever-it-takes” ruling the action. Whether it’s a fight between brothers, a fight in the bar with drunks and outlaws, or a battle with long-time enemy Benton and his crews, the action is always full steam ahead.

The love scenes are just as intense, but are oh so breathtakingly satisfying—gentle, sweet ecstasy that makes one sigh with pleasure—with spice but nice.

A little more research would have been good to be sure of the difference in a cow, a calf, a yearling; rein and reign; bawl and bay. And, the old English teacher will sigh and say there’s “I” used for the object pronoun again instead of “me.” But I zoomed over these things with little hesitation because I needed to know what the characters would do next. I’m looking forward to the coming stories of the McCades.

GOOD READING!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

July 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment

SIN
Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (245 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery’s household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH
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Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can’t resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

He was a dastardly villain in Sweetest Scoundrel and the things he did put everyone in sixes and sevens by trying to kidnap the same woman numerous times, amongst other things. How then, can a man who everyone does not trust, some even hate, become a hero? How can a man exiled from his country come back and reassert himself into the ton? Readers, get ready because The Duke of Montgomery is back and he’s nothing like you’ve read before.

To say that I was blown away by Val is an understatement. Ms. Hoyt outdid herself with his story, and what a convoluted tale it is. This novel is definitely a standalone read but for readers of the series, Duke of Sin picks up at end of Sweetest Scoundrel when Mrs. Crumb, the ever so proper, efficient and organized housekeeper is caught with her hand in the cookie jar – so-to-speak. What she finds is something with huge ramifications and pertains to one of the subplots in this newest adventure.

I am sitting here trying to formulate how much to say without giving away any spoilers and I’m once again reminded just how rich, busy and robust this whole complicated courtship is between the duke and his housekeeper. I simply don’t know where to start.

First, Val, the Duke of Montgomery is a tortured hero. You have no idea what his childhood was like until he shared it with Mrs. Crumb, a/k/a Bridget, in small increments throughout the whole novel. Once the bulk of it was revealed, I felt ill. Ms. Hoyt’s descriptions broke my heart. The true villains were Val’s own family and once I understood the extent of his abuse, I understood why a man that made the perfect villain in previous novels makes the absolute best hero that can appeal to any woman who wants to love, cherish and heal her man. It’s going to take a special touch, a unique woman and a dramatic gesture of romantic sacrifice to create the catharsis that will heal the past and insure a future. Oh my gosh, the passion!!

Bridget has a lot of secrets. She’s a strong heroine and is totally worthy of her eventual relationship with the Duke of Montgomery, even though it will never go far. I mean, who ever heard of a DUKE marrying his housekeeper? There is a lot more to Mrs. Crumb that meets the eye and as I learned about her, I came to respect her and cheer for her blossoming relationship with Val. She’s so proper, so sure of herself and her vision of what is right and wrong is clear and concise, yet she’s flexible, thoughtful and capable of whimsy, when she allows herself. She’s a woman with great passion and when Val finally taps into it the pages practically explode into flames. Val teaches Bridget the glories between a man and a woman, to the point that Bridget wants more than Val can give – that’s the hope, the challenge and the heartbreak. My emotions were wrapped up in Val and Bridget’s romance and it was a twisty roller coaster ride of surprises.

Make no mistake, Val is a product of a twisted childhood and his actions can be violent and swift. And, for all the blood, he makes a kind of backwards sense, a logic that, if I follow it right, means he cared enough to make things quick versus the alternative. I was shocked at his casual violence but more stunned in my agreeing with his thinking. In his own way, he has developed his own sense of justice and morality. It was thoroughly unique. His willingness to act is absolutely crucial towards the end of the book and in that he epitomizes the definition of the word, hero.

There are so many layers to this novel, some of which involve secondary characters that play critical roles in the relationship between Val and Bridget. There are adorable moments, like Pip the dog, and others that made me laugh and some that left me puzzled because Val is an enigma and how he dealt with people was so unusual and abrasive.

Duke of Sin is one of those books that stay with a reader long after the last page is read. Val is a hero that is unexpected, inimitable and charming in his egotistical way. He is a man I’ll remember as being a personality that truly and believably went from villain to hero and I fell in love with him along with Bridget. He’s not a comfortable or banal character. He’s not dull or predicable. Ms. Hoyt struck gold when she introduced her readers to the Duke of Montgomery. I hope this novel receives many accolades because in my estimation, it earns every single one. I’m a very happy reader.

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