One Night of Passion by Elizabeth Boyle

May 22, 2026 By Leave a Comment


One Night of Passion by Elizabeth Boyle
Publication: Avon Books
Gene: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

They Met At London’s Notorious Cyprian’s Ball . . .

Georgiana Escott has one night to find the perfect man to ruin her and leave her with a tattered reputation so she can avoid an arranged marriage to an aging, despicable roue. With a misstep, she tumbles into the arms of the disgraced and dashing Lord Danvers. But Georgie doesn’t know that the lover she has enticed to follow her into the night and the stranger she holds responsible for her misfortunes are in the same . . .

When Lord Danvers find himself entangled with a tempting Cyprian, his secret mission to expose a dangerous spy goes awry. Yet once he starts to unmasked this bewitching lady, he realizes the seductress who claims his heart may be the traitor he seeks. Mistrust makes them adversaries in a perilous game—but how can he dismiss his obsession with her when one night of passion entwined their lives forever?

I haven’t been inspired to write a book review in almost a year. I’ve read many books since then, but none made me want to sit down and tell people why they absolutely should read it—until now. I just finished One Night of Passion by Elizabeth Boyle, a library find that completely swept me away.

I feel like I’d been starving for a book like this without even realizing how hungry I was until I started reading it. Once I opened this thirst-quenching novel, I couldn’t put it down for fear of going back to the reading slump I’d been stuck in before. Even after finishing the epilogue, I still didn’t want to close the book—and by then it was 2:00 in the morning with my alarm set for 6:00 a.m. for work.

To be fully transparent, I’ve been lazy about sitting down to write reviews lately. I debated whether I really wanted to spend the time and mental energy writing one, but this book compelled me to do it because it was just that good.

The storytelling felt like watching a movie without commercials—smooth, immersive, and impossible to pause. The plot flowed effortlessly, pulling me from one chapter to the next. When I finally did force myself to put the book down for the night, I ended up dreaming about the hero, Captain Danvers. I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a hero worthy of the title “book boyfriend.” He was handsome, intelligent, romantic, and brave—the kind of character that makes you want to be rescued by him yourself.

The heroine, Georgie, was equally entertaining. She was every bit the lady who could pack a punch—quite literally. She was a delightful damsel in distress who made me laugh out loud several times throughout the story. I found her personality incredibly relatable because of her strong will and determination once she set her mind on something.

And the chemistry between Georgie and Captain Danvers? Absolutely palpable. Their witty banter was one of my favorite parts of the novel, especially because of the timing and circumstances in which it happened. Watching their romance slowly evolve was pure delight.

The character development throughout the entire cast was wonderfully done. The mix of heroes, villains, and morally questionable characters all played important roles in the constantly twisting plot. I know I already said it, but I truly could not put this book down—even though I knew I should because it was a work night. I was completely riveted, turning pages nonstop with every new revelation. The storytelling made me feel like I was part of the adventure myself. I never once felt sleepy because there was simply no good stopping point.

One of the strongest parts of the story was how unpredictable it was. I had absolutely no idea who the traitor was. Near the end, I was reading faster and faster, second-guessing every theory I had—and in the end, it wasn’t who I expected at all.

The epilogue tied everything together perfectly with a beautiful finishing touch. I loved this entire journey from beginning to end and felt compelled to recommend it to others immediately. This is absolutely a “keeper shelf” book for me—one I can easily see myself rereading a second or even third time.

The best part? I discovered this is the first book in the Danvers Family series. I honestly can’t believe my luck finding it in the library’s honor book section. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

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The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean

December 12, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean
Scandal and Scoundrel Series #3
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (400 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The one woman he will never forget…

Malcolm Bevingstoke, Duke of Haven, has lived the last three years in self-imposed solitude, paying the price for a mistake he can never reverse and a love he lost forever. The dukedom does not wait, however, and Haven requires an heir, which means he must find himself a wife by summer’s end. There is only one problem–he already has one.

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After years in exile, Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, returns to London with a single goal–to reclaim the life she left and find happiness, unencumbered by the man who broke her heart. Haven offers her a deal; Sera can have her freedom, just as soon as she finds her replacement…which requires her to spend the summer in close quarters with the husband she does not want, but somehow cannot resist.

A love neither can deny…
The duke has a single summer to woo his wife and convince her that, despite their broken past, he can give her forever, making every day… THE DAY OF THE DUCHESS

When love it not enough, where do you go? Or do you settle for less?

Neither questions’ answer will bring happiness for the hero or heroine. Running helps you find only a part of yourself. Settling is not being true to yourself, nor does it lead you to complete happiness. Yet, Mal and Sera have to find their way if they truly want to be happy. This novel is about all the mistakes the hero has made, and he’s made some doozies. Sera’s initial mistake was loving him so quickly and completely, it led to some actions that were misconstrued. This story is about their coming back together.

The heroine steps onto the stage with dramatic flair, requesting something important to her and she gets the ball rolling. The hero has actually never forgotten her so he’s quite taken aback by her appearance, her request, and his feelings. I am so glad this is told through third person point of view. I felt the book is well served by seeing things from both sides.

I enjoyed the chance to see how each felt and I liked watching them fall in love again. It was like pulling teeth getting them to admit the full truth. The author did a wonderful job of keeping my interest. I liked meeting Caleb and Ms. MacLean used his character to perfection. True, it was a tad formulaic, but I didn’t care. He was so fascinating, I am pretty sure he deserves his own happy ever after some day.

I adored the final chapter and the epilogue because they made me feel absolutely happy and satisfied and glad I read The Day of the Duchess. This is a wonderful read for a lazy afternoon and is an easy recommend.

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A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase

November 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment


A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (396 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Not all dukes are created equal. Most are upstanding members of Society. And then there’s the trio known as Their Dis-Graces.

Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend’s bride. All he’s trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom.

For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family’s ecstatic. And Olympia? She’s climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway. But tall, dark, and exasperating Ripley is hot on her trail, determined to bring her back to his friend. For once, the world-famous hellion is trying to do the honorable thing.
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So why does Olympia have to make it so deliciously difficult for him . . . ?

Get ready for a novel that ends as adorable as the beginning is rascally. I know this book is a romance but the tone, pace, dialogue and descriptions all inspired joy, smiles, happy anticipation and delighted laughter. This has to be one of the most upbeat romances I’ve read in a long time. It’s fun with a capital F.

Usually the groom is the no show at a wedding but in A Duke in Shining Armor it’s the heroine who does the fleeing and her madcap dash for freedom is witnessed and then abetted by the hero, the Duke of Ripley. Of course, he’s just there to make sure she’s safe until she changes her mind and goes back to his best friend to get married. He’s sure she’s going to change her mind, isn’t she? Okay, not this time but she will, right? What follows is a charming and hilarious adventure as Lady Olympia runs from what she knows she should do, what she always does because she’s so proper, and ends up learning more about herself in a few days than she’s ever learned in all the years before. It’s shocking! It’s eye-opening and I never knew what pickle she’d get into next. Olympia is a riot.

Ripley, though his aunt calls him Hugh, was a thoroughly wonderful hero. Seeing him slowly discovering the wonder that is Olympia has high entertainment value and I was charmed. At first he was noble, then tempted; he fights the temptation and then comes the ‘kiss’. It’s at that point he opened the Pandora’s Box called Lady Olympia Hightower and the book turned sensual, seductive and very romantic. A Duke in Shining Armor shifted into high gear and became a novel I could not put down. I can’t even begin to tell you all the things the poor hero had to deal with in trying to keep up with the heroine.

The only thing that made me roll my eyes is Ashmont. He really needs a wakeup call and a boot in his derrière because he was so weak! He and Blackwood were secondary characters and Ripley’s best buds, but Ashmont is the one who created the impetus for the entire conflict. Of course, he is the perfect character to get his story next because Ashmont’s uncle thinks a lady like Olympia is perfect for him. I almost (pinches fingers) feel sorry for the guy when Ms. Chase pairs him with a lady who’s more than a match for him. That is one book I DON’T want to miss!! In any event, he and Blackwood set off on the adventure of ‘retrieving his bride’. Here’s the thing, he came across as … still a boy. By the time this novel wraps up, I got the sense that Ashmont is finally getting a clue.

I adored how the author had Ripley and Olympia play. The hero is imaginative and full of fun and he helps the heroine see she’s capable of being spontaneous and silly and the sky wouldn’t fall. I enjoyed his yearning for her but beating himself up because he shouldn’t. I mean, he IS the best friend of the intended groom. That was a great conflict and I liked how Ms. Chase handled it.

There is so much I want to say, I’m having a hard time trying to rein myself in. A Duke in Shining Armor is refreshing, amusing, well written and a lot more labels I could tack on. I think the happy ever after ending is perfect. It’s just a great read and I loudly say, Don’t Miss This Book!

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Wilde in Love by Eloisa James

November 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Wilde in Love by Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (412 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Lord Alaric Wilde, son of the Duke of Lindow, is the most celebrated man in England, revered for his dangerous adventures and rakish good looks. Arriving home from years abroad, he has no idea of his own celebrity until his boat is met by mobs of screaming ladies. Alaric escapes to his father’s castle, but just as he grasps that he’s not only famous but notorious, he encounters the very private, very witty, Miss Willa Ffynche.

Willa presents the façade of a serene young lady to the world. Her love of books and bawdy jokes is purely for the delight of her intimate friends. She wants nothing to do with a man whose private life is splashed over every newspaper.

Alaric has never met a woman he wanted for his own . . . until he meets Willa. He’s never lost a battle.

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What’s a famous man to do when he’s famous for things that never happened? For things that paint him as a public personality when he’s so much the reverse? Adding in the complications from a heroine who wants absolutely no part of a man so much in the public eye that he seems shameless creates quite the conundrum. Such is the contrary, fun and complicated romance between Alaric and Willa.

This novel is definitely character driven because it’s a push/pull between what the heroine expects a future husband should be and a hero who wants to be what she needs but is stymied by something that he truly can’t control. It’s like Lord Wilde is a rock star of the Regency period. Woman steal the bricks from his home, they want to tour where he supposedly trod as a child – they are obsessive and frenzied romantic fans of a man who is a larger than life hero. Because of all that unwanted attention Alaric has become a man wary of a woman’s intentions, until he meets the most unusual and fascinating Willa. I enjoyed when they met but I really liked how he slowly realized that she wasn’t a sycophant. In fact the heroine is the complete opposite and she kept him at arm’s length. Well, she tried to but eventually she spends enough time with the hero to see the man underneath the fame. The reason why she has that time to explore and delve into the man named Alaric is what endeared me to their romance – I was charmed, entertained and thoroughly invested in seeing them come together and fall in love.

The weird twist comes from the dynamics of both heroine and hero having alternate personalities. Ms. James found a unique technique to explore a romance between two people that seemed so different but are in truth very much alike. Sure, they fight it and that’s half the fun but how everything gets resolved is cheeky and adorable.

Just in case a reader thinks it’s all seduction, light hearted problems and fluffy prose, the author does include a villain to spice things up. It didn’t take me long to figure out that this person was not only going to be a problem, I even guessed quite correctly the method of diabolical intent and delivery. Even knowing that didn’t detract from my enjoyment because it’s always the presentation that can make or break a scene and I’m glad to report that Ms. James employed a clever and impressive solution.

As for secondary characters, there is quite a few that made an impact, not only in Alaric and Willa’s romance but as couples themselves. Parth and Roland stand out the clearest. Roland for his bad clothing taste, and Parth for his sour grapes personality towards the heroine’s cohort in crime made both of them kind of comical yet the author did hint at serious depths so there is definitely more to learn in future books. I am certainly looking forward to the discovery. But my absolute favorite characters were Sweetpea and Hannibal. What a fascinating pair and definitely assets to the heroine and hero.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t wax poetic about Alaric and Willa finally succumbing to that wonderful buildup of repressed passion they both inspired in each other. Those were well written, inventive, and quite enjoyable. Just make sure to have something cool to drink for a few of the scenes – they were a lot hotter than I expected causing me to blink a few times. Whoa.

All in all, Wilde in Love is a historical romance treat. The antics that surround the fandom of Lord Wilde, the adventurer, made me snort and snicker quite a few times. I think the final scene was done with flair, style and was greatly amusing. I believe that fans of Ms. James will be quite pleased in meeting Alaric and Willa. They were a fun couple and I’m glad I met them. I can’t wait to see whose story gets told next. I hope it’s as good as Wilde in Love.

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How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment


How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (375 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

She’s trying to follow the rules…

When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer’s library, she’s convinced someone is playing a cruel joke. With three younger siblings to support, she knows she has to marry for money, but who might have guessed how desperate she’s become? A guidebook to seduction might be just the thing she needs—and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?

…But he’s making his own
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James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, has been summoned to rescue his aunt from a blackmailer, a task that requires him to pose as the new estate manager, and his primary suspect is his aunt’s companion, Elizabeth. Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious little rulebook, he gallantly offers to help her find a husband… by practicing her wiles on him. But when practice becomes all too perfect, James decides that there is only one rule worth following—that Elizabeth marry her marquis.

The pen is mightier than the sword. However, in this novel a book is mightier because there’s a whole host of words and those words wreak havoc on the life of one Elizabeth Hotchkiss, heroine.

Elizabeth is a wonderful person but she doesn’t have a lot of joy in her life. What she does have is responsibilities, and they are impressively written. A reader comes to understand the scope of her dedication and sacrifice due to the author’s excellent attention to detail, dialogue and the ability to touch my heart.

I can see why Lady Danbury eventually chooses to do what she did. I suspected, but I never quite felt sure of it until it was confirmed. I’m actually glad Ms. Quinn took that route – it made the dragon of a woman into someone I could admire and respect. As with historicals, half of the conflict comes from never baldly stating things like we do now. You had to have finesse back then to plan, manipulate and scheme while continuing to talk like a lady with none the wiser. Unlike Mr. Twain who said, “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”, dialogue back then was full of almost right words. It’s not a wonder then how things got resolved despite the verbal dance.

I liked James. I had a bit of sympathy for him. True, his lament is the same heard used by many handsome, rich and titled men in romance books – “they want me for my money and title, not for the man I am.” That trope is used here to good effect. Alas, the heroine’s reaction when finding out is typical, but the setting was not. The reveal was not. It really was quite comical, although the heroine and hero surely didn’t find it so. But Blake did and it turns out that his character, though secondary, made an impact on me. I’ll have to check Ms. Quinn’s back list to find out if there’s a story of him being bitten by the love bug too.

When Elizabeth and James finally succumbed to incendiary passion, after simmering so long, it was a long time coming. I was very gratified to see that they are perfect for each other which is a credit to Ms. Quinn’s writing.

The happy ever after is as charming and cute as the story began but very satisfying indeed. How to Marry a Marquis is an easy book to recommend because it’s good, solid entertainment. It left me feeling happy and glad to have read the novel. What a fun read!

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Dark Gold by Christine Feehan

April 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

GOLD
Dark Gold by Christine Feehan
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (312 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

They were masters of the darkness, searching through eternity for a mistress of the light . . .
Alexandria Houton will sacrifice anything–even her life –to protect her orphaned little brother. But when both encounter an unspeakable evil in the swirling San Francisco mists, Alex can only cry to heaven for their deliverance . . . And out of the darkness swoops Aidan Savage, a golden being more powerful, more mysterious, than any other creature of the night. The ageless Carpathian male snatches them from a hideous fate. But is Aidan Alex’s salvation . . . or her sin? If she surrenders to Aidan’s savage, unearthly seduction, and gives him the color, the light, the family he craves, will Alex truly save her brother? Or sacrifice more than her life?

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Ms. Feehan’s Carpathian series have pretty much the same scenario. They’re based on a race that over time, without finding their one true mate, the other half to their soul, they slowly lose the ability to feel emotion or to see color or to have any interest in life at all except for duty, honor and the ingrained need to protect their race, humans and the distant hope of finding the woman who will save them. What makes each and every one unique is the heroine, the circumstances under which they meet and the dangers they must overcome in order to reach their HEA.

Ms. Feehan’s heroes are all alpha. They’re dominant, commanding and expect obedience. The fun part about that is they have to adjust when their woman ends up being a modern, independent thinker who’s been self-reliant for a long time. So, they butt heads. Aiden is a typical Carpathian male. Alexandria is a not so typical human female but independent with a strong will. Those two personality traits are going to save her life, and eventually, Aiden’s.

The story this time around has a few vampire/Carpathian conflicts to spice things up but the bulk of the plot is character driven. Alexandria just can’t accept that the life she knew is over and resents and distrusts the new way of life she now has to learn. For the most part, her concerns are valid. However, the book would have been much shorter if she didn’t have quite so many anxiety attacks after which she backslides and Aiden has to work on getting her to trust him all over again. It got a bit tedious. Also, Ms. Feehan repeats things a lot. I don’t think it’s a filler as much as it is a mantra since I’ve noticed it in her other books in the series. It’s just the way she writes about her Carpathians. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t drive me nuts, it does but I’ve read enough of them to just ignore it. It’s her style. Then again, I mention it so new readers won’t think the author is being lazy by doing that. I don’t think that’s the case at all.

I liked Alexandria’s brother, and Aiden’s housekeepers. They’re good folk who prove pivotal at certain points throughout the novel. I also liked seeing Gregori. There’s a set up here for his romance and HEA coming and that’s one romance story to look forward to. He’s so scary in this book!

Dark Gold was a good read. It’s entertaining, and highly likable. Aiden is sexy once he gets going and Alexandria is a great sister to Joshua. Aiden is very sneaky. I liked that about him. My favorite part was with the crème puffs and the bee. The heroine’s stubbornness eventually becomes an asset to the hero and the happy ever after is complete and satisfying. It’s a fascinating romance and worth recommending to other paranormal romance readers.

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One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands

September 10, 2013 By 2 Comments

VAMPIRE
One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (226 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn’t want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He’s barely had time to adjust to his new state before he’s roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he’ll put a stop to whoever’s targeting her. Then he’ll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

Mixing a bit of mystery with an Immortal matchmaker and a disgruntled man who isn’t comfortable with what he is makes for a good plot conflict. Throw in a damsel in distress but in denial and it’s a better conflict. Add in that the damsel is actually the guy’s lifemate and the story is a winner. Ms. Sands delivers another entertaining and fun read for fans to enjoy.
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Jake is going through the motions of living his life but not really enjoying it. His job is hard and he gets to play hero but he’s too much a loner and doesn’t let anyone get close. It takes the wonderfully manipulative Marguerite Argeneau to find a way to bring him back to living in the best possible way. Not that he’s thrilled about it. The man can’t cook and I was greatly entertained by his efforts. I have to give the guy credit though; he’s not a quitter.

Enter Nicole Phillips, artist, almost divorced and as determined as a woman could be to avoid any future dealings with men. Of course, she never counted on being in Marguerite’s crosshairs. The heroine is like a daughter to Marguerite so when she thinks there are sneaky things happening to Nicole she knows just who to ask for help. I liked watching Nicole’s reaction to Jake. She’s noticing but trying not to notice, admiring but trying not to. As all romance readers will suspect, it’s a lost cause. Love is in the air.

The initial part of the book covers the suspicions, motives, and everyone getting to know the other. There’s a throwaway character named Dan who I am waffling about. He’s sort of important in the beginning when a reader first meets Jake because of the insights he provides. Then he arrives to take part in another critical scene and the he poofs off-stage again. That left me puzzled. I think his character, though thoroughly likeable, was too convenient. He was used and then thrown away. It felt like a Band-Aid to me. The thing is, I liked him and I think he’d be a good addition to the series based upon what the author shared through Nicole’s POV.

As for other characters, I really do enjoy it when the Argeneau and Notte family members come to visit. I like that feeling of community, family and never having to worry about not having a safety net. In this story they are practically falling over themselves as they try to help Nicole and Jake. One thing is for sure, they provided plenty of comedic moments and I enjoyed how they had fun teasing Jake and making Nicole blush.

The ultimate conflict resolution came out of left field. So many ideas and theories abounded and yet the one thing no one ever thought of ended up being the answer. I don’t believe there were any clues at all. It was like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. But the best thing was the scene of the take-down. It was funny, clever and a bit whacky. In essence, it was perfect. Jake sure appreciated it. A lot.

One Lucky Vampire is a wonderfully rousing story that was a pleasure to read. I liked the upbeat tone of the book and the dialogue between Jake and Nicole. I loved the reactions of his family when they read Nicole’s thoughts and the gentle laughter they all shared. The scene when Jake got sick was very worrisome but even in that, Ms. Sands interjected some humorous touches. This is an amusing, sweet and well told story with a very spicy heat level sure to please readers who enjoy a newbie’s reaction to the discoveries of the joys of ‘shared sex’ between lifemates. The author knows how to make a reader giggle even while the main characters are in the throes of passion. Genius.

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