Wicked It Is!

Maya Rodale’s, The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement is a fantastic short story. It is the contemporary version of Rodale’s Wicked Wallflower, but in a modern setting. This novella has all the traditional elements that a traditional Rodale book contains. Set with interesting characters and witty dialogue, and fantastic writing make this first book is simply enjoyable. My only complaint is that it is too short.  Without giving away too much of the tale, Jane is the wallflower in this modern setting, and Duke well he’s the rich and powerful one.  She believes herself to be boring and spinster like and he’s known for being that traditional bad boy. When Jane and Duke both need a way to mask their true selves for their own goals, a very romantic weekend excursion ensues. Fans of Maya Rodale will no doubt enjoy this book and having not read The Wicked Wallflower previous to this I did not feel the least bit lost. If you enjoy quick serials I would highly suggest grabbing a copy of this novella that is sure to delight readers.

ARC provided by Harper Collins 4 ½ Stars

A Sweet and Delightful Historical Romance

With Lady Vivian Defies a Duke Samantha Grace, once more proves that she has the writing talents to run with the big names like Quinn, James and Jefferies. She has been on my auto buy list since the release of Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel and continues to rise into a beloved personal favorite author to read. I am waiting for a Samantha Grace book that I do not enjoy. I have enjoyed each and every one of her book releases. Lady Vivian Defies a Duke is no exception to this.  

Lady Vivian Defies a Duke is a quick and sweet read. It is the fourth book in Grace’s Beau Monde series, but it can be read on its own without feeling lost. Lady Vivian is vivacious and strong willed; she has a spark of life that sometimes is lacking in historical romance. Luke Forrest, the Duke of Foxhaven; who wants to avoid the duties that come with the title, including his betrothal to Lady Vivian. However the more he gets to know this charming lady the more he begins to want her. Their path to happiness is one that is paved with several pitfalls partially caused by Lady Vivian’s hoydenish ways.  An old enemy of Luke’s also arrives on the scenes attempting to put a wedge between the two love birds.

Lady Vivian Defies a Duke is a wonderful read. It is an example of the very reason I fell in love with historical romance genre. The characters are great, they are fresh and fun and the romance is sweet without the new normal of page after page of steamy sex scenes. I would recommend Lady Vivian and all of the previous four Beau Monde books to anyone who is looking for that feel good historical romance.

Arc provided by Netgalley. 4 ½ Stars.

A Wonderful Conclusion for Julianne and The Professor!

Let me first start by saying that of all the young/mature protagonist stories romances out there these days the Gabriel’s Inferno series has been a personal favorite on a lot of levels. I highly recommend this series of books to anyone that enjoys a well written romance. Gabriel’s Redemption was my most anticipated tale of 2013, and it does not disappoint.

Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel’s Redemption is the final book in the Gabriel’s Inferno series. I will state that with many other series you can read the books out of order but with Inferno I highly suggest that they be read in order as the books build up on each other.

Gabriel’s Redemption is that timeless love lost, love found story line. If you’ve read the first two books then you will understand the rocky road that Gabriel and Julianne have traveled.  The book itself picks up right where Gabriel’s Rapture leaves off. In Redemption readers will see a much more mature Julianne, especially when she stands up for her interpretation of Dante against a well known Dante specialist. The story also delves deeper into Gabriel’s dark past as the couple begins to discuss having a family. Family is a major story arc within Redemption among many of the characters involved.  

Gabriel’s Redemption is about the struggle with fear and guilt and making those right choices. It is about coming to terms with the past and accepting that which cannot be changed. It is also a tale about love and how the right love can ease past pains and carve a path towards a bright future. For Julianne and Gabriel the story is about taking those risks to ensure their happily ever after.

 I found this book to be a bit lighter than the previous books in the series, and loved the Superman references that popped up from time to time.  It is very well written, and unlike others in the genre it is more sensual than sexual.  Gabriel’s Redemption was the perfect way to close out the Inferno series and for those that have followed the series from the beginning it is a must have book. I loved seeing Julianne and Gabriel find their HEA.

4 ½ Starred Recommended Read