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Review: The Marrying Season – Pocket Books – Candace Camp

April 16, 2013

The Marrying Season

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Expected Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Imprint: Pocket Books
Author’s Website: http://www.candace-camp.com/
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, St. Dwynwen
Series Best Read In Order: Worked reasonably well as a standalone; would recommend reading in order
Steam Level: Warm
Pet Peeves: None
Favorite Tropes: Marriage To Avoid Scandal, Friends To Lovers

Official Blurb:

Genevieve Stafford, the younger sister of the Earl of Rawdon (A Summer Seduction), is an icy but beautiful aristocrat. Determined to make the sort of marital alliance expected of a woman of her station, she becomes engaged to the scion of another noble family. However, when Genevieve finds herself entangled in scandal, her fiancé breaks things off. Shamed, she has no recourse but to retreat to the family estate…until her brother’s friend, Sir Myles Thorwood, offers to marry Genevieve and salvage her reputation.

Genevieve expects to have a loveless marriage of convenience, but the handsome, charming Myles has other things in mind. As the two of them work to discover who engineered the scandal that could have ruined Genevieve’s life, Myles shows Genevieve just what it means to be man and wife. Genevieve finds it difficult to resist the passion Myles evokes in her, but can she risk losing her heart to a man she thinks sees their union as only a duty?

What Worked For Me:

  • I loved that Myles wasn’t a saint, but he wasn’t a debauched rake either. The fact that he was known to discreetly visit a widow or two in his time kept him realistic, but the fact that he wasn’t a womanizer despite his good looks and charming demeanor made him far more likable.
  • I enjoyed Genevieve’s pride, and the fact that she didn’t just immediately embrace the idea that marrying Myles was her best (and indeed only) option.
  • I’ve always enjoyed friends to lovers stories, especially when the friendship is more of the kind where there is good-natured bickering rather than a bosom-buddies type of relationship, so I certainly enjoyed that aspect of Genevieve and Myles’ relationship. Another thing I enjoy about that dynamic is the transition from a platonic relationship to a more intimate one, and the interesting and often awkward situations that arise. In this case, I loved the patience that Myles exhibited, and Genevieve’s confusion and even impatience with him. Very well done.
  • I admit, it’s a terrible guilty pleasure of mine when the older relative scares the bejeezus out of the virginal bride with talk of the wedding night. That’s horrible of me, I know, but it never fails to make me smile and this was no exception.
  • On a similar note, I liked that the chemistry and heat was slow-building. I appreciated that Myles took the time to *gasp* seduce his bride, rather than just give her a few heated kisses and then pounce on her on their wedding night.  It was a welcome change to many romances these days, and I think that both the steam and the romance itself greatly benefited from it.
  • I loved the stubbornness between Genevieve and Myles after they returned to London, where neither would give up a single inch. The tension and angst between them was thick enough to cut with a knife, and even though it did get to the point eventually where I thought they both deserved a good lashing, I can’t deny that it was a lot of fun for the majority of the time.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • Even though I’d read the first book in the series (so long ago in fact that I didn’t even realize that I’d read it until I went back and read the synopsis for it — I didn’t recognize the characters as I was reading this story), I felt a bit lost at times for not being familiar with the main characters from the first two books. While this will probably be a positive point for fans of the first two books in the series, it’s a bit rare for the third book in a series to feature previous characters quite so heavily, and I felt that it was a bit of a detriment to my enjoyment of this book.
  • I almost feel guilty listing it as a negative point for me, since I also listed it as a positive point, but the stubbornness of both Myles and Genevieve once they reached town made me want to slap them both, or at least give them both a good shake.

Even though I’ve read the first book in the series, I hadn’t had the opportunity to read the second, and as such I was unfamiliar with two of the characters who play a large part of this story. I was able to follow along reasonably well with the romance between Myles and Genevieve, but even so, I probably recommend that new readers pick up the first two books in the series before picking up this installment.

That said, I truly enjoyed the byplay between the playful Myles and the overly serious Genevieve, with wounded pride, shattered dreams, bitter disappointment, and bashful hopes all blending together beautifully in this charming tale of two seemingly mismatched friends who end up in married to avoid a terrible scandal.

While some of their antics in London got to be a bit annoying, overall, it was quite an entertaining story.

04starsA very solid 4/5 Stars

 

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Review: Double or Nothing – Meg Mims

March 22, 2013

Double or Nothing

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Expected Release Date: March 13, 2013
Publisher: Blue Oyster Press
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.megmims.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the author
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Double Series
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Warm
Pet Peeves: Public Nudity
Favorite Tropes: Forbidden Romance, First Person POV

Official Blurb:

A mysterious explosion. A man framed for murder. A strong woman determined to prove his innocence.

October, 1869: Lily Granville, now heiress to a considerable fortune, rebels against her uncle’s strict rules in Sacramento, California. Ace Diamond, determined to win Lily, invests in a dynamite factory for a quick “killing,” but his status as a successful businessman fails to impress her guardian. An explosion in San Francisco, mere hours before Lily elopes with Ace to avoid a forced marriage, sets off a chain of unforeseen consequences.

Despite Lily’s protests that her new husband has been framed, Ace is dragged off to jail as the culprit. Evidence mounts against him. Lily must learn who was actually behind the diabolical plan… and save Ace from the hangman’s noose. Will she become a widow before a true wife?

What Worked For Me:

  • As a fan of the first novel, I liked seeing Charles and Kate play such a large part in this story. I also liked that even though this is the second book in a series, this book would likely stand well on its own, as it’s been quite some time since I’ve read the first one, and yet I never felt as though I’d missed anything due to the “refresher” of sorts that Ms. Mims wove into this storyline.
  • I’ve adored Ace for a long time, and it was great to see how he’s grown not only as a character, but as someone who now feels worthy of Lily’s affections.
  • I loved the excitement of the murder mystery. Ms. Mims had me on the edge of my seat with the plot twists, never knowing who to trust, and there was plenty of action to boot. 
  • I loved the historical backdrop, with the mining, the dynamite factory, and the anarchist group, as well as the presence of Pinkerton detectives and even an illustration of some of the more brutal aspects of police work in those days.
  • I know, it’s probably horrible of me to list this as a positive point, but I also liked that even though this was an inspirational read, we were never bludgeoned about the head with the Christian elements. They blended in seamlessly with the plot, and the faith elements were merely an appropriate part of the Lily’s own character.
  • I was thrilled that there was a Happily Ever After for Lily in this book. Anyone who read my review for the first book in the series, Double Crossing, knows that the lack of HEA in that book was one of my biggest problems with that installment, so it was great to see her story come to completion, even if that means there will probably be no more books in her world.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • This didn’t actually count against the final rating, because I knew this going into it based on having read the first book, but I do prefer my books have a bit more steam to them, even if it’s just a matter of chemistry between the characters, especially once the characters are married. I understand that being more of a Christian/Inspirational read, there’s almost always going to be a lower heat rating, but that doesn’t mean that I have to be completely happy with only a few short kisses, does it? ;)
  • One of my biggest pet peeves — the heroine seen naked (though in this case it was “almost naked”‘, though I’m counting it as she was in a wet white chemise, which we all know  means is transparent), albeit briefly, by someone other than the man she intended to disrobe for. Blah. It could have been far worse, as you’ll see when you read it, but still, this is a big pet peeve for me, and so I couldn’t let it slide.

Even though “Inspirational” titles aren’t typically the sort of thing I seek out, having read and enjoyed the first book in the series, Double Crossing, I knew that I wanted to read this one and see how Lily’s story would play out. Though it is the second book in a series, I think the author did a very good job of making it work as a standalone title, though of course, I’d recommend reading the first book simply because it was a good story in and of itself.

I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a bit more chemistry and heat between Ace and Lily, though I knew going into it that the steam would be far lighter than I typically read simply due to the genre, and there was one scene in particular that contained one of my biggest pet peeves in romance, which was highly disappointing as well.

Outside of that, however, I really enjoyed it. The vibrant historical setting, with quicksilver mining, dynamite factories, and even anarchists determined to restore California to a sovereign state, all made up a beautiful backdrop for a love story that was blended with an exciting murder mystery, and I loved it.

04stars

A very solid 4/5 Stars

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Review: Legacy – Carina Press – Vivi Anna

January 29, 2013

Legacy

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Expected Release Date: December 31, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.vivianna.net/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, League of Illusions
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Pet Peeves: Past Betrayal A Letdown
Favorite Tropes: Magic Society Hidden From Public

Official Blurb:

London, 1851

Former thief Jovan Davenport is the black sheep in a family of powerful sorcerers. But when his dying father—head of the League of Illusion—reaches out for help, Jovan has no choice but to accept. He must find his missing brother Sebastian and stop the power-hungry Hawthorne family from taking control of the council. If only they’d appointed someone other than Skylar Vanguard to help him in his quest.

Skylar, a druid and accomplished tracker, has spent three years trying to forget her past, especially Jovan Davenport. Once in love, she left Jovan when she discovered his betrayal. She wants nothing to do with him or his family, but must obey the council’s will by accompanying Jovan and reporting back on his progress.

Forced to work alongside each other, neither of them expects their passion to return so quickly. But as the conspiracy deepens in a steam-powered world of dirigibles and mechanical golems, will their secrets stand in the way of their mission…and their love?

What Worked For Me:

  • I loved that Skylar was a strong character, and yet wasn’t overly arrogant like many leading ladies can tend to be.  She was both an accomplished tracker and warrior, but she was also smart enough to let the men take the lead when in situations where they were more suited to do so.
  • I really enjoyed the martial arts angle, and how well it blended into the world of mages and druids in the Victorian society. 
  • I’m not normally a huge fan of estranged lovers, but I immediately enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Jovan and Skylar that stemmed from the nature of their parting so many years ago.
  • I loved the amount of action and fight scenes in this story. This may go back to my love of the martial arts, but there were plenty of opportunities for all of the characters to show off both their brawn and brains when it came to battle, and the extra steampunk elements were a lot of fun.
  • I loved the mystery involving Jovan’s missing brother, and the hints towards the next book in the series (which I am definitely looking forward to reading).

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • The whole “betrayal” thing from the past honestly felt like a let down by the time it was revealed. I’m certain it felt like a huge deal at the time, but honestly, since we’d really only gotten to witness Jovan as a decent sort of fellow who had a rather sketchy past, it fell sort of flat for a reason for Skylar to have run off as she did. I realize that she was quite a bit younger (and therefore far more immature at the time), but.. meh. 
  • I’m not a big fan of on-page sex of characters other than our hero and heroine, so that was a bit of a turn-off for me, even though it was rather brief.
  • Without giving away spoilers, I had a bit of a problem with the ending — I felt that a certain main character got off a little too easily, and so the ending felt a little too neat and tidy for my tastes.

 

Druids, magic, martial arts, and mechanical monsters are only part of what make up this story. At the heart is a family that’s falling apart at the seams, two lovers separated by a terrible misunderstanding, and a man attempting to make amends for a lifetime of selfish behavior.

Even though I felt that the ending was a little too convenient, and I was a bit disappointed in the whole “past betrayal” between Jovan and Skylar, Legacy was still quite enjoyable, and I’m very much looking forward to the sequel.

3halfA very solid 3.5/5 Stars

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Review: The Lady Most Willing – Avon – Julia Quinn – Eloisa James – Connie Brockway

January 11, 2013

The Lady Most Willing

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Expected Release Date: December 26, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: JuliaQuinn.com, EloisaJames.com, and ConnieBrockway.com, respectively.
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, “Lady Most” Series
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone.
Steam Level: Warm
Favorite Tropes: Starcrossed Lovers, Fallen Woman
Pet Peeves: Love At First Sight

Official Blurb:

Step into the glittering world of Regency and prepare to have your hearts warmed by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway…

During their annual Christmas pilgrimage to Scotland to visit their aged uncle in his decrepit castle, the Comte de Rocheforte and his cousin, Earl of Oakley, are presented with unique gifts: their uncle has raided an English lord’s Christmas party and kidnapped four lovely would-be brides for his heirs to choose from …as well as one very angry duke, Lord Bretton. As snow isolates the castle, and as hours grow into days, the most honourable intentions give away to temptations as surprising as they are irresistible.

What Worked For Me:

  • As with The Lady Most Likely, I loved that this is three complete love stories all in one complete novel. It takes extraordinary talent to pull something like this off, and there’s never been a doubt that these three powerhouse authors of Regency romance are just the ones to be able to do it. 
  • I really enjoyed the variety of heroes and heroines. We have our disillusioned rake, our prim and proper duke, and our romantic-at-heart-but-determined-to-be-UNromantic Earl. Then we have the wealthy eldest daughter of an Earl, a beautiful but scandalously ambitious heiress, a wealthy lady with a ruined reputation, and an ordinary miss from the country.  Don’t strain yourself on that math — I promise it all works out in the end. ;)  In the end, there was truly something for pretty much every taste, which I really appreciated.
  • Of the individual heroes, I have to admit, I loved the Duke of Bretton the most. He was just… wonderful.
  • I had a hard time picking a favorite heroine, and the rebellious part of me really wants to name the one heroine who technically didn’t get her own individual tale. However, I think I’m going to have to go with Fiona for my absolute favorite, because there was just so much about her that I loved.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • This is going to sound strange, but I was a bit disappointed that one of the romances had explicit lovemaking. While I appreciated the heat on its own merits, it just didn’t fit in with the overall lighthearted and almost jaunty vibe of the rest of the book. 

As with the previous novel, The Lady Most Likely, it’s important to note right off the bat that this is not an anthology of self-contained stories. Instead, it’s a single novel, with more than one distinct romance, all seamlessly (and masterfully) blended into a single tale.

With a little bit of something for most fans of Regency romance, there’s a delightful blend of unrequited love, love at first sight, star-crossed lovers, bad reputations, even worse behavior, and above all, romance.  I loved the light-hearted nature of all of the stories, and each individual romance felt surprisingly well plotted out.

It takes a very talented set of authors to pull off a feat such as this, but undoubtedly, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway are absolute masters of their craft.

4halfA very solid 4.5 Stars

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Review: Steel’s Edge – Ace – Ilona Andrews

December 2, 2012

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Expected Release Date: November 27, 2012
Publisher: Penguin
Imprint: Ace
Author’s Website: ilona-andrews.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 4, The Edge
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Warm

Official Blurb:

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny… 

Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again. 

Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive…

What Worked For Me:

  • Oh how I adored Charlotte. Her history, and her strength, and the very interesting powers that she had made her irresistible to me.   I loved the many facets she had, as well as her ability to blend so perfectly into high society. It made her practicality and her love for Richard all the more appealing to me, given how she was raised.
  • Richard was delicious. Completely bad-ass while still being perfectly flawed, I loved him from his first appearance in the pages.
  • I loved the angst caused by the mission that Charlotte and Richard had undertaken. It’s almost easy to fight when you have nothing to lose, but it’s so terribly hard to remain strong when someone you love must put themselves in danger for the “greater good”, and that struggle was beautifully demonstrated for both of them.
  • The chemistry between Richard and Charlotte was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of “steam” in this one, and so the romance was almost subtle, but it made it that much stronger and believable in the end.
  • Surgery. No spoilers, but that was an awesome twist.
  • Lark. Every scene involving her was a huge favorite of mine, and I’m desperately hoping for a spinoff some time in the future where she gets her HEA. I don’t foresee it actually happening, but maybe someday…
  • Speaking of, the last major confrontation. Holy. Crap. Loved it!
  • I really enjoyed watching George and Jack as well, because as a fan of this series, I’ve gotten to watch them both grow up so much, and it was wonderful seeing them both in their elements.
  • I loved the twists and turns and intrigues that this book took upon itself. It was very ambitious an undertaking, with lots of scheming and multiple characters to keep up with, but I definitely think it was a brilliant choice of the authors, and really showcased their talent.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • There was one scene in particular that involved a “mistaken room number” that I didn’t care for. It wasn’t a major negative point, but it bordered on one of my pet peeves, so I scowled a bit for that one.
  • I really didn’t like the very end. No spoilers, but while on one hand it could be considered to be incredibly romantic, it missed it’s mark for me. I actually agreed more with the warning given to Richard, and so the ending was a bit bitter-sweet for me.

I’m so devastated that this is said to be the last book in the series.  As a big fan of this world, and of course, of these characters, I’m so saddened to see them go.

That said, however, this book was wonderful.  With a wonderfully crafted main couple, as well as many of our old favorites from previous books, the story was very well crafted and kept me glued to the pages long after I should have been asleep for the night.

The biggest thing that bothered me was that the ending didn’t really hit it’s mark for me, and so the book was left on a bit of a sour note for me, which in the end, pulled the final rating down a bit.

Even so, it is firmly on my keeper shelf, and highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed any of the previous novels in the series.

A very solid 4/5 Stars

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Review: When You Give A Duke A Diamond – Sourcebooks Casablanca – Shana Galen

November 12, 2012

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Expected Release Date: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Author’s Website: http://shanagalen.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Jewels of the Ton
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Favorite Tropes: (Undeserved) Bad Reputation, Abused
Pet Peeves: Unrealistic speed of emotional healing.

Official Blurb:

He had a perfectly orderly life…

William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that’s the way he likes it. But he’s in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn’t begin to describe what happens next…

Until she came along…

Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It’s disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William’s darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide…

What Worked For Me:

  • Honestly, I loved that Will called Juliette out for being what she was — a fallen woman.  Yes, it hurt her feelings, and yes, he was greatly ashamed by his behavior later on, but frankly it fit, not only with Will’s character up to that point, but with what any respectable gentleman would have felt and probably acted in the same situation.
  • On a similar note, I also really enjoyed the angst and pain caused by Will’s attitude towards Juliette, even though she expected it.
  • I really enjoyed the surprising amount of suspense to the story, both with the mystery involving Dante’s diamonds as well as the danger to Juliette and Will.
  • The tension and chemistry between Will and Juliette was delicious, and sparks definitely flew when they finally consummated their relationship.
  • I really enjoyed the abused histories of both Will and Juliette. I was quite surprised to find that Juliette was not the only one who had suffered, and I felt much more sympathetic with Will’s bad attitude after learning the details of his childhood.
  • I do love a groveling hero, and the grand gesture was just lovely.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • I admit that some of Will’s coldheartedness in regards to a particular sub-plot was a bit disturbing at times.
  • I also felt that Will got past his deeply ingrained, almost OCD behavior far too quickly and with far too few psychological repercussions. One does not simply get past that sort of habitual behavior without more than a simple annoyance.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this novel.  I’ve always been a little hesitant about reading about prostitutes or courtesans, especially in historical novels, but I was intrigued by the idea of a proper, staid member of the ton becoming enamored with a woman so obviously below his station.

While I was admittedly disappointed with just how quickly Will was able to move past some deeply seated issues and habitual behaviors, I loved watching the relationship develop between him and Juliette.  Neither character were as they first appeared, and it was wonderful to see both of their attitudes change over the course of the novel.

Interesting side characters, compelling romance, and a hint of danger all come together to form this very entertaining read, and I for one, cannot wait for the rest of the series.

Recommended for fans of abused heroines, groveling heroes, and light mystery, all with just a dash of heat.

4/5 Stars

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Review: An Infamous Marriage – Carina Press – Susanna Fraser

November 5, 2012

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Expected Release Date: November 5, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.susannafraser.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Pet Peeves: Adultery
Favorite Tropes: Forced Marriage

Official Blurb:

Northumberland, 1815

At long last, Britain is at peace, and General Jack Armstrong is coming home to the wife he barely knows. Wed for mutual convenience, their union unconsummated, the couple has exchanged only cold, dutiful letters. With no more wars to fight, Jack is ready to attempt a peace treaty of his own.

Elizabeth Armstrong is on the warpath. She never expected fidelity from the husband she knew for only a week, but his scandalous exploits have made her the object of pity for years. Now that he’s back, she has no intention of sharing her bed with him—or providing him with an heir—unless he can earn her forgiveness. No matter what feelings he ignites within her…

Jack is not expecting a spirited, confident woman in place of the meek girl he left behind. As his desire intensifies, he wants much more than a marriage in name only. But winning his wife’s love may be the greatest battle he’s faced yet.

What Worked For Me:

  • I loved Elizabeth.  Average in looks, and forced into a marriage with a stranger only days after her beloved husband died, I think she handled herself far better than I would have in her situation.
  • The fact that Elizabeth didn’t sit back and let Jack get away with the embarrassment he’d caused her with his blatant affairs made me cheer for her for the entire book. Call me vindictive, but I loved that she made him work for her forgiveness.
  • There’s a part towards the end, where Elizabeth has a bit of an epiphany about her own attitudes that I loved. It’s uncomfortable for anyone, fictional or otherwise, to admit fault as she did, but I loved that she took responsibility for her own actions and attitudes without taking more blame than was deserved.
  • I also enjoyed the historical notes. I’ve read another title by this author, and I remember that a large part of her writing focuses not just on the romance but on the actual historical setting. This is no “wallpaper historical”, and I really enjoyed the change of pace.
  • The steam was just right for this book. Elizabeth wasn’t a spinster virgin, and Jack obviously hadn’t suffered from inexperience, and it made sense that they’d both be frank and realistic about their desires.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

  • Even though it was a surprisingly minor problem for me, I still don’t like infidelity in my romance. To be fair, if there HAD to be infidelity, this is how I would choose to have it, but even so, it still bothers me a bit.
  • I was a little disappointed that the main conflict (aside from the obvious infidelity) was so obviously foreshadowed. I was a bit disappointed when events played out as they did, simply because I’d spent the whole book waiting for it to happen.

As anyone who follows my reviews knows, I despise infidelity and adultery in my romance novels.  It is, hands down, my number one pet-peeve of all time.

And yet, I really enjoyed this book.

Yes, it was painful to hear of Jack’s affairs while he was married to Elizabeth, and the hurt and humiliation that it had inflicted made me want Jack to suffer, but I wasn’t alone in that. Elizabeth didn’t let him get away with his bad behavior, and I loved watching her make him earn her forgiveness.

More than that, however, was the beautifully done historical backdrop of a military man a time of tentative peace.  The historical details added a richness to the story, and helped to lend a lot of credence to the characters and their behaviors and attitudes.

With just the right amount of steam and plenty of emotion, I would definitely recommend this one to any fan of historical romance with arranged marriages, and I urge readers to take a chance on this one even if infidelity is a trope they tend to avoid.


A very solid 4/5 stars

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