**NOT RECOMMENDED** A Kiss At Midnight by Eloisa James

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: HOT (Major Scene Skipping)




Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales . . . or happily ever after.

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince . . . and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.

Gabriel likes his fiancee, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble . . .

Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune . . .

Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything.



This book started out with such promise that I was excited to find out how Ms. James would turn this "fairytale" into something new. As you can see from my stars I was disappointed.

The heroine started out with "morals" and over a weekend lost her mind and gives it all away... If I had read the prince say "just one more time" or "Just the one night" I would have stopped reading and moved on to another book. The heroine had spunk and there was a lot of witty banter between the two but all was overshadowed in my mind with the MULTIPLE sex scenes that ruined this book for me. What kind of woman would allow a man that is engaged to another woman allow a man to pull her off to the side and "make love"( for lack of a better word) at a betrothal party with the other woman there... disturbing, disappointing and ridiculousness...

First Truth (Truth, #1) by Dawn Cook

First Truth by Dawn Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Fluff


Alissa doesn't believe in magic. Her father's stories about the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers learn magic from the enigmatic Maters, are just that―stories. But her mother insists that Alissa has inherited her father's magical ability, and so she must go to the Hold―the only place her talents can be trained. 
      On her way, she crosses paths with Strell, a wandering musician from the plains. And though Alissa is not sure she can trust a plainsman, Strell has something she needs―one of her father's old maps. Traveling together, they can reach the Hold before the snow sets in.
      But they don't know that the Hold is nearly empty. Something is very wrong and someone believes that Alissa and Strell knows about a book called First Truth.



This was a very good book. The writing aggravated me a little because it seems the author had troubles keeping the time throughout the story.  There is an undertone of romance running very deep under the surface and I look forward to seeing where it will end up. All in all I would recommend this book to historical romance, time travel, mythical and magic story lovers. Very clean and entertaining.

A small disclaimer: This should have been one book together with the 2nd book ... it feels like the author took one book and split it in two so be sure to have the Hidden Truth before you finish this book or the suspense might rip you apart. :-)

Dragon Blood (Hurog, #2) by Patricia Briggs

Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Hot





      With this second installment of the Hurog series we follow Ward as he is caught by the snare that we thought he escaped in the 1st book. Ward is able to escape seemingly impossible situations because he is surrounded by loyal friends and mystical creatures that know of his reputation.

       This book had a lot of talk/act of homosexuality(not explicit), which is not my cup of tea.(as well as pedophile acts not described but referenced) We are pulled into torture sessions and murder, deceit and love. How can a story have all of this in one book? This was an action packed sprint and then it was just over. I was disappointed with the abrupt ending and felt cheated after all the horrible evil done. This is not one of Briggs books I would read again or recommend to anyone unless they were already a Patricia Briggs follower.

Dragon Bones (Hurog, #1) by Patricia Briggs

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Slightly Hot


Riding into a war that's heating up on the border, Ward, the new lord of Herzog, is sure he's on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones could prove to be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them.



I will start by saying this is not my favorite series by Ms. Briggs. I enjoyed this book and thought it was worth reading if you have nothing else to read. Our hero is a strong and competent young man but due to some bad choices his home is stripped away from him. Due to a survival instinct taken to far our hero has to prove himself to earn back what is his already. I personally did not like the relationships of the king and queen as we dealt with adultery and homosexuality. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a historical highlander book with lots of mystic tales and magic.

Marrying The Captain by Carla Kelly

Marrying The Captain (Channel Fleet, #1) by Carla Kelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated



Ever since her father tried to sell her as a mistress to the highest bidder, Eleanor Massie has chosen to live in poverty. Her world changes overnight when Captain Oliver Worthy shows up at her struggling inn. Despite herself, Nana is drawn to her handsome guest....

Oliver planned to stay in Plymouth only long enough to report back to Lord Ratliffe--about Nana. But he soon senses that Lord Ratliffe is up to something, and Oliver will do anything to keep this courageous, beautiful woman safe--even marry her!



What a sweet book, I truly enjoyed it and look forward to Ms. Kelly's next book. Marrying The Captain was a breath of fresh air for an adult romance. While I cannot claim it is clean due to a few love scenes, the H/H were married and I am always able to personally get over those when they are not explicit. I was so glad that Nana and Oliver held true to their own moral convictions. While it was touched on that the Captain is not a virgin Nana was.  Had she been a promiscuous woman this story could have been taken down an entirely different road.

Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, is a polished bachelor who has stringent requirements for his future wife—she must be well born, intelligent, elegant and attractive. And of course she must be able to present herself well in high society. But when he is encouraged to consider Phoebe Marlow as a bride, Sylvester is taken aback by the coltish woman who seems to resent him.



When Phoebe runs away, circumstances find the two striking up an unusual friendship. Phoebe discovers that the duke isn't the villain she first thought. And Sylvester stumbles upon something he never dared hope for.



Great Book! The reasons I love Heyer are all in this book! So good!

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


The prolific Georgette Heyer--author of more than 70 novels--is perhaps best known for her Regency romances. A consummate storyteller, Heyer was also an astute historian of the times she wrote about; every detail of the language, dress, and customs rings with authenticity. Arabella is one of Heyer's most charming Regency novels. In it, young Arabella Tallant, the beautiful daughter of an impoverished clergyman, comes to London for her social debut and almost immediately runs afoul of Robert Beaumaris, a wealthy, eligible aristocrat. Beaumaris suspects that Arabella engineered a carriage accident in order to meet him; Arabella, in a rage, leads him to believe that she is the heiress to a massive fortune and thus quite uninterested in his own riches.

Having set the stage for inevitable misunderstandings between this arrogant Romeo and hotheaded Juliet, Heyer then peoples it with unforgettable secondary characters. Arabella's warm heart and strong principles lead her to befriend such unsavory types as an abused apprentice to a chimney sweep, a stray dog, and a fallen woman happily known as "Leaky Peg"--all of whom she foists on the reluctant but gallant Mr. Beaumaris. Arabella is an intelligent, witty romp--both a romance with a hearty sense of humor and a historical novel that remains true to the times it depicts.

A great book! This is the reason Heyer is one of my favorite authors. Funny and sweet... with everything working out in the end in a realistic way! GREAT!

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Her beauty rivaled only by her sense, Venetia Lanyon is nearly resigned to spinsterhood, thanks to the enormous amount of responsibility she inherited with a Yorkshire estate, an invalid brother and the lackluster efforts of two wearisomely persistent suitors. Then she meets her neighbor, the infamous Lord Damerel, a charming rake shunned by polite society--exactly the type of man that a woman of quality should stay away from.

Though his scandalous past and deepest secrets give Venetia every reason to mistrust him, a rogue always gets what he wants. Without warning, his demanding kiss threatens to become a bachelor's undoing…and a spinster's most passionate awakening.



GREAT!

Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure

Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Civil War-no one could flee from the nightmare of battle and the countless lives it devoured. Everyone had sacrificed-suffered profound misery and unimaginable loss. Vivianna Bartholomew was no exception. The war had torn her from her home-orphaned her. The merciless war seemed to take everything-even the man she loved. Still, Vivianna yet knew gratitude-for a kind friend had taken her in upon the death of her parents. Thus, she was cared for-even loved. Yet, as General Lee surrendered signaling the war's imminent end-as Vivianna remained with the remnants of the Turner family-her soul clung to the letters written by her lost soldier-to his memory written in her heart. Could a woman ever heal from the loss of such a love? Could a woman's heart forget that it may find another? Vivianna Bartholomew thought not. Still, it is often in the world that miracles occur-that love endures even after hope has been abandoned. Thus, one balmy Alabama morning-as two ragged soldiers wound the road toward the Turner house-Vivianna began to know-to know that miracles do exist-that love is never truly lost.



This was an excellent book!!! A story of a loyal girl in love that finds when her love returns is no longer the man he once was. Now she must make a choice to stand by him or follow her heart in another direction.
SO SWEET! Marcia's writing is so clear. She can weave a story that is so endearing and creative and that you finish the book with all your questions answered! GREAT BOOK!

The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Pirate Ruse by Marcia Lynn McClure

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


An instant before the sea swallowed her, Cristabel Albay gasped her last breath. She was certain it would truly be her last breath… Yet, mere moments later, her head broke the surface of the sea and she exhaled the breath she had been holding—the one that had not been her last—gasping for another.

“Do you swim, woman?” the pirate Navarrone growled.

“Y-yes,” Cristabel stammered. Her thoughts were muddled—for panic was her only ally. Yet, she was cognizant enough to know that her life was still in danger—not from pirates perhaps—but from the sea.

“Then swim!” the pirate growled. “If you want to live to see another sunrise, then swim for The Merry Wench.”

…She glanced up to the Chichester where pirates and British sailors yet battled. The Screaming Witch was already sailing, and Cristabel would rather have died than be the victim of the atrocities that would have met her aboard it.

Yet, to abandon one pirate ship for another? It was madness! Still, she could not fathom drowning—for drowning terrified her more than any other fate of death. Her only hope in surviving was to do as the pirate ordered. …She had heard tales of The Blue Blade Navarrone—tales of mercy. …Perhaps he would take pity on her… Thus, with no other venue to follow, Christabel began to swim—to swim for The Merry Wench and whatever fate awaited her there.



This was a very good book. I am not a pirate story kind of girl but would still recommend this. Trevon and Cristabel were a very sweet couple and I absolutely loved their interactions and thoughts about one another . .

Mini Spoiler(don't read if you don't want to know)

It was heartrendingly sweet and sad when he took the beating for her from the cat of 9 BUT how could he leave her there!!!!! WHAT ON EARTH!!I wanted to scream for her! If he died after he left her she would have had no closure... or she would have been waiting the rest of her life for him to possibly show up when he knew there was talks of war!!! Thank goodness it worked out but those where the things I was thinking when he said he was leaving her.

The kisses were as wonderful as ever and VIRTUE was still upheld. . . so 5 stars!!

The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Total Humor

Since his first appearance in print in 1919, Jeeves has become synonymous with British tongue-in-cheek humor. Valet to bumbling aristocrat Bertie Wooster, Jeeves is continually helping his employer out of scrapes. In this debut novel, Wooster's lovesick pal Bingo Little decides to marry and enlists his friend's help. Luckily for Wooster, Jeeves comes to the rescue.



This book was very funny and totally clean! Not my usual but definitely recommended.

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet




One of Heyer's funniest Regency romances, and one of readers' favorites.

The Talisman Ring is one of Heyer's funniest and fastest-paced romantic comedies, telling the story of a fugitive heir, a tempestuous Frenchwoman, and the two sensible people who try to keep them out of trouble.

"... A long-lost family heirloom, a young heir falsely accused of murder, a band of smugglers, two utterly delightful Heyer heroines, a taciturn, but highly resourceful older gentleman - all play their parts in a tale funny enough to have you laughing aloud."

Publishers Weekly



This book is hilarious!!! I absolutely loved it!

The Importance of Almack's by Denise Patrick

The Importance of Almack's by Denise Patrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet

Banished and disowned for saving a stranger's life. In Regency England, lineage and vouchers to Almack's are everything, but Pamela Clarkdale has neither. After her father casts her out, she considers herself fortunate to have obtained a position as a companion to an elderly widow. Kitt Covington has sworn off Almack's and marriage. Why attend one when he has no interest in the other? Guilt, however, is a powerful motivator. Knowing he caused Pamela to be thrown out of her home, he proposes a sham betrothal between them to ease his conscience. Kitt's offer is tempting and Pamela agrees, with the caveat that the betrothal will disappear at the end of the season. But not only is Pamela refused vouchers to Almack's, her family is scheming to destroy her to protect a secret she doesn't realize she knows. When the twenty-year-old web of lies and deceit begins to unravel, will Pamela and Kitt discover that Almack's isn't really that important after all?



This was a very good book! I loved both the H/H and the little twists and turns were very believable and truly added to the story! The best thing about this book is that it is TOTALLY clean!!! Thank you Ms. Patrick!

The Season by Sarah MacLean

The Season by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Sweet


Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued — in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.



When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!



WOW!! This was an excellent book! I read it in one day and am prying it out of my hands to put it on my shelf next to the Jane Austen collection! I loved this book! Thank you Sarah for making such a sweet romance to dream in for a day, I cannot wait for the next books.

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated-Hot


After years abroad, Robert, Duke of Dovedale, has returned to England to avenge the murder of his mentor. To uncover the murderer's identity, he must infiltrate the infamous, secret Hellfire Club. But the Duke has no idea that an even more difficult challenge awaits him-in a mistaken, romantic-minded young lady.



Charlotte Lansdowne wistfully remembers the Robert of her childhood as a valiant hero among men. Too aware of his own flaws, Robert tries to dissuade Charlotte from her delusions, even as he finds himself drawn to her. When Charlotte takes up a bit of espionage-investigating a plot to kidnap the King-Robert soon realizes that she is more than the perfect partner in crime.



Caught in a dangerous game full of deadly spies and secret rites, Robert and Charlotte must work together to reveal the villain...and confront their true love.



Once again Ms. Willig is going for a darker plot. This is my least favorite in the series. Charlotte and Dovedale had terrible communication skills and that was quite frustrating. Most of the previous books have had the heroine being equally quick witted and self sufficient but not in this books. Disappointing but love still prevailed and we ended happy.

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women—his “petals” of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies.



And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects.



Our hero, Lord Vaughn, was darker and more sinister than previous hero's in Willig's book. While this was not my favorite in the series I still enjoyed it and will continue to read the series.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


The Barnes & Noble Review

Lauren Willig follows up her two earlier engaging romances with a third rollicking historical about British spies and romance in the early 19th century, set against the background of a possible Irish uprising. It stars the trustworthy Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale, determined to woo the beauteous Mary Alsworthy, and her younger sister, Letty, who is equally determined to break up an elopement that would mar the family's good name. As a result, Geoff and Letty wind up in the same carriage at midnight, which means, in 1803, that they are very much compromised -- and forced to marry immediately. Nonplussed by marrying the wrong sister, Geoff sets off to Ireland on a mysterious voyage; secretly, he is a spy, high up in the League of the Purple Gentian. Letty decides to track him down, falling right in the middle of his secret life, with wonderful comic and romantic results. Once again, this is set as a story-within-a-story, with a contemporary romance slowly blossoming between historian Eloise Kelly and Colin Selwick, whose family papers star in The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Ginger Curwen



This one had some cute humor in it and only one sex scene. Letti had a cute way about her and Geoff balanced her out.

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated


The Pink Carnation, history's most elusive spy and England's only hope for preventing a Napoleonic invasion, returns in Lauren Willig's dazzling imaginative new historical romance. The Masque of the Black Tulip opens with the murder of a courier from the London War Office, his confidential dispatch for the Pink Carnation stolen. Meanwhile, the Black Tulip, France's deadliest spy, is in England with instructions to track down and kill the Pink Carnation. Only Henrietta Uppington and Miles Dorrington know where the Pink Carnation is stationed. Using a secret code book, Henrietta has deciphered a message detailing the threat of the Black Tulip. Meanwhile, the War Office has enlisted Miles to track down the notorious French spy before he (or she) can finish the deadly mission. But what Henrietta and Miles don't know is that while they are trying to find the Black Tulip (and possibly falling in love), the Black Tulip is watching them.

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Heated - Hot


"Pride and Prejudice lives on" (USA Today) in Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series, which has been hailed for its addictive blend of history, romance, and adventure. In The Orchid Affair, Willig introduces her strongest heroine yet. Laura Grey, a veteran governess, joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling exploits in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of Andre Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police. Jaouen and his arch rival, Gaston Delaroche, are investigating a suspected Royalist plot to unseat Bonaparte, and Laura's mission is to report any suspicious findings.



At first the job is as lively as Latin textbooks and knitting, but Laura begins to notice strange behavior from Jaouen-secret meetings and odd comings and goings. As Laura edges herself closer to her employer, she makes a shocking discovery and is surprised to learn that she has far more in common with Jaouen than she originally thought...



As their plots begin to unravel, Laura and Jaouen are forced on the run with the children, and with the help of the Pink Carnation they escape to the countryside, traveling as husband and wife. But Delaroche will stop at nothing to take down his nemesis. With his men hot on their trail, can Laura and Jaouen seal the fate of Europe before it's too late?





While I truly enjoyed this book I was very disappointed by the choice Andre and Laura made to consummate their relationship without being married or intending to be. I can reason it out in my mind why an author takes to step to put a love scene when the couple is married but this would have been so much better had the H/h had all the sexual tension and kissing instead of leaping in bed with each other. While the love scene was very mild it mentioned the "N" word and it made me cringe!!!!!! Had there been only kissing or a marriage I would have given this book a 4-5 star. My favorite is still the previous "The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas"

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sensuality Rating: Hot


"This genre-bending read a dash of chick-lit with a historical twist has it all: romance, mystery, and adventure." Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries

Deciding that true romantic heroes are a thing of the past, Eloise Kelly, an intelligent American who always manages to wear her Jimmy Choo suede boots on the day it rains, leaves Harvard's Widener Library bound for England to finish her dissertation on the dashing pair of spies the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. What she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: a secret history that begins with a letter dated 1803. Eloise has found the secret history of the Pink Carnation the most elusive spy of all time, the spy who single-handedly saved England from Napoleon's invasion.

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, a wildly imaginative and highly adventurous debut, opens with the story of a modern-day heroine but soon becomes a book within a book. Eloise Kelly settles in to read the secret history hoping to unmask the Pink Carnation's identity, but before she can make this discovery, she uncovers a passionate romance within the pages of the secret history that almost threw off the course of world events. How did the Pink Carnation save England? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly find a hero of her own?

This was a cute story and I laughed a lot while reading it... there were 2 sex scenes that were not explicit but easily skipped. The following books in the series have no sex. I was recently told that new authors are most often required to input sex in order to be published. . . Makes me think differently on reading a second book in a series to give the author a chance.