Showing posts with label Nicole Jordan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicole Jordan. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

ARC Book Review-Secrets of Seduction

Secrets of Seduction
Legendary Lovers (3)
Nicole Jordan
Ballantine Books
Published April 28 2014
368 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-52532-1
Authors Website
Synopsis
 Stunning sensuality and breathtaking romance mark this dazzling new Legendary Lovers tale from New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan, where an extraordinary beauty teaches a handsome, reclusive “beast” to love again.

The most charming Wilde cousin, Lady Skye has secretly loved the enigmatic Earl of Hawkhurst since girlhood, long before the tragedy that left him scarred both physically and emotionally. When Skye learns that the celebrated hero has returned to England from his self-imposed exile to make a cold marriage of convenience, she brazenly plants herself on his castle doorstep, determined to convince Hawk that she alone is his true mate and destiny.

An elite member of the Guardians of the Sword, Hawk has vowed never again to risk the pain of loving—but that’s before he deals with the most enchanting, annoyingly persistent seductress he’s ever encountered. One night of blazing passion leaves him impossibly torn. Will Hawk choose duty over love, or will he open his heart and let Skye’s healing light penetrate his darkness?
My Review 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Book Review- To Pleasure A Lady

To Pleasure A Lady
Courtship Wars (1)
Nicole Jordan
Ballantine Books
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2008
383 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-345-49459-7
Author Website
Synopsis
Nicole Jordan spins a delectable tale of wit and exquisite sensuality in this mesmerizing Regency romance, the captivating first in a dazzling new trilogy, The Courtship Wars.

Marcus Pierce, a strikingly handsome aristocrat with a wicked reputation, inherits guardianship of Arabella Loring and her two younger sisters–and immediately declares his intention to marry them off. But gorgeously defiant Arabella sparks frustration–and something deeply erotic–in Marcus. After matching both wits and swords with her, Marcus concludes that this beautiful and formidable foe must be his.

Having sworn off marriage and men, Arabella wishes to be left alone to run her finishing school for young ladies. To that end, she boldly accepts Marcus’s intimate challenge: If he can woo and win her within two weeks, she’ll take her place in his bed as his wife. However, if she can resist his considerable charms, the Loring sisters will be granted their independence. Thus an extraordinary game of seduction begins. . .
My Review
I have read this author a little, only two books. The first one was one of her first ones, and its a bit older, and really enjoyed it. So after hearing great things about the Courtship War series I decided that I needed to give this one a shot. Since my library has the whole series ( I think??). I wanted to start from the beginning, not knowing if it would be easy to catch on or not. You never know though. I found To Pleasure A Lady an amazing story. It definitely sank its tender hooks into my reading spirit and wouldn't let me go. I think I am still feeling the after affects...tingles and more!! There was much that I enjoyed about the way this story played out....but I loved that even if the plot seemed a bit normal, it definitely didn't turn out the way I expected and it had a certain unique voice to it that appealed to my romantic side.

Arabella and her sisters have been ruined in the eyes of society because of the sins of her parents. After her mother abandons them to leave the country with her lover, and her father losing their fortune to gambling and being killed over a woman in a duel. The three sisters are then under the stewardship of their uncle, who could care less about them. So Arabella and her sisters create a school for teaching young girls the finishing touches to be able to deal with the Ton (those who are born into wealth but not into Aristocracy families). Then they are places under the wardship of Marcus Pierce. Marcus doesn't care for the responsibility of the three Loring sisters, who have become a pain in the behind. The eldest has been sending him letter after letter, until she arrives and practically threatens him with his own rapier. When he sees her beauty and fiery spirit, he is instantly wanting her in his bed, but even more than that, she makes him consider marriage for the first time. So with his responsibility to marry them all off, he decides to pursue Arabella and court her. Arabella could care less about getting married again, but when she enters a dangerous wager with him, she wonders if she will be able to resist his charm and sensual nature.

Arabella is a fierce heroine, very passionate and willful and protective of her sisters. She is willing to do whatever it takes to secure their welfare, even her own happiness. Arabella has a very upbeat personality, willing to put a rapier to her ward's throat to get his attention. (definitely one of my favorite moments of the book :) She doesn't back down from a fight, and I really admired her as the match for Marcus. Now lets discus Marcus...a gorgeous specimen of a man. I just fell in lust with him...then love came later of course. (that is how it usually works right??) When he finds someone he feels he could marry, he doesn't hide from his feelings. He isn't one to back down from any challenge, especially from a woman. He is very persuasive, possessive (not too much though), has enough Alpha traits to be appealing, and perfectly balanced with his carefree personality. These two just made me laugh so much, their connection is instantaneous, and there wasn't any moment that I didn't feel their connection.

I am so thrilled to have found a new series that I am excited to read. As the first installment, I have no complaints at all except for the youngest sister (I thought she was a bit extreme in trying to keep Arabella and Marcus apart) But other than that, I couldn't find any fault with this. It instantly grabbed my attention, and I had no issue reading it in a few hours. It definitely quenched my romantic thirst. It wasn't a iffy book or a hard to get into. It starts out with Arabella and Marcus have a bit of a clash, and I loved the instant passion that flares between these two. Such sizzling scenes it could burn down the house or apartment or condo (or wherever you are reading). There is one battle after another, but its very amusing and gets your spirits up. I can't wait for the next in the series!!!

First Line 
Matrimony. The very word was menacing. Yet the new Earl of Danvers could ignore the topic no longer, much to his regret. 

Favorite Quote 
"We will await you in the hall should you need defending."
He saw Arabella stiffen at the quip, but then she laughed, a low melodious sound that once more fired his senses. 
"I promise not to do him bodily harm."
A Pity, was Marcus's first thought; he might have appreciated seeing what she could do his body.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I do not see how I can state my position more clearly, Lord Danvers. I won't marry you for all the spices in India. Is that articulate enough for you to understand?"
He raised an amused eyebrow. "Do you know how many women would be elated to receive an offer of marriage from me?"
"Then apply to any of them. Doubtless they will be deliriously happy to accept. I would not."
"I don't want any other woman. I have chose you, Arabella, and I mean to have you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We will not be having a wedding night. And you cannot kiss me witless to convince me otherwise."
When his eyes narrowed speculatively on her moth, Arabella realized her mistake. "That was not a challenge," she hurriedly said. 
"It was a challenge. My male pride is at stake."
"Marcus..." she exclaimed as he reached for her.
 The smile he gave her was utterly beautiful  and utterly maddening. "Let me demonstrate, darling."
Before she could scurry out of harm's way, he pulled her onto his lap and into his arms. Arabella opened her mouth in protest, but he took possession of it with searing deliberation. Clasping her nape in a firm hold, he gave her a lingering, blatantly sexual kiss that heated her blood and set her pulse racing. 

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
To Bed A Beauty
To Seduce A Bride
To Romance A Charming Rogue
To Tame A Dangerous Lord
To Desire A Wicked Duke 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

ARC Book Review-Lover Be Mine

Lover be Mine
Legendary Lovers (2)
Nicole Jordan
Ballantine Books
E Book
Published May 28 2013
400 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 8-0-345-52530-7
Author's Website
Synopsis
As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.

The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.

Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
My Review

When I had been given the ARC by Edelweiss and Ballantine Books, I was thrilled because even though I haven't read this author in a long while, I have enjoyed her in the past. I had also read some very positive reviews, that made me excited to read this story. It is definitely a bit more intense than I expected. It is based on the tale of Romeo and Juliet...only this time it actually has a happy ending (which is a requirement for any book I read) But this couple does have a bit of a bumpy road before they get to the roses and daisies.

From the beginning it starts out with Jack, who is known as a rake, but is also part of a family that is practically at war with Sophie's family. Jack's cousin, is on a mission to convince him that Sophie is his mate and as such he needs to pursue her. At first he thinks she is crazy, but there is a certain connection from their first kiss, at a masquerade ball, where Sophie's passions are awakened and desire for a man that should be her enemy, is far from it. Sophie has a duty to her parents, who are financially struggling if it wasn't for her aunt. So a marriage proposal from a titled lord is what her father desires for her. But when Jack consistently pursues her ina way that she finds it hard to resist...from Jack climbing up the wall to her room, to meeting in secret for sensual rendezvous, she knows that she is in trouble of falling hard for him, especially when she knows that it isn't possible to have a future with him. Her father blames the Wilde's for quite a bit, and has hardened his heart. So Jack is forced to take desperate measures when Sophie finds herself engaged to a man that would bore her to tears. Now Sophie will have to decide what is more important: her obligation to her family, or her love and passion with Jack.

Jack is very unlike most heroes you usually see. Even though he is rumored to be a rake, he is far from it. He is very protective of others, has many vulnerabilities and there is so much depth to Jack, I fell in love with him from the beginning, I so wish I could have traded places with Sophie, I would love to have Jack as my own---sexy, protective, loyal, involved in helping others in need, and a fighter for the woman he loves. Jack isn't resistant to love like most heroes of this era, he is willing to give their relationship a fighting chance to succeed. Sophie I found to be very likable, even if she could have had a bit more spin when it came to Jack. But I understood her reasons, her family is everything to her. I admired her devotion to them and her desire to sacrifice for them, but it was fun seeing her change into a fighter for both her family and the man she loves. It was interesting to see the slow change in her, and I loved seeing the development in both Jack and Sophie. There was so much depth to these characters, and seeing the side characters added to the story in a delightful way.

There were so many things that I liked about this story, and I can't think of anything major that I didn't like. There was so much to LOVER BE MINE that made for a strong and sensational story...that reminded me of why I love romance novels so much. Even though I haven't read the first one in the series, I didn't feel lost or anything, it was easy to catch on, and I wasn't ever lost. The plot was fun and I enjoyed how it followed the play of Romeo and Juliet---even the whole climbing up the tower to talk to Sophie-I do love a hero who has more stubbornness than sense--makes it more exciting and unique. I love the wide variety of emotions that were displayed through the story, that only made it more vivid and almost real. Such a powerful driven story of passion, love and deep emotion that will blow you away!!!

First Line 
Her beauty held a uncommon allure, much to his regret. 
 
 Favorite Quote 
"Don't go yet," The intensity in his tone surprised even him. 
"I must."
"At least allow me a better kiss."
When she hesitated, he rose to his feet. 
As he gazed down at her, those lovely blue eyes locked with his again and something primitive arced between them. 
Something heated and alive. 
Shivering, she took a step backward, but Jack tightened his fingers around hers, his resolve renewed. 
If this one kiss would determine his fate, he intended to make it unforgettable.   

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Princess Charming 

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