Book Review-Taken By The Prince

Taken By The Prince
Governess Brides (9)
Christina Dodd
Signet
E Book
Published April 2011
286 Pages
Regency/Historical Romance

Synopsis (Goodreads)
Only Victoria knows that Saber Lawrence is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. But when Saber kidnaps Victoria to ensure her silence and vanquish her reserve, he finds that the proper English governess is not so easily seduced, unless Saber's willing to surrender something of his own-his heart.

Summary:
When Victoria first meets Saber, she doesn't believe that he is a true prince planning on taking back his kingdom that was stolen away from his family. Victoria is now a governess and meets Saber again after three years of distance but her feelings for him haven't changed. Saber can't afford for his plans or his true identity to be revealed while he is planning the revolution so he takes Victoria prisoner in his castle and where some of his people are taking refuge. Victoria is the one woman that says 'no' to Saber and isn't afraid of standing up to his family or to him for that matter, and her beauty has always held him captive and is earnest in his desire for her, and even though he knows that love was beaten out of him, he wants Victoria in his life...forever.

The Hero (Saber Lawrence)
Saber, was taken away from his people and his family as a young boy and sent to live with his father, who tried to beat his pride out of him, but Saber knew that he was destined to take over the throne that was stolen from his family, no matter the cost, of course he never expected that Victoria would be the one woman that would steal his heart, when he thought he could never love....

The Heroine (Victoria )
Victoria, ever since her mother remarried and has eight or so step siblings, has never felt close to her family, only smothered by them and prefers distance, and has only known pain whenever near them. Victoria chooses to be a governess and loves it, but never thought it would lead her down a road to passion, danger, and intrigue but knew that she would never regret being with a man that has stolen her heart...

My Thoughts 
Taken By The Prince by Christina Dodd is the ninth installment in the governess series. The moment I saw the cover and the blurb I couldn't resist reading it. It was the first unread book to be read on my Nook and I just loved every moment of it and couldn't stop reading, it kept me so enthralled from beginning to end. I found Victoria to be easy to relate with, tough but still has a gentle spirit, one who is full of courage and passion. Saber is utterly irresistable, rough exterior but needs love more than any other because he hasn't had much of it and has lost much in his young life. I was completely charmed with this love story that can just make you melt yet cheer for these two.....a well worth read, and one I plan on reading again for sure!!!! A Keeper!!!

My Favorite Quote 
 He watched her with the kind of hungry longing that was love and lust and the promise of joy all wrapped into one. So she gave him what he wanted. She cupped his face with her hand, leaned down to him, and vowed "Yes, I will marry you, Raul Lawrence, King Saber of Moricadia, and we will love each other for the rest of our live and even beyond"

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Rules Of Surrender
Rules Of Attraction
In My Wildest Dreams
Lost In Your Arms
My Favorite Bride
The Third Suitor
My Fair Temptress
In Bed With The Duke

Book Review-Scandalous Again

Scandalous Again
Trading Places (1)
Christina Dodd
Avon
375 Pages
Published March 2003
Paperback
Regency Romance
ISBN: 0-06-009265-3

Synopsis
Two exquisite cousins must exchange identities in a scandalous deception.

Madeline de Lacy, the duchess of Magnus, prides herself on being one of the most sensible young women in England, which is why she can't believe that, in a turn of the cards, her noble father has lost his entire estate — and her! — to a stranger.

On a mission to salvage her family fortune, she changes places with her cousin and companion, sending the meeker Eleanor to confront the man who had won Madeline's hand. Now, Madeline is free to enter the home of a notorious gambler, and pretends to be meek, humble, and competent with an iron. She is, of course, none of those things; she simply is resolved to win her family's fortune back. Just when she thinks matters can't get worse, she meets Gabriel Ansell, the earl of Campion, and they do. Horribly worse.

Four years ago, Madeline was engaged to Gabriel, and worshipped his arrogant kisses. Now, being forced to marry a man she doesn't know pales in comparison to the ordeal of facing Gabriel again, the man who betrayed her — Gabriel, the only man she ever loved.

MY REVIEW 


Summary:
When Madeline de Lacy, the Duchess of Magnuss, hears that her gambling father has lost her in a game to a complete stranger. So Madeline comes up with a plan in hopes of refurbishing the family fortune that her father has willingly given away. So she switches places with her cousin and companion Eleanor so she can go and pretend to be a humble and meek servant. So she goes into the home of a notorious gambler, and is taken on as companion and lady's maid to a young girl that is going through her first season. That's when she comes across Gabriel, and things are only bound to get worse with these two in close proximity. Gabriel is shocked to see Madeline once more in his life after she broke his heart, and its been four years since the have seen each other, and the passion between them burns bright once more, and their love is rekindled...


The Hero (Gabriel Ansel, Earl of Campion)
Gabriel is shocked to see Madeline at a gambling party. He knows that there must be a ulterior motive for she despises gambling and even more gamblers. Gabriel once loved her, but then she not only broke his heart but also though a display of anger, humiliated him before the 'ton'. But the desire h has always felt for her still burns bright and he knows that he still loved her, despite the distance and years that have buried that knowledge, that he still loves her.


The Heroine (Madeline de Lacy, Duchess of Magnus)
Madeline has always despised gambling. Ever since she turned twelve she has had to take over the responsibility to run their household and through the years her father has gambled away the family fortune. When her father gambles her away in a game so she is determined o gain the fortune back before she is forced to marry a stranger. What she doesn't expect to find is the one man she has ever loved...


My Thoughts 
Scandalous Again is part of the duo series Trading Places by Christina Dodd. I haven't read many books by this author, but each time I do, it seems I fall in love with each story that I read. Scandalous Again definitely is what the title implies full of passion and desire that has never died out. Madeline and Gabriel were once in love with each other but also shared a deep passion. Now after four years, their desire has come alive again with dangerous circumstances surrounding them Now they must learn to fully trust in one another to survive and have the happily ever after they never thought was possible. Such a sensual read and I fell heads over heels in love with the characters who were charming and the story such a enchanting story. I can hardly wait to read the sequel to the story. A romance you don't want to miss out on.


My Favorite Quote
His lips...he dipped them toward her neck, his breath caressed her and she wanted to close  her eyes and give herself up to exquisite, almost forgotten sensation.


My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
One Kiss From You

The Well Pleasured Series

A Well Pleasured Lady

A Well Favored Gentleman

Book Review-Storm of Shadows

Storm of Shadows
(The Chosen Ones)
Christina Dodd
Signet, 374 Pages
Published September 2009
Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 978-0-451-22813-0

Synopsis:

When the world was young, twins were born. One brought light to a dark world; the other, darkness and danger. They gathered others around them, men and women destined to use their powerful gifts for good or evil. Today, their descendants walk the earth as the Chosen, and the ultimate battle has begun.

THE CHOSEN ONES

Brilliant but proper and predictable, Rosamund Hill has lived her life buried in universities and libraries, discounting the legend of the Chosen as a myth. Until Aaron Eagle shows up at her door. Aaron both unsettles and enthralls her. But she can't resist his offers of clandestine visits to private museums, the hunt for a mysterious prophecy. or a makeover that unleashes her untamed soul. With the promise of a love that will defy fate itself, Rosamund is forced to confront the truth about the Chosen...and the dangerous man who sweeps her into a world of dark secrets.

My Review:
Rosamund Hill lives her life in libraries, she is a expert in antiquities and knows how to properly treat them. Both her parents have passed away, and she is alone in the world. Then a handsome stranger comes in to visit her, Aaron Eagle, inquiring about a prophecy. Aaron Eagle is part of "The Chosen Ones" and in search of the prophecy. He brings Rosamund along with him to locations all over the world in search of it. But there is a evil force at work called the "Others" whose goal is to destroy the Chosen Ones. Its literally a fight between good and evil. Rosamund Hill never realized what she was getting into at first, but as they travel the world together and fight evil forces, she is drawn to the unsettling man beside her throughout the whole journey. There is also a passion that awakens between the both of them that neither anticipated. And a love that is so deep and strong can overcome any obstacle they face together.

This is the first book that I have read from the Chosen One Series, and I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. This was a surprisingly good read, I didn't know if I would like it as well as her other books that I have read. Most of what I have read from her were her historical's so this one was a good surprise to be sure. There were times that it didn't flow smoothly through the whole thing, but I really enjoyed reading most of it. I loved how even though Rosamund has no experience with men at all, and now she is faced with one and she doesn't know how to react most of the time, it was definitely at times very amusing. This definitely sounds like a intense and fun series, and looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
Storm of Visions
Chains of Ice
Chains of Fire

Book Review- In My Wildest Dreams

In My Wildest Dreams
(The Governess Brides)
Christina Dodd
Avon, 372 Pages,
Published October 2001
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-38081962-1

Synopsis:
Since she was a little girl, Celeste has had one burning desire: to marry Ellery Throckmorton. But what chance does a gardener's daughter have of capturing the heart of one of England's wealthiest gentlemen? However, the education she receives at the Distinguished Academy of Governesses enables Celeste to return to Blythe Hall with a refinement that complements her ravishing beauty -- and makes her bold romantic dream more attainable. But alas, temptation gets in the way...


For wherever Celeste turns, it is not Ellery she encounters, but his serious, yet undeniably intriguing, older brother Garrick. The elder Throckmorton will have no one interfere with the younger's impending nuptials, and his meddling infuriates Celeste to no end. Still, she cannot disregard the fluttering of her heart whenever Garrick deigns to smile at her. And the passion she senses smoldering beneath his formidable control is tempting her in a manner a lady must never allow...

My Review:
Celeste Milford has recently returned home from Paris, where she plans on capturing Ellery Throckmorton for her own, whom she has loved. However there is a hitch in that plan, Ellery is engaged to another, so coming as the governess for both Ellery's illegiitimate daughter, and his brother Garrick's daughter as well. Garrick Throckmorton knows that the wedding between his brother and Hyacinth must go through. So when his brother becomes enamored with the beautiful and charming Celeste, he knows he must put a stop to it. Knowing that his brother would never listen to logic or reason, he plans a way to seperate them. So that Ellery can focus on his fiancee and Garrick plans on seducing Celeste in hoping to turn her focus from his brother to himself. So Garrick goes about preventing his brother to be up and about for a few days, hoping to cool his ardor for Celeste. Meanwhile, Garrick goes about with Celeste trying to tempt her his way and into his bed. Even though Celeste thinks she is in love with Ellery, there is something to be said about the desire that swells up between herself and Garrick, whom she finds herself sensually attracted to, one she can't deny.


As much as I enjoyed this one, it had so many similarities to the Movie, Sabrina. If you think about it the plot and what happens between both couples are very familiar. However there is a bit of espionage in this one, that added a sense of mystery and intrigue to the reader. So with that twist, it made it a bit different, however I seemed to be able to know what was going to happen, which kinda ruined the effect for me. I did love the love scenes between Garrick and Celeste, and the witty byplay that goes between the two. There were definitely some laughs, that lightened my mood throughout the book. So even though I enjoyed reading this one, it isn't one of my favorites of Christina Dodd though. Probably because I could almost predict what was going to happen next, and that really is no fun in a book that one has never read before. I will say that this one was very tantalizing and a enjoyable one.


My Grade On This Book
3.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
Rules of Surrender
Rules of Engagement
Rules of Attraction
Lost In Your Arms
My Favorite Bride
The Third Suitor
My Fair Temptress
In Bed With The Duke

Book Review-Rules of Surrender

Rules of Surrender
(The Governess Brides)
Christina Dodd
Avon, 369 Pages,
Published March 2000
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-380-81197-9

Synopsis:
The Rules of Employment
for The Distinguished Academy of Governesses Always remember your station; after all, you are higher than the house servants but certainly not a member of the family. Be sure to maintain a disciplined schoolroom and to take your meals on a tray. And never become too familiar with the master of the house...

Rules of Behavior
Lady Charlotte Dalrumple is known as England's most proper governess, a woman who has never taken a misstep socially--or romantically. So, on the surface, she seems perfectly suited to accept the challenge of reforming English-born Lord Wynter Ruskin, sadly uncivilized by his travels abroad.

Rules of Seduction
But the ruggedly handsome man has no desire to be taught manners. He has glimpsed an uninhibited beauty hiding beneath her prim exterior, and he'd much rather spend his days--and nights--instructing her in the ways of love.

And when ardor erupts between them, Charlotte learns the pleasures of desire and Wynter the passions of the heart, but before they can love both must first master the...

My Review:
It starts out with Lady Charlotte Dalrumple who is a governess, and one of the more proper ones. When a client comes in asking her to be a governess to her grandchildren, who are as she put it "savages" and needed to be put in society, well Charlotte agree's, wanting a change from helping young ladies with their come out's into society. So she is ready to accept that challenge of reforming her grandchildren. When she arrives at Autsinpark Manor, she is surprised to find that Lord Wynter Ruskin is there to meet them, and as she can tell he just as uncivilized as his two adorable children are. Lord Wynter Ruskin, ran away from home at the age of fifteen and went to explore the world filled with adventure. Of course it didn't all turn out as he had planned. He ended up back in England for the sake of his children, when his wife passed away. Even though they had known freedoms in living abroad and having no British social structure to restict anything from them. However, Charlotte takes the children in hand with grace, and naturally they fall in love with her. Having lost their own mother, and feeling out of place and very rebellious, they endear themselves to her influence. As time goes on, she realizes that the children aren't the only ones that she has to help get into society's good graces, namely Lordy Wynter Ruskin. She finds herself surrendering to the passion that builds between them, and as the society lessons go onward, she finds herself falling in love with the handsome Lord who has captivated her heart and body.

I love reading from Christina Dodd, she always brings out such a vitality to the reader, that I kept thirsting for more. I don't think I could ever get enough of her books. From the first page I fell in love with both Charlotte and Wynter, and the two children had me smiling from one page to the next. There was never a dull moment in this one. It had such a vibrance to the romance and passion between Charlotte and Wynter, that made my heart stutter with anticipation. It was definitely a treat to read Rules of Surrender and I truly fell in love with this book, the characters, the plot, the love story was endearing.

My Grade For This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Rules of Engagement
Rules of Attraction
In My Wildest Dreams
Lost In Your Arms
My Favorite Bride
The Third Suitor
My Fair Temptress
In Bed With The Duke