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

Sunday, October 19, 2014

ARC Book Reivew-An Heiress For All Seasons by Sophie Jordan

An Heiress For All Seasons
Debutante Files (1.5)
Sophie Jordan
Avon Impulse
E Book
Published November 4 2014
100 Pages
Holiday Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062363633
Authors Website
Synopsis
When a holiday blizzard brings together a pair of reluctant lovers, the result threatens their reputations … and may cost them their hearts.

Feisty and independent American heiress Violet Howard swears she'll never wed a crusty British aristocrat. Will, the Earl of Moreton, is determined to salvage his family's fortune without succumbing to a marriage of convenience.

But when a snowstorm leaves Violet and Will stranded and alone, their sudden chemistry will challenge good intentions. Seized by a desire that burns through the night, they'll toss reservations aside in favor of the heat found in each other's arms.

Will their passion survive the storm? Will they realize they've found a love to last them through all seasons?
My Review

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

ARC Book Review-A Good Debutante's Guide To Ruin by Sophie Jordan

AGood Debutante's Guide To Ruin
The Debutante Files (1)
Sophie Jordan
Avon Books
E Book
Published July 2014
Acquired: Edelweiss
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062222503
Authors Website 
Synopsis
The last woman on earth he would ever touch . . .

Declan, the Duke of Banbury, has no interest in ushering Rosalie Hughes, his stepsister, into society. Dumped on him with nowhere else to go, he's determined to rid himself of the headstrong debutante by bestowing on her an obscenely large dowry . . . making her the most sought-after heiress of the Season.

. . . is about to become the only one he wants.

But Rosalie isn't about to go along with Declan's plans. Surrounded by fortune hunters, how is she supposed to find a man who truly wants her? Taking control of her fate, Rosalie dons a disguise and sneaks into Sodom, a private club host to all manner of illicit activity—and frequented by her infuriatingly handsome stepbrother.

In a shadowed alcove, Declan can't resist the masked temptress who sets his blood afire . . . any more than Rosalie can deny her longing for a man who will send her into ruin.
My Review 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Book Review-One Night With You

One Night With You
Sophie Jordan
Avon Romance
Paperback
Published January 2008
353 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-133926-4
Authors Website
Synopsis 
Anything can happen after dark . . . — Tired of being treated like a servant by her own family, Lady Jane Guthrie finally has a chance to escape . . . at least for one night. Attired in a daring gown, she arrives at a scandalous courtesans' masquerade ball looking forward to her few hours of freedom. But when she sees Seth Rutledge, her skin begins to tingle with anticipation. Many years ago, Seth broke her heart by falling for her beautiful, title-hungry sister. But now here he is, right in front of her, offering her his lips . . .

Embittered by war, Seth returns home to inherit the title that would have once won him the woman of his dreams. Though duty demands he wed, he's convinced passion no longer has a place in his life . . . until a masked siren sets his heart aflame. Desperate to find her again, he has no idea it's his childhood friend Jane--and that after one night together their lives will never be the same.
My Review

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

ARC Book Review-How To Lose A Bride In One Night

How To Lose A Bride In One Night
Forgotten Princesses (3)
Sophie Jordan
Avon
E Book
Published July 30 2013
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-203301-7
He saved her life...

When Annalise Hadley is tossed over the side of her honeymoon barge, the newly-minted duchess knows she's been left for dead -- for her husband's only interest is in her vast dowry, not her muddied lineage. However, she didn't count on a savior. Especially not an honorable, sinfully intriguing earl who will tempt her to risk everything—again.

Now he will seduce her heart and soul

A man with his own demons, Owen Crawford, the reclusive Earl of McDowell, is enchanted by the mysterious, courageous woman he rescued. He will help her heal, teach her to protect herself, and then send her away—so that she’ll never see he’s far from the hero she believes him to be.

But days and nights alone prove that some secrets are meant to be discovered...some desires are too powerful to resist…and some wounds can only be healed by love.
My Review 
I recently discovered Sophie Jordan over the past few months, and have really loved her books that I have read so far. This newer series of hers, has been so far, inspirational. There is such emotion that is played out throughout this one. I read the first one not too long ago, so I was thrilled to have a chance to read this one though Avon and Edelweiss. This story brings out a unique tale of a woman that has had the shock of her life, and has to learn to rely on a stranger for help. When her husband on their wedding trip, tries to kill her and dumps her in the river, she barely survives, and with a broken leg, spends weeks with Owen Crawford. Owen is a army man, and has done many things that he regrets. He finds that Anna is a beautiful and engaging woman, too much temptation for him. Owen at first tries to resist her charms, but before long he sucumbs to a passion that sweeps them both away. Anna has a big secret that she must keep from Owen, in order to survive. She must never let her husband know that she is alive, or her life could be in danger again, and she might not survive the next time. I found this story to be a engaging story that was well worth the read. With some suspense, and intense drama at times, a few gypsy's thrown into the mix,  and a villian that is bound to put chills down your spine. I found my attention captivated once more by Sophie Jordan. There hasn't been one book by this author that I haven't liked, and I have to say that "How to lose a bride in one night" went way beyond what I expected from Jordan. This couple may seem normal on the surface, but in the end they became very endearing especially in the end. A wonderful and sweet tale set in the Regency Era that is bound to curl your whole body. You are in for one hell of a find!!! Guaranteed for pure enjoyment.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Wicked In Your Arms
Lessons From A Scandalous Bride
This Earl In My Bed

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Book Review-Princess Charming

Princess Charming
Legendary Lovers (1)
Nicole Jordan
Ballantine
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2012
343 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  0345525272
Author's Website 
Synopsis
In Nicole Jordan's dazzling new Regency series, the scandalous Wilde cousins seek true love by imitating history's legendary lovers... beginning with Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, who takes on the daunting role of Prince Charming to an unlikely Cinderella.

Thanks to the mischievous meddling of his matchmaking sister, Ashton Wilde meets a damsel in distress during the midnight magic of a lavish ball. But Maura Collyer isn't looking for a prince—or an intimate pairing with any member of the scandalous noble Wilde family.

Intrigued by Maura's beauty and daring, Ash is determined to aid in the rescue of her beloved stallion, gambled away by her wicked stepmother to an evil viscount. As their adventure becomes rife with peril and passion, Ash suspects he's found his heart's desire.
My Review

After having the chance to read Lover Mine (the second in the series), I was thrilled to get a copy of Princess Charming at my local library. The more I read from Nicole Jordan, the more I am liking her even more and more.  This new series by Jordan, is the "Legendary Lovers", which we see in Princess Charming, is instigated by the oldest daughter-who tends to be a bit bossy and overwhelming at times. She claims that each of them (herself and her fellow siblings) are destined for one true mate, and that each of their finding their true love will be based on a famous love story. So informs her brother Ash that he is destined to be Prince Charming to Maura who is his Cinderella. At first he thinks his sister is going crazy, but he starts to believe her when he meets Maura, who needs someone to rescue her. Maura has recently lost her father because he was tricked into a gambling game. So her step mother, sold her most prized possession, her beloved horse, to their nemesis, who promised in return to fund her sisters coming out in Society. She is furious and needs to get back her horse, he is one of her closest friends and will do anything to get him back. When she tries to convince the Viscount to sell him back to her, he tries to attack her sexually, and she fights back. Now she knows that she will never be able to get him back. But then Ashton Wilde steps forward, and for the first time she believes that there is hope. She knows that his sister is trying to match make them together, but that is the last thing she needs, is another male trying to take over her life, she believes that she is doing just fine on her own. But when circumstances change, Ash and Maura are forced together in a pretend engagement, and she starts to fall in love with a scandalous rake who has taught her the true power of passion and a love that last a lifetime.

Can I just say WOW!!! I am very impressed, I wish that I had read this one first before Lover Mine. It is always such a benefit to read a series in order, now I have to wait for the third in the series, much to my dismay....the last thing I want to do now is WAIT!! LOL There was quite a bit that I enjoyed about Princess Charming. First is that I loved that it had a horse theme to it. I have a deep passion for horses, and this horse definitely played a major part in the story. Maura is very stubborn and tenacious, and seriously---she will do anything for this horse of hers. It was quite amusing to see the lengths she will go with, and Ash just goes along for the ride and saves the day. I loved the Ashton isn't afraid of Maura independence, and is a perfect match for her, because he shows her he can be just as stubborn as she can. There was quite a bit of a intense battle between Maura and Ashton, but a fun and amusing one, that will just have you laughing until your arms fall off. A witty and carefree tale based on a fairy tale, that just brings a new aspect on it, and made me fall in love with this author again! Zesty, humorous adventure!!

My Grade
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Lover Be Mine

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Book Review-In Scandal They Wed

In Scandal They Wed
The Penwhich School For Virtuous Girls (2)
Sophie Jordan
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published April 2010
373 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-157921-9
Author's Website
Synopsis
 What kind of woman would marry a man she only just met?

The kind with nothing to lose.

Long ago, Evelyn Cross sacrificed her good name, her freedom, and any hope for love. Now, in the remote English countryside, she struggles to survive and avoid the scandal threatening to destroy all she holds dear . . . until a sinfully handsome viscount arrives on her doorstep, offering marriage, salvation, and tempting her with so much more . . .

What kind of man would marry a woman he only just met?

The kind bound by duty.

Fresh from war, Spencer Lockhart returns home to claim his title and right the wrong his cousin perpetrated upon Evelyn Cross. In need of a wife, his marrying her is a small price to pay for duty. But when he meets her, the fiery chit is not what he expects to find in a ruined lady. As desire flares hotly between them, honor is the last thing on his mind . . .

What kind of man and woman would marry when they've only just met?

The kind who could ignite a scandal with just one touch
My Review

Every time I get a chance to read from Sophie Jordan I find myself in for one hell of a ride of a story. I always know that it will be easy to read and I will be thoroughly entertained. Even though I enjoyed this one, there was just something I felt was missing. It was very easy and a quick read, which is the norm for Jordan's book. But I felt like there wasn't much of a "romance", I wish there had been a bit more development between the couple. The end seemed a bit rushed, however I would slightly recommend this, just it wouldn't be at the top of my list of favorites of this author.

Evie is one of the three girls where they formed a friendship at the Penwhich school for girls, which was misery in and of itself. Her father sent her there when she was a girl. Now after returning from Barbados, where she was almost attacked and raped, she knows that she will have to sacrifice everything for her sister, who is the only one in her family that loves her. When her sister Linnie gives birth to a son, with the father a soldier and serving elsewhere, she is about to lose her child. So Evie claims the child as her own, and is to be taken to the countryside and will claim to be a widow. Four years have passed since, and Nicholas, she considers to be her own, especially since Linnie died shortly after giving birth. Then she meets Spencer Lockhart, who claims to be the cousin of Nicholas' father and Linnie's lover. AT first she is resistant to him, but when he proposes marriage and a life of security and opportunity for her son, she is more than willing. At first she is afraid of his reaction to the truth, but the lie starts to eat away at her, and when her feelings for him start to slowly change into love, she knows she must tell him everything. But she wonders when the truth comes out will he still care about her, or will she lost him completely?

Spencer has retired from the army, since his brothers death, he knows it is up to him to take responsibility to the title that rests on his shoulders. He is still grieving for his cousin who was his close friend, and has dreamed for years of "Linnie". Spencer is a bit arrogant, very sexual, and I had a hard time liking him for most of the book, until the end, he started to become a bit likable. So he was not my favorite, especially in his treatment of Evie, who I think has a heart of gold. Evie, has sacrificed everything for her family, and they still treat her like dirt. Spencer isn't much different, its all about sex for him, whereas Evie wishes for something more in their relationship. I loved how strong willed she is, and doesn't back down and demands respect for herself...I love seeing her develop some good backbone especially to her parents in the end. (they totally deserved it). I found something lacking in their relationship.

Overall this was my least favorite of Sophie Jordan so far. I was very surprised that I didn't like it more. I found it to be a bit brutal for Jordan's style. I didn't really like it all that much, there were some good factors involved, but I felt like there was some substance missing from it. I felt like there could have been more development in their relationship, and I didn't see how they went from sex and hating each other, to madly in love. It just didn't fit for me completely. Disappointed, but plan on reading more from this author, since I know I have just loved her other books.

My Grade 
3 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Sins of a Wicked Duke
Wicked Nights With A Lover  

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Book Review-Wicked In Your Arms

Wicked In Your Arms
Forgotten Princesses (1)
Sophie Jordan
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published August 2011
370 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-203299-7
Author Website 
Synopsis
One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London's most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady—one with a considerable fortune to her name—wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .
My Review
Summary 
After fighting many battles and wars along side his brother and their fellow country men, many have died more than half of their army, but they have come victors, but then his brother is killed, and Sevastian becomes the heir prince, with more duties and obligations than he ever wanted for himself. He knows his duty, to marry a woman of good bloodlines and with a lot of money; in order to save his country. So he comes to England to find just that, but the pickings are a bit slim, but there is one woman that may have a lot of money, but could never be his future queen, yet she stirs something in him he has never felt before and he can't help but be utterly fascinated and aches for more. Grier grew up in the country, but when her mother dies unexpectedly her birth father, a owner of a gambling hell, decides to put them in society, even though they have zero bloodlines worth anything, when Grier and her sister marry, the money that comes with them is sure to attract any male. Grier despises herself for putting up this ridiculous charade of being someone she isn't. She craves freedom, and knows that it is her duty to marry high, and when she first meets the prince, she finds him a boor and rude and would never go after him, since he doesn't seem to hold her in high esteem. But when they both end up at a country estate house party for a week, Grier wonders if she will be able to resist the temptation of one blissful night with him that would change her life forever.

My Thoughts 
I feel like every time I read a book from this author, I think to myself why did it take myself so long to read her. I have recently started reading more of her books, and the ones I have read so far, are some of my favorite romances. There is a certain way about her writing that captures your attentions from the first sentence. When I saw Wicked In Your Arms on the shelves at the library, I knew I had to pick it up, the cover alone is what really drew me, I love the vibrant yellows and oranges mixed in with the dark color of Grier's dress. Then when I read the blurb, I instantly put it in my bag. This story is the first in the series,  and I do love a royal story, especially when in the beginning you wonder how they end up together, considering they are from two sides of the tracks right? Well it was pure bliss to read Grier and Sevastian's story.

 We begin with Sevastian having just returned from the war, still wounded but seeking his grandfather, who expects him to marry well to rebuild their country up again. Still mourning the loss of his brother and with a huge heap of responsibilities he never though he would have to endure, he heads to England to procure a bride. Then it jumps to two months later, at a ball, where Grier, who is content to hide behind plants rather than talk nonsense with the ton, overhears a conversation not very flattering about herself and her sister, between a prince and his cousin, and lets just say the outcome was hilarious and the humorous tension that builds between Grier and Sevastian is very entertaining to say the least. In fact this is probably one of the more entertaining read I have had a chance to read in quite a while. Then they are put together in a house party for a week, and the conflict between them only escalates further. In the beginning they almost despise each other despite the fact they desire each other. Then we see a strong emotional connection as well builds between them, and despisement turns to passion which turns into a intense love story. It is almost like a roller coaster going through all these emotions along side the couple, A whirl of fun this story is.

Now I had a hard time choosing which characters I liked more Sevastian or Grier. Sevastian in the beginning seems to be very conceited and very rude but we see another side to him. We see the true character, what is beneath the tough protective exterior and to the delicious part of him. Sevastian is a royal, but he wishes he could have love and someone to really care for. He also knows the chances of finding that are slim. I enjoyed seeing the hard part of him soften toward Grier, and that's where it gets really emotional. Grier, just had my heart from the beginning, I felt it so easy to relate with her on a personal level. Grier has grown up riding astride horses, learning to fish and shoot, (nothing a proper woman should ever even think about), she likes to talk about real events instead of the weather or what needlepoint she is working on. I found her to be like a breath of fresh air. I also liked how resilient she is, pretty much everyone talks horribly behind her back, but she takes it all in stride, and puts a smile on her face even though inside she is hurting. I liked how brave she was and stood up to Sevastian constantly.

Overall I fell in love with Sevastian and Grier, and as we see their relationship progress, I couldn't help but love seeing these two together. The story was a whirlwind of fun, passion, a bit of danger, and a whole lot of intensity that only made for a astounding read. A SEXY read that only demonstrates Jordans wonderful storytelling talent that reaches out to the reader. DELIGHTFUL!!!

First Line 
 He lived. This was Sevastian's sole burning thought as he advanced down the wide sunlit corridor. 

Favorite Quote 
"You care whether I like you or not?" 
He gave a single nod, wondering how he'd gotten into such dangerous territory. He was actually trying to convince a female that he liked her. Why? To what end? Did he expect for them to be friends? That did not seem realistic. He'd never been friends with a woman before. 
"Why?" Her eyes narrowed on him "Why should you care whether I like you?"
The only thing he could think about just then was his ominous warning to his cousin. When he'd staked a claim on Miss Hadley and called her his. 
With that single thought burning through him, he inches his head toward hers, moving in slow degrees, as a hunter might close in on his prey. 
"I fear if you did not like me, I would never be able to do this." He slanted his lips over hers. 

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy 

Other Books In Series 
Lessons from a Scandalous Bride
The Earl In My Bed
How To Lose A Bride In One Night


 
 

Friday, May 3, 2013

Book Review- Sins of a Wicked Duke

Sins of a Wicked Duke
The Penwhich School For Virtuous Girls (1)
Sophie Jordan
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published April 2009
369 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-15917-2
Author's Website
Synopsis
She works to live . . .

One would think the last place a beauty like Fallon O'Rourke could keep her virtue was in the Mayfair mansion of London's most licentious duke, the notorious Dominic Hale. Yet Fallon--who's endured nothing but lecherous advances since her father's tragic death--is perfectly safe there . . . disguised as a footman! Beneath the notice of the dark-haired devil with his smoldering blue eyes and sinful smile, Fallon never imagines her secret will be discovered. But how long can her deception last when she begins to wish she is one of the many women traipsing in and out of the sinful rogue's bedchamber?

He lives to sin . . .

Most men envy the duke, never suspecting his pleasure-loving ways are a desperate attempt to escape, however briefly, the pain of a past that's left him with a heart of stone. Only one woman can break down his defenses. Only one woman can win his love . . . if she reveals her secret and succumbs to the sins of the wicked duke.
My Review
Summary 
Fallon lost her father when she was a girl and has blamed the family that sent her father to his death ever since. She was sent to a school for girl where she learned much but was abused often with little to eat and where she found her two closest friends. Now she is an adult but life hasn't changed that much. She still wants a home for herself. She has had a hard time trying to find a stable job where she doesn't end up being fondled and almost forced into a man's bed against her will. So Fallon is desperate to escape her situation and figures out that if she poses as a male servant, circumstances will be a lot different for her. So she ends up being a footman for Dominic Hale. Dominic is exactly the type of man she wants to avoid being near. With a variety of women always in his bedchamber, she wonders how he can be so wicked yet temptation. Dominic used to have purpose and meaning in his life, trying to help young children. However now he has returned to England and he just exists in his life, never really living. Not until he meets Fallon. When a strange footman comes to work for him, there is something different about him, he just doesn't know what. Then one evening, while he was drunk, he finds a woman in his bed that makes him feel more alive than he has felt in years. He just doesn't know that the woman that can change his life works for him posing as a man. When the truth comes out Fallon will realize that she would never love anyone as much as she loves Dominic who may be wicked but she just aches to reach his heart...

My Thoughts 
I have only read one book previous to this one by this author, and I wonder why I haven't read more of her before now. I really should be banging my head against a lamp or something for being such a idiot LOL It has been a while since I have read a book that totally won my heart over and was such a page turner I had it read in one morning when I thought it might take a whole day to read it. It has been quite a while since I have read a book so quick and been so engrossed into a story I forgot the time. Before I realized it, the book was over, and even though it left me fully satisfied as if I had feasted on a meal at Thanksgiving, but I also wanted more, it ended way too soon for me. I loved how this story play out...its a very unique style of plot and story line. Its been almost forever since I have read a story of a woman posing as a man (in the historical genre). Either its not very common any more, or I just haven't been reading those books LOL Maybe a bit of both. It starts out with seeing Fallon as a little girl and it made my heart just reach out to her instantly and to her friends. Fallon has alot of spirit in her, but she also has a standard for herself, and refuses to accept less than  a marriage before she goes into bed with a man. I admired her tenacity and will, and she tended to be quite creative at times. Now Dominic is the type that I see is just wasting his life away in drinking, gambling and in women. At first I had a hard time liking him, but he grew on me the more and more the story progressed. We see him change into someone that wants to live for a purpose and enjoyed seeing these two clash against each other. And when the truth comes out that she is a woman----magnifiscently done in that scene. There were so many little scenes that I enjoyed and just got a kick out of them. I just love Jordan's style, there is a sense of fun and playfulness between the couple, and the little things between them that only made their story that much sweeter. Overall a sweet and tantalizing story of love and sensuality that in perfectly blended into a truly wonderful story. It tended to constantly pull at my heartstrings and left me breathless until the very end!!! DEFINITELY a read you don't want to miss out on or this author!!!  LOVED IT!!

First Line 
Tears ran cold paths down Fallon O'Rourke's cheeks, but not a sound passed her chilled lips.

Favorite Quote 
"My life is not half lived. I've lived plenty. No coddled existence, to be sure. And I've seen my share of truly wicked--"
"is that so?" He moved across the carriage, dropping down beside her. "And what would truly wicked be?"
Gripping her chin, he turned her face to him and breathed in the chocolaty hint of her breath.
"Like kissing a man in a moving carriage in the middle of the day? Would that qualify?"

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
In Scandal They Wed
Wicked Nights With A Lover  

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