3/5 Review: Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh

Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery... 
With her parents’ marriage declared bigamous, Camille Westcott is now illegitimate and without a title. Looking to eschew the trappings of her old life, she leaves London to teach at the Bath orphanage where her newly discovered half-sister lived. But even as she settles in, she must sit for a portrait commissioned by her grandmother and endure an artist who riles her every nerve.

An art teacher at the orphanage that was once his home, Joel Cunningham has been hired to paint the portrait of the haughty new teacher. But as Camille poses for Joel, their mutual contempt soon turns to desire. And it is only the bond between them that will allow them to weather the rough storm that lies ahead...

**********

Someone to hold is the second in Ms. Balogh's Wescott Series.  It stands well enough on it's own.  

Camille Westcott has always been a perfect lady.  It has been revealed that her parent's marriage was not legitimate and she and he siblings are penniless and set out in the world.  In an attempt to settle into her new place in life - she takes a job teaching at the orphanage her legitimate half sister was raised and taught.  There she meet a young painter named Joel - with whom she takes and instant dislike for but there is also and attraction.

I had a bit of difficulty reading this one because I took a bit of dislike towards Camille - she is all prim and proper for naught.  However, once through a bit I had to find out how things turn out for her and Joel.

Ms. Balogh's writing is well rounded and her characters are strong even though at times you want to shake them.  Her story lines are fluid - although I have to admit the sex scenes in the book are more clinical then enjoyable to read.  That being said - if you enjoy period romances this one is worth the time.



4/5 Review: One Rouge at a Time by Jade Lee

A brown-eyed bastard with nothing to lose
As the illegitimate son of a duke, Bramwell Wesley Hallowsby grew up tough, on the fringes of society, learning to hide his hurt and cynicism with charm and Town polish. He's carved out a place for himself as a mercenary, serving as bodyguard and general strong arm for the peerage. Bram has nothing to lose... and he's exactly what Maybelle "Bluebell" Ballenger needs.


Meets his match in a blue-eyed beauty with everything to hide
Maybelle needs a mentor to teach her to speak and act like a lady, so she can claim the place in society she was denied. As they team up to take on the ton, Bram knows she's hiding something even from him. Despite the deception he sees behind those sparkling blue eyes, Bram wants to believe that Maybelle's love is no lie. But it seems fate has served him up his just desserts in the likes of this determined damsel.

**********

Jade Lee has done it again.  This is definitely one of the historical romances you will not want to put down.  It has it all, every emotion will pass over you in this incredibly written story of a bastard son of a duke and a heroine denied her place in society. 

Bram and our lovely Bluebell do not see eye to eye at first.  The romance builds over time and that is one of the appeals of the story.  It shows you how the love develops as opposed to instant love that quite frankly I do not enjoy as much.  I love to see the hate or rather distrust turn into something more.  This is what happens with these two.  They are both trying to claim their rightful place in society.  What better way than for the charmingly educated rouge and the cunningly beautiful Bluebell to team up and take what's theirs.  Simple?  Of course not.  Can they over come the barriers that can crumble a love so quickly?  Is their love strong enough to survive Bluebell's secrets?

I must say that this is indeed a book to read.  It had me feeling every emotion imaginable.  I laughed.  I was angry.  I was scared.  I was sad when it was over.  This book has found a place on my "Books to re-read", shelf. 

4/5 Review: The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie

 

On the eve of the London Season, Jane Chance is about to make her entrance into high society. And after a childhood riddled with poverty and hardship, Jane intends to make a good, safe, sensible marriage. All goes according to plan until a dark, dangerous vagabond helps her rescue a dog.

Zachary Black is all kinds of unsuitable—a former spy, now in disguise, he’s wanted for murder. His instructions: to lie low until his name is cleared. But Zach has never followed the rules, and he wants Jane Chance for his own.

If that means blazing his way into London society, in whatever guise suits him, that’s what he’ll do. Jane knows she shouldn’t fall in love with this unreliable, if devastatingly attractive, rogue. But Zach is determined—and he‘s a man accustomed to getting what he wants.

 

**********

Now and then I go back to my first love regency romance - it's been a long time since I found one that could keep me involved. I will start by saying although this is the 3rd book in A Chance Sisters Romance. It stands well on it's own. It is obvious that Ms. Gracie has done her research on the time period - her writing is descriptive and transports you back in time. I also found the story funny and romantic, and her story plotting keeps you involved.

Jane Chance - isn't interested in love - she wants a marriage for safety, a secure future, and money. When her first suitor proposes she accepts, his motives aren't what they appear to be. Enter a tall dark stranger - a gypsy named Zachary Black who helps Jane save a dog. Zachary, decides that he must pursue young Miss Chance. But, he also hides his true self from everyone. Whom will Jane choose? Does she really want to marry for money or will love overcome?

If you are in the market for a witty, well written historical romance - this one is definitely worth the time.