To Love a Thief

Ensnared!
Lily Masters has a gift for picking pockets and telling stories—skills that come in handy for surviving London's slums. She's proud of providing for herself and her lively young sister, Alice, and she's never been caught. Well, there's always a first time.

Enticed!
Gideon Cole is a brilliant barrister with an unfortunate weakness for clients who can't pay. His latest charitable misstep: buying the freedom of a daring, beautiful thief. To repay the debt, Lily agrees to his proposition: pose as the object of his desire and help him snare a wealthy bride. All he has to do is transform the impudent Lily into a diamond of the first water.

Enthralled!
But the education of Lily could cost Gideon his carefully planned future. While she plays cards with his invalid uncle, and Alice charms the servants, the honorable Gideon is harboring less than honorable thoughts. For sweet, stubborn, and sensual Lily has a way of slipping past a gentleman's defenses—especially when she's stealing his heart.

*May Contain Spoilers*

 

Most times, love can be quite inconvenient. Especially when love can ruin a plan for wealth and title. Julie Anne Long pairs a lawyer with a thief in her novel, To Love a Thief. Quite a combination, that.

 

Gideon is a poor barrister in London. He has the awfully adorable trait of taking on clients that cannot afford to pay for legal services. He's a great lawyer, never losing a case, but his soft heart sets him up for financial failure. Gideon is a man with a 'master plan.' Each step of his life, since his parents died, has been strategically laid out to reach his main goals of financial security and a title. Though that isn't the real Gideon. Readers will respect him and understand his motives, though they may not agree to every facet of his plan. His sweet and heroic nature will win readers to his side in hopes that they will see him find happiness.

 

Lily is the thief that tries to steal Gideon's pocket watch and gets embarrassingly caught. Lily, merely twenty years old, is in charge of protecting and taking care of her ten year-old sister. Pickpocketing is the only way she knows how. Readers will love Lily's wit and sharp tongue, regardless of her occupation. Lily is a charming, beautiful girl with a few rough edges who has the power to open people up, especially Gideon.

 

The plot of To Love a Thief follows Gideon's 'master plan.' He knows that if he can win the hand of a certain titled woman, he will have the money and status required to help his sister. Though, if he's going to win, he needs to stack the odds in his favor with jealousy. Enter the thief, Lily Masters. Lily is an unknown gorgeous woman. With a little direction and a few lessons, Gideon believes that she will rival the women of London creating a sort of competition for his hand. He's right of course, but can he make it that far without falling in love with Lily? Of course... not! It's a romance novel with a happy ending, perfect for a quick enjoyable read.

 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

The Governess Affair

She will not give up…

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake.


He cannot give in…

Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love…

*May Contain Spoilers*

Courtney Milan writes the prequel to her Brothers Sinister series with, The Governess Affair. A stubborn governess meets the most stubborn man in the ton, but which will bend first? 

Serena and Hugo share the stage as the main characters. The point of view often switches between them and it's a wonder to read. They both are quick-witted, humorous, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Serena is an adventurous girl who seems to always find herself in trouble, yet she's brave, open, resilient, and persistent. Readers will connect with Serena on her path of justice based on her personality and her hope for the future. 

Hugo is the villain-turned-hero of this prequel. He's given the job to eliminate the problem that is Serena and readers will love how much he struggles! He doesn't expect to meet his match in the tossed away governess, but he does and it's an absolute riot. He chills her to the bone and then gives her hot tea to warm her soul. The match-up is on even ground and it's a thoroughly enjoyable duel. 

The plot that Milan creates is masterful and intriguing. I loved reading the barbed witticisms that Serena and Hugo spit at each other. I laughed at the unexpected situations and hated the Duke as much as Serena. I can't vouch for the whole series, but if the other books are anything like this prequel, read them voraciously. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Governess Affair

Teaser Tuesday (69)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Governess Affair (p.4)
   - Courtney Milan


"Yes, and a fine joke it will be to have your unentailed property repossessed. Convince your duchess that she well and truly wishes you back in her life. After that, you may laugh all you wish, Your Grace."

Teaser Tuesday (48)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Fated (Kindle Loc 18709-10)
   - Carolyn McCray

The old man spoke to no one in particular. "Beware the Ides of March."
Brutus was not certain if the words were meant for Caesar or himself.


Should Be Reading @ Wordpress

Fallen

When Izzy went to bed, she never expected to awaken to disgrace. Of course, it felt wonderful ... warm hands on her flesh, rough stubbled skin on her cheek. It all seemed some wonderful dream. But that hardly mattered to the ton. To them, she was ruined, for Lord Eppingham Julian Rowley had been discovered in her bed, and she'd claimed him as her own. Why had she done it? Why had she brought ruination to her name and dishonor to her family --- dishonor that could only be erased by marriage?

She had not wanted to trap the handsome rake in wedlock. Though she might fall forever into his golden-brown eyes, marriage to any man was not something she sought. Nor had she acted from any true fear of the ton's disdain. It had been something in Julian's touch, his kiss. Something had called out for her to guard him, to place herself in the way of his ruin. If to save this man meant to be fallen, so be it. And in saving him, she just might save herself.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Celeste Bradley's novel Fallen swept me off of my feet with delight and laugh out loud dialogue. It is an absolutely amazing book full of relatable characters. 

Izzy, the main female character, is full of gumption. Readers will fall in love with her quick wit, her optimistic attitude, and her selflessness. She has a beautiful personality that no one will be able to resist, including her love interest. 

Julian, Lord Rowley, has had a tough childhood. Always being compared to his brother - who seemed perfect from birth to death. Julian tries to makes his family proud, but is constantly cast as the black sheep. He's a firm believer that love does not exist though he is generous and kind. He is a bit on the selfish side, but the supporting cast of characters help him evolve into the best man he can be. Readers will connect with him through his strive to be a good son and heir. The childhood troubles he survived will also tug on the hearts of readers, making the bond even stronger.

The plot brought Bradley's humor into full swing! From bantering to bargaining, this novel will have every reader laughing. It's a fresh look at how a lady (accidentally) finds a husband whose worth whatever it takes. Though the book's story is a bit long-winded (the characters are so stubborn!), it was well worth it. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Fallen

Nowhere Near Normal

Poppy Hathaway longs for a normal life. Her family, though nowhere near normal, is wonderful and loving but Poppy doesn't want that life for herself. She wants a routine. She wants predictability.

Simon Howden

And marrying Michael would do just that.

Marrying Harry Rutledge, hotel owner and inventor, would not.

After a scandal, including Poppy, erupts at a society ball, she is made an offer of marriage... from Harry, to save her reputation.

Harry has already made it clear that he'll do anything to make sure she says yes, because he refuses to not have Poppy for himself.

* * 

Tempt Me At Twilight by Lisa Klepas, (whom I've come to love as an author !) was absolutely thrilling, heart wrenching, and loving. The Hathaway family is a circus of various amusements with Poppy quickly becoming one of my favorite sisters. I read the entire book in one sitting, :)

Poppy is a strong young woman who accepts herself. She loves politics, debating, questioning motives, basically everything a woman should not talk about in London society. But, she also longs for normalcy, which is impossible for a Hathaway to obtain. 

Harry Rutledge though is a different matter. I liked the character well enough but he had a few traits that I couldn't imagine in a man for Poppy. He was controlling, domineering, selfish, and had to have his way - no matter what it cost. Not that he wasn't civil, even nice, to Poppy, but as the story played out I kept thinking that she didn't deserve this man. Although, the end did take out my tongue for saying that. :) 

Tempt Me At Twilight 
                            on Amazon

                
                         rating: 3/5 cups

Where the Wind Blows

When Chase Logan, wandering cowboy, appears on Jessie's doorstep to tell her that her husband has died, the strangers both receive much more than they bargained for in the novel Where the Wind Blows by Caroline Fyffe.

Expecting a quick visit with Jessie, Chase is caught off guard when owners of a New Mexico orphanage show up to drop off Sarah, a little girl that Jessie and her late husband were going to adopt. Mistaken for Jessie's husband, Chase finds himself signing adoption papers and calling Jessie "honey." 

Dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Jessie's wracked with grief upon learning that her husband has died and is relieved when Chase, with his good heart and better intentions, steps up to help her, even if for only a few days, before he leaves Wyoming to ride to his next job. 

Within a few days, Chase realizes that his feelings for Jessie are growing. The idea of a family is not one Chase often allows himself to think about, but the people around him are becoming just that. If only he could let himself love again... but after Molly it isn't an option. He'll stay only as long as he's needed and then he'll leave before anyone gets too attached. 

If things only worked out the way they're planned. 

***

I loved this story! I have never read a historical western romance and for the life of me, I don't know why! Fyffe carefully constructs a story that warms the deepest chambers of your heart, giving you the understanding required to make a connection with each character. Just as Chase moves closer to his new "family," Fyffe assures that the reader does too. 

Jessie becomes the caretaker to the lot of strangers and the further the novel carries the reader, the deeper the love for Jessie grows. On the surface she's a simple woman, but underneath lay scars that run deep creating a complex and interesting character. 

The only problem I had with this novel were the spelling errors. However, they were few and far between. :) In its entirety, the novel was a wonderful read for this rainy Thursday and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. 

Where the Wind Blows on Amazon

rating: 4/5 cups

A Little Bit of Romance

Grace, the daughter of a prominent figure in 1906 San Francisco, has refused to marry a number of eligible bachelors, swearing that when she marries it will be for love. Enter, Nathaniel, an Irish immigrant who applies for the title of chauffeur to Mr. Wyne, Grace's father in Denise Agnew's novel Love From the Ashes.

During the job interview he can't seem to take his eyes off of Grace, doubting that she knows how beautiful she is. Does he realize how against societal views Grace is and that status will not force her to give up her hope of falling in love? Could Nate be the man that she's hoped to find since her debut in society when she was younger?

After a week of working as Mr. Wyne's chauffeur, Nate has already come to blows over Grace. Another employee of the Wyne household let his tongue get ahead of him and the disgraceful words ended with him knocked unconscious by Nate's hand. Nate questions why he seems to be so protective over this 23 year old beauty? The answers lie in his past and in the guilt that he hides from. The hints that Agnew lets "slip" about Nathaniel's past and the failure to protect his sister imply that the guilt he holds in his heart will send him to Hades.

But could Grace be the woman to save Nate's soul?
And will Nate be the first man to accept Grace and show her what falling in love is like?

A little bit of romance will light the way to discovery.