Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

RITA Reader Challenge: I Love the Earl by Caroline Linden

This review was written by Willaful. This story was nominated in the Best Romance Novella category.

The summary:     

A single lady in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a suitor Margaret de Lacey has accepted her unmarried state with dignity, if not delight. She had no suitors when she was young and starry-eyed, though regrettably poor, and it’s unlikely any man will court her now that she’s older, wiser, and still just as penniless.

Until, that is, her brother unexpectedly inherits the dukedom of Durham and settles an enormous dowry on her, making her the most eligible heiress in town. No gentleman in London is more in need of a wealthy bride than Rhys Corwen, Earl of Dowling. He contrives an introduction to Margaret because of her dowry, but she swiftly sets him right: no fortune hunter will win her heart or her hand.

Far from put off, Rhys is intrigued. Interested. Entranced. And soon the only thing… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

This review was written by Patricia. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book categories.

The summary:     

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around?

And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

This review was written by Heather. This story was nominated in the Best Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all.

But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy—the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

And here is Heather's review:

Ash Turner exposed the Duke of… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

This review was written by Saira Ali. This story was nominated in the Best Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all.

But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy—the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

And here is Saira Ali's review:

I don't read many… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

This review was written by Milena. This story was nominated in the Best Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all.

But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy—the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

And here is Milena's review:

Courtney Milan has become one of… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

This review was written by Michelle. This story was nominated in the Best Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy—the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

And here is Michelle's review:

Normally, I'm not a fan of the whole mistaken… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: To Seduce an Angel by Kate Moore

This review was written by Phyllis. This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

The youngest of the Jones brothers, Kit, has just been made the Marquess of Daventry-heir to his vengeful grandfather, the Duke of Wenlocke. Kit wants to free his family from the old duke, and he hires the beautiful Emma Portland to tutor his young wards while he makes his plans.

But Emma's true identity may be even more dangerous to Kit than his dastardly uncle. And the feelings they begin to have for one another may spell their mutual doom.

And here is Phyllis's review:

I can't figure out who the angel was supposed to be – hero or heroine? The hero is too young (twenty-ish) and his story too improbable. [SPOILER: The heroine was a princess? Sorry, Anne Gracie did that one much better.]

RITA Reader Challenge: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

This review was written by Brooke. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book categories.

The summary:     

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around?

And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: True Colors by Joyce Lamb

This review was written by Katherine. This story was nominated in the Best Romantic Suspense category.

The summary:      


Detective John Logan moved to Lake Avalon, Florida, to put a lifetime of hardship and tragedy out of sight. But when Logan's darkest secret comes to town with revenge in mind, he puts the woman of his dreams in a serial killer's crosshairs.

And here is Katherine's review: 

I was worried about reviewing True Colors because I don't usually read romantic suspense (A I don't like being scared, B if you're on the run from imminent danger and you keep stopping to have sex I can only hope neither you nor your children survive to contaminate the gene pool and C I am even more bored by the ubiquitous serial killers of suspense than I am by the limitless eligible dukes of historical romance).

RITA Reader Challenge: True Colors by Joyce Lamb

This review was written by Randee. This story was nominated in the Best Romantic Suspense category.

The summary:      


Detective John Logan moved to Lake Avalon, Florida, to put a lifetime of hardship and tragedy out of sight. But when Logan's darkest secret comes to town with revenge in mind, he puts the woman of his dreams in a serial killer's crosshairs.

And here is Randee's combined review of both True Colors and True Shot.

True Vision, True Colors and True Shot make up the paranormal romantic suspense “True” trilogy by Joyce Lamb. Three sisters have the ability to see into others’ minds if they have skin-on-skin contact with them. Each of the three’s power manifests itself slightly differently, but none of them would consider it a “gift” as it has the ability to debilitate them to varying degrees.

            Either the second or third could be read without reading the others first, although the experience will be fuller with the background contained in the others.… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: A Mother’s Homecoming by Tanya Michaels

This review was written by JB Hunt. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Romance categories.

The summary:     

For Pamela Jo Wilson, returning to her sleepy Mississippi hometown means coming face–to–face with her past. At seventeen, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a new marriage and family, she fled Mimosa. But Nick Shepard wasn't the only one Pam left behind. Now, thirteen years later, she just hopes she can make things right with her ex–husband and the child she barely knows.

Nick's first instinct is to protect his daughter, but his little girl is hell–bent on meeting the woman who left her behind. With his own feelings for Pam being as powerful and all–consuming as ever, how can Nick know what he's feeling is real? And how can he trust Pam again?

First she has to convince him she's through running. That she's come home—this time for good.

And here is JB Hunt's review:

I was already a Tanya… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Katie’s Way by Marta Perry

This review was written by Stacey Agdern. This story was nominated in the Best Inspirational Romance categories.

The summary:     

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot...to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door. Then Katie's sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager.

Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie's shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb's secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

And here is Stacey's review:

This is the 5th Marta Perry Book I’ve read, so I felt confident I’d like this one.  My confidence,… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Katie’s Way by Marta Perry

This review was written by Andrea. This story was nominated in the Best Inspirational Romance categories.

The summary:     

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot...to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door. Then Katie's sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager.

Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie's shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb's secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

And here is Andrea's review:

This book, which is part of a series set in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, presents a tale that’s both one of love… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Taken to the Edge by Kara Lennox

This review was written by Lauren . This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Series Suspense/Adventure Romance category.

The summary:     

Ford Hyatt thought he was done. He was all set to give up on himself and on Project Justice. Then Robyn Jasperson walks back into his life. His former bad-girl crush looks better than ever and needs his help getting a case overturned.

Robyn's got an ex-husband in jail, a murdered son and nowhere else to turn. Ford let her down before. But now he can find the truth, set matters straight and redeem himself. And time is running out. If he fails,she has everything to lose. If he wins, he has everything to gain, including Robyn's heart.

And here is Lauren's review:

The Setup:  Bad girl and good boy have crushes on each other in high school but never hook up.  They meet again years later and sparks fly. Girl is trying to prove that her lying, cheating ex-husband didn’t kill their… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

This review was written by JoyceG. This story was nominated in the Best Inspirational Romance category.

The summary:      The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp.

The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

And here is JoyceG's review:

This inspirational historical romance, set in the deep woods of northern Michigan in the years following the Civil War, is a realistic telling of the story of a battered wife, Katie, who flees an abusive husband and heads north, accompanied only by her younger brother and a handful… read more »