NB: Welcome to Flashback Friday! We’re taking it back to where Elyse’s Elizabeth Hoyt fangirling all began. She recently loved the latest Maiden Lane book, Duke of Sin, and it’s pretty awesome to revisit her thoughts on the very first romance in the Maiden Lane series. This post was originally published September 26, 2013. Oh my God, you guys. I think I’ve read my first crack book. The one that has some crazy going on and some plot elements … Continue reading Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
NB: Though Qualisign gives Sweetest Scoundrel a B as a standalone, she gives it an A- if being read as part of the Maiden Lane series. For the second year in a row, I have misread the date for the first of my two RITA reviews and have had to play catch up after the rest of the participants in this section have sent in their reviews. From the wrong side of the missed deadline, I can only … Continue reading Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt
The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels is 99c! This book came out a couple months ago and Elyse had picked it for March’s Hide Your Wallet post. Some readers mentioned that the book does have a slow start, but many loved the writing. Anyone interested in this?
RECOMMENDED: The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert is 99c! This is an arranged marriage plot in a modern setting, which I would love to see more of! The book does deal with characters in the mob, which I know is a big off-button for some readers, so FYI. Elyse’s review came out today and she gave it an A:
If you had told me that I’d really love a book about the children of two Boston mob bosses being in an arranged marriage, I’d have raised a skeptical eyebrow. But I’m so so glad that The Marriage Contract proved me wrong because I enjoyed it immensely.
The issue with Sweetest Scoundrel is that while it is well-written and has generally likeable characters who behave honorably, it was colossally boring. Eve Dinwoody is a quiet person with an unattractive face who enjoys being alone. She is prim and proper and she paints miniatures. Her half brother asks her to oversee an investment he’s made, so she ends up crossing paths with Asa Makepeace, the roguish proprietor of Harte’s Folly – a pleasure … Continue reading Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt
RECOMMENDED: The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden is $1.99 at Amazon and $2.99 elsewhere. I really enjoyed this book, and this series, and if you like contemporary BDSM erotic romance with very thoughtful characters, you’ll probably like this. As Amanda quoted me when she posted this deal:
I’m really finicky when it comes to erotic romance, especially romance with BDSM, and I thought this story was an excellent blend of erotic tension and character development. Plus the hero is really fascinating. This is a terrific… read – I hope you’ll give it a try.
The cover is still really weirdly composed, though.
RECOMMENDED: Wishes by Jude Deveraux is $1.99 at Amazon! Some readers admittedly thought this was a pretty odd book, but this is what Sarah had to say:
This is one of my favorite cracktastic historicals. The heroine has a “fairy godmother” who is actually a New York socialite who died and is in purgatory. To enter heaven she has to make the heroine’s life better. At one point she takes a break from her fairy-godmothering and conjures up a year’s worth of People magazine, which totally made my teenage heart explode with envy.
Who doesn’t love a good party in general, right? They’re often fun, especially with a few cohorts in attendance, and sometimes they can have a pretty decent food and drink selection. But a house party in a historical romance is a whole ‘nother beast. There are fantastic dresses and oh, the cravats! There’s usually some sort of scheming happening and super secret canoodling happening in a drawing room or dimly lit garden. All manner of … Continue reading The Rec League: Historical Romances with House Parties
RECOMMENDED: Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt is $1.99! This book seven in the Maiden Lane historical romance series, and hinted at a Beauty & the Beast theme. Elyse and Redheadgirl did a join review of the book and gave it an A-:
Elyse: For me it’s a solid B+. It was a good read, but lacked the Beauty and the Beast storyline I really wanted. Also Plot Moppets. And questionable choices on Apollo’s part.
Oh, there are great sex scenes though!
So…maybe A-?
RHG: The sex scenes were great. I’d agree with the A-.
