To Beguile A Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt 3.5/5

To Beguile a Beast, by Elizabeth Hoyt

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 8

I had a craving for historical regency romance for a while now. This novel was purchased with a little bundle.

I enjoyed this novel. It did have a bit of the beauty and the beast theme going on which made it in no way original. But  I didn’t mind that too much. Most of the characters that Hoyt tends to create are mature men and women with history. I respect that.

The heroine in this one has two children. It was different seeing some situations through the children’s eyes. The chemistry between the main characters was believable, however, the mystery in the story was kind of boring though.

This one is not a wasted purchase at all, but I would have preferred to purchase it from a yard sale.

It was entertaining.

3.5/5

The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood 2/5

The Lion’s Lady, by Julie Garwood

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 7

Another disappointing Garwood that had so much potential. I think that her writing style in general is just not my cup of tea. I got pretty far reading this one, but ALAS!  I could not take all of the cheesy moments. Garwood kept alluding to how strong the heroine was, but it was contradictory to how she acted. I could have even imagined how her voice sounded. It wasn’t a flattering voice either.

This book is going to paint a clear picture of how idle some of the upper crust English society was at that time in history.

The heroine basically came to London to get married in order to have her inheritance. That’s pretty much the entire plot of this long drawn-out story.

Disappointing. I remember a novel written by Garwood that was very good. That’s why I gave these recent two a shot.

2/5

The Gift by Julie Garwood 1.5/5

The Gift, by Julie Garwood

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 6

This was purchased on a recent regency romance splurge. I thought I chose this one so carefully. I failed!

I can’t even finish the novel. And usually I absolutely HAVE to finish a novel despite how terrible it is.

The fact that this story was set at sea attracted me. But that is the only interesting thing about it. The heroine is very silly and clumsy. And she was always screaming and getting away with foolishness like poisoning the crew, almost starting fires and the list goes on.

I believe this book was suppose to read as a funny story. And maybe it was funny at the time it was originally printed.

This one got such high reviews.

I don’t understand how.

1.5/5

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers 4/5

The Atonement Child, by Francine Rivers

Genre: Contemporary Christian/Inspirational Novel

Sensuality: 2

This author has some interesting stories to share. This one did not disappoint. I am pretty sure it was written quite some time ago, but has been reprinted. Rivers tends to write Christian based stories, not focused on the romantic aspect of relationships, but more about the growth of her characters and their challenges in getting out of everyday tough situations.

It centers around the question, should a female abort a child conceived during rape? Abortion continues to be a sensitive subject. The fact that this novel explored this debate attracted me to the book from the first day I read the synopsis on Amazon. As a female I asked myself what I would do.

It is a Christian based novel, so if you are not into your characters asking God questions, and exploring their spirituality then you will not enjoy this one. I am a Believer, and even I got a little tired of all the praying and bible quotes. (And lightning strikes!) I just want to simply read the story sometimes.

That being said, I am happy I purchased the paperback. I never got bored, but I did find myself glossing over the drawn out mental debates and a couple of the prayer sessions. It’s the kind of book you will probably pass on to family and friends. It brings up so many questions. I want to discuss the issue of abortion with someone now.

Happy reading,

4/5

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas 5/5

Blue Eyed Devil, by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sensuality: 8.5

This is on the top ten of my contemporary (normal) adult romance list. Its not about teeny bopper college or high school kids. But intelligent, motivated imperfect adults.

I love books based in western type settings. This one is in Texas, and has macho, strong willed Texan men in it too. The heroine is a scarred woman though. And the hero had his own sets of past struggles.

But don’t you love books that have a general thread of perseverance and strength running through it? This one has it. In addition to believable chemistry.

This one will not disappoint. The heroine’s two older brothers have their own story too. Just Sugar Daddy (the eldest brother's story) is any good though.

Happy reading,

5/5

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James 3/5

Fifty Shades of Grey, by E.L. James

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sensuality: 10

This one I read quite a while ago. I enjoyed it at the time I read it. But I can’t read it a second time around.

Fifty Shades of Grey is the first in the trilogy. It is a VERY graphic book. And it deals with some heavy subject matter such as sexual abuse and BDSM (did I say it right?). Not really the type of thing I want to read about, but hey! I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.

It came off quite childish. Especially the voice of the heroine. I need strong characters in my books. Of course our hero appears strong, attractive and lets not forget rich. I agree that the Bared to You series is better. That one read more intelligently.

Borrow it from a friend if you must. It will be interesting to see the neediness and intensity of the relationship in the book translated on film though…

Happy reading,

3/5

Carter Reed by Tijan 3.5/5

Carter Reed, by Tijan

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Sensuality: 8.5

This was an OK read. Kind of corny and strange at times. It actually made me laugh a few times at how the author attempting to make a mobster/gangster look like a knight and shining. Hilarious.

The originality of the story line attracted me though. And lets face it. I have a weakness for bad boys! ;) It was interesting getting through the story though. It never bored me. Though it had a LOT of unanswered questions.

You may have to suspend reality a little. Imagine several men shooting at each other in a public area, and they simply drive off un-reprimanded… Umm OK.

Try it out none the less.

Happy reading.

3.5/5