Short Story Review: Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz

Title: Misbehaving

Author: Tiffany Reisz
Publication Date: February 1, 2014
Publisher: Cosmo Hot Reads from Harlequin
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Wanted: Adventurous, open-minded man willing to try anything…

As a popular sex blogger, Beatriz gets paid to have orgasms. So being on deadline the week of her sister’s wedding isn’t as rough as it sounds. There’s just one hitch: Bea’s assignment is to write a review of a sex position manual, but she doesn’t have a plus one to play with.

The good news: Ben, the one who got away back in college, is also attending stag--and he's as temptingly gorgeous as ever.

The bad news: Ben turned down Bea’s offer of graduation night sex five years ago.

The best news: He’s not planning on making the same mistake twice.

If you don't already know, I am a huge Tiffany Reisz fangirl. Her Original Sinners series is fantastic and I'll pretty much read anything that she releases. When I heard that she was releasing a new short story about a blogger who writes about sex and her weekend wedding fling with the one that got away, I jumped at the chance to read it. Could Reisz pull off a satisfying romance without without the BDSM and without the familiar cast of her Original Sinners series? I'm happy to say that Reisz does not disappoint and Misbehaving is a fum, sexy and laugh out loud funny read that will leave you wanting more.

Of course, this being Tiffany Reisz, even her more conventional romances are anything but vanilla. Beatriz is a sex blogger. She's paid to orgasm and write about it. Bea is off to her sister's wedding where Ben, her college crush and the one who got away, is the best man. Five years have passed but the attraction is still there. An urgent deadline for a sex book provides the perfect excuse for Bea and Ben to pick up where they left off years ago.

I had a good time reading this. While I missed the angst and kink that usually comes with a Tiffany Reisz novel, Misbehaving is a fun read that you'll finish in no time. I liked how open both Ben and Bea were with their sexuality and how willing they were to try new things. Their review sessions were often hilarious while still being super sexy.

I didn't give this a higher rating because I had a couple of small issues with the story. First, I thought that Bea's sister and her husband totally overreacted when when the big conflict happens. To me, it just didn't seem like the most rational response to the situation. I also didn't like how Bea immediately turned on Ben when he wanted to find out more about the situation before taking sides. I thought his reaction was the most rational one but Bea was ready to throw him out the door. A little bit of calm thinking and discussion could have prevented a lot of strife, but then I guess there would't have been on obstacle to overcome.

This is an easy, fun read - just the thing for a day at the beach or a bit of light vacation reading. Fans of The Original Sinners series might find this a bit tame compared to that series but Reisz knows how to spice up any story. If you haven't read any Tiffany Reisz yet, this is an easy primer into her writing and I would definitely recommend it for fans of sexy romps and romance.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

The Last Good Knight Blog Tour: Review and Q&A

Hi, everyone! I am really excited to be on the The Last Good Knight blog tour today, hosted by The Novel Tease. If you're a reader of this blog you know how much I adore Tiffany Reisz's writing and I am happy to be on the tour for her newest novella in the Original Sinners series. This novella is being released in 5 parts, and the first part is available now. Read on for my review of all 5 parts as well as a Q&A with Tiffany at the end of the post. 

Title: The Last Good Knight (Parts I - V)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publication May 6, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Adult Romance/Erotica
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

The Last Good Knight is an Original Sinners novella starring Mistress Nora, released in five parts.

The Last Good Knight by Tiffany Reisz is a prequel novella set 3 years before the events of The Siren. The Last Good Knight is a delicious and naughty tale that is just the thing for all of the Sinners fans eagerly awaiting the next novel in Reisz's Original Sinner series, The Saint, due out in June. The story has been serialized into five parts and includes some of your favorite Sinners characters, including Nora, Søren, Kinglsey and new love interest Lance. While the story could probably be read without reading the other books in the series, I would not recommend it. These characters all have a long history with each other and it's best to know that history to get the full effect of the story. Besides, the series is awesome and you won't regret reading it.

I am going to review and rate each part by itself and then give my thoughts on the story as a whole at the end.

Part I: Scars and Stripes - 4 stars

Reisz cuts right to the chase in the first part of The Last Good Knight. When Nora encounters a good looking male sub at the bar of the 8th Circle, she doesn't waste any time getting to submit to her whims. A steamy session follows and Nora finds Lance to be the perfect sub. Though they've just met, she begins to feel that there may be more than just a one night stand between them. They are about to head into another round of fun when their night is interrupted by Søren telling Nora that a female Domme has been attacked and that she needs to go to Kinsley's immediately.

This was a good intro into the story and drops us right back into the world of The Original Sinners. Nora is her usual irreverent self and it's interesting to see what her life was like after leaving Søren and working near him on a regular basis. The two definitely still have amazing chemistry even when they are not together.  Like Nora, I immediately liked Lance and wanted to know more about him.

Part II: Soft Spots - 3 stars

Nora and the employees of The 8th Circle all convene at Kingsley's house and learn the details of Natasha's assault. The news of how badly she was beaten and the fact that the culprit is still on the loose rattles the of The 8th Circle. Though somewhat shaken herself, Nora knows that she needs to put on a brave face for the others and she decides not to alter her schedule. Though he's not happy about it, Søren agrees as long as she has a bodyguard. Kingsley ends up sending Lance to be Nora's bodyguard with the rule that they cannot have sex while he is working for her. This complicates things as all Nora can think about is having sex with Lance.

Lance escorts Nora to her various appointments throughout the day, including one to a kindly old judge who has a foot fetish.  During their drives, Nora takes the opportunity to learn more about Lance. We find out the particulars of his divorce and the circumstances of his child custody case. It's clear that Lance is a honorable and good man and, the more Nora learns about him, the more she wants him. Frustrated, horny and unable to sleep with Lance, Nora turns to the one man she knows how can take care of her needs.


Part III: The Games Destiny Plays - 4 stars

Nora shows up at Søren's house, needing release and knowing that he can give it to her. He wastes no time and what they both need. This is one of my favorite parts just because I love Søren and Nora together. We definitely get to see they dynamic at work here and we can see why they are so good together. Nora is struggling because she still loves Søren but doesn't want to give up her freedom. Her growing feelings for Lance don't help the matter and she even asks Søren for advice.

Lance is, at first, angered by the bruises that he sees on Nora but later understands that her needs are similar to his own and that he cannot judge her for it. Part III ends on a cliffhanger when Kingsley informs Nora that the perpetrator has made another move, this one against Nora.



Part IV: Fit To Be Tied - 4 stars

Part III left us with the knowledge that the attacker had broken into Nora's dungeon. However, Griffin (love Griff!) was there and was able to apprehend him. Without the threat of an attacker on the loose, Lance and Nora no longer have to abide by Kingley's rule not to have sex. So their clothes come off and the cuffs come on. :)

While I really liked the love scene between Lance and Nora, I have to say that I was a little disappointed in this part. The fact that the attacker was detained so easily and with so little fanfare was quite a letdown. I expected more since the attack was the entire premise for the story and I wanted a little more from it. But the love scene is pretty awesome so I can forgive the lame ending to the mystery.




Part V: The Last Good Knight - 4 stars

The threat of the attacker is gone and Nora no longer needs a bodyguard. Her feelings for Lance have grown and she feels like she may want to keep him. Unfortunately her plan to help him get his daughter back might just be the thing that keeps them apart.

The last installment of The Last Good Knight is a bittersweet one Lance must make a difficult choice and choose between two people he loves. I thought that the ending was very fitting and really showed how much Nora and Lance cared about each other. But, as the song says, love isn't always enough and sometimes having one thing means giving up another. This segment was a really emotional one that tied up the story really well.

Overall:
This is a great little novella in The Original Sinners series. Lance and Nora are a great couple and it was really interesting to see a male sub/female Domme relationship. The story also gives us more insight into Nora and Søren's relationship prior to The Siren. While I thought that each part was well paced and started and ended at a good spot in the story, I am still on the fence about serialized stories, especially ones that are as short as this one. Since this is a short story, each part is really short, and I think the serialized format would work better for me with a full length novel. That said, this is still a great, sexy read. I don't recommend reading it without having read at least The Siren. You'll get much more out of it if you have some context of the people and relationships involved.

Overall rating:

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Q&A with Tiffany Reisz

Hi, Tiffany! Thank you so much for coming onto the blog today. We are so excited to have you and to hear more about your new release, The Last Good Knight.

Happy to be here! Spanks for having me!

Can you tell us a little bit about The Last Good Knight? Where in the timeline of the Original Sinners does it fall? 

The Last Good Knight takes place three years before The Siren. Nora has broken up with Søren and is working as a professional Dominatrix for Kingsley. She’s struggling with how much she misses Søren but isn’t ready to give up her freedom yet. She spies a handsome male sub at the club and seduces him. Why? Because she’s Nora.

Serialized stories and novels seem to be gaining popularity with publishers lately. Why do you think this is and why did you think that this story would be best told in that format?  

Originally serials were the main form of popular fiction distribution. Almost all of Charles Dickens’s books were told in serial format in newspapers. I love this old-fashioned format. It’s a fun throwback to the old days. My publisher simply asked me for a linked story about Nora’s life as a Dominatrix and this is what came out of my head.

Was the writing process for a serialized story like The Last Good Knight different than your normal writing process?

Not really. The only thing you have to do with a serial like this is have a strong ending at the finale of each part and make sure there’s some sexual content in all five sections. Fitting in that much sex is the trickiest part.

Tell us a little bit about Lance, the new love interest in The Last Good Knight.

Lance was inspired by a man I met at a book event. He’s the bodyguard and collared submissive of a professional Dominatrix. A lot of people don’t realize how tough and manly male submissives can be. They’re not all sweet little angels like Michael. Some of them can kill you. Lance’s crisis in the book is unfortunately based on true events. A Dominatrix I used to see for pain sessions had to quit her dungeon when she went through a divorce and a custody battle for her child.

Is there anything that Nora won't do? 

Cook. It’s just not her thing.

Thank you, Tiffany. This was so much fun and we wish you the best with The Last Good Knight! 

Thank you and spank you!

Thank you to Tiffany, The Novel Tease and Harlequin MIRA for including us on this tour!

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Visit the author online at tiffanyreisz.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @tiffanyreisz. 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Short Story Review: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding by Stacy Reid

Title: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding (A Scandalous Novella)

Author: Stacy Reid
Publication Date: April 14, 2014
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher

Victorian Era England...

As far as rash decisions went, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne's will remained strong. If the only way to save her family's estate and reputation was by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it.

Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction--and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself. But she's made the first move against a very dangerous opponent. Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand; now it's his turn.

Sebastian is in need of a wife, and to find a wife with spirit and fire--even if she means to only marry for his money--would be a great prize indeed. He intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her, and demand his own satisfaction in return...

Jilted woman holds a peer at gunpoint, secures hand in marriage, title, and huge financial settlement in one go: this is just the kind of ludicrous set-up that makes me want to pick up a novella!

The arrogance with which Sebastian deals with the world, conferred upon him by his station as a duke and judgments about women and marriage that he formed long ago, makes him easy to dislike. Jocelyn, meanwhile, is suspect as well--her intentions to marry into money were clearly borne out of desperation, and she makes no secret of this. Again, the common weakness of novellas like these is that they are utterly predictable. From the moment he accepts her unconventional proposal, it's clear they will end up falling in love.

I admired Jocelyn's willingness to risk gossip (and at worst, jail--what if he had called the magistrate down on her instead?) for her family's benefit, as well as Sebastian's endeavors to knock down the walls inside their marriage--though he at first only does this literally. Based on his own parents' cold and disappointing relationship, he had had the walls between the master bedrooms knocked down so that it was a single, huge room (with a single, huge bed!), but he did this without even the real intention of marrying anyone, let alone this brazen hussy who had walked into his life just a day ago.

However obvious the destination is, the journey towards that happy ending is engaging enough. Their sensual wedding night is followed immediately by conflict. I found myself rooting both for stubborn, straight-shooting Jocelyn, as well as for the wounded and cagey Sebastian. The sultriness of their reconciliation makes up for any lack of surprise as to how their relationship is mended.

This was a well-paced, quick read with interesting and sympathetic characters. Stacy Reid gets the Regency voice down pat on her first try and deftly twines sensuous romance into her work. While I definitely wish for a little more complexity to the plot, that is understandably hampered by the short format she writes in. Still, I'll definitely look for further novellas from this author.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.stacyreid.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @st_reid

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here.

Short Story Review: The Affair by Lily Maxton

Title: The Affair (A Sisters of Scandal Novella)

Author: Lily Maxton
Publication Date: April 14, 2014
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher

She was his for one week only...

When a beautiful stranger ducks into his bookshop during a rainstorm, Cale Cameron, well-known rake, is instantly attracted to her.

Elizabeth, Lady Thornhill, is restless and hungers for something she cannot name. Society would never accept a countess and a mere bookseller, so they agree to a one week affair to indulge their desire.

As their passion ignites and their connection grows, Elizabeth threatens the one thing Cale has protected above all else—his heart. Letting her go is the only solution...and the one thing he is not prepared to do.

As an avid romance reader, there is something so satisfying about a novella that gets down to business quickly. The Affair is that kind of story. Lily Maxton quickly sets up the scene: a widowed and impoverished countess with nothing to lose who stumbles into a relationship with a completely inappropriate and rakishly handsome self-made man. Elizabeth struggles to reconcile society's values versus her needs; it's not difficult for the reader to figure out that love and lust will win out in the end (bringing financial security with it). As it is with so many novellas, this predictability is The Affair's greatest weakness.

Thrown into the mix is the new Lord Thornhill, her late husband's cousin, who is kind enough in his way and has made enough of a fortune abroad to restore the estate, but fails to incite the kind of passion that Cale can immediately kindle within Elizabeth. After a second brief and steamy encounter, a gift to make any booklover swoon, and a surprisingly pleasant evening spent in unsuitable company, she cannot resist his offer. Just as soon as she begins the affair, it is over.

The way Maxton builds the emotional stakes and just as swiftly knocks them down again is what kept me riveted and will keep me coming back to this novella. While Elizabeth takes some unusual risks (especially given her station and shaky financial situation) she never fully compromises her own integrity, and comes out stronger for it at the end. Cale is at once smoldering and sympathetic--and does it hurt that he owns a lending library, bookshop, and publishing house? In a longer novel, the new Lord Thornhill might have been a true contender, as there is nothing really despicable about him; in novella format, he clearly has no chance. Only the first of Elizabeth and Cale's encounters is fully described, but it was enough for me--definitely quality versus quantity.

Overall, I enjoyed this debut novella. While it doesn't hold any surprises, it delivers the three H's I usually look for in a romance: Heat, Heartbreak, and a Happy Ending. Maxton also sets up a few side characters that I hope she will explore in future novellas: in particular Elizabeth's bookish sister Olivia and the soon-to-be infamous courtesan Miss Forsythe (who is penning a tell-all for Cale's press). I'll definitely watch out for future releases (she has two more novellas coming out this year).

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.lilymaxton.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @lilymaxton

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Title: Improper Relations (Improper #1)

Author: Juliana Ross
Publication Date: April 23, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Adult Historical Romance/Erotica Short Story
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Purchased

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified--but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

I originally bypassed this story when it first showed up on NetGalley and picked it up later based on a recommendation from a couple of friends. I am really glad I did, too, because this story is a bit of a hidden gem. Short stories can be really good or really meh and this one happily falls into the really good category.

Hannah is a widow living in her late husband's family's home. Hannah has no income of her own and has no option but to stay with them or face destitution. Hannah was taught that sex with one's husband was meant to be endured an not enjoyed. When her cousin Leo offers her lessons in pleasure, Hannah cannot say no. It may be her only chance to learn about it, and it doesn't hurt that she is attracted to Leo.

I am a fan of the sexual awakening/education trope in romance and Proper Relations handles it quite well. What begins as a sensual, educational relationship soon turns into something more and I found myself really rooting for them as a couple. This book did have a lot of anatomical language, which I don't usually love, but I did not mind it here. It fit with the tone of the story and was not too clinical.

I expected this to be a fun, smutty read and nothing more but I found it to be a surprisingly emotional read. I did get frustrated with both Leo and Hannah a couple of times. Hannah for not having enough backbone and fighting for the man she loves and Leo for not telling Hannah of his feelings earlier on. A lot of grief could have been avoided if Leo had given Hannah any indication of having deeper feelings for her. But it all turns out right and I loved their reunion at the end of the book.

Overall I really enjoyed Improper Relations and can't wait to see what Ross does next.

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Visit the author online at julianaross.com.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Beautiful Beginning by Christina Lauren

Title: Beautiful Beginning (Beautiful Bastard #3.5)

Author: Christina Lauren
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Purchased

Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.

An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.

Chloe and Bennett are finally getting married! Their relationship has seen its ups and downs but the two are finally tying the knot, in true Bennett and Chloe fashion.  Full of all of the humor, snark and super hot sexy times that I've come to expect from Christina Lauren, the final chapter of the Beautiful Bastard series was as good as I'd hoped and I am really sad to see the series end.

Of course there are going to be a few hiccups, but a couple randy aunts and a small flood aren't going to stop these two from getting married, though it just might make them a little insane. Bennett and Chloe have always been one of my favorite couples. They bring love/hate to a totally new level but, underneath it all, there is a really strong bond of love and trust. They know just how to push each other's buttons and neither is easy to be with but they accept and support each other through it all. I love the quieter moments that we see between the two as well. The two still have amazing chemistry and the tension is ratcheted up even more by Bennett's no sex before the wedding rule.

The gang's back together for the wedding and it was really great seeing Max, Sara, Will and Hanna again. Max and Sara are still head over heels for each other and Sara is expecting their first child. Will gets a bit of payback in the form of a practical joke, with some pretty hilarious results. While I was happy to see everyone again, I am glad that the story did not focus too much on the other couples. As much as I love them, this was Chloe and Bennett's story and I didn't want to be distracted from it. That said, I full would fully support a novella for each of the other couples to finish out their stories as well (hint, hint).

If you're a fan of Bennett and Chloe, I think you're going to have fun with this one. I am really hoping that this isn't the end but, even if it is, I am satisfied with Chloe and Bennett's HEA. Very excited to see what Christina Lauren cook up next.

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Visit the authors online at www.christinalaurenbooks.com, Twitter (Christina, Lauren) and Facebook.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

Title: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After

Author: Julia Quinn
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N; Book Depository
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

For the first time in print, New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents a collection of "second epilogues" to her Bridgerton series, previously published as e-originals, plus a new bonus Bridgerton novella: "Violet in Bloom," a short story in which we finally meet Edmund Bridgerton.

The Bridgertons are back! As a huge fan of the Bridgerton series, I was very excited to hear that Julia Quinn was coming out with a book of second epilogues for the Bridgerton family. I relished the idea of revisiting these characters and was excited to also see that the Bridgerton matriarch was getting a story as well. The stories range in time from immediately after the original books end to many years after. Each story comes with a brief intro by Quinn which gives the reader some fun insight into the story. These were all (except for Violet’s story) previously published as short e-originals and are collected here for the first time.

Please note that I have read all off the Bridgerton books except for two (which I’ll note below). That did not take away from my enjoyment of these stories at all, though, as you will see.

The Duke and I: The Second Epilogue (Daphne & Simon)
Simon and Daphne’s story takes place many years after The Duke and I. Daphne finds herself unexpectedly pregnant again and is waiting for just to right time to tell Simon. We also finally learn what is in the packet of letters that Simon’s father left him. Such a fun, sweet story! Daphne and Simon were always one of my favorite couples and I loved seeing them living happily years later. You really get the feel of the Bridgteron family dynamic in this one and the affection between Simon and Daphne is clear. Funny, sweet, and touching, the second epilogue for Simon and Daphne was one of my favorites.

The Viscount Who Loved Me: The Second Epilogue (Kate & Anthony)
This story re-visits the infamous Pall Mall game from The Viscount Who Loved Me. Each year the players of the original game get together to play it again, with Anthony and Kate vying for the mallet of death. This story is hilarious and I love how each player continues to try and one up the other. This one made me laugh.

An Offer From A Gentleman: The Second Epilogue (Sophie & Benedict)
The second epilogue from Sophie and Benedict focuses on Sophie’s half sister Posy. Posy was the only non-awful family member that Sophie had and this story is about her finally finding her happily ever after. This is a really cute story. I always liked Posy and it was nice to see her find love. We also get a bit of an update on Sophie and Benedict, who are living happily in the country with their children. A very sweet story.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton: The Second Epilogue (Penelope & Colin)
Colin and Penelope were always my favorite couple and this was the story I was looking forward to the most. To keep things spoiler free I will just say that this story is about how Eloise finds out about the big secret that was revealed in the book. I was a little bit disappointed that the story didn’t really focus on them and their relationship, but I still liked it.

To Sir Phillip With Love: The Second Epilogue (Eloise & Phillip)
This story is a bit different than the others. It’s told in first person and is from the point of view of Amanda Crane, one of the troublesome Crane twins from Eloise and Phillip’s story. This story wasn’t my favorite only because I didn’t have a lot invested in Amanda’s character. It was nice to see what happened to her as she got older but I think I would have preferred something focusing on Eloise and Phillip. I enjoyed the first person point of view though and it was a cute story.

When He Was Wicked: The Second Epilogue (Francesca & Michael)
This is one of the epilogues whose accompanying book I have not read. This epilogue takes place three years after Francesca and Michael’s story ends. The two have not been able to conceive any children thus far and the story focuses on Francesca and how she is dealing with the fact that she may never have her own children. Despite having never read their story, I found this epilogue to be one of the most emotional and moving in the whole collection. You can really see the family dynamic at play here with appearances by Violet, Eloise and many nieces and nephews. I don’t know Francesca and Michael’s story but this makes me really want to read it. They have a really playful and sweet relationship and the ending of this story left me with a smile on my face.

It’s In His Kiss: The Second Epilogue (Hyacinth & Gareth)
This epilogue answers the question about whether or not Hyacinth ever finds the diamond necklace that she is searching for in It’s In His Kiss. It’s 22 years later and Hyacinth and Gareth are still happily married. Hyacinth is determined to see her daughter Isabella married during the season and finds that she has a difficult job ahead of her. This is a really fun story that shows of Hyacinth’s personality well. The tables have turned and she now knows what it’s like to have a daughter just like herself. Gareth and Hyacinth are a great couple and I liked seeing them again. Isabella is a fun new character and was fun to read about. I thought the ending was fitting and am happy to know what finally became of the necklace.

On The Way To The Wedding: The Second Epilogue (Gregory & Lucy)
This is the other book that I have not read yet. It takes place right after the events of the book when Lucy gives birth for the last time - only the birth doesn’t go quite as planned. Even though I did not know much about Lucy and Gregory’s story, I found myself emotionally invested in this one right away. It’s a bit harrowing but, don’t worry, it still has a happy ending.

Violet In Bloom: A Novella
Violet’s story is both wonderful and bittersweet. If you’ve read any of the books in the series (spoiler alert!) you know that Edmund Bridgerton dies at a young age from a reaction from a bee sting. Though he has been gone for quite a while before the first book begins, his character’s presence can be felt in every book. I loved this brief glimpse into the past to see how Violet and Edmund meet and come to be married. We mourn with Violet as she deals with the sudden and devastating loss of her husband and go with her as she learns to move on to embrace life with her children. This is a really wonderful and touching story that gives great insight into the Bridgerton matriarch.

I would not recommend this for anyone who has not read most, if not all, of the Bridgerton books. If you haven’t read this series yet, do yourself a favor and try it. If you are already a fan of the Bridgertons, Happily Ever After is a must read. It has all of the humor and heart that I’ve come to expect of Quinn’s writing. The Bridgertons are like old, familiar friends and I had a lot of fun visiting them again. Most of these stories were previously released as short story ebooks. I had not read any of them, so it was nice to have them all in one place. Even if you already own a few of the stories, it may be worth it to buy the collection and have them all in one volume, depending on whether or not you plan to re-read them (which I totally do). The story about Violet is also a nice bonus.

I really enjoyed this one. The Bridgertons never fail to put a smile on my face and I was glad to see them one more time.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.juliaquinn.com and Facebook.


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Uncovered (91): Grim

Hi and welcome to Uncovered, a weekly post where I feature one of my current cover loves.

Hi, kids. Hope 2014 is off to a good start for everyone. Today's featured cover is Grim written by various authors. This is a collection of stories, inspired by classic fairy tales and written by popular YA authors like Ellen Hopkins, Amanda Hocking, Julie Kagawa, Claudia Gray, Rachel Hawkins and more. I am a sucker for any fairy tale type book and this one sounds like a lot of fun. It definitely has that sort of old school leather bound book vibe. The tree image is pretty standard with fairy tales but I like it here and the little details of the motifs in the tree. This cover looks like it's probably even better looking in person. I have a feeling that the image may be embossed or have some kind of texture. I also love this shade of purple. I can't wait to see this one in person.

Do you guys love it this or are you over fairy tale re-tellings? Have a fun weekend, everyone!

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Short Story Review: The Scandal Before Christmas

Title: The Scandal Before Christmas (The Reckless Brides #3.5)

Author: Elizabeth Essex
Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Genre: St. Martins Paperbacks
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas, and he can't afford to be choosy. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea - all within a matter of days.

Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, and nothing and no one to recommend her but her own self. She accepts the lieutenant’s hasty offer only for the comfort and security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm snows her and Ian in, they both find they got much more than they bargained for - daughter, light, and a Christmas filled with honest to goodness true love.

The holidays are upon, which means it's time for me to read a few holiday novellas. Historicals are my favorite when it comes to short stories and The Scandal Before Christmas looked to have all of the elements of a fun, holiday read.

Lt. Ian Worth is the second son of an overbearing father. Until now, he's been mostly left alone and is away at sea most of the time as an officer of the Royal Navy. However, when Ian's older brother suffers what could be a fatal accident, his father demands that he marry immediately and sire a child. To try and get his father off his back, Ian tells him that he's already married. Needing to find a wife quickly, Ian arranges to meet the spinster daughter of one of his naval friends. At first Ian thinks Anne is too plain and without spirit, but soon learns that underneath her plain exterior lies a passionate young woman that may just be his match.

As novellas go, The Scandal Before Christmas had more depth than most. Like most novellas, it did feel like there wasn't quite enough time to get a really well rounded story.  The pacing of story was uneven and I felt like the ending was very rushed. I was also expecting a much more dramatic ending and the quick resolution and wrap-up left me feeling a little bit underwhelmed. However, I enjoyed watching Ian and Anne getting to know each other and like their frank conversations.  Of the two, I was more drawn to Ian, who is charming and has a good heart. I liked Anne well enough though her ugly duckling status was a little overplayed. The two had a good rapport though and I enjoyed their unconventional courtship.

With a good balance of romance and drama, The Scandal Before Christmas delivers a romantic read that's great for the holidays. If you like ugly ducking tales, you may enjoy this one. This novella is part of a series but I haven't read any of the previous books and had no trouble following along. It's also piqued my interest in this series and I plan to read the first book in the Reckless Brides series soon.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.elizabethessex.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @EssexRomance

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Short Story Review: Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City

Title: Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City (Iron Seas #1.5)

Author: Meljean Brook
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Bought

Eight months after The Iron Duke, can their marriage survive a new danger?

After Mina is called in to investigate the murder of an aristocratic bounder, her husband Rhys—known to the world as the Iron Duke—must overcome his fear for his new bride before his need to protect her tears them apart. But when she invites him to join her at the murder scene, a search for a mysterious killing machine puts her in more danger than ever before…a danger that leads straight back to Rhys.

Fans of Mina Wentworth and Rhys Trahearn rejoice. Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City is a wonderful short story that is a great addendum to The Iron Duke, giving us a little peek into life after the book ended. The Invisible City takes place 8 months after The Iron Duke. When a mutual aquaintance of Rhys and Mina's shows up dead, Mina is called in to investigate. The only clue they have is that the butler saw a giant brass wheel in the garden moments before the body was found. The hunt escalates when Mina discovers that the killer may have a connection to Rhys and she must find him before he can kill again.

I actually didn't know about this novella until my paperback copy of The Iron Duke showed up in the mail. I originally read an e-copy from the library but I loved the book so much that I wanted a copy for myself. I am so glad I bought it, too, because it contains this great little novella. Short stories ar not usually my favorite. It's really hard to write a short story that feels complete in such a short span of words. But Brook manages it quite well with The Invisible City. The story arc felt complete with a true beginning, middle, and end and it was a fun visiting these characters again and getting another view into their world.

The mystery plot was well executed and fast paced. Mina is as determined as ever and is dogged in her pursuit of the killer. While the mystery was a large part of the story, we also get to see how Mina and Rhys are taking to marriage. While they love each other passionately, their marriage is not without its problems. Both Rhys and Mina are still getting accustomed their new relationship. Neither of them has ever been in love before and they each have their own insecurities about the marriage. As a police inspector, Mina is often in danger, and Rhys is having a hard time dealing with his fear for her. Her safety means everything for him but he knows that he cannot stifle her or he will lose her. Mina is afraid that now that Rhys has her, his passion may have waned after the initial excitement of the pursuit has worn off. It was interesting to see how these two dealt with their feelings and insecurities. It's clear that they both love each other passionately. Of course there was also a good amount of steamy sex in this story - more than I would have thought for such a short story. I could have done with a wee bit less shagging, but I'm not really complaining.

It was also great seeing some old favorites from The Iron Duke. Scarsdale is as charming and outrageous as ever. Newberry plays a large role as well and I loved seeing him again. Mina and Rhys also include Anne the tinker in their family and we learn a bit more about her in this story.

I had a great time catching up with these characters. If you wondered what happened to Rhys and Mina after that fateful afternoon in the square, look no further. With incredible world building, great characters, a sexy romance and a fast paced mystery, The Invisible City has something for everyone. A must read for fans of The Iron Duke!

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Visit the author online at meljeanbrook.com,Facebook and follow her on Twitter @meljean

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Short Story Review: His For Christmas by Jennifer Haymore

Title: His For Christmas (House of Trent #1.5)

Author: Jennifer Haymore
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Jennifer Haymore introduced sweet, but shy Lady Esme in The Duchess Hunt, the first novel in her House of Trent Series. But what readers may not know is that proper young Lady Esme has a secret: the youngest sister of the Duke of Trent privately pens erotic stories!

Society would never allow Lady Esme to share her own work, so her friend Jennifer Haymore is here to help—and just in time for Christmas!

His for Christmas is the steamy story of two travelers who find themselves stranded in an inn when an unexpected snowstorm blankets the English countryside. As the temperature drops, desire rises and the two strangers share a night of passion unlike anything either has ever experienced. When dawn breaks and the storm clears, will they continue on their separate journeys, or will they begin a new path together?

The year is quickly coming to a close which means it's time to break out the holiday reading. I don't usually go for themed books but there is something really appealing about holiday romances. I always end up reading a few during the holiday season. Though part of the House of Trent series, this novella can stand alone and you do not need to read the previous book in the series for enjoy this one.

His for Christmas is the story of Evan and Amelia, childhood friends who were once in love but have now grown apart. An unfortunate misunderstanding has Amelia believing the worst of Evan. Evan has never though himself good enough for Amelia and have given up hope of ever being with her. But when the two meet again one snowy Christmas, their old feelings resurface.

This is a short, sweet romance that isn't very deep but is still enjoyable. I really like stories about reunited lovers, especially when one is still mad at the other. Evan and Amelia are both very likable characters and I was rooting for them to find their HEA.

Because of the short format, there isn't much time for a lot of character or story development. It is a bit predictable and I had a hard time recalling much of the story only a few days after I read it. However, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it for historical romance fans looking for a light read.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online atwww.jenniferhaymore.com and follow her on Twitter @jenniferhaymore and Facebook.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Short Story Review: Entwined by Kristen Callihan

Title: Entwined (Darkest London #3.5)

Author: Kristen Callihan
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it's Eamon's help-and quick wit and romantic heart--that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady...a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Kristen Callihan’s Darkest London series. Though I am normally a bit wary of novellas, I jumped at the chance to read something new set in this dark and magical world. Entwined in an engaging and unexpected story of two people falling in love through words. As a person who still writes letters and loves getting mail, the idea of two falling in love through words before ever having met was one that really appealed to me.

When Eamon’s much favored older brother Aiden becomes betrothed, he urges Eamon to write to his bride-to-be in his stead. Eamon’s goal was to make Lu believe that marriage to his brother would not be so terrible and he does well - too well. Luella and Eamon fall in love over the course of four years and countless letters. Things get a little crazy when Lu shows up on their doorstep and believes she is in love with Aiden. But the man she meets is nothing like the man in her letters and she finds herself drawn to his secretive younger brother.

I had a lot of fun reading this story. Lu and Eamon are well developed characters and the storyline is full of unexpected twists. I loved reading the letters between Lu and Eamon. They are funny and playful and really help us get to know these characters. The idea falling in love through letters is a really romantic one, especially in an age where men and women often knew nothing about each other before marriage. It’s also refreshing to read a story where both characters are virgins. Their first sexual encounter is understandably awkward but also sweet.

Lu is a really strong heroine and I admired her. She loses everything but manages to survive with her spirit intact. I totally fell in love with Eamon. He is a little rough around the edges but has a big heart and is extremely sexy.. He is also a redhead, which is awesome. There should be more red headed men in literature.

Callihan manages to pack a surprising amount of emotional depth into this short story. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this brief sojourn into Darkest London. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. It’s pretty far removed from the main storyline and I would have liked to have learned more about the connection between Eamon and Lu and the rest of the Darkest London world. Overall, I really enjoyed Entwined and think it’s a great addition to the Darkest London lineup. I cannot wait for Shadowdance coming out in December!

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.kristencallihan.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @Kris10Callihan

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The Mistress Files - Review

The Mistress Files (The Original Sinners #3.5) 
by Tiffany Reisz

Publication date: 01 June 2013 by Harlequin MIRA

ISBN 10/13: 1459239091 | 9781459239098
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes 

Category: Adult Erotica/Romance
Keywords: Romance, erotica, BDSM, short stories
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Kingsley Edge, king of kink himself, wants Mistress Nora to write a training manual to instruct his other professional Dominants how to take better care of their clients. But Mistress Nora can't put pen to paper without churning out a sexy short story and Kingsley's training manual quickly turns into true tales of her adventures with her favorite clients.

A female submissive who can't orgasm.​

A male Dominant too scared to do kink with his blind wife.​

A rock star with a secret.​

A vanilla gay woman with an embarrassing little problem. ​

A male switch with an itch for more than just pain.​

These are their stories.

Review:

I hate to give this collection such a low rating. I am a really big fan of The Original Sinners series and was looking forward to The Mistress Files. While The Mistress Files was entertaining, there was just something missing from these stories that I can't put my finger on. Maybe I just have high standards after reading the first three books in the series but I really expected more from this collection.

The "files" start off in first person but then switch to third person, and thank goodness for that. Nora's inner monologue is a little too manic for me and starts to grate if left unchecked. I much prefer her in third person.

The majority of the stories are not not memorable to me. They were entertaining but I wasn't invested in any of the characters. I've read all of Reisz's free short stories on her website and I love most of them.This collection is very flat and felt very clinical. There was kink but I was missing some of the emotional connection that I usually have with her characters. They felt a little rushed and the characters under developed. The exception to this was The Story of the Secret Switch, which is about Kingsley, and is my favorite of the bunch. I love Kinsley and this story showed a different side to him. I really liked seeing the dynamic between him and Nora and it gave me some insight into their relationship. It was also ridiculously kinky and hot.

If you're looking for something to tide you over until The Mistress hits bookshelves and you've already read her free short stories, I think this is still worth the $1.99 price tag. The Story of the Secret Switch alone is worth the price of the book for me. While you don't have to have read the whole series before reading this, I would definitely recommend at least reading The Siren. You don't have to. You won't be lost without it but I think you'll get more out of it if you do. While this wasn't my favorite release by Tiffany Reisz, I am still really excited about The Mistress. I love Nora, Kingsley and Soren and can't wait to see what happens next!

 

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Visit the author online at www.tiffanyreisz.com and follow her on Twitter @tiffanyreisz


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