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 Duchess Hunt - Review

The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent #1) 
by Jennifer Haymore

Publication date: 25 June 2013 by Forever

ISBN 10/13: 1455523399 | 9781455523399
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Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, childhood sweethearts, siblings, missing persons
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother's disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved--and the last woman he should desire...

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon's touch. But dukes do not long for lady's maids--or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer's web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family's future or break Sarah's heart.

Review:

I have only been recently introduced to the work of Jennifer Haymore. I had previously read the prequel novella to the House of Trent series which, while showing potential, did not wow me. However, the novella did include a lengthy excerpt for The Duchess War which sounded really promising and I was glad to see it pop up on Netgalley a few weeks later.

The Duchess Hunt is the first book in a new historical romance series by Julie Haymore featuring the unconventional Trent family. Rumor and scandal follow the Trents wherever they go. Simon Trent, the Duke of Trent, has spent his whole life trying to undo the damage that his parents did. He has a strict moral code and works tirelessly to restore his family's good name. When Simon's mother disappears without a trace, he must work quickly and quietly with his siblings to find her before the ton finds out and scandal once again darkens their door.

Called in to help is Sarah Osborne, the gardener's daughter and now head housemaid. The Duchess of Trent raised Sarah almost as one of her own and she and Simon share a special bond and friendship. They also share a deep attraction, which both of them have been fighting. A maid and a Duke cannot be together, and both of them know it. But investigating the Duchess's disappearance throws Simon and Sarah closer together and their feelings for each other become harder and harder to ignore.

This was such a wonderful romance! I loved both Simon and Sarah and thoroughly enjoyed their story. Sarah is a great heroine. I love how smart she was and stoutly loyal and devoted to the family. As a gardener's daughter, she has realistic expectations of her life but still has aspirations. She's already reached far ahead of what most people in her position could. Simon was great as well and I loved how kind and loyal he was. He always tried to do the right thing for the family, even if it was detrimental to himself. He always treated Sarah with care and respect even though she is far below him in social status.

Sarah and Simon had fantastic chemistry. Every time they were in a room together, I could feel the tension in the air. Years of denying their attraction to each other really amped up the energy between them and when they finally get together - wow. While the love scenes are extremely passionate and hot, there were also a lot of really sweet moments between the two. It's clear that they have a special connection born from years of friendship and I loved some of the small moments they had together.

Overall, I was really impressed with The Duchess Hunt. The romance was great and I loved the main characters. The mystery aspect of the story did fall a little flat however. It wasn't quite as exciting as I was expecting, but I really didn't care because all I really cared about was what was going to happen to Simon and Sarah. I was also really intrigued by the rest of the family. They each have very distinct personalities and I cannot wait to read their stories. The Duchess Hunt included a short except for the next book in the series, The Rogue's Proposal, which follows the surliest Trent, Luke, as he searches for his mother. The excerpt is very promising and I have added it to my TBR list. If you like historical romances with emotional punch and great characters, don't hesitate to pick up The Duchess Hunt.

** The author is giving away 5 copies of this book on Goodreads right now. Go enter, you know you want to. :)

*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.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. 

Once Upon A Wicked Night - Short Story Review

Once Upon A Wicked Night (Donovan Sisters #1.5) 
by Jennifer Haymore

Publication date: 01 Feb 2013 by Forever

ISIN: B006IIWO9S
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, sisters, novella, short story
Format: eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis:

Seven years ago it was a young Serena Donovan and Jonathan Dane who shocked the ton when they were discovered in a most compromising position. Tonight they return for the first time as the Earl and Countess of Stratford. And while Serena hopes for a quiet evening to introduce her younger sister Olivia to society, Jonathan’s only desire is to pick up where he and Serena left off…

Though innocent Olivia secretly longs for the kind of passion her sister shares with her husband, none of the men she’s met spark a fire inside her heart—least of all the notorious Marquis of Fenwicke. When his request for a waltz turns into something sinister, Olivia must use her wit and wiles to evade a powerful peer who vows if can’t have her, no man shall.

Review:

This novella was a lot shorter than I thought it was going to be. Reading it on my Kindle, it ended at about 50%, with the other half being the first chapter of Confessions of an Improper Bride (first book in the series). I feels much more like the epilogue to the first book or the prologue to the second book in the series than a full novella.

Though I wished it were longer, I did enjoy this brief glimpse into the Donovan Sister series. Serena and Jonathan were a wonderful couple. It was clear that they had gone through a lot to be together and their love for each other was very sweet. Serena's younger sister Olivia is innocent in the ways of London society and has a brief run in with a rake. Olivia was pretty bland in this. I think it has more to do with the brevity of the piece than an actual problem with Olivia herself. She has the potential to be an interesting character but she doesn't get a chance to shine in this short piece.

Once Upon A Wicked Night is more of a teaser than a novella. If the intention was to pique my interest in the Donovan Sisters series, it definitely worked. However, as a standalone story it's too short and does not give you enough to be a truly satisfying read. I received my copy free from NetGalley in exchange for a review but I would have been annoyed had I paid for it. It would serve its purpose better as a free read on the author's website. That way, fans of the series can get an epilogue to James and Serena's story and new readers can read it and decide if this is a series they'd be interested in. The actual "story" of this book is 2 stars for me but I am giving it 3 stars because it was enough to make me want to read this series.  I would recommend skipping this and jumping in with the first book. Yes, it costs more but you will be getting much more for your money.

*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.jenniferhaymore.com and follow her on Twitter @jenniferhaymore


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

Moonglow - Review

Moonglow (Darkest London #2) by Kristen Callihan

Publication date: 31 July 2012 by Forever

ISBN 10/13: 1455508586 | 9781455508587
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Category: Adult Historical Romance/Paranormal Supsense
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, suspense, gothic, London, weres
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis:

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

*This review may contain spoilers for previous books in the series.*

Review:

I am a huge fan of Kristen Callihan's Firelight and was a little worried that the second book in the series would not live up to my expectations. Happily, Moonlight is just as good as Firelight, if not slightly better. Moonglow has the same dark, moody atmosphere and the same great mix of historical and paranormal that I fell in love with in Firelight. While I love the world of Darkest London, it was Daisy and Ian who stole my heart in this story.

The last time we saw Ian Ranulf, he was doing his best to keep Archer and Miranda apart. His path crosses with Daisy’s when he saves her from a vicious Lycan attack. And wow – the chemistry between the two of them is immediate and intense. There’s nothing I love more than a relationship that starts off with antagonism and it’s fun to watch Daisy and Ian trade verbal barbs while fighting their attraction to each other.

Daisy is a very strong and vivacious character. I liked that she was very different than Miranda, more outspoken and earthy, but was also vulnerable. Daisy had a deep core of loneliness that I think Ian understood. And Ian. Oh Ian. If you like tortured heroes then you will love Ian. My heart broke for him and the tragic past that still haunts him. He, too, knows what it is like to feel alone in the world. Both of them are damaged and imperfect but they open their hearts to each other and learn to love and trust again.

With Moonglow, Callihan continues to expand upon the Darkest London world, taking us deeper into the mysteries and secrets it holds. I enjoyed learning more about the Lycan clans and the appearances of the GIMs is a new and exciting twist. Callihan continues to impress with her world building and knack for writing passionate, compelling relationships. The only thing I am sad about now is that book 3, Winterblaze, doesn’t come out until next year. I have a feeling that Poppy and Win’s story is going to be fantastic and I can’t wait!

*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 kristencallihan.com, follow her on Twitter @Kris10Callihan, or on Facebook

How To Ravish A Rake - Review

How To Ravish A Rake (How To Series #3) by Vicky Dreiling

Publication date: 01 April 2012 by Forever

ISBN 10/13: 0446565407 | 9780446565400
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Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Romance, historical, rakes, regency, wallflowers
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from NetGalley

Thuy's synopsis:

How To Ravish A Rake is the story of Amy Hardwick, a shy wallflower who has vowed that this season will be different. This season, she will not longer be shy and tongue tied out in society. This year, she will use her flair for fashion to make a name for herself and come out of her shell. Amy succeeds in all of these things and even manages to catch the eye of Will Darcett, the ton’s most notorious rake. When the two are caught together, Will does the right thing and proposes to Amy. Neither of them expects a love match but agree to the marriage in order to salvage Amy’s reputation.

Thuy's Review:

How To Ravish A Rake is the third book in Dreiling’s How To series. I haven’t read the other books in the series so I didn’t have any expectations going into this. While I enjoyed Dreiling’s writing, I didn’t like this book as much as I was hoping. The pacing for the first half of the book felt really slow. I almost gave up at one point but kept going and the story finally picked up. I also got a bit tired of Amy’s inner monologue. She kept worrying about the same things over and over again.

Will played the part of a rake well. He was charming and flirtatious and I could see why Amy would be attracted to him. I liked that Amy saw through his schemes and didn’t fall all over him like most women did. The banter between the two was good though I would have like more of it. I did enjoy watching Amy and Will get to know each other during their wedding wager. And there was definitely some chemistry between the two. So while I didn’t love this book, Dreiling is doing something right because I was totally invested in the relationship by the end of the book. I did feel that the story ended rather abruptly though. I really wish there had been an epilogue. 

This book shows promise and, given the chance, I would read another book in the series. Aunt Hester is particularly hilarious and I would love to see more of her.

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.vickydreiling.com and follow her on Twitter @vickydreiling

Firelight - Review

Firelight (Darkest London #1) by Kristen Callihan

Publication date: 31 January 2012 by Grand Central Publishing

ISBN 10/13: 1455508594 | 9781455508594
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Category: Adult Historical Romance/Paranormal Supsense
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, suspense, gothic, London, fire
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

From goodreads:

London, 1881

Once the flames are ignited . . . 

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . 

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Thuy's Review:

Firelight is the thrilling and passionate debut novel from Kristen Callihan. The first book in her Darkest London series, Firelight is what would happen if a historical romance and paranormal mystery got together and had a book baby. An exciting, romantic, sensual and captivating (so many adjectives!) story that you won’t want to put down.

Set in Gothic London in the 1800s, Callihan does a great job of creating an atmospheric and mysterious setting for her story. Born with a gift of fire, Miranda has hidden her true self her entire life, afraid of what might happen if her secret is revealed or the devastation that could occur if she ever lost control of her power. Archer comes across Miranda in an alley one dark evening and witnesses her boldness in the face of danger. Taken by her beauty and strength, he vows to come back for her. When her returns to London years later, Archer makes Miranda’s father an offer he cannot refuse and she becomes his wife.

I fell in love with Archer and Miranda! They are both fantastically well drawn and complex characters. Both cursed in their own ways, they are forced to hide their true selves from society. However, they each find a counterpoint in the other, a person who understands them and accepts them for who they are. With Archer, Miranda’s power becomes her strength and she is able to see past Archer’s curse to the man inside.

Arch is perfect as the devilishly mysterious Duke. A cross between the perfect English gentleman and the marauding bandit, he’s charming but also moody and arrogant. There’s also an inherent sadness to him, brought on by years of isolation. I loved the vulnerable moments he had with Miranda. At first, Archer thinks he’ll be able to marry but also keep his wife at arm’s length. But Miranda is no wilting wallflower and won’t stand for a husband who keeps too many secrets. I loved how fearless and brave Miranda was. Even without her power, she is formidable fighter. With it, she’s a force of nature. Her red hair matches her fiery personality and she is also extremely loyal and clever.

The chemistry between Archer and Miranda was red hot! Their heated arguments and playful exchanges had me blushing and wanting more. But their connection is more than just a physical attraction and I loved watching them get to know each other and start to trust each other with their secrets. The weakest part of the book for me was the murder mystery/serial killer. I actually figured out who the killer was pretty early on, but I did like how everything ends up coming full circle.

It’s hard to categorize this book. Historical romance, suspense, fantasy, mystery - it’s all of those things and more. A truly original and surprising story, I fell in love with this world and the characters in it. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. I am dying to read Book 2, Moonglow, which comes out in August. To tide myself over, I bought the short prequel to Firelight, Ember, available as an ebook. Do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of Firelight NOW. You won’t be sorry. :)

P.S. - Keep an eye out for a giveaway of this book soon. We love it and want to share it with our readers. :)

Also available

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 kristencallihan.com, follow her on Twitter @Kris10Callihan, or on Facebook