Forever His Texas Bride by Linda Broday

Forever His Texas Bride
Bachelors of Battle Creek #3

Linda Broday
Historical Romance
Pub date: December 1, 2015 (ARC review)

H/h - Brett Liberty/Rayna Harper
Setting: Texas, 1879.
 
Read in November, 2015.

My rating:

                                                      [spoiler alert] 

Forever His Texas Bride brings the conclusion to Linda Broday’s charming western historical romance series, The Bachelors of Battle Creek. I loved the previous 2 installments, and glad to report that this final installment held the same uncomplicated storytelling laced with the same sweetness and courage that never failed to make me smile.

This series tells the tales of three brothers—Cooper Thorne, Rand Sinclair and Brett Liberty, who aren’t brothers by blood but became so by circumstances. But the fierce loyalty and their love for each-other have never wavered. All were orphans when they met. Cooper being the eldest of the three has been taking care of Rand and Brett. Things haven’t changed much as he’s still the ‘big brother’ to them. Tragic past has bound these three men together since childhood. When they escaped the orphan train in search of a better life, the brothers didn’t know the dangers that lay ahead. Fortunately it was because of one kindly man and his contribution to their lives is why they now have a future. Isaac treated them like his own. After his death, they each inherited substantial amount of money to move forward. The brothers then arrived in Battle Creek to start anew.

After what they’ve suffered through, the brothers also took a vow to never to get leg-shacked. They were essentially loners and wanted to stay that way. There was even this bachelors’ club that they opened up to honor their vows. Only they didn’t know that there were 3 women out there to help them conquer their fear of love and commitment.

Bold Seduction by Karyn Gerrard

Bold Seduction (novella)
The Hornsby Brothers #1

Karyn Gerrard
Historical Romance
Published in 2015

H/h - Lord Spencer Hornsby/Philomena McGrattan
Setting: England, 1881.

Read in September, 2015.

My rating:

                                             [spoiler alert]

It’s been a while I’ve a Karryn Gerrard book so I had to remedy this immediately. Her latest offering is a historical romance, book 1 of the Hornsby Brothers series, Bold Seduction. It’s a short story between a Madame of a brothel and (OMG hear me scream) a virgin hero! If you know me, much like those hunky Highlanders, virgin heroes are also my favorites, as are the gigolos. Don’t ask me why, I’m just weird that way.

Philomena, or Phil as she goes by, is the Madame of a posh brothel. One day, she’s approached by two of her regular patrons about an assignment, more of a birthday gift for a recluse friend, she can’t help but wonder. Who remains a virgin at 30? A member of the nobility nonetheless! In Philomena’s 10+ yrs in this profession, she has yet to come by a virgin peer, so the whole thing snags her attention right away. These two young men wanted to send one her girls as a ‘birthday gift’ to his castle, situated in a remote area. It was as much a good-natured joke as it was their intention to help their friend, hoping he’d finally join the rank (if you know what I mean). The price they offered is quite good, so Philomena herself becomes tempted to take up on the job.  

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

Thief of Shadows

Maiden Lane #4

Elizabeth Hoyt

Historical Romance

Pub date: 26 June, 2012 (ARC review)

H/h - Winter Makepeace/Lady Isabel Beckinhall

Setting: London, 1738.

Read in June, 2012.

My rating:

                                                       [spoiler alert]

Here I am, trying to write a review for Thief of Shadows. I loved this book, loved EH’s writing and so happy that Maiden Lane is continuing for a good while. I know the Ghost’s identity, which I kind of guessed from book #2, but it was fun because Winter blew my mind. There’s NOTHING wintry about him, mind you! His intense regard and confidence for everything, from the Orphanage to Isabel was just... *sigh*

Wild Oats by Pamela Morsi

Wild Oats

Wild Oats #1

Pamela Morsi

Historical Romance

Published in 1993

H/h - James Edwin "Jedwin" Sparrow/Cora Briggs

Setting: Oklahoma, 1906.

Read in Mar, 2012.

My rating:

                                                [spoiler alert]

Wild Oats was a sweet little story which started out with a scandalous proposal from a virgin to the most scandalous woman of the small-town of Dead Dog. What followed should’ve been fun, at least I was hoping for it but it wasn’t. Not all of it. I admit of loving some of the things about this book; some scenes, characters and dialogues and equally disliked some of the characters and their activities. All in all, I’ve enjoyed Wild Oats more than I initially thought I would.

Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi

Simple Jess

Marrying Stone #2

Pamela Morsi

Historical Romance

Published in 1996

H/h - Jesse Best/Althea McNees Winsloe

Setting: Ozark Mountains, Arkansas, 1906.

Read in Mar, 2012.

My rating:

                                                    [spoiler alert]

I was certain Jesse’s book wouldn’t get anything less than a 5 star from me. I knew because I loved him soooo very much in Marrying Stone that I was practically impatient to start his book. The concept of a simpleminded or slow witted hero was very intriguing. But sadly, I was kinda disappointed and pissed more than a few times. Just hope that I can elaborate my feelings in this review the way I want it.

The Straw Man by Bonnie Dee

The Straw Man (novella)

Bonnie Dee

Contemporary Romance/Paranormal/Erotica

Published in 2010

H/h - Sam, the straw man/Marie

Setting: Present time.

Read in Mar, 2012.

My rating:

                                                     [might be spoilerish]

This novella by Bonnie Dee was... odd. Yes, odd and unbelievable. Then again, I’ve read other unbelievable stories by BD, ie: Dream Across Time (review posted here) and being a BD fan, I know I can put my trust in her. The story was short in itself, took me about an hour to finish it.

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O’Reilly

Touched by Fire

Kathleen O’Reilly

Historical Romance

Published in 2001

H/h - Colin Wescott, the Earl of Haverwood/Sarah Banks

Setting: London, 1815.

Read in Mar, 2012.

My rating:

                                              [spoiler alert]

I had real mixed feeling while reading Touched by Fire. This was my 1st Kathleen O’Reilly book. Whatever I at first thought about the story, the writing, in the end I couldn’t help the big loopy grin and a wistful sigh for Colin and Sarah. I must say, a variety of emotions those were. Let’s just get into the review first.