Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Review: There's Something About Lady Mary


There's Something About Lady Mary
There's Something About Lady Mary by Sophie Barnes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: Sophie Barnes is back with another delightful Summersby Tale. This time, Ryan Summersby meets his match!

Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.

My Thoughts: I hadn't read book one in this series, and I don't think I missed out on too much in terms of background, this is definitely an independent read. I enjoyed the hero and heroine, although I have to say that while our hero was definitely true to his time in many instances, I was disappointed in how long it took him to wisen up :) Mary is a great heroine...she's unique, a true individual, independent, dedicated and willing to do what she knows is right, even if improper or not allowed. How everything wraps up seems a bit much (a Frankenstein moment in my mind) but in the end this was a fun read and has me checking the local library to see if I can't find Book One in the series, with Ryan's sister (another heroine I think I will enjoy as outside the box) as the heroine.



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Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover


One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean. Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross.

Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion - the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts - and giving the lady precisely what she wants.

My Thoughts: Sarah MacLean is quickly becoming one of my "must read" authors. I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of her books, her characters and her stories. They are fun, they are funny, and have that right blend of fiction with just enough reality in there to picture things happening in your mind. I'm probably partial to Pippa because I like "bookish" heroines, ones who don't quite fit in, the good old bluestocking. She doesn't really try to be anything she isn't, and she's resigned to the fact (true or not) that as someone who doesn't fit the norm, her options are limited. Luckily, that isn't necessarily the case and it was so fun to see her determined to test her theories, how Cross keeps getting drawn in and the growing relationship between them. Always a fun read, now I'll just be sitting here tapping my toes and waiting for the next book!



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Review: And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake


And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads:

Daphne Dale never could have imagined that when she answered an advertisement in the newspaper that she would find true love. Now she has the opportunity to meet her unknown suitor, but it means traveling to Tabitha’s wedding, and into the heart of her family’s sworn enemies. Everyone knows the Seldons are terrible rakes and bounders, but Daphne will risk anything to gain the happiness she is certain is right around the corner.

Lord Henry Seldon is aghast at the latest addition to the house party guest list—one would think after the unforgettable scandal Daphne Dale caused at the duke’s engagement ball, she wouldn’t dare show her face at the duke’s wedding. But here she is, poking her nose where she shouldn’t and driving Henry mad . . . with an unforgettable passion that will turn enemies into lovers.

My thoughts: I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Boyle, and overall I did enjoy this book and so far the series. There's always witty banter between characters, just enough drama (as opposed to too much) and a few laugh-out-loud moments. I have to say there were times with our hero and heroine that I just wanted to move past them and focus on some of the other characters, as the "family feud" seemed a bit forced at times. That and there wasn't much to tell us what the feud was really about, just bits of history but no real backstory. Overall though, that aside, it was a fun story, lighthearted and enjoyable and I look foward to the next installment.



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