Only Beloved by Mary Balogh (Review)

Rules for reading Mary Balogh, you should always start with the first book, always. Do I heed my own advice? Not really. I should listen. Since I didn't heed my own advice, might as well proceed, granted you're not going to be too terribly lost on story. However, it might give you some insight on our hero, George Crabbe, Duke of Stanbrook. Yes, the stories kind of intertwine with one another.

Anyway, we have come to the end of the series and George has decided he wants to take a wife again, and he knows the perfect woman, Dora Debbins. Now if y'all followed the series you would remember her from Only Enchanting. I haven't read that one, but it's a pretty good guess since it has her sister, Agnes. Anyway, they meet there and he figures she would make a good wife and they could have a good life together.

Now Dora is a declared spinster. She never dreamed marriage would come to her, since she's almost 40. When a duke comes in wishing to marry, might as well jump on board, after all she's not getting any younger.

For the most part they have a nice marriage, and we learn it was a lot better than his first marriage. I have to say that I kind figured out the reason why his marriage didn't work. I was shocked and at the same time not really. Think GoT, and you will understand. Everything seems hunky dory until someone from the past crashes the party and makes a mess.

Even though I didn't read the previous books, I actually liked Only Beloved. I like the growth between George and Dora. I did have a hard time with the heroine's name, because all I could think of her has Dora the Explore. I have kids, it makes sense to me. I like that the couple were a little older. Yes, they both had baggage from their lives. I mean Dora had issues with her mother and father. Okay this is my speculation on the father and it could be totally wrong: I wonder if the father was cheating on his wife. I kind of wondered about that. I mean he threw accusations about his wife and divorced her. Makes you wonder. Back to my other thoughts. I liked how Mary ties up the end of the book nicely and how they all return each year. Over the course of the series their bond is wonderful. I'm glad George was able to find true happiness, because his wife was a peach. I guess, I better get reading the beginning.

Copy provided by Penguin via First to Read Program.

Rating:
4 Stars

A Covert Affair by Katie Reus (Review)

I have love the Deadly Ops books they have been fantastic. They seem to be packed with suspense and danger. However, A Covert Affair wasn't my favorite. Don't get me wrong it was good, but it was missing a few things for me. With the previous books it started out with a bang, and had you hanging on the seat your pants. Here we go:

By the end of Edge of Danger, Ortiz is hurt badly. Scary bad. Now he's recover and about to go out on his first op after the incident. Man, Ortiz has been beat up pretty bad in this series, he definitely deserves a happy ending. Anyway, mission bound to figure out if one guy is behind the missing women in the area. He also finds out that a past relationship might have ties. Eek.

Amelia Rios and Nathan Ortiz had a relationship when they were younger. However, she ended it abruptly and Nathan never understood. Second chance love story. However, their reunion is a little harder get fixed, because 1) the mission 2) the secret Amelia has been holding on to. When Nathan finds out about the reason for Amelia breakup, he's hurt. He has to process and focus on the case.

All right, A Covert Affair was a good read, but it lacked something for me. It might be the massive explosion within the first couple of chapters or a scary car chase. There is a car chase in the story, but nothing like the previous ones. Rocky start to the reunion, which I understand need to be done. Even towards the end I wasn't satisfy. I wonder if they found Tessa or Danita, because they are mention in the book quite a bit, but I didn't see them. I guess I have to assume they were rescue and found, but still I want to know for sure. Yes, there is a little twist on person was, and I'm not sure if there is going to be any more books. The ending kind of left that open in a sense. I do hope there is more, because I love the series even if A Covert Affair isn't my fave. Katie is still a wonderful writer and her stories do grab your attention. Others have loved this one, but it was okay.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

Things I absolutely LOVE: The Cover! Oh my gosh when I saw this I almost wet myself with excitement. Seriously, that is a damn sexy cover. So, I was pumped about the book and I enjoyed Jen previous books. Totally amp to start Dare to Run.

Then I started to read Dare to Run, and it was a struggle. I didn't have trouble with story being dirty and gritty, my trouble was pacing. Yes, Lucas and Heidi had a great chemistry, but Lucas would keep her at arms distance feeling he wasn't good enough. After all she looked like an angel. I think I would have been okay had Lucas straight up told Heidi she was in eminent danger instead of being so damn secretive. She knew who he was and what gang he belonged, so it would be such a stretch. Instead she felt more like a prisoner at times.

There were times I had to ask myself why am I continuing the story. We saw a lot of Heidi's thoughts with "oh my gosh he's so hot, but he's trouble I can't get involved with him." Those aren't the actual words, but close enough. Then we have Lucas saying similar things, "I can't involved with her, because she's too good for me." Vital information here: past experience equal out the playing field, but both are closed mouth.

The parts that I enjoyed the most were the parts he thought his brother, Scotty, was trying to kill him. I'm thinking oh damn that's fucked up, but still add a little action. I also liked when his best friend, Chris, would pop in here and there.

I was about to blow this book, but it was a last 25% where it started to get good. The last portion of Dare to Run had me and I had to find out what the hey is going on. Things start to go down and I wonder how the hell the next book is going to play out, because of everything that went down in Dare to Run. Chris is an interesting character to say the least and I'm curious.

Overall, Dare to Run rough start and I almost gave up. I didn't mind Lucas's cocky, asshole personal, but when he found his week spot for Heidi it was all downhill for him. I liked Heidi, because her bullshit reader didn't stand Lucas's asshole personal (granted on some level it wasn't all played up). Not a bad read, and I hope that the rest gets better.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Chasing Danger by Katie Reus (Review)

If you have been following the Deadly Ops, you would remember Hannah Young from the first book. She's Sophie's friend who gets kidnapped. Sorry to spoil that if you haven't read the series yet. So, she suffers from a little PTSD from the incident. Anyway, she meets Dax and hooks up. She thinks there might be more, but he disappears and she's hurt. He returns, but can't share what happen to him, because she doesn't have clearance. Now he's trying to get back into her good graces. Hannah ends up in danger and needs Dax's help.

Okay, the danger Hannah ends up in isn't tied to the series. Basically, you can read this story and not feel like you are missing anything in the rest the series. This is Hannah finding love, who happens to work for the NSA. Fortunately, he's able to use his resources to make sure Hannah stays safe.

Overall, Chasing Danger is super quick read. It gives a taste romance and a little suspense. For those who have read the series get to see what happen to Hannah after the incident. These two are a cute couple once everything is settle down.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Hunter Reborn by Katie Reus (Review)

All right, Hunter Reborn is the fifth book in the Moon Shifter series. This is my second book I have read in this series, and granted I was able to get along fine without reading the others. However, I'm going to strongly encourage to read the from the beginning. I'm pretty sure I'm missing stuff, but I have managed so far. Anyway, I guess we should focus on this story.

All right, we have Aiden. I really like him. Whats not to love about him? I mean he's been without his mate for 60 years believing she's been dead. So, he kind of helps others realize that they should seize the moment if they have their mates right in front of them. Plus, he has a wicked sense of humor. However, all that changes when he finds his mate Larissa after all these years, but here's the kicker she doesn't remember him and not sure to trust him. Ooh, ouch. Of course, his inner wolf is going crazy. There we have an awesome story waiting for us.

You know what, I love Hunter Reborn. Man it's filled with action and danger. Yes, I know that's usually Katie's style. However, she executes it well. So, you see Aiden trying to keep his inner wolf in check will trying to convince Larissa he's a good guy. Not an easy task since he remembers all the good times and she has no recollection. While trying to reconnect they need to find out what the hell is going that is making some vampires go crazy. I do love how Katie incorporates memories of the past to Larissa. Some of those moments are absolutely sweet, and slowly help Larissa. This is one of the stories I kept telling myself one more chapter. I love the story, and I actually liked seeing a few of the other characters coming to terms about mating. Overall, this is an action packing read that has you guessing. Also, one of the stories that I would love to tell you every single detail, because I loved the story.

Copy provided by Penguin via NetGalley

Bound to Danger by Katie Reus

I was able to start the second book in Katie Reus Deadly Ops series. The next book is Bound to Danger. You still fine an action pack read that's filled with danger. 

All right, so in Bound to Danger, we meet Cade O'Reilly and Maria Cervantes. Cade and Maria had a budding relationship eight years. Once Maria's brother died, Cade shut himself off from Maria. I know pretty jacked up. Jump ahead eight years later and they are reunited, too bad it couldn't be under pleasant circumstances. Now Maria life is in danger and Cade feels he's the only man who can make sure no harm comes to her. 

Like the previous Deadly Ops book there is just as much danger and excitement. Right from the start you have explosion and it continues throughout the story. Of course you have the bad guys, but you actually do understand where they are coming from. I actually don't blame for what they did and didn't want to do it out of malice, but revenge. If the villain's sister weren't harm, they wouldn't have done what they have done. Then again we wouldn't have a story. At the same time, we meet up with Levi and we get a little more about his wife's death in the story. So, we are building his story. I hope he finds justice. 

Overall, it's action pack thrilling read. I enjoyed the rebuild of Cade and Maria's relationship. At first, I thought I wasn't sure if I was going to like Maria, but I warmed up to her. You gotta love Cade cause he's just so brash and we need to do things my way. Seriously, Katie doesn't disappoint in her writing and I can't wait for more Deadly Ops books. I can't wait for Levi's story, because you gotta love a rogue Ops guy. 

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

The Dark Affair by Máire Claremont

When I started The Dark Affair I was trying to remember if Powers was locked up at the end of Lady in Red. Fortunately, the my question was answered before I had to look it up. So, I might as well share my thoughts on Máire Claremont's latest release The Dark Affair.

We actually meet Lord James Stanhope, Viscount Powers, back in Lady in Red. He helped Mary with her addiction to opium and he kind of hope that she would choose him over his best friend. As you can tell she didn't and basically Powers overindulge. So, we start the story with him being locked up. Powers uses opium to escape the past and doesn't want to feel life. However, he really doesn't have a choice of that matter cause his father would love to see him better. Power's father enlists the help of a fiery Irish lass by the name of Lady Margaret Cassidy. This truly surprises Powers, because there's a lot of tension going on between the English and Irish at this time. For his dad to ask help of a woman to help his son is a huge step, especially the woman is also Irish.

Powers is an interesting character as a damage hero. He truly blames himself for the death of his wife and child. As you dive more into the story, you learn more about his wife and actually a lot is explain by her actions. You come to understand why Powers would rather choose oblivion over dealing with his feelings and coming to terms.

Margaret, as I said is a fiery Irish lass, who stands her ground when it comes to Powers. She truly wants to help and it stems from of course the past. However, there is more to her character than trying to help Powers, she also wants to help her brother. So, she sacrifices her freedom to save him. Yet, he sees it as selling her soul to the English Devil.

Absolutely beautiful story. You see how far the human spirit can fall and somehow get back to the will to live again. I love how Margaret and Powers help each other to overcome their past. Margaret comes from tragedy and finds the will to live even when life is willing to knock her down. Margaret could have given up at anytime, but she's a fighter. With her fighter spirit, she was able to help Powers realize he's a fighter too.

The Dark Affair isn't your typical historical romance. The hero is a druggie who rather drown his sorrows in opium, but I guess it's no difference from drowning sorrows with booze. However, it's not something you normally read. You also have the heroine being Irish. I know it's not a big deal, but it is when you have a conflict between these to areas. Basically, a wonderful story that has you captivated from page one. So, if you have been wanting something like The Dark Affair, I loved the story. Who knows you might enjoy it too.

Favorite Quote:

'"Luckily, I've secured my place with the angels and have no fear of dying." Her chest lifted up and down in quick breaths, her corseted breasts pressing against the imprisoning fabric of her bodice, defying the calmness of her unafraid... and intrigued. "You, on the other hand, seem bound for hell's gate."'

Copy provided by author

Rating:

Avenger's Heat by Katie Reus

So, I finished Avenger's Heat by Katie Reus. I need to come clean I haven't read the previous books in the series. I know, I know, and I probably should have read the others first. I plan on it. Anyway,  at least I wasn't too lost when I read Avenger's Heat and it made sense to me. However, for those who haven't read the previous books you might want to read them to get the full effect.

In Avenger's Heat, Erin Flynn and Noah Campbell are sent down to New Orleans to figure out what is going on since pregnant shifters are disappearing. While she's down there she has come face to face with her past. She wonders if Noah will finally give up his pursuit on Erin.

Honestly, I enjoyed this story. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. As they get one step closer to finding who is behind the kidnapping Erin has to come face to face to her past. I love how Noah stays by Erin during this whole mission, even when she keeps pushing him away. He could have easily said, "I'm done, your too much work to try to mate with", but no he sticks with her. Erin rocks! I mean she takes her job as enforcer seriously and wants to do a good job. Plus, her past experience come in handy. Overall, Katie does a fantastic job in Avenger's Heat. Is it worth the read. Yes. Do I plan to go back, most definitely. So, if you are hankering for a paranormal read, you might give Avenger's Heat a try.

Copy provided by publisher

Rating:

Lady in Red by Máire Claremont

We all know that I love sunshine and lollypop kind of books, you know the sappy ones. The sappier the better. However, you will not find that in Máire Claremont's Lady in Red. No, this story has a darker sinister feel. Every now again I do enjoy a darker book. I guess my darker side needs to be unleashed. Máire's tend to be fantastic stories that are amazingly written and captive readers. In Lady in Red, we follow the harrowing adventure of Lady Mary Darrel.

If you remember from the The Dark Lady you would recall Eva and Mary escaping from the asylum with the help of Ian. However, they were being chase by the guards and Mary decided to jump out of moving carriage to save her friend Eva. Fortunately, Mary was never capture and we find her in London at the beginning of Lady in Red.

Poor Mary, she needs a lot of help. She first turns to her mother's old friend, Yvonne. Which Yvonne hands Mary over to Edward Barrons, Duke of Fairleigh, for protection. In turn Edward calls upon his acquaintance Viscount Powers for help. So, Lady Mary has all these allies to help her take down her father.

At the start of Lady in Red, we see Mary doesn't see much worth in herself. With the help of Edward and Powers, Mary starts to develop confidence in herself and she realizes that she's worthy to have someones love. However, the one she wants to love her has a couple of demons to conquer. Edward has many demons and feels that he doesn't have the power to love anyone. In the story Edward believes one of the ways of exorcising these demons is to help Mary take out vengeance on her father.

As the story develops, Edward realizes that vengeance isn't the answer and tries to discourage Mary from taking out her father. However, Mary sees this as a way to control her, so she turns to Powers for help. At first Powers wanted to seduce Mary away from Edward, but he starts to develop some feelings towards Mary. Mary and Powers actually share a lot in common, so it would be natural for Mary to turn her affection to Powers. As we read the story, we see a possible love triangle. Both men are different as night and day. However, one has the thing that Mary so desperately needs.

One of my favorite quote from the story:

I suppose a book is a good if it can pull you into its world, so our world disappears. That the characters become as real as you or I.

The best way to sum up Lady in Red is from that quote. Máire has the ability to drag you into her world with her stories. It is truly a captivating story that will suck you in from the first page. Some of you might be like me and love stories that are sunshine and lollypop kind of reads, but if you are willing to take a chance with Máire story you find yourself wanting see how Mary and Edward conquers the demons they have. Even as a darker read, this an unbelievable story that will take you on a harrowing adventure and eventually find happiness in the end. So, if you are looking a Victorian romance that borders on the darker side, you might enjoy the Lady in Red.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
1/2

ARC: Targeted by Katie Reus

So, I stayed up way late (way passed midnight) to finished Targeted by Katie Reus, which happens the first book in her new series Deadly Ops. First off, this book is awesome. I have read other books by Katie, but I really believe this takes the cake. Now romantic suspense books can be a fickle creature. Here's some my reasons: 1) Sometimes they can be too much action and not enough romance or sexual tension. 2) Too much romance and not enough action. Very fine line when it comes to suspense. However, Katie does a fantastic job keeping everything in balance.

In the story we meet Jack Stone, but he hasn't always been Jack Stone. When he was younger he was known as Sam Kelly. However, life isn't always fair, so he figure it would be a good start to end Sam's life and begin a new life as Jack Stone. Granted there is more to reason why he becomes Jack, and that would give too much away.

Now Sophie finds herself in the middle of a bad situation. That's putting it nicely. Let's be honest, heads are about to roll with the information she has found. While Sophie tries to inform her boss on what she has found, she ends up in serious trouble. The only person that's really trying to help is Jack, but she's not sure if she should really trust him.

I telling you this books is filled with action from the get go. Danger is everywhere. Sophie just tries to do the right thing, but ends up in a middle of a huge mess. Jack is trying to get pass the past and part of the key is Sophie. However, Jack finds himself drawn to her more than ever, and finding it hard to focus on the task at hand. Sophie is extremely attracted to Jack is unsure why, because the last guy she was even remotely attracted like that was Sam.

LOVED this book and I can't wait to see what will happen with the next book. We meet a couple of the characters, but not sure what to really think of them. They could be good guys or bad, your kind of left wondering what's going to happen to the next book. I hope I don't have to wait so long for the next book. Bottom line this book is filled with action and danger with your romance. If you are looking for a new romantic suspense, you might want to give Targeted a go.

Favorited Quote:

"Mandy's description of "yummy" was so very incorrect. A cupcake is yummy. This man was like a decadent triple chocolate truffle cake with chocolate shavings sprinkled on top."

Copy provided by the author

Rating:

ARC: Sweet Madness by Heather Snow

I just finished Sweet Madness by Heather Snow. When I first started this book, it had a different feel from her first two novels. Don't get me wrong its still a fabulous read, just had a different feel. Let me explain.

In the Ms. Snow's first book Sweet Enemy we meet Penelope and she's a normal debutante focusing on making a good match. When she married her first husband Michael, everything changed. She didn't know how to handle him, which changed her forever.

Three years later, she goes and visits her husband's cousin, Gabriel Devereaux. She finds him locked away in a home for lunatics. The more she talks with Gabriel, the more she questions if he should really be locked away from everyone.

Penelope Bridgeman is different from Ms. Snow's last two heroines. Here's how: First off, Liliana and Emma were more bluestock heroines while Penelope tends to use more of her intuition. Then we have a hero who believe that he's crazy. Makes for an interesting story.

When I started reading Sweet Madness, it felt a little darker and it might have a lot to do with it starting in home for the crazies. I was a little worry about the story, as I continue to read my fears subsided. I actually found myself really enjoying the story between Penelope and Gabriel. Surprisingly, they had a lot in common. I love how they were able to reconcile the past with each others help.

I enjoyed how Ms. Snow was able to work in conditions that we would recognize as bipolar disorder or PTSD in the regency era. I also have to give her credit for hiding the villain so well. I really thought it was someone else, but I was so wrong.

Overall, I feel that Sweet Madness was done extremely well done. I would recommend this remarkable read. However, I must give a little warning, it is a little slow at the beginning, but it did start to pick up the pace once they left home. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the madness of this read.

Copy provided by the author.

Rating:


Purchase Links:
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Sweet Deception by Heather Snow

Today I was able to finish Sweet Deception by Heather Snow which is the second book in A Veiled Seduction. I must say this was a delightful read with mystery and intrigue. Before I tell you what I thought, I best beginning what the story is about.

The last time we saw Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale, was in Sweet Enemy trying to figure out who was the traitor. Now he has a new assignment which takes him back to Aveline Castle near Derbyshire to find a traitor in the mist. 

The top suspect would be the neighbors older brother, Lord Wallingford. However, there is an appealing obstacle in his way, Emma Wallingford. The last time he saw her was when she was a gawky young girl, but now stands a beautiful smart young woman. Now they need to worked together to figure out who is killing off unsuspecting bystanders. 

First off, loved this book. Here's why:

This kind book kind of reminds me of Bones for regency times. This is my reasoning: Emma Wallingford reminds a lot of the character Temperance Brennan, because the way her mind process things. Not only that, but she would say something that didn't match the normal idiom she was trying to convey. For example she would say, "I propose we put our currency where our mouths are." Which she should have said money instead of currency. Something Bones would say. Another thing was how she hated the nickname Derick gave when they were kids and he would call her Pygmy (like the pygmy owl all knowing and wise). She would tell Derick quick calling me that, kind of like Booth calling Brennan "Bones." The last thing is how Emma had the ability to detach herself from emotions. 

In closing, this is a great book. I found it fun and loved it as much as the first book. Not only that, I didn't peek at the end of the book (which is a huge thing). The story was captivating from the first page to the last and I didn't have the urge see the end. Plus, Ms. Snow had you guessing who the real culprit was up until the end. So, if you are looking for a little mystery and a romance I would suggest taking a look at Sweet Deception. Not only that Ms. Snow knows how to write an intelligent heroine that isn't too self-absorbed.

Rating:



Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

The Dark Lady by Máire Claremont

First off let me just say, WOW! I normally stay far away from darker novels, but Máire Claremont did a fantastic job with her debut novel, The Dark Lady. I was seriously impressed and I can honestly say that I haven't read anything like this. With so many romance novels out there it is truly amazing to find a unique story.

The story starts off with Lord Ian Blake coming home from India to check on Lady Eva Carin. However, was informed by her sniveling brother in-law, Lord Thomas Carin, that she was no longer in resident. In fact he had her committed after the death of Hamilton and Adam.

Ian would not let anything stop him from seeing Eva, so he goes to see her in the Asylum. Once he arrives, Ian sees that the place is not fit for anyone to inhabit and decides to get her out. So, the story begins.

A marvelous piece of work from the first page to the last. I'm truly blown away by the story. Not only the story, but the description. Máire truly paints the picture that you are inside the book watching these events happen, which makes this utterly amazing. The characters are fantastic too. With Eva and Ian trying find themselves after what had been taken them away from each other. I also enjoyed reading the snippets of their past and how it forms their future.

Truly amazing and I can't wait to see more work from Máire Claremont. Seriously, she can build a story, even if it starts off in an asylum. So, if you are looking for something a little different from what you're use to reading, I would say take a look at The Dark Lady. Even with all the darkness there is a light to a happy ending.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:

Purchase Links:

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Barnes & Noble

ARC: A Taste for Scandal by Erin Knightley

I'm super excited to bring to you the soon to be latest release in A Sealed with a Kiss series by Erin Knightly. I have to say that it's not because my name is in the acknowledgement; however, you have admit that's pretty cool, I'm not going to lie.  Anyways, I really did enjoyed this story and I think A Taste for Scandal was even better than More Than a Stranger. Here's what's it about and what I loved about it.

Jane Bunting owns a lovely little bakery and loves to turn out tasty little pastry. However, her world gets turn upside down when a certain lord attacks her dear sweet cousin in her shop.

Richard Moore, Earl of Raleigh, believes he is coming to rescue a damsel in distress, but he finds a harridan. Come on you would act like a harridan if an unknown stranger came barging in and attacking your cousin? The best way to describe Richard is a take charge and ask question later. That doesn't fly over well.

All right, A Taste for Scandal had me snickering from the get go. Truly a charming read, and I adored the story. I mean you have to enjoy a story where the heroine is a baker who makes marvelous creations. Then you have Richard, who is a unrepentant rake and enjoys the attention of women. Yet, whenever he's around Jane he has a tendency to stick his foot in his mouth. You gotta love when a charming hero can't charm his way out of everything. Then you have Jane who has a distaste for the aristocracies attitude towards others and I completely understand. Yes, Richard has his work cut out when it comes to wooing Jane. However, during their time together Richard learns something about himself and tries to become a better man.

An amusing read with baking hijinks that will keep you entertain. So, if you are looking for a sweet read, you should checkout A Taste for Scandal. Before I go, I will leave you my absolutely favorite line from the book: "Guard your oven door well, my dear." 

I hope y'all are enjoying this fine Sunday and enjoy the books that you read.

ARC provide by the author

Rating:
 

More Than a Stranger by Erin Knightley

Last week I headed to my local Barnes & Noble to pick up Erin's debut novel, More Than a Stranger. So, I scour up and down the romance isle in search of her book. To no avail I couldn't find it. What! How can this be, it was suppose to be out that Tuesday. Determine to make my purchase that day, I sought the help of an employee and asked if they had a received Erin Knightley's book. I informed the employee it was to be release that day, so we mosey on over to the computer. The book in question showed up in the system, so the very nice employee checked the back to see if was ready to be shelved. To my relief, it was. YAY!  Before I could meander over to the check counter, I asked the employee who helped me get the book if she could take my picture with the book. As you can see, she was sweet enough to do that for me. She probably thought I was crazy and that's fine with me. As you can see there's a cheesy picture of me with Erin's book. Now you know the crazy story, here is what I thought of the book.

We have the first book to a new novel to a brand new series. It's always interesting to see how the characters will develop in the story. We have Lady Evelyn Moore (aka Evie) who starts writing to her brothers friend when he went of to Eton. She was so sick and tire of hearing how great his new best friend, Benedict Hastings, was. Evie decided to take matters into her own hands and decides to write him a letter to state that he was not Richard's best friend, but she was. So this starts a friendship between Hastings and Evie. They wrote to each other and then all of the sudden the letters start, which causes Evie's broken heart. We jump ahead and we meet an older Evie and Hastings. So, we see the inner struggle that Hastings is dealing with trying to keep all his secrets from his friends and family. At the same time, trying to keep up the facade that his name is James Benedict, while trying to keep his feelings for Evie at bay.

Overall, it was a sweet story of two friends who come to realize that love can start at a tender young age. And with that said, love at that age can be a tad bit fragile.  I liked the book and I look forward to reading more books from this up and coming author.

Congratulation Erin for your new book.