Review Gypsy Rose (Kings of Cardenas #3) by Elise Marion

"Gypsy Rose"

Author: Elise Marion

Genre: Historical Romance

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

Published: March 30, 2013

Author's Website 

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:

“Unlike the delicate hothouse rose, the Gypsy rose is riddled with thorns. Few men are brave enough to take one in their grasp.”

Tatiana Angelo always dreamed of a life of opulence and glamour. When her cousin became the wife of the King of Cardenas, she was swept away by the intrigue and decadence of palace life and became the jewel of the royal court. Catching the eye of a rich and titled lord seemed like a dream come true, but a few months after their whirlwind elopement, Tatiana found herself abandoned by the man she once thought loved her. Now, all she wishes to do is return to her previous life, one of simplicity and freedom. When Adrian Wilshire enters her life, Tatiana is certain she’s found in him the freedom and passion she desires. Despite the scars left on her heart by her past love, she throws caution to the wind and opens herself to the possibility of a future with him. But when the truth of his identity comes to light, the pain of his betrayal is too much to bear. Yet, despite her anger and sadness, she finds that turning her back on him will be harder than she could have ever imagined.

A few months ago, Adrian Wilshire was nothing more than the illegitimate son of a courtesan and titled lord. After years of hard work, he’s finally saved enough to begin the modest but quiet life he’s always craved, hoping that in doing so he will finally leave the ghosts of his tormented past behind. When he sets eyes on the vivacious Gypsy dancing under the moonlight, Adrian knows that he has finally found the woman that could make his dream of a happy life complete. But the strains of a responsibility he never wanted weigh heavily on him, as the demands of an estate left to him by his father press in on him from all sides. Can he live his life trapped in a gilded cage he despises and still keep the heart of a woman who desires freedom above all else? With his vengeful half-brother bent on destroying everything Adrian has inherited, as well as his life and love, Adrian will find keeping the balance between duty and desire even more complicated.
Can Adrian fight the dangers of the present and the ghosts of the past while claiming the fickle heart of the Gypsy Rose? Can two broken hearts find comfort in each other and lasting love?

Elise Marion's Kings of Cardenas saga continues with a story of heartbreak, passion, deception, and love. 

My Review:

Gypsy Rose is the third book in the Kings of Cardenas series. I’ve read each one and have to tell you, I enjoyed each and every one of them! While not a huge fan of the historical genre, Elise’s writing is so flirty, fun and all around wonderful I cannot help but to enjoy it! It can be read as a stand-alone if the reader chooses, but you’ll miss out on some grand adventures and wonderful growth and relationships. This is a story any fans of the genre or even those considering it, will enjoy.

Tatiana is a smart, beautiful woman that now has a tarnished reputation, one she does not deserve. She just wants to be what she once was, what she was born to be, a free spirit. No man would allow such a thing. Not with the ways they live. Well that’s what she thought until the day she met Adrian. From that day forward, her life takes a new path and she likes the way it leads!

Adrian has recently gained a new status and wealth and responsibilities along with it. All he’s never thought possible for him. He’s not looking for anything or anyone. He’s just living, doing what he enjoys and taking care of all that is needed. His desires change the evening he lays his eyes on the beautiful gypsy. His destiny…

Together these two destined soul mates help one another and complete each other like no other. I thought this would be the last of the series, but it looks as if there’s to be more coming our way (YAY!) I look forward to seeing what Elise has in store for us next :) 

Overall Rating

Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames 

Review After the Storm by Claudy Conn

"After the Storm"

Author: Claudy Conn

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 250

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

Published: February 4, 2013

Author's Website: http://www.claudyconn.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:

 No matter what her family and friends say, Jenny knows she will never fall in love again. How can she, when her childhood sweetheart was one of the countless killed at Waterloo?

So when the Earl of Danfield proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems the perfect solution. He will secure his inheritance, and she will be spared the necessity of being paraded in society, forced to dance and flirt and do all the things her broken heart cannot do. His proposal will give her what she wants most. Peace.

But peace is the last thing she finds in her marriage. Her growing attraction to the earl brings with it guilt that she’s betraying her beloved Johnny. Her mother-in-law considers her an interloper. Her husband’s former lover makes it clear she doesn’t want it to be former. And when a supposed prank nearly kills her, Jenny has to wonder—now that the earl’s inheritance is assured, has she become an inconvenience to be eliminated?

My Review:

Anyone that knows my reading preferences knows I’m not a huge fan of historical. Actually Claudy is now the third author I find myself being pulled to in this genre. After the Storm is a sweet, touching, romantic, mysterious and fun read that all fans of the genre will definitely enjoy. Actually, I find I can say that even readers that are NOT fans of the genre will enjoy it :)

Jenny’s story is a sad one. She lost her best friend and fiancée to battle and has not recovered from it. She swears she will NEVER love again is incapable of it is what she believes for she is still in love with John. But now she is given no choice but to move on. Her father and aunt have put her in the situation that she must face the world, meet many suitable suitors and choose a husband. Jenny is dreading it. She does not any to move forward. She does not want to get married and she most certainly does not want to try to love again. When the Earl approaches her with a proposal of a marriage solely of convenience, she’s not sure. It does give her an out from having to go through the hustle and bustle of meeting other suitors. But will she be able to let go of the guilt she holds for her beloved?

Love the build, characters, setting and EVERYTHING in this story. Claudy Conn is now another who has gained me as a fan of her historical romance. That totals three now. I do love the different feel the time frame and dialect feed to my imagination while reading. Great job Claudy! Bravo!!

Overall Rating

 Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames

Review Treacherous Temptation by Victoria Vane

"Treacherous Temptation"

Author: Victoria Vane

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 181

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

Published: January 21,2013

Author's Website: http://authorvictoriavane.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
 A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortunes in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.

A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.

A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.

My Review:

Yes, this story was definitely packed full of treachery. So much so I found myself actually getting angry with those deceitful characters (grr). Having read all of Victoria’s works (and always being satisfied), this book, her first full length novel, did not change that trend for me. Treacherous Temptation is a story that any fans of the genre will enjoy the build, overall satisfaction and escape with :)

Mary’s fathers’ passing is the worst thing that could have ever happen in her life. Besides losing a very close loved one, she must now change her way of life to appease what is expected of women in this time and to appease her father’s wishes. Now she finds herself in a new world. One never ventured, never traveled by her. She must also find and marry a man so she can go back home, the only place she wants to be. But could she marry someone she cares nothing about?

Hadley’s story is a strange one. His life has been a series of shocks and deceit. Actually, it’s most of what he knows and it trying to repair. But most of the repairs to his livelihood that are needed require the funds to do so. Now to find them without having to owe debt or bare some other extreme circumstance on his already burdened life…

Historical romance really gives a completely different feel compared to modern day reads of many genres. It’s an experience in itself that I find when very well written (like this story is), it’s an adventure not to be missed. One for both full-fledged and partial fans of the genre. This is some journey, one that some might give up on due to what goes on in the background and some of the forefront. But hold on tight. We do get a HEA, one I was quite satisfied with am sure you will be as well.

Overall Rating 

Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames 

Review Taffeta & Hotspur by Claudy Conn

"Taffeta & Hotspur"

Author: Claudy Conn

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 169

Source: FREE ebook 

Published: July 6, 2012

Author's Website: http://www.claudyconn.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:

Lord Thurston Tarrant, known as Hotspur on the London social scene, thinks Lady Taffeta Grantham is too young and idealistic. Experience has taught him that love is found only in fairy tales and that very few women can be trusted—especially young and attractive ones.

As for Taffy, she finds the rakehell cynical and arrogant—definitely not the hero, the man of principles and romance, her heart longs for. Besides, as one of the Rogues Three, she is more concerned with social injustice than a man who could use his influence to right wrongs but shows no interest in doing so.

So why does Tarrant find himself enchanted by the beautiful and high-spirited Taffy? Why does Taffy’s sporadic gift of sight insist on showing her visions of Tarrant as a bold and passionate lover—her lover?

When the prince of flirts catches the princess of thieves in a ‘Robin Hood’ encounter gone wrong, a secret is discovered, a promise is given, and two lives will be changed in ways neither could have dreamed.

My Review:

A great historical romance with a very light touch of paranormal, well a seer or psychic is more like it, but it added to the story making it an even more engrossing read. I like historical romance, but do not love it. Claudy wrote us a short, exciting and fun read that held on to my interest until the very end, which says a lot for me. I believe even readers that are not fans of the genre will have a great time reading Taffeta & Hotspur.

Taffy is a free spirited intelligent young woman that’s been raised by her uncle and brother a majority of her life. They are a very close family unit and a lot of fun! When Taffy comes of age to receive, she meets the man she’s dreamed about for a long while. But is it meant to be?

Thurston is known as a rake, a player in other words. He’s not one settle down or stay with any one woman for long. Many desire him for his good looks and money, but he wants nothing to do with them. The day he meets Taffy, he’s immediately taken by her, her charm, beauty and originality. But it is not his way and he’ll do anything to avoid her. But for how long can he keep up this charade?

Both characters grew and matured throughout the story and became much…more. All of the characters are fantastic! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all that leads up to who I now know as the dynamic duo :)

Overall Rating

  

Sex Rating of  Dragon Flames

Review Rough Surrender by Cari Silverwood

"Rough Surrender"

Author: Cari Silverwood

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 275

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

Published: June 4, 2012

Author's Website: http://www.carisilverwood.net/index.html

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:

One master, one woman who craves surrender, and a sky that will challenge them both.

At a time when airplanes are as new-fangled and sensational as the telephone, Faith dares to fly.

The one territory she has not explored is her own sexuality. In Leonhardt she discovers the man who can teach her how a woman surrenders her body and her mind. However, Leonhardt has a shadowed past and his own learning to do. He doesn't have the right to keep Faith from flying, even if he thinks airplanes are flimsy death-traps made of canvas, timber and their inventor's prayers.

Faith has her limits, Leonhardt has his flaws, and sometimes the nicest people get murdered by unscrupulous bastards. Even if Leonhardt can save the woman he loves, the battle for Faith’s heart will be the hardest one of all.

WARNING: BDSM, anal sex, orgasms galore, and a Dom who likes to claim his property with pen, ink and bondage. 

My Review:

 Rough Surrender is an excellent historical erotic experience that has you on the edge of your seat and panting in suspense many times over. It’s a great reading adventure for fans of historical (as long as you don’t mind some delightful kink), romance and the erotic genre.

Faith is a woman that loves to live and craves the adrenaline rush and free feeling she receives when she flies. She’s also sexually… inexperienced and has yet to discover the pleasures of the act in any way shape or form. When she is tempted by a man she’s just met, she cannot resist. Something about him calls to her. But will she be able to handle a dominant when she’s not experienced any man at all?

Leonhardt is a VERY dominant male that has acquired tastes in the bedroom. It took me a little while to warm up to him, but I fell in love with him more and more as they story continued. I’ll now say I consider him a dreamy Dom that I would not mind a good old fashioned spanking from for the rest of my days :)

It took a bit of time for Faith and Leonhardt to come to terms with various aspects of one another, but from the start you can tell they are a great match. I love how without realizing it, they each have learned a great deal both about themselves and one another. They are one of my favorite couples of the year!

Overall Rating

Sex Rating of  Dragon Flames

A Devil's Touch (The Devil DeVere #4.5) by Victoria Vane

"A Devil's Touch"

Author: Victoria Vane

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 68

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

Published: February 14, 2013

Author's Website: http://authorvictoriavane.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb: In her last month of pregnancy, Diana, Viscountess DeVere, has barely settled into her new life and role as "the devil" DeVere's wife, when her increasingly restlesss husband receives an urgent summons to London. When Diana inadvertently discovers a message he received from a known courtesan with whom he was formerly linked, she fears her marriage is over before it has begun.

My Review: Another great addition to The Devil DeVere series. Even though short, it is very satisfying and this one gave us an incredible and wonderful insight on where Diana and DeVere now stand. An enjoyable addition to add for any fans of the genre reading collection. I do however recommend reading ALL before this one of the series so you will have the true appreciation for how far the characters have come.

DeVere is HOT! I’ve loved him from the very start, faults and all. This man is just… insane, funny, fun and he has an incredible mind! His character has grown, matured and it is a wonderful thing to have experienced his transitioning into an even more incredibly desirable male.

Diana has mellowed out, a lot. She’s currently pregnant with her and DeVere’s first child and is going through the phases of pregnancy, feeling unattractive and unloved. Little does she know the real reasoning behind the lack of usual attention is formed by nothing by true love and devotion…

I love these two together and it makes me happy to see them still incredibly blissful and to have such a blessing that they received in this installment. Are we going to get any more Victoria? I know I want another one, or two :)

Overall Rating

Sex Rating of 4 Dragon Flames

~ Book Spotlight/Author Feature/Giveaway with Victoria Vane ~

TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS by Victoria Vane

BLURB:

A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune's in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself. 

A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.

A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.

**AUTHOR'S NOTE**
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS was very much inspired by the dark and romantic novels of the 18th century in which virtue vs. vice and plots to despoil virgins were very popular themes, books like Clarissa Harlowe by Samuel Richardson or Les Liaisons Dangereuses by LaClos. Similar to these classic tales, my story features an innocent country girl who, unlike the former heroines, is neither insipid nor naive, but still inadvertently becomes a pawn in a deadly game of revenge and intrigue.

EXCERPT

"Darling, I never thought you obtuse. You must wed the chit before someone else claims her fortune."

"Wed her?" the words jarred him out of his ruminations. "Is your mind disordered of a sudden, Barbara? I have no plans to wed anyone. Ever."

She gave him a petulant look. "But how else do you suppose we are to get our hands on her money?"

"Is that the scheme you had in mind when you wrote me? To bilk an unwary young heiress of her fortune?"

"Brilliant, isn't it?" She laughed. "I told you I had discovered a means of getting it all back—and so much more. She is exceedingly rich and once we have the money, it should be no trouble at all to secure the influence needed to restore your title."

"How much?" he asked, veiling his interest. "What is the girl actually worth?"

She crawled onto his lap and laved her tongue up his neck. "That information will come at a price." She was begging to be taken again and Hadley felt nothing…or rather nothing but an immense sense of relief that he was over her. He jerked his head away. "I'm not in the mood for any more games."

"Pity," she pouted. "Have you another lover now, Hadley? Or perhaps you have developed a penchant for Venice's unnatural pleasures? Most well-travelled men do, you know. And I confess your valet was an exceptionally pretty creature."

"How much?" he repeated icily, ignoring her insinuation.

She sighed. "I can't begin to tell you how much work that took to discover. Sir Richard is tediously protective of her assets."

"Sir Richard? What has he to do with this?" Hadley demanded.

"Yes, darling," she rolled her eyes. "That same obnoxious boor. Did I not tell you the girl is his ward?"

"That girl is Sir Richard's ward?" When the girl in the music room had introduced herself as Mary Elizabeth Edwardes he had not made the connection, but then again, wily Sir Richard had taken care not to reveal anything about the Edwardes heir.

"One and the same my love, and worth every bit of fifty thousand a year! That plump little pigeon is one of the richest women in England, and thanks to me, she is yours for the plucking."

The blood roared in his ears. It was just too bloody good to be true. The very one who held his lands was residing under Barbara's roof. The girl was not only the means to a large fortune but also of revenge. "That certainly does throw a different light on matters." He took heed not to betray his growing excitement. "But you and I both know Sir Richard would see me hanged before granting consent for me to wed his ward."

She smiled. "Who said anything about seeking his consent?"

"You intend for me to despoil her to force a marriage? My dear Barbara, such rude and crass methods don't suit me at all. The entire thing lacks finesse."

She scowled. "Then how else do you propose we get control of her fortune?"

"I would propose gaining the girl's good faith and cooperation."

"And then what? Do you think she will just hand it over to you?"

"Something very close to that."

"You are overly confident."

"Not at all," he laughed. "I have never failed to achieve my object where a woman was concerned, nor has any ever complained of my methods." 

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

A lover of history and deeply romantic stories, Victoria combines these elements to craft romantic historical novels and novellas for a mature reading audience. Her writing influences are Georgette Heyer for fabulous witty dialogue and over the top characters, Robin Schone, Sylvia Day, and Charlotte Featherstone for beautifully crafted prose in stories with deep sensuality, and Lila DiPasqua for creative vision in melding history with eroticism.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES 2012:
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES

Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012
LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride 
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• Amazon Top 100 Best seller
The Virgin Huntress 
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
The Devil You Know 
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012

Two Lips Reviewer's Choice Winner
The Devil's Match 
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
A Breach of Promise 

• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012
CONTACT:
victoria.vane@hotmail.com
Web: http://authorvictoriavane.com
Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com
Twitter: @authorvictoriav

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All links lead direct to my review of each title: 
A Wild Night's Bride 
A Breach of Promise
The Virgin Huntress
The Devil You Know
The Devil's Match
Devil in the Making