Ice Angel by Elizabeth Hanbury

Synopsis:

 When mysterious young widow Lady Isabella Vane arrives in London, she is quickly christened the "Ice Angel" because of her reserved manner and ethereal beauty. While society wonders at the reasons for Lady Vane's demeanor and the secrets that lurk in her past, the Earl of Bramwell continues in his devil-may-care approach to life. Hal has no desire for serious relationships with women since his own bitter disappointment several years earlier. However, once their paths cross, Hal's interest is sparked and he becomes obsessed with discovering what lies beneath the ravishing Isabella's icy exterior. But can Isabella ever overcome her past to find love?

This will be quick. I liked this enough. I liked the premise, the two main characters had each been romantically hurt in the past, Isabella more than Hal. Even though I rolled my eyes at her initial prejudice against him, I got over that quickly enough and began to enjoy(ish) the story. However where this book fell short in my opinion was with the contrived 'drama'/obstacle that occurred. It was the same thing that I've seen time and time again and I could see it coming from 25 miles away. And to be honest I always feel cheated/disappointed when an authour goes for the formulaic instead of the original... Otherwise it was a pleasant if not spectacular or particularly imaginative read.

Note 3.25 Stars. Content: kisses, one wedding night scene where sex is described using abstract/poetic/flowery language as opposed to descriptive/graphic language. So the book is cleanish depending on your version of what clean is.

Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance by Penny Reid

Source:Goodreads

My faith in contemporary romance has been renewed. I took a huge break from all things contemporary romance. For a month or so I have solely read historicals because I was completely over the mind numbing brainless drivel I'd been reading. Seriously, I almost gave up reading all together because I'd become so frustrated that every book seemed to be the same and the characters all fell in love in ten seconds within three words of speaking to each other. I felt like I was loosing my mind. Like maybe there were chapters missing to every book I read where the characters actually spoke to each, got to know each other, and were justified in their 'feelings'. So for the sake of my sanity, I took a break. But then I got equally frustrated at how hard it was to find a good historical romance that was clean, that I hadn't already read. I kept reading solid three star books and well, I don't like settling for good when I could have great, so again I began to feel book-frustrated.

Anyway, unto this book. I've had this on my Goodreads to-read list for like 3 months. However, the reviews were mixed as to whether or not it was clean and so I hesitated in reading. For some reason yesterday I decided to try it out and thank God I did! This was so freaking awesome. I can't even deal with the relief and satisfaction that I feel after reading this.

Thoughts:

The attraction and tension in this was so freaking delicious. Like, it was palpable, tangible, thick enough to bite. It. Was. Delicious. But this book was the full package because although the tension was delicious, so was the actual story. Like I've read so many books and combined with the fact that some authours are sort of just churning out the same story, I'm hardly ever surprised anymore. But Penny Reid didn't go with the formulaic, cookie cutter, this has worked before so I'll just repeat it story lines. It was original. Like I could never have seen who Jon cheated with coming. I was legit surprised. I loved that there were actual conversations in this book, where they legit talked lol. I loved Janie's stream of conciousness, and will we ever learn about the Japanese kids and eye contact?

I'm gonna wrap this up because I have part two waiting for me. But all in all this was awesome, it was obvious that time was spent with this, the angst is minimal, so is the drama, the characters are all reasonable. It was quirky without trying too hard. And my faith in the genre is restored.

Note: Clean: sex happens behind closed doors. Only kissing is described. 4.5 stars. I'm not sure if the other books in the series is clean, but I'll keep reading to find out.

ETA: Unfortunately for me the rest of the series isn't clean :(

An Unexpected Gentleman by Alissa Johnson

Source: goodreads

Synopsis:

Adelaide Ward has but one goal- to obtain an offer of marriage from the respectable, if less-than-appealing, baron Sir Robert Maxwell before her family is ruined. But it's the devilishly handsome Connor Brice who captures her imagination- and a kiss in broad daylight- in front of a dozen members of the ton. Now Adelaide must decide if the charming scoundrel who stole away her reputation might still be trusted with her heart.
Connor Brice seeks a long overdue revenge on the baron. And what better way to launch his campaign than to steal the lovely Miss Ward for his own? A quick "compromising" and an even quicker wedding ought to do. But if Connor wants to establish any sort of domestic tranquility, he'll have to regain Adelaide's trust and choose what means more to him- his thirst for vengeance or his need for Adelaide.

You know I've read like 25 books since I last posted. Beginning to end. But they were all like solid three star books and so I wasn't moved to actually write about them. And I wasn't completely convinced that I was going to write about this one until the very end. I liked this book because it was different. The hero was a bit/ a lot of a douche. And he didn't apologise for it. And I'm not talking the normal douchey ness of rakes that are so common in historical romances. I mean, this dude could've been a villain. He was manipulative and self serving, but since he didn't ever act with the intention of harming the heroine, I didn't hate him. In fact, the reader is made to understand his reprehensible actions even though we don't agree with them.

I liked this book because I applaud Alissa Johnson for stepping outside of character norms. I found myself laughing quite a bit at several moments in this book. And am still left feeling a bit dazed/confused. Like, I know I shouldn't have liked the hero but I really did. In fact, I liked him so much that I'm going to read another Alissa Johnson book, right now.

Note: Contains sex between a married couple. The sex isn't overly descriptive, squint and you'd miss it. So like 98% clean. 3.5 stars. 

Indiscretion by Jude Morgan

Source: goodreads

Synopsis:

When your father is a man of expensive tastes and schemes but very little money, you soon learn to make do. So when Captain Fortune, a well-meaning but profligate ex-soldier in Regency England, tells his daughter Caroline that they are ruined, she automatically starts seeking employment as a governess. Her father, however, has far grander designs for Miss Fortune.…
Caro is to become the companion of Mrs. Catling, the rich, fierce widow of her father's old colonel. As Mrs. Catling amuses herself by tormenting her relatives and servants, Caro resolves to make the best of the situation, and soon her beauty and intelligence attract the attentions of male admirers.
Surrounded by people with an alarming readiness to reveal each other's confidences, Caroline is exasperated to find herself implicated in their indiscretions. But will Miss Fortune be able to avoid losing her reputation without losing her head? And will she find at least one good man amongst the genteel set who will take her side, and, indeed, her fancy?

 

Ok so this review will be a bit different. I tried to make a note of my thoughts throughout the book. Here goes!

Chapters 1 and 2:
I really like Caroline so far, I've gotten used to the tone and language. The scene has been set, looking forward to what comes next. Can't bring myself to dislike the dad but i'm happy she'll be free of him.

Chapters 3 and 4:
So is this the love interest? Really, his sister is called Georgiana? *sigh* I will forgive that Austen-ism as long as there are no more. Are the Danglers sincere in their friendship? Is Leabrook sincere in his attention? Why is the topic of falling in love mentioned so quickly? (I'm hoping this is not a regency instalove type thing, was hoping for more). So Sophia is neither a hag or an angel. Interesting.

Chapters 5 and 6:
Ah so that's it eh? Sophia is mood swings galore and Leabrook is a douche.

Chapter 7:
Wow, so things are not going at all as I thought they would, which is good because Sophia was becoming increasingly unbearable.

Chapter 8:
Well this is quite an interesting turn of events, and one that I am most amiable to.

Chapter 9:
 I am liking this new direction more and more.

Chapter 10:
Definitely liking Isabella.

Chapters 11 and 12:
Fanny is lovely. I'm really liking how all of these characters are being introduced gradually. To be honest I kind of saw this latest Leabrook drama coming.

Chapter 15:
Is Stephen changing his mind???

Chapter 18:
So the proverbial ish has hit the proverbial fan. Though my heart aches for Caro, I can't help but be happy that everything is finally out. Oh, and how annoying is Matthew?!

Chapter 20:
Definitely not surprised by Fanny. My heart warms anytime Stephen and Caro are in a scene together.

End:
And so it ends. The books as a whole was quite delightful, but I can't help but feel like the ending was rushed.

Notes: 3.75 stars. The squeakiest of Cleans

The Promise and The Vow by D.D. Chant

Source: goodreads

Source: goodreads

Synposis

The Promise: Dear Reader,
I wish to tell you a tale that began with a promise destined to change the lives of many.
When only a child, Lady Adele of Berron lost her family during a dreadful battle and was betrothed to a stranger.
Lord Rafe of Valrek, only a boy himself when the battle of Calis raged, grew to be a feared warrior and trusted advisor to his King. But sadness filled his past and Adele served only to remind him of all he had lost.
However the promise that bound these two together caused great anger to some.
What, Dear Reader, happened in those days of treachery and darkness? Incline your ear that I may whisper the secrets that you so desire to hear......

Lady Quill

The Vow: Dear Reader,

My next story begins with Velrek, where Lord Rafe and Lady Adele's arrival was cause for much celebration and rejoicing.
However Finan of Gournay, Rafe's foster brother and the captain of Valreks army, could not help a lingering feeling of worry.
Were Rafe and Adele truly safe from Lord Kyule's hate?
Adding to Finan's problems was the unsettling presence of Rafe's sister, Lady Esme. Used to keeping his distance from the woman of Valrek, Finan found that he could no longer escape as before.
As danger and treachery enveloped Valrek, Finan and Esme found themselves drawn together to fight the shadowy assailant that threatened the lives of those they loved.
What secrets would they unearth in their search for the enemy that taunted them?
Would they find that their stories were more closely linked than either of them ever knew?
Allow me please to answer these questions...

Lady Quill

Ok I'm going to be really quick here because I have another book downloaded onto my kindle, ready for me to devour. But I wanted to write about this series before getting into another. Ever since reading Scarlet, my appetite for all things historical and medieval has been re-whet and as such it felt right to take a much needed reprieve from contemporary and delve into the historical romance genre.

My thoughts.

I liked it. I really like the series. My feelings are a bit mixed though. The first book starts with a huge misunderstanding-type scenario that induced a major eye roll on my part. But that could just be because I'm so book jaded. But the reason I kept reading was because D.D. Chant made the book SO MUCH MORE than a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that is the sum of so many romance books. The plot twists in this kept coming and Chant managed to keep me on my toes, which is no small feat I tell you. Just when you thought you knew where things were going, everything was turned on it's head, I loved it. And it wasn't in a "let's chuck every idea at this book to fill a page quota" way. It was just really great, thought out story telling. Also to begin with I sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed with all the characters and names but by the end I was completely used to, and rooting for everybody. I should say that I had to take like three five minute breaks while reading the first book because you really have to pay attention when reading this to appreciate, enjoy and understand everything that is going on.

Now onto the second book. By the end of the first, I was intrigued but not like bowled over. So I wasn't sure if I wanted to read the second book. However over the course of the morning after completing The Promise, I found myself wondering what was going to happen to the characters. When the wondering wouldn't leave I bought the second book and devoured it lol. I loved the second book. It was definitely stronger than the first (which was by no means weak) and was just all round awesome. The plot was awesome. The characters were awesome. I just thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and await  the third book with bated breath!!

So while I loved the second book, I would not have loved it as much if I had not read the first. 

Note: Clean. 3.5 Stars for The Promise and 4 Stars for The Vow

Crossing the Ice by Jennifer Comeaux

Source: goodreads

Synopsis: Falling hard never felt so good.

Pair skaters Courtney and Mark have one shot left at their Olympic dream. They vow not to let anything get in their way, especially not Josh and Stephanie, the wealthy and talented brother and sister team.

The heart doesn’t always listen to reason, though...

The more time Courtney spends with sweet, shy Josh, the harder she falls for him. But they are on opposite sides of the competition, and their futures are headed in opposite directions. Will their friendship blossom into more or are their paths too different to cross?

This was such a satisfying read. You know what, because I've read all of her previous books, Jennifer Comeaux is on my list of go-to authours. That means that when I pick up one of her books, I know I won't be disappointed. That's because she never takes the easy route. And that was even more apparent in Crossing the Ice, I think she outdid herself with this one. There was no unneccessary angst, there was no unneccessary drama, there was no smut to hide the fact that there isn't much of a story. This was awesome. But when I meant that she outdid herself with this one I meant that this is the fourth book of hers that I've read. Usually when you've read so many books from an authour you can kind of anticipate the story. You know their writing habits, and sometimes no matter how much you like the authour it can feel like you're reading the same books but with different character names. 

But with Crossing the Ice, there was none of that, and it was refreshing. I LOVED Josh. Comeaux wrote the shy hero so well. He was shy, sure, but he knew what he wanted and went after it. I LOVED HIM. I loved him and Courtney. I loved their connection. Another thing you can count on with Comeaux is that the relationships in her books actually build and develop.

Oh another thing, I liked how even when there was conflict, we weren't given cookie cutter conflict. And even when I didn't agree with how characters reacted to particular conflicts I completely understood their points of view. There was nothing far fetched with this book, it was just all round awesomeness. An awesome story with awesome characters.

Note: Clean, 4.5 stars

P.S Oh and I love how Em and Sergei are incorporated into the story without it feeling like a rehash of any past Edge books.
PP.S I mentally jumped up and down at the ending!!!!
PPP.S Can you tell how happy I am with this book, it gives me hope for the NA Romance genre

Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

Source: goodreads

Synopsis:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

I will never forgive you A.C. Gaughen. I will never forgive you for hooking me on this series and then making me wait until May 2015 until the next installment. That is just cruel.

This book was awesome. Whereas Scarlet (Book 1) was mainly focused on the gang fighting for the people, Lady Thief was more focused on Scarlet fighting to be with Rob. And boy did she have to fight. I really admire her strength. I don't have much to say, I rarely do when it comes to series. Just that I loved it, I wasn't at all disappointed by this installment. I was completely caught up in the story and CANNOT wait for part three.

Note: Clean. 4 stars