This isn't her worst book by far, but it isn't exactly her best either. There are so many clichés when it comes to small-town figures and elements (coThis isn't her worst book by far, but it isn't exactly her best either. There are so many clichés when it comes to small-town figures and elements (cousins marrying cousins, etc.). Webb is one of her overbearing alpha heroes, and when I saw his character, oh boy, I knew what I was getting myself into. Her heroes in later books are much better. The story has a whole lot of crazysauce and quite a few plot holes. Despite all that, Ms. Howard is a fine writer. The pacing is great, and it kept me turning the pages. I wished Roanna had more of a backbone, especially when it comes to Webb. Her pining for Webb for more than 10 years was quite pathetic. Her situation reminds me of the heroine in Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. Overall, it was an entertaining read. 3.5 stars for the readability alone.
Steam factor: Mid-steam. I thought the love scenes were a tad explicit considering the time the book was written. Well, classic Linda Howard....more
I'm thrilled to announce that I snagged the e-book from Ms. Sparks' giveaway! Huge thanks to her! This novella is an absolute delight, blending fun anI'm thrilled to announce that I snagged the e-book from Ms. Sparks' giveaway! Huge thanks to her! This novella is an absolute delight, blending fun and sensuality seamlessly. It's more than just steamy scenes; there's an engaging storyline with a twist of corporate intrigue and embezzlement. And let's talk about the hero – the quintessential alpha male with a heart of gold, fiercely protective of the heroine. Skye's naiveté towards her ex might raise eyebrows, but hey, once bitten, twice shy, right? Overall, it's a delightful, fast-paced read that's perfect for a quick escape....more
If you have a hankering for alpha a**holes hero, this book should be able to satisfy your craving. Very descriptive writing and an unpredictable plotlIf you have a hankering for alpha a**holes hero, this book should be able to satisfy your craving. Very descriptive writing and an unpredictable plotlines. Overall, a fine read....more
So many plot holes you can fall through them! What the heck did I just read?? I must confess, I found myself skimming through the latter half. I just So many plot holes you can fall through them! What the heck did I just read?? I must confess, I found myself skimming through the latter half. I just cannot stand the couple's idiocy. The heroine, Jessica, is 23 going on 13. How freaking gullible, can you be? An the hero, Nicolas, is a controlling and abusive a*****e. Everything is a misunderstanding. When she wanted to explain, he didn't want to listen; when he asked, she didn't want to explain. It's the same scene, over and over again. It's not a long book, but it felt very long due to the repetition.
The book also felt dated. This sort of plot would work well in a historical (virginity is prized in a bride, yada, yada, yada) but not in a contemporary (even though I know this was written in the 80s). This is only my second book, and I saw that her books are constantly recommended. So, I'll still try her other books. This one is probably one of her earlier works. My brain just turned to mush by reading this. Ugh! I'm giving it two stars because the writing was good and kept me reading, but the characters and plot were a letdown. A bunch of overused themes don't make a great book....more
Ever heard of the saying 'Revenge is best served cold'? Well, this book totally captures that idea. Linden is one icy lady. She put Joss through monthEver heard of the saying 'Revenge is best served cold'? Well, this book totally captures that idea. Linden is one icy lady. She put Joss through months of suffering after they got married. She gave him hope and then snatched it all away in an instant. She played with his feelings, which was really messed up. The part where Joss tries to make up for his mistakes wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped, but the book does a better job at it compared to others I've read. The writing is beautiful, just like always. This kind of book might not be everyone's cup of tea, so I'd recommend it mainly for fans of Ms. Lamb....more
Surprise, surprise. I didn't think that Harlequin would publish something like this (this book borders on erotica, with BDSM at its heart).
This book iSurprise, surprise. I didn't think that Harlequin would publish something like this (this book borders on erotica, with BDSM at its heart).
This book is very much a character-driven story; you won't see any action here. It is a bit of a mess. My biggest problem is with Ulfric treatment towards Einthe, especially the first few years of their lives together. He never did bother to get to know her. She pretended to be mute those first few years, but there were other ways to communicate. It's just that I feel that he was only using her for his sexual gratification. This is a romance novel, so where is the romance? There is the fact that he presumes Einthe likes the sexual games that they're playing based solely on her arousal. A person can orgasm during rape. It's a natural biological response. That doesn't mean the person likes it or it's consensual.
This book just rubbed me the wrong way. I picked it up because a GR friend mentioned this is a dark romance. Furthermore, Harlequin published this book, so I was curious about how dark it can get. The reason I finished the book? I was curious how the characters achieve their HEA with the whole master/slave thing going on. Maybe I'm just not the intended reader of this book. Oh, and the cover is not that great (a clean-shaven baby-faced Viking??!! The hero's moniker is 'Ulfric the Grim' and that model is very far from grim, in my opinion). In the end, the book just didn't do it for me. 3 very reluctantly given stars. ...more
3.5 stars. The first half is fantastic, but the second half is bogged down by misunderstandings and the heroine's sense of worthlessness due to her cl3.5 stars. The first half is fantastic, but the second half is bogged down by misunderstandings and the heroine's sense of worthlessness due to her club foot. The hero can be a bit of a ninny as he struggles to articulate his thoughts to the heroine (he keeps putting his foot in his mouth). Overall, it is an extremely well-written book. ...more
3.5 stars, I think? The hero got on my nerves for being a prick, and the heroine for being a doormat. But what the hell, it was still an enjoyable rea3.5 stars, I think? The hero got on my nerves for being a prick, and the heroine for being a doormat. But what the hell, it was still an enjoyable read....more
Tropes: - Time travel romance - Love at first sight - Troubled marriage - Evil guardians
CW: Incest, rape (off the page), mild violence
I rarely read tiTropes: - Time travel romance - Love at first sight - Troubled marriage - Evil guardians
CW: Incest, rape (off the page), mild violence
I rarely read time travel romance (I think I've read less than 5 books in this genre so far), so this book feels like a breath of fresh air to me. I haven't been particularly enamoured with Ms Schone's books previously, although she is a highly popular name in the erotic historical romance genre. This book was very captivating and had a bit of everything (paranormal, gothic, mystery, romance).
Things I liked: An original plot - Highly engrossing (read it in one sitting) - I appreciate that the author tried to keep the historical setting as authentic as possible. The descriptions are spot-on. - One of the love scenes came across as unique. Charles used the 'Kama Sutra' book to seduce Elaine/Morgianna. - The druid thing is an interesting element. - There was a proper explanation to the whole time travel thing. - The best part is seeing Elaine navigate life as a 21st-century woman in a 19th-century world.
Things I did not quite like: - The characterisation could be better. I never did get a sense of the characters (what motivates them, Charles's past is a bit murky, etc). - Charles ear fetish thing, urgghh (unless you love earwax). This one appeared in 2 of the love scenes (it's foreplay for Charles).
Steam factor: I'd consider this mid-steam, which is a low bar since this is regarded as an erotica. If you disregard the opening scene, the next full love scene only came in after the 50% mark. ...more
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