ARC Review: The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart

When I saw “The Marquess and the Maiden (Lord of Vice) available for review I could not get to my Kindle fast enough to read it! I have read and enjoyed Robyn DeHart before. DeHart always writes fun and interesting characters with unique storylines. When I read her stories, I feel like they are original and I am getting unique characters and adventures. “The Marquess and the Maiden” are no exception. Although this is the second book in the series, it is easily a standalone.

The story of Harriet Wheatley and Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport starts off in the past. Harriet is a debutante and in need of a husband. Oliver is a Marquess in need of a wealthy wife since his estate is broke. Luckily both Harriet and Oliver’s mothers are lifelong friends and they think that Oliver and Harriet are perfect for each other. The mothers arrange a meeting for them to agree on the marriage.

When Harriet and Oliver meet sparks do fly but Oliver informs Harriet that he cannot marry her and he leaves! Needless to say, this leaves Harriet sadden and confused. Years later Oliver is no longer penniless but Harriet is still unmarried. When he reacquaints with her he is so drawn to her that he is determined to make her his wife. Problem is that Harriet won’t have him. She thinks he is merely lusting after her-which he is-and that he just wants to play with her emotions. Oliver is tired of trying to court Harriet so he and his mother come up with a scheme to convince Harriet that Oliver needs her help finding a wife. Harriet takes Oliver up on this offer so that she can distance herself from her growing feelings from him and she does not want to be rejected again. Oliver is determined to convince Harriet that he does want to marry her and the more he spends time with her the more intrigued he becomes. Harriet is part of a secret society called “Ladies of Virtue.” They travel around London and ward off pick-pockets and other little petty crimes. Harriet loves to be a part of this society and is distraught when its existence becomes public and the group must dismantle.

Overall, this was a cute story. I like both Harriet and Oliver. I have to confess that the storyline felt very dragged out and there were moments where I found my attention waning. It was cute to see Oliver try to win over Harriet but it became very repetitive and mundane. I plan to read more books by this author and in this series, but I had higher expectations.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart

Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.

Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.

Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.

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ARC Review: Dueling With the Duke by Robyn DeHart

This is my third book by Roby DeHart and just like the other two I read by her, I really enjoyed “Dueling with the Duke.” Just like the previous two books, I enjoyed the hero and the heroine. I also loved the chemistry of the characters and I really enjoyed her storyline!

When the story starts, Lilith Crisp, Lady Thornton is outside on the balcony at a ball. Gabriel Campbell, Duke of Lynford happens to step outside and the two of them strike up a conversation! There is an instant attraction between the two of them but nothing comes up it!

Lilith is a beautiful women and has her pick of men to marry but her father is not going to settle for just any man, he wants someone with heavy pockets. Gabriel is the second son and he knows he is out of Lilith’s league. As luck would have it, Gabriel’s older brother ends up asking her to dance and she accepts. Through a twist of fate Lilith and Gabriel end up being forever connected but neither of them are happy about how this comes about. I think that the little twist in both Gabriel and Lilith’s story is so essential to the story and I don’t want to give it away!

Years later, Lilith is married and she ends up face to face with Gabriel again. Lilith’s marriage was anything but happy but she has learned to survive and she made the best of it. Lilith always used her beauty to get her way. She never let her appearance get in her way and she always knew how to get the men around her to do what she wanted.

The only man who doesn’t seem to fall into her hands is Gabriel. He was nicknamed “the Saint” because of his celibacy. After the events that tied him and Lilith together forever, he turned over a new leaf and joined the Brotherhood of the Sword, a group of men dedicated to protecting Queen Victoria.

So, I really enjoyed both Lilith and Gabriel! I found their story to be so complex and intriguing! I also really enjoyed his allegiance with the Brotherhood! I loved the adventure and mystery that they both had to solve. I also cannot wait to see what DeHart has planned with Isabela and Angel! I could already see their chemistry. Finally, there was a moment in the story where the author just shocked me and I could not believe what I was reading! I had to re-read it! So good! I did not see that coming! Needless to say, this was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to read the next book by DeHart!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Robyn DeHart and Giveaway

Meet Robyn DeHart, author of Undercover with the Earl.

National Bestselling author, Robyn DeHart's novels have appeared in the top bestselling romance and historical romance lists. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. Her historical romantic adventure series, The Legend Hunters, were not only bestsellers, but also award-winners, snagging a Reader's Crown and a Reviewer's Choice award. She had three releases in 2013 and 2014 will see four more, all set in the popular historical romance Regency and Victorian eras. Known for her "strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page" (RT Bookclub) and her "sizzling romance" (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.

When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it's hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it.

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ARC Review: Misadventures in Seduction by Robyn DeHart

I think what made this book a three instead of a four is the fact that it was so short. It seemed rushed and forced and was over way too quickly. I really enjoyed it, it was a great story I just wish it could have been more and played with the sexual tension a bit more and the whole spy mystery. I always enjoy Robyn DeHart books they are well written and keep my attention, I just wish there was more to this story to emotionally tie me into the story and the characters.

Prudence Hixby was left in charge of all five of her siblings and will risk everything to take care of them. When Charles, the eldest boy and heir, decides that it is his duty to join the war effort. Prudence is scared that she will lose him so she submits to the advances of an old friend at a country house party only she walks in to the wrong room and sleeps with a the wrong man. Harrison Carlisle the Duke of Sutcliffe was then man in the wrong room. He found out why the one woman he has never allowed himself to feel feelings for snuck into his room and seduced him, did it to protect her brother. Harrison feels guilty that her plan backfired and her brother was being shipped to France so he recruits him for his spy network.

Charles Hixby died, and Prudence blames Harrison for his death. She confronts Harrison about it but of course picks a bad time to visit him. The person trying to frame Harrison as a traitor breaks into his house and causes Harrison to go into hiding taking Prudence and her siblings with him. With the help of Prudence and her close relationship with her brother they find out the needed information from his belongings to track down the real traitor. Prudence must pretend to be Harrison’s mistress which leads to some steamy lovin’ and the truth coming out. I really wish there was more to the story but other than that it was a good read.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Robyn DeHart and Giveaway

Meet Robyn DeHart, author of For Her Spy Only.

A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her books as "sizzling romance" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader's Crown nominee. Look for Robyn's new trilogy on forbidden love coming from Entangled: A Little Bit Wicked (fall 2012), A Little Bit Sinful (spring 2013) and A Little Bit Scandalous (summer 2013). Also in 2013, she'll launch a new historical romantic suspense series with NAL, the first in the series is The Secrets of Mia Danvers (2013). Robyn lives in Texas with her brainy husband, two precocious little girls and two spoiled cats.

Find Robyn at:

| Site | The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: The Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart

Robyn DeHart delivers a fantastic romance/suspense story packed with tension and romance. I read a novella by her, “No Ordinary Mistress” which was also fantastic. DeHart is a great writer and very engaging. Her heroines are ahead of their time and women that make their own rules. The heroin in this story is no exception. Anna is a lady who is attending medical school. She is determined to become a physician even against her mother’s wishes. Anna is not interested in following the rules of society, finding a husband and marrying. She wants to follow her passion for medicine.

Our hero, Andrew Foster, is also very interesting. He begins the story in a jail, imprisoned because he is suspected of being Jack the Ripper. Drew has a lot of ghost in his closet. He is an illegitimate son, and has spent much of his life drinking to forget about his problems. Simon, Anna’s brother is a Scotland Yard detective. He offers Drew an opportunity to assist in the Jack the Ripper investigation. This becomes a redeeming opportunity for him, he realizes that he is a good detective and feels useful in helping in such an important investigation. Anna and Drew are brought together in the middle of this investigation. Drew needs Anna’s medical expertise with his investigation. I liked them as a couple and thought that they were a great match.

I have to say that this was such a fantastic story! The secondary characters were so fantastic! The theme of Jack the Ripper was a great addition. The author gives him a voice in the story so we get an insight into his thoughts and the reasons for his murders. Because the story is based on the true killings of The Ripper there are some scenes that are difficult to read and very graphic. Aside from this I could not stop reading anything that took me away from this romance/ suspense was unwelcome. I highly recommend this story and plan to read the previous one in the series, The Secrets of Mia Danvers, so I can have a better understanding of Anna and Drew! Great story!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: No Ordinary Mistress by Robyn Dehart

This was a fantastic novella. It has espionage, murder, adventure and romance all packed into a few pages. Remington Hawthorne, Earl of Latham and Emma Masterson are both spies for the crown. When the story begins Remington and Emma are working together as spies in France. Emma is still a new spy and trying desperately trying to prove herself in a male dominated field. Emma does not have a title or family to fall back on and she does not want to follow in her mother’s footsteps and take a “protector”. Remington has it all, title, money and he works for the crown as a very accomplished spy. Emma and Remy are very attracted to each other. They share very close quarters when they work together on their mission. Both of them realize that it’s just a matter of time before they give into their temptation. When Emma receives her next assignment, she has instructions to seduce her next target. The assignment casts a big argument and strain on Emma and Remy and they go their separate ways.

Years later they are thrown together again. Emma was completing an assignment when her target was murdered! She is now on the run and in need of protection. The only way that Emma can be protected is by posing as Remy’s mistress, a position that she fought hard not to be in. Remy is delighted to be with Emma again, he realizes that his feelings for her did not disappear with time and that he feels even more deeply for her. As Emma and Remy are once again reunited as partners they work together to find out who is trying to betray the crown. Emma is now a better spy and more confident. Remy realizes that she has grown into her role and that she can take care of herself, but Remy can’t stand by and watch the woman he loves be put in danger.

Although novellas are short, I thought that Robyn Dehart masterfully balanced the romance, adventure and murder mystery. She also gave the characters enough time apart so that both could grow. Emma has a lot to prove to the other spies, many are against a woman being a part of their profession. But Emma is strong and can handle herself. Emma and Remy have great chemistry and are fun to read about. It was intriguing to watch them unravel who was behind the murder and the traitor to the crown. I definitely recommend this great story and greatly enjoyed reading it.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Sealed With a Kiss Event - Robyn DeHart

A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her books as "sizzling romance" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader's Crown nominee. Look for Robyn's new trilogy on forbidden love coming from Entangled: A Little Bit Wicked (fall 2012), A Little Bit Sinful (spring 2013) and A Little Bit Scandalous (summer 2013). Also in 2013, she'll launch a new historical romantic suspense series with NAL, the first in the series is The Secrets of Mia Danvers (2013). Robyn lives in Texas with her brainy husband, two precocious little girls and two spoiled cats.

Find Robyn at:

| Site | The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: A Little Bit Scandalous by Robyn DeHart

A Little Bit Scandalous is the third book in Robyn Dehart’s Forbidden Love trilogy. It would be fine to read as a stand-alone, but characters from the previous book make brief appearances.

Caroline Jellico’s situation is a bit precarious. She became the ward of Monroe Grisham, Duke of Chanceworth, after her brother died, but has barely seen him in the seven since she first confessed her love for him. Living with his mother, she is determined to gather enough money to refurbish her family townhome and live an independent life. So Caroline puts her mathematical mind to use by disguising herself as a young man and gambling at a popular establishment. “Roe” want to play the talented boy he has heard about and is surprised to realize that the boy is Caroline. Roe has been attracted to Caroline all this time, but he feels a tremendous amount of guilt about the way her brother died. Caroline’s love for Roe conflicts with her desire to create a comfortable life for herself. The two are drawn together as a danger comes to the surface. Will they realize that they are a perfect fit for each other?

A Little Bit Scandalous was a good read. The characters (including the secondary characters) were well drawn and likable. It was nice to see a female character that knew what she wanted and took action to make it happen. The idea of her successfully disguising herself as a young man was a little bit far-fetched, but DeHart took steps to show how it could have worked. I don’t like it when the villains or the danger is too obvious or over the top. There was a place at the end where I could see trouble coming a mile away. It was disappointing. I did think this book was better than the previous one in the series (A Little Bit Sinful). I liked this book, but it wasn’t at the top of my list.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Secret of Mia Danvers by Robyn DeHart

I recently read an article that said many new authors think the important thing is to write beautiful, lyrical prose. But, according to the article, what really makes a book work for the readers is not the beautiful writing, but the story. I have to agree. Of course, we would all want both, but a good story can trump good writing in most cases. What Robyn DeHart creates in The Secrets of Mia Danvers is a really good story. The writing was fine, certainly adequate, but what pulled me in was the intriguing story. The book is the first in her new Dangerous Liaisons series. Be warned - you will need to read the entire series before the overarching mystery is solved. This book is both a great setup for the ones to follow and an excellent story in itself.

Strangely, I don't read murder mysteries, but I do like true crime books. This has a little of both. The story opens in 1880 as Mia Danvers, blind since an accident, “witnesses” a girl being murdered by none other than Jack the Ripper. Mia has been abandoned by her mother and sisters after the accident and left to live with a companion in a cottage on the London estate of Alex Foster, Eighth Duke of Carrington. When Mia visits the duke to tell her story he becomes embroiled in the mystery as well as his younger brother. More murders follow as Mia and Alex discover a growing attraction for each other. One problem - Alex on the verge of marrying the girl his family intends.

This is a lot of action and intrigue in The Secrets of Mia Danvers. DeHart took on a big job in including an authentic historical character, but she does an admirable job. An interesting cast of secondary characters add depth to the story. As I mentioned earlier only part of the mystery is solved in this book. DeHart is holding her cards close to the vest, revealing just enough information to build the suspense. Readers will definitely want to grab the rest of this series when it is published. I enjoyed this late Victorian murder/romance very much and will be waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Secrets of Mia Danvers by Robyn DeHart

A lone witness finds her protector...

Since losing her sight in a childhood accident, Mia Danvers has resided in a small cottage on the vast Carrington estate. Thought to be dead, Mia lives a life of virtual seclusion—until one night, while walking home, she happens upon a horrendous crime.

Alex Foster, Eighth Duke of Carrington, lives according to society’s expectations for him. He’s never met the woman who lives in the cottage at the edge of his property. But when she arrives at his door in the pouring rain terrified and claiming she has witnessed a murder, she seizes his attention.

Mia is determined to help the authorities track down the culprit, even though the only person willing to accept her aid is the handsome, arrogant duke. Working closely together proves difficult as Mia’s beauty and independence tempts Alex to ignore convention and follow his desire. But what neither of them know is that this murderer has struck before in Whitechapel, taunting the British press only to vanish—a ruthless killer who knows that Mia is the only living witness to his crime…

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ARC Review: A Little Bit Sinful by Robyn DeHart

A Little Bit Sinful is Robyn DeHart's second book in the Forbidden Love series. It is a pleasant late Victorian story of childhood friends that discover an attraction to each other. Of course, they both have reasons why they should not be together. The heroine is lively and fun and the hero is everything you could want in a guy.

Justin Rodale is the bastard son of a duke and has never discovered the identity of his mother. He is not accepted by Society, but uses his wits to build a financial dynasty through a gaming hell. Clarissa is the daughter of an earl. She believes she is destined to marry a particularly handsome gentleman even though he seems a reluctant to take the plunge. Clarissa reconnects with Justin and enlists his help with her suitor. Justin fights his growing attraction to Clarissa because he believes he is not good enough for her. Unfortunately, he knows her suitor is not good enough either.

Overall, I was disappointed with this book. I have thoroughly enjoyed DeHart's breezy, clever writing style in the past, but a lot of that feeling was missing here. Clarissa was not completely a too-stupid-to-live character, but she was naïve and impulsive. There wasn't a great deal of character development evident with either the hero or the heroine. The difficulties they encountered were resolved in ways that were not totally satisfying. Clarissa's many lone nighttime excursions were particularly troublesome. They were just not believable. A Little Bit Sinful will not be my last Robyn DeHart book because I know she can write delightful stories. This one was good, but I will hope for more from the next one.

**ARC provided by Author**

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Guest Post with Author Robyn DeHart and Catherine Hemmerling and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC authors, Robyn DeHart and Catherine Hemmerling. Both have stopped by to chat, so please give them a warm welcome. 

A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her books as "sizzling romance" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader's Crown nominee. Look for Robyn's new trilogy on forbidden love coming from Entangled: A Little Bit Wicked (fall 2012), A Little Bit Sinful (spring 2013) and A Little Bit Scandalous (summer 2013). Also in 2013, she'll launch a new historical romantic suspense series with NAL, the first in the series is The Secrets of Mia Danvers (2013). Robyn lives in Texas with her brainy husband, two precocious little girls and two spoiled cats.

Places to find Robyn:

| Site | The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills | Facebook | Twitter |

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Joanne
Secret Santa Baby by Robin Covington

BeckeyW
A Little Bit Wicked by Robyn DeHart

Lori
by Donya Lynne

Barbara
Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

Yadira
Breath of Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

Jasmyn
Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)