Audiobook Review: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, Narrated by Julia Whelan

This is not my usual pick of storyline. I usually like romances and stay away from psychological thrillers but I heard so many great things about this storyline that I had to try it out myself.

This story starts off with Nellie the ex-wife. She is trying to rebuild a life for herself. Her husband Richard has moved onto a new love and has taken all their wealth with him. Nelly is living with her aunt, her only remaining relative. Nellie is barely holding on. She struggles with her new life as a divorced woman and her old life haunts her. Soon she finds out that Richard has moved on and becomes obsessed with his new girlfriend. The story is told from a first person point of view. We are seeing the story unfold through Nellie’s eyes .

The story is also told from Vanessa’s point of view. Vanessa is in love. She has fallen in love with Richard and he is a dream come true. She works two jobs as a waitress and also as a pre-school teacher. Richard is very wealthy and has introduced Vanessa to a lavish lifestyle. Vanessa is getting ready to marry Richard and start a new life with him as his wife. The story takes place in NYC. Soon they will have a house in the suburbs where they can start a family together.

Most of part one of the story describe the life of these two narrators and its in part two where we realize that nothing is what it seems! The story unfolds in a manner that it was one surprise after another. The intertwined storylines were new and refreshing. There were so many plot twists that I did not see coming! Even at the end where everything seems resolved, there are yet more plot twists! Although not in the romance genre, this story is a must read or hear!

The narrator is amazing. She really seemed to understand the sensitive twists and turns that were involved! I highly recommend and really enjoyed this story! I plan to read more by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.

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ARC Review: The Governess by Christi Caldwell

Christi Caldwell has been on my to-read list for a long time. “The Governess” caught my eye and I dove right in. This is part of a series, Wicked Wallflowers. “The Governess” is book is the third book in the series so many of the characters from the previous books appear. I didn’t feel lost but there is a very critical events that build up in this story and those events start in the previous books, so I would recommend that before you fall down the Caldwell rabbit hole like I did you have those on reserve at the library.

The heroine, Regina-or as the hero fondly calls her Reggie, has been Broderick Killoran’s right hand women. Broderick runs a gaming hall and is very successful. He depends on Reggie for everything but has never seen her as anything other than his confidant. Now that Reggie is ready to leave Broderick he starts to realize that he not only grew accustomed to Reggie but he has very deep feelings for her. Everyone around Broderick can tell that Reggie is in love with him but Broderick had never thought of Reggie that way. As Broderick’s family and gaming hall is threatened, he slowly comes to realize that he can’t control everything and despite his best efforts, he can’t always protect the ones he loves. Reggie feels that Broderick will never see her as the women she has become. She feels that if she doesn’t move on her life will always be the same. With the help from a friend she dares to separate from Broderick and the family that has slowly become hers as well.

I loved everything about this story. Once I started to read it, I could not put it down. I loved the chemistry between Reggie and Broderick. I loved their friendship and their history together. I loved the back stories which were all interesting and I could not help but feel for the characters. Once I finished this story I quickly looked for the first two books in the series:” The Hellion” and also “The Vixen”. The back stories are interesting and add to the characters but I still loved “The Governess.” I am making my way for “The Bluestocking” which already is a great story even though I have not finished it. Review to come soon!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

I could not wait for this book! When I was reading “Devil in Spring” Phoebe’s character kept grabbing my attention and I could not wait to see what Kleypas had in store for her. West Ravenel was introduced in the first book of the Ravenel series “Cold-Hearted Rake” and ever since then I have been waiting for his story! What an amazing series! I must confess I have not read all the books in the series but I was anticipating this one!

For anyone that has not read Kleypas before (gasp), she also wrote “Devil in Winter” one of my all time favorite stories. I have read it so many times I have lost count. Here she introduced Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. He marries a stammering wallflower in which with the Ravenels we have a chance to see how their life has unfolded as a married couple with children. Phoebe is the daughter of Sebastian and Evangeline.

Phoebe is beautiful and a widow. She married her childhood sweetheart but he passed away before he could see the birth of their second son. Phoebe has always hated West because he tormented her husband as a child. West is by no means perfect and he is his own worst enemy. When a young man he was often found drinking, womanizing and making mayhem in society. In the first book of the series, he begins his transformation and dedicates himself to helping his brother and his decaying estate. Now in, “Devils Daughter” he is admired by the people that work alongside him and has changed his ways. Phoebe doesn’t think that he has changed from the brute that use to terrorize her husband and West refuses to forgive himself. When Phoebe attends her brothers wedding, at the door to greet her is none other than West.

Phoebe quickly loses her reservations about West and realizes that he is a very changed man and one that she wants to get to know quickly. West does not find himself worthy of her and doesn’t see himself worthy of her love.

This story was everything! It was full of emotion, ache, chemistry, sweetness, love, beautiful scenes, beautiful storyline, beloved characters from previous books. I have to confess that I expected Kleypas to make Phoebe and West more adversary but she did not and it worked beautifully. The one scene at the dinner table where they are sitting together was so sweet and loving that I just instantly knew this story was going to be heartbreaking and sweet and it was! Sebastian plays a very prominent role in the story and in many ways help West find his worth in the love that he does not think himself worthy of! I read this book quickly then slowly and then I skimmed it again. I loved it so much and is already a top read for 2019. I cannot recommend or love this story enough.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Moonlight Scandals by Jennifer Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout has been on my to-read list for a long time. By sheer luck I entered a giveaway and won all three of her books in the “de Vincent” Series. I have not read any of the books in the trilogy so I thumbed through them an decided I would be interested in starting with “Moonlight Scandals.” This is the last book in the series but I was completely intrigued by the story line. It goes without saying that Jennifer Armentrout is a very popular author and after reading this book, I can see why!

There were a few reasons I wanted to start with the last book in the trilogy. The de Vincent family is very famous in New Orleans for many different reasons. One is the spooky myths surrounding the family curse. Two is that they are a very wealthy family and major players in New Orleans. Three the very handsome de Vincent brothers. There are three brothers and all three get their book. The first book, “Moonlight Sins” is about the youngest brother Lucian. The second, “Moonlight Seduction” the second brother Gabriel. The last brother, Devlin; his book is Moonlight Scandals.”

I was intrigued by the third brother, Devlin who is also the oldest and is often to referred to as “the devil.” Devlin is known for being very mean and even his brothers have a difficult time connecting with him. Devlin is the oldest brother of the family and in many regards the head of the family. Rosie Herpin is a complete opposite to Devlin. She was madly in love with her high school sweetheart and has nursed a broken heart when he committed suicide. She lives a simple live, works, has a great group of friends and also studies paranormal activity. The de Vincent house is as spooky as it gets when it comes to paranormal activity. Rosie and Nicolette are friends ( Nicolette is the love interest of Gabriel in the second book) and through Nicolette Rosie meets the famous Devlin. To say that they clash is an understatement. Where Rosie experienced great love, Devlin has never been in love. Where Rosie is very warm and caring. Devlin is cold and cut off from practically everyone.Because this book is the last in the trilogy many secrets get revealed and even though I have not read the first two books, I didn’t feel lost and I also was completely absorbed in the story, the family and the hero and heroine. I loved Rosie and Devlin as a couple. They challenged each other and really made the pages sizzle! I loved the background storylines as well. Armentrout is a craftwoman with words. I couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait to dive into the first two books to read more about the de Vincents!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Review: Escorted by Claire Kent

I have to confess I fell down the Claire Kent hole! Wow! I first heard about Escort by Claire Kent from listening to Sarah MacLean podcast. She recommended it so highly that although I don’t usually gravitate towards escort storylines I was intrigued.  Well let me tell you, Sarah MacLean was right, this book was amazing. Claire Kent added so many layers to her characters that I was intrigued and I wanted to know more and more about them.

Our heroine, Lori is an author. She is twenty-six and has had it with being a virgin. She spent many of her younger years in love with a guy that did not return her love and now self-doubt has set in. She feels like she has missed out on a big part of life and she wants to do away with her pesky virginity.  It should be noted that Lori is also a very successful romance writer!  A friend of her cousin recommends an escort that is very popular and in high demand.

Ander is an absolute professional. He knows his trade and is a very knowledgeable about how to please a woman.  When he meets Lori they come to an agreement on the type of services that she is requesting and the kind he can give.  When Lori and Ander first get together Lori is very nervous and can’t complete the task that she has been trying to complete so they have to set up another meeting. The more times they meet the more Lori wants to see Ander.  She is discovering a part of herself and is gaining confidence.

First, this book is very sensual- no doubt about it.  Kent portrays Ander as such a detached and difficult to read person that as the reader I found myself wondering what he was thinking and I was intrigued by his past. So was Lori! She can’t help but snoop about Ander and the more time they spend together the more she wants to know. Because of his work this causes a lot of difficulties and some instances of hurt and confusion.  Because the story is told from Lori’s point of view Ander is harder to read but still so intriguing.  As Lori starts to develop feelings for Ander she realizes that she has to end the relationship.

Wow! First, I have to say this book is not my usual read and I could not put this book down! I was up late and even after I finally finished the book I was still captivated by the characters. I immediately started to look by other books by this author. She wrote such complicated, intriguing characters that I missed Ander and Lori after I finished the book-serious book hanger over! For anyone interested Claire Kent also writes under the name Noelle Adams and personally I cannot wait to read more!  Sarah MacLean was right this was a fascinating book with great emotional writing and written with such integrity for those in this line of work. I absolutely loved!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle

Christy Carlyle has been on my to-read list for a very long time. When “A Duke Changes Everything” became available to read I jumped at the chance to not only become introduced to her as a writer but also see the kick-off of the series Duke’s Den.

In this series we are introduced to, I believe, three friends. One of them Nicholas Lyon. Nicholas runs a gambling hall, “Lyon’s Gentleman Club.”. He is an outcast in society. Nick is the father of a Duke but he was disowned. He is seen as illegitimate in the eyes of the ton. Nick could care less. He is wealthy off the gambling of the highest members of the ton and their gambling addictions. Nick is partners with two other members and they run the gambling house in different ways through investments. Nick wants nothing to do with the ton, other than their vowels and loses, and mostly nothing to do with his family. When he gets news that he is now the new Duke Tremayne is he is shocked and determined to get rid of all that is a part of his childhood past, even the family home in Enderley estate. Enderley is where Thomasina Thorne has lived all her life. Since her fathers passing she has served as the estates steward. When Nick returns to a place that holds terrible childhood memories he is shocked to discover that his steward is a woman. Soon they are at odds when Nick is determined to sell off the estate and Mina is determined to protect it.

Mina and Nick were at the Enderley estate when they were children but Nick was quickly taken away and he never returned. Nick has many terrible memories of his father, his brother and Enderley. The only joy or excitement that Nick finds is in Mina. He finds her interesting and confusing at the same time. Although Mina loves her home she soon discovers that Nick suffered there and much of his childhood still haunts him. Mina soon sees that there are many layers to Nick and becomes intrigued with the new Duke of Enderley.

Overall, this was a good story. I liked both Nick and Mina but felt that there were many parts where the story dragged. I also felt that there were many parts where I could just skim because it felt unnecessary and also boring to read. I liked both Mina and Nick just didn’t find their romance captivating. I will however continue to read Carlyle and am looking forward to Iverson’s story which is the next one in the series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan

When I spotted “Beautiful Sinner” on my Kindle I immediately jumped into reading the book. I really enjoyed the previous book in the series, Devil’s Rock, “Beautiful Lawman.” It was my first book by Sophie Jordan and I could not put it down. Although these are only books four and five, I did not feel lost in the storyline and could immediately pick up any events that shaped the characters in the previous books. When I read about Cruz I was immediately interested. Although the previous story was about Piper, his sister, I was intrigued by “badboy” Cruz and his time in prison! I couldn’t wait to read about him.

Cruz was sent to prison for murdering a woman who happens to be the cousin of the heroine, Gabriella. Gabby, or “Flappy Gabby” as she was called in high school always had a crush on Cruz. They didn’t interact in high school even though they had classes together. Gabby was terrorized by a bully and was often on the receiving end of the mean girls in high school and their taunts. Gabby leaves behind her home town and starts a new life as a reporter. When her grandma becomes ill she returns home to take care of her. But Gabby holds many of the same scars from her high school years and is determined not to set up roots. While attending a high school graduation for her niece she bumps into Cruz. Cruz is freed from prison and exonerated for the crime he never committed. But much like Gabby he still carries the wounds from his past with him. Although innocent many of the towns people still see him as guilty and an outsider.

I was really torn with this story. There were parts I enjoyed and parts that I felt impatient with. I was so eager for Gabby and Cruz story that my expectations fell a little short. I liked both the hero and heroine but felt that their chemistry lacked. Gabby has since learned to embrace her curves but carries many of her insecurities with her. She lets the people in her life bully her. Everyone from her boss at the coffee show where she works temporarily, to her sister, to her boss back at the Texas newspaper where she worked. I liked Cruz also but I felt there was a connection missing with him. He made a good life for himself after prison but he was very closed off. Once he realizes that him and Gabby share a connection from high school he is determined to give into his feelings for her until he gets scared and backs off. I was really looking forward to the story between these two but many times their troubles seemed overly dramatic the people overly immature and the chemistry a bit flat. I’m sure fans of Sophie Jordan will enjoy reading this installment in the series and if there are more books left, I will read them. But for now, Gabby and Cruz were just ok for me.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe

I am a huge Joanna Shupe fan so the minute this book became available for review I jumped at the chance to read it! Shupe is a fantastic author for creating both romance, chemistry and anything Victorian. I have read many of her previous books, mostly set in NY during the Victorian period, and I absolutely love them. Same goes for her series “The Four Hundred.”

Aside from this being a book by Shupe, I also loved the description. Lady Christina Barclay is in a dire situation. Her family, through no fault of her own, is dirt poor but aristocratic. She has the tremendous pressure put on her by her parents, to marry and marry very wealthy. Christina is shy and timid, she hates public outings and had no interest in being parade by her mother through New York society. Although Christina’s family is escaping a bad reputation and being penniless her parents hope that she can land a wealthy husband-they don’t care how old or terrible he might be. Christina prefers the solace of her neighbor’s garden. A deaf recluse, Oliver Hawkes loves his solitary life. Except from his business visitors and sister, he does not want any interaction with the outside world. When he finds Christina in his garden, fainted, he provides her with care and sends her on her way. But he specifically tells her that she is not to return. Christina, although grateful for the help Oliver provides her with just can’t accept those terms.

I have to confess that I usually like characters that have a spark from the beginning. I love the hero’s and heroines that don’t like each other and have a hate/ hate relationship that turns to love but Christina and Oliver were both so sweet and tender that I could not help form a special place for them. Both Christina and Oliver understood each other and faced family members that did not mean them well. My only problem is now I am waiting to read the next book in the series which is about the ultra-smooth attorney-Frank Tripp. Aside from the satisfaction of reading about two people that find love Shupe always makes me feel smarter when I read her books. Her historical descriptions of Victorian Age are always so interesting and every book captivates me more.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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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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Review: Bad Night Stand by Elise Faber

Have you ever read a book where you loved and hated it at the same time? That is how I felt about “Bad Night Stand” by Elise Faber. The title of the book immediately caught my attention. I enjoyed the unique and the fun spin on the title. I was also hooked on the female heroine and her life. Abby has a great life. The first persona narrative really made her personable. She has a beautiful friend who gets all the attention from men. One man in particular singles her out-Jordan. Jordan likes Abby and is immediately taken with her. Abby feels the same way with Jordan. When they both give into their desires they are faced with a big consequence- a failed IUD. Abby is shocked and Jordan also but he also becomes very suspicious of Abby and questions her motives. Abby comes from a very chaotic and difficult child hood so she is determined to make sure that the baby has her as at least one reliable parent. Jordan just made one the biggest deals of his life when he sold his tech companion. He is still not sure what to make of the unexpected surprise Abby throws at him. It seems that they are doing things backwards- barely knowing each other but having a baby together.

I had so many contradictory feelings about this book. I finally made peace with a three star review. First, the heroine-Abby. I liked her and I loved the close friendships she had with her girlfriends but many times she sounded more like a teenager than an adult. Her behavior was so erratic and dramatic it was hard to get past her over the top responses. Jordan was not my favorite hero. He was very extreme or mercurial -which ever way you want to look at it. It was hard to figure him out and really it was the relationships that surrounded him that made me warm up to him. If not for the deep devotion he had with his nephew he would have been a number one loser in my book. Aside for my lukewarm feelings towards the hero and heroine was my difficulty with unprotected sex. It’s 2018, please use a better storyline. Last, the over the top scenarios: billionaires. I would have liked the storyline better if they were not all so wealthy. Finally, everything seems to happen to Abby from her father that hates her to cybercrime.

Ok so why three stars? Really, I could not put the book down. I wanted to know how Abby and Jordan would work out all their difficulties and also the last part of the story has me curious about Cecile and her mystery ex-fiancé who left her at the altar! Am I counting down? Yes, I liked Cecile and Faber really did a great job making the secondary characters interesting.

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