Book: Alexandra Hawkins - All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess

Rating: 8/10

I rated this a 10/10 at first, but then I had to subtract some points because the plot was a bit jumpy which was a shame since there were so many amusing parts I liked about the story.

Favorite Parts:


Anna came up from behind and embraced her. “Though I’ll admit Sainthill is rather pretty to look at.”
Catherine softly snorted at the understatement. “His body is quite admirable, too. You never know until a man disrobes if one should thank God or the man’s expensive tailor.”


Isabel slipped her arm around him and encouraged Vane to sit. “Were you fighting?” she asked, casting wary glances at Reign and Frost.
“If we were fighting, we would have taken it out of the house,” Frost said, rolling his eyes in disgust as Vane leaned against his wife and savored her tender inspection of his feigned injuries. “Past incidents have proven that you ladies are awfully protective of your furniture.”


“A servant arrived with a note from Hunter. He sends his apologies for being unable to join us. Something required his immediate attention,” Sin explained as he toyed with the pearl necklace his wife wore.
“If Hunter has any sense, that something is blond and naked in his bed,” Frost quipped.
Regan rolled her eyes at her brother. “Must you always be so vulgar?”
Without any hesitation, Frost replied, “Why shouldn’t I when I excel at it?”


Hunter’s left hand tightened on the balustrade as he tossed his head back and laughed. “And I should listen to the sage advice of a man who has never kept a mistress longer than four months?”
“Three months.”
“Three, then.” Anger glittered in Hunter’s eyes as he struggled to mask it with humor. “And your father … tell me again: What sport was he engaging in when he collapsed and died?”
Saint’s lips thinned at his friend’s cruel reminder. “Women. He was bedding his current mistress when his heart failed him.” Saint had been six years old when it happened. His mother had weathered the scandal with her head held high, though privately she was thoroughly humiliated. “Why do you ask? If you are planning to be unfaithful to your wife, you might want to let your physician examine you first to see if your heart is sound.”
“My heart is fine, Saint.” Hunter emptied his glass and set it on the table. He turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
The duke absently shrugged. “Since we have missed the little gathering at Dare’s, it would be a pity not to sample the delights of the Golden Pearl. I’ll let you know if my heart gives me any trouble.”
The duke patted his heart and smirked.
“Arse,” Saint muttered under his breath.


“If this is subtlety, Lord Sainthill, I find your execution somewhat lacking.”
Saint started, caught unawares by the blonde’s approach. He recovered quickly by saying, “Spying, Anna? I thought you preferred to participate?”


The lie will suffice. The truth will only lead to trouble.


“I trust this will suffice for your silence.”
Mr. Royles tugged on the opening and pulled out a coin. He held it up to the lantern and grinned, exposing a missing eyetooth. “Aye, this will do, poppet. For a time, that is.”
“For your sake, make it a long while, Mr. Royles. If you ruin my business, there will be no point in paying you to keep my secrets.”
“Have you forgotten who is in charge?”
“Not in the slightest.” The corners of her mouth curled into an unpleasant smile as she revealed the pocket pistol she had been concealing. Ignoring his curse, she aimed it directly at his black heart. “I am willing to be generous because I have unfinished business in London and I am not prepared to leave as of yet. However, mark my words, Mr. Royles. There will come a day when your silence will no longer be necessary.”
“You wouldn’t pull that trigger on an unarmed man.”
“You would be amazed what I would be willing to do to protect myself,” she said, her finger tightening on the trigger. “Don’t try my patience. Such a miscalculation regarding my daring or affection for you would be quite fatal.”

Book: Fenella J. Miller - The Duke's Reform

Rating: 5/10

The synopsis held such promise, but I felt it was a so-so read. There wasn't anything noteworthy and I didn't have anything interesting to add so no "Favorite Part" section.

Book: Anne Mallory - Seven Secrets of Seduction

10/10

Favorite Parts:


“There is still our challenge.”
“Did you seduce your governess before she finished your lessons on mathematics?” She plopped a stack of books onto a shelf. “The week has long since passed. And you won.”
“Not in my heart, I didn?t.” Not in the seeds of his demise.
“If I believed in its existence, perhaps I could concur.”
“Oh, it is there. Shriveled and bound. Just waiting for you to set it free.”
“You are an unrepentant tease, your lordship.”
“As I said previously, a tease doesn?t follow through.” He stretched a finger along a strip of softly bound leather.
“An emotional tease. You are physically quite happy to follow through, but you make far too many empty promises concerning your feelings.”



“Do you hate yourself?”
“No.” She looked from the window to him again. There was a strange calmness to her gaze. “Do you?”
“Hard to hate perfection.”

Book: Suzanne Enoch - Scandalous Brides 1 - A Beginner's Guide to Rakes

Rating: 8/10

Summary:

The widow Diane Benchley, Lady Cameron, has returned to England. After the disgraceful way her and her (now deceased) husband fled to the continent, everyone is curious about the mysterious countess... Everyone besides the Marquis of Haybury, Oliver Warren, who is trying to avoid her at all costs! Then Diane does the unexpected... she pulls Oliver into her scheme to open a gentleman's gaming club in the family mansion!

Years ago, the two were involved, but it ended badly. Now, Diane is blackmailing Oliver into helping her with her gaming club since he is a notorious gambler.

In a game of wills and wits, who shall come out at top? Even I am willing to bet this encounter will be an entertaining one.

Favorite Parts:

“Still cratching about for weaknesses, are you, Oliver? Be cautious about with whom you choose to play. I have claws, too.”

He walked to the office door and pulled it open. “Yes, I know. I’ve felt them digging into my back.”

“These days I aim for the throat..."

“And cease pestering my employees. They’ve all been warned that … fraternizing with you is grounds for

immediate dismissal.”

“Jealous?”

“Wise to your very transparent lack of character.”

“It would take more than words to score that rhinoceros hide of yours.”

“I rarely find compliments offensive..."

“At the same time,” she continued, “I am not a flower swayed by every stray breeze.”

"You know my fondness for mayhem..."

“That’s a damned understatement.”

Book: Lessons From A Courtesan by Jenna Petersen

Rating: 8/10

"Ria", is the most desired and envied courtesan in all of London. Everyone is enamored with the mystery that surrounds her. All except Justin, the Earl of Baybary because he is her husband! Justin left Victoria in the country estate after consummating their marriage. His rejection hurt her deeply and broke her heart. After three years, he is back from the continent and is shocked to come face to face with his wife at a mistress-seeking-new-protector party! He isn't thrilled by the reunion and neither is she. After being blackmailed by her father to marry her, he is less than happy to find her scheming. Meanwhile, she is on a mission and her husband is only going to get in the way. He is jealous and curious to know what her real motives are and thus, a game of wit begins. Can she fulfill her mission without letting herself be clouded by her husband's passionate kisses? Can he get Victoria to trust him enough to tell him what she is up to? Can they both learn to tell each other the truth and fix all the misunderstandings that lie between them?


Pros: This book had an interesting and surprising plot.
I enjoyed the struggle between the characters who are obviously meant to be together, but have misunderstandings keeping them apart. The battle between the passion and the logical thing to do is realistic and amusing to read. I even enjoyed the bitter and harsh truths... the disappointments and trust issues are quite real.
I also enjoyed the lessons that were at the beginning of each chapter. I thought them to be very true and I'd agree with most of them.
I found this book quite endearing because it doesn't just paint a pretty picture, but it shows complex and very real problems. For example: the differences between the roles of a wife and a courtesan, a women vulnerability and their need for protection, some perverse sickos in the world, obsessive behaviors turn dangerous, the fight for control over one's emotions/life, etc.
It was also entertaining to read about the supporting characters and the little insights into their lives.

Cons: Ending seemed to be wrapped up a bit too easily. I was hoping he'd have to work for it a bit more. xD

Favorite Parts:
The Lessons of a Courtesan (the beginning of each chapter has one)
Lesson 1: Every man loves a mystery.
Lesson 2: Never take more than you can control.
Lesson 3: It is simple to make a man want you. Don’t want him.
Lesson 4: When one man wants you, a second will follow.
Lesson 5: No man can make you lose control…unless you let him.
Lesson 6: Pleasure is the ultimate weapon.
Lesson 7: A kiss means nothing, but it can change everything.
Lesson 8: Leave him wanting more.
Lesson 9: A whore trades in money. A courtesan trades in far more.
Lesson 10: A mistress is not a wife, no matter how much she may wish to be.
Lesson 11: Scintillating conversation is a talent every woman should master.
Lesson 12: A lady must dress accordingly, whether in the ballroom or the bedroom.
Lesson 13: Always be the one to walk away.
Lesson 14: Be wary of who you trust.
Lesson 15: Never beg.
Lesson 16: Be careful how close you play to the fire. You might get burned.
Lesson 17: No amount of money or security is worth your pride.
Lesson 18: Lies and secrets have a way of coming out, so be prepared.
Lesson 19: Do not confuse weakness with vulnerability. They are not the same.
Lesson 20: Your body is your greatest commodity. Protect it.
Lesson 21: Never fall in love.
Lesson 22: If you break the rules, do it with all your heart.


“If you keep circling the room in this fashion, eventually you’ll bore a hole in the floor and we’ll all end up in the cellar with the laundry wenches,” Caleb said mildly as he took a sip of tea and ate another scone in one wolfish bite.


She had long ago learned not to live on dreams of what might have been. Those thoughts invariably led to disappointment



It wasn’t that those things weren’t true, they all  were, it was more that he still wasn’t certain he could trust her, and telling her had opened him up to a world of potential pain.

Book: How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling

Rating: 8/10

People say opposites attract.. and in this case, they are right! Amy is in her last season and is determined to shed her wallflower image. Meanwhile, Will is a rake who likes to travel a lot, leaving his family to cut off his funds to curb his "devilish" ways. Will decides to go against them and try high-stakes gambling to win enough funds to go off again. He loses 20,000 pounds and him and his friends cook up a scheme to have him marry an heiress to cover the debt and then he can go off traveling with his friends. However, everyone know of Will and his "devilish" ways, so Amy sees right though his charming manipulative ways. But when a scandal leaves them in a compromising situation, these two are forced to marry to avoid scandal. How do they both deal with their marriage life? Can they learn to trust one another?

Pros: I fell in love with Will's family... especially Aunt Hester and her bluntness. I also liked the fact that her friends were there for her. I had some laughs and even some tears. The story was touching and sweet.
Cons: I felt the supporting characters could have been developed more. The story introduced Georgette and Beau, and a lot of pages were dedicated to them, however, by the end of the story, they were hardly mentioned. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I was hoping for a bit more about their life afterwards - an epilogue of some sort.

All in all, this story was quite entertaining. I would've loved to read more about Will's crazy family and the children.

Favorite parts:

Amy met her gaze and dared to hope her friend’s words would come true. “I’ve missed you.”
Julianne smiled. “I’ve missed all of you as well. We had such fun last season. My husband has never let me forget all of the trouble I caused. He is still suspicious of all of you and believes you influenced me—especially you, Amy.”
“Me?” She laughed. “I always tried to caution all of you.”
Julianne grinned. “He is convinced that you instigated the worst schemes. He believes you hid it all behind your quiet façade.”
Georgette grinned. “Amy, you often have this look in your eyes, as if the cogs and wheels are spinning like a
roulette wheel.”
“I do not,” she said.
Sally shook her head. “It’s true, Amy. While everyone else is chattering like monkeys, you look as if you’re
plotting something.”
“I’m not plotting; I’m thinking.”
“Now there is a euphemism if I ever heard one,” Georgette said.



Julianne said. “...Now I must return to my husband. We cannot stay long, because I must return home to nurse Emma.”
“I cannot wait to see your daughter,” Amy said. “I’m sure she’s beautiful.”
Julianne laughed. “According to my husband, she’s the most beautiful bald-headed lady in London.”



“The first time we met, I formed a low opinion of you. I
regret to inform you that you have just sunk even further in
my estimation.”




Georgette said. “I won’t marry until I cannot eat a bite and swoon at the mere thought of my beloved.”
Amy laughed. “Where did you get such silly notions of falling in love?”
Georgette grinned. “Well, that’s the way Suzanne described her feelings for my brother. But then, she’s a silly goose, and I am far too reasonable for such nonsense. I shall probably end up a spinster with a dozen cats.”



“Aunt Hester, thank you for receiving me,” he said.
She lifted her quizzing glass. “Shocking.”
He grinned. “What?”
“Your eyes aren’t glowing red, and I see no traces of horns or a forked tail.” Hester dropped her quizzing glass.



“Patience has four boys, including Peter, who helpfully waters my mother’s hothouse flowers.”
Amy smiled. “He uses a watering pot?”
“No. Peter is like a dog—only he prefers his grandmother’s flowers rather than trees.”
...
“That boy will be the death of me,” Montague said. “Where is that nurse?”
“Probably writing her resignation letter as we speak,” Hester said. “Who can blame her?”
“Oh, dear,” the dowager countess said. “What must you think of us, Miss Hardwick?”
Hester ambled to the rail and looked down. “No doubt she thinks we’re all dicked in the nob.”
“Hester, please mind your language,” the dowager countess said.

“Bah,” Hester said. “Come along, gel. We don’t bite. Well, one of his Patience’s brats does, but I forget which one. They’re all horrid.”
“Hester, they are my children and your great-nephews,” Patience cried.
“Not by choice,” Hester said.
...
When they reached the landing, Harmony offered to check on the nurse. “She is no doubt quivering in fear for her position.”
“It’s a miracle the woman has lasted this long,” Hester said. She regarded Amy. “Patience’s youngest brat,
Thomas, tried to scalp her last week.”
“He did not,” Patience said. “He only cut a small lock.”
“We should have named him Mischief,” Montague grumbled.



“Are you Scottish, dear?” Grandmamma shouted.
Will smiled as Amy shook her head. Grandmamma thought anyone with red hair must be Scottish.
“I always liked those kilts the Scotsmen wear,” Grandmamma hollered.
“What she really wants to know is what they wear or don’t wear underneath those kilts,” Hester said.
“Oh, Hester, we do not speak of such things,” the dowager countess cried.
Hester snorted and adjusted the tall feather in her turban.



“Maybe they should fight for her,” Aunt Hester said. “You know, like those stags that lock horns.”
“Hester, please,” the dowager countess said. “They are not animals.”
“They’re men; not much difference,” Hester said.
“Why must you say such things?” the dowager countess said.
“Because it’s true,” Hester said. “I’ve had five husbands, you know.”

Book: The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton

Rating: 7/10

The story is about a tradesman's daughter, Regina Berryman, being pursued by two notorious rakes: Jason Thomas, the Duke of Torquay (aka Duke), and St. John Basil St. Charles, Marquis of Bessacarr (aka Sinjin). What starts out as an innocent country miss' night out at the opera, earns her the notice of the Black Duke who is notorious for his skills in seduction and licentiousness (Yes, I googled the word. It means lacking legal or moral restraints - especially disregarding sexual restraints.) What she didn't know, was that that specific night was a night for mistresses to prowl looking for new protectors and such. He stalks over to the innocent beauty and makes his proposition, only to receive her hasty and offended retreat. However, the Duke is not put down. He arranges to have her followed and decides to camp outside her house... ready to kidnap her if needed! Scandalous! Meanwhile, Sinjin is secretly in trade (a taboo among the peers) with Regina's elderly uncle, who acted as her guardian after her parents died. Before passing, he told her to go look for the Marquis of Bessacarr should she ever be in need of help.

Pros: The interesting story plot.
The main characters are complicated and well developed.
I was surprised to find that the villain is also the hero. Who doesn't love a reformed bad boy? And this story has two vying for her attention! That is one lucky girl.
I also loved heroine character. The author has captured all the difficulties a common woman faces without a protector or any family or friends. Even though she has nobody and no experience or any references, she is determined to find a way to support herself without selling her body. I find her strong sense of honor very refreshing.

Cons: Ending seemed abrupt. The book held so much promise, but I was sadly disappointed with the ending. It is hard to describe why I was disappointed... perhaps it is that I found it lacking somehow. Though I hear many great things about this author and this book, I was not WOWed by this book. It would not be considered as one of the books I can't seem to put down.
The lengthy descriptions were a bit of a bore.
A bit confusing when the character narration changes without any notice.

Book: Proof By Seduction by Courtney Milan

Rating: 7/10

What happens when a logical scientist marquess finds out his cousin has been consorting with a gypsy-like fortuneteller? He does what every scientist does! He analyzes the situation and tries to prove she is a fraud! In this battle of wits, who will win?

The book held so much promise and yet... I find myself bored at some parts. There are many worthwhile parts to the story.. such as the seduction and the way the main characters try to outsmart one another. However, I find myself bored when it came to Ned's roles. I suppose his depression was killing the mood for me.

Pros: Interesting plot. Witty.

Cons: A bit boring at parts - Ned's story. I never did find out much about the fortuneteller's family.


Favorite Parts: 

Madness, a physician had once told Gareth, was repeating the same events over and over while hoping for a different result. That was why Gareth had no fear he would fall in love, no matter what Madame Esmerelda predicted for him. Love was watching his sister choke back tears.
Love hoped that month after month, she would continue to issue invitations. And love believed, against all evidence, that one day, he would get it right, that he would learn to talk to her as a brother instead of the cold, unfeeling man she must have believed him to be.
In short, love was madness.



His Grace waited in the front parlor. He was in shirtsleeves, as if he couldn’t bother to dress for Ned. A
book was open on his lap. He didn’t look up when Ned entered. Instead, he continued to pretend to read. And a pretense it obviously was. Aside from the carefully timed turning of the pages, the Duke of Ware stared at the pages blankly, his eyes unmoving, his hands strangling the spine of the book. It was precisely the sort of thing Blakely would do—ignore a man to put him in his place.
Ned balanced from foot to foot in indecision. He didn’t want to antagonize the man. But then again, it wasn’t as if the duke could hate him more. And he couldn’t bear waiting for his life to happen to him. No; from this point onward, he would direct the course of his life.
He stepped forward and grabbed the book from His Grace’s hands. “I apologize for the precipitate behavior,” he said. “You see, you’re either going to have to kill me or allow me to talk with your daughter. I’m very difficult to ignore.”
Ware’s face slowly mottled an unflattering orange as he looked up. “Blazing pitch and sulfur! You’ve ignored me. Twice, now, we’ve been scheduled to meet. Twice, now, Blakely convinced me not to hunt you down. I demand satisfaction.”
“We all want satisfaction, Your Grace. Unfortunately, most of us are doomed to disappointment.”
“Pistols or swords, you bounder!”
Ned shook his head. “I’m not going to fight you. If it comes down to it, I prefer pistols. Through the heart, please. I’d prefer not to linger from a gut wound.”
“Confounded goat-lover! Puling rabbit!”
This was an easily recognizable pattern. Ned grasped at it.
“Ridiculous weasel?” he assayed.
Ware clenched his fists. “Impudent worm!”
“Five-toed chicken! Ravenous strawberry!”
That brought Ware up. “What? What did you call me?”
“Oh, were you calling me those names?” Ned replied innocently. “I thought we were playing a game. You know, irrelevant adjective applied to inexplicable noun. You know how it goes. First to string together a coherent sentence loses.”

Book: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Rating: 9/10

I have heard many good things about Julia Quinn's Bridgertons series, so I decided to start with the one that started it all, The Duke and I.

This story is about Simon, the Duke of Hastings, and how Daphne Bridgerton snatched him up. Simon's tragic past keeps him from fully moving on with his life - he absolutely refuses to marry! Unfortunately for him, he is deemed a prized catch for the season and all the marriage-minded society mama's have set their sights on him. Luckily, he has a plan!
Daphne Bridgerton is a clever and kindhearted girl. However, she can't seem to get any decent suitors! They are either too old or not too bright! And to make matters worse, the ones who she counts as potentials, consider her no more than a friend! What does a girl have to do to get noticed around here? Luckily for her, Simon's plan may be just what she needs.
Simon and Daphne can pretend to be romantically involved to help her attract some worthy suitors while also helping Simon safe from being a target from all the debutantes and their pushy mothers! It seems like the perfect win-win situation. However, what happens when Daphne starts to fall in love with the person she is pretending to be in a relationship with? Will their fake courtship turn into something much more?


Pros: I have always been partial to the tortured soul type of hero. (My heart broke when his father rejected him because of his speech impairment. His stuttering/stammering was well placed into the story, without being overly annoying.) Luckily, Simon isn't too tortured to finally find his happiness with his love, Daphne. It is nice to be introduced to a character with depth.

The big contrast between the two lovers are a nice touch.

The conflicting feelings and emotions between the two main characters are realistic and not overly done which is a hard art to master. Props to Julia Quinn!

Oh and needless to say, I loved the romance between Daphne and Simon.

I fell in love with Daphne's family. They are slightly annoying at times, but oh so amusing and loving. The tease and pester one another, but at the end of the day, their love is quite endless for one another. It's sweet!

Oh and of course, how can I not fall in love with  Lady Whistledown's witty comments about the ton? No wonder Julia Quinn had 2 other books put together for more of Lady Whistledown's avid fans.

Cons: I found the heroine a bit lacking. I can't really quite put my finger on why, but I suppose I would've liked to see her not to mild. But this was only a minor blip in the story.


Favorite parts:

Daphne looked up to see her eldest brother making his way toward her. "Anthony," she said, trying to decide if she was pleased to see him or annoyed that he might be
coming over to meddle in her affairs. "I hadn't realized you would be in attendance."
"Mother," he said grimly. No other words were necessary.
"Ah," Daphne said with a sympathetic nod. "Say no more. I understand completely."
"She made a list of potential brides." He shot his sister a beleaguered look. "We do love her, don't we?"
Daphne choked on a laugh. "Yes, Anthony, we do."
"It's temporary insanity," he grumbled. "It has to be. There is no other explanation. She was a perfectly reasonable mother until you reached marriageable age."
"Me?" Daphne squeaked. "Then this is all my fault? You're a full eight years older than I am!"
"Yes, but she wasn't gripped by this matrimonial fervor until you came along."
Daphne snorted. "Forgive me if I lack sympathy. I received a list last year."
"Did you?"
"Of course. And lately she's been threatening to deliver them to me on a weekly basis. She badgers me on the issue of marriage far more than you could ever imagine. After all, bachelors are a challenge. Spinsters are merely pathetic. And in case you hadn't noticed, I'm female."
Anthony let out a low chuckle. "I'm your brother. I don't notice those things." He gave her a sly, sideways look. "Did you bring it?"
"My list? Heavens, no. What can you be thinking?"
His smile widened. "I brought mine."
Daphne gasped. "You didn't!"
"I did. Just to torture Mother. I'm going peruse it right in front of her, pull out my quizzing glass—"
"You don't have a quizzing glass."
He grinned—the slow, devastatingly wicked smile that all Bridgerton males seemed to possess. "I bought one just for this occasion."
"Anthony, you absolutely cannot. She will kill you. And then, somehow, she'll find a way to blame me. "
"I'm counting on it."
Daphne swatted him in the shoulder, eliciting a loud enough grunt to cause a half dozen partygoers to send curious looks in their direction.
"A solid punch," Anthony said, rubbing his arm.
"A girl can't live long with four brothers without learning how to throw one." She crossed her arms.



"What do you suppose is taking them so long?" Violet Bridgerton tugged on her eldest son's sleeve, unable to take her eyes off of her daughter—who appeared to have thoroughly captured the attention of the Duke of Hastings—only one week in London and already the catch of the season.
"I don't know," Anthony replied, looking gratefully at the backs of the Featheringtons as they moved on to their next victim, "but it feels as if it's been hours."
"Do you think he likes her?" Violet asked excitedly. "Do you think our Daphne truly has a chance to be a duchess?"
Anthony's eyes filled with a mixture of impatience and disbelief. "Mother, you told Daphne she wasn't even to be seen with him, and now you're thinking of marriage?"
"I spoke prematurely," Violet said with a blithe wave of her hand. "Clearly he is a man of great refinement and taste. And how, may I ask, do you know what I said to Daphne?"
"Daff told me, of course," Anthony lied.
"Hmmph. Well, I am certain that Portia Featherington won't be forgetting this evening anytime soon."
Anthony's eyes widened. "Are you trying to marry Daphne off so that she might be happy as a wife and a mother, or are you just trying to beat Mrs. Featherington to the altar?"
"The former, of course," Violet replied in a huff, "and I am offended you would even imply otherwise." Her eyes strayed off of Daphne and the duke for just long enough to locate Portia Featherington and her daughters. "But I certainly shan't mind seeing the look on her face when she realizes that Daphne will make the season's greatest match."
"Mother, you are hopeless."
"Certainly not. Shameless, perhaps, but never hopeless."




"Mother?" Daphne said, the word croaking in her throat.
But Violet only had eyes for her sons. "I knew I'd find you here," she accused. "Of all the stupid, bull-headed—"
Daphne didn't hear the rest of her mother's speech. Simon was laughing too hard in her ear.
"He made her miserable!" Benedict protested. "As her brothers, it's our duty to—"
"Respect her intelligence enough to let her solve her own problems," Violet snapped. "And she doesn't look particularly unhappyright now."
"That's because—"
"And if you say that's because you lot barged into her home like a herd of mentally deficient sheep,I'm disowning all three of you."
All three men shut their mouths.
"Now then," Violet continued briskly, "I believe it's time we left, don't you?" When her sons didn't move quickly enough to suit her, she reached out and—
"Please, Mother!" Colin yelped. "Not the—"
She grabbed him by his ear.
"Ear," he finished glumly.
Daphne grabbed Simon's arm. He was laughing so hard now, she was afraid he'd tumble down the steps.





It's a boy for the Duke and Duchess of Hastings!
After three girls, society's most besotted couple has finally produced an heir. This Author can only imagine the level of relief in the Hastings household; after all, it is a
truth universally acknowledged that a married man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of an heir. 
The name of the new babe has yet to be made public, although This Author feels herself uniquely qualified to speculate. After all, with sisters named Amelia, Belinda, and Caroline, could the new Earl Clyvedon be called anything but David?
Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 15 December 1817

Simon threw up his arms in amazement, the single-sheet newspaper flying across the room. "How does she know this?" he demanded. "We've told no one of our decision to name him David."
Daphne tried not to smile as she watched her husband sputter and storm about the room. "It's just a lucky guess, I'm sure," she said, turning her attention back to the newborn in her arms.
...
"She must have a spy in our household," he said, planting his hands on his hips. "She must."
"I'm sure she doesn't have a spy in our household," Daphne said without looking up at him. She was too interested in the way David's tiny hand was gripping her finger.
"But—"
Daphne finally lifted her head. "Simon, you're being ridiculous. It's just a gossip column."
"Whistledown—ha!" he grumbled. "I've never heard of any Whistledowns. I'd like to know who this blasted woman is."
"You and the rest of London," Daphne said under her breath.
"Someone should put her out of business onceand for all."
"If you wish to put her out of business," Daphne could not resist pointing out, "you shouldn't support her by buying her newspaper. And don't even try to say that you buy Whistledown for me."
"You read it," Simon muttered.
"And so do you." Daphne dropped a kiss on the top of David's head. "Usually well before I can get my hands on it. Besides, I'm rather fond of Lady Whistledown these days."
Simon looked suspicious."Why?"
"Did you read what she wrote about us? She called us London's most besotted couple." Daphne smiled wickedly. "I rather like that."

Book: An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley

Rating: 5/10

It seemed like a promising story plot, but I was deeply disappointed. I was looking forward to a story about how 2 unwilling people get together and the guy first falls for the girl and after they are married, he tries to get her to fall for him. However, all I read about was a supposed independent woman who becomes so terrified about her future husband and a man who is constantly thinking about going to war, but isn't allowed to because the Earl, "his father" won't let him without him first making some grandsons for the Earl first. At first, I was drawn to the sad story about the Earl and his wife. But even that wasn't enough for me to condemn the father figure in this story. He shows no love for his bastard daughter or his "son" for that matter.
Pros: It was an ok story. Seemed interesting enough. I liked some of the characters, such as the White Dove who is a strong actress and won't back down from a challenge. She was the mistress of the main guy but she feels no jealousy or hatred towards the main girl even though she is/was in love with the main guy. Although, I must say I enjoyed the quote and philosophical banter between the main characters (even though I'd enjoy it more if I read the books they were talking about).
Cons: I was bored to tears and skipped many parts (since it was about war and it got boring and confusing). Also, the relationship of the couple is just odd - it is not the volatile passionate type, but a hot and cold type. It doesn't feel like they are in love. I agree every relationship has its ups and downs but this is ridiculous. He often threatens to hurt her when something doesn't go his way. Oh, and the one thing I was ABSOLUTELY PISSED ABOUT... HE HIT HER AND SHE FORGAVE HIM JUST LIKE THAT *snaps fingers*. I absolutely can not stand that. He backhanded her somewhere near the end of the story and even though it was a misunderstanding and he keeps saying sorry and that he won't ever do it again, it is annoying how the main girl claims to be an independent but she totally just just acts like it's not a big deal. Agreeably, at that period of time, a woman is basically a man's position, but it still annoys me to no end. And of course, the story seems to carry too much, too fast - especially at the end where it feels like it was hurried. The pace of the story was not (sorry for the lack of a better word...) paced out. It starts off slow, but then too much happened in too little time and everything was rushed to a conclusion.

Book: Wedded in Scandal by Jade Lee

Rating: 8/10

Pros: I enjoyed this book because the author has managed to balance "the chase" with the element of true love. What I mean is... the main characters have a huge contrast between one another: (Warning: some spoilers ahead!) one is a "fallen woman" who is also a businesswoman while another is her best client's older brother who also happens to be viscount and has a secret of his own. He offers for her to be his mistress, but what he doesn't know is her secret as an innocent and her past as an earl's daughter before scandal ruined her and her family. He chases her and tries to seduce her into complying to be his mistress. In the meantime, she is battling her upbringing as a lady and refuses him while she also can't help the way he makes her feel. I believe it is difficult for an author to balance a good chase and still end up letting the audience feel that these two are in love without making the book too long. The fact that this book also shows the difficulties women must face without a protector is a nice touch. I also liked the fact that the female is a strong character - resisting temptation and picking up her mother and the debts after her father disappeared. The male lead also has the tough job of taking care of his own family since his father drunk himself to death and his mother basically became invalid (not sick... just seems to be a soulless shell and doesn't like leaving her room). He had to learn at a very young age to take care of the house and all the earl's businesses as well. It is a refreshing story full of real life trials and I can't wait to read another book by this author.

Cons: Everything seemed to fit too easily. For example, his family loves her and accepts her too easily. I was also curious about her seamstress' love affair and the expensive scarf. What happened to Irene? What about Penny and the mysterious death of her parents?


Bits and pieces from Wedded in Scandal by Jade Lee:


“My lord?” asked Dribbs as he pushed open the library door unbidden.
“No, Dribbs,” Robert said quite firmly.
“Well, yes, my lord. There is a visitor.”
“No, Dribbs, there is not.”
“But she is most insistent.”
“No, Dribbs, she is not. Because there is not a visitor to see me.” To further make the point, he dispensed with the swirling and airing of the alcohol and took a healthy swig straight from the bottle. It was almost gone anyway.
“Well, yes, my lord, there is.”
“No, Dribbs, there cannot be. My father has already been here today, so he cannot have purchased another mine or an interest in a gold venture in Antarctica or discovered the secret to stuffing genies into bottles to grant his every whim.”
“No, sir, it is not the earl.”
Robert exhaled in relief. “Thank God—”
“It is a woman.”
“No, Dribbs, it most certainly cannot be a woman. Because, you see, I have already spoken with Gwen about her upcoming nuptials just this morning. My mother is in bed where she always is at this hour. And as for all those future in-law women who have let the house next door, I have just this moment escaped from the upstairs salon where the baroness and her sister were rearranging Mama’s figurines. They were arguing about whether sunlight was bad for a porcelain shepherdess. Porcelain, Dribbs. Why would anyone ever be concerned about a porcelain complexion? Especially since the damned thing has a bonnet!”
Robert forced himself to take another swig of brandy. When had his life become so dashed ridiculous?
“Very true, my lord. Most odd. But the woman who wishes to see you is not destined to be your relation.”
“Thank heaven.”
He dropped down behind his desk, pushed aside the mountain of papers to set the bottle
down, then looked up in confusion when Dribbs had still not disappeared.
“You can go now.”
“Well, no, sir, I cannot.”
“Of course you can. Just step backward and shut the door.”
“Well, yes, I could do that, my lord, but if I were to do such a thing, you would damn me for it in a day’s time. Perhaps even sooner.”
“Perhaps. But at least you wouldn’t be damned right now.”
“Excellent point, my lord. But you see, the lady in question is a Mrs. Mortimer. And she has a trifling matter for you to deal with.”
Robert snorted. In his opinion, all female matters were trifling. But that didn't stop them from plaguing him with their nonsense day and night. Still, something about the name tickled the back of his brain. He knew that name, but from where?
“She is the dressmaker for your sister’s wedding,” supplied the butler.
Ah! There it was! Gwen had been waxing eloquent on the lady’s dressmaking skill just this morning. The woman had done this and that, tucked something in or let something out. And then Gwen had blushed a deep pink. That was what stuck in Robert’s mind: that his sister had blushed a deep, embarrassed pink. Because the dress made her look more attractive. In a sexual kind of way. And dashed if that was something he absolutely did not want to know about his sister.
He took another swig from the brandy bottle, only to discover that it was empty.
“I shall find you another bottle directly, my lord.”
“Good man.”
“But first you must speak with Mrs. Mortimer.”
“No, Dribbs. I must not.”
“But if you don’t, she will inevitably tell your sister that she was denied your presence. And then your sister will commence quietly sobbing in her bedroom because this wedding is already more than she expected and you will of course hear her or notice her red eyes. And then you will find out the reason for her tears and be furious with yourself for being such a callous brother. And then, my lord, you will instruct me most specifically to not allow you to say no to visitors anymore.”
“I would never say such a thing!” he said indignantly.
“You did say such a thing just last week when your mother was distraught over a lost delivery of perfumes.”
“I most certainly…” His voice trailed away. Damnation. He most certainly had.
“Bloody hell.”
“It is a trifling matter, my lord. Best deal with it now and be done. Then no more tears, and you can have your brandy straightaway after it is finished.”
Robert released a heavy sigh. “Damnation, Dribbs, I don’t know whether to sack you or double your pay.”
“Double my pay, sir. Indeed, I believe you promised me that last week.”
“I most certainly did not! That I would remember.”
Dribbs paused a rather telling moment. Then he tilted his head.
“Are you sure, my lord? Are you absolutely sure you would remember?”
“Yes. I most certainly am.”
Dribbs released a dramatic sigh. “Yes, I am afraid you would.”




“Stop it!” ordered Wendy without even looking up from her work. “I can hear your brain yapping all the way over here.”



"... Got the milliner’s daughter Francine coming tomorrow, and we need you to design her something that
will get her wed.”
Helaine sighed, the sound coming from deep within her.
“I’m not sure anyone can do that.” The girl was fat. Not even plump, but decidedly fat, and she had a mean temper to boot. The first could be hidden. The second made any efforts at dressing moot.
“Well, if you can do it, then we’d be established for sure.”
“Wendy—,” Helaine began, but her friend just shook her head.
“Jus’ talk to the girl. You can tell her things about how to be sweeter.”
“But there are some things—”
“Tut-tut!” the girl said as she pointed her needle straight at Helaine’s heart. “They can’t all be like Lady Gwen. You just think on that and not our prices. Teach that fat girl how to be nice on the inside, and then she’ll find her man.”
Helaine plopped down by the worktable and pulled out her sketchbook. She didn’t need it. She already knew what would look best on Francine. “It’s not about being nice,” she said as much to herself as to the seamstress. “It’s about feeling happy inside. Then nice is easy. As is husband hunting.”
“There you go,” said Wendy with a grin. “You just teach her that and we’ll be rich. Easy as stitching a straight line.”
“Well, maybe for you,” said Helaine. Her stitches had always wandered willy-nilly.

Book: Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

A different kind of romance novel - Unclaimed by Courtney Milan is a very lengthy story about s jaded courtesan must seduce a virgin celebrity and ruin his reputation, but didn't count on falling in love with him instead.

Rating: 7/10

Pros: I was touched by the courtesan character and her belief that happiness was not for her. There are many parts in the novel that showed me her strength and how she was willing to fight for her survival. While there are many bad things that happen to her, she has always found a way to survive and venture forward. It is a good lesson to learn.
Cons: I felt the story was a bit long - While I enjoyed the fact that the author has covered many angles of the story as a whole (SPOILERS AHEAD... For example - getting her family to acknowledge her again, taking care of the antagonist and the threats he offered, and avoiding a scandal their marriage would have caused because of their class difference), I felt the story was a bit slow paced. I was disappointed in the beginning where she was supposed to seduce him.


My favorite part in the story (Yes, I know it isn't about the romance between the main characters, but I thought it was adorable and it showed the brotherly love through their teasing):

“Here.” He pulled out the bundle—it was wriggling, and that made it feel twice as heavy—and held it
out.
Smite simply stared at him. “Dear God,” he said finally. “What is that thing?”
“Somewhere in the furthest reaches of your voluminous memory, you will recall seeing similar
creatures.”
“Yes,” Smite said, gingerly extending a finger. “Perhaps. Somewhat similar creatures. But in all my
prior experience, I have generally encountered puppies that have…eyes. Not great mounds of fur, topped by
a big black nose.” He parted the gray fur on its head, almost tentatively. “Good Lord. There are eyes in there
after all.”
Mark thrust the bundle out; Smite took it, his face a pattern of bemusement. “What sort is it?”
It was all long fur, gray everywhere except the white of its feet and chest. “It’s the progeny of the most
capable sheepdog in all of Somerset. But don’t think you need to rush out and purchase a flock. The owner
tested it for herding instinct. Apparently, it failed utterly, thinking it much more interesting to turn up grass.”
“Hmm.” Smite set the animal down, where it stood on clumsy legs. “And I suppose you thought I needed
a puppy to dribble on the floor? You imagined I wanted a beast that would demand to be taken on great
circuits of the surrounding areas? You wanted to make me a slave to sticks thrown and sticks fetched?
Have you any notion how much work a dog is?” His words were harsh, but his tone was light, and he gently
caressed the little dog, who immediately sank its teeth into his cuff. Smite tried to pull his hand back, but the
dog dug its claws in and growled in mock play. “Don’t tell me. This is all part of a clever plan to see my
shoes chewed to bits.”
“Not in the least,” Mark informed him. “I didn’t think you needed a dog. I thought the dog needed you.”
Smite looked up, his expression momentarily stricken. He looked down at the dog. “Thank you,” he
said quietly. It was the only acknowledgment Mark was likely to get from him.
Gently, his brother disentangled the dog’s teeth from his coat. “Cease that behavior, Ghost,” he
admonished. “Here—you may chew on this instead.”
Mark clouted him on the shoulder. “That’s my satchel, you buffoon.”
Smite didn’t answer, and when the pup grabbed one end of the strap and pulled clumsily, a smile lit his
face. “Good dog.”