Susan's Review of From Rags to Kisses-by Shana Galen--Survivors Series #11

She’s poor as a church mouse.

When young Jenny Tate stumbles over the beaten body of a boy in the streets of the London slums, her only intention is to rifle through his pockets. But the bruised lad charms her into helping him, and the next thing she knows, Aidan Sterling and she are fast friends, navigating life on the streets with all its dangers together. Jenny has learned never to trust or love anyone, but as the two grow up, they learn to rely on other. And then Aidan betrays her in the worst way possible.

He’s rich as a king.

Aidan Sterling is one of the richest men in England. He has everything he wants and no one to share it with. After risking his life in the army, he returned to England and made a fortune. Now he keeps his loneliness at bay by focusing on what he’s good at—making money. And then Jenny Tate steps unexpectedly back into his life. He’s never forgotten her and never stopped loving her. Jenny hasn’t forgotten him either, and she hasn’t forgiven him. She’s betrothed to a viscount and has a new life and wants nothing to do with Aidan. But the discovery of an ancient trunk, a hunt for a street urchin, and the interference of homing pigeons might just be enough to bring these two back together.


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Shana Galen writes an engaging, heartfelt romance for Jenny Tate and Aiden Sterling in From Rags to Kisses. I loved the pairing of street smart Jenny with the business minded Aiden.

I liked that the author chose to divide the novel into two distinct parts. This choice enabled me to understand the close bond that Jenny and Aiden formed while living on the streets of London and how their childhood experiences effected the choices they made as adults. The couples parting at the end of the first part of the novel was perfectly written. I could feel how hurt and angry Jenny was when Aiden decided to leave her to join the army.

Aiden Sterling was part of the covert group headed by Colonel Draven. His special talent was to sneak behind enemy lines to steal food, weapons and horses—skills he learned in the rookeries from Jenny. Draven’s group consisted of men that were considered expendable – they formed a tight knit group. Financial security is import to Aidan --Investments, business and making deals consume Aiden’s time.

Jenny has landed on her feet—she’s engaged to a viscount and is a sought after antiques appraiser. Loved the strong bond between Jenny, Roland and Oscar. Oscar was a delight—he was intuitive and kept me in stiches as he listened for gossip behind closed doors. Jenny found her family with Roland and Oscar.

Aiden and Jenny are gifted with a second chance at love. I rooted for this couple to move past the hurt and to trust each other. Loved the red hot chemistry between the couple—the passion between them was undeniable. Jenny and Aiden matured and grew during the time they were apart. I loved the honest, direct conversations that the couple shared. I felt that it haunted Aiden that he couldn’t find Jenny when he returned home and this endeared him to me. Loved that Jenny was able to find her niche in society and that she was a strong, honest and direct heroine Shana Galen touches upon several different social issues throughout this well paced historical novel. Loved the connections with the Covent Garden Cubs and the Survivor series—perfectly written.

From Rags to Kisses has all the feels— unforgettable characters, heartfelt choices, and an enduring romance!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Susan's Review of Meet Me In Monaco -Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Set in the 1950s against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s whirlwind romance and glamourous wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb take the reader on an evocative sun-drenched journey along the Côte d’Azur in this page-turning novel of passion, fate, and second-chances. 

Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique, fending off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy.

James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.

The 1955 Cannes Film festival provides the glamorous setting for Meet Me in Monaco. The fast paced courtship between movie star Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer and the slow burn attraction between photographer James Henderson and perfumer Sophie Duval captivated me and drew me into the story immediately.

Actress Grace Kelly is being chased by photographer James Henderson. Hoping to avoid him, she stops in Sophie’s store where she is offered refuge. James enters the store and asks about Grace—Sophie is amused by his poor French and is furious when he snaps a photo of her. Loved that Sophie’s kindness towards Grace was the beginning of their friendship.

Sophie is torn between honoring her father’s memory and competing with the other haute perfume houses. She feels pressure from her boyfriend and mother to sell their acreage. I loved that Sophie believed that she could create a special fragrance –one that would put her shop on solid ground. I enjoyed reading Sophie’s transformation from a dreamer-caught up in safe memories-to a confident, creative business woman.

James won me over when he gave Grace Sophie’s business card. I adored this charming man who loved his daughter and friends. James was the polar opposite of Lucien; Sophie’s smooth talking boyfriend. He truly adored his daughter and she was never far from his thoughts when he was on assignment. Loved, loved that he thought about his kiss with Sophie for months. Jim’s telegram asking Sophie to Meet Me in Monaco took the storyline to a new level. James decided to follow his heart’s desire and his choice endeared him to me.

Meet Me in Monaco provides the reader with a peek into the glamourous lifestyle of actress Grace Kelly. The friendship between Sophie and Grace anchors the storyline while Jim and Sophie’s romance kept me reading, I was invested in Sophie and Jim’s story and enjoyed reading each word of their journey.

In the 1950’s, people communicated by letters, not texts; travelled by train, not airplanes and movie stars evoked glamour, not scandal. Meet Me in Monaco provides the reader with a glimpse into the past—where things were simple. People wrote letters to express their feelings—they took a chance on love---the letters told their journeys.

I adored this novel by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb—it’s the perfect blend of history, filled with passion and a fairy tale romance. The descriptive writing allows the reader to smell the fragrances in Sophie’s shop, take in the breathtaking sights on the Cote d’Azur and witness the wedding of the century. Meet Me in Monaco has all the feels—it’s a touching story of friendship and love set during a magical time.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Photos from Getty Images
Video from Hazel Gaynor's facebook page
Grace Kelly quote--from Meet Me in Monaco

Susan's Review of The Prince by Katharine Ashe

The temptation of her lips…

Libby Shaw refuses to accept society’s dictates. She’s determined to become a member of Edinburgh’s all-male Royal College of Surgeons. Disguising herself as a man, she attends the surgical theater and fools everyone—except the one man who has never forgotten the shape of her exquisitely sensual lips.

…will make a prince say yes to her every desire

Forced to leave his home as a boy, famed portraitist Ziyaeddin is secretly the exiled prince of a distant realm. When he first met Libby, he memorized every detail of her face and drew her. But her perfect lips gave him trouble—the same lips he now longs to kiss. When Libby asks his help to hide her feminine identity from the world, Ziyaeddin agrees on one condition: she must sit for him to paint—as a woman. But what begins as a daring scheme could send them both hurtling toward danger…and an unparalleled love.

Katharine Ashe’s The Prince is an elegantly written historical novel. The mystery surrounding Ziyaeddin Mira and his friendship with Libby Shaw drew me into the story which features fabulous dialogue, unique characters and political intrigue.

I was fascinated that the author chose to have both main characters assume secret identities in the novel. Ibrahim Kent is a talented portrait artist who has many friends and social connections throughout Europe. The mystery surrounding Ibrahim’s true identity is revealed piece by piece in the story. As Prince Ziyaeddin Mira of Tabir, Ibrahim endured hardships and loss before he reinvented himself as an artist to separate himself from the political drama in his homeland. Libby Shaw is determined to be the first female doctor and is presented with an opportunity to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons. By day, Libby masquerades as Joe Smart while she attends medical lectures.

Libby and Ibrahim met at Haiknayes Castle and neither has forgotten their meeting. Ziyaeddin sees beauty in Libby’s body and desires to paint her. Libby recognizes that the handsome Ziyaeddin has unnerved her—and she’s not sure how to deal with her feelings. To avoid being caught masquerading as a man, Libby moves in with Ziyaeddin. Loved the poignant, honest conversations between the couple. Although the romance between the couple developed slowly, the sexual chemistry between Libby and Ziyaeddin sizzled during the course of the novel.

The Prince covers many topics in detail; politics, feminism, social conditions and medical training. The attention to detail and history is excellent. I skipped through pages which described the medical procedures and descriptions of Libby removing her whiskers and trousers because they were reiterated throughout the story. The woman disguised as a man storyline is my least favorite trope. I understand why the author chose this technique in the novel but, I feel that the disguise aspect of the story was repetitive and towards the end of the novel it was taken a bit too far. Libby was a unique character—extremely intelligent, determined and strong willed. Adding the OCD element to the storyline was unnecessary. I felt it clouded the reader’s perception of Libby instead of enhancing it.

In an unexpected plot twist, Ziyaeddin and Libby are tested at the end of the novel. Loved that the author portrayed Ziyaeddin as an honest man through the novel. He was tested and never wavered in his beliefs or in his love for Libby. Ms Ashe has created my favorite character-An honorable hero.

Katharine Ashe blends history, feminism and romance in The Prince. Ms. Ashe’s descriptive prose draws the reader into Libby and Ziyaeddin’s unique romance, The character’s passion and their poignant conversations kept me turning the pages.


Reviewed by Susan Gorman


ARC from Author


I purchased The Prince from Amazon.

Susan's Review of The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes

Hamish MacHugh is not amused. A Scotsman, he has inherited an English dukedom and is now the Duke of Murdoch. His family is thrilled to be in London while he is planning to retreat to Scotland as soon as possible. Hamish was a strong, confident soldier but, he's not comfortable in London society, he views the soirees and balls as skirmishes and battles. Hamish needs to figure out how to appease his sisters and brother, who are enjoying the shopping and social events, and learn how to navigate London social scene without being ambushed.

Hamish and Megan Windham’s first meeting is exquisitely written. In the first few pages of The Trouble With Dukes, the author does a fabulous job introducing Hamish and Megan and Ms. Burrowes carefully crafts  the connection that Sir Fletcher Pilkington has to both of them. The plot threads between these three characters connect and cross over as the well-paced, compelling romance unfolds. Through the characters of Hamish and Sir Fletcher, Ms. Burrowes subtly explores the life and death experiences of haunted soldiers, returning warriors adapting to a changing world and the ways that a man’s true personality emerges in times of stress or in battle.

I loved the dancing scenes when a frowning Hamish twirled Megan around forgetting to smile or to talk with her. It took him awhile to figure out that Megan enjoyed dancing and dancing with him! The romance that develops between the fierce Scottish warrior and the intelligent, charming Windham cousin is endearing and very, very passionate. Hamish and Megan recognized each other’s strengths and weaknesses and support each other. They saw the best in each other!

The Windham cousins are featured in the novel as well. I loved reading about the Duke of Mooreland again (Percy is one of my favorite GB characters) and enjoyed his matchmaking. Loved that Hamish had nicknames for all of the Windham relations – it added a lot of fun to the story. Ms. Burrowes has created a fabulous villain and connects this person to several of the characters in the book who have no idea of his true character. The novel’s conclusion was deftly written and holds several surprises for the reader. The author stays true to her characters and that makes for a satisfying read!

 
Reviewed By Susan Gorman
Book provided by the author 

Edited by Brian McGee (member of Celeste's pack)
Photo of Celeste by Susan Gorman
Celeste's stocking by Ann Marie Brock click on the link to see more of Ann Marie's creations!

The Seduction of Lord Stone--The Dashing Widows Book One -- by AnnaCampbell.

Anna Campbell introduces the Dashing Widows; Lady Caroline Beaumont, Lady Fenella Deerham and Helena, Countess of Crewe in her new novella The Seduction of Lord Stone. The friends make plans to have fun, drink champagne and flirt with handsome men when their mourning period ends. They want to be dashing widows, not secluded woman. Caroline is  looking forward to her new life.  She has no plans to remarry, in fact she is planning on having an affair.

"Silas, I've been thinking about our conversation last night."

So, devil take her, had he."You've reconsidered taking a lover?"

A faint frown appeared between her brows. "No, of course not."

"Oh," he said glumly.

"This isn't a whim. I've thought long and hard about my plans." It was her turn to sound glum."The world leaves widows a lot of time to think. I've had more than a year to mull over my intentions."

He'd spent a year mulling his intentions, too. He'd been planning a journey down the aisle. She'd been planning a progress from one lucky sod's bed to the next. The most galling element was that she seemed ready to consider any fool in London as a potential lover. Except for one Silas Nash.

It was enough to drive a fellow stark, staring mad.

The Seduction of Lord Stone is a fabulous friends to lovers story. Loved Caroline and her hero Lord Stone, Silas Nash. Silas is Helena's brother and he has been waiting for Caroline to finish mourning her husband. He is in love with her. There is one slight problem, Silas is Caroline's trusted friend. She doesn't  see him as a lover.

Anna Campbell is known for her well crafted characters and intricately woven story lines. I loved that Caroline asks Silas for advice in choosing her lover.  The banter between Caroline and Silas is fabulous and laugh out loud funny especially when she asks Silas detailed questions about each one of his friends. I felt so bad for Silas!  His replies to Caroline's questions were hilarious!!  Silas wasn't going to let Caroline become involved with any of his friends!! Caroline considered all of Silas' friends as potential lovers and never thought of him! I enjoyed that the author chose to have Silas go to great lengths to convince Caroline that he loved her as it made the reader root for their romance to happen! 

Anna Campbell is one of my favorite authors because her stories are filled with lots of humor and romance. I read this novella in one day. I was invested in the couple's story, loved their back and forth banter and enjoyed how their romance evolved. It's a perfect read for a cozy fall evening. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by Anna Campbell 
Quote Card provided by Possum Wranglers Anonymous

A Good Rogue Is Hard To Find by Kelly Bowen (Lords of Worth #2) - Review

William Somerhall, the Duke of Worth, needs to have an important conversation with his mother Eleanor, the Duchess of Worth. She is known to be rather eccentric but, he feels that she has gone too far.  Will arrives at the Dowager Duchess's home and finds it in complete disarray. Will sees his mother's  guests are departing a dinner party in a hurry, he stumbles on broken pieces of glass and porcelain in the entry way and there are chicken feathers everywhere! What is going on?

Kelly Bowen presents a new twist in the Robin Hood trope in A Good Rogue Is Hard a To Find. I adored this book because it's a different take on the popular Duke -themed historicals. The author effortlessly mixes great characters and settings, fabulous banter  and serious social undertones in her storyline. 

"Let me make myself clear.", Jenna stopped, forcing the Duke to stop with her.

"First of all,  you kissed me. Second, I kissed you back despite the fact that you are a Duke. 

This crusade as you like to call it, is the direct result of dukes. thoughtless ones. And uncaring earls. Selfish marquesses and inconsiderate viscounts." Her eyes grew serious. "So no, Will, I don't want you to further anything. I don't want you to interfere. I want you to stay out of my way."

Eleanor, the Dowager Duchess of Worth is an pivotal character in Ms. Bowen's first novel I've Got  My Duke  to Keep Me Warm. Eleanor and her companion Jenna Hughes make quite a team and I was thrilled to have them featured in book two of the series! Neither character is what they appear to be at first glance. The author adds details and provides insight into these multi-faced characters as the story progresses. I loved the laugh-out loud dialogue between the Duchess, Jenna and Will  when Will begins to ask questions about his mother's activities. The dialogue is cleverly written and adds so much to the storyline and confuses Will just enough!

After Will accompanies Jenna to the Seven Dials section of London on a mission of mercy, he begins to understand why his mother and Jenna are involved in their crusade to help the poor. The novel touches on the social hierarchy of the times by illustrating how the rich focused on their social status , their beautiful custom made clothing and their appearance versus paying their bills. The trip to London is a turning point for Will. He is falling in love with Jenna. Will needs to decide if he can trust his mother and Jenna. Can Will see the  social injustices the average person faces and will he choose to make  a difference in society? I adored this character and loved his exasperated interactions with his mother, her loyal staff and Jenna. 

The conclusion of A Good Rogue Is Hard To Find is the perfect blend of suspense and intrigue which kept me guessing until the last page. The plot is very original and well researched and reminded me of the Paul Newman and Robert Redford movie The Sting. Each of the main and secondary characters contributed to the story as Eleanor and Jenna's scheme begins to unfold. I was so invested in the storyline that I stayed up late to finish the book. Loved, loved the ending!


Looking forward to the third book in Kelly Bowan's series You're The Earl That I Want which will be available in August, 2015.

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

Book Provided by Fresh Fiction.

This review was published on June 19, 2015 on FreshFiction.com.

Photo by Carla Hellander

All I Want for Christmas is Blue ~~ A Lord and Lady Spy Novella by Shana Galen

I was very disappointed when author Shana Galen retired Blue, my favorite character from The Lord and Lady Spy novels. I couldn't believe that I wouldn't be reading about Blue's brightly colored capes and pink waist coats, his adventures with Butterfly, Baron, Wolf and Saint and his unusual obsession with the opera.

After reading A Spy Wore Blue and Love and Let Spy, I wasn't convinced that my favorite blue -eyed spy was enjoying retirement from the Barbican group. Helena wasn't mentioned in the last book. My hero didn't get his happily ever after. Or did he?

"Now I understand your sudden interest in opera," Baron said, coming to stand beside him. "She's lovely. I always thought your tastes ran to baritones."

"I'm full of surprises."

"So am I."

Blue gave his lace a last fluff and lifted his gaze to the man beside him. Winston Keating was the new leader of the Barbican group, the Crown's most elite espionage wing. They'd recently foiled an attempt to blow up Parliament, and that had been on top of thwarting an assassination attempt of the Prince Regent himself.

"Hardly," Blue remarked, giving Baron's wrinkled coat a disdainful glance. One would think a man with those broad shoulders might look better in a coat.

"I imagine you are here in an attempt to entice me back to the Barbican group."

Baron tried to look innocent. "Did you ever leave? I seem to remember you were at Bonde's side when she brought down Fonce."

"Coincidence."

Baron is trying to entice Blue into assisting the Barbican group by decoding a message. Blue is tempted because he loves to work through puzzles and codes but, he promised to put Helena first and retire from spying. He declines. Reluctantly.

Shana Galen has written a sweet, sexy, holiday romance for Blue and Helena. I enjoyed the entire book from the fabulous sexy cover to the last few words. Fans of the much loved Lord and Lady Spy series will enjoy Lord and Lady Bloomington's coach ride to the Ely Ball. The adventure begins as Blue's plans for a bit of passion in the coach are interrupted by an unexpected visit. I enjoyed the unexpected events which occurred at the Ely Christmas ball. Both our hero and heroine learn important truths about each other, their careers and families.

Thank you Shana Galen for the Happily Ever After for Blue and Helena! All I Want for Christmas is Blue is the perfect gift for your readers who enjoyed The Lord and Lady Spy series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

His Wicked Seduction--League of Rogues--Book Two by Lauren Smith

League Rule 2


One must never seduce another member's sister. Should this rule rule be broken, the member who sister was seduced has the right to demand satisfaction.

"Shall I kiss you, Horatia? I find you so hard to resist when you look up at me with those dark eyes. They are begging me to kiss you. Did you know that?" His voice was a soft growl that made her breasts heavy and her nipples harden.

Incapable of speech Horatia shook her head. She wanted to throw his arms across his neck and drag his mouth to hers. She ached to drag her hands through his dark red hair. Endless nights has been spent imagining what this moment would be like, to be close enough to touch, to kiss.

His Wicked Seduction is the second book in Lauren Smith's League of Rogues series. This book is an excellent addition to the series and can be read as a stand alone novel. I was absorbed by Lucien and Horatia's story and found it hard to put down. Horiata has loved Lucien for years. Lucien cares deeply for her as well but his friendship with Horatia's brother Cedric and the League rule prevents him from moving forward. Lucien and Horatia's passion sizzles off the pages from their first kiss to the last page of the book.

After another mysterious incident involving the league members, Cedric, Horatia and their younger sister Audrey travel with Lucien to his family estate to celebrate the holidays. I loved Lucien's mother Jane Russell, the Marchioness of Rochester. She was forthright about wanting to see one of her children married as she longed for a grandchild. Loved her plotting behind the scenes at the house party. Lauren Smith has created a fabulous cast of characters in this series. The friendship between the league members is deep as they have shared many adventures and stuck together through difficult times. There is a bit of foreshadowing regarding possible stories for Cedric, Ashton (my favorite) and a hint of a story for Lucien's brother Avery. Just adored Cedric and Horatia's sister Audrey! She was definitely the standout scene stealer in this novel! Am hoping Ms. Smith has a story planned for her!

Perhaps, the most intriguing character is the book's villain Hugo Waverly. He has sworn vengeance against each one of the members of the league. Waverly is always in the background in this story and he has many connections throughout Europe. His evil presence is sensed as the novel's story unfolds.

I read the last few chapters of the book in one sitting. The path to the ending of the novel was filled with passion and intrigue. I loved the balance between emotions and suspense played out during the holiday house party. The conclusion was a clever "who done it" and the ending was very, very satisfying.

Am looking forward to the next book in the series. Will it be Cedric's story? Ashton's ? Or Audrey's?

Reviewed by Susan Gorman