From The Reviewer's Desk --The Baron Next Door

From The Reviewer's Desk of Susan Gorman

I enjoy reading Erin Knightley's books and novellas. Today, I'd like to share my thoughts on her newest novel.

I believe that Erin Knightly has set the stage for a breathtaking story of self discovery and healing in her newest novel The Baron Next Door.

A hung over Hugh Danbury wakes up to the sound of Charity playing her pianoforte. Charity is a pianist and practices daily to prepare for her audition in the Summer Serenade. The fun begins when the cranky Hugh now known as Baron Cadgwith visits with Charity and her Grandmother and asks Charity to "keep the infernal racket to a minimum." Charity is insulted and plots revenge while the Baron is clueless!! I enjoyed reading how this couple who started out at odds with each other grew to respect each others differences.

The Baron Next Door is character driven novel. Each character in the story is well developed, unique and plays an important role in the storyline. I loved Charity's Grandmother. Lady Effington understands Charity’s desire for a love match. She provides the right touch of Grandmotherly concern and advice and supports her granddaughter. Lady Effington ‘s observations throughout the novel were spot on. I enjoyed how the three friends Charity, Sophie and May join forces to get a place in the music recital. Their friendship is a key piece in the novel.

The novel contains many examples of lyrical imagery. I loved the scenes when Charity would sneak to the piano room at midnight and play her haunting musical compositions. She expressed her feelings through her music and these scenes were excellent. Although there are no bedroom scenes, the writing is very sensuous. There is passion and the reader understands the characters feelings.

 The last few chapters of the Baron Next Door contained several surprising and unexpected events that kept me reading past my bedtime. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

 And, please check out my complete review on Fresh Fiction. 

From The Reviewer's Desk - How To School Your Scoundrel

From The Reviewer's Desk of Susan Gorman

I enjoyed this book very much. I was in the mood for a bit of fun and espionage! 

How To School Your Scoundrel by Juliana Gray

The relationship between Somerton and Princess Luisa drew me into the story and kept me reading. I was intrigued by their relationship and surprised that this unlikely couple was at the heart of the novel. Somerton is an edgy man with trust issues. He is paired with the loyal, practical Princess Luisa who has known only kindness in her life. After several close calls with death, it became clear that Olympia made a wise choice placing Luisa in the home of the master spy after the political coup de'etat.

I enjoyed all of the scenes with the Duke of Olympia. What a cagey and humorous character! His plans and schemes drove the storyline forward. There is just the right amount of subterfuge , adventure and romance in the novel and Olympia is at the heart of it all! Just when I thought I knew what Olympia was planning, our hero and heroine were presented by an unexpected obstacle that they needed to overcome. Nothing went smoothly for them.

Juliana Gray has written a fast-paced adventure about a Princess in hiding which takes place in Germany, England and Italy. I loved the descriptive tone, the attention to details, the espionage , the romance and ALL of the characters. I was invested in the characters and their story. I read the last four chapters in one sitting to finish the book. I will mention that Ms. Gray added a special character in the novel, Luisa's corgi, Quincy. I own several corgis and the author was spot on with her description of the inquisitive nature of the breed ,their loyalty and humor. This is the first novel by Juliana Gray that I have read . How To School Your Scoundrel is the final book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone novel I plan to purchase the other two books in the series. 

Rose-Haven's Two Sweet "Beanie" photo by Susan M. Gorman

Please read my full lenth review on Fresh Fiction

From The Reviewers Desk - In Bed With A Rogue

The Reviewer's Desk of Susan Gorman

In the past few weeks, I have read several excellent novels and posted my reviews on the Lady Celeste blog and on Fresh Fiction. 

                                               

   

September is a great time to grab a book and read. The weather is cooler, summer vacation is over and everyone is back to school and college.

This week I would like to feature three books from authors Samantha Grace, Juliana Gray and Erin Knightley that I was excited to read and review. Both Juliana Gray and Samantha Grace are new -to -me authors. Erin Knightley writes from the heart and her characters are fabulous. I really enjoyed reading their books and I hope you do as well!

Today's featured book review is:  In Bed With A Rogue by author Samantha Grace

Ms. Grace creates a fabulous hero in Sebastian Thorne. Sebastian tugged at my heart from the very beginning of this story. The novel begins with our hero drinking at a bar in a seedy part of town. Sebastian is drinking quite a bit because he was jilted by his fiancé . He is tired of the gossip and being featured daily in the Society pages of the paper. He is attacked outside the bar and the thieves steal his money and his boots! His boots--how embarrassing! Before Sebastian passes out from too much drinking and a beating, he thinks he sees an angel.

Lady Helena Prestwick is searching for her sisters. She believes one sister may be working in the Whitechapel section of London. Helena is the angel who finds the injured Sebastian and returns him to his home. A few evenings later, Sebastian and Helena meet at a society event and they are attracted to each other. Sebastian loves his family and is very loyal and he desires to see his sister who was left at the alter settled. He makes a bargain with Helena which benefits both of them .

Ms. Grace 's subtle commentary on the social classes reminds the reader that there is an underlying meaning to the novel. The differences between the aristocracy and the working class are brought to light as Helena's own story is revealed and as she and Sebastian search for her sisters. Sebastian is falling for Helena. But, Helena enjoys her status as a widow and the freedom it provides her. Although, she is falling in love with the captivating Sebastian, Helena says she's not ready to commit to marriage. The search for Helena's sisters takes the couple from the seedy sections of London to ballrooms and soirées and to the countryside. Will Sebastian figure out where the sisters are living and who is threatening Helena? Will Helena admit her feelings for Sebastian?

My complete review is on FreshFiction.com