An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen

An Affair with a Spare

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

The third book in the Survivor series.

The story of Rafe and Collette is different from the rest
in the series. Actually, different from any other books. At least,
any others I have read.
Rafe is loyal to his group and country. Without limit.
Collette is the daughter of a vicious murderer.
Or at least that is what everyone believes.

Shana Galen has written a story of learning to trust. And to
never ever give up. So can they figure a way to be together??
It seems so impossible.
And then, what do you know about groundhogs??

The survivors in this series are such interesting characters.
And every story we learn more and more about them.
Though each story is a stand alone.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson




 

 

 

 



Susan's Review of An Earl like You by Caroline Linden-- Wagers of Sin Book 2

When you gamble at love...

When Hugh Deveraux discovers his newly inherited earldom is bankrupt, he sets about rebuilding the family fortune—in the gaming hells of London. But the most daring wager he takes isn't at cards. A wealthy tradesman makes a tantalizing offer: marry the man's spinster daughter, and Hugh's debts will be paid and his fortune made. The only catch is that she must never know about their agreement.

You risk losing your heart...

Heiress Eliza Cross has given up hope of marriage until she meets the impossibly handsome Earl of Hastings, her father's new business partner. The earl is everything a gentleman should be, and is boldly attentive to her. It doesn't take long for Eliza to lose her heart and marry him.

But when Eliza discovers that there is more to the man she loves—and to her marriage—her trust is shattered. And it will take all of Hugh's power to prove that now his words of love are real.

An Earl Like You is a captivating marriage of convenience romance with a twist or two! The novel is well paced and the dialogue is superbly written. The enchanting love story which developed between Hugh Deveraux and Eliza Cross kept me turning the pages.

Hugh Deveraux, the Earl of Hastings, did not inherited a grand estate when his father passed. All of his family homes are mortgaged, his sister’s dowries are non-existent and he’s barely one step ahead of his creditors. Hugh leases out his family’s country estate and moves his mother and sisters to London. Society believes Hugh has come to town in search of a wife but, he travelled to London for a different reason. The Vega House, an upscale gambling salon, is located in London. Hugh is an astute card player and his plan is to win enough money to restore the family fortune.

Eliza Cross is the only child of Edward Cross, a wealthy business man. His fortune was made speculating on items during the British war. Cross is devoted to his daughter and sent her to Miss Upton’s Academy where she met her best friends Sophie and Georgiana. Eliza was aware that she was an heiress, not a lady, and preferred a quiet life in the country tending to her gardens and playing with her mischievous dog. I adored Eliza; she’s warm, friendly and caring—not the usual historical heroine.

Edward and Hugh cross paths at the Vega Club. Hugh makes a strategic error by staying in a card game. He should have taken his winnings and left the table. Instead, he has lost a huge amount of money. Cross passes along some information regarding Alderson, the man who won the card game to Hugh.

Was this meeting at the Vega Club a coincidence? Hugh accepts a dinner invitation from Edward Cross. He enjoys talking with Edward Cross’s shy daughter, Eliza. Cross has bought up Hugh’s debts and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. He will forgive Hugh’s debts and mortgage’s and provide a huge dowry if Hugh courts and marries Eliza.

I love Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing style and her dialogue—and both shine in this novel. I loved that while Hugh viewed his courtship as a job; he could not deny his sexual attraction to Eliza. Eliza’s sweet nature and innocence are tested several times during the novel. Eliza handles conflict with Hugh’s sisters and shows kindness to them. My favorite scene in the novel is when Hugh surprises Eliza with a picnic at Primrose Hill. He confesses that he wants Eliza for himself and the couple’s sensual walk in the woods is one of Ms. Linden’s best written passages.

An underlying subterfuge throughout An Earl Like You keeps the plot moving. Ms Linden’s tightly woven plot combined with Hugh and Eliza’s romance held my interest throughout the novel. Edward Cross could have been the villain in the novel. Loved how the author redeemed the self-motivated, shrewd business man who viewed the world as a calculated business decision. He loved Eliza with all his heart—he just went about securing her future in the wrong way. Loved that the friendship between Eliza, Sophie and Georgianna continued in this story. The conclusion to the novel had some surprising plot twists and reveals.

And the epilogue? It was perfect for the couple. Everything I wanted for them and more!

An Earl Like You has all the feels—it’s an emotional, deeply romantic novel with well-crafted characters and a fabulous storyline! I adored Eliza and loved it Hugh recognized that his wife was a true beauty. A love match that I highly recommend!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the Publisher

Click here to read the first chapter of An Earl Like You!
Click here to read my review of My Once and Future Duke!

Susan's Review of Going Down Easy by Erin Nicholas -Boys of the Big Easy Book #1

Let the good times roll. Tourists flock to New Orleans for jazz, culture, bourbon, and food. In the French Quarter, you’ll also find the sexiest and most deliciously hot guys in the city. They charm with easy grins, and their slow, deep kisses turn into nights that are hotter than a crawfish boil. But these guys would rather steal a heart than break it. Set against the colorful patois culture of N’Awlins, Erin Nicholas’s sizzling series shows just how the Big Easy turns up the heat, creating an irresistible jambalaya of spicy-hot nights, mischief, and even love.

As far as flings go, single dad Gabe Trahan is pretty sure that Addison Sloan is his best bet. Once a month, Addison comes to New Orleans and then . . . It. Is. On. Until Addison returns to New York, it’s just hot, happily-no-strings-attached sex. And beignets. And jazz. But lately for Gabe, it isn’t nearly enough. Sure, maybe Addison’s gotten a bit hooked on Gabe. After all, who can resist a guy who’s so sexy, so charming, and so . . . available? But maybe he’s too available for her right now. Addison’s just moved to New Orleans, and relationships are definitely off the table. Besides, guys always bail when they learn her secret: she’s a single mom.

Only Gabe’s not running. Worse, he’s thrilled. But Addison never signed up for ever-after romance, and Gabe won’t settle for anything less. Now it’s a battle of wills—and when it comes to the woman he’s falling for, Gabe isn’t above playing a little dirty.


About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters. Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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Going Down Easy captivated me from the first page! I ADORED Gabe Trahan the romantic, smooth talking, charming hero. Addison Sloan and Gabe spend one weekend a month together in Gabe’s home town of New Orleans. Their chemistry sizzles from day one. They have sex, eat beignets and listen to jazz and have more sex. They don’t talk to each other between visits and really don’t know that much about each other. Gabe realizes that saying goodbye to Addison is getting harder – and that maybe, just maybe, he is falling for her.

Gabe and his brother Logan have hired Monroe & LeBlanc, an architectural firm to restore Trahan’s, their family tavern. They arrive at the firm for a meeting and Gabe sees Addison in the hallway. Gabe is surprised to learn that Addison has been hired by the firm. And even more surprised to learn that she wants to end their relationship. Addison believes she has the perfect way to send Gabe running—she has a 5 year old daughter. Gabe is thrilled because he has a 5 year old son! I laughed so hard because I could hear the happiness in Gabe’s voice and see the frightened, stunned look on Addison’s face!

I loved Gabe’s determination to win Addison. He wants a happily ever after with Addison. He sends her a basket of pralines and includes an invitation to a single parent support group meeting. Addison is surprised when Gabe enters the room. I loved Gabe’s heartfelt confession to the group and how Addison took it in. Everyone in the room knew Gabe was seeing someone and offered him advice on how to get her back. This scene was well written and I knew, despite what she verbalized, Addison had strong feelings for Gabe.

Erin Nicholas balances Addison and Gabe’s sexy times with the demands and pressures of being a single parent. Addison is raising Stella on her own. She has more of a hands off approach and encourages Stella to try new things. Gabe has entire support system help him raise his son Cooper. He lives with his mom and brother and everyone pitches in for Cooper. Through the parent support group the theme of what makes a good parent is explored. I loved the scene when Cooper snuggled up to Addison at the support group family night and when Stella explained to Addison why she wants to buy Cooper a flashlight. Both scenes were perfectly written and important to the storyline on multiple levels. In my opinion, this storyline choice moves the novel from a good to an excellent read.

Going Down Easy is a sensuous, emotional story infused with love and family. Erin Nicholas successfully blends challenging social concerns with a romantic love story. The fun, fresh honest dialogue and the supporting characters are relatable and add depth to this opposites attract romance. I liked that there were several unexpected plot twists that challenged Gabe and Addison. The conclusion was perfect full of love and surprises!

If you enjoy authors Laura Trentham Debbie Mason and Samantha Chase—you will adore this book! Gabe is my kind of hero—a bigger than life, charming man with blue eyes who does the laundry!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher

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Praise for Going Down Easy “This series debut from Nicholas provides equal parts sex and sweetness as Gabe and Addison succumb to their incredible chemistry while attempting to fit the puzzle pieces of their lives together.” —Library Journal “Nicholas pairs New Orleans native Gabe Trahan with New York restoration architect Addison Sloan in this clever, scorching contemporary…This mature, richly characterized story balances intense erotic desire with emotional growth and mutual support.” —Publishers Weekly

GOING DOWN EASY by Erin Nicholas
Montlake Romance | On sale August 28, 2018
Paperback ISBN: 978-1503900660 | $9.99 US | 240 pages | Ebook ASIN: B075QFTR18 | $3.99 US