Four new stand-alone-novellas by four top-selling authors of historical romance.
English lords are notoriously egotistical, self-absorbed, and independent creatures. So when one of them admits that a woman has made him a better man, that admission goes against everything he’s convinced himself is possible. In this collection you will meet four such fellows! Four scoundrels of differing shades of arrogance and pride who are about to lose their hearts in the most enticing, unexpected, blindingly stubborn ways.
HIS WICKED EMBRACE by USAToday Bestselling Author Lauren Smith A kidnapped Persian princess was the last thing he expected to find when Lawrence Russell went under cover for the Bow Street Runners. But with one look at her terrified eyes, he knew he had to save her. And in doing so, he knew she’d made of him a better man. Still in danger of being discovered by her obsessed captor, the half-English princess Lady Zehra is left with only one request of her handsome savior. “Take me to bed. I wish to see the stars again.”
THE SECRET SCOUNDREL by Kristin Gabriel, two-time Rita winner and author of the Harlequin book made into the television movie Recipe for Revenge One stolen vase, two captured hearts. Miss Diana Harwood was too tall to gain a fellow’s interest, and Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Thorne and Viscount Thorne, was too much of a rogue to tempt any clear-thinking maiden. But when neither can manage to win the upper hand, their only recourse is to collaborate in finding the priceless Chinese vase Thorne was hired to recover…and leave their hearts perilously unguarded.
ONE DUKE OR ANOTHER Book Three of The Trevors by USAToday Bestselling author Ella Quinn She was perfect for him. Now all Guy Paulet, heir to the Bolton dukedom, had to do was convince Lady Aglaia to jilt his uncle, defy her father, and marry him in less than a month. After all, she absolutely could not be allowed to marry a man who had murdered his four previous wives.
A SCOUNDREL AT HEART Book Five of Ransomed Jewels by Amazon bestselling author Laura Landon He was blind to love. The fire that had left Lord Thomas Renfrew terribly disfigured had seen to that. Even when faced with the heart-shattering love offered by the beautiful Lady Cleora, he couldn’t see a way to unleash the passion that filled him in her presence. Until she was freed from her own prison, and took him into her heart—scars and all.
Lauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.
3.33 stars for this set of four historical romance novellas, two of them steamy, that I picked it up as a Kindle freebie. They're okay if you like your Regency romance novels with some sexytimes, but I have to say that none of them are particularly memorable. A few weeks after reading them, I could barely remember the plots - I had to go back and look at the stories again to be able to write this review.
Here's the breakdown:
His Wicked Embrace by Lauren Smith: Zehra Darzi is a half-English Persian princess, kidnapped by the man who murdered her parents, a gleefully evil guy named Al-Zahrani. He brings her to England and sells her as a slave at some illicit auction at a brothel. Luckily for Zehra, Lawrence Russell, one of the good guys, is at the auction undercover, helping investigate the slave ring. He sees Zehra and can't resist buying her, even though he wasn't supposed to do anything to interfere. Unfortunately this isn't the end of Zehra and Lawrence's problems: Al-Zahrani wants her back, and Lawrence's brother is beyond angry that Lawrence went off-plan. I rolled my eyes a little with virginal Zehra's begging Lawrence to take her to bed. It's so unrealistic, but when you read a book that brags about scoundrels and wicked embraces, I suppose you know what you're going to get.
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel. Twenty-five year old Diana Harwood, too tall and a little too plain to appeal to most guys, escapes from the ball into the garden and runs into a man who introduces himself as Henry Lanford. He gives her a small package, which he begs her to keep safe for him, and then surprises her with a sexy kiss. When they meet up at Marwick Manor for a wedding a week or so later, Diana is disturbed to find out that her Henry is actually Colin Sinclair, the Marquess of Thorne. She's hurt that he was playing with her feelings and lying to her, but Thorne (actually Colin Henry Lanford Sinclair) swears he's serious.
They end up kind of competing and kind of cooperating in an effort to solve a crime. Since part of the plan is that they'll pretend to be attached, more kisses ensue. A fun story, though a bit too much insta-lovey. Kisses only in this one.
One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn. Lady Aglaia Trevor's coldhearted, tyrannical father, the Duke of Somerset, arranges with one of his neighbors, the Duke of Bolton, to marry Aglaia (Laia) off to Bolton in exchange for some property Bolton owns that adjoins Somerset's Bath estate. Bolton has been married four times before - and all four wives have died under rather suspicious circumstances. Laia, bewildered but obedient, is going to go along with the plan. But Laia's brother Damon, who's managed to escape from his father's tyranny, begs Bolton's heir, his nephew Guy Paulet, to Do Something ... preferably that something is to romance Laia away from his uncle. Once Guy meets Laia, he's all into this plan.
This was kind of a weird one for me: the basic plot sounded SO FUN, but the storytelling itself got oddly boring and I started skimming after a while. The sexytimes were so out of character for Laia, and so weirdly abrupt, that they left me completely cold.
A Scoundel at Heart by Laura Landon. Lord Thomas Renfrew's face was disfigured by a fire years ago, and he's never been comfortable in society since. But then he meets the lovely and kindhearted Lady Cleora, who is blind. They hit it off and he finally feels understood and loved ... but he doesn't want Cleora to suffer the social scandal that he thinks would be her lot if she married him. Plus there's reason to believe she might get her sight back. So Thomas decides to be all noble and self-sacrificing, but Cleora doesn't want to go along with that plan.
Umm ... yes, there's also some kind of mystery plot, which was entirely forgettable. It's really all about the relationship drama anyway. Another kisses-only story.
The Scoundrel Who Loved Me has all the workings of a great screenplay. Shocking reveals, intriguing secrets, chilling villains and tempestuous romance. From a kidnapped princess, to a missing antique, a dangerous love and an age old tale, these authors set about awakening the imagination as they lay claim to the mind and set up residence within the tight confines of the heart.
A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon - We all know the story of Beauty and her beast. The battered soul steps into the light with a beautiful heart to guide him. Laura Landon puts her own spin on a wonderful tale of redemption and healing, I never tire of hearing.
What do you get when you mix intrigue and danger with a bit of naughty temptation? Lauren Smith and Ella Quinn are ready to seduce with their tales of courageous women and dashing gentlemen on the adventure of a lifetime. Lauren Smith seeks to save a Princess and Ella Quinn sets out to rescue a Lady. Excitement and treachery know no bounds. Thrilling chills await.
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel - Ms. Gabriel does Agatha Christie proud. Humor awaits on this revealing caper of lust, love and mystery.
It is difficult to review an anthology. The only way I can do it is to discuss each story separately.
1) His Wicked Embrace by Lauren Smith. Loved it. Yes, it was a bit rushed, but that is the nature of a novella. A half-Persian princess and a red-headed rogue make for an interesting twist.
2) The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel. Loved this one as well. Two unlikely lovers and a missing vase make a great story!
3) One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn. I struggled to get through this one. The story just didn't quite flow for me and there was a lot of explanation and cogitation.
4) A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon. A hero badly scarred by a fire and a blind heroine. What can I say? It's melodrama at its best. I am a sucker for the sappiness and cried like a baby through the last pages. We read romance for the emotional impact so this filled the bill.
A scintillating meld of stories with handsome, daring heroes and their ladies who may not all be princesses but who have the hearts of strong regal women.
His Wicked Embrace by Lauren Smith A rake with a conscience and a stolen Persian princess. Rescued from a slave sale in a brothel by Mr. Lawrence Russell, the half-English princess Zehra Darzi takes shelter with Lawrence, a shelter that feels right. A variation on the 'Taken' movie set in Regency London. A daring rescue, a damsel in distress and a dashing hero.
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel A sudden meeting in a darkened garden has spinster Diana Harwood wondering if she's bereft of her senses. Accepting a package from an unknown man is unusual--even for her. Well he was taller than her, and that's a start. But really! A nicely timed romance with the added lure of mystery.
One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn This explores the idea of young woman as property to be used as bargaining chips by uncaring fathers. Laia is to be married (as a fourth wife) to a duke old enough to be her father if not her grandfather in exchange for a property her father covets. Her brother has different ideas and somehow Laia finds herself entering society at Bath. Here she meets her brother's friend Guy Paulet and heir to her dark-hearted fiancé, the Duke of Bolton. Along the way subterfuge, scandal and a possible murder are uncovered. A pleasing addition to The Towers series.
A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon 'A scoundrel prince'? I'm not sure but Thomas Chandler, Earl of Renfrew, is a lovely man trapped behind a badly scared face who can no longer bare to face the gasps of shock from the ton. Lady Cleora Wentworth is a beautiful young woman blinded in an accident. Cleora comes to know who Thomas is and loves him. Thomas in turn loves Cleora to distraction, but their love is doomed. A love story with a difference, Beauty and the Beast with a twist. Thomas may not be a scoundrel in my book but he is a prince who needs to learn to take risks.
So far, I have read HIS WICKED EMBRACE by Lauren Smith.
Zehra Darzi’s parents were murdered in Persia, where she was kidnapped and brought to a brothel in England to be sold to the highest bidder, which Samir Al-Zahrani intends to be. Lawrence Russell was on the premises because his younger brother Avery asked him to note of the men present at the auction, and who “bought” women; Avery is with the authorities. The whole situation reminds of a mistake Lawrence had made in the past, and so he bids for Zehra, and wins. Zehra is relieved that Al-Zahrani lost to the handsome man with the red hair. Lawrence might be a rogue, but he is a gentleman, and he is furious at what could have been Zehra’s fate had he not intervened, although he knows Avery will be furious. Lawrence takes Zehra home with him until things can be sorted out; she will be under his protection in the meantime.
HIS WICKED EMBRACE is such a lovely romance! Lawrence is a lusty hero but ever so sweet and compassionate. I loved that there were no miscommunication or misunderstandings, and things proceeded at a swift pace. The addition of the political context was a clever idea by Ms. Smith as it adds another dimension to the story, along with wonderful descriptions of Persia and its traditions. The relationship between Lawrence and Avery is fascinating, as they butt heads while trying to rectify Zehra’s situation without causing a political incident. The gentlemen of the League of Rogues make appearances, and readers unfamiliar with the series can become acquainted with those randy gentlemen while not being lost. I very much appreciated as well that the Rogues’ wives, the Society of Rebellious Ladies, take part in keeping Zehra safe. And Zehra and Lawrence are both so charming and engaging; what an appealing couple they make!
I loved the addition of the few gorgeous pictures which augment the text. HIS WICKED EMBRACE, a sweet and sensual romance with a dash of mystery, has a lovely fairytale quality about it that I enjoyed very much.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I give 4 ½ stars
What happens when you have a book that includes four bestselling authors? A wonderful read and stories that make your heart beat faster.. His wicked Embrace by Lauren Smith What a heartwarming story. What can a gentleman do when he sees a damsel in distress but save her? Lawrence Russell was helping his brother by watching an auction take place at a brothel It was a run by a ring that the crown was trying to take down who kidnapped and sold women for money. Taking one look at Zehra and Lawrence knew he had to save her from being taken by someone else so he placed the highest bid for her.. Zehra had been living in a nightmare, taken from her home in Persia and held as a slave until she reached London. In the end, some meetings are fated but danger lurks in a man who is looking to take Zehra as his property. Lawrence, always carefree and known to some as a Rouge feels protective of Zehra and she trusts him from the beginning. I loved both of these characters and so enjoyed their story. There are some surprises and intrigue and a wonderful journey!
A Scoundrel at heart by Laura Landon I sit here as I turned the last page and feel sad. Thomas and Cleora’s story is at and end, but I wanted it to continue! This story melted my heart. Lady Cleora was blinded by an accident a year ago. Lord Thomas Renfrew was terribly disfigured from a fired trying to save his parents and had retreated from society due to his scarred face. Cleora was staying in the country away from danger that lurked near London. Two people who each have their own physical injuries and are drawn to each other. What could be more perfect? Except Cleora may regain her sight, but Thomas could never not get rid of his scars. Filled with suspense and heartfelt emotions, this story will take you on a journey to tug at the heart and have you captivated to the very end!
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel This was a new author to me but I did enjoy the story. Diana Harwood,, twenty five and firmly on the shelf ( or so she believed) was to become a companion to a lady in India and live out her days. Attending her sister's wedding before she left, she meets Colin Sinclair, Marquess and Viscount Thorne. Colin was a rouge and never thought to attract any lady of substance. As a theft evolves of a stolen vase, Diana and Colin are thrown together to try to solve the mystery. Sometimes fate just has a way of stepping in and taking control. This was a delightful story with a little suspense and of course attraction thrown into the mix!
One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn Betrothed to an elderly duke by her father, Lady Agaila goes to Bath with her mother before the wedding. Wishing to at least meet the Duke of Bolton before the fated day, she instead meets his heir Guy Paulet , the duke's nephew. Guy has been told of the impending nuptials and decides he wants her for himself! His mission is to convince Agalia to marry him, jilt his uncle and defy her father. A simple decision for her to make you would think!! Since The Duke is thought to have murdered his four previous wives it is imperative that Agaila turn her affections to Guy; Turn the pages to see how this story plays out. You will be caught up in the characters and feel yourself hoping all will be well.
Some of these stories where part of a series for the author but all can be read as a standalone. Prepare yourself to be entertained and wanting to go back and read every book by each author!!
HIS WICKED EMBRACE - Lauren Smith A kidnapped Persian princess, Lady Zehra Darzi was the last thing he expected to find when Lawrence Russell went under cover for the Bow Street Runners. He knew he had to save her and so he bought her for seven thousand pounds. However Zehra is still in danger of being discovered by her obsessed captor. Another page turning story in the League of Rogues series. The characterisation is very good & the plot fast paced. Zehra has seen & suffered so much, although she is half English her mother Joan was disowned, so Zehra’s doesn’t believe her English family will help her. There are some twists & turns & I could read fast enough to finish the book & read into the night to finish it
THE SECRET SCOUNDREL - Kristin Gabriel One stolen vase, two captured hearts. Miss Diana Harwood is twenty five, six foot tall & a wallflower. She has just been successful in becoming a companion to a lady in India but she can’t leave until after her sisters Fanny’s wedding. Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Thorne and Viscount Thorne, was too much of a rogue to tempt any clear-thinking maiden. A quick read that was well paced with good characters. The guests gather before the wedding, there’s the mystery of the missing vase, a key inside a box Thorne gave to Diana. A well written mystery as well as romance, the ending seemed a little rushed & I would have liked the story to be longer.
ONE DUKE OR ANOTHER - Book Three of The Trevors - Ella Quinn Guy Paulet, heir to the Bolton dukedom, has to convince Lady Aglaia to jilt his uncle, defy her father, and marry him in less than a month. The author is a must read for me & I thoroughly enjoyed this novella the first in this particular series I’ve read & I can’t wait to read the other Trevor stories
A SCOUNDREL AT HEART - Book Five of Ransomed Jewels - Laura Landon Lord Thomas Renfrew was blind to love & had been terribly disfigured after a fire. Even when faced with the heart-shattering love offered by the beautiful Lady Cleora. A story of overcoming pain in order to move forward. I love the authors books & this novella doesn’t disappoint & I read it in one sitting.
Four very good novellas, I love the books by three of the authors & the fourth Kristin Gabriel is new to me. All of them are well written, very enjoyable reads ideal for cold, dark winter afternoons. The mix of stories is very good but all linked by a scoundrel being tamed. I’m sure like me once you’ve read these novellas you’ll be searching out other books by the authors
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is a set of four books. The first about a Persian princess, she found her parents dead bodies. The second is about Diana and Thorne who gone to his friends house for a wedding. The third a girl who is 6 foot and has no prospects wishes for one. Then Thorne shows up at the mansion where they are having it. Last but not least is where lady Aglaia Trevor and her siblings have no been allowed a season or to travel. He wants them sequester so he can control them. Laia has been sold to Duke Bolton, she is 21 and he is 64. It also looks like he may have had hand in 4 wives death. In each of these there is a hero who comes forth to help. Each plot while different still keeps your attention and the characters are wonderful, realistic and full of life. I enjoyed them for their unusual storyline and the description helped you feel like you were part of the tale. The stories are well written and easy to read. I highly recommend this set of books. I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
The scoundrel who loved me is 4 short stories. They are sweet and romantic but at times I didn’t feel like the plot was very good. They felt rushed and the characters were clichéd a bit, like we have the spinster sister who says she won’t marry and the rogue gentlemen who finds who takes him in and tames him. I didn’t find them particularly captivating, not something I would be interested in reading again.
*ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I own several full novels by this author and she is a treat. Another unique story line and had some lovemaking, prior to marriage rated 3.5-4 out of 5 heat level.
I enjoyed how our H saves the h and their bond formed. Given her station in life, I thought she didn't act like a Princess would and I had a slight problem with her falling for the H so quickly. But, I did feel a connection to both of them. Even though part of a series, you will not be lost.
We have a villain that you are wondering where and when he was going to show up again. This was more anticlimactic for me what happens to him - off page described.
Interesting secondary character's especially the H's mother added to the richness of the story line. We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, wonderful HEA and some spice.
2. THE SECRET SCOUNDREL by Kristin Gabriel - 5 STARS
Enjoyable romp by an author unfamiliar to me. I did enjoy her writing style and how she drew me into her character's.
There is some mystery to this story and the villain was a surprise to me. This is a clean story with only a few kisses. Our h is 25 and on the shelf, mainly because she is 6' tall and she towers over men. Our H just happens to be taller than her and the way they met was funny, she falls over him.
Interesting main and secondary character's, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance happens fast and clean.
3. ONE DUKE OR ANOTHER by Ella Quinn -2.5 STARS I get the concept that the h has been sheltered so her father could control her. She didn't question anything and to me made her weak. I like my h to be strong, so she seemed more like a teenager to me.
I did like the H - he was smart and caring. I enjoyed how the h's family were very supportive and didn't just accept what the h's father demanded.
There is mild lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 2 out of 5. I just didn't feel a connection to this couple because of the h not holding her own.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance for me and little spice.
4. A SCOUNDREL AT HEART by Laura Landon - 4.5 STARS
I didn't find the title to fit our H at all. He is severely damaged from a fire on his face, back and legs. He meets the h and when she doesn't have look of horror on her face when she meets him he realizes she is blind. The H is kind and loving and does everything in his power to turn the h away from him. He knows in his heart she will be able to see again and knows he can't face the Ton turning their backs on his disfigurement. Oh, how my heart ached for him. He is anything but a Scoundrel!
This has the feeling of Beauty and the Beast for sure. There is some suspense with someone trying to kill the h and I was surprised at the twist the author gave us.
The ending was so emotional that rarely am I moved by endings to the point of tears, but I was in this one.
This is a clean story, with only passionate kisses.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and clean. I wanted an epilogue to go into at least a month into their future, (ljb)
1. His Wicked Embrace by Lauren Smith ~ Well`written with good story line. It is the harrowing story of a half English Persian princess who witnessed her parents murders, was captured by slavers then was sold to an English brothel where she was auctioned~off. 2. Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel ~ This is about a woman who believed herself to be so unattractive and thus has low self~esteem and heightened paranoia about her appearance. Enter a Marquess who did not quite give his proper title/s to Diana thus further aggravating her feeling of ridicule and creating a misunderstanding on her part. Russell is also a retriever of stolen items that the victims (members of the ton) prefer to remain secret. Together, they make an unlikely pair of sleuths as well as lovers yet they caught a thief. Still a good read despite Diana's annoying angst. 3. One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn ~ Good concept. I also noticed an editing flaw. In Chapter 3, the Duke of Bolton referred to his 4th wife as Margaret, the granddaughter of Lady Engle of Bath then in Chapter 11, she was called Sophia. Re~ Author's Notes, while it may be true that there is no need to capitalize Your Grace or His Grace, as I have done here, maybe the honorifics serve as proper nouns instead of names like Bolton or Somerset. Just a thought.... 4. A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon ~ Another jewel from this author. I specially like the twist she gave on the killer's identity. Sometimes it is also Fun to draw more participation from the reader in plot lines that involve some whodunits such as this one so the reader can speculate as to the culprit's identity and the reasons for his actions.
The Scoundrel Who Loved Me is a compilation of four stand-alone novellas. Originally published in March of 2018, it's now a little hard to find. Ella Quinn, Lauren Smith, Kristin Gabriel, and Laura Landon provided novellas of historical romance. Though novellas each is long enough to give a good sense of the characters and their journeys. These stories give us a large range of hero and heroine types. There's a Bow Street Runner, Persian Princess. a Sherlock figure, all are as different from each other as would be in real life. Without the complete cookie cutter formula, I found myself anticipating the next story. Who would show up next?
Although all four stories were good, I have two favorites, standouts in my opinion. Ella Quinn has produced another Trevor sibling. I'm following them, all 11, and was chuffed to find one here. The children's names are so out of this world that I have to google them. Ms Quinn throws in Latin numbers and mythical Greeks. It keeps me on my toes. Laura Landon's take on Beauty And The Beast was engaging, a lovely tale. Love has the characters both asking and needing to be taken as they are, flaws and all.
The Scoundrel Who Loved Me was an entertaining read on a cold, grey, afternoon. Happy Reading.
This is a set of four books. The first about a Persian princess, she found her parents dead bodies. The second is about Diana and Thorne who gone to his friends house for a wedding. The third a girl who is 6 foot and has no prospects but wishes for one. Then Thorne shows up at the mansion where they are having it. Last but not least is where lady Aglaia Trevor and her siblings have not been allowed a season or to travel. He wants them sequester so he can control them. Laia has been sold to Duke Bolton, she is 21 and he is 64. It also looks like he may have had hand in 4 wives death. In each of these there is a hero who comes forth to help. Each plot while different still keeps your attention and the characters are wonderful, realistic and full of life. I enjoyed them for their unusual storyline and the description helped you feel like you were part of the tale. The stories are well written and easy to read. I highly recommend this set of books. I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it. (less)
This is a four book set from different series/authors. It's a fun collection.
His Wicked Embrace by Lauran Smith 4 stars This is book six in the series and a great addition. It has love and adventures and drama. Death is the end of one life but the start of another. A well written Historical Romance.
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel 4 stars A little of a mystery and some romance make a wonderful ending. A dangerous job and a runaway spinster turn this story into action.
One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn 4 stars A very romantic "getting to knnow you" romance. The evil villian is delt with and all ends well. It kept me entertained and turning the pages.
A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon 4 stars A man flawed and a women blind makes this love story truely different. Love growns beyond the difficulties both face inside themselves and outside sources- shootings, blackmail, and love. Well writtens tory. Great addition to this collection.
I have LOVED the other books in the League of Rogues series, of which this is a branch of, but this story just wasn't up to par with the writing in the other books. I did however really enjoy the storyline...
The Secret Scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel - 4 stars
I did really enjoy this story. I love wallflower stories and Diana was the ultimate wallflower.
One Duke or Another by Ella Quinn - 2 stars
Quinn has been hit or miss for me and this one happened to be a miss...
A Scoundrel at Heart by Laura Landon - 3 stars
I'm a huge fan of Landon, but this story just wasn't up to par of her normal work...
Overall, I wasn't too impressed with this collection of novellas.
The Scoundrel Who Loved Me boxed set is a wonderfully priced value for four rather good novellas by authors I was already familiar with: Lauren Smith, Kristen Gabriel, Ella Quinn, and Laura Landon. Each novella has likable characters, a fairly predictable but plausible enough plot, villains, secrets held and revealed, and a sweet or steamy romance. They held my interest enough so I read all. Of the four, I would say Laura Landon's A Scoundrel at Heart was my favorite. Really tugged at my heart. Recommend this set for those who like quick, romantic reads.
Reasons I enjoyed this boxed set: Easy-to-read; Tragic; Entertaining; Romantic; Wonderful characters; Page-turner; Steamy
The second book, the secret scoundrel by Kristin Gabriel,
A short book, not a very unique storyline, a woman who is (25y/o) is considered done for since she is perceived as old in that time. Diana is tired of her mundane life, her sisters getting married and she is not getting noticed. She is headstrong and wants to go to India and has secretly made plans for it. Thorne works as finds stolen items for the ton. The build-up between these two characters is actually good, it could have been more in-depth for sure but they did not fall for each other in an instant, it grew gradually which was somewhat realistic. Nice ending but it would have been nice to read about her not going to India since she really wanted to. Obviously, she was going to work with her husband but it would have been good to touch upon that as well.
3/5 last book Laura Landon, the duke was blind to love The storyline was ok, I have read similar ones but the writing I liked. You could feel that Thomas and Cleo loved each other quite profundly. It was a bit cliche in the end, like Thomas actually came to a big ball
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is an interesting collection of historical romances. Each story appears to be the first book in a series all by different authors, of course. I've read romances by Ms. Quinn before, but not the others. All the hero's weren't scoundrels and as long as that's not your expectation, this is a fair read that would be perfect for a long road trip.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish. Each story has a great plot and delightful characters. I highly recommend this excellent array of emotionally charged romances. Happy ☺reading 📚!
A very nice collection of stories. The storyline and characters are well developed. It would have been nice to have epilogues because I like to see how the happily ever after works out.
Four moderately entertaining novellas that suffer from the usual limitations of the romance genre: thin and unsubstantial plot, characters without real depth, and a predictable ending. Light reading for those who enjoy short romances.
This was a good buy. Four historical romance books in one. All were well written with heroes and heroines and adventure. I will read more books by each of these authors.