Tag Archives: Lauren Smith

Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Wicked RivalsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
A LORD WITH LEGENDARY CONTROL… 

Merciless and powerful, Ashton Lennox is a wealthy man because he puts business before everything else, especially love. As a member of the infamous League of Rogues, he’s no stranger to scandal. His bedroom conquests are as legendary as his fortune. As he searches for a way to bring down an old enemy bent on destroying the lives of his friends, the last thing he needs is a Scottish widow getting in his way. 

A FIERY WOMAN WHO WON’T BACK DOWN… 

The daughter of a Scottish lord with a dark and treacherous past, Rosalind Melbourne has spent years distancing from her past. After escaping her tyrannical father and marrying an aging English lord, she has become a powerful widow with a business empire at her command. Her business dealings are everything to her, leaving her no time for love. Especially not with her business rival Ashton, a man with a scandalous reputation as striking as his blue eyes. 

A GAME OF WITS TURNS TO A GAME OF SEDUCTION… 

Ashton is fascinated by the strong-willed, intelligent and sensual lady who, up until now, had outsmarted him at every turn. Rosalind wishes she could deny she is falling for the brooding, handsome baron. How can she possibly trust him when doing so could cost her what she values most—her freedom? When Ashton discovers Rosalind might hold the key to saving the League of Rogues, he knows he will do anything to woo his wicked lass. As their pasts return to haunt them and dark forces rise to keep them from exposing a deadly spymaster, their game of love turns to a game of survival… 

Warning: This book includes a brooding baron who’s wild in bed, a crafty Scottish lass who never knows when to quit, a wicked game of strip chess, and a merry band of rogues whose first instinct is to run they hear wedding bells ring. 

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

DANG, this is a great book.  This series just keeps getting better and better! 🙂

Wicked Rivals is a historical romance by one of my fave authors Lauren Smith.  It is the 4th book in her “League of Rogues” series and it follows the story of Ashton and Rosalind.  I suppose you could read this as a stand alone, but you will miss much in the back story, which is important to deliver the true impact of this story.  There is a continuation of a larger story with romance matching weaved in.  So by all means enjoy this story, but I dare say you will enjoy it more if you have read the previous three.

Ashton Lennox is one hot rogue.  He is first and foremost loyal to his fellow rogues, a serious businessman, not to be messed with and holding a serious grudge towards a certain lovely Scottish lass.

Rosalind Melbourne happens to be the lovely Scottish lass that is driving Ashton nuts.  She is widowed, running her late husbands business like a pro (and really causing havoc for Ashton’s business), staying away from Scotland due to a terrible past, and determined to make things happen her way no matter what it takes.

When Ashton has decided enough is enough, he decides to purchase all of Rosalind debts in order to control her.  Rosalind however, is not to be contolled and she decides to confront Ashton in his own home and set him straight.  However, Ashton has a sweet side, and Rosalind has a vulnerable side, and once these sides are exposed to the other, we have a game of cat and mouse.  This game gets quite serious though, and before we know it hearts and bodies cannot resist the other.  Our villain Waverly (from the previous books), is still a serious danger, and suddenly he is way to close for comfort.  When marriage is placed on the table as a means to control and to protect, Ashton and Rosalind need to get out of their own ways, and find their way to a trusting relationship together.  That will be the only way these two can fight Waverly.

SO MUCH MORE to this book than this brief synopsis.  The pacing of this book was bang on.  I felt the anxiety of the danger lurking, the softness of a romance blooming and the heat .. well oh my .. Lauren can write the heat!  LOL  So well matched Ashton and Rosalind were, and once again, we are set up for the next book.  I also love that the wives from our previous books are banded together to keep our “League of Rogues” on their toes.  I adore these woman as much as I do their men!  LOL

Fantastic book, fantastic series and most definitely a “go to” author in the historical romance genre.  

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided for review

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Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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Climax
Her British Stepbrother #3
by Lauren Smith
Release Date: May 3, 2016

ClimaxAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION
A love so forbidden. A passion so undeniable . . .

It’s time for Kat to face the truth. She can’t resist sexy playboy Tristan–he’s too deliciously seductive, and much too good at making her melt, body and soul. With photographic proof plastered all over London, the whole world now knows she’s fallen for this British bad boy.

There’s just one problem. Their parents got married and now Tristan is her stepbrother. They shouldn’t be together, but Tristan always gets what he wants, and he wants her more than anything. Behind closed doors, this only makes every moment they spend together hotter, every kiss deeper, as the passion between them blazes higher . . .

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Amazing way to conclude another fantastic serial series.  Climax, by Lauren Smith is the third and final novella in her serial series “Her British Stepbrother“.  We finally get to see what the future holds for Tristen and Kat.

This story picks up right where the Seduction ended.  Their parents have officially wed, the smoldering heat between Tristen and Kat is still full flame, and they are totally caught and called out as forbiden lovers.  Not having any of it, Tristen’s father decides to lay down the law .. keep the love affair going with his stepsister, and lose your title, wealth and future.  However, to Tristen, Kat is not just another notch on the bedpost, she is the one .. THE ONE.

The question remains, do they choose the future filled with wealth and title, or the future that has them claiming the one true love.  Maybe there is another choice??!  LOL

I love serials because usually it’s a one sitting consumption of story, leaving you wanting for more.  Lauren Smith is really really good at picking the right moments to end a part of her her serials.  This part is the conclusion, so while there was much story to be wrapped up, she still dazzled by adding the sexual heat and fierce love, suspenseful angst and a rocking finish,

You absolutely need to read the first two books in this serial.  I can’t imagine the story making much sense without that.  I would also like to remind readers, that while this may come across as taboo, they are step siblings, no blood relation, who met prior to the reveal that their parents are to wed.  Not so much taboo in my eyes.

Thanks for wrapping this serial up perfectly Lauren.  Always looking forward to your next creation.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

 

Giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from May 1 – 6, 2016

 

 

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Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Seduction Banner

SeductionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Tristan is a man who knows what he wants. And he wants Kat in his bed. All he has to do is convince her they belong together . . .

Kat knows the connection she and Tristan share is special. Her British bad boy is too much of everything: too hot, too arrogant, too irresistible to stay away from. He’s her addiction and one night with him isn’t enough.

That’s what hurts the most. They can’t date, can’t be a normal couple, not when their parents are getting married. Because now that she knows he’s going to be her stepbrother, no one can ever find out what they’ve done . .

Review:

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I REALLY love a well written serial series.   I have been fortunate in finding authors that are simply incredible at stuffing a whole lot of story in a small amount of pages.  You can bet this is a hard thing for an author to do, and Lauren Smith make it look effortless.  The way I see it .. they have to fit an intro, climax and either a cliffhanger and conclusion with each serial that is released, yet make it feel part of a huge story.  Seduction is the second book of Lauren Smith‘s “Her British Stepbrother” series and it sure has it all!

This book picks up where the first book left off.  Tristen (our yummy hot Brit) and Kat (our sweet American girl), have begun one hot romance only to discover that they are about to become step-siblings.  Completely shocked and resigned to stay away from each other for the benefit of their families, each tries to carry on with their lives.  Except, what do you do when your life was just jump started by someone who is likely “the one”?  These two really try and stay away, but this magnetic pull is just impossible to ignore.  So … do they carry on in a secret relationship of sorts (knowing full well that this could ruin many things for many people) until .. maybe … the inevitable happens??  You will have to read this serial to find out!

Lots of angst in this part of the serial.  You really feel the sense of obligation by both main characters.  I mentioned before in my previous review, that some people may find this kind of book taboo.  It is not.  They are not step-siblings yet, AND they met before they even knew of their parents relationship .. also they share no blood relation.  I also made mention that this genre has been really hammered in the romance world, but once again, Lauren Smith delivers some class and maturity that sets her apart from other authors.  The heat and steamy scenes intensifies and the story is absolutely believable,

You ABSOLUTELY must read the first serial to read this one.  Another small cliffhanger with this one, and I am so anxious to read the conclusion!  WRITE LAUREN WRITE!  LOL

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering an e-copy of one book (reader’s choice) from her backlist to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from March 9 – March 13, 2016

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Her Wicked Proposal by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Her Wicked Proposal by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Her Wicked ProposalAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
He doesn’t need his eyes to uncover her true beauty.

The League of Rogues, Book 3

Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton’s golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.

Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can’t refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.

Still reeling from her father’s death, Anne’s deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.

His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.

Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.

Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn’t quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true. 

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH MY WORD … this series gets better and better!  Lauren Smith .. girl … you knocked this one out of the park! 🙂

Her Wicked Proposal is the third book of Lauren Smith‘s “The League of Rogue” series. This series revolves around some feisty, rakish and most definite rogue gentlemen bad boys and their sassy kick ass lady loves.  Set in England in the early 1800’s, all these layers makes for a wonderful, adventurous and at time straight up naughty historical romance.

Cedric was once the golden boy/notorious rake of ton.  He lived his life out loud and without a care.  When he was blinded while trying to save his sister, all of that changed and he became quite the recluse.  Having to learn how to live life with no eyesight, Cedric has lost that spark that made him so vibrant.  The spark is still there a little however, and little does Cedric realize that it will be a cold block of ice that will set it ablaze.

Anne just so happens to be that block of ice.  Outwardly, she presents herself as a cold and aloof woman.  Inside, she is a whole lot of steamy woman.  Having turned down Cedric’s advances prior to his accident, she now believes that he may be the answer to her prayers.  Anne has come into a large inheritance and does not want the hassle of fortune hunters .. so she decides to propose marriage to a man that she believes will never be a bother her.  Only there is one condition to this marriage .. Cedric wants Anne’s passion in bed chamber.

Off these two go!  A smoldering romance blooms despite either of them truely believing love is possible.  Anne makes Cedric believe that life can go on despite his blindness, and Cedric gets to the core of why Anne is so icy.  Both their stories are heart shattering, and with danger lurking from the series villain Mr Jackass to the core Hugo, this makes for an exciting read.

This was absolutely my fave book of this series so far.  I just gushed and fell in love with this couple.  This book is told from multiple points of view which I loved.  It also brings back the previous two books heroes/heroines and villains.  I am in absolute love with the way Lauren writes historical romance.  I see every little detail clearly in my mind, I feel every emotion meant to be felt, and even the villain is perfect as I hate everything about him too!

If you are looking for a humorous  action pack, adventurous historical romance series .. this is it!  I strongly recommend you read this series in order for the full impact.  Get writing Lauren .. I am so excited for you next one! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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Forbidden: Her British Stepbrother by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Forbidden: Her British Stepbrother by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Forbidden Her British StepbrotherAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

DESCRIPTION:
Kat has always been a good girl. She studies hard and never stays out too late. But when sitting in a pub on her birthday, she realizes she’s a nineteen-year-old virgin who’s never really lived. And she wants tonight to be the night that changes.

Then she sees him walk in. He’s tall, dark, handsome, and straight out of her deepest fantasies. His voice makes her knees feel weak, and when he smiles, she imagines him doing wicked things to her in bed. From the look in his eyes, she knows he’s imagining it too. So when he asks if he can walk her home, she hears herself whisper yes . . .
 
REVIEW
 
4 out of 5 for this reader folks!
 
Forbidden by Lauren Smith is part one of a three part serial called “Her British Stepbrother“.  Before any of you decide that right there this may not be the book for you, let me tell you that this is classy writing.  The couple finds out they are to become step siblings after the relationship has started.  In my romance reads. I do not consider this taboo.  I also found that Lauren writes this kind of genre in a very different manner than some of the other authors out there.  Some authors can get very cheesy and again .. love that Lauren writes a believable story and keep it classy.
 
Kat is a 19 year old good American girl who is attending college in Britian.  She is tired of always being the good girl and decides on the spot that she is going to take a chance and do something a little crazy and wild.  She kisses a perfectly hot stranger in the middle of a bar.
 
Tristan is the epitome of “has it all”.  He has the good looks, charm, body and he is also about to inherit a British title which makes him very .. uummm.. coveted.  He is also bored to all ends.  When he meets Kat in a bar and she plants the kiss of all kisses, something comes to life inside of him.  In her he finds some excitement.  Kat is something perfectly different, and will be the one to likely tame him, but except his wild side, all at once.
 
Off we go on a romance ride.  These two are smoking hot together, compliment each other so well, and of course have their typical relationship bumps .. well I guess finding out that you are getting involved with your step sibling may not be classified simply as a bump, but you get the picture!  LOL
 
I knew how this first part was going to end, and while typical, I have to say that it really didn’t matter to me.  I enjoyed every single character building scene that when the ending came I was like … “Bring on the next part and let’s get this party started!”  LOL
 
I am pumped for the next part .. can you tell?  Short, fantastic read, with the promise of more to come. Lauren Smith has turned into an “automatic purchase” author to me.
 
HAPPY READING! 🙂

 

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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The Gilded Chain by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Chain by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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The Gilded ChainAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
Explore a hidden world of erotic fantasies, where the greatest pleasures are stolen and the fiercest passions are untamed. . . 

For years, Callie Taylor has been obsessed with two things: a man she can never have and escaping to Paris where she can follow her artistic passions. But everything changes when Callie meets Wes Thorne, a wealthy, mysterious art collector and famous dominant. Despite all the nights she’s spent dreaming of another man, it is Wes’s predatory gaze that suddenly consumes her every thought and sets her body on fire. One touch from him promises unforgettable passion, but Callie knows that passion often comes with a price… 

From the moment he sets eyes on Callie, Wes is intrigued by her artistic talent and her delightful innocence of all things erotic. A stolen kiss leaves him aching and desperate to claim her in a way he’s never wanted any woman. But first he must convince her to surrender her control. And what better place to seduce an artistic soul like Callie’s than Paris? 
 

REVIEW
 
5 out of 5 for this reader folks! 🙂
 
The Gilded Chain by Lauren Smith is the third book in her Surrender series and the one that I was looking forward to the most so far.  I read this series all at once, so I felt like the build up for this third book was a long yummy tease as opposed to reading them on release days and letting time pass by.  I was completely immersed into this world where hot male Dom meets sexy sub, finds their way to each other through heartache, angst and odds.  I have to tell you though, these stories are all tied together perfectly so I do recommend you read this entire series.  There is way too much you will miss if you do not!  
 
Wes Thorne (swoon Wes), is a wealthy art collector, very sexy, unavailable for anything long term, playboy, guarded and a Dom.  No woman has ever kept his attention long term and life is for what he desires, when he desires it.  He makes no apologies for who he is and takes what he wants.  Right now … Wes wants Callie.
 
Callie Taylor is an artist, sweet, innocent, hardworking, talented and very heartbroken.  She has to come to terms with the man of her dreams falling in love with another.  She has sworn off men and decided to strictly concentrate on her art.   When she is literally swept away to Paris, she is completely blanketed in art and an attraction to a man she feels she has no right to be attracted to.  How can she feel this pull to Wes if he heart was supposedly given to another?
 
Thrown together with a dash of mystery, and a whole lot of passion, Wes and Callie explore a BDSM relationship.  Wes feels himself coming alive and well … FEEL!  Callie learns that her heart isn’t as shattered as she thought it to be.  Both learn to let go by indulging in passion via bedroom play and art.
 
HOLY HOT READ!  If you are into erotica and/or BDSM novels, please do yourself a favour and check this series out.  I was completely sucked into the awesome formula of  stunning bad boy and sweet innocent girl falling in love.  I loved the mystery story line that Lauren has included in each novel of this series as well .. AND I am in serious anticipation of  the next book.
 
If you are looking for an indulgent smutty read this holiday season, I highly recommend this one!
 
HAPPY READING! 🙂



Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $15.00 Amazon gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from December 8 – December 12, 2015

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The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

The Bite of Winter Banner-Lauren Smith

 

The Bite of WinterAmazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM

DESCRIPTION
She is theirs to claim. They are hers to save.

Zoey Blake is about as far down on her luck as she can get. A car crash took her parents, leaving her destitute and on the street. When she’s attacked by another homeless person, her lifeblood drains away as her fading vision is filled with the face of a handsome stranger.

Ian Kennedy, a century old Irish vampire, never could resist rescuing a stray. As a few drops of his blood heals Zoey’s wounds, he realizes she’s a sweet, tempting, flesh-and-blood woman. But there’s one problem. Connor, who made Ian promise decades ago: no more mortal lovers.

After another vampire murdered his soulmate, Connor O’Shea swore never to let amortal woman pay the price for loving him. Until he feels Zoey’s skin and tastes her lips.She makes him want to break that vow.

Zoey finds herself caught in their web of seduction. But as Christmas draws near andher grief deepens, happiness seems far out of reach. And Ian and Connor join forces to prove their love is sacred, special…and forever.

Warning: This book contains two scorching-hot Irish vampires, one lady with plenty of pluck but zero luck, naughty lingerie, and enough Christmas cheer to redeem even the darkest creatures.

 

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks! 

That was a quick and yummy read!  

The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith is the first book (novella) of her Love Bites series.  Featuring two Irish Vampires and one lucky lady who is about to experience life in a whole new way, I have to say I was completely engaged in the story the entire time.  

Zoey is a little more than down on her luck.  Living on the streets, feeling hopeless and struggling to make sense of what happened to her life, there is no surprise when she finds herself brutally attacked and left for dead.   

Ian cannot stand to see this small woman suffer.  Out on the streets to feed, he finds himself wanting to save this wee mortal and decides to intervene and feed her his blood, healing her wounds. One small problem .. he can’t seem to leave her be, so he scoops her up and takes her home knowing he’ll have to deal with his friend’s wrath.

Conner, harden with time of mourning and loss, is floored that Ian would bring home another mortal … especially after losing their mortal mate many years ago.  Something about Zoey is calling to him however, and before he knows it, he is doing things he’d never thought he’d do .. again.

Off we go in a menage romance full of fun scary vampires and one girl who seems to have hit the jackpot.  Add in a dash of Christmas, danger lurking, true mates and some hot smexy scenes, and you are left feeling quite satisfied.  I am interested to see where this series is going, and what is coming next.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $15.00 Amazon gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from November 24 – November 28, 2015

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Tempted by a Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Tempted by a Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Tempted by a Rogue Banner

Tempted by a RogueAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

DESCRIPTION

The rogue’s temptation would be her undoing…

Gemma Haverford knows exactly who she will marry: James Randolph, the man she’s had a secret understanding with for the last eleven years. With every letter written between them while he’s been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England.

There’s just one problem. The man whose words she’d fallen in love with isn’t James at all…

Jasper Holland, a gentleman rogue of the first order, is trapped. Talked into a scheme by his best friend, he pretended to be James for eleven years as he wrote to Gemma, even though he’d promised James he’d break it off. But now with his return to England, his secret will come out—and he’ll lose the one woman he can’t live without.

What began as a game of words, now becomes a game of hearts, and Jasper will pay any price to call Gemma his.

 

 

 

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Tempted by a Rogue by Lauren Smith is a quick (less that 100 pages) historical romance that reminds us there are times when a wrong certainly can make a right.  WINK

Gemma Haverford has been waiting for her true love to return from a career at sea so they can start there life together.  Through 11 years of exchanging letters full of hope, honour and love she is ready to get married to the man she has treasured for so long.

Jasper Holland is NOT the man that Gemma is expecting to be reunited with in the secret gardens.  Having a blindfold on fires all the senses though and a smoking hot moment seals Gemma’s heart.  The only problem is, she believes these stolen caresses are from Jasper’s best friend James.  

James wrote to Gemma for the first year apart but decided a life as a rogue was much more satisfying than settling down with one woman.  Jasper takes over the correspondence (pretending to be James) and before he knows it, he is in so deep and completely captivated by this amazing woman.  All Jasper has to do now, if watch his beloved get duped by his best friend and then sweep her off her feet and convince her that he is the man she wants.  

At a welcome home party all begins to fall in place .. and when temper flares and passion awakens, Gemma and Jasper are both in for a turbulent journey full of yummy encounters, verbal jabs and truth that sets them both free.

Before I get into my personal thoughts on this book, I just wanted to share something that I have trouble with when reviewing short reads.  I have read many reviews (for books that are 100 pages or less and I am speaking generally here not about this book) complaining that the story is too short.  Well I tend to get annoyed with that comment because the author doesn’t hide how short the story is and purposely designs it to be a quick read.  So what happens when you are left at the end of a short read feeling like something is missing??  How do you critique without the comment “that was too short and I wanted more!”?  It’s tough!

I did feel like something was missing here and I do believe it was the escalation of tension between our two leads.  I love the build up, the verbal back and forth, the scheming, the passion driven stolen moments and the inevitable happily ever after, but there was just not enough time for me to cherish all of this.  That being said, Lauren Smith can stuff a whole lot of story in a small amount of pages.  I was absolutely smitten with Jasper and I loved that Gemma didn’t hold back where he was concerned.  II also thought James was a jackass and didn’t deserve Gemma.

I have to say it was the not so sweet old lady that stole this book for me.  I love it when crusty personalities cut to the quick and tell it like it is … LOL  This was a great book, and I adore Lauren’s writing style.  I look forward to reading more from her soon!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

About the authorLauren_Smith_2014
Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering an e-copy of the winner’s choice of her books to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from September 22 – September 25, 2015

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