Of Sand & Stone by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Barb

Of Sand & Stone by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

DESCRIPTION
She was destined to save his heart of stone…
Bookish museum curator Rebecca Clark has given up on dating. Real life men aren’t nearly as perfect as the men in the paintings and statues she sees every day at her job. But one night she whispers a prayer to the universe to send her the perfect man. She had no idea a goddess is listening…

Devon Blake was Regency London’s most wicked lover but when he sleeps with the wrong woman and leaves her unsatisfied, he finds himself cursed by none other than the Goddess of love herself. After living two centuries trapped as a marble statue, Aphrodite gives Devon one chance to redeem himself or he’ll face an eternity of made of stone. He must prove he can satisfy a woman’s every desire without satisfying his own.

When Rebecca discovers a naked man in her art gallery instead of a priceless statue at midnight she has no idea he’s the answer to her prayers. Aphrodite has sent Devon to be Rebecca’s perfect man. Can Devon earn Rebecca’s love and trust by proving his selflessness or will it be too late?

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

LAUREN! Lauren just did Time Travel, the hardest genre for me to completely enjoy and she nailed it. This story was so “out there”, and I loved every guilty indulgent moment of it. MORE MORE MORE! LOL

Of Sand and Stone by Lauren Smith is a short story that you can enjoy in an afternoon, time travel romance, with a side of a ticked off goddess that will have you chuckling out loud and praising the female race for taking a stand against the “non satisfying male”! It was utterly ridiculous in the best way ever and made me so happy I still am smiling when I think about it.

Devon Blake was a very bad boy. Not in a good way either. He is from the regency era, known to be a rake, devilish lover and is cocky as all hell! He has a night with Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and leaves her wanting. Well Aphrodite is having none of that and curses him to be frozen inside a statue of stone and sand to learn his lesson. She is ready to lift his curse, if he can prove he is worthy of it. If he cannot satisfy the woman she chooses he will live inside this statue for eternity.

Rebecca Clarke is a museum curator and so done with dating men. She’s had enough and finds her work far more satisfying that any man. When she comes across this sand and stone statue she recites a few lines that apparently release this naked man from it. YUP a naked, hot, every girls dream kind of man! But he’s an arrogant rake from the past. UHHHH like she needs another arrogant jerk in her life.

These two were so amazing together. I am telling you the humour alone had me, let alone the story. But being Lauren Smith I knew the story would deliver as well. Devon trying to figure out things in the 21st century was absolutely perfect and it made him completely endearing and Rebecca really had no chance when the wit came out. Devon learns his lesson as well, and let’s just say there is a whole lot of satisfaction happening by the end of this book!

I really think Lauren Smith is the Queen of the short story. She does it perfectly. There is always a build up in characters, storyline, she finds unique ways to keep her readers engaged and wanting more. Not wanting more because it was too short, but wanting more because it was that good!

Leave your brain out in left field readers, grab that class of happy bevvie, curl up and be ready to laugh and celebrate what power a woman can really have! For the record .. it’s never good to make Aphrodite mad .. that goddess is some ruthless! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

Giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist 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. Giveaway open USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from November 26 to 30, 2017

Spy Games by Sidney Bristol – a Review

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Barb

Spy Games by Sidney Bristol – a Review

Spy Games Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
Haunted by the mistakes he made while fighting for his country, Rand Duncan has become the CIA’s go to man for tough jobs in an effort to atone for his sins. Late-night phone calls and covert meetings are the norm. Until she arrives and his past crashes into his present.

Sarah Collins never thought she’d see her brother’s former best friend again. But one of Sarah’s fellow undercover informants has been captured and the briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives are in Chinese hands. If Sarah and Rand can’t retrieve the documents, people will die.

The shock wears off quick as the two must figure out how to retrieve the briefcase before it can be opened or sold. If they want to save lives, they must confront their past, while avoiding an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH LA LA so much action happening I’m not sure where I should start on this review. Very intriguing, and I totally loved that I had no inkling and was totally shocked when the climax is revealed. It’s refreshing because I am usually pretty good at figuring that out. LOVED THAT!

Spy Games by Sidney Bristol is a contemporary romantic suspense that takes us across Asia on action packed missions, intense moments and hot romance. It is a stand alone that will have you on the edge of your seat and constantly wondering .. “Who, What, Where and Why!”

Rand Duncan is our leading guy and he is a whole lot of complicated. He was a SEAL, but now works as a “Top Secret” operative for the CIA in extremely dangerous mission. He is strong, straight to the point, eager to right his perceived wrongs, and fleeing a history that still continues to haunt him.

Sarah Collins is the sister of Rand’s best friend and a woman who has always owned Rand’s heart. She is head strong and smart, lives to make the world a better place, and utterly heart broken with Rand being out of her life due to an accident that occurred with regards to her brother. She is now taking on missions as a “Courier Girl” which both affords important information to be delivered in the right hands, and hopefully allows her to cross paths with the man she can never forget.

When information gets intercepted and is now in the wrong hands, Sarah and Rand do cross paths, and must work together to retrieve this information before it gets many people killed. This is more than a chance to do good for their country but to mend their hearts and come to terms with their past. Soon enough they are engaged in some dangerous situations and facing their issues while giving in to a desire still so large.

Ok so this is a great book. I hadn’t read a romantic suspense in a while and now I want to gorge on them. I really loved these two together, and I loved the twists and turns. So much heart mending here it was heart warming. Sidney writes beautiful imagery and her hot scenes are well .. HOT! LOL I did find that there were times I found the pacing a little off and there were times I would of liked a little more build before it peaks. This involves more of the sex scenes though. I also wish there was more of a back story on Sarah’s brother and his love. It is mentioned several times and it actually left me with the impression that there may have been another book but I cannot seem to confirm that. These small critiques didn’t take anything away from my enjoying this book though, it’s just what I prefer to have.

Overall, an absolute heart pounding read that left me feeling quite content at the end. I am eager to read more by Sidney Bristol and if you take a look she has many out there to take a look at! Looking forward to your next one Sidney!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

Sweet Caroline by Becky Lower – a Review

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Barb

Sweet Caroline by Becky Lower – a Review

Sweet Caroline

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

DESCRIPTION
Caroline Stuart never returned to Lobster Cove after an embarrassing summer night when she was fifteen. But her cousin’s marriage was an event she couldn’t miss. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her partner in the bridal party is Grant Jackson, the same boy who humiliated her years ago. She still hates him. Yet, he still excites her.
Grant had more than the usual problems fitting in as a teenager, being the only boy of mixed heritage in the school. And he’d somehow alienated the one girl he desperately wanted to impress. With Caroline’s return to Lobster Cove, he finally has an opportunity to make amends, if only she’ll listen. If only she’ll let go of the past.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

AHHH Becky is back! AHHH I get to return to Lobster Cove! AHHHH Neil Diamond’s song “Sweet Caroline” .. bah bah bah! LOL

Sweet Caroline by Becky Lower is a contemporary romance set in Lobster Cove, Maine (which is the setting for a previous novel), that features all the things I have grown to love from a Becky Lower book. You will have romance, angst, friendship, history that needs some serious correcting and the healing of very damaged souls.

Caroline Stuart is our leading lady and she is a very easy character to relate to. She has some heartbreak that she is desperately trying to heal from, and after a many years she is returning home to Lobster Cove despite having left absolutely humiliated many years ago. Feeling stagnant in her life, Caroline is one hot mess but a hot mess any one of us can find ourselves living. She is sweet, kind and little too much in her own way, but she has a brave side that makes her so endearing.

Grant Jackson is our leading man and he too is easy to relate to. He was somewhat of a recluse in his younger years and treasured his friendship with Caroline as teens, until he accidentally screws it up and humiliates her in front of her family and friends. Having carried this guilt for years, he is surprised and grateful that Caroline has returned home after so many years. He is going to right the wrongs in their past if it kills him. Knowing he has to fight through a massive defence that Caroline has built around her, he forges through with kindness, sympathy and empathy and brutal truth that inevitably will lead to romance.

These two characters are so well suited. Reading another book set in Lobster Cove is like waking up Christmas morning to the smell of my mom’s stuffing. It’s nostalgic and heartwarming. Becky has a talent for writing very vivid images and it makes you feel like you are smack dab in the middle of the story. I have read every single book that Becky has released to date, and this one is right up there on my fave list.

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

Grigori by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on October 7, 2017 by Barb

Grigori by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Grigori Amazon / B&N / Kobo

DESCRIPTION

He’s one of the last of a powerful but vanishing bloodline

Grigori Barinov is the eldest in an ancient line of dragon shifters and the guardian of his family’s lands and fortune. Sworn to protect their history and magic, he won’t rest until he neutralizes any threat to their existence. When he discovers an ancient manuscript that exposes his family and their dragon lineage has fallen into a mortal woman’s hands, he knows he must get the book back by any means necessary. If that means seducing a nosy American woman with an intoxicating scent, he is more than willing to carry her off to his palatial home deep in the heart of Russia.

She’s the one woman who could expose him to the world…

Madelyn Haynes has never fit in. As an adopted child she grew up in a loving home but never felt as though she belonged. Plagued by mysterious dreams she’s had of a silver scaled beast ever since she was a little girl, she is convinced dragons are real. While in Russia working on her PhD in mythology in order to escape the ridicule from fellow professors, she unexpectedly crosses paths with the sexy and dominating Grigori, and after just one night with the man whose eyes seem to burn, she starts to change inside. Isolated in the Russian wilderness Grigori calls home, Madelyn can’t help but fall under his sensual spell, yet something deep inside her calls out that she can’t trust him. She has to show the world dragons are real to salvage academic reputation, even if it means costing her the heart of the dragon she’s falling in love with.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Lauren Smith New Series = MORE YUMMY BOOK BOYFRIENDS! LOL

There that says it all, the end! Just kidding! I could never leave one of my fave authors books hanging like that .. and most definitely not the first book of a new series.

Grigori by Lauren Smith is the first book in her new series called “Brothers of Ash and Fire”. If you like paranormal romance, particularly dragon shifters, then this may be the book for you. I have read all of Lauren’s books be it historical and/or contemporary romance, and I love that she is breaking into paranormal as well. A quick read I would say that absolutely flowed page to page. A slow build with real tangles of russian history, she really nailed this one and certainly has set up nicely for the next book.

Madelyn Haynes is a sweet girl, a virgin, a little boring to be honest, has an obsession with dragon mythology, believes dragons are real .. oh and she just happens to be a true mate to a real life dragon hottie and she doesn’t know it yet. She does however come across some serious information about dragons that she needs to exploit, but fate has something else to deliver.

Enters fate .. Grigori Barinov (that name .. seriously .. sexy), is an elder ancient dragon shifter who is in charge of guarding his clan, he is rich, successful, powerful and not liking it one bit that a sweet woman is making inquiries and getting a little too close for comfort. So to get to the bottom of it, he whisks her away to a remote location so he can get the answers he needs. Well his answers come in the form of mate material and a whole lot of hell is about to be unleashed because of it.

These two were PERFECT together. This was a beautiful romance with some sexy moments shared. I thought that Lauren did a wonderful job detailing this new new world she has created with the proper balance of character development. We were given peeks into characters to come, introduced to enemies, given real history with story weaved into it, and another way dragon shifters can get the blood pumping.

Totally impressed Lauren, this was amazing! I am so pumped to read the next book! So again, if you like Lauren Smith, like paranormal and/or like dragon shifters, snag this one up for sure. Take a chance if you aren’t familiar, I promise it is worth it!

Reviewed by Rachel

giveaway
Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card (Amazon) and a signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist (Sins and Scandal not included) 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. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 7 to 11, 2017

Save

A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Barb

A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

A Gentleman Never Surrenders Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION
Love is worth a little scandal.

Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren’t a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune—luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady’s chilly heart, it’s Owen.

Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton’s most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . .

Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Now it’s up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but—and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH I LOVED THIS READ! 🙂

I love it when two characters who were never suppose to be, never wanted to be, become absolutely should be, and currently ARE! Sometimes the things you least expect to be the best thing for you become just that! The BEST thing for you!

A Gentleman Never Surrender is the second book in Lauren Smith‘s historical romance “Sins and Scandals” series. I did review the first book of this series at The Reading Cafe and while you don’t NEED to read the first one, these are not long reads so do yourself a favour and pick it up so this story can have more of an impact on you.

Our leading guy is Owen Hadley. He’s a rogue, known for being a rogue, not the kind of man that any respectable woman wishes to be partnered with. He is also in dire need of a wife and one with a fortune would be preferable. He is smart, witty, charming but not in the “ew, get away from me” manner. He owns his mistakes and does all he can to correct them.

Milly! Oh our leading lady Milly! She makes me happy, and is one of my fave characters that Lauren has ever created (I am a huge fan of hers and have read most if not all of her books so far). Milly is largely misunderstood, but it’s because she wants to be. She is not interested in marriage market approach to her future, she wants to fall in love and have a true committed relationship. She comes across cold, uninterested, somewhat of a stick in the mud BUT she is none of these. She is actually a sweet sweet lady with a very large beautiful heart. She is the kind of person (and I guess I love her so much because I can relate) who loves big and hurts big. No half way with her!

Owen accidentally compromises Milly. He is set out to compromise someone (bad Owen .. I get why you did it, but bad Owen ..lol) and although Milly was not his intended lady, she ends up being the lady who now has to marry a man she doesn’t love. She is not happy! Owen does all he can to be a good husband to Milly knowing it’s his fault she is in this situation. Before we know it, these two form a friendship and find themselves completely falling in love. This is a story of two wrongs making a right!

Of course the way Lauren writes this story is more compelling and teasing than the quick overview I have given it. I loved that this story was more focused on the actual relationship rather than external side stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this couple, and found their moments together sweet, sassy and seducing. They both ended up with what they wanted, they just had to take the long road to get there!

Fantastic story again Lauren Smith, keep them coming!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

About the Author

Lauren_Smith_2014

Born and raised in Tulsa, I spent the first twenty-two years of my life in Oklahoma, bridging the worlds between urban girl and cowgirl. After high school I attended Oklahoma State University where I earned Bachelor of Art degrees in history and political science. Drawn to paintings in museums and obsessed with antiques, I satisfied my fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands.

Over the years, my studies have opened doors throughout the world. From spending two summers at Cambridge to attending classes at such divergent places as Ireland and Chengdu, China, I have discovered fascinating opportunities for enrichment wherever I go. After completing college, I moved to Michigan to attend law school at the University of Detroit-Mercy and University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. Armed with two Juris Doctorate degrees from both countries, I returned to Tulsa and became an intellectual property attorney.

Since third grade when my English teacher proposed that all students should craft a story for a young writers’ conference, I have been hooked on writing. My first self-illustrated manuscript described the mysterious disappearance of rare brown bats that were being captured by scientists bent on using them as carriers for an incurable disease. The immense sense of joy in sharing that story with others, and discussing plots and characters, made it clear to me that writing was my true passion.

Learn more about Lauren at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card (Amazon or B&N) and a signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist (Sins and Scandal not included) 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. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 12 to 16, 2017

Save

An Earl by Any Other Name by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Barb

An Earl by Any Other Name by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

An Earl by Any Other Name Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION
An earl in the streets, a rogue in the sheets . . .

Leopold Graham, Lord Hampton, was never a man to let propriety stand in the way of his pursuit of pleasure. Hedonism is his only desire in life—until his father’s death saddles him with debts that threaten to bankrupt the entire family. Now the only thing that stands between him and utter ruin is marriage to a proper, and preferably wealthy, young lady.

Ivy Leighton is no sweet English rose. Perhaps it’s her gypsy roots, but she would rather make a spectacle of her independent spirit than sit quietly on the sidelines. If that means that the only place she’ll ever have in society is firmly on the shelf, then so be it. But when Ivy runs into the handsome, rakish Leo who’s looking for a respectable, well-bred wife, she can’t stop thinking about the troubles they can get into. Now she just has to convince him that a life with her is really what he needs.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOOT! Another grand slam by another of my fave historical romance authors Lauren Smith. I always put her books down feeling very fulfilled and wanting more .. this awesome book was no exception.

An Earl By Any Other Name is the first book in Lauren Smith’s “Sins and Scandals” series and it’s a quick novella that gives you a taste of more to come. If you like two fiery characters meeting their match and also enjoy a steamy ride to get there, then kick your pumps off and get ready to enjoy.

Leopold Graham is a rogue who loves his lifestyle. When his daddy dearest does a big faux pas like dying in his mistresses bed and pretty much leaving the family finances in one hot mess, Leo is about to do the one thing he never wanted … marry a proper lady who has money to save his family circumstance.

Ivy Leighton appears to be a proper lady to some extent .. nah not really. She’s AWESOME! Independent, smart assed, and not afraid to lay it out regardless of the cost to her reputation, she is my ideal historical romance heroine. She really has no interest in marriage until … hmm .. maybe Leo? She is very drawn to him and they seem to have a memorable connection in their youth.

These two are so well matched, two perfects making a whole. They are so pigheaded at times and I loved that everyone but them knew it was going to happen. The humour and banter, one liners and smexy scenes keep these pages fiery and flipping .. but here is what I love the most about Lauren’s ability as an author. Despite the small amount of pages, you get the full build of of character and story without feeling like you are missing anything.

A short review for a a short book, but full of “gush” for the story. I am eagerly anticipating her next release in this series, I suspect it’s going to be fabulous! Keep it coming Lauren!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

About the Author pink

Lauren_Smith_2014 Born and raised in Tulsa, I spent the first twenty-two years of my life in Oklahoma, bridging the worlds between urban girl and cowgirl. After high school I attended Oklahoma State University where I earned Bachelor of Art degrees in history and political science. Drawn to paintings in museums and obsessed with antiques, I satisfied my fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands.

Learn more about Lauren at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway pink

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card (Amazon or B&N) and a signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist 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. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from July 31 to August 5, 2017

Save

Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith – a Review

Posted on July 23, 2017 by Barb

Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith – a Review

Her Wicked Longing Amazon / B&N / Kobo

DESCRIPTION

Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Series and Johanna Lindsey’s Malory series will delight in this swoonworthy adventurous romance series with roguish heroes and feisty, intelligent heroines!

Her Wicked Longing contains two new short teaser stories starring Audrey Sheridan and her maid Gillian Beaumont!

What trouble can a young lady with a talent for mischief and her maid get into in just one day?

His Wicked Maid-

Always prim and proper, lady’s maid Gillian Beaumont has never acted with wild abandon the way her young headstrong mistress does. But deep down she dreams of a life filled with love and a husband who will give her his whole heart even though she knows it’s impossible. With a list of chores from her mistress, Gillian is given the chance to live the life of a gentle lady, and she clings to it, knowing that soon it will be over. While wearing a dress meant for her lady, she catches the eye of a handsome earl and is swept away from her duties by his rakish good looks and charm. Heated looks in public and passionate kisses in a dark corner of a bookshop create a perfect day for Gillian to cling to when she returns to her real life…

Her Wicked Lessons-

Determined to learn the art of the spy trade, Miss Audrey Sheridan, finds a way to escape a dull afternoon tea by running off to the residence of an infamous French Courtesan. Hoping to improve her French for a future mission to the continent, she never expects to be caught by the one man who haunts her dreams: Jonathan St. Laurent, the former servant-turned-brother of a duke. With one penetrating look from those bewitching green eyes of his, Audrey knows she’s in trouble. Unable and unwilling to confess her real reason for visiting a French courtesan, Audrey decides to convinces Jonathan she’s there to learn the art of seduction. But she never expects the devilish rogue to take her lessons seriously…

*Note: These are short stories of under 10,000 words that will prepare readers for Gillian’s happily ever after in The Earl of Pembroke and Audrey’s happily ever after in His Wicked Secret.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith is a quick read consisting of two novellas. Lauren writes a stellar historical romance in full length and I have to say she is amazing at packing in so much teasing story in so few pages. I was left eager for more and anticipating her future releases.

The first novella “His Wicked Maid” is a taste of Lauren’s new series being released next year and it centered around Miss Audrey’s ladies maid Gillian Beaumont. Gillian is afforded an opportunity to masquerade as a gentle lady for a day, and in that short time she catches the eye of James Fordyce. who happens to be an Earl. These two have an instant spark and Lauren left us with just enough to make sure we came back for the real deal. In typical style of her lovely writing, we have humour, promise of a little naughty, adventure and the making of a great story.

The second novella is “His Wicked Lessons” and this is a taste of her full novel “His Wicked Secret” (released later this year) which will be the next full novel in her “League of Rogues” series. Here we see the beginnings of Jonathan St-Laurent and Audrey Sheridan relationship. Audrey is a smart cookie and finds herself in a compromising position when she tries to take the bull by the horns and insert herself into some spy training. Deciding to do the best she can with the situation handed to her, she is still taken aback when the one man she has been drawn to catches her in a place no proper lady belongs. Again we are left with a taste of what these two will face in their full length novel and I am excited to see where we are taken.

If you are a Lauren Smith fan, then you will love this read. I love that she released a teaser to keep our interest peaked and as usual she always gives just enough. She is an incredible historical romance author and if you haven’t checked out her writing before I strongly recommend you do. Her “League of Rogues” series is a great place to start but if you try this read first, I promise she gives you her style in true Lauren fashion, so this would be a great way to see if her style is your style .. which I am sure it will be! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

Save

Legally Charming by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Barb

Legally Charming by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Legally Charming Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
THE RIGHT DRESS CAN CATCH THE EYE OF PRINCE CHARMING…

Felicity Hart has one goal: Completing her masters in art. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. She reluctantly agrees to attend a Halloween party with her best friend. After sneaking away from the party and falling asleep in an unoccupied room, she wakes to the sexiest pair of eyes she’s ever seen. Eyes that belong to the one man who could turn her well organized world upside down. When he flashes that wicked, panty-melting smile at her the vow to not fall in love seems impossible…

EVERY PRINCE IS LOOKING FOR HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY TO KISS…

Jared Redmond used to be the ultimate bad boy. But now his legal career is taking off and the partners of his firm are trusting him with high-dollar real estate transactions. Jared’s king-size bed is empty. But when he arrives home on Halloween to find a princess sleeping in his bed – his all work and no play attitude goes out the window. There’s nothing he wants more than to explore the hidden desires of this mysterious beauty and show her just how much of a bad boy he really is by fulfilling her every fantasy.

WHEN MIDNIGHT STRIKES AND COACHES TURN TO PUMPKINS…

Underneath the glitter of this fairy tale romance, Felicity and Jared might have found true love. But the mounting pressure of their real lives takes hold again and Jared and Felicity are pulled further and further apart. Can they find their fairy tale ending or will they be left with the dying embers of what could have been?

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Another amazing book from Lauren Smith. I am in absolute love with her historical romance series, and it is always wonderful to find a fave author is just as good in another genre of romance! 🙂

Legally Charming by Lauren Smith is the first book in her “Ever After” contemporary romance series. Two people who were not expecting or hoping for love, come to find it whether they like it or not, and it knocks them right off their concrete path of life and onto a bumpy, full of adventure and “who knows what is going to happen” road.

Felicity Hart is a sweet, kind and a little naive woman who aspires to complete her graduate degree and move to a dream job to start her life. She ends up getting dragged to a Halloween party by her friend, and finds herself in a strange predicament before the night is over. She is laying in bed with this incredibly hot guy!

Jared Redmond is our incredible hot guy. LOL! Jared is a lawyer who is aspiring to make partner at his firm, he is sure of himself, somewhat of a reputable bad boy, and comes home to a Halloween party one night to find this beautiful woman sleeping, in his bed.

Neither of them are looking for love .. but love is about to find them!

Off we go on sweet love adventure of sorts. Both try to fight it in their own ways, but there is a pull that keeps them coming back for more. Outside circumstances, blackmail, and insecurity are just some of the odds stacked against them, but love has a sneaky way of squirming it’s way in a prevailing over all obstacles. These two are in for a sweet surprise.

This is truely a lovely romance story with a side of heat. My only complaint was it was a little too much predictable in story. That being said, what was predicted in my mind was well delivered and written. This is fairy tale like in a contemporary setting. Sweet girl tames bad boy! I absolutely loved the secondary characters as well and am really hoping that Lauren decides to give them their own stories.

Overall, an easy, fun, light and very sweet read. If you like a good ole contemporary romance then I highly recommend this book. I also will take the time to tell you to read her historical romance series as well .. because that is FANTASTIC!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

giveaway

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

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