Lauren Smith (5)

In the first book in the Seduction series, Helen Banks dons a mask and her twin brother’s clothing to partake in a duel. Her twin, Martin, has gambled away their meager inheritance and is now indebted to a wealthy man who demands payment in any form.
Gareth Fairfax didn’t expect to find a woman meeting him for the duel and sees in her a new opportunity. He refuses to follow through with the duel even though she shot him, and he decides to let her pay her brother’s debt by coming home with him. Though he knows she’s an innocent, he doesn’t care, and their affair turns into more than he ever bargained for.
Helen is a realistic, self-sacrificing woman. She knows what her future holds and is prepared to die if necessary. Gareth is desperately lonely and so fueled by pain he demands an illegal duel in order to be killed or hanged for murder. I liked Helen for the most part, but I couldn’t connect with Gareth. He never physically hurt Helen, but he still didn’t treat her right.
The sex scenes were hot and took up a good deal of the book.
The story is told mostly in Helen’s POV and occasionally in Gareth’s. I think I would’ve liked and understood Gareth better if I could’ve seen things from his perspective more often.
The story is a little repetitive with some minor grammar issues. Also, when did Helen and Gareth arrive at his home? Morning or night? Both words were used interchangeably.
Anyway, the plot is solid, the characters interesting, and the scenery beautifully detailed. I would like to read more books by Ms. Smith.
3.5 Stars
… (mere)

Wow I really enjoyed this, I was a little worried to start with as I am not a historical novel fan but I think that part was needed for some background as it jumped into present day pretty quickly.
I was hooked from the start and did not want to put it down, just one more chapter I would say to myself. We meet Bastian Carlisle who is the Earl of Weymouth. He is restoring Stormclyffe Hall in honour his ancestors and father. He meets Jane Seyton who is American and a graduate student and wants to research Bastian's family records. He is not thrilled by the idea. His family are cursed when it comes to women. But a romance blossoms, will Jane be next to suffer from the curse?
Absolutely amazing, a great gothic romance , written extremely well.
I look forward to reading more from Lauren Smith.
… (mere)

I loved all the stories in this anthology! There was a great range of steam from sweet kisses to steamy encounters! I was able to read books from authors I have not had the chance to read yet and have added them to my Goodreads list.

Devil at the Gates was one of my favorites! The anguish, the mystery and the passion was just on point! They were both tortured people who desperately wanted to love and be loved! And I couldn’t be happier for them that they found each other!

I also really liked Scandal in the Snow! I think it is hard to make the romantic feelings real in a novella, so it is genius to start with the relationship with some history, so you don’t have to start from scratch! I loved the banter and the enemies to lovers trope! Very well written and cute story!

Miss Pageants Christmas Proposal was a unique story and I loved it! The ‘Big Lie Trope’ isn’t one I’ve see a lot in historical romances and this was really well done! Emary didn’t come off as a brat but someone who truly wanted his affections and thankfully, Donovan didn’t competent blame her for their weird start to their relationship. There was just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat but not enough to be frustrating!

I always love Tracy Sumner and Tempting the Scoundrel was a great read! Christian's obsession with Raine was so so sweet (not creepy at all) and because she was weary of him at first, it made it all the more sweet and real feeling!… (mere)

Wicked Christmas Nights

Don’t miss the chance to read historical holiday romances by eight different authors. I wanted to read the one by Tracy Sumner, as she is a favorite, and in so doing read new-to-me authors I would gladly read again.

AN IMPERFECT INTRODUCTION by Alyssa Drake
With rumors of ghosts, a dowry and possible future lost, Wilhelmina should not be kissing a young man under the Christmas tree without even knowing his name but that is just the beginning of this unusual romance.

EARL OF EDGEMERE by Amanda Mariel
Carstine’s visit to England for a coming out sponsored by her mother’s friend sees her missing Scotland but also making a friend and meeting more than one potential suitor…which one will she end up with?

THE DUKE’S SCANDALOUS CHRISTMAS WISH by Ari Thatcher
Filled with holiday traditions and family fun, will Milly come out of mourning her fiancé to find love with a Duke and if so, just how will stirring Christmas pudding play into the matter?

SMITTEN WITH MY CHRISTMAS MINX by Dawn Brower
Mistaking the duke’s daughter for a maid and the repercussions of his behavior could lead to happiness together or a quick parting for Adeline and Zachariah.

DEVIL AT THE GATES by Lauren Smith
This came in as my second most favorite with its Gothic dark foreboding feel, wonderful characters in Redmond and Harriet, Devil the dog, the ghosts most helpful, and the ogre of a stepfather Harriet ran from. Would definitely read this author’s work again.

SCANDAL IN THE SNOW by Nadine Millard
Neighbors that grew up more enemies than friends begin to see one another in a new light this holiday season. Will Olivia and Alex find their happily ever after after all?

MISS PAGEANT’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Tabetha Waite
It took me a bit of time to warm up to spoiled diamond of the first water Emary as she tried to snare the Duke of Winwood but as the story progressed, I began to warm to her. And Donovan, for a man at first unimpressed, fell smitten rather quickly.

TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL by Tracy Sumner
Loved this the second time around just as much as the firs time I read it. A watchmaker and a maid who find true love together after a young man saw and fell in love one night never knowing he would see his dream woman again years later.

Did I enjoy this anthology? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars… (mere)