Book Review: Johanna Lindsey - Let Love Find You (Locke Family Series #4)

Today I will be reviewing 'Let Love Find You' by Johanna Lindsey, I bought this book last year for $7.99. This book is the reason I decided to re-read the entire series last year. At the time it had been 3 years since I had read the others, so I decided to re-read them to refresh my memory before I read this one.

'Let Love Find You' is a historical regency romance novel, set in the 19th century and it is the fourth book in the Locke Family Series. It is 418 pages long and it took me about five or six hours to read. It is available at

About The Book

Genre: Regency Romance

Length: 418 Pages

Publisher: Gallery Books

Release Date: June 12, 2012




Book Synopsis

Lovely Amanda Locke is everything a nobleman could desire, so why has she, a duke's daughter, entered her third Season still unattached? Devin Baldwin knows what she needs to do to win a mate, and his unsolicited honesty cuts her to the quick. The renowned horse breeder, unafraid of ruffling feathers with advice stinging as Cupid's sharpest arrows, has successfully paired eligible young ladies with suitable  gentleman based on his theory of animal magnetism.

   Amanda finds this darkly handsome meddler insufferable, but with her sights set on an earl who is a horse enthusiast, she begrudgingly welcomes Devin's expert riding instruction. When Cupid's efforts backfire and Amanda captures the heart of the wrong man, an old family secret and a desperate suitor force her to risk everything to ensure that a thrilling passion turns into a lifetime of love.

What did I think? 5 Stars

Like: Perfect pace.
Dislike: Nothing

Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book, as usual it is another great read from Johanna Lindsey. Honestly, I don't think I've ever read a book by her that I didn't like!

This books is different from most books I've read by Johanna Lindsey, in most books all of her main characters are aristocrats. I really enjoyed that Devin wasn't a part of that crowd, it made his character more realistic.

I really like how Devin and Amanda's romance built throughout the story and it was actually believable and realistic unlike some historical romances.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, then again I've never not liked a Johanna Lindsey book!  I have another book by Johanna Lindsey sitting by my bed waiting to be read, so I'll definitely be reading more of her books soon!

 So that's all for today, I hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you think in the comments Have you read this book?  Do you have any recommendations?
XoXo,
Lori

Book Review: Johanna Lindsey - A Rogue of My Own (Locke Family Series #3

 Today I will be reviewing ' A Rogue of My Own' by Johanna Lindsey, I bought this book about 3 years ago for $7.99.

         'A Rogue of My Own' is a Historical Romance Novel, set in the 19th century and  is the third book in the Locke Family Series. It is 393 pages long, and took me about 5 hours to read.

   

 As usual here is the blurb from the back of the book.

    "For Lady Rebecca Marshall, a whirlwind of excitement begins when she becomes a maid of honor at the court of Queen Victoria. But when Rebecca unknowingly steps into the rivalry between the Queen's spymaster and a noblewoman who uses the maids as courtly spies, she is soon entangled in a web of deceit with the charming marquis Rupert St. John. The devastatingly handsome ne'er-do-well is cousin of Raphael Locke, with whom Rebecca was once infatuated...... He's also a secret agent of the crown who leads a double life.

     Certain that guileless Rebecca is spying on him, Rupert seduces her--- then, forced to wed, he believes she has set a trap of the worst sort in order to marry into his powerful family! But as he comes to know Rebecca's true heart, his vow of revenge and infidelity becomes a desire to share many passionate nights--- only with his beautiful wife. "

So what did I think?

Like:  It was fun to read. 

Dislike:  Nothing.

Age Rating: 17 and up. Depending on age and maturity.

I will start off by saying that Johanna Lindsey has been one of my favorite authors for many years now, but her new work just isn't as good as some of her older books and series ( The Malory Family Series). 'A Rogue of My Own' is still a great book, it just isn't as great as I was hoping it would be. 

I would describe the book as being a battle of the sexes, with Rebecca and Rupert constantly trying to spite one another. 

I would definitely recommend 'A Rogue of My Own' it's a wonderful book and a great story, it's an easy read, and it doesn't require you to know much about the 19th century. It may not be as great as some of Johanna's other books, but it's still worth taking the time to read!

 So that's all for today, I hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you think in the comments Have you read this book?  Do you have any recommendations?

          XoXo,

               Lori

   

Book Review: Johanna Lindsey- The Devil Who Tamed Her (Locke Family Series #2)

       Today I will be reviewing ' The Devil Who Tamed Her' by Johanna Lindsey, I bought this book about 3 years ago for $5.99.

         'The Devil Who Tamed Her' is a Historical Romance Novel, set in the 19th century and it is the second book in the Locke Family Series. It is 417 pages long, and took me about 5 hours to read.

  

As usual here is the blurb from the back of the book.

     " Ophelia Reid is an incomparable beauty with a reputation for starting rumors and spreading them. Having purposely wrecked her engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a future marquis, which her social-climbing father arranged, Ophelia wants to return to London's marriage mart and make her own choice of a wealthy husband. But on her journey home, something unexpected happens......

      The heir to a dukedom, Raphael Locke, Viscount Lynnfield is -- in spite of his disinterest in marriage -- the most sought-after young lord in England. he instantly disliked Ophelia when she caused a scandal to avoid marriage to his friend MacTavish, but having comforted  her in a tearful moment, he begins to wonder is she's not all bad. So when MacTavish claims Ophelia will never be anything but a spiteful beauty, Rafe bets his friend that he can turn her into a kindhearted lady who will one day make a good match, just not with him.

       With her parents' blessing, Rafe commanders Ophelia's coach and whisks her -- chaperoned, of course-- to his remote estate in the countryside. There, as he tries to show his furious, sharp-tongued "guest" the error of her ways, he discovers the surprising reasons for her bad behavior. Soon his daily lessons with Ophelia take effect and he finds himself irresistibly attracted to her. When Rafe champions the new and improved Ophelia's re-entry to London society, marriage proposals pour in. Only then does Rafe start to wonder whether he hasn't gone and fallen in love with Ophelia himself.     "

So what did I think? 4 Stars

Like:  Ophelia's transformation.

Dislike: The ending. I'll talk more about it below.

Age Rating: 17 and up. Depending on age and maturity.

        My favorite thing about the book is the hidden message in it, I recently finished my English class, so I kinda picked up on this more than I normally would, and I took the time to really think about it. In the book we see Ophelia's transformation from the ice queen into a kind loving woman.

     For me the message of the story is that regardless of a persons past, they can always change. In the first book of the series, and in the first part of this book Ophelia is a terrible person, but she learns to control her anger, and she learns how to trust again.

   The reason I didn't like the ending is because I feel like it could have been done better. It ended too quickly, and I feel like there should have been a little bit more to it.

    Overall, I really did like the book, if your a fan of other Johanna Lindsey books then I would recommend you read this one. Again as a warning most of Johanna Lindsey's books do contain sex scenes, and this book is no different from the rest.

     So that's all for today, I hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you think in the comments Have you read this book?  Do you have any recommendations?

     XoXo,

          Lori 

   

Book Review: Johanna Lindsey- The Heir (Locke Family Series #1)

    Today I will be reviewing ' The Heir' by Johanna Lindsey, I bought this book a few years ago for $7.99.

         'The Heir' is a Historical Romance Novel, set in the 19th century and it is the first book in the Locke Family Series. It is 407 pages long, and took me about 6 hours to read.

       As usual here is the synopsis from the back of the book.

      "    Has anyone in London ever taken part in the coming-out season with less enthusiasm than Sabrina? Luckily, the most sought-after lady in the city has agreed to usher this young, lovely country girl through the perils and pitfalls of her all-important first season.

           Dashing highlander Duncan MacTavish is even less keen to be in London. Having recently learned he is the sole heir of an English marquis, Duncan is now required to assume his grandfather's title and estates- and to marry Sabrina's ravishing, viper- tongued guide, who has been heard to make scathing statements in public about her "Scottish Barbarian" groom-to-be.

          His unwanted betrothal, however, has brought Duncan into close proximity with the enchanting Sabrina- a kindred spirit whose wits delight him..... and whose essence is the exquisite stuff of dreams. But duty, station, and a secret that dwells in the lady's past forbid Sabrina's and Duncan's desired union- unless true love can somehow miraculously find a way.    "

    

   So What did I think?   4 STARS

Like: Nothing in particular stands out.

Dislike: The scene between Duncan and Sabrina in the carriage alone.

Age Rating: 17 and up. Depending on age and maturity.

     I bought this book about 3 years ago, and I recently decided to re-read it because I bought the newest book in the series, and I wanted to refresh my brain before I read the new book.

     My opinion of this book is the same as it was 3 three years ago, I love it as much as I love all of Johanna Lindsey's novels, and I think she is such an amazing writer.

     While I did love the book, I don't wanna give it 5 stars because it wasn't the best book, and because I know Johanna Lindsey has other books far more deserving of 5 stars.

    I think the reason why I loved this book is because the characters relationship was allowed to develop before they fell in love. It wasn't an immediate love story, and neither of them were expecting it.

    While I do love this novel, and the series, I do think Johanna Lindsey can do better. But I actually think I'm just being mean because in my mind nothing can live up to her Malory Family Series.

   

    Overall I think 'The Heir' is a  sweet love story, it's not a steamy passionate love story like most of Johanna Lindsey's books, but I like that.  I would definitely buy this book again, and I'm sure I will continue re-reading it for many years to come.

       So that's all for today, let me know what you think in the comments. Have you read this book?  Do you have any recommendations?
XoXo,

      Lori 

      

My 10 Guilty Pleasures

     So since I don't have a camera to take pictures so I can do beauty related reviews, for the next month I will be doing blog post that don't require pictures. Some of my posts will have pictures, but they'll be from the internet. Today I decided I would tell you my guilty pleasures.

1. Chocolate. I can not live a day without chocolate. The only time I can go without chocolate is when I'm sick. Granted there have been days I have went without chocolate just because I don't want it. Example the past 2 weeks I've been recovering from being sick, so I haven't wanted chocolate.
2. Pretty Little Liars. I had read all the books before the show ever came out, unfortunately I haven't got to read the four newest she's put out, due to them being only available in hardback and being $15.00.
3. Vanilla. It doesn't matter if it's food, candles's, lotion, or soap. Anything that smells like vanilla I love. I own more candles, than shoes.
4. Demi Lovato. Yep I'm a Lovatic, I've loved her since day one. I'm so very proud of her for everything she's done, I almost cried when she won her first VMA.
5. Music. I can't live without getting on YouTube at least once a day.
6. My Hair. I love my hair, I love playing with it looking at it, getting compliments about it. I just love it.
7. Downton Abbey. I love Downton Abbey, I love that it's so original, and there's nothing like it on TV. I guess I just love the way people use to live, maybe that's why I'm into historical romance novels. Because people actually had manners, they actually lived that way. Life today is just so different, yes I love my freedoms as a woman, but I wish the world we live in wasn't so rude. 
8. Johanna Lindsey Novels. I love historical romance novels, with Johanna Lindsey being my favorite author, I hope to someday own every book she's ever written.
9. The Internet. I love the internet, I don't know anyone who doesn't. I usually have to do a 1 or 2 week detox a few times a year, so I can focus on the important things, and get refocused. My last detox was earlier this month so it'll probably be next year before I have to again.
10. Reading and Writing. I love to read, it's my second most favorite thing to do, first being listening to music. Put the two together and my day is made. I love to write, songs, essays,blogs, anything really. It's what I love to do and plan on doing for a long time, I refuse to say forever because I don't know what will happen in the future.

     Wow, that was so much harder than I expected. When I first decided to write this I thought I was gonna be able to write it in 5 minutes, I was so wrong. You might not think some of these are actual guilty pleasures, but to me, they are. So I hope you liked my 10 Guilty Pleasures. Do we share any of the same? If not, what are some of yours?

                                                                                   Stay Creative,

                                                                                                  Lori Ann

Also contact me:  
                             E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                             Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Book Review: Sarah MacLEAN- Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

    "Lady Calpurina Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried- and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

     But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss- to do those things Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. 

      Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston- charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

      If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all- the one that says that pleasure-seekers should fall hopelessly, desperately in love....."

So What Did I Think?

    Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLEAN is a historical romance novel published in April 2010. The excerpt above is from the back cover of the book. I bought this book at  the Dollar General Store for $7.99.

         I actually genuinely enjoyed reading this book, it was well written and the plot was original. I couldn't wait to finish reading it, I think I finished it in probably about 6 hours. It didn't end the way I thought it would, but it was still very well written. I'm not really gonna go into detail because I don't want to ruin it for you if you decide to read it. Below i'm gonna post the nine rules to break as shown in the book.

             Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

1.) Kiss someone- passionately

2.) Smoke a cheroot and drink scotch

3.) Ride astride

4.)Fence

5.) Attend a duel

6.) Gamble (at a gentleman's club) 

8.) Dance every dance at a ball

9.) Be considered beautiful. Just once.

      I would also like to add that as much as I enjoyed this book I don't think its something I will remember every last detail about. You see when I read a book I usually remember every detail about it, I still remember things about books I read 3 years ago. But unfortunately that wasn't the case with this book for me, but I still recommend you read this if you want to.

     The setting of this book takes place in London, England in April 1823, among the aristocratic society of London. The plot revolves around Callie (Lady Calpurina) a spinster whose decided she wants to have a little fun and makes a list of things lady's weren't suppose to do that she wanted to do. To help her along with her adventures she enlists a handsome marquess famous for his reputation for being a rake, and gets cracking at the list by asking him to kiss her after sneaking out in the middle of the night just so she could mark number one off her list. Jealousy, love, passion, temptation are all a part of this book, as Lady Callie has to decide between following the rules and continue on with her sheltered life or live on the wild side and maybe find love.

      What will she do? Well you'll just have to read to see for yourself.

                                                                  Stay Creative, 

                                                                               Lori Ann                     

       Also contact me:  
                             E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                             Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd