His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell

His Christmas Pleasure
by Cathy Maxwell

Genre: Historical Romance | Seasonal

Anything Can Happen at Christmas!

When her father threatens to marry Abigail Montross off to a man twice her age (and with thirteen children!), she decides to elope instead with the irresistibly handsome Baron de Vasconia. She know all abut his notorious reputaiton. He is the most seductive man in all of London, but he’s vowed to protect her, so she allow herself to be tempted into his bed, promising to guard her heart at all costs.

Andres believes he’s entered into nothing more than a marriage of convenience with a charming and very wealthy young woman. But the days–and nights–Abigail spends in his arms soon reform this rogue. He’ll do anything to gain her love–until they each discover the truth about the other and old wounds are revealed.

It’s the season of miracles and passion–when love not only awakens the senses but delivers the greatest gift of all . . .

Abby is cherished by her parents and foolishly in love with the wrong man, but she doesn't know that. She's been jilted, past the "marriageable age" and isn't the most popular lady at the ball, but things quickly change when one of the hottest bachelors in town, Andres, defends her beauty and causes a big hoop-la throughout the gossip scene. Yet, when both Abby & Andres find themselves in a sticky situation, they turn to each other for aid in a daring plan that could be a blessing in disguise - but only if they have enough courage and love to pull it off!

I was kind of taken back by how much I found myself enjoying this book. I started reading one night before bed and next thing I know, I'm staying up till 1am engrossed in the tale and having a grand time with Abby & Andres's adventures. I found myself relating very closely to Abigale (shockingly so!!!) and that really bonded me to the main characters. The way the story was written felt like there were almost three different sections: Part One in plotting to run away and following their fated dreams, Part Two in the actual escape & capture, and Part Three in dealing with the consequences and making the best of it. Each section had very different feelings for me, thus adding to the realization of how the characters were changing emotionally and really developing throughout. I loved it!

Likes: It was entertaining to watch how comfortable the two main leads were around it other, especially from the very beginning. They made scenes very comical and memorable without a lot of effort.

Dislikes: Got a little lovey-dovey cheesy near the end, but that didn't change my feelings toward an overall enjoyable book! BUT, I felt there was very little seasonal aspects in this story to really make it a Christmas themed book.

Rating:

SEE FULL POST

A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp

A Winter Scandal
(The St. Dwynwen Series, Book #1)
by Candace Camp

Genre: Historical Romance | Seasonal

Gabriel is intrigued by the vivacity in Thea’s flashing gray eyes when she accuses him of fathering the orphan, even as he adamantly maintains his innocence. The brooch is one he remembers all too well, however, and Gabriel is determined to find the mother of the missing child. As the mystery around the baby deepens, Gabriel is continually thrown together with Thea—and finds himself growing more entranced every day.

Even with whispers of winter scandal swirling around them, they cannot deny the longing in their hearts. A longing which promises the best gift of all: a shelter from the storm... in each other’s arms.

Thea Bainbridge has fully acknowledged she's a spinster and being the vicar's sister while turning twenty-seven unmarried has fully put her "on the shelf". Even though she dearly prays that things were different, she accepts her way of life until a baby is mysteriously left in her church's Christmas manger scene. Her only clue from the baby leads to the newest resident in town, Lord Morecombe (aka Gabriel). Before either of them know it, they're swept up into a race to uncover the babies identity and the reason behind its abandonment ... all while confronting their deepening feelings for each other during the festive Holiday season.

What a pleasing book! I highly enjoy the concept of time passing for two people who shared a pivotal moment in the past and meeting again in the future, but that was just one of the many delightful parts of the story. Little Matthew was way more adorable than a real baby could ever be, but he added a lot of cuteness to the overall tale and his interactions with everyone throughout really warmed up their written characters. The mystery concept was intriguing and it was nice to see Thea bloom throughout and really witness her hardened persona becoming softer and more open to love. Many of the side characters were appealing and I'm interested to see who will be the next couple in this series (*fingers crossed* for Damaris & Lord Rawdon)

Likes: Gabriel's persistent passion toward Thea was something I highly enjoyed throughout, he wasn't shy about public displays of affection or playfully tuning Thea's words back on her in a "mind-in-the-gutter" sort of way - Fun guy!

Dislikes: I had a different outcome in mind for Gabriel's sister, thus I was somewhat sad to find out the real truth!

Rating:

SEE FULL POST