The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle

THREE STARS

I carried on my Liz Carlyle stretch this week with The Devil You Know, Frederica and Bentley's story.

Goodreads:

From acclaimed author Liz Carlyle comes a spellbinding new novel in which the ton's most charming ne'er-do-well meets his match in a most unexpected fashion and discovers the true meaning of desire....

The Devil You Know

Frederica d'Avillez is sure she will never marry. She's had a disastrous London season, and now her longtime beau has thrown her over for a more eligible miss. But if Freddie can't have a husband, she's hell-bent on experiencing at least one night of unforgettable passion. Where better than in the arms of the dashing rogue Bentley "Hell-Bent" Rutledge? So what if he's a rake, scoundrel, and all-round devil?

Scandal trails in Bentley's wake and fair maidens usually steer well clear of him -- and vice versa. But when the opportunity presents itself, Bentley can't resist Freddie's exotic beauty. When their wild, reckless passion has dire consequences, Bentley is forced to choose between honor and freedom. And Freddie soon realizes that Bentley's devil-may-care façade is just that -- for she has unwittingly unleashed his dark secrets...and secret desires.

My Review:

As before, I greatly enjoyed Ms Carlyle's style of writing, and I was swept away (although not to the same extent as in Wicked All Day) by the world she created for us, her readers. At the end of the book it becomes apparent that she has been approaching a rather sensitive subject (which I shall not spoil here), and this was gently handled. Unfortunately, just because a book keeps you up into the small hours, doesn't mean that it is perfect. I felt the ending for Freddie and Bentley was a little quick (if one discounts the + 7 or so months time leap of the epilogue). We never got to see them interact independently, as a couple, in their own home. What kind of a life will they have together beyond their honesty, love, devotion etc. Freddie comes from such an eccentric background, there was soo much promise there... As always, I am looking for what I want to see rather than what was there, but reflection in critic is necessary I think. Especially when dealing with high calibre writers like Ms Carlyle - how do you tell between them enough to rate one book differently from another otherwise? Something to ponder perhaps.

http://www.lizcarlyle.com/

Sinful Surrender by Beverly Kendall

THREE STARS

A new book by a brand new author! Historical Romance, set in England (19th Century).

Goodreads:

Millicent “Missy” Armstrong is entering her fourth London Season, but not for lack of suitors. Since her debut three years ago, Missy has received twenty marriage proposals. But she is interested in only one man—her brother’s best friend, James Rutherford. As a child, Missy looked up to James. As a grown up, her admiration has blossomed into the longings of a beautiful, sensuous woman—and she won’t rest until James admits his love—and desire—for her…

James Rutherford rues the day he let his physical weaknesses get the better of him by kissing Missy. His best friend has made it clear that Missy is off limits, and though he’s avoided her for three years, he hasn’t forgotten the feel of her soft lips pressed against his—and it seems neither has she. For no matter how much James tries to discourage Missy, he keeps winding up in her arms, sharing heated caresses that promise the most delirious pleasure...

My Review:

The supposed allure of this book is that Missy has been in love with James for as long as she can remember, and yet we hear almost nothing of the characters' pasts. It was... anticlimactic at worst. The lust-y scenes were written with a strong hand, but the characters' themselves lacked definition. Another disappointment I'm afraid, one which went on for nearly 400 pages. It was written well enough but I am not certain I will revisit this author's work, despite the fact that this book clearly sets up the reader for MANY sequels. The ideas behind the characters were attractive; the idea behind the romance in this book was attractive; the book itself was lacking. Somewhere between the creation of this world, the writing of it, it seems that certain wonderful details and images were lost.

If you need a book "to get you through" then this is a fine read.

http://www.beverleykendall.com/

Radio 1's Live Lounge: Volume 4

Love these sessions! My favourites off of the new release (Vol 4) are Paoloma Faith's cover of 'Sexy Chick', Florence and the Machine's cover of 'Halo', Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone', and Gossips' 'Heavy Cross'. Fantastic stuff! Makes one realize the problem with overproduction in the music industry. A strong voice and simple backing do it every time.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Radio-1s-Live-Lounge-4/dp/B002Q6YF52

Sins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan

FOUR STARS

Goodreads:

"She works to live . . .

One would think the last place a beauty like Fallon O'Rourke could keep her virtue was in the Mayfair mansion of London's most licentious duke, the notorious Dominic Hale. Yet Fallon—who's endured nothing but lecherous advances since her father's tragic death—is perfectly safe there . . . disguised as a footman! Beneath the notice of the dark-haired devil with his smoldering blue eyes and sinful smile, Fallon never imagines her secret will be discovered. But how long can her deception last when she begins to wish she is one of the many women traipsing in and out of the sinful rogue's bedchamber?

He lives to sin . . .

Most men envy the duke, never suspecting his pleasure-loving ways are a desperate attempt to escape, however briefly, the pain of a past that's left him with a heart of stone. Only one woman can break down his defenses. Only one woman can win his love . . . if she reveals her secret and succumbs to the sins of the wicked duke."

My review:

I was a little disgruntled by the rude nature of one particular early scene in the book [carriage scene!], but I stuck with the novel and I'm glad that I did. The main character Fallon had a wonderful, strong, faithful voice. The novel gave you a rounded image of Fallon as a individual, without delving into long drawn out visions of her past life. I loved Dominic's tattoo - ooh. : ) I have to say I was completely swept along in the errr, later scenes, which were very well written. All in all, I would read another Sophie Jordan book if it was put in front of me. The comic nature of many events in the book reminded me faintly of Lynsay Sands' historical romances, which are actually outrageously funny (your in tears in the eyes country with her books!). What I think prevented this book from reaching the next level of 'great' was the lack of investigation into Fallon's own thoughts - while there was enough reflection, scenes simply moved too quickly to do any of them justice. Work on your narration Ms Jordan and you might just get added to my 'must read' list.

p.s. The reasoning why an abused childhood would make Dominic unfeeling, or how he came to see himself as incapable of love, were just never explained satisfactorily. Editors, how did this escape your notice?

Anyhow, I plan to check out the same author's Moon Chaser's series (paranormal romance with werewolves) written under the pseudonym Sharie Kohler.

http://sophiejordan.net/

Grease retro meets my life...

I have a fan heater! Finally!

It's my first, it's industrial strength, and I'm hoping it will make getting out of bed in a morning look just a little bit more easy.

I had a choice of 10-15 dull white plastic ones, and a red metal beast, so of course I went with the red one. :)

Mini review: it's sort of LOUD, it trundles along.... but it sure does heat quickly. And for the price it looks very nice... It has a tilt sensor thing which is extremely unfortunate: if you pick it up and move it the thing shuts itself off, like a fuse has gone and it can take you ages to get it back up and running. :(

Can't you just see it on the set of Grease??