Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Acheron Dimitrakos Heroine: Tabitha Glover Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: December 17, 2013 Started On: December 02, 2023 Finished On: December 04, 2023
Originally published on December 17, 2013, The Dimitrakos Proposition by Lynne Graham is a marriage of convenience themed romance, featuring Acheron Dimitrakos (Ash), a man who is skeptical of relationships and a commitment-phobe to boot, who meets his match in Tabitha (Tabby) Glover, an independent woman with a difficult past. When Tabby becomes co-guardian to Amber, a six-month old orphaned child, the last thing that Tabby expects is an outrageous marriage proposal from Ash which sets the tone of the story.
Ash is the epitome of a Lynne Graham alpha hero—Greek, devastatingly handsome, and emotionally scarred. As the founder of DT Industries, Ash is a self-made billionaire who clawed his way to success despite a traumatic childhood spent in foster care. Cynical and emotionally detached, Ash believes love and family are myths—until a legal quirk in his father’s will forces him to marry or lose half of his company.
Tabby too spent her formative years in foster care, which makes her extra protective of Amber when she faces the same fate. When Ash proposes marriage to fulfill the conditions of his father’s will, it leaves Tabby in an untenable position given her desperation to retain custody of Amber. Thus marks the conflict between the two, which creates both sexual and emotional tension, giving readers some of the classic Ms. Graham feels to the story.
What neither expects is for their mutual antagonism to grow into sexual heat, and for that to stoke the fires of an emotional connection that neither can seem to deny. As is signature Graham, Tabby is a virgin with little to zero experience with the likes of men such as Ash, who is a serial womanizer, reaping the benefit of fast and loose women to satiate his hunger for physical intimacy.
Amber’s role as the heart of the story is beautifully portrayed. Her presence forces Ash to confront the pain of his childhood and re-imagine what family could mean. The custody battle adds a layer of emotional urgency, making the stakes feel real.
While I liked the overall premise of the story, I found myself questioning where Tabby was coming from. I must admit that what takes place between Ash and Tabby often had me bursting into laughter, but at the same time, I found myself piqued by how stubborn Tabby was under certain circumstances. While some readers may enjoy her spirited nature, I find that quality to be a bit tiresome when it does not add any value to the story.
The Dimitrakos Proposition, while it had all the right elements, I am sad to say, did not invoke the right emotions in me. Nevertheless, I would recommend it for those who love the fiery at heart stories from Lynne Graham.
Final Verdict: A marriage of convenience turning into a lifetime of love and commitment; delivers on the drama that we all look for in Ms. Graham’s novels!
Favorite Quotes
Acheron stared her up and down, his beautiful face curiously intent. Heat blossomed in her cheeks as he studied her with smouldering dark eyes, his tension palpable. Desire flickered low in her pelvis like kindling yearning for a spark, and she felt that craving shoot through every fibre of her body, from the dryness of her mouth to the swelling sensitivity of her nipples and the honeyed heat between her thighs. It made her feel light-headed and oddly intoxicated, and she blinked rapidly, severely disconcerted by the feelings. ‘That will do,’ he pronounced thickly.
Acheron closed a hand around her wrist and tugged her into the corridor, shutting the door behind him. ‘I like what I see,’ he informed her softly. Tabby stared up at him with fulminating force, noting the dark shadow of stubble outlining his stubborn jaw line and how that overnight growth enhanced his sheer masculinity. ‘But I’m not offering myself.’ ‘No?’ Acheron dipped his handsome head and nibbled at the corner of her inviting mouth, invading with his tongue as soon as she parted her succulent lips. Without further ado, he hauled her up against him, hands weaving across her slender back and then sliding up to glance over the taut peaks of her breasts in a caress that made her shiver.
He was very, very sexy, she acknowledged dimly, as if it was an excuse, and as he hoisted her higher to get a better grip on her slight body he let go of her hands and, instead of using them to get free of his hold, she balanced one on a broad shoulder and delved the fingers of the other into the springy, luxuriant depths of his black hair. With a guttural sound low in his throat he brought her down on something soft and yielding and then sealed her fast to the hard, driving length of his powerful frame.
‘You’re so tight,’ he rasped, shifting with an athletic lift of his lean hips to surge into her again, deeper, further, harder in a technique that met every physical craving she hadn’t known she had. ‘I’m incredibly turned on.’ The flood of sensation returned as he withdrew and plunged back into her again, ensuring that she felt every inch of his penetration. The intensity of sensation shocked her and the powerful contracting bands in her pelvis turned her into a fizzing firework of wild excitement. He moved faster and she clung, riding out the electrifying storm of passion with a heart that seemed to be thumping in her eardrums. The explosion of raw pleasure that followed stunned her as the inner convulsions of her body clenched her every muscle tight as a fist. He vented a shuddering groan of completion while the waves of delight went on and on and on, coursing through her thoroughly fulfilled body.
‘Hot, tight, ready,’ Acheron growled hungrily in her ear as she arched back into his lean, hard body, instinctively seeking the fulfilment that only he could give while he angled away from her to don a condom. ‘I’ve been fantasising about this for days.’ ‘Days?’ she parroted in surprise as he lifted her undamaged leg to spread her open for him. ‘Every night since that first night, every day I saw you in that teeny tiny bikini, glyka mou,’ Acheron confided, tilting her forward, long fingers tightening their hold on her slender thigh as he entered her with a groan of intense masculine satisfaction. A muffled scream of pleasure was torn from Tabby’s throat as her body was forced to adjust to his size, her inner channel stretching to the brink of insane pleasure.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Single Series: Kindled, #3 Publisher: Self-Published Hero: Cal Evans Heroine: Rachel Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: August 09, 2022 Started On: December 01, 2023 Finished On: December 02, 2023
Embers by Claire Kent is the third book in the Kindled series. This series brings to readers protagonists that finds themselves in a post-apocalyptic setting, when an asteroid hits the Earth ending life as everyone knew it. Ms. Kent has the ability to make tremendously challenging situations work, giving readers a feel of what life would be like under such circumstances. Embers follows the story of Rachel and Cal Evans, whose relationship is taboo, tender, and fierce in the way that brings joy to the reader’s heart amidst all the adversities they face.
When the story begins, Rachel is just seventeen years old, navigating a world ravaged by the catastrophic impact of the asteroid. Losing her only family during a food riot, Rachel seeks shelter with her boyfriend Derek and his mother, until that too becomes untenable. Moving in with Derek and his estranged father, an ex-convict with a rough exterior and a haunted past is the last thing Rachel would have envisioned for herself, but everyone makes do when the situation calls for it.
A couple of years go by and when circumstances end up with Rachel having to rely solely on Cal, the relationship dynamics between the two morphs into something that Cal initially tries to resist with all his might. Despite his gruff demeanor and troubled history, he is fiercely protective of Rachel and is guided by a strong moral compass, especially when it conflicts with his own personal desires. Even as Rachel gives every indication that she is more than willing, ready, and of age to be with him, Cal’s misplaced sense of unworthiness due to his past, creates barriers that prevents him from fully embracing his feelings for her.
It is Rachel’s determination that eventually wins him over, and even then, Cal is determined to do right by someone like Rachel, so full of life, with a bright future ahead of her, if only he were to step aside. Rachel is equally resolved to break through the emotional walls, with the intention to show Cal that theirs is a connection that is genuine, and one not borne out of convenience or desperation.
While the heat, tenderness, and romance blooms to life, the various adversities of the post-apocalyptic world they live in rears its ugly head every now and then. Amidst all of it, the tension that burgeons to life between the two starts to build slowly, beginning with a sense of mutual wariness, which evolves into a deep emotional and physical attraction. The “forced physical proximity” brings the accidental intimacy factor to the forefront which adds to the appeal of the story.
I loved Rachel for all that she was. She is a warrior woman if ever there was one, with circumstances having molded her into a person of undeniable strength. While her love for Cal is one that stands strong and true, it is not for her to make peace and reconcile with Cal’s own past and guilt, if ever there is to be a chance for the two to find their happily ever after.
I loved Cal too. He is a man ridden with guilt of a past that cannot be undone. Even with the age factor between Cal and Rachel, there is no sordidness to the tale because of the doubt and sense of misplaced guilt that assails him, the rough around the edges hero who got the short end of the stick when it came to his father and ended up on the wrong side of the law, who goes out of his way to ensure that he doesn’t take advantage of Rachel in any sense.
The period of separation between Cal and Rachel was much needed in my opinion, which perhaps added more depth to the feelings between the two. The groveling that Cal does upon his return was done well which of course made all of it better. The time apart gave the two the space to grow and mature in a setting where they were not dependent on each other, and perhaps they both needed that clarity for them to embrace a life of togetherness, especially for Cal whose guilt was driving him mad, even has he loves Rachel for everything she is.
Rachel coming to the realization when Cal leaves her behind, that if they were never to be together again she would still be whole; was the biggest sign of maturity perhaps, not that she needed it in my opinion. In all probability, Cal perhaps needed the distance and perspective more than Rachel did, so that he could accept his feelings for Rachel and embrace them for life.
Fans of survivalist romances with morally complex characters and a slow-building love story will find this novel to be a page-turner.
Final Verdict: A tender, emotionally rich journey that cements Rachel and Cal as one of the most unforgettable couples in the Kindled series!
Favorite Quotes
“The lotion is working.” I’ve got his back pretty well covered now, so I slide my hands up to his neck. I massage him there, then move my hands over to his shoulders to knead the tight muscles. He’s breathing heavily now. Loud enough for me to hear. For some reason, I like the sound of it. I dig into the knots I find, pressing deeply, wanting them to loosen up. Cal groans, low and soft and long and carnal. All my female parts clamp down hard at the sound of it. My hands grow still on his shoulders. Something thick and warm throbs in the air between us. “Cal?” I ask in almost a whisper.
Slowly I move down his hand to start rubbing his forearm, stroking the skin and coarse hair. The scars that slash down toward his wrist. Something hurt him badly to create all these scars, and I have no idea what it was. So I stroke them. Wish I could do the same to other parts of his body. The more I caress his hand and arm, the tenser and hotter he grows behind me. His chest is snug against my back, and our legs are twined together. He starts to breathe heavier. His exhales waft against my hair and neck. There’s a clench tightening inside me too now. Below my belly. It makes me want to shift my hips. When I do, he mutters, “No wigglin’.”
I wake up overwhelmed with arousal. It somehow happened in my sleep. My cheeks and neck are hot. My heart is racing, and my breath is coming out in little pants. Need is throbbing painfully between my legs. And I’m rubbing against a warm, hard male body. He’s been asleep too. Maybe he still is. He’s grunting as he rocks his erection against my lower belly, and both his large hands are cupping my bottom.
He makes a growly sound and picks up his speed, his hips working vigorously as he thrusts. I start raising my pelvis to meet his motion, and it intensifies the sensations. The bed is making a soft, squeaky sound, and I can also hear the wet suction of his cock in my pussy. I like it. It’s raw, carnal. Proof that we’re doing this for real.
He’s big. Full. Familiar. I gasp and let my head fall back at the tight penetration. “Is’t all right?” he asks breathlessly. “Yeah. Yeah, it’s good.” I shift above him, feeling myself stretch around him. He takes some ragged breaths until he gets himself back under control. Then slides his hands up to cup my face. “You feelin’ good now?” “Yeah. I’m feeling so good.” “Nothin’s ever felt better than this. Bein’ inside you like this. Nothin’ in my whole life.” “I feel…” I whimper as he rolls his hips. “I feel that way too.” “Yeah?” “Yeah.” Since he can’t keep still, I start to move over him with a slow, steady rhythm. “You’ve always felt like home to me.” He makes a choked sound. Jerks his head to the side. It takes him a minute to respond. “You’re home to me too, baby. Always have been.”
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: On Dublin Street, #2 Publisher: Self-Published Hero: Cameron (Cam) MacCabe Heroine: Johanna (Jo) Walker Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: May 07, 2013 Started On: November 28, 2023 Finished On: December 01, 2023
Samantha Young returns with Down London Road, the second installment of her On Dublin Street series, delivering another emotionally charged romance synonymous with Ms. Young’s evocative style and prose. Featuring Johanna (Jo) Walker and Cameron (Cam) MacCabe, the story is set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s vibrant streets as is the first installment.
Jo is a 24-year-old woman juggling an overwhelming sense of responsibility. With an alcoholic mother and a teenage brother dependent on her, Jo has spent years dating wealthy men, prioritizing financial stability over love. When Cam, a tattooed graphic designer shakes up Jo’s carefully constructed world with his sharp wit and smoldering intensity, it stirs up Jo more than it should in a way that leaves her wanting more.
From their first meeting, sparks fly, igniting a tension that refuses to be ignored. Cam’s initial judgment of Jo as a gold-digger sets the stage for misunderstandings and emotional clashes between the two, giving readers a good dose of angst throughout the story. As layers of their past are revealed, it becomes evident that both Jo and Cam carry wounds that shape their insecurities and fears, making it difficult at first for both of them to see what they could be to each other.
Jo’s fragile self-worth plays a huge role in the way she perceives herself. Ultimately the belief that she isn’t good enough for a man like Cam is harder to overcome than any other conflict that emerges in the story. After all, it is the demons that we carry within, shaped over years and scarring our insides that are the most challenging to face and move on from.
At the same time, Cam struggles with his own issues – a deep sense of abandonment from his childhood, and his unresolved past with his former girlfriend. While Cam is undeniably attracted to Jo, it takes him a while to accept it for what it is, to look past his prejudices and see beyond, deep into the wonderful person she is.
Ms. Young excels at creating characters brimming with emotional depth, and both Jo and Cam delivered on that front. Jo is a heroine who resonates with readers—her vulnerability, strength, and fierce loyalty to her brother earns one’s respect. Her struggle to see herself as more than what she has believed herself to be was definitely compelling.
Cam, on the other hand, is a blend of broody intensity and raw honesty that calls to the reader in many ways. While not as magnetic as Braden from the first book in the series, he still holds his own as a flawed hero navigating his own insecurities, delivering a ton of smoldering tension to the story which I loved. While for the most part I understood where he was coming from, when all was said and done I expected more from him, especially when it came to the groveling that Jo rightfully deserved from Cam.
The chemistry between Jo and Cam is undeniable, simmering with tension and culminating in moments of passion that are both fiery, sexy, and tender. Ms. Young’s ability to write nuanced, deeply felt relationships shines through, even with the few elements in the story that I wished were otherwise.
If you are a fan of contemporary romance that dives deep into the complexities of love and self-discovery, Down London Road is a must-read!
Final Verdict: Samantha Young delivers another page-turner, chock-full of emotive characterization and a love story that lingers long after the turn of the final page!
Favorite Quotes
I took another step and the sound of my boot on the floor brought Cam’s head up. My breath hitched as our eyes collided. Heat suffused my cheeks at my body’s instant reaction to this man’s attention. I could feel my breasts swell and my lower belly squeeze, and as we continued to stare at each other in intense silence, my mind and body went to war. My body was panting, ‘He’s hot. Can we have him?’ while my mind was screaming, ‘Oh, dear God, what the hell are you thinking?’ Everything had blurred around me – the only thing in sharp focus was Cam and all the places where I wanted to feel his touch.
Cam groaned, the vibration reverberating in my chest and soaring downward between my legs, and I writhed against him. He got the message, pressing his body deeper against mine, his erection digging into my lower stomach as his legs spread mine farther apart. I whimpered with a want that was out of control and Cam pulled back to stare at my swollen lips. I’d never seen a man so lost in a sexual fog and my sex clenched at the knowledge of the power I had over him, my knickers damp as my body grew ready for him. Cam nipped at my bottom lip, and then licked the same spot. ‘I’ve fantasized a million times about this mouth,’ he told me hoarsely before crushing my lips against his again.
I almost threw the fare at the taxi driver, then rushed into the building, my boots slapping carelessly against the concrete as I hurried up the stairs. I was just rounding the stairwell to Cam’s landing when I heard a door open. As I reached the top of the stairs, he came into view, standing barefoot in his doorway, waiting for me. Overwhelmed that just the sight of him made my chest so full of emotion that it hurt, I stumbled a little towards him, my boots just clipping the doorstep. Cam didn’t say anything. Every inch of him was solid with tension as he looked at me. ‘Cam –’ My words were swallowed by motion as his hand clamped around my wrist, wrenching me hard against his body, his mouth slamming down on mine. I instantly wrapped myself around him, and my fingers curled in the hair at the back of his neck as I licked and sucked and flicked my tongue against his, our kiss so deep I didn’t even realize I was inside his flat until the door crashed shut behind us.
My back slammed up against the wall as he crashed us into it. ‘I can’t wait,’ he told me breathlessly. I shook my head, my chest heaving against his, telling him silently I couldn’t wait either. I felt his warm, rough hands on my outer thighs as they brushed my skin, pushing my skirt up to my waist. With an almost animalistic grunt, Cam curled his hands around the fabric of my knickers and tugged, the sound of it tearing away from my body and the sudden air between my legs increasing the heat between us to a combustible level. He’d just ripped my underwear off! Holy hell! That was seriously hot.
I pushed my hips against him and his grip on my thighs became almost bruising. ‘Wait,’ he said hoarsely. ‘Give me a minute. I’ve wanted this for ages and you feel bloody amazing. Just give me a minute.’ As I heard this erotic confession, my inner muscles clamped around his cock and he inhaled sharply. His head drew back in surprise as his eyes collided with mine. ‘Baby, do that again and I’m not going to last.’ I shook my head, my fingers digging into the muscles of his back. ‘I don’t care. Just move, please just move. I need you.’ His control snapped.
Someone naughty and a little bit wicked had crept inside me. I wanted him again. And I wanted him just as raw and hard as I’d just had him. ‘Do you know how many times over the last few weeks I lay in my bed and touched myself thinking about you?’ His breath sputtered and I felt his dick twitch inside me. ‘Jesus,’ he breathed, his eyes dilating. ‘Keep talking and you’re not going be able to walk tomorrow.’ I grinned up at him, squeezing my inner muscles around him again. ‘That’s the plan.’
My gaze never left Cam’s face as I moved, feeling sexy and powerful at his glittering expression, watching the way his blue eyes darkened on my breasts, on my hair swinging across my back. His hands gripped my hips, urging me on; his jaw clenched as the heat between us increased and a light sheen of sweat covered our skin. As I approached climax all I was aware of was the coiling pleasure low in my belly, the sound of my uncontrolled breaths and mews of pleasure, the intoxicating smell of sex … and then I heard Cam hoarsely asking me to come. Pure bliss took me over, and I closed my eyes, reveling in it as my body moved faster up and down his length, rushing towards climax.
I came quickly, I came hard, and I came with a cry that Cam quieted against his mouth. His kiss was wet and dirty, and its purpose was to swallow my climax and stamp me with his ownership. The bastard was lucky I was feeling equally possessive. Gripping his head tight, I kissed him back just as voraciously and when he moved to catch his breath, I nipped his lip. Hard. He hissed, his eyes widening, his tongue flicking out to lick the hurt. ‘If mine is yours, yours is mine.’
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Romantic Suspense POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Standalone Publisher: Gallery Books Hero: James MacArthur Callahan Heroine: Dr. Gina Sullivan Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: March 29, 2016 Started On: November 21, 2023 Finished On: November 28, 2023
First published in March of 2016, Darkness by Karen Robards delivers an intense romantic suspense, weaving together elements of cyber-terrorism mixed with survivalist themes under which the main protagonists encounter each other and find their entire lives upended, in the midst of which comes love calling. When 28 year old Dr. Gina Sullivan’s research expedition on the remote Attu Island collides with private military contractor Cal Callahan’s mission gone wrong, they find themselves thrust into a deadly game of survival against both nature’s fury and human adversaries.
James “Cal” Callahan embodies the archetypal alpha hero with compelling depth. At 34, the former Air Force Special Operations Command member carries the weight of a troubled past that makes him wary of making long-lasting connections with emotional depth. Despite his dangerous profession and the walls that he puts up, Cal’s protective instincts and underlying vulnerability emerges as he is forced to depend on and protect Gina with every fiber of his being.
Dr. Gina Sullivan, a Stanford ornithologist, bears the emotional scars of devastating loss. Her journey from trauma-induced caution to rediscovering her strength is one that readers can empathize with, and her strength something that is truly admirable under the circumstances. Ms. Robards excels at portraying Gina’s internal struggle between her desire for safety and her growing feelings for a man who represents everything she fears.
The relationship development between Cal and Gina is one that starts off on the wrong footing, with a wary and distrustful Cal trying to ignore the elephant in the room; his skyrocketing desire for Gina. While Gina tries to grapple with the situation she finds herself in, her issues when it comes to trusting a man such as Cal who thrives on danger makes her want to withdraw into the cocoon that has protected her since the devastating loss she faced five years prior. However, the connection that forges to life between the two is stronger than either of them can deny for long, and makes for excellent indulgence for the reader amidst all the danger that surrounds them.
The story’s foundation rests on a brilliantly conceived technological threat that feels terrifyingly plausible in today’s interconnected world where we shuttle from one continent to the other, wholly trusting the airplanes, pilots, and companies such as Airbus and Boeing that designs these modern marvels. Ms. Robards masterfully builds tension gradually, revealing the layers to the conspiracy which keeps the reader on tenterhooks, while Gina and Cal battle the harsh elements and their dangerous pursuers.
While Darkness delivers a compelling romantic suspense, the conclusion did feel somewhat rushed for me. The story could have benefited from a deeper exploration of how Cal (who is intensely commitment phobic) and Gina bridge their drastically different lifestyles and approach their future together. A period of separation or more extensive relationship development before the resolution would have added emotional depth to their happy ending.
I found the technological aspects explored in the story to be quite intriguing and terrifyingly plausible, adding a layer of real-world anxiety to the story which made this highly entertaining, even as I worry to death every time I have to get myself on an airplane.
The survival elements showcase the skillful Ms. Robards at her best at creating visceral, immediate danger while developing the romance at pace between Cal and Gina. I especially loved Cal as the hero; the kind of hero that authors no longer know how to write. Truly loved this for the adventure, the technology explored, the wilderness of nature, and the sexiness that was all Cal.
Recommended for readers who enjoy romantic suspense, the classic alpha heroes as they are truly meant to be, strong heroines, and survivalist themed romances.
Final Verdict: Darkness by Karen Robards makes for a compelling romantic suspense that delivers on both the romance and suspense fronts, with that classic alpha hero readers like myself crave.
Favorite Quotes
Their eyes met. Something crackled in the air between them that hadn’t been there before—a kind of current. An electric vibration. An elemental male-female thing. The sudden spark of sexual heat that flared inside her as he looked at her was so urgent it actually hurt. Her chest contracted. Her throat closed. And her body started up with a hot, sweet pulse. She instantly, figuratively, turned her back on it. It was nothing she felt the slightest urge to acknowledge, much less pursue.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” “You look mad.” “Mad? Me?” As she shook her now straggling-all-over-the-place hair back from her face, her voice was silky sweet. She was, however, all but shooting poison darts at him from her eyes. She could still feel the imprint of his hands everywhere—and she didn’t like it. “You ever think that I might be a ninja assassin planning to kill you with my bare hands while you sleep?” Infuriatingly, that made him smile. A full-on crooked and charming smile that smacked her in the face with how really good-looking he was. That smile hit her the wrong way. It made her want to— Before she could finish the thought, he slid a hand along her jaw, bent his head, and kissed her.
She started to turn away. He caught her arm, pulled her around, and kissed her. Just like that, his hands gripping her shoulders, his mouth coming down on hers hard. And she kissed him back. Instantly, instinctively, without any thought at all. Her mouth opened to his. His tongue filled her mouth, scalding hot, demanding her response. And she gave it, answering his lips and tongue with a hungry intensity that seemed to spring up out of nowhere. Her body burned for his. She went all soft and shivery inside. As quick as he’d kissed her he was lifting his head and pushing her away. “Good-bye,” he said. He didn’t smile. Gina didn’t smile, either. Her heart was thumping, her body was throbbing, and good-bye was both the last thing on earth she wanted to say—and the smartest thing she could say.
From the sound of it there were four men, all heading down toward the river. Toward Arvid. Oh, God, he’d been murdered right before her eyes. She couldn’t help it: she started to shake. Cal must have felt it, because his hold on her changed. His broad shoulders curved more closely around her. The hand pressing her face into his coat gentled. She thought she felt his cheek rest against the top of her head. She held on to him like he was the only safe harbor left in the world.
He held her fast, his big body pressing her back against the wall, and she felt a shaft of desire so intense that she shivered. Everywhere his body touched hers she burned. She only realized that she’d quit struggling and was standing perfectly still, staring up at him with God knew what expression, when his face, which had been taut with anger, changed. His eyes narrowed and the tension that had thinned his mouth into a straight line eased and— He bent his head and kissed her.
What started out as a testing, a tasting, a question on his part, changed the moment she answered, the moment he felt her response. That was when his mouth turned hard and hungry and demanding, and he started kissing her like he could never get enough of her mouth. The blast of heat he ignited inside her blew her away. Her heart pounded. Her pulse raced.
She closed her eyes and kissed him back as if she’d been dying to have him kiss her like that. Her lips molded themselves to his and her tongue answered his as he learned everything there was to know about her mouth. He kissed her with a carnality that was like nothing she had ever experienced, and fireworks went off against the screen of her closed lids. Bones melting, senses reeling, she kissed him back the same way. When he let go of her wrists to wrap his arms around her and pull her even closer against him, she slid her hands up over his broad shoulders and curled them around his neck, and clung to him like her life depended on it.
He took her mouth again and again, in a series of long, slow, drugging kisses that stripped away every last ounce of her reserve, that made her head spin, that made her body pulse and burn, that had her kissing him back just as fervently. He kissed her like he was starving for the taste of her, like he never meant to stop. She didn’t want him to stop. Arching up against him, she told him so in every way she possibly could that didn’t involve words. Words were beyond her. Thoughts were beyond her. All she could do was feel.
The chemistry between them was off the charts. She could feel it sizzling in the air. It was there in the heat of their linked hands, in the intensity of their locked gazes. The blistering kisses they’d shared were permanently branded in her memory. Her body was aware of his like a flower is aware of the sun.
Here, she realized with a blinding flash of insight, was the key to the prison she’d been locked in. She might die tomorrow. Was she really going to let the poor maimed thing her life had become be the last chapter of her existence? He wanted her. Well, she wanted him, too—badly. There was no logical reason why she shouldn’t take what she wanted. She didn’t have to worry about getting pregnant: she had long-term protection from that. And if they weren’t together permanently, so what? There was nothing wrong with being together for right now. She could have a relationship with a man with forever potential later. Forget getting involved with him: that didn’t have to happen. To put it in his terms, they could simply get it on. This thing with Cal would be her very own red-hot love affair, an icebreaker to catapult her back into the sexual arena. When this nightmare was over, if they survived and parted, maybe she’d be on her way to being free to live her life again. The prospect intrigued her. The thought of sleeping with Cal dazzled her. It made her heart start to pound.
She was still shaking, still shuddering, still gasping for breath, when he levered his big body on top of her and pushed himself inside her so fiercely that she cried out. He was hard and hot and filled her to capacity and then some. He took her with a single-minded ferocity that had her quaking and burning and wanting again, and she did the only thing she could do: wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist and held on. It was the most erotic experience of her life, and the end, when it came, was so hot and intense that she thought she would die right there and then from the sheer explosive pleasure of it. She bucked, and clung, and cried out his name. “Cal! Cal, Cal, Cal!” He drove into her one final time, groaning as he found his own release. Then he held himself shuddering inside her.
She closed her eyes with one of her sexy little moans that made every muscle in his body tighten, every time she did it. Then, with his fingers moving purposefully in and out, with her body undulating on top of his like she was deliberately trying to drive him out of his mind, with her panting and flushed on top of him and her nipples practically branding his chest and enough heat rising off the pair of them to steam up the air, she opened her eyes, gave him a dead-sexy look, and said in a throaty growl, “I knew there was a reason I pulled you out of the sea.” That surprised a laugh out of him. First time he could remember laughing while he was in the middle of some serious foreplay, with his cock begging for action and his balls aching like they were getting ready to explode. “Lucky me,” he said, meaning it, and rolled so that she was beneath him again.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Presents Hero: Nikolai Drakos Heroine: Prunella Palmer Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: May 19, 2016 Started On: November 14, 2023 Finished On: November 18, 2023
Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham plunges readers into the chaotic world of the main protagonists— a passionate whirlwind of revenge, redemption, and sizzling high-octane chemistry. The story centers around Greek tycoon Nikolai Drakos and his ruthless pursuit of Ella Palmer (Prunella Palmer) for his revenge. Published in May 2016, this is everything fans of Ms. Graham expects from a romance penned by her—fierce, dramatic, and simmering with emotional and sexual tension.
Nikolai is a man on a mission, bent on avenging himself against his archenemy, whom he despises with every fiber of his being. It is the unassuming Ella who inadvertently becomes the pawn in his game of retribution and gets caught in the crosshairs as Nikolai attempts to get to his enemy through her. Nikolai, relentless in his pursuit, buys out Ella’s family debts, coercing her compliance with an offer she can hardly refuse—her family’s financial freedom in exchange for becoming his mistress.
Ella’s predicament is impossible, but she bravely steps into Nikolai’s world, initially agreeing to his terms with little choice. Her character, an alluring mix if innocence and tenderness, has a powerful impact on Nikolai, who soon finds his motivations shifting in unexpected ways. As the story progresses, Nikolai’s hardened exterior cracks, revealing a man who, despite his ruthless ambition, feels a growing protectiveness and attraction toward her. What starts as a vengeful transaction morphs into something altogether different, as Nikolai realizes that the ultimate victory might not be revenge, but claiming Ella as his bride.
Nikolai is the type of hero that Ms. Graham crafts so perfectly. His dark past—marked by neglect and a childhood burdened with emotional scars—makes him both aloof, powerful, and yet deeply wounded, with the untimely loss of his sister having left its mark on him. Ella on the other hand has her own insecurities to contend with, having being engaged once to a man whose rejection of her has left deeply ingrained scars on her psyche.
It is amidst all this that Ms. Graham masterfully crafts a romance that is as complex as it is intense. The relationship between Nikolai and Ella grows with each encounter brimming with heat and emotions, with neither character losing the very qualities that draws readers to them in the first place. Nikolai’s transformation—from a man bent on vengeance to one who learns to love—gives the story depth, as his icy demeanor softens, and the vulnerability he allows Ella to see speaks for itself.
I loved the modern twists and how Ms. Graham balanced intense passion with deep-seated emotional growth. I loved Nikolai and Ella individually and together, and that is in essence half the job done when crafting a romance novel.
For fans of Lynne Graham, Bought for the Greek’s Revenge delivers all the elements of a classic Mills & Boon novel with an extra dose of fire and emotional punch. Nikolai’s relentless passion and Ella’s quiet strength creates a dynamic that keeps the pages turning.
Recommended for fans of Harlequin romances and especially fans of Ms. Graham.
Final Verdict: Bought for the Greek’s Revenge is a must-read for lovers of high-stakes, emotionally charged romance with a fiercely possessive hero and a heroine who finds her own strength amidst the storm.
Favorite Quotes
‘It would take an avalanche to crush your ego, wouldn’t it?’ ‘If I was modest you would walk all over me with pleasure.’ Nikolai was entranced by the glorious green of her eyes against the smooth, fine grain of her porcelain skin. ‘But that’s not what you want from me, is it? You’d much prefer me to take your choices away and give you the excuse to be with me.’
‘I really hate being shouted at,’ Nikolai confided a split second before his hard, sensual mouth claimed hers. And for that same split second it was as though Ella’s world stopped turning and she was jolted off course, sent breathless and spinning into the unknown. Heat surged up through her like an invasive weapon. He eased her out from under him but kept her trapped in his arms. Irritation flamed through her because inexplicably she had liked his crushing weight on hers. Her fists struck at shirt-clad shoulders as unyielding as rock. The tip of his tongue flicked inside her mouth and she shivered violently, the clenching at her secret core almost painful in its intensity. He nipped at her lower lip, sucked and soothed it with his tongue. She wanted more, she wanted more so badly it hurt to be denied and the rushing tide of that hunger shocked her back into her mind again.
Nikolai bent his head and kissed her. It was a slow claiming as the tip of his tongue traced the lush fullness of her lower lip and then delved gently between. A breathy little gasp erupted from her parted lips and she stepped closer. His arms snapped round her and it was the work of a moment for him to swing round and press her back against the car, his sensual mouth driving down hard on hers, his lean, powerful body crushing her against the unyielding metal. Her every skin cell seemed to erupt into life as heat raced through her bloodstream and a bolt of naked yearning surged from low in her pelvis. His mouth was all she cared about. She couldn’t get enough of him, was convinced she would never get enough of him. She gloried in the thrust of his arousal against her, the knowledge that Nikolai Drakos wanted her and couldn’t hide the fact.
A kind of frenzy gripped her muscles and she shook, feeling ecstasy within her grasp and snatching at it. And it ran over and through her, a rolling white-hot wave of convulsive delight and fulfilment that left her drained and limp. Ella was convinced that she would never move again, and then Nikolai moved when she didn’t want him to and she rolled over and rested her head on his chest instead, her arm wrapping round his narrow waist. He dropped a kiss on her damp brow. ‘Thank you,’ he rasped breathlessly. ‘That was amazing.’
‘Stop talking,’ Ella told him. ‘Being thrown on the bed works for me. Seeing you a little out of control is more real than some plan of slow seduction.’ ‘Blame yourself. You’ve been wrecking my plans all day,’ Nikolai asserted, swiping the package off the dressing table and returning to the bed. ‘First you blew my mind on the flight and then you flaunted your gorgeous self in boots and stockings and a garter and I was lost…’ ‘Is that a complaint?’ ‘No.’ A wicked charismatic grin slashed his lean, darkly handsome features. ‘That was an “any time you want me, I’m yours” speech,’ he teased. ‘You can be yourself with me, you know,’ she whispered feelingly. ‘Just do what you feel like.’
He eased over her, rearranged her to his satisfaction, slowly surged in and she shut her eyes tight, every nerve screaming for the satisfaction only he could give. Inch by agonising inch he entered her and when he was finally fully seated she loosed a sound of pleasure she couldn’t hold back. She could feel how damp, how ready she was and his sheer strength as he lifted her up to him, muscles bulging in his forearms, left her weak with longing. He slid back and then plunged, his speed picking up. Excitement detonated inside her and she wrapped her legs round him. As she bucked he pinned her to the mattress and thrust into her fiercely with a primal grunt of pleasure. It went on and on and on until she was sobbing with excitement and the band of tension at the centre of her body was tightening and tightening. Release came in a rush of feral fire, lighting up every nerve and skin cell, and she cried out, her nails raking down his back in an ecstasy of pleasure.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Presents Hero: Jack Marchant Heroine: Ashley Jones Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: June 01, 2011 Started On: November 11, 2023 Finished On: November 12, 2023
First published in 2011 by Harlequin Presents, Sharon Kendrick’s The Forbidden Wife draws readers into a hauntingly beautiful romance set on a remote northern moor, evocative of classic Brontëan stories with a modern twist. Ms, Kendrick outlines that she drew inspiration for this novel from the same, and I loved the romance that blossomed between two equally scarred protagonists for the most part.
The story follows 18-year old Ashley Jones, who has spent her life in care and foster homes, struggling alone in the world. Her loneliness and the need for a sense of belonging is palpable and it reaches out to you as you delve deeper into her psyche and character. When Ashley arrives at the isolated Blackwood Manor for her new live-in job as an author’s assistant, she is undoubtedly wary and overwhelmed. Her mysterious employer, Jack Marchant, is not only handsome and wealthy but also carries a deeply tortured soul, guarded by an air of dark sophistication that makes Ashley feel like she is from another world.
From the beginning, Ashley’s vulnerability is what makes the reader as well as Jack drawn to her. She is not only haunted by her past but also by the need to be loved, from the trauma of a childhood having gone without. As she begins to fall for Jack, her heart reaches out to the imposing and emotionally scarred man that is Jack, and you can sense the impending disaster that looms in the future. Her compassion shines, even as she views herself as a “drab nobody” in comparison to Jack’s formidable presence, which constantly makes her question why Jack is drawn to her in the first place. Her innocence and sense of isolation and loneliness makes her need for a fresh start at Blackwood Manor all the more desperate—a role that is not without its drawbacks, as the bleak, desolate landscape mirrors the stark loneliness she feels inside.
Jack, for his part, is a compelling character, though he does often hold all the power in their relationship. He is a brooding, wealthy figure with echoes of Edward Rochester, which Kendrick cleverly modernizes and brings to life. |There is an undeniable sense of Jack’s hidden torment that drives his aloofness, a secret Ashley can’t quite reach, which makes the reader quite desperate to know what makes Jack tick and what secrets he hides. This mystery adds tension to the story, making it a compelling page-turner. Yet, for all the chemistry they share, Jack’s reluctance to truly open up leaves Ashley in the dark, a dynamic that often feels one-sided, which made me want more from Jack as a character.
One of the story’s strong points is Kendrick’s ability to convey Ashley’s complex emotions, particularly her internal struggle with self-worth and desire. However, as outlined earlier, their relationship feels imbalanced, with Jack holding all the cards and rarely giving Ashley the confidence boost or love she truly deserves. Ashley’s transformation is subtle, but the fact that Jack does not ’t actively contribute to her growth made me bring down the rating of this story to what it was. This lack of reciprocity might leave some readers feeling that Ashley’s needs are not quite met, considering her difficult past and longing for connection.
Ms. Kendrick’s inspiration from Brontë’s Jane Eyre adds richness to the story, drawing insight from a classic tale of forbidden love while modernizing elements to fit contemporary romance. It’s a delicate balance of passion and secrets, with a moody setting that only heightens the intensity of Jack and Ashley’s interactions. However, the story ultimately lacks an essential spark, with a lingering sense that something crucial—something elemental—is missing. While it does deliver a good read for the most part, I definitely wanted more from Jack than he was able to deliver – but therein perhaps lies the true draw of this story when all is said and done.
Recommended for fans of Sharon Kendrick and those who love a good spin on a Brontë’ classic!
Final Verdict: Darkly atmospheric with a Brontëan influence, The Forbidden Wife is a deeply moody romance that lingers on the edge of mystery and passion.
Favorite Quotes
‘We’d… we’d better get back,’ she stammered, and yet her legs felt as if they were rooted to the spot and she’d never be able to move again. ‘Why?’ She raised her eyes up to his. ‘Because—’ ‘Because of this?’ Without warning, he pulled her into his arms, expelling a shuddering breath as he felt that first collision with her soft body. ‘This damned thing between us which won’t seem to go away?’
He pulled her even nearer, so that the physique she had secretly admired from afar was now moulded firmly against her. And despite the clothing he wore she was acutely aware of his rampant masculinity—of the growing need at the very cradle of his body. It should have been daunting, and on one level it was—and yet on another it felt as if her entire life had been spent waiting for this moment.
‘Did you have a good time in London?’ she questioned politely. He made an impatient little sound beneath his breath as all his pent-up desire for her began to spiral up, astonished to find that his hunger for her hadn’t abated—despite his determination that it should. Despite the fact that she had pushed him away and that deep down he kept telling himself that it had been the best possible outcome for everyone. But knowing that did nothing to quieten the insistent thudding of his heart—or the sudden jerk of lust at his groin.
She was so used to seeing the autocratic set of his proud features that sometimes it was difficult to imagine that he’d led others into battle. He had seen what most people would never see in a lifetime, nor wish to. But she caught a glimpse of that man now. War was elemental but so was sex—and she saw a flash of raw emotion tighten his features. It was difficult to say what that emotion was: a curious hybrid of anger, desire and something else—something which kept Ashley frozen to the spot until, without any kind of warning, he pulled her up from the chair and into his arms. His breath was warm against her face and she could feel his powerful hands imprisoning her waist. ‘Why are you such a meek little mouse, Ashley?’ he bit out, his eyes blazing black fire over her skin. ‘Who cares what is “appropriate”? For once in your life—don’t you long to reach out and take what you really want instead of standing on the sidelines and letting it pass you by?’
With one hand, he unclipped her bra and then slid her briefs down over her trembling thighs. ‘You know that your skin,’ he said unevenly as his lips brushed over the hollow at the base of her throat, ‘is like purest silk.’ ‘Is it?’ ‘Mmm. If I could make a shirt from it, I’d never take it off.’
‘Jack,’ she cried out as he pulled her down towards a dark, sweet vortex before tossing her out again, helpless on the tide. At first he was gentle with her, his movements slow and seeking as she relaxed into him. And then his movements became harder and faster, his kiss more hungry and intense. She felt like a piece of elastic which was being stretched and stretched—until at last it snapped and she cried out his name. And only when her back began its helpless arch did he begin to shudder within her, his arms tightening as he cradled her, his quickened breath fanning her bare shoulder until gradually he stilled. I love him, she thought fiercely as she clung to him, feeling the moist-satin of his sweat-sheened back.
‘Damn you, Ashley Jones,’ he said softly as he pulled her back into his arms. ‘Damn you for your soft understanding and your perception. Don’t you know that by offering me freedom, you have guaranteed my willing capture?’ ‘That wasn’t my intention.’ ‘You think I don’t realise that? That you are totally without guile?’ He gave a short laugh. ‘I could put it down to your youth and inexperience—but it goes much deeper than that.’ He stared deep into her eyes and lowered his voice to a murmur. ‘You just have these instincts which make you remarkable and which make me hunger for you. I want you, Ashley, and I want you now.’
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Single Series: On Dublin Street, #1 Publisher: Self-Published Hero: Braden Carmichael Heroine: Jocelyn Butler Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Published On: August 31, 2012 Started On: November 09, 2023 Finished On: November 10, 2023
“No human relation gives possession in another – every two souls are absolutely different. In friendship or in love, the two side by side raise hands together to find what one cannot reach alone.” ~ Khalil Gibran
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young is a scorching, emotional rollercoaster that pulls no punches. This book is the very definition of a “hot emotional mess,” brimming with heartache, hope, and sizzling tension. The romance here is intense and heart-wrenching, but it does not feel rushed or superficial. Ms. Young manages to capture the complexity of love and healing in a way that is raw, real, and undeniably moving which made this the five-star read it was.
On Dublin Street is evocative and character-driven in a way that perfectly captures the push and pull factor when it comes to personal demons, passion, and vulnerability between the main protagonists. Set in the heart of Edinburgh, the story centers on Jocelyn Butler, a guarded 22-year-old American woman who moves to Scotland to bury her past and escape the loss and pain that haunts her. But the past, as always, has a way of catching up, especially when Jocelyn meets the irresistible Braden Carmichael, a 30-year-old alpha hero whose magnetic presence draws her in despite her best efforts.
Braden is the kind of male protagonist that epitomizes the confident, sexy, bold, and determined hero. His deep attraction to Jocelyn from the start is undeniable and he refuses to accept her “no-strings” policy, igniting a power struggle between his relentless pursuit and the walls of iron that she has painstakingly built around her. Braden’s patient determination and unwavering pursuit set the pages ablaze, making him the kind of hero who is impossible not to fall for. He’s hot, hot, and hot; that classic mix of charm, intensity, and unexpected vulnerability, making me fall for him, hook, line, and sinker.
Jocelyn, or Joss, is a mess in her own right, struggling with PTSD after a traumatic event shattered her world years prior, leaving her walls sky-high and nearly impenetrable. The layers to Joss’s pain and her self-imposed isolation feel intensely real, making her a character who is easy to empathize with, even when she is frustratingly stubborn. Her journey towards healing is not glossed over or magically “fixed” by love; instead, Ms. Young’s sensitive approach sees Joss beginning therapy, a much-needed lifeline that helps her face the pain she has carried alone for so long. The story line does not treat her PTSD lightly, making her growth both believable and meaningful, especially as her connection with Braden deepens.
As their relationship develops, so too does the tension between them. The chemistry between Jocelyn and Braden is nothing short of electric, with each encounter intensifying their connection and blurring the lines of the boundaries Jocelyn tries so hard to keep intact. The Carmichaels—Braden and his family—break through Joss’s defenses in a way nothing else has in the past eight years. Braden’s relentless support and fierce love become the balm she didn’t know she needed, while the warmth of his family helps her feel something akin to the home she lost years back.
On Dubling Street does a marvelous job of drawing readers in, as the debut book in the series. Ms. Young’s prose is smooth, witty, and deeply emotional, pulling readers into the heart of Edinburgh with vibrant scene-setting and a keen eye for the subtleties of human connection. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative, providing moments of humor, insight, and warmth that enhances the main story line without detracting from Jocelyn and Braden’s journey
Ms. Young’s writing has an addictive quality that makes you feel as if you are hurtling towards an emotional wreckage from which you will never emerge the same. The romance is steeped in passion, pain, and powerful moments that left me breathless and definitely wanting more. This isn’t just a romance; it is a story about healing, letting go, and the bravery it takes to trust someone with your heart, especially as you continue to struggle with the demons of your past.
On Dublin Street is for those who love an emotional journey with complex characters, scorching hot chemistry, and a romance that is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. This book is an unforgettable experience that will make you laugh, cry, and feel as if you have lived every moment with Joss and Braden.
Definitely recommended. Ms. Young’s remarkable talent shines through with the turn of every page!
Final Verdict: A scorching, beautifully messy journey of love and healing, On Dublin Street pulls you in with its raw emotion, unforgettable characters, and searing chemistry giving readers a most satisfying read.
Favorite Quotes
“I didn’t mean anything by it, Jocelyn. It was just a compliment.” No it wasn’t. You’re playing games with me. And if we’re going to be around each other all the time, I want it to stop. “Was it? Do you talk to everyone the way you talk to me?” “And what way is that?” “Like you’ve seen me naked.” Grinning, Braden’s eyes glittered with heat. “No. But then I haven’t seen everyone naked.” Frustrated, I shook my head. “You know what I mean.” I almost jumped at the warm whisper of his breath on my ear as he leaned down to murmur quietly into it, “I like the reaction I get out of you.”
His eyes narrowed. “I said, I don’t like to share.” I thought of Vicky. “That’s not what I’ve heard.” “Let me rephrase.” He took a seething step toward me. “When it comes to you… I don’t like to share.” There was no time to process that. One minute I was staring incredulously up at him, the next the soda can was hitting the floor and my ass was on the desk as Braden collided with me. The heat and strength of him overwhelmed me as his large hand gripped the back of my neck and his other tugged my left thigh up, allowing him to push in between my legs and position me over the desk. His mouth crashed down on mine and the desire my body had been harboring for him for weeks took control of me. I clung to him, my hands digging into his back, my legs climbing his hips as my lips parted on an exhalation of relief that allowed his tongue inside my mouth to tease mine. The smell of him, the taste of whisky on his tongue, the feel of his warm hands gripping me tight it… it all overpowered me and I made this throaty sound I couldn’t control.
“I’m having a problem with a few suppliers on this development and it put us back a few weeks. I don’t know when I’ll be free this week, but I guarantee the moment I get some time, I’m coming to see you.” “Braden, don’t do that.” “After last night, there’s no denying the promise of what’s between us. I’m not backing off, so rather than coming up with a new defense – which I’m sure I’d find highly entertaining – just give in, babe. You know you’re going to eventually.” “Have I mentioned how annoying and arrogant you are?” “I can still smell and taste you, Jocelyn. And I’m still fucking hard.” My stomach flipped and I squeezed my legs together. “God, Braden…” I breathed without thinking. “I can’t wait to hear you say that while I’m inside you. See you, babe.” And after that parting line, he hung up. I groaned, my head falling back against the tub. I was so screwed.
He shook his head, enjoying himself. “You’ve got great legs, Jocelyn. An amazing smile when you use it on occasion. And fantastic tits. And yeah, I usually date blondes. But you’re a blonde. I think.” He laughed when my glower turned full on glare. “Doesn’t matter about the color. You never wear it down, and I can’t get the thought of you beneath me, and that hair spread out across my pillow while I move inside you, out of my head.” Oh. God. “But I think mostly it’s your eyes. I want something from them no one else gets from them.” “And what’s that?” I asked, my voice low, almost hoarse. His words had affected me as deeply as any aphrodisiac. “Soft.” His own voice had deepened with the highly sexual atmosphere. “Soft the way only a woman’s can be after she’s come for me.”
“Then I guess we’re good to go.” The words were barely out of my mouth before Braden was standing above me, his large hand reaching out for mine, his face determined, serious. His eyes blazing. “What? Now?” I squeaked, totally unprepared. He cocked an eyebrow. “You want to wait?” “I just… I thought I’d have time to get ready.” “Get ready?” “You know… perfume, nice lingerie…” With a grunt of amusement, Braden took hold of my wrist and hauled me out of my chair. My small body slammed into his and his arms came instantly around me, holding me to him. A hand slid down my hip and around to my butt. He squeezed it lightly and pressed me against him, his erection hard against my belly. I stifled a moan, tilting my head back to meet his eyes. They glittered down at me. “Babe, nice lingerie is for seducing a man. I’m already fucking seduced.”
His eyes drifted from my chest to my face and suddenly he looked a little angry. I stiffened in surprise. “Do you know what it’s been like for me since that day in the flat? Sitting across from you in bars, at dinner, knowing that underneath all the attitude is every man’s fucking fantasy.” Oh, he was good. His eyes narrowed as he reached for the buttons and zip on his suit pants. The zip slid down loudly. “I’m going to make you pay for making me wait to have you.”
“Braden,” I growled impatiently. This only made him laugh. “What, babe?” “If you don’t hurry up, I’m backing out.” “Well we can’t have that.” He thrust hard inside me and I whimpered, stiffening at the flinch of discomfort I felt as my body struggled to accept his size. Braden’s whole body tensed, his eyes dark on me. “Are you okay?” I nodded, exhaling as my body relaxed around him. His grip on my wrists loosened, but he didn’t let me go. Instead he nudged forward tentatively, his jaw locking, his eyes closing as if he was in pain. “Jesus, Jocelyn,” he breathed hoarsely. “You’re so fucking tight.”
He lifted his head, his hand gliding between my legs. Pleasure shot through me as two fingers slipped inside me. “So wet,” he murmured, eyes bright. “Tomorrow after family dinner you’re coming back to my place and I’m going to fuck you in every room, in every way I can.” My eyes flew to his, my chest rising and falling rapidly at his words. “I’m going to make you scream there since you can’t here,” he promised softly, realizing this was also a reminder to be quiet since Ellie was down the hall. “But right now, I’m going to enjoy watching you bite your lip.” And I did. He pushed inside of me and I swallowed a cry by biting my lip, holding on for dear life as his earlier, slow gentleness disappeared, his groans and grunts against my neck sexy as hell as he pounded me into orgasm.
I shivered as Braden continued to caress me, his fingers sliding down the crease of my backside and then entering me from behind. I moaned, arching back into him as he pulled his fingers out and then slid them back in. “Braden.” He withdrew only to clasp me by the hips and press me back against him, his erection digging into my backside since I still had on the heels. “That’s all it takes to make me hard,” he told me softly, his lips brushing my ear. “You: saying my name.”
That’s when his slow, torturous control really snapped. I was tugged towards him as he moved back towards the door where a high side cabinet was positioned against the wall, and then I was spun around, pushed none-too-gently into it, his front at my back. My breath was coming out in frantic puffs now as I gripped hold of the unit. Braden’s hands came around to squeeze my breasts, forcing my body back into his as his tongue flicked my ear. “I’m going to take you like this. It’s going to be hard, Jocelyn, hard and rough. You ready?” I nodded, my heart spluttering a little. My panties were gone, whipped down my legs and I stepped out of them, kicking them to the side. The heat of him at my back, the sound of the zipper on his pants sliding down, sent a bolt of pure lust through my sex and my nails dug into the cabinet with anticipation.
With an animalistic growl I didn’t even know I was capable of, I threw my body towards his, my hands out as I shoved at him with enough might to make him stumble. Suddenly it was all there in my gut, the last six months of emotional upheaval, the dramatic changes he’d brought into my life—the uncertainty, the jealousy, the heartache. “I hate you!” I yelled, the words tumbling out of my mouth with a mind of their own. I spun away from him. “I was fine until you!” My eyes started to sting as I stared back at his stony face. “Why?” My voice broke, as the tears spilled down my cheeks. “I was fine. I was safe and I was fine. I’m broken, Braden. Stop trying to fix me and just let me be broken!” He shook his head slowly, his own eyes bright, and I stood frozen as he came to me. I closed my eyes at his touch, his hands wrapping around my arms to tug me close to him. “You are not broken.” My eyelashes fluttered open and I stared up into his beautiful face, his anguished beautiful face. “Yes I am.” He gave me an angry shake now. “No, you’re not.” He leaned his face into mine and I found myself caught in his pale blue eyes, mesmerized by the glitter of silver striations in them. “Jocelyn, you’re not broken, baby,” he whispered hoarsely, his eyes pleading with me. “You’ve got a few cracks in you, but we all have some.”
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Historical Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: The Seducers, #3 Publisher: Crooked Sixpence Press Hero: Brian Dinwiddy (Hugo Buckingham) Heroine: Martha Jane Pringle Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: May 29, 2021 Started On: November 02, 2023 Finished On: November 04, 2023
“Good afternoon, Mistress Pringle.” His lids lowered and the smile that curved his thin lips made something low in her belly—something beneath her belly, truth be told—tighten, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her body. His nostrils flared as he watched her, almost as if he were scenting something. Martha suddenly knew—she just knew—that he was aware of what his suggestive, naughty looks did to a woman. Did to her.
Hugo and the Maiden by S.M. LaViolette, the third installment in The Seducers series, is a story I pinned a lot of high hopes on given the nature of the male protagonist in the story. Irrespective of whether those expectations were met, it was still a compelling and provocative romance, as is the norm by almost any novel that Minerva Spencer aka Ms. LaViolette brings to her readers. Featuring Hugo Buckingham as the hero and Martha Jane Pringle as the heroine, this novel delves into the gritty realities of 19th-century London and the isolated life far removed in the island of Stroma, the harsh lived realities of life for most, and to some extent, class difference.
Hugo, a bisexual courtesan, is a hero with a colorful past and a wealth of scars that he hides behind the facade that he presents to the rest of the world. He is an ambitious man, made so by the abject poverty that he had been subjected to when he had been sold by his father at the age of fourteen. His current status as the co-owner of London’s most expensive brothel marks a hard-won success that is abruptly shattered when he is betrayed by his business partner. Hugo finds himself aboard a ship as a convict, bound to the desolate island of Stroma, where his life takes a 180-degree turn.
On the island, Hugo meets the virginal daughter of the island’s vicar, Martha Jane Pringle bringing him face to face with the woman who would be his undoing. The island’s harsh climate and its isolation from the rest of the world provides a stark contrast to Hugo’ previous life, where material wealth had put Hugo in the midst of opulence, his heart never full for his need of material wants and desires, even as his heart and soul had become encrusted in reinforced steel over time.
Martha, with her no-nonsense attitude, compassionate nature, and plain looks is the direct opposite of Hugo in every sense and not the kind of woman who would make Hugo sit up and take notice. However, none of that stops Martha’s dormant senses from awakening in Hugo’s presence, and Hugo from sensing his own vulnerabilities in the face of Martha, to his annoyance. Martha, who is on the verge of being betrothed to a man who brings her no joy, finds herself enamored by Hugo, even as she fights the attraction with every weapon in her arsenal, until she realizes that there is no stopping the tide when it comes to what fate has in store for her.
Their relationship as it develops therefore, is not an easy one. Hugo who at first, tries to use his skills as a seducer to his advantage to get off the godforsaken island, finds himself in the position of feeling ashamed for the very first time in his adult life, as a result of which, his innate kindness and the reluctant hero that resides in him starts to emerge. Martha who understand Hugo perhaps better than he does himself, finds in Hugo a man worthy of her unending love, and the weight of that love is what Hugo shies away from, a man who has never understood what it is like to be accepted for who he is.
As the story moves deeper into exploring the complexities of Hugo, who is a fascinating character of contrasts, his struggles to open up emotionally to Martha was indicative of his deep vulnerabilities that he hides so well. Martha, who is the beacon of strength, love, acceptance, and kindness is the balm to every ache in Hugo’s soul, and when Hugo and Martha finally accept that there is no stopping the tide of desire and want between them, it opens up Martha to a world of sensuality and desire that allows her to finally break free from the shackles that has bound her.
While I expected this to be a five-star read because of Hugo, him being the kind of hero that would give a romance its weight in gold, I found that the story failed to fully explore the potential of Hugo. I understood why for a character like Hugo, who switches his roles so effectively when it comes to sex that is meaningless, it had to be different with Martha. But at the same time, I wanted Hugo to embrace the full extent of his reserves of sensuality with Martha and for their union to reach new heights in passion which would have given greater meaning to their bond.
I also found that while the story excels in character development and themes explored, some plot resolutions were a bit too convenient. The story’s pacing occasionally stumbled, particularly when it comes to the resolution of Hugo’s past and his abrupt realization of love for Martha which I wanted more out of.
One of the best aspects of the novel was its rich tapestry of secondary characters, from the adorable Celubion to the antagonistic Robert Clark, each adding depth to the narrative. Martha’s father, the vicar, embodies kindness and moral steadfastness, and becomes pivotal in shaping Hugo’s journey towards redemption and finding in Martha the salvation he had been searching for, even without realizing it himself.
Recommended for fans of Ms. LaViolette, fans of historical romances, and fans of richly textured romances that navigates the complexities of love and redemption in all its glory.
Final Verdict: Fans of historical romance will find much to admire in LaViolette’s nuanced characterization and the evocative setting explored in Hugo and the Maiden, making this a page-turner.
Favorite Quotes
His stern expression shifted into a sweet, gentle smile that Martha wouldn’t have believed his wicked lips capable of forming. “A kiss for luck.” And then he lowered his mouth over hers and physical sensation swamped her. His lips were warm and firm; his scent was an earthy mix of male sweat and fresh air; and his body felt huge and hard against hers. The tip of his tongue, soft and slick, flicked over her tightly pursed lips and she relaxed under the gentle caress. He made a low rumbling sound in his chest and then pulled away. Martha swayed toward him, her body following his.
“Martha,” he whispered, giving a slight, wondering shake of his head. “You need to understand what you will be getting. What you saw me doing that night? Fisting myself? That’s me, Martha. I’m crass and earthy and I like being that way. I’m not a gentleman—I’m not … couth. I don’t like furtive trysting in the dark—I like fucking in all its forms.” She gasped. Hugo nodded, as though she’d said something. “And I like saying the word fuck—and cruder words besides. I won’t be the kind of husband to visit you weekly and mount you in darkness. I want to know every part of your body, intimately, and I want you to learn all about mine.”
Martha had been dreaming of touching him for weeks—never had she expected the astounding silky softness of his skin. Or the heat of him. He closed his hand around hers and gave a low growl of approval. “Just like that, darling—tight.” He released her hand and palmed her mound, gently squeezing her sex. “Mine.” He pushed two fingers inside her, working her with languid pumps. “All mine.”
“Tell me you want it,” he asked as he withdrew slowly, inch by inch. “Beg for it.” “Please, Hugo, I want—” Her words were the proverbial match to a fuse. “Take it,” he grated, slamming into her hard enough to move her up the bed. Martha groaned. “More, please.” “Take it all,” he growled, giving her his full length with each savage stroke.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Romantic Fantasy POV: Third Person, Dual Series: Orc Sworn, #2 Publisher: Self-Published Hero: Nattfarr, of Clan Grisk Heroine: Ella Riddell Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Published On: March 04, 2020 Started On: October 27, 2023 Finished On: November 01, 2023
“You did not give your maidenhead to this piddling foul man,” he said, his voice harder, as if stating an incontrovertible truth. “Or to any other. You kept it for me.” Gods. There was a clenching shudder up Ella’s spine, and low in her belly, but she still hadn’t moved — and that single orc finger was sliding deeper, deeper into her mouth. Tasting inexplicably sweet, reminiscent of the scent that was swarming the air still further, settling in her lungs. “And thus,” Natt said, his voice full of danger, of heat, of promise. “It shall be mine.”
The Heiress and the Orc by Finley Fenn, the second book in the Orc Sworn series, features Nattfarr of Clan Grisk as the hero and Ella Riddell as the heroine, and is a book that can be read as a standalone.
The story begins with Ella becoming engaged to Alfred, Lord Tovey, the heir to Lord Culthen of Tlaxca. While the engagement party is lavish in its opulence, Ella’s discomfort is palpable, the grand celebration which turns nightmarish for Ella when she witnesses her betrothed in a compromising position with another. This betrayal acts as the catalyst for Ella’s flight from the party and her life as she knows it.
Ella flees into the arms of Nattfarr, an orc and her childhood friend from nine years back, sparking a reunion that is the farthest thing from easy. Nattfarr, now a formidable warrior, carries the weight of a violent and tragic past. Life on the run has left its scars and mark on Nattfarr, and despite his strength, when it comes to Ella, Nattfarr’s vulnerability and protectiveness shines through.
While Ella is conflicted in having to choose between her duty to her father and her familial lands with the intense physical and emotional connection that she finds in Nattfarr, against all her misgivings, Nattfarr proves to be far too much temptation for Ella. While Nattfarr exerts his dominance on Ella with brief interplays that shows the power dynamics between the two, Nattfarr is intensely emotionally vulnerable when it comes to Ella, and seeing her so uncertain about him and being with him, makes his heart ache.
As Ella makes surprising discoveries about the enigmatic figure that Nattfarr has turned into since their separation almost a decade ago, it forces her to reevaluate her life as she knows, the choices that she has to make, and her loyalty to what does not serve her, ultimately being driven to accept the truth of her emotions when it comes to her orc.
While I enjoyed some of the aspects to the story, I found myself piqued by the tediousness of the story from a certain point forward. The repetitive nature of the sexual encounters and the graphic descriptions of bodily fluids was quite unappetizing. While I am fully cognizant of the fact that this is an erotic romance at its core, I certainly did not find myself overwhelmed or rather moved by the sex scenes.
Instead, I found some of the scenes to be grotesque and unnecessary, which did not really add any value to the overall story, and detracted from the overall emotional depth of the story. The narrative also follows a similar trend to the first book, where the hero’s betrayal and subsequent rescue of the heroine feels somewhat predictable.
I also found myself quite annoyed with Ella from time to time. Her character was such that, she was always running away from one thing or the other. I wanted her to fight for what she wanted and stand up for the orc that deserves her unflinching loyalty. I wanted her to stop being so naive and spoiled, when all the richness in the world had not served to make her happy.
I do not think I will be continuing the series from this point forward – I find that the kind of sexual exploration in these books are not my cup of tea. I just cannot imagine going without a shower, wearing your mate’s ejaculated matter coating your skin, not to mention dripping down your womb like a waterfall.
Recommended for fans of Finley Fenn and romantic fantasy novels featuring monster heroes.
Final Verdict: While The Heiress and the Orc offers a compelling read to a point, the overly explicit scenes of passion left me unmoved, & the world building & Nattfarr’s backstory while intriguing, failed to make up for the rest!
Favorite Quotes
“Good gods, Natt,” she breathed, trailing her thumb against his warm, wet mouth. “Where have you been these past nine years.” His face leaned into her touch, black eyelashes fluttering, but at the last she could see a trace of wariness, flicking across his eyes. “I have been missing you, lass,” he said, soft. “I have been dreaming of how you tasted.”
“You shall come,” that mouth hissed, soft, cruel, vicious, against her throat. “And you shall either walk hale and upright beside me, or I shall carry your limp body, once I have drunk my fill from you. Which shall it be, woman.”
“It is yours,” he whispered, in an oddly apt summary of his silent words from before. “Kiss it. Taste it. Drink.” The relief felt like a palpable thing, like a long-awaited deliverance — and Ella desperately, gratefully obeyed. Moving down over him, closer and closer, until her lips had met that smooth head, and lightly, carefully kissed it. The pleasure surged in a torrent, in a flood. In the impossible, inexplicable feeling of his deep, filthy cleft actually kissing back, clenching slightly on her delving tongue — and then swarming her with that delectable rich sweetness. While Natt’s entire body kicked and flailed beneath her, the moan a rising howl in his throat.
Natt’s eyes were still watching her, flat, unreadable. “If you wish,” he said, “I shall go and bring you more food, and mayhap a lamp. Or a warm fur, if you wish to climb a tree, and sleep until sunrise.” And here, vivid and almost entirely forgotten, were Ella’s memories of doing that, with him. Sneaking out of her bedroom, under cover of darkness, and flitting through the trees with Natt in the moonlight. And then the joy of finding a good tree to climb, the struggle of finding a comfortable spot, while Natt would watch, amused, from the branches above. And then the peace of falling asleep, easy and pure and safe, hung between the moon and the earth. “I should have a few more days,” her voice said, too quickly. “Before I really need to go back. And we’ve come all this way, and I’m here now, and I’d really rather make sure you’re fully healed before I return. And I’m tired, and cold, and I don’t want to sleep in a tree, without you.” There was a bitter twist on Natt’s mouth, and those glinting eyes stared, demanded, spoke. “Truth, lass,” he hissed. “You shall speak truth, to me.” Ella was gulping, nodding, fighting for breath, trapped. “I want to stay,” she heard her voice whisper. “And — and visit. For a while. With you.”
“Speak truth, lass,” Natt hissed, as that huge heft at his groin pressed hard and demanding against her bare, exposed crease. “You long for me, as you shall never long for him. You shall think of my prick inside you, each time he fucks you. Even now, you long for me to take you, and fill you, and thrust even the thought of him away from you. Ach?” Ella’s head was violently nodding, yes, please, do that, please — and behind her Natt laughed again, and shoved her forward. So that she was bent over something — something soft, at least — but then Natt’s fingers yanked out of her, and suddenly it was — him. That huge, tapered cock. Strong, commanding, unyielding.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Historical Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: The Bellamy Sisters, #2 Publisher: Crooked Sixpence Press Hero: Sylvester Derrick Heroine: Hyacinth Mary Bellamy Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: February 28, 2023 Started On: October 22, 2023 Finished On: October 25, 2023
“Your mouth has been tormenting me and giving me… ideas.” Hy wanted to beg him to describe those ideas, but she couldn’t make herself speak. “I want to do unspeakable things to you… Hy.”
In Hyacinth, S.M. LaViolette crafts a deeply engaging tale set against the opulent and yet at times suffocating backdrop of London’s high society. The novel revolves around 36 year old Sylvester Derrick, the eighth Duke of Chatham, a man whose rugged exterior and cynical demeanor mask the scars of a tumultuous past. Haunted by the loss of his wife Mariah a decade prior, Sylvester is a complex hero—embittered by life’s harsh realities and yet unexpectedly stirred by the unusual 22 year old Hyacinth Mary Bellamy.
Hyacinth, or Hy, is anything but ordinary. As the second daughter of the Earl of Addiscombe, her striking orange hair and spectacles sets her apart from her conventionally beautiful siblings. But it is her bold choice to cross-dress as “Hiram” for nightly escapades that truly makes her character stand out, first out of a need for independence and later to alleviate her family’s financial burdens.
The novel deftly explores the stark contrast between Sylvester’s aristocratic world and the darker, illicit corners of the city that Hy and Sylvester converge. Their interactions are fraught with a simmering tension, as Sylvester, oblivious to Hy’s true identity, is drawn to her intelligence and charm, unknowingly flirting with the very essence of what he has long denied: love and vulnerability.
Ms. LaViolette masterfully intertwines themes of loss and regret, allowing Sylvester’s emotional scars to surface as he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Hy. Hy is a wonderfully crafted neuro-divergent heroine, whose mind works distinctively differently from her peers. The scars that she carries, especially due to her mother who had found her tiresome in the extreme is one that makes your heart break for the younger version of Hy. It is also this very essence of her character which allows her to compete with men at high stake games of gambling at which she excels.
The gradual build-up of romantic tension between Hy and Sylvester evolves beyond mere physical attraction, culminating in a profound connection that highlights the strength of two seemingly disparate souls coming together. Their conversations reveal insecurities and desires, rendering their relationship not just a romantic entanglement, but a journey of self-discovery for both. It also leads Sylvester to gradually reevaluate his life, bringing him to conclusions about his past actions that does not sit very well with him and makes him understand how they could have hurt the very people who are important to him.
I loved both Sylvester and Hy. Sylvester because he was unabashedly male in a way that was breathtaking. Bored with his lot in life as it happens to most amongst the peerage with their excesses, Sylvester finally finds the solace and excitement that he seeks in Hy. It is only someone like Hy, who can stir his heart, body, and mind that would do for Sylvester and that is exactly what happens.
As mentioned earlier, Hy is an unusual heroine in many aspects. Her sense of curiosity and her lack of self-consciousness are perhaps the most alluring. It is most often our self-consciousness regarding what society demands and expects from us, that makes women hesitate most often when seeking our rightful place in society. While Hy knows her own mind and is fully cognizant of what she wants, a long-term relationship and marriage, especially to a Duke is not something she believes she is suited for. But of course, Sylvester is more than well suited and able to change her mind, with persuasive reasoning that proves to be Hy’s undoing.
Ms. LaViolette is an amazing writer and every single book she has penned to-date serves as a testament to that fact. The writing in this book too, is lush and evocative, painting vivid scenes that lives rent free in my head. One other factor when it comes to Ms. LaViolette’s writing is how rich her vocabulary is, and I always end up noting down a ton of words which I look up and learn from. This story is special for one other reason; the fact that Ms. LaViolette herself is touch averse as is Hy, and I believe her own experiences too have helped shape this book into what it is.
Hyacinth is a novel that ends up being more than just a romance; it is a profound exploration of identity, duty, and the transformative power of love. Sylvester and Hy are two halves of one soul, each challenging and complementing the other in ways that resonates deeply with the reader. Ms. LaViolette’s skillful storytelling and rich characterization makes this novel standout, making this a great second installment to The Bellamy Sisters series.
Recommended for fans of historical romances and for those who enjoy emotional depth and nuanced character dynamics in their romances.
Final Verdict: Hyacinth is a story that offers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of the human heart and mind, with characters that are deeply flawed and all too real!
Favorite Quotes
Ever so gently she caressed the thick fan of lashes that rested against his cheeks before lightly grazing the bony hardness of his nose, the velvety softness of his eyebrow, and the pulsing blue veins beneath the thin skin of his temples, not stopping until her fingers carded the fine, soft hairs near his ears. She was interested to discover that the gray hairs were slightly rougher than the glossy brown ones. Hy saved the scar until last, careful not to touch the baby-soft skin too roughly. She tried to imagine what he must have looked like before the injury but found that she could not picture him without the scar. It seemed so much a part of who he was. Had it changed him as much inside as it had externally? How could you ever ask a person such an intimate question?
“My God you feel good.” His eyes closed as he took a moment to allow her to adjust, the pulse at the base of his throat throbbing so hard she couldn’t resist tonguing it. He groaned as she licked him again and again. Hy lowered her mouth over the thin skin and sucked. He gave a low chuckle. “Are you going to leave your mark on me?” She nodded, using her teeth to graze the skin. When she pulled away, she smiled at the purpled, swollen skin. “Proud of yourself?” “Yes.”
He hissed, his jaws clenching and nostrils flaring as his eyes lowered to her lips. “I’ve dreamed about your mouth,” he said, his voice hoarse with desire. Hy lowered her head until she could reach the slit in his crown with her tongue. His body shook as she probed the tiny opening with the pointed tip of her tongue, teasing him until several vulgar, desperate words slipped from his lips. Not until he whispered, “Please,” one more time did she take the fat head in her mouth and commence to wreck him.
Sylvester flung open the door to the connecting room and then grabbed Hy, who was in the process of shrugging out of her coat, by the upper arms and pinned her against the wall. He claimed her mouth like a starving man falling on a banquet, more than a little pleased when she responded with equal hunger. She shoved her fingers into his hair, knocking off his hat and tightened her hands into fists. “Mmmm,” he groaned, relishing the oddly pleasurable pain as she flexed her fingers, tugging hard enough to pull out more than a few hairs. “I thought the evening would never end,” he said when he came up for air. “I noticed your playing was off tonight, Your Grace. Were you distracted by something?” He nipped her lower lip. “You find that amusing, do you?” She gave a throaty chuckle as Sylvester bit her chin.
Sylvester studied her from beneath lowered lashes, a sudden ball of anxiety pulsing in his belly. She was clever, resourceful, loyal, sensual, adventurous—and more. She was perfect for him—not just the perfect lover or companion, but the perfect person to share the rest of his life. Perfect except for one, single, insurmountable obstacle: she was a stablemaster’s niece.
A Maldivian's Passion for Romance 