About that Night by Julie James

Exceptional and smart romance
5 stars

The first night they met, Rylann Pierce tried to shrug off the attraction she felt for Kyle Rhodes. Yet after one incredible kiss it was hard to dismiss. After being stood up, she figured she would never see him again.

Nine years later, Rylann is a top U.S. attorney and ready to get her life back in order after a bad break up. Then who should walk into her courtroom and back into her life but Kyle. The attraction’s still there but this time he’s an ex-con and her star witness in a murder trial. Rylann’s career has always come first but she’s coming to realise that her life might need to be shaken up a bit and Kyle’s just the man to do it!

--

I have been a huge fan of Julie James since reading her first book and this one just cements her as an exceptional contemporary writer and one of my all time favourites.

Kyle first appeared in James’ previous book, A Lot Like Love, which featured his twin sister’s story. You don’t have to have read that book or any of the others to understand and like this book although if you have read it then Jordan and Nick (as well as some of the supporting cast and Cameron and Jack from Something About You) make brief appearances which is always fun.

I’m always looking for a heroine that I can both like and root for and Rylann fits the bill. She’s sassy, fiesty, fun and sarcastic yet retains a vulnerability that makes her extremely likeable. She’s also smart and works hard which I like a lot. Kyle is a hard working, sexy and passionate man and one that I couldn’t help but fall for. He may be an ex-con but don’t let this put you off! Together the pair have such spark, chemistry and the banter was genius and had me laughing out loud on occasion.

Once again this book is set in the world of lawyers, the FBI and everything that entails. The storyline is realistic yet never getting bogged down in detail and makes for a book that I just couldn’t put down. The storyline flows nicely and there’s always something new to keep your interest. This is the kind of book that makes you want to live the characters lives and I finished it feeling rejuvenated while also feeling very sad that I couldn’t keep reading.

If you like smart romances with sparkle and wit then I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a real page turner and one which I enjoyed immensely. A very well deserved 5 stars.

A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

A fun and emotional romance
5 stars

Ten years ago, Michael Lawler, Marquess of Bourne, was left with nothing to his name except his title. Now a partner in London’s most notorious gaming hell, Michael is a cold and ruthless man who will stop at nothing to get his revenge - even marrying Lady Penelope Marbury - his childhood friend for her dowry.

Penelope was put firmly on the shelf when she was jilted and left for fortune hunters. She is determined to find adventure, passion and love. Luckily for her, Penelope dreams of finding all these things with her new husband, even if he’s no longer the fun loving man she remembers.

Bourne is determined to spare Penelope from the hard and unsavoury man he has become but he has no power to fight against the love that she will offer if he takes the greatest risk of all.

--

Sarah MacLean has been an auto buy for me ever since I read the wonderful Nine Rules... This story doesn’t quite reach the same heights but I still loved it and definitely feel it’s deserving of 5 stars.

Michael is my favourite kind of hero - tortured, full of angst and feels undeserving of, while really in need of, the love of a good woman. I also just adored Penelope. She appeared briefly in Eleven Scandals... but this book starts a new series (the Rules of Scoundrels Quartet) so there’s no need to have read any books to understand and enjoy this one. Penelope was feisty and fun while also being quite vulnerable and naive at times. She was someone that I really rooted for from beginning to end.

The relationship between Michael and Penelope was filled with chemistry and passion. The letters that started off each chapter were a lovely addition and really built on the pair’s past relationship. It was also easy to see the pair growing and falling in love which was a treat to read and kept me turning the pages at all hours.

I’m looking forward to the other stories in the series and would recommend this book to you if you like a fun and interesting romance with great characters and good storytelling. 5 stars.

Once Upon A Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

A fun and feisty Regency romp
5 stars

Violet Winterbottom is getting over heartbreak at Spindle Cove - a retreat/refuge for women tucked away from the prying eyes of the Ton. She’s quiet, sweet and intelligent - hardly the type to have men falling at her feet.

Until one night during the Spindle Cove Christmas ball when a dashing stranger does just that. He’s dirty, soaked, bleeding and speaking in a language only Violet understands. A sensible girl would stay well clear. But Violet’s not as delicate as she looks and has just one night to find out his secrets that might lead her to the love, and adventure, of a lifetime.

--

This novella is a short story that is part of Dare’s Spindle Cove series. This story follows A Night to Surrender and comes before A Week to be Wicked. I’ve not read either and found that this story was an intriguing insight into the series and didn’t need to be read in order to be understood.

The characters in this story were great. Violet was a quiet girl but didn’t fall into the cliche of being shy with it. She was feisty, honest and bold - I really liked her. Equally, the hero was everything I like in a leading man - brooding, mysterious and willing to sacrifice anything for the woman he loves. The pair had great chemistry and I really liked them as a couple.

This is an implausible, fun and feisty romp with characters I really enjoyed and an almost farcical, fast-paced storyline that was a delight from start to finish. It will only take you a little while to read, but the price is right and the story is a great way to spend an hour or so. If you’re a fan of Tessa Dare or just looking for a light and frothy tale to take your mind off things for a while then I would recommend this to you. 5 stars.

A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries

Last but not least
5 stars

Celia Sharpe is the last unmarried Sharpe grandchild and has only 2 months to find a husband or her Gran plans to cut all of them off. Setting her sights on three eligible bachelors she plans to get a proposal, show that she can get married, cry off and still get the inheritance for her siblings.

Bow Street Runner, Jackson Pinter, has been hired to investigate Celia’s three suitors. But with Celia bedevilling Jackson both day and night, the last thing he wants to do is help her find a husband. But with danger lurking and passions stirring it doesn’t take long to realise that’s because he wants her for himself.

--

This is the final book in the Hellions of Halstead Hall series following The Truth About Lord Stoneville, A Hellion in her Bed, How to Woo a Reluctant Lady and To Wed A Wild Lord. It’s probably not essential that you read the books in order but I would strongly suggest that you do simply to get the back story and to get to know the characters.

I’ve been looking forward to Celia and Pinter’s story since the first book as I do love a couple that start off with an antagonistic relationship that turns to love. The book didn’t disappoint and the pair still had that passion and spark with each other even once the relationship progressed.

We really got to know Jackson and I felt both his desire for Celia and his anxiety over the barriers to their happily ever after. Celia, too, was a fine character that I liked and rooted for. She was impulsive, feisty but still had sense and intelligence.

I liked the fact that the other characters from the previous books appeared although I would have liked a bit more interactions between the couples. Gran was also on fine form with her meddling although if I’m honest she really irritated me with her unwillingness to unbend when Celia was so obviously unhappy.

As the last book in the series we finally find out the answer to the mystery of the parents’ death. This could easily have overwhelmed the romance but I’m happy to say that it sat alongside it nicely. I was slightly underwhelmed by the solving of the mystery but that’s probably just because it’s been built up over the course of five books. It couldn’t have gone any other way and I was still satisfied.

Despite the couple of niggles I’m still giving this book 5 stars as the writing is superb, the characters come to life and it’s a fantastic end to a series that I have really enjoyed. I’m glad to see that some of the secondary characters are to get their own stories so although the series ends, hopefully the characters that I’ve grown to love will appear again.

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Another sharp and sassy romance
5 stars

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of her own boutique wine store, Jordan Rhodes’ name is on the guest list of all the best parties in Chicago. But it’s just one party that the FBI want her help to get into – the exclusive party thrown by a renowned restaurateur and alleged mob money launderer. Jordan’s not keen on her “date” but she’ll do what she has to do in exchange for her brother’s release from jail.

As the top undercover FBI agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has been in his fair share of tricky situations. But pretending to date Jordan tops his list of difficult tasks when the pair can’t be alone together for more than 5 minutes before the sparks begin to fly and the arguing starts. But when their one date turns into two, this straightforward assignment starts to feel like something a whole lot more that neither of them expected.


This is another winner from Julie James and it is chock full of her trademark wit, humour and smart and sharp banter. It stands completely alone but we did get little cameo appearances from Cameron and Jack from her previous book, Something About You.

My favourite thing about Julie James’ writing is always the way that her main characters spark off each other. Despite this being a constant in her books the plot and characters are always so fresh and new and a joy to read from start to finish.

Jordan was a great character – strong and confident yet still likeable and relatable. But it was Nick who stole the show and my heart. I just love brooding, dark and mysterious men who fall hook, line and sinker for the girl of their dreams. Nick and Jordan together had great chemistry and some sexy scenes that greatly complemented the story.

I was also very happy to hear that Julie James’ next book (About That Night) will be Jordan’s brother, Kyle’s story.

The more I read of Julie James the more I love her writing style and her stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking out for a sexy, sassy romantic story. 5 stars.

Something About You by Julie James

Another excellent romance from Julie James
5 stars

All Assistant U.S. Attorney, Cameron Lynde, wanted when she checked into a luxury hotel was some pampering and a good night’s sleep. Instead she was kept awake by the amorous couple in next room which ended in murder. Now she’s under FBI protection and, of course, the man assigned to the case is Special Agent Jack Pallas – the same man who blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago that nearly ended his career.

So now the pair have to work together to solve the crime and keep key witness Cameron safe. It’s no surprise that being in such close proximity will make the sparks fly but it’s a surprise to both when it’s the sparks of lust and not animosity that start to burn.


This is another great contemporary romance that I couldn’t put down from start to finish. I loved the sassy, intelligent characters and the great chemistry between the pair. Cameron was a strong woman but far from a stereotype and someone I admired, rooted for and wanted to be! Jack was the perfect foil for Cameron as well as being a first class hero. Glowering, broody and a man’s man – he is the kind of guy any woman would wish for.

The story was interesting, exciting and didn’t rely on the obvious conflicts or dramas to move the story on. While involving a little bit of suspense over the killer, the book wasn’t in the least bit scary and I’m a complete wuss when it comes to things like this! This is definitely the kind of story that you just have to keep reading and that you really invest in both the characters and the book as a whole.

Julie James is truly becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors. Her characters are smart and witty with great chemistry and banter and the story has the right balance of romance and action/suspense. Furthermore she always leaves me wanting more and with that happy glow when I’m finished a book. Now a definite auto buy for me and something I’d recommend for everyone especially fans of Susan Andersen. 5 stars.

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Wonderfully smart and sexy romance 
5 stars

For eight years lawyers Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson have been working towards partner in the law firm where they both work. In public they are perfectly civil but in private they constantly try to outdo the other.

But all bets are off when they are asked to work together on a high profile case. As they begin to get to know each other for real the sparks of antagonism turn to the sparks of attraction. But when they are told that only one of them will make partner the war can truly begin. Soon both are getting hot under the collar but who will win in the end?



I have to go right in and express how much I enjoyed this book. I had read (and adored) James' previous book, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, so decided to get her next and now have decided to read every book she's ever written!

There were many reasons for my love of this book. I do enjoy couples that bicker and argue before they realise they're perfect for each other and James' is the master of this type of relationship. Payton is a strong woman but one that you can both relate to and also admire and root for while J.D. is a confident, sexy man who, underneath it all, is vulnerable and in need of the love of a good woman. Together the pair had near palpable chemistry and I loved them separately and as a couple.

The story was interesting and really amusing at points. I could barely put the book down and finished it really quickly as the pages kept on turning. The ending was satisfying and the whole book left me with that upbeat, happy feeling that only the best books can give you.

Overall this was a smart, sexy and funny contemporary romance with great characters and a really enjoyable story. I would highly recommend it and hope that you like it as much as I did. 5 stars.

A Kiss At Midnight by Eloisa James

A magical Cinderella retelling
5 stars

After the death of her father, Kate Daltry is forced into near servitude for her stepmother and stepsister. But when her stepsister suffers a mishap that mars her perfect looks, her stepmother forces Kate to attend a ball in Victoria’s place. There, Kate meets a prince although this one’s definitely not as charming as she would have expected.

Prince Gabriel is one step away from being betrothed to a pretty and lovely Russian princess. So why is he so desperate to spend time with impoverished Kate – a woman he could never marry? And what will happen when he has to choose between his honour and a woman that he realises he can’t live without?


This is the first in James’ Fairy Tales series before When Beauty Tamed the Beast and This Duke is Mine. There is an e-book (Storming the Castle) that follows on from this story however all the rest of the series stand alone and have no connection to each other except the fairy tale theme.

From the first I liked Kate and felt for her situation. It was especially well done that although the stepmother wasn’t particularly nice, she wasn’t a caricature and was believable in her meanness! Gabriel was a very enjoyable hero and I always like a pair that bicker but are strong enough to stand up for themselves with each other. Together Kate and Gabriel worked really well and I really enjoyed their scenes together and thought the pair had good chemistry.

The story itself ticked over nicely and I loved the supporting characters who were vibrant but never overshadowed or upstaged the main romance. I never had a problem with wanting to pick up this book and keep reading. If I had to make one criticism it would be that there were a few too many Americanisms for my liking. Having said that, at the end of the book the author’s note explains that this is set in Fairy Tale land rather than being an actual historical so I’m not sure whether that was a deliberate move.

Regardless, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I felt the magic and adored watching Kate and Gabriel on the path to their happily ever after. 5 stars.

Tangled Up In Love by Heidi Betts

Who knew knitting could be so sexy?
5 stars

Veronica Chasen and Dylan Stone are arch rivals. If they’re not engaged in a war of words, the pair of newspaper columnists from rival papers are challenging each other to dares like bungee jumping, getting tattoos or white water rafting. And now comes the biggest challenge of all – Ronnie dares Dylan to learn how to knit.

Who knew knitting could be so difficult? But Dylan isn’t about to be beaten by a bit of wool or by the infuriatingly sexy Ronnie. So he joins her knitting group and proceeds to charm all Ronnie’s friends. But when she agrees to private knitting lessons she realises she might have found herself getting a little bit tangled up with the one man she never expected.


This is the first novel I’ve read by Heidi Betts but if all her books are like this one then I’m definitely going to buy up her back list!

I love a couple who start off at odds with each other and throughout the course of the novel turn all that passion into love. Ronnie and Dylan definitely fit that bill. From page one I was hooked and rooting for them and it was delicious to watch the pair dance around each other on their journey towards a happily ever after.

The story itself is sexy, funny and really entertaining – this was the kind of book you didn’t want to put down and has characters that you’ll still be thinking about long after the book is done. It’s not heavy on the knitting so don’t worry if, like me, you’ve never knitted before. But after reading this book I definitely want to try my hand at it! There are two more books in this series and I cannot wait to read Jenna and Grace’s stories, Loves Me, Loves Me Knotand Knock Me for a Loop.

If you like fun and sexy romances with great characters then I’d really recommend this book to you. I really loved it from the first page to the last. 5 stars.