One Night With You by Sophie Jordan

Sweet, unassuming Regency Romance

4 stars

Widowed Lady Jane Guthrie is fed up with her family treating her like a servant and longs to have just one night of freedom. With the help of her friends, she dons the most daring gown and manages to sneak to a scandalous courtesans' masquerade ball. While there, she comes face to face with Seth Rutledge, her childhood friend and the man who broke her heart all those years ago by choosing her beautiful, title-hungry sister over her. But now, with a mask to conceal her identity, Seth definitely wants only Jane.

Just back from war and new to a title he never expected to inherit, Seth is entranced by the masked beauty before him and vows to reveal all her secrets. Determined to marry for duty alone, passion is something that Seth has no place for in his life. But he can't help but want the mysterious woman before him, possibly for more than just one night. But what will happen when he realises that his masked love is none other than his childhood friend Jane?

This was an unassuming and invariably sweet Regency romance and another winner from Sophie Jordan.

The plot of two childhood friends that come together and re-learn what they feel for each other captured me and I was eager to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters. Jane is uncomplicated and fresh - someone you might not necessarily relate to but certainly will root for. Seth too was an interesting hero. Slightly brooding and dark but with the tender streak I like in a leading male. I have to admit that I didn't really understand his motivations at times but that didn't really spoil the story for me.

The conflict in the story wasn't clichéd but I did feel that it was a little drawn out towards the end and I was wondering how many more obstacles would be thrown at Jane and Seth before they could reach their happy ever after. I'll also admit to feeling slightly let down by the speed of Seth's changing feelings at the end of the book, but as everything concluded the way it should then I really shouldn't complain.

If you're looking for a light, sweet and romantic Regency story then you really can't go wrong with this book. 4 stars.

Once Upon a Wedding Night by Sophie Jordan

Enjoyable historical romance
4 stars

Lady Meredith Brookshire has a problem. She has suddenly become both husbandless and penniless and about to be tossed from her home by the new earl - a man that everyone thought was dead. So, in order to protect her family and keep her home Meredith devises a desperate plan to ensure that their futures are stable - she will fake her own pregnancy, finding a male child to pass off as her own after the nine months to ensure that he will inherit the title of earl.

Nick Caulfield, the new Earl of Brookshire doesn't care for the aristocracy and doesn't much want to be an earl. But when he meets Meredith, his half-brother's widow - he is sure she is up to something but cannot help but be bewitched by her guileless manner and decides to stick around to find out her secrets.

As Meredith's plans start to go awry Nick does some planning of his own - to get Meredith wed and out of his life as soon as possible. But no sooner than his plans start to fall into place he realises that maybe he doesn't want to be rid of Meredith after all.

Both Nick and Meredith are interesting characters who play off each other well and arose constant passions in one another. Nick is definitely an alpha male while Meredith is both the naive innocent and the seductive widow. When together sparks fly - both in anger and passion - and you can really feel the chemistry between the pair. However Meredith, although a likeable character, did seem at times to be overwhelmed by such a strong character as Nick and it would have been nice to see her stick up for herself during some of their arguments.

The story moves along nicely always keeping you wanting to turn the page and find out what happens next so it really keeps you hooked. I'm not sure how historically accurate the story line is or if it would actually have been able to happen (the passing of the title before a pregnancy has been determined, marrying your brother's widow etc.) but this doesn't really detract from the story although I believe it might annoy some readers.

Overall, this was an enjoyable historical romance and one which despite its faults you can't help but like. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Sophie Jordan in the future.