Torn between the love he has-and the love he's always wanted. A Rough Riders book. Chassie West Glanzer hasn't been a stranger to drama and tragedy. A year of wedded bliss to sexy-as-sin cowboy Trevor Glanzer has brought her the happiness and contentment she never thought she'd find, and mellowed Trevor's rodeo wanderlust. Then Trevors old roping partner ambles up the driveway and Chassie's life changes drastically. Trevor never expected to see Edgard Mancuso again, after it became clear he couldn't be the man Edgard needed. Now Edgard is back from Brazil to sort out their tangled past, and Trevor is plagued with feelings he thought he'd buried over three years ago. Although Trevor is hat-over-bootheels in love with his sweet, feisty wife, the sense his life is missing a piece has always gnawed at him. Chassie's shock that Edgard and Trevor were once lovers turns to fear of losing her husband. Or worse, fear that Trevor will stay with her only out of a sense of duty. Yet as the three of them spend time together, the sins of the past blur and fade, leaving raw emotion and unbridled passion. Passion that could heal-or cause irreparable damage to their future. Warning: this book contains unbelievably explicit sex, including multiple cowboy/cowgirl/cowboy menage scenes, juicy, hot, male on male action, a bucketful of politically incorrect situations and true Western ideology.

 If I hadn't read about Trevor and Edgard in the first book of the series then maybe I would have felt a little different than I do. I feel the real love story was between Trevor and Edgard with Chassie has a second love in Trevor's life at some points it was hard for me to believe that Trevor felt so strong for Chassie it didn't feel has strong as what he feels for Edgard. I also thought that the love story between Chassie and Edgard was very underdeveloped. I felt a connection between the two just not very strong. I still feel with that being said that it was a good book and a fun, sexy read and as in all the books there's hot sex and steamy touches.

...The strongest bonds are the ones unseen.

Businesswoman Skylar Ellison is firmly in control of her life. So getting tangled up with a sexy Wyoming cowboy—and conceiving a baby in the parking lot of a honky-tonk—wasn’t in her plan. Since it appears the daddy has taken off for greener pastures, the only thing to do is pull up her bootstraps and carry on alone.

Cattle rancher Kade McKay returns home after a year on the range, and is knocked for a loop when he learns he’s the father of a three-month-old baby girl. When Skylar refuses to marry him, Kade grits his teeth, moves in and plays house by her rules to prove he’s a man in for the long haul.

Despite Skylar’s insistence they are to remain strictly parenting partners, their old passions flare hot as a brush fire, spurring Kade to demand absolute sexual surrender from the headstrong woman. Skylar willingly submits her body to the hot-blooded cowboy but she’s leery of handing Kade the reins to her heart.

Can Kade convince Skylar the wicked sex games aren’t a temporary distraction? Or will he have to bust out the ropes to show her he wants to be tied to her…forever?

After a lie that has Kade leaving town for several months for family business he comes back to hear he was a little baby daughter (and in the McKay family that is rare). Skylar is upset with Kade but that changes after she sees him with his daughter. Kade not only wants in his daughters life he wants in Skylar's life in a permit way but convincing control freak Skylar is going to be hard but a McKay male is always up for a challenge. If anyone can make control freak Skylar loss control it's Kade with is smoldering kisses and hot touches. Reading about Kade with Elise his daughter is such sweet and touching moments. Skylar is slow to see that Kade isn't like any man she was ever know and give him a chance but she does come around. I think this is one of my favorite books of the series.

Goody-two boots AJ Foster has waited her entire life for her dream cowboy Cord McKay to see her as more than the neighbor girl in pigtails. Now that she’s old enough to stake her claim on him, she’s pulling out all the sexual stops and riding hell-bent for leather—straight for his libido.

Divorced rancher Cord has sworn off all women…until innocent AJ suggests he teach her how to ride bareback—and he realizes she doesn’t mean horses or bulls. Between his responsibilities running his massive ranch, missing his young son and dealing with the sexual shenanigans of his brother and cousins, Cord is more than willing to take AJ up on her offer. On a trial basis.

The fun and games tie them both up in knots. AJ isn’t willing to settle for less than the whole shootin’ match with her western knight. But for Cord, even though the sexy cowgirl sets his blood ablaze, he’s determined to resist her efforts to lasso his battered heart.

Sweet, determined AJ has the power to heal—or heel—the gruff cowboy…unless Cord’s pride keeps him from admitting their relationship is more than a simple roll in the hay.

I love a good story about when a good girl goes bad to get the man she wants. When Cord sees AJ in a bar and realizes that the little girl has grown up he wants her. After AJ makes a offer Cord can't refuse he sets out to show her every kinky thing he knows about sex and how to ride a cowboy. This is another great addition to the Rough Riders series. AJ's sweetness made me like her from the start and Cord being burned by love makes you want him healed and loved well.

Workin up a hot, sticky sweat is pure pleasure with a hard-ridin cowboy or two. Struggling stock contractor Gemma Jansen swallows her pride and tracks down circuit rider Cash Big Crow to offer him a job managing her ranch. Cash agrees on one condition: theirs won't be strictly a working relationship. She's the boss during the day, but once she's corralled in the bedroom, Cash calls the shots. Despite concerns about their age difference, Gemma consents. Cash suspects the sexy widow hides an untapped wild streak. He intends to loosen her tightly held reins of control even if he has to break out his horsewhip to do it. But Cash is in for a surprise. Gemma proves a rough and ready participant in any leather-n-lace game Cash dreams up. Between riding herd on his wayward daughter, Macie, and rowdy cowboy Carter McKay doggin Macie's every boot step, Cash struggles to hide his true feelings for Gemma except this time, Gemma's grabbed the bull by the horns and she's playing for keeps. Summer's going to be a hot one at the Bar 9.

 My only complaint about this book is the describes of the book. This book is more about Macie and Carter with Gemma and Cash as a side story. I was so happy that Cash and Gemma got together after reading about them in the first book. Cash is a retired rodeo cowboy that knows he wants Gemma and finally has the chance to get her when she comes looking for him needing his help. Carter meets Macie at a rodeo then again when she goes with her father Cash to Gemma's ranch. Carter may be a artist but when he sees Macie he's all Mckay about getting what he wants. Carter messes up in a major way but with a little help from his brothers he sets out to get back what he lost.

Channing Kinkaid itches for a wild western adventure with an untamed man. Enter Colby McKay, bull rider, saddle bronc buster and calf roper. He knows he's found a woman who's up to the challenge of cutting loose. Intrigued by Channing's bold proposition to "horse around" on the road, Colby proposes sexual escapades not only in his bed, but in those of his two rodeo traveling partners. Can Channing give up total control? Especially when not all is as it seems with the sexy trio?   

Wow, where to start this is one steaming hot series. I have two warnings about this book. First there is a M/M scene and M/F/M scene's. Second there is more steaming, hot, OMG sex in this book then there is plot so if that bothers you then skip this series and look at something else but if you like smokin hot cowboys that know how to use rope for more than cattle then you found your dream series. Colby proved to be more than a rodeo cowboy looking for a buckle bunny when he finally gets Channing in his bed. The sex was scorching and so was the connection between Colby and Channing. This book is a sex filled love story that leaves a girl wishing for a cowboy !!

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?

 Wicked Nights was one hell of a kick start to the new Angels of the Dark series. I've been curious about Zacharel since we met him in the LOTU series. He had a very mysterious quality to him that made me want to know more. I felt sorry for poor Annabelle from the beginning of the book, talk about a hard life.

Zacharel finds himself drawn to Annabelle from the moment he sees her. This book is filled with twist I didn't see coming with more damaged angels that I can't wait to read about. There is even some Lords and Lady's from the LOTU series in this book. Gena Showalter is a amazing writer and this book is just another example of her talents.

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and…uh…well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don't believe in forever.

At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She's sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she's a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she's being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn't like hybrids…and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn't get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can't simply walk away. Not when she's come to mean absolutely everything to him.

If your looking for a fun and sexy read about shifters then Shelly Laurenston is your girl. I laughed so much reading this book. Lock is adorable and sweet looking out for Gwen even when she doesn't want him to. Gwen doesn't want to trust Lock at first but time and help from her friends things change. I love reading this series I hope it never ends it's a fun series that doesn't take itself too serious. If your looking for a fun laugh out loud series about shifters then you found it in this book.

A Baby Under the Tree (Harlequin Special Edition) by Judy Duarte

      

Dear Santa,It's me, Jillian Wilkes. I just did something totally out of character: I spent the most glorious night of my life with a stranger named Shane Hollister. Fast-forward three weeks. The sexy cowboy with the sweet smile left me with an incredible, life-changing gift….

Hey, Santa,

Houston ex-cop Shane Hollister here. I'm still reeling from the news: I'm going to be a father! Ever since Jillian delivered her bombshell, I've made up my mind to really get to know the Texas blonde. And what better place than my ranch in Brighton Valley? Now the top priority on my wish list is to let go of the past and make a future with the family I've always wanted!

I enjoyed this book and it was the first time I read anything from this author. Jillian decides to tell Shane about the pregnancy and then she waits several months before actually telling him. I found that to be very annoying. Shane Hollister was a very likable character and sexy willing to do anything to make it work with Jillian. I thought the connection between Shane and Jillian was great. This was a cute and short read it is worth checking out !!

Tied with a Bow (Breeds #25 Anthology) by Virginia Kantra (Goodreads Author), Lora Leigh, Eileen Wilks, Kimberly Frost (Goodreads Author)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh features the Breeds in her story. New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra brings a haunting tale of a fallen angel. USA Today bestselling author Eileen Wilks returns to the shapeshifing Lupi for another magical tale. National bestselling author Kimberly Frost introduces a new paranormal world of muses and vampires. 

 I'll do this review a bit different then the others. I'm going to give a short description of the story then the review. I really dislike when I'm trying to decide if I should get a book and there's no description on the back.



Upon A Midnight Clear Virginia Kantra book description- A angel comes to answer a mothers prayers who is about to die and the wish changes the angels life forever when they meet again years later.


review- This was the first time I read this author and really liked the book and her stlye of writing and will look up other books from Virginia Kantra. Aimee is a very sympathetic character and you feel for her and the life she's had to lead. Lucien I wasn't sure about until the end of the book when you realize just how great of a character he is.


First Light Kimberly Frost book description- This is the begining of a new series. Kate meets the man she's had dreams of for years for the first time. Nathaniel has lost his memories and is not sure of anything other than he wants Kate but there is a battle with a great evil to come.


review- I loved this story and can't wait for the next book in this new series. I loved everything about the book and the world described in this series.


Human Error Eileen Wilks book description- Arjenie takes Bendict home to meet her family where they have trouble ....


review- I could have liked this book but I had several issues with it. First the this book is 8.5 inthe series and the author acts like everyone has read the series so she doesn't give info about what has happened in the past or what somethings mean. Example they mention a Humans First rally but never really explain what this is. I'm trying to find Arjenie and Bendicts story but it's not easy becuase the series is based on two other characters with noveals of other characters. I have lots of problems with this story and with this being the first time I read this author and series and I'm throw into the middle of it.


An Inconvient Mate Lora Leigh book description- This is the story of Malachi and when he finds his mate Isabelle and the problem with her stalker.


 review- This is the story I got the book for and wasn't dispoointed at all. I love the Breed series and this was just another great addition. The book ends with some questions of survial for some Breeds.


My overall review is I loved three out of four stories and the other I thought was ok becuase of all the info that was missing.

A Highlander Christmasby Dawn Halliday, Cindy Miles, Sophie Renwick (Goodreads Author)

An enchanting trio of paranormal Christmas stories:

Dawn Halliday's Winter Heat...Lost in a blizzard, a young woman casts a spell over the brooding Highland warrior who rescues her.

Cindy Miles's A Christmas Spirit...A museum curator's tour of a Scottish castle leads to an unexpected encounter with a dead-sexy spirit.

Sophie Renwick's Yuletide Enchantment...Passion blooms between an anxious bride-to-be and a dark, sensual stranger from another world.

Winter Heat review- This story wasn't really a paranormal story it was just a Christmas romance with a twist. The paranormal aspect of this story felt like it was throw in at the end almost like the author remembered at the end that it was supposed to be a paranormal story. Having said that I liked this story it was sweet and but don't feel like it's a story that is very memorable. I did like the story enough that I will look up this author and read other books.

Christmas Spirit review- I really liked this story Paige was a very likable character and Gabriel was the kind of Highland hunk I love to read about. I found that I couldn't wait until the end to see how these two would be able to be together. Lots of couple have problems but being a spirit is a huge problem. These two couldn't touch but they end up falling in love. I will most definitely get other books by this author.

Yuletide Enchantment- This was my favorite of the three. This is the beginning of the series and I'm trying to get the others now. The connection between Prince Daegan and Isobel McDonald was jumping off the page as I read. I could feel the love and devotion Prince Daegan felt for Isobel in the way he protected her as the years went by. Isobel is a sweet and caring young woman that is easy as a reader to care about. My only complaint would be that the book ended to soon I could have read their story for another hundred pages or more.

This was the first time I read a story by each of these authors and I liked them all. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of paranormal romance.

A Winter Scandal (St. Dwynwen #1) by Candace Camp (Goodreads Author)

When plain and proper Thea Bainbridge stumbles upon a baby in the manger of her church’s nativity, she is understandably shocked. Discovering a brooch bearing the insignia of Gabriel, Lord Morecombe, hidden among the child’s clothing, she is certain the dissolute rake is to blame. Incensed, Thea sets out to reproach the arrogant lord—only to find herself utterly swept away.

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

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

 First I must say I love this book cover with the deep red gown on the cover. I really liked this book and really liked Gabriel and Thea. Gabriel Morecombe at first look is the typical rake but when Thea shows up with a baby and his sisters brooch you realize there's more to him. I loved the scenes with Thea, Gabriel, and the baby. Reading as Gabriel and Thea fall for each other is a beautiful thing to read. I really felt like I got to know both Gabriel and Thea very well. The mystery of the baby and the brooch kept me guessing as the book went on. I liked how the attraction between Gabriel and Thea developed. Thea was reserved without being cold which doesn't often happen. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves historical romances with a touch of mystery.

A Season of Angels (Angels Everywhere #1) by Debbie Macomber

Heaven Sent

When three willing but wacky angels — called Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy — are giving Christmas prayer request to answer, there's just one catch: each angel must teach her charge a memorable lesson before the wish can be granted.

I had high hopes for this book but I was let down. All the stories were mixed together and I didn't like this. I would get in the middle of a story and it would switich to a different one. I found this hard to really feel invested in each person and angels. The angels seemed more interested with TV's, Navy ships, and things of this nature than they did of helping make the prayers come true. I keeped having to refer to the back to remember what angel went with each women. I felt a huge disconnect with this book and the characters in it. I normally love Debbie Macomber books but I found this one to be ok at best.

I'll Be Yours for Christmas (Harlequin Blaze, #584) by Samantha Hunter

From the time they were kids and neighbors, Reece Winston tugged Abby Harper's pigtails and tormented her. But when Abby—now the sole owner of her parents' vineyard—sees Reece Winston again after years apart, she's unexpectedly struck by the need to play a much more adult kind of game….

Then a freak accident forces her to stay with Reece, and Abby decides that what she really wants for Christmas is Reece—perhaps wrapped with a red bow. But as Abby and Reece explore their naughty lists, they begin to realize that nothing is quite as easy as it seems!

This is a short read but very much worth your time ! I loved both Reece and Abby and found myself hoping they found a way to be together and without losing their dreams. I think this book is about the power of compromise and taking a chance. I've never read a Samantha Hunter book but I will be reading more from her in the future !! I highly recommend you pick it up.

A Christmas Waltz (Christmas #3) by Jane Goodger (Goodreads Author)

To Lady Amelia Wellesley, it seems utterly romantic to surprise her dashing fiancé at his home in Texas so the two can marry by Christmas. But Amelia’s surprise goes awry when Carson Kitteridge calls off their wedding as soon as she arrives, leaving Amelia in disgrace…

With nowhere to turn, Amelia finds an unlikely savior in Carson’s brother, Dr. Boone Kitteridge. Boone offers to marry Amelia, sparing her the shame of returning to England unwed. But Boone isn’t just protecting Amelia’s honor; secretly, he finds her irresistible, and the thought of indulging his desire for her is too tempting to ignore. As Boone and Amelia forge a fragile bond, something goes terribly wrong—and it will take nothing less than a Christmas miracle for Amelia to discover who she is destined to love…



 

I can't say I liked this book it was alright. I've read all three in this series and not sure if it's the books or the authors style of writing I don't like. I'll start with Amelia this is where my problems are. Just to start you don't travel half way around the world when your "fiance" hasn't sent for you. When she gets to Texas and finds that everything Carson said was a lie she still believes that he's the man that he pretends to be. Amelia admits that she know he lied about most of the stuff he said in London yet that doesn't set off warning bells in her head. She believes the new lies which just makes her look very dumb. Carson has a moment of goodness when he comes into Amelia's room and tells her about Boone's past and that he was leaving that was a touching moment. When Amelia wakes up she completely seems to forget that he said he was leaving and is surprised by the news. When Boone and Amelia go back to London they go to a ball. Boone tells her he is very nervous and when they attend the ball Amelia spends no time with Boone where she should be. Amelia spends the whole night dancing with other men she doesn't seem to care about anyone but herself most of the time. Boone really needed her and all she thought about was herself. I didn't really like Amelia but I did like Boone very much. Boone had less experence than she did when it came to sex and Amelia was his first kiss this is different from any book I've read and it just made to like Boone even more. Boone had a horrible childhood which explanes alot about why he puts up with Carson.

A Vampire for Christmas (Sweetblood #2.5) by Laurie London (Goodreads Author), Michele Hauf (Goodreads Author), Caridad Piñeiro (Goodreads Author), Alexis Morgan

All they want for Christmas is you…

It's the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.

And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.

Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there's no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can't wait for an invitation.

 I don't normally do this but I'll give a short summary of what each story is about sense it's not on the back cover and at the end will be my review.


Enchanted by Blood

Trace is a vampire forced to safe then work with a ex-lover whom he took away all her memories of their time together.


Monsters Don't Do Christmas

Daniel is a werewolf saved by a human woman that's taking time off from her own kind of monster.


When Herald Angels Sing

Damien is given one last chance to save his own soul and his Angels too.


All I Want For Christmas

Eagen is a vampire trying save human teenagers going missing and prove his worth when he finds a love that will be lost if he doesn't save her in time.


My review for this book is short and sweet I really enjoyed all of these stories and if you love paranormal romance then you should get this book.

Nothing Short of Perfect (Billionaires and Babies #21) by Day Leclaire

First comes marriage—and Justice St. John has a plan. Using a foolproof equation, the brilliant scientist designs a program to find the perfect woman. But after a night of unexpected passion, he discovers that Daisy Marcellus is entirely the wrong woman—and it's back to the drawing board.

But their passion has consequences….

And when Daisy—with little Noelle in tow—tracks him down, she brings life and color and chaos to his cold and orderly world. Their negotiations for the future are just starting when Daisy discovers he's still searching for the perfect wife….

 OMG....I loved this book so much. It was one of the best I've read and I will definitely be getting more books by Day Leclaire. I loved everything about this book from Justice and his crazy uncle to Daisy and adorable little Noelle. I loved when Justice was with Noelle who is eleven months she would be talking and Justice would listen to her and talk back. This book was brilliant from start to finish I highly recommend you pick it up it's a short read but worth your time.

Holiday in Stone Creek: A Stone Creek Christmas\At Home in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

A Stone Creek Christmas

Stone Creek veterinarian Olivia O'Ballivan communicates easily with animals, but men are another story. Especially rugged architect-turned-rancher Tanner Quinn. Olivia's uncanny bond with his daughter Sophie's pony has him questioning her sanity, while she wonders if he's not just a drugstore cowboy. Then twelve-year-old Sophie conspires with Olivia to get Tanner into the spirit of Christmas. But will a holiday miracle transform the globe-trotting Tanner into a rancher—and family man—for all seasons?

At Home In Stone Creek

Everyone in Ashley O'Ballivan's life is marrying and starting families—except her. But why bother dating when no one can compare to Jack McCall, the man who left her heartbroken years ago? Now he's back in town —and maybe he isn't who she thinks he is.

While recovering from a dangerous mission for the DEA, security expert Jack rents a room in Ashley's bed-and-breakfast. For both their sakes, he tries to keep his distance, though neither can deny the growing spark between them. But when his past catches up with him, he'll have to leave again…just as he realizes where he's always belonged —in Stone Creek

Review for A Stone Creek Christmas

The first story is the best in my opinion. I loved Tanner and Olivia and his daughter Sophie also. Tanner is doing his best for Sophie he just doesn't realize what he's doing is the wrong thing until Olivia appears in his life. Olivia has a special gift and being a vet is her life until she meets Tanner and Sophie they show her what it means to be alive. I really liked this story it was fun and heart warming. It is the first Christmas book that had a Santa sub plot going on that added to the book. Olivia is the kind of woman you want as a friend and Tanner is the kind of man you just want.


Review for At Home In Stone Creek

A little of this couples story was told in the first book which was both good and bad to me. I say good because you got some of their back story and bad because when they talk about their past it doesn't match with what was mentioned in the first story. A example would be in the first book they say they split up because he cheated on her and then in this book it's for a whole different reason and never mention the waitress he cheat with. When you get to this story it's been two years since the first. I didn't care for this at all you missed Ashley forgiving Jack which takes away from the story to me. I felt like I read half the story and missed all the good parts. I just didn't feel invested in them ending up together or not.

Season for Temptation by Theresa Romain (Goodreads Author)

Two Sisters...

Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged--to a viscount, no less. Louisa's only hesitation is living a life under the ton's critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact...

One Choice...

As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride... until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous--and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch--and a twist of fate--will solve...

 This is a toss up I can find more things that annoyed me than I can say I liked. What I didn't like here we go........I'm amazed that Julia didn't weight four hundred pounds every time they ate she was going back three or four times for more food. James seemed a little lacking as a man he was twenty seven but he came off more like eighteen. Also he had a bad choice of friends one of his "friends" got Julia drunk without her knowing it at her first ball. James realizes this in time and takes her home,but Jame never confronts his "friend" and it seemed like a lame way to give Julia and James alone time. James other "friend" outs them to the newspaper. James was always being called old man by his friends which I found annoying when they were all the same age as far as I could tell. James knows his mother is a viper but when she puts on a act of caring about him he falls for it which causes lots of trouble. I think a smarter man would have known that something was up by the way his mother was acting so different. Louisa the sister he is engaged to doesn't want to marry him and that's easy to see so you think maybe she loves someone else or there might be some mystery but no she just doesn't want to leave mommy yet. I found that to be another let down with this book she had no real reason and just comes across as a little girl not a woman. The last thing is Julia was the one to go after him when it should have been James coming to Julia this is just another way I found James lacking as a man. What I liked......ok let me think...............I liked Julia when she wasn't eating food like she had never seen food EVER. James was very likable also and Louisa was painful shy but likable. The story had a lot of potential just didn't come together to me. First time to read Theresa Romain and I will give her another try before I decide was it just this book or her writing style that I don't like.