Show me the Rake... or, my review of Heiress in Love by Christina Brooke

No, there is nothing even mildly apocalyptic about this book. Sorry. But never mind that... If you enjoy reading the odd Historical Romance with a healthy heat level then this book is for you.

Lady Jane Roxdale’s very crummy husband has just departed the world of the living leaving her a wealthy woman. Unfortunately, Constantine Black, dead hubby’s cousin and a dreadfully sexy rake to boot, has inherited the land and title along with a nasty debt about to come due. Marrying the prim widow Jane is the obvious answer, but nothing is ever easy in romance land. If it were, we wouldn’t have much of a story on our hands now then, would we?

Heiress in Love has a cast of thoroughly likeable characters. I love a series, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing many of those engaging secondary characters hovering on the fringes are going to find their HEA sometime soon. I like that Jane and Constantine have layers, issues granting them real reasons to fight their growing attraction. The boudoir scenes are sensual and jam packed full of meaning for the two. There’s a generous dose of wit and a dash of adventure when Jane finally steps up to save the day. I love a Self-Rescuing Princess (not that she’s royalty but you get what I mean).

Book two in the series, Mad about the Earl, was released back in January so you may dive in knowing full and well you already have access to the continuing story. This, my friends, is ace.

You can find further details about Christina and her books here...

http://www.christina-brooke.com/

Heiress in Love has been my second review as part of Australian Women Writers 2012 Challenge.  The Challenge being to read and review Australian Women Writers during the year of 2012. Get behind it now, you'll not only feel shiny happy but your mind will be enriched no end. http://www.australianwomenwriters.com/

People called Kylie write awesome books... or, my review of Vengeance Born by Kylie Griffin

Annika is the half-blood daughter of the Leader of the Na’Reish. She is a rare breed being part demon and part human, but she is welcome among neither. 

Kalan is a Light Blade warrior, one of the defenders of the remains of the human race. 

Kalan needs Annika to bust him out of her father’s dungeons where he is being tortured to death. Annika needs Kalan to escape for her misery of a life with the Na’Reish and to help her seek sanctuary amongst the humans. 

And so begins our adventure, rife with distrust and dislike. Our duo must work together to survive a perilous journey to safety but of course, nothing is ever easy. Politics, freaky carnivores called Vorc’s and centuries of racism make for a roller-coaster ride through a vivid fantasy world that will not disappoint. Nor will the growing attraction between our unlikely couple. 

I dig that Annika has powers to heal or harm and I would have liked to have seen a little more of them in action. She’s a layered heroine with strength and compassion, despite her truly cruddy up-bringing. Kalan is a sexy, solid hero and we soon forgive him his foibles in behaving in an iffy fashion towards Annika because his actions are always credible. There are damn good reasons why these people don’t trust each other. Lots of secrets and lies to be revealed, providing a rich tapestry for the turmoil to unfold upon. 

Kylie Griffin is a pro at plotting and world-building. She has an unhealthy obsession with LOL Cats but you’ll forgive her that once you’ve read the book. It’s great.

And you buy it here...

http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780425245361/vengeance-born