melstylensubstance's reviews
476 reviews

I. Rating it 4* but it’s a soft 4*. To me, this book was written in a way that made me feel the world really only existed for V and Grant. Everything seemed quiet, and just focused on these 2. Yes there were secondary characters but none that were intrusive, and not a whole lot of world building, I felt, given this is a first of the series. But it all worked for me. The final “conflict” felt kind of meh. As a hero and heroine, they were both fine, but I have nothing to recommend grant in to my mental list of book boyfriends, so not swoony enough. And V? Not overly spunky - but with grants support she does some pretty brave things.

Finished lady Sophia’s lover!! I can see why it was claimed to be LKs steamiest book. ||Lots of sexual tension, and once it started it was in all the places and all the ways. This is also a book that apparently had some content removed in the most recent printings and e books - so I made sure to get the one with the step back. I think I identified the scene that maybe was removed in recent printings because of ?non con - but as far as that goes in old HR novels from this era certainly not the ickiest I’ve read ||

Sophia in the very beginning was a questionable character for me because of her motives - but she got better once she abandoned her scheme. Ross was always great - forthright, honest, attentive. No games from him. I really enjoyed him as a hero. A lot. And extra points for him being described as almost 40 with some greying at the sides. Bonus points for age appropriate. Lol. I need some time to think about where he lands on my list of book boyfriends. Not sure he’s cracking top 5 but def top 10.

Meh. I didn’t get the chemistry between sesily and Caleb. I felt like the first 3 quarters plodded along - I just didn’t get it. I always felt like I was missing something important. It wasn’t till the last hundred pages or so that I felt it got interesting - and that was more due to seeing hells belles execute their plan than anything to do with romance. Like by smooshing together badass girl gang with historical romance the best bits about both were lost.

||Love the premise. I was so ready to hear James story and finally read the one that had Lady D so prominent! Also the Hotxhkiss family, I know they are mentioned in some LW columns. Lucas is a potential suitor for Hy I believe? But as usual the timeline is off - he would only be 19 by 1924. But I digress. Lady D has a cat, Malcolm. Malcolm and Cat head might be related, lol. Ok on to our characters. Loved both James and Lizzie. Their connection and conflicts felt very real. And it was sooooooo obvious lady D was being matchmaker here. Queen that she is. I got mad at Lizzie once she found out that James was a marquis. At first I thought she was over reacting, but then I re thought about it and she her reaction definitely would have been anger and betrayal. I was mad she didn’t let James say his piece. And mad that so many people were interfering!!!! The scene back at her cottage was just utter chaos and I did not enjoy it. Even though JQ tends to write funny chaotic scenes well, I did not appreciate it. I just wanted James and Lizzie to reconcile!!! And in the end, lady D with help from little Lucas tricked them back together. Also there is a brief appearance by Dunford at one point which was a nice surprise. ||

My thoughts. It was a slow start. It really was. Didn’t really peak my interest till about ch 10. But I did like the book. The authors note at the beginning explains very well her inspiration for this book and what she wanted to do, and I think she succeeded. Very well. Much better than Sarah MacLean’s bombshell, to make a comparison about a similar type of heroine. Scarlett Peckham, somehow just crafts her books in such a way that the conflict between the characters is just so true - doesn’t seem forced or fake. I found this book to be a bit more difficult read, but the ending is still satisfying and surprising all at once.

Random, non spoilery thoughts. 1. I never knew virgin ministers could be so hot. His chastity is……commendable? 2. I felt that the central conflict was obvious and unavoidable, so none of that “they should talk to each other”. Their world views are polar opposite. 3. I was concerned about preachiness. But everything was handled so well and with such nuance. 4. This book is less spicy than the others, but pays with the slow burn and forced proximity. 5. The title - it wasn’t until I finished that I realized that Lord referred to God as much (and maybe more) than Henry’s title.

About 50 pages. I liked to imagine the unnamed master was master Damian

I just finished the duke I tempted ! The one before the earl I ruined. I agree that you didn’t need to read it first before the other, but Candace is still a very vibrant part of this book, so MAYBE if it was read first she wouldn’t be so iffy in the next? ||But for this book I say contract negotiations haven’t been this sexy since Tom severin. And the insults as foreplay - chefs kiss. As usual, I wanted to mildly punch both characters for being stupid and not talking, but archer would have liked that so