Sandy M’s review of His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell
Historical Romance published by Avon 30 Nov 10

What a delightful read this is. From the first meeting of the hero and heroine through their marriage of convenience and watching their love blossom, we’re carried through fun, heartache, hardship, revelations, forgiveness, hope and, of course, love and romance.

The first chapter of this book starts a tad introspective and disheartening for the hero, Andres. He’s come to England under false pretenses, but who could it really hurt, and he’s failed at nearly everything he’s tried to restore his family name and title. At a ball in his host’s library, he’s contemplating taking the same way out of life like his father when suddenly he meets the heroine, Abby. She literally tackles the man to keep him from the ultimate sin and the ensuing banter set the tone for these two. In the middle of this, Abby’s current love enters the room to talk with her and Andres plays the gallant, promising to keep silent so as not to besmirch her reputation.

As Andres lies on the floor forgotten by Abby, she learns her beau is about to propose to her cousin, despite the fact he says he loves Abby. Of course, all the while Andres hears their entire conversation, at the end of which he pops up from behind a piece of furniture and asks Abby to dance. I have to tell you, I did laugh out loud. I fell in love with Andres right then.

But things go from bad to worse after this for the man. His former lover, who thinks she’s anything but former as far as he’s concerned, pitches one spectacular hissy fit when he rebuffs her for Abby. It’s Abby, however, who suffers the most though Andres believes he’s defending her. Abby takes a last shot at Andres and leaves the party humiliated, believing she’ll never see him again. But that doesn’t stop his words about her from flowing through her head and remembering the man himself. Handsome as sin and the talk of society, both good and bad.

When Andres is confronted by the hissy-fit-thrower’s husband, he takes the man up on his offer of land hours away from London, thinking his dream of owning stables and horses has finally come true. He still needs money, however, and remembers that Abby is an heiress through her banker father. Not wanting to marry the man her father has chosen – he’s twice her age and has thirteen children – Abby chooses to elope with Andres to begin the adventure of her life. Though that life begins with her father chasing them down on their way to Gretna Green and then finding the property given to Andres in shambles, they start to make a go at a new life together. It’s Abby who keeps Andres going when he’s close to giving up.

That’s what I love most about this hero. He still goes through that doubting stage when things go wrong. He’s still very vulnerable, a residual of his early years, but now that he has Abby in his life, he doesn’t give up. He picks himself up and continues on. Even when he goes too far in his jealousy later on, an emotion he’s never had to deal with before. Now he figures things out and owns up to his mistakes, all because he needs Abby in his life. I love the scene at the Christmas Ball when he arrives disheveled from traveling hard for days to get to her and declares his love for her in front of the entire assemblage. A wonderful scene.

Though I’m going on about Andres, Abby is also a beautiful character. She’s grown up sheltered, has the kindest heart but stands her ground, even against her father. She becomes Andres’ rock from the beginning due to her steadfastness. But she’s also fiery and sensual in his hands. I enjoy their realizations about the other throughout the book, giving them more insight into their mate, thereby making their life more substantial for the long haul.

A thoroughly pleasant holiday read.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Anything Can Happen at Christmas!

When her father threatens to marry Abigail Montross off to a man twice her age (and with thirteen children!), she decides to elope instead with the irresistibly handsome Baron de Vasconia. She know all about his notorious reputation. He is the most seductive man in all of London, but he’s vowed to protect her, so she allows herself to be tempted into his bed, promising to guard her heart at all costs.

Andres believes he’s entered into nothing more than a marriage of convenience with a charming and very wealthy young woman. But the days–and nights–Abigail spends in his arms soon reform this rogue. He’ll do anything to gain her love–until they each discover the truth about the other and old wounds are revealed.

It’s the season of miracles and passion–when love not only awakens the senses but delivers the greatest gift of all . . .

Read an excerpt.

C2’s review of The Earl Claims His Wife by Cathy Maxwell
Historical romance released by Avon 29 Sep 09

Gillian Ranson, Lady Wright, fell in love with her husband the first time she saw him across a crowded ballroom. Sadly, he did not feel the same connection. Still, since it was an advantageous match, they married later that season. On their wedding night, he explained to her that he was in love with his mistress and would not be returning to her bed (after a quick consummation). After a few years of benign neglect, he left for the Continent and the war.

During his years abroad, he never answered any of her letters, even though she dutifully wrote once a week. Finally, unwilling to endure such treatment any longer, Gillian left her in-laws home in London and went to the country estate of her cousin, the Duke of Holborn. In the country she was finally content and began to move past the unpleasantness of her marriage. Just as she has finally decided to take a lover, her estranged husband arrives and demands she return to London with him. Unwilling to chance her love being killed by her husband in a duel, Gillian agrees to go with Lord Wright.

Brian Ranson, the Earl of Wright, requires the assistance of his wife. He returned from the war to find things not at all as he left them – his mistress betrayed him while he was away, his wife was not where he left her and his father is trying to manipulate his life in countless ways.

Brian is convinced that he will be able to smooth out his life if he has Gillian by his side. He wants a place on Lord Liverpool’s staff and Gillian’s father is a good friend of Liverpool. Brian has taken over the care of a sickly infant and Gillian has a great deal of experience with infants because she has several younger siblings. He knows he will need to socialize and entertain to further his political ambitions but has barely had time to settle his new household in London and Gillian has been running her cousin’s estate and running it very well.

There is a fine (or not-so-fine) line between a chemistry-filled argument that covers reluctant romantic feelings and an anger-filled argument between that covers nothing but bitterness. The interactions between these two people came down on the wrong side of that line way too often for my tastes. We are told that Gillian and Brian care about each other…that they are developing or re-developing feelings for each other over the course of the book. But I didn’t feel it at all and their interactions didn’t show me that was happening.

Brian seemed calculating the whole time – willing to do or say whatever he needed to get what he wanted. And Gillian just seemed bitter and pathetic and, eventually, willing to settle for crumbs. This book was joyless – and a romance should never be joyless!

Grade: D

Summary:

She’ll be his perfect wife . . .

Preoccupied with fighting Napoleon and making love to his mistress, Brian Ransom has ignored his wife since their wedding. But now that he’s become the Earl of Wright, he’s ready to fetch his bride back to London. He’s shocked to find she’s become a bold, beautiful woman, exactly the kind he lusts after . . . and she wants nothing to do with him.

Lady Gillian is desperate to seize the love she’s been denied . . . but not with her rakish husband! So she makes a bargain—for thirty days she’ll be the perfect wife, then he’ll set her free. But no matter how she hardens her heart against her damnable earl, her body begs her to surrender . . .

Read an EXCERPT

Other books in the series (loosely connected):

Lawson’s review of Four Dukes and a Devil by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash, and Tracy Anne Warren
Mixed sub-genre Romance Anthology released by Avon 30 Jun 09

There’s a bit of a stretch with a Duke in one of these stories (yes, the one with the dog) but it’s a cute anthology all around and could give any reader something to be happy about. There’s historical stories, a contemporary and a paranormal. This one comes out at a good time too as it’d be great to read on the beach or by the pool this summer.

The Irish Duke by Cathy Maxwell

Miss Susan Rogers is trying to make a name for herself as a person who can get young ladies married. Her gimmick to drum up business seems to get her when the Irish Duke (who will always be last) shows up in London and sets his sights on her.

This story was cute, I liked the conversations between Susan and Roan, the Irish Duke. The story was fast too, as they meet once, there’s a bet and then they’re declaring their love. The story was too condensed to give credibility to the romance, but it showed some good characterization in the small number of pages.

Grade: B-

Read an excerpt (actually the whole story).

The Duke Who Came to Dinner by Elaine Fox

Sam Gregory is shocked to look out of his window one morning to see a woman riding by naked on a bike. Though he’s intrigued, he doesn’t think he’ll see her until she stumbles into the local dive bar. Grey Gilliam is house-sitting until her friend Rachel can sell her house. Sam and Grey hit it off, but will Grey’s missing dress, a big dog named Duke and a ghost of a Duke keep them apart?

I haven’t read any books by Fox, but after reading this charming story it made me want to look some up. Grey was fun, even though she’s a little neurotic, but she’s got some mommy issues. Sam was dreamy and the romance didn’t feel rushed. While not a definite happily ever after, it was realistic in the idea that you could see these two ending up together.

Grade: B+

Read an excerpt (scroll down quite a bit).

Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

Blake Turner is trying hard to kill himself. Since being possessed by a demon six months ago he doesn’t want to keep doing horrible things. His luck turns around when he meets Elise, a vampire, who then does everything she can to save his life.

This is an offshoot of Frost’s Night Huntress series, and while it did stand well on it’s own with different characters, knowing some basic information about the world would have been helpful. The romance went at a good pace though and did seem very believable. It was an interesting concept with the demon possession and Frost’s vampire mythos.

Grade: B

Catch of the Century by Sophia Nash

Victoria Givan is not in a good mood. After being stranded by the mail coach, she’s nearly run over by and then feels forced to accept the help of John Varick, Duke of Beaufort. She’s used to running her own life and doesn’t want anything to do with the “Catch of the Century”. John has other ideas and while helping her small herd of boys before they start an architectural apprenticeship he tries to win her heart.

There was a bit too much of the “lady doth protest too much” in this one, though it worked with the idea of Victoria’s that she’s too far below the station of a Duke (which she definitely is a teacher at a foundling school). She’s a quirky character and when John does see through her actions to what she’s really feeling it works. This one is loosely tied to the

Grade: C+

Summary:

In Sophia’s novella, the most eligible gentleman in London’s marriage mart reluctantly rescues a stranded school mistress. When the duke is forced to go heart-to-heart with the spirited siren, (Victoria Givan from Love With the Perfect Scoundrel), the well-documented Catch of the Century finds out she’s the only one he can’t have.

Read an excerpt.

Charmed By Her Smile by Tracy Anne Warren

Miss India Byron is a lively girl, but she’s being chased by an annoying friend of her brother’s. To keep him away from her she kisses an unknown man in a garden and asks him again to show devotion to her at a house party so the unwanted suitor goes away. What happens instead is the play-courting becomes real on both sides. Whatever is one to do?

This was another cute story, though I wasn’t comfortable with the age difference between the two leads. While I’m sure fourteen years is historically accurate, it’s not something I usually like to see in a romance novel. India in fact seemed to act quite a few years older than she was, or at least have more social experience than for a girl that had never had a season. Otherwise it was a cute, light story and I liked the handling of the annoying suitor.

Grade: C+

Summary:

In Charmed By Her Smile, cousin India Byron finds herself in need of rescue from an unwanted suitor. To create the illusion that she’s being courted by another man, she demands a kiss from the devilish Duke of Weybridge. Little does she expect the passion she unleashes when she finds him only too happy to oblige.

Read an excerpt.

Overall Grade: B-

Summary:
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Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) in this collection of stories by bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash, and Tracy Anne Warren, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.
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Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.
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First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.
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Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire—but not him.
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He’s “the catch of the century” . . . but she’s the one he can’t have.
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A young miss demands a kiss. But he won’t rest once she’s touched her lips to his.
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With four dukes and one devil, there’s no limit to love.

Sandy M’s review of A Seduction at Christmas (Scandals and Seductions, Book 1) by Cathy Maxwell
Historical Romance published by Avon 28 Oct 08

Yeah, I know Christmas is said and done, but this book just came in the mail and something pulled me toward it, made me open it up and start reading.  I finished it in less than 24 hours.  This is a fun, light-hearted read cut with a swath of danger and has very engaging characters.  It’s my first book by Ms. Maxwell, and after the joy I received from this one, I’m looking forward to reading more in the future.

I really enjoyed both leading characters.  Fiona is a Scottish woman on her own in London, making her own way since her father’s death left her in dire straits.  She’s learned life is hard for those not born of nobility and for those who have fallen from it.  She had a chance to leave England with her rebel brother who sought escape with his wife to America, but she chose to stay because of the destiny she felt she would have because of one man.  A man who she’d only seen once in her life, momentarily at a ball years before.  She’d never forgotten the Duke of Holburn, but her faith has paid off and she’s finally come face to face with him once again.

The Duke, Dominic Lynsted, has been after one man for the past nine years, the one who stole the symbol of his inheritance and whose betrayal caused Nick’s hardness and uncaring attitude.  We hear about more than witness his rakish and scandalous ways, however, and we learn that perhaps he’s not nearly as bad as the ton paints him through both Fiona’s eyes and that of certain members of his family. Thinking he’s about to have his revenge at last and regain possession of his prized property, he’s surprised when he finds a beautiful woman instead.  Fiona is a woman who is proud and strong and he remembers the one and only time he’s ever seen her.  Wanting more time with her, however, is the start of their need to flee for their lives and of their seduction of each other along the way.

For Fiona her love comes fast and strong because of her attraction for this man over the years. She’s had feelings for him for so long that it takes only a few acts of kindness before she’s totally lost her heart to Nick.  He takes only a little more time to fall, wanting her trust first and swearing to protect her from the danger that’s following them all over London. They are an engaging couple, and though they each have their moments of vulnerability, they persevere both in love and danger.  The twist at the end wasn’t totally a surprise, but it and its aftermath do cause some heartache.  And there is a heartfelt scene between Nick and Fiona after all is revealed that sums up their love and relationship beautifully.

I look forward to the coming books in this series.  This one was a very pleasant surprise.

Grade: A

Read Limecello’s review here.

Summary:

She never expected it would come to this. Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have .

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell
Historical romance published by Avon on 28 Oct 2008

I haven’t read anything by Cathy Maxwell in a while, so I’m not quite sure what prompted me to pick up this book, but I’m glad I did. I’ve been in a reading slump recently, where books I thought I might like, I don’t enjoy at all. Or I’ll be enjoying a book, then halfway through, completely lose interest. What makes A Seduction at Christmas unique, is that I read it cover to cover in two days. One might say that this book got me out of my reading slump – and just in time for the the matching holiday.

The plot isn’t anything outrageous or unheard of, but the way Ms. Maxwell tells the story makes this novel fun and engaging. There are a number of serious topics and issues to be addressed, but but the overall tone and atmosphere is rather lighthearted. I enjoy a book where the characters have a sense of humor, and don’t take themselves too seriously. (Not a comedy, but simply that they aren’t pompous.) The main characters are likable and the secondary characters provide depth and support admirably.

Fiona Lachlan is a bit hard to figure out – not that she’s cryptic or mysterious, but simply that I didn’t have a definite grasp on her person. She seems quite level headed and sensible, which I appreciated. However, she fell in love extremely rapidly, in what I felt was a somewhat unbelievable manner. It’s all too quick and personally I didn’t think it really fit in with the way Fiona handled everything else in her life. Still, it’s refreshing to have a heroine that is generally sensible – although she did have some moments that may cause eye rolling. Regardless, I thought that Fiona is a terrific heroine, and I’d enjoy reading more like her.

Dominic Lynsted, the Duke of Holburn or “Nick” to his friends, is not the character you’re expecting. He’s set out as scoundrel and a rake, but I didn’t see it. I know that’s how he’s described and every respectable person in the ton thinks he’s entirely disreputable, but it didn’t match his actions in the novel. Throughout, the people who know Nick say he’s nothing like what the public believes. Also, that he stopped carousing and hell raising years ago. I suppose it helps merely to have the reputation. He’s kind, caring, has a wicked sense of humor, and an incredible responsible streak. Nick’s a hero any girl would like to meet, and any guy would like to be friends with. He’s also incredibly lucky at the gaming tables, so what’s not to like about that?

I felt that actual conflict of the story paled in comparison to the interaction between Fiona and Nick. I never truly felt that they were in danger, or that there was a serious problem. But that didn’t bother me. The unveiling of the culprits also held less punch than the way Fiona and Nick dealt with the aftermath. However, their conversation afterward is one of my favorite parts in A Seduction at Christmas.  I’m happy to read a romance with great characters, and a focus on the relationship and romance between the hero and heroine. In that regard, Ms. Maxwell delivers admirably.

I believe this is the second book in a series. To be honest, I don’t feel the burning desire to go read the first book, but I definitely want to read the next one. And… likely the one after that as well, if the hero is who I think it is. (I’m not trying to be cryptic – I’m simply not sure, and the information is not yet posted.) Ms. Maxwell has a lively and witty writing style that is entertaining, and lighthearted, but not vacuous. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance, especially ones with a lighter tone.

Grade: B+

She never expected it would come to this

Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .

“Beware of innocence!”

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn’t quite sure he wants to resist this time.

Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s Review of In the Highlander’s Bed by Cathy Maxwell
Historical romance released 29 Jan 08 by Avon

This is one of a series of quite a few, I really don’t know how many, that center around the Cameron sisters from America and their husband’s families. It’s the first Cathy Maxwell that I’ve read in a few years, as well. It revolves around the kidnapping of the youngest Cameron sister, Constance, by Gordon Lachlan, the leader of a Scottish revolt. He kidnaps her to ransom her for a legendary sword which her brother-in-law has posession of. A kidnapping plot is sometimes hard to do, the author has to work to make it seem like real love instead of the Stockholm Syndrome.

Maxwell succeeds pretty well in making it seem like real love rather than love forced by the situation. Gordon kidnaps Constance as she’s trying to run away from the school she’s in. Constance is left there by her well meaning but overbearing sisters because they think that’s where she needs to be. Constance wants to go home to the Ohio Valley where she thinks she’ll be happier than in dreary England or Scotland.

Constance is rather petulant at the beginning, whining a lot about wanting to go home and getting on a ship to escape her life in Scotland. After being kidnapped, one would think she’d see the dangers of a woman alone in 1808. When she realizes her purpose in managing things in Gordon’s camp and joins his rebellion Constance grew on me quite a bit. Sure, she acts kind of immature, but she has grown up while with Gordon’s rebellion.

Gordon is a pretty decent guy. A lawyer, he wants to seek justice and right the wrongs that the English have done to the Scottish. But because of that he’s neglected his sister, who had some horrible things done to her because of him. Eventually Gordon sees things as futile and with Constance at his side, he sees a life beyond leading a rebellion, one that’s safe and free and includes a family.

As sweet as the story ends up, it just didn’t go that extra mile to make a memorable love story. Gordon and Constance were cute together, very supportive, and the HEA works, but overall it was just an average read.

Grade: C

Blurb:

     Highland warrior Gordon Lachlan has spent his life fiercely battling the English. Now, to claim victory for his clan, he must retrieve the legendary Sword of the MacKenna from the hands of his mortal enemies. His plan: to kidnap Constance Cameron from her remote boarding school and force her wellborn relatives to surrender the sword as her ransom.

     But Lachlan is surprised that the woman he’s snatched from her bed is no malleable miss. Constance longs for adventure. She’s tantalized by Lachlan and his passionate cause . . . and tempted enough by his seductive ways to wonder what it would be like to find herself in the Highlander’s bed . . .

     Read an excerpt.