Lawson’s review of With Seduction in Mind (Girl-Bachelors, Book 4) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance released by Avon 25 Aug 09

This book has been sitting on my coffee table for probably far too long to remind me that I should write up a review. The problem is that I really was not wanting to write this review. While it’s a story that continues the adventures of another of the Girl-Bachelors of Little Russel Street, the story fell into a different tone than a romance.

The book opens with Daisy Merrick in a situation she’s been in before: unemployment. While she doesn’t want to blame her fomer employer, it is his fault. He tried to compromise her in a storage closet and she gave him the set down he deserved, which means he fired her. Daisy now has to go tell her sister, how owns the employment agency that got her the job, that she’s been fired. Again.

What Daisy really wants to do is write, and she decides to submit her manuscript to Marlowe Publishing, owned by her good friend Emma’s husband (and hero of And Then He Kissed Her). While her manuscript is not rejected, she is asked to make severe edits to make it publishable and she is offered another job in the meantime. Daisy is asked to write a review of the new play written by Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore.

Sebastian is angry that someone would write a scathing review of his play in one of his publisher’s newspapers. He storms into Marlowe’s office and demands a retraction, only to be asked about a promised manuscript that is over three years late. Sebastian doesn’t like the plan that Marlowe offers either. Produce a manuscript and mentor new author Daisy. Sebastian sends in an old manuscript, which Daisy edits, then follows him to his country house to help him through the process of rewriting the old story and getting writing advice from the greatest writer of her generation.

Of course sparks ensue. The hardest thing to get around in the story is Daisy’s personality. Ever the optimist and rather cheerfully determined, she can’t accept the many no’s that come her way from Sebastian. She’s failed at enough jobs, this one she’s going to make work. No matter what. Which gets overly grating because she’s twenty eight and sees the world with rose-colored glasses. With her history with her father, money and losing jobs due to her outspokenness one would think she’d have a bit more of a realistic view of life.

Sebastian is not a bad hero, but he does beat up on himself. He lets his father’s disdain for his writing career drive him to write, the succumb to something that is his deep dark secret and finds he can’t write. Writer’s block is more of a problem for him than he wants to admit, but it’s more that he’s disappointed in himself that he has a block than anything else.

Together Sebastian and Daisy could work, but their relationship and how it’s described came across more as a commentary on the different processes writers have rather than giving two characters chemistry. When it comes to the point where they should talk to each other about something other than writing, Daisy keeps the blinders on and doesn’t see real life.

While it could have been a sweet story about two people overcoming their past to make a future together and two writers understanding the world around them, it was something else. I don’t know if the point was to tell a story about how hard it is to be a writer, but that’s what came across more than the love story of two Edwardian writers.

Grade: C-

Summary:

A thoroughly modern woman…

Daisy Merrick has to earn her living, but she keeps getting the sack. When her rash tongue costs her yet another job, the feisty, outspoken girl-bachelor is undaunted, and she comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There’s only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she’s ever met.

A most notorious man…

Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England’s most famous author, but when writer’s block steals his creativity, Sebastian becomes more well-known for his notorious reputation than his work. When Daisy arrives on his doorstep, hired by his publisher to help him write his next book, Sebastian has no intention of cooperating. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and when collaboration forces them together at his country home, Sebastian knows he has only one way out. Seduction.

Read an excerpt. (scroll down)

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelors, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance released by Avon on 30 Sep 08

I really like Laura Lee Guhrke’s books, and have been following her Girl-Bachelors series from the start. Secret Desires of a Gentleman is number three (after And Then He Kissed Her and The Wicked Ways of a Duke). I’m wondering how far the series will go, but I found the newest installment very enjoyable. The characters are fun and creative, and the story is quite snappy and cute.

Maria Martingale is a likable character, and I know a lot of people are sick of the stereotypical gorgeous heroine, but honestly, it works here. Another important aspect is that Maria has depth and is layered. I liked her personality, and how ornery Maria was. Yes, at times she was contrary and could (or did) shoot herself in the foot. But, Maria stayed true to herself, and it was nice she stayed strong. Maria was also rather devious and pert, and was simply entertaining to read.

Phillip Hawthorne, the Marquess of Kayne, is a great hero. He’s the one we all love to hate. He’s stodgy, honorable, uptight, and well, dull. At least on the surface. Add to that the fact that Phillip separated Maria and his brother, Lawrence, years ago when the two fancied that they were in love with each other. Phillip paid Maria off and threatened to cut off Lawrence. In fact, Phillip is “the villain who becomes heroic.”  However, Phillip, has unplumbed depths. He’s extremely conscious of class, and being esoteric has stunted him slightly, but I love that we get to see Phillip soften and develop “tolerance” throughout the course of the novel.

I will say that the scenes where Maria and Phillip become amorous were not very interesting to me. They just… didn’t seem to flow naturally, and weren’t engaging. What does draw the reader in is when both Phillip and Maria are working through their emotions for each other individually. One of my favorite things was how naturally, and realistically they end up together. The tension between the two of them, and Phillips hidden/unrequited love is simply delicious. It’s extremely well written, and certain glimpses into how he feels about Maria are precious and very touching.

A major aspect of Ms. Guhrke’s writing that I enjoy is her pragmatic, yet playful tone. Maria has to start her bakery with a loan from a friend. She’s a working girl, and must focus on a way to not only provide for herself, but thrive. Then there’s the relationship between Maria and Phillip and how society will react to it. Of course “love conquers all” – but we all know that it’s not that simple. I like the attention to reality, and the nod that yes, this is fiction, but not fantasy. The characters are all well developed – including the secondary ones. It was nice to see cameo appearances by characters from previous novels, but I loved that Ms. Guhrke put the attention firmly on Phillip and Maria. I definitely felt that they got a full, and complete love story.

I’ve read most of Ms. Guhrke’s backlist, and have not been disappointed. I’m very much so enjoying the Girl-Bachelor series, but I can’t wait to see what new books Ms. Guhrke has next. If you’re a fan of historicals, or like a well told story with a lot of humor and wit, I definitely recommend picking up Secret Desires of a Gentleman.

Grade: B+

Read reviews of the other books in this series by clicking on the Girl-Bachelors series tag.

Summary:

Once Upon a Time…

Maria Martingale was going to elope. But Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne, put a stop to those plans when he learned his younger brother intended to marry a cook’s daughter. Now twelve years later, Maria discovers that the man who holds her fate in his hands is none other than the haughty gentleman who sent her packing – and he’s as handsome and arrogant as ever.

Happily Ever After?

Always the proper gentleman, Phillip will do anything to protect his family from scandal, and when Maria dares to move in right next door, he knows scandal will surely follow. She is as tempting as he remembered… and the more he sees her, the harder it is for Phillip to hide his own secret desire for her…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Lawson’s review of Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelors, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance released by Avon 26 Sep 08

This is the third in Guhrke’s Girl-Bachelor series. The first two, And Then He Kissed Her and The Wicked Ways of a Duke, which follow the friends of the heroine of Secret Desires. These girl-bachelors have a wide array of careers, as Emma worked as a secretary and Prudence was a seamstress. Maria Martingale is a pastry chef, and it looks as though there are many interesting adventures of the girl-bachelors to come.

With a loan from her friend and former roommate prudence, Maria Martingale is able to open her own patisserie. The building that she leases, however, is next door and in fact owned by Phillip Hawthorne, the Marquess of Kayne. Maria, Phillip and Phillip’s brother Lawrence had grown up together, though Maria was the daughter of their chef. Maria had struck out on her own after being banished by Phillip after he found out about a plan between Maria and Lawrence to elope.

Maria isn’t surprised that Phillip still issues commands and orders her to leave, though when she fights back, instead he orders her to stay away from Lawrence. Maria instead works as hard as possible to get her patisserie ready and subvert Phillip’s demands. With some help from her well connected friends, Maria becomes an overnight success, but Phillip continues to think the worst of her, even after he kisses her.

I liked Maria and Phillip. I love stories where an uptight, always in control man is swayed to loose that control by the woman he never dreamed would be in his life. Maria is upbeat and obviously talented in her pastry making (everything she makes sounds like it tastes divine), and Phillip seems like he needs someone to shake up his ordered and overly regimented life. The sparks fly between the two whether they’re bantering or kissing.

What comes across, for good or bad, is a cross between “Sabrina” and Pride and Prejudice. Maria was sent to France by her father to go to school and comes back and causes havoc between Phillip and Lawrence. Twelve years later Phillip is afraid that the past will repeat itself, but at the same time can’t help falling for Maria himself. There are shades of Mr. Darcy when Phillip confesses his feelings for Maria, despite her social status and his desire to marry her.

Everything works in the story up until the end, when Phillip behaves completely against the character he’s been for the entire book. The over the top, 180 action doesn’t mesh at all with the rest of the story. Maria remains true to herself, but Phillip’s change, because it doesn’t fit with anything he’d said or done before. The story, characters and plot in the book is well done, and though the end didn’t work (for me) it otherwise is a sweet story. I will still look forward for the next story of a girl-bachelor.

Grade: B-

Read more at the Girl-Bachelors series tag.

Once Upon a Time . . .

Maria Martingale was going to elope. But Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne, put a stop to those plans when he learned his younger brother intended to marry a cook’s daughter. Now, twelve years later, Maria discovers that the man who holds her fate in his hands is none other than the haughty gentleman who sent her packing—and he’s as handsome and arrogant as ever.

Happily Ever After?

Always the proper gentleman, Phillip will do anything to protect his family from scandal, and when Maria dares to move in right next door, he knows scandal will surely follow. She is as tempting as he remembered . . . and the more he sees her, the harder it is for Phillip to keep his own secret desire for her a secret . . .

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Lawson’s review of The Wicked Ways of a Duke (Girl-Bachelors, Book 2) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical Romance published by Avon 26 Dec 07

There’s really not much for me to summarize here, since just about everything is given away in the blurb. Seriously. I usually hate to give spoilers, but when the blurb on the back of the book does it for you. . . it’s really not a spoiler then anyway, is it? 

It’s a run of the mill “need to marry an heiress” story. Rhys is in dire straits due to bad family spending. Including his own. Though he claims to be cynical and unfeeling Rhys is in emotional distress and running away from various demons of this past. He’s not as hard hearted as he tries to get people to believe.

When Prudence falls head over heels for someone she thinks is noble and chivalrous and, wonder of wonders, seems to care for her rather than her new inheritance, she jumps into something, even though her harridan aunt and selfish uncle try to talk her out of an engagement. Prudence has been making it well enough the past 10 years, she hasn’t starved, but coming into a huge amount of money goes to her head. She’s a romantic minded person but some of the decisions she makes are rather flaky.

Rhys is extremely manipulating though. He plays her like a fiddle getting her to agree to marry him and using her innocent adoration of him to get her to marry him so quickly. In fact, Prudence lets herself get taken advantage of by those unscrupulous people out there all to often just because she’s so excited about having money. Luckily when she does find out about Rhys’ deception she grows up all to quick.

Rhys, through Prudence’s love (even if it is rather naive), gets over some of his emotional issues rather well and does begin to shrug some of his restlessness and his immature approach to having a title. He’s not big on taking responsibility or being accountable to people. And even though he’s a manipulator and shirks responsibility he’s still a charming rogue and doesn’t try to hide his faults (as numerous as they are) from Prudence during their courtship.

Even with their faults, Rhys and Prudence are very sweet and rather steamy together. He’s very wicked, in all the best ways, and she’s a passionate innocent (which could be annoying, but it works out rather well). It nicely helps to gloss over the aunt and uncle that want Prudence’s money for themselves and the fact that the nice ladies from Prudence’s boarding house don’t have enough time in the story.

The Girl-Bachelor series continues in Guhrke’s next book, and I’m hoping it will be about Prudence’s flatmate Maria.

Grade: B

She thought she was the luckiest woman in London . . .

Surviving on a seamstress’ income and a steady stream of fantasies, Prudence Bosworth has always longed for love and romance. Then she inherits a fortune from the father she’s never seen, with the stipulation that she wed in one year. Prudence is determined to marry for true love, and after seeing firsthand the splendid chivalry of a certain duke, only one man will do . . .

Rhys de Winter, the Duke of St. Cyres, hides his cynicism behind a quick wit and an even quicker smile. He must marry an heiress, and as luck would have it, the pretty little seamstress-turned-heiress is exactly what he needs. But he never expected to fall for Prudence, and when his shocking deception is revealed, he will stop at nothing to win her back . . . even if it means renouncing every last one of his wicked ways.

Lawson’s review of And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelors, Book 1) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance released by Avon 27 Feb 07

Oh, how did women survive the Victorian Era? With the rules and etiquette one must follow, it is really rather amazing. Not just the fashions and making sure to wear gloves everywhere, either. 

Miss Emma Dove is a secretary who moonlights as a writer of etiquette books for what she calls “girl-bachelors”. These girl-bachelors are the nineties women who work, and are trying to support themselves. That is the women of the 1890s.

Emma’s boss is a publishing magnate named Harry, Viscount Marlowe and he is also adverse to the institution of marriage and so he parades his mistresses around and since Emma is his secretary, she has to buy them gifts and such, and being the sensible, well-mannered girl that she is, Emma is embarrassed by this task.

After Harry rejects her fourth manuscript and Emma realizes that he has not read a single word, she quits and embarks on her writing adventures, which Harry does not like because his life is thrown into turmoil when his efficient secretary leaves him high and dry.

For a modern woman of the 1890s, the advice that Emma rights is very straight-laced, but that is a product of the Victorian Era, and some of the things she does recommend does got in a more modern direction of social interaction. Poor Emma had a sheltered childhood with people out to protect her and she finally finds her voice in all her morals and rules.

In the interest of being objective, I the reviewer, don’t want to get on my soapbox, but this book (like so many others) to me has an undercurrent that’s going on in the country today. Emma is the conservative, guarded, “this is the way it’s always been and should be” sort of person. Harry is freer, wanting to move foreword and sees the benefit of change.

The problem as I see it is this: today there are girls around who act too much like Emma. As modern women, there are many who say they are freer, but they do not act as such. Emma has been sheltered and influenced by others on what is right and what she should do to the point where she loses herself in their rules and not her own judgment. And she worries way too much about what other people thing and embarrassing the memory of others rather than living her own life as she sees fit. Harry is cynical and overly into proving himself with women. There are too many references to older women thinking men are “beasts” and women are the ones that control chastity in the world.

Not that I’m disagreeing with any of this, and Guhrke does a great job through the end of the book proving that the Victorian morals and rules have no place after the time, but all the snappy dialogue, great sexual tension (and even a food scene, yummy), and obvious caring by the main characters, these facts of real life distracted me some away from the story. The emphasis on etiquette as a theme didn’t bother me so much, however, because it’s true manners matter. But not to the point where you stifle yourself and turn your actions into those of someone else. Off the soapbox now. . .

Though it takes a full 200 pages for the titular kiss of And Then He Kissed Her, it’s well worth the wait for the characters are well matched and are very believable in their roles as employer and employee. Who really doesn’t love a good boss secretary romance? After the kiss it steams off the page and that makes everything worth the wait.

Grade: B+