Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 155 - The Governess Who Captured His Heart by Sophie Barnes, Ironclads by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Terminal Alliance by Jim C. Hines

The Governess Who Captured His Heart by Sophie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Louise Potter has many excellent qualities. She is doing everything she can to help her other two sisters. Alistair Langley has been coasting through life. He now has to make a choice about his future. Both find a lot in common as they travel together to Louise's new job as a governess and Alistair's time to find a bride. Of course they find that they prefer each other to any other future and with some help they reach their HEA. This is a nice novella with a well rounded story, two great main characters and some interesting side characters.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Ironclads by Adrian Tchaikovsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ted Regan and his crew have been sent on a mission with little or no chance of success. At the heart of the story are Scions, an interesting concept developed for the story. Corporations are driving the wars and the Scions keep the sons of the powerful safe in a battle while the common man fights and dies. Ted and crew have to come up with some very inventive moves to stay alive and in the game. There are some very interesting character who help along the way. They do succeed but not in the expected way. There is an ending to the story but that ending left me wondering and not quite satisfied. I did like the world building and back story. With the ending leaving some things up in the air I hope this is book one in a series. There is certainly enough there to continue the story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Terminal Alliance by Jim C. Hines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun start to a new series. I loved the characters and their names, Marilyn Monroe is a male. Mops is janitor on the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish. Something happened to the humans on Earth to turn them into feral beasts. I quickly caught on to what had happened but it takes a while for Mops and crew to find out. The Krakau arrived and started changing some back using some as soldiers and some like Mops and crew as cleaning personnel. What happens when only Mops and crew are left to run the ship keeps the story going I almost skipped requesting this book and I am very glad that I changed my mind and requested it. This is fun, fun science fiction. I will be on the lookout for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Liam Takes Manhattan (Elder Races #9.) by Thea Harrison

Paranormal

From Goodreads

Warning: This story contains a major spoiler from SHADOW’S END (book #9, released December 1st, 2015). If readers do not want to be spoiled, they should read the stories in order of their release dates.

This is a short story (15,000 words or 50 pages) intended for readers of the Elder Races who enjoy Liam Cuelebre as a character.

Reeling from a deep loss, the magical prince of the Wyr, Dragos and Pia’s son Liam Cuelebre, turns inward and withdrawn as he struggles to come to terms with who he is, along with the challenges that lie before him.

Hoping to ease his heartache and offer comfort, a concerned Dragos and Pia offer him a gift, something he has desired for a long time. Liam’s response has a ripple effect across all of New York. Soon miracles of all kinds start arriving just in time for Christmas, along with a visit from a mysterious person who gives Liam hope and a vision of his future.

LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is the third part of a three-story series about Pia, Dragos, and their son, Liam. Each story stands alone, but fans might want to read all three: DRAGOS GOES TO WASHINGTON, PIA DOES HOLLYWOOD, and LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN.

According to author Thea Harrison Shadows End finishes the this part of the Elder Races story arc and Liam Takes Manhattan puts Liam in a new position for future stories.

Liam has grown to match his dragon and is now a young adult.  Like many that age he is at odds with his Father, Dragos.  Something has to give and in the end Liam finds a solution they can all live with

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This is a nice visit with Pia, Dragos and Liam.  While it does stand alone you need to be familiar with the series for it to make sense.  If you are a fan of the series you will not want to skip finding out how Liam and his parents come to an understanding setting up future stories.

Liam Takes Manhattan releases today.

I received an ARC of Liam Takes Manhattan from Goodreads in return for an honest review.

The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation (Dukes of War .05) by Erica Ridley

Historical Romance/Novella

From Goodreads:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

Authors come up with some of the best novellas around Christmas and The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation fits right in.  I loved Lady Amelia Pembroke.  She is a very busy managing female who has a plan for everything; everything except finding a husband.  That plan just does not work.  Lord Benedict Sheffield is her perfect match and it is fun to watch as they both realize they are made for each other.

I have a favorite scene.  See if you like it too.  I loved how she came equipped with everything needed to settle down on Lord Sheffield’s steps.  She came ready to wait him out.

This is a prequel to the Dukes of War series but really is a great stand alone to read during this busy time of year.  It is a fun quick read filled with humor that you can finish in between shopping, baking and parties. 

Intrepid Reads published The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley in 2014.

I received an ARC of The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Yours for Christmas (Fool’s Gold #15.5) by Susan Mallery

Contemporary Romance/Novella

From Goodreads:

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool's Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don't date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She'll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott's muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he's not just hot…he's also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he'd lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he's all wrapped up in Bailey's sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together.

Both Kenny and Bailey have been side characters in previous stories and there have been hints about their attraction to each other.  The only problem? Kenny lost out on Fatherhood once and just does not want to risk  it again.  So, no Bailey and her adorable little girl.  Right!  We all know that will not happen.  The sparks fly and romance happens.  All it needs for a HEA is for Kenny to come to his senses and make this Christmas special for both of his girls.

Yours for Christmas is another great addition to the Fool’s Gold story.  It will stand-alone and would make a good start to the series but it is much better if you have been following the series for some time.  This is a great fit at a busy time of the year.  Just 99 pages you can finish it in between all of the holiday shopping, baking, and parties.

Harlequin published Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery in 2014.

I received a ARC of Yours for Christmas from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

The Mad Earl’s Bride by Loretta Chase

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Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

"Originally appeared in the print anthology Three Weddings and a Kiss.

Gwendolyn Adams is about to propose to an earl. On his deathbed.

Gwendolyn Adams isn't shocked at being asked to save a handsome earl's dying line, even when she learns the prospective bridegroom is seriously ill and possibly insane. She's quite a good nurse, after all, and her family is famous for producing healthy male children. Those stories about his riding the moors half-naked on a pale white horse? Extremely intriguing—especially after she gets her first look at the gorgeous lunatic.

The Earl of Rawnsley wants only to lose what's left of his mind in peace and privacy. But his busybody relatives have saddled him with a surprise bride and orders to sire an heir forthwith. (And they say he's mad?) But with Gwendolyn, his health is returning, and his resistance ... crumbling. Is it possible that love is the finest madness of all?"

The Mad Earl’s Bride is a cute novella.  Dorian and Gwen are both fun characters.  Dorian is sure he is about to die.  Gwen has a lot of medical knowledge, plans take care of him and study what is causing what he thinks is his descent into madness.  I did recognize what his problem was long before it came out in the book but that did not change how much I enjoyed the story.  The two have a fun and interesting journey to their HEA.  

Avon Impulse will publish The Mad Earl’s Bride by Loretta Chase as a stand alone novella June 4, 2013.   

That Night by Diane Dooley

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Contemporary Romance Novella 

I have read and reviewed Diane Dooley’s Science Fiction Romance stories and enjoyed them all.  I knew she could write and tell a good story.  When she asked if I would like a copy of her contemporary romance novella, That Night, I said yes.

That Night is the story of what can happen when a one night stand is not enough for one of the parties.  Lindy has a rule, no dating a co-worker but she breaks it one night when she has too much champagne.  Her way of coping is to play like nothing happened.  Alex has different ideas.  He bides his time until both are snowed in a remote cabin just before Christmas.  Then he begins his attack.  What follows is fun and entertaining.  I said Diane Dooley could write and while I would have preferred another SFR I really enjoyed That Night.  

That Night is only 44 pages but it manages to tell the complete story of two people who need to give their relationship a chance.  Pick it up for a good entertaining short read.  That Night is an ebook.

Wild Rose Press published That Night by Diane Dooley in 2012.

Goodreads Summary:

Lindy Hopkins works early, works late, always gets the job done and never, ever has incredible one night stands with handsome coworkers. Until that night. But it's okay. She's just going to keep on pretending that it never happened.

Alex Anderson never imagined that buttoned-down workaholic Lindy had the ability to transform into a table-dancing, champagne-guzzling femme fatale. Until that night. And it's not okay that she's been giving him the coldest of shoulders ever since.
Neither are prepared to face the other, but they have no choice. They've each booked the company Catskill cabin for a few days before Christmas and are both too stubborn to budge. Over mulled wine and under a blanket of snow, it's starting to look like that night might happen all over again. But this time Alex is playing for keeps, while Lindy is determined that no man will come before her career. Will they find that love is forever or will it be just another night to remember

Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander

Historical Romance

As I found out at the end of this novella Lord Stillwell decided he was more than a secondary character in Victoria Alexander’s novels.  He showed up in her study demanding a book of his own.  To quote the author “I knew the man wasn’t going to leave me alone until I gave him what he wanted.  But I will make him earn that happy ending.  It won’t be easy for either of us.”

Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements is a prequel in novella form to “The Importance of Being Wicked”  It tells the story of Lord Stillwell’s three previous engagements and why they failed.  Part of the tale we learn from letters written to Stillwell’s cousin Grey in America and part in story form.  This is a great background for what is to come.  The story drops off at the end of the last engagement and before the start of the full length book Lord Stillwell demanded from the author.  After reading the novella I am anxious for the book.

With that enough is said.

Kensington Books published Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander in 2012.

I recieved an ARC of Lord Stillwell's Excellent Engagements from NetGalley.

Goodreads Summary:.

In an enchanting novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander, eligible viscount Winfield Elliott searches for a bride and discovers that love may be lovelier the second—or even third—time around…

ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN…

Some say I do not take my engagements seriously. Nonsense. What man with no interest in marriage would find himself proposing not once, but three times? And each time, I’ve felt certain that this, at last, is the absolutely, positively, perfect woman.

Miss Felicia Whitingdon, for instance, has youth, beauty, style, grace—and a handsome fortune. Lady Lucille Eustice is a widow of impeccable social standing, and a balm to my soul. Then there is Miss Caroline Hibbit, sweet and charming in every way. Any one of these intoxicating treasures could make a man happy. Any one of them could be an ideal wife. But which—if any of them—will it be?

Devil's Gate by Thea Harrison

Paranormal Romance Novella

Thea Harrison has a good publishing mix going with her Elder Race books.  Berkley publishes her Elder Race novels and Samhain Publishing releases her Elder Race novellas as eBooks.  There is always a gap between novels but the novellas help fill the gap.

Here is what Amazon says about Devil's Gate.

When it comes to love between a medusa and a Vampyre, it’s every man, woman, and snake for themselves.

A Novella of the Elder Races

As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil’s Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she’s confident in her head snakes’ ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.

Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more…personal reasons, doesn’t hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil’s Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.

In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil’s Gate alive.

Characters:  There are mentions of characters from the Elder Races novels but the main characters here are unique to this story.  I would never have picked a women who had snakes instead of hair as the main character but it does work.  The snakes are almost an independent character.  They have their own personality and in their way are charming.  .Seremela is used to people being uncomfortable around her and loves the fact that Duncan likes her as she is.  While there is not a lot of time for character development I did get a very good picture of both main characters.  Side characters were important and there was enough information to make them real.  The Tarot cards are an inanimate character and make another appearance.  They seemed to point to the next character to be featured in a novella.

Plot:  It is fairly simple.  Seremela must go to Devil’s Gate, an out of control tent city to get her niece.  It is to dangerous to go alone so Duncan goes along to help.  There is a big problem when they get there.  (See above)

Tension:  There is some but there is so little time in a novella and the tension comes near the end of the story. 

Writing:  Thea Harrison manages to get a good mix of new characters along with tie-in from the novels in there novellas.  Devil’s Gate is no exception.

For fans of the Elder Races series Devil’s Gate is a good reading fix while waiting for the next novel

Samhain Publishing, Ltd. Published Devil’s Gate by Thea Harrison in 2012.