A VERY RUBY CHRISTMAS (BOUND & DETERMINED #4.5)

Madame Rouge—Ruby to her intimates—always makes the secret desires of her clients a priority. Now the time has come to fulfill her own fantasy, one so private it brings a rare blush to her cheeks. When Captain Derek Price returns from his service to the sea, Ruby will sell London's elite house of pleasure, leaving behind her very home to marry the sailor who has mastered every surging crest of her body.

Pity, then, the ill-timed arrival of Ruby's estranged half-sister, Jasmine, desperate for a warm bed and a sympathetic ear. Ruby is loath to marry the poor girl off to a stranger or, even worse, entrust her to the ignoble lord who has bid on the brothel. She has no other choice than to shelter Jasmine herself. As much as Ruby's heart races at the thought of a future with Derek, she now faces the possibility that, once again, her happy ending has been delayed—unless a Christmas miracle makes all their dreams come true.

***A Very Ruby Christmas is intended for mature audiences. This ebook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Release Date: November 15, 2016

Bound & Determined #4.5

Loveswept

Historical Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

I've enjoyed each of the stories in the Bound & Determined series. Some have had Emma/Ruby as the center of the story while others have focused on her girls or her friends. While I enjoyed all the stories, I love the ones that focus on Emma/Ruby and Derek most of all.

A Very Ruby Christmas was a wonderful way to wrap up Ruby's portion of the Bound & Determined series. I had known once Emma/Ruby and Derek decided to marry, she would have to do something about her house and her girls. I loved how protective Ruby always has been of her girls and knew it would take the right person to take over her house. I adored we got to visit with each of Ruby's friends and their spouses. As Ruby was part of them finding their happily ever afters, it was wonderful to get to re-visit with each of them.

While I adored each and every minute we get with Emma and Derek together, I have too say I loved that Emma finally got time with family, her half-sister, Jasmine in this book. I love that Jasmine came to Emma for help without knowing she was actually the type of person to step up to take care of anyone who showed up at her doorstep. I absolutely loved watching the two women not only become friends, but sisters. I absolutely loved that Emma/Ruby finally had a way to find her happily ever after and take care of her girls at the same time.

While Ruby's reign at her house is now over, I can't wait to read stories with Madame Blanche in the future. I have absolutely loved this series to date and really hope we will get more stories in the future.

Rating: 4 Stars (B-)

SARAH'S SURRENDER

In Lavinia Kent’s scorching new eBook original novella, two wounded hearts find that only the sweet release of temptations long denied can heal the pain of past sins.

Five years ago, Miss Sarah Swilp had been deeply in love with Jonathan Perry, the second son of an earl. But when Jonathan inherited his aunt’s lands and money, he turned cold, demanding Sarah’s maidenhood and uttering those unforgettably cruel words: “You do know I won’t marry you.” She refused, of course, and that spoiled everything. Now, just as she’s agreed to a marriage of convenience, Jonathan reappears—and after Sarah gets one look at his lean, hard body, the embers of desire burst back into flame.

Over time, Jonathan has learned quite a bit about the art of pleasure—though nothing has ever given him so much joy as the husky timbre of Sarah’s laugh. It had hurt to leave her, but what other choice did he have? Perhaps he’d been too afraid of ending up like his brother, targeted by a woman seeking a title. Seeing her again, Jonathan can’t help wondering what might have been if only Sarah had surrendered to red-hot lust. Fortunately, judging by the wicked look in her eyes, it may not be too late to find out.

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Random House Loveswept

Bound & Determined #2.5

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

I’ve enjoyed each of the stories in the Bound and Determined series so far and was excited to read Sarah’s Surrender. Sarah’s Surrender is a novella length story, so it is a really fast read.

I really liked both Sarah and Jonathan in Sarah’s Surrender. Sarah is being forced to marry a man her father’s age to get him out of debt, but wants one night with Jonathan before she has her choices taken away. I felt like Sarah was really a much stronger person than how she presented herself to the public. 

The attraction between Sarah and Jonathan is evident from the moment they first see each other across the room after 5 years. In fact, when they are together, my kindle screen steamed up every single time. I loved how dominant Jonathan is and how Sarah responds as she submits. Sarah is a virgin before she and Jonathan are together for the first time and her innocence about what she enjoys was refreshing. I loved she was so curious about every single aspect of their lovemaking.

When Jonathan and Sarah finally discuss their past, the passionate way Sarah reacts made me like her even more. Jonathan truly put her in a lose/lose situation and she has no problem vehemently defending herself. I loved that even 5 years later, it was obvious that both Sarah and Jonathan still loved one another.

Sarah’s Surrender was a really fast read for me. I do wish there was more of a resolution between Sarah, her father and Mr. Meyers, but overall I enjoyed the story.