The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel byJennifer McQuiston

THE PERKS OF LOVING A SCOUNDREL
The Seduction Diaries Book 3
Jennifer McQuiston
Avon Books
ISBN# 978-0-06-233514-2
October 2016
Historical Romance

In her Seduction Diaries series, McQuiston pens the tale of a bookish spinster and a well-renowned ladies man. An accidental meeting between Miss Mary Channing and Geoffrey Westmore leads the two not only to be caught in a compromising position, but they also overhear an assassination plot. No one believes their tale of the plot (they think the couple are only trying to make up a story to take the spotlight off of them), so West decides to try and uncover the plot himself. To make matters worse, West's sister, Clare, informs him that he has to come up to scratch because Miss Channing is the Earl of Haversham's sister.

West does try to do the right thing, but Mary doesn't want to marry West because of his reputation. Now West is a bit taken aback because why would she refuse him? Then, Mary informs him that they must work together to seek out the conspirators to try and save whomever is on the hit list. West and Mary forge an unlikely alliance of sorts to get to the bottom of the plot. As time goes on, the attraction between them sizzles, and Mary realizes West isn't quite as bad as she believed. West and Mary insinuate themselves into the high society circles to try and determine the source. However, getting in the midst of some powerful people bent on assassination only means that they would have no qualms about taking out a bookish spinster.

A mix of intrigue, suspense and romance, this quick paced romp in 1858 England hits all the right notes. Even though this reads more like a detective story, the character building is equal to that of the action. West and Mary discover that there is more to someone that what is on the outside (or rumors). They slowly find their way around to understanding each other even as they discover who is behind the plot. The romance is slowly built and the scenes between them are realistic and hot. Mary's pregnant sister, as well as West's sister and best friend, Grant, make great secondary characters that also provide some comic relief. For readers of the first two books, while characters tie together, it is not necessary to read the first two to enjoy this one.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4.5

A Chase for Christmas by Candace Shaw

A Chase For Christmas
Chasing Love Series)
Candace Shaw
Kimani
ISBN: 978-0373864782
November 2016
Romance

Ms. Shaw did a beautiful job bringing us a romantic story of two people, Blythe
Ventura and John “Prez” Preston Chase III, who both have baggage they need to
overcome before they can learn to trust and find love.

Preston is the creator of the famous “Dart and Drive” video game and is worth millions.
He is also handsome and women according to his sister, practically throw
themselves at him.

When Blythe shows up to her Paint, Sip, Chat Studio, Prez is next door visiting his
sister also Blythe’s best friend. Prez has been flirting with Blythe for over a
year and she doesn’t “bite” but is friendly towards him since he is after all
her best friends brother. Prez is having a event for children he visits at the
hospital and asks Blythe if she would be interested in painting with the
children at the event and she agrees. Will the flirting heat up between these
two or will they stay in the “friend” zone?

From the moment I read the first page I was hooked and the story held my attention until
the last page. This is a very sweet romance full of likeable characters, cute
dialogue and great chemistry between Prez and Blythe. I really like reading
books that after the last page has been read the characters stay with you as
they did for me with this story.

I highly recommend you buy and read this book as it is one I will read again.

Reviewed By : Linda Chavis
Rating: 4