DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS by Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: April 2011
ISBN: 978-0515149340
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via publisher


For years Daphne Joyes has not only led a quiet life, one she enjoyed at her cozy home in the country. She has opened her doors to women needing a safe haven from their own cares, woes and worries. There is one rule at the Rarest Blooms, one does not ask about another’s past. If one of the women in residence cares to share, she may, but no one may ask. The rule as served Daphne well. She has her own secrets.

Tristan, Duke of Castleford is known for his hedonism and dedication to being bad. He spends his nights with prostitutes, drinks to distraction and cares nothing for anyone. Unless it is a Tuesday. Then he conducts business and does what is expected by a man of his rank. When a distant family member dies and he finds himself the beneficiary of a bequest, albeit it a small one, even though it is not a Tuesday, he proceeds to visit the various properties. Well, at least one of them. When he arrives at the Rarest Blooms and meets Daphne, for the first time in his life he is told no. Not taken in by his rank nor the stories of his philandering, she holds to her own values—which intrigues Castleford even more. With her home to hold over her, Castleford embarks on the road to seducing Daphne. The more she says no, the more determined he is to have her. Despite her resolve, bit by bit Daphne finds herself falling for the naughty Duke. Still, she has her secrets…some she knows he will never accept.

DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS is the fourth book in Madeline Hunter’s Rarest Blooms series and I think the best of them all. It appears the series is ending with this book and I am sorry it is so. I do hope, however, that there may be at least another story or even a series starting off with Katherine and Mr. Edwards’ story.

Ms. Hunter writes the most breath-taking love scenes. She knows how to build tension not only in her characters but also in her readers. You want the hero and heroine to consummate their relationship but at the same time, the sexual and sensual tension between them is so brilliantly done. You sit there with your toes curling and all they’ve done is kiss, but what kisses they are.

She entwines the couples from the first three books as a part of the story that brings you up to date with what is happening in their lives and at the same time ads to the current story. After reading about just how bad Castleford was in the first three books I was most curious if he could be redeemed and how Ms. Hunter would do it. With a hug, a kiss and incredibly described love making she does that and more.

Each book is a standalone although I would definitely suggest reading RAVISHING IN RED first as it does lay important ground work for the succeeding stories. Each story is wonderful tale leaving you missing the characters when it is done.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS by Madeline Hunter

Final Book in Rarest Blooms Quartet
Publisher: Berkley Jove
Date published: April 26th, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-515-14934-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained ARC from Publisher


The Duke of Castleford is wealthy, a rake and has no incentive to curb his ways at all. When he gets a small behest, he finds that the small property houses a flower shop, one run by a woman so mysterious, Castleford is intrigued the moment he spies her. Daphne Joyes hates men like Castleford and is determined to keep him as far away as she can from her house, business and ultimately, herself. But sparks fly between these two whenever they cross paths and Daphne finds out that she has something in common with Castleford-a deep hatred toward the Duke of Becksbridge. Can two different people find a way work together while trying to not fall in love?

I really, really, really wanted to like this final book in Ms. Hunter’s Rarest Blooms Quartet. I really did but with this final book, I found myself going ‘HUH?” when I started reading it. I loved the character Castleford in the first three books. He stole my heart and I was absolutely giddy over seeing his story would round out the series. He was vivid and stole the show in each of the first three books (RAVISHING IN RED, SINFUL IN SATIN and PROVOCATIVE IN PEARLS). Until I opened DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS and wanted to know what happened to that charming, vivid character I grew to love in those books. He is so uninspiring, I wanted to know who stole that wonderful man and put this pod person in its place. Ms. Hunter had a marvelous character here that could have, when written well, delivered a high octane ride for the readers. What we got was an uninspired hero who had me scratching my head in disbelief. Then add in Daphne, the heroine, who was the same as she has been in the previous books. Straightforward, honest, complex and would have fit perfectly with the vivid Castleford that I adored. They do have some sparks but again it isn’t an inferno but one that slowly simmered throughout the book. I was thrilled to see previous characters from the first three books pop in and help Castleford & Daphne. That was one of the bright spots in this final book.

Despite everything above, the story is solid and the writing tight. Madeline Hunter is one of the best writers for historical romance and I felt, in my opinion; she rushed through this last book for some reason. Overall, DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS was an ok story that may appeal to some readers who may not have enjoyed Castleford in the previous books or if they want to see what happens when he finally finds the woman of his dreams.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS by Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Berkley
Date Published: April, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-515-14934-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Diamonds-Madeline-Hunter/dp/0515149349
Obtained via publisher


The mysterious Daphne Joyes has secrets she prefers to keep to herself. She has a modest flower business, The Rarest Blooms, which helps her make a living for herself and the other women who share her home and who harbor secrets of their own. So far, everything has worked well for them, until the owner of their home dies and bequeaths some of his holdings, including the Joyes’ home, to a wealthy, hedonistic duke named Tristan Castleford.

Castleford spends most of his days gaming and whoring, enjoying his profligate lifestyle to the hilt. But when he suddenly finds himself inheriting new properties, he decides to check them out, surprised to discover that one tenant, Mrs. Joyes, is not pleased with his intrusion or ownership of her home. In fact, her coldness and scathing comments toward him, not to mention her great beauty, manage only to intrigue him further. He soon decides to seduce her, as his reputation warrants.

Joyes does her best to keep him and his unwanted advances at bay, but soon finds it hard to resist, despite his terrible reputation. Then, when someone she despises, the Duke of Becksbridge, reenters her life, only then does she realize the value of having Castleford on her side, since he despises his relative, Becksbridge, just as much as she does.

DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS, by Madeline Hunter, is the fourth book in her Regency collection. It is the first book I have read by Ms. Hunter and believe it can stand alone.

DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS is very well written, which is not surprising, considering Ms. Hunter’s publication of 20 other highly-acclaimed historical romances, one of my favorite genres to read. However, I felt there was something lacking in this particular story. I found it difficult to connect on an emotional level. I missed the feeling that helps one forget the outside world and just immerse oneself in the romance itself. Whether this had to do with not reading the previous books in this series, I am not certain.

Ms. Hunter takes great care in developing the two main characters, Daphne Joyes and Tristan Castleford. Still, I had a bit of trouble connecting with Daphne because she was so cool and proper, but Ms. Hunter did unravel that aspect of her personality a bit when Castleford begins his calculated seduction of her.

It didn’t take Daphne long to fall prey to Tristan’s charm and lovemaking skills, which actually surprised me. For someone determined to rebuff Castleford’s advances, Daphne seemed awfully quick to allow him his way with her. Especially since she had been raised a gentle woman. Still, it felt as if something was missing. The love scenes weren’t all-consuming. I just didn’t feel anything. I felt detached a bit during the entire book.

Castleford is a very likeable character, however. I liked his arrogance, as a typical duke. I found him humorous on occasion. The fact that he was writing a novel on his preferred haunts in London I found extremely funny. Also, I enjoyed that he was always there when Daphne needed him, although there were aspects of the story, such as the uprising, that didn’t add much to the story, in my opinion, because I never could quite figure out what that was all about. A little more information in that aspect would have been helpful to the story.

Some of the minor characters were a bit confusing for me, unless one had read the previous novels in this series, I would imagine. All-in-all, however, they didn’t take away from the story. Most of the time, though, it seemed they weren’t as real as they could have been. They were just there, in the background, coming out only when needed. Albeit, anyone having read the first three books in this series may have been more emotionally connected to them and may disagree. But I had trouble keeping them straight at times while trying to understand their connection to Daphne.

I did like the bad guy in this story, Latham, Duke of Becksbridge. He is everything one wants in a bad guy, and Ms. Hunter made him of the sort you wouldn’t mind seeing done away with. However, once one realizes his importance, at the very end, reasonable allowances must be made for his continued survival, after all of Joyes’ secrets are shared and the truth known. However, I still felt a bit detached, even in this area. The reader seems at times to be on the outside looking in. Never on the inside of the story, feeling what the characters are feeling, which is what one often yearns for in a romance. The pacing of DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS was also a bit too slow for my liking.

Again, I had trouble connecting with the story as I would have liked but, overall, it was a good story and a decent read.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

RAVISHING IN RED by Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: January 2010
ISBN: 978-0515147544
Historical Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via library


Audrianna Kelmsleigh has complete faith her father did not commit the heinous crime he was accused of before his death. Now, in the aftermath of her family’s humiliation, she believes she may have found the person who will clear her father’s name. The truth will not bring him back; but it will clear his name and make things more bearable for her family.

Following an ad appearing in the paper she travels to an inn to confront the man holding the precious information. Pistol in hand she waits for the Domino to arrive.

Lord Sebastian Summerhay has diligently pursued the men behind tampered gun powder that cost many soldiers their lives. He does it not just for England but he has a personal reason for doing so.

While he relentlessly pursued Kelmsleigh to his death, he still seeks the whole truth of the gunpowder. His investigation brings him to the very room where Audrianna awaits the Domino. The situation quickly spirals out of control and Sebastian is shot. Society being what it is, rather than accept that it was the Domino that shot Sebastian, a scandal erupts painting the pair in the worst light. As the situation deteriorates, Sebastian lights upon a solution—they will marry. Audrianna will have none of it with the man who caused her father’s death. Yet if he is really so wrong for her, why do his kisses stir her in unimaginable ways?

It has been some time since I’ve had the pleasure of a five heart book that I know I will read again and again. RAVISHING IN RED is that book. Madeline Hunter’s prose is so incredibly rich it is akin to the most decadent dessert. I really liked Audrianna. She knows her own mind and despite the constraints of her world and the times she lived in, she is able to hold her own. She will compromise, but she will not set aside her integrity.

Ms. Hunter’s characters are true to life and completely credible. She tempts her readers with an incredibly sensuous writing voice. There were a few times when Audrianna and Sebastian are about to kiss when I found myself holding my breath. The descriptions of The Rarest Blooms garden and greenhouse were so vivid I could swear I almost smelled the flowers. The imagery painted inside the chapel for Audrianna’s wedding was so real I wanted a similar arrangement for myself. The story flows at an even pace, rather than detract or slow the pace the lulls build anticipation for the next scene. As I saw the ending coming I wondered how Ms. Hunter would carry out the inevitable consequences and she does it with total style. I can’t wait to dig into book two of this marvellous series.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

SINFUL IN SATIN by Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Jove
Date published: September 2010
ISBN 978-0515148442
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher


Celia comes home to bury her mother and see to her inheritance. There isn’t much as her mother had a lot of debts and only one house is left. But even this house may be taken from her when another debt rears its ugly head. Celia is still determined to make it, even if it means reverting to the profession she was trained for. Her mother was a famous London courtesan and Celia had been tutored, in the arts of seduction and pleasure. So, first she tries to make a small business of her own with the help of some friends. Then she discovers that she has inherited something else, a tenant in the form of a handsome man called Jonathan Albrighton. Jonathan has some very special reasons for staying at the house, although Celia seems to be trying to get him to move out. He has been charged to investigate Celia’s mother’s activities and the more time they stay together, the more the sparks of passion ignite. It looks like there are more mysteries to uncover than both realized and according to convention, Celia has no chance of a happy ending with Jonathan. But Jonathan is a man who cares nothing for convention.

This is a really delightful book to read and I enjoyed every single page, which I could hardly turn fast enough. I had to read this book in two sittings and I would have rather read it in one. I really didn’t want to put it down. This story has everything going for it, a very sympathetic heroine who I was rooting for. A darkly, dangerous, handsome hero, with whom I also fell in love with. A mystery or three and some secondary characters that liven up the story and give it more depth. An antagonist who at first you may like, but who turns out to be a cad, with capital letters! The dialogue had me laughing in places and the romance had me sighing with joy. Jonathan and Celia certainly have the sparks flying even though everyone else sees it first.

Madeline Hunter has given her fans another exciting story. It seems to be the third in a series so I have to go and hunt the first two down now, before the next one comes out. Sigh…too many books and so little time. Still, I can really recommend this one. Especially lovers of historical romance are going to enjoy it.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

SECRETS OF SURRENDER by Madeline Hunter

Publisher Dell
Date published June 2008
ISBN 978-0-440-24395-3
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan






Roselyn Longworth is still reeling from her brother’s disgrace and as mistress to the Viscount Norbury, she is put up for auction at a drunken orgy. Kyle Bradwell wins the auction featuring Roselyn. He is the highest bidder and returns her to her family. Word gets around and to save her from further disgrace, he proposes marriage. His marriage proposal saves her from the scorn of society and gives him, as well as his children, an entrée to polite society.

Roselyn is a woman at the mercy of circumstances. Her situation takes a positive turn when she meets Kyle. Roselyn and Kyle is a unique couple in the historical romance world. He is not part of the nobility and she was part of a prominent family that has fallen on hard times. This makes for an interesting pairing that will have readers falling in love with them. The chemistry between them is apparent from the start and it only builds as time progresses.

SECRETS OF SURRENDER is the third book in this series by Madeline Hunter. It is an enjoyable read that doesn’t require too much work on the reader’s part which is a good thing. The storyline moves at a nice pace and the focus is on Roselyn and Kyle’s relationship. How they deal with each other and how they fall in love with each other is developed and explored by the author. This is a great couple who will delight the reader with their actions. Readers will want to get the first two books in this series, Rules of Seductions and Lessons in Desire to get the back story of what happened to Roselyn’s family.