Review: Her Ladyship's companion - Evangeline Collins

Genre: Historical romance

Pages: 330

Published: 2009

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Bought

In the Scottish countryside of Selkirk, Lady Isabella Stirling resides at Bowhill Park, serving penance for a sin that nearly ruined her family. For five years she has been condemned to a loveless marriage and confined to the estate where she does little more than tend her rose garden. With her husband absent for months at a time and few visitors, Bella lives a lonely existence, denying the passions that burn within her very soul.
Then her cousin comes for a visit and makes an outrageous suggestion: what Bella needs is a lover. A hired lover. Despite her need, Bella says no. But soon Mr. Gideon Rosedale arrives-and he is at her service for two weeks. Indulging in what she intends to be a harmless flirtation, Bella is overcome by Gideon's intoxicating presence. And when she at last permits him to satisfy her desires, she discovers she's done the unthinkable-she's fallen in love.

My thoughts:

I read another book by her and liked it, even though I didn't think I would. So of course then I had to get this book. At least now I was used to the prostitutes ;)

Isabella is married to a man who is never around. She is lonely, sad and there is passion in her that never gets to come out. When she finally gets to live she is a tad bit immature, but that is because she wants and wants. Kind of like me in a bookstore. The hero, oh yes, he is a male prostitute hired by her cousin. Now this is a romance so of course they fall in love, but can they be? She is married and he is nothing.

I can't say what it is about her books that make me like them so much. There is just so much passion, angst, and love around. And there is that big elephant in the room, how on earth could this possibly work? The road there is long and it has me wondering. Because I want them and need these two to be happy. She is so deserving and he, well he sure deserves better too.

Conclusion:

I truly enjoyed this one and I recommend it. I really like her voice.

Cover:

Something is wrong with his body

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I am also now a permanent member of the gang over at Alternative-read.com and today I am reviewing Black Wings by Christina Henry.

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package. 

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with. 

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos. 

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell.

Review: Seven Nights to Forever - Evangeline Collins

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 336
Published: 2010

Destitute after her father's death, Rose Marlowe has debts to settle and a younger brother to support. But she also possesses a matchless beauty-one that could command quite a price. Now, every month, Rose spends one week at a decadent London brothel, where she's become a sought-after prize.

Then one night she meets a wealthy merchant. Handsome, kind and compassionate, with a lonely soul that matches her own, James Archer is not her typical client. Falling in love with a client, never mind a married one, is unthinkable. Yet Rose can't help but lose herself as one night becomes seven-and seven nights leads to a chance at forever.

My thoughts:

I was very curious about this book when I saw it around, but truth be told I was not sure if I would like it. I mean she is a prostitute, but I listened and tried it. Totally worth it.

There was just something about the book. There was this sadness and lingering hope. They both wanted to be loved but life had not dealt them that card. The writing was good and I was soon lost in the book and did not want to put it down. A wonderful romance in a different setting.

Rose is a whore, there is no other way to put it. She sells her body for 7 days/month. She fetches a good prize since she is beautiful and mysterious. There is the whole point to why I wondered about if I would enjoy the book but I did. She does not care for her job but she needs money. There is no image of a happy prostitute and she knows it is dangerous and that she is damaged goods. I felt for her and I wanted her to be happy, and even though this is a romance I wondered how the author would make it happen.

James is unhappy. He married a well-born wife so his sister could get a foot into the society world and land a title. They have merchant money and we all know that is not old and good money. His wife is a total bitch who sleeps around and hates him. Still he does not want to be unfaithful but his steps lead him to a brothel. Poor unhappy man. He was just so gentle and sweet. These two fall in love and it is wonderful. But Rose does not want to be kept and be with a married man. As you can see, the HEA is far away (but it comes, I mean this is a romance after all.)

I liked the writing, it flowed well and I liked the two characters. Sure it nagged me a bit that Rose just did not tell her brother to stop wasting money. She was too nice (even if he did not know they were poor and what she did). And of course James' wife was a bit too evil in her bitchy ways, but a book like this needs an uberbitch.

The best thing was closing the book. I had a big smile on my grin and I do think I went "awwww sweet" :D

Conclusion: 

A great historical romance with erotic touches. I recommend this book cos it was sure hard to put the book down when I started it. I will definitely be reaidng more books by her.

Rating:

Recommended

Cover:

Ok