Read and Review #30 - Desperately Seeking Suzanna (Elizabeth Michels)

Title: Desperately Seeking Suzanna (Tricks of the Ton #2)

Author: Elizabeth Michels

Publication date: 4 March 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Her Cinderella Moment

Sue Green just wanted one night to be the pretty one. But a few glasses of champagne and one wild disguise later,

she’s in some serious trouble. Who knew the devastatingly handsome face of Lord Holden Ellis would get in the way of her foot? And how exactly did all that high-kick dancing start in the first place? At least she blamed it all on her new persona—Suzanna. So Society’s most eligible bachelor will never find out the truth.

All Holden wants is the truth. Who was that vixen who seduced him so thoroughly, then disappeared? The only one who seems to have any answers about Suzanna is Miss Sue Green. She’s promised to help him find his mystery woman, but in truth she’s not being all that helpful. And in truth, the more time Holden spends with Sue—witty, pretty, and disarmingly honest—the more he realizes he may have found exactly what he’s been looking for all along...

My rating:
5 / 5

My review:

Sue Green secretly crashed a party with her cousins and sister, got drunk and kicked Lord Holden Ellis in the nose, breaking it. Since it was a masquerade ball, she was masked and declared herself to be Suzanna, her very brazen alter ego. They indulged in one night of passion, only to be cut short by the reveal at the end of the party. Caught by her mother, all her make-up were removed and the accessories on her dress were ripped off and Sue was forced to leave early. She decided to hang out a little more and when she encountered Holden again sans make-up, he didn't recognize her.

Heartbroken, she fled and vowed to never speak or see Holden ever again. Yeah right. Holden however, thought that Suzanna had simply left him. And soon began his desperate search for the woman who had enticed and fascinated him. 

This story reminded me so much of An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (I am obsessed with Julia Quinn) with different story lines. Benedict wasn't as obsessed as Holden and Sue wasn't as outspoken as Sophie. The only similarities were the masquerade ball, the evil mother and someone was always left heartbroken. 

The events in this book coincide with the first book and even then I already knew what was going on before I found out the title of this book. It's a less dramatic book aside from Holden's crazy mother. Even his crazy mother didn't make enough appearance to make her threats seem dangerous. The build-up to Sue's confrontation with Holden's mother was rather tame but understandably reasonable.

It's a good read for those not looking for swooning ladies and terribly arrogant heroes. A perfect read for those who love a stud and plain jane romance. I enjoyed it immensely and I am looking forward to more of this author's work.

Read and Review #29 - Must Love Dukes (Elizabeth Michels)

Title: Must Love Dukes (Tricks of the Ton #1)

Author: Elizabeth Michels

Publication date: 4 February 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

She Can't Resist the Dare

Lillian Phillips could not imagine how her quiet, simple life had come to this. Blackmailed by the Mad Duke of Thornwood into accepting one wild dare after another...all because of a pocket watch. Desperate to recover her beloved father's pawned timepiece, Lily did something reckless and dangerous and delicious—something that led to a night she'd never forget. 

He has a Reputation for Scandal

When Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, runs into a mesmerizing, intoxicating, thieving woman who literally stole from his bedchamber—with his new pocket watch—Devon plots his revenge. If the daring wench likes to play games, he's happy to oblige. After all, what's the use of being the Mad Duke if you can't have some fun? But the last laugh might just be on him...

My rating:

4 / 5

My review:

I believe this is a debut book by Elizabeth Michels and it's not that bad. I enjoyed this book and I think that there should more authors venturing into the historical romance genre.

It's a refreshing read because while Lilly and Devon have sort of a love-hate relationship, it's not like most of relationships in historical romances, especially the love-hate ones are usually based on rumors and misunderstandings. Devon was angry with Lilly because she stole from him and left without an explanation after one night of hot romance.

A year later, they met again in a different setting. Still angry at Lilly, Devon blackmailed her into playing a game that led to scandalous events. It was no wonder he was called the Mad Duke of Thornwood, he loves doing mischievous things and say the most inappropriate things at parties. In other words, he's equivalent to Barney Stinson in the modern day.

The attraction between them rekindled the more they spend time with each other. Devon's mischiefs are hilarious, not mad. And Lilly is the perfect anchor for him to not go aboard and put his attitude in check. 

Usually, it's the hero who did the running but here, it was the heroine. Their chemistry is electric and I find myself loving them more towards the end. And not to mention Lilly's gay brother. I mean, how many gays can you find in historical romances (the ones that are not homosexual themed)? 

It's not bad for a debut novel. The banter between Lilly and Devon is fun to read and I am thoroughly entertained throughout the book. Definitely looking forward for more of this author's work!