Romance Review: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses #1 by Sophie Jordan

Title: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Received From: Library

Synopsis: One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London's most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady—one with a considerable fortune to her name—wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .

Review:
Wicked in Your Arms was the first of Sophie Jordan's adult books I had read. I had read her Firelight (YA) series and really enjoyed it so I decided to give her historical romances a try. I am so glad I did I loved this book and Grier was a fabulous heroine.

I read this book in ebook format and I am glad I did. There were so many passages that I highlighted because they were fantastic and hilarious. Also because I wanted to choose one to share with you so you could get a peek into the banter between Grier and Savastian. I think this passage will convince you to read this book much more than anything I could say.

 "Not that it's any of your concern, but I'm eight and twenty."
He blinked. "You're a bit long in the tooth, aren't you?"
She gasped. "For what? Being alive?"
"For being yet unclaimed."
"Unclaimed? As in unclaimed by a man?"
He nodded once.
"A little archaic, aren't you? I've been busy... haven't gotten around to a man... claiming me yet."
"I see," he murmured, either missing her sarcasm or deliberately ignoring it.
Propping her hands on her hips, she demanded, "And how old are you?"
"It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm a man."
"No, you're a jackass!" she retorted. (58)

 Isn't that dialogue awesome? You want to know what happens next don't you? Wicked in Your Arms is chock full of dialogue just like that. As well as stolen kisses and political intrigue.

One of the main reasons I liked this book so much, besides the dialogue, is Grier herself. She has all these secrets that the reader and Sevastian both have to figure out. She is strong willed and independent and very different from many typical historical romance heroines. Also Sev is sexy.

I think anyone who is a fan of historical romance or who wants to get into reading historical romance should definitely pick up Wicked in Your Arms. It is a real treat!

Less Than a Gentleman by Kerrelyn Sparks

Title: Less Than a Gentleman
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: July 2, 2013 (pbk August 6, 2013)
Received From: Publisher in return for an honest review

Synopsis:In this never-before-published historical romance, New York Times bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks returns to the 18th century, where the fight for freedom is as dangerous as the fight for love.

Between searching for the missing Munro sisters and South Carolina being all but lost to the British, Captain Matthais Thomas has more important things to worry about than finding a bride. But his mother has other ideas. When Matthais finds a beautiful woman in his bed who claims to be his betrothed, he is suspicious of her identity…and determined to discover the truth.

Caroline Munro had few options. The British burned down her home, and now, traveling with her very pregnant sister, Caroline is pretending to be someone she’s not so they can have a safe place to rest. But she didn’t count on a matchmaking matron or her rogue of a son…and certainly never dreamed she would fall in love with a spy.

Review:
 I don't know about you but when I think of romantic time periods I don't usually think about the Revolutionary War; but maybe that's just me... After reading Less than a Gentleman that opinion has been changed because the Revolutionary War can be romantic and action packed.

Caroline is not to be trifled with. She is a strong-willed and courageous woman who does what she has to do keep her family safe. Even lying about being someone else to get shelter. I mean a girl has gotta do what a girl has gotta do. Granted she does feel terrible about it.

Speaking of lying there is quite a bit of lying in Less Than a Gentleman. Most of it is well founded and understandable. But at one point I was yelling at a character to just tell the truth already. Of course they didn't listen to me, not that I honestly thought they would.

The romantic scenes were HOT, obviously because this is a romance novel. But they were not too over the top so if you are not into the explicit this book is for you.

One thing that I was really surprised about was how much action there was in Less Than a Gentleman. This is not a romance that takes place in drawing rooms and stately mansions. Though there are drawing rooms and a plantation this book mostly takes place in mills, secret passageways, swamps, and docks. And don't you think for a moment that Caroline is going to let the boys have all the fun. She can hold her own against the British.

Even though I enjoyed the whole book my favorite part was the secondary characters. From Dottie and Becky to Charlotte and Jacob all the characters added so much to this story and really fleshed it out. There are no characters that are gratuitous, and they will make you fall in love with them.

Basically if you are a fan of historical romance or romance in general you should read Less Than a Gentleman.