Bound by Your Touch - Meredith Duran

Publication
Pocket Books, July 2009

In short
Silver-tongued Viscount Sanburne is London's favorite scapegrace. Alas, Lydia Boyce has no interest in being charmed. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself, as she always has done. Certainly she requires no help from a too-handsome dilettante whose main achievement is being scandalous. But Sanburne's golden charisma masks a sharper mind and darker history than she realizes. He shocks Lydia by breaking past her prim facade to the woman beneath... and the hidden fire no man has ever recognized. But as she follows him into a world of intrigue, she will learn that the greatest danger lies within - in the shadowy, secret motives of his heart.

In words
It took me a little while to get into this book. I found Sanburne a bit hard to like at first, as I thought he took his feelings of guilt a bit to far, which probably was the purpose of the author. But in the end I did understand and like him, and believed in their HEA. All characters are full of depth, even the not so nice ones, and the story itself sucked me in as well. Again a great book by Meredith Duran.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Conversations - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 11
A- = 9/10 = 4.5 stars

So Still the Night - Kim Lenox

Publication
2009, Signet

In short
Marcus Helios was a member of the Shadow Guard until one reckless act changed it all, bringing him to the edge of madness. His hope for salvation lies in a cryptic message contained within two cryptic scrolls he believes to be in the possession of an enigmatic beauty named Mina. And Mina is not about to hand over the scrolls' secrets to a total stranger.
But someone else has designs on the mysterious relics, and on Mark: Jack the Ripper's jilted bride. Her malevolent embrace will trap everyone within reach, and her dark plans will challenge the powers of all she is destined to destroy.

In words
I like this world, especially in combination with the historical setting. I like the first book in the series better (grade A), but this is still a very nice book, with an interesting plot, and I will certainly keep reading this series.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
World-building - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

With Seduction in Mind - Laura Lee Guhrke

I wasn't gone, but my router was, thanks to a thunderstorm... Almost a week without telephone and internet, I couldn't believe how hard that was. Now several reviews straight after one another.

Publication
2009, Avon Historical Romance, Girl-Bachelors # 4

In short
HER PROPOSITION . . .
London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met.
HIS RESOLUTION . . .
Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction.

In words
Nothing very special about it, but also nothing wrong with it. It is just a very enjoyable read.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars