For Queen and Country

   

Books: The Lion's Lady | Guardian Angel | The Gift | Castles
Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Publication Date: Early 90's--There's so many editions it's hard to tell to be honest

Source: Gifted from Alexa and Bought

Goodreads

The Lion's Lady

"Then I shall be submissive, Lyon...When it suits me."

Wow. Seriously why did I wait so long to read another Julie Garwood series?! The Lion's Lady was graciously gifted to me by the lovely Alexa and I was on a historical romance binge and dove right in. I was NOT disappointed!! The first 3 pages were quite confusing as I thought I accidentally stumbled upon the script of the Revenant but legit by page 4 I was all in. It is SUCH a unique and amazing story that Garwood gives us. Christina has grown up, as alluded to above, in unusual circumstances. She is in London going through her first season and has taken the ton and all eligible men by storm. She meets Lyon and is immediately intrigued. And terrified because she feeeeels things. He has basically believed himself to be dead inside after a horrible first marriage by meeting Christina lights something within him. Their dynamic and courtship is HILARIOUS. Lyon refuses to let Christina confuse him, and she is confusing as hell when you think about it from his perspective but hilarious when you know her upbringing. I loved it. He is domineering and aggressive and doesn't take no for an answer. Christina is fierce as fuck and totally badass. I loved her character. There is also a mystery and deception going on that I thought was interesting. It was resolved rather quickly and in the very end of the book which I thought odd but I wasn't reading it for the suspense so I didn't really care. AMAZING start to a historical romance series.

Ball Status

Backstage Pass

Guardian Angel

"What was between us would be as far above the ordinary congress between man and woman as the stars are above their pale reflections in the lake below."

After finishing The Lion's Lady I immediately dove into Guardian Angel. And Holla!! I didn't think I could love a hero more than Lyon of find a bitch badder than Christina but I was wrong. Wow. Caine, also a former British spy, is mistaken for an infamous pirate by Jade when she needs his help. They're on the run shortly after they meet and sparks fly from there. Like Christina, Jade is her own woman, has her own plan, and gives zero fucks. She's a fiery redhead whose intelligence is on another level. Caine is one scary mother fucker and she shows no fear. I love when they would "debate" *cough* yell at each other. I love a good hate to love, screaming in each other's faces kinda love story. Le sigh. But for real. I loved this story. There is, again, deception and the climax of this conflict was UH.MAY.ZING. All these strong men trying to assert the dominance when in reality Jade sittings back all, yo I got this shit. I loved it. Love love love. I also really appreciated her juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability. Her insecurities were completely founded and I loooooooooved watching her work through them with Caine. I really adore love stories when the hero is a thousand percent in love with the heroine and kinda has to kick her ass to realize she feels the same way. Le swoon. Sorry not sorry but I find refreshing when the man is complete in his consistency for his feelings but the woman has to think about it. Again, the mystery involved with the story was addressed predominantly at the end and then concluded very quickly at the very near end. As before, it doesn't bother me, it's just a little wonky pacing wise. Another absolutely fantastic addition to this series. Holy fuck, bring on Nathan.

Ball Status

Backstage Pass

The Gift

"We cannot know the future. All we can do is face it bravely. We should take heed of those we love and respect. But in the end, we make every decision alone." 

Nathan COMPLETELY stole my attention when he was introduced in Guardian Angel and I was so excited to start his book. And while he didn't disappoint, the overall book did. I still liked it well enough because the plot was interesting and the pacing was good but the heroine was not my taste. I found her very annoying, naive, and, to be a bit harsh, really stupid. I GET it. This is the norm but when you follow girls like Christina and Jade, how could I not be a not disappointed. I loved Nathan's gruff demeanor and caveman-esque attitude. He really swooned me, I only wish I could have connected more with Sara. She started off totally badass then took a turn for the pathetic...in my honest and humble opinion. I am still excited for the next book and can't wait to see who Colin falls in love with!

Castles

"Perhaps she should give him a little praise too. She rolled onto her side to face him, put her hand on his chest directly over his pounded heart, and whispered. 'You're good, too. 'Tis the truth, you're the best I've ever had.'

He opened his eyes to look at her. 'I'm the only one you've ever had, remember?' His voice was gruff with affection.

'I remember,' she said.

'No other man is ever going to touch you, Alesandra. You're mine." 

This was SUCH a fantastic book and ending to this Crown Spies series. Colin didn't super intrigue me in the previous books so I didn't know what to expect. What a pleasant surprise! I LOVED Colin! He has this dry humor that had my rolling in laughter. Alesandra is a princess by she is so self-sufficient and independent and SMART! She's so smart and clever I absolutely loved her characters. The dynamic between Colin and Alesandra was a bit of love to hate which is always my favorite. Alexandra's lists and organization and devotion to her husband and meeting his needs made my heart bleed. It was so sweet. I loved their story and thought it was a perfect ending to this already amazing series.

Reserved Seating/Backstage Pass 

If you love swoony heroes, fierce and smart heroines, and a little bit of mystery...this series is for you.