Love is Blind

"Be bold.
Take what you want in life.
Never walk away from it."

--Lauren Smith, Her Wicked Proposal

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Pages: 390

Publication Date: January 19th, 2016

Source: eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

Previous Books in Series: Wicked Designs & His Wicked Seduction
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Description 

He doesn’t need his eyes to uncover her true beauty.

The League of Rogues, Book 3

Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton’s golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.

Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can’t refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.

Still reeling from her father’s death, Anne’s deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.

His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.

Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.

Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn’t quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true.

I adore this series. So, so, so much. The third book in Lauren Smith's League of Rogue series does not disappoint. Cedric and Anne have been dancing around each other for awhile. After Anne's beloved father dies she needs to ward off all the fortune hunters so she offers her hand to Cedric, who knew her prior to her father's death and trusts him so an extent. Cedric, recently blind from an attempt on his life, has been interested in Anne for years. He leaps at this opportunity but with one caveat...she must be willing to be intimate with him. A cold bed partner he does not want. Scandalous, right?!

The chemistry between Anne and Cedric is intense from the start. Anne fights her feelings for Cedric so the journey to their happiness is fraught with one step forward, two steps back. While the romance comes, what I loved most was their friendship. They have an amazing understanding of each other and how Anne helps Cedric feel like himself, like a man, is beautiful. I loved how she didn't see his blindness as a weakness. I loved how Cedric didn't give up on her and cultivated her feelings for him.

The plot takes a turn I never saw coming but I loved it. It was so greatly ironic in the best way that I was laughing to myself while reading certain parts. Lauren writes amazing dialogue and banter. The quick wit of these characters never ceases to bring a smile to my face. Speaking of banter, I have to say again how much I love the League. They are so loyal to one another and love each other so deeply that while the romantic aspect of the story is great, the friendship between the men is on another level. I love how much they care for one another and the lengths they go to protect one another. This comes into play at one point and I just swoon with their love for one another.

This book not only has an amazing romance and story between Cedric and Anne but it also sets up the story for future books. Oh, my gosh cannot WAIT for the next book who I hope it's going to be. Eep!!

Reserved Seating
If you love witty banter, tortured heroes, and bromances...this book is for you.

Protected By A Rogue

"Perhaps a woman could be sweet,
but if she was demure and obedient as well 
that would deprive a man of all the joys of a complex woman,
and a woman ought to be complex.
Simple things and simple people are quite overrated."

--Lauren Smith, His Wicked Seduction

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Pages: 321

Publication Date: November 11th, 2014

Source: Gifted to me by the author, thanks Lauren!

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon

Previous Books in Series: Wicked Designs

Goodreads Description

Can the League’s most wicked rakehell be tamed? Or has this Rogue fallen too far?

The League of Rogues, Book 2

Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

Warning: This book contains an intelligent lady who is determined to seduce her brother’s friend, a brooding rake whose toy of choice in bed is a little bit of bondage with a piece of red silk, a loyal band of merry rogues and a Christmas love so scorching you’ll need fresh snow to extinguish it.

The Bromance
*sigh* Again, the bromine steals the show. This group of men steals my heart. I love them so much that I am foaming at the mouth for more of their stories. Their deep love for one another to protect each other from their shared enemy is so heart-warming. I just can't say enough good things about them except love love LOVE!

The Tension
The conflict with an old enemy continues to be a source of conflict and drives a lot of the plot. Because of this, we find half our beloved characters in Kent with Lucien's family during the Christmas holiday. There, we get the amazing tension between Lucien and Horatia and I loved the give and take of their relationship. Don't get me wrong, some delicious things happen before this *coughMasqueradecough* but I loved the revelations that occurred in their relationship being in Kent with Lucien's family...especially his mother. Oh, my gosh his mother is one of my favorite characters! Funny, manipulative, conniving, I loved everything about her meddling in her children's love lives. It was not only hilarious but effective. The history between Lucien and Horatia is deeply rooted and also complicated. Lucien's confusion as to his real feelings for her was endearing. I loved that Horatia was unrelenting in her feelings no matter how long it took for Lucien to get there. She was steadfast and strong and I loved that about her. Lucien was a hot freaking mess but I still loved him. Typical man, can't blame him really.

The Holiday Cheer
I looooooved that this took place during Christmas. I could feel myself in the old mansion with snow falling on the ground and all the holiday excitement. I loved the funny moments with the snowball fights, it was such a great contrast to all the seriousness of the threat. It created a fantastic atmosphere for the book and I would definitely suggest this as a holiday read. I loved the setting...especially the cabin...*cough*

Reserved Seating
If you love a wounded but strong heroine, a tortured hero, and a sinfully delicious love story...this book's for you.

Tempted By An Author // An Interview with Lauren Smith {And Giveaway}

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Lauren Smith. Hugh. Massive. The Gilded Cuff series is a fav! Her historical romances are also freaking fantastic. On the historical romance note, she has a new novella that just recently released, Tempted By A Rogue. In honor of that, myself, Alexa, and Rachel--also big historical romance fans--are celebrating by having a quick fire Q&A with Lauren! 

Welcome to Belle of the Literati, Lauren!! Thank you so much for stopping by and I am SO excited to ask you some burning questions!! If you could time travel to a time in history to live out your own romance novel, when would it be?

I would love to go to the late Victorian era, the 1880s because they were relatively modern, but old school enough to be fun! I especially love the gowns. I’m a big fan of the shape and colors that bustle gowns come in. I think I may have lived in that period of time in a past life *wink.

You have a LOT of amazing heroines and equally hot heroes between all your books, both historical and contemporary. Which two of your characters who aren't in the same book/series could you see (or would want to see) having the potential for a romantic relationship? (Part of your answer better not be Emery because that ass is mine ;) ) 

Now that is a really fun question! I think Lucien from His Wicked Seduction, my Regency bad boy with a hint of a dominant side would really go well with Hayden, the sassy submissive heroine from my contemporary The Gilded Cage. A couple of redheads would make a fire in bed, don’t ya think?

One of the things I love most about your books are your heroines and how real you make them. They have positive yet realistic body images and are not size zeroes. First of all, thank you. Second, was there ever a particular reading moment that inspired you to ensure your female characters were real women with real curves and real flaws but still loved themselves?

The reading moment I had that probably inspired me to write realistic female characters was actually reading a lot of books where the heroines were thin with boy-like figures. I remember reading that and feeling a little frustrated because first of all, a lot of women have curves, we’re sort of built that way genetically in order to make childbirth easier. And a lot of men like those curves, so we shouldn’t be ashamed of them. I’m not saying women with beautiful willowy thin figures shouldn’t be happy with their bodies, they totally should because they look great in clothes! But I think that us curvy girls deserve some love too, especially with hot heroes on the pages of our favorite books! So I write to give every girl a voice, no matter what size, because we’re all beautiful and we all deserve to be loved by a sexy, wonderful man.

This is the home of Book Bangin' so I ask every author who graces my blog with this question...who is your number one book boyfriend?

Knight from Kristen Ashley’s Knight. Man, he’s a fine hunk of man. He’s just dominate, possessive, jealous, and oh so perfect! If you have read about Knight, you need to. He’ll be your next crush! 

Thank you SO much for your time Lauren! I loved having you and your answers are amazing! Don't forget to check out Tempted By a Rogue!

Goodreads

Amazon

The rogue’s temptation would be her undoing…

Gemma Haverford knows exactly who she will marry: James Randolph, the man she’s had a secret understanding with for the last eleven years. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England.

There’s just one problem. The man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn’t James at all…

Jasper Holland, a gentleman rogue of the first order, is trapped. Talked into a scheme by his best friend, he pretended to be James for eleven years as he wrote to Gemma, even though he'd promised James he’d break it off. But now with his return to England, his secret will come out—and he’ll lose the one woman he can’t live without.

What began as a game of words, now becomes a game of hearts, and Jasper will pay any price to call Gemma his.

If you haven't already make sure you check out Rachel and Alexa's interviews as well!!

AND don't forget the giveaway below!! May the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chain Me, I'm Yours

"I don't just want to belong to someone.
I want someone to belong to me."

--Lauren Smith, The Gilded Chain

Genre: Adult Romance, Erotica

Publisher: Forever Romance

Pages: 297

Publication Date: November 3rd, 2015

Source: ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

Find on Goodreads
Find on Amazon

Previous Books in Series: Gilded Cuff & Gilded Cage

Goodreads Description 

Explore a hidden world of erotic fantasies, where the greatest pleasures are stolen and the fiercest passions are untamed. . .

For years, Callie Taylor has been obsessed with two things: a man she can never have and escaping to Paris where she can follow her artistic passions. But everything changes when Callie meets Wes Thorne, a wealthy, mysterious art collector and famous dominant. Despite all the nights she's spent dreaming of another man, it is Wes's predatory gaze that suddenly consumes her every thought and sets her body on fire. One touch from him promises unforgettable passion, but Callie knows that passion often comes with a price...

From the moment he sets eyes on Callie, Wes is intrigued by her artistic talent and her delightful innocence of all things erotic. A stolen kiss leaves him aching and desperate to claim her in a way he's never wanted any woman. But first he must convince her to surrender her control. And what better place to seduce an artistic soul like Callie's than Paris?

*sigh* Before I started this book I had previously DNF'd two books in a row. I needed something that would get me out of this bad book funk. Lauren Smith, Wes, and Callie got me back into my groove. Here's why..

The Setting
Circumstances bring our main duo, Wes and Callie, to Paris. This. Was. Amazing. The sights, the food, the art, it all came to life in my head. I loved walking the streets of Paris and reading about the meals they ate, it was completely brought to life. Reading about Callie experience this city and all it has to offer was beautiful.

The Romance
Reading about her seeing Wes in a whole new light was even more beautiful. Her vulnerability was my favorite part. Combine that with her fiery nature and it makes for some great plot points. My favorite part of the entire book is after a very poignant and important moment and things happen, words are exchanged, and this bitch hauls back and slaps the shit out of Wes. It is legit my favorite part of the book. What she says to Wes at this moment is some of the most honest and best communicated words to her feelings I have ever read. She doesn't let the gray area invade and intimidate her actions, she says exactly what she's feeling and tells it like it is. It's fucking amazing. I loved every second and I read that part approximately 5 times.

Beyond that, their courtship is fantastic. I loved how Wes knew her heart was with another but waited patiently for her to realize that what she felt for Fenn would be nothing compared to requited love with a partner who loves her. The journey isn't smooth and isn't easy but it is so worth it in the end. I loved how devoted he was to her and made it his job to make her feel comfortable in her new surroundings. Another favorite part of mine is when he takes her on a shopping trip in Paris. Oh, holy fucking swoon. I was so hearts in eyes at this moment. It was amazing. Not to mention that Wes is protective as all fuck and it is so freaking hot. When people try to put their relationship down, he goes ape-shit and it's freaking brilliant. Hot hot hot.

The Mystery
Mystery/thriller books are not something I really gravitate towards but when I do find one that works for me, I absolutely love it. Lauren has the amazing ability to weave in a mystery without overpowering the story or making it seem unrealistic. I had no idea this would even be an element with how the second book ended and this one was integrated perfectly. She is the Mistress of my thriller heart in that she gives me exactly what I need without me even asking for it...see what I did there?

The Sex Frequency
My only complaint is that I felt the sex was a little excessive. I KNOW! Who am I right now?! I love the sexy times but with Callie being a virgin, the number of times she and Wes copulate seemed a bit over the top. They were hot, don't get me wrong but it seemed to overpower that section of the book.

Backstage Pass
If you love accurate BDSM, Parisian settings, and protective alphas...this book is for you.

I'll Let You Be My Rake

"The thing about pawns...
is if they reach the other end of the board, they become a queen."

--Lauren Smith, Wicked Designs

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Publisher: Samhain

Pages: 316

Publication Date: January 7th, 2014

Source: Gifted to me by the author, thanks Lauren!

Find on Goodreads

Previous Books in Series: First in Series

Goodreads Description

The League of Rogues takes what they want - but have they taken on too much?

For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple - find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.

It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.
Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon - if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler's niece, the difficult debutante's blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.

Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric's shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard - and rob him of the woman he can't live without.

Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they've gotten themselves into.

The Writing
After reading and loving Lauren Smiths' Surrender series--so, so much!!-- I was super excited to start her historical romances and I was not disappointed! Lauren has such a smooth writing voice, especially alternating POVs frequently, that I almost immediately felt engaged in the story. The action starts in the first chapter with Emily's kidnapping by Godric and from there we have a hilarious story and one of my favorite tropes, captor and captive. While this isn't the typical captor/captive story I read, I loved this one all the same. The story unfolds smoothly and organically. I really loved the pacing and how things played out. The historical aspect was on point and I loved getting to know this world.

The Plot
As I said above, I loved the story. Emily never gives up fighting for her freedom and in the meantime manages to woo the entire League of Rogues. I LOVED her personality and her feisty disposition. She was smart, clever, and snarky. Her banter with Godric and the rest of the club was so funny I was actually laughing out loud at time. The conflict surrounding her kidnapping was intriguing without being far-fetched or annoying. I'm new to the historical romance genre but I already feel like I have a good eye in regards to what works and what doesn't and this plot was perfectly balanced in romance and conflict outside the romantic aspect. The conflict also brought out Godric's possessive and protective side and holy shit I was suh-woon-ing! Rawr Godric...Rawr. Love love loved this broody bastard and I'll gladly be his captive.

The Bromance
The League of Rogues...OMG THE LEAGUE OF ROGUES. While I love the romance and it was hot as all hell, what stole the show for me what the bromance between the League. I LOVED their friendships and dynamic and how much they love each other. Their understanding of one another's needs was beautiful and selfless in the way only true friendships can be. I immediately wanted all of their love stories and cannot wait for the continuation of their lives and stories. It very much reminded me of the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas in that the romances are great...but the friendships are what make the story that much more amazing.

Backstage Pass
If you love a clever heroine, a broody hero, and a gaggle of hot charming rogues...this book's for you.

Cuff Me, I'm Yours

"No one had ever...
She closed her eyes a moment, trying to regain control.
It was all she'd ever craved, in the darkest, loneliest part of her soul.
One wish: to be wanted.
And he'd uttered those longed-for words with the hunger of a starving man."

--Lauren Smith, The Gilded Cuff

Genre: Adult Contemporary and Erotica

Publisher: Forever Yours

Pages: 352

Publication Date: February 10th, 2015

Source: eARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Find on Goodreads

Previous Books in Series: First book in series of companions

Goodreads Description

Every passion has its price . . .

Journalist Sophie Ryder has been following Emery Lockwood’s story since she was a little girl. There has always been something in his haunted eyes that she couldn’t resist and now, when she’s certain he holds the key to solving a string of kidnappings, she’ll do anything to speak to him. Even if it means venturing deep into the seductive world of the Gilded Cuff, a luxurious BDSM club on Long Island’s Gold Coast and Emery’s personal playground.

From the moment Sophie enters his shadowy, sensual domain, Emery Lockwood knows this tantalizing new little sub was meant to belong to him. However, Sophie wants more from Emery than just pleasure . . . she wants his past. And that is something he isn’t willing to give—no matter who is asking. But every moment he spends with Sophie, Emery feels his control slipping and he knows it’s only a matter of time before he surrenders to her heart, body, and soul.

When Estelle told me she had a book she thought I’d like, I immediately perked up. One-Estelle knows my twisted, dirty little heart probably better than anyone and two-she has yet to steer me wrong in the directions of smut. With that said, I was excited to read The Gilded Cuff and my expectations were high. Disappointment was not present Estelle for the win, yet again.

The Gilded Cuff follows Sophie, an investigative journalist who is trying to solve the 25 year old mystery of a kidnapping of twin boys. One survived, Emery Lockwood, and Sophie is braving the underground world of a BDSM club that her friend got her into. Her perogative? Get his attention so she can save his life. What? Where did that come from? WELL, Sophie is also a special kind of genius that she helps solve cold case kidnappings because she can see patterns in behavior and more likely than not catch who did it. Yeah, she’s that badass. So she goes to find Emery, they meet…and that’s where I leave you…I know, I’m awful, tell me something I don’t know.

I will nitpick my one point right now and move on because it is something I noticed and had an eyebrow raise on. The story is pretty insta-love-y. Don’t let that dissuade you though because while it was present, I chose to ignore it because for the plot and storyline to work these two people needed a deep connection. Don’t get me wrong, these two individuals were definitely supposed to meet in the destiny way of things because they have more things in common than you would think so their connection is anything but unbelievable. But shit gets real, real fast but it didn’t bother me. Moving on.

The BDSM component was pretty stellar. I love Sophie’s curiosity and desire to please yet at the same time totally rebelled. I loved the juxtaposition of her willingness to want to submit to Emery but also knew what her hard limits were. I also really enjoyed that Emery saw this thing with her as more than just a D/s relationship. He wanted more from her almost immediately and made sure she knew it. I feel like the emotional component of these relationships lacks a lot with the submissive (usually the heroine) feeling like the Dominant only wants her for the obedience and sexual relationship and that is so not the case here and I loved it. Emery wanted feelings and talking and emotions and opening up and it was beautiful…then you add in the sexual component and it’s just hot as all hell.

While I loved their relationship, the kidnapping aspect is what really kept me turning the pages. I was so invested in finding out who was doing this and why and what was going to happen that I couldn’t put the book down. Add in to that the absolutely heart-wrenching moment when Emery talked about his kidnapping and his brother just BROKE my fucking heart. I could feel his pain and suffering about his brother and how much it hurts him still. I cried…y’all I actually cried while reading a smut book. I don’t think that’s ever happened before. It HURT, you guys! The thought of a sibling in that situation with you trying to protect you is just heart-breaking. I can’t guys. I just can’t.

The book ends with a mostly definite conclusion but not all our questions are answered. I love this. I can’t wait for the next book for the continuation of the kidnapping story…but it’s also a companion novel with another main man as our focus…who is it?…I’ll never tell…

Backstage Pass

If you like BDSM, emotional characterizations, and a helluva good mystery…this book is for you.