Review: Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2) by Lavinia Kent

Title: Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2)
Author: Lavinia Kent
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Historical Erotic BDSM Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 2
Sexual - 4

In Lavinia Kent’s luscious, erotic historical romance, a free spirit learns her true desires from a master of the heart, of the body—and of the sweetest discipline.

Lady Bliss Danser, daughter of the Duke of Mirth, is a scandal waiting to erupt. Which is why her highly conventional brother wants to saddle her with Stephan Perth, Earl of Duldon, the only man he thinks will marry her. Worse, Stephan keeps threatening to punish her, to teach her just how a woman should behave. His words may cause Bliss to tingle in the strangest places, but that doesn’t mean she likes the man himself.

Stephan has secretly desired Bliss for years, but he knows how close he is to losing his beloved. Careful not to rile her impetuous heart, he promises only to aid Bliss in her search for another fiancé. And if she’s determined to understand the male body first, he’s happy to comply in that regard as well. However, she must follow his rules or face the consequences. Slowly he takes Bliss to the darker, steamier side of his world . . . where she realizes that Stephan is everything she’s ever wanted.

I think this one just wasn't what I had expected.  I had expected a little more seriousness on the historical aspects, but it seemed that the history was more of just a bit of a backdrop for everything instead of an actual part of everything.  I really enjoy my historical settings and this one fell a little flat there.

The erotic part of the story was definitely on point.  It's more of a low key BDSM with some light bondage, spanking, and feathers for the most part.  But it was very sensual - he loved the anticipation.  The scenes were written beautifully and they really flew above the rest of the book.

I also like a lot of story to go along with my erotica.  It fell a little flat there as well.  Bliss's reason for not wanting to marry Stephan is a pretty bad one, once we find out what it is.  She refuses to tell him why she's been mad at him for several years though - it just didn't make sense to me at all.  He does everything he can to show her that he cares and wants her, but a very minor slip years ago looks like it is going to ruin their chance at being happy together.  This part was just too drug out for me.

I did really like the characters overall - just wasn't quite enough to balance out the rest of it.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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ARC Review: Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #1.5) by Lavinia Kent

Title: Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #1.5)
Author: Lavinia Kent
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Erotica
Length: Novella
Release Date: January 20, 2015

Rating - 3
Sexual - 4

Unmasked by smoldering desire, a rigidly disciplined madame gives in to the ultimate temptation in Lavinia Kent’s seductive new eBook original novella.

As the proprietress of London’s most discreet house of pleasure, Madame Rouge—Ruby to her clientele—prefers to keep her own company. The first rule in her establishment? She never, ever personally entertains the customers. However, the tall, dark, and provocatively tattooed American sailor who shows up on her doorstep makes Ruby wonder whether some rules were made to be broken. If she indulges, even just once, Ruby’s loyal patrons might get the wrong idea. If she doesn’t, she may never stop fantasizing about where that tattoo leads. . . .

No complications: That’s all Derek Price, captain of the Dawn’s Light, asks of his consorts on shore, and he’s willing to pay handsomely for the favor. But of all the women at Madame Rouge’s, the one he wants is the only one he can’t have, for any sum. Derek is not a man with an abundance of patience. However, for a night with Madame Rouge, Ruby, whoever she is, he’s willing to make those lush curves and sapphire eyes come to him.

Revealing Ruby is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences. Don’t miss a preview of the next novel in the Bound and Determined series, Bound by Bliss.

 As an erotic story, this was a pretty good one.  There was plenty of chemistry between Ruby and Captain Price and lots of hot sex to go along with it.  It was very well written and the historical setting really stood out in the story.

We get to see a little bit about the past of both Ruby and Captain Price, and his tattoo is truly something magical.  I can't image how much it had to have hurt - but it seems to be well worth it.  Ruby is fascinated with it and I think I would have been as well.  Unfortunately, this was about the extent of learning about the characters and getting to know them.  Even as a non-romance erotic novella, I still expect a little bit more story with the sex.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Review of LINNETTE, THE LIONESS by Lavinia Kent

The Real Duchesses of London
Linnette, The Lioness
Lavinia Kent
Harper Collins
July 12, 2011
ISBN: 9780062115706
Historical Romance
Novella, 100 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Harper Collins Website
Lavinia Kent Website

Regency England just got real(ity)

Episode 2: The One with the Fake Baby

Rumors abound – everyone has heard that Linnette, the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire is pregnant. Beautiful, young, with more freedom than any respectable woman should want, Linnette is no stranger to a little gossip. But her friends can’t help her brave the fallout, because this time Linnette has done something naughty…

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

THE REAL DUCHESSES OF LONDON is a series of four novellas. Each of the novellas focuses on one of the ladies, and the political cartoon scandal sheets about her that circulate around town. LINNETTE, THE LIONESS is the second book of the series. The maids for the Ladies are the ones we hear talking about the scandal sheets.

Linnette Sharpeton is the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire. Her husband died four years ago. Then, the replacement Duke let her run the place until he died suddenly. Now James Sharpeton has been called back from Canada to take his place as the new Duke of Doveshire. And this is where the story begins.

James and Linnette spent a beautiful night together eight years ago and he asked her to marry him. When she awoke – he was gone – he had left her. Now he is back and she wants answers. In addition, the scandal sheets are causing her problems and she isn’t sure what to do.

When these two get together the sparks fly! There is no doubt James loves Linnette unconditionally. He realizes his past mistakes and asks Linnette what he can do to prove his love for her. The biggest flaw he has is his failure to satisfactorily explain why he didn’t come back to London after Linnette’s husband died. “I was scared,” doesn’t cut the mustard with me. I’m not overly fond of the beta hero, but James is the exception. The scene with Elizabeth sitting on the couch and throwing herself at him is comical.

Linnette couldn’t live without James, but she couldn’t live with him either. She couldn’t trust him. He left her once, he would do it again. They just have to talk; to discuss things. James has to stop changing the subject; distracting her. They eventually do get around to discussing the situation. In the meantime, James distracts Linnette on a table while Linnette distracts James at the Opera. I really enjoyed the way these two would banter in their conversations; get angry with each other, pout, but not give up on love.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a novella like this one. While I didn’t feel I missed anything from not reading the first one, it may have added something (?), but what I don’t know. This is truly a series To Be Continued…… Yes, it does have an HEA, but I didn’t like the way it ended. Even though I know why it ended the way it did. Still….