Lauren Smith (5)

I loved all the stories in this anthology! There was a great range of steam from sweet kisses to steamy encounters! I was able to read books from authors I have not had the chance to read yet and have added them to my Goodreads list.

Devil at the Gates was one of my favorites! The anguish, the mystery and the passion was just on point! They were both tortured people who desperately wanted to love and be loved! And I couldn’t be happier for them that they found each other!

I also really liked show more Scandal in the Snow! I think it is hard to make the romantic feelings real in a novella, so it is genius to start with the relationship with some history, so you don’t have to start from scratch! I loved the banter and the enemies to lovers trope! Very well written and cute story!

Miss Pageants Christmas Proposal was a unique story and I loved it! The ‘Big Lie Trope’ isn’t one I’ve see a lot in historical romances and this was really well done! Emary didn’t come off as a brat but someone who truly wanted his affections and thankfully, Donovan didn’t competent blame her for their weird start to their relationship. There was just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat but not enough to be frustrating!

I always love Tracy Sumner and Tempting the Scoundrel was a great read! Christian's obsession with Raine was so so sweet (not creepy at all) and because she was weary of him at first, it made it all the more sweet and real feeling! show less

Callie is heartbroken over a loss she couldn't have predicted; She's ready to swear off love and men all together. Wes is obsessed with her, he sees her artistic abilities and the sexual nature she's got hidden. He's prepared to give her it all, a trip to Paris and a new look at men, and he's willing to bet on it. Prepared with everything she could want, Wes whisks her away to introduce her to new things in life, including complete surrender. When the art world and romance collide, Wes is show more determined to win Callie and risk it all.

Wes's story is the third book in the Surrender series and it's a good one. Wes is all male; he's dominant, handsome, wealthy, sexy, and he's got an artistic eye. He treats his friends like family and becomes a totally different person around Callie. I loved the vulnerability in Wes, because it was completely unexpected for his character. I really liked him and loved his book. Callie is a good character too, more innocent than I would have expected, but really perfect for Wes.

There's so much detail in this book, I felt like I could see every scene. The inner thoughts, the setting, and even the mystery are so easy to visualize and follow along with. I really like that Lauren Smith can produce a complete story, with mystery and sex, without focusing so much on one too much. I like a book that allows me to know my characters outside of everything first and Smith does that so well. This is a series worth looking into and even just this book separately. You'll fall for Wes and you'll find yourself so interested in the other characters, particularly the doms, as you meet them in the book and the other books. show less

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

The first 20% was more erotica based than I anticipated, but after that there is a great balance between the romance and the mystery/suspense.

The suspense plot line had me constantly changing my theories about what was going on. I loved all the layers to it and how developed it was. It helps that the characters have rich histories and developments show more because you get more invested in the story and want to find out more. The last 30% was non stop which was great.

As for the BDSM elements, I'm not usually a big fan but this was tastefully done and sexy. The romance itself is a little insta-love which I usually don't like. BUT, you could really see how these two were drawn together and their connection seemed so genuine that it was easy to give me support to the romance.

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-275
Actual Rating: 4/5 show less

ARC Review: The Rakehell's Seduction (The Seduction Series) by Lauren Smith

It was so easy to dislike Ambrose, except when it wasn't. Contradicting statement? Yes, but that is the way that I felt. He hid his heart well, but when it came out to play, it set the whole novel on fire. Arrogant, decadent, seductive and brooding this man thrived on being a walking contradiction. When a secret bet puts Alexandra in his sights, his heavily guarded heart may not survive the blow. Alexandra at first show more glance seems naive in her views, but underneath all of the surface optimism lies a woman with an inner strength and hidden fire just waiting to find it's target. Ms. Smith loves to dole out surprises and with The Rakehell's Seduction she not only gave an enchanting story, she delivered characters that were as mesmerizing and complicated as the writer herself. Well done. show less