Charming Sir Charles/ Anna Campbell / 140 pgs

This is just a novella but it was exactly what I needed--short, sweet, romantic. Sally is a widow who endured a 10-year marriage to an unpleasant man. He wasn't physically abusive but definitely didn't treat his wife well. Sally is now trying to launch her niece into Society and a good marriage and she thinks Sir Charles is about to propose to the niece. Charles, however, is in love with Sally and everyone of their friends and even the niece seems to realize this. Everyone except Sally, of course. She's oblivious but finds herself falling for Charles but doesn't let on that she'd be crushed if he married her niece. The story got a little angsty toward the end but luckily Charles shook some sense into Sally and they were able to live happily ever after:-)

Cold-Hearted Rake/Lisa Kleypas/416 pgs

When Lisa Kleypas was strictly a historical romance writer, I read everything she wrote. I didn't follow her when she switched to contemporary. Then about 2 years ago she jumped back into historical romance with Cold-Hearted Rake. I'm not really sure why now, but at the time I wasn't interested in reading the book. I know I sampled the first chapter and didn't fall in love with it, so I put it aside. However, when it was announced that Kleypas would be publishing a sequel to her much-loved book Devil in Winter this year, I knew I wanted to read that. Turns out that book, Devil in Spring, is actually the third in Kleypas's newer trilogy so a colleague talked me into starting at the beginning with Cold-Hearted Rake.

I was not disappointed. I had forgotten what an awesome writer Kleypas is. The one word I would use to describe her writing is: Rich. She includes so much detail, whether it's setting, characters, emotions, actions. She does not skimp on anything and reading one of her books is like enjoying a layered confection--with icing on top!

This is the story of Devon, the new earl of Trenear. His cousin died, leaving Devon an ancient house in need of repair, tenants farms that are struggling, a mountain of debt, and oh yes, a young widow, Kathleen. Devon and Kathleen get off on the wrong foot when Devon initially decides to sell the estate and kick Kathleen and his 3 female cousins out the door. He eventually softens and puts his heart and soul into trying to revive the estate. Along the way, he and Kathleen fall for each other.

I wouldn't say that this book is as good as Kleypas's older historical romances, but it's still really good. I finished this one and immediately downloaded the next one, Marrying Winterborne, so look for my thoughts on that one soon.

Slightly Dangerous / Mary Balogh 415 p.

Mary Balogh completes the Bedwyn saga with the romance of the Wulfric Bedwyn, Duke of Bewcastle. Bewcastle is known for his icy reserve, control, and aloofness. He has been satisfied with his mistress; but she has died. He accepts a invitation to a house party of friend, where he meets Christine Derrick, the impoverished widow of a viscount's brother. Two more unlikely lovers, yet when they meet, he realizes that he needs a mistress...her. She still feels the after effects of her loss. She puzzles over how her love match went awry. She tries to stifle her outgoing friendly nature. Even though, she piques his interest. She declines becoming his mistress. He finds himself thinking of her. His family is amazed that he goes to the length of inviting her family so she can come to his home. They sense romance and rally around to give him opportunities to be with her alone. Told with wit and humor, Balogh finishes the Bedwyn's with a flourish.