Book Review: Romancing the Earl (Regency Treasure Hunters #2) by Darcy Burke

Cate, antiquities expert, is sick of not being taken seriously because she is a woman.  She needs a big discovery to make her mark and it starts with a tapestry belonging to Lord Norris. Elijah has inherited an Earldom fro his late brother, which includes an estate full of junk. When the pretty Cate shows up at his home in search of a tapestry his brother once mentioned, he wonders if she can help him get information about his brother's death. Together they set out an adventure to find what they both desperately want. But can they trust each other enough to disclose everything? More importantly, can they keep their hands and lips to themselves?

Oh how I love this series! Regency romance mixed with a bit of action, adventure and suspense - it is the perfect combination.  I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since devouring g the first in the series. Cate is the daughter of the characters from book one and I enjoyed that connection. She is the type of Regency heroine that I adore. Cate is not some simpering chit fretting over dresses and balls but a strong independent lady who knows exactly what she wants and has no problem going after it.  And while she obviously wants to find the treasure she seeks, she also wants Elijah. Badly. The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. But stubborn Elijah fights it with all his might.

Book Review: The de Valery Code (Regency Treasure Hunters #1) by Darcy Burke

Margery Derrington is desperate to find a way to save herself and her aunts from financial ruin. When they stumble upon an ancient book in their attic, she hopes she has found the solution. Margery heads to visit Mr. Bowen, an expert in these things, to find out the value.

Rhys Bowen loves books and antiquities and prides himself on his expertise, like his father before him. When Margery walks in with the long sought after de Valery text, he finds it hard to contain his excitement. Excitement over both the book and the girl. This book holds some value for sure, but not as much value as the supposed treasure it could potentially lead him to. Little does he know how much danger searching for it will get them both into.

God I love a good historical romance and Darcy Burke writes some of the best ones out there! When one of her books is released, you can be certain I clear my schedule and make time to read it. Her Secrets & Scandals series is one of my all time favorite historical romance series and I could not wait for The de Valery Code.

Book Review: Scoundrel Ever After (Secrets & Scandals #6) by Darcy Burke

We got to know a little about Ethan Locke (aka Jagger) in book 5, Never Love a Scoundrel, and when we last saw him he was running from the police for a murder he didn't commit. On his way out of town, he accidentally drags Audrey Cheswick into the mess; the lovely young girl who had been giving him secret dance lessons. Neither one of them is exactly what they appear to be which  makes them quite perfect for each other. While Ethan has been trying hard to become a gentleman in Society, underneath he is also still a scoundrel and criminal. Audrey may be known as a wallflower not likely to marry, but she secretly craves excitement and adventure and anything other than the life she currently lives. On their journey away from London, they start to learn the depths of each other, but they both still hold a piece of themselves back. Can they learn to trust one another completely?

As they travel together, you see them struggle to open up and trust. Especially Ethan. He so badly wants to turn his life around, but doubts that he can or that he deserves it. Audrey brings him the optimism and encouragement that he doesn't have in himself. She believes in him and in them and gives him the glimmer of hope that he so desperately needs. This adventure while being slightly terrifying at times, has been the best days of Audrey's life. Her boring life is far behind in London and she would have no problem to just keep going. But Ethan has too  many people after him and eventually he'll have to face the music. The question is if he survives all of this, will Audrey still want to be with them? What kind of life can a scoundrel offer her?

Secrets & Scandals Volume One by Darcy Burke

Recently I reviewed (and loved) Never Love A Scoundrel which is the fifth book in Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series. This is one of my favorite historical romance series. If you enjoy Regency Era historical romance novels, I highly recommend these books. Romance, scandal, suspense - they have a little bit of everything to keep you glued to your eReader until you are done. With the sixth and final book, Scoundrel Ever After, due out Fall 2013, the author has put the first three books into a boxed set. You can now purchase the Secrets & Scandals Volume One eBook for just $9.99 from all of the major eBook retailers. This will save you $1 compared to buying all three books individually and gives you the first three in one convenient eBook. Want a chance to win a copy for yourself? Check out the giveaway down below!

Book Review: Never Love a Scoundrel (Secrets & Scandals #5) by Darcy Burke

I have been in a contemporary romance zone these past few months and it has been way too long since I read an historical romance novel. After I read Fifty Shades more than a year ago, I somehow went from there right to Regency Era historical romance novels and fell in love. I'm not sure what it is about ladies in their fancy ball gowns and handsome men wearing way too many layers of clothes that sucks me, but it always does. Darcy Burke was one of the first historical romance writers I discovered and I immediately became addicted to her Secrets & Scandals series.

Never Love A Scoundrel is the fifth book in this series. While characters from previous books do make brief appearances, these all can be read as stand alone novels as well. Although I personally prefer reading every series in order. Lord Jason Lockwood was shunned by Society many years ago and in response began hosting vice parties in his home and formed his own society of people he fit in with. Now that his estranged half brother, Ethan Locke, has decided to enter Society, Jason must renter himself to find out what the criminal is up to. But is Ethan still a criminal or is he trying to change his ways? Jason isn't sure what to believe or who to trust.

Lady Lydia Prewitt is known as a young gossip, but she is tired of people thinking that of her. She hates hurting people for the sake of a good story and hopes that by helping Jason Lockwood reenter Society that it will help her reputation as well as his. But can she handle her attraction to the handsome, scarred man who is known for his debauchery?