Historical Heartthrobs by Laurel ODonnell

Historical Heartthrobs Reviews

• 
  Dee Deacon Foster

  In process of reading but so far...
  My Fair Duchess - Julie Johnstone
  A vow at the time of his birth has shaped Colin, the Duke of Aversley, into a jaded man. A man who does not trust women and classifies them all into deceitful lot – his mother being the top offender.
  
  Lady Amelia De Vere has long held 2 beliefs – 1) she’s not pretty and 2) she’s in love with Charles, the young Lord who rescued her when she was young.
  
  When Colin receives notice that his best friend, Phillip, is to wed he makes his way to the estate to talk him out of it. Receiving a request from his mother he stops there first – the reason: his beloved father left a letter to be delivered to Colin after his death and if Colin had not married by the age of 25. A letter that states Colin must marry FOR LOVE before the age of 26 or lose all his inheritance that is not entailed. Making his way to his Phillip’s estate Colin stews on this information. Upon arriving at Phillip’s estate Colin realizes things have changed and the dire financial circumstances that Phillip faces. Crafting a way to give Phillip the money he needs without Phillip refusing, Colin bets Phillip that he can polish up his sister and prove that she will become like all women – want nothing more than money and title. If Colin wins then he pays all of Phillips debts and if Phillip wins Colin will marry Amelia (which solves his problem of a wife) and never mention giving money to Phillip again.
  
  Amelia finds herself fascinated by her brother’s friend, the cold emotionless Colin, and is extremely grateful when he fetches Phillip from the town pub where he has gone to drown his failed engagement. After returning from a humiliating outing Amelia finds out about the wager. At first she’s totally against it – she shouldn’t need false pretenses to earn the love and attention of a man. Until she realizes this is Colin’s way of helping Phillip and since she has not intentions of changing she doesn’t worry about Phillip losing the bet.
  
  Oh how the seemingly simple becomes so complicated. The more time Colin spends with Amelia the more he realizes the true goodness within her. The more time Amelia spends with Colin the more she sees the tortured soul. Will either one of them realize their love for the other. If Colin does will he recognize it for what it is? Will old fights, lurking evil, a mother willing to do anything to save her children and a mother wanting to repair her relationship with her son help or hinder their love?
  
  Julie Johnstone does an amazing job of playing to an emotional rollercoaster starting from the prologue. Not only is there excellent interaction between the main characters but involving secondary characters as well. My Fair Duchess will have you rooted to your seat from the very beginning to the very end. Fair warning – be prepared for you heart to fill then drop as each scene plays out. A definite A++ book in my opinion.
  
  Blythe - Schemes Gone Amiss Collette Cameron
  
  Watch out London! The Culpepper Misses have arrived at the dismay of Blythe Culpepper. Having arrived in London with her sister, brother-in-law & cousins Blythe is being introduced to the ton when she’d much rather be in the country and away from a very annoying Marquis. The man sets off her temper like no other, if there was only a way to avoid the man but alas, he is her brother-in-law’s best friend so he’ll always be a presence. Unless she can get through this season & retire to the country as she has no aspirations to wed. Until she meets a gentleman who could possibly change her plans. That is until she overhears a title grabbing “lady” & her mother plot to trap Tristan into marriage. Will this be the catalyst that has Blythe realizing exactly what those fireworks mean?
  Tristan, Marquis of Leventhorpe, has led a very controlled life. Something from his childhood haunts him still & he avoids commitment of any kind. Which is soon tested by the fiery Blythe Culpepper, sister-in-law to his best friend. Whenever they are together the room vibrates with electricity. A long time enemy threatens Blythe’s safety which is the catalyst that makes Tristan realize what she means to him.
  As one man’s stupidity, an enemy & title grabbing schemers will Blythe & Tristan realize what they mean to each other? Can Tristan let go of the past in order to be happy?
  Another hit by the extremely talented Collette Cameron that will have you laughing & crying all at the same time. Her wit combined with the strength of her characters will draw you in & not let you go. Looking forward to her next installment to see which Culpepper Miss has me laughing out loud.
• 
  Jimnlori

  Great historical collection! I've had the privilege to read Blythe: Schemes Gone Amiss by Collette Cameron.
  I love Collette Cameron's stories! They are always full of great historical facts, fashion, suspense, romance and humor all of which make for a great book. Blythe has no desire to be in London for a Season, but her guardian brings her anyway and seems to really want what is best for her.
  If only he hadn't asked for his friend Lord Leventhorpe to help. In spite of the physical attraction they seem to have for one another there are times that they have gotten on each other's last nerve.
  Blythe finds that she will do anything to protect Tristan from a scheming woman setting her sights on marrying him and even though Tristan much rather not be part of social gatherings he finds that his growing attraction outweighs any possible embarrassment he might suffer.
  These two find love where they least expect it when banding together in a joint effort to get through a Season in London.
  Definitely worth the read! I'm looking forward to reading more of her stories in the future.
  
  I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
• 
  April

  WOW! What a wickedly delicious Regency Romance collection of "Historical Heartthrobs"!
  If you enjoy Laurel O’Donnell, Collette Cameron, Julie Johnstone, Catherine Kean, and Glynnis Campbell, you don't want to miss this magnificent collection! This collection is a great way to find new authors, learn about their writing style, and spend some time in a delightful, all in one, book!
  These ladies are some magnificent storytellers, with their mesmerizing storylines, their well-developed, allbeit, some may be a tad spoiled characters and the adventures that await the readers. So grab your copy today for an adventure in passion, love and romance with a hopefully HEA!
  "Historical Heartthrobs" is an absolute must read! I personally loved and enjoyed each author's story and look forward to reading more of their work. Highly recommended! A personal favorite of mine. Don't miss out on this really awesome collection!
  *Personal buy* All opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.
  
  Rating: 5
  Heat rating: Mild
  Reviewed by: AprilR
  
• 
  Dottie

  This is a great collection with some of America's top names in historical romance.
  So far I've only read Collette Cameron's contribution to this anthology, but I plan on reviewing more as I read them!
  Here's the gist: The Culpeppers are in town having their first seasons thanks to cousin Brooke and her new husband. It seems that all the young ladies are excited about the prospect of finding a beau except for the eldest sister, Blythe. She would much rather be at home in the country away from the bustling and extravagance of the city. Not only does Blythe have to deal with the nauseating and vulgar displays of wealth and status, but she must also act civil to a man she cannot stand. Lord Leventhorpe is a reclusive and misunderstood hero who is constantly living in the shadow of his secret past. (With good reason.) He cares for Blythe Culpepper and seems to have developed feelings for her far sooner than the book picked up (I haven't read book 1 yet), however he is aware of Miss Culpepper's dislike for him and won't pursue his feelings. But things start to change as Blythe is in town, she realizes that Lord Leventhorpe isn't at all what she thought him to be and actually grows quite fond of him.
  Will she admit that she was wrong about this man who is determined to make her happy? Will Lord Leventhorpe be able to put aside his tragic past and move forward to a brighter and happier future with Miss Culpepper? Only time will tell!
  
  Schemes Gone Amiss is a delightful story from bestselling author Collette Cameron. It's witty and funny with a tasteful steam level! From the very first line I was drawn into the story... Seriously it would be impossible to giggle at the line “GOOSE-BUTT FEATHERS!” This book is a breath of fresh air!
  Like I said before, I haven't read the first book in this series but I most definitely want to, and I cannot wait for the next books in the series following the stories of the other Misses Culpeppers!
• 
  Barbara Sharp

  Great reads
  
  Loved them all...relaxing reading for a person with a non stop life and only short times to relax and unwind.
• 
  Lauren

  DANCE OF DESIRE by Catherine Kean
  
  MY FAIR DUCHESS by Julie Johnstone
  
  ANGEL’S ASSASSIN by Laurel O’Donnell
  
  DANGER'S KISS by Glynnis Campbell
  
  BLYTHE: SCHEMES GONE AMISS by Collette Cameron